Cap Holder

The present disclosure relates to a cap holder and, in particular, to a cap holder capable of conveniently securing multiple caps together for transport and/or storage.

A typical household usually contains multiple hats or caps which may be worn casually or for specific occasions. Caps are typically stored on a shelf or around the house, resulting in potential loss or misplacement of a cap. In addition, such conventional storage can result in a disorganized look on the shelf. During travel, caps are generally placed loosely into a suitcase and can become separated from each other during the trip. Packing caps in a suitcase can also result in the caps being crumpled and damaged as there is nothing in the suitcase to help keep their shape.

Thus, a need exists for a cap holder that allows for stacking multiple caps together for storage and/or travel in an efficient, secure and convenient manner. These and other needs are addressed by the cap holder of the present disclosure.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary cap holder for stacked caps is provided. Each cap of the stacked caps includes a crown and a visor extending from the crown. The cap holder includes a front support panel configured to be positioned against a front surface of the crown of a topmost cap of the stacked caps. The front support panel includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The cap holder includes a structure configured to be positioned under the crown of a bottommost cap of the stacked caps. The cap holder includes a first strap extending from the bottom edge of the front support panel and configured to at least partially wrap around the visor of the stacked caps to engage with the structure. The cap holder includes a second strap extending from the first side edge of the front support panel and configured to at least partially wrap around a first side of the topmost cap of the stacked caps to engage with the structure. The cap holder includes a third strap extending from the second side edge of the front support panel and configured to at least partially wrap around a second side of the topmost cap of the stacked caps to engage with the structure.

The first strap, the second strap and the third strap wrap around the stacked caps to maintain the stacked caps together. In some embodiments, the front support panel can be fabricated from a flexible material. Each of the first strap, the second strap, and the third strap can be flexible and adjustable in length. In some embodiments, the cap holder can include a fourth strap extending from the top edge of the front support panel, the fourth strap configured to at least partially wrap around the crown of the topmost cap of the stacked caps to engage with the structure.

In some embodiments, each of the first strap, the second strap, and the third strap can include a slider for adjustment of a length of the respective first strap, the second strap, and the third strap. In some embodiments, each of the first strap, the second strap, and the third strap can include a fastening slider configured to engage with a respective loop of the structure. In such embodiments, the fastening slider can include a hook-shaped extension configured to pass through the respective loop of the structure to releasably engage with the structure.

In some embodiments, the structure can be a pouch defining a hollow interior. The pouch can include a top section and a bottom section hingedly connected to each other at a connection section. The pouch can include an attachment mechanism (e.g., a zipper, or the like) for selectively securing the top section to the bottom section. In some embodiments, the structure can include a rear support panel configured to engage with the respective first, second and third straps. In some embodiments, the rear support panel can be fixedly secured to the structure. In some embodiments, the rear support panel can be releasably secured to the structure.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary cap holder for stacked caps is provided. Each of the stacked caps includes a crown and a visor extending from the crown. The cap holder includes a front support panel configured to be positioned against a front surface of the crown of a topmost cap of the stacked caps. The front support panel includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The cap holder includes a pouch configured to be positioned under the crown of a bottommost cap of the stacked caps. The cap holder includes a first strap extending from the bottom edge of the front support panel and configured to at least partially wrap around the visor of the stacked caps to releasably engage with the pouch. The cap holder includes a second strap extending from the first side edge of the front support panel and configured to at least partially wrap around a first side of the topmost cap of the stacked caps to releasably engage with the pouch. The cap holder includes a third strap extending from the second side edge of the front support panel and configured to at least partially wrap around a second side of the topmost cap of the stacked caps to releasably engage with the pouch. The cap holder includes a fourth strap extending from the top edge of the front support panel and configured to at least partially wrap around the crown of the topmost cap of the stacked caps to releasably engage with the pouch.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary method of securing a stack of caps is provided. Each cap of the stack of caps includes a crown and a visor extending from the crown. The method includes positioning a front support panel of a cap holder against a front surface of the crown of a topmost cap of the stacked caps. The front support panel including a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The method includes positioning a structure of the cap holder under the crown of a bottommost cap of the stacked caps. The method includes at least partially wrapping around the visor of the stacked caps a first strap extending from the bottom edge of the front support panel and engaging the first strap with the structure. The method includes at least partially wrapping around a first side of the topmost cap of the stacked caps a second strap extending from the first side edge of the front support panel and engaging the second strap with the structure. The method includes at least partially wrapping around a second side of the topmost cap of the stacked caps a third strap extending from the second side edge of the front support panel and engaging the third strap with the structure.

The method can include adjusting a length of each of the first strap, the second strap and the third strap. In some embodiments, the method can include at least partially wrapping around the crown of the topmost cap of the stacked caps a fourth strap extending from the top edge of the front support panel and engaging the fourth strap with the structure. In some embodiments, the structure can be a pouch including a top section and a bottom section hingedly connected to each other by a zipper, the pouch defining a hollow interior.

Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

are perspective, top, bottom, front, rear and side views of an exemplary cap holderof the present disclosure. As discussed herein, the cap holderallows for multiple capsto be stacked on top of each other and secured together for transport and/or storage. Capstypically include a crownand a visorextending from the front edge of the crown. For use with the holder, the crowncan be folded inward onto itself to create a concave inner surface. The crownsof the adjacent capscan thereby be stacked on top of each other with the visorsalso stacked upon each other and extending in the same direction. (See, e.g.,). The capscan thereby be compactly stacked on top of each other before being secured in the stacked configuration with the holder.

The holderincludes a front support panelconfigured to be positioned against the front surface of the crownof the topmost cap. Although illustrated as having a generally triangular shape, it should be understood that the front support panelcan be of any configuration, e.g., square, rectangular, oval, circular, or the like. The front support panelcan be fabricated from a flexible or molded material, e.g., a woven material, a hard shell, leather, plastic, or the like. The front support panelgenerally defines a thin profile with flat front and rear opposing surfaces. The flexible nature of the front support panelis intended to allow the front support panelto rest against and conform to the shape of the front surface of the crownof the cap. In some embodiments, the front surface of the support panelcan include branding or marketing information printed or secured thereon.

The front support panelincludes a top edge, an opposing bottom edgeextending substantially parallel to the top edge, and opposing side edges,extending substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the top and bottom edges,. The edges,,,form connection points for straps,,,of the holder. In particular, the ends of the straps,,,can be secured (e.g., glued, sewn, or the like) to the respective edges,,,. Each of the straps,,,is fabricated from a flexible material (e.g., a woven material, or the like) such that the straps,,,can wrap around and conform to the respective sides of the capfor secure engagement of the holderaround the cap. In some embodiments, rather than a front support panelconnecting the straps,,,, the straps,,,can be jointed together by a smaller, central connection point through which the straps,,,extend.

The strapextends from the top edgeand is configured to wrap at least partially over the top of the crownof the topmost cap. The strapextends from the bottom edgeand is configured to wrap at least partially under the bottom of the visorof the bottommost cap. The curvature of the visorcan assist in maintaining the position of the strap. (See, e.g.,). The strapextends from the left side edgeand is configured to wrap at least partially around the left side of the crownof the topmost cap. The strapextends from the right side edgeand is configured to wrap at least partially around the right side of the crownof the topmost cap.

The strappasses through slotsof a hook or fastening slidersuch that the direction of extension of the strapis reversed. The straptherefore passes through the slotsand wraps around a section of the sliderto engage with the slider. The endof the strapforms a loop which is secured to another slider. The straptherefore passes through the fastening sliderand subsequently passes over itself (e.g., forming upper and lower levels) before engagement with the slider. The slideris movably positioned around or engaged with the lower level of the strapto allow for adjustment of the overall length of the strap(thereby simultaneously adjusting the position of the fastening slider). Once the desired length of the straphas been achieved using the slider, the fastening slidercan be moved to the “endpoint” of the adjusted strap. The straplength can therefore be customized based on the number of capsbeing secured by the holder. The fastening sliderincludes a hook-shaped extensionprotruding therefore in-line with the section of the sliderwith the slots. As discussed below, the extensionallows the strapto be selectively engaged and disengaged relative to a rear support panelof the holder.

Each of the straps,,can have a substantially similar structure and function to the strap. In particular, the strappasses through a fastening sliderto reverse its direction over itself, and the end of the strapincludes a loop secured to a slider. The strappasses through a fastening sliderto reverse its direction over itself, and the end of the strapincludes a loop secured to a slider. The strappasses through a fastening sliderto reverse its direction over itself, and the end of the strapincludes a loop secured to a slider. The length of each strap,,,is therefore selectively adjustable depending on the number and/or size of the capsbeing secured by the holder.

The holderincludes a pouchconfigured to be positioned under the folded and stacked crown, e.g., under the bottommost cap. In some embodiments, rather than a pouch, the holdercan include a structure having a substantially similar configuration as the pouch, but without the hollow interior and features discussed herein. In some embodiments, the pouchcan define a substantially triangular or oval cross-section with a height substantially equal to or slightly greater than the height of the crownrelative to the bottom edge of the cap. Thus, when the pouchis positioned under the crownof the bottommost cap, the bottom of the pouchprotrudes out downwardly from the bottom of the stack of caps. (See, e.g.,).

The pouchcan 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 pouchcan include one or more dividers and/or zippered pockets to separate the pouchinto compartments. The pouchcan include a top sectionand a bottom sectionhingedly connected at a connectionat the rear of the pouch. The pouchcan include a zipperthat allows for the bottom sectionto be selectively engaged and disengaged from the top section, thereby providing access to the interior of the pouch. One or more pull tabs,can be used to open and close the zipper. In some embodiments, a hook and loop engagement (e.g., VELCRO®, or the like) can be used instead of the zipper.

