US20090038048A1 - Contoured Swim Cap for People Having Long Hair, Braids, or Dreadlocks - Google Patents
Contoured Swim Cap for People Having Long Hair, Braids, or Dreadlocks Download PDFInfo
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- US20090038048A1 US20090038048A1 US12/188,253 US18825308A US2009038048A1 US 20090038048 A1 US20090038048 A1 US 20090038048A1 US 18825308 A US18825308 A US 18825308A US 2009038048 A1 US2009038048 A1 US 2009038048A1
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- Prior art keywords
- swim cap
- hair
- cavity
- body portion
- swimmer
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B1/00—Hats; Caps; Hoods
- A42B1/04—Soft caps; Hoods
- A42B1/12—Bathing caps
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to swimwear, such as caps or headwear worn while swimming, and more particularly to a contoured swim cap having a cavity to accommodate long hair.
- Swimmers often employ swim caps to cover their heads when swimming. Swim caps cover the swimmer's hair, thereby lessening drag and friction while the swimmer moves through the water. Additionally, some recreational swimmers wear swim caps to keep their hair from getting wet. The swimmer tucks his hair into the cap and then pulls the cap about the top of the head.
- Prior art swim caps are often semi-spherical in shape. They are generally round and are formed so as to mimic the shape of a human skull. While older caps were made from a stretchable fabric, such as nylon or Spandex®, more modern caps are made from rubber-like materials, such as latex or silicone. Latex and silicone are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of manufacturability. Prior art silicone or latex swim caps tend to be relatively stiff so that they will retain their hydrodynamically beneficial properties while the swimmer is swimming.
- prior art swim caps are not suitable for everyone.
- FIG. 1 illustrated therein is a female swimmer 100 with long hair 102 having hanging portions 103 configured as dreadlocks.
- the swimmer 100 must wear the prior art swim cap 201 with her dreadlocks 103 hanging beneath.
- This configuration greatly compromises any hydrodynamic benefits of the swim cap 201 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates a swimmer with long hair.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a swimmer with long hair wearing a prior art swim cap.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a swim cap in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a swim cap in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a front, right, top perspective view of a swimmer having long hair wearing a swim cap in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a rear, right, top perspective view of a swimmer having long hair wearing a swim cap in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- FIGS. 7-9 illustrate methods of using a swim cap in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- Embodiments of the present invention provide a contoured swim cap that both fits over the head of the swimmer and that fits over a relatively large amount of the swimmer's hair.
- a swim cap having two distinct cavities can be placed over the head.
- a first cavity generally conforms to the swimmer's head, while a second cavity encapsulates the ball or bun of hair.
- Embodiments of the present invention include streamlined contours such that the swimmer's head and hair are accommodated without undue wrinkling or misshapenness that might cause adverse hydrodynamic effects.
- embodiments of the invention can be used as a bathing cap or rain cap as well.
- the swim cap 300 includes a body 301 that is contoured such that it defines at least two main cavities.
- the swim cap 300 includes a first cavity 302 that is configured to accommodate a swimmer's head.
- the swim cap 300 also includes a second cavity 303 that is configured to accommodate a swimmer's hair.
- the swim cap 300 can prevent the swimmer's hair from touching the swimmer's neck when the swim cap 300 is placed with the first cavity 302 about the swimmer's head and with the swimmer's hair stowed in the second cavity 303 .
- the body 301 comprises a unitary body member that is made from a single piece of a relatively thin, pliant, stretchable, and resilient material, such as silicone, or latex.
- a relatively thin, pliant, stretchable, and resilient material such as silicone, or latex.
- the swim cap 300 can be manufactured using a thermal molding process where silicone or latex is disposed about a mold having a positive protrusion corresponding to the first cavity 302 and the second cavity 303 and then allowed to cool.
- Other manufacturing processes, such as dipping or injection molding may also be used.
- a curvature portion 305 is disposed between the body portion defining the first cavity 302 and the body portion defining the second cavity 303 .
- This curvature portion 305 which is concave relative to the exterior of the swim cap 300 and convex relative to the interior portion of the swim cap 300 , may circumscribe the body as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the curvature portion 305 provides the swim cap 300 with an hourglass shape.
- the curvature portion 405 may only partially circumscribe the body 401 , thereby leaving a base portion 408 of the swim cap with a flatter, smoother appearance.
