USER-PROTECTION APPARATUS

Abstract

A user-protection apparatus includes an elongated foam member configured to be resiliently deformable (at least in part). The elongated foam member is also configured to be force dispersive (at least in part). This is done in such a way that an impact force transmitted to the elongated foam member is dispersed (at least in part). The user-protection apparatus also includes a flexible sleeve configured to form an erected flexible U-shaped band in response to insertion (at least in part) of the elongated foam member into the flexible sleeve. This is done in such a way that the flexible sleeve urges (at least in part) the elongated foam member to resiliently deform (in use) as the elongated foam member is received (at least in part) in the flexible sleeve.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to) a user-protection apparatus.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Games of sport or other types of activities are associated with inadvertent or unwanted injury to players. For instance, ice sports (such as curling) are games played on an ice surface. There have been an increasing number of players and other persons, during a game of curling, that have sustained head injuries because of falling on or around the ice surface.

SUMMARY

[0003] It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least in part) at least one problem associated with existing user-protection systems (existing technology). After much study of the known systems and methods with experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution has been identified and is articulated as follows:

[0004] In Canada, the USA and Europe, an increasing number of ice rinks have required those persons playing the sport of curling (while they are positioned on the ice surface), to wear head protection.

[0005] The predominant impact injuries (for instance in the game of curling) are sustained to the rear of the head of the player because of a backward fall on the ice surface. The resulting fall causes, in some instances, concussion-type injuries or worse.

[0006] Currently, there is no standard governing the type of head protection, nor is there an age requirement to do so. Moreover, the Canadian Curling Association, the USA Curling Association and some associations of countries in Europe have requested the development, under the guidance of ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), for a safety standard for headgear used in the sport of curling.

[0007] What is needed is protective headgear that reflects, to some degree, the sport of curling and the culture from which curling has developed.

[0008] What is needed is a protective headgear configured to be adapted for deployment in headwear currently worn by curlers.

[0009] Some attempts have been made to incorporate the hockey helmet into the sport, the rationale being that both sports are played on ice. However, this is where the similarity ends. Oftentimes, curlers find the hockey helmet takes away from the spirit and tradition of the game of curling simply because curling is not a contact sport (thus does not require the overall coverage or structure afforded by the hockey helmet). The styling of the hockey helmet is also objectionable to many curlers considering that both females and males in all age categories participate in the sport of curling.

[0010] A protective headgear system may address the functional and/or traditional esthetic needs of a sport, such as the sport of curling, etc.

[0011] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a first major aspect) a user-protection apparatus. The user-protection apparatus includes (and is not limited to) an elongated foam member. The elongated foam member is configured to be resiliently deformable (at least in part). The elongated foam member is also configured to be force dispersive (force dissipative, force deflective), at least in part. This is done in such a way that an impact force that is transmitted (in use) to the elongated foam member is dispersed (at least in part). The user-protection apparatus also includes a flexible sleeve configured to form an erected flexible U-shaped band in response to insertion (at least in part) of the elongated foam member into the flexible sleeve. This is done in such a way that the flexible sleeve urges (at least in part) the elongated foam member to resiliently deform (in use).

[0012] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a second major aspect) a user-protection apparatus. The user-protection apparatus is for a user having a head. The user-protection apparatus includes an elongated foam member configured to be positionable, at least in part, proximate to the head of the user. The elongated foam member is also configured to be force dispersive, at least in part. This is done in such a way that an impact force that is transmitted, in use, to the elongated foam member is dispersed (at least in part) away from the head of the user (for the case where the elongated foam member is positioned proximate to the head of the user and the impact force is transmitted to the elongated foam member). The elongated foam member is also configured to be resiliently deformable, at least in part. This is done in such a way that the elongated foam member is formable (at least in part) into any one of an unstressed planar shape and a stressed curved shape. The unstressed planar shape is formed in response to the elongated foam member not receiving a deformation force. The stressed curved shape is formed in response to the elongated foam member receiving, at least in part, the deformation force. The user-protection apparatus also includes a flexible sleeve configured to cooperate, at least in part, with the elongated foam member. The flexible sleeve is also configured to provide, at least in part, an interior sleeve space. The flexible sleeve is also configured to form, at least in part, any one of a collapsed flexible shape and an erected flexible U-shaped band. The collapsed flexible shape is formed in response to the interior sleeve space of the flexible sleeve being empty. The erected flexible U-shaped band is formed in response to insertion, at least in part, of the elongated foam member into the interior sleeve space of the flexible sleeve. This is done in such a way that the flexible sleeve (in use) urges, at least in part, the elongated foam member to resiliently deform, in use, for the case where the elongated foam member is received, at least in part, in the flexible sleeve.

