U.S. patent application number 10/128434 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-30 for helmet pack.
Invention is credited to Jessie, William D..
Application Number | 20030200598 10/128434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29248476 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030200598 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jessie, William D. |
October 30, 2003 |
Helmet pack
Abstract
The invention relates to an improved, inflatable liner for a
helmet. The liner employs hook and loop fasteners for easy removal
and attachment to the inner surfaces of the helmet shell. The liner
incorporates a fluid impermeable enclosed volume which may be
inflated with water (or air). A valve provides access to the
enclosed volume. The liner is of a light-weight, open-framed,
semi-hemispheric configuration which allows for air circulation. A
soft material is disposed on the open frame structure creating a
buffer between the wearer's head and the helmet. A soft,
moisture-absorbent fabric encompasses the periphery of the liner.
The absorbent fabric functions as a sweatband for absorbing
perspiration and for protecting the wearer's forehead from rubbing
against the helmet shell.
Inventors: |
Jessie, William D.;
(Speedwell, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
29248476 |
Appl. No.: |
10/128434 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/413 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/122 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/413 |
International
Class: |
A42B 003/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A cushioning device for protective headgear, said device
comprising: a plurality of hollow spoke members having outer
surfaces, each one of said hollow spoke members having a first end
and a second end; a hollow annular rim member, said hollow annular
rim member attached in fluid communication with each first end of
said plurality of spoke members; a dome-shaped hollow member having
an underside, said dome-shaped member spaced from said hollow
annular rim member and attached in fluid communication with each
second end of said plurality of spoke members; an interior area
formed by said plurality of hollow spoke members, said hollow
annular rim and said dome-shaped hollow member; a soft, pliable
material disposed and attached in said interior area; a plurality
of fasteners, said plurality of fasteners fixed to said outer
surfaces of said spoke members; and a moisture-absorbing fabric,
said moisture-absorbing fabric disposed completely around said
hollow annular rim member.
2. A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in claim
1, including a valve for controlling the entrance and egress of
fluid, said valve disposed on said underside of said dome-shaped
hollow member.
3. A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in claim
2, wherein said plurality of hollow spoke members is spaced around
the circumference of said hollow rim member.
4. A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in claim
3, wherein said plurality of fasteners is composed of hook and loop
fasteners.
5. A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in claim
4, wherein said hollow spoke members, said hollow annular rim and
said hollow dome-shaped member are fabricated from a pliable,
fluid-impervious plastic material.
6. A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in claim
4, wherein said hollow spoke members, said hollow annular rim and
said hollow dome-shaped member are fabricated from a pliable,
fluid-impervious rubberized material.
7. A cushioning device for protective headgear, said device
comprising: a plurality of hollow spoke members having outer
surfaces, each one of said hollow spoke members having a first end
and a second end; a hollow annular rim member, said hollow annular
rim member attached in fluid communication with each first end of
said plurality of spoke members; a hollow dome-shaped member spaced
from said hollow annular rim member, said hollow dome-shaped member
attached in fluid communication with each second end of said
plurality of spoke members; an interior area formed by said
plurality of hollow spoke members, said hollow annular rim and said
hollow dome-shaped member; a soft, pliable material disposed and
attached in said interior area, said material having an outer
surface; a plurality of fasteners, said plurality of fasteners
fixed to said outer surfaces of said spoke members; a moisture
absorbing fabric, said moisture absorbing fabric disposed
completely around said hollow annular rim member; a fluid, said
fluid disposed in said hollow spoke members, said hollow annular
rim and said hollow annulus; and a valve for controlling the
entrance and egress of said fluid said valve disposed on said
hollow dome-shaped member.
8. A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in claim
7, wherein said plurality of hollow spoke members is spaced around
the circumference of said hollow rim member.
9. A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in claim
8, wherein said plurality of fasteners is composed of hook and loop
fasteners.
10. A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in claim
9, wherein said fluid is water.
11. A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in claim
9, wherein said fluid is air.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to protective
equipment. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a
liner for protective headgear, especially a combat or policeman's
helmet.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The Kevlar helmet is known to provide adequate protection
for soldiers and police officers in life-threatening combat or law
enforcement situations. However, the helmet can become
uncomfortable during an extended period of wear. Such discomfort
could be a distraction when it is necessary that the wearer's full
attention be focused on the task at hand. One cause of discomfort
is improper fit. Since heads come in various sizes, it is difficult
to find the "right" helmet which will provide adequate protection
and still be comfortable to wear. Another cause of discomfort is
the chaffing of the helmet against the forehead of the wearer. This
problem is readily evident when the helmet is removed in that a red
or dark band is present on the wearer's forehead. To provide a
removable, protective liner for a helmet, which liner does not
change the appearance of the soldier's or policeman's uniform,
which liner is inflatable to adjust for proper fit and padded in a
way to enhance comfort, would be universally welcomed in the
art.
[0005] There is a plethora of prior art helmets which employ
removable liners. For example U.S. Pat. No. 3,462,763 (Schneider et
al.) shows protective headgear having a removable liner. Although
the liner is fluid-filled, there is no means to reduce or increase
the volume of fluid to adjust the liner for size and comfort.