- the swim cap takes on a semi-hourglass shape. Note that the opposite may also be true—the curvature portion 405 may partially circumscribe the body 401 along the base portion, which would leave the top portion 409 with a flatter appearance.
- the particular configuration can be chosen based upon hairstyle and optimum hydrodynamic properties.
- the body 301 comprises a head body portion 310 , the curvature portion 305 , and the hair body portion 311 .
- the swim cap 300 can be designed with different sized head body portions 310 and hair body portions 311 .
- one head body portion 310 can be manufactured with different hair body portion 311 sizes, and vice versa.
- the head body portion 310 may be larger in volume accommodation while the hair body portion 311 is smaller in volume accommodation.
- the hair body portion 311 may be greater in accommodating volume than the head body portion 310 .
- the swim cap 300 can be configured to accommodate variable amounts of hair by varying the thickness of the body 301 .
- the head body portion thickness 306 which is the thickness of the body material in the head body portion—is thicker than the hair body portion thickness 307 —which is the thickness of the body material in the hair body portion.
- a larger head body portion thickness can provide stability and help to retain the swim cap 300 on the swimmer's head.
- the larger head body portion thickness also helps to prevent unwanted folding or bulging.
- the smaller hair body portion thickness allows for greater flexibility and stretching of the body material, thereby making it easier to accommodate large amounts of hair in the hair body portion 311 .
- the curvature portion 305 tapers in thickness from the head body portion 310 to the hair body portion 311 , with thickness of material in the curvature portion 305 being greater near the head body portion 310 and lesser near the hair body portion 311 .
- exemplary thicknesses may range as follows:
- the head body portion thickness 306 can be less than 500 thousandths of an inch.
- the head body portion thickness 306 may range from 0.125′′ to 0.250′′.
- the hair body portion thickness 307 then is thinner, such as between 0.050′′ and 0.125′′. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that these measurements are illustrative examples only. Other measurements for these thicknesses can be chosen based upon head size, hair size, and application.
- each portion will have a different elasticity associated therewith. For instance, when the hair body portion thickness 307 is thinner than the head body portion thickness 306 , the head body portion elasticity will be less than the hair body portion elasticity to the change in material thickness. Such a configuration is useful for retaining the swim cap 300 on the swimmer's head while providing additional “stretchability” in the hair body portion 311 .
- an optional gripping member 320 can be included.
- the gripping member 320 which can be an elastomer, an additional band of body material, or other friction-adding component, can be placed about the opening 304 to help retain the head body member 310 securely on the swimmer's head.
- the gripping member 320 circumscribes the opening 304 .
- an optional chin strap (illustrated in FIG. 4 as element 421 ) can be added to help retain the swim cap to the swimmer's head.
- the swim cap is manufactured from latex or silicon.
- other materials including nylon or Spandex®—may also be used to construct the swim cap.
- the optional chin strap 421 may be desired.
- the chin strap 421 can be made detachable with a fastening element 422 .
- the fastening element 422 may be a snap, hook and loop fastener, or other coupling device.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrated therein is a swimmer 100 having long hair, such as braids or dreadlocks, wearing a swim cap 300 in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- the hanging portions 103 of the swimmer's hair ( 102 ) are positioned within the second cavity ( 303 ) such that the hair body portion 311 encapsulates the swimmer's hair ( 102 ).
- the swimmer's head 105 has been positioned within the first cavity ( 302 ) such that the head body portion 310 substantially covers the swimmer's head 105 .
- the curvature portion 305 provides a smooth, concave surface running from the head body portion 310 to the hair body portion 311 .
- the swim cap 300 substantially covers the swimmer's hair ( 102 ) to help prevent it from retaining water. Additionally, the swim cap 300 causes the swimmer's hair ( 102 ) to remain under the hair body portion 311 and off the swimmer's neck 106 . Note that in FIG. 6 , the dashed lines illustrate exemplary curvatures of the swim cap 300 .
- a swim cap ( 300 ) illustrated therein is one method of wearing or using a swim cap ( 300 ) in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- a swim cap ( 300 ) is provided.
- the swim cap ( 300 ) includes a contoured body ( 301 ) that defines at least a first cavity ( 302 ) configured to accommodate the swimmer's head ( 105 ) and a second cavity ( 303 ) configured to accommodate hanging portions ( 103 ) of a swimmer's hair, which may be in the form of a pony tail, braids, extension braids, hair extensions, bun, or dreadlocks.
