Hat Case

Abstract

A zippable hat case includes foldable first section with a dome-shaped first storage portion and a first brim support, a foldable second section with a dome-shaped second storage portion and a second brim support, and a common middle panel attached to the storage portions. The common middle panel has a carrying handle, a pair of opposing long edges, and a pair of opposing short edges. Each long edge meets one foldable section while both short edges lie between and run orthogonally to the first and second sections. The first and second sections are foldable at the panel such that the folded region runs centrally between, and parallel to, the long edges. In a closed configuration the second storage portion is received by the first storage portion, a gap therebetween accommodates a hat. In an open configuration, a slider is positioned at each opposing short end of the common middle panel.

Claims

1. A zippable hat case comprising: (a) a foldable first section comprising a first storage portion having a dome shape, the first section further comprising a first brim support, the first storage portion protruding outward and tapering away from the first brim support, the first storage portion generally being positioned centrally relative to the first brim support; (b) a foldable second section comprising a second storage portion having a dome shape, the second section further comprising a second brim support, the second storage portion protruding outward and tapering away from the second brim support, the second storage portion generally being smaller than the first storage portion and positioned centrally relative to the second brim support; (c) a common middle panel to which the first and second sections are attached, the panel having a pair of opposing long edges and a pair of opposing short edges, each long edge meeting one foldable section while both short edges lie between and run generally orthogonally to the first and second sections, a carrying handle further attached to the panel, the first and second sections being foldable at the panel such that the folded region generally runs centrally between and parallel to the long edges; and, wherein the hat case is circumferentially zippable to provide open and closed configurations via two sliders along a zipper, a closed configuration placing the second storage portion inside of the first storage portion, an empty gap between the two storage portions being configured to accommodate a hat, an open configuration having a slider positioned at each opposing short end of the common middle panel.

2. The hat case of claim 1, wherein the first storage portion further comprises a first concavity with an opposing exterior surface, the second storage portion further comprising a second concavity with an opposing interior surface, these surfaces being on the exterior or interior of the hat case relative to a closed configuration.

3. The hat case of claim 2, wherein the first storage portion's exterior surface is visible in both open and closed configurations, its concavity being visible only in open configurations, and wherein the second storage portion's interior surface is visible only in open configurations, its concavity being visible in both open and closed configurations.

4. The hat case of claim 3, wherein the closed configuration has the second storage portion positioned inside of the first storage portion such that the empty gap is formed between the second concavity's opposing interior surface and the first concavity.

5. The hat case of claim 4, wherein the first and second brim supports each have an exterior, interior, and edge surface, the common middle panel and zipper being positioned between the edge surfaces, the handle being attached at both short edges of the panel.

6. The hat case of claim 5, wherein the accommodated hat is circumferentially brimmed, the brim positioned between the interior surfaces of both brim supports in a closed configuration.

7. The hat case of claim 6, wherein the empty gap includes a dome shape, all dome shapes being oblong in at least one common dimension.

8. The hat case of claim 7, wherein the hat case further comprises an adjustable strap, the strap being attached to the foldable second section.

9. The hat case of claim 8, wherein the adjustable strap further comprises a snap buckle, a webbing loop, and two strap ends, the strap being twice attached to the second brim support's edge surface at each strap end, the strap ends diametrically opposing each other, the snap buckle configured to open and close the strap, the webbing loop configured to further secure the strap when closed.

10. A hat case having an exterior and interior, the hat case comprising: (a) a foldable first section comprising a first storage portion and a first brim support, the first storage portion comprising a first concavity with an opposing exterior surface, the first brim support comprising an exterior, interior, and edge surface; (b) a foldable second section comprising a second storage portion and a second brim support, the second storage portion generally being smaller than the first storage portion and comprising a second concavity with an opposing interior surface, the second brim support comprising an exterior, interior, and edge surface; (c) a common middle panel to which the first and second sections are attached; (d) a carrying handle; (e) an adjustable strap; and, wherein the first and second sections are foldable at the common middle panel to provide open and closed configurations for the hat case, the surfaces being on the exterior or interior of the hat case relative to a closed configuration, and wherein the hat case is configured to house a circumferentially brimmed hat in the hat case's interior.

11. The hat case of claim 10, wherein a closed configuration has the second storage portion positioned inside of the first storage portion such that an empty gap is formed between the second concavity's opposing interior surface and the first concavity, the empty gap configured to accommodate a hat.

