Protective cap

Abstract

A protective cap (1) for a person's head, comprising a plurality of protective panels arranged side by side forming a dome. Each panel comprises an inner layer of a first elastic fabric, an outer layer of a second elastic fabric, and an intermediate layer of a material configured to absorb impact. The protective cap (1) comprises an upper protective panel (11) which, in use, is positioned on the upper part of the head and extends longitudinally from the front of the head to the vertex, such that said upper protective panel (11) is surrounded by protective panels all around its perimeter, the thickness of its intermediate layer being greater in its center than at its perimeter, and the thickness of said intermediate layer at its perimeter being equal to the thickness of the intermediate layer of the other protective panels. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Protective cap technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to protective caps for a person's head. Previous technique

[0002] The use of head protection systems in sports, athletics, or other physical activities is well known. In particular, when a person participates in contact sports such as football, hockey, or the like, or in other physical activities such as skiing, cycling, scootering, etc., it is common to use a head protector that cushions a potential impact.

[0003] Document EP3262962A1 describes a head protector for a user's head comprising a fabric layer and a padding layer. The head protector can be stretched from a relaxed configuration to an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the head protector has a convex shape so that it can be adapted to the user's head. The head protector can be used by a user in combination with a helmet. Summary

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a protective cap for a person's head. The protective cap comprises a plurality of protective panels arranged side by side forming a dome, said dome defining a circular opening for the person's head, and an elastic band disposed in the circular opening and configured to attach the protective cap to the head, each protective panel comprising an inner layer of a first elastic fabric, an outer layer of a second elastic fabric, and an intermediate layer of a material configured to absorb an impact, the protective panels being connected to each other defining a plurality of flexible links between them, so that the protective cap can be stretched from an initial position in which the protective cap is not yet placed on the head, to an expanded configuration after it has been placed on the head.characterized in that it comprises an upper protective panel which, in use, is disposed on the upper part of the head, and which extends longitudinally from the front of the head to the vertex, such that said upper protective panel is surrounded by protective panels all around its perimeter, the thickness of its intermediate layer being greater in its center than in its perimeter, and, the thickness of said intermediate layer in its perimeter being equal to the thickness of the intermediate layer of the other protective panels.

[0005] The upper protective panel can be in the form of a stadium.

[0006] The thickness of the intermediate layer of the upper protective panel may be constant in an interior region thereof, and may gradually become smaller towards its perimeter.

[0007] In this case, the perimeter of the inner region and the perimeter of the upper protective panel may be concentric.

[0008] The maximum thickness of the intermediate layer of the upper protective panel is for example in the range between 14 mm and 15 mm, preferably being equal to 15 mm.

[0009] The thickness of the intermediate layer of all the protective panels except the top protective panel can be in the range between 3 mm and 5 mm, preferably being equal to 5 mm.

[0010] The flexible connections between the protective panels may be seams.

[0011] The first elastic fabric and the second elastic fabric may be identical.

[0012] The first elastic fabric and / or the second elastic fabric may be made, at least in part, of elastane or Lycra®.

[0013] The material of the intermediate layer can be a foam.

[0014] The intermediate layer of each protective panel can be bonded to the first elastic fabric and the second elastic fabric. In this case, the intermediate layer of each protective panel can be bonded to the first elastic fabric and the second elastic fabric by means of an adhesive.

[0015] The first elastic fabric of all the protective panels is for example a single elastic fabric, and / or the second elastic fabric of all the protective panels is for example a single elastic fabric.

[0016] The protective cap may include a front protective panel comprising a central region and two lateral regions, one on each side of the central region, so that, in use, the central region is positioned on the central part of the front of the head, and the lateral regions extend laterally from the central region to cover both temples, said front protective panel being able to be positioned between the elastic band and the upper protective panel, and its width being notably less in the central region than in the lateral regions.

