Abstract:
The invention features a storage device designed to protect and store caps. Multiple caps can be positioned in the storage device. The device is in the shape of a cap having an upper body portion and a lower body portion. The upper and lower body portions feature a closure mechanism which secures the upper and lower body portions together along their respective edges. A cap stopper is inside of the device and aids in preventing shifting of the caps. The cap stopper has a compartment sized to support miscellaneous items.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 61/900,968, filed Nov. 6, 2013, and incorporated in its entirety herein. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for protecting and storing hats. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Hats (e.g., baseball caps, bucket hats, berets, cricket caps, cowboy hats, top hats, and/or any other type of hat) can be relatively expensive. Thus, it can be desirable to keep them clean and in a wearable form to avoid undesired replacement. Storage racks can allow users to stack hats, but such storage racks typically cause the crown portions and/or brim portion of hats to deform. Also, exposing hats can attract lint and dust, which can be difficult to remove. Moreover, storage containers can be bulky and unreliable and may not be easily transported. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Example embodiments described herein have innovative features, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized. 
         [0005]    The present disclosure describes systems and methods for protecting and storing hats while the hats are being transported or not worn. 
         [0006]    An aspect of an embodiment features a storage device in the shape of a hat, which aids in preventing the hat from being deformed. In some cases, the hat can be a cap (e.g., a baseball cap) having a crown portion that is configured to conform to the general shape of a person&#39;s head with a brim extending in a direction from the crown. 
         [0007]    A further aspect of an embodiment features a closure mechanism, where the closure mechanism can extend around at least a portion of the brim of the storage device, as well as at least a portion of the crown area of the storage device. This closure mechanism can allow upper and lower body portions of the storage device to close and open with ease. 
         [0008]    A further aspect of an embodiment features a cap stopper on the inside surface of the apparatus, which allows the caps to press against it so that the caps can easily form their original shape when removed from the storage device. 
         [0009]    A further aspect of an embodiment features the cap stopper having a compartment which can receive and store additional items. 
         [0010]    A further aspect of an embodiment features handles for transporting the storage device. 
         [0011]    A further aspect of an embodiment features the storage device attached to a backpack for further storage of miscellaneous items. 
         [0012]    Additional aspects, objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the inventions. In addition, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. Any feature or structure can be removed or omitted. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers can be reused to indicate correspondence between reference elements. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example hat storage device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the example hat storage device from  FIG. 1  in an open position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a back view of the example hat storage device from  FIG. 1  in a closed position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an example hat storage device connected to a backpack. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of an example hat storage device having an example pocket and latching mechanism. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an example hat storage device having a shoulder strap. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an example hat storage device having straps on its upper body. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an example hat storage device connected to a duffle bag. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed herein, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process can be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations can be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that can be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures described herein can be embodied as integrated components or as separate components. For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments can be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as can also be taught or suggested herein. 
         [0023]    Throughout this disclosure, reference will be made to hats and/or caps. This disclosure describes various embodiments relating to systems and methods for protecting and storing baseball caps, however, one having ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that those systems and methods can be readily adapted to other kinds of hats, including, but not limited to, bucket hats, berets, cricket caps, cowboy hats, top hats, and/or any other type of hat as desired. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example hat storage device. Hat Storage Device  100  comprises Upper Body Portion  102  and Lower Body Portion  104 . Hat Storage Device  100  can have a number of ends, including Front End  112 , Bottom End  108 , Right End  110 , Left End  114 , Back End  116 , and Top End  118 . 
         [0025]    Hat Storage Device  100  can comprise materials including hard surface materials, such as, without limitation, aluminum, polycarbonate, ABS, polypropylene, plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced polymers, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and/or any other plastic), polymers (e.g., polythene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, Teflon, polystyrene, bakelite, LEXAN, melamine, PERSPEX, vinyl rubber, neoprene, polystyrene-butadiene, and/or other polymers), ceramics (e.g., boron nitride, earthenware, porcelain, sialon, silicon carbide, steatite, titanium carbide, zirconia, and/or other ceramics), organics (e.g., wood, rubber, and/or other organics), and/or any other material. Desirably, in some embodiments, these materials have durable and sturdy qualities. Advantageously, this durability and sturdiness can help to prevent Hat Storage Device  100 , and any hats and/or items stored within, from being stained or deformed. In some embodiments, the materials of the surface of Hat Storage Device  100  can be scratch- and dent-resistant. In some preferred embodiments, Crown Area  106  can comprise neoprene, which is a form of rubber, and Brim  120  can comprise dense foam board or chip board. Bottom End  108  can comprise a denser neoprene. And over top of any of the materials aforementioned, Hat Storage Device  100  can include an array of skins, fabrics, rubbers, or other coverings. 
