U.S. patent application number 12/172401 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-30 for perspiration redirecting head band device.
Invention is credited to Erick P. Flatt.
Application Number | 20080263751 12/172401 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37909878 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080263751 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flatt; Erick P. |
October 30, 2008 |
Perspiration Redirecting Head Band Device
Abstract
A head band device for protecting a wearer's eyes from
perspiration from the wearer's forehead is provided. A
substantially nonabsorbent band includes a front band portion and
two side band portions. The gutter structure extends from an outer
surface of the band. The gutter structure includes a gutter base
and a gutter lip. The gutter structure in combination with the
front band portion and at least part of the first and second side
band portions forms a perspiration channel with a generally
U-shaped cross-section. The gutter base has a first thickness at a
central portion thereof. The gutter base has a second thickness at
end portions thereof. The first thickness is greater than the
second thickness. The gutter base slopes from the central portion
downward toward the end portions thereof, transitioning from the
first thickness to the second thickness. A closure system has two
fasteners and an elastic loop member.
Inventors: |
Flatt; Erick P.; (Dallas,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCOTT T. GRIGGS
901 MAIN STREET, SUITE 6300
DALLAS
TX
75202
US
|
Family ID: |
37909878 |
Appl. No.: |
12/172401 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
11545333 |
Oct 10, 2006 |
7398559 |
|
|
12172401 |
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|
60725492 |
Oct 11, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/411 ; 2/181;
2/181.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42C 5/02 20130101; A41D
20/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/411 ; 2/181.6;
2/181 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/00 20060101
A42B003/00; A42C 5/00 20060101 A42C005/00 |
Claims
1. A head band device for protecting a wearer's eyes from
perspiration from the wearer's forehead, the head band device
comprising: a substantially nonabsorbent band; and a gutter
structure extending from an outer surface of the band, the gutter
structure comprising a gutter base and a gutter lip, the gutter
base and the gutter lip being substantially nonabsorbent, the
gutter structure forming a perspiration channel with a generally
U-shaped cross-section, the gutter structure being substantially
continuous as it extends along the substantially nonabsorbent
band.
2. The head band device as recited in claim 1, wherein the gutter
base includes a first thickness at a central portion thereof and a
second thickness at end portions thereof, the first thickness being
greater than the second thickness, and the gutter base sloping from
the central portion downward toward the end portions thereof,
transitioning from the first thickness to the second thickness.
3. The head band device as recited in claim 1, wherein the gutter
base and the gutter lip are integrally formed with the band from a
material selected from the group consisting of PVCs, latexes,
rubbers, plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, and materials having
one or more absorbent characteristics.
4. The head band device as recited in claim 1, wherein the
substantially nonabsorbent band is adapted to be attached to a
object selected from the group consisting of hard hats, protective
head gear, hats, helmets, and eyewear.
5. The head bad device as recited in claim 4, wherein the
substantially nonabsorbent band is removably adapted for
attachment.
6. The head band device as recited in claim 4, where the
substantially nonabsorbent band is adapted for permanent
attachment.
7. The head band device as recited in claim 1, wherein the
substantially nonabsorbent band is an OEM offering.
8. The head band device as recited in claim 1, wherein the
substantially nonabsorbent band is an after market offering.
9. A device for protecting a wearer's eyes from perspiration from
the wearer's forehead, the device comprising: a hard hat having a
suspension system coupled to an interior thereof; a substantially
nonabsorbent band; an attachment for securing the band to the
suspension system of the hard hat; and a gutter structure extending
from an outer surface of the band, the gutter structure comprising
a gutter base and a gutter lip, the gutter base and the gutter lip
being substantially nonabsorbent, the gutter structure forming a
perspiration channel with a generally U-shaped cross-section, the
gutter structure being substantially continuous as it extends along
the substantially nonabsorbent band.
10. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein the band is removably
adapted for attachment to the suspension system of the hard
hat.
11. The device as recited in claim 9, further comprising fasteners
for removably attaching the band to the suspension system of the
hard hat.
12. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein the band is adapted
for permanent attachment to the suspension system of the hard
hat.
13. The head band device as recited in claim 9, wherein the
substantially nonabsorbent band is an OEM offering for attachment
to the suspension system of the hard hat.
14. The head band device as recited in claim 9, wherein the
substantially nonabsorbent band is an after market offering for
attachment to the suspension system of the hard hat.