- the swimmer ( 100 ) gathers hanging portions ( 103 ) of her hair and forms the hanging portions ( 103 ) into a bun at the rear portion of her head.
- the swimmer ( 100 ) places the bun in the second cavity ( 303 ) of the swim cap ( 300 ).
- the swimmer ( 100 ) pulls the first cavity ( 302 ) about her head.
- step ( 702 ) of gathering the swimmer's hair Some swimmers may desire additional support, as the weight of hair can be quite heavy. Additionally, support for the bun of hair can make putting the swim cap ( 300 ) on simpler. As such, at step 801 , the swimmer ties the hanging portions ( 103 ) of her hair into a bun with a hair holding device, such as a bobbie pin or elastic band.
- a hair holding device such as a bobbie pin or elastic band.
- the hair body portion ( 311 ) is configured to be thinner and lighter than the head body portion ( 310 ) to facilitate extra stretchability for the bulkiness and long lengths of hair belonging to some swimmers.
- the swimmer with longer hair stretches the second cavity ( 303 ) about the bun of hair.
Abstract
A swim cap (300) includes a body member (301) that defines a first cavity (302) and a second cavity (303). The first cavity (302) is for accommodating a swimmer's head (105), while the second cavity (303) is for accommodating a swimmer's hair (102), such as a ponytail, braids, extension braids, extensions, or dreadlocks. A head body portion (310) of the swim cap (300) sits about the swimmer's head (105), while a hair body portion (311) provides a compartment in which hair can be stowed without undue stretching or lumping.
Description
- This application claims priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/964,347, filed Aug. 9, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- This invention relates generally to swimwear, such as caps or headwear worn while swimming, and more particularly to a contoured swim cap having a cavity to accommodate long hair.
- 2. Background Art
- Swimmers often employ swim caps to cover their heads when swimming. Swim caps cover the swimmer's hair, thereby lessening drag and friction while the swimmer moves through the water. Additionally, some recreational swimmers wear swim caps to keep their hair from getting wet. The swimmer tucks his hair into the cap and then pulls the cap about the top of the head.
- Prior art swim caps are often semi-spherical in shape. They are generally round and are formed so as to mimic the shape of a human skull. While older caps were made from a stretchable fabric, such as nylon or Spandex®, more modern caps are made from rubber-like materials, such as latex or silicone. Latex and silicone are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of manufacturability. Prior art silicone or latex swim caps tend to be relatively stiff so that they will retain their hydrodynamically beneficial properties while the swimmer is swimming.
- Due to this relative rigidity and generally semi-spherical shape, prior art swim caps are not suitable for everyone. For example, turning to
FIG. 1 , illustrated therein is afemale swimmer 100 withlong hair 102 having hangingportions 103 configured as dreadlocks. Were thisswimmer 100 to try and put her large amount ofhair 102 beneath a prior art swim cap, it would most likely tear. Consequently, as shown inFIG. 2 , theswimmer 100 must wear the priorart swim cap 201 with herdreadlocks 103 hanging beneath. This configuration greatly compromises any hydrodynamic benefits of theswim cap 201. Even if theswimmer 100 can get most of her hair (102) into theswim cap 201 without tearing, it is likely to become lumpy and wrinkled due to the exaggerated stretching required. Further, a substantial portion of the swimmer's hair (102) will get wet. - There is thus a need for an improved swim cap suitable for use by swimmers with large amounts of hair, such as those with braids or dreadlocks.
- The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a swimmer with long hair. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a swimmer with long hair wearing a prior art swim cap. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a swim cap in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a swim cap in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a front, right, top perspective view of a swimmer having long hair wearing a swim cap in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a rear, right, top perspective view of a swimmer having long hair wearing a swim cap in accordance with embodiments of the invention. -
FIGS. 7-9 illustrate methods of using a swim cap in accordance with embodiments of the invention. - Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Further, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
- Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure A.