         [0026]    Upper Body Portion  102  can be the portion of Hat Storage Device  100  proximal to Top End  118 , where Upper Body Portion  102  is separated from Lower Body Portion  104  by a closure mechanism such as a zipper. Alternate closure mechanisms may be substituted, including without limitation, snaps, pins, buttons, clasps, magnets, ties, laces, VELCRO, or other known closures. Inside Hat Storage Device  100  can be an inner storage cavity that is configured to store a hat. Upper Body Portion  102  can include Crown Area  106 , which can be substantially similar in shape to the upper portion of a hat. For example, and, without limitation, where the hat is a baseball cap, Crown Area  106  can be substantially similar in shape to the crown of the cap, which can have a curved or substantially circular shape as illustrated by Hat Storage Device  100 . The curved shape of the cap, and consequently Crown Area  106 , can be configured to fit over the head of a person. 
         [0027]    Extending distally from Crown Area  106  towards Front End  112  of Hat Storage Device  100  can be Brim  120 . In some embodiments, Brim  120  can also extend distally from Crown Area  106  in another direction, including away from Bottom End  108 , Right End  110 , Left End  114 , Back End  116 , or Top End  118 . Brim  120  can be configured in the shape of the brim of a cap, which can also be called the peak, beak, and other names of the cap. Typically, the brim of the cap is the stiff projection at the front that is configured to shade or shield a wearer&#39;s eyes from sun and rain. Brim  120  can cover the brim of the cap when the cap is in Hat Storage Device  100 . When a plurality of caps are placed in Hat Storage Device  100  in a folded, stacked fashion where the crown area of the cap is folded and the brim of one cap is slid under the cap in front of it, Brim  120  can cover the brim of a first cap and a plurality of other caps. In some embodiments, Upper Body Portion  102  can include at least a portion of Brim  120 . Handle  130 , which can be configured for holding Hat Storage Device  100 , can extend from Brim  120 . 
         [0028]    Crown Area  106  can include Top Button  124  and stitching designs to make Hat Storage Device  100  have an appearance substantially similar to a cap. Alternate designs can be added as desired to Crown Area  106  or elsewhere on Hat Storage Device  100 , including Brim  120 . These designs can include, without limitation, a variety of colors, personalized lettering, and other design styles or shapes. For example, and without limitations, team logos or corporate logos can be added and/or applied to Hat Storage Device  100 . 
         [0029]    Latch  126  can extend from Back End  116  or any other end, including Bottom End  108 , Right End  110 , Left End  114 , Front End  112 , or Top End  118 . Latch  126  can be removable or permanently attached to Hat Storage Device  100 . Latch  126  can be used to connect Hat Storage Device  100  to other devices, such as backpacks, purses, bags, clothing, hangers, racks, ropes, ties, or any other place as desired. Latch  126  can contain an actuating hooking/latching mechanism in some embodiments. Alternate latching mechanisms may be substituted, including without limitation, snaps, pins, buttons, clasps, magnets, ties, laces, VELCRO, or other known mechanisms for attachment. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the example hat storage device from  FIG. 1  in an open position. Back End  116  (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) can include Hinge  202 , which can connect Upper Body Portion  102  to Lower Body Portion  104 . For example, and without limitation, Upper Body Portion  102  can rotate around Hinge  202  between approximately 0 degrees to approximately 180 degrees relative to Lower Body Portion  104 . As desired, this range of motion can be restricted or extended. For example, and without limitation, Hinge  202  can be configured to only allow rotation of Upper Body Portion  102  between approximately 0 degrees to approximately 90 degrees, or some other degree between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 180 degrees. In some embodiments, Upper Body Portion  102  can rotate around Hinge  202  at a degree greater than approximately 180 degrees relative to Lower Body Portion  104  as desired. 
         [0031]    Lower Body Portion  104  can act as the base or bottom portion of Hat Storage Device  100 . Lower Body Portion  104  can align with Upper Body Portion  102  such that the bottom area of a cap placed in Hat Storage Device  100  can rest against Interior Surface  204  of Lower Body Portion  104 . Upper Body Portion  102 , with Interior Surface  208 , can cover the top of the cap. Lower Body Portion  104  can include Lower Wall  206 , which can be positioned along the perimeter of Lower Body Portion  104 . Lower Wall  206  can extend distally from Bottom End  108  towards Upper Body Portion  102 . Lower Wall  206  can be configured to surround the brim and lower portion of a cap placed in Hat Storage Device  100 . For example, and without limitation, Lower Wall  206  can be positioned along the perimeter of Lower Body Portion  104  such that Lower Wall  206  forms a closed loop around substantially the entire perimeter of Lower Body Portion  104 . In other embodiments, Lower Wall  206  may not form a closed loop and can cover a portion of Lower Body Portion  104 . In some embodiments, Lower Wall  206  can attach to Hinge  202 . 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, Lower Body Portion  104  can include at least a portion of Brim  120 . In some embodiments, Lower Body Portion  104  can include at least a portion of Crown Area  106 . 
