U.S. patent application number 13/051975 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-22 for hybrid head covering.
This patent application is currently assigned to Brian Pye. Invention is credited to Brian Pye.
Application Number | 20110225706 13/051975 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44646005 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110225706 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pye; Brian |
September 22, 2011 |
Hybrid Head Covering
Abstract
A versatile protective headgear which is a close replica of a
football helmet, fabricated from a lightweight, suitable foam
material that is conformable and resilient, capable of absorbing
energy and protecting the wearer from lacerations and/or contusions
from incidental contact in outdoor sporting activities. The
headgear provides warmth and protection from moisture in cold
weather, but the internal design also provides sufficient
ventilation for year around use. The foam material can be produced
in a variety of colors and has a smooth external surface that will
accept paint and decals for authentic team identification. The
headgear may be held in place by a standard football chin strap and
is designed to have a removable face mask. The authentic appearance
and cold weather protection it provides makes it an effective and
desirable head covering for all cold weather recreational and work
activities, including attendance at football games. Its flexibility
permits packing for travel and storage. The simple construction
from one piece of material makes is easy and economical to
manufacture.
Inventors: |
Pye; Brian; (Murrieta,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Pye; Brian
Murrieta
CA
|
Family ID: |
44646005 |
Appl. No.: |
13/051975 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61315881 |
Mar 19, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/411 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 1/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/411 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/06 20060101
A42B003/06; A42B 3/08 20060101 A42B003/08; A42B 3/22 20060101
A42B003/22; A42B 3/28 20060101 A42B003/28 |
Claims
1. A head covering shaped in the general configuration of a
football helmet comprising: a top area, bottom area, left side
area, right side area, interior surface and external surface;
wherein the head covering is fabricated from a suitable foam
material in a variety of specified colors and is conformable to the
user's head and resilient, capable of absorbing energy and forces
during incidental or accidental contact with the head; wherein the
external surface is smooth; wherein the head covering further
comprises energy absorbing bands ranging in thickness from 0.25 to
2.0 inches; wherein the head covering comprises ventilation zones
having a thickness which is at least 0.25 inches less than the
thickness of the energy absorbing bands; the ventilation surfaces
further comprise airflow apertures of any shape which allow the
exchange of airflow from both the internal surface to the external
surface and the external surface to the internal surface; the
ventilation surfaces additionally comprise two ear-hole apertures
one placed on the left and right sides over where the user's ears
reside inside the head covering and allow for both ventilation and
sound transmission.
2. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the
energy absorbing bands is from about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches.
3. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the
energy absorbing bands is from about 0.75 to about 1.0 inches.
4. The head covering of claim 1, further comprising a head covering
securing mechanism.
5. The head covering of claim 4, wherein the head covering securing
mechanism is a chinstrap which may be attached to the head covering
at a securing implement which may comprise a snap, velcro or any
similar fastening mechanism and may be embedded in the headgear
during fabrication or attached to the external surface post
fabrication.
6. The head covering of claim 1, further comprising a face
protector comprising a clear or colored visor, shield or facemask;
wherein the face protector is attached to the external surface of
the head covering with a face protector securing implement which
may comprise of snaps, rivets or velcro or any similar fastening
mechanism which may be embedded in the headgear during fabrication
or attached to the external surface post fabrication.
7. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the aesthetic features of
the head covering may be customized with a variety of decorative
elements to the users preferences for colors, authentic team
representation, logos, advertising, names, numbers, decals and the
like either during or post fabrication.
8. A head covering shaped in the general configuration of a hockey
helmet comprising: a top area, bottom area, left side area, right
side area, interior surface and external surface; wherein the head
covering is fabricated from a suitable foam material in a variety
of specified colors and is conformable to the user's head and
resilient, capable of absorbing energy and forces during incidental
or accidental contact with the head; wherein the external surface
is smooth; wherein the head covering further comprises energy
absorbing bands ranging in thickness from 0.25 to 2.0 inches;
wherein the head covering comprises ventilation zones having a
thickness which is at least 0.25 inches less than the thickness of
the energy absorbing bands; the ventilation surfaces further
comprise airflow apertures of any shape which allow the exchange of
airflow from both the internal surface to the external surface and
the external surface to the internal surface; the ventilation
surfaces additionally comprise two ear-hole apertures one placed on
the left and right sides over where the user's ears reside inside
the head covering and allow for both ventilation and sound
transmission.