12. The hat case of claim 11, wherein the hat's brim is positioned between the interior surfaces of both brim supports in a closed configuration.

13. The hat case of claim 12, wherein the common middle panel is positioned between the edge surfaces of the first and second brim supports.

14. The hat case of claim 13, wherein the hat case is zippered.

15. The hat case of claim 14, wherein the zipper is positioned between the edge surfaces of the first and second brim supports.

16. The hat case of claim 15, wherein the carrying handle is attached to the common middle panel.

17. The hat case of claim 16, wherein the adjustable strap is attached to the foldable second section.

18. The hat case of claim 17, wherein the adjustable strap further comprises a snap buckle configured to open and close the strap.

19. The hat case of claim 18, wherein the adjustable strap further yet comprises two strap ends, the strap being twice attached to the second brim support's edge surface at each strap end.

20. The hat case of claim 19, wherein the adjustable strap further yet comprises a webbing loop configured to further secure the strap when closed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an upper perspective view of a hat case in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a hat case in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of a hat case in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a hat case in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a back view of a hat case in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a right side view of a hat case in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a left side view of a hat case in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates another upper perspective view of a hat case in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a lower perspective view of a hat case in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a hat case in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates a back view of a hat case in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosed subject matter may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements, processes or techniques have been briefly mentioned and not elaborated on in order not to obscure the disclosed subject matter in unnecessary detail and description. Moreover, specific details and the like may have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not deemed necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the disclosed subject matter, and are considered to be within the understanding of persons having ordinary skill in the relevant art.

[0018] The present invention provides a generally circular or elliptical EVA-based case for storing and transporting hats, especially hats having generally larger brims. FIG. 1 depicts an upper perspective view of a closed configuration for such a hat case 100. A preferred embodiment provides an oval-shaped hat case 100 having a foldable first section 105, the first section comprising a first storage portion 110 having a dome shape, the first section further comprising a first brim support 130. The first storage portion 110 protrudes outward and tapers away from the first brim support 130, generally being positioned centrally relative to the first brim support. The hat case 100 further comprises a foldable second section 115 comprising a second storage portion (see second storage portion 1020 of FIG. 10) having a dome shape, the second section further comprising a second brim support 140. The second storage portion protrudes outward and tapers away from the second brim support 140. The first brim support 130 makes contact with the second brim support 140, which mirrors its shape and size dimensions identically (or nearly so) in an exemplary embodiment. Further in such an embodiment, the second storage portion is generally smaller than the first storage portion 110 and positioned centrally relative to the second brim support 140. Each exemplary brim support is a generally flat, elliptical panel that includes a circumferential edge surface (see edge surfaces 433 and 443 of FIG. 4) having a minimal thickness or height. An exemplary edge surface extends generally orthogonally away from its respective brim support, such that both heights of the two edge surfaces additively create a short, generally tubular void between the brim supports that accommodates the brim of a hat. The case 100 also includes a hollow central region accessible from a bottom area of its exterior (see second storage concavity 921 of FIG. 9). This hollow region possesses substantially the same shape and size dimensions as the first storage portion 110, which is a slightly elongated half-hemisphere or dome, the elongation occurring along its radial height and length. References herein to surfaces being on the exterior or interior of the hat case 100 are relative to a closed configuration of the case, its interior region housing a hat, its exterior surfaces always being visible regardless of case closure.

