U.S. patent application number 13/456525 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-09 for hard hat cushioning device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sandra Cooper Davis. Invention is credited to Sandra Cooper Davis.
Application Number | 20140007325 13/456525 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49877376 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140007325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Sandra Cooper |
January 9, 2014 |
Hard Hat Cushioning Device
Abstract
This improved version of the Hard Hat Cushioning Device is more
universal and can be used with virtually any hard hat, construction
hat, bump cap, and similar hats designed for protection. The device
allows the hat to fit more comfortably and securely and helps to
prevent hair breakage while maintaining its decorative style. The
cushioning effect reduces the restriction of blood flow to the
scalp. The newly added air vents, and specific cotton outer
material and inside batting material, improves air flow and
circulation, making the hat more comfortable to wear while allowing
warm air and perspiration to escape. These new improvements
increase the ability of the cushioning device to act as a sweat
band. Allowing air flow from inside the hat to the outside allowing
for decreased temperature of the overall hat itself.
Inventors: |
Davis; Sandra Cooper;
(US) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Davis; Sandra Cooper |
|
|
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49877376 |
Appl. No.: |
13/456525 |
Filed: |
July 5, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/413 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/127 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/413 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/12 20060101
A42B003/12 |
Claims
1-4. (canceled)
5. A cover for a suspension hat band comprising: at least one layer
of pad material; at least one layer of overlay material
significantly encapsulating the pad material; one or more radial
cut-outs disposed along at least one edge of the overlay material;
multiple vent openings extending through the overlay material; and
at least one fastening mechanism for closing the overlay material
over the hat band.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to hard hats and
more specifically it relates to an improved cushioning device for
wearers of hard hats.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] Hard hats are commonly used by persons working in a
multitude of industrial/commercial fields as well as those visiting
the facility. At times wearers of hard hats experience discomfort
as the internal adjustable leather bands tend to grate against the
user's head, irritating the skin and scalp, and cause discomfort.
While leather has some give to it, it is generally stiff,
uncushioned, and provides poor breathability. These hat bands are
particularly uncomfortable with warmer weather or internal plant
temperatures, where substantial heat builds up inside the hat and
increases the wearer's discomfort, causing the user to perspire
around the leather band and increasing the irritation of the skin
and scalp. This phenomena also occurs in cooler environments when
hard hats are worn for longer periods of time. The longer a hard
hat is worn, the greater the internal heat builds up inside the hat
and the greater the discomfort the user experiences. It is
understandable that present leather hat bands are inadequate at
maintaining a satisfactory degree of comfort especially in warmer
environments and when worn over longer periods of time.
[0003] Another problem associated with the use of traditional hard
hats is that it is difficult to set a head band width that firmly
holds the hard hat in place. The leather bands tend to cause the
user to sweat, at times heavily, which sweat causes the band to get
slippery. A sudden movement or downturn of the user head commonly
results in the hat falling off. Hair breakage around the sweat band
is also a common problem associated with the use of the traditional
hard hat. Yet another problem associated with the use of a hard hat
is the relatively inflexible leather band tends to cut off blood
circulation to scalp.
[0004] The use of bandanas and handkerchiefs to wrap around hard
hat bands partially addresses the problem. The extra material helps
provide a small degree of cushioning and helps absorb some of the
sweat generated. However the thin material provides very little
cushioning and little protection against sweating. It is also
difficult to wrap evenly around the leather hat band as wrinkles
and creases are typically formed. Although not commercially
available, foam inserts may be used to help with cushioning, but
when depressed firmly against the head and scalp, foam would
provide little breathability and tend to increase irritation in
warmer environments.
[0005] In addition to fabrics, many types of miniature fans have
been used to improve circulation underneath a hard hat. While they
may provide some relief, they obviously provide no cushioning.
[0006] The use of my invention USD 374,333 provides excellent
cushioning and has been used to assist in the cushioning effect. It
wraps around the headband and provides adequate cushioning against
the head and scalp. Over time, it too tends to become warm as it
prevents air from circulating inside the hard hat. This invention
has been made from various combinations of materials and uses
Velcro to affix itself to the hat band.
