U.S. patent application number 10/816712 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for retention system for headgear.
Invention is credited to Cleveland, William, Lampe, John K., Piper, Dennis.
Application Number | 20050204456 10/816712 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35058683 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050204456 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Piper, Dennis ; et
al. |
September 22, 2005 |
Retention system for headgear
Abstract
Protective headguard comprising a protective pad and a retention
element cooperatively attached to the protective pad wherein the
headguard defines at least two separate and distinct, diametrically
intersecting and inwardly influenced circumferential lines of
retention when worn on the head.
Inventors: |
Piper, Dennis; (San Diego,
CA) ; Cleveland, William; (El Cajon, CA) ;
Lampe, John K.; (St. Paul, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERRILL LAW OFFICES
4756 BANNING AVE
SUITE 212
WHITE BEAR LAKE
MN
55110-3205
US
|
Family ID: |
35058683 |
Appl. No.: |
10/816712 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60459487 |
Apr 2, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/411 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/00 20130101; A42B
3/324 20130101; A63B 71/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/411 |
International
Class: |
A42B 003/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A protective headguard to be worn on a human head, comprising a
protective pad and a retention element cooperatively attached to
the protective pad wherein the headguard defines at least two
separate and distinct tensioned and diametrically intersecting
circumferential lines of retention when worn on the head.
2. The protective headguard of claim 1 wherein the retention
element is elastic.
3. The protective headguard of claim 2 wherein the retention
element defines a strap extending along at least a portion of each
line of retention.
4. The protective headguard of claim 1 wherein the retention
element includes a strap extending along at least a portion of each
line of retention, and a length adjustment means cooperatively
attached to each strap for permitting an adjustment of the length
of each strap.
5. The protective headguard of claim 1 wherein the protective pad
and retention element are configured and arranged such that the
diametric points of intersection of the circumferential lines of
retention are positioned proximate each temple of a wearer when the
protective headguard is worn on the head.
6. The protective headguard of claim 1 wherein the headgear is
configured and arranged so that one circumferential line of
retention runs above an occipital bone of a wearer and another
circumferential line of retention runs below the occipital bone of
a wearer.
7. The protective headguard of claim 1 wherein the angle at which
the circumferential lines of retention intersect when the headguard
is worn is adjustable.
8. The protective headguard of claim 1 wherein the positions of the
diametric points of intersection of the circumferential lines of
retention may be circumferentially shifted.
9. A protective headguard to be worn on a human head, comprising a
protective pad and a pair of separate and distinct, tensioned and
diametrically intersecting retention elements attached to the
protective pad.
10. The protective headguard of claim 9 wherein at least a segment
of each retention element is elastic.
11. The protective headguard of claim 9 wherein the retention
elements are elastic.
12. The protective headguard of claim 9 wherein the retention
elements have a length and include a length adjustment means
cooperatively attached to each retention element for permitting an
adjustment in the tension of each retention element when the
protective headguard is worn on the head.
13. The protective headguard of claim 9 wherein the protective pad
and retention element are configured and arranged such that the
diametric points of intersection of the circumferential lines of
retention are positioned proximate each temple of a wearer when the
protective headguard is worn on the head.
14. A protective headguard to be worn on a human head, comprising:
(a) a front protective piece comprising a plurality of separate
pads loosely restrained within a pocket whereby each pad may shift
within the pocket relative to the other pads, (b) a rear protective
piece, (c) and a retention element interconnecting the front
protective piece and the rear protective piece.
15. The protective headguard of claim 14 wherein the retention
element is elastic.
16. The protective headguard of claim 15 wherein the retention
element defines a strap.
17. The protective headguard of claim 14 wherein the retention
element includes a strap and a length adjustment means
cooperatively attached to the strap for permitting an adjustment of
the length of each strap.
18. The protective headguard of claim 14 wherein the front
protective piece comprises at least three separate pads.
19. The protective headguard of claim 14 wherein the pocket is
divided into separate cells with a single pad retained within each
cell.
20. A protective headguard to be worn on a human head, comprising a
front protective piece and a rear protective piece wherein the
front protective piece and the rear protective piece are pivotally
attached to one another at diametrically opposed pivot points
whereby the front protective piece and the rear protective piece
may be independently pivoted about the pivot points.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/459,487, filed Apr. 2, 2003.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to fit and retention
systems for headgear, especially protective headgear. Specifically,
it relates to fit and retention systems for protective headgear
which do not require a chinstrap.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The prior art contains many examples of headgear fit and
retention systems. Headgear fit and retention systems are intended
to keep the headgear on the head during use, maintain fit and
comfort while in use, and allow the user to easily put on and take
off the headgear when desired.
