CAP HOLDER

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments are directed to cap holder for caps each including a crown and a visor. The cap holder includes a support panel positioned against a front surface of the crown of a topmost cap of the caps. The support panel includes a perimeter edge defining a first side and a second side of the support panel. The cap holder includes a structure positioned under the crown of a bottommost cap of the caps. The cap holder includes a drawstring movably connecting the first and second sides of the support panel to the structure. Tightening of the drawstring engages the support panel against the front surface of the crown of the topmost cap and engages the structure against an underside of the crown of a bottommost cap to prevent disengagement of the one or more caps from the cap holder.

Claims

1. A cap holder for one or more caps each including a crown and a visor extending from the crown, the cap holder comprising: a support panel configured to be positioned against a front surface of the crown of a topmost cap of the one or more caps, the support panel including a perimeter edge defining a first side and a second side of the support panel; a structure configured to be positioned under the crown of a bottommost cap of the one or more caps; and a drawstring movably connecting the first side and the second side of the support panel to the structure; wherein tightening of the drawstring engages the support panel against the front surface of the crown of the topmost cap of the one or more caps and engages the structure against an underside of the crown of a bottommost cap of the one or more caps to prevent disengagement of the one or more caps from the cap holder.

2. The cap holder of claim 1, wherein the drawstring is a single drawstring.

3. The cap holder of claim 1, wherein the drawstring movably connects the first side of the support panel to a first edge of the structure and movably connects the second side of the support panel to a second edge of the structure.

4. The cap holder of claim 3, wherein the first and second edges are disposed on opposite sides of the structure.

5. The cap holder of claim 1, wherein the support panel includes multiple openings configured to receive therethrough the drawstring for slidable engagement of the drawstring with the support panel.

6. The cap holder of claim 1, wherein the support panel includes first and second openings at or near opposing top corners of the support panel, and includes third and fourth openings at or near opposing bottom corners of the support panel.

7. The cap holder of claim 6, wherein the first and second openings are connected to each other through a passage formed within the support panel such that the drawstring extends from the first opening to the second opening within a body of the support panel without exposure outside of the support panel.

8. The cap holder of claim 6, wherein the third and fourth openings are connected to each other through a passage formed within the support panel.

9. The cap holder of claim 8, wherein the support panel includes fifth and sixth openings at or near a center of the support panel and extending into the passage.

10. The cap holder of claim 9, wherein a first end of the drawstring enters the passage through the third opening and exits the passage from the fifth opening, and an opposing second end of the drawstring enters the passage through the fourth opening and exits the passage from the sixth opening adjacent to the first end of the drawstring.

11. The cap holder of claim 10, comprising a lock slidably disposed over and coupling the first and second ends of the drawstring.

12. The cap holder of claim 6, wherein the drawstring extends out of the first and third openings of the support panel to form a first loop movably connecting the first side of the support panel to the structure.

13. The cap holder of claim 12, wherein the drawstring extends out of the second and fourth openings of the support panel to form a second loop movably connecting the second side of the support panel to the structure.

14. The cap holder of claim 1, wherein the structure includes a first flap extending from a first edge of the structure and a second flap extending from a second edge of the structure.

15. The cap holder of claim 14, wherein the drawstring movably connects the first side of the support structure to the first flap of the structure, and movably connects the second side of the support structure to the second flap of the structure.

16. The cap holder of claim 1, wherein the structure includes a section capable of being at least partially disengaged from the structure to expose an inner storage space within the structure.

17. The cap holder of claim 16, wherein the section is engaged to the structure along a perimeter with a zipper.

18. A cap holder for stacked caps each including a crown and a visor extending from the crown, the cap holder comprising: a support panel configured to be positioned against a front surface of the crown of a topmost cap of the stacked caps, the support panel including a perimeter edge defining a first side and a second side of the support panel; a structure configured to be positioned under the crown of a bottommost cap of the stacked caps; and a single drawstring movably connecting the first side and the second side of the support panel to the structure; wherein tightening of the drawstring engages the support panel against the front surface of the crown of the topmost cap of the stacked caps and engages the structure against an underside of the crown of a bottommost cap of the stacked caps to prevent disengagement of the stacked caps from the cap holder.