[0007] A hard hat cushioning device that overcomes the problems
associated with prior art by providing superior cushioning and a
means of improving air flow to allow heat and perspiration to
escape would be valuable to this trade.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The improved cushioning device of the present invention
overcomes the problems associated with prior art. It includes air
vents positioned in the band that provide a means for warm internal
air to escape along with moisture built up from perspiration. It
also includes a batting system that improves breathability thereby
improving the ability of moist warm air to escape and be
neutralized and dried by the outer air and its temperature.
[0009] The present invention substantially improves several
important aspects of wearing a hard bat including significant
reduction of sweating, thus the band does not get slippery as with
prior art leather. The soft, cushioning effect of the batting
provides a firm fit onto the users head helping eliminate the
problem of the bat falling off when tilted or jarred. The soft
disposition of the present invention also helps eliminate hair
breakage and reduces the restriction of blood flow to the
scalp.
[0010] The present invention is preferably made of a breathable
cotton fabric with a meshed fabric batting such 1/2 to 3/4 loft.
This specific type of batting material accompanied by the outer
cotton fabric provides maximum breathability of the cushioning
device improving air flow and allowing warm moist air to escape. It
also provides superior cushioning for the user and wearer of the
hard hat. With a thinner loft to the batting, the overall
effectiveness of the present invention as described herein is
reduced. Obviously with a thicker loft, it may then become too
thick and bulky to obtain an effective fit.
[0011] In addition the outer cover and batting combination, a
series of vent holes are strategically placed in order to further
improve the ability of air to flow in and out of the hard hat while
worn. These vents are positioned in a unique location opposing one
another to ensure maximum possible air flow. Maximizing this
airflow promotes the escape of moisture and/or the drying of
perspiration trapped inside the hard hat.
[0012] The objectives of the present invention are to provide:
[0013] 1) A hard hat cushion that provides added comfort to the
wearer of a hard hat; [0014] 2) A hard hat cushion that provides
air flow; [0015] 3) A hard hat cushion that is not slippery; [0016]
4) A hard at cushion that reduces sweating. [0017] 5) A hard hat
cushioning and air flow system; [0018] 6) A cushioning and air flow
device that can be decorative; [0019] 7) A hard hat cushioning and
air flow system with ventilation; [0020] 8) A hard hat cushioning
and air flow system with opposing vents; [0021] 9) A hard hat
cushioning and air flow system that allows warm air to escape;
[0022] 10) A hard hat cushioning and air flow system that allows
perspiration to escape; [0023] 11) A cushioning and air flow device
that allows warm air inside a hard hat to escape.
[0024] Furthermore, it is an object of this application to
illustrate the preferred embodiments and broadly state the
methodologies that may be used in order to describe the primary
objective being accomplished.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the inner portion of the present
invention illustrating the preferred embodiments and their related
elements.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the outer portion of the present
invention illustrating the preferred embodiments and their related
elements.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the improved
batting component.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention
attached to a hat band and showing how the present invention
provides superior air flow to the inside of the hard hat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A. Description of the Present Invention
[0029] In FIG. 1 the present invention 10 consists of an inner
surface, preferably cotton, and includes a Velcro.RTM. like hook
closure strip 20 along one edge and a Velcro like loop closure
strip 30 along an opposing edge. Four notches 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d
are spaced apart in such a manner to conform to the internal
binding supports on the leather head ban used in hard hats.
[0030] The hook closure strip 20 and loop closure strip 30 are
stitched in place along the out edges illustrated by dashed lines
22 and 32 respectively. This stitching also provides substance and
excellent durability to the present invention as it would otherwise
be limp and somewhat difficult to attach. While the use of Velcro
tends to be ideal, other types of closures may be used such as
snaps, hooks, and buttons, but are not practical from the aspect of
being easy to use. With the use of Velcro, even if misaligned by
the wearer it still remains in place and serves the intended
function.
