HEAD APPAREL
Described is head apparel for restraining the head of a wearer. The head apparel includes headwear having an outer surface and an opening that exposes an interior surface configured to receive the head of the wearer. The headwear also includes a restraining device attached to the headwear. The restraining device has a first state in which a length of the restraining device extends from the headwear and is configured to engage a stationary object to restrain the head against the stationary object. The restraining device has a second state in which the length of the restraining device is substantially secured to the headwear.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/909,338, filed on Oct. 21, 2010, and published as Publication No. US-2012-0096626, entitled “Head Apparel,” the entirety of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to head apparel, and more specifically, to head apparel having a restraining device for stabilizing the head of a person when the head apparel is worn by the person and the restraining device is positioned about an upper portion of a seat.
BACKGROUNDIt is well known that people often enjoy sleeping in their seats while traveling in an airplane, train, automobile, or other mode of transportation. However, it is difficult for a person to sleep in his or her seat when the back portion of the seat is in an upright position or reclined position. Thus, it is difficult for a traveler to be comfortable when attempting to sleep, especially because a traveler's head is not stabilized while in an upright position. As a result, the traveler's head can fall forward during sleep.
Travelers often attempt to lean their heads against a stationary object such as a window, or rely on a pillow placed between the head and the back surface of the seat for comfort. However, when the head is not secured against the stationary object, the traveler's head is subject to abrupt movement during sleep.
SUMMARYIn one aspect, the invention features head apparel for restraining the head of a wearer, the head apparel. The head apparel includes headwear and a restraining device. The headwear has an outer surface and an opening that exposes an interior surface configured to receive the head of the wearer. The restraining device is attached to the outer surface of the headwear. The restraining device has a first state in which a length of the restraining device extends from the headwear and is configured to engage a stationary object to restrain the head against the stationary object. The restraining device has a second state in which the length of the restraining device is substantially secured to the headwear.
In another aspect, the invention features head apparel for restraining a head of a wearer against a stationary object. The head apparel comprises headwear, a pair of fastening devices, and a strap. The headwear has an outer surface and an opening that exposes an interior surface configured to receive the head of the wearer. The pair of fastening devices are disposed on the outer surface of the headwear. The strap has two ends and a length. At least a portion of the length extending between the fastening devices. The strap has a first state in which portions of the strap are secured by the fastening devices and the strap is configured to extend from the headwear to engage with an upper portion of a seat to restrain the head. The strap has a second state in which the ends of the strap are configured to be attached to the outer surface so that the length of the strap is substantially secured to the outer surface of the headwear.
In another aspect, the invention features head apparel for restraining a head of a wearer against a stationary object. The head apparel comprises headwear, a pair of fastening devices, and a strap. The headwear has an outer surface and an opening that exposes an interior surface configured to receive the head of the wearer. The pair of fastening devices is disposed on the outer surface of the headwear. The strap has two end portions and a length. At least a central portion of the length extends between the fastening devices. The strap has a first state in which the strap is secured by the fastening devices and the end portions of the strap are configured to extend from the headwear to engage with an upper portion of a seat to restrain the head to the seat. The strap has a second state in which the end portions of the strap are configured to be substantially secured to the inner surface of the headwear.
In another aspect, the invention features head apparel for restraining the head of a wearer, the head apparel comprising: headwear having an outer surface and an opening that exposes an interior surface configured to receive the head of the wearer; two or more fastening devices coupled to the interior surface of the headwear; and a restraining device having two end portions and a length. At least a central portion of the length is at the outer surface of the headwear and extending between the fastening devices. The restraining device has a first state at which the end portions of the restraining device are secured by the fastening devices and the central portion of the restraining device extends away from the outer surface of the headwear to engage with an upper portion of a stationary object to restrain the head with respect to the stationary object. The restraining device has a second state at which the end portions of the restraining device are positioned in the inner surface of the headwear and the central portion is positioned along the outer surface of the headwear.
In another aspect, the invention features head apparel for restraining the head of a wearer, the head apparel comprising: headwear having an outer surface and an opening that exposes an interior surface configured to receive the head of the wearer; at least one restraining device retractor coupled to the headwear; and a restraining device having an end portion that is received by the at least one restraining device retractor and further having a length. At least a central portion of the length is at the outer surface of the headwear. The restraining device has a first state at which an end portion of the restraining device extends from and is secured by the at least one restraining device retractor and the central portion of the restraining device extends away from the outer surface of the headwear to engage with an upper portion of a stationary object to restrain the head with respect to the stationary object. The restraining device has a second state at which the at least one restraining device retractor receives at least a portion of the end portion of the restraining device such that the central portion is positioned against the outer surface of the headwear.
The above and further advantages of this invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
In the following description, specific details are set forth although it should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill that the present invention can be practiced without at least some of the details. In some instances, known features or processes are not described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.
