U.S. patent application number 09/740153 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-06 for perspiration redirecting head band apparatus.
Invention is credited to Flatt, Erick P..
Application Number | 20010047536 09/740153 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26869613 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010047536 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flatt, Erick P. |
December 6, 2001 |
Perspiration redirecting head band apparatus
Abstract
A head band apparatus is provided for protecting a wearer's eyes
from perspiration from the wearer's forehead and includes a band
which has a front band portion, a rear band portion, and side band
portions between the front band portion and the rear band portion.
The front band portion includes a front band outer side, and the
side band portions includes side band outer sides. A perspiration
collector lip is connected to the front band portion and extends
outward from the front band outer side for defining a collection
space between the perspiration collector lip and the front band
portion. The perspiration collector lip includes a first open drain
end laterally distanced from the wearer's eyes. A second open drain
end is also provided and is also laterally distanced from the
wearer's eyes.
Inventors: |
Flatt, Erick P.; (Dallas,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
S. Michael Bender
P.O. Box 530399
St. Petersburg
FL
33747
US
|
Family ID: |
26869613 |
Appl. No.: |
09/740153 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60173865 |
Dec 30, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/181 ;
2/181.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 20/00 20130101;
Y10S 2/11 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/181 ;
2/181.6 |
International
Class: |
A42C 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent of the United States is as follows:
1. A head band apparatus for protecting a wearer's eyes from
perspiration from the wearer's forehead, comprising: a band which
includes an outer side, and a non-absorbent perspiration collector
lip connected to said outer side of said band and extending outward
from said band outer side for defining a collection space between
said perspiration collector lip and said band, wherein said
perspiration collector lip includes a first open drain end
laterally distanced from the wearer's eyes.
2. A head band apparatus for protecting a wearer's eyes from
perspiration from the wearer's forehead, comprising: a band which
has a front band portion, a rear band portion, and side band
portions between said front band portion and said rear band
portion, wherein said front band portion includes a front band
outer side, and wherein said side band portions include side band
outer sides, a perspiration collector lip connected to said front
band portion and extending outward from said front band outer side
for defining a collection space between said perspiration collector
lip and said front band portion, wherein said perspiration
collector lip includes a first open drain end laterally distanced
from the wearer's eyes.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, further including a second open drain
end laterally distanced from the wearer's eyes.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said perspiration collector lip
is further connected to said side band portions and further extends
outward from said side band outer sides and further extends said
collection space between said perspiration collector lip and said
side band portions, such that said first open drain end is adjacent
to one of said side band portions and said second open drain end is
adjacent to another of said side band portions.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said front band portion is
substantially flat.
6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said band includes: a first
band end which includes a first band connector, and a second band
end which includes a second band connector.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein: said first band connector
includes a first hook or loop material, and said second band
connector includes a second loop or hook material.
8. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said band includes: a first
band end which includes a pair of strap lock rings, a second band
end which includes a quantity of third hook or loop material on an
outside surface of said second band end, and a quantity of fourth
loop or hook material on said outside surface of said second band
end distal from said third hook or loop material.
9. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein: said front band portion
includes a downward sloping top edge.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority based upon my copending
Provisional Application Serial No. 60/173,865; filed Dec. 30,
1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to head bands and,
more particularly, to head bands especially adapted for handling
perspiration.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] It is well known that when a person perspires, the
perspiration from one's forehead flows downward and often flows
into one's eyes. To overcome this problem numerous head bands are
known which absorb the perspiration on the forehead before it can
flow into one's eyes. In this respect, throughout the years, a
number of innovations have been developed relating to perspiration
absorbent head bands, and the following U.S. patents are
representative of some of those innovations: U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,073,989, 5,590,422, 5,901,381, and 5,926,849. One problem
associated with any head band that absorbs perspiration is the
problem of saturation. When the head band becomes saturated with
perspiration, it can no longer absorb perspiration. As a result,
either the wearer must take the head band off and squeeze out the
absorbed perspiration, or excess perspiration will flow out from
the saturated absorbent. To overcome the problems associated with
head bands that absorb perspiration, it would be desirable if a
head band were provided which prevents perspiration from flowing
into a wearer's eyes without absorbing perspiration.
