Ventilation head cap

Abstract

The invention relates to a ventilated headgear. A headgear for thermal ventilation and head protection is disclosed. The headgear includes a helmet shell and a cap structure. The cap structure is included within the helmet shell. In addition, the headgear includes at least one bladder positioned between the helmet shell and the cap structure. Thereafter, the at least one bladder is compressed to promote fluid flow within the headgear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilated headgear, and more particularly to a ventilated headgear for heat ventilation and head protection. Background Art

[0002] Structural headgear is generally used to protect the head area of ​​the wearer from external impact. Such headgear is made of hard materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide, etc. to prevent the wearer's head from being impacted. Summary of the invention

[0003] A simplified overview is given below to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This overview is not an extensive review and is neither intended to identify key or important elements nor to describe the scope of these elements. Its purpose is to give some concepts of the described features in a simplified form as a preface to a more detailed description given later.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, a head cap is provided. The head cap includes a helmet shell and a cap structure. The cap structure is included in the helmet shell. In addition, the head cap includes at least one bladder positioned between the helmet shell and the cap structure. The at least one bladder is compressed to promote fluid flow within the head cap.

[0005] In some embodiments, the helmet shell has a front and a rear. In addition, the helmet shell and the cap structure define ventilation channels, which promote the flow of fluid in the head cap. In some embodiments, the fluid corresponds to cold air and / or hot air.

[0006] In some embodiments, the helmet shell has a front-facing brim and is configured to be moved by the wearer to compress the at least one bladder to facilitate fluid flow within the head gear.

[0007] In some embodiments, upon compression of the at least one bladder, cool air flows into the helmet shell through the front of the helmet shell and hot air is exhausted through the rear of the helmet shell.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cap structure is coupled with an adjustable strap toward the rear of the helmet shell to secure the head cap.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one bladder has a plurality of openings to facilitate fluid flow through the ventilation channel.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one bladder is compressed to increase air pressure within the helmet shell, which reduces convective heat transfer resistance and increases convective heat transfer efficiency to remove heat from the wearer's head.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one bladder positioned between the helmet shell and the headgear structure is configured to cushion shocks impinging upon headgear.

[0012] In some embodiments, the helmet shell is made of materials such as, but not limited to, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide, Kevlar, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon 66, thermoplastic material (TR90), polycarbonate (PC), or nylon with glass fiber / carbon fiber / liquid crystal polymer (LCP) fiber reinforcement. In some embodiments, the cap structure is made of a flexible fabric material, such as polyester / nylon 66 / cotton blended with polyester / Kevlar / Nomex / nylon or polyester blended with Kevlar or liquid crystal polymer (LCP).

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, a headgear is provided. The headgear includes a helmet shell and a cap structure. The cap structure is included in the helmet shell. At least one bladder is positioned between the helmet shell and the cap structure. In addition, when the helmet shell is pressed, fluid flows out of the at least one bladder. In addition, when the helmet shell is released, the fluid flows into the at least one bladder.

[0014] In some embodiments, the helmet shell and the cap structure define ventilation channels that promote fluid flow within the head cap from all directions. In addition, the fluid corresponds to cold air and / or hot air.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one bladder has multiple openings to exhaust hot air from the at least one bladder in all directions and simultaneously draw cool air into the at least one bladder from all directions.

[0016] In some embodiments, the helmet shell has a front and a back, wherein when the helmet shell is pressed, hot air flows out of at least one bladder from the front and back of the helmet shell, and when the helmet shell is released, cool air flows into at least one bladder from the front and back of the helmet shell.

