GB2453775A

GB2453775A - Baseball cap with impact protection

Info

Publication number: GB2453775A
Application number: GB0720450A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ursula Martin; Tara Martin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-18
Filing date: 2007-10-18
Publication date: 2009-04-22
Also published as: GB0720450D0

Abstract

A baseball type protective cap, comprising of a protective flexible material 1 to protect the head, providing extended protection over the temporal areas 2 and the base of the skull 3. Vents may allow for ventilation 4 and some caps may include an aperture through which hair may be arranged 8. The cap may have a flexible frame 7 or a layer of protective flexible material between two layers of flexible impact absorbing material 10.

Description

PROTECTIVE CAP

The brain can be damaged in a vanety of ways and depending on the areas damaged and the seventy, it may be fatal. A blow to the head, particularly at the temple can allow damage to occur. As golf courses become busier the probability of injuring another golfer is increased. Statistics compiled by Golfj,lan Insurance show that in one year alone 3530 head injury accidents occurred. In latest tests performed by scientists at the Institute for Preventative Sports Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan, results show that the temple is by far the most dangerous area to be hit by a golf ball. A thorough review of children with golf related head injury was undertaken over a 10 year period at The Medical Centre of Central Georgia School of Medicine. It concluded that paediatric golf related head injury is a significant cause of sport related head trauma and often comes with a bad prognosis. Other patents regarding head protection particularly relating to golf have not been concerned with protecting the temporal area and base of the skull. Helmets used for example, baseball, riding and cricket may be rigid, uncomfortable and restrict movement. They may also be unfashionable which is an important factor in whether a sportsman such as a golfer would use such a helmet. This is also an important issue in encouraging a young person or child to wear protective head gear.

To help prevent possible head injuries, the invention proposes a baseball type cap. The cap will preferably consist of impact absorbing material to protect the head and will provide extended protection over the temporal areas and the base of the skull. Vents may allow for ventilation.

The preferably breathable, flexible foam will provide superior impact absorption and preferably, fashionable, long term comfort. Preferably the cap will be moisture proof and lined on both sides. Apertures will allow for ventilation. Preferably some hats will be provided with an opening for hair to be arranged. Preferably, children's sizes and adult sizes will be provided.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the invention with extended areas of material over the temporal and basal areas of the skull. A peak and apertures.

Figure 2 shows an inside cross section view showing a thick outer material and head band.

Figure 3 shows a rear view with extended covering of the base of the skull with aperture for hair arrangement.

Figure 4 shows an inside cross section view of an alternative design with a frame and thinner outer material.

In figure 1 the invention shows a similarity to a baseball hat. The whole area over the crown (I) consists of a preferably high impact resistant energy absorbing material such as, Shocktec air-frothed visco polymer gel padding introduced by Kemmler products, which is lightweight and cost effective. Another alternative might be high performance foam. Poron urethanes produced by Rogers Corporation are available in varying thicknesses and are lightweight, flexible, cushioning, breathable and odour free. Gel Mec produce silicone gel shock foam which is highly shock absorbing at just 3mm thick and is weather and ozone resistant. Two extended areas are shown (2) and (3) which provide for further padded protection over the temporal and basal areas of the skull. Apertures (4) are shown which will provide ventilation. A peak is provided (5) for shade as in a baseball hat, which will preferably consist of similar material. Preferably a button will secure sections at the top of the hat (6) Figure 2 shows a cross section view of the hat with a thick impact resistant preferably flexible material (1). The apertures are preferably positioned near to the top of the head.

(4). A preferably foam head band (7) for comfort.

Figure 3 shows the rear view with an aperture (8) which may be added to some hats to enable hair to be arranged through the aperture. Protection to the base of the skull by material is shown in (3).

Figure 4 shows a cross section view an alternative design with a frame made from preferably foam material to give comfort and flexibility. This will provide a space between the head and outer layer, preferably allowing more air to circulate and to give further protection. More frame (9) may be added if necessary to preferably stop compression of the outer layer which will preferably be a thin firm material for added protection between two layers of foam (10). The apertures are positioned between the frame (4).

Claims

Claims 1. A baseball type protective cap, comprising: a protective flexible material to protect the head and providing extended protection over the temporal areas and the base of the skull; vents may allow for ventilation and a peak for sun protection.
2. A baseball type protective cap, according to claim 1, comprising: an aperture through which hair may be arranged.
3. A baseball type protective cap, according to claim I, comprising: a headband of flexible material.
4. A baseball type protective cap, according to claim i, in which sizes can be varied.
5. A baseball type protective cap, according to claim I, comprising: an inner frame of impact absorbing flexible material, providing a space between the head and outer layer of protective flexible material
6. A baseball type protective cap, according to claim 1, comprising: a layer of protective flexible material between two layers of impact absorbing material.
7. A baseball type protective cap, according to any of the preceding claims, on which an outer and inner lining of material is applied.
8. A baseball type protective cap, according to any of the preceding claims in which a fastening can be attached to the top of the hat.