Brim sunshield system for protective headgear

Abstract

A brim sunshade system removably attachable to different types of headgear such as hard hats used in various construction jobs, and various athletic helmets, including but not limited to, bicycle, motorcycle, rock climbing, and kayaking helmets to protect users from harmful environmental hazards such as ultraviolet rays from the sun. The brim sunshade system includes a ring-shaped brim having a tack substrate that prevents the brim from moving with coupled to a headgear. The brim sunshade system also includes one or more brim pockets configured to retain a visor of a headgear and prevent its separation from a visor of the headgear.

Description

[0001] PATENT APPLICATION

[0002] BRIM SUNSHIELD SYSTEM FOR PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR

[0003] PRIORITY

[0004] This application claims the benefit of US Patent Application Number 63,552,121, filed on February 10, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This invention relates to headgear accessories, and more particularly to an adjustable brim sunshield system that is designed to be used with any type of headgear, including but not limited to protective headgear such as those used in the trades (e.g., hard hats and safety helmets) and those used in recreational activities such as (rock climbing helmets and bicycle helmets). The invention is not limited to such headgear, however.

[0007] BACKGROUND

[0008] The present invention relates generally to the field of headgear accessories for protective helmets and hard hats. More specifically, it pertains to an adjustable brim sunshade that is fitted about the brim of a protective helmet to provide a number of features, for example shading the wearer from the sun. Protective headgear are essential safety gear designed to safeguard a user’s head from potential injuries and impacts. They have traditionally come in various styles and are constructed using materials that offer a balance between durability and impact absorption. Helmets are widely used in a variety of activities and industries, including sports, construction, and motorcycling, where the potential for head injuries is prevalent.

[0009] In construction and industrial settings, workers often wear protective headgear to protect themselves from falling objects, debris, and potential head injuries due to accidents. The design of these helmets often incorporates features such as a hard outer or crown shell and an inner liner of suspension straps, and other impact absorbing materials (e.g., foam) to provide optimal protection.

[0010] In the realm of sports, helmets are integral to ensuring the safety of athletes participating in potentially high-impact activities such as cycling or skiing, where wearing a helmet significantly reduces the chances of traumatic head injuries in case of falls or collisions.

[0011] The effectiveness of protective helmets and hard hats lies in their ability to absorb and dissipate impact energy. Modern helmets and hard hats comprise of several key components designed to provide comprehensive protection to the wearer. The outer crown shell is a fundamental part of the helmet or hard hat, typically made from durable materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). This outer shell acts as the first line of defense, deflecting impact and preventing penetration from impacts. The outer shell of modem helmets and hard hats are also designed to be resistant to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ensuring their longevity and maintaining its structural integrity over time.

[0012] Inside the helmet or hard hat, there is an inner suspension system that serves as a cradle for the wearer's head. This suspension system is crucial for comfort and impact absorption. It typically consists of adjustable straps and a headband, allowing the wearer to customize the fit to their head size. The suspension system acts as a shock absorber, dispersing the force of an impact and reducing the risk of head injuries. Additionally, many modem hard hats incorporate sweatbands to enhance comfort during extended use, helping to keep the wearer cool and dry in various working conditions. These components work together to create a well-halanced and effective protective headgear that meets safety standards and regulations in different industries.

[0013] Most users of protective helmets and hard hats work in outdoor environments exposed to potential environmental hazards such as sun exposure. Construction workers and athletes often face prolonged exposure to the sun as they carry out their tasks or activities in outdoor environments. This prolonged exposure puts them at risk of various health issues related to sun exposure, such as sunburn, heat exhaustion, and in extreme cases, heatstroke. Sunbum can occur quickly, and over time, repeated exposure can lead to more serious conditions like premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.

[0014] To mitigate the risks associated with sun exposure, construction workers and athletes attempt to take protective measures such as wearing gators or towels around their necks or hanging from helmet or hard hat. Many wear wide-brimmed hats instead of their protective headgear, placing themselves in danger of a head injury. To combat this problem and ensure the safety of workers and athletes, sunshades were developed that can be attached to helmets and hard hats. There are a number of shortcomings of these conventional sunshades, including falling off or moving on the helmet or hard hat, obstructing a view of a user creating a potentially hazardous situation.

[0015] What is needed is a brim sunshade headgear accessory that is able to be used with a variety of helmets and hard hats to safely shield a user from the sun without requiring the user to consistently adjust it or block their vision.

