Protective headgear
Described is a protective headgear for sports and recreational activities. The protective headgear is designed to provide a user protection against impact or collision due to a fall or contact with a static or moving object, while at the same time providing the user the maximum amount of comfort and style. The headgear may comprise an inner, intermediate, and outer section. The inner section is formed of a material providing ventilation and/or shock absorption, the intermediate section is formed of a hardened material, and the outer section is formed of a fabric material intended to give the headgear an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
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The embodiments of the present invention relate to personal protective equipment, and more particularly to a safety headgear for sports and recreational activities.
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that helmets used by skiers or snowboarders can reduce serious brain injuries. Despite numerous studies and warnings, people still do not wear protective headgear when they engage in potentially dangerous sports and recreational activities. When people are asked why they do not wear helmets, one of the primary responses is because the helmet is heavy and uncomfortable, as illustrated in
Consequently, there is a need for a helmet that not only protects a user, but also has an attractive appearance without substantially compromising the safety of the user.
SUMMARYAccordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is headgear comprising an inner section fabricated of a material operable to provide ventilation; an intermediate section comprising at least two members, wherein the two members are operable to accommodate varied head sizes; and an outer section fabricated of a fabric material. The headgear not only provides adequate protection against falls and collisions, but also provides user comfort and a fashionable look at the same time.
In other embodiments, the inner section comprises a polymeric foam material that provides protection and shock absorptive qualities, as well as ventilation and moisture wicking for a cool and comfortable experience for the user, the intermediate section comprises a durable plastic material that not only provides protection, but also allows the user to adjust the headgear for a comfortable fit, and the outer section comprises a flexible fabric or cloth material for concealing the inner and intermediate sections while creating a fashionable appearance. Additionally, the outer section may be interchangeable and may be updated at anytime without users having to purchase multiple headgears. In doing so, the headgear not only integrates the latest fashion into a light-weight and protective helmet, but is also readily interchangeable thereby allowing the user to keep up with seasonable fashion trends. In an alternative embodiment, the outer section may be eliminated.
Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.
Reference is now made to
As illustrated in
In addition to providing shock absorption, the inner section 200 also provides ventilation for a user's head through ventilation holes 210. These ventilation holes 210 may be distributed throughout the inner section 200 so as to provide air flow and relief from body heat exiting through a user's head. Additionally, the ventilation holes 210 allow for moisture wicking thereby resulting in a cool and comfortable experience for the user. In another embodiment, the ventilation holes 210 may be eliminated or changed in the configuration.
As illustrated in
The mobile member 300b is permanently attached to the protective member 300a with the rivets and rivet points 350a, 305b while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate different sized heads by means of the screw adjustments 340a, 340b. In an alternative embodiment, there may be more or less than two rivets/rivet points 350.
The protective members 300a, 300b may be constructed of a tough and durable material such as plastic. Optionally, the protective member 300a may also be constructed of shatter proof or heat resistant material. In one embodiment, the protective member 300a may be a polymeric material, such as polycarbonate, and can be specifically molded to fit a user's head for added comfort and protection. And like that of the inner section 200, the protective member 300a can also provide ventilation through ventilation holes 310. The ventilation holes 310 may be distributed throughout the protective member 300a and should be aligned with the ventilation holes 210 of the inner section 200 in order to provide ventilation for a user. In an alternative embodiment, ventilation holes 310 may be eliminated.
For added strength and durability, the protective member 300a may incorporate reinforced ridges 330. The reinforced ridges 330 may be distributed throughout the protective member 300a and may be formed of other durable composite or polymeric materials. The additional plastic or durable material of the reinforced ridges 330 provide the protective member 300a with extra strength against impact and collision providing further protection for a user's head. Although the reinforced ridges 330 are illustrated in the shape of a cross on a top of the protective member 300a, the reinforced ridges 330 may take a variety of shapes and designs to maximize user protection.
