PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A protective headgear assembly for preventing burns to the skin that may include an outer layer of a burn-proof material that has a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of enlarged regions. The assembly may include an inner layer that has a thermal insulating material barrier that has an inner top end, an inner bottom end, and a pair of inner enlarged regions. The inner layer may be connected to the outer layer along the corresponding top end, the bottom end, and the pair of enlarged regions. There may be a void space configured between the outer layer and the inner layer, the void space having an elastomer disposed therein. The pair of enlarged regions may be configured for protecting the entirety of a user's ears.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/311,751, filed on Mar. 8, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure

[0003] Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a versatile, multi-functional device used to prevent burns to a user's skin. Other embodiments may relate to a headgear assembly used to protect sensitive areas, such as ears, forehead, and neck from painful scorching burns and burn scars that may result from heat producing items, such as curling irons and straightening irons. Specific embodiments may relate to a continuous one-piece, hands-free protective headgear assembly that is both stretchable and selectively adjustable to comfortably fit a specific user's head.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Conventional methods of curling one's own hair usually requires the dexterity of using an extremely hot curling iron (or other comparable item) while focusing on a reverse image in a mirror. Such difficult operations may often result in unwanted, yet self-inflicted burns to the scalp, forehead, ears and neck. For many years, people have risked burning themselves when attempting to style their hair while performing such tasks in order to enjoy a specific hairstyle, or hairstyles that are otherwise popular, trendy, fashionable, etc.

[0006] The problem with burns to the skin from hot irons has become exacerbated by the recent fad of using flat irons and/or hair straighteners. With curling irons, one could usually attempt to curl hair far enough away from ears/skin so that the risk of burns was somewhat marginalized. However, this is not possible with a flat iron. With a flat iron, the motion of use usually requires a straight-down movement with the iron in a manner that brings the iron much closer to ears and/or other sensitive skin areas on the user's head. This inevitably increases the chance of painful burns beyond that of a regular curling iron.

[0007] There are a number of conventional headbands commercially available that cover and fit around a person's head, forehead, and/or ears to provide warmth and protection from cold weather elements. However, these headbands are generally limited to usage during skiing, biking, sporting events, or other outdoor athletic activities, because they are used to provide warmth to the user. If a hot iron was to come in contact, the headband would burn, melt, or be damaged in some fashion that it would become unusable.

[0008] There have been a number of attempts to address the problem associated with the heat of the curling iron that causes damage and burns to skin. For example, there are shields, guards, and expandable combs that help curling iron users curl hair without the worry of the hot iron coming into contact with sensitive areas. But these devices only provide marginal protection for a very limited amount of skin area, and the devices are not designed to work with the process of straightening hair with a flat iron.

[0009] Because curling or straightening hair typically involves using both hands and looking at a reverse image in a mirror, it is an arduous task that may be very time-consuming. As a result, it may be common to provide an external source of entertainment that enjoyably passes the time, such as audio from a radio or a CD player. However, the prior art devices described above typically hinder or block the user from enjoying the audio.

[0010] As an alternative, a user could try incorporating a headset that connects with the external source, but conventional headsets are usually small headphone speakers attached to a metal or plastic band that are rigid and uncomfortable on the user's ears. Like the headbands, they are also susceptible to damage from direct contact with hot irons. Additionally, the headset or earpieces may be so light or unstable that they move or fall off upon any sudden movement, thereby compounding the difficulties already associated with hot irons.

[0011] What is needed is a versatile protective headgear assembly that protects not only a portion of the ears, but also the entire ear, as well as the forehead, neck region, and other sensitive skin areas on the head. What is also needed is a selectively adjustable assembly that may fit snuggly to a specific user's head as is desired. There is a further need for a multi-functional headgear assembly that provides protective and entertainment capability at the same time. There is also a need for a headgear assembly that is small, lightweight, easy to carry, pack away and wear. Such an assembly should be easily usable, and provide stability in order to prevent inadvertent movement when donned on a user's head.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0012] A protective headgear assembly for preventing burns to the skin that may include an outer layer of a burn-proof material that has a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of enlarged regions. The assembly may include an inner layer that has a thermal insulating material barrier that has an inner top end, an inner bottom end, and a pair of inner enlarged regions. The inner layer may be connected to the outer layer along the corresponding top end, the bottom end, and the pair of enlarged regions. There may be a void space configured between the outer layer and the inner layer, the void space having an elastomer disposed therein. The pair of enlarged regions may be configured for protecting the entirety of a user's ears.