The pouchcan include a loopextending from the rear of the pouch. In some embodiments, the loopcan be used to hang the holderfor storage or to clip the holderonto another item during travel. The rear support panelcan be secured to the rear surface of the pouch. In some embodiments, the rear support panelcan be fixedly secured to the pouch. In some embodiments, the rear support panelcan be detachably secured to the pouchwith, e.g., VELCRO®, snap buttons (as represented by two circles on the rear support panel), or the like.

The rear support panelincludes a loopextending from the top edge, and similar loops,extending from the side edges. In some embodiments, the loops,,can extend directly from the pouch(e.g., and the rear support panelcan be omitted). The pouchincludes a loopextending from a front bottom edge of the pouch. The loops,,,can be fabricated from a flexible material, e.g., a woven or stretchable fabric. The loopis configured to receive therethrough the hook-shaped extensionof the sliderassociated with the strapto secure the straparound the top of the cap. The loopis configured to receive therethrough the hook-shaped extensionof the sliderassociated with the strapto secure the straparound one side of the cap. The loopis configured to receive therethrough the hook-shaped extensionof the sliderassociated with the strapto secure the straparound another side of the cap. The loopis configured to receive therethrough the hook-shaped extensionof the sliderassociated with the strapto secure the straparound the visorof the cap. Each of the sliders,,,is releasable relative to the respective loops,,,.

Thus, in use, the capscan first be stacked on top of each other. Next, the pouchcan be positioned under the crownof the bottommost cap. The length of the straps,,,can be adjusted (if needed) based on the size of the stack of caps. Finally, each of the straps,,,can be looped around the stack of capsand secured at their respective ends to the loops,,,. If needed, the length of the straps,,,can be adjusted (e.g., tightened) to ensure the stack of capsis secured held together by the holder. In this secured configuration, the stack of capsremains grouped together, providing a convenient means for carrying multiple capstogether, or for packing multiple capstogether in a suitcase. If a capis to be removed, one or more of the straps,,,can be disengaged from the respective loop,,,to release the capsfor removal from the holder.

are perspective, top, bottom, front, rear and side views of an exemplary cap holderof the present disclosure. The cap holdercan be substantially similar in structure and function to the cap holder, except for the distinctions noted herein. Therefore, like reference numbers refer to like structures. Similar to the cap holder, the cap holderallows for multiple capsto be stacked on top of each other and secured together for transport and/or storage. The capsinclude a crownand a visorextending from the front edge of the crown. The capsare stacked upon each other before being secured in the stacked configuration with the holder.

The holderincludes a front support paneldefining a substantially rectangular configuration and configured to be positioned against the front surface of the crown. Rather than including four straps extending from the front support panel, the holderincludes three flexible straps,,extending from the bottom edgeand the opposing side edges,of the front support panel. As such, there is no strap extending over the top of the crown, and the straps,,engage around sides and bottom of the stack of caps. The length of each strap,,is independently adjustable using sliders,,at the ends of the respective straps,,. The sliders,,attach to loopsformed at the end of each strap,,. Each strap,,further includes an intermediate fastening slider,,having a hook-shaped extensionfor engaged with loops of the holder.

The holderincludes a pouchincluding a hollow interior accessible via a zipperactuated to open and close via pull tabs,. The pouchincludes a top sectionpivotally disposed relative to a bottom sectionat a connection section. A user can thereby selectively open and close the pouchto access its contents. The pouchdefines a substantially triangular or oval cross-section with a height dimensioned to fit within and extend out of the bottom of the folded crownof the bottommost cap.

The pouchcan include a rear support panelfixedly or detachably secured to the rear surface of the pouch. The side edges of the rear support panelincludes loops,for releasably engagement with the hook-shaped extensionsof the fastening sliders,. The front bottom edge of the pouchincludes a loopfor releasable engagement with the hook-shaped extensionof the fastening slider. The pouchcan optionally include a loopextending from a rear bottom edge for hanging the holderor clipping the holderto another item.

Use of the holdercan be substantially similar to the holder. The pouchcan be inserted under the stack of capsand within the space defined by the crownof the bottommost cap. The front support panelis positioned against the front surface of the crownof the topmost cap. Finally, the fastening sliders,,of the straps,,are engaged with the respective loops,,, and their length is adjusted (tightened or loosened) to ensure the capsare adequately secured to each other with the holder. If any capin the stack is needed, one or more of the straps,,can be disengaged to allow for removal of the capfrom the holder. Thus, both cap holders,discussed herein provide a convenient and compact way of securing and storing multiple caps relative to each other.

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.