[0013] Other aspects are identified in the claims.

[0014] Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B (SHEET 1 of 10 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of a user-protection apparatus including an elongated foam member;

[0017] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C (SHEET 2 of 10 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus of FIG. 1, in which the user-protection apparatus further includes a flexible sleeve;

[0018] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D (SHEET 3 of 10 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus of FIG. 2A for installation with a clothing article;

[0019] FIGS. 4A and 4B (SHEET 4 of 10 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus of FIG. 2A for installation with a clothing article;

[0020] FIG. 4C (SHEET 4 of 10 SHEETS) depicts a side view of an embodiment of a user that may wear the user-protection apparatus of FIG. 2A;

[0021] FIGS. 5A and 5B (SHEET 5 of 10 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus of FIG. 2A for installation with a clothing article;

[0022] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D (SHEET 6 of 10 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus of FIG. 2A for installation with a clothing article;

[0023] FIG. 7 (SHEET 7 of 10 SHEETS) depicts a view of an embodiment of the user-protection apparatus of FIG. 2A for installation with a clothing article;

[0024] FIG. 8 (SHEET 8 of 10 SHEETS) depicts a view of an embodiment of the user-protection apparatus of FIG. 2A for installation with a clothing article;

[0025] FIGS. 9A and 9B (SHEET 9 of 10 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus of FIG. 2A for installation to the head of a user; and

[0026] FIGS. 10A and 10B (SHEET 10 of 10 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus of FIG. 9B for installation to the head of a user.

[0027] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.

[0028] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

[0029] 100 user-protection apparatus

[0030] 102 elongated foam member

[0031] 104 unstressed planar shape

[0032] 106 stressed curved shape

[0033] 108 flexible sleeve

[0034] 110 interior sleeve space

[0035] 112 collapsed flexible shape

[0036] 114 erected flexible U-shaped band

[0037] 200 outer perimeter

[0038] 202 notches

[0039] 204 outer peripheral portion

[0040] 206 sleeve pleats

[0041] 207 guideline

[0042] 208 sleeve fasteners

[0043] 900 user

[0044] 902 head

[0045] 904 impact force

[0046] 906 deformation force

[0047] 908 occipital portion

[0048] 910 temporal side portions

[0049] 912 eyes

[0050] 914 ears

[0051] 916 clothing article or clothing item

[0052] 918 clothing portion

[0053] 920 clothing fasteners

[0054] 922 pressure

[0055] 924 forehead band

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0056] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. For the description, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field. Background. Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase "at least one" is equivalent to "a". The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described.

[0057] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict views of embodiments of a user-protection apparatus 100 including (and not limited to) an elongated foam member 102. FIG. 1A depicts a front view of the elongated foam member 102. FIG. 1B depicts a side-perspective view of the elongated foam member 102.

[0058] In accordance with a first major embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B (and in accordance with all other embodiments depicted in the remaining FIGS.), the user-protection apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) an elongated foam member 102 configured to be resiliently deformable (at least in part). The elongated foam member 102 is also configured to be force dispersive (force dissipative, force deflective), at least in part. This is done in such a way that an impact force 904 (as depicted, for instance, in FIG. 1B and/or FIG. 4B) that is transmitted (in use) to the elongated foam member 102 is dispersed (at least in part). A technical effect of the elongated foam member 102 is that the elongated foam member 102 improves (at least in part) the safety of the user 900 (as depicted in FIG. 4B) once the elongated foam member 102 is positioned (and used) to do just so.

[0059] In accordance with a second major embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B (and in accordance with all other embodiments depicted in the remaining FIGS.), the user-protection apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) the elongated foam member 102. The elongated foam member 102 is configured to be positionable, at least in part, proximate to the head 902 of the user 900 (as depicted, for instance, in FIG. 4B). The elongated foam member 102 is also configured to be force dispersive, at least in part. This is done in such a way that an impact force 904 (as depicted in FIG. 1B and/or FIG. 4B) that is transmitted (in use) to the elongated foam member 102 is dispersed (at least in part) away from the head 902 of the user 900 (for the case where the elongated foam member 102 is positioned proximate to the head 902 of the user 900 and the impact force 904 is transmitted to the elongated foam member 102). The elongated foam member 102 is also configured to be resiliently deformable (at least in part) in such a way that the elongated foam member 102 is formable (at least in part) into any one of an unstressed planar shape 104 (as depicted in FIG. 1A) and a stressed curved shape 106 (as depicted in FIG. 1B). The unstressed planar shape 104 is formed in response to the elongated foam member 102 not receiving a deformation force 906 (as depicted in FIG. 1B). The stressed curved shape 106 is formed in response to the elongated foam member 102 receiving, at least in part, the deformation force 906 (as depicted in FIG. 1B).