[0013] A continuous one-piece protective headgear assembly for preventing burns to the skin from a hair straightener that may include an outer layer of a burn-proof material, a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of enlarged regions. The assembly may have an inner layer with a heat-resistant insulating material, a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of enlarged regions. The inner layer may be integrally connected to the outer layer along the top end, the bottom end, and the pair of enlarged regions, and the pair of enlarged regions are configured for protecting a headgear user's ears. There may be a void space configured between the outer layer and the inner layer that has an elastomer disposed in situ. The void space may also include at least one speaker disposed in the void space of one of the enlarged regions, whereby the speaker may be configured for transmitting an audio signal to a user's ears from an external source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a protective headgear assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 2A and 2B show perspective views of an alternative protective headgear assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 3A and 3B show perspective views of other alternative protective headgear assemblies, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show perspective views of a discontinuous protective headgear assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 5A and 5B show multiple views of a protective headgear assembly donned on a figurehead, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. Like elements in various Figures may be denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments disclosed herein, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a protective headgear assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown. As will be seen, a user 1 may use the protective headgear assembly 10 to protect their skin from burns associated with the use of curling irons, straightening irons, etc. The headgear assembly may be a continuous one-piece configuration that may include an outer layer 12 integrally formed, at least partially, with an inner layer 14.

[0021] Collectively, the layers 12 and 14 may provide a combination of a comfortable fit with maximum safety and protection for the user 1. The outer layer 12 may be a bum-proof (i.e., fire-retardant, fire-resistant, etc.) material, such as NOMEX, PYROMEX, TEFLON, asbestos, coated nylon, aramid fiber, or any other comparable material. In one embodiment, the material used in outer layer 12 may be flame retardant so that the risk of the assembly 10 catching fire is reduced. A fire retardant material is one that may be able to resist burning and withstand heat, while a fire-resistant material may be a material that does not burn at all. Any comparable outer layer is usable with the protective headgear assembly 10 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] In this manner, if a hot iron comes into contact with the assembly 10, the outer layer 12 will not burn, melt, catch fire, or be damaged in any fashion. In comparison, the inner layer 14 may be, for example, made from an insulating-type material, such as NOMEX, LEXAN, MERLON, etc. Foams, such as NEOPRENE or polystyrene may also be used. In an embodiment, these layers may include a scorch-proof/heat resistant fabric, such as commercially available "Quilted Therma Flec." These materials may be capable of providing a thermal barrier up to, for example, 390 degrees F. Therma Flec typically includes a heavy cotton batting. Thus, the assembly may include an outside material of quilted cotton batting, and may include inside material that may be scorch-proof cotton batting.

[0023] As a result, any heat that may pass through the outer layer 12 will be prevented from coming in contact with ears, skin, etc. by the inner layer 14. Thus, the heat-insulating material protects the skin from bums that would otherwise result from contact with hot irons, curling irons, and the like.

[0024] In an embodiment, the outer layer 12 may have an outer top end 18 connected with an inner top end 18A. The connection between ends 18 and 18A may be in any fashion, such as threading, stitching, glue, etc. In another embodiment, the outer layer 12 may have an outer bottom end 20 connected with an inner bottom end 20A, the connection of which may also be done in any similar fashion as the top ends. These connections may be large enough to be visible to the user 1, or they may not be visible to the user; however, it should be readily apparent from the disclosure that the outer layer 12 and the inner layer 14 are distinctly different materials.

[0025] In other embodiments, the headgear assembly may be advantageously formed and/or fabricated with other additional materials that are, for example, stretchable, water repellant or waterproof material such as mylar, nylon or the like. In some embodiments, any of these materials may be of a material that is non-irritating to the skin. In other embodiments, the outer layer 12 and/or inner layer 14 may include additional matting or padding in order to provide more durability, comfort, etc. The inner layer 14 and/or the outer layer 12 may also be configured with extra padding or matting, such as cotton, disposed therein. For example, the outer layer 12 may have internal voids or spaces (not shown) that may have cotton padding.

[0026] The protective headgear assembly 10 may include a plurality of enlarged regions 16B. For example, the outer layer 12 may have outer enlarged regions 16 that are connectively engaged (e.g., threads, stitches, etc.) with corresponding inner enlarged regions 16A, thereby forming the enlarged regions 16B. As shown in FIG. 1, the enlarged regions 16B are disposed opposite of each other. In this configuration, the enlarged regions 16B may be large enough in size to cover each of the user's ears 2 in their entirety. In an embodiment, each of the enlarged regions may be configured with a receptacle 22. The receptacle may be, for example an upside-down U-shape connected to the inner layer 14 along the edges of the "U". Accordingly, a portion of the receptacle 22 remains unconnected thereby forming a slit or gap 22A configured to slide onto a user's upper ear 2A.

