US 20080083053Al (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2008/0083053 A1 Lin (43) Pub. Date: Apr. 10, 2008

(54) AND PROTECTIVE Publication Classi?cation

(76) Inventor: Paul S. Lin, Win?eld, PA (US) (51) Int. Cl. A42B 1/24 (2006.01) Correspondence Address: A42B 1/00 (200601) CALFEE HALTER & GRISWOLD, LLP A63B 71/10 (200601) 800 SUPERIOR AVENUE (52) US. Cl...... 2/422; 2/175.1; 2/410; 2/425 SUITE 1400 CLEVELAND, OH 44114 (US) (57) ABSTRACT (21) Appl. No.: 11/869,299 (22) Filed. Oct 9, 2007 Ahelmet/hat includes a helmet siZed for an associated user’s head. The helmet provides impact protection to the associ Related US Application Data ated user’s head. Ahat covers at least a portion of the helmet and substantially disguises an outer shape of the helmet from (60) Provisional application NO_ 60/828,752, ?led on 001 View. A fastener is removably secured to the hat and to the 9, 2006. helmet. The fastener may secure a retention ring to the hat. Patent Application Publication Apr. 10, 2008 Sheet 1 0f 3 US 2008/0083053 A1 Patent Application Publication Apr. 10, 2008 Sheet 2 0f 3 US 2008/0083053 A1

50 52 54,56 46" \ \ // // I 16.. 0 )K Patent Application Publication Apr. 10, 2008 Sheet 3 0f 3 US 2008/0083053 A1

114

FIG. 4 US 2008/0083053 A1 Apr. 10, 2008

HAT AND PROTECTIVE HELMET invention that addresses the need for protective head gear for a horse rider (e.g., a Western style horse rider). [0001] This application claims the bene?t of US. Provi sional Application No. 60/828,752, ?led Oct. 9, 2006, Which [0013] In the illustrated embodiment of the present inven is hereby incorporated by reference. tion, a helmet/hat system 10 comprises three (3) parts: i) a protective helmet 12; ii) a hat 14; and iii) a retention ring 16. BACKGROUND [0002] The present invention relates to protective head [0014] The ?rst part of the illustrated helmet/hat system 10 gear. It ?nds particular application in conjunction With includes the helmet 12, Which provides protection against protective head gear for horse riders and Will be described injuries (e.g., head injuries) due to impact With, for example, With particular reference thereto. It Will be appreciated, the ground. hoWever, that the invention is also amenable to other appli [0015] In the illustrated embodiment, the helmet 12 has a cations. brimless shape and a loW pro?le. [0003] It is Well documented that falls from a height, such [0016] It is contemplated that the hat 14 may be one of a as from riding a horse, especially at a high rate of speed, are plurality of con?gurations of a . For example, the associated With thousands of head injuries each year. Hel hat 14 may include one or both of tWo (2) common hat mets are available for offering head protection to horse con?gurations (e.g., a pinched contoured area 20 at riders. HoWever, these helmets are typically English style or the and/or a pinched contoured area 22 at the front of the racing helmets that are shunned by Western style riders. hat 14). [0004] It is not uncommon for young children under the [0017] It is contemplated that the exterior surface of the supervision of their parents to Wear a variety of helmets ranging from English style helmets to bicycle helmets. helmet 12 includes a plurality of recessed contoured areas 24, 26 (e. g., tWo (2)) for accommodating the pinched area(s) HoWever, as their age, skill, and/or independence 20, 22 in the various con?gurations of the hat 14. For increase(s), the Western style riders become less concerned example, the illustrated embodiment includes the ?rst about safety and more concerned about style and vanity. One recessed area 24 toWard the top exterior surface of the reason for this lack of regard for safety may be the iconic helmet 12 and a second recessed area 26 toWard the front American coWboy, Who is recogniZed throughout the World exterior surface of the helmet 12 to accommodate the for his/her stylish hatinot his/her safety helmet. illustrated hat 14, Which includes