[0004] Fit and retention systems all must deal with the basic
characteristics of the human head. These characteristics include
the generally spheroidal shape, attachment of the head at the neck,
and the various features such as the shape and location of eyes and
ears, hair, etc. In addition the systems must deal with variations
among users in head size and head shape. For example, some
individuals may have prominent frontal bones, occipital bones, or
parietal eminences, while others may not.
[0005] For certain kinds of headgear, retention and fit issues are
relatively inconsequential because the existing retention and
fitting systems work relatively well. Knit winter hats generally
fall into this category. The headgear is lightweight and conforms
easily to variations in head size and shape. Therefore, many users
with different head shapes and sizes can comfortably wear the same
kind and size of hat. Moreover, knit winter hats typically remain
on the head under quite demanding circumstances such as in skiing,
sledding, or other vigorous activities.
[0006] For other kinds of headgear, retention and fit issues are
relatively inconsequential because it is not critical that the
headgear remain on the head. A baseball cap falls in this category.
In many instances, a baseball cap is worn during leisure activities
where retention is not tested. When it is worn in more demanding
circumstances such as a baseball game, retention may not be
critical because loss of a cap does not pose a danger to the user.
Therefore, users may be more willing to tolerate shortcomings in
the retention and fit system.
[0007] For many kinds of protective headgear, fit and retention
issues can be critical. For example, if a bicycle or football
helmet falls off while a user is engaged in one of those
activities, the results could be catastrophic. Therefore, it is
essential that secure systems be employed to ensure helmets stay on
the user while engaged in those activities.
[0008] With most kinds of protective headgear, however, devising
fit and retention systems is a difficult endeavor. Many activities
require significant protection and therefore headgear may become
bulkier and heavier. In addition some materials used in the
construction of such helmets may be hard and stiff such as helmet
shells. Such materials make it difficult to conform a helmet to the
shapes of the heads of different users.
[0009] Protective helmets use various means to improve retention
and fit. For those with hard and stiff shells, compressible
padding, padding inserts, and adjustable suspension systems are
some of the means by which different head sizes can be
accommodated. Football, hockey, bicycle helmets, and construction
hard hats would fall into this category. For headgear with soft
flexible shells, such as the headgear used in boxing, the martial
arts, or soccer, the shape of the entire piece of headgear can be
altered with, for example, adjustable length straps to help conform
it to the shape of the head.
[0010] In many instances, however, additional retention means such
as chinstraps become necessary. Chinstraps typically attach near
the edges of the helmet close to the ears and either pass under the
chin or over the chin. A fastening system such as a buckle or snap
allows the user to fasten and unfasten the chinstrap.
[0011] While chinstraps may help retain a helmet on the head,
chinstraps can pose problems. First, chinstraps may heighten risk
by increasing the rigidity of the head protection system. Forces
applied to the head at angular vectors may cause the helmet and the
head to rotate. Significant rotational forces can harm both the
brain and the neck. An inflexible chinstrap therefore may
contribute to injury by placing additional strain on the head as it
rotates.
[0012] Second, chinstraps often require adjustment for proper fit.
In many instances such adjustments may be difficult and
inconvenient. An improperly adjusted chinstrap may, for example,
allow the helmet to move too much when subjected to a force thereby
exposing an unprotected portion of the head to a blow. This is
especially a problem with those chinstraps that require the user to
adjust the chinstrap each time the headgear is worn.
[0013] Third, chinstraps are often uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Chinstraps that run over the chin usually require a cup to fit on
the chin. A chin-cup may restrict the jaw and limit activities such
as speech. A chinstrap running under the chin, over the neck, and
over the thorax may cause discomfort during normal use and may pose
a danger during an accident.
[0014] Finally, even properly adjusted chinstraps may do little to
prevent minor shifts in the helmet during normal use. These minor
shifts can be very bothersome for activities, for example, that
require unimpeded sight.
[0015] Various means have been attempted to improve fit and
retention to overcome the shortcomings of systems that rely
primarily on the chinstrap. Doing so often requires balancing fit,
retention, and comfort as an improvement in one of these attributes
tends to come at the expense of another of the attributes. With
almost any headgear, retention can be improved by simply making the
headgear fit tighter. For headgear such as knit winter hats or
winter headbands this does not typically pose a problem. A knit
winter hat can fit relatively tight without causing discomfort. The
lightness, elasticity, and conformability of such headgear are
likely reasons for this.