[0027] The receptacle 22 may be made from the same material as the inner layer 14, or may be a more-rigid material, such as a soft, burn-resistant plastic. The receptacles 22 are advantageous because they may protect against any inadvertent movement of the assembly as it is worn by the user 1. In general, as a user 1 dons the assembly on his or her head, the receptacles 22 are generally configured for enveloping around the upper, outer edge 2A of both ears.

[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, perspective views of an alternative protective headgear assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure, are shown. The protective headgear assembly 110 may be configured as previously described, such that a continuous one-piece assembly may be formed by connecting an outer layer 112 with an inner layer 114. Because the outer layer 112 need not be completely integrally connected with the inner layer 114, there may be a void space (not shown) disposed between the outer layer 112 and the inner layer 114.

[0029] Thus, the inner layer 114 and the outer layer 112 may only be connected to each other along the top and bottom, respectively, as previously described. The existence of the void space within the headgear assembly 110 may be advantageous because useful internal devices may be disposed therein. In one embodiment, an elastomer 144 may be disposed within the void space. As shown, the elastomer may also be a continuous single piece that extends circumferentially all the way around the assembly 110. The elastomer may provide a user 101 with an assembly 110 that has a generally nice, snug fit.

[0030] FIGS. 2A and 2B together illustrate the headgear assembly 110 may include speakers 126 disposed within the void space 142, whereby the speakers 126 are configured for transmitting an audio signal to the user. The speakers 126 may be connectively attached with the inner layer 114 and/or outer layer 112 in each of the enlarged regions 126 in any fashion as may be necessary in order to maintain the speakers 126 in situ. There may be embedded speaker wire 127 that operatively connects the speakers 126 to an audio cable 125. Any portion of the speaker wire 127 and the audio cable 125 may be coated with previously described insulating and/or burn-proof material so that any contact with a hot iron does not damage the audio component(s).

[0031] The connection of cable 126 that extends from the enlarged regions 116 to the plug-in 140 may be detachable from the assembly 110. Although the length of the cable 126 may be any suitable length, such as in the range of about 5' to 6', the length of the cable 126 is not meant to be limited by the disclosure, and may be any length as necessary or desired.

[0032] The audio cable 125 may have a plug-in 140, which may be a standard plug-in connection as would be known in the art. These type of plug-ins are well known and may, for example, allow the headgear assembly 110 to operatively connect with an external source 124, such as a radio, a CD player, portable music player, etc. In an embodiment, the headgear assembly 110 may operatively connect with an iPOD®. However, the external source 124 is also not meant to be limited, and may be any source or device that has a receiver 141 configured for connection with plug-in 140.

[0033] FIG. 2B depicts a cut-away view of one of the speakers 126 disposed within the void space 142. The speakers 126 may be attached or fastened to any portion of the headgear assembly 110 as would be known to a person of skill in the art. Additionally, the speakers may be any comparable headphone speaker. For example, mini-JVC or BOSE speakers may be used. The speakers 126 may be inserted in situ within the void space 142, with each speaker positioned approximately adjacent to the location of the user's ears when the assembly 110 is worn.

[0034] The cable 125 and the embedded speaker wire 127 may be one continuous piece that extends from the speakers 126 to the plug-in 140. Alternatively, they may be detachably connected. For example, the audio cable 125 may be detachably connected to the embedded wire 127 at the exit point 129. In an embodiment, the connection between the speaker wire 127 and the cable 125 may be an audio plug-in and port configuration, as would be understood by a person of skill in the art.

[0035] As previously described, there may be embedded wires 127 that connect between the speakers 126 and an exit point 129 of the headgear assembly 110. Although depicted as exiting at a single point, the speaker wire may exit the headgear assembly in any other fashion. For example, the speaker wire may exit the rear of the assembly 110. Because of the elastomer 144, as well as the material of the inner layer 114, the speakers 126 maintain a snug, comfortable fit firmly in place over the user's ears.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, perspective views of other alternative protective headgear assemblies, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, are shown. FIG. 3A illustrates a protective headgear assembly 210 not unlike assembly 110 or 10, described previously. For example, the assembly 210 may include an outer layer 212 formed with an inner layer 214, as well as a plurality of enlarged regions 216. Likewise, there may be an elastomer 244 disposed within a void space (not shown) that extends circumferentially all the way around the assembly 244, which provides a generally nice snug fit.

