Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hat storage container, and in particular a hat storage container for storing and transporting a plurality of hats such as snap back hats, flat back hats, flat caps and woollen hats.

Background

A person typically owns more than one hat and may wish to wear a different hat on a different occasion depending on mood of the user and the appearance of the hat. A person may therefore wish to take more than one hat out with them, or may pack more than one hat to take on holiday. Hats however can become disfigured or damaged during transportation and storage.

There is therefore a need for a container to store and safely transport hats without damage. Prior Art

CN 2 800 962 (HAOHUA) discloses a cap package which comprises an outer layer and an inner layer which are formed by the suction plastic moulding of transparent material. The contours of the outer layer and the inner layer are both in accord with the cap and the outer layer is a little bigger than the cap, and the inner layer is a little smaller than the cap. The cap is thereby covered and clamped between the outer layer and the inner layer. The lower parts of the outer layer and the inner layer are extended with outer porches extending outwards in parallel. The package shows the shape of the cap and keeps the shape from deformation, preventing accumulation of dirt caused by touch.

USD469010 (VALDEZ) discloses a hangable hat case.

US5865013 (JACKSON) discloses a package for a combination of a hat and garment. US5865333 (WOLFE) discloses a cap display for displaying a cap.

US5012531 (SCHOONOVER) discloses a form retaining holder or case for a visored cap.

US2007/0199833 (HUNT) discloses a one-piece clam shell baseball hat container that is used for storage, displaying, protecting and shaping baseball hats or caps.

US2017/0127778 (TUNING) discloses a storage device designed to protect and store caps.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a hat storage container for storing and transporting at least one hat comprising: a cover; a base that releasably connects to the cover to define a cavity for receiving the at least one hat; a hat stop for locating the at least one hat within the cavity; and a handle; wherein at least part of the cover is semi-dome shaped for covering the hat stop and a crown portion of the at least one hat, and a bill portion extending from the semi-dome shaped part of the cover for covering bill or brim portions of the at least one hat; and the hat stop houses, or provides a mounting for, at least one deodoriser.

In use, the (typically generally hemispherical) crown portions of the at least one hat may be folded in on themselves so as to adopt a generally quarter-spherical or semi- dome nested arrangement. It is appreciated that this configuration is preferred for snap back hats (caps). Therefore part of the cover is semi-dome shaped to reflect the crown portion. The at least one hat may then be arranged within the cavity such that the interior of a generally quarter-spherical or semi-dome shape is supported by the hat stop and the exterior is covered by a generally semi-dome shaped portion of the cover any visors, bills or partial brims of the at least one hat (such as those of baseball caps) may protrude from the crown portion and be covered by the bill portion of the cover. In some embodiments, multiple such folded hats may be stacked on top of each other and the hat stop and the container may store and transport a plurality of hats. It is appreciated that in some embodiments the cover may be dome shaped to cover the crown of a hat without folding and the bill may extend around the dome shaped cover to cover the brim of a hat.

In this way one or more hat can be contained within the cavity to protect the hat from damage or becoming soiled when not worn. The hat stop may ensure the hat(s) are securely located and supported within the cavity and the deodoriser may advantageously freshen the hat(s) between usage.

In preferred embodiments, the cavity comprises generally semi-dome shaped portion intermediate the generally semi-dome shaped portion of the cover and the base and/or the hat stop. This portion is preferably for receiving folded crown portions of one or more hats. The cavity preferably also comprises a bill portion extending from its semi-dome shaped portion intermediate the bill portion of the cover and the base. This portion is preferably for receiving bill, visor or brim portions of the at least one hat.

The generally semi-dome shaped portion of the cover may be shaped and dimensioned to cover and/or receive the hat stop and the crown portions of the at least one hat and the bill portion may be shaped and dimensioned to receive and/or cover the bill portions of the at least one hat. In some embodiments, the bill portion is elongate. In some embodiments, the hat stop is comprised by, or is rigidly attached to, the base. In other embodiments, the hat stop is displaceable with respect to the base. This may allow the space between the hat stop and the inside of the semi-dome shaped portion of the cover to be varied, thereby allowing the size and shape of the cavity to be adjusted to accommodate different numbers and/or thicknesses of hats. Preferably the hat stop is generally semi-dome shaped to correspond to the cover and define a region that reflects the shape of the hat.

In such embodiments where the hat stop is displaceable, the hat stop is preferably lockable in one or more specific locations and/or arrangements with respect to the base or at any point on one or more continuums of locations and/or arrangements with respect to the base. In some embodiments, the container comprises one or more hat stop connection means for receiving the hat stop. The hat stop connection means are preferably comprised by the base such that the hat stop can be removably connected to the base. Alternatively, or additionally, the cover may comprise the hat stop connection means, such as on an interior face thereof.

