Hat Case

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63/523,367.

This disclosure relates to the field of hat storage and travel cases.

Travelers across the world vacation to sunny destinations where a hat is necessary for both function and fashion. Traveling with these hats can be cumbersome and inconvenient since they are fragile and generally have a larger or unique size. Typically in indoor environments, travelers simply carry their hat around in their hand, if not wear it for undesirable periods of time just to keep it out of the way. When flying, it is difficult to fall asleep comfortably while wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and the traveler's only alternative is to hold it in their lap or place it on the unsanitary airplane floor.

Inevitably, these expensive hats end up in shopping bags, haphazardly stuffed into purses, or worse yet, packed into luggage any way possible. This warping, crushing, and flattening of a hat quickly takes its toll, reducing the article's lifespan and visual appeal. Due to its light weight, a hat can often be pushed out of a TSA-screening bin, or even caught in the moving belt. There is a need in the art for improved methods of transport for hats, in order to make traveling with them more convenient, while also providing a means of protection for the shape and integrity of the hat.

In one embodiment, a zippable hat case comprises 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. The hate case further comprises 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. The hate case further comprises 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. Further, 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, and an open configuration having a slider positioned at each opposing short end of the common middle panel.

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.

The present invention provides a generally circular or elliptical EVA-based case for storing and transporting hats, especially hats having generally larger brims.depicts an upper perspective view of a closed configuration for such a hat case. A preferred embodiment provides an oval-shaped hat casehaving a foldable first section, the first section comprising a first storage portionhaving a dome shape, the first section further comprising a first brim support. The first storage portionprotrudes outward and tapers away from the first brim support, generally being positioned centrally relative to the first brim support. The hat casefurther comprises a foldable second sectioncomprising a second storage portion (see second storage portionof) having a dome shape, the second section further comprising a second brim support. The second storage portion protrudes outward and tapers away from the second brim support. The first brim supportmakes contact with the second brim support, 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 portionand positioned centrally relative to the second brim support. Each exemplary brim support is a generally flat, elliptical panel that includes a circumferential edge surface (see edge surfacesandof) 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 casealso includes a hollow central region accessible from a bottom area of its exterior (see second storage concavityof). This hollow region possesses substantially the same shape and size dimensions as the first storage portion, 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 caseare relative to a closed configuration of the case, its interior region housing a hat, its exterior surfaces always being visible regardless of case closure.

The hat casefurther includes a common middle panelto which the first and second sections are attached, the panel being structurally associated with a handle. The common middle panelhas 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, like the first storage portion, projects outwardly away from the hat case, yet in a direction running orthogonal to the first storage portion's direction of protrusion. An exemplary handleis attached at both short edges of the common middle panel. The first sectionand second sectionare foldable at the common middle panelsuch that the folded region generally runs centrally between and parallel to the panel's long edges. An exemplary common middle paneland a zipperare positioned between the edge surfaces of the brim supports.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hat casecan be opened and closed via the zipperwhich lines the region running circumferentially between the first brim supportand second brim support, allowing separation of the caseinto the first (or top) sectionand second (or bottom) section. The hat case is circumferentially zippable to provide open and closed configurations via two slidersalong the zipper, the closed configuration placing the second storage portion inside of the first storage portion, as indicated in. Thus, the casecan be unzipped and opened into an open configuration (see open configuration of), 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 casewith 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 caseand simply hang the case upon the suitcase handle via an adjustable strap (see adjustable strapof), 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.

Referring to, a top view shows the hat casein a closed configuration. The elliptical shape of the dome of the first storage portionis highlighted, along with its generally centralized position on the first brim support. 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, further being axially aligned with this direction. Moreover, the first brim supportis also elliptical in shape, having the same or similar ratio of elongation in the dimensions shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the handleis 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 slidersare shown in a preferable position, generally opposing the handleon the other side of the case, in the closed configuration shown.

Referring to, a bottom view shows the hat casein a closed configuration. The second storage portionincludes the hollow bottom region, or second storage concavity, that is accessible on the exterior of the open or closed hat case. 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 caseprotects the shape and integrity of the hat when required to go through a TSA conveyor belt at the airport.

