Swimming Cap

Abstract

The present invention provides a swimming cap ( 6 ) defining a cavity for accommodating a wearer's head ( 2 ). The cap further defines an enlarged volume portion ( 7 ). In use, the enlarged volume portion ( 7 ) is positioned at the nape ( 3 ) of the wearer's neck and contains the wearer's hair. This results in improved hydrodynamics compared to traditional swimming cap designs especially when the wearer has long hair.

1 . A swimming cap defining a cavity for accommodating a wearer's head, wherein the cap further defines an enlarged volume portion which, in use, is positioned at the nape of the wearer's neck for containing the wearer's hair. 
     
     
         2 . A swimming cap according to  claim 1 , wherein, in use, the enlarged volume portion positions the substantial part of the hair below the superior nuchal line and external occipital protuberance of the occipital bone. 
     
     
         3 . A swimming cap according to  claim 1  having a shape approximating a hollow dome, defining the cavity, the cap having a crown surrounded by a periphery, wherein a section of the periphery bulges to define the enlarged volume portion of the cavity. 
     
     
         4 . A swimming cap according to  claim 3  wherein the profile of the cap is such that, in use, it has a substantially continuous gradient between the crown and the enlarged volume portion. 
     
     
         5 . A swimming cap according to  claim 1 , wherein the cavity of the swimming cap has a volume substantially matching the volume of the wearer's head. 
     
     
         6 . A swimming cap according to  claim 1 , wherein the cap has a gripping section for securing the cap to the wearer's head. 
     
     
         7 . A swimming cap according to  claim 6 , wherein the gripping section extends around an edge of the cap, the edge defining an opening into the cavity. 
     
     
         8 . A swimming cap according to  claim 1 , wherein the cap is made from a textile material. 
     
     
         9 . A swimming cap according to  claim 8 , wherein the textile material is a stretch woven fabric. 
     
     
         10 . A swimming cap according to  claim 1 , wherein the cap comprises panels joined by seams. 
     
     
         11 . A swimming cap according to  claim 1 , comprising a tactile or visual position marker which, in use, is positioned over an anatomical landmark on the wearer's head to ensure a correct wearing position of the cap. 
     
     
         12 . A swimming cap according to  claim 11 , wherein a said position marker is a seam. 
     
     
         13 . A swimming cap according to  claim 12 , wherein a said position marker is a central seam extending from the crown of the cap to a front portion of the cap which, in use, is positioned to line-up with the centre line of the wearer's forehead. 
     
     
         14 . A swimming cap according to  claim 12 , wherein a said position marker is a seam running from a side of the wearer's head to another side of the wearer's head which, in use, is positioned to line-up with the wearer's ears. 
     
     
         15 . A swimming cap according to  claim 10 , wherein the cap comprises a seam running from a rear portion of the cap to the crown of the head, the seam being offset to a side of the head. 
     
     
         16 . A swimming cap according to  claim 1 , comprising a tactile or visual position marker which, in use, is used to position a wearer's goggles relative to the cap. 
     
     
         17 . Use of a swimming cap according to  claim 1  as a swimming cap liner, for overlaying with a further swimming cap.