[0016] For many kinds of protective headgear, however, creating a
tighter fit results in discomfort. An American football helmet with
a tight fit can be very uncomfortable. The bulk, inelasticity of
the headgear structure, and the pressure points created where
padding is compressed to fit variations on the head's surface could
be causes for this.
[0017] Alternatives to simply tightening the fit have been
developed. Many bicycle helmets, for example, have devices that
cradle the occipital bone. These systems are not intended to
eliminate the chinstrap but are intended to prevent minor shifts
during normal use and to reserve the chinstrap for events such as
accidents. These systems rely on a retention system that applies
pressure to selected points on the head. In the case of the bicycle
helmets with the occipital cradle, what amounts to a triangular
retention system is created. In this system pressure is applied to
a set of points below the occipital bone, points above the
occipital bone, and points approximately in the middle of the
forehead. However, these systems still rely on a chinstrap for
retention purposes. Therefore there is still a pressure point under
the chin.
[0018] Alternative fit and retention systems are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,266,827 and 6,349,416 to Lampe et al. The fit and
retention systems revealed in these patents can work without
chinstraps. These patents describe headgear with adjustable length
straps located in positions other than those where chinstraps would
typically be located. The adjustable length straps and the
structure of the headgear create spaced circular lines of
retention. By tightening the adjustable length straps, pressure can
be placed on the head at points along one of the circular lines of
retention. Unlike a baseball cap, these devices may have two or
more circular lines of retention. The circular lines could be
located on approximately parallel planes in relation to the head.
One circular line of retention could run around the head on one
plane ideally positioned below the occipital bone and below the
frontal bone but above the brow. Another plane is ideally
positioned above the occipital bone and above the frontal bone.
While the fit and retention systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,266,827 and 6,349,416 to Lampe et al. constitute a significant
advance over prior systems, a continuing need exists for further
improvements in headgear fit and retention systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Generally, the present invention relates to improvements to
headguards. A first aspect of the invention is a protective
headguard comprising a protective pad and a retention element
cooperatively attached to the protective pad wherein the headguard
defines at least two separate and distinct tensioned and
diametrically intersecting circumferential lines of retention when
worn on the head.
[0020] A second aspect of the invention is a headguard comprising a
protective pad and a pair of separate and distinct,
circumferential, diametrically intersecting retention elements
attached to the protective pad.
[0021] A third aspect of the invention is a headguard comprising
(i) a front protective piece having a plurality of separate pads
loosely restrained within a pocket whereby each pad may shift
within the pocket relative to the other pads, (ii) a rear
protective piece, and (iii) a retention element interconnecting the
front protective piece and the rear protective piece.
[0022] A fourth aspect of the invention is a protective headguard
comprising a front protective piece and a rear protective piece
wherein the front protective piece and the rear protective piece
are pivotally attached to one another at diametrically opposed
pivot points such that the front protective piece and the rear
protective piece may be independently pivoted about the pivot
points.
[0023] Objects and advantages of this invention include:
[0024] A fit and retention system for headgear that works with many
kinds of headgear including protective headgear with pliable and
stiff structures.
[0025] A fit and retention system for headgear that is adjustable
and allows accommodation of different head sizes and head
shapes.
[0026] A fit and retention system for headgear effective with or
without a chinstrap.
[0027] A fit and retention system for headgear that allows the
headgear to fit snugly with a minimum degree of tension.
[0028] A fit and retention system for headgear that allows the
headgear to be securely affixed to the head with a minimum degree
of tension.
[0029] A fit and retention system for headgear that employs at
least two "circular lines of retention" (i.e., circular lines
around the head that represent the main points of pressure against
the head created by the fit and retention system).
[0030] A fit and retention system for headgear with circular lines
of retention that encircle the head, intersect each other at least
twice, and extend from approximately the forehead area to the back
of the head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
[0032] FIG. 1a is a side elevation of a human head including a
depiction of (i) a first great circle located on the mid-sagittal
plane, and (ii) a second great circle located on a transverse
plane.
[0033] FIG. 1b is a top view of the human head shown in FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 1c is a side elevation of a human head including a
depiction of (i) a first great circle located on the mid-sagittal
plane, and (ii) third circle located on a transverse plane which is
not a great circle.
[0035] FIG. 1d is a side elevation of a human head including a
depiction of first, second fourth and fifth great circles.