[0017] The above-mentioned summary of the invention is provided only for the purpose of summarizing some exemplary embodiments, to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples and should not be interpreted as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present invention in any way. It should be understood that the scope of the present invention includes many potential embodiments in addition to those embodiments summarized here, some of which will be further described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Having thus generally described certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0019] Figure 1 shows a side view of a head cap equipped by a wearer in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2A shows a side view of a headgear according to the present disclosure, depicting ventilation of air through ventilation channels;

[0021] Figure 2B shows an isometric view of at least one bladder according to the present disclosure; and

[0022] Figure 3 A side view of a headgear according to the present disclosure is shown with at least one bladder compressed under external load impact. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The exemplary embodiments described herein provide details for illustrative purposes, and there may be many variations in structure and design. However, it should be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed embodiments shown or described. It should be understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents may be expected when circumstances may suggest or provide expediency, but these are intended to cover applications or implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims.

[0024] Moreover, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. The terms "a", "an" and "the" herein do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced objects. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. In the figures, the same numbers represent the same parts.

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements in several figures, and in which exemplary embodiments are shown. However, embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples of other possible examples.

[0026] Various embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a head cap with thermal ventilation and head protection. In some embodiments, the present disclosure discloses that the head cap may be provided with a helmet and a cap structure and an air bag positioned therebetween. In addition, one or more straps or fastening devices may be provided to adjust the head cap on the wearer's head. In addition, the head cap may provide smooth ventilation of hot and cold air between the helmet and the cap structure without removing the head cap from the wearer's head. In some embodiments, the wearer may be a construction worker, a welder, a construction engineer, or an architect.

[0027] Figure 1 A side view of headgear 100 in accordance with the present disclosure being equipped by a wearer 102 is shown. Headgear 100 may include a helmet shell 104, a cap structure 106, an adjustable strap 108, at least one bladder 110, a brim 112, a front 114 of the helmet shell 104, and a rear 116 of the helmet shell 104.

[0028] In some embodiments, the helmet shell 104 can be equipped by the wearer 102 to protect the head 118 of the wearer 102 from external impacts and different weather conditions. The helmet shell 104 can be made of hard materials, including but not limited to high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide, Kevlar, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), nylon 66, thermoplastic material (TR90), polycarbonate (PC) or nylon with glass fiber / carbon fiber / liquid crystal polymer (LCP) fiber reinforcement. In some embodiments, the helmet shell 104 can be constructed with one or more designs based on various applications. The one or more designs may include but are not limited to hard hats, full face, modular, open face and half helmets.

[0029] In addition, the cap structure 106 may be included in the helmet shell 104. In some embodiments, the cap structure 106 may be composed of a flexible material that is configured to be compressed under load conditions. In some embodiments, the cap structure 106 may be configured as a cage that can cover the head 118 of the wearer 102. In some embodiments, the cap structure 106 may be made of a flexible fabric material, such as polyester / nylon 66 / cotton mixed with polyester / Kevlar / Nomex / nylon or polyester mixed with Kevlar or liquid crystal polymer (LCP). In addition, the cap structure 106 may be attached to an adjustable strap 108. The adjustable strap 108 may be configured to fit behind the head 118 of the wearer 102. In some embodiments, the adjustable strap 108 may be configured to be tightened or loosened by the wearer 102. In some embodiments, the adjustable strap 108 may be configured to fix the nape area 120 of the wearer's head 118. It may be noted that the adjustable strap 108 may be a nape strap, a Velcro strap, or a ratchet without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] In addition, at least one bladder 110 may be positioned and fixed between the helmet shell 104 and the cap structure 106. In some embodiments, at least one bladder 110 may correspond to an air bag having an internal volume. At least one bladder 110 may be compressed to promote fluid flow within the head cap 100. In some embodiments, the fluid may correspond to hot air and cold air. In the following, hot air or hot fluid and cold air or fresh fluid may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, at least one bladder 110 may be compressed by adjusting the brim 112 to remove hot fluid from the head cap 100, thereby promoting the flow of fresh fluid within the helmet shell 104. In some embodiments, when the brim 112 is adjusted by the wearer 102, at least one bladder 110 may be compressed within the helmet shell 104 to promote fluid flow within the head cap 100. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that adjustment of the brim 112 of the helmet shell 104 may compress at least one bladder 110, thereby reducing the internal volume. This reduction in the internal volume of the at least one bladder 110 can facilitate the flow of trapped fluid (ie, thermal fluid) within the helmet shell 104 to flow toward the rear 116 and thereby out of the head gear 100 .

