AU2016311352B2 - Noise reducing water resistant headpiece - Google Patents

Abstract

A covering apparatus having a unitary material. The unitary material has a grip disposed around the interior perimeter of the material. The grip is fused to the material wherein the grip enables the material to provide a water tight seal and wherein the material is covering an object without slipping and sliding off the object. The material has an elastic member which is enclosed in the material which is located in the rear of the covering apparatus.

Description

"Noise Reducing Water Resistant Headpiece"

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority of the U.S. utility application number 14/837,063 filed on

August 27, 2015, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention and its embodiments relate to a shower cap with improved properties. In

particular, a shower cap that provides a more relaxing shower experience by reducing the volume

experienced by a user of said shower cap.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Conventional head coverings and apparatuses are known in the art and date back many

years. Specifically, a shower cap (also known as a bath cap) is a hat worn while showering or

bathing to protect hair from becoming wet. Alternatively, shower caps for children can resemble

crowns with wide brims, preventing water and shampoo from getting in a user's eyes while

allowing the hair to be washed.

Many of these caps are created by merging two layers of fabric, one that is water

impermeable, and one that is decorated. This allows a shower cap to retard the spread of water,

all while being visually pleasing. While this two-fabric design works well, simpler designs of

shower caps are made from a single layer of a waterproof material. Regardless of the amount of layers in the cap, these designs invariably contain some elastic edging, used to keep them in place.

Shower baths grew in popularity around the same time that daily bathing became

ubiquitous with society. Reports show that while the authorities of the time viewed daily bathing

favorably, whether or not daily hair-washing was helpful was unclear. This uncertainty spurred

the creation of thee "extinguisher cap," a pointy oilcloth hat worn by bathers in the Regency-era.

These caps were designed to protect a bather's hair while shielding them from the new

experience of water continuously falling on their heads from above.

By the 1880's the "extinguisher cap" began to disappear and the modern shower cap

began to enter the folds of mainstream society. Since 1950' traditional shower cap construction

stayed the same. The present invention apply lingerie and performance advancements to a space

that has traditionally had no technological innovation in the last 50 plus years.

Review of related apparatus and methods:

U.S. Patent No. 8,316,466 discloses a secure-fitting and absorbent elongated hood for

containing, managing, and drying wet hair and preventing water from dripping onto flooring or

onto the wearer's clothing during the hair drying or hair setting process, requiring no leaning

forward of the head for application. Such elongated hood generally comprises an absorbent

concave form-fitting cap having a centering button located thereon, a triangular wing of fabric

extending from each of the left and right sides of said form-fitting cap of said elongated hood,

reciprocal hook-and-loop fabric strips sewn onto each left and right triangular wing, an elongated

tail region being progressively tapered from said concave form-fitting cap to a rounded and

concave distal end and having an elastic loop for fastening purposes, and concave petal-shaped protuberances of absorbent fabric at such concave distal end for catching, retaining, and absorbing water dripping from the wearer's hair.

U.S. Patent No. 7,412,729 discloses a device that covers the head of an individual. It

consists of a towel, a strip of elastic, a set of strips and a pocket. The pocket within the device

allows an individual to insert his or her hair into the device. The individual then tightly twists the

end of the towel with the pocket and the end of the towel with the pocket is secured with the tie

strips. A piece of elastic allows some flexibility with the device to ensure that the device will fit

all heads and to insure the comfort of the wearer.

U.S. Patent No. 6,560,784 teaches a multi-layered moisture resistant hair wrap surrounds

a person's entire head of hair protecting, maintaining, and prolonging a hairstyle and adapted to

do so in moist environments that include water, steam, mist and humidity and absorbing moisture

generated from heat or perspiration from one's scalp.

U.S. Patent No. 6,189,152 teaches a bathing cap that includes lower extensions which can

wrap around the sides of the cap, cross at the top, wrap down around the sides, and tie at the nape

of the neck. Preferably, the portions of the cap adjacent the cheeks project forward of the normal

hairline.