[0019] The hat case 100 further includes a common middle panel 150 to which the first and second sections are attached, the panel being structurally associated with a handle 135. The common middle panel 150 has a pair of opposing long edges and a pair of opposing short edges, each long edge meeting one foldable section while both short edges lie between and run generally orthogonally to the first and second sections. The handle 135, like the first storage portion 110, projects outwardly away from the hat case, yet in a direction running orthogonal to the first storage portion's direction of protrusion. An exemplary handle 135 is attached at both short edges of the common middle panel 150. The first section 105 and second section 115 are foldable at the common middle panel 150 such that the folded region generally runs centrally between and parallel to the panel's long edges. An exemplary common middle panel 150 and a zipper 165 are positioned between the edge surfaces of the brim supports.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the hat case 100 can be opened and closed via the zipper 165 which lines the region running circumferentially between the first brim support 130 and second brim support 140, allowing separation of the case 100 into the first (or top) section 105 and second (or bottom) section 115. The hat case is circumferentially zippable to provide open and closed configurations via two sliders 170 along the zipper 165, the closed configuration placing the second storage portion inside of the first storage portion 110, as indicated in FIG. 1. Thus, the case 100 can be unzipped and opened into an open configuration (see open configuration of FIG. 8), a hat placed and secured inside of it, and the case closed and zipped back up (into a closed configuration) for protective storage of the hat. The case 100 with secured hat can subsequently be transported within any type of vehicle, including an airplane, if desired. The travel case allows a traveler to pack their hat(s) inside of a suitcase or a carry-on purse, or to take it off their head, store it within the case 100 and simply hang the case upon the suitcase handle via an adjustable strap (see adjustable strap 345 of FIG. 3), all while protecting the shape of the hat. The case provides a hygienic alternative to putting the bare hat directly on the floor of the airplane. As well, the travel case allows for a more comfortable travel experience without worrying about the hat being damaged or lost, protecting the traveler's investment and ensuring a long life for the hat.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, a top view shows the hat case 200 in a closed configuration. The elliptical shape of the dome of the first storage portion 210 is highlighted, along with its generally centralized position on the first brim support 230. This and all other dome-like structures accommodating the stored hat are generally oblong in at least one common dimension, such as the elongation shown in the current FIG. In the depicted embodiment, the dimension of dome elongation runs parallel to the direction of handle projection away from the hat case 200, further being axially aligned with this direction. Moreover, the first brim support 230 is also elliptical in shape, having the same or similar ratio of elongation in the dimensions shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle 235 is about 8 inches long with nylon webbing attached. It further comprises molded finger slots to promote an enhanced grip, and has a plastic composition. The zipper sliders 270 are shown in a preferable position, generally opposing the handle 235 on the other side of the case 200, in the closed configuration shown.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 3, a bottom view shows the hat case 300 in a closed configuration. The second storage portion 320 includes the hollow bottom region, or second storage concavity 321, that is accessible on the exterior of the open or closed hat case 300. This element allows the traveler to save space in their luggage, and allows the traveler to pack around the hat while inside of the suitcase. In one travel scenario, the hat case 300 protects the shape and integrity of the hat when required to go through a TSA conveyor belt at the airport.

[0023] The hat case 300 further comprises an adjustable strap 345, the strap being attached to the foldable second section, and more specifically, to the bottom of the second brim support 340. The adjustable strap 345 further comprises a snap buckle 345a, a webbing loop 345b, and two strap ends 345c, the strap being twice attached to the second brim support's edge surface at each strap end, the strap ends diametrically opposing each other. Between attached edges or strap ends 345c, the strap runs across the bottom of the second brim support 340, following the smaller diameter of the elliptical structure, and fully crossing over the second storage concavity 321. The snap buckle 345a is configured to open and close the strap 345. The webbing loop 345b is configured to further secure the strap 345 when it is closed, preventing dangling of the strap. The adjustable strap 345 and the handle 335 together provide anchoring interfaces or a carrying means for a traveler. An exemplary strap 345 is preferably composed of nylon and extends to a length of about 19 inches. The snap buckle 345a is preferably composed of plastic and measures about 2.5 inches in length and 1.18 inches in width. The zipper sliders 370 follow a path around the case 300 toward the handle 335, making the case 300 openable into open configurations.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, multiple elevation views show the hat case in a closed configuration from various angles. FIG. 4 shows a front view of the hat case 400. The first brim support 430 and second brim support 440 each have an exterior, interior, and edge surface. The first brim support 430 includes edge surface 433, the second brim support 440 includes edge surface 443 and exterior surface 442. The vertical position of the handle 435 on the case 400 is highlighted in FIG. 4, the handle being positioned midway on the height of the common middle panel. The profile view of the elliptical first storage portion 410 highlights its longer diameter.