9. The head covering of claim 8, wherein the thickness of the
energy absorbing bands is from about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches.
10. The head covering of claim 8, wherein the thickness of the
energy absorbing bands is from about 0.75 to about 1.0 inches.
11. The head covering of claim 8, further comprising a head
covering securing mechanism.
12. The head covering of claim 11, wherein the head covering
securing mechanism is a chinstrap which may be attached to the head
covering at a securing implement which may comprise a snap, velcro
or any similar fastening mechanism and may be embedded in the
headgear during fabrication or attached to the external surface
post fabrication.
13. The head covering of claim 8, further comprising a face
protector comprising a clear or colored visor, shield or facemask;
wherein the face protector is attached to the external surface of
the head covering with a face protector securing implement which
may comprise of snaps, rivets or velcro or any similar fastening
mechanism which may be embedded in the headgear during fabrication
or attached to the external surface post fabrication.
14. The head covering of claim 8, wherein the aesthetic features of
the head covering may be customized with a variety of decorative
elements to the users preferences for colors, authentic team
representation, logos, advertising, names, numbers, decals and the
like either during or post fabrication.
15. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the helmet is designed
and manufactured at sizes and thicknesses for use by an infant or
very small toddler.
16. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the helmet is designed
and manufactured at sizes and thicknesses for use by a toddler or
young child.
17. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the helmet is designed
and manufactured at sizes and thicknesses for use by a larger or
adolescent child or small adult.
18. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the helmet is designed
and manufactured at sizes and thicknesses for use by an adult.
19. The head covering of claim 8, wherein the helmet is designed
and manufactured at sizes and thicknesses for use by an infant,
toddler or young child.
20. The head covering of claim 8, wherein the helmet is designed
and manufactured at sizes and thicknesses for use by a larger child
or adult.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/315,881 filed Mar. 19, 2010 which is
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to a head covering and more
specifically to a hybrid head covering which provides a level of
protection from cold weather elements and accidental physical
contact while encompassing an aesthetically pleasing appearance
which increases head covering wearability and protection
compliance.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Team identification gear has been available to athletes
participating in sporting activities for many years. Protective
gear for football and boxing began to make its appearance almost a
century ago. Specialized protective headgear is now available to
athletes in many sports. Head injury prevention continues to
attract a great deal of focus. The helmet which is now used in
professional and scholastic football is generally very effective at
providing head protection. Its unique shape covers every part of
the head except the front of the face. The standard football helmet
has excellent protection qualities when used in any sporting
activity, whether it is for the professional ice hockey player or a
child riding a bike in the neighborhood park. However, it is also
bulky and heavy, and generally provides more protection than is
necessary for other sports. Nearly every competitive contact sport
now has protective headgear designed exclusively for that sport,
and in scholastic and professional competition, such protective
headgear is required. For every athlete that participates in
organized sports that require the use of protective headgear, there
are far more that participate in those same sports on a casual
level and most participants do not use head protection. There are
many outdoor activities that have the potential for head injuries:
snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, to name a few. Only 22 states
have bicycle helmet laws requiring minors to wear helmets, and a
few of these states laws also include skateboarders and in-line
skaters. If helmets are not required by law, most participants do
not use them. There simply is no light weight head protection
available that can be used in a variety of outdoor sporting
activities.
[0006] Few Americans wear hats unless the weather becomes very
cold. There are no particularly acceptable styles in cold weather
head wear for men or women. Many of these styles do not cover the
head completely. The baseball cap is the only form of head covering
that is widely acceptable. Baseball caps provide little protection
from the elements, but they have become enormously popular. Caps
are now an accepted style statement; they are versatile, being worn
for any outdoor occasion by anybody. However, the popularity of the
baseball cap can first be attributed to the fact that the first
caps were authentic replicas of the caps worn by the major league
players. For years, the only baseball caps which were made were
authentic baseball caps. As they became increasingly more popular,
caps became an acceptable style of head covering. Now caps are
available in any color and design with virtually anything imprinted
on them.