[0016] SUMMARY This invention substantially meets the aforementioned needs of protecting or shading a user wearing a protective helmet or hard hat from the harmful effects of the sun.

[0017] In one example embodiment, the invention includes a brim shield comprising of a brim or visor panel having a centrally located hole or opening that is removably positionable over the crown shell of the protective headgear. The brim shield can be pushed over the crown shell until it rests upon or adjacent to a brim or visor of the protective headgear. In this orientation, the brim shield extends a distance beyond the brim or visor of the protective headgear. As such, a user is provided with additional sun protection.

[0018] The brim shield also includes a flange or gasket that is a part of, or is attached to and extends about, the opening extending through the brim shield. The flange or gasket includes one or more tacky members or substrates that engage / contact an outer surface of the protective headgear. The flange or gasket also comprises a generally elastic material that enables is to generally conform to the contour of the outer surface of the protective headgear. The elasticity and tacky substrate of the flange or gasket prevents movement or disengagement of the brim shield from the protective headgear.

[0019] The brim shield can be provided with a neck shade panel that is either fixed or removably attachable to a portion of the visor or brim of the brim shield. The neck shade panel may include one or more fasteners or connector portions that allow it to be coupled the brim or visor of the brim shield. The fasteners may also permit the neck shade panel to be rolled up and placed in a storage orientation or configuration when it is not needed for blocking the sun or acclimate weather (e.g., rain or wind). The neck shade may be manufactured from a material similar to or different from a material used to manufacture the brim shield. In one example embodiment, the neck shield or the brim / visor of the brim shield includes one or more pouches formed by attaching one or more pouch panels of material (e.g., a front panel, rear panel, left side panel, right side panel, and bottom panel) defining a pouch cavity or interior. The pouches can be used to hold a variety of items, including but not limited to ice packs, hot packs, wipes / clothes, identifications, and documents that may be needed for the job or activity. The pouches may include closing mechanism (e.g., elastic band or strap, zipper, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, etc.) that permit a user to selective open and close the pouches.

[0020] The visor / brim of the brim shield may also include one or more window or see-through panel or panel portions that enables a user to see through the brim / visor of the brim shield. The window provides the additional safety feature of allowing the user to see potentially hazardous situations that may otherwise be blocked by the visor / brim of the brim shield.

[0021] Some example embodiments of the invention are adjustable. In these particular embodiments, the retrieval assembly can be adjusted to move an object a selectable distance within the cavity of the pouch. For example, the retrieval assembly can be set to move an object along different lengths or depths of the pouch. In another example embodiment, the retrieval assembly can be set to move an object partially or completely out of the cavity of the pouch.

[0022] Some pouches or pockets of the present invention have one or more openings that can be positioned near a top, bottom, side, or middle of the pouch or pocket. Depending upon the location of the opening the retrieval assembly can be arranged to move one or more objects of the pouch or pocket towards the opening.

[0023] Another feature of example embodiments of the invention is a closing structure that is disposed about an opening of the pouch or pocket. The closing structure aids in retaining or keeping an object within the cavity until the retrieval assembly is used. The closing structure may comprise an elastic material, plastic material, or metal material having a shape or configuration permitting coaptation of parts of the pouch or pocketing defining the opening. In this example embodiment, the force required to overcome the closing structure is less than the force exerted to operate the retrieval assembly.

[0024] These and other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the description which follows when considered in view of the accompanying drawings.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the brim sunshield system with a neck shield as described herein. FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the brim sunshield system with a neck shield as described herein. FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the brim sunshield system with a neck shield as described herein. FIG. 4A is a top view of the brim sunshield system detached from a protective headgear as described herein.

[0027] FIG. 4B is a top view of the brim sunshield system attached to a protective headgear as described herein.

[0028] FIG. 4C is a bottom view of the brim sunshield system detached from a protective headgear as described herein.

[0029] FIG. 4D is a bottom view of the brim sunshield system detached from a protective headgear and illustrating a brim retention patch as described herein.

[0030] FIG. 5A is a bottom view of the brim sunshield system detached from a protective headgear and illustrating a crown retention band as described herein.

[0031] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the brim sunshield system attached to a protective headgear as described herein. FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the brim sunshield system with a neck shield in a rolled-up or stored position as described herein.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the brim sunshield system with a neck shield in a rolled-up or stored position as described herein.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the brim sunshield system with a neck shield in a rolled-up or stored position as described herein.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view of the neck shield in an unrolled position and illustrating a pocket and fasteners as described herein.