15. A device for protecting a wearer's eyes from perspiration from
the wearer's forehead, the device comprising: a hard hat having a
suspension system coupled to an interior thereof; a substantially
nonabsorbent band; an attachment for securing the band to the
suspension system of the hard hat; and a gutter structure extending
from an outer surface of the band, the gutter structure comprising
a gutter base and a gutter lip, the gutter base and the gutter lip
being substantially nonabsorbent, the gutter structure forming a
perspiration channel with a generally U-shaped cross-section, the
gutter structure being substantially continuous as it extends along
the substantially nonabsorbent band, the gutter base having a first
thickness at a central portion thereof, and the gutter base having
a second thickness at end portions thereof, wherein the first
thickness is greater than the second thickness, and wherein the
gutter base slopes from the central portion downward toward the end
portions thereof, transitioning from the first thickness to the
second thickness.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/545,333, entitled "Perspiration Redirecting Head Band
Device," filed on Oct. 10, 2006, in the name of Erick P. Flatt;
which claims priority from U.S. Application No. 60/725,492,
entitled "Perspiration Redirecting Head Band Device" filed on Oct.
11, 2005, in the name of Erick P. Flatt; both of which are hereby
incorporated by reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to head bands. In
one aspect it relates more particularly to a head band capable of
redirecting a flow of perspiration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 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. Hence,
these is a need for a head band that prevents sweat from getting in
one's eyes, even after a long period of time when conventional head
bands would be saturated and dripping perspiration into one's
eyes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The problems and needs outlined above may be addressed by
embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with one aspect
of the present invention, which will be summarized in this
paragraph, a head band device for protecting a wearer's eyes from
perspiration from the wearer's forehead, is provided. The head band
device includes a substantially nonabsorbent band and a gutter
structure. The substantially nonabsorbent band includes a front
band portion, a first side band portion, and a second side band
portion. The gutter structure extends from an outer surface of the
band. The gutter structure includes a gutter base and a gutter lip.
The gutter base and the gutter lip are substantially nonabsorbent.
The gutter structure in combination with the front band portion and
at least part of the first and second side band portions forms a
perspiration channel with a generally U-shaped cross-section. The
gutter structure is continuous as it extends beginning from the
first side band portion, entirely along the front band portion, and
terminating to the second side band portion. The gutter base has a
first thickness at a central portion thereof. The gutter base has a
second thickness at end portions thereof. The first thickness is
greater than the second thickness. The gutter base slopes from the
central portion downward toward the end portions thereof,
transitioning from the first thickness to the second thickness.
[0005] This paragraph describes some illustrative variations upon
the aspect described in the immediately preceding paragraph. The
gutter base and the gutter lip may be integrally formed with the
band from a same PVC material. A top edge of the band, at least
above the gutter structure, may be sloped downward toward the
gutter structure. The band may further include a first rear band
portion and a second rear band portion, wherein the head band
device further comprises a closure system, the closure system
comprising an elastic loop member, a first hook-and-loop fastener,
and a second hook-and-loop fastener, the first hook-and-loop
fastener being attached to the first rear band portion, such that
the first rear band portion is folded on itself with the first
hook-and-loop fastener located there between when the first
hook-and-loop fastener is in a closed configuration, the second
hook-and-loop fastener being attached to the second rear band
portion, such that the second rear band portion is folded on itself
with the second hook-and-loop fastener located there between when
the second hook-and-loop fastener is in a closed configuration, in
an operable configuration, the first rear band portion being
threaded through the elastic loop member when the first
hook-and-loop fastener is in its closed configuration, in the
operable configuration, the second rear band portion also being
threaded through the elastic loop member when the second
hook-and-loop fastener is in its closed configuration, and in the
operable configuration, the band forms a loop structure via the
elastic loop member. The head band device may further include: a
first fastener attached to an end region of the first side band
portion; and a second fastener attached to an end region of the
second side band portion, wherein the first and second fasteners
are configured to removably attach to a hat, a helmet, eyewear, or
any combination thereof in an interchangeable manner. Each of the
side band portions may have one or more holes formed therein, and
the holes may be located at a spaced distance from the gutter
structure along the band. The head band device may further include
an absorbent material attached to the gutter structure and may be
located at least partially in and/or over the perspiration channel.
