RU2632032C2 - Swimming cap - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: items for personal use.

SUBSTANCE: swimming cap (6) is proposed forming a cavity for user's head (2) accommodation. The cap further forms a portion (7) of increased volume. The increased volume portion (7), when used, is located on the rear part (3) of the user's neck and accommodates the user's hair.

EFFECT: improved hydrodynamics compared to traditional designs of swimming caps, especially when the user wears long hair.

15 cl, 6 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to swimming caps used for swimming and in related water sports.

BACKGROUND

Swimming caps for covering swimmer's hair, as you know, perform several functions. They do not allow dragging hair through the water, which would lead to a slowdown and distraction of the swimmer. In addition, the cap does not allow clogging with hair separated from the swimmer’s scalp, filters, etc. in the swimming pools. Being made of waterproof material, the cap can also create a protective shell that does not allow wet swimmer's hair. These caps also protect the user's hair and scalp from chlorine. To make it easier to wear a cap, a swimmer with long hanging hair usually gives it a compact shape, such as a bun or ponytail. Then the hat is put on the head so that the hair is gathered under the hat behind the head. This leads to the fact that the profile of the head essentially follows the shape of the skull with the exception of the protrusion located high on the back of the head where the hair is collected.

During swimming, the swimmer usually assumes a position in which a cavity exists between the back of the head and shoulders. This hollow around the back of the neck interferes with the flow of water, which negatively affects the swimmer’s hydrodynamics. When using traditional swimming caps, this cavity is aggravated by the protrusion created by the hair on the back of the head, which complicates the problem. Thus, there is a need to create a swimming cap with improved hydrodynamics compared to known models.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a swimming cap forming a cavity for accommodating the user's head, the cap additionally forming a portion of increased volume, which when used is located on the back of the user's neck to accommodate the user's hair.

In traditional models, hair is usually collected over the parietal and occipital bones of the skull. In the caps of the present invention, however, an enlarged portion of the hair is located below the hair, remote from the parietal bone of the skull. The increased volume portion of the present cap preferably has a substantial portion of the hair below the highest posterior cervical line and the external occipital protrusion of the occipital bone. Preferably, the enlarged portion of the present cap positions the hair so that a substantial portion of the hair covers the base of the hairline on the back of the head.

By creating an enlarged area for positioning the user's hair on the back of the neck, the cap of the present invention provides a means for partially filling the cavity between the back of the head and shoulders that occurs at typical body positions during swimming. Reducing the size of this cavity improves the flow of water in this area. Thus, the swimming caps of the present invention can improve the hydrodynamics compared to traditional designs of swimming caps.

The swimming cap preferably has a shape close to the hollow dome, forming a cavity, and has an upper part surrounded by a periphery, with one section of the periphery bulging, forming a portion of an increased volume of the cavity. As mentioned above, this portion of increased volume in practice is located on top of the back of the user's neck and provides space for the user's hair.

Preferably, the cap profile is such that when it is used, it has a substantially continuous gradient or slope from the top to the portion of the increased volume, i.e. it has a smooth profile between the upper part and the area of increased volume without any significant deviations (for example, depressions or protrusions). This ensures a smooth flow of water over the cap to minimize unwanted water resistance.

Preferably, the cavity of the swimming cap has a volume substantially corresponding to the volume of the user's head. The presence of a volume equal to the volume of the user's head ensures that the cap will fit snugly to the head, minimizing the presence of areas of loose fit that can cause hydrodynamic resistance.

In some embodiments, the “user head” is a female head, the parameters of which correspond to the 50th centile (head circumference), or a scaled version of such a head. In other embodiments, the “user head” is a male head whose parameters correspond to the 50th centile, or a scaled version of such a head. In preferred embodiments, the “user head” is a head that is “middle” between the shape of a female head whose parameters correspond to the 50th centile and a male head whose parameters correspond to the 50th centile, or a scaled version of such a head.