[0035] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be made thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products. Moreover, features or aspects of various example embodiments may be mixed and matched (even if such combination is not explicitly described herein) without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0037] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “side”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory of orientation presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0038] Referring to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-9, the present invention provides a brim sunshield or shield system 10 comprising a generally flexible brim or visor 12 fabricated of a support member 14 covered by one or more woven or fabric materials that are generally resistant to ultraviolet (“UV”) light. Brim 12 is generally of a thickness to allow it to hold its shape but flex under force (e.g., adjusting by user or impacted by a tool or surface). The brim 12 material may also have other characteristics such as being water repellant, pest repellant, reflective properties, and the like.

[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, brim sunshield system 10 is removably placed around or about a protective headgear A (e.g., hard hats, bicycle helmets, rock climbing helmets, skateboarding helmets, etc.) having a crown shell B that is designed to protect a user’s head. Protective headgear A may come in various configurations, including but not limited to, some having full or partial brims or visors; some having attachment features for receiving and holding headlamps or cameras, and the like).

[0040] Some protective headgear also include a crown strap suspension system inside of the crown shell B to hold or suspend a user’s head a distance away from an inner surface of the crown shell B. The distance or space between the suspension system and the crown shell B provides a protective barrier of space upon an impact to the protective headgear A. Protective headgear A can also include a nape strap that extends about the back of a user’ s neck and a chin strap that extends under a user’s chin. The nape and chin straps are configured to stabilize or secure protective headgear A on the user’s head during use.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, brim 12 has a generally round, oval, or ring-shaped having an inner edge 14 defining a centrally oriented opening or hole 16 extending through it. Brim 12 is positionable over the crown shell B of the protective headgear A by passing crown shell B of the protective headgear A through the opening 16 until brim 12 is generally adjacent to or abuts a visor, lip, or brim C of the protective headgear A. If no brim C is present on the protective headgear A, a user may position brim 12 adjacent to an opening of the crown shell B. As will be discussed in more detail below, in some example embodiments of brim sunshield system 10, a user may position or reposition brim 12 on various portions of the crown shell B to move brim 12 closer to or further away from the opening in the crown shell B.

[0042] As particularly illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4C-4D, and 5A, brim 12 includes a generally flexible gasket 20 connected to edge 14 and extending about opening 16. Gasket 20 is fabricated from a generally elastic material that allows it to stretch about the crown shell portion B of the protective headgear A. The elasticity and flexibility of gasket 20 also allows it to conform to any configuration or shape of an outer surface of protective headgear A. Its elasticity also aids in blocking light and other environmental elements (e.g., rain and wind) from passing between brim 12 and protective headgear A.

[0043] Connected to gasket 20 is a flexible generally upwardly (or inwardly) extending flange 24 that is fabricated of a flexible material that is able to conform to the shape of the outer surface of protective headgear A. Flange 24 may also comprise of an elastic or generally elastic material, which further aids it to conform to the contours of protective headgear A. As particularly illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D, a tacky substrate 26 (illustrated as a shiny material) is attached to an inner surface 28 of flange 24. Tacky substrate 26 reduces or prevents gasket 20 and brim 12 from moving or creeping up crown shell portion B of protective headgear A. Tacky substrate 26 may comprise any tacky substance such as silicone or similar material.

[0044] In one example embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 4C-5A, there can be one or more brim pockets 30 formed on a lower or bottom surface 32 of brim 12. Brim pockets 30 are fabricated by attaching one or more brim panels 34a and 34b (which may be flexible or generally flexible) to the lower surface 32 of brim 12. Brim pockets 30 are configured to receive the visor, lip, or brim C of protective headgear A. In this configuration brim 12 is prevented from moving or folding up away from the lip, brim, or visor of protective headgear A. This features is particularly important in windy conditions that may be strong enough to blow brim 12 up from crown shell portion B or blow brim sunshield system 10 completely off of protective headgear A.

[0045] Brim pockets 30 arc formed by attaching one edge of brim panels 34a and 34b to the lower surface 32 of brim 12 and leaving an edge 36a and 36b of brim panels 34a and 34b proximate to opening 16 unattached to brim 12. In this configuration, openings of brim pockets 30 are generally facing each other on opposed side of opening 16. The size of brim pockets 30 can be fabricated in various sizes and dimensions for particular types or brands of proactive headgear. In another example embodiment of the present invention brim pockets 30 are adjustable to be configured to accommodate visors or brims of different types and brands of protective headgear.