19. The cap holder of claim 18, wherein the structure includes a section capable of being at least partially disengaged from the structure to expose an inner storage space within the structure.

20. A method of securing one or more caps, each cap of the one or more caps including a crown and a visor extending from the crown, the method comprising: positioning a support panel of a cap holder against a front surface of the crown of a topmost cap of the one or more caps, the front support panel including a perimeter edge defining a first side and a second side of the support panel; positioning a structure of the cap holder under the crown of a bottommost cap of the one or more caps; and tightening a drawstring movably connecting the first side and the second side of the support panel to the structure; wherein tightening of the drawstring engages the support panel against the front surface of the crown of the topmost cap of the one or more caps and engages the structure against an underside of the crown of a bottommost cap of the one or more caps to prevent disengagement of the one or more caps from the cap holder.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed cap holder, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary cap holder in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a top view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a front view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a rear view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a right side view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a left side view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an exemplary cap holder in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 9.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a top view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 9.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 9.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a front view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 9.

[0034] FIG. 14 is a rear view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 9.

[0035] FIG. 15 is a right side view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 9.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a left side view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 9.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of an exemplary cap holder in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a right side view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 17.

[0039] FIG. 19 is a rear view of an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 17.

[0040] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of multiple caps held together in a stacked configuration with an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 17.

[0041] FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 20, including a storage compartment of an exemplary cap holder in an open position.

[0042] FIG. 22 is a top view of FIG. 20, including multiple caps held together in a stacked configuration with an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 17.

[0043] FIG. 23 is a top view of IG. 20, including multiple caps held together in a stacked configuration with an exemplary cap holder of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] FIGS. 1-8 are perspective, top, bottom, front, rear and side views of an exemplary cap holder 100 of the present disclosure. As discussed herein, the cap holder 100 allows for multiple caps 102 to be stacked on top of each other and secured together for transport and/or storage. Caps 102 typically include a crown 104 and a visor 106 extending from the front edge of the crown 104. For use with the holder 100, the crown 104 can be folded inward onto itself to create a concave inner surface. The crowns 104 of the adjacent caps 102 can thereby be stacked on top of each other with the visors 106 also stacked upon each other and extending in the same direction. (See, e.g., FIG. 2). The caps 102 can thereby be compactly stacked on top of each other before being secured in the stacked configuration with the holder 100.

[0045] The holder 100 includes a front support panel 108 configured to be positioned against the front surface of the crown 104 of the topmost cap 102. Although illustrated as having a generally triangular shape, it should be understood that the front support panel 108 can be of any configuration, e.g., square, rectangular, oval, circular, or the like. The front support panel 108 can be fabricated from a flexible or molded material, e.g., a woven material, a hard shell, leather, plastic, or the like. The front support panel 108 generally defines a thin profile with flat front and rear opposing surfaces. The flexible nature of the front support panel 108 is intended to allow the front support panel 108 to rest against and conform to the shape of the front surface of the crown 104 of the cap 102. In some embodiments, the front surface of the support panel 108 can include branding or marketing information printed or secured thereon.

[0046] The front support panel 108 includes a top edge 110, an opposing bottom edge 112 extending substantially parallel to the top edge 110, and opposing side edges 114, 116 extending substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the top and bottom edges 110, 112. The edges 110, 112, 114, 116 form connection points for straps 118, 120, 122, 124 of the holder 100. In particular, the ends of the straps 118, 120, 122, 124 can be secured (e.g., glued, sewn, or the like) to the respective edges 110, 112, 114, 116. Each of the straps 118, 120, 122, 124 is fabricated from a flexible material (e.g., a woven material, or the like) such that the straps 118, 120, 122, 124 can wrap around and conform to the respective sides of the cap 102 for secure engagement of the holder 100 around the cap 102. In some embodiments, rather than a front support panel 108 connecting the straps 118, 120, 122, 124, the straps 118, 120, 122, 124 can be jointed together by a smaller, central connection point through which the straps 118, 120, 122, 124 extend.