[0060] In general terms, the elongated foam member 102 is configured to provide impact protection. The elongated foam member 102 may be called a head-protection pad, a body-part protection pad or an impact protection pad (depending on where the elongated foam member 102 is deployed on the user 900). Preferably, the elongated foam member 102 is formed from a flat die cut foam padding. Preferably, the elongated foam member 102 includes an energy absorbing material and/or an energy-dispersing material.

[0061] Preferably, the elongated foam member 102 includes a foam pad having an outer contoured perimeter configured to provide coverage for an area on the head 902 of the user 900 (once deployed as such). Preferably, the elongated foam member 102 has an outer perimeter 200.

[0062] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the elongated foam member 102 provides (defines) notches 202 that are located at spaced-apart positions around the outer perimeter 200 of the elongated foam member 102. The notches 202 may also be called slots or shaping cuts. Specifically, the notches 202 are configured to close (come together) as the elongated foam member 102 is resiliently deformed. In general terms, as the elongated foam member 102 becomes resiliently deformed (by a deformation force applied thereto), the notches 202 are configured to facilitate shaping of the elongated foam member 102 in such a way that the elongated foam member 102 forms into a cradling shape. This is done in such a way that the elongated foam member 102 (once deformed to do just so, as depicted in FIG. 1B) is contoured to (to conform with or to cradle), in use and at least in part, a portion of an outer surface of a body part of the user 900 (such as, a portion of the head 902 of the user 900 as depicted in in FIG. 4B). The portion of the head 902 that may be covered as depicted in FIG. 4C includes the occipital portion 908 and/or the temporal side portions 910 of the head 902. The notches 202 are configured to close as the elongated foam member 102 is resiliently deformed in such a way that the elongated foam member 102 cradles (in use and at least in part) the body part of the user 900 (such as a portion of the head 902, as depicted in FIG. 4B). The notches 202 are configured to urge (at least in part) the elongated foam member 102 in such way that the elongated foam member 102 contours (at least in part) to the shape of the body part of the user 900 (as depicted in FIG. 4B, for instance). In summary, the notches 202 are configured to allow the elongated foam member 102 to become shaped when fitted into the flexible sleeve 108 (as depicted in FIG. 2A).

[0063] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1B, the elongated foam member 102 is urged to become shaped and contoured to fit into the flexible sleeve 108.

[0064] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, in which the user-protection apparatus 100 further includes (and is not limited to) a flexible sleeve 108. FIG. 2A depicts a side-perspective view of the flexible sleeve 108. FIG. 2B depicts a rear-perspective view of the flexible sleeve 108. FIG. 2C depicts a perspective side view.

[0065] In accordance with a first major embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B (and in accordance with all other embodiments depicted in the remaining FIGS.), the user-protection apparatus 100 also includes (and is not limited to) a flexible sleeve 108. The flexible sleeve 108 is configured to form an erected flexible U-shaped band 114 (as depicted in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2C) in response to insertion (at least in part) of the elongated foam member 102 (of FIG. 1A) into the flexible sleeve 108. This is done in such a way that the flexible sleeve 108 urges (at least in part) the elongated foam member 102 to resiliently deform (in use).

[0066] In accordance with a preferred embodiment (as depicted in FIG. 4B as a side view), the erected flexible U-shaped band 114 of the flexible sleeve 108 is configured to fit to (at least in part) and extend (at least in part) horizontally along an occipital portion 908 (as depicted in FIG. 4C) and opposite temporal side portions 910 (as depicted in FIG. 4C) of the head 902 of the user 900. It will be appreciated that the user-protection apparatus 100 is configured to be (in accordance with other embodiments) wearable on other parts of the body of the user 900.

[0067] In accordance with a second major embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B (and in accordance with all other embodiments depicted in the remaining FIGS.), the user-protection apparatus 100 also includes the flexible sleeve 108 configured to cooperate, at least in part, with the elongated foam member 102. The flexible sleeve 108 is also configured to provide, at least in part, an interior sleeve space 110. The flexible sleeve 108 is also configured to form (in use) any one of a collapsed flexible shape 112 (as depicted in FIG. 2C) and an erected flexible U-shaped band 114 (as depicted in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B). The flexible sleeve 108 forms, in use, the collapsed flexible shape 112 in response to the interior sleeve space 110 of the flexible sleeve 108 being empty. The flexible sleeve 108 forms, in use, the erected flexible U-shaped band 114 in response to insertion, at least in part, of the elongated foam member 102 into the interior sleeve space 110 of the flexible sleeve 108. This is done in such a way that the flexible sleeve 108 (in use) urges, at least in part, the elongated foam member 102 to resiliently deform, in use, for the case where the elongated foam member 102 is received, at least in part, in the flexible sleeve 108.