[0036] FIG. 2a is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of
the invention worn on a human head.
[0037] FIG. 2b is a back elevation view of the invention shown in
FIG. 2a.
[0038] FIG. 2c is a cross-sectional side view of the invention
shown in FIG. 2a.
[0039] FIG. 3a is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of
the invention worn on a human head.
[0040] FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional side view of the invention
shown in FIG. 3a.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of the
invention worn on a human head.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of
the invention worn on a human head.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a fifth embodiment of the
invention worn on a human head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING A BEST MODE
[0044] Nomenclature
[0045] 100 Human Head
[0046] 101 First Circle
[0047] 102 Center Point
[0048] 103 Second Circle
[0049] 104 Forehead
[0050] 105 Brow
[0051] 106 Eyes
[0052] 107 Mouth
[0053] 108 Back Of Head
[0054] 109 Back Of Neck
[0055] 110 Third Circle
[0056] 111 Fourth Circle
[0057] 112 Fifth Circle
[0058] 113 Nose
[0059] 114 Chin
[0060] 115 Neck
[0061] 200 First Embodiment Of Headband
[0062] 204 Forehead
[0063] 215 Front Piece
[0064] 216 Back Piece
[0065] 217 First Strap
[0066] 218 Second Strap
[0067] 219 Front Padding
[0068] 220 Back Padding
[0069] 221 Front Covering
[0070] 222 Back Covering
[0071] 223 Intersection
[0072] 224 Temple Area Of Head
[0073] 225 Ears
[0074] 226 Occipital Bone
[0075] 227 Sleeve
[0076] 228 Frontal Bone
[0077] 232 First Length Adjustment Means
[0078] 233 Second Length Adjustment Means
[0079] 234 Loop
[0080] 235 Hook And Loop Tab
[0081] 300 Second Embodiment Of Headband
[0082] 315 Front Piece
[0083] 316 Back Piece
[0084] 317 First Strap
[0085] 318 Second Strap
[0086] 321 Front Covering
[0087] 322 Back Covering
[0088] 328 Frontal Bone
[0089] 340 Lower Front Pad
[0090] 341 Middle Front Pad
[0091] 342 Upper Front Pad
[0092] 343 Lower Back Pad
[0093] 344 Middle Back Pad
[0094] 345 Upper Back Pad
[0095] 346 Arrows
[0096] 347 Gap Between Pads
[0097] 400 Third Embodiment Of Headband
[0098] 415 Front Piece
[0099] 416 Back Piece
[0100] 432 First Length Adjustment Means
[0101] 433 Second Length Adjustment Means
[0102] 450 Front Unit
[0103] 451 Back Unit
[0104] 452 Rivet
[0105] 453 Upper Portion Of Front Unit
[0106] 454 Lower Portion Of Front Unit
[0107] 455 Upper Portion Of Back Unit
[0108] 456 Lower Portion Of Back Unit
[0109] 500 Fourth Embodiment Of Headgear
[0110] 510 Padding
[0111] 517 First Strap
[0112] 518 Second Strap
[0113] 560 Gap
[0114] 600 Fifth Embodiment of Headband
[0115] 615 Front Piece
[0116] 616 Back Piece
[0117] 617 First Strap
[0118] 618 Second Strap
[0119] 665 Slot in Front Piece
[0120] 666 First Slot in Back Piece
[0121] 667 Second Slot in Back Piece
[0122] 668 First Hook and Loop Tab
[0123] 669 Second Hook and Loop Tab
[0124] 670 Intersection Point
[0125] 671 Arrows
[0126] Definitions
[0127] As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase "length
adjustment means" includes any and all means known to those skilled
in the art for adjusting the length of a retention cord or strap on
headgear including specifically, but not exclusively, (i) cord
locks or barrel locks, (ii) ratchet adjusters, (iii) slide
adjusters, (iv) ladder locks, (v) cam buckles, (vi) slide buckles,
(vii) side-release buckles with slide, (viii) center-release
buckles with slide, (ix) bar buckles with series of holes along the
length of the strap, (x) combination of loop with hook and loop
strap, (xi) combination of loop with strap having a series of snap
halves attached along the length of the strap, etc.
[0128] As utilized herein, including the claims, the term "loosely"
means having relative freedom of movement.
[0129] As utilized herein, including the claims, the term
"separate" means lack of direct connection.
