Patent Application
20250221506
The present invention is directed to apparatuses and devices for the transport and protection of headwear.
Hat wearers may find it desirable to store and transport their headwear in protective cases to prevent damage. Traditional cases can be bulky and awkward to carry. This deficiency in traditional headwear cases creates a need for a novel and inventive headwear storage and transportation case that facilitates and eases protected transport and storage of hats and other headwear while providing additional storage.
In accordance with embodiments hereof, a hat transportation pack or case, is configured with straps to be worn on a user's back. In some embodiments, the hat transportation pack may have features in common with a backpack. The hat transportation pack further includes a hat or headwear storage portion constructed of a stiff or rigid material that resists crumpling, folding, and/or crushing. The headwear storage portion is integrated with additional storage areas in the hat transportation pack to provide a single all in one solution that provides physical and environmental protection of a hat in a form factor that permits easy transport and provides additional storage for any items a user may wish to transport with the pack.
In embodiments, an apparatus for hat transportation is provided. The apparatus may include a primary compartment including a base portion and one or more wall portions extending from the base portion to form an opening opposite the base portion; a secondary compartment including a top portion and one or more secondary wall portions extending from the top portion to form an opening opposite the top portion, the top portion including a projection portion; a separation tray having a back surface facing the primary compartment and a front surface opposite the back surface and facing the secondary compartment, wherein the back surface and the front surface are substantially flat, wherein the one or more secondary wall portions are configured to accommodate the separation tray; and a hat ring disposed within the secondary compartment, the hat ring being substantially rigid and including a perimeter portion and a cavity portion, wherein the cavity portion is configured to accommodate a hat crown, wherein the projection portion is configured to securely accommodate the cavity portion.
The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of apparatuses and devices for the transportation and protection of headwear. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of and enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the apparatuses and devices described herein. The drawings are provided to illustrate various features of the embodiments described herein and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
The hat transportation pack 100 is an apparatus configured for the convenient and protected transportation of hats along with other goods. The hat transportation pack 100 includes at least a primary compartment 102, a secondary compartment 101, a separation tray 103, a hat ring 104, and optionally a faster 105.
The primary compartment 102 (or primary storage portion) is defined by a base portion 111, and one or more wall portions 121 extending from the base portion 111 to form an opening 131 adjacent to the base portion 111. When worn in the style of backpack, the base portion 111 rests against the wearers back while the wall portions extend away from the base portion 111 to form the primary compartment 102, which is suitable for item storage. As shown in
The base portion 111 and the one or more wall portions 121 may be formed from any suitable materials, for example, 600D Poleyester, which is thick, waterproof, and very durable. Other potential thicknesses of Poleyester suitable may include, for example, 300D, 400D, 500D, and 210D. Other materials suitable for the base portion 111 and the one or more wall portions 121 may include Cordura, Ballistsic Nylon, ripstop Nylon, VX21/42 Nylon, organic cotton, leather, hemp, linen, Tencel, and peace silk. In embodiments, one or more materials may be combined.
The secondary compartment 101 (also referred to as a headwear storage portion) is defined by a top portion 113 and one or more secondary wall portions 123 extending from the top portion 113 to form an opening 133 adjacent to the top portion 113. As shown in
The primary compartment 102 and the secondary compartment 101 are configured such that their respective openings 131/133 face one another and such that their respective walls 121/123 may connect with one another at a connection portion 190 and a separation portion 191. The connection portion 190 represents a portion of the hat transportation pack 100 wherein the one or more wall portions 121 and the one or more secondary wall portions 123 are connected to one another by a permanent or semi-permanent connection (e.g., a seam, join, or other connection that is not intended to be frequently released). The separation portion 191 represents a portion of the hat transportation pack 100 wherein the one or more wall portions 121 and the one or more secondary wall portions 123 are releasably connected to one another by a temporary connection facilitated by a fastener 105. The fastener 105 may be configured to secure the one or more wall portions 121 to the one or more secondary wall portions 123 to seal or close the hat transportation pack 100. The fastener 105 may be, for example, a zipper (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.), Velcro, or other suitable fastener. Together, the connection portion 190 and the separation portion 191 define the entire contact perimeter between the one or more wall portions 121 and the one or more secondary wall portions 123. In embodiments, the separation portion 191 may occupy between approximately 20%-80% of the contact perimeter. The separation portion 191 represents the portion of the hat transportation pack 100 that may be opened to access the interior.