         [0033]    First Zipper Track  212  can extend around the bottom edge of Upper Body Portion  102 . In some embodiments, because First Zipper Track  212  is along the bottom edge of Upper Body Portion  102 , it can be located along the perimeters of Crown Area  106 , Brim  120 , and/or other portions of Upper Body Portion  102 . 
         [0034]    Similarly, Second Zipper Track  214  can extend around the top edge of Lower Body Portion  104 . In some embodiments, because Second Zipper Track  214  is along the top edge of Lower Body Portion  104 , it can be located along the perimeters of Crown Area  106 , Brim  120 , and/or other portions of Lower Body Portion  104 . 
         [0035]    First Zipper Track  212  and Second Zipper Track  214  can include teeth. Zipper Slide  122  can be configured move along each of First Zipper Track  212  and Second Zipper Track  214 . Zipper Slide  122  can comprise two slots, one for First Zipper Track  212  and one for Second Zipper Track  214 . When Zipper Slide  122  engages both First Zipper Track  212  and Second Zipper Track  214  simultaneously, it can engage First Zipper Track  212  and Second Zipper Track  214  together and apart as it moves along (e.g., forward or back) First Zipper Track  212  and Second Zipper Track  214 . In this way, the teeth of First Zipper Track  212  and Second Zipper Track  214  can interlock and form a secure bond to close Hat Storage Device  100 . Alternate securing mechanisms may be substituted, including without limitation, snaps, pins, buttons, clasps, magnets, ties, laces, VELCRO, or other known secures. 
         [0036]    Cap Stopper  216  can be positioned proximally to Back End  116  and abutted to Interior Surface  204  and/or Interior Surface  208 . Cap Stopper  216  can allow a cap in Hat Storage Device  100  to rest its back area against the surface of Cap Stopper  216  facing Front End  112  so that the back area of the cap contacts Cap Stopper  216 . When the cap is removed from Cap Stopper  216  and placed on the wearer&#39;s head, the cap can regain its shape. Cap Stopper  216  can allow the caps in Hat Storage Device  100  to be aligned in a horizontal direction. In some embodiments, about 10-12 caps may be stored in Hat Storage Device  100  at one time, but the size of Hat Storage Device  100  can be configured to store fewer or greater than 10-12 caps as desired. 
         [0037]    Cap Stopper  216  can be a cylindrical shape and non-deformable to add pressure against the back of a cap in Hat Storage Device  100 . Cap Stopper  216  can have an internal compartment that can be used to store miscellaneous items within. In some embodiments, the internal compartment can be accessed by opening Cover  218 , which can be affixed to Cap Stopper  216  with a closing mechanism such as Zipper  220 . Alternate closure mechanisms may be substituted, including without limitation, snaps, pins, buttons, clasps, magnets, ties, laces, VELCRO, or other known closures. In some embodiments, the closing mechanism can only be accessed after opening Hat Storage Device  100 . In other embodiments, the closing mechanism can be accessed by a user whether or not Hat Storage Device  100  is open or closed (e.g., the closing mechanism can be externally accessible). In some embodiments, Cap Stopper  216  can be permanently affixed to Hat Storage Device  100  or removable so that the user can use Cap Stopper  216  to transport and store other items. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  is a back view of the example hat storage device from  FIG. 1  in a closed position. In this example embodiment, Latch  126  is illustrated as attached to Hinge  202 . 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, where Lower Wall  206  forms a closed or substantially closed loop, Hinge  202  can connect to Lower Wall  206  proximal to Back End  116 . In other embodiments, Lower Wall  206  may not be a closed loop around substantially the entire perimeter of Lower Body Portion  104 , and Lower Wall  206  can have an opening where Hinge  202  is located. In some cases, Lower Wall  206  can then connect to Hinge  206  and Hinge  206  can connect to Interior Surface  204  and/or Bottom End  108 . Latch  126  can be positioned anywhere on Hat Storage Device  100  as desired. 
         [0040]    In other embodiments, Hat Storage Device  100  may not have Hinge  206 , and Lower Body Portion  104  can be completely detached from Upper Body Portion  102 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an example hat storage device connected to a backpack. Hat Storage Device  400  comprises Crown Area  404  and Brim  406 . Backpack  402  can be any sort of bag configured to be carried on users&#39; backs. In other embodiments, instead of Backpack  402 , Hat Storage Device  400  can connect to any other bag, including, but not limited to, purses, duffle bags, luggage bags, tote bags, messenger bags, etc. 