Of course, the length of hair for different users will be different. Preferably, the cap is capable of containing drooping hair, the length of which from the arch of the head is from about 34 cm to 70 cm

Preferably, the swimming cap has a holding section for securing the cap to the user's head. The holding section may extend along the edge of the cap, while the edge forms the entrance to the cavity. In some embodiments, the holding section completely covers the entrance to the cavity.

The holding section may be resilient so that the compression of the holding section around the head portion holds the cap in place. In addition or alternatively, this section can be made of non-slip material that holds the cap in place due to friction. For example, the holding section may be made of an elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber. This section may come in contact with the skin of the user, for example on the forehead, and / or with the hair of the user. The holding section provides means for holding the cap in place on the user's head. It can also help put on the cap, as the user can first position and lock the holding section on the head before fully putting the cap on the head.

The cap may be made of porous or non-porous material. The material may be elastic (and in this case may compress the user's head) or may be relatively inelastic (and in this case may not compress the user's head). Alternatively, it may contain both elastic and inelastic materials, or caps that can be combined in the same areas (for example, in a layered structure or in weaving / weaving with each other), or may be present in separate areas. Examples of suitable materials include rubber materials such as silicone and latex, as well as textile materials such as polyamide materials (e.g. nylon) and lycra (Lycra ™).

Preferably, the cap is at least partially made of textile material. The textile material may be a woven fabric, preferably an elastic woven fabric. In preferred embodiments, the cap is made of textile material containing both inelastic yarns (e.g., polyamide material) and elastic yarns (e.g., lycra). Preferably, the percentage of elastic filaments (e.g. lycra) is about 25% by weight. Preferably, the percentage of inelastic filaments (e.g. polyamide) is about 75% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the implementation of the cap is made of textile material, the weight of one square meter of which is 90-300 grams. For example, a cap may have a density of about 106 grams / m ² .

The position of hats made of textile materials may be easier to adjust after they are worn on the head than rubber hats. Rubber materials tend to grip the head (both due to compression and due to high friction), which complicates the change in position of the cap after it is worn on the head. On the contrary, textile materials compress the head to a lesser extent, which facilitates a change in position. The cap preferably has a streamlined external shape, for example, the cap can have smooth outer surfaces. This ensures that the hydrodynamic resistance created by the outer surface of the cap does not negate the increase in hydrodynamic characteristics achieved by placing the hair in the cap.

A swimming cap can be a one-piece construction, i.e. formed from a single piece of material. For example, the cap may be a single piece of molded material / fabric. However, preferably, the swimming cap comprises a plurality of panels joined by seams. For a hat, a multi-panel design is preferred since the hat can be shaped to the desired shape by selecting the location of the panels and seams, rather than by molding or weaving the hat to shape it. This design can also increase the elasticity of the cap. For example, this eliminates the need for long material that can be more susceptible to tearing or unwanted deformation than many smaller panels.

Panels can be interconnected by stitching or forming bonds. Stitching is preferable since the stitched seams can stretch at the same speed as the fabric. This minimizes stress in the cap, which otherwise could lead to damage. Sutures of various types are possible, but lap seams are preferred, since they can be made relatively flat relative to the cap and minimized inhibition.

Preferably, the swimming cap contains a tactile or visual position marker, which when used coincides with the anatomical landmark on the user's head to ensure the correct position of the cap on the head. In some cases, the marker may be either a tactile or a visual position marker.

By creating such a position marker, the user of the cap can combine the marker with the corresponding anatomical landmark (for example, nose, ears, etc.) to ensure that the cap is worn correctly. Proper positioning guarantees optimum comfort and / or optimum performance.