[0046] While bright colors may be used with brim sunshield system 10, in one preferred embodiment, brim panels 34a and 34b are fabricated from a generally dark material to allow it to absorb light and prevent a reduction in a user’s visibility.

[0047] Movement of brim 12 from protective headgear A is further controlled by overlapping end portions or sections 36a and 36b of brim panel 34a with end portions or sections 38a and 38b of brim panel 34b, as particularly illustrated in FIG. 5A. The overlapping of brim panels 34a and 34b are oriented near the sides of the protective headgear A. In one example embodiment, end portions or sections 38a and 38b of brim panel 34b are adjustable to allow a user to increase or decrease the amount of overlapping, which increases or decreases the tension or securing force of brim panels 34a and 34b attached to brim 12 to protective headgear A. In one example material, one or more elastic members 35a and 35b may be attached to or form a part of brim panels 34a and 34B, respectively. In one example embodiment, elastic members 35a and 35b are secured in respective ends or edges of brim panels 34a and 34b. Elastic members 35 and 35b are configured aid in securing brim 12 to protective head gear A.

[0048] A particular advantage of the present invention includes the retractability of brim 12 or a portion of brim 12 away from a visor C of protective headgear’ A. By overlapping brim panels 34a and 34b an increased retracting force is applied to a front portion or section 37a of brim 12 and a rear portion or section 37b of brim 12. In this configuration, when a user removes a portion of brim 12 from a visor or brim C of protective headgear A, brim panel 34a or 34b opposite the folded portion of brim 12 acts on the brim panel portion pulling it up or retracting it toward the crown shell portion B of protective headgear A. The ability to fold or move a front half portion / section or real' half portion / section of brim 12, and have it be retained against crown shell potion B permits a user to select when visibility is more important than shade or protection of acclimate weather, (e.g., while performing a potentially dangerous activity or task).

[0049] In one example embodiment of the present invention, as particularly illustrated in FIG. 4D, an inner surface of brim panels 34a and 34b has one or more sticky substrates 40a and 40b attached or applied thereto. Sticky substrates 40a and 40b prevent movement of the lip, visor, or brim C of headgear A when positioned in the brim pockets 30. Sticky substrates 40a and 40b may comprise any sticky substance such as silicone or similar material.

[0050] Brim sunshade system 10 can also include a sunshield 50 attached to or removably connectable to a portion of brim 12 to provide selective shade to one or more parts of a user (e.g., neck, shoulders, ears, or face). In one example embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, sunshield 50 comprises a panel 52 of flexible material extending generally in a downward direction from a portion of brim 12. Sunshield 50 is permitted to hang or drape down from brim 12 to cover a portion of the user such as their neck and ears.

[0051] Sunshield 50 has an attached end 53 that is either attached to or removably attachable to a portion of brim 12. Generally, sunshield 50 is positioned or located on a rear or back portion 37b of brim 12 to protect the back of a user’s neck while they are outside. However, the present invention contemplates that sunshield 50 may be located along any portion of brim 12. In one example embodiment, sunshield 50 has a width that allows it to extend a distance around a circumference of brim 12. While ideally a width of sunshield 50 is such that it does not block a user’ s vision, it is contemplated that it can be wide enough to shade both of a user’ s ears and the back of the user’s neck. While sunshield 50 is illustrated in the figures as being fabricated from an opaque material, it is also contemplated that the entirety or a portion of sunshield 50 is fabricated from a generally transparent material that may or may not have UV protective properties. The transparent portion of sunshield 50 can be positioned in front of a user’s face to provide some UV protection to a user’s face while also permitting the user to see their surroundings.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, attached end 53 of sunshield 50 is attached to lower surface 32 of a brim 12 by stitching or adhering it to lower surface 32 of brim 12. In another example embodiment, attached end 53 of sunshield 50 is removably attached to a lower surface 32 of brim 12 by one or more fasteners 60 attached to and extending between brim 12 and sunshield 50. It is contemplated that fasteners 60 may have any configuration, including but not limited to a first fastener portion 62a attached to brim 12 and a second fastener portion 62b attached to a portion of sunshield 50. The fastener portions 62a and 62b may comprise male and female snaps, attractive magnets, hook and loop fasteners, and the like.