the top and front pinched [0005] The present invention provides a neW and areas 20, 22, respectively. It is to be understood that improved apparatus and method Which addresses the above although certain areas 24, 26 of the helmet 12 are recessed, referenced problems. those areas 24, 26 still provide protection against injuries due to impact. SUMMARY [0006] In one embodiment, a helmet/hat includes a helmet [0018] It is to be understood that although the illustrated siZed for an associated user’s head. The helmet provides embodiment includes a hat 14 With tWo (2) pinched areas 20, impact protection to the associated user’s head. A hat covers 22 and a helmet 12 With tWo (2) corresponding recessed at least a portion of the helmet and substantially disguises an areas 24, 26, other embodiments are also contemplates. For outer shape of the helmet from vieW. A fastener is removably example, another embodiment may include a plurality of secured to the hat and to the helmet. The fastener may secure recessed areas on the helmet 12 While the hat 14 includes a retention ring to the hat. Zero (0), one (1), or tWo (2) pinched areas. A helmet 12 including a plurality of recessed areas (e.g., the tWo recessed BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS areas 24, 26) may be considered a “universal” helmet for [0007] In the accompanying draWings Which are incorpo accommodating various con?gurations of (e.g., hats rated in and constitute a part of the speci?cation, embodi including Zero (0), one (1), tWo (2), or any number of ments of the invention are illustrated, Which, together With pinched areas). If the helmet includes a number of recessed a general description of the invention given above, and the areas that is greater than the number of pinched areas on a detailed description given beloW, serve to exemplify the hat used With the helmet at any time, the additional recessed embodiments of this invention. areas of the helmet are simply not used. [0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded vieW of a helmet/hat [0019] It is contemplated that the protective helmet 12 system in accordance With one embodiment of an apparatus may be available in a variety of siZes. For example, the illustrating principles of the present invention; helmet 12 may be provided in three (3) siZes (i.e., small or children’s, medium, and large). In addition, the helmet 12 [0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a retention ring and retention ring may include at least one (1) liner 30 (e.g., a cushioned liner) cover in accordance With one embodiment of an apparatus on the inside surface, and/or a 32, Which may be illustrating principles of the present invention; adjustable. A securing mechanism 34 (e.g., a clip-lock, [0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a retention ring cover in accor nylon Web band, etc.) may be positioned to close or secure dance With another embodiment of an apparatus illustrating the headband 32 under an associated user’s (Wearer’s) chin principles of the present invention; and to secure the helmet 12 in the user’s head. The siZe of the helmet 12, the cushioned liner(s) 30, and/or the adjustable [0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a helmet/hat system in accordance headband 32 cooperate to insure a secure ?t for the Wearer. With another embodiment of an apparatus illustrating prin ciples of the present invention. [0020] The hat 14 in the illustrated embodiment is a material relatively softer than the helmet 12. For example, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED the hat 14 may be a soft coWboy hat. Although the hat 14 EMBODIMENT may not offer much in the Way of protection against impact, [0012] With reference to FIG. 1, an apparatus is shoWn the hat 14 may provide a level of protection from rain and illustrating principles in one embodiment of the present sun via an upper central portion 36 and a brim 40 of the hat US 2008/0083053 A1 Apr. 10, 2008