- Embodiments of the present invention provide a contoured swim cap that both fits over the head of the swimmer and that fits over a relatively large amount of the swimmer's hair. In one embodiment, when the swimmer gathers her hair into a ball or bun at the rear of the head, a swim cap having two distinct cavities can be placed over the head. A first cavity generally conforms to the swimmer's head, while a second cavity encapsulates the ball or bun of hair. Embodiments of the present invention include streamlined contours such that the swimmer's head and hair are accommodated without undue wrinkling or misshapenness that might cause adverse hydrodynamic effects. In addition to being used as a swim cap, embodiments of the invention can be used as a bathing cap or rain cap as well.
- Turning now to
FIG. 3 , illustrated therein is one embodiment of aswim cap 300 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Theswim cap 300 includes abody 301 that is contoured such that it defines at least two main cavities. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3 , theswim cap 300 includes afirst cavity 302 that is configured to accommodate a swimmer's head. Theswim cap 300 also includes asecond cavity 303 that is configured to accommodate a swimmer's hair. When in use, theswim cap 300 can prevent the swimmer's hair from touching the swimmer's neck when theswim cap 300 is placed with thefirst cavity 302 about the swimmer's head and with the swimmer's hair stowed in thesecond cavity 303. - In one embodiment, the
body 301 comprises a unitary body member that is made from a single piece of a relatively thin, pliant, stretchable, and resilient material, such as silicone, or latex. Where such a material is used, theswim cap 300 can be manufactured using a thermal molding process where silicone or latex is disposed about a mold having a positive protrusion corresponding to thefirst cavity 302 and thesecond cavity 303 and then allowed to cool. Other manufacturing processes, such as dipping or injection molding, may also be used. - In one embodiment, a
curvature portion 305 is disposed between the body portion defining thefirst cavity 302 and the body portion defining thesecond cavity 303. Thiscurvature portion 305, which is concave relative to the exterior of theswim cap 300 and convex relative to the interior portion of theswim cap 300, may circumscribe the body as shown inFIG. 3 . Thecurvature portion 305 provides theswim cap 300 with an hourglass shape. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 4 , thecurvature portion 405 may only partially circumscribe thebody 401, thereby leaving abase portion 408 of the swim cap with a flatter, smoother appearance. In this, embodiment, the swim cap takes on a semi-hourglass shape. Note that the opposite may also be true—thecurvature portion 405 may partially circumscribe thebody 401 along the base portion, which would leave thetop portion 409 with a flatter appearance. The particular configuration can be chosen based upon hairstyle and optimum hydrodynamic properties. - Turning back to
FIG. 3 , thebody 301 comprises ahead body portion 310, thecurvature portion 305, and thehair body portion 311. Just as swimmers can have different sized heads and different amounts of hair, theswim cap 300 can be designed with different sizedhead body portions 310 andhair body portions 311. For example, onehead body portion 310 can be manufactured with differenthair body portion 311 sizes, and vice versa. In one embodiment, thehead body portion 310 may be larger in volume accommodation while thehair body portion 311 is smaller in volume accommodation. In another embodiment, such as one for swimmers with large amounts of hair or dreadlocks, thehair body portion 311 may be greater in accommodating volume than thehead body portion 310. - Further, the
swim cap 300 can be configured to accommodate variable amounts of hair by varying the thickness of thebody 301. By way of example, in one embodiment, the headbody portion thickness 306—which is the thickness of the body material in the head body portion—is thicker than the hairbody portion thickness 307—which is the thickness of the body material in the hair body portion. A larger head body portion thickness can provide stability and help to retain theswim cap 300 on the swimmer's head. The larger head body portion thickness also helps to prevent unwanted folding or bulging. The smaller hair body portion thickness allows for greater flexibility and stretching of the body material, thereby making it easier to accommodate large amounts of hair in thehair body portion 311. In such an embodiment, thecurvature portion 305 tapers in thickness from thehead body portion 310 to thehair body portion 311, with thickness of material in thecurvature portion 305 being greater near thehead body portion 310 and lesser near thehair body portion 311. - Where the
swim cap 300 is made from silicone or latex, exemplary thicknesses may range as follows: The headbody portion thickness 306 can be less than 500 thousandths of an inch. For instance, the headbody portion thickness 306 may range from 0.125″ to 0.250″. The hairbody portion thickness 307 then is thinner, such as between 0.050″ and 0.125″. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that these measurements are illustrative examples only. Other measurements for these thicknesses can be chosen based upon head size, hair size, and application. - Where different thicknesses of material are used for the
