Protective ball cap

Abstract

A protective insert for a ball cap and a cap incorporating the same. The insert includes a rigid shell and a complementary impact-absorbent liner that covers and protects only the forehead and portions of the sides of the user's head. Bottom edges of the shell, liner, and cap are generally aligned along the same horizontal plane. Alternatively, the shell and liner terminate a distance inwardly from the bottom edge of the cap. An adjustable band is secured to the ends of the shell and the band and shell encircle the circumference of the user's head. One or more engagement members may secure the insert to the cap. The material of the liner is thicker in a front central region and thinner toward the side regions of the insert. The liner material extends beyond the top edge of the shell so that the shell does not directly contact the user's head.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 710,672, filed May 13, 2015, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29 / 513,002 filed Dec. 24, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. D765,918 which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 942,179, filed Jul. 15, 2013, the entire specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Field[0002]This invention is directed to hats. More specifically, this direction is directed to hats or caps. Most particularly, this direction is directed to a cap which includes a protective insert. Specifically, the cap has the appearance of a traditional ball cap and the insert includes a rigid shell and an impact absorbent liner which only cover and protect the user's forehead and the sides of their head, and where each of the shell and liner have bottom edges that are generally aligned with a bottom e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text is discussing the need for an improved protective cap that looks like a traditional cap but helps protect vulnerable areas of the user's head. The technical effect of this patent is to provide an improved protective cap that addresses these needs.

Problems solved by technology

One of the issues that tee-ball, baseball and softball users may experience is that a struck ball, such as one hit in a line drive, or a bat that is accidentally released may strike a user in the head, causing an impact injury such as a concussion, a fracture or catastrophic impacts that may cause intracranial bleeding leading to death.

This is particularly problematic when it comes to ball games played by younger, less experienced and less skilled users who may not be able to direct a struck ball in a particular direction with any certainty.

This type of injury may also occur if a ball or bat strikes a spectator by accident.

Additionally, it is highly unlikely that any spectator will be wearing some type of protective helmet when they show up to watch a game.

There have also been numerous attempts at providing protective components in interiors of hats but many of the resultant products have been bulky and unsightly and therefore less desirable for people to wear.

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