Universal protective headgear

Abstract

A universal protective headgear device is sized, structured and configured to wrap around a user's head to cover and protect crucial areas around the entire circumference of the cranium while conforming to each user's particular anatomy, including head shape and size. Pads formed of impact absorbing polymers having full elastic memory are fitted within the headgear, between inner and outer layers of neoprene or similar elastomeric polymer material. Hook and loop fasteners on the opposite end portions allow for adjusted fitting to the user's head so that the universal protective headgear can be properly fitted to heads of all users, including children, adults and the elderly. The polymeric pads are structured and disposed to absorb and dissipate significant impact forces, thereby providing increased protection to areas around a user's entire head that are at the highest level of risk of head and brain injuries.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to protective headgear and, more particularly, to a universal protective headgear for sports, recreational activities and other activities for both children and adults that extends around the circumference of the head and absorbs and dissipates significant impact forces to the head and brain.[0003]2. Discussion of the Related Art[0004]Head and brain injuries from forces of impact are an unfortunate but common occurrence in a wide variety of sports, as well as in the daily routines of children, adults, the elderly and challenged individuals. While head injuries cannot be entirely eliminated, the number and severity of injuries can be significantly reduced with the use of protective headgear.[0005]Numerous innovations for head protective devices have been provided in the prior art, including those devices disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,234,174; 6,978,487; 6,675,395; and 6,272,692. Man...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a universal protective headgear that is designed to protect the head from impact injuries during sports, recreational activities, and other environments. The headgear is made of a flexible polymer material that wraps around the user's head and is secured with pads that absorb and dissipate impact forces. The hardness of the pads is selected to provide the best protection based on the level of risk. The headgear is comfortable, lightweight, and can be adjusted to fit different head sizes. It is particularly useful for children learning to walk, children on playgrounds, and veterans and elderly individuals who may be at risk for head injuries. The invention aims to reduce the risk of head and brain injuries from impact forces and provide a lightweight and non-burdensome means to absorb and dissipate a substantial portion of the impact forces associated with collisions and other impacts.

Problems solved by technology

For instance, many prior art headgear devices use padding materials that do not provide complete elastic memory.

Thus, their ability to consistently absorb impact and dissipate significant impact forces is diminished.

The various head protective devices in the prior art are designed to cover areas of the head that have a low level of risk for injury due to impact forces, resulting in cumbersome, oversized headgear devices that are hot, unsightly and difficult to wash.

Moreover, headgear that resembles a helmet presents a negative stigma and many individuals, including athletes, are reluctant to such cumbersome and less attractive devices.

While they will wear protective headgear that looks and acts like a sweatband, many of these “macho” athletes refuse to wear helmets or other protective headgear that is not stylish or that is not considered “cool.”

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