Ideally the base comprises a plurality of hat stops connection means for connecting the hat stop in a plurality of different locations or arrangements. Alternatively, or additionally, the hat stop connection means may permit adjustment or displacement of the hat stop, so that the hat stop can be positioned at multiple locations within the cavity so as to accommodate the at least one hat that is to be stored. In some embodiments the hat stop connection means may permit the interchangeable attachment of differently shaped and/or sized hat stops thereto.

In some embodiments, the hat stop is slideable with respect to the base. For example, the hat stop may be slideable in a direction parallel to that in which the bill portion of the cover extends from semi-dome shaped portion of the cover when it is connected to the base. Alternatively, or additionally, the hat stop may be removable and replaceable with differently sized and/or shaped hat stops for accommodating different numbers, shapes, or thicknesses of hats.

In preferred embodiment the hat stop connection means may be or may comprise one or more channels along which the hat stop can slide. The channels may provide an anchoring location for the hat stop, along which the hat stop can slide to the preferred location. The hat stop may be adapted to fit to or engage with the one or more channels by a resistance fitting so that the hat stop remains in place unless a sufficient force is applied thereto. The hat stop connection means may also comprise apertures on the base for receiving corresponding members on the hat stop to fix the hat stop in place. The apertures may in addition to, or an alternative to, the channels.

For example, the hat stop connection means may only comprise apertures and corresponding members, wherein multiple apertures may be provided to provide various securing positions, so that the apertures can be aligned with the members at different locations.

Alternatively, the hat stop connection means may comprise channels and apertures/members wherein the hat stop is slid to the desired location and then fixed in position by engagement of corresponding apertures and members.

The hat stop is preferably shaped and dimensioned to sit within the folded crown portion of a hat and may conform to and support a generally semi-dome shaped nested folded crown portion of a hat. For example, the hat stop may press the quarter-spherical nested folded crown portion of one or more hats against the interior of the semi-dome shaped crown portion of the cover.

The hat stop is adapted to house a deodoriser. In this way the at least one hat within the container in use may be freshened during storage.

Advantageously the hat stop may be detachable from the base, therefore the hat stop may be easily fitted or exchanged. It is appreciated that differently shaped and/or sized hat stops may be provided for supporting, locating and/or accommodating different shapes, sizes, thicknesses and/or numbers hats.

In some embodiments the deodoriser may be arranged within the hat stop (or a generally quarter-spherical volume at least partially defined or enclosed by the hat stop) and the hat stop may comprise vents for permitting egress of deodorising substances.

In other embodiments a face of the hat stop arranged towards the at least one hats may be adapted to receive or support the deodoriser such that no venting is required. For example, a support or pocket may be arranged on the exterior of the generally quarter-spherical curved surface of the hat stop on or within which the deodoriser may be arranged.

Preferably the deodoriser (or a portion thereof) is removable from the hat stop so that it can be exchanged when its deodorising properties expire, or to alter fragrance. The container has at least one a deodoriser that is associated with the hat stop and further deodorisers may be provided within the container, for example on the base, cover and/or within a bill portion of the cavity. The bill portion of the cover (and optionally the corresponding portion of the base for defining the bill portion of the cavity) may be shaped to correspond to a specific size or shape of bill. For example, the bill portion of the cover (and optionally a corresponding portion of the base) may be curved to support curved cap visors or bills.

The base releasably connects to the cover so as to define the cavity. In some embodiments, the container may comprise one or more permanent or releasably connectable hinges between the base and the cover. For example, the container may comprise one or more hinges between the semi-dome shaped portion of the cover and the base.

The container may comprise one or more catches, clips, clasps, or magnetic connectors for connecting the cover to the base. Alternatively, or additionally, thereby may be a friction fit or snap on closure between the cover and the base.

The cover and base are preferably configured for releasable engagement with each other. The cover preferably provides a tongue or a groove for releasable engagement with a corresponding groove or tongue provided on the base. The container may substantially seal the contents of the cavity from the external environment, and as such to protect the contents from water ingress. For example, the container may include a seal between where the cover and the base connect such that the container is waterproof. In some embodiments the cover is hingeably connectable to the base, and releasably engageable with the base to define the cavity extending therebetween. The base and cover may be moveable relative to each other between a first open position providing user access to the cavity, and a second closed position in which the base portion and cover portion are engaged to substantially seal the cavity from an external environment. The cover and base may be hingeably connected by a hinge located at or adjacent an edge of the dome or semi-dome shaped portion of the cover which is preferably distal from the bill portion of the cover so as to permit easy opening and access to the hat.