The secondary compartment 101 may include a hat ring 104. The hat ring 104 may be substantially rigid and may include a perimeter portion 114 and a cavity portion 124. As used herein, the term “substantially rigid” refers to a level of rigidity greater than that of either a typical hat to be transported or of the material of the exterior wall, top, and base portions of the hat transportation pack 100. For example, the hat ring 104 may be 1.5×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5× or more times as stiff or rigid in comparison to the materials of the base portion 111, the one or more wall portions 121, the top portion 113, and the one or more secondary wall portions 123. The substantially rigid nature of the hat ring 104 permits the hat ring 104 to provide protection to a hat situated therein. The hat ring 104 may be formed of a rigid EVA (ethyl-vinyl acetate) foam, a polypropylene foam, a polyethylene foam, a polyurethane foam, an algae foam, or other suitable rigid/stiff material including plastics, polymers, etc. In embodiments, the hat ring 104 may comprise a material having a Young's modulus within a range of 0.01 GPa to 10 GPa, within 0.01 GPa to 5 GPa, within 0.01 GPa to 1 GPa, within 0.01 GPa to 0.5 GPa, and or within 0.02GPa to 0.1 GPa. The hat ring 104 may be between approximately 6 mm and 25 mm thick. In embodiments, a hat surface 154 (e.g., a surface configured to face a hat contained within may be substantially smooth, e.g., to prevent wear and tear on the hat should it move within against the hat surface 154.
The hat ring 104 provides rigidity to the secondary compartment 102 and is shaped and configured to accommodate a hat crown and brim. The perimeter portion 114 is substantially flat and configured to conform to the shape of a generally flat hat brim and the cavity portion 124 is configured to accommodate a hat crown. By substantially flat it is meant that the entirety of the surface of the perimeter portion 114 can be encompassed by two planes separated vertically by less than 1.5 cm, less than 1.0 cm, less than 0.5 cm, or less than 0.25 cm. In some embodiments, the perimeter portion may be curved or otherwise shaped to accommodate a hat brim that is also curved, bent, or otherwise shaped in non-flat manner.
In embodiments, the top portion 113 of the secondary compartment 101 includes a projection portion 143 configured to accommodate the cavity portion 124 of the hat ring 104. The projection portion 143 may be shaped to conform to the cavity portion 124 of the hat ring 104. The projection portion 143 may conform to the cavity portion 124 in such a configuration as to provide a tight fit between the projection portion 143 and the cavity portion 124, thereby allowing the hat ring 104 to be releasably secured within the top portion 113.
The projection portion 143 provides the hat transportation pack 100 with both a unique appearance and a unique functionality. The projection portion 143 accommodates the crown of a hat stored within without requiring excess material or wasted volume within the hat transportation pack 100. Because the hat ring 104 is substantially rigid, the hat contained therein is protected from outside forces that may bend, crush, deform, flatten, or otherwise deform the hat. Further, the close conformance in shape and size between the projection portion 143 and the cavity portion 124 provide a secure fit for or to securely accommodate the hat ring 104 that prevents the hat ring 104 from moving significantly when a user of the hat transportation pack 100 is on the go, thus allowing any hats contained within to remain protected. By “securely accommodate” it is meant that the projection portion 143 is configured and sized so as to provide a snug, tight, or secure fit around the cavity portion 124 of the hat ring 104 to prevent relative movement therebetween during usage of the hat transportation pack 100 (e.g., walking, running, opening, closing, packing, unpacking etc.) without the use of fasteners, adhesives, or other attachments. In alternative embodiments, the hat ring 104 may be secured to the top portion 113 or projection portion 143 through the use of hook and loop fasteners, clips, snaps, adhesives, or other suitable fasteners.
The top portion 113 and the one or more secondary wall portions 123 may be formed of an EVA or other suitable material. EVA provides a smooth and water proof or water resistant surface that can protect the hat ring 104 and a hat contained within the secondary compartment 101. Because the hat ring 104 is substantially rigid, it is not necessary for the top portion 113 to be rigid, and the top portion may be made from a more flexible material that provides a smooth look.
The hat transportation pack 100 further includes a separation tray 103. The separation tray 103 may be a substantially rigid tray configured to separate the primary compartment 102 from the secondary compartment 101. The separation tray 103 is configured and shaped such that it fills the opening 131 and the opening 133 and such that it conforms to the shape and size of the one or more wall portions 121 and the one or more secondary wall portions 123. The separation tray 103 may include a back surface 153 facing the primary compartment 102, a front surface 163 opposite the back surface 153 and facing the secondary compartment 101, and a perimeter wall 173 extending between the front surface 163 and the back surface 153. The back surface 153 and/or the front surface 163 may each be substantially flat. By substantially flat it is meant that the entirety of the back surface 153 or front surface 163 can be encompassed by two planes separated vertically by less than 1.5 cm, less than 1.0 cm, less than 0.5 cm, or less than 0.25 cm. In embodiments, the front surface 163 (e.g., the surface configured to face a hat contained within) may be substantially smooth, e.g., to prevent wear and tear on the hat should it move within against the front surface 163. In embodiments, the front surface 163 may include curves to accommodate a curved hat brim. In embodiments, the back surface 153 may be structured to provide additional space within the primary compartment 131. For example, the back surface 153 and front surface 163 may be positioned relatively closely together while the perimeter wall 173 extends significantly beyond the back surface 153, providing additional space.