14. A volume de?ned under the upper, central portion 36 of about 77 cm). In addition, it is contemplated the that fastener the hat 14 is sized to ?t over the helmet 12. In one 44 is integral on the retention ring 16'. HoWever, other embodiment, the volume under the upper, central portion 36 embodiments in Which the fastener is not integral to the is siZed to substantially exactly ?t over at least a portion of retention ring are also contemplated. the helmet 12 When properly matched. In the illustrated embodiment, the top pinched area 20 of the hat 14 ?ts into [0026] When the fastener 44 is in the open position (so that the corresponding like-shaped front recessed area 24 on the the retention ring 16' is not continuous), the retention ring front of the helmet 12 and the front pinched area 22 of the cover 46 is applied over the retention ring 16'. In one hat 14 ?ts into the corresponding like-shaped top recessed embodiment, it is contemplated that the retention ring cover area 26 on the top of the helmet (e.g., like ?ngers in a ). 46 is a tubular shape sleeve having substantially the same In this manner, the hat 14 substantially covers at least a length as the retention ring 16'. The sleeve 46 also is siZed portion of (or all of) the helmet 12 from vieW. In addition, slightly larger than the retention ring 16' so that different the hat 14 substantially disguises (hides or covers) an outer sleeves may be interchangeably slid over the retention ring shape of the helmet 12 from vieW. With the outer shape of 16'. Once the sleeve is slid over the retention ring 16', the the helmet hidden from vieW, individuals (e.g., horse riders) retention ring fastener 44 is secured together so that the are offered impact protection to their heads Without sacri retention ring 16' is closed and continuous. ?cing the cosmetic appearance offered by the hat. [0027] In one embodiment, the sleeve 46 is strictly deco [0021] It is to be understood the hat 14 may available in rative and includes various styles (e.g., imitation leather several material style choices (e.g., straW and felt). As With a buckle or feather, snakeskin, and numerous colors, discussed in more detail beloW, the soft hat 14 may be etc). replaced after Wear and tear, or several hats may be obtained to be used interchangeably on top of a single helmet 12 [0028] Although the retention ring cover has been depending, for example, upon season or style preference. described as a sleeve that slides over a retention ring that is capable of opening and closing, With reference to FIG. 3 it [0022] Unlike traditional hats, Which are available in is also contemplated in another embodiment that a retention many siZes depending on head siZe, it is contemplated in one ring cover 46" be used in conjunction With a continuous embodiment that the hats are available in a more limited retention ring 16" (i.e., a retention ring that is not capable of number of siZes (e.g., the same number of siZes for Which the opening). For of understanding this embodiment of the helmets are available). In one embodiment, the hats are present invention, like components are designated by like available in three (3) siZes (i.e., small or children’s, medium, numerals With a double-primed (") su?ix and neW compo and large). It is to be understood that the correction for exact nents are designated by neW numerals. FIG. 3 illustrates a ?t to a Wearer, is achieved through the siZe of the helmet 12, portion of an interior circumference 50 of the retention ring the adjustable liner(s) 30, and the or straps 32. cover 46". Then, for example, as a child or other Wearer groWs, he/she may maintain his/her favorite hat While limiting neW pur [0029] More speci?cally, in this embodiment, the reten tion ring cover 46" is a continuous tube that includes a chases of helmets and/or hats With each groWth spurt, because the helmet alloWs for expansion through the adjust continuous slit 52 around, for example, the interior circum ference 50 of the cover 46". The slit 52 alloWs the retention able liners and straps. ring cover 46" to be elastically opened and removably [0023] In one embodiment, the retention ring 16 is a applied over the continuous retention ring 16". Once the semi-rigid continuous ring around a base of the upper, retention ring 16" is completely Worked into the tubular central portion 36 of the hat 14 in the area of a typical portion of the sleeve 46" via the slit 52, the retention ring 16" cosmetic hatband. The ring 16, in turn, is removably secured is substantially surrounded by the cover 46". to the helmet 12 and the hat 14 With at least one reusable, [0030] In yet another embodiment, the retention ring cover removable retention clip 42. The illustrated embodiment is a C-shaped cover that is removably applied over an includes four (4) of the clips 42. In one embodiment the exterior surface of the retention ring. In this embodiment, retention clips 42 are and may be easily removed and the cover is again substantially the same length as the inserted With or Without tools. In this embodiment, the retention ring. In addition, the C-shape of the cover permits retention clips 42 and/or the retention ring 16 act as a means the top and bottom portions of the cover to elastically of removably securing the hat 14 to the helmet 12. deform and around the retention ring so that the top [0024] With reference to FIG. 2, the retention ring 16' in and bottom portions of the cover (i.e., the ends of the “C”) another embodiment optionally includes a fastener 44 (e.g., are on an interior circumference of the retention ring and, a clip of buckle) and a retention ring cover 46. For ease of therefore, hidden from vieW. understanding this embodiment of the present invention, like [0031] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, it is contemplated that components are designated by like numerals With a primed the retention ring cover 46, 46" includes holes 54 that align (') su?ix and neW components are designated by neW numer With holes 56 in the retention ring 16, 16', 16" to accom als. modate the retention clips 42. [0025] In this embodiment, it is contemplated that the [0032] For example, the cover 46 (sleeve) includes four fastener 44 on the retention ring 16' alloWs the ring 16' to (4) sets of holes 54 (one set on the interior circumference 50 open (so that it is not continuous) and re-close (so that the and one set on the exterior circumference) so that each of the ring again becomes continuous). It is to be understood that retention clips 42 may be inserted into one of the holes 54 Whenever the retention ring 16' is closed by the fastener 44 on an exterior circumference of the sleeve 46, pass through (and continuous), the retention ring 16' retains a substan the retention ring 16, and then pass through another one of tially ?xed circumference (e.g., betWeen about 71 cm and the holes 54 on an interior circumference 50 of the sleeve 46 US 2008/0083053 A1 Apr. 10, 2008