[0047] The strap 118 extends from the top edge 110 and is configured to wrap at least partially over the top of the crown 104 of the topmost cap 102. The strap 120 extends from the bottom edge 112 and is configured to wrap at least partially under the bottom of the visor 106 of the bottommost cap 102. The curvature of the visor 106 can assist in maintaining the position of the strap 120. (See, e.g., FIG. 5). The strap 122 extends from the left side edge 114 and is configured to wrap at least partially around the left side of the crown 104 of the topmost cap 102. The strap 124 extends from the right side edge 116 and is configured to wrap at least partially around the right side of the crown 104 of the topmost cap 102.

[0048] The strap 118 passes through slots 126 of a hook or fastening slider 128 such that the direction of extension of the strap 118 is reversed. The strap 118 therefore passes through the slots 126 and wraps around a section of the slider 128 to engage with the slider 128. The end 130 of the strap 118 forms a loop which is secured to another slider 132. The strap 118 therefore passes through the fastening slider 128 and subsequently passes over itself (e.g., forming upper and lower levels) before engagement with the slider 132. The slider 132 is movably positioned around or engaged with the lower level of the strap 118 to allow for adjustment of the overall length of the strap 118 (thereby simultaneously adjusting the position of the fastening slider 128). Once the desired length of the strap 118 has been achieved using the slider 132, the fastening slider 128 can be moved to the endpoint of the adjusted strap 118. The strap 118 length can therefore be customized based on the number of caps 102 being secured by the holder 100. The fastening slider 128 includes a hook-shaped extension 136 protruding therefore in-line with the section of the slider 128 with the slots 126. As discussed below, the extension 136 allows the strap 118 to be selectively engaged and disengaged relative to a rear support panel 138 of the holder 100.

[0049] Each of the straps 120, 122, 124 can have a substantially similar structure and function to the strap 118. In particular, the strap 120 passes through a fastening slider 140 to reverse its direction over itself, and the end of the strap 120 includes a loop secured to a slider 142. The strap 122 passes through a fastening slider 144 to reverse its direction over itself, and the end of the strap 122 includes a loop secured to a slider 146. The strap 124 passes through a fastening slider 148 to reverse its direction over itself, and the end of the strap 124 includes a loop secured to a slider 150. The length of each strap 118, 120, 122, 124 is therefore selectively adjustable depending on the number and/or size of the caps 102 being secured by the holder 100.

[0050] The holder 100 includes a pouch 152 configured to be positioned under the folded and stacked crown 104, e.g., under the bottommost cap 102. In some embodiments, rather than a pouch 152, the holder 100 can include a structure having a substantially similar configuration as the pouch 152, but without the hollow interior and features discussed herein. In some embodiments, the pouch 152 can define a substantially triangular or oval cross-section with a height substantially equal to or slightly greater than the height of the crown 104 relative to the bottom edge of the cap 102. Thus, when the pouch 152 is positioned under the crown 104 of the bottommost cap 102, the bottom of the pouch 152 protrudes out downwardly from the bottom of the stack of caps 102. (See, e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0051] The pouch 152 can include a substantially hollow interior configured to receive items of the user, thereby serving as a storage area, e.g., for sunglasses or other small items. In some embodiments, the hollow interior of the pouch 152 can include one or more dividers and/or zippered pockets to separate the pouch 152 into compartments. The pouch 152 can include a top section 154 and a bottom section 156 hingedly connected at a connection 158 at the rear of the pouch 152. The pouch 152 can include a zipper 160 that allows for the bottom section 156 to be selectively engaged and disengaged from the top section 154, thereby providing access to the interior of the pouch 152. One or more pull tabs 162, 164 can be used to open and close the zipper 160. In some embodiments, a hook and loop engagement (e.g., VELCRO, or the like) can be used instead of the zipper 160.

[0052] The pouch 152 can include a loop 166 extending from the rear of the pouch 152. In some embodiments, the loop 166 can be used to hang the holder 100 for storage or to clip the holder 100 onto another item during travel. The rear support panel 138 can be secured to the rear surface of the pouch 152. In some embodiments, the rear support panel 138 can be fixedly secured to the pouch 152. In some embodiments, the rear support panel 138 can be detachably secured to the pouch 152 with, e.g., VELCRO, snap buttons (as represented by two circles on the rear support panel 138), or the like.