In some embodiments, the location of the position marker on the cap is determined by the location of the anatomical landmark on the female head, the parameters of which correspond to the 50th centile, or a scaled version of such a head. In other embodiments, the location of the position marker on the cap is determined by the location of the anatomical landmark on the male head, the parameters of which correspond to the 50th centile, or a scaled version of such a head. In preferred embodiments, the location of the position marker on the cap is determined by the location of the anatomical landmark on the head, which is “middle” between the female head, the parameters of which correspond to the 50th centile, and the male head, the parameters of which correspond to the 50th centile, or a scaled version of such a head. Tactile position markers are preferred (since the user may not be able to visually check the position of the cap without using an additional auxiliary tool, such as a mirror, when the cap is worn).

The position marker when using it can be located, for example, on the center line of the user's forehead or in the center of the upper part of the user's head, or on the center line of the back of the user's neck. Preferably, the position marker is located on the front edge of the cap (which, when using the cap, is located on the user's forehead). More preferably, a position marker is located on the front edge of the cap to align with the center line of the user's forehead or nose. Preferably, a position marker (e.g., a tactile position marker) is alternatively or additionally located on one side of the cap to align with one of the user's ears. More preferably, the cap has position markers on opposite sides of the cap (or one position marker extending between opposite sides of the cap), each of which is designed to align with the corresponding ear of the user. Preferably, said position marker for alignment with one of the user's ears is adapted to align with a particular part of the ear, most preferably the outer edge of the ear tragus.

The tactile position marker may comprise a protruding element or a recessed element formed or provided on the surface of the cap. The protruding element may be, for example, a tubercle or ridge (for example, a straight elongated ridge). A tactile position marker can be created in various ways. For example, a tactile position marker may be a single element stitched or linked to a hat, or the tactile position marker may itself be a stitch (or line of stitches) with a protruding profile. Alternatively, the marker may be printed onto the fabric, for example using plastisol printing.

The position marker may be integral with the cap, and in this case, it may be formed during the manufacturing of the cap or in the manufacturing process of materials used to make the cap.

The tactile position marker can be a rectilinear element or have an arrow-shaped shape, where the arrowhead indicates the point that needs to be combined with the anatomical landmark or placed on top of the anatomical landmark, for example, the arrowhead continuing to the front edge of the cap to align the tip with the center line of the user's forehead. This allows the user to position the marker on the center line of the forehead (recognizing the marker by touch). After making sure that the marker is in place, the user can be sure that the cap is correctly worn, so that comfort, water resistance and performance will be maximized.

The visual position marker may be a visual indicator provided on the surface of the cap. It can be of any design, provided that it becomes obvious which part of the indicator should be combined with the anatomical landmark. Examples of suitable designs: geometric shapes, such as circles, squares, triangles, rhombuses (where the center of the geometric shape is used as a point to align with the anatomical landmark); arrows (where the point of the arrow indicates a point to align with the anatomical landmark); crosses (where the center of the cross indicates a point to align with the anatomical landmark); and also lines (which are especially convenient when the marker should be combined with linear anatomical landmarks). In one preferred embodiment, the visual position marker is a line of stitches whose color contrasts with the background color of the cap. For example, the hat can be mostly dark in color, and the line of stitches can have a contrasting bright color (or vice versa). In such an embodiment, the line of stitches also preferably projects upward to act as a tactile position marker. A visual position marker can be created in various ways: it can be printed on the surface of the cap; it can be embroidered on the surface of a hat; or it can be formed in the manufacturing process of the fabric used to create the cap.

Preferably, the cap may contain one or more position markers for placing other objects on the user's head, such as swimming goggles. For example, a cap may have markers on both sides of the head to help position the strap for swimming goggles. In addition or alternatively, the bar between the openings of the swimming lenses may be combined with a position marker on the front section of the cap. Creating one or more position markers allows the user to securely adjust the glasses. Correct positioning of glasses is necessary to ensure water resistance and reduce damage to performance due to water resistance caused by improper positioning of glasses. In a hat containing many panels, the seams can be used as tactile or visual position markers and combined with anatomical landmarks such as nose, ears, etc.