U.S. Patent No. 5,365,613A hair drying turban made from a single piece of absorbent

cloth and having a cap portion and, extending forwardly, a hair basket portion. In use, the wearer

places the cap portion on his or her hair with the hair extending forwardly over the forehead and face (the wearer bending at the waist). Then, with the hair placed neatly within the hair basket portion, the hair basket is twisted about the longitudinal axis of the hair. The hair basket portion is then folded backwardly along the center line of the cap portion and secured to the back of the cap portion. A loop is provided for allowing the turban to be easily hung on a door peg and/or, alternatively, to facilitate the tucking in of the hair basket portion beneath the cap portion.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0056079 teaches a long cap for protecting the hair, of

elongate form, formed from two lateral walls of parallelepipedal shape fixed to one another

along one of their long sides and one of their two small sides so as to delimit a first pocket

arranged at the proximal end of the long cap, forming a cap, and a second pocket arranged at the

distal end of the long cap and forming a receptacle for the floating mass of hair, and whose two

ends are provided with complementary fastening means that can be placed in contact in order to

close the long cap around the head after the hair has been placed in the cap, turning the distal end

through 1800about the longitudinal axis of the long cap and then folding this distal end down in

order to cover the proximal end.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0298929 discloses a hair protection cap according to

the present disclosure includes a bag forming an interior channel having an inside surface and

outside surface, the interior channel having a first opening and a second opening opposite the

first opening. A first opening reducing device enables the expansion and contraction of a size of

a perimeter of the first opening and a second opening reducing device enables closing of the

second opening. The inside surface of the bag is a pliable material and the outside surface of the bag is a pliable water-resistant material, the pliable water-resistant material extending over the perimeter of the first opening on the inside surface of the bag.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0247269 teaches a decorative swim/bath/shower tuque

worn by a swimmer/bather/showerer, respectively, having voluminous hair with a length. The

decorative swim/bath/shower tuque has dual lengths so as to adjust to the length of the

voluminous hair of the swimmer/bather/showerer. The decorative swim/bath/shower tuque

includes a sleeve, a dome, and a folded brim. The sleeve has a lower end and an upper end, and

is worn by the swimmer/bather/showerer. The dome closes the upper end of the sleeve. The

folded brim defines the lower end of the sleeve, and has the dual lengths so as to adjust the

sleeve to the length of the voluminous hair of the swimmer/bather/showerer.

Various apparatuses and devices are known in the art. However, their structure and

means of operation are substantially different from the present invention. Such traditional

apparatuses and devices fail to provide a means for creating a secure grip, noise reducing and

also fail to provide a fashionable silhouette. At least one embodiment of this invention is

presented in the drawings below, and will be described in more detail herein.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides for a covering apparatus having a unitary material. The

unitary material adapted and configured with a grip disposed around the interior perimeter of the

material. The grip is fused to the material wherein the grip enables the material to provide a

water tight seal and wherein the material is covering an object without slipping and sliding off

the object. The material is adapted and configured with an elastic member which is enclosed in the material which is located in the rear of the covering apparatus. In another embodiment the elastic member may not be enclosed in a material. In another embodiment, the elastic member may be located around the interior edges of the covering apparatus.

The covering apparatus further having material which enables the covering apparatus to

be secured over a plurality of objects. The material is comprised of a fabric. The fabric is

adapted and configured with a poly urethane backing. The material has a durable water repellent

coating which is applied to the fabric. This makes the material hydrophobic and has a

nanotechnology component. The grip is comprised of rubber, neoprene or any material which

may provide a secure and water tight functionality. The material is adapted and configured to be

water resistant. The materials is digitally sublimated with a plurality of designs. The grip is

stitched, bonded or piped on to the material. The material is adapted and configured to include a

plastic liner disposed on the entire inside of the material. This may mean that the plastic liner is

fused to the entire inside of the material. The material is either knit or woven. The exterior of the

material is multiply folded on each side wherein said folds culminate into a point. The covering

apparatus may comprise a turban.