[0031] In some embodiments, at least one bladder 110 has a plurality of openings (not shown). The plurality of openings may be configured to receive fresh fluid and release hot fluid when the at least one bladder 110 is compressed. Figure 2B The plurality of openings are described later in the detailed description of the helmet. In some embodiments, at least one bladder 110 can be compressed to increase the air pressure within the helmet shell 104, which reduces the convective heat transfer resistance and increases the convective heat transfer efficiency to dissipate heat from the wearer's head 118.

[0032] In addition, the helmet shell 104 can have a brim 112. The brim 112 can be defined as an extension toward the front 114 of the helmet shell 104. The brim 112 can be configured to be moved by the wearer 102 to compress at least one bladder 110 to promote fluid flow within the head cap 100. In some embodiments, the brim 112 of the helmet shell 104 can be adjusted by the wearer 102 to compress at least one bladder 110 and thereby initiate ventilation within the head cap 100. Such adjustment of the brim 112 can be to slide the brim 112 downward so that at least one bladder 110 is compressed and the trapped hot fluid flows toward the rear 116 of the helmet shell 104. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that ventilation within the head cap 100 may not necessarily depend on the adjustment of the brim 112 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the wearer 102 can press on any portion of the head cap 100, which results in compression of one or more bladders (e.g., bladder 110). In some embodiments, the brim 112 may be configured to shield the eyes of the wearer 102 from light reflections (eg, sunlight).

[0033] In addition, the helmet shell 104 and the cap structure 106 can define ventilation channels 122 that facilitate fluid flow within the headgear 100. In some embodiments, the ventilation channels 122 can be configured to exhaust hot air toward the rear 116 of the helmet shell 104. In addition, the ventilation channels 122 can be configured to draw fresh air into the headgear 100 toward the front 114 of the helmet shell 104. Figure 2A The ventilation channels 122 are described in more detail. In other embodiments, fresh air can be drawn into the at least one bladder 110 from a plurality of openings (not shown), and hot air can be exhausted in the opposite direction through the same openings in the at least one bladder 110. For example, the bladder can include a plurality of holes that allow fresh air to enter and hot air to escape without directing the airflow in a particular direction.

[0034] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the above materials for the helmet shell 104 and the cap structure 106 are provided for illustration purposes only. In some embodiments, the helmet shell 104 and the cap structure 106 may also be made of some other materials without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2A A side view of a headgear 100 according to the present disclosure is shown, depicting the ventilation of air. Figure 2A Shows Figure 2B .

[0036] In some embodiments, as indicated by arrow 202, the brim 112 of the helmet shell 104 can be pressed by the wearer 102 toward the front 114 of the helmet shell 104 to initiate ventilation of fluid through the head cap 100. As discussed, the wearer 102 can adjust the brim 112 of the helmet shell 104, which in turn compresses the at least one bladder 110, as indicated by arrow 204. In addition, the compression of the at least one bladder 110 can facilitate the path of the hot fluid to exit from the head cap 100, as indicated by arrow 206. Next, a fresh flow of fluid can be drawn into the head cap 100, as indicated by arrow 208.

[0037] In some embodiments, when at least one bladder 110 is compressed, the hot fluid filled in the at least one bladder 110 can be discharged, and the internal volume of the fluid in the at least one bladder 110 can also be reduced. This reduction in internal volume allows the hot air trapped between the helmet shell 104 and the cap structure 106 to dissipate at a high speed from the rear 116 of the helmet shell 104. According to the convection heat transfer equation, the convection heat transfer resistance (R) is inversely proportional to the convection heat transfer efficiency (θ). Therefore, when the hot fluid dissipates from the head cap 100 at a higher speed, the convection heat transfer resistance (R) can be reduced, which can lead to an increase in the convection heat transfer efficiency (θ). This increase in the convection heat transfer efficiency (θ) allows relatively cold ambient air to be filled into the head cap 100 from the front 114 of the helmet shell 104.