[0053] The rear support panel 138 includes a loop 168 extending from the top edge, and similar loops 170, 172 extending from the side edges. In some embodiments, the loops 168, 170, 172 can extend directly from the pouch 152 (e.g., and the rear support panel 138 can be omitted). The pouch 152 includes a loop 174 extending from a front bottom edge of the pouch 152. The loops 168, 170, 172, 174 can be fabricated from a flexible material, e.g., a woven or stretchable fabric. The loop 168 is configured to receive therethrough the hook-shaped extension 136 of the slider 128 associated with the strap 118 to secure the strap 118 around the top of the cap 102. The loop 170 is configured to receive therethrough the hook-shaped extension 136 of the slider 144 associated with the strap 122 to secure the strap 122 around one side of the cap 102. The loop 172 is configured to receive therethrough the hook-shaped extension 136 of the slider 148 associated with the strap 124 to secure the strap 124 around another side of the cap 102. The loop 174 is configured to receive therethrough the hook-shaped extension 136 of the slider 140 associated with the strap 120 to secure the strap 120 around the visor 106 of the cap 102. Each of the sliders 128, 140, 144, 148 is releasable relative to the respective loops 168, 170, 172, 174.

[0054] Thus, in use, the caps 102 can first be stacked on top of each other. Next, the pouch 152 can be positioned under the crown 104 of the bottommost cap 102. The length of the straps 118, 120, 122, 124 can be adjusted (if needed) based on the size of the stack of caps 102. Finally, each of the straps 118, 120, 122, 124 can be looped around the stack of caps 102 and secured at their respective ends to the loops 168, 170, 172, 174. If needed, the length of the straps 118, 120, 122, 124 can be adjusted (e.g., tightened) to ensure the stack of caps 102 is secured held together by the holder 100. In this secured configuration, the stack of caps 102 remains grouped together, providing a convenient means for carrying multiple caps 102 together, or for packing multiple caps 102 together in a suitcase. If a cap 102 is to be removed, one or more of the straps 118, 120, 122, 124 can be disengaged from the respective loop 168, 170, 172, 174 to release the caps 102 for removal from the holder 100.

[0055] FIGS. 9-16 are perspective, top, bottom, front, rear and side views of an exemplary cap holder 200 of the present disclosure. The cap holder 200 can be substantially similar in structure and function to the cap holder 100, except for the distinctions noted herein. Therefore, like reference numbers refer to like structures. Similar to the cap holder 100, the cap holder 200 allows for multiple caps 202 to be stacked on top of each other and secured together for transport and/or storage. The caps 202 include a crown 204 and a visor 206 extending from the front edge of the crown 204. The caps 202 are stacked upon each other before being secured in the stacked configuration with the holder 200.

[0056] The holder 200 includes a front support panel 208 defining a substantially rectangular configuration and configured to be positioned against the front surface of the crown 204. Rather than including four straps extending from the front support panel 208, the holder 200 includes three flexible straps 210, 212, 214 extending from the bottom edge 216 and the opposing side edges 218, 220 of the front support panel 208. As such, there is no strap extending over the top of the crown 206, and the straps 216, 218, 220 engage around sides and bottom of the stack of caps 202. The length of each strap 216, 218, 220 is independently adjustable using sliders 222, 224, 226 at the ends of the respective straps 216, 218, 220. The sliders 222, 224, 226 attach to loops 228 formed at the end of each strap 216, 218, 220. Each strap 216, 218, 220 further includes an intermediate fastening slider 230, 232, 234 having a hook-shaped extension 236 for engaged with loops of the holder 200.

[0057] The holder 200 includes a pouch 238 including a hollow interior accessible via a zipper 240 actuated to open and close via pull tabs 242, 244. The pouch 238 includes a top section 246 pivotally disposed relative to a bottom section 248 at a connection section 250. A user can thereby selectively open and close the pouch 238 to access its contents. The pouch 238 defines a substantially triangular or oval cross-section with a height dimensioned to fit within and extend out of the bottom of the folded crown 204 of the bottommost cap 202.