[0017] The protective cap may include a rear protective panel which is arranged longitudinally behind the upper protective panel, so that, in use, said rear protective panel covers the nape of the neck. In this case, the rear protective panel may have a width equal to the width of the panel of superior protection. The protective cap may include side protection panels arranged between the superior protection panel, the front protection panel, the rear protection panel, and the elastic band. In the latter case, the side protection panels may include a lower side protection panel and an upper side protection panel, such that the upper side protection panel is arranged between the superior protection panel, the front protection panel, the rear protection panel, and the lower side protection panel, and the lower side protection panel is arranged between the superior protection panel, the front protection panel, the rear protection panel, the superior side protection panel, and the elastic band.

[0018] The protective cap can be intended for the practice of breakdancing.

[0019] The protective cap according to the invention comprises a plurality of panels of Protective panels are arranged side-by-side to form a dome, this dome defining a circular opening for the person's head. The protective cap further includes an elastic band positioned within the circular opening and configured to secure the cap to the head. Each protective panel comprises an inner layer of a first elastic fabric, an outer layer of a second elastic fabric, and an intermediate layer of a material configured to absorb impact. The protective panels are linked to one another by a plurality of flexible connections, allowing the protective cap to be stretched from an initial position, before it is placed on the head, to an expanded configuration after it is positioned on the head.The protective cap includes an upper protective panel which, in use, is positioned on the upper part of the head, and which extends longitudinally from the front of the head to the vertex, such that said upper protective panel is surrounded by protective panels all around its perimeter, the thickness of its intermediate layer being greater in its centre than in its perimeter, and the thickness of said intermediate layer in its perimeter being equal to the thickness of the intermediate layer of the other protective panels.

[0020] The protective cap according to the invention provides complete protection for the head of the person wearing it, i.e., the user, because its protective panels cover it completely, leaving no part of the head unprotected. Furthermore, it can be adapted to different head sizes, as the protective cap is designed to expand when placed on the user's head, thus adapting to the size of the user's head.

[0021] These advantages and features of the invention, as well as others, will become apparent from the figures and the detailed description of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] [Fig. 1] shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the protective cap according to the invention.

[0023] [Fig.2] is a right profile view of the preferred embodiment of the protective cap.

[0024] [Fig. 3] shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of the protective cap.

[0025] [Fig. 4] shows a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the protective cap.

[0026] [Fig.5a], [Fig.5b] and [Fig.5c] show a front, side and plan view of the upper protective panel of the protective cap of the [Fig.1].

[0027] [Fig.6] shows a plan view of one embodiment of the upper protective panel. Description of the implementation methods

[0028] Figures 1 to 4 show a preferred embodiment of the protective cap 1 of the invention.

[0029] The protective cap 1 of the invention is a cap for a person's head. The protective cap 1 comprises a plurality of protective panels arranged side by side forming a dome, said dome defining a circular opening for the person's head. The protective cap 1 further comprises an elastic band 20 disposed in the circular opening and configured to attach the protective cap 1 to the head. Each protective panel comprises an inner layer of a first elastic fabric, an outer layer of a second elastic fabric, and an intermediate layer of a material configured to absorb an impact.The protective panels are linked to each other, defining a plurality of flexible connections between them, so that the protective cap 1 can be stretched from an initial position in which the protective cap 1 is not yet placed on the head, to an expanded configuration after it has been placed on the head.

[0030] The protective cap 1 of the invention comprises an upper protective panel 11 which, in use, is disposed on the upper part of the head, extending longitudinally from the front of the head to the vertex, such that said upper protective panel 11 is surrounded by protective panels all around its perimeter. The thickness of the intermediate layer of the upper protective panel 11 is greater in its center than at its perimeter, the thickness of said intermediate layer at its perimeter being equal to the thickness of the intermediate layer of the other protective panels.

[0031] In the context of the invention, vertex means the part of the head located at the rear end of its upper portion. The panel of upper protection 11 of the protective cap 1 of the invention is configured to protect said vertex, so that said upper protective panel 11 extends longitudinally approximately to the part of the head in which is the union between the occipital bone and the two parietal bones.

