U.S. patent application number 11/302093 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for protective headgear.
This patent application is currently assigned to Stealth Headgear LLC. Invention is credited to Stan Wasserkrug, Kevin Wilson.
Application Number | 20070130673 11/302093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38137784 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070130673 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wasserkrug; Stan ; et
al. |
June 14, 2007 |
Protective headgear
Abstract
Described is a protective headgear for sports and recreational
activities. The protective headgear is designed to provide a user
protection against impact or collision due to a fall or contact
with a static or moving object, while at the same time providing
the user the maximum amount of comfort and style. The headgear may
comprise an inner, intermediate, and outer section. The inner
section is formed of a material providing ventilation and/or shock
absorption, the intermediate section is formed of a hardened
material, and the outer section is formed of a fabric material
intended to give the headgear an aesthetically pleasing
appearance.
Inventors: |
Wasserkrug; Stan; (Las
Vegas, NV) ; Wilson; Kevin; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG
3773 HOWARD HUGHES PARKWAY
SUITE 500 NORTH
LAS VEGAS
NV
89169
US
|
Assignee: |
Stealth Headgear LLC
|
Family ID: |
38137784 |
Appl. No.: |
11/302093 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/411 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/12 20130101; A42B
3/324 20130101; A42B 3/06 20130101; A42B 1/08 20130101; A42B 3/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/411 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/00 20060101
A42B003/00 |
Claims
1. A headgear, comprising: an inner section fabricated of a
material operable to provide ventilation; an intermediate section
comprising at least two members, wherein the two members are
operable to accommodate varied head sizes; and an outer section
fabricated of a fabric material.
2. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the material of the inner
section is a polymeric foam.
3. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the inner section is further
fabricated of a material operable to provide shock absorption.
4. The headgear of claim 3, wherein the material of the inner
section is a polymeric foam.
5. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the inner
section is about 5 mm.
6. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the at least two members of the
intermediate section are fabricated of a polymeric material, a
plastic material, or a polycarbonate material.
7. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the outer section further
includes a polymeric coating.
8. The headgear of claim 1, further comprising a chin guard or a
face guard.
9. The headgear of claim 1, further comprising one or more straps
operable to secure the headgear to a user's head.
10. The headgear of claim 1, further comprising reinforced ridges
integrated on said intermediate section.
11. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the intermediate section is
operable to provide ventilation.
12. The headgear of claim 1, further comprising means for removably
attaching said outer section to said inner or intermediate
section.
13. A headgear, comprising: an inner section fabricated of a
polymeric foam material operable to provide ventilation; and an
outer section comprising at least two members, wherein the two
members are operable to accommodate varied head sizes.
14. The headgear of claim 13, wherein the polymeric foam material
is further operable to provide shock absorption.
15. The headgear of claim 13, wherein the thickness of the inner
section is about 5 mm.
16. The headgear of claim 13, wherein the at least two members of
the outer section are fabricated of a polymeric material, a plastic
material, or a polycarbonate material.
17. The headgear of claim 13, further comprising a fabric material
placed over the outer section.
18. The headgear of claim 17, wherein the fabric material further
includes a polymeric coating.
19. The headgear of claim 13, further comprising a chin guard or a
face guard.
20. The headgear of claim 13, further comprising one or more straps
operable to secure the headgear to a user's head.
21. The headgear of claim 13, further comprising reinforced ridges
integrated on said outer section.
22. A headgear, comprising: an inner section fabricated of a
polymeric foam material operable to provide ventilation and shock
absorption; an intermediate section comprising at least two
members, wherein the two members are fabricated of a polymeric
material and operable to accommodate a portion of a user's head;
and an outer section fabricated of a fabric material.
23. The headgear of claim 22, wherein the thickness of the inner
section is about 5 mm.
24. The headgear of claim 22, wherein the polymeric material of the
intermediate section comprises a plastic material or a
polycarbonate material.
25. The headgear of claim 22, wherein the outer section further
comprises a polymeric coating.
26. The headgear of claim 22, wherein the intermediate section
includes one or more reinforced ridges.
27. The headgear of claim 22, further comprising a chin guard or a
face guard.
28. A headgear, comprising: an inner section fabricated of a
polymeric foam material operable to provide ventilation; and an
outer section comprising a mobile member and a protective member,
wherein the mobile member engages the protective member such that
the outer section is operable to accommodate varied head sizes.
29. The headgear of claim 28, further comprising a fabric-based
material placed over the outer section.
