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.

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 ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

Problems solved by technology

However, it is also bulky and heavy, and generally provides more protection than is necessary for other sports.

There simply is no light weight head protection available that can be used in a variety of outdoor sporting activities.

There are no particularly acceptable styles in cold weather head wear for men or women.

Additionally, the previous head gear did not possess an appearance that is sufficiently authentic as to create mass consumer.

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.

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