[0006] It is conceived by the present inventor herein, that it
would be desirable to drain perspiration away from a person's eyes,
rather than absorb perspiration. In this respect, it would be
desirable if a head band were provided that drains perspiration a
suitable distance away from a person's eyes.
[0007] For a head band to be useful to many persons, it would be
desirable if the head band were easily adjustable. With adjustable
straps, often a free end of an adjustable strap will be loose and
flop around. A flopping around loose end of an adjustable strap can
be annoying to a wearer of an adjustable head band, so it would be
desirable if an adjustable head band were provided that has means
for securing a free end of an adjustable strap.
[0008] Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to
be well known to use head bands to prevent perspiration from a
person's forehead from flowing into the person's eyes, the prior
art described above does not teach or suggest a perspiration
redirecting head band apparatus which has the following combination
of desirable features: (1) prevents perspiration from flowing into
a wearer's eyes without absorbing the perspiration; (2) is easily
adjustable; (3) drains perspiration away from a person's eyes,
rather than absorb perspiration; (4) drains perspiration a
substantial distance away from a person's eyes; and (5) has means
for securing a free end of an adjustable strap so that it will not
flop around.
[0009] The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the
unique perspiration redirecting head band apparatus of the present
invention as will be made apparent from the following description
thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior
art also will be rendered evident.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present
invention, briefly described, provides a head band apparatus for
protecting a wearer's eyes from perspiration from the wearer's
forehead and includes a band which includes an outer side. A
non-absorbent perspiration collector lip is connected to the outer
side of the band and extends outward from the band outer side for
defining a collection space between the perspiration collector lip
and the band. The perspiration collector lip includes a first open
drain end laterally distanced from the wearer's eyes, whereby
perspiration from the wearer's forehead is directed by the
perspiration collector lip away from the wearer's eyes.
[0011] More specifically, the head band apparatus includes a band
which has a front band portion, a rear band portion, and side band
portions between the front band portion and the rear band portion.
The front band portion includes a front band outer side, and the
side band portions includes side band outer sides. A non-absorbent
perspiration collector lip is connected to the front band portion
and extends outward from the front band outer side for defining a
collection space between the perspiration collector lip and the
front band portion. The perspiration collector lip includes a first
open drain end laterally distanced from the wearer's eyes. A second
open drain end is also provided and is also laterally distanced
from the wearer's eyes.
[0012] Preferably, the perspiration collector lip is further
connected to the side band portions and further extends outward
from the side band outer sides, whereby the collection space is
further extended between the perspiration collector lip and the
side band portions. As a result, the first open drain end is
adjacent to one of the side band portions, and the second open
drain end is adjacent to another of the side band portions. The
front band portion is substantially flat to be flat against the
wearer's forehead.
[0013] The band includes a first band end which includes a first
band connector, and the band includes a second band end which
includes a second band connector. The first band connector includes
a first hook or loop material, and the second band connector
includes a second loop or hook material.
[0014] With another embodiment of the invention, the band includes
a first band end includes a pair of strap lock rings. A second band
end includes a quantity of third hook or loop material on an
outside surface of the second band end at the free end of the
second band end and includes a quantity of fourth loop or hook
material on the outside surface of the second band end distal from
the third hook or loop material. The strap lock rings serve to lock
the second band end in a desired adjustment, and interengagement of
the third hook or loop material and the fourth loop or hook
material prevent the free end of the second band end from flopping
around.
[0015] With a third embodiment of the invention, the front band
portion includes a downward sloping top edge. The downward sloping
top edge facilitates the flow of perspiration from a wearer's
forehead into the collection space between the perspiration
collector lip and the front band portion.
[0016] The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the
more important features of the present invention in order that the
detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood,
and in order that the present contributions to the art may be
better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of
the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will be
for the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0017] In this respect, before explaining at least three preferred
embodiments of the invention in detail, it is understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of the
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0018] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized
as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for
carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is
important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such
equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0019] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved perspiration redirecting head band
apparatus which has all of the advantages of the prior art and none
of the disadvantages.
[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved perspiration redirecting head band apparatus which
may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
[0021] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved perspiration redirecting head band apparatus which
is of durable and reliable construction.
[0022] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved perspiration redirecting head band
apparatus which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with
regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then
susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby
making such perspiration redirecting head band apparatus available
to the buying public.