[0007] Over the last 30 years, there have been attempts to make
some form of football headgear an acceptable style of head
covering. Examples are hard shell plastic replicas, inflatable
helmets, bomber, trooper, and stocking/beanie hats imprinted with
team logo's, and gag headgear like the Packer "cheesehead".
[0008] The previous head gear attempts reviewed above were designed
for the football fan attending a game in an outdoor stadium and
other than some cold weather protection the head gear had little
additional utility. Additionally, the previous head gear did not
possess an appearance that is sufficiently authentic as to create
mass consumer.
[0009] Unfortunately, a head covering that provides measurable
protection from cold weather elements and accidental or incidental
physical contact which is aesthetically pleasing and thus generally
wearable has not yet been described. Thus, a need exists for a
hybrid head covering which provides thermal and physical protection
and is also aesthetically pleasing enough to be worn in multiple
social situations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The basis of the invention was to provide to a wearer a head
covering that balances utility functions and ornamental appearances
and thus results in a protective, comfortable and socially accepted
head covering.
[0011] The present invention relates to a hybrid head covering in
the general configuration of a football helmet wherein said head
covering comprises a foam-based material fabricated to provide the
following properties:
[0012] a) protection from physical contact: conformable resilient
capable of absorbing energy and protecting the wearer from
lacerations and/or contusions from incidental or accidental contact
in outdoor sporting activities, or accidental slips and falls,
particularly in icy conditions;
[0013] b) protection from outdoor elements: the head covering is
designed to provide the wearer with protection from the elements
specifically cold wind, rain, hail, sleet and snow;
[0014] c) physical comfort: the head covering is much lighter in
weight than a competition football helmet and fits snugly but
comfortably on the head with adequate ventilation zones to avoid
overheating specifically when participating in athletic endeavors
but additionally the ventilation assists in the comfort of the
wearer when used as protection from outdoor elements; and
[0015] d) social comfort: may be customized to the wearers desired
entity or affiliation; e.g., may have color schemes of favorite
athletic team; college; business or other desired entity.
[0016] The invention generally pertains to protective headgear used
in outdoor sports, such as football, snowmobiling, snowboarding,
and skateboarding. It may also pertain to the field of general cold
weather head coverings and fan apparel worn by those attending
outdoor recreational events such as football games.
[0017] The hybrid head covering may be fabricated from a resilient
foam material such as polyurethane foam, which is cut and/or molded
to cover the head, and includes specific energy absorption zones
and ventilation zones; and is shaped to resemble the outward
appearance of a competition helmet for football, hockey or lacrosse
with football being most preferred; but is far lighter, requires
less fabrication time and variance of materials, and is
customizable both pre and post fabrication.
[0018] A method for the fabrication of a hybrid head covering is
also described herein as comprising the steps of 1) forming a foam
material to define the shape of the user's head; 2) 2) comprising
energy absorbing zones; 3) ventilation zones; 4) has the outward
appearance of a competition football, lacrosse or hockey helmet,
with the football helmet being most preferred; and 5) is fully
customizable in color, logos, emblems and exterior decorative
implements.
[0019] The product is designed to be a hybrid fashionable helmet to
increase helmet compliance where typically there is poor or no
compliance, combined with a comfortable protective shell which
assists and protects the wearer from lacerations and/or contusions
associated with incidental or accidental contact with other
players, equipment or with the environment itself.
[0020] The head covering consists of a unitary construction of a
foam-like material substantially in the shape of a football helmet.
Additional features may include: face protectors (e.g., shields,
cages or facemasks), helmet securing devices (such as chin straps),
face protector and helmet securing device attachment equipment
(including Velcro, snaps, rivets, screws and the like), and
decorative/customizing features (including logos, pinstriping,
color schemes, and entity identification devices).
[0021] Head gear compliance is a problem particularly in children
and young adults where judgment is often most limited and peer
pressure regarding looks over protection is most prevalent. Many
adults and children refuse to do what is safe for the fear of
appearing "uncool". Therefore, the embodied head covering is
designed to be a protective device that can achieve peer acceptance
while providing a protective element which may greatly reduce the
incidence and severity of accidental head injuries.