[0058] The pouch 238 can include a rear support panel 252 fixedly or detachably secured to the rear surface of the pouch 238. The side edges of the rear support panel 252 includes loops 254, 256 for releasably engagement with the hook-shaped extensions 236 of the fastening sliders 230, 232. The front bottom edge of the pouch 238 includes a loop 258 for releasable engagement with the hook-shaped extension 236 of the fastening slider 234. The pouch 238 can optionally include a loop 260 extending from a rear bottom edge for hanging the holder 200 or clipping the holder 200 to another item.

[0059] Use of the holder 200 can be substantially similar to the holder 100. The pouch 238 can be inserted under the stack of caps 202 and within the space defined by the crown 204 of the bottommost cap 202. The front support panel 208 is positioned against the front surface of the crown 204 of the topmost cap 202. Finally, the fastening sliders 230, 232, 234 of the straps 210, 212, 214 are engaged with the respective loops 254, 256, 258, and their length is adjusted (tightened or loosened) to ensure the caps 202 are adequately secured to each other with the holder 200. If any cap 202 in the stack is needed, one or more of the straps 210, 212, 214 can be disengaged to allow for removal of the cap 202 from the holder 200. Thus, both cap holders 100, 200 discussed herein provide a convenient and compact way of securing and storing multiple caps relative to each other.

[0060] FIGS. 17-23 are perspective views of an exemplary cap holder 300. The cap holder 300 can be substantially similar in structure and/or function to the cap holders 100, 200, except for the distinctions noted herein. The cap holder 300 includes a drawstring design for tightening the cap holder 300 onto a cap 400 such that only a single point of interaction is needed by the user for securing the cap holder 300 in position. The cap 400 includes a crown 402 and a visor 404.

[0061] The cap holder 300 includes a support panel 302 (e.g., a front panel) configured to be positioned against a front surface of the crown 402 of a topmost cap 400 of the stacked caps 400 (or a single cap 400). The support panel 302 can define a substantially flat or planar configuration. The support panel 302 can define any configuration, e.g., oval, rectangular, circular, or the like, and can provide an outwardly visible surface which can be used to include a logo or branding, for example. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the support panel 302 can include a cushioned border 304 sewn or otherwise connected along the perimeter. The cushioned border 304 can distribute pressure on the underlying cap(s) 400 in a manner that avoids any potential damage to the cap(s) 400. In some embodiments, the opposing side (i.e., inwardly facing side) of the support panel 302 can include a no-slip or low-slip fabric/material that ensures that the support panel 302 will remain fixed against the crown 402 of the cap 400 upon application of a minimal tightening force.

[0062] The cap holder 300 includes a storage compartment 306 which defines a rear structure of the cap holder 300 configured to be at least partially positioned under the crown 402 of the cap(s) 400. The storage compartment 306 includes a rear-facing section 308 capable of being selectively opened and closed to expose a hollow inner space 310 (see FIG. 21). The section 308 can be releasably connected to the storage compartment 306 by zipper 312, for example, with pull tabs 314 usable to selectively disengage the section 308 from the compartment 306 along the perimeter thereof. At least a portion of the perimeter of the compartment 306 and section 308 can be permanently connected to each other via a strip 316 of material, allowing the section 308 to be pivoted away from the compartment 306 for access to the inner space 310. In some embodiments, the inner side of the section 308 can include one or more pockets 318 accessible via another zipper 320 and pull tab 322.

[0063] The storage compartment 306 can define a substantially oval, circular or egg-shaped configuration protruding from the section 308. The general configuration of the storage compartment 306 can be substantially complementary to the underside of the crown 402 of the cap 400, such that positioning of the crown 402 onto the compartment 306 can substantially maintain the overall configuration or shape of the crown 402. The compartment 306 therefore provides a rigid structure configured to support the crown 402 during use of the cap holder 300. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the compartment 306 can be covered in a felt or soft material that provides a delicate contact between the crown 402 and the compartment 306. The inner space 310 within the compartment 306 provides a usable interior within the compartment 306, rather than a solid or closed structure. The inner space 310 can therefore be used to safely store various smaller items. In some embodiments, a flexible loop 364 can be secured to an edge of the storage compartment 306 (or section 308), which allows for easier holding by the user or for hanging of the cap holder 300 onto a hook, for example (see FIG. 19).