The gutter lip may curve toward the outer surface of the band. The
gutter lip may curves toward the outer surface of the band and then
downward toward the gutter base. The gutter lip may terminate with
a non-rounded inner edge. A top edge of the band, at least above
the gutter structure, may be curved downward toward the gutter
structure. A top edge of the band, at least above the gutter
structure, may have a generally rounded cross-section shape.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
which will be summarized in this paragraph, a head band device for
protecting a wearer's eyes from perspiration from the wearer's
forehead, is provided. The head band device includes a
substantially nonabsorbent band, a gutter structure, and a closure
system. The substantially nonabsorbent band includes a front band
portion, a first side band portion, a second side band portion, a
first rear band portion, and a second rear band portion. A gutter
structure extends from an outer surface of the band. The gutter
structure includes a gutter base and a gutter lip. The gutter base
and the gutter lip being substantially nonabsorbent. The gutter
structure in combination with the front band portion and at least
part of the first and second side band portions forms a
perspiration channel with a generally U-shaped cross-section. The
gutter structure is continuous as it extends beginning from the
first side band portion, entirely along the front band portion, and
terminating to the second side band portion. The closure system
includes an elastic loop member, a first hook-and-loop fastener,
and a second hook-and-loop fastener. The first hook-and-loop
fastener is attached to the first rear band portion, such that the
first rear band portion is folded on itself with the first
hook-and-loop fastener located there between when the first
hook-and-loop fastener is in a closed configuration. The second
hook-and-loop fastener is attached to the second rear band portion,
such that the second rear band portion is folded on itself with the
second hook-and-loop fastener located there between when the second
hook-and-loop fastener is in a closed configuration. In an operable
configuration, the first rear band portion is threaded through the
elastic loop member when the first hook-and-loop fastener is in its
closed configuration. In the operable configuration, the second
rear band portion also is threaded through the elastic loop member
when the second hook-and-loop fastener is in its closed
configuration. In the operable configuration, the band forms a loop
structure via the elastic loop member.
[0007] This paragraph describes some illustrative variations upon
the aspect described in the immediately preceding paragraph. The
gutter base may have a first thickness at a central portion
thereof, the gutter base may have a second thickness at end
portions thereof, the first thickness may be greater than the
second thickness, and the gutter base may slope from the central
portion downward toward the end portions thereof, transitioning
from the first thickness to the second thickness. The gutter base
and the gutter lip may be integrally formed with the band from a
same PVC material. A top edge of the band, at least above the
gutter structure, may be sloped downward toward the gutter
structure. Each of the side band portions may have one or more
holes formed therein, and the holes may be located at a spaced
distance from the gutter structure along the band. The head band
device may further include an absorbent material attached to the
gutter structure and located at least partially in and/or over the
perspiration channel. The gutter lip may curve toward the outer
surface of the band. The gutter lip may curves toward the outer
surface of the band and then downward toward the gutter base. The
gutter lip may terminate with a non-rounded inner edge. A top edge
of the band, at least above the gutter structure, may be curved
downward toward the gutter structure. A top edge of the band, at
least above the gutter structure, may have a generally rounded
cross-section shape.
[0008] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, which will be summarized in this paragraph, a head band
device for protecting a wearer's eyes from perspiration from the
wearer's forehead, is provided. The head band device includes a
substantially imperforate and nonabsorbent band, a gutter
structure, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The
substantially imperforate and nonabsorbent band includes a front
band portion, a first side band portion, and a second side band
portion. A gutter structure extends from an outer surface of the
band. The gutter structure includes a gutter base and a gutter lip.
The gutter base and the gutter lip are substantially imperforate
and nonabsorbent. The gutter structure in combination with the
front band portion and at least part of the first and second side
band portions form a perspiration channel with a generally U-shaped
cross-section. The gutter structure is continuous as it extends
beginning from the first side band portion, entirely along the
front band portion, and terminating to the second side band
portion. The first fastener is attached to an end region of the
first side band portion. The second fastener is attached to an end
region of the second side band portion, wherein the first and
second fasteners are configured to removably attach to a hat, a
helmet, eyewear, or any combination thereof in an interchangeable
manner.