         [0042]    Hat Storage Device  400  can be permanently affixed to Backpack  402  or it can be removable. For example, and without limitation, the bottom surface of Hat Storage Device  400  (e.g., the surface proximally located to Backpack  402 ) can comprise a connection mechanism that connects Hat Storage Device  400  to Backpack  402 . Examples of connection mechanisms include, but are not limited to, buttons, snaps, or magnets that can connect to openings, receivers or magnets to hold Hat Storage Device  400  in place on Backpack  402 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of an example hat storage device having an example pocket and latching mechanism. Bottom End  508  of Hat Storage Device  500  can include an opening in the form of Pocket  502 . A closure mechanism can be used to close Pocket  502 . For example, and without limitation, Pocket  502  can include Zipper  512 . Other, alternate closure mechanisms may be substituted, including snaps, pins, buttons, clasps, magnets, ties, laces, VELCRO, or other known closures. Hat Storage Device  500  can also include a latching mechanism, such as Latch  526 , which can be substantially similar to Latch  126  described with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 . Latch  526  can latch Hat Storage Device  500  onto a belt loop, duffle bag, backpack, or any other bag or apparatus described in this disclosure. Latch  526  can extend from the back end of Hat Storage Device  500  between the upper and lower body portions. In other embodiments, Latch  526  can be positioned anywhere on Hat Storage Device  500  as desired. 
         [0044]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an example hat storage device having a shoulder strap. The ends of Strap  602  can be connected to Hat Storage Device  600  around the middle area of the lower body portion. Strap  602  can be connected to form a loop or opening where a user can carry Hat Storage Device  600  around his/her shoulder. 
         [0045]    One or more straps can be connected to a hat storage device.  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an example hat storage device having straps on its upper body portion. In some embodiments, two straps can be connected to the upper body portion of Hat Storage Device  700 . Strap  702  can be secured to the right end of the crown of Hat Storage Device  700  and a second strap (not pictured) can be secured to the left side of the crown of Hat Storage Device  700 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the straps (e.g., Strap  702 ) can hang in a downward position. However, a user can grip the straps and they can move upwards and allow the device to be easily transported. The straps can act as handles to provide easy gripping and transporting of Hat Storage Device  700 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an example hat storage device connected to a duffle bag. Hat Storage Device  800  has Zipper Slides  832 , located at the top end of Hat Storage Device  800 . Zipper Slides  832  can run on zipper tracks that interface Hat Storage Device  800  with Duffle Bag  830 . These zipper tracks can comprise teeth that can interlock similar to First Zipper Track  212  and Second Zipper Track  214  described with reference to  FIG. 2 . Zipper Slides  832  can comprise a plurality of zipper slides. In some embodiments, Zipper Slides  832  can include two zipper slides, which are a left zipper slide and a right zipper slide. In the closed position, the left and right zipper slides meet together along the zipper tracks. To open the top of Hat Storage Device  800 , a user can start pulling the left and right zipper slides and zip around so that each the left and right zipper slides move towards the brim of Hat Storage Device  800 . The zipper tracks of Zipper Slides  832 , connected to the edge of a panel of Duffle Bag  830 , unzip along the crown and meet at the left and right edge of the brim. Accordingly, in the fully open position, both left and right zipper slides of Zipper Slides  832  can be at the brim of Hat Storage Device  800 . Hat Storage Device  800  can be secured to a panel on the Duffle Bag  830  by the back area (e.g., the back of the crown area or brim) of Hat Storage Device  800 . Hat Storage Device  800  can be permanently or removably attached to Duffle Bag  830 . In some embodiments, Hat Storage Device  800  can be separated from Duffle Bag  830  without unzipping Zipper Slides  832 . In other embodiments, Zipper Slides  832  and their zipper tracks can be used to hold and remove Hat Storage Device  800  from Duffle Bag  830 . Connected to Duffle Bag  830 , Hat Storage Device  800  can open by unzipping Zipper Slides  832 , leaving the brim attached to the duffle bag, so that items can be placed inside of the crown area of the device for storage. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, Hat Storage Device  800  can open and close along its brim using Zipper  822 . This opening can allow access to caps stored in Hat Storage Device  800  and other items stored in the brim. 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, the zipper tracks of Zipper Slides  832  and Zipper  822  are separate zipper systems that cannot cross over to each other. In other embodiments, Zipper Slides  832  and Zipper  822  can be connected so that they run on a continuous track. In this way, the left and right Zipper Slides of Zipper Slides  832  can unzip all the way to the brim of Hat Storage Device  800  and open and close Hat Storage Device  800  fully. 
         [0049]    The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.