In some embodiments, as shown in
As used herein, the term “substantially rigid” refers to a level of rigidity greater than that of either a typical hat to be transported or of the material of the exterior wall, top, and base portions of the hat transportation pack 100. For example, the separation tray 103/103b may be 1.5×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5× or more times as stiff or rigid in comparison to the materials of the base portion 111, the one or more wall portions 121, the top portion 113, and the one or more secondary wall portions 123. The substantially rigid nature of separation tray 103/103b permits separation tray 103/103b to provide protection to a hat situated therein. In embodiments, the separation tray 103/103b may comprise a material having a Young's modulus within a range of 0.01 GPa to 10 GPa, within 0.01 GPa to 5 GPa, within 0.01 GPa to 1 GPa, within 0.01 GPa to 0.5 GPa, and or within 0.02 GPa to 0.1 GPa. The perimeter wall 173 may conform to the shape and size of the one or more wall portions 121 and the one or more secondary wall portions 123 such that it remains securely in place when secured between either or both of the one or more wall portions 121 and the one or more secondary wall portions 123. The separation tray 103/103b may include, e.g., multispandex polyester or other suitable flexible material surrounding an internal layer of a polyethylene clapboard. Alternative rigid materials for the interior of the separation tray 103/103b may include, e.g., wood, pvc, plexiglass, leather, nylon, plastics, polymers, various bioplastics, etc.
The separation tray 103/103b may be flexibly connected to either or both of the one or more wall portions 121 or the one or more secondary wall portions 123 at the connection portion 190 or may be unconnected from the one or more wall portions 121 and/or the secondary wall portions 123. When the separation portion 191 is opened, the flexible nature of the connection of the separation tray 103/103b permits either the secondary compartment 101 or the primary compartment 102 to be accessed. When the separation portion 191 is closed, the separation tray 103/103b covers or sits within the opening 131 and the opening 133 to separate the secondary compartment 101 and the primary compartment 102. In embodiments that include a separation tray 103b with an opening, the hat transportation pack 100 may include a separation panel of material (e.g., a substantially rigid material such as polyethylene, not shown) between the separation tray 103b and the primary compartment 102, to further separate the hat from the primary compartment 102. The separation panel may further protect the hat, e.g., by keeping loose items from the primary compartment 102 from extending into the interior of the hat crown and by providing a substantially rigid material for the hat to rest against. The separation panel may be secured to the pack 100, for example, the separation panel may be may be flexibly connected to either or both of the one or more wall portions 121 or the one or more secondary wall portions 123 at the connection portion 190.
When a continuous separation tray 103, such as that shown in
When a separation tray 103b with an opening 193 therein, such as that shown in
The above Detailed Description of examples of the disclosed technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed technology to the precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for the disclosed technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosed technology, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, although the hat transportation pack is described in the context of a backpack, the secondary compartment, hat ring, and separation tray described herein may be incorporated into other types of luggage, such as rolling suitcases, briefcases, messenger style bags, etc. without departing from the scope of any of the embodiments. In further embodiments, the hat ring and separation tray as described herein may be adapted with alternative form factors to accommodate different style hats. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples, alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.
The hat transportation suitcase 1000 includes at least a primary compartment 102, a secondary compartment 101, a separation tray 103/103b, a hat ring 104, and optionally a faster 105. The primary compartment 102 (or primary storage portion) is defined by a base portion 111, and one or more wall portions 121 extending from the base portion 111 to form an opening 131 adjacent to the base portion 111. The secondary compartment 101 (also referred to as a headwear storage portion) is defined by a top portion 113 and one or more secondary wall portions 123 extending from the top portion 113 to form an opening 133 adjacent to the top portion 113. The primary compartment 102 and the secondary compartment 101 are configured such that their respective openings face one another and such that their respective walls may connect with one another at a connection portion 190 and a separation portion 191. Each of these features may be similar to those of hat transportation pack 100, with variations to fit the form factor the suitcase 1000.
The secondary compartment 101 may include a hat ring 104, configured as described above and with the same features (not shown in
The suitcase 1000 may further include a separation tray 103b (or a separation tray 103, not pictured). The separation tray 103b may include a back surface 153 facing the primary compartment 102, a front surface 163 opposite the back surface 153 and facing the secondary compartment 101, and a perimeter wall 173 extending between the front surface 163 and the back surface 153. The separation tray 103b may include an opening 193 therein, the opening being surrounded by an inner perimeter wall 194. In the embodiments shown in
In the embodiments shown in
These and other changes may be made to the disclosed technology in light of the above Detailed Description. While the Detailed Description describes certain examples of the disclosed technology as well as the best mode contemplated, the disclosed technology may be practiced in many ways, no matter how detailed the above description appears in text. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosed technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosed technology with which that terminology is associated. Accordingly, the invention is not limited. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosed technology to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms.
It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant arts that other suitable modifications and adaptations to the methods and applications described herein may be made without departing from the scope of any of the embodiments. The embodiments described above are illustrative examples and it should not be construed that the present disclosure is limited to these particular embodiments. It should be understood that various embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in different combinations than the combinations specifically presented in the description and accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that, depending on the example, certain acts or events of any of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., all described acts or events may not be necessary to carry out the methods or processes). Thus, various changes and modifications may be affected by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Appl. 63/609,112, filed Jan. 4, 2024, and to U.S. Provisional Appl. 63/662,096, filed Jun. 20, 2024, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63609112 | Jan 2024 | US | |
| 63662096 | Jun 2024 | US |
