VISTO wins U.S. and China patent protection for transparent-brim hat design

VISTO, the Beyond BB brand founded by Sheila G. Mains, said June 10, 2026, that it secured patent protection in the U.S. and China for its transparent-brim headwear. The patents give the Florida company stronger protection as it expands in golf, tennis, pickleball and outdoor retail channels.

Why it matters: - VISTO’s patent protection covers a headwear design aimed at a real outdoor-sports problem: seeing clearly without giving up sun protection. - The U.S. and China patents strengthen the company’s intellectual property in two major consumer markets. - The protection could help VISTO stand out in a crowded headwear category as it pushes deeper into specialty retail.

What happened: - VISTO announced June 10, 2026, that founder and inventor Sheila G. Mains secured patent protection in the United States and China for the company’s transparent-brim hat design. - The U.S. design patent covers VISTO’s distinctive transparent-brim design. - VISTO is a Beyond BB, LLC brand based in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The details: - The patented design combines sun protection with improved visibility for golfers, tennis players, pickleball players and other outdoor users. - The patent portfolio covers adult and children’s hats, including multiple styles and wide-brim designs with the company’s signature transparent brim. - VISTO says the design helps wearers maintain a more natural field of view and better awareness of people, obstacles and activity around them. - The company says the brim can make it easier to track overhead balls, navigate uneven terrain and stay aware of surroundings during sports and outdoor activities. - Mains said the patent marks an important milestone and that the idea became an official patent after two and a half years. - VISTO hats and visors are available through select retailers and specialty pro shops. - Distribution is expanding across golf, tennis, pickleball and outdoor lifestyle channels. - VISTO products are designed for golf, tennis, pickleball, walking, running, beach activities and other outdoor pursuits.

Between the lines: - The patent gives VISTO more legal leverage as it builds a brand around a simple product difference: visibility through the brim. - The company is positioning the design as both a performance feature and a retail differentiator for merchants looking for something distinct in headwear. - Mains’ background building Brownie Brittle into a nationally recognized snack brand adds founder credibility as VISTO scales.

What’s next: - VISTO is likely to keep using the patent portfolio to support growth in key sports and lifestyle channels. - The company says the U.S. and China protection provides a foundation for future expansion while helping safeguard the brand and product designs. - Retail distribution is expected to continue broadening beyond current specialty and pro shop channels.

The bottom line: - VISTO now has patent-backed protection for a transparent-brim hat designed to solve a common visibility problem for active consumers while preserving sun coverage.