For example, a swimming cap can have a central seam extending from the top of the cap to the front of the cap, which in practice is aligned with the center line of the user's forehead or nose. Preferably, the seam partially protrudes or is recessed, which allows the user to feel the seam and correctly position the cap relative to the forehead, without resorting to the need for visual monitoring of whether the cap is correctly worn. In addition or alternatively, the seam may serve as a visual marker of position. For example, a seam may contain a line of threads whose color contrasts with the background color of the cap.

In some embodiments, the central seam may extend from the rear portion of the cap through the upper portion to said front portion of the cap. In use, this may allow the user to position the seam in the front portion of the cap relative to the forehead, and the seam in the posterior portion of the cap relative to another landmark, such as the middle of the back of the neck. Positioning the cap relative to these two landmarks will increase the accuracy of putting on the cap.

Alternatively, or in addition to this seam, the swimming cap may have a seam extending from one side of the user's head to the other, opposite side of the head, which, when used, is made to align with the user's ears. This transverse seam can continue between diametrically opposite sections of the edge of the cap, forming a hole in the cavity. Preferably, this transverse seam creates a position marker that allows you to quickly and easily place the cap on the user's head. Preferably, the seam partially protrudes or is recessed, which allows the user to feel the seam and, focusing on the ears, correctly position the cap, without resorting to the need for visual monitoring of whether the cap is correctly worn. In addition or alternatively, the seam may serve as a visual marker of position. For example, a seam may contain a line of threads whose color contrasts with the background color of the cap. In one preferred embodiment, the cap has both a central seam and a transverse seam, which preferably intersect with each other on the top of the cap. Using one seam to position the cap relative to the ears, and another to position the cap relative to the forehead, can increase the accuracy of putting on the cap. Alternatively, the user may prefer the positioning of the cap, focusing on only one seam, which means that there is a choice whether to align the cap using the center seam or the transverse seam.

The cap may contain a seam extending from the back of the cap to the top of the head, with the seam shifted to one side of the head. This offset seam, extending from the back of the cap to the top of the head, shapes the cap to the side of the head. Preferably, the cap contains two seams extending from the back of the cap to the top of the head.

In one preferred embodiment, the cap has a central seam, a transverse seam, as well as two offset seams extending from the back of the cap to the top of the head. In this embodiment, preferably the central seam extends from the rear portion of the cap to the front portion of the cap through the upper part, and two offset seams extending from the rear portion of the cap to the upper part of the head are located on both sides of this central seam. In addition, preferably, the seams extending from the back of the cap to the top of the head end at the transverse seam. This arrangement of seams creates position markers for aligning the cap relative to the middle of the forehead or nose (using the central seam), as well as the ears (using the transverse seam).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cap is intended to be used as a lining for a swimming cap. The phrase "lining for a swimming cap" means a cap for wearing under an additional cap for swimming. In such embodiments, the swimming cap of the present invention can be used to style the hair of a user and then cover with an additional swimming cap.

Wearing two swimming caps is a well-known fact, often found under the name “double-capping”. However, this is usually done by wearing two swimming caps made of silicone or latex, which often makes the user uncomfortable. One source of discomfort can be associated with excessive compression of the head with these two elastic caps. An additional source is overheating due to the heat-insulating effect of caps made of silicone / latex.

Preferably, if the cap is intended to be used as a lining for a swimming cap, it is made of textile material. As mentioned above, caps made of textile materials are easier to move than those made of rubber materials, since the cap compresses the head less. This allows the user to adjust the position of the caps of the present invention until the optimal hair position is achieved, and then put on an additional swimming cap. Textile material can contribute to the removal of heat from the head, solving the problem of overheating, which is often found when using two caps made of silicone / latex.

Most preferably, if the cap is intended to be used as a lining for a swimming cap, it is made of a relatively inelastic textile material that slightly compresses the head. An additional swimming cap can be applied to the cap, which compresses the head. However, it is preferable with such a scheme that the overall compression effect will be less pronounced than with two caps made of silicone / latex.