[0068] The flexible sleeve 108 is configured to cooperate (at least in part) with the elongated foam member 102 (as depicted in FIGS. 1A and/or 1B). For instance, the flexible sleeve 108 includes flexible fabric material portions connected (sewn) together. The flexible sleeve 108 is also configured to provide (define), at least in part, an interior sleeve space 110 (once assembled). Preferably, the interior sleeve space 110 is configured to be in fluid communication (at least in part) with an exterior of the flexible sleeve 108 in such a way that the elongated foam member 102 may be inserted therein (in use).

[0069] The flexible sleeve 108 is also configured to form (in use) any one of the collapsed flexible shape 112 (as depicted in FIG. 2C) and an erected flexible U-shaped band 114 (as depicted in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B). The collapsed flexible shape 112 is formed in response to the interior sleeve space 110 of the flexible sleeve 108 being empty (as depicted in FIG. 2C). The erected flexible U-shaped band 114 is formed in response to the insertion of the elongated foam member 102 (as depicted in FIG. 2B or FIG. 2C) into the interior sleeve space 110 of the flexible sleeve 108.

[0070] The flexible sleeve 108 is also configured to urge (at least in part) the elongated foam member 102 (that is received, at least in part, in the interior sleeve space 110 of the flexible sleeve 108) to resiliently deform (at least in part). This is done in such a way that the shape of the elongated foam member 102 conforms (at least in part) with the shape of the erected flexible U-shaped band 114 of the flexible sleeve 108 (as depicted in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B).

[0071] In accordance with a preferred embodiment (as depicted in FIG. 4B as depicted in a side view), the erected flexible U-shaped band 114 of the flexible sleeve 108 is configured to fit to (at least in part), and extend (at least in part) horizontally along an occipital portion 908 and opposite temporal side portions 910 of the head 902 of the user 900 towards a position between the eyes 912 and the ears 914 of the user 900. It will be appreciated that the user-protection apparatus 100 is configured to be (in accordance with other embodiments) wearable on other parts of the body of the user 900.

[0072] The flexible sleeve 108 may be called a sock, a body-part sock, a pad sock, a head pad sock, a garment, a cloth, a mesh covering shell, a mesh padding sock, etc., and any equivalent thereof. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the flexible sleeve 108 includes material portions that are sewn (attached) together. Preferably, the flexible sleeve 108 is configured to follow the shape of the outer perimeter 200 of the elongated foam member 102 (as depicted in FIG. 1A). This is done in such a way that once the flexible sleeve 108 receives the elongated foam member 102, the combination of the flexible sleeve 108 with the elongated foam member 102 matches (in use and at least in part) an area of impact coverage on the body part of the user 900 (as depicted in FIG. 4B, for instance).

[0073] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the flexible sleeve 108 has (defines) an outer peripheral portion 204 (an outer perimeter). The flexible sleeve 108 is configured to provide (define) sleeve pleats 206 (also called darts) located at spaced-apart positions along the outer peripheral portion 204 of the flexible sleeve 108. The sleeve pleats 206 are formed by a double fold or a multiple fold in the material of the flexible sleeve 108, and may be held in position by stitching. The sleeve pleats 206 of the flexible sleeve 108 (once the elongated foam member 102 is received in the flexible sleeve 108) are configured to cooperate with the outer shape of the elongated foam member 102 (as depicted in FIG. 1A) in such a way that the flexible sleeve 108 urges the elongated foam member 102 to anatomically contour (at least in part) and to form fit to (at least in part) the outer shape of the body part of the user 900 (such as, the outer shape of the head 902 of the user 900 as depicted in FIG. 4B, for instance). The sleeve pleats 206 are configured to cooperate with each other in such a way that the flexible sleeve 108 (in use) forms a contoured shape once the elongated foam member 102 is received in the flexible sleeve 108. Preferably, the sleeve pleats 206 are spatially positioned on the flexible sleeve 108 in such a way that the position of the sleeve pleats 206 of the flexible sleeve 108 are spatially aligned with the notches 202 (as depicted in FIG. 1A and in FIG. 1B) once the elongated foam member 102 is received (in use) in the flexible sleeve 108.