[0022] One embodied invention is a light weight protective headgear
constructed of a foam material in the shape of a football helmet
that conforms to the shape of one's head, produced in a number of
sizes from infant to adult. As noted above, the shape of a football
helmet covers every part of the head except the face. It will
provide head protection for a variety of sporting activities that
have the potential for head injuries due to incidental contact,
such as: Football (neighborhood, flag, school PE classes, college
intramural, "no-pads" practice); Field hockey & lacrosse;
Winter sports (snowmobiling, snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, ice
hockey, tobogganing); Cycling & roller sports (skateboarding,
roller skating, in-line skating roller hockey). The headgear is not
intended to be a substitute for the specialized helmets designed
for these sporting activities. However, the headgear will prevent
head lacerations and contusions, and though it is not intended to
prevent brain injury, the protection it provides is better compared
to wearing nothing.
[0023] The embodied headgear provides excellent protection from the
elements for the entire head except the face. The foam material is
wind and moisture resistant and has great insulation qualities,
keeping the wearer's head warm in the coldest weather. The hybrid
headgear is an effective and practical head covering during the
winter months for those working outdoors and participating in all
forms of recreational activities. The internal design provides
sufficient ventilation for the device to be used as a protective
headgear throughout the year.
[0024] An embodied hybrid head covering may be constructed from
foam with the authentic shape and detail of a competition football
helmet. The surface of the foam may be smooth and has the gloss of
a hard surface. Colors may be added to the foam during production
so they are true to the teams they represent. Paint, striping and
decals adhere to the foam material tenaciously. When the headgear
is slipped onto the head, it is designed to feel much like a
competition football helmet. It is an authentic replica of an
official helmet, designed to fit the wearer's head snuggly. A
standard competition chinstrap may be attached by snaps and a light
gauge rigid facemask assembly can be attached to the headgear with
Velcro strips or other fasteners. The embodied head covering is
designed to strongly appeal to the football fan that at one time
played competitive football. While the invention may never achieve
the popularity and versatility of the baseball cap, its authentic
design will create acceptance among the football fan base and those
that value its protective qualities.
[0025] The construction process is efficient and economical.
Identical right and left side pieces are die cut from a sheet of
molded foam such as a closed cell polyvinylnitrile, or created from
foam injection into left and right side molds, and joined together
along a center seam, creating the circumferential shape of the
football helmet. Known dipping and/or painting processes are used
to apply a coating that gives the foam its smooth and glossy
surface and color. Team striping and emblems are added. Snaps
and/or Velcro strips are added for attachment points for the chin
strap and facemask.
[0026] The embodied hybrid headgear is customizable to support
virtually any team or logo, and designed to provide physical
protection against accidental and incidental contact, thermal
protection in cold weather climates; and an aesthetically pleasing
design and comfort designed to promote a team, company or
school.
[0027] The embodied hybrid headgear may be economically
manufactured so that cost will not be the limiting factor over
whether one wears a protective headgear.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The principles of the present invention will be apparent
with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference
numerals denote like components:
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a hybrid head covering
embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a right side elevation view of the same hybrid
covering embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a front elevation view of the same hybrid head
covering embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a back elevation view of the same hybrid head
covering embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of the same hybrid head
covering embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a bottom plan view of the same hybrid head
covering embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of another hybrid head
covering embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 8 shows a top plan view of another hybrid head covering
embodiment as it may appear in a production molding before left and
right sides are merged to form a unitary head covering piece.
[0037] FIG. 9 shows a front elevation view of another hybrid head
covering device.
[0038] FIG. 10 shows a front elevation view of the same hybrid head
covering device with a front portion of the head covering removed
to show the internal surface of the head covering which is in
contact with the back portion of a users head.
[0039] FIG. 11 shows a front elevation view of the same hybrid head
covering with a portion of the right side of the head covering
removed to show the internal surface of the head covering which is
in contact with the side and back right portion of a users
head.