[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,600,714 (Cade et al.) and 5,175,889 are
drawn to helmets with inflatable liners. The liners however, are
permanently secured to the helmet shell and there is no structure
for providing comfortable wear at the user's forehead.
[0007] Helmets having removable, fluid-filled liners are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,994,022 (Villari et al.), 4,060,855
(Rappleyea), 4,014,048 (Rappleyea) and 5,014,365 (Schulz). None of
the patentees contemplate incorporating structure for insuring a
comfortable fit at the wearers forehead.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,871 (Auerbach et al.) Shows a flexible
liner used to form a water reservoir in an army helmet. The liner
is not inflatable and cannot be utilized for size and comfort
adjustment.
[0009] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singularly or in combination, is seen to disclose a fluid-filled
liner for a helmet as will subsequently be described and claimed in
the instant invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The instant invention relates to an improved, inflatable
liner for a helmet. The liner employs hook and loop fasteners for
easy removal and attachment to the inner surfaces of the helmet
shell. The liner incorporates a fluid impermeable volume, which
volume may be inflated with water (or air). A valve provides access
to the enclosed volume. Besides affording a high degree of
protection against blows, impacts and the like, the inflatable
liner can be adjusted to a comfortable fit.
[0011] The liner is of a light-weight, open-framed,
semi-hemispheric configuration which allows for air circulation.
The liner may be inflated with cold water for desert or high
temperature situations. Alternatively, warm water can be employed
in cold temperature scenarios. If necessary, water from the liner
can be used to slake thirst in emergency hydration situations. A
soft material is disposed on the open frame structure for creating
a buffer between the wearer's head and the helmet. The liner is
provided with an annular rim and a soft, moisture-absorbent fabric
encompasses the circumference of the annular rim. The absorbent
fabric functions as a sweatband for absorbing perspiration and for
protecting the wearer's forehead from rubbing against the helmet
shell.
[0012] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a liner for a helmet, which liner will afford a high degree
of protection against impacts, blows and the like.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide a liner for
a helmet, which liner incorporates a hydraulic cushioning
assembly.
[0014] It is a further object of the invention to provide a liner
for a helmet, which liner can be removably attached to the inner
surfaces of the helmet.
[0015] Still another object of the invention is to provide a liner
for a helmet, which liner can be adjusted for size and comfort.
[0016] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which
are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing
their intended purposes.
[0017] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is an environmental, exploded, perspective view of a
helmet and liner according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an assembled helmet and liner
according to the present invention.
[0020] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] Attention is directed to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings
wherein the liner of the present invention is generally indicated
at 10. As noted above, liner 10 is adapted for insertion into a
combat-type helmet H. Helmet H is of the conventional Kevlar type
used by combat troops and law enforcement officers and is not, per
se, part of the inventive concept. Liner 10 is fabricated from a
soft, durable, fluid-impermeable rubber or plastic material and is
configured as a semi-hemispherical, open-framed member having a
continuous, circumferential, lower hollow rim 12. Hollow spokes 14
are spaced around rim 12 and extend upwardly therefrom. There are
no spokes in the ear area of the liner to allow for better air
circulation and to prevent concussion from heavy blows or
explosions. As contemplated, the spokes will be set one to two
inches in from of and behind the ear area. Spokes 14 terminate at
their upper ends in an upper, hollow dome-shaped member 16. Hollow
rim 12, hollow spokes 14 and hollow member 16 are in fluid
communication whereby liner 10 may be inflated with water. Although
water is the preferred inflation medium, it should be noted that
other suitable fluids such as air may be utilized if desired. A
valve 18 (shown in phantom lines) positioned on the under side of
member 16 communicates with the hollow interior of liner 10 to
permit the fluid to be added or extracted from the liner without
removing the liner from the helmet. A soft flexible material 20 is
disposed to cover the interior area of liner 10. Material 20 may be
of any suitable type (cotton, nylon, etc.) and is positioned so
that inner surfaces thereof will form a buffer between the wearer's
head and the liner 10. A series of hook and loop type fasteners 22
are positioned on the outer surfaces of spokes material 14 and rim
12. Rim 12 is completely covered by a moisture absorbing fabric
24.
[0022] In use, liner water is added to inflate liner 10 to adjust
the liner to the head size and comfort level of the wearer. The
liner is then inserted in helmet H so that hook and loop fasteners
22 are mated with their counterparts (not shown) mounted on the
inner surface of the helmet. As noted above, wearing comfort is
greatly enhanced since material 20 will act as a buffer between the
liner and the head of a wearer and moisture absorbing fabric 24
will cushion the wearer's forehead from direct contact with rim 12
and absorb perspiration to keep the same from dripping into the
wearer's eyes.
[0023] Although described as usable with a combat-type helmet, it
is evident that the instant invention could easily be adapted to
other protective head wear such as helmets for cyclists, skaters,
skiers, etc.
[0024] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
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