The hinge preferably comprises a first portion located at or adjacent the semi-dome shaped crown portion of the cover, and a second portion located at or adjacent a corresponding portion of the base, and in which the second portion is arranged to provide snap fit engagement with the first portion of the hinge.

The cover and base are preferably hingeably connected by a living hinge, although it is appreciated that any other suitable hinge may be used.

The thickness of the hinge is preferably between 0.25 mm and 0.5 mm, such as for example between 0.25 mm and 0.4 mm.

The living hinge may be located at or adjacent the extending bill portion of the cover. Alternatively, the living hinge may be located at or adjacent the semi-dome shaped crown portion of the cover.

The container is preferably formed from synthetic plastics. It is appreciated that the container may be formed from transparent, translucent or coloured materials, or a combination thereof. The container may be patterned, decorated and/or branded. Preferably the container is composed of injection moulded polypropylene, and in particular, may be a polypropylene homopolymer, or copolymer.

It is appreciated that the base and cover may be formed from the same material (s) or from different materials.

For example the cover may be formed from an injection moulded polypropylene homopolymer and the base may be formed from a polymeric material such as an injection moulded polypropylene copolymer. The container preferably has a stepped profile extending from its semi-dome shaped crown portion to its extending bill portion. The container preferably further comprises one or more vent openings. The one or more vent openings are preferably located on the cover although it is appreciated that one or more vents may be provided on the base.

The container preferably further comprises one or more attachment members located within the cavity for securing at least one hat in position. The or each attachment member may be a clip located on the base. The container may further comprise closed cell foam arranged to be located within the cavity. The closed cell foam may be located adjacent the cover. For example, the cover, the base, and/or the hat stop may comprise a layer of foam partially or entirely covering an interior surface thereof. The container has a handle so that the container can be easily carried and transported. The handle may be integrated with the base and cover, providing a defined opening through which a carrier's hand can be passed, or the handle be in the form of one or more straps, such as a shoulder strap, or plural straps so that the container can be carried as a backpack.

In some embodiments, the handle is in the form of a pair of corresponding apertures, one through the cover and one through the base, which are aligned when the cover is connected to the base so as to define the cavity. The apertures preferably define a passage though the container. The apertures and the passage are preferably located at or adjacent the end of the bill portion of the cover and/or the cavity distal from the semi-dome shaped crown portion. The apertures and passage are preferably spaced apart from the crown portion to provide sufficient space in the bill portion of the cover and/or the cavity to accommodate the bills, peaks, or visors of typical caps. The container may comprise a strap comprising a first strap portion attached or attachable to the cover, and a second strap portion attached or attachable to the base, and in which the first and second strap portions are connected together to operate as a hinge between the cover and the base. The first and second strap portions are preferably each permanently engaged, such as for example riveted, to the respective cover or base. The container preferably comprises at least one strap attachment mechanism located on the base. In some preferred embodiments the base is generally or substantially rectangular in shape. One, some or all of the corners of the base may be rounded. In alternative embodiments the base is substantially round or oval shaped.

Ideally at least one strap attachment mechanism is preferably located at or adjacent edges of the base, for example at each corner of a rectangular base.

The or each strap attachment mechanism preferably comprises a bump fit slot to permit easy connection and disconnection of the straps. The container preferably further comprises at least one strap comprising at least one engagement feature for releasable engagement with the at least one strap attachment mechanism.

The container may further comprise one or more locks or locking mechanisms. The lock or locking mechanisms may be for locking the container or for locking the hat stop to the base or other portion of the container.

In a preferred embodiment the lock or locking mechanism may be in the form of a push button locking mechanism for either locking and unlocking the base and cover or for locking or unlocking the hat stop to the base. The button being pushed so as to unlock the container or to release the hat stop from the base. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may require a key or combination to unlock.

The container may be used to store and transport any suitable hat, and preferably one or more, for example 3 to 6 hats.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows an isometric overall view from above of a first hat storage container according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an isometric overall view from below of the first hat storage container of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the first hat storage container of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows an overall view of a second hat container according to the present invention;

Figure 5 shows an exploded side view of the second hat container of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the second hat storage container of Figure 4;

Figure 7 shows an overall view of a third hat storage container according to the present invention; Figure 8 shows a side view of the third hat storage container of Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows an exploded overall view of the third hat storage container of Figure 7; Figure 10 shows an exploded upper end view of the third hat storage container of Figure 7;

Figure 1 1 shows an exploded lower end view of the third hat storage container of Figure 7; and

Figure 12 shows overall and detailed views of a strap for a hat storage container according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Figures Referring to the figures generally, there are shown three hat storage containers 100, 200, 300 according to the present invention. Each hat storage container 100, 200, 300 comprises a cover 6, a base 2 that releasable connects to the cover 6 so as to define a cavity for receiving at least one hat; a hat stop 20 for locating at least one hat within the cavity; and a handle 9, 10, 1 1 .

