DAMP CAP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

A damp cap management system (DCMS) for receiving, storing, drying, and transporting caps, coverings, and other applicable items. The DCMS may have a clam shaped case that can lay flat opened or be snapped shut securely. Inside flaps may be adjusted and stand at different angles, or lay flat, so caps can be installed on them to dry. The case and flaps may have apertures for ventilation and continuous air circulation even when the case is closed. The case may have internal motorized fan(s) for faster drying of the cap(s). The case may have a utility loop attached at the top and internal pocket(s). The flaps may be attached to a cross bar that runs across the length of the case at the bottom and is connected to stop plugs that fit into slots to enable the flaps to stand vertically when the case is opened and laid flat.

Claims

1. A cap storage apparatus comprising: a case having an inner surface and including a first half having a body including a plurality of ventilation apertures and bottom end; a second half having a body including a plurality of ventilation apertures and a bottom end, the first half and second half having corresponding shapes; a hinge, wherein the bottom end of each of said halves is rotatably connected to the hinge; a cross bar rotatably connected to the inner surface of the case adjacent the hinge and including one or more stop elements to secure the cross bar at an angle of rotation; a drying flap including a top portion having a shape corresponding to a cap, and a bottom portion connected to the cross bar; and a securing element configured to secure the halves together in a closed position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cross bar comprises a first cross bar rotatably connected to the first half and the drying flap comprises a first drying flap, and further comprising: a second cross bar rotatably connected to the second half adjacent the hinge and including one or more stop elements to secure the second cross bar at another angle of rotation; and a second drying flap including a top portion having a shape corresponding to a cap, and a bottom portion connected to the second cross bar.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securing element comprises a first locking element positioned on the first half and a second locking element positioned on the second half configured, and wherein the first locking element and second locking element are configured to lock the first and second halves together in closed position.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drying flap includes a plurality of ventilation apertures.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a motorized fan attached to an interior surface of the first half adjacent to the plurality of ventilation apertures.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second halves comprises a drip reservoir on the bottom portion of each of said halves.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an accessory attachment element on an outer perimeter of the case.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pocket on the inner surface of the case.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 shows perspective views of examples of a damp cap management system (DCMS) according to various embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 2A is a plan view of a DCMS according to an embodiment in an open position.

[0032] FIG. 2B is an elevation view of the DCMS of FIG. 2A partially opened.

[0033] FIG. 2C is a plan view of a DCMS including a drip reservoir according to an embodiment.

[0034] FIGS. 3A-D are views a DCMS according to an embodiment in different positions and alternative embodiments with an attached accessory and pocket.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective views of examples of the DCMS according to various embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of the DCMS according to various embodiments.

[0037] Other aspects shall be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the following detailed description, neither of which should be considered limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In an embodiment, a damp cap management system (DCMS) provides a cohesive system for receiving, storing, drying, and transporting swim and damp caps and extending the life of the caps.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the DCMS 10 according to an embodiment having a clam shell shape with a case 18 including an upper half 4 and a lower half 5. Other embodiments of the case can include a multitude of shapes such as but not limited to a cat face, dog face, flat, and the like, and being made of a lightweight plastic according to an embodiment, although other suitable material may be used.

[0040] The case may be branded with logos, names, marketing messages, and the like. FIG. 1 shows exemplary cases in a closed position and stood up or laid down on a flat surface. A utility loop 6 may be used to attach the DCMS 10 to anything that allows an attachment, such as a bag, a piece of gear, or a wrist strap or other wearable accessory. In an embodiment, wearing the DCMS with a wrist strap would allow a swimmer take the DCMS to the pool side for convenience before getting into the pool and also attach other items to the DCMS, e.g., a goggle case.

[0041] FIG. 2A shows an open view of an embodiment of the DCMS having mating snap locks 8 and generally circular-shaped drying flaps 11 with evaporation apertures 7. Each half of the case may include vent apertures 9 and one or both halves may include an attachment point 14 for the utility loop 6. The upper half 4 and lower half 5 may be connected by hinge assembly 3 to allow them to pivot.

[0042] FIG. 2B shows the drying flaps 11 are also be pivotably connected to the case 18 by a cross bar 10 with stop plugs 15 that selectively engage with corresponding slots in the case, thereby allowing the drying flaps to remain in a vertical position. The apertures 7 and 9 on the flap 11 and case halves, respectively, allow air ventilation of the caps even when the case is shut or is being transported. Case halves 4 and 5 can lay flat when the case is open, allowing for placement on a surface, and enable the user to raise the flaps at different angles. This allows the DCMS to be used to dry caps in a stationary place as caps are put on the flaps that are raised vertically.

[0043] A drip reservoir to collect water may be provided in the case adjacent the hinge assembly area 3. FIG. 2C shows an alternative embodiment in which each half of the case may include a drip reservoir 19 to collect dripping water from wet caps as they dry.

[0044] FIGS. 3A and 3B show other of the DCMS 10 in a closed position. FIG. 3C shows the DCMS with the case 18 and drying flaps 11 in different positions and with an accessory (wrist strap 12) affixed to the carabiner 6. Other embodiments of the DCMS may have pocket(s) 20 provided on the inside or outside of the case to store personal belongings, as shown in FIG. 3D.

[0045] FIG. 4 show a side view of the DCMS flap embodiments with a swim or damp cap 16 installed on different embodiments of drying flaps 11 with and without apertures as well as a hollow flap 11A. The drying flaps 11 and 11A may also be made of a lightweight plastic or other suitable material.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows an elevated view of a DCMS according to an embodiment including a motorized fan 17 that can be turned on or off as needed.

[0047] It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, the use of the articles “a,” “an,” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Further, the use of directional descriptors such as “up”, “upward”, “down”, “downward”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “upper”, “bottom”, “lower”, “left”, “right” and other such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience only; they are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the device has to be used or positioned in any particular orientation.

[0048] The preceding description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make, implement, or use the claims. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the claims. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects illustrated herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims disclosed herein.

[0049] With respect to the above description, it is to be understood that described embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrations in the drawings. Other embodiments may be carried out in various ways and used with other items.

[0050] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device.