head body portion 310 and thehair body portion 311, each portion will have a different elasticity associated therewith. For instance, when the hairbody portion thickness 307 is thinner than the headbody portion thickness 306, the head body portion elasticity will be less than the hair body portion elasticity to the change in material thickness. Such a configuration is useful for retaining theswim cap 300 on the swimmer's head while providing additional “stretchability” in thehair body portion 311. - Optional accessories can be added to the
swim cap 300 as well. For example, in one alternative embodiment, an optional grippingmember 320 can be included. The grippingmember 320, which can be an elastomer, an additional band of body material, or other friction-adding component, can be placed about theopening 304 to help retain thehead body member 310 securely on the swimmer's head. In one embodiment, the grippingmember 320 circumscribes theopening 304. - In another embodiment, an optional chin strap (illustrated in
FIG. 4 as element 421) can be added to help retain the swim cap to the swimmer's head. As noted above, in one embodiment the swim cap is manufactured from latex or silicon. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that other materials—including nylon or Spandex®—may also be used to construct the swim cap. Where an alternative material, not having the frictional properties of latex or silicone is used, theoptional chin strap 421 may be desired. Thechin strap 421 can be made detachable with afastening element 422. Thefastening element 422 may be a snap, hook and loop fastener, or other coupling device. - Turning now to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrated therein is aswimmer 100 having long hair, such as braids or dreadlocks, wearing aswim cap 300 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. As shown with the cutaway section, the hangingportions 103 of the swimmer's hair (102) are positioned within the second cavity (303) such that thehair body portion 311 encapsulates the swimmer's hair (102). The swimmer'shead 105 has been positioned within the first cavity (302) such that thehead body portion 310 substantially covers the swimmer'shead 105. Thecurvature portion 305 provides a smooth, concave surface running from thehead body portion 310 to thehair body portion 311. Theswim cap 300 substantially covers the swimmer's hair (102) to help prevent it from retaining water. Additionally, theswim cap 300 causes the swimmer's hair (102) to remain under thehair body portion 311 and off the swimmer'sneck 106. Note that inFIG. 6 , the dashed lines illustrate exemplary curvatures of theswim cap 300. - Turning now to
FIG. 7 , illustrated therein is one method of wearing or using a swim cap (300) in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Atstep 701, a swim cap (300) is provided. In one embodiment, the swim cap (300) includes a contoured body (301) that defines at least a first cavity (302) configured to accommodate the swimmer's head (105) and a second cavity (303) configured to accommodate hanging portions (103) of a swimmer's hair, which may be in the form of a pony tail, braids, extension braids, hair extensions, bun, or dreadlocks. - At
step 702, the swimmer (100) gathers hanging portions (103) of her hair and forms the hanging portions (103) into a bun at the rear portion of her head. Atstep 703, the swimmer (100) places the bun in the second cavity (303) of the swim cap (300). Atstep 704, the swimmer (100) pulls the first cavity (302) about her head. - Turning now to
FIG. 8 , illustrated therein is additional detail regarding the step (702) of gathering the swimmer's hair. Some swimmers may desire additional support, as the weight of hair can be quite heavy. Additionally, support for the bun of hair can make putting the swim cap (300) on simpler. As such, atstep 801, the swimmer ties the hanging portions (103) of her hair into a bun with a hair holding device, such as a bobbie pin or elastic band. - Turning now to
FIG. 9 , illustrated therein is additional detail regarding the step (703) of placing the bun of hair into the second cavity (303). As noted above, in one embodiment the hair body portion (311) is configured to be thinner and lighter than the head body portion (310) to facilitate extra stretchability for the bulkiness and long lengths of hair belonging to some swimmers. As such, atstep 901, the swimmer with longer hair stretches the second cavity (303) about the bun of hair. By placing the formed hair in the unique, sock-like second cavity (303), the user is able to keep hair off the neckline while swimming. - In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.
Claims (20)
1. A swim cap, comprising a body, wherein the body defines at least two main cavities and an opening, wherein a first cavity is configured to accommodate a swimmer's head, further wherein a second cavity is configured to accommodate a swimmer's hair.
2. The swim cap of claim 1 , wherein the first cavity is larger than the second cavity.
3. The swim cap of claim 1 , wherein the first cavity is smaller than the second cavity.
4. The swim cap of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a contoured, unitary body member.
5. The swim cap of claim 4 , wherein the body comprises a contoured body having a curvature portion, the curvature portion being concave relative to an exterior of the contoured body, and being disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity.
