Head protector for infants, small children, senior citizens, adults or physically disabled individuals

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a protective hat suitable for every day wear by infants, children, senior citizens or physically disabled individuals. Such hat protects at least the sides, top or rear of the wearer's head from injuries due to falls or bumps against hard objects while conducting routine, daily activities. Generally, the head protector of the present invention may comprise: (1) a cap member: and (2) one or more flexible, resilient shock absorbent pads. The cap member may be constructed so as to fully enclose and / or encapsulate the one or more pads.

Description

I. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT / US02 / 25256, filed Nov. 7, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 924,425 filed Aug. 7, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,493,881. This application is also co-pending with U.S. application Ser. No. ______, Entitled “Protective Padding,” filed Jul. 1, 2003. Each of the above-mentioned related applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Infants, small children, physically disabled adults and seniors are especially susceptible to banging their heads on hard surfaces due to falls or slips while conducting daily, routine activities. The typical infant or small child will sustain multiple falls on hard surfaces before it can learn to sit, crawl or walk. For example, infants often crawl beneath chairs and tables. While underneath these items, the child will bang her head when attempting to stand up or lift her head. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a head protector which is lightweight and comfortable to wear and will not interfere with the wearer's activities.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a head protector that is suitable to wear while performing everyday activities in home or work environment.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a head protector that is enjoyable to wear by an infant or small child or adult during their daily activities, including but not limited to daily indoor or outdoor activities.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a head protector that is suitable to wear during non sport, everyday activities.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a head protector that is configured to provide protection to at least the sides, top or rear of the wearer's head.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a head protector that is configured to provide protection in work environments where there is a risk of minor head injury due to bangs against objects such as, for example, low hanging pipes or machinery or fall due to slippery or obstructed walkways.

Problems solved by technology

Infants, small children, physically disabled adults and seniors are especially susceptible to banging their heads on hard surfaces due to falls or slips while conducting daily, routine activities.

While underneath these items, the child will bang her head when attempting to stand up or lift her head.

While the resulting injuries are not life threatening, they cause swelling and bruising about the head.

Moreover, the bang or bump to the head is quite traumatic, causing the child to cry or become agitated.

Small children capable of walking or running are particularly vulnerable to falls against table corners, walls and other hard, pointed surfaces.

In some instances, serious head injuries can result when a child bangs his or her head against any of these items.

Indeed, head trauma is a common accident in childhood.

However, in developed countries, brain injury remains one of the most common causes of death and disability in childhood.

Further, children or adults who are disabled, developmentally delayed or who suffer from neuro motor or muscular / skeletal impairments often have difficulty standing and / or walking independently, or accomplishing everyday activities.

Such individuals are also susceptible to head injuries due to falls or slips.

Much of the protective headgear currently available for infants, children and adults is neither fashionable, comfortable nor effective.

Many are usually bulky and restrictive.

Also, most of the current protective headgear is not enjoyable to wear, nor is it designed for use in the house during daily activities such as walking, playing, crawling, or learning to walk, nor are they designed for daily, non-sport activities such as playing in a playground.

Much of the protective headgear is designed for outdoor athletic or sport activities, such as soccer, baseball and other contact sports, and is not suitable for everyday wear.

For example, it is known that some autistic children are prone to self mutilation activities such as head banging.

Some children with Attention Deficit Disorder are more prone to accidents and injuries due to impulsivity and thus require more protection from falls and bangs against hard objects.

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