[0032] Regarding the arrangement of the upper protective panel 11, it extends longitudinally from approximately the part of the head in which the central area of ​​the frontal bone is located.

[0033] The protective cap 1 of the invention is particularly advantageous because it provides complete protection for the user's head, since its protective panels cover it completely, leaving no parts of the head unprotected. For example, in the practice of certain urban dances, such as breakdancing, the protective cap 1 of the invention provides complete protection for the user's head, regardless of the movement, trick, or pressure applied, without leaving any parts of the head unprotected.

[0034] Furthermore, it can be adapted to different head sizes, as the protective cap 1 is designed to expand when placed on the user's head, thus adapting to the size of the user's head. Therefore, the protective cap according to the invention is an optimal substitute for a helmet, as it provides the same level of protection, but in a much lighter and more multifunctional way. Moreover, it allows the user to wear any aesthetic head accessory of their choice, such as a woollen cap, scarf, hat, durag, visor, etc.

[0035] The protective cap 1 of the invention is also advantageous for protecting the upper part or top of the wearer's head, for example, during certain breakdancing moves or tricks such as the "headspin," in which the wearer only supports themselves on the top of their head, so that their entire weight is borne there. Furthermore, in some of these moves, such as the "headspin," friction occurs between the wearer's head and the ground in contact with it, which can cause hairline injuries. The upper protective panel 11 of the protective cap 1 of the invention prevents such hairline injuries, effectively protecting the wearer's head.

[0036] In addition, there are certain movements in which the user moves from a position where they are supported on one point of their head to another position where they are supported on a different point. The protective cap according to the invention 1 allows said transition to occur continuously, that is, without abrupt transitions, on the one hand because the variation in the thickness of the intermediate layer of the upper protective panel 11 occurs gradually and without jumps, and on the other This is because the thickness of the intermediate layer around the perimeter of the upper protective panel 11 is equal to the thickness of the intermediate layer of the surrounding protective panels, which are all of a substantially constant and equal thickness. Therefore, the protective cap 1 of the invention facilitates the transition from a "headspin," for example, to other breakdancing tricks, and vice versa.

[0037] In the preferred embodiment of the protective cap 1, the upper protective panel 11 is stadium-shaped. In the context of the invention, the stadium or oblong shape refers to the shape of a two-dimensional geometric figure consisting of a rectangle with two circular segments arranged along the short sides of said rectangle, where the circular segments are arranged convexly, such that the chord of each circular segment coincides with one of the short sides of the rectangle, as shown in the views of the upper protective panel 11 in Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c. When performing movements in which the person supports themselves only on their head, not all people support themselves on the same point of their head.The protective cap 1 of the invention makes it possible to protect the upper part of the user's head, regardless of the point on the head on which it rests when performing this type of movement, for example, movements such as "headspin", "head drill", "coindrop head", "head freezes" and their derivatives, in the practice of breakdancing.

[0038] In the preferred embodiment of the protective cap 1, the thickness of the intermediate layer of the upper protective panel 11 is constant in an inner region 11' thereof and gradually decreases towards its perimeter. Figure 6 shows the inner region 11' of constant thickness by means of a dotted line located in a central area of ​​the upper protective panel 11. In other embodiments of the invention, the inner region 11' may be in other forms. When performing movements in which the person supports themselves only on the top of their head, not all people support themselves on the same point.By means of the inner region 11' of constant thickness where the upper protective panel 11 presents its greatest thickness, the protective cap 1 of the invention makes it possible to protect the upper part of the user's head, regardless of the point on the head on which it rests when performing this type of movement.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the perimeter of the inner region 11' is concentric with the perimeter of the upper protective panel 11, as shown in [Fig.5c].

[0040] In one embodiment of the protective cap 1, the maximum thickness of the intermediate layer of the upper protective panel 11 is in the range of between 14 mm and 15 mm, preferably being equal to 15 mm.