Figures 1 to 3 show a first hat storage container 100 whose hat stop 20 is comprised by its base 2. Hat storage containers according to the present invention may be shaped and dimensioned to store and transport any suitable hat. The hat storage containers 100, 200, 300 illustrated in figures 1 to 1 1 are for storing peaked caps such as snap back hats. The hat storage containers may be shaped and dimensioned to store and transport a plurality of hats simultaneously.

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a first hat storage container 100 whose hat stop 20 is comprised by its base 2. The container 100 comprises a base 2 providing an interior support surface 3 for supporting at least one hat. The base 2 is generally flat and rectangular in shape with rounded edges. It is however to be understood that the base 2 may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions to accommodate the type and number of hats to be stored.

The base 2 comprises an interior support surface 3 with a quarter-spherical arched portion 20 defining a hat stop. The hat stop 20 is shaped to match the shape of a hat such as a cap with the rear half of its crown folded into its front so as to define a nested quarter-spherical or semi-dome shaped nested arrangement.

The base 2 has a curved lip 4 extending from its edge towards the cover 6. The edge 5 of the lip 4 provides a tongue which releasably engages with the edge of the cover portion 6. It is however to be understood that the base 2 may comprise any other suitable feature for releasably engaging with the cover 6.

The base 2 is preferably composed of an injection moulded polypropylene copolymer, however it is to be understood that the cover 6 may be composed of any suitable material. The cover 6 comprises a generally semi-dome shaped rear portion 7 which is shaped and dimensioned to fit over the hat stop 20 and to cover the folded crown portions of one or more hats such that they are held between the interior surfaces of the hat stop 20 and the rear portion 7. The cover 6 further comprises a generally flat front portion 8 extending from the rear portion 7 which is shaped and dimensioned to cover the bill, beak, visor or brim portion of a conventional peaked cap held within the container 100.

A pair of apertures 9, 10, together forming a handle, are formed through the front portion 8 of the cover 6 and the flat portion 3 of the base 2. These apertures 9, 10 are aligned when the base 2 and the cover 6 are interconnected to define a cavity such that they form a passage defining a handle through the container 100.

The cover 6 is preferably transparent, for example 95% transparent so that the contents of the container 100 are visible to the user from the outside. The cover 6 is preferably composed of an injection moulded polypropylene homopolymer, however it is to be understood that the cover 6 may be composed of any suitable material.

The container 100 further comprises a strap 1 1 for ease of transportation of the container 100.

The cover 6 of the container 100 is hingeably connectable and releasably engageable with the base portion 2 to define a cavity extending therebetween. Two spaced apart snap-on hinges 12 are provided on opposite sides of the rear edges of the cover 6 and base 2 of the container 100. These hinges 12 extend between the rear generally semi-dome shaped portion 7 of the cover 6 and the adjacent portion of the base 2. In alternative embodiments the cover of the container may be slideably connectable and releasably engageable with the base 2. The container 1 further comprises three ventilation holes 13 provided in hat stop 20 portion of the base 2 of the container 100. The ventilation holes 13 are located so as to be positioned adjacent the folded crown portion of a hat received within the cavity.

The base 2 comprises two spaced apart bump fit engagement features 14. The bump fit engagement features 14 are located on opposing sides of the handle defining aperture 10. The bump fit engagement features 14 are key hole shaped (i.e. having a first opening extending into a narrower slot). The free ends of strap 1 1 each comprise an attachment member 15 which is shaped and dimensioned to releasably engage the engagement features 14. The attachment members 15 each comprise a circular outer member 16 which is larger in dimension than the openings provided by the bump fit engagement features 14 so as to prevent water ingress into the container 100.

The container 100 further comprises a lock mechanism 17, 18 located at the end of the container 100 distal from the hinges 12. The lock mechanism 12, 18 being a catch between the flat portion of the base 2 and the front portion 8 of the cover 6. The lock mechanism 17, 18 comprises a flap 18 which extends from an edge of the cover 6 and which releasably engages with a groove or recess 18 provided on the adjacent edge portion of the base 2. In use, the container 100 is arrangeable in both a first open arrangement providing user access to the cavity, and a second closed arrangement in which the base 2 and cover 6 are engaged to substantially seal the cavity from an external environment. The user places one or more, preferably three of four, hats such as folded caps or snap back hats into the cavity and places the container in the closed arrangement. The user may then secure the lock mechanism 17, 18 in the locked arrangement so as to prevent unintended opening of the container 100.