[0009] This paragraph describes some illustrative variations upon
the aspect described in the immediately preceding paragraph. The
gutter base may have a first thickness at a central portion
thereof, the gutter base may have a second thickness at end
portions thereof, the first thickness may be greater than the
second thickness, and the gutter base may slope from the central
portion downward toward the end portions thereof, transitioning
from the first thickness to the second thickness. The gutter base
and the gutter lip may be integrally formed with the band from a
same PVC material. A top edge of the band, at least above the
gutter structure, may be sloped downward toward the gutter
structure. Each of the side band portions may have one or more
holes formed therein, the holes being located at a spaced distance
from the gutter structure along the band. The head band device may
further include an absorbent material attached to the gutter
structure and located at least partially in and/or over the
perspiration channel. The first and second fasteners may include a
fastener member, such as a loop portion of a hook-and-loop
fastener, a hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap, a
clasp, a button, a button hole, a zipper, a latch, a buckle, a
buckle hole, a clip, a magnet, a screw, a bolt, a nut, or
combinations thereof, for example. The gutter lip may curve toward
the outer surface of the band. The gutter lip may curves toward the
outer surface of the band and then downward toward the gutter base.
The gutter lip may terminate with a non-rounded inner edge. A top
edge of the band, at least above the gutter structure, may be
curved downward toward the gutter structure. A top edge of the
band, at least above the gutter structure, may have a generally
rounded cross-section shape.
[0010] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly features of the
present invention in order that the detailed description of the
invention that follows may be better understood. Additional
features and advantages of the invention will be described
hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily
utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or
processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The following is a brief description of the drawings, which
illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a placement option for the
first embodiment of the head device;
[0013] FIG. 2 shows the side view of the first embodiment of the
head band device as it may be worn on the wearer's head;
[0014] FIG. 3 is perspective view of the first embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating the draining effect
of the sloping gutter structure at the first side of the head band
device from FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a front portion of the head
band device;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1
as taken along line 6-6;
[0018] FIGS. 7A-7C are cross-section views taken from FIG. 6;
[0019] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the closure system of the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 10-12 show some illustrative examples of how the first
embodiment may be utilized;
[0021] FIGS. 13-16 show a second illustrative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 17-18 show a third illustrative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIGS. 19-20 show hole features that may be added to any
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIGS. 21-30 show an additional feature of absorbent material
attached to the gutter structure, which may be added to any
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIGS. 31A and 31B show cross-section views of head band
device at the perspiration channel for a fourth illustrative
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0026] FIGS. 32A and 32B show cross-section views of head band
device at the perspiration channel for a fifth illustrative
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numbers are used herein to designate like or similar elements
throughout the various views, illustrative embodiments of the
present invention are shown and described. The figures are not
necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have
been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative
purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the
many possible applications and variations of the present invention
based on the following illustrative embodiments of the present
invention. The inventor's patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,936, is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0028] Generally, an embodiment of the present invention provides a
head band device 32 designed to redirect perspiration flowing from
a person's forehead 36 away from a person's eyes 38 (off to the
side). FIGS. 1-12 show a head band device 32 in accordance with a
first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 10-12
show some illustrative examples of how the first embodiment may be
utilized. FIG. 13-18 show additional illustrative embodiments of
the present invention. FIGS. 19-30 show additional features that
may be incorporated into any embodiment of the present invention.
The device 32 of the first illustrative embodiment will be
described, and then other illustrative embodiments and examples
will be described.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 1-12, the head band device 32 of the
first illustrative embodiment includes a nonabsorbent band 40,
which has front band portion 42, a first side band portion 44, a
second side band portion 46, a sloping front gutter structure 48,
and a rear band portion 50, 52 with a closure system 54.
Preferably, the head band device 32 is a single molded piece of PVC
material. However in other embodiments, the head band device 32 may
be made of multiple pieces that are attached or glued together. The
band 40 of an embodiment may be made from any suitable material,
including (but not limited to): PVC, latex, rubber, plastic,
thermoplastic elastomers (e.g., SANTOPRENE.TM.), and combinations
thereof, for example. Preferably, the band 40 of an embodiment is
made from a nonabsorbent material.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a placement option for the
first embodiment of the head band device 32. The head band device
32 is preferably worn above the eyes 38 to collect perspiration 34
and channel it away from the wearer's eyes 38, and may be placed
either above the ears 56, as shown, or over the wearer's ears 56,
which is not shown. FIG. 2 shows the side view of the first
embodiment of the head band device 32 as it may be worn on the
wearer's head 36. FIG. 3 is perspective view of the first
embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating the draining
effect of the sloping gutter structure 48 at the first side 44 of
the head band device 32 from FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a front view showing
a front portion 42 of the head band device 32. FIG. 6 is a top view
of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 as taken along line
6-6.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the gutter structure 48 is
continuous as it extends, beginning from the first side band
portion 44, entirely along the front band portion 42 and
terminating to the second side band portion 46. As shown in FIG. 6,
the gutter structure 48, comprised of the gutter base 58 and gutter
lip 60, extends from the outer surface of the front and side band
portions 42, 44, 46. As shown in FIGS. 5-7C, the top edge 62 of the
front band portion 42, the first side band portion 44, and the
second side band portion 46 is sloped downward towards the gutter
structure 48 to promote drainage into the perspiration channel 64.