[0040] FIG. 12 shows a bottom plan view of the same hybrid head
covering with a portion of the bottom surface of the head covering
removed to show the internal surface of the head covering which is
in contact with the top portion of a users head.
[0041] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of another hybrid head
covering for use with an infant.
[0042] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another hybrid head
covering for use with a toddler or young child.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] The present invention contemplates a hybrid head covering
dimensioned to and designed to be worn on the head of a user and
provide protection from physical contact and the outdoor elements
and is designed to be comfortably worn in both the physical and
social context.
[0044] The hybrid head covering is capable of being customized to
serve a purpose for individuals in all stages of life.
[0045] For example in infants a head covering as exemplified in
FIG. 13 may be used to protect from the elements and accidental
bumps. The contemplated embodiment for this age group will focus
more on a skull cap type covering.
[0046] For toddlers and young children with more movement and less
fear than coordination, a hybrid head covering that mixes peer
acceptance with safety may be used to protect this group from
accidental contact when learning to walk or just being an
adventurous young child. Additionally the head covering is capable
of protecting the young child from the elements in cold weather
climates. An exemplary embodiment is featured in FIG. 14.
[0047] For the active older child or adult active in both various
recreational or athletic endeavors, the head covering is designed
to protect or minimize injury sustained when accidental or
incidental contact occurs in such events as organized sports, flag
football, 7 on 7 football drills, gym hockey, or accidents
associated with outdoor activity particularly in cold weather
climates. The hybrid head covering is sufficiently styled so that
helmet compliance is increased and inexpensive enough to produce so
that the head covering can be tailored towards ones individual
tastes eg. professional or local sports teams or intramural or
Greek organization or company.
[0048] For the older adult that may be less active in athletic or
recreational endeavors a hybrid head covering may protect or
minimize injury sustained in either unstable conditions including
icy/slippery terrain associated with cold weather climates, or
unstable physical abilities often associated with aging.
[0049] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described
below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual
implementation are described in this specification. It will of
course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual
embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made
to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with
system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary
from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be
appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and
time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for
those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0050] FIGS. 1-6 show a hybrid head covering 100 contemplated in
the present invention with embodiments and dimensions for use with
a young adult or adult user. FIG. 1 represents a perspective view
of a hybrid head covering 100. The head covering has a top area 105
bottom area 106, left side area 107, right side area 108, interior
surface 109 and external surface 110. The head covering 100 is
fabricated from a suitable foam material in a variety of specified
colors that is conformable to the head and resilient, capable of
absorbing energy and forces during incidental or accidental contact
with the head. The exterior surface 110 is smooth and may embody
the features of a competition football helmet. The head covering
has a uniform thickness at the energy absorbing zones 113 which are
generally in direct contact with the users head. The thickness of
the headgear at the energy absorbing zones or bands 113 may range
from 0.25 to 2 inches with a preferable thickness ranging from 0.5
to 1.5 inches and a more preferable thickness ranging from 1.0 to
0.75 inches. Additionally the head covering has a ventilation area
identified as 114 which also assists with energy dispersion. The
ventilation zones 114 generally have a thickness which is less than
the thickness of the energy absorbing bands 113 which enables the
head covering 100 to be elevated away from direct contact with the
head and allows a gap or channels which allow airflow ventilation.