[0037] There may be an extension piece 228 that trails from the rear of the assembly 210.

[0038] The extension piece 228 may be a uniform piece with the outer layer 212 and inner layer 214, or the extension piece 228 may be removably attachable with the assembly 210. For example, the extension piece 228 may have snaps or buttons (not shown) that attach to corresponding snaps or buttons (not shown) on the assembly 210. The extension piece 228 may be configured like the outer layer 212 and the inner layer 214. Thus, one portion of the extension piece 228 may be burn-proof, while another portion may provide a thermal barrier.

[0039] Accordingly, the extension piece 228 may provide extra protection for the skin, especially for any exposed neck regions. It may be the user's choice to attach or detach the extension piece 228 because some users may find the use of the extension piece 228 unnecessary, and can simply detach the piece 228 and use the headgear assembly 210 as previously described.

[0040] FIG. 3B illustrates an adjustment device 236 connected with the headgear assembly 210. The adjustment device 236 may provide selective adjustment so that different users may be able to adjust the snug fit of the headgear assembly 210 to whatever tightness is desired. In an embodiment, the adjustment device 236 may be a drawstring that is disposed within the void space (not shown) between the inner layer 212 and the outer layer 214, which may be similar to the way the elastomer 244 is disposed.

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, perspective views of a discontinuous protective headgear assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure, are shown. FIG. 4A depicts a comparable protective headgear assembly as previously described. For example, the assembly 410 may include an outer layer 412 formed with an inner layer 414, as well as a plurality of enlarged regions 416. Likewise, there may be an elastomer 444 disposed within a void space (not shown) that extends from a first end 446 of the assembly to a second end 448.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the assembly 410 may be configured with a plurality of adjustment devices 436, 436A. In an embodiment, the adjustment device 436 may be a drawstring, while in another embodiment the adjustment device 436A may be Velcro. In an exemplary embodiment, the protective headgear assembly may include a drawstring as well as Velcro. Other adjustment devices may include a button and hook assembly. In this configuration, the hook may be a stretchable plastic attached to either of the ends 446, 448 that, upon pulling, stretches to couple with a corresponding button that may disposed on the opposing end.

[0043] FIG. 4c illustrates yet another embodiment of adjustment device 436, which in this case may be a button/slit configuration. To adjust the headgear assembly 410, the user would selectively couple the button 434 with one of a plurality of slits 432 that may be disposed oppositely at graduated lengths along one of the ends of the headgear assembly 410. Although the button 434 is shown on the outer later 414, and the slits 432 on the inner layer 412, it should be appreciated that the reverse configuration is also possible.

[0044] The adjustment device 436 may have other configurations, such as a hook & button device. In this manner, the hook, which may be an elastomeric material, may be stretched to hook around any one of a plurality of buttons positioned at graduated lengths around the assembly. When the hook is positioned around the closest button, the assembly will have a snugger fit then if the hook is not attached. If the hook is positioned around other buttons that are further away, this will pull the inner layer tighter, thereby making the elastic tighter so that the fit is incrementally, selectively snugger. The hook and button may be, for example, nylon-type hook and button fasteners; however, other types of fasteners can be used, such as snaps, loops, etc.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, multiple views of a protective headgear assembly 610 donned on a figure head 606 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, are shown. As shown, a user 601 may use the protective headgear assembly 610 to protect skin from bums associated with the use of curling irons, flattening irons, etc. The headgear assembly 610 may be a continuous one-piece configuration that may include an outer layer 612 integrally formed, at least partially, with an inner layer 614.

[0046] The headgear assembly 610 may be advantageously formed and/or fabricated with other additional materials that are, for example, stretchable, water repellant or waterproof material such as mylar, nylon or the like. In some embodiments, any of these materials may be of a material that is non-irritating to the skin. In other embodiments, the outer layer 612 and/or inner layer 614 may include additional matting or padding in order to provide more durability, comfort, etc.

[0047] There may be an extension piece 628 that trails from the rear of the assembly 610.

[0048] The extension piece 628 may be a uniform piece with the outer layer 612 and inner layer 614, or the extension piece 628 may be removably attachable with the assembly 610. Accordingly, the extension piece 628 may provide extra protection for the skin, especially for any exposed neck regions 604.

[0049] The enlarged regions 616 may be circular in shape so that they circle around a user's ear 602 in entirety. Without the use of enlarged regions 616, the ears 602 may be exposed to the iron. Even the slightest exposure of the ear 602 subjects the sensitive ear skin to burns and/or tissue damage. The assembly may include additional aesthetic features that provide the assembly with a unique personalization. For example, the outer layer 612 may have a user's name (or any other name, word, logo, etc.) inscribed therein. The inscription may be threaded, drawn, pressed on, etc.

[0050] The headgear assembly of the present disclosure advantageously provides for a multi-functional, versatile protective device that may protect a user from burns or burn scars associated with hot irons. The assembly may fit snuggly to any user's head, and may also have the capability of selective adjustment for a specific user's head. The headgear assembly may beneficially provide a user with entertainment via audio transmission without any hindrance. The assembly may include additional aesthetic features that provide the assembly with a unique personalization.

[0051] While the present disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art having benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should be limited only by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A protective headgear assembly for preventing burns to the skin, the assembly comprising: an outer layer comprising a burn-proof material, a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of enlarged regions; an inner layer comprising a thermal insulating material, an inner top end, an inner bottom end, and a pair of inner enlarged regions, wherein the inner layer is integrally connected to the outer layer along the corresponding top end, the bottom end, and the pair of enlarged regions; and a void space configured between the outer layer and the inner layer comprising an elastomer disposed therein, wherein the pair of enlarged regions are configured for protecting the entire ears.

2. The protective headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer layer and the inner layer are configured to form a continuous one-piece assembly.

3. The protective headgear assembly of claim 2 further comprising an adjustment device, wherein the elastomer is configured to adapt the headgear assembly snugly to any users head, and wherein the adjustment device is configured for selective adjustment to adapt the headgear assembly snugly to a specific users head.

4. The protective headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner layer comprises a receptacle disposed on each of the enlarged regions and are configured for enveloping around a portion of the headgear users ears.

5. The protective headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein the void space further comprises a speaker disposed along each of the enlarged regions for transmitting an audio signal from an external source, wherein the speaker and the external source are connectively attached.

6. The protective headgear assembly of claim 5 further comprising an adjustment device, wherein the elastomer is configured to adapt the headgear assembly snugly to any users head, and wherein the adjustment device is configured for selective adjustment to adapt the headgear assembly snugly to a specific users head.

7. The protective headgear assembly of claim 5, wherein the external source is a portable music player.

8. The protective headgear assembly of claim 7 further comprising an extension piece configured for at least partially covering a neck region.

9. The protective headgear assembly of claim 1 further comprising an extension piece configured for at least partially covering a neck region.

10. The protective headgear assembly of claim 9, wherein the extension piece is removably attached to the outer layer.

11. The protective headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein the burn-proof material comprises nomex, and the heat-resistant insulating material comprises neoprene.

12. The protective headgear assembly of claim 1 further comprising an adjustment device, wherein the elastomer is configured to adapt the headgear assembly snugly to any users head, and wherein the adjustment device is configured for selective adjustment to adapt the headgear assembly snugly to a specific users head.

13. The protective headgear assembly of claim 12, wherein the adjustment device further comprises velcro disposed on at least one of the outer layer and the inner layer.

14. The protective headgear assembly of claim 12, wherein the outer layer formed with the inner layer further comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the adjustment device further comprises a plurality of slits disposed on the first end and a button disposed on the second end, and wherein the button is configured to couple with at least one of the plurality of slits.

15. The protective headgear assembly of claim 12, wherein the adjustment device further comprises buttons disposed along the inner layer at graduated lengths.

16. The protective headgear assembly of claim 12, wherein the adjustment device further comprises a drawstring connected with the elastomer.

17. The protective headgear assembly of claim 12, wherein the enlarged regions are circularly shaped.

18. The protective headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein the protective headgear assembly is configured to protect skin from burns associated with a hair straightener.

19. A continuous one-piece protective headgear assembly for preventing burns to the skin from a hair straightener, the assembly comprising: an outer layer comprising a burn-proof material, a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of enlarged regions; an inner layer comprising a heat-resistant insulating material, a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of enlarged regions, wherein the inner layer is integrally connected to the outer layer along the top end, the bottom end, and the pair of enlarged regions, and wherein the pair of enlarged regions are configured for protecting a headgear users ears; and a void space configured between the outer layer and the inner layer comprising an elastomer disposed therein, and wherein the void space further comprises a speaker disposed along each of the enlarged regions for transmitting an audio signal from an external source.

20. The protective headgear assembly of claim 19, wherein the external source is a portable music player.

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