[0031] Adjacent stitches, dash lines 22, set just inward from the
hook closure strip 20 are five rectangular air vents 50a, 50b, 50c,
50d and 50e. Adjacent stitches, dash lines 32, set just inward from
the loop closure strip 30 are five rectangular air vents 60a, 60b,
60c, 60d, and 60e. As illustrated, the location of the set of air
vents 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, and 50e are directly opposite air vents
60a, 60b 60c, 60d, and 60e. As will be illustrated in FIG. 4 the
alignment of these vents maximizes air flow inside a hard hat that
employs the present invention. The vent holes as illustrated herein
may be of any number of shapes or types for example round grommets,
plastic or metal, button holes round or rectangular, or simple cut
slits in any shape. Tests consistently showed that the rectangular
air vents positioned as illustrated provide the best results.
Likewise, being sewn in with a button hole stitch provides
excellent durability without danger of a plastic or metal grommet
rubbing against the wearer's head or scalp. The stitched vent holes
are also durable throughout many washings unlike grommets.
[0032] In FIG. 2 the present invention 10 consists of an outer
surface 14, preferably cotton, and is a mirror image of the inner
surface illustrated in FIG. 1. While it has no hook closure strip
or loop closure strip its integrity is held secure in place by
stitches illustrated as dashed lines 22 and 32. Notches 40a, 40b,
40c and 40d are along one edge with vent holes 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d,
and 50e and 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, and 60e set adjacent stitches,
dashed lines 22 and 32, as also illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 the outer fabric is plain
with no design. It can be appreciated that this fabric may be made
in any number of designs and colors, including sports fabrics,
fabrics for men or women, and any number of designer patterns.
Likewise the thickness or quality may vary depending on the desired
quality. Ideally, outer fabric 12 and 14 are a preshrunk cotton so
since the batting that will be inserted in between is a polyester
material that will not shrink. Using preshrunk cotton on these
outer surfaces prevents bunching up of the present invention after
washing.
[0034] In FIG. 3, the present invention 10 illustrates the superior
internal batting 70 sewn between the inner layer surface 12 and the
outer surface 14, providing even cushioning throughout and provided
maximum breathability throughout as well. While a multitude of
types of batting may be used, the preferable type is 100% bonded
polyester blend, 1/2 to 3/4 loft. This specification makes the
present invention easy to handle, machine washable and
non-allergenic. Polyester has superior breathability, strength and
durability and helps the band hold its shape. It also resists mold
and mildew.
C. Method of Use
[0035] In FIG. 4 the present invention 10 is attached to the
leather hat band H in a hard hat, the upper edge of which hat band
H is defined by dashed lines D. Present invention 10 has been
secured by wrapping it around hat band II and matching of the two
Velcro surfaces together. As shown, the four notches 40a, 40b, 40c,
and 40d have been positioned about the four hat band attachments
B1, B2, (B3 and B4 not shown). The attachment of present invention
10 show how it is adjustably secured at the rear location 16
illustrating the overlapping of the two ends. As illustrated vent
holes 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, and 50e (only 50d and 50e are shown) are
aligned respectively with vent holes 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, and 60e
(only 60a and 60b are shown). This unique, precise alignment
provides for air flow circulation inside the hard hat and the scalp
of the wearer to the outside environment illustrated by arrows A.
Thus, the hard hat may be worn comfortably with the padding
provided and more importantly with the added ventilation provided
by the aligned vent holes. In this illustration the ten vent holes
provide five aligned ventilation systems but any number may be
used. Five tends to provide adequate ventilation, but more (or
less) may also be used.
E. Variations
[0036] Any number of material types may be used to accomplish
similar results; however, what is illustrated herein represents the
preferred embodiments. It goes without saying the attachment to a
head band may be done with snaps, string ties, buttons and sewn on,
instead of Velcro hook and loop fasteners. Likewise the notches may
be made in various configurations, as the notches are what make the
band of the present invention able to fit most hard hats in
commercial use. Made without notches, it wouldn't fit on the user's
head evenly, smoothly. While stitching is preferred, it is
plausible that other means of affixing the plies is possible.
[0037] In summary, the spirit of the present invention provides a
breadth of scope that includes all methods of making and using it.
Any variation on the theme and methodology of accomplishing the
same that are not described herein would be considered under the
scope of the present invention.
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