The hat casefurther comprises an adjustable strap, the strap being attached to the foldable second section, and more specifically, to the bottom of the second brim support. The adjustable strapfurther 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. Between attached edges or strap ends, the strap runs across the bottom of the second brim support, following the smaller diameter of the elliptical structure, and fully crossing over the second storage concavity. The snap buckleis configured to open and close the strap. The webbing loopis configured to further secure the strapwhen it is closed, preventing dangling of the strap. The adjustable strapand the handletogether provide anchoring interfaces or a carrying means for a traveler. An exemplary strapis preferably composed of nylon and extends to a length of about 19 inches. The snap buckleis preferably composed of plastic and measures about 2.5 inches in length and 1.18 inches in width. The zipper slidersfollow a path around the casetoward the handle, making the caseopenable into open configurations.

Referring to, multiple elevation views show the hat case in a closed configuration from various angles.shows a front view of the hat case. The first brim supportand second brim supporteach have an exterior, interior, and edge surface. The first brim supportincludes edge surface, the second brim supportincludes edge surfaceand exterior surface. The vertical position of the handleon the caseis highlighted in, the handle being positioned midway on the height of the common middle panel. The profile view of the elliptical first storage portionhighlights its longer diameter.

shows a back view of the hat casewith first storage portion, first brim support, second brim support, and handle.shows a right side view of the hat casewith first storage portion, first brim support, second brim support, common middle paneland attached handle.highlights the smaller diameter of the elliptical first storage portion.shows a left side view of the hat casewith first storage portion, first brim support, and second brim support. Zipper sliders have been omitted in these views.

Referring to, an upper perspective view shows the unzipped hat case. When completely unzipped, the hat caseassumes an open configuration, whereby an interior surfaceof the second storage portion (this interior surfaceopposing the second storage portion's storage concavity, see second storage concavityof) becomes visible—as it is hidden within the casein the closed configuration. Similarly, a first storage concavitybecomes visible in this open configuration as well, this first concavityopposing an exterior surface (see exterior surfaceof) of the first storage portion, which is always visible in both configurations. Within a closed case, the interior surfaceof the second storage portion protrudes upward toward the first storage concavity, 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 supportand second brim support, the first brim support having an interior surface, the second brim support having an interior surface. 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. 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.better illustrates how an open configuration has a sliderpositioned at each opposing short end of the common middle panel.

Referring to, a lower perspective view shows a hat casein an open configuration. First storage portionfurther includes exterior surface, this surface meeting the exterior surfaceof the first brim supportat the base of the storage portion. The second brim supportfurther includes exterior surface, across which the adjustable strapruns, crossing the second storage concavity. The exterior surfaceof the first storage portionis visible in both open and closed configurations, its concavity being visible only in open configurations. The second storage portion's interior surface (see interior surfaceof) is visible only in open configurations, its exterior concavitybeing visible in both open and closed configurations.further highlights the common middle panelvia which the two foldable case sections can fold. The handleprojects away from the panelas shown, being attached, preferably stitched, at two points to the panel. The middle panelis approximately 5 inches long (this measurement applicable to the aforementioned long edges of the panel) in an exemplary embodiment. An exemplary caseis generally composed of 5.5 mm, 80-degree, EVA material. The exterior of the caseis 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.

Referring to, front and back views, respectively, show an open configuration of the bat caseand. Both FIGS. highlight the height or thickness of first brim supportand second brim support(or their edge surfaces), along with a vertical size difference between the first and second storage portionsand, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the first storage portionmeasures approximately 7.75 inches wide×9.3 inches long×5.5 inches tall, while the second storage portionmeasures approximately 5.5 inches wide×6.5 inches long×2 inches tall. Further in the above exemplary embodiment, both brim supportsandmeasure approximately 16.25 inches long×15.25 inches wide. The back view ofillustrates the first storage portion, first brim support, second storage portion, second brim support, and handle. A brimmed hatis shown above the second storage portionwith motion arrowsbelow it, indicating its placement upon the foldable second section. Motion arrowsfurther indicate the meeting of the hat's brim with the second brim support, and the meeting of the hat's head-containing portion with the second storage portionfor hat securement. Following this placement of the hat, the foldable first section is preferably rotated at the common middle panel, or near the handlefor the sake of, and reunited with the second section for a closed configuration, such that the first storage portioncompletely covers the head-containing portion of the hat.

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.

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.

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.