Apparel – Guard or protector – For wearer's head
Patent
1996-07-17
1999-11-30
Mohanty, Bibhu
Apparel
Guard or protector
For wearer's head
2 9, 2909, A41D 1300
Patent
active
059919159
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a protective article, particularly a protective article that may be used as headwear. The article is particularly applicable for protecting a person who may be wearing the article, from facial injuries including injuries to the eye, eyebrow region and temple region, while playing sport.
The article is most appropriate for use while playing games such as squash, racquet-ball, badminton, and other games where there is the potential for facial injuries due to ball or equipment contact. The potential for serious eye, face and head injury is well recognized whilst playing such games, particularly for lesser skilled "social players" and children.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A variety of particular spectacles, goggles or other protective equipment has been utilized, particularly for the game of squash and racquet-ball, however none have proven to be particularly satisfactory for various reasons. For examples, spectacles or goggles tend to fog up as sweat runs down the inside of the lenses. Lighting may also be problem where spectacles or goggles are worn as the light can flare up. The protective device may also dislodge, or become uncomfortable to wear during play if it is not securely affixed to the user.
A particular problem with known spectacles and goggles, is that it is generally not possible for players who already wear spectacles to wear such protective equipment. Such players may generally rely upon their own spectacles for protection, however such spectacles are likely to shatter if struck firmly which may be more dangerous that wearing no protection equipment at all. At the very least, such glasses will dislodge readily.
The present invention aims to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the difficulties associated with the prior art.
The present invention resides in a protective article for use as headwear including; flat configuration, and in use, the flexible support is able to be configured to surround the forehead of a user, and the shield is able to be configured to shield the eyes of the user.
The flexible support is generally of an elongated configuration and should be suitably flexible to enable it to be positioned around the forehead of the user. In this respect, the flexible support may have some form of adjustable connecting means so that it is able to connect behind the head of the user. Adjustment of the connecting means will enable the article to fit firmly around the head. Placing the flexible support around the head defines an inner surface of the flexible support against the head of the user, and an outer surface.
The flexible support is most preferably made of a strong light plastics material. Most suitably it has been found that a construction of a composite carbon fibre plastics material achieves the desired characteristics of the flexible support. That is, this material is particularly strong while still being flexible and lightweight.
The connecting means for the flexible support, may consist of a commonly used clasp, attached to either end of the flexible support by elastic straps. The elastic straps provide a comfort for the user, as well as ensuring there is a secure fit.
Most preferably, the protective article includes a padded insert that is able to be removably secured to the inner surface of the flexible support. The padded inserts primary function is to provide cushioning and comfort for the user. In use, the padded insert preferably extends from one temple of the user to the other, the cushioning providing protection for the user in the temple region and along the forehead and eyebrow region. The cushioning is able to absorb any accidental blows in these areas.
A secondary function of the padded insert is to absorb moisture and preferably includes a moisture absorbent covering. A preferred construction of the padded insert is a rubber material, such as neoprene, covered by towelling. The padded insert is therefore able to absorb sweat and prevent moisture from running into the eyes or onto the shield or othe
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