It is an object of the present invention that the covering apparatus may be used as a

shower cap.

It is an object of the present invention that the covering apparatus may be used to protect

the hair from coming into contact with water.

It is an object of the present invention that the covering apparatus is able to reduce the

noise heard by an individual wearing the shower cap as compared to a plastic shower cap.

It is an object of the present invention that the covering apparatus may be used to cover

golf clubs, surgical and sanitary hair coverings or as a fashion accessory.

It is an object of the present invention that the fabric is antibacterial and machine

washable.

It is an object of the present invention that the material comprises a pocket for enclosing

hair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a right side view of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a left side view of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a top view of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention as worn by an individual in

accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 9 is an alternative view of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is an alternative view showing the inside of the present invention.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the fabric pre fold of the present invention.

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the fabric post fold of the present invention

Fig. 13 shows an illustrative view of the water resistant fabric of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference

to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference

numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such

embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended

to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the

present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations

can be made thereto.

While this disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those

skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for

elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many

modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument,

situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the spirit thereof.

Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments

disclosed.

Referring to Fig. 1, an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, shower cap

100 is shaped similarly to a turban, in that it provides complete coverage of the hair-producing

areas of a user's scalp. In addition to the unique shape of the shower cap 100, shower cap 100

features a back pocket. That is, shower cap 100 is equipped with an additional amount of fabric,

breaking from the standard contours of shower cap 100. This additional fabric allows for users

with large amounts of hair, or with unique hairstyles to still avail themselves of the benefits of

the present invention.

In a preferred embodiments, shower cap 100 is comprised of a material that is water

repellent. In another preferred embodiment, this material is fabric. While many suitable fabrics

exist, the ideal fabric will be one that is antimicrobial and water resistant. While a fabric that is

coated with an antimicrobial agent is suitable, one that is inherently antimicrobial, such as fabrics

that contain aluminum or tin are preferable, as their antimicrobial properties will not fade with

time. Natural and synthetic latex are a particularly suitable materials for this purpose. This makes

the fabric hydrophobic and has a nanotechnology component.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is a dual-layer variant

wherein said inner layer is constructed out of polyurethane, and the outer layer is constructed out

of a material that is coated with durable water repellant coating. The resulting fabric appears to

be one layer to the consumer. There are many proprietary suitable durable water repellants, sold

by vendors such as Grangers, Nikwas, McNett, Trek7. Alternatively, a single fabric variant can

be used, where the durable water repellant coating is disposed directly on the knit or woven face

of the fabric. Preferably, the fabric will be breathable so that the user wearing the covering

apparatus does not get too hot or a humid environment is not created and thus acts to prevent hair

frizz. In an alternative embodiment, shower cap 100 is machine washable. In yet another

alternative embodiment, shower cap 100 is disposable.

Shower cap 100 has auditory dampening effects. Standard plastic shower caps, when in

use, create sound with a volume of 84 decibels (dB) on average, reaching as high as 90dB. In

contrast, shower cap 100 creates sound with a volume of 82dB on average, and only gets as high

as 85dB. Plastic shower caps create snapping loud sounds whereas the present invention creates

a more soothing type of noise which creates a more relaxing experience for those wearing the

covering apparatus.

Figs. 2-8 show the same embodiment of the present invention as Fig. 1, and therefore

contain the same features disclosed therein.

Referring to Fig. 9, a front view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

Here, shower cap 100 features outer layer 101, gathered band 102, and elongated band 103. In

one embodiment, gathered band 102 and elongated band 103 are of a unitary construction.

Preferably, gathered band 102 and elongated band 103 are constructed out of an elastic material.

This allows shower cap 100 to be snugly attached to a user's head. This prevent accidental slip

offs, which is important, because if a user's hair is subjected to water while using the cap, the

purpose of using the present invention is largely defeated. Further, outer layer 101 may have

ornamentation disposed thereon. That is, various patterns or images may be printed on the outer

layer 101. In some embodiments, this ornamentation is disposed prior to the application of the

durable water repellant, and in other embodiments, the ornamentation is disposed after the

application of the durable water repellant. Preferably, outer layer 101 is comprised of a material

that stretches, providing the user with greater comfort while using shower cap 100. In another

embodiment, the material does not have to be stretchable.