The ventilation surfaces 114 range generally from any thickness
that is at least 0.25 inches less than the thickness of the energy
absorbing bands 113. The thickness of the ventilation surfaces
ranges from 0.1 to 1.75 inches with a preferable thickness ranging
from 0.2 to 1.0 inches and a more preferable range from 0.375 to
0.5 inches, permitting air circulation between the wearer's head
and the headgear. Additionally the ventilation surfaces 114
comprise airflow apertures 116 that may be any shape which allow
the exchange of airflow from both the internal surface 109 to the
external surface 110 and the external surface 110 to the internal
surface 109. Also contained within the ventilation surfaces 114 are
ear-hole apertures 115 one placed on the left 107 and right 108
sides over where the user's ears reside inside the head covering
100 and allow for both ventilation and sound transmission. The head
covering 100 is designed to fit securely upon the head of the user
even during vigorous activity, but the head covering 100 may
optionally comprise a head covering securing mechanism 117 (not
shown) such as a chinstrap which may be attached to the head
covering 100 at a securing implement 118 which may comprise a snap,
velcro or any similar fastening mechanism and may be embedded in
the headgear 100 during fabrication or attached to the external
surface 110 post fabrication. In order to provide expanded
protection of a user's facial features (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth and
chin) the head covering 100 may optionally comprise a face
protector 119 (not shown) which may comprise of a clear or colored
visor, shield or facemask similar to face protectors seen in
football, lacrosse and hockey helmets. The face protector 119
comprises a rigid material (such as plastics, and metals) which
have appropriate resilience and rigidity as to be shape stable, and
may be attached to the external surface 110 of the head covering
100 at face protector securing implement 120 which may comprise of
snaps, rivets or velcro or any similar fastening mechanism which
may be embedded in the headgear 100 during fabrication or attached
to the external surface 110 post fabrication. Additionally, the
aesthetic features of the head covering 100 may be customized with
a variety of decorative elements 111 to the users preferences for
colors, authentic team representation, logos, advertising, names,
numbers, decals and the like either during or post fabrication. As
shown in FIG. 1 a decorative element 111 which features
pin-striping is shown on the external surface 110 of the present
head covering 100.
[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates a right side 108 view of the head
covering 100 described above and illustrates the general
orientation of the right side ear-hole aperture 115 and ventilation
apertures 116. Additionally, the head covering securing implement
118 and face protector securing implements 120 are shown without a
head-covering securing mechanism 117 or a face protector 119.
[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the head covering 100
described above and the features described above as they appear in
this orientation. This orientation is helpful to show the outer
surface 110 of the head covering 100 when viewed from the front.
The placement of the ear-hole apertures 115 and ventilation
apertures 116 present in the front side of the head covering 100
are represented. A portion of the internal surface 109 of the head
covering 100 is shown with a demonstration of the relationship of
the energy absorbing bands 113 and the ventilated region 114 of the
head covering within the internal surface 109. Additionally the
head covering and face protector securing implements are
represented as 118 and 120 respectively.
[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates the back view of the head covering 100
described above and as they appear in this orientation. This
orientation is helpful to show the outer surface 110 of the head
covering 100 when viewed from the back. The placement of the
ventilation apertures 116 present in the back side of the head
covering 100 is represented.
[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates the top view of the head covering 100
described above and as they appear in this orientation. This
orientation is helpful to show the outer surface 110 of the head
covering 100 when viewed from the top. The placement of the
ventilation apertures 116 present in the top side of the head
covering 100 is represented.
[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates the bottom view of the head covering 100
described above and as they appear in this orientation. This
orientation is helpful to show the inner surface 109 of the head
covering 100 when viewed from the bottom. This view demonstrates
the relationship of the energy absorbing bands 113 and the
ventilated region 114 of the head covering within the internal
surface 109 and the placement of the ventilation apertures 116
present in the top side of the head covering 100.
[0056] FIG. 7 shows a hybrid head covering designed generally for
the older child or adult user which is a protective headgear in the
shape of a football helmet, generally shown as 200 in the drawings.
It has a helmet top area 205 bottom area 206, left side area 207,
right side area 208, interior surface 209 and external surface 210.
The head covering 200 is fabricated from a suitable foam material
in a variety of specified colors that is conformable to the head
and resilient, capable of absorbing energy and forces during
incidental contact with the head. The exterior surface 210 is
smooth and embodies the details of a competition football helmet.
The headgear has a uniform thickness of 1.0 to 0.75 inches at the
energy absorbing bands 213, but in the ventilation zones 214, the
thickness is reduced to 0.5 to 375 inches, permitting air
circulation between the wearer's head and the headgear and also
provides a gap for the dispersal of energy when physical contact is
applied to the head covering. Ventilation apertures 216 within
these ventilation zones 214 permit air-flow into and out of the
head covering. Openings for each ear are also shown as 215,
permitting hearing and ventilation. A standard off-the-shelf
football helmet chin strap 217 can be attached to snaps 218 which
are embedded in the exterior surface of the headgear 210 during
fabrication. A single piece facemask 219, formed in the same
configuration as those on competition football helmets, made of a
plastic material having appropriate resilience and rigidity as to
be shape stable, may be attached to the exterior surface of the
headgear 210 by an attachment means which may comprise of Velcro
fasteners 220. Painting, striping, and/or decals 211 may be
attached to the exterior surface 210 to give the headgear 200 an
authentic team representation.