[0064] The cap holder 300 includes first and second flaps 324, 326 extending on opposing lateral sides of the storage compartment 306. In some embodiments, the flaps 324, 326 can extend from a perimeter edge 328 at or near a proximal portion of the section 308. The flaps 324, 326 can define a substantially planar or flat configuration. In some embodiments, the flaps 324, 326 can include a cushioned border 330 along the perimeter of the flaps 324, 326 to cushion forces imparted on the crown 402 of the cap 400. In some embodiments, an inner-facing surface 332 of the flaps 324, 326 can include a non-slip or low-slip material to ensure a strong connection is made against the crown 402 of the cap 400 during tightening of the cap holder 300. In some embodiments, the structure and/or materials of the flaps 324, 326 can be substantially similar to the support panel 302.

[0065] Each flap 324, 326 connects at a distal edge to the storage compartment 306, and includes a strap 334 with a loop 336 extending from or near the proximal end of the flap 324, 326. In some embodiments, the strap 334 can be fixedly secured to the flaps 324, 326 and the loop 336 can be movably connected relative to the strap 334 and the flaps 324, 326. In some embodiments, a portion of the strap 334 can be fixedly secured to the flaps 324, 326 and a portion of the strap 334 can be movable relative to the flaps 324, 326. In some embodiments, rather than including a loop 336, the strap 334 itself can form a loop. Although illustrated as including flaps 324, 326, in some embodiments, the cap holder 300 can be used without the flaps 324, 326 and the straps 334 with loops 336 can extend from the perimeter edge 328 of the storage compartment 306.

[0066] The cap holder 300 includes a single cord or drawstring design that allows for a convenient, single-point engagement with the drawstring to tighten and secure the cap holder 300 relative to the cap(s) 400. The support panel 302 can include two openings 338, 340 at or near opposing bottom corners of the support panel 302, and two openings 342, 344 at or near opposing top corners of the support panel 302. Thus, each respective corner of the support panel 302 can include an opening for passage of the drawstring. The openings 338, 340 can be connected to each other within an interior passage 346 of the support panel 302 body. At or near the center of the passage 346, the support panel 302 includes openings 348, 350. In some embodiments, the openings 348, 350 (and other openings of the support panel 302) can include grommets. The openings 342, 344 can be connected to each other within an interior passage of the support panel 302 body (similar to passage 346), such that the drawstring can pass between the openings 342, 344.

[0067] During assembly, one end 352 of the drawstring is maintained on the outside of the support panel 302, while the opposing end 354 of the drawstring is fed through the support panel 302 and the other components of the cap holder 300 in the manner described herein. The end 354 of the drawstring can be inserted through the opening 348 into the passage 346 and fed out of the opening 338. The end 354 of the drawstring is further passed through the loop 336 of the flap 324 and into the opening 342 of the support panel 302, thereby forming a loop 356 movably/slidably connecting the left side of the support panel 302 with the flap 324.

[0068] Next, the end 354 of the drawstring is passed through the support panel 302, out of the opening 344, through the loop 336 of the flap 326, and into the opening 340 of the support panel 302, thereby forming a loop 358 movably/slidably connecting the right side of the support panel 302 with the flap 326. The end 354 of the drawstring is passed through the passage 346 and out of the opening 350 to be disposed substantially adjacent to the end 352. A cord lock 360 can secure the ends 352, 354 of the drawstring with each other, and a knot 362 can be tied to prevent accidental removal of the cord lock 360 from the ends 352, 354.

[0069] The exemplary cap holder 300 offers a variety of advantages to traditional means for storing or transporting caps. One of the advantages of the cap holder includes material and structural protection. In some embodiments, the support panel and/or structure can include or be formed from a semi-rigid or crush-resistant material selected from, e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), molded EVA foam, polypropylene, reinforced nylon, or the like. In some embodiments, the support panel can include a cushioned border configured to distribute pressure and prevent deformation of the crown. In some embodiments, the inward-facing surface of the support panel can include a low-slip or non-slip material configured to maintain contact with the crown of the cap. In some embodiments, at least one of the support panel or structure can include, e.g., a soft-touch, fabric-wrapped, felt-lined outer layer, or the like, to prevent scratching or abrasion.