The present teaching will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings. While the present teaching is described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teaching be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the present teaching encompasses various alternatives, modifications and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Those of ordinary skill having access to the teaching herein will recognize additional implementations, modifications and embodiments, as well as other fields of use, which are within the scope of the present disclosure as described herein.
Embodiments of head apparel described herein include a restraining device coupled to headwear, or headgear, which is worn on a person's head in a conventional manner. For example, the headwear can be worn as a baseball cap, winter hat, helmet, and the like. The restraining device is secured to either the outer surface or the inner surface of the headwear when the restraining device is not in use. Thus, the head apparel can be worn by a person as part of a wardrobe or for other purposes such as for protecting the person's head from sunburn or cold weather.
The restraining device, when expanded, can be positioned about a stationary object, for example, a headrest of a travel seat. In this manner, the restraining device stabilizes the person's head against the surface of the stationary object so as to prevent the head from movement during sleep that would otherwise prevent the person from a sound sleep. In addition to wearing the head apparel for purposes of fashion or head protection, the head apparel can be worn to allow the wearer to sleep when seated when traveling in an automobile, train, or airplane. Alternatively, the head apparel can be worn by people with neck or back injuries, who cannot use their neck muscles effectively to hold their heads in an upright position, regardless of whether or not such people are awake or asleep.
The headwear 110 and the restraining device 120 of the head apparel 100 are collectively adapted to restrain the wearer's head to a stationary object such as a travel seat when the wearer is seated. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in
In an embodiment, the headwear 110 is of a conventional construction, for example, a commercially available baseball cap. Alternatively, the headwear 110 can be, but not limited to hats, helmets, visors, headbands, or other head coverings or headgear known to those or ordinary skill in the art as conformably fitting about at least a portion of the wearer's head.
The headwear 110 has an interior surface configured for receiving the wearer's head. In an embodiment, the interior surface and/or outer surface of the headwear 110 are formed of soft and compliant materials such as cotton, wool, or acrylic, for substantially conforming to at least a portion of the wearer's head. In another embodiment, the outer surface has a rigid shell, for example, a helmet, and the interior surface includes a compliant material, such as a foam liner, for substantially conforming to at least a portion of the wearer's head.
The restraining device 120 can be directly attached to the outer surface of the headwear 110, or attached to the outer surface of the headwear 120 by a fastening device, for example, one or more slides 130 described herein. The restraining device 120 can be a strap, belt, rope, or other thin strip of fabric formed of materials that can accommodate a force, such as the weight of the wearer's head. By way of example, the restraining device 120 can be fabricated from leather, polymers, or other durable fabrics. Such materials can include elastic properties, permitting the restraining device 120 to expand beyond an initial state when a force is applied thereto, such as the weight of the wearer's head. However, the restraining device 120 nevertheless substantially restrains the wearer's head against an object, regardless of the elasticity of the restraining device.
In the event of a collision or sudden braking of the vehicle in which the wearer is seated, excessive force may be applied by the wearer's head. The slide 130 and/or restraining device 120 can be configured to include a safety device (not shown) that withstands a maximum force threshold, and that separates the restraining device 120 from the slide 130 when a force is applied to the restraining device 120 that exceeds the maximum force threshold.
The safety device can include a locking mechanism on the slide 130 that secures the restraining device 120 to the slide 130 when the restraining device 120 is positioned about a stationary object. This feature can reduce the risk of a head, neck, or back injury to the wearer in the event of an accident.
The restraining device 120 has first and second ends 122 and a contiguous length therebetween. The first and second ends 122 are each attached to the outer front or side surfaces of the headwear 110. In a preferred embodiment, each end 122 of the restraining device 120 is secured to the headwear 110 by a slide 130, for example, a three-bar slide, which allows the length of the restraining device 120 to be adjusted for proper fitting between the wearer and the seat. In another embodiment, both ends 122 of the restraining device 120 are secured to the headwear 110 by a single slide 130 so that one end 122 is secured to the slide 130, and the other end 122 can be secured in place in the slide 130, or can be adjusted so that different locations along the length of the restraining device 120 are secured in place in the slide 130. In other embodiments, ends 122 of the restraining device 120 are directly or indirectly attached to the headwear 110 using staples, sewing materials such as thread, buttons, snaps, zippers, clasps, buckles, closures, adjusters, rings, rivets, glue, Velcro®, or other fasteners known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Each slide 130 can be sewn to the headwear 110 with thread 128, or with staples, glue, or other fasteners known to those of ordinary skill in the art. An emblem, monogram, logo, indicia, graphic, or design can be formed on a front portion of the headwear 110 between the first and second slides 130, by embroidering or printing, or by attaching a patch to the headwear 110.