An elastic band 360 may be positioned near a rear portion of the protective member 300a as illustrated. The elastic band 360 may be bonded to the protective member 300a or attached using other materials and methods known in the industry. In one embodiment, the elastic band 360 has a width 370 of about 10 to 15 mm wide and is sufficiently flexible to accommodate a user's head and provide additional comfort. Optionally, the intermediate section 300 may also include straps (not shown) or other methods of securing the intermediate section 300 to a user's head.
As an added safety feature, the outer section 400 may be coated with a special polymeric spray, such as a Teflon® spray, to allow the headgear 100 to glide or slide over surfaces or objects it contacts thereby minimizing the likelihood of catching on something and causing a severe impact and/or collision.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.
Claims
1. A headgear, comprising:
- an inner section fabricated of a material operable to provide ventilation;
- an intermediate section comprising at least two members, wherein the two members are operable to accommodate varied head sizes; and
- an outer section fabricated of a fabric material.
2. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the material of the inner section is a polymeric foam.
3. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the inner section is further fabricated of a material operable to provide shock absorption.
4. The headgear of claim 3, wherein the material of the inner section is a polymeric foam.
5. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the inner section is about 5 mm.
6. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the at least two members of the intermediate section are fabricated of a polymeric material, a plastic material, or a polycarbonate material.
7. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the outer section further includes a polymeric coating.
8. The headgear of claim 1, further comprising a chin guard or a face guard.
9. The headgear of claim 1, further comprising one or more straps operable to secure the headgear to a user's head.
10. The headgear of claim 1, further comprising reinforced ridges integrated on said intermediate section.
11. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the intermediate section is operable to provide ventilation.
12. The headgear of claim 1, further comprising means for removably attaching said outer section to said inner or intermediate section.
13. A headgear, comprising:
- an inner section fabricated of a polymeric foam material operable to provide ventilation; and
- an outer section comprising at least two members, wherein the two members are operable to accommodate varied head sizes.
14. The headgear of claim 13, wherein the polymeric foam material is further operable to provide shock absorption.
15. The headgear of claim 13, wherein the thickness of the inner section is about 5 mm.
16. The headgear of claim 13, wherein the at least two members of the outer section are fabricated of a polymeric material, a plastic material, or a polycarbonate material.
17. The headgear of claim 13, further comprising a fabric material placed over the outer section.
18. The headgear of claim 17, wherein the fabric material further includes a polymeric coating.
19. The headgear of claim 13, further comprising a chin guard or a face guard.
20. The headgear of claim 13, further comprising one or more straps operable to secure the headgear to a user's head.
21. The headgear of claim 13, further comprising reinforced ridges integrated on said outer section.
22. A headgear, comprising:
- an inner section fabricated of a polymeric foam material operable to provide ventilation and shock absorption;
- an intermediate section comprising at least two members, wherein the two members are fabricated of a polymeric material and operable to accommodate a portion of a user's head; and
- an outer section fabricated of a fabric material.
23. The headgear of claim 22, wherein the thickness of the inner section is about 5 mm.
24. The headgear of claim 22, wherein the polymeric material of the intermediate section comprises a plastic material or a polycarbonate material.
25. The headgear of claim 22, wherein the outer section further comprises a polymeric coating.
26. The headgear of claim 22, wherein the intermediate section includes one or more reinforced ridges.
27. The headgear of claim 22, further comprising a chin guard or a face guard.
28. A headgear, comprising:
- an inner section fabricated of a polymeric foam material operable to provide ventilation; and
- an outer section comprising a mobile member and a protective member, wherein the mobile member engages the protective member such that the outer section is operable to accommodate varied head sizes.
29. The headgear of claim 28, further comprising a fabric-based material placed over the outer section.
30. The headgear of claim 28, wherein the polymeric foam material is operable to further provide shock absorption.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 12, 2005
Publication Date: Jun 14, 2007
Applicant:
Inventors: Stan Wasserkrug (Las Vegas, NV), Kevin Wilson (Las Vegas, NV)
Application Number: 11/302,093
International Classification: A42B 3/00 (20060101);