30. The headgear of claim 28, wherein the polymeric foam material
is operable to further provide shock absorption.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to personal
protective equipment, and more particularly to a safety headgear
for sports and recreational activities.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Studies have shown that helmets used by skiers or
snowboarders can reduce serious brain injuries. Despite numerous
studies and warnings, people still do not wear protective headgear
when they engage in potentially dangerous sports and recreational
activities. When people are asked why they do not wear helmets, one
of the primary responses is because the helmet is heavy and
uncomfortable, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Moreover, people refuse to
wear helmets because they're not aesthetically pleasing. Appearance
is especially important to the younger generation of risk-takers
involved in snow-boarding, skateboarding and similar radical
sports.
[0003] Consequently, there is a need for a helmet that not only
protects a user, but also has an attractive appearance without
substantially compromising the safety of the user.
SUMMARY
[0004] Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is
headgear comprising an inner section fabricated of a material
operable to provide ventilation; an intermediate section comprising
at least two members, wherein the two members are operable to
accommodate varied head sizes; and an outer section fabricated of a
fabric material. The headgear not only provides adequate protection
against falls and collisions, but also provides user comfort and a
fashionable look at the same time.
[0005] In other embodiments, the inner section comprises a
polymeric foam material that provides protection and shock
absorptive qualities, as well as ventilation and moisture wicking
for a cool and comfortable experience for the user, the
intermediate section comprises a durable plastic material that not
only provides protection, but also allows the user to adjust the
headgear for a comfortable fit, and the outer section comprises a
flexible fabric or cloth material for concealing the inner and
intermediate sections while creating a fashionable appearance.
Additionally, the outer section may be interchangeable and may be
updated at anytime without users having to purchase multiple
headgears. In doing so, the headgear not only integrates the latest
fashion into a light-weight and protective helmet, but is also
readily interchangeable thereby allowing the user to keep up with
seasonable fashion trends. In an alternative embodiment, the outer
section may be eliminated.
[0006] Other variations, embodiments and features of the present
invention will become evident from the following detailed
description, drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior-art protective helmet;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates the various sectional components of a
presently disclosed headgear invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an inner section of the headgear of FIG.
2;
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an intermediate section of the headgear
of FIG. 2; and
[0011] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate three models of an outer section of
the headgear of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The
presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all
respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.
[0013] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which illustrates the three
different sections of a presently disclosed protective headgear
100. As shown, the headgear 100 comprises three sections: an inner
section 200 that provides comfort and ventilation and shock
absorptive qualities, an intermediate section 300 that provides
protection and is sizable to adapt to a user's head, and an outer
section 400 that is both stylish and aesthetically pleasing.
Although in FIG. 2 the three sections 200, 300, 400 of the headgear
100 are separate units, some of the sections 200, 300, 400 may be
constructed as a single unit. For example, the inner section 200
and the intermediate section 300 may be fabricated as a single
unit. Furthermore, by using known materials and methods, additional
complements such as a chin guard (not shown) and/or a face guard
(not shown) may be integrated in the headgear 100.
[0014] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the outer section 400 is designed
to fit over the intermediate section 300, which is designed to fit
over the inner section 200. Although the sections 200, 300, 400 are
illustrated as fitting over one another, the overlying sections
300, 400 need not completely cover the underlying sections 200,
300. In another embodiment, the outer section 400 may be eliminated
entirely. In other words, the headgear 100 can be constructed of
only two sections: the inner section 200 and the intermediate
section 300. Additional details and explanation of the various
sections 200, 300, 400 are provided in subsequent figures and
discussion. The sections 200, 300, 400 may be removably attached to
one another or may be fabricated of such tolerances that friction
causes the sections to maintain a final configuration.
Alternatively, sections 200 and 300 may be glued together.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates the inner section 200 of the headgear
100. The inner section 200 may also be termed the comfort zone
because the inner section 200 provides comfort and protection to
and for a user's head. The inner section 200 may be constructed of
a polymeric foam material or other shock-absorbent materials. In
one embodiment, the inner section 200 is constructed of a memory
foam material that conforms to the shape of a user's head for added
comfort. Ideally, the inner section 200 has a thickness 230 of
about 1 to 10 mm and more specifically, the inner section 200 has a
thickness 230 of about 5 mm.
[0016] In addition to providing shock absorption, the inner section
200 also provides ventilation for a user's head through ventilation
holes 210. These ventilation holes 210 may be distributed
throughout the inner section 200 so as to provide air flow and
relief from body heat exiting through a user's head. Additionally,
the ventilation holes 210 allow for moisture wicking thereby
resulting in a cool and comfortable experience for the user. In
another embodiment, the ventilation holes 210 may be eliminated or
changed in the configuration.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates an intermediate section 300 of the
headgear 100. The intermediate section 300 may be termed the
protective zone because the intermediate section 300 provides
protection for the user's head. The intermediate section 300
comprises two members: a protective member 300a and a mobile member
300b. It is possible that the protective member 300a is made of a
substantially harder material relative to the mobile member 300b,
and it is conceivable that the mobile member 300b is made of a more
flexible type of material. As explained in more detail below, the
two members 300a, 300b are designed to engage one another. In
another embodiment, a size of the intermediate section 300 is
capable of being adjusted to comfortably accommodate different size
heads. The adjustments are made by adjusting the protective member
300a relative to the mobile member 300b.