[0053] In another example embodiment, as particularly illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, sunshield 50 can be rolled up from a hanging position to allow more air to flow around a user’s head, neck, and face. In this embodiment, one or more couplers 66 are attached to a lower or middle section of sunshield 50. Couplers 66 may be positioned on an outer surface 67a, an inner surface 67b, or both surfaces of sunshield 50. It is contemplated that the couplers 66 may have any configuration, including but not limited to a first coupler portion 68a attached to brim 12 and a second coupler portion 68b attached to a portion of sunshield 50. In this manner, sunshield 50 can be rolled up and coupler portion 68b can be coupled to coupler portion 68a, where it retains sunshield 50 in the rolled-up configuration until uncoupled by the user. Coupler portions 68a and 68b may comprise male and female snaps, attractive magnets, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. In another example embodiment, couplers 66 are attached to different portions of sunshield 50 and may be coupled to each other in different rolled-up configurations or stages such that a length of sunshield 50 is adjustable by a user.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 9, sunshield 50 can be fabricated with a shield pocket or cavity 51 that is capable of holding various items (e.g., a cold pack, hot pack, identification cards, paperwork, etc.). Shield pocket 51 can be fabricated on either an inner surface, an outer surface, or both inner and outer surfaces of sunshield 50. Shield pocket 51 is generally fabricated by attaching or sewing a panel of material to sunshield 50. An interior cavity of shield pocket 5 lean include an insulating or protective material / lining to help maintain a temperature of a stored cold pack or hot pack, or to protect paperwork from moisture (e.g., rain or sweat). In one example embodiment of the present invention, shield pocket 51 can be selective opened / closed by any conventional opening / closing mechanism, including a zipper, snap, button, hook and loop fasteners, and magnets.

[0055] Some example embodiments of the present invention include a brim 12 having a generally transparent section or segment 70. The transparency of this segment 70 of brim 12 permits a user to look above them or to see beyond brim 12 in order to identify potentially hazardous objects or conditions that would otherwise be blocked by an opaque brim. Transparent segment 70 may be fabricated from any material that permits a user to see through it. Materials include but are not limited to a polycarbonate material or any other generally transparent plastic material.

[0056] While the instant invention has been shown and described herein in what are conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is therefore not to be limited to the details disclosed herein, but is to be afforded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent apparatus and articles. Again, because numerous modifications of this invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments illustrated and described. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents. For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms "means for" or "step for" are recited in a claim.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A removable sunshield system for a protective headgear having a brim or visor comprising: a sunshield having at least a partial brim or visor panel with a hole extending therethrough; the brim of the sunshield having at least one pocket for receiving the brim or visor of the protective headgear; an elastic member being operatively coupled to the brim of the sunshield and extending about the hole; a contact layer being disposed on the elastic member to contact and hold the crown of the protective headgear when coupled to the sunshield.

2. The removable sunshield of claim 1, wherein the brim of the sunshield comprises a plurality of pockets for receiving the brim of the protective headgear.

3. The removable sunshield of claim 2, wherein the plurality of pockets are positioned in a forward and rear position of the sunshield.

4. The removable sunshield of claim 1 further comprising a neck shield being coupled to at least a portion of the brim of the sunshield, wherein the neck shield is configured to hang downwardly from the sunshield.

5. The removable sunshield of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of fasteners being coupled to and extending between a portion of the brim of the sunshield and the neck shield, wherein the neck shield is configured to be rolled up and fastened to the plurality of fasteners.

6. The removable sunshield of claim 4, wherein the neck shield extends from a rear position of the brim of the sunshield toward sides of the brim of the sunshield.

7. The removable sunshield of claim 4, wherein the neck shield extends from a rear position of the brim of the sunshield around sides of the brim of the sunshield and terminating near a front of the sunshield.

8. The removable sunshield of claim 4, wherein the neck shield comprises one or more pockets configured to hold a cooling member.

9. The removable sunshield of claim 1, further comprising one or more pockets configured to hold a cooling member.

10. The removable sunshield of claim 4, wherein the neck shield comprises one or more transparent panel members configured to permit a user to see therethrough removably positionable over the crown shell of the protective headgear.

11. A removable sunshield system comprising: a brim having at least one transparent segment configured to permit a user to see therethrough; a neck shield being removably coupled to the brim to protect a neck of a user.

12. The sunshield system of claim 11 , wherein the brim is foldable to increase a field of view of a user.

13. The sunshield system of claim 11, wherein the neck shield is foldable to increase a flow of air around a neck of a user.

14. The sunshield system of claim 11, wherein the sunshield comprises an opening having an elastic member coupled thereto and configured to receive a crown of a protective headgear.

14. The sunshield system of claim 14 comprising a contact layer disposed on the elastic member to hold onto the crown of the protective headgear.

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