If the cap is intended to be used as a lining for a swimming cap, it is not necessary that it be made of waterproof material. The lining for the swimming cap may be made of a material that is not waterproof, and coated with an additional cap made of a waterproof material.

If the user wears swimming goggles, he can put on a lining for the swimming cap, then put on the goggles and finally put on an extra cap. This design reduces the likelihood of moving glasses, for example, when the user dives into the water.

To put on the cap of the present invention, the swimmer first places the cap on the forehead, and then pulls the cap back over the head to the back of the neck, so that the drooping hair still protrudes from the cap. After that, the hair is placed in a hat, so that the hair is in the area of increased volume on the back of the neck.

Embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In FIG. 1 shows a side view of a swimming cap of the prior art on a user's head;

in FIG. 2 shows a side view of a swimming cap of the present invention on a user's head;

in FIG. 3 shows a profile of a cap having holding sections for securing the cap on a user's head;

in FIG. 4 shows a profile of a cap made of a plurality of panels connected by seams;

in FIG. 5 shows a side view of the cap shown in FIG. four;

in FIG. 6 is a rear view of the cap of FIG. four.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A prior art swimming cap 1 having a traditional shape is shown in FIG. 1. The cap 1 fits tightly around the head 2 of the user and ends at the back of the head on the back of the 3 neck. Typically, to put on the cap 1, the user collects the hair in a bun or similar shape on the back of the head 2, and then pulls the cap 1 on the head 2. The location of the hair, which is high on the back of the head 2, creates a bulge 4 on the back of the head. This bulge 4 exacerbates the cavity created on the back of the neck 3, forming a cavity 5, leading to increased circulation of water during the swimming process, creating resistance.

Figure 2 shows a swimming cap 6 according to the present invention. The swimming cap 6 forms a cavity for the head of the user 2, and also additionally forms a portion 7 of an increased volume, which when used is located on the rear part 3 of the user's neck to enclose the user's hair. Section 7 of the increased volume positions the hair so as to form a low-lying bundle shape on the back of the neck 3, partially filling the recess between the back of the head and shoulders, creating a cavity 8.

Section 7 of the increased volume of the cap 6 has the hair on the head 2 lower than in the cap 1 of the prior art. The cap 1 of the prior art places hair on top of the parietal and occipital bones (and not on the neck), with a substantial portion of them located above the highest posterior cervical line and the external occipital protrusion of the skull. On the contrary, the portion 7 of the increased volume of the cap 6 does not localize the hair on top of the parietal bone, but places a substantial part of the hair on the neck and only a small part on top of the occipital bone. In cap 6, a substantial portion of the hair is located below the highest posterior cervical line and the outer occipital protrusion of the skull.

The depression 8 on the back of the neck 3 when using the swimming cap 6 is smaller than the depression 5 when using the cap 1 of the prior art. The layout of the hair created using the plot 7 of the increased volume, leads to an improvement in hydrodynamics compared with cap 1 of the prior art.

To fix the cap on the head 2 of the user, the cap includes a holding section. Such a cap 9 is shown in FIG. 3 and has a continuous strip of silicone rubber 10, covering the edge 11 of the entrance to the cavity 12. In practice, the friction between the silicone rubber 10 and the skin and / or hair of the user helps to fix the cap 9 on the head 2 of the user. In addition, the elasticity of the strip of silicone rubber 10 holds the cap 9 in place on the head 2 due to compression. Preferably, the caps of the present invention are made of a plurality of panels joined by seams. Such a cap 13 is shown in FIG. 4-6. As with caps 9, caps 13 contain a strip of silicone rubber 10 to hold the caps in place.