[0130] Construction and Use
[0131] FIG. 1a shows a profile of the left side (not numbered) of a
human head 100. A first circle 101, represented by dashes,
perpendicular to the horizon divides the head 100 into two sides
from the middle of the face (unnumbered) to the middle of the back
108 of the head 100. This first circle 101 therefore is located on
the mid-sagittal plane (unnumbered). The center point 102 of the
first circle 101 is marked. FIG. 1a also shows dashes representing
a second circle 103. The second circle 103 is located on a
transverse plane (unnumbered). The second circle 103 has the same
center point 102 as the first circle 101. FIG. 1b shows a top view
of the same human head 100 with the same first circle 101 and
second circle 103. In this view, the second circle 103 is visible
as a circle and the first circle 101 is visible as a dashed
line.
[0132] The first circle 101 and second circle 103 shown in FIGS. 1a
and 1b are two circles that represent "great circles" of a sphere
(unnumbered). Great circles are ones whose plane passes through the
center of the sphere. In this case, the center point 102 marked in
FIGS. 1a and 1b is the center point 102 of the first circle 101,
the second circle 103, and the sphere represented by these great
circles. That sphere would roughly correspond to the
three-dimensional shape of the human head 100.
[0133] Although the human head 100 is not a sphere, its shape is
more similar to a sphere than it is to other standard shapes. This
is especially true if protruding portions of the face such as the
nose 113, mouth 107, and chin 114 are excluded as well as the neck
115. In designing a fit and retention system consistent with this
invention, excluding these areas of the face and the neck 115 makes
sense for two reasons. First, if a chinstrap-like device (not
shown) is not going to be used (or is going to be used as a
secondary means of retention), the primary retention system could
not be located in the chin 114 or neck 115 areas. Second, the
typical retention system could not be located on areas of the face;
otherwise, vision could be blocked, movement of the mouth 107 could
be impeded, and the fit would generally be uncomfortable.
[0134] The boundaries of the excluded areas would, for most uses,
be as follows. In relation to the forehead 104 shown in FIG. 1a,
points on or below the brow 105 could be foreclosed as potential
points along a circular line of retention. In relation to the back
108 of the head 100, circular lines of retention could not probably
be positioned significantly down on the back 109 of the neck
115.
[0135] Within this restricted universe, some circular lines of
retention will be more optimal than others. The more the circular
line of retention deviates from a great circle, the less stable it
may be. That is, because a circular line of retention with tension
on it will direct pressure inward. A circular line of retention
that follows a great circle will direct that pressure toward the
center of the sphere. A circular line of retention that follows a
circle that is not a great circle will direct pressure at some
point other than the center of the sphere. This will tend to make
such a circular line of retention less stable. For example, in FIG.
1c, a third circle 110, which is not a great circle, is
represented. If the third circle 110 were used to form a circular
line of retention for a piece of headgear (not shown) on the head
100, that headgear would be somewhat unstable. Because of the
curvature of the human head 100, tension along this third circle
110 as a circular line of retention would tend to force the
headgear upward off the top of the head 100.
[0136] FIG. 1d shows an illustration with representations in the
form of solid lines of a fourth circle 111 and a fifth circle 112.
These circles, like the first circle 101 and second circle 103, are
great circles. As individual circular lines of retention around a
sphere, both the fourth circle 111 and the fifth circle 112 would
be more stable than the third circle 110 when under tension as
tension along the fourth circle 111 and fifth circle 112 would tend
to pull those circles toward the center of the sphere rather than
in a direction toward the top or bottom of the sphere.
[0137] If a plurality of circular lines of retention are connected,
for example, at points where two circles intersect, those circular
lines of retention will be even more stable because another set of
points (not shown), forming a plurality of point sets (not shown),
will be directing forces toward the center of the sphere.
[0138] Since the human head 100 is not typically a sphere, circular
lines of retention for a piece of headgear (not shown) cannot
generally create true great circles. If, for example, the fourth
circle 111 and fifth circle 112 were extended outward or inward
sufficiently to accommodate the shape of the head 100 depicted in
FIGS. 1b and 1d, then the fourth circle 111 and fifth circle 112
would no longer be great circles. In addition, a fit and retention
system with flexible straps (not shown), for example, could stretch
and bend to some extent thereby distorting the shape of a circular
line of retention. Finally, headgear materials such as the padding
(not shown) or the shell (not shown), if the headgear has one, may
distort the circular line of retention created by a fit and
retention system. However, headgear with circular lines of
retention that track, as closely as possible, great circles are
still achievable. In order to create a stable a fit and retention
system without a chinstrap (not shown), this invention seeks to
develop fit and retention systems with circular lines of retention
that as closely as possible approximate great circles.