[0074] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, sleeve fasteners 208 are fixedly mounted (attached) to the outer surface of the flexible sleeve 108 at spaced-apart positions (relative to each other). The sleeve fasteners 208 may be called touch fasteners, such as the VELCRO.TM. fastener, hook-and-loop fasteners, glue, etc., and any equivalent thereof. The sleeve fasteners 208 are configured to attach to the flexible sleeve 108 at the outside rear portion of the flexible sleeve 108 (as depicted in FIG. 2A) and/or at the left and right front outer temporal portions of the flexible sleeve 108. The sleeve fasteners 208 are configured to affix the flexible sleeve 108 having the elongated foam member 102 inserted therein (as depicted in FIG. 2A) to a clothing article 916 to be worn by the user 900 (to be positioned proximate to the body part of the user 900). The clothing article 916 may include a hat, as depicted in FIG. 4B, for instance, or a curling cap or any other type of clothing article. Another embodiment of the clothing article 916 includes a headband assembly (such as, a forehead band 924), as depicted in FIG. 9A.

[0075] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the flexible sleeve 108 provides (defines) a guideline 207. The guideline 207 is configured to provide a user guide in the correct locating and fitting (spatial orientation) of the flexible sleeve 108 to the clothing article 916, as depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 4B (for instance). Referring briefly to FIG. 4B, the guideline 207 of the flexible sleeve 108 is aligned by the user 900. This is done in such a way that the guideline 207 becomes aligned (at least in part) with the brim of the curling cap (a portion of the clothing article 916). For instance, the guideline 207 may be formed by a stitched line on the opposite sides of the flexible sleeve 108 and the rear section of the flexible sleeve 108.

[0076] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus 100 of FIG. 2A for installation with a clothing article 916. FIG. 3A depicts a bottom-perspective view of the clothing article 916. FIG. 3B depicts a side view of the clothing article 916 and the user-protection apparatus 100. FIG. 3C depicts a rear-perspective view of the clothing article 916 and the user-protection apparatus 100. FIG. 3D depicts a rear view of the clothing article 916 and the user-protection apparatus 100.

[0077] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3A, the clothing article 916 includes a curling cap. The curling cap includes a shortened visor portion. The shortened visor portion is configured to allow a curler (a user) an unobstructed sight line view when throwing the rock (a curling stone). Preferably, the curling cap includes a back cap covering portion having a segmented open mesh section with a solid segmented fabric front, and the curling cap is not limited to a full segmented open mesh covering or full segmented fabric covering.

[0078] Preferably, the clothing article 916 includes a clothing portion 918. The clothing portion 918 may be called a band, a hat band (for the case where the hat band is deployed in a hat or a curling cap), etc., and any equivalent thereof. For the case where the clothing article 916 includes a curling cap (as depicted in FIG. 3A), the clothing portion 918 is affixed to in the interior of the curling cap along an outer peripheral zone thereof leading to the interior of the curling cap (that is, along the brim portion of the curling cap).

[0079] Referring to the preferred embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the clothing portion 918 includes clothing fasteners 920. The clothing fasteners 920 may be called touch fasteners, such as the VELCRO.TM. fastener, hook-and-loop fasteners, glue, etc., and any equivalent thereof. The clothing fastener 920 is affixed to a surface zone of the clothing article 916 (or to the outer surface of the clothing portion 918 as the case may be). For instance, the clothing fasteners 920 may be affixed to the rear center section of the curling cap, and/or at each left and right temporal area (portions) of the clothing portion 918 (as may be implemented as the head band or the hat band of the curling cap). The clothing fasteners 920 are configured to be attachable and to be detachable from respective instances of the sleeve fasteners 208 that are fixedly mounted to the flexible sleeve 108 (as depicted in FIG. 3B). Preferably, the hat band (head band) of the curling cap includes an elastic band element that follows (at least in part) the circumference of the brim of the curling cap.

[0080] Referring to the preferred embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3B, the flexible sleeve 108 (that receives the elongated foam member 102) is placed inside the curling cap (that is, is positioned to the clothing article 916). The flexible sleeve 108 is positioned in the curling cap (to the clothing article 916) in such a way that the clothing fasteners 920 of the clothing article 916 are spatially aligned with and positioned proximate to respective sleeve fasteners 208 that are mounted to the flexible sleeve 108. Once the sleeve fasteners 208 and the clothing fasteners 920 are spatially aligned relative to each other (and positioned proximate to each other), the sleeve fasteners 208 and the clothing fasteners 920 are connected together. In this manner, the flexible sleeve 108 may be connecting to the clothing article 916. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the clothing fastener 920 includes a touch fastener that is permanently attached to the clothing article 916, such as the hat band (preferably, at the center rear section and opposite lateral side sections of the hat band).

[0081] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus 100 of FIG. 2A for installation with a clothing article 916. FIG. 4A depicts a rear view of the clothing article 916 and the user-protection apparatus 100. FIG. 4B depicts a side-perspective view of the clothing article 916 and the user-protection apparatus 100.

[0082] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the flexible sleeve 108 including the elongated foam member 102 inserted therein are depicted in a contoured state. The contoured state is the state in which the flexible sleeve 108 including the elongated foam member 102 inserted therein fit, at least in part, with the head 902 of the user 900 (in a conformed fitted arrangement).