[0038] refer to Figure 2B, at least one bladder 110 may include a plurality of openings 210 to facilitate fluid flow through the ventilation channels 122. The plurality of openings 210 may receive fresh air from the front 114 of the helmet shell 104 (as indicated by arrows 208), and may exhaust hot air from the rear 116 of the helmet shell 104. In some embodiments, the ventilation channels 122 may facilitate fresh fluid from the front 114 of the helmet shell 104 into the head cap 100, and facilitate hot fluid from the rear 116 of the helmet shell 104 out of the head cap 100. In some embodiments, when the helmet shell 104 is pressed, hot air flows out of the at least one bladder 110 from the front 114 and rear 116 of the helmet shell 104, and when the helmet shell 104 is released, cool air flows from the front 114 and rear 116 of the helmet shell 104 into the at least one bladder 110. In some other embodiments, the plurality of openings 210 may cover the surface of the at least one bladder 110 that is not in contact with the head cap 100, thereby allowing fresh air to enter the at least one bladder 110 from all directions simultaneously and hot air to be discharged in all directions simultaneously. For example, the wearer 102 presses and releases the helmet shell 104 multiple times. When the helmet shell 104 is pressed, the bladder 110 is compressed to release hot air to the outside of the head cap 100, and when the helmet shell 104 is released, at least one bladder 110 expands to draw cool air into the head cap 100. Thus, this continuous pressing and releasing of the helmet shell 104 circulates airflow through the head 118 of the wearer 102. It may be noted that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the plurality of openings 210 may be present on both sides of the at least one bladder 110 to facilitate fluid flow through the ventilation channel.

[0039] Figure 3 A side view of a headgear 100 according to the present disclosure is shown with at least one bladder 110 compressed under the impact of an external load.

[0040] At least one bladder 110 may be positioned between the helmet shell 104 and the cap structure 106. In the event of an external impact caused by the object 302, the at least one bladder 110 may be compressed. The compression of the at least one bladder 110 may act as a shock absorber between the cap structure 106 and the helmet shell 104. In addition, the compression of the at least one bladder 110 may thereby absorb the force exerted by the object 302 on the head cap 100. This absorption of the force exerted by the object 302 may thereby prevent the shock wave from being transmitted to the head 118 of the wearer 102 and prevent any serious injury. In some embodiments, the at least one bladder 110 may be attached to the head cap 100 so that the upper surface of the at least one bladder 110 is the shell of the head cap 100.

[0041] In some alternative embodiments, at least one head cap 100 may have a plurality of perforations (not shown) configured to exhaust hot air out of the head cap 100 or draw cool air into the head cap 100. In some embodiments, the plurality of perforations may be located at the front 114 or rear 116 of the helmet shell 104. The plurality of perforations may have different diameters. In the described embodiments, the diameters of the plurality of perforations may be configured such that some perforations are used for airflow purposes and some perforations are used as impact absorbers. In addition, in some embodiments, at least one bladder 110 may include intentional weak points to serve as an impact absorber by rupturing when the impact force reaches a certain threshold. It may be noted that the plurality of perforations may not affect the strength and durability of the head cap 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented as systems, methods or computer program products. Therefore, aspects of the various embodiments may take the form of complete hardware embodiments, complete software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or embodiments of combined software and hardware aspects, which may be collectively referred to herein as "circuits", "modules", "systems" or "subsystems". In addition, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of computer program products implemented in one or more computer-readable media, the computer-readable media having computer-readable program codes implemented thereon.

[0043] For the purpose of illustration and description, the above description of specific embodiments has been given. They are not intended to be exhaustive, nor are they intended to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed, and it is obvious that many modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the above teachings. The embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain their principles and practical applications, and thereby enable other technical personnel in the field to best utilize various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the specific purposes contemplated. It should be understood that various omissions and equivalent substitutions are contemplated when the environment may suggest or provide expediency, but they are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. The appended claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the embodiments to the specific embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A head cap, comprising: Helmet shell; a cap structure, the cap structure being included within the helmet shell; as well as at least one bladder positioned between the helmet shell and the cap structure, Wherein, at least one of the bladders is compressed to facilitate fluid flow within the head cap.

2. The headgear of claim 1, wherein: The helmet shell has a front portion and a rear portion.

3. The headgear of claim 1, wherein: The helmet shell and the headgear structure define ventilation channels that facilitate fluid flow within the headgear.

4. The headgear of claim 3, wherein: The helmet shell has a brim facing the front and is configured to be moved by a wearer to compress the at least one bladder to facilitate fluid flow within the head gear.

5. The headgear of claim 4, wherein: The fluid corresponds to cold air and / or hot air.

6. The headgear of claim 5, wherein: Upon compression of the at least one bladder, the cool air flows into the helmet shell through the front of the helmet shell and the hot air exits through the rear of the helmet shell.

7. The headgear of claim 2, wherein: The cap structure is coupled with an adjustable strap toward the rear of the helmet shell to secure the head cap.

8. The headgear of claim 3, wherein: The at least one bladder has a plurality of openings to facilitate fluid flow through the ventilation passage.

9. The headgear of claim 1, wherein: The at least one bladder is compressed to increase air pressure within the helmet shell, which reduces convective heat transfer resistance and increases convective heat transfer efficiency to remove heat from the wearer's head.

10. The headgear of claim 1, wherein: The at least one bladder positioned between the helmet shell and the headgear structure is configured to dampen shocks impinging upon the headgear.

11. The headgear of claim 1, wherein: The helmet shell is made of a material such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide, Kevlar, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon 66, thermoplastic material (TR90), polycarbonate (PC) or nylon with glass fiber / carbon fiber / liquid crystal polymer (LCP) fiber reinforcement.

12. The headgear of claim 1, wherein: The cap structure is made of a material selected from a group of flexible fabric materials, such as polyester / nylon 66 / cotton blended with polyester / Kevlar / Nomex / nylon or polyester blended with Kevlar or liquid crystal polymer (LCP).

13. A head cap, comprising: Helmet shell; a cap structure, the cap structure being included within the helmet shell; as well as at least one bladder positioned between the helmet shell and the cap structure, wherein, when the helmet shell is pressed, fluid flows out of the at least one bladder, and Wherein, when the helmet shell is released, fluid flows into the at least one bladder.

14. The headgear of claim 13, wherein: The helmet shell and the headgear structure define ventilation channels that facilitate fluid flow within the headgear from all directions.

15. The headgear of claim 13, wherein: The fluid corresponds to cold air and / or hot air.

16. The headgear of claim 15, wherein: The at least one bladder has a plurality of openings to exhaust the hot air from the at least one bladder in all directions and simultaneously draw the cool air into the at least one bladder from all directions.

17. The headgear of claim 15, wherein: The helmet shell has a front and a rear, wherein when the helmet shell is pressed, the hot air flows out of the at least one bladder from the front and the rear of the helmet shell, and when the helmet shell is released, the cold air flows into the at least one bladder from the front and the rear of the helmet shell.

18. The headgear of claim 13, wherein: The at least one bladder positioned between the helmet shell and the headgear structure is configured to dampen shocks impinging upon the headgear.

19. The headgear of claim 13, wherein: The at least one bladder is compressed to increase air pressure within the helmet shell, which reduces convective heat transfer resistance and increases convective heat transfer efficiency to remove heat from the wearer's head.

20. The headgear of claim 13, wherein: The helmet shell is made of a material such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide, Kevlar, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon 66, thermoplastic material (TR90), polycarbonate (PC) or nylon with glass fiber / carbon fiber / liquid crystal polymer (LCP) fiber reinforcement.

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