[0041] In one embodiment of the protective cap 1, the thickness of the intermediate layer of all the protective panels except the upper protective panel 11 is in the range of between 3 mm and 5 mm, preferably being equal to 5 mm.

[0042] However, in other embodiments of the protective cap 1, the values ​​of both the maximum thickness of the intermediate layer of the upper protective panel 11 and of the intermediate layer of the rest of the protective panels may be different, depending on the properties of the material used in the intermediate layer.

[0043] In the preferred embodiment of the protective cap 1, the flexible connections between the protective panels are seams. These seams are configured to prevent the intermediate layers of the protective panels from shifting. In one embodiment of the invention, each protective panel is sewn to the protective panels adjacent to it.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment of the protective cap 1, the first elastic fabric and the second elastic fabric are identical. However, in another embodiment of the invention, the first elastic fabric and the second elastic fabric may be different.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment of the protective cap 1, the first elastic fabric and / or the second elastic fabric are made, at least in part, of elastane, Lycra® or “spandex”.

[0046] In the preferred embodiment of the protective cap 1, the material of the intermediate layer is a foam, or a “foam”.

[0047] In the preferred embodiment of the protective cap 1, the intermediate layer of each protective panel is bonded to the first elastic fabric and the second elastic fabric. This prevents the intermediate layer from shifting between the first and second elastic fabrics, thus ensuring that the intermediate layers of the protective panels remain substantially in the same position on the user's head when, by leaning on their head, they perform pressure, rotations, or any other type of movement.

[0048] In the preferred embodiment, the intermediate layer of each protective panel is glued to the first elastic fabric and to the second elastic fabric by means of an adhesive.

[0049] In one embodiment of the protective cap 1, the first elastic fabric of all the protective panels is a single elastic fabric, and / or the second fabric The elastic of all the protective panels is a single elastic fabric. In said embodiment, the first elastic fabric and the second elastic fabric form a plurality of pockets, in each pocket being disposed an intermediate layer which occupies the whole of it, so that, in the perimeter of each pocket, the first elastic fabric is connected to the second elastic fabric by means of a seam, an adhesive or any other means of connection between the two known in the prior art, so that said means of connection prevents the movement of the intermediate layer from one pocket to another.

[0050] In the preferred embodiment, the protective cap 1 includes a front protective panel 12 which comprises a central region 121 and two lateral regions 122, one on each side of the central region 121, so that, in use, the central region 121 is disposed on the central part of the front of the head, and the lateral regions 122 extend laterally from the central region 121 to cover both temples, said front protective panel 12 being disposed between the elastic band 20 and the upper protective panel 11, and its width being less in the central region 121 than in the lateral regions 122, as shown in [Fig.3].The protective cap 1 of the invention makes it possible to protect the user's head when performing movements in which, from a first position in which the user is supported on a point located in the central area of ​​the front of his head, he moves to another position in which he is supported on one of his temples or on the upper area thereof, and vice versa, for example, in breakdancing.

[0051] In the preferred embodiment, the protective cap 1 comprises a rear protective panel 13 which is arranged longitudinally behind the upper protective panel 11, such that, in use, said rear protective panel 13 covers the nape of the neck, i.e., the part of the head in which the occipital bone is located. Figure 4 shows a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the protective cap, where the rear protective panel 13 can be seen. The protective cap 1 of the invention thus makes it possible to protect the user's head when performing breakdancing moves such as the "suicide," "coindrop head," "backspins," "shoulder spins," "freezes," "head swipes," "rollbacks," "chairs," etc., or their variations.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment of the protective cap 1, the rear protective panel 13 has a width equal to the width of the upper protective panel 11, as shown in [Fig.4].