[0070] One of the advantages of the cap holder includes portability and carrying features. In some embodiments, the cap holder can include a handle, clip, or hanging loop secured to the structure for transport or suspension. In some embodiments, the hanging loop can be configured to receive a carabiner or belt clip. In some embodiments, the structure can include attachment points for integration with, e.g., a backpack, golf bag, travel bag, or the like.

[0071] One of the advantages of the cap holder includes single-cap use and adaptability. In some embodiments, the cap holder can be dimensioned to secure either a single cap or multiple caps to maintain the cap crown shape during travel. In some embodiments, the drawstring can be adjustable between a first configuration securing a single cap and a second configuration securing a plurality of stacked caps. In some embodiments, tightening the drawstring can compress the structure and support panel toward each other to preserve the crown shape of a single cap or multiple caps.

[0072] One of the advantages of the cap holder includes storage and functionality enhancements. In some embodiments, the structure can define a storage compartment including at least one internal divider or pocket. In some embodiments, the storage compartment can include an auxiliary pocket accessible from an outer surface of the structure. In some embodiments, a section of the structure can be selectively closable using a fastening mechanism selected from the group consisting of a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, magnetic closure, or snap. In some embodiments, the inner storage space can be configured to retain accessories such as sunglasses, keys, or personal items.

[0073] One of the advantages of the cap holder includes design and aesthetic elements. In some embodiments, an outwardly visible surface of the support panel can include a recessed or elevated portion configured to display branding, logos, or decorative indicia. In some embodiments, the support panel and structure can be color-coordinated or patterned for aesthetic customization. In some embodiments, the support panel can include an interchangeable cover portion removably secured to the support panel for personalization.

[0074] One of the advantages of the cap holder includes alternative mechanisms and variations. In some embodiments, the drawstring can include an elastic or partially elastic cord providing tensioned engagement with the caps. In some embodiments, the drawstring can include a ratcheting or self-locking mechanism configured to maintain a desired tension without manual locking. In some embodiments, tightening of the drawstring can simultaneously constrict opposing side flaps toward the crown of the cap. In some embodiments, the structure can include a detachable or replaceable storage compartment removably secured to the drawstring system. In some embodiments, the drawstring can be tightened until the support panel applies uniform pressure across the crown of the topmost cap. In some embodiments, tightening of the drawstring can simultaneously secure a storage compartment positioned under the crown of the bottommost cap. In some embodiments, personal items can be stored within the storage compartment prior to tightening the drawstring.

[0075] In use, the cap 400 can be folded into the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 20-23, such that the crown 402 is inwardly folded in a concave manner. The storage compartment 306 can be at least partially inserted under the crown 402 to support the crown 402. If multiple caps 400 are stacked together, the storage compartment 306 would be positioned under the crown 402 of the bottommost cap 400. The flaps 324, 326 can be positioned against the opposing sides of the crown 402, and the support panel 302 can be positioned against the front-facing surface of the crown 402 of the topmost cap 400.

[0076] Next, the drawstring can be tightened by pulling on the drawstring away from the support panel 302, while simultaneously pushing the support panel 302 towards the topmost cap 400. The cord lock 360 can be slid along the ends 352, 354 of the drawstring and against the support panel 302 to maintain the desired position of the support panel 302. Pulling on the drawstring ends 352, 354 simultaneously tightens the entire drawstring along its length, including reduction of the size of the loops 356, 358. Tightening of the drawstring secures the cap(s) 400 between the support panel 302, the storage compartment 306, and the flaps 324, 326, thereby maintaining the stacked configuration and shape of the caps 400. If removal of a cap 400 is desired, the cord lock 360 can be used to loosen the drawstring for disengagement of the cap holder 300 from the cap(s) 400. The cap holder 300 therefore provides a convenient means for organizing caps with a single point of user interaction with the cap holder 300 for tightening or loosening.

[0077] While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.