[0025] FIG. 5 shows a back view of the hat case 500 with first storage portion 510, first brim support 530, second brim support 540, and handle 535. FIG. 6 shows a right side view of the hat case 600 with first storage portion 610, first brim support 630, second brim support 640, common middle panel 650 and attached handle 635. FIG. 6 highlights the smaller diameter of the elliptical first storage portion 610. FIG. 7 shows a left side view of the hat case 700 with first storage portion 710, first brim support 730, and second brim support 740. Zipper sliders have been omitted in these views.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 8, an upper perspective view shows the unzipped hat case 800. When completely unzipped, the hat case 800 assumes an open configuration, whereby an interior surface 822 of the second storage portion (this interior surface 822 opposing the second storage portion's storage concavity, see second storage concavity 921 of FIG. 9) becomes visibleas it is hidden within the case 800 in the closed configuration. Similarly, a first storage concavity 811 becomes visible in this open configuration as well, this first concavity 811 opposing an exterior surface (see exterior surface 912 of FIG. 9) of the first storage portion 810, which is always visible in both configurations. Within a closed case 800, the interior surface 822 of the second storage portion protrudes upward toward the first storage concavity 811, the second storage portion thus being contained within the first storage portion. An empty space or gap between the two storage portions provides ample room for the head-receiving portion of a typical hat, this portion of the gap having a dome shape like the storage portions. The hat's brim is contained between the first brim support 830 and second brim support 840, the first brim support having an interior surface 831, the second brim support having an interior surface 841. Thus, when the accommodated hat is circumferentially brimmed, the brim is positioned between the interior surfaces of both brim supports in a closed configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, approximately 1 inch of interior brim height is available for the hat brim to rest comfortably inside the case 800. Further in such an embodiment, all dome shapes (including those of the storage portions and empty gap) are oblong in at least one common dimension. FIG. 8 better illustrates how an open configuration has a slider 870 positioned at each opposing short end of the common middle panel 850.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 9, a lower perspective view shows a hat case 900 in an open configuration. First storage portion 910 further includes exterior surface 912, this surface meeting the exterior surface 932 of the first brim support 930 at the base of the storage portion 910. The second brim support 940 further includes exterior surface 942, across which the adjustable strap 945 runs, crossing the second storage concavity 921. The exterior surface 912 of the first storage portion 910 is visible in both open and closed configurations, its concavity being visible only in open configurations. The second storage portion's interior surface (see interior surface 822 of FIG. 8) is visible only in open configurations, its exterior concavity 921 being visible in both open and closed configurations. FIG. 9 further highlights the common middle panel 950 via which the two foldable case sections can fold. The handle 935 projects away from the panel 950 as shown, being attached, preferably stitched, at two points to the panel. The middle panel 950 is approximately 5 inches long (this measurement applicable to the aforementioned long edges of the panel) in an exemplary embodiment. An exemplary case 900 is generally composed of 5.5 mm, 80-degree, EVA material. The exterior of the case 900 is covered by 600D polyester fabric, while the interior of the case is covered by a multi-spandex fabric. The hat case's thin and minimalistic design allows a traveler to transport their hat accessory without the need to add bulky luggage. The material is lightweight and can be stored within a large tote or carry-on luggage. The dimensions of the case allow for most hats to fit comfortably within.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, front and back views, respectively, show an open configuration of the bat case 1000 and 1100. Both FIGS. highlight the height or thickness of first brim support 1030 and second brim support 1040 (or their edge surfaces), along with a vertical size difference between the first and second storage portions 1010 and 1020, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the first storage portion 1010 measures approximately 7.75 inches wide9.3 inches long5.5 inches tall, while the second storage portion 1020 measures approximately 5.5 inches wide6.5 inches long2 inches tall. Further in the above exemplary embodiment, both brim supports 1030 and 1040 measure approximately 16.25 inches long15.25 inches wide. The back view of FIG. 11 illustrates the first storage portion 1110, first brim support 1130, second storage portion 1120, second brim support 1140, and handle 1135. A brimmed hat 1190 is shown above the second storage portion 1120 with motion arrows 1191 below it, indicating its placement upon the foldable second section. Motion arrows 1191 further indicate the meeting of the hat's brim with the second brim support 1140, and the meeting of the hat's head-containing portion with the second storage portion 1120 for hat securement. Following this placement of the hat 1190, the foldable first section is preferably rotated at the common middle panel, or near the handle 1135 for the sake of FIG. 11, and reunited with the second section for a closed configuration, such that the first storage portion 1110 completely covers the head-containing portion of the hat 1190.

[0029] Many variations may be made to the embodiments described herein. All variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. The description of the embodiments herein can be practiced in many ways. Any terminology used herein should not be construed as restricting the features or aspects of the disclosed subject matter. The scope should instead be construed in accordance with the appended claims.

[0030] There may be many other ways to implement the disclosed embodiments. Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioned differently from those shown without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Various modifications to these implementations may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations. Thus, many changes and modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments, by one having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. For instance, different numbers of a given element or module may be employed, a different type or types of a given element or module may be employed, a given element or module may be added, or a given element or module may be omitted.

[0031] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.