[0139] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c show a first embodiment of the invention
200. FIG. 2a shows a profile of a human head 100 with the first
embodiment of the protective headband 200 on it. The headband 200
has a front piece 215 and a back piece 216, and a retention system
including a first strap 217 and a second strap 218 extending along
intersecting great circles on the head 100. The first strap 217 and
second strap 218 intersect at two diametrically opposed locations
223 on either side of the head 100. Because the profile in FIG. 2a
shows the left side (unnumbered) of the head 100, only one
intersection point 223 is shown. As shown in FIG. 2c, the front
piece 215 and back piece 216 of the headband 200 can each have
padding 219 and 220 and a covering 221 and 222, respectively.
[0140] The first embodiment of the protective headband 200 shown in
FIGS. 2a through 2c would be suitable for activities where
protection for the top (unnumbered) of the head 100 is either not
necessary or not desirable, and where a chinstrap is not required.
Activities for which this embodiment and subsequent embodiments
might be appropriate include soccer.
[0141] The front piece 215 of the headband 200 depicted in FIG. 2a
wraps from the forehead 204 to the temple areas 224 and, in this
embodiment, ends just in front of the ears 225 on either side. The
back piece 216 of the headband 200 wraps around the occipital bone
226 on the back (unnumbered) of the head 100 and ends just behind
the ears 225 on either side of the head 100. Although not shown,
padding (not shown) could be inserted between the front piece 215
and the back piece 216.
[0142] As shown in FIG. 2b, a first strap 217 and a second strap
218 encircle the head 100. Each of the first strap 217 and second
strap 218 run through a separate fabric sleeve 227 which holds the
straps 217 and 218 in position. Although sleeves 227 are shown in
this embodiment as the mechanism for maintaining the first and
second straps 217 and 218 in proper position, many other means
would also be suitable for maintaining the position of the first
and second straps 217 and 218. Such other means might include
recessed channels (not shown) in the front piece 215 and/or back
piece 216 of the headband 200, or fabric loops (not shown) on the
front piece 215 and/or back piece 216 of the headband 200 through
which the first and second straps 217 and 218 could run.
[0143] The first strap 217 can run approximately from the forehead
204, above the frontal bone 228 across the temple area 224, and end
below the occipital bone 226 at the rear of the head 100. The
second strap 218 can run approximately from the forehead 204, below
the frontal bone 228 across the temple area 224 and end above the
occipital bone 226 at the rear of the head 100. The first strap 217
and second strap 218, can each be equipped with a connecting length
adjustment means 232 and 233 at the rear of the head 100, such as a
combination of a loop 234 and a hook and loop tab 235.
[0144] The first and second straps 217 and 218 cross at
approximately the temple area 224 on each side of the head 100.
When comparing FIG. 2a to FIG. 1d, it can be seen that the first
and second straps 217 and 218 approximately track the
criss-crossing fourth and fifth great circles 111 and 112
identified in FIG. 1d. The first and second straps 217 and 218 in
FIG. 2a create criss-crossing circular lines of retention that
approximate the criss-crossing fourth and fifth great circles 111
and 112 identified in FIG. 1d.
[0145] The front and back padding 219 and 220 in the front and back
pieces 215 and 216 of the headband 200 could be made of many
different materials. One such material is foam, which would be
suitable for many applications. Similarly, the front and back
coverings 221 and 222 for the front and back pieces 215 and 216 of
the headband 200 could be made of many different materials. The
front and back coverings 221 and 222 could range from fabric
entirely encasing the front and back padding 219 and 220, to hard
plastic covering the exterior surface (unnumbered) of the front and
back padding 219 and 220. Many other kinds of padding and coverings
such as those identified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,266,827, 6,349,416,
6,381,760, and 6,397,399 to Lampe et al. could also be used.
[0146] The first and second straps 217 and 218 could be of many
different widths and thicknesses and could be made of many
different materials. Those depicted in FIGS. 2a and 2b are made of
an elastic cord-like material The first and second straps 217 and
218 could also have a flat shape. In most instances a stretchable
material may be preferable to ensure that sufficient tension is
maintained when the headband 200 is worn.