[0053] In the preferred embodiment, the protective cap 1 comprises side protective panels 14, 15 arranged between the upper protective panel 11, the front protective panel 12, the rear protective panel 13, and the elastic band 20. The front protective panel 12, with the panels of Side protection 14, 15, make the protective cap 1 especially advantageous for protecting a user's head during breakdancing moves or tricks such as "halos", "mills", "chairs", "freezes", or in their derivatives.

[0054] In the preferred embodiment of the protective cap 1, the side protection panels 14, 15 comprise a lower side protection panel 14 and an upper side protection panel 15. The upper side protection panel 15 is arranged between the upper protection panel 11, the front protection panel 12, the rear protection panel 13 and the lower side protection panel 14. The lower side protection panel 14 is arranged between the upper protection panel 11, the front protection panel 12, the rear protection panel 13, the upper side protection panel 15 and the elastic band 20.

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, the lower side protection panel 14 and / or the upper side protection panel 15 have a substantially triangular shape.

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, the front protective panel 12 and the side protective panels 14, 15 are combined to form a single protective panel. In other embodiments of the invention, other combinations of protective panels may be combined.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protective cap 1 is intended for breakdancing. The protective cap 1 of the invention is particularly advantageous for protecting the user's head during breakdancing, as it protects the user's head in its entirety. Furthermore, the shape of each of its protective panels is designed to optimally protect the user's head during the various weight transfers and movements of breakdancing.

[0058] In the preferred embodiment, the protective cap 1 is symmetrical with respect to a plane extending from a front part to a rear part of said protective cap 1.

Claims

Demands

1. A protective cap for a person's head, comprising a plurality of protective panels arranged side by side forming a dome, said dome defining a circular opening for the person's head, and an elastic band (20) disposed in the circular opening and configured to attach the protective cap (1) to the head, each protective panel comprising an inner layer of a first elastic fabric, an outer layer of a second elastic fabric, and an intermediate layer of a material configured to absorb an impact, the protective panels being connected to each other defining a plurality of flexible links between them, so that the protective cap (1) can be stretched from an initial position in which the protective cap (1) is not yet placed on the head, to an expanded configuration after it has been placed on the head,characterized in that it comprises an upper protective panel (11) which, in use, is disposed on the upper part of the head, and which extends longitudinally from the front of the head to the vertex, such that said upper protective panel (11) is surrounded by protective panels all around its perimeter, the thickness of its intermediate layer being greater in its center than in its perimeter, and the thickness of said intermediate layer in its perimeter being equal to the thickness of the intermediate layer of the other protective panels.

2. Protective cap according to claim 1, wherein the upper protective panel (11) is in the form of a stage.

3. Protective cap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the intermediate layer of the upper protective panel (11) is constant in an interior region (11') thereof, and becomes gradually smaller towards its perimeter.

4. Protective cap according to claim 3, wherein the perimeter of the inner region (11') and the perimeter of the upper protective panel (11) are concentric.

5. Protective cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum thickness of the intermediate layer of the upper protective panel (11) is in the range between 14 mm and 15 mm, preferably being equal to 15 mm.

6. Protective cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the intermediate layer of all the protective panels except the upper protective panel (11) is in the range between 3 mm and 5 mm, preferably being equal to 5 mm.

7. Protective cap according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a front protective panel (12) which includes a central region (121) and two lateral regions (122), one on each side of the central region (121), such that, in use, the central region (121) is disposed on the central part of the front of the head, and the lateral regions (122) extend laterally from the central region (121) to cover both temples, said front protective panel (12) being disposed between the elastic band (20) and the upper protective panel (11), and its width being less in the central region (121) than in the lateral regions (122).

8. Protective cap according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a rear protective panel (13) which is arranged longitudinally behind the upper protective panel (11), so that, in use, said rear protective panel (13) covers the nape of the neck.

9. Protective cap according to claim 8, comprising side protective panels (14, 15) arranged between the upper protective panel (11), the front protective panel (12), the rear protective panel (13) and the elastic band (20).

10. Protective cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cap (1) is intended for the practice of breakdancing.

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