before passing through the hat 14 and into the helmet 12. Additional advantages and modi?cations Will readily appear Therefore, in this embodiment, the retention clips 42 may be to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its visible on the outside circumference of the sleeve 46. broader aspects, is not limited to the speci?c details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shoWn [0033] In the embodiment in Which the cover 46" includes and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from a slit 52, holes 54 on the exterior circumference of the cover such details Without departing from the spirit or scope of the 46" may be suf?cientino holes may be necessary on the applicant’s general inventive concept. interior circumference of the cover 46".

[0034] The embodiment discussed above in Which the I/We claim: retention ring is alWays continuous and the cover is discon 1. A helmet/hat, comprising: tinuous so that it may be partially or completely around the ring, the cover may include four (4) sets of holes that operate a helmet siZed for an associated user’s head, the helmet as discussed above so that the retention clips are visible on providing impact protection to the associated user’s the outside circumference of the cover. HoWever, it also head; contemplated that the retention ring be secured to the hat and a hat covering at least a portion of the helmet and helmet via the retention clips before the cover is applied at substantially disguising an outer shape of the helmet least partially around the retention ring. In this embodiment, from vieW; and the retention ring cover hides (covers) the retention clips on the exterior circumference of the retention ring. a fastener to removably secure the hat to the helmet. [0035] In addition, although the embodiments discussed 2. The helmet/hat as set forth in claim 1, Wherein the hat above include the retention ring being secured to an exterior substantially covers all of the helmet from vieW. surface of the hat, it is to be understood that other embodi 3. The helmet/hat as set forth in claim 1, Wherein the hat ments, in Which the hat is secured to the helmet Without the includes a brim. use of a retention ring (e.g., merely by passing retention 4. The helmet/hat as set forth in claim 1, Wherein the clips into the helmet through the holes of the hat), are also helmet includes a headband for securing the helmet to the contemplated. In this regard, the retention ring 16 illustrated associated user’s head. in FIG. 1 is optional. 5. The helmet/hat as set forth in claim 1, further including: [0036] In another embodiment, it is also contemplated that a retention ring, the fastener securing the retention ring to the retention ring is positioned around an interior circum the hat. ference of the hat. In this embodiment, the retention clips are 6. The helmet/hat as set forth in claim 5, Wherein the passed through the holes of the hat and the holes in the retention ring is secured on an exterior of the hat. retention ring before being secured to the helmet. In this 7. The helmet/hat as set forth in claim 5, further including embodiment, the retention ring is not visible on the exterior a cover around at least a portion of the retention ring. of the hat. 8. The helmet/hat as set forth in claim 5, Wherein the [0037] With reference to FIG. 4, in yet another embodi retention ring is continuous. ment, it is contemplated that neither a retention ring nor 9. The helmet/hat as set forth in claim 5, Wherein the retention clips is used. For convenience, components in the retention ring is selectively continuous/discontinuous, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 that correspond to the helmet/hat further including: respective components of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 are given numerical references greater by one-hundred a retention ring fastener for selectively fastening/unfas (100) relative to the corresponding components in FIG. 1. tening ends of the retention ring. NeW components are designated by neW numerals. 10. The helmet/hat as set forth in claim 1, Wherein the helmet is contoured to accommodate corresponding con [0038] In this embodiment, hat fasteners 60 are provided tours in the hat. around an interior circumference of the hat 114. Helmet 11. The helmet/hat as set forth in claim 1, Wherein the hat fasteners 62, Which mate With the hat fasteners 60, are is a relatively softer material than the helmet. provided on an exterior surface of the helmet 112. The hat 12. A head protection system, comprising: 114 is then removably secured to the helmet 112 via the fasteners 60. The fasteners may include snaps, VELCRO®, a helmet siZed for an associated user’s head and providing etc. For example, the hat 114 may be snapped onto the impact protection to the associated user’s head; helmet 112. A retention ring may also be used in another embodiment such that the hat is removably secured to the a hat covering at least a portion of the helmet and retention ring via fasteners and then the retention ring is substantially disguising an outer shape of the helmet removably secured to the helmet via additional fasteners. In from vieW; and either of these embodiments (Whether or not a retention ring means for removably securing the hat to the helmet. is used), the fasteners are not visible on the exterior surface 13. The head protection system as set forth in claim 12, of the hat. In this embodiment, the fasteners 62, 60 act as a Wherein the means for removably securing includes: means for removably securing the hat 114 to the helmet 112. a fastener. [0039] While the present invention has been illustrated by 14. The head protection system as set forth in claim 12, the description of embodiments thereof, and While the Wherein the means for removably securing includes: embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any Way a retention ring including fasteners securing the retention limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. ring to the hat and the helmet. US 2008/0083053 A1 Apr. 10, 2008

15. The head protection system as set forth in claim 14, 18. The method of protecting a user’s head from impact Wherein the retention ring is continuous. as set forth in claim 17, Wherein the step of removably 16. The head protection system as set forth in claim 15, securing includes: further including: securing a fastener to the helmet and the hat. a cover around at least a portion of the retention ring. 19. The method of protecting a user’s head from impact 17. A method of protecting a user’s head from impact, the as set forth in claim 18, further including: method comprising: securing a retention ring around at least a portion of the hat; and ?tting a helmet to the user’s head, the helmet protecting the head against impact injury; securing the fastener to the retention ring. 20. The method of protecting a user’s head from impact at least partially covering the helmet With a hat; as set forth in claim 17, further including: substantially disguising an outer shape of the helmet from unsecuring the hat from the helmet; and View; and removably securing a second hat to the helmet.

removably securing the hat to the helmet. * * * * *