[0147] As shown in FIG. 2b, one suitable connecting length
adjustment means 232 and 233 is a combination of a loop 234 and a
hook and loop tab 235. Such connecting length adjustment means 232
and 233 allow the size of the first and second straps 217 and 218
to be quickly and easily varied. In this embodiment, the first and
second length adjustment means 232 and 233 each has a loop 234
through which a hook and loop tab 235 can be inserted and then
fastened back onto itself. The length adjustment means 232 and 233
should be of a type which are capable of allowing adjustments in
the length of the first and second straps 217 and 218, thereby
permitting an adjustment in the tension exerted by each strap 217
and 218. Therefore, the embodiment of the headgear 200 shown in
FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c permits the first and second straps 217 and 218
to be stretched because they are elastic, and permits a change in
the length of the first and second straps 217 and 218.
[0148] FIGS. 3a and 3b depict a headband 300 representing a second
embodiment of the invention. Many aspects of the second embodiment
of the invention 300 emulate or resemble those of the first
embodiment of the invention 200 shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c. The
primary difference between the first embodiment 200 and the second
embodiment 300 is the nature of the padding (not collectively
numbered). In the second embodiment of the invention 300, shown
most clearly in FIG. 3b, the padding 340 through 342 in the front
piece 315 and padding 343 through 345 in back piece 316 consists of
several individual pads encased in a front covering 321 and a back
covering 322 respectively. As in the first embodiment of the
invention 200, the front and back coverings 321 and 322 in the
second embodiment of the invention 300 could be a fabric covering.
The front piece 315 of the headband 300 has lower pad 340, a middle
pad 341 and an upper pad 342. Similarly, the back piece 316 of the
headband 300 has a lower pad 343, a middle pad 344 and an upper pad
345. The pads 340 through 345 may be configured such that they
accommodate different shapes and features on a human head 100. For
example, the middle pad 341 in the front piece 315 of the headband
300 could extend outward more to accommodate a human head 100 with
a more protruding frontal bone 328. As shown in FIG. 3a, the pads
340 through 345 may also be configured and arranged within the
front and back coverings 321 and 322 to permit the pads 340 through
345 to shift to some degree on the surface of the head 100 in the
directions of the arrows 346. Such shifting of the pads 340 through
345 may be facilitated by constructing the front and back coverings
321 and 322 from a stretchable fabric and/or providing a gap 347
between the pads 340 through 345. Such shifting can accommodate
different shapes and features on a human head 100 and also allows a
user to vary the position of the first and second straps 317 and
318.
[0149] FIG. 4 depicts a headband 400 representing a third
embodiment of the invention. Many aspects of the third embodiment
of the invention 400 emulate or resemble those of the first
embodiment of the invention 200 shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c. The
primary difference between the first embodiment of the invention
200 and the third embodiment of the invention 400 is the fit and
retention system. The first embodiment of the invention 200 employs
two separate straps 217 and 218. In contract, as shown in FIG. 4,
the third embodiment of the invention 400 has an adjustment
mechanism (not collectively numbered) with a front unit 450 and a
back unit 451. The front unit 450 is connected to the back unit 451
on either side of the head 100 by a rivet 452 or other fixing
device. Preferably the rivets 452 attach the front unit 450 and
back unit 451 at the points of intersection (unnumbered) of the
circular lines of retention defined by the front unit 450 and back
unit 451.
[0150] The rivets 452 should be configured and arranged to allow
the front piece 415 and back piece 416 to move up and down in
relation to one another by pivoting about the rivet 452. The rivet
452 could be relatively soft, such as one made from foam or even
fabric. The rivet 452 could be eliminated with the front unit 450
and the back unit 451 simply connected at a narrowing point, but
such an attachment mechanism is not preferred as such an attachment
may restrict movement of the front and back pieces 415 and 416
relative to one another.
[0151] The front and back units 450 and 451 could be of many
different widths and thicknesses and could be made of many
different materials. Those depicted in FIG. 4 are straps The front
and back units 450 and 451 could also be a cord similar to the
straps of the first and second embodiments of the invention 200 and
300. In most instances a stretchable material is preferred to
ensure that sufficient tension is maintained when the headband 400
is worn.
[0152] The upper portion 453 and lower portion 454 of the front
unit 450 and/or the upper portion 455 and lower portion 456 of the
back unit 451 can each be equipped with a connecting length
adjustment means 432 and 433, such as a combination of a loop
(unnumbered) and a hook and loop tab (unnumbered).