The perspiration channel 64 is made of non-absorbent material in
the first embodiment, however in other embodiments; the
perspiration channel 64 may have absorbent material added into a
portion or the entirety of the channel 64.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 5, the gutter base 58 has a first thickness
71 that is greater at the center portion 74 of the gutter structure
48, which is also illustrated in the cross-section view of FIG. 7B.
The thickness of the gutter base 58 decreases from the center
portion 74 along the perspiration channel 64 to a second thickness
72 at the first outer lip edge 76, shown also in the cross-section
view of FIG. 7A. Likewise, the thickness of the gutter base 58
decreases from the center portion 74, shown in FIG. 7B, to a second
thickness 72 at the second outer lip edge 78, shown in the
cross-section view of FIG. 7C. The decrease in gutter base
thickness from the center section 74 of the perspiration channel 64
to the first outer lip edge 76 and the second outer lip edge 78
causes the gutter base 58 to slop downwards and allows perspiration
34 to drain out of the perspiration channel 64 more efficiently. In
other embodiments, the gutter structure 48 may have the same
thickness at the center portion 74 of the gutter structure 48 as
the thickness at the first outer lip edge 76 and the second outer
lip edge 78 of the gutter structure 48. Although the gutter
structure 48 has been shown in this preferred embodiment with a
band that has a sloped top edge 62 and with a closure system 54
having hook-and-loop fasteners 81, 82 and an elastic loop member
84, in other embodiments (not shown) the gutter structure 48 of
FIGS. 5-8 may be combined with any suitable band design and/or any
suitable closure system.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the closure system 54 of the
first embodiment of the present invention includes an elastic loop
member 84, a first hook-and-loop fastener 81, and a second
hook-and-loop fastener 82. The first hook-and-loop fastener 81 is
attached to the first rear band portion 50 so that the first rear
band portion 50 is folded onto itself with the elastic loop member
84 threaded through the fastener 81 to form a closed configuration.
The second hook-and-loop fastener 82 is attached to the second rear
band portion 52 so that the second rear band portion 52 is folded
onto itself with the elastic loop member 84 threaded through the
fastener to form a closed configuration. The hook-and-loop fastener
members 81, 82 may be sewn onto the band using any suitable thread
material, including (but not limited to): cotton, nylon, polyester,
fluorocarbon, monofilament, and combinations thereof, for example.
In other embodiments, the fastener member may include (but is not
limited to): a loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, a hook
portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap, a clasp, a button, a
button hole, a zipper, a latch, a buckle, a buckle hole, a clip, a
magnet, a screw, a bolt, a nut, or combinations thereof, for
example. In a preferred embodiment, the head band device 32 is
provided to the customer with different size elastic loop members
84 (e.g., three different diameters). This provides users with a
variety of sizing options and flexibility options for the head band
device 32. Adding a flexible closure system 54 allows the wearer to
custom fit the head band device 32 for optimum comfort and easy
adjustment to fit the wearer's head. Although the closure system 54
has been shown in this preferred embodiment with a band 40 that has
a sloped top edge and with a gutter structure 48 having a sloped
gutter bottom 58, in other embodiments (not shown) the closure
system of FIGS. 8-9 may be combined with any suitable band design
and/or any suitable gutter structure, such as those with a sloped
base and those without a sloped base.
[0034] To use the first embodiment of the head band device 32, the
first hook-and-loop fastener 81 is threaded through the elastic
loop member 84 and closed, and the second hook-and-loop fastener 82
is threaded through the elastic loop member 84 and closed (before
or after being placed on the wearer's head). The front band portion
42 is placed on the wearer's head 36 positioned above the wearer's
eyes 38, as shown in FIG. 1. As the wearer exerts energy and
perspiration 34 begins to form on the forehead area 36 and fall,
the perspiration 34 will flow down from the wearer's head 36 to the
device 32, flowing over the sloped top edge 62 and down into the
perspiration channel 64. Due to the sloping gutter structure 48,
the perspiration 34 will flow to the ends of the gutter structure
48 and drain out the open drain ends 76, 78, as shown in FIG. 4.