[0023] Still yet a further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved perspiration redirecting head band
apparatus which prevents perspiration from flowing into a wearer's
eyes without absorbing the perspiration.
[0024] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a new and improved perspiration redirecting head band apparatus
that is easily adjustable.
[0025] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved perspiration redirecting head band apparatus which
drains perspiration away from a person's eyes, rather than absorb
perspiration.
[0026] Even another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved perspiration redirecting head band apparatus that
drains perspiration a substantial distance away from a person's
eyes.
[0027] Still a further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved perspiration redirecting head band
apparatus which has means for securing a free end of an adjustable
strap so that it will not flop around.
[0028] These together with still other objects of the invention,
along with the various features of novelty which characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The invention will be better understood and the above
objects as well as objects other than those set forth above will
become more apparent after a study of the following detailed
description thereof. Such description makes reference to the
annexed drawing wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a first embodiment of the
perspiration redirecting head band apparatus of the invention in
use on a wearer's head.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the perspiration
redirecting head band apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the portion of the
embodiment of the invention shown in the circled area 3 of FIG.
2.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of the invention
shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 thereof.
[0034] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the embodiment
of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-4 taken along line 5-5 of FIG.
4.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of
the invention, analogous to the cross-sectional view of the first
embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0038] With reference to the drawings, new and improved
perspiration redirecting head band apparatuses embodying the
principles and concepts of the present invention will be
described.
[0039] Turning to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown a first embodiment of
the perspiration redirecting head band apparatus of the invention
generally designated by reference numeral 10. In the first
embodiment, perspiration redirecting head band apparatus 10 is
provided for protecting a wearer's eyes 15 from perspiration from
the wearer's forehead 17 by redirecting perspiration away from the
wearer's eyes. The perspiration redirecting head band apparatus 10
includes a band which has a front band portion 22, a rear band
portion 24, and side band portions 23 between the front band
portion 22 and the rear band portion 24. The front band portion 22
includes a front band outer side 26, and the side band portions 23
includes side band outer sides 28. A non-absorbent perspiration
collector lip 30 is connected to the front band portion 22 and
extends outward from the front band outer side 26 for defining a
collection space 27 between the perspiration collector lip 30 and
the front band portion 22. By being "non-absorbent", the
perspiration collector lip 30 does not absorb perspiration. The
perspiration collector lip 30 includes a first open drain end 32
laterally distanced from the wearer's eyes 15. A second open drain
end 34 is also provided and is also laterally distanced from the
wearer's eyes 15.
[0040] Preferably, the perspiration collector lip 30 is further
connected to the side band portions 23 and further extends outward
from the side band outer sides 28, whereby the collection space 27
is further extended between the perspiration collector lip 30 and
the side band portions 23. As a result, the first open drain end 32
is adjacent to one of the side band portions 23, and the second
open drain end 34 is adjacent to another of the side band portions
23. The front band portion 22 is substantially flat to be flat
against the wearer's forehead 17.
[0041] The band includes a first band end 14 which includes a first
band connector 16, and the band includes a second band end 18 which
includes a second band connector 20. The first band connector 16
includes a first hook or loop material 16, and the second band
connector 20 includes a second loop or hook material 20. The first
hook or loop material 16 and the second loop or hook material 20
can be made from well known VELCRO.TM. material. Alternately, the
band can be made of elastic material that encompasses a head.
[0042] To use the perspiration redirecting head band apparatus 10
of the invention, the first hook or loop material 16 is connected
to the second loop or hook material 20 so that the band fits on a
wearer's head as shown in the drawing figures. The front band
portion 22 is positioned on the wearer's forehead 17 above the
wearer's eyes 15. Then, when perspiration is formed on the wearer's
forehead 17, the perspiration flows down the forehead 17 into the
collection space 27 between the front band portion 22 and the
perspiration collector lip 30. As perspiration accumulates in the
collection space 27, the accumulated perspiration flows to the
first open drain end 32 and the second open drain end 34 which are
located away from the eyes 15 so that the eyes 15 are protected
from the perspiration. FIG. 3 shows drops 29 of perspiration
draining from the first open drain end 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the
open drain ends can be located behind the ears of the wearer.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 7, a second embodiment of the invention is
shown. Reference numerals are shown that correspond to like
reference numerals that designate like elements shown in the other
figures. In addition, the band includes a first band end 14 which
includes a pair of strap lock rings 36. The strap lock rings 36 can
be in the form of well known D-shaped rings. To attach the strap
lock rings 36 to the first band end 14, the free end of the first
band end 14 can be threaded through both of the strap lock rings
36. Then, the free end can be folded back onto the body of the
first band end 14 and sewn thereto, thereby securing the strap lock
rings 36 to the first band end 14. A second band end 18 includes a
quantity of third hook or loop material 38 on an outside surface of
the second band end 18 at the free end of the second band end 18.