[0057] FIG. 8 represents a sample manufacturing of a hybrid head
covering 300 showing the internal surface 309 of both the left side
307 and 308 as they would appear in an injection mold before the
two sides 307 and 308 are fused together to form a unitary head
covering 300. The thicker head energy absorbing bands 313 are shown
as well as the raised thinner ventilation portions 314 which also
include ventilation apertures 316 and ear-hole apertures 315.
[0058] FIGS. 9-12 show a hybrid head covering 400 contemplated in
the present invention with embodiments and dimensions for use by a
toddler or a young adult. FIG. 9 represents a perspective view of a
hybrid head covering 400. The head covering has a top area 405
bottom area 406, left side area 407, right side area 408, interior
surface 409 and external surface 410. The head covering 400 is
fabricated from a suitable foam material in a variety of specified
colors that is conformable to the head and resilient, capable of
absorbing energy and forces during incidental or accidental contact
with the head. The exterior surface 410 is smooth and embodies
details of a competition football helmet. The head covering has a
uniform thickness at the energy absorbing zones 413 of 0.2 to 1.5
inches with a preferable thickness ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 inches
and a more preferable thickness ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 inches.
Additionally the head covering has a ventilation area identified as
414 which also assists with energy dispersion. The ventilation
zones 414 generally have a thickness which is less than the
thickness of the energy absorbing bands 413 which enables the head
covering 400 to be elevated away from direct contact with the head
and allows gaps or channels which facilitate airflow ventilation.
The ventilation surfaces 414 range generally from any thickness
that is at least 0.2 inches less than the thickness of the energy
absorbing bands 413. The thickness of the ventilation surfaces
ranges from 0.1 to 1.3 inches with a preferable thickness ranging
from 0.15 to 1.0 inches and a more preferable range from 0.2 to 0.5
inches, permitting air circulation between the wearer's head and
the headgear. Additionally, the ventilation surfaces 414 comprise
airflow apertures 416 that may be any shape which allow the
exchange of airflow from both the internal surface 409 to the
external surface 410 and the external surface 410 to the internal
surface 409. Also contained within the ventilation surfaces 414 are
ear-hole apertures 415 one placed on the left 407 and right 408
sides over where the user's ears reside inside the head covering
400 and facilitate ventilation and sound transmission. The head
covering 400 is designed to fit securely upon the head of the user
even during vigorous activity, but the head covering 400 may
optionally comprise a head-covering securing mechanism 417 (not
shown) such as a chinstrap which may be attached to the head
covering 400 at a securing implement 418 which may comprise a snap,
velcro or any similar fastening mechanism which may be embedded in
the headgear 400 during fabrication or attached to the external
surface 410 post fabrication. In order to provide expanded
protection of a user's facial features (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth and
chin) the head covering 400 may optionally comprise a face
protector 419 (not shown) which may comprise any of a clear or
colored visor, shield or facemask similar to face protectors seen
in football, lacrosse and hockey helmets, made of a rigid material
(such as plastics, and metals) having appropriate resilience and
rigidity as to be shape stable, may be attached to the external
surface 410 of the head covering 400 at face protector securing
implement 420 which may comprise of snaps, rivets or velcro or any
similar fastening mechanism which may be embedded in the headgear
400 during fabrication or attached to the external surface 410 post
fabrication. Additionally, the aesthetic features of the head
covering 400 may be customized with a variety of decorative
elements 411 to the users preferences for colors, authentic team
representation, logos, advertising, names, numbers, decals and the
like either during or post fabrication. As shown in FIG. 9 the
decorative element 411 features pin-striping on the external
surface 410 of the present head covering 400.