When worn, this device 32 protects the wearer's eyes 38 by
channeling liquids and other materials away from a wearer's eyes
38. Additionally, by being made of non-absorbent material, it
allows the wearer to focus on the task at hand rather than have the
need to stop and wring out a traditional absorbent head band or
stop and wipe liquids off his/her forehead, to prevent drainage
into his/her eyes. The specific addition of a sloping gutter
structure 48 to an embodiment allows sweat to drain efficiently,
even when the user's head is substantially stationary, the user is
in a slightly bent position, or the user is in an awkward
position.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the first embodiment of the head
band device 32 may be worn with or without additional headwear such
as (but not limited to): a helmet 86, a hat, eyewear, a face
shield, any protective headwear, or any other headwear or eyewear,
for example. The first embodiment of the present invention may be
used in many different sports and activities, including (but not
limited to): basketball, bicycling, soccer, volleyball, football,
running, walking, aerobics, martial arts, baseball, softball,
hockey, yoga, tennis, racquetball, hiking, kayaking, skating, and
many more, for example. FIG. 12 shows another use for an embodiment
of the head band device 32. Any laborers, such as construction
workers, factory workers, plumbers, carpenters, lawn care workers,
farmers, and many others, may find great benefit to wearing the
device. An embodiment of the present invention may also be used by
military, police, firefighters, paramedics, or any other public
service position requiring rigorous activity or activity in hot
environments, where it would be desirable to keep sweat out of
one's eyes while working.
[0036] FIG. 13 shows a head band device 32 in accordance with a
second illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, a first fastener is attached to the first rear band
portion and a second fastener 90 is attached to the second rear
band portion 52 (first rear band portion not shown in FIG. 13
because on other side of user's head, mirror symmetrically
opposed). The first and second fasteners are configured to be
interchangeably attached to head wear, including (but not limited
to): a hat, a helmet, eyewear, a face shield, any protective
headwear, or any other headwear or eyewear, or any combination
thereof, for example. The first and/or second fasteners may be
permanent, temporary, or removable fasteners, for example. In
another embodiment (not shown), a head band device 32 of the
present invention may be fully integrated into any hat, helmet,
eyewear, face shield, protective headwear, other headwear, or other
eyewear, for example. As another illustrative embodiment (not
shown), a head band device 32 of an embodiment may be integral to
or attached to a helmet liner. In yet another embodiment (not
shown), a head band device 32 of the present invention may be fully
integrated into, permanently attached to, temporarily attached to,
or removably attached to another head band, such as a conventional
terrycloth sweatband, a dew rag, a leather headband, or a hemp
headband, for example.
[0037] In FIG. 13, the head band device 32 is shown attached to a
bicycling helmet 92 using hook-and-loop fasteners, for example. The
fastener member 90 used to attach the head band device 32 of the
second embodiment to head wear 92 may be any suitable fastener,
including (but not limited to): a loop portion of a hook-and-loop
fastener, a hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap, a
clasp, a button, a button hole, a zipper, a latch, a buckle, a
buckle hole, a clip, a magnet, a screw, a bolt, a nut, or
combinations thereof, for example. Also in this second embodiment,
the gutter structure 48 may have any suitable configuration: with
or without a sloped top edge 62; and/or with or without a sloped
gutter base 58. Many users may find it beneficial to have a head
band device 32 with a flexible closure system 54 that incorporates
into their previously chosen head wear. Any existing head wear may
be adapted for use with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIGS. 14-16 show some illustrative embodiment variations on
the second embodiment. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 14-16 are
essentially the same as the second embodiment of FIG. 13, except
that the fastener members differ. In FIG. 14, the fastener member
is a snap fastener 90. In FIG. 15, the fastener member is a screw
90. And in FIG. 16, the fastener member is a clasp fastener 90.
Hence, FIGS. 14-16 show just a few possible fastener members that
may be implemented in the second embodiment of the present
invention to form other embodiments. Such variations on the second
embodiment may have a gutter structure 48 with any suitable
configuration: with or without a sloped top edge 62; and/or with or
without a sloped gutter base 58.