[0083] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4B, the guideline 207 of the flexible sleeve 108 is aligned by the user 900 in such a way that the guideline 207 is aligned with the brim of the curling cap.

[0084] FIG. 4C depicts a side view of an embodiment of a user 900 that may wear the user-protection apparatus 100 of FIG. 2A.

[0085] In accordance with an embodiment (as depicted in FIG. 4B as depicted in a side view), the erected flexible U-shaped band 114 of the flexible sleeve 108 is configured to fit to (at least in part) and to extend (at least in part) horizontally along: (A) an occipital portion 908 (as depicted in FIG. 4C) and/or (B) opposite temporal side portions 910 (as depicted in FIG. 4C) of the head 902 of the user 900. It will be appreciated that the user-protection apparatus 100 is configured to be (in accordance with other embodiments) wearable on other parts of the body of the user 900.

[0086] In accordance with an embodiment (as depicted in FIG. 4B as a side view), the erected flexible U-shaped band 114 of the flexible sleeve 108 is configured to fit to (at least in part) and extend (at least in part) horizontally along an occipital portion 908 and opposite temporal side portions 910 of the head 902 of the user 900 towards a position between the eyes 912 and the ears 914 of the user 900. It will be appreciated that the user-protection apparatus 100 is configured to be (in accordance with other embodiments) wearable on other parts of the body of the user 900.

[0087] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus 100 of FIG. 2A for installation with a clothing article 916. FIG. 5A depicts a bottom view of the clothing article 916 and the user-protection apparatus 100. FIG. 5B depicts a side-perspective view of the clothing article 916 and the user-protection apparatus 100.

[0088] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the front temporal areas of the flexible sleeve 108 are separated (disconnected) from the front temporal areas of the head band of the curling cap (the clothing article 916), while the rear area of the curling cap continues to remain connected to the flexible sleeve 108. Once disconnected, the front areas (the front temporal side areas) of the flexible sleeve 108 may be moved forwardly (or rearward as the case may be) while the rear portion of the curling cap is kept relatively stationary (and also while the rear area of the curling cap remains connected with the rear area of the flexible sleeve 108). This is done in such a way that the combination of the flexible sleeve 108 including the elongated foam member 102 (installed therein) can be spatially adjusted (by the user 900) to accommodate fitting with the head 902 of the user 900.

[0089] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus 100 of FIG. 2A for installation with a clothing article 916. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6C depict side views of the clothing article 916 and the user-protection apparatus 100. FIG. 6B and FIG. 6D depict bottom-perspective views of the clothing article 916 and the user-protection apparatus 100.

[0090] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, to adjust the fitting of the flexible sleeve 108 (having the elongated foam member 102 inserted therein), the flexible sleeve 108 is disconnected (released) from the front temporal sections of the headband of the curling cap (as depicted as the embodiment of the clothing article 916).

[0091] To increase (adjust) the sizing of the flexible sleeve 108, the rear area of the curling cap is held relatively stationary, the user stretches (moves) the right side of the curling cap forward, and then the user reattaches the flexible sleeve 108 to the right side of the headband of the curling cap. Then, the rear area of the curling cap is held relatively stationary, the user stretches the left side of the curling cap forward, and then the user reattaches the flexible sleeve 108 to the left side of headband of the curling cap. While the user positions the flexible sleeve 108 relative to the clothing article 916, the user may refer to the guideline 207 (as depicted in FIG. 2A) to line up the flexible sleeve 108 with the headband of the curling cap (if so desired).

[0092] To decrease the sizing of the flexible sleeve 108, the rear area of the curling cap is held relatively stationary, the user relaxes the right side of the curling cap, and then the user reattaches the flexible sleeve 108 to the right side of the headband of the curling cap. Then, the rear area of the curling cap is held relatively stationary, the user relaxes the left side of the curling cap, and then the user reattaches the flexible sleeve 108 to the left side of headband of the curling cap. While the user positions the flexible sleeve 108 relative to the clothing article 916, the user may refer to the guideline 207 (as depicted in FIG. 2A) to line up the flexible sleeve 108 with the headband of the curling cap (if so desired).

[0093] FIG. 7 depicts a view of an embodiment of the user-protection apparatus 100 of FIG. 2A for installation with a clothing article 916. FIG. 7 depicts a side-perspective view of the clothing article 916 and the user-protection apparatus 100.

[0094] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 7, a portion of the clothing article 916 (as depicted as the curling cap) is exposed. The clothing portion 918 (as depicted as the headband of the curling cap) is connected with the flexible sleeve 108 (that is, the sleeve fasteners 208 of the flexible sleeve 108 are connected with the clothing fasteners 920 of the clothing article 916).