[0059] FIG. 10 illustrates a front elevation view of the hybrid
head covering device 400 with a front portion of the head covering
400 removed to show the internal features 409 of the head covering
400 which is in contact with the back portion of a users head. The
presence of the energy absorbing bands 413 are featured in relation
to the ventilation zones 414. Additionally, due to the cut away the
interior foam cells 412 are viewable.
[0060] FIG. 11 illustrates a front elevation view of the hybrid
head covering 400 with a portion of the right side 408 of the head
covering removed to show the internal surface 409 of the head
covering which is in contact with the side and back right portion
of a users head. The placement of the energy absorbing bands 413
featured in relation to the ventilation zones 414 is viewable at
this angle in relation as to where the energy absorbing bands 413
and ventilation zones 414 would interact with the right back
portion of a users head.
[0061] FIG. 12 shows a bottom plan view of the hybrid head covering
400 with a portion of the bottom surface 406 of the head covering
400 removed to show the internal surface 409 of the head covering
400 which is in contact with the top portion of a users head. The
placement of the energy absorbing bands 413 featured in relation to
the ventilation zones 414 is viewable at this angle in relation as
to where the energy absorbing bands 413 and ventilation zones 414
would interact with the top portion of a users head.
[0062] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment when used for the protection or
minimization of injury of an infant or toddler wherein the hybrid
head covering 500 is designed as a protective headgear in the shape
of a football helmet, generally shown as 500 in the drawings. It
has a helmet top area 505 bottom area 506, left side area 507,
right side area 508, interior surface 509 and external surface 510.
The head covering 500 is fabricated from a suitable foam material
in a variety of specified colors that is conformable to the head
and resilient, capable of absorbing some energy and forces during
incidental contact with the head. The exterior surface 510 is
smooth and embodies the details of a competition football helmet.
The headgear has a uniform thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 inches with a
preferred range from 0.15 to 0.6 inches and a most preferred range
from 0.2 to 0.5 inches. Openings for each ear are also shown as
515, permitting hearing and ventilation. A single bar facemask 519,
formed in the same configuration as those on competition football
helmets, made of a plastic material having appropriate resilience
and rigidity as to be shape stable, may be attached to the exterior
surface of the headgear 510 by an attachment means which may
comprise of Velcro fasteners 520. Painting, striping, and/or decals
511 may be attached to the exterior surface 510 to give the
headgear 500 an authentic team representation. Additionally the
single bar facemask 519 may be used as an attachment point for a
toy or a pacifier 521.
[0063] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment when used for the protection or
minimization of injury to a toddler or young child wherein the
hybrid head covering 600 is designed as a protective headgear in
the shape of a hockey or football helmet, generally shown as 600 in
the drawings. It has a helmet top area 605 bottom area 606, left
side area 607, right side area 608, interior surface 609 and
external surface 610. The head covering 600 is fabricated from a
suitable foam material in a variety of specified colors that is
conformable to the head and resilient, capable of absorbing energy
and forces during incidental contact with the head. The exterior
surface 610 is smooth and embodies the details of a competition
football helmet. The headgear has a uniform thickness of 0.2 to 0.8
inches at the energy absorbing bands 613, but in the ventilation
zones 614, the thickness is reduced to 0.2 to 0.5 inches,
permitting air circulation between the wearer's head and the
headgear and also provides a gap for the dispersal of energy when
physical contact is applied to the head covering. Ventilation
apertures 616 within these ventilation zones 614 permit air-flow
into and out of the head covering. Openings for each ear are also
shown as 615, permitting hearing and ventilation. A chin strap 617
can be attached to snaps 618 which are embedded in the exterior
surface of the headgear 610 during fabrication. A single piece
face-shield 619, formed in the same configuration as those on
competition hockey helmets, made of a plastic material having
appropriate resilience and rigidity as to be shape stable, may be
attached to the exterior surface of the headgear 610 by an
attachment means which may comprise of Velcro fasteners 620.
Painting, striping, and/or decals 611 may be attached to the
exterior surface 610 to give the headgear 600 an authentic team
representation.
[0064] Although the invention has been described with reference to
the above example, it will be understood that modifications and
variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the
following claims.
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