[0039] FIGS. 17-18 show a head band device 32 in accordance with a
third illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the first side band portion 44 and the second side band
portion 46 may be formed with an integral loop portion 101, 102
acting as a fastener member. In other words, the fastener member
101, 102 of the third embodiment is an oval or circular loop
portion that is an integrated portion of the device. This
integrated loop portion allows a wearer to slide a first side
portion 104 and a second side portion 106 of his/her eyewear 108
through the first loop portion 101 of the first side band 44 and
the second loop portion 102 of the second side band 46,
respectively, as shown in FIG. 18. In the third embodiment, the
fastener member 101, 102 may be made of the same material as the
other portions of the head band device 32. Alternatively, the
fastener member 101, 102 may be constructed as a separate piece and
attached to the side band portions 44, 46 of the head band device
32. As yet another illustrative alternative, the fastener member
101, 102 may be configured to fold around the eyewear 108 as a loop
on each side to create a closed configuration around the first side
frame 104 of the eyewear 108 and the second side frame 106 of the
eyewear 108. The fastener member 101, 102 of the third embodiment
may be any suitable fastener, including (but not limited to): a
loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, a hook portion of a
hook-and-loop fastener, a snap, a clasp, a button, a button hole, a
zipper, a latch, a buckle, a buckle hole, a clip, a magnet, a
screw, a bolt, a nut, or combinations thereof, for example. In
variations of the third embodiment, the head band device 32 may
have a gutter structure 48 with any suitable configuration: with or
without a sloped top edge 62; and/or with or without a sloped
gutter base 58.
[0040] FIGS. 19-20 show a feature that may be added to any
embodiment of the present invention, including (but not limited
to): those with or without a sloped top edge 62; those with or
without a sloping gutter structure 48; those with any closure or
fastener system 54; and combinations thereof. The hole features 110
shown in FIGS. 19-20 are formed in the first side band portion 44
and the second side band portion (not shown) of the head band
device 32. An embodiment of the head band device 32 may have a
single hole 110, as shown in FIG. 19, or multiple holes 110 as
shown in FIG. 20. The hole or holes 110 may be oval shaped, as
shown, but also may have any suitable shape including (but not
limited to) being round, oval, rounded, trapezoidal, hexagonal,
pentagonal, square, rectangular, or combinations thereof, for
example. The holes 110 allow for several benefits that may appeal
to some users of the device 32. The addition of a single or
multiple holes 110 in the side portions 44, 46 of the band 40
allows for additional flexibility in the band 40. Additionally,
single or multiple holes 110 may allow for greater heat
disbursement for the wearer. Some wearers prefer to wear the side
band portions 44, 46 of an embodiment of the head band device 32
over their ears and the addition of holes 110 may be found to be
more comfortable for them.
[0041] FIGS. 21-30 show an additional feature of absorbent material
112 attached to the gutter structure 48 and located partially in
and/or over the perspiration channel 64. This additional absorbent
material 112 may be added to any embodiment of the present
invention, including (but not limited to): those with or without a
sloped top edge 62; those with or without a sloping gutter
structure 48; those with any closure or fastener system 54; or
combinations thereof. The absorbent material 112 may be made of any
suitable material, including (but not limited to): cotton, wicking
material, lycra, LASTEX.TM., GORTEX.TM., polyester, rayon, natural
sponge, artificial sponge, or any combination of these materials,
for example. The absorbent material 112 may be used to prevent or
hinder perspiration 34 in the gutter structure 48 from splashing or
spilling out of the perspiration channel 62 in situations in which
the wearer may be leaning forward or turning his/her head quickly
or other vigorous activities. The material 112 may cover a portion
or the entirety of the perspiration channel 62. In other words, the
material may extend entirely throughout the channel 62 or only
partially through/along the channel 62. The additional absorbent
material 112 may be one piece of material or multiple pieces. The
absorbent material 112 may be fitted fully into the gutter
structure 48, as shown in the cross-section of FIG. 21, or may be
fixed towards the top of the gutter structure 48 as illustrated in
FIG. 22. The absorbent material of FIG. 21 is a sponge material
(natural or artificial), which may be removably or permanently
attached to the perspiration channel 62. Additional, as FIG. 22
shows, the material may be a one way material (e.g., GORTEX.TM. or
other micro-membrane material), which would allow drainage into the
perspiration channel 62 below, but prevent it from flowing back out
of the top of the gutter lip 60. The material may be attached at
the upper portion of the front band 42 and the upper portion of the
gutter lip 60, as shown in FIG. 22. The cross-section views of
FIGS. 23-30 show a variety of possible suitable placements of
absorbent material 112 in the gutter base 58 or gutter lip 60, but
other placements, not shown, may be utilized as well. The material
112 may be attached to the gutter structure 48 in any suitable
manner (removably or permanently) such as, but not limited to,
being glued, adhered, clipped, bonded, ultrasonically welded,
snapped, zip-locked or zippered, for example.