The hats may be secured against movement, preventing the creation of unintended noise disturbances within the cavity, by one or more clips located on the base portion 2 for engaging with the bill of the hat or by closed cell foam positioned adjacent the interior of the cover 6 so as to secure the hat in position.

The user may then secure the strap 1 1 to the base 2 for ease of transportation of the container 100. The container 100 may for example be carried on the shoulder of the user. Alternatively, the strap 1 1 may be a strap for attachment to a rucksack or backpack. The strap may include any suitable attachment features. For example the strap may include a carabiner.

The user may when desired release the lock mechanism and open the container 100 by releasing the engagement between the cover 6 and the base 2 to access the cavity. The user may identify and remove the required hat and then close the container once again.

Figures 4 to 6 illustrate a second hat storage container 200 according to the present invention, whose hat stop 20 is separate from its base 2. Like parts have the same references.

The hat storage container 200 is of overall similar structure and construction to the hat storage container 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 but differs substantially in that its hat stop 20 is removeable and displaceable with respect to its base 2 and is located within its cavity rather than being formed integrally with the base 2.

The cover 6 is attached to the base 2 by a hinge 12. The container is closed by a lock comprising a flap 17 provided on the cover 6 and a corresponding recess 18 provided on the base 2. The flap 17 and recess 18 engage to lock the cover 6 and the base 2 together.

The hat stop 20 is a displaceable part that is mounted on the interior of the base 2 within the cavity during use. The hat stop 20 connects to the base 2 using connector means 21 .

The hat stop 20 comprises connector means 21 A in the form of projections which are received into connector means 21 B provided on the base 2. The projections 21 A have a tab 21 E to restrict removal of the connections means (See Figure 10). The projection 21 A flexes as it enters the channel 21 B on the base 2 and the tab 21 E retains the projection 21 A in the channel 21 E. The projection can be flexed so as to align the tab 21 E with the channel 21 B so that it, and thereby the hat stop 20, can be removed from the channel 21 B and thereby the base 2. The connector means 21 B on the base are channels along which the projections 21 A can slide along so as to alter position of the hat stop on the base 2.

This may advantageously allow the separation between the hat stop 20 and the interior of the rear generally semi-dome shaped portion of the cover 6 to be varied so as to accommodate different thicknesses and/or numbers of hats. Connector means 21 C provided on the hat stop 20 is a pin that fits into an aperture 21 D on the base 2. In this way the pin 21 C is inserted to the aperture 21 D in order to lock the hat stop 20 to the base 2. The base 2 has bump fit engagement features 14 that are key hole shaped for receiving a corresponding end of a strap to permit easy connection and disconnection of a strap to the container.

The hat stop 20 supports a deodoriser (not shown). The hat stop 20 has a pocket 22 on its exterior surface for receiving the deodoriser, the pocket being arranged towards the crown portions of hats held within the cavity of the container 200.

The cover 6 is branded 6A on its generally semi-dome shaped rear portion with an example of a logo.

Figures 7 to 9 show a third hat storage container 300 according to the present invention. Again, like parts have the same references. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment only in respect to shape of the cover 6. The cover has a more graduated slope between the generally semi-dome shaped crown portion and the bill portion allowing for differently shaped hats to be contained therein, such as flat caps.

Figures 10 and 1 1 show front and rear views of the base 2, cover 6 and hat stop 20 of a hat container.

Figure 1 1 shows a push button lock in which the button tab 17 which extends from an edge of the cover 6 is pushed out of a corresponding opening 18 in an edge of the base 2, so as to release the cover 6 from the base 2. The button tab 17 engages with an opening 18 on the base 2 so as to hold the cover 6 and the base 2 together in use.

Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of the strap 1 1 . The free ends of strap 1 1 each comprise an attachment member 15 shaped and dimensioned to releasably engage the engagement features 14. Attachment members 15 each comprise a circular outer member 16 which is larger in dimension than the openings provided by the bump fit engagement features 14 so as to prevent water ingress into the container 1 .

The circular outer member 16 has a slot 16A for receiving the strap.

The circular outer member 16 may be branded with a logo as shown in Figure 12.

The strap 1 1 has a sleeve 1 1 A to enhance comfort when carrying the container. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims. For example, it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.