The cap 13 comprises a left front panel 14 and a right front panel 15 connected by a central overlap 16 (overlap (the concepts “left” and “right” are defined in the coordinate system associated with the user of the cap). Seam 16 is an overlap structure held by stitches. The seam 16 protrudes slightly upward from the outer surface of the cap, approximately the thickness of the thread used to hold the seam. This allows the seam 16 to serve as a tactile position marker for the cap 13, creating a guide to give the cap 13 the desired position on the user's head 2. However, the seam should not protrude excessively, as this can adversely affect the hydrodynamic characteristics of the cap 13. In use, the user can combine the seam 16 with the center line of the forehead or nose, recognizing the position of the seam to the touch. The cap 13 also has a seam 17 extending from one side of the user's head to the other along the upper part. The seam 17 protrudes slightly upward from the outer surface of the cap by analogy with the seam 16, in order to fulfill the function of a tactile position marker for the purpose of positioning relative to the user's ears. The user aligns the seam 17 so that it extends from one ear to the other. Thus, the combination of the suture 16 with the center line of the forehead or nose and / or the suture 17 with the ears allows the user to correctly position the cap on the head. Additional seams 18 extend from the seam 17 to the back of the cap 13, which leads to the formation of a right center back panel 19, a right side rear panel 20, a left rear center panel 21 and a left side rear panel 22. The back of the cap 13 has a smooth gradient profile, those. there are no significant deviations that would be undesirable, since they would lead to an increase in resistance.

Seam 16 contains a line of stitches 23, the color of which contrasts with the background color of the cap. Seam 17 contains a similar line of stitches 24. Stitches are used as visual position markers to align with the same anatomical landmarks as the corresponding stitches. In this case, the stitches are part of the seam design. However, in other embodiments, the cap may comprise a line of stitches that act as a visual or tactile position marker that are not integral to the seam design.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the swimming caps illustrated in the drawings and described above are examples embodying the teachings of the invention presented herein, and various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (16)

1. A swimming cap that forms a cavity to accommodate the user's head, while the cap further forms a portion of increased volume, which when used is located on the back of the user's neck to contain the user's hair, wherein the swimming cap has a shape close to the hollow dome, forming a cavity in which the cap has an upper part surrounded by the periphery, while one section of the periphery protrudes, forming a portion of the increased volume of the cavity, and the profile of the cap is such that when used it has essentially continuous gradient between the upper part and the area of increased volume. 2. A swimming cap according to claim 1, in which a portion of an increased volume when using it places a substantial part of the hair below the highest posterior cervical line and the external occipital protrusion of the occipital bone. 3. The swimming cap according to claim 1, wherein the cavity of the swimming cap has a volume substantially corresponding to the volume of the user's head. 4. A swimming cap according to claim 1, wherein the cap has a holding section for securing the cap on the user's head. 5. A swimming cap according to claim 4, in which the holding section extends along the edge of the cap, the edge forming an opening in the cavity. 6. A swimming cap according to claim 1, wherein the cap is made of textile material. 7. A swimming cap according to claim 6, in which the textile material is an elastic woven fabric. 8. A swimming cap according to claim 1, wherein the cap contains panels connected by seams. 9. A swimming cap according to claim 1, containing a tactile or visual position marker, which, when used, is positioned along an anatomical landmark on the user's head to ensure the correct position of the cap on the head. 10. A swimming cap according to claim 9, wherein said position marker is a seam. 11. The swimming cap according to claim 10, wherein said position marker is a central seam extending from the top of the cap to the front of the cap, which, when used, is positioned to align with the center line of the user's forehead. 12. A swimming cap according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said position marker is a seam extending from one side of the user's head to the other side of the user's head, adapted to be aligned with the user's ears when used. 13. The swimming cap according to claim 8, wherein the cap contains a seam extending from the rear portion of the cap to the top of the head, with the seam shifted to the side. 14. A swimming cap according to claim 1, containing a tactile or visual position marker, which when used is used to position the user's glasses relative to the cap. 15. The use of a swimming cap according to any one of the preceding paragraphs as a lining for a swimming cap intended to cover an additional swimming cap.

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