[0042] FIGS. 31A and 31B show cross-section views of head band
device 32 at the perspiration channel 64 for a fourth illustrative
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31A shows a cross-section
view of the head band device 32 as taken at a first outer lip edge
76 (as FIG. 7A is taken along line 7A-7A in FIG. 6). Similarly,
FIG. 31B shows a cross-section view of the head band device 32 as
taken at a center portion 74 (as FIG. 7B is taken along line 7B-7B
in FIG. 6). In FIGS. 31A and 31B, note that the gutter base 58 has
a first thickness 71 at the center portion 74, which is greater
than a second thickness 72 of the gutter base 58 at the first outer
lip edge 76. Thus, the perspiration channel 64 has a sloping gutter
base 58 in the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the
gutter lip 60 has a terminal portion 160 pointing towards the band
40, as shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B. In other words, the gutter lip
60 curves toward the outer surface of the band 40. Also in the
fourth embodiment, the top edge 162 of the band 40, at least above
the gutter structure 48, is curved downward toward the gutter
structure 48 (see FIGS. 31A and 31B). Any of these features of the
fourth embodiment (i.e., the gutter lip 60 curved toward the band
40 and/or the top edge 162 curved downward toward the gutter
structure 48) may be incorporated into another embodiment of the
present invention to create other variations of the present
invention.
[0043] FIGS. 32A and 32B show cross-section views of head band
device 32 at the perspiration channel 64 for a fifth illustrative
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32A shows a cross-section
view of the head band device 32 as taken at a first outer lip edge
76 (as FIG. 7A is taken along line 7A-7A in FIG. 6). Similarly,
FIG. 32B shows a cross-section view of the head band device 32 as
taken at a center portion 74 (as FIG. 7B is taken along line 7B-7B
in FIG. 6). In FIGS. 32A and 32B, note that the gutter base 58 has
a first thickness 71 at the center portion 74, which is greater
than a second thickness 72 of the gutter base 58 at the first outer
lip edge 76. Thus, the perspiration channel 64 has a sloping gutter
base 58 in the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the
gutter lip 60 has a terminal portion 160 pointing downward towards
the gutter base 58, as shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B. In other words,
the gutter lip 60 toward the outer surface of the band 40 and then
downward toward the gutter base 58. Also in the fifth embodiment,
note that the gutter lip 60 terminates with a non-rounded inner
edge 168. This sharp edge 168 will cause perspiration urged forward
to shed off of the gutter lip 60 downward toward the gutter base
58. Having a rounded tip on a gutter lip 60 may allow the
perspiration to roll over the rounded tip. Furthermore in the fifth
embodiment, the top edge 164 of the band 40, at least above the
gutter structure 48, has a generally rounded cross-section shape
(see FIGS. 32A and 32B). Any of these features of the fifth
embodiment (i.e., the gutter lip 60 curved toward the gutter base
58, the sharp edge 168, the top edge 164 being rounded, or any
combinations thereof) may be incorporated into another embodiment
of the present invention to create other variations of the present
invention.
[0044] An embodiment of the present invention may provide one or
more of the following advantages:
[0045] Providing protection for the wearer's eyes from liquid and
liquefied materials such as perspiration, sunscreen, and makeup
from flowing into the wearer's eyes;
[0046] Providing the user the ability to focus on the task at hand
by not needing to stop their current task to wring out a
traditional absorbent head band;
[0047] Providing the user the ability to focus on the task at hand
by not having to stop to wipe liquids off his/her forehead;
[0048] Providing a flexible closure system which allows the user to
custom fit the head band device for optimum comfort, easy
adjustment, and eye protection;
[0049] Providing a flexible closure system that may attach to and
be incorporated into other head wear devices;
[0050] Providing a sloping gutter that allows sweat to still drain
efficiently, even when the user is in a slightly bent or awkward
position;
[0051] Providing additional flexibility and comfort for the wearer
of the device by the addition of one or more holes on the side band
portions of the device; and
[0052] Providing holes that may allow for more efficient heat
disbursement from the wearer's head.
[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention and at least
some of its advantages have been described in detail, it should be
understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may
be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of
the present application is not intended to be limited to the
particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture,
composition of matter, means, methods, and steps described in the
specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes,
machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or
steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps.
* * * * *