The second band end 18 also includes a quantity of fourth loop or
hook material 40 on the outside surface of the second band end 18
distal from the third hook or loop material 38.
[0044] To use the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7, the
free end of the second band end 18 is threaded through the strap
lock rings 36 so that the second band end 18 is locked in a desired
position by the strap lock rings 36. Once this is done, the third
hook or loop material 38 on the second band end 18 is pressed up
against the fourth loop or hook material 40 so that the free end of
the second band end 18 is fastened to the remainder of the second
band end 18 so that the free end of the second band end 18 does not
flop around when the band 99 is on a wearer. The third hook or loop
material 38 and the fourth loop or hook material 40 can be made
from well known VELCRO.TM. material.
[0045] Turning to FIG. 8, a third embodiment of the invention is
shown. Reference numerals are shown that correspond to like
reference numerals that designate like elements shown in the other
figures. In addition, the front band portion 22 includes a downward
sloping top edge 42. The downward sloping top edge 42 facilitates
the flow of perspiration 101 from a wearer's forehead into the
collection space 27 between the perspiration collector lip 30 and
the front band portion 22.
[0046] As shown in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 8, there are
ten dimensional measurements that are designated in FIG. 8.
Although specific dimensional measurements can be chosen in a wide
range of suitable variation, a specific embodiment of the invention
is described with the following dimensions, referring to FIG. 8.
Dimension A is 1.4 cm. Dimension B is 0.8 cm.. Dimension C is 0.95
cm.. Dimension D is 0.2 cm.. Dimension E is 0.3 cm.. Dimension F is
0.47 cm.. Dimension G is 0.3 cm.. Dimension H is 0.4 cm.. Dimension
I is 0.95 cm.. Dimension J is 0.47 cm.. The area defined by
Dimension C can be a background for a logo. A logo can be embossed
on the area defined by Dimension C to a depth of 0.1 cm.. These
dimensions are illustrative of a preferred embodiment of the
invention and are not to be construed as limiting.
[0047] The band and the perspiration collector lip 30 can be made
from thin plastic materials. More specifically, the entire band and
perspiration collector lip can be made from flexible, nonabsorbent
molded PVC. Since the band and the perspiration collector lip 30
are made from relatively thin materials, the perspiration
redirecting head band apparatus 10 can be worn under a head
covering, such as a helmet, baseball cap or the like.
[0048] The components of the perspiration redirecting head band
apparatus of the invention can be made from inexpensive and durable
plastic and cloth materials.
[0049] As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant
invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and
accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage
and operation need be provided.
[0050] It is apparent from the above that the present invention
accomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new and
improved perspiration redirecting head band apparatus that is low
in cost, relatively simple in design and operation, and which may
advantageously be used to provide a perspiration redirecting head
band apparatus which prevents perspiration from flowing into a
wearer's eyes without absorbing the perspiration. With the
invention, a perspiration redirecting head band apparatus is
provided which is easily adjustable. With the invention, a
perspiration redirecting head band apparatus is provided which
drains perspiration away from a person's eyes, rather than absorb
perspiration. With the invention, the head band apparatus drains
perspiration a suitable distance away from a person's eyes. With
the invention, a perspiration redirecting head band apparatus is
provided which has means for securing a free end of an adjustable
strap so that it will not flop around.
[0051] Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the
drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in
connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical
and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications
thereof may be made without departing from the principles and
concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to,
variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use.
[0052] Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be
determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended
claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all
relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification.
[0053] Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the
annexed Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers
and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or
legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory
inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of
the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to
define the invention or the application, which only is measured by
the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of
the invention in any way.
* * * * *