6. The swim cap of claim 5 , wherein the swim cap is configured in one of an hourglass shape or a semi-hourglass shape.
7. The swim cap of claim 5 , wherein the body comprises a head body portion defining the first cavity and a hair body portion defining the second cavity, wherein the curvature portion is disposed between the head body portion and the hair body portion.
8. The swim cap of claim 7 , wherein the head body portion has a head body portion thickness and the hair body portion has a hair body portion thickness, wherein the head body portion thickness is greater than the hair body portion thickness.
9. The swim cap of claim 8 , wherein the head body portion thickness is less than five hundred thousandths of an inch.
10. The swim cap of claim 7 , wherein the curvature portion tapers in thickness from the head body portion to the hair body portion.
11. The swim cap of claim 7 , wherein the head body portion has a head body portion elasticity associated therewith, further wherein the hair body portion has a hair body portion elasticity associated therewith, wherein the swim cap is configured such that the hair body portion elasticity is greater than the head body portion elasticity.
12. The swim cap of claim 4 , wherein the body is constructed from one of latex or silicone.
13. The swim cap of claim 12 , wherein the body comprises thermally molded silicone.
14. The swim cap of claim 1 , wherein the swim cap further comprises a chin strap detachably coupled to the body.
15. The swim cap of claim 1 , wherein the swim cap further comprises a gripping member, configured to retain the swim cap to the swimmer's head, wherein the gripping member is disposed so as to circumscribe the opening.
16. The swim cap of claim 1 , wherein the swim cap is configured to prevent the swimmer's hair from touching a swimmer's neck when the swim cap is placed about the swimmer's head with the swimmer's hair stowed in the second cavity.
17. A method of wearing a swim cap, the method comprising the steps of:
providing the swim cap, wherein the swim cap comprises a contoured body defining at least a first cavity configured to accommodate a swimmer's head and a second cavity configured to accommodate a swimmer's hair;
gathering hanging portions of the swimmer's hair and forming the hanging portions into a bun at a rear portion of the swimmer's head;
placing the bun into the second cavity; and
pulling the first cavity about the swimmer's head.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the contoured body comprises a silicone body.
19. The method of claim 17 , further comprising the step of tying the hanging portions into the bun with a hair-holding device.
20. The method of claim 17 , wherein the step of placing the bun into the second cavity comprises stretching the second cavity about the bun.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/188,253 US20090038048A1 (en) | 2007-08-09 | 2008-08-08 | Contoured Swim Cap for People Having Long Hair, Braids, or Dreadlocks |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US96434707P | 2007-08-09 | 2007-08-09 | |
US12/188,253 US20090038048A1 (en) | 2007-08-09 | 2008-08-08 | Contoured Swim Cap for People Having Long Hair, Braids, or Dreadlocks |
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US20090038048A1 true US20090038048A1 (en) | 2009-02-12 |
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US12/188,253 Abandoned US20090038048A1 (en) | 2007-08-09 | 2008-08-08 | Contoured Swim Cap for People Having Long Hair, Braids, or Dreadlocks |
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Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2011032239A1 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-24 | Costa Antonio Jose Dos Santos | Bathing cap |
GB2482258A (en) * | 2011-06-03 | 2012-01-25 | Speedo Int Ltd | Swimming cap having hair containing portion |
US20120023642A1 (en) * | 2010-07-30 | 2012-02-02 | Holland Denise D | Garment for Retaining Long Hair Including Braids or Dreadlocks |
US20130000009A1 (en) * | 2010-03-16 | 2013-01-03 | Arena Distribution S.A. | Swim Cap, Particularly for Users Having Long Hair |