Each end 122 of the restraining device 120 is inserted in a corresponding first or second slide 130 as shown in
When the restraining device 120 is not in use, the length of the restraining device 120 is reduced from a single contiguous length between the first and second slides 130 to one or more windings of restraining device 120 between the first and second slides 130 about the outer surface of the headwear 110. A portion 121 of the restraining device 120, referred to as a first winding, is inserted through the first slide 130 until the outermost end 122 is proximal to the rear portion of the headwear 110, and coupled to the rear portion of the headwear 110 by snapping the snap fasteners 124 and 134. A second winding 123 of the restraining device 120 extends from the first slide 130 to the second slide 130. The first and second windings 121, 123 can be secured to the outer surface of the headwear 110 by one or more loops 132.
The headwear 110 also includes a strap 137 at the rear portion of the headwear 110 for securing the outermost ends 122 against the headwear 110 when the restraining device 120 is not in use. The strap 137 includes a first end that is attached to the headwear 110 by sewing, gluing, or other attachment process. A second end includes a snap fastener 138 attached to a corresponding snap fastener (not shown), similar to the snap fastener 134 described herein. In other embodiments, fasteners such as clips, buttons, magnets, Velcro® connectors, or other fastener known to those of ordinary skill in the art can be used to attach the second end of the strap 137 to the headwear 110.
The two ends 222 of the restraining device 220, referred to as outermost ends, extend through openings 214 in the headwear 200, and are secured to the interior of the headwear 210 as shown in
The headwear 210 includes loops 216 positioned about the inner rim of the headwear 210 for holding the length of the restraining device 220 in place against the inner rim when the restraining device 220 is not in use. The loops 216 can be similar to loops 132 described in
In another embodiment, one or more openings (not shown) are provided in the back region of the headwear 210. When the restraining device 220 is in an extended state, each outermost end 222 extends from the headwear 210 through a corresponding opening.
The length of the central portion 224 of the restraining device 220 between the two slides 230 can be increased as shown in
The head apparel 300 includes a restraining device 320 having a portion secured about an inner surface of headwear 310 and a central portion 324 positioned at the outer front and/or side surface of the headwear 320. A slide 330 at the inner surface of headwear 310 can be at one or both sides of the central portion 324, allowing the length of the restraining device 120 to be adjusted in a manner similar to that described with regard to
The two ends 322 of the restraining device 320, referred to as outermost ends, can extend through openings 314 in the headwear 300, and are secured to the interior of the headwear 310 as shown in
The headwear 310 includes loops 316 positioned about the inner rim of the headwear 310 for holding a length of the restraining device 320 in place against the inner rim when the restraining device 320 is not in use. The loops 316 can be similar to loops described in
The length of the central portion 324 of the restraining device 320 between the two slides 330 at the interior of the headwear 310 can be increased as shown in
In another embodiment, the restraining device 320 is in communication with a metal pacifier clip, a suspender clip, an adjustable buckle, a slide, or related fastener for increasing or decreasing a length of the restraining device 320, or a restraining device of other head apparel referred to herein. For example, the central portion 324 or end 322 of the restraining device 320 can be inserted into an eye opening of a clip. The fastener can include teeth, a hook, pin, button, or other device or slip prevention mechanism for preventing the length of the restraining device 320 from changing after it is adjusted.
In an embodiment, the head apparel 400 includes at least one restraining device adjustment mechanism 429 at the inner surface of headwear 410. In an embodiment, the restraining device adjustment mechanism 429 is attached the outer surface of headwear 410. The restraining device adjustment mechanism 429 can include a retractor, a recoil mechanism, or the like that causes at least a portion of the length of the restraining device, for example, the end 422 of the restraining device 420, to wind or roll about a reel (not shown) or the like in the restraining device adjustment mechanism 429 when not in use. Here, the central portion 324 of the restraining device 320 can be positioned along the outer surface of the headwear 410. The restraining device adjustment mechanism 429 can also include a locking mechanism (not shown) that locks the reel, similar to a car seatbelt assembly, preventing further extension of the restraining device 420 and keeping the person wearing the head apparel 400 during operation secured against the stationary object about which the restraining device 420 is positioned.
The restraining device 420 can be at one or both sides of a central portion 424 of the restraining device 420, allowing the length of the restraining device 420 to be adjusted in a manner similar to that described with regard to
While embodiments of the head apparel have been described with respect to travelers, who can sleep when seated in a substantially upright position while traveling, the head apparel is not limited to such applications. Other applications are contemplated in which the head apparel is used by people with neck or back injuries, who may be prevented from using their neck muscles to hold their heads in an upright position.
While the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. Head apparel for restraining the head of a wearer, the head apparel comprising: a restraining device having two end portions and a length, at least a central portion of the length at the outer surface of the headwear and extending between the fastening devices, the restraining device having a first state at which the end portions of the restraining device are secured by the fastening devices and the central portion of the restraining device extends away from the outer surface of the headwear to engage with an upper portion of a stationary object to restrain the head with respect to the stationary object, and the restraining device having a second state at which the end portions of the restraining device are positioned in the inner surface of the headwear and the central portion is positioned along the outer surface of the headwear.
- headwear having an outer surface and an opening that exposes an interior surface configured to receive the head of the wearer;
- two or more fastening devices coupled to the interior surface of the headwear; and
2. The head apparel of claim 1, wherein the restraining device includes a strap.
3. The head apparel of claim 1, wherein the central portion of the length of the restraining device extends from a first fastening device at the interior surface of the headwear through a first opening in the headwear along the outer surface of the headwear to a second opening in the headwear to a second fastening device at the interior surface of the headwear.
4. The head apparel of claim 1, wherein the headwear comprises a rim defining the opening of the headwear, wherein the restraining device is secured to the rim.
5. The head apparel of claim 5 further comprising a plurality of loops positioned about an interior surface proximal to the opening for securing the length of the restraining device in place against the interior surface of the headwear.
6. The head apparel of claim 1, wherein the headwear is a baseball cap.
7. The head apparel of claim 1 wherein the two or more fastening devices are coupled to a front portion of the interior surface of the headwear for adjustably securing the restraining device to the headwear.
8. The head apparel of claim 1, wherein the fastening devices include a slide, wherein when the restraining device is in the first state, the restraining device is moved along the slide until the head is substantially restrained against the stationary object, and wherein when the restraining device is in the second state, the restraining device is moved along the slide until the length of the restraining device is substantially secured to the headwear.
9. The head apparel of claim 1, wherein the fastening device includes a clip, the restraining device extending through the clip for adjusting a length of the restraining device at the first state or the second state.
10. Head apparel for restraining the head of a wearer, the head apparel comprising:
- headwear having an outer surface and an opening that exposes an interior surface configured to receive the head of the wearer;
- at least one restraining device retractor coupled to the headwear; and
- a restraining device having an end portion that is received by the at least one restraining device retractor and further having a length, at least a central portion of the length at the outer surface of the headwear, the restraining device having a first state at which an end portion of the restraining device extends from and is secured by the at least one restraining device retractor and the central portion of the restraining device extends away from the outer surface of the headwear to engage with an upper portion of a stationary object to restrain the head with respect to the stationary object, and the restraining device having a second state at which the at least one restraining device retractor receives at least a portion of the end portion of the restraining device such that the central portion is positioned against the outer surface of the headwear.
11. The head apparel of claim 10, wherein the at least one restraining device retractor coupled to the interior surface of the headwear.
12. The head apparel of claim 10, wherein the restraining device includes a strap.
13. The head apparel of claim 9, wherein the central portion of the length of the restraining device extends from a first restraining device retractor at the interior surface of the headwear through a first opening in the headwear along the outer surface of the headwear to a second opening in the headwear to a restraining device retractor at the interior surface of the headwear.
14. The head apparel of claim 10, wherein the headwear is a baseball cap.
15. The head apparel of claim 10, wherein the restraining device retractor includes a locking mechanism that secures the restraining device at the restraining device retractor, and that provides the restraining device from moving relative to the restraining device retractor.
16. The head apparel of claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism substantially restrains the head against the stationary object.
17. Head apparel for restraining the head of a wearer, the head apparel comprising:
- headwear having an outer surface and an opening that exposes an interior surface configured to receive the head of the wearer;
- a fastener coupled to the headwear; and
- a restraining device having two end portions and a length, one end portion movably communicating with the fastener, the other end portion coupled to the headwear, at least a central portion of the length at the outer surface of the headwear, and extending between the two end portions, the restraining device having a first state at which the central portion of the restraining device extends away from the outer surface of the headwear to engage with an upper portion of a stationary object to restrain the head with respect to the stationary object, and the restraining device having a second state at which the end portions of the restraining device are positioned in the inner surface of the headwear and the central portion is positioned along the outer surface of the headwear.
18. The head apparel of claim 17, wherein when the restraining device is in the first state, the restraining device is moved along the fastener until the head is substantially restrained against the stationary object, and wherein when the restraining device is in the second state, the restraining device is moved along the fastener until the length of the restraining device is substantially secured to the headwear.
19. The head apparel of claim 17, wherein the fastener is coupled to the interior surface of the headwear.
20. The head apparel of claim 17, wherein the fastener is coupled to the outer surface of the headwear.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 31, 2013
Publication Date: Aug 1, 2013
Inventor: Allan Milton Edwards (Dorchester, MA)
Application Number: 13/756,109
International Classification: A42B 1/24 (20060101);