In Fig. 10, another view of an embodiment of shower cap 100 is provided for. Here,

shower cap 100 features grip 104, gathered band 102, and inner layer 105. It should be noted that

while preferable, the inclusion of grip 104 is purely optional. Preferably, grip 104 is constructed

out of rubber. In another embodiment, the grip can be made from any material, such as fabric or

neoprene such that the grip can provide a water sealing effect while providing a mechanism for

non-slippage. Inner layer 105 can be constructed out of any fabric, but something stretchable is

desired, particularly if the two-layer variant is being utilized. Inner layer 105 may also be

disposed with ornamentation such as patterns or illustrations.

In some embodiments, the gathered band 102 is thicker, so that a snugger grip may be

achieved. In one embodiment, inner layer 105 is disposed with dry shampoo or a scented agent.

This will enable a user's hair to be refreshed while using shower cap 100.

Figs. 11 and 12 show two embodiments of attachments of the two-layer variants. Fig. 11

shows an embodiment where the two layers are adhered together. Fig. 12 shows an embodiment

where the two layers are folded over one another and subsequently joined.

In Fig. 13, the water-repellant nature of shower cap 100 is shown.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is equipped with a drawstring so that it

may double as a makeup bag for travel.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the

articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.

Similarly, the adjective "another," when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or

more elements. The terms "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive such that there

may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments

disclosed.

Claims (15)

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A covering apparatus comprising:

a unitary material;

a grip disposed at an interior perimeter of the unitary material;

an elastic member;

a gathered band;

an elongated band,

wherein the gathered band and the elongated band are of a unitary construction,

wherein the gathered band and the elongated band are attached to a periphery of

the covering apparatus,

wherein the elastic member is enclosed within the gathered band,

wherein the unitary material comprises an outer layer and an inner layer,

wherein the outer layer comprises a fabric

wherein the inner layer is polyurethane,

wherein the covering apparatus comprises a plurality of folds,

wherein the plurality of folds culminate toward a point at a front of the covering

apparatus above the elongated band,

and wherein the covering apparatus is a shower cap.

2. The covering apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grip comprises at least one of

rubber, fabric, or neoprene.

12 NJ 230760889v1

3. The covering apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is water repellent or

water resistant.

4. The covering apparatus of claim 1, wherein the unitary material comprises a

plurality of digitally sublimated designs.

5. The covering apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grip is stitched, bonded, or piped

to an inner portion of the covering apparatus.

6. The covering apparatus of claim 1, wherein the covering apparatus is able to

reduce the noise heard by an individual wearing the shower cap.

7. The covering apparatus of claim 1, wherein the covering apparatus further

comprises a plastic liner disposed on an inner portion of the covering apparatus.

8. The covering apparatus of claim 1, wherein the covering apparatus knit or woven.

9. The covering apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fabric is at least one of

antimicrobial or breathable.

10. A covering apparatus comprising:

a unitary material;

an elastic member;

13 NJ 230760889v1 a gathered band; an elongated band, wherein the gathered band and the elongated band are attached to a periphery of the covering apparatus, wherein the elastic member is enclosed within the gathered band, wherein the unitary material comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the outer layer comprises a fabric, wherein the inner layer is polyurethane, and wherein the covering apparatus is a shower cap.

11. The covering apparatus of claim 10, wherein the outer layer is water repellent or

water resistant.

12. The covering apparatus of claim 10, wherein the covering apparatus comprises a

plurality of folds.

13. The covering apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plurality of folds culminate toward

a point.

14. The covering apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plurality of folds culminate toward

the point at a front of the covering apparatus above the elongated band.

14 NJ 230760889v1

15. The covering apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a grip at an inner periphery

of the covering apparatus.

15 NJ 230760889v1