[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the mobile member 300b is attached
to the protective member 300a through a series of screws 340b
and/or rivets 350b. Alternatively, other means of attaching the two
members 300a, 300b such as snaps may also be used. In one
embodiment, rivets 350b of the mobile member 300b are attached to
rivet points 350a of the protective member 300a. The rivets 350b
maintain the mobile member 300b in place. Screw stems 340b of the
mobile member 300b are attached to the appropriate adjustment holes
340a on either side of an opening 355 defined in the protective
member 300a. Once the appropriate adjustment holes 340a to
accommodate the user's head size have been determined, the screw
stems 340b may be securely, but removably, screwed into the
adjustment holes 340a. By selecting the outermost adjustment holes
340a, the size head that the protective member 300a will
accommodate is reduced. More particularly, in order for the fixed
screw stems 340b to insert through the outermost adjustment holes
340a the user must apply force to reduce the distance between the
outermost adjustment holes 340a to receive the fixed screw stems
340b. By selecting the innermost adjustment holes 340a the
protective member 300a is able to accommodate the largest head
size.
[0019] The mobile member 300b is permanently attached to the
protective member 300a with the rivets and rivet points 350a, 305b
while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate different sized
heads by means of the screw adjustments 340a, 340b. In an
alternative embodiment, there may be more or less than two
rivets/rivet points 350.
[0020] The protective members 300a, 300b may be constructed of a
tough and durable material such as plastic. Optionally, the
protective member 300a may also be constructed of shatter proof or
heat resistant material. In one embodiment, the protective member
300a may be a polymeric material, such as polycarbonate, and can be
specifically molded to fit a user's head for added comfort and
protection. And like that of the inner section 200, the protective
member 300a can also provide ventilation through ventilation holes
310. The ventilation holes 310 may be distributed throughout the
protective member 300a and should be aligned with the ventilation
holes 210 of the inner section 200 in order to provide ventilation
for a user. In an alternative embodiment, ventilation holes 310 may
be eliminated.
[0021] For added strength and durability, the protective member
300a may incorporate reinforced ridges 330. The reinforced ridges
330 may be distributed throughout the protective member 300a and
may be formed of other durable composite or polymeric materials.
The additional plastic or durable material of the reinforced ridges
330 provide the protective member 300a with extra strength against
impact and collision providing further protection for a user's
head. Although the reinforced ridges 330 are illustrated in the
shape of a cross on a top of the protective member 300a, the
reinforced ridges 330 may take a variety of shapes and designs to
maximize user protection.
[0022] An elastic band 360 may be positioned near a rear portion of
the protective member 300a as illustrated. The elastic band 360 may
be bonded to the protective member 300a or attached using other
materials and methods known in the industry. In one embodiment, the
elastic band 360 has a width 370 of about 10 to 15 mm wide and is
sufficiently flexible to accommodate a user's head and provide
additional comfort. Optionally, the intermediate section 300 may
also include straps (not shown) or other methods of securing the
intermediate section 300 to a user's head.
[0023] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate three models of aesthetically
pleasing outer sections 400. The outer section 400 is the outermost
layer of the headgear 100 and should comprise the latest fashion
and style in headwear. The outer section 400 can be easily changed
and updated at anytime without having to purchase a new helmet
thereby allowing a user to update their helmet every year or as
often as desired. Although only three models of outer sections 400
are illustrated, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that the models are meant to be illustrative and not
exhaustive. The outer section 400 may be made of a flexible
fabric-like material, such as cloth or wool. In FIG. 5A, the outer
section 400 is designed to look like a knit cap 400a and is made of
fabric or wool. In FIG. 5B, the outer section 400 is designed to
look like a stocking cap 400b. In FIG. 5C, the outer section 400 is
designed to look like a baseball cap 400c. Optionally, the outer
section 400 may also include straps (not shown) or other methods of
securing the outer section 400 to a user's head. Additionally, the
outer section 400 may be attachable to the intermediate section 300
or inner section 200. The attachment may be facilitated by
Velcro.RTM. or similar means.
[0024] As an added safety feature, the outer section 400 may be
coated with a special polymeric spray, such as a Teflon.RTM. spray,
to allow the headgear 100 to glide or slide over surfaces or
objects it contacts thereby minimizing the likelihood of catching
on something and causing a severe impact and/or collision.
[0025] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to several embodiments, additional variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *