Foldable Dome Hat Case With Brim Support for Travel Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traveling with hats is cumbersome and inconvenient, as they are fragile and can be damaged or lost, and existing solutions do not adequately protect their shape or integrity during transport.
Innovation Solution
A foldable hat case with a zippable design featuring two dome-shaped storage portions and a central panel, including brim supports and a handle, allowing secure storage and transport of hats while maintaining their shape and providing a hygienic alternative to placing them on unsanitary surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hat is carried in hand or placed on the airplane floor, then it is easy to transport, but the hat is damaged, crushed, or flattened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized hat case as an intermediary container between the hat and the external environment. The case features a rigid structure with a dome-shaped storage portion that cradles the hat, brim supports that prevent deformation, and a zippered closure that protects the hat during transport. This intermediary structure solves the contradiction by providing both easy transportability and comprehensive protection against damage, crushing, or flattening.
2Ease of operation
If a hat is placed in shopping bags or purses, then it is convenient for travel, but the hat is warped or crushed
Solution Approach 1:
The hat case is segmented into functional components: a dome-shaped storage portion for the hat body, brim support structures for the hat brim, and a zippered closure system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the dome shape maintains the hat's form, the brim supports prevent warping, and the zipper provides secure closure. This segmented design solves the contradiction by preserving hat shape while maintaining travel convenience.
3Volume of moving object
If a hat is packed into luggage any way possible, then space is utilized, but the hat is flattened and lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hat case is designed to nest efficiently within luggage spaces. The dome-shaped storage portion tapers away from the brim support, creating a streamlined profile that can be accommodated in various luggage configurations. The zippered closure allows the case to be compacted for storage while maintaining the hat's protection. This nesting design solves the contradiction by maximizing space utilization while preserving hat lifespan through protected storage.
4Device complexity
If a hat is carried without protection, then it is simple and lightweight, but the hat is vulnerable to damage and loss
Solution Approach 1:
The hat case employs a flexible yet protective shell structure that cradles the hat. The dome-shaped storage portion and brim supports form a protective enclosure that shields the hat from damage while remaining lightweight. The flexible materials allow the case to conform to the hat's shape while providing reliable protection against accidents and loss. This flexible shell design solves the contradiction by enhancing reliability without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A zippable hat case includes foldable first section with a dome-shaped first storage portion and a first brim support, a foldable second section with a dome-shaped second storage portion and a second brim support, and a common middle panel attached to the storage portions. The common middle panel has a carrying handle, a pair of opposing long edges, and a pair of opposing short edges. Each long edge meets one foldable section while both short edges lie between and run orthogonally to the first and second sections. The first and second sections are foldable at the panel such that the folded region runs centrally between, and parallel to, the long edges. In a closed configuration the second storage portion is received by the first storage portion, a gap therebetween accommodates a hat. In an open configuration, a slider is positioned at each opposing short end of the common middle panel.