US20160120254A1

US20160120254A1 - Waterproof swim cap

Info

Publication number: US20160120254A1
Application number: US14/932,912
Authority: US
Inventors: Brittany Montoya; Dwight Drewery; Mallory Steele
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-11-04
Filing date: 2015-11-04
Publication date: 2016-05-05

Abstract

A waterproof cap with at least two fasteners that allows a swimmer to gently cover his or her voluminous hair. The cap consists of a pliable and waterproof material (such as silicone, latex etc) that conforms to the volume of the swimmer's hair. The waterproof fasteners are secured resulting in a closed surface ending at the base of the cap along the swimmer's forehead. At the base of the cap along the circumference of the head, a flexible strap is used to tighten the cap. The flexible strap is used to prevent water from entering the cap's hair cover section and keeping the hair dry.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from provisional application Ser. No. 62/074,839 filed on Nov. 4, 2014, entitled “Waterproof Swim Cap” and 62/207,966 filed on Aug. 21, 2015, entitled “Waterproof Swim Cap”; both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of swimming wear. More specifically this invention is related to a swim cap that does not sit against a wearer's scalp preventing damage to the wearer's hair style.
2. Background
Silicone swim caps are designed to fit snuggly against the wearer's scalp. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,189,130 describes a cap with a flexible body having a dome shape for conveniently conforming to a swimmer's head. U.S. Pat. No. 7,827,621 describes a hair drying cap that absorbs moisture from the hair of the wearer. U.S. Patent Application Publication US2012/0131717 provides a swim cap comprising a pocket for holding objects. U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S. 2013/0247269 describes a decorative swim/bath/shower cap that allows the wearer to protect his or her long hair. The cap comprises a draw-string that can be used to tighten a head band on the cap against the person's head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a solution to the above and other problems by enabling a waterproof swim cap with at least one two fasteners and which provides a cavity that is larger than standard caps. The cap consists of a pliable and waterproof material such as silicone, latex, etc., that conforms to the volume of the individual wearer's hair and has at least two fasteners, e.g., zippers; or a single two-way zipper. The styled or voluminous hair is first placed under the unfastened, e.g., un-zipped, cap. A first waterproof fastener is then closed/zipped resulting in a surface ending at the base of the cap along the swimmers forehead. A second waterproof fastener, e.g., zipper, is then closed completing the form of the cap and creating a cavity/pocket for the swimmer's hair. A water resistant seal formed by a front base on the front side and a back base on the back side of the cap when the fastening device is fastened. In one preferred embodiment, a flexible strap is included at the base of the cap along the circumference of the head. The strap is used to tighten the cap. The cap is sealed against the wearer's head by tightening the flexible strap and securing the strap to a releasable element, such a fastener or a snap. The flexible strap prevents water from entering the wearer's head and maintains the hair inside the cap dry.
Other and additional objects of this invention will become apparent from a consideration of this entire specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a user wearing the waterproof swim cap.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a user wearing the waterproof swim cap.

FIG. 3A is a top view of the waterproof swim cap unfastened/unzipped, utilizing two separate zippers.

FIG. 3B is the top view of the waterproof swim cap unfastened/unzippered, utilizing a two way zipper.

FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the waterproof swim cap with an extension element not fastened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers are used for like parts. This description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to build and use an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the invention, but to serve as a particular example thereof Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.
The waterproof, fastened, e.g, zippered, swim cap allows people with styled, thick, or long hair, to swim without affecting their hair style. Costly hairstyles that consist of beads, balls, braids, extensions, dreadlocks limit the use of a standard silicone swim caps or other similar caps that require tight fitting along the entire head. Whether the swimmer has voluminous or accessorized hair it is very difficult for a standard cap to fit comfortably over the head, if it even fits at all.
Due to this obstacle, people of all ages never learn how to swim in fear that the water will ruin the hairstyle and getting in the water may also result in chemical breakage from the chlorine.
With a standard cap, the hair needs to be braided first in a style that lays flat against the head. If this style is not an option at the time that the standard swim cap is placed on the hair, pulling of the hair, which causes pain, occurs.
The waterproof fastened, e.g., zippered swim cap described herein is designed to cover any hairstyle without causing pain, breakage, and, more importantly, it preserves the wearer's hairstyle. As a result, the number of children and adults participating in swim lessons and pool related activities will increase. Thus, there will be an increase in swimming skills and awareness.
The present invention is referred to generally in FIG. 1-4. A pliable and waterproof material is used to construct the cap 15, which allows for comfort and enough elasticity to conform to the volume of the swimmer's hair. The cap 15 has two sections: a hair cover section 14 and a fastening section 13. The hair cover section 14 is configured to allow the hair of the swimmer to maintain its style. As a result, the hair cover section 14 does not press against the swimmer's scalp.
The hair cover section 14 has at least two water proof fasteners, e.g., zippers 16. Fasteners may include zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, pressure seals, and similar mechanical elements that allow the user to close the side of the cap 15 to form a cavity or pocket for hair inside the cap 15 and prevent water from entering the cavity/pocket for the swimmer's hair. When the water proof fasteners, e.g., zippers, 16 are open or unzipped, the cap 15 can lay flat on a surface or on the user's head, which allows the user to easily attach the cap 15 to his or her head without disturbing the hair style.
In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 3A there are two waterproof fasteners, e.g., zippers. The cap 15 comprises a back side 33 and a front side 38. The back side 33 has a first end 41 and a second end 45, and the front side 38 has a first end 47 and a second end 49. The back side 33 first end 41 and the front side 38 first end 47 are connected by a first fastener or zipper 51. The back side 33 second end 45 and the front side 38 second end 49 are connected by a second fastener or zipper 16. When the first fastener or zipper 51 is closed, the back side's 33 first end 41 and the front side's 38 first end 47 come together. When the second fastener or zipper 16 is closed, the back side's 33 second end 41 and the front side's 38 second end 47 come together. When both fasteners, e.g., zippers, 16, 51 are closed the device takes the form of the cap 15 and a lose pocket is created for the swimmer's hair. The cap 15 is designed in such a way that there is extra material between the fasteners, e.g., zippers, 16, 51 in order to protect the hair style of the user. A water resistant seal formed by a front base on the front side and a back base on the back side of the cap when the fastening device is fastened.
In another embodiment, the water proof fasteners 16 are formed as a two way zipper that can be zipped from either side and to any point along the length of the zipper. The waterproof fasteners, e.g., zippers, 16 allow the cap to open without having to pull the cap over the head and allows the wearer to adjust and position the hair comfortably before closing the fastener. In a preferred embodiment, a fold 17 on the anterior side of the fasteners, e.g., zippers, (the side in contact with the user's hair) prevents the hair from getting caught in the fasteners, e.g., zippers, when the cap 15 is placed on the head and secured. A flap 18 placed on the posterior side of the fasteners, e.g., zippers, (the side on the outside of the cap 15 when worn) allows for the fasteners, e.g., zippers, to remain hidden upon closing.
In some embodiments, the cap 15 comprises a back side 33 and a front side 38. The back side 33 has a first end 41 and a second end 45, and the front side 38 has a first end 47 and a second end 49. The back side 33 first end 41 and the front side 38 first end 47 are connected by a first fastener or zipper 51. The back side 33 second end 45 and the front side 38 second end 49 are connected by a second fastener or zipper 16. When the first fastener or zipper 51 is closed, the back side's 33 first end 41 and the front side's 38 first end 47 come together. When the second fastener or zipper 16 is closed, the back side's 33 second end 41 and the front side's 38 second end 47 come together. When both fasteners, e.g., zippers, 16, 51 are closed the device takes the form of the cap 15 and a lose pocket is created for the swimmer's hair. The cap 15 is designed in such a way that there is extra material between the fasteners, e.g., zippers, 16, 51 in order to protect the hair style of the user. A water resistant seal formed by a front base on the front side and a back base on the back side of the cap when the fastening device is fastened.
Once the fasteners 16, whether in the form of multiple zippers, a single two way zipper, or any other combination of fastener, are closed around the head of the person wearing the cap 15, the front side 38 and back side 33 form a water resistant seal on the person's head. The seal prevents the rest of the person's hair from getting wet and keeps their hair dry.
In one alternative embodiment, a flexible strap 19, on the fastening section 13, travels the circumference of the cap 15 is also made of a pliable and waterproof material used to secure the cap once it has been placed and zipped close. The strap 19 may extend beyond the side of the cap 15 in order to attach to a fasteners, such a snap or a hook and loop fastener and tighten the cap 15. Tightening the flexible strap 19 creates a seal around the swimmers head that prevents water from entering the cap 15. The plastic fastener 20 is a snap-like mechanism used to secure the flexible strap 19 once it has been pulled and adjusted enough to comfortably fit around the circumference of the swimmer's head while preventing water from entering the cap 15. It is contemplated that other types of fastening devices as known by a person of skill in the art can be used. For example, the fastener may include hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and similar mechanical elements that allow the user to tighten the strap and fasten it the cap 15 to the swimmer's head.
The invention has been described with references to a preferred embodiment. While specific values, relationships, materials and steps have been set forth for purposes of describing concepts of the invention, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the basic concepts and operating principles of the invention as broadly described. It should be recognized that, in the light of the above teachings, those skilled in the art can modify those specifics without departing from the invention taught herein. Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with such underlying concept. It is intended to include all such modifications, alternatives and other embodiments insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. Consequently, the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A swim cap, comprising:

a back side that further comprises a back side first end and a backside second end opposite said backside first end;

a front side that further comprises a front side first end and a front side second end opposite said first side first end;

a fastening device connecting said backside first end and said front side first end;

the fastening device also connecting said backside second end and said front side second end; wherein said cap is configured so that when the fastening device is fastened, a hair cover section is formed that provides a loose pocket for a swimmer's hair and a water resistant seal formed by a front base on the front side and a back base on the back side of the cap when the fastening device is fastened.

2. The swim cap of claim 1, further comprising: a strap is configured to tighten the cap against the swimmer's head and prevents water from entering the hair cover section.

3. The swim cap of claim 1, further comprising a fold configured to prevent hair from getting caught in the fastening device.

4. The swim cap of claim 2, further comprising a fastener configured to allow the strap to seal the cap against a swimmer's head.

5. The swim cap of claim 1, wherein said fastening device is a two way zipper.

6. The swim cap of claim 5, wherein said zipper is waterproof.

7. The swim cap of claim 4, wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of a loop and hook fastener, a button fastener, and a clip fastener.

8. A swim cap, comprising:

a first fastening device connecting said backside first end and said front side first end;

a second fastening device connecting said backside second end and said front side second end; and

configured so that when the first fastening device and the second fastening device are fastened, a cavity is formed that provides lose packet for a swimmer's hair.

9. The swim cap of claim 8, further comprising: a strap is configured to tighten the cap against the swimmer's head and prevents water from entering the hair cover section.

10. The swim cap of claim 8, further comprising a fold configured to prevent hair from getting caught in the first or second fastening devices.

11. The swim cap of claim 9, further comprising a fastener configured to allow the strap seal the cap against a swimmer's head.

12. The swim cap of claim 8, wherein said fastening device is a two way zipper.

13. The swim cap of claim 12, wherein said zipper is waterproof.

14. The swim cap of claim 11, wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of a loop and hook fastener, a button fastener, and a clip fastener.