[0153] Despite the different configuration of the fit and retention
system in the third embodiment of the invention 400, the third
embodiment of the invention 400 could still rely on the great
circle concept. In the case of the third embodiment of the
invention 400, one circular line of retention would be formed by a
combination of the upper portion 453 of the front unit 450 and the
lower portion 456 of the back unit 451. Another circular line of
retention would be formed by a combination of the lower portion 454
of the front unit 450 and the upper portion 455 of the back unit
451.
[0154] FIG. 5 depicts a headband 500 representing a fourth
embodiment of the invention. Many aspects of the fourth embodiment
of the invention 500 emulate or resemble those of the first and
second embodiments of the invention 200 and 300 shown in FIGS. 2a,
2b and 2c, and FIGS. 3a and 3b, respectively. The primary
difference between the first and second embodiments of the
invention 200 and 300, and the fourth embodiment of the invention
500 is the padding. As shown in FIG. 5, the headgear 500 has a
unitary piece of padding 510 that covers the top (unnumbered) of
the head 100 as well as those portions of the head 100 covered by
the first, second and third embodiments of the invention 200, 300
and 400. The fit and retention system of the fourth embodiment of
the invention 500 functions much the same as the fit and retention
system of the first and second embodiments of the invention 100 and
300. A gap 560 in the unitary piece of padding 510 permits the size
of the headgear 500 to be expanded or contracted using the first
and second straps 517 and 518.
[0155] FIG. 6 depicts a headband 600 representing a fifth
embodiment of the invention. This fifth embodiment of the invention
600 has a front piece 615 and a back piece 616. The front and back
pieces 615 and 616 are connected to each other by a pair of first
and second straps 617 and 618 with a one pair of the straps 617 and
618 located on each side of the head 100. As shown in FIG. 6, one
pair of a first and a second strap 617 and 618 is located on the
left side of the head 100 proximate the temple (unnumbered). An
identical pair of a first and a second strap 617 and 618 is also
located on the hidden right side of the head 100 proximate the
temple (unnumbered).
[0156] The fifth embodiment of the invention 600 differs from the
first embodiment of the invention 200 in several ways. First, the
first and second straps 617 and 618 of the fifth embodiment of the
invention 600 do not encircle the head 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the
first and second straps 617 and 618 of the fifth embodiment of the
invention 600 are connected to the sides (unnumbered) of the front
and back pieces 615 and 616 on the side of the head 100. Second,
the fifth embodiment of the invention 600 has a slot 665 through
the front piece 615 for accommodating passage of the first strap
617.
[0157] As with the other embodiments of the invention, the first
strap 617 and second strap 618 of the fifth embodiment of the
invention 600 can each be equipped with a connecting length
adjustment means (not collectively numbered) proximate the rear of
the head 100, such as a first combination of a first slot 666 in
the back piece 616 and a first hook and loop tab 668 cooperatively
engaging the first strap 617 and a second combination of a second
slot 667 in the back piece 616 and a second hook and loop tab 669
cooperatively engaging the second strap 618.
[0158] The first and second straps 617 and 618 are preferably made
of an elastic material, similar to the straps of the fourth
embodiment of the invention 500. Given the elasticity of the first
and second straps 617 and 618, another embodiment could simply rely
on the elasticity of the straps 617 and 618 for adjustment, and
dispense with the connecting length adjustment means. However, such
an embodiment would likely accommodate a smaller range of head 100
sizes.
[0159] In the end, the retention system shown in FIG. 6 functions
much the same as the first through fourth embodiments of the
invention 200, 300, 400 and 500. The circular lines of retention
encircle the head 100 approximating great circles, and cross each
other at two points on the surface of the head 100. In the fifth
embodiment of the invention 600, the point of intersection 670 is
proximate the mid-point of the area of overlap of the first strap
617 and the front piece 615. Hence, the circular lines of retention
criss-cross one another at two diameterically opposed points and
allow inward pressure to be created as shown by the arrows 671 in
FIG. 6.
[0160] A chinstrap (not shown) could optionally be used with the
various embodiments of the headband 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600,
especially as a secondary retention means, without significantly
compromising their function.
[0161] The present invention should not be considered limited to
the particular examples described above, but rather should be
understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out
in the claims arising from this application. For example, while
suitable sizes, materials, fasteners, and the like have been
disclosed in the above discussion, it should be appreciated that
these are provided by way of example and not of limitation as a
number of other sizes, materials, fasteners, and so forth may be
used without departing from the invention. Various modifications as
well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be
applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to
which the present invention is directed upon review of the present
specifications. The claims which arise from this application are
intended to cover such modifications and structures.
* * * * *