US20150135392A1 (en) * | 2012-06-14 | 2015-05-21 | Elizabeth Margaret Lind | Swimming caps |
WO2015112924A1 (en) * | 2014-01-24 | 2015-07-30 | Michael Cason | Swim cap for long hair |
US20160100648A1 (en) * | 2014-10-10 | 2016-04-14 | Jacquelin De Jesu | Noise Reducing Water Resistant Headpiece |
ITUA20164563A1 (en) * | 2016-06-21 | 2017-12-21 | Fabio Fasulo | SWIMMING CAP. |
US20180027912A1 (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2018-02-01 | Isabel Borrás Esteve | Hair-friendly swimming cap |
US20210361014A1 (en) * | 2012-06-14 | 2021-11-25 | Leslie Theresa Bono | Swimming Caps |
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US4011598A (en) * | 1975-08-15 | 1977-03-15 | Kittie Anne Sherr | Bathing cap |
USD343283S (en) * | 1991-11-07 | 1994-01-18 | Robert Hutchinson | Swim cap |
US6966068B2 (en) * | 2003-06-30 | 2005-11-22 | Aero Tech Sports Corporation | Swim cap |
US7189130B2 (en) * | 2004-11-10 | 2007-03-13 | Vega Ada C | Swim cap |
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2008
- 2008-08-08 US US12/188,253 patent/US20090038048A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US4011598A (en) * | 1975-08-15 | 1977-03-15 | Kittie Anne Sherr | Bathing cap |
USD343283S (en) * | 1991-11-07 | 1994-01-18 | Robert Hutchinson | Swim cap |
US6966068B2 (en) * | 2003-06-30 | 2005-11-22 | Aero Tech Sports Corporation | Swim cap |
US7189130B2 (en) * | 2004-11-10 | 2007-03-13 | Vega Ada C | Swim cap |
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WO2011032239A1 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-24 | Costa Antonio Jose Dos Santos | Bathing cap |
US20130000009A1 (en) * | 2010-03-16 | 2013-01-03 | Arena Distribution S.A. | Swim Cap, Particularly for Users Having Long Hair |
US8769719B2 (en) * | 2010-03-16 | 2014-07-08 | Arena Distribution S.A. | Swim cap, particularly for users having long hair |
US20120023642A1 (en) * | 2010-07-30 | 2012-02-02 | Holland Denise D | Garment for Retaining Long Hair Including Braids or Dreadlocks |
RU2632032C2 (en) * | 2011-06-03 | 2017-10-02 | Спидо Интернешнл Лимитед | Swimming cap |
WO2012164298A1 (en) * | 2011-06-03 | 2012-12-06 | Speedo International Limited | Swimming cap |
CN103732093A (en) * | 2011-06-03 | 2014-04-16 | 速比涛国际有限公司 | Swimming cap |
GB2482258B (en) * | 2011-06-03 | 2012-07-25 | Speedo Int Ltd | Swimming cap |
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US11110320B2 (en) * | 2012-06-14 | 2021-09-07 | Leslie Theresa Bono | Swimming caps |
US20150135392A1 (en) * | 2012-06-14 | 2015-05-21 | Elizabeth Margaret Lind | Swimming caps |
US20210361014A1 (en) * | 2012-06-14 | 2021-11-25 | Leslie Theresa Bono | Swimming Caps |
WO2015112924A1 (en) * | 2014-01-24 | 2015-07-30 | Michael Cason | Swim cap for long hair |
GB2537537A (en) * | 2014-01-24 | 2016-10-19 | Cason Michael | Swim cap for long hair |
GB2537537B (en) * | 2014-01-24 | 2020-08-12 | Cason Michael | Swim cap for persons with long hair |
US11052289B2 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2021-07-06 | Michael Cason | Swim cap for persons with long hair |
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US10099088B2 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2018-10-16 | Michael Cason | Swim cap for persons with long hair |
GB2581885A (en) * | 2014-01-24 | 2020-09-02 | Cason Michael | Swim cap for persons with long hair |
US20160100648A1 (en) * | 2014-10-10 | 2016-04-14 | Jacquelin De Jesu | Noise Reducing Water Resistant Headpiece |
US10021930B2 (en) * | 2014-10-10 | 2018-07-17 | Deejayzoo, Llc | Noise reducing water resistant headpiece |
WO2017221168A1 (en) * | 2016-06-21 | 2017-12-28 | Fasulo Fabio | Swimming cap |
ITUA20164563A1 (en) * | 2016-06-21 | 2017-12-21 | Fabio Fasulo | SWIMMING CAP. |
US10537145B2 (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2020-01-21 | Isabel Borrás Estevg | Hair-friendly swimming cap |
US20180027912A1 (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2018-02-01 | Isabel Borrás Esteve | Hair-friendly swimming cap |
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Legal Events
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Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |