Ventilated head covering

Abstract

The invention relates to a ventilated head covering having a band adapted to encircle a wearer's head; a plurality of longitudinal supports extending away from the band in a direction substantially perpendicular to the band, each support having a proximal end affixed to the band and a distal end a distance away from the band; a sun shield support affixed to the distal ends of two or more longitudinal supports and substantially perpendicular thereto; a substantially planar sun shield disposed across the sun shield support; wherein the distance between the distal end of the longitudinal support and the band is sufficient to hold the sun shield away from a wearer's head, and wherein the longitudinal supports are space apart sufficiently to allow substantially unrestricted air flow between them and across the head of a wearer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0001] 1. Field of Invention[0002] The invention relates to a head covering that protects the head from the sun and rain, while maximizing the flow of air circulating over the wearer's head. As a result, the wearer feels quite cool, both because the head is shaded from the sun, and because perspiration is rapidly evaporated by the flow of air across the head and scalp, cooling the wearer.[0003] 2. Description of Related Art[0004] Overall body temperature and whether an individual feels hot or cold is heavily influenced by heat transfer from the head. The head is an important site for transfer of heat from the body to cool it, as well as for conservation of heat to keep the body warm. For example, hospitals often place a hat on an infant because keeping the head warm is an important factor in maintaining the child's body temperature.[0005] Similarly, in tropical or temperate climates, head coverings are often used to shade the head from direct sun, thus keeping...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a head covering that protects the head from sun and rain while also allowing air to flow freely. It is designed to cool the wearer by shading the head from direct sun and promoting perspiration evaporation. The covering has a band and longitudinal supports that hold a sun shield away from the head, allowing air to flow through. The sun shield is flat and held at a distance from the head, which allows for unrestricted air flow and maximum cooling. The head covering is flexible, adjustable, and can be made of different materials and designs to meet different needs. It is more breathable and reduces the risk of stroke from excess heat compared to other head coverings."

Problems solved by technology

However, such head coverings also tend to restrict the flow of air across the head, particularly the scalp.

In addition, restricted air flow decreases the rate at which perspiration evaporates.

Since the evaporation of perspiration is an effective cooling mechanism in the body temperature regulation schemes of many mammals, including humans, decreasing evaporation will inhibit the body's ability to cool itself.

This limits the ability of the sun shield to form a trap for trap heat.

Other head coverings, such as those currently available in the marketplace, do not provide all of the above mentioned benefits.

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