[0095] FIG. 8 depicts a view of an embodiment of the user-protection apparatus 100 of FIG. 2A for installation with a clothing article 916. FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the clothing article 916 and the user-protection apparatus 100.

[0096] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 8, the flexible sleeve 108 is spatially positioned relative to the clothing article 916. The user is depicted as applying a pressure 922 to the curling cap sufficient enough that the sleeve fasteners 208 of the flexible sleeve 108 become connected with the clothing fasteners 920 of the clothing article 916 (as depicted in FIG. 7).

[0097] FIGS. 9A and 9B depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus 100 of FIG. 2A for installation to the head 902 of a user 900. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B depict side-perspective views of the user-protection apparatus 100.

[0098] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 9A, the clothing article 916 includes a forehead band 924 having the clothing fasteners 920 positioned at each end of the forehead band 924. The forehead band 924 is configured to be elastically deformable (such as, a stretchable elastic band). The forehead band 924 is configured to be affixed to the flexible sleeve 108 (to the opposite side sections thereof) once the clothing fasteners 920 (provided by the forehead band 924) are connected to respective instances of the sleeve fastener 208 provided by the flexible sleeve 108. In this arrangement, the flexible sleeve 108 (that receives the elongated foam member 102 depicted in FIG. 1B) may be positioned on the head 902 of the user 900 without the use of the curling cap (as depicted in FIG. 3A). This is done in such a way that the combination of the flexible sleeve 108 having the elongated foam member 102 may be positioned and held in place on the head 902 of the user 900 (as depicted, for instance).

[0099] FIGS. 10A and 10B depict views of embodiments of the user-protection apparatus 100 of FIG. 9B for installation to the head 902 of a user 900. FIG. 10A depicts a side view of the user-protection apparatus 100. FIG. 10B depicts a rear-perspective view of the user-protection apparatus 100.

[0100] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the forehead band 924 is connected (affixed) to the flexible sleeve 108. The combination of the forehead band 924 and the flexible sleeve 108 is mounted to the head 902 of the user 900, with the forehead band 924 positioned on the forehead (the head 902) of the user 900. Once the mounted just so to the head 902, another clothing item (such as a hat, a scarf, etc.) may be placed on the head 902 in such a way that the scarf or the hat (etc.), for instance, may conceal, at least in part, the forehead band 924 and/or the flexible sleeve 108 (if so desired).

[0101] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0102] It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above may be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly or component that may be superior to any of the equivalents available to the person skilled in the art. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for this document, that the phrase "includes" is equivalent to the word "comprising." The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples

Claims

1. A user-protection apparatus, comprising: an elongated foam member being configured to be resiliently deformable, at least in part, and the elongated foam member also being configured to be force dispersive, at least in part, in such a way that an impact force that is transmitted, in use, to the elongated foam member is dispersed, at least in part; and a flexible sleeve being configured to form an erected flexible U-shaped band in response to insertion, at least in part, of the elongated foam member into the flexible sleeve in such a way that the flexible sleeve, in use, urges, at least in part, the elongated foam member to resiliently deform, in use.

2. The user-protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the erected flexible U-shaped band of the flexible sleeve is configured to fit to, at least in part, and extend, at least in part, horizontally along an occipital portion and opposite temporal side portions of a head of a user.

3. The user-protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the elongated foam member provides notches being configured to close as the elongated foam member is resiliently deformed in such a way that the elongated foam member, in use, cradles, at least in part, a head of a user.

4. The user-protection apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the flexible sleeve is configured to provide sleeve pleats being located at spaced-apart positions along an outer peripheral portion of the flexible sleeve; and wherein the sleeve pleats are spatially positioned on the flexible sleeve in such a way that the sleeve pleats of the flexible sleeve are positioned to be spatially aligned with the notches once the elongated foam member is received, in use, in the flexible sleeve.

5. A user-protection apparatus for a user having a head, the user-protection apparatus comprising: an elongated foam member being configured to: be positionable, at least in part, proximate to the head of the user; be force dispersive, at least in part, in such a way that an impact force that is transmitted, in use, to the elongated foam member is dispersed, at least in part, away from the head of the user for a case where the elongated foam member is positioned proximate to the head of the user and the impact force is transmitted to the elongated foam member; be resiliently deformable, at least in part, in such a way that the elongated foam member is formable, at least in part, into any one of: an unstressed planar shape in response to the elongated foam member not receiving a deformation force; and a stressed curved shape in response to the elongated foam member receiving, at least in part, the deformation force; and a flexible sleeve being configured to: cooperate, at least in part, with the elongated foam member; provide, at least in part, an interior sleeve space; form, at least in part, any one of: a collapsed flexible shape in response to the interior sleeve space of the flexible sleeve being empty; and an erected flexible U-shaped band in response to insertion, at least in part, of the elongated foam member into the interior sleeve space of the flexible sleeve in such a way that the flexible sleeve, in use, urges, at least in part, the elongated foam member to resiliently deform, in use, for the case where the elongated foam member is received, at least in part, in the flexible sleeve.

6. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the erected flexible U-shaped band of the flexible sleeve is configured to fit to, at least in part, and extend, at least in part, horizontally along an occipital portion and opposite temporal side portions of the head of the user towards a position between eyes and ears of the user.

7. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the elongated foam member provides: notches being located at spaced-apart positions around an outer perimeter of the elongated foam member; and the notches being configured to close as the elongated foam member is resiliently deformed in such a way that the elongated foam member, once deformed to do just so, is contoured to, at least in part, a portion of the head of the user; and the portion of the head including any one of an occipital portion and temporal side portions.

8. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the elongated foam member provides: notches being configured to close as the elongated foam member is resiliently deformed in such a way that the elongated foam member, in use, cradles, at least in part, the head of the user.

9. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the elongated foam member provides: notches being configured to allow the elongated foam member to become shaped when fitted into the flexible sleeve.

10. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the flexible sleeve is configured to follow a shape of an outer perimeter of the elongated foam member in such a way that once the flexible sleeve receives the elongated foam member, the flexible sleeve with the elongated foam member, in use, matches, at least in part, an area of impact coverage on the head of the user.

11. The user-protection apparatus of claim 7, wherein: the flexible sleeve is configured to provide sleeve pleats being located at spaced-apart positions along an outer peripheral portion of the flexible sleeve; and wherein the sleeve pleats are spatially positioned on the flexible sleeve in such a way that the sleeve pleats of the flexible sleeve are positioned to be spatially aligned with the notches once the elongated foam member is received, in use, in the flexible sleeve.

12. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the flexible sleeve is configured to provide sleeve pleats; and the sleeve pleats are configured to cooperate with an outer shape of the elongated foam member once the elongated foam member is received in the flexible sleeve in such a way that the flexible sleeve, in use, urges the elongated foam member to anatomically contour, at least in part, and to form fit, at least in part, to the outer shape of the head of the user.

13. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the flexible sleeve is configured to provide sleeve pleats being configured to cooperate with each other in such a way that the flexible sleeve, in use, forms a contoured shape once the elongated foam member is received in the flexible sleeve.

14. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: sleeve fasteners being fixedly mounted to an outer surface of the flexible sleeve at spaced-apart positions, relative to each other; and the sleeve fasteners being configured to affix the flexible sleeve having the elongated foam member inserted therein to any one of a hat to be worn by the user and a forehead band to be worn by the user.

15. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: sleeve fasteners being fixedly mounted to an outer surface of the flexible sleeve at spaced-apart positions, relative to each other; and the sleeve fasteners are configured to attach to the flexible sleeve at any one of an outside rear portion of the flexible sleeve, and left and right front outer temporal portions of the flexible sleeve.

16. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: the flexible sleeve provides a guideline being configured to provide a user guide in locating and fitting of the flexible sleeve to a curling cap in such a way that the guideline becomes aligned, at least in part, with a brim of the curling cap.

17. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the flexible sleeve that receives the elongated foam member is configured to be placed inside a curling cap; and the flexible sleeve is positioned in the curling cap in such a way that clothing fasteners provided by the curling cap are spatially aligned with and positioned proximate to respective sleeve fasteners that are mounted to the flexible sleeve, and once the sleeve fasteners and the clothing fasteners are spatially aligned relative to each other and positioned proximate to each other, the sleeve fasteners and the clothing fasteners are connectable together.

18. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein: to adjust a fitting of the flexible sleeve having the elongated foam member inserted therein, the flexible sleeve is disconnectable from front temporal sections of a headband of a curling cap.

19. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein: to adjust a sizing of the flexible sleeve: a rear area of a curling cap remains relatively stationary; a right side of the curling cap is movable forward, and then the flexible sleeve is reattached to the right side of a headband of the curling cap; and a left side of the curling cap is movable, and then the flexible sleeve is reattached to a left side of headband of the curling cap.

20. The user-protection apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: a forehead band having clothing fasteners positioned at each end of the forehead band; and the forehead band being configured to be elastically deformable; the forehead band being configured to be affixed to opposite side sections of the flexible sleeve once the clothing fasteners provided by the forehead band are connected to respective sleeve fasteners provided by the flexible sleeve; and the flexible sleeve that receives the elongated foam member is positionable on and held in place on the head of the user.

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