Infant protection headgear

An infant protection device configured to comfortably yet effectively protect the rear, side and front portions of an infant's head from injury. An alternative embodiment of the present invention additionally provides head protection for the top of the infant's head, as well as for the front, sides and back. The present invention is designed to protect the infant's head during daily activities, such as crawling, walking, and playing, preventing injury due to the infant hitting its head on furniture, floor, etc. The invention is configured and designed such that the child wears it early in infancy, and, becoming used to it, should want to continue to wear the device. The headgear of the present invention may be configured to include such fanciful figures as, for example, mouse or rabbit ears, or other novel designs which may be enjoyed by the child, thereby further encouraging wearing of the protective device. The device is adjustable, lightweight, and comfortably worn, and yet it inexpensively and effectively provides protection against light to moderate impact injury to the infant's head, and is configured for the infant's daily use.

BACKGROUND of INVENTION 
1. Field of Invention 
The present invention relates to infant protection headgear and more 
particularly to a device configured to comfortably yet effectively protect 
the rear, side and front portions of an infant's head from injury. In 
particular, the present invention is configured to provide padded 
protection to the occipital area of the skull, wherein an infant or young 
child is likely to strike his head if he fell backwards while learning to 
walk. An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides head 
protection for the top of the infant's head, as well as the front, sides 
and rear of the head. 
The present invention is designed for protecting the infant's head during 
daily activities, such as, for example, learning to sit upright, crawling, 
walking, and playing, preventing injury due to the infant hitting its head 
on furniture, the floor, vertical barriers, etc. 
The invention is configured and designed such that the child wears it early 
in its infancy, and, becoming used to it, should want to continue to wear 
the device. The headgear of the present invention may be configured to 
include such fanciful figures as, for example, mouse or rabbit ears, or 
other novel designs which may be enjoyed by the child, thereby further 
encouraging the wearing of the protective device. 
The present invention is truly new, unique, and utilitarian, and is fully 
distinguishable from the prior art devices, which comprise uncomfortable, 
restricting devices which were not primarily designed for comfort and 
enjoyment, as well as protection of the infant. The device can also be 
well used by invalids. 
The preferred, exemplary embodiment of the present invention is adjustable, 
lightweight, and comfortably worn, and yet it inexpensively and 
effectively provides protection against light to moderate impact injury to 
an infant's head, and is configured for the infant's daily use. 
2. Prior Art & General Background 
The prior art has failed to contemplate a comfortable, lightweight, 
enjoyable infant head protection device, which is designed for use in the 
home during activities such as play, crawling, and learning to walk. 
A list of prior patents which may be of interest is presented below: 
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U.S. Pat. No. Patentee(s) Issue Date 
______________________________________ 
1,072,321 B. G. Fitch Sept 02, 1913 
2,121,702 E. Larkin June 21, 1938 
2,969,547 E. R. Dye Jan. 31, 1961 
3,555,561 H. B. Neis Apr. 25, 1969 
4,279,038 Bruckner et al 
Jul. 21, 1981 
4,581,773 Cunnane Apr. 15, 1986 
4,745,637 Steele et al May 24, 1988 
______________________________________ 
Of the above cited prior art, only the Steele, Fitch, and Cunnane 
references teach a head protection device specifically designed for an 
infant or very young child. The remaining references teach headgear 
designed in conjunction with non-analogous athletic activities, such as 
baseball and contact sports. 
The Steele reference teaches headgear comprising a plurality of padded 
"rings," which are arranged to offer protection about the top and sides of 
the head. Conversely, the Fitch reference contemplates a much simpler, 
soft rubber, "pneumatic" air cushioning system comprising a single tubular 
head ring for supporting the sides of the head, and two tubular bands 
configured to fit across the upper head for protection. 
While the Fitch reference might be considered to be better than no 
protection at all, it lacks sufficient protective surface area to prevent 
injury to an infant due to falling on the sides and, more particularly, 
the rear of the head. 
The Cunnane reference is distinguishable from all of the above, teaching a 
padded "bonnet" of impact absorbent foam encapsulated forming the core of 
the hat and surrounded by durable textile fabric. It is questionable as to 
whether the Cunnane device could be made sufficiently padded for 
protection and yet remain comfortable and affordable, as achieved in the 
present invention. 
Further, the Cunnane device when worn could impair audio-sensory 
development of the infant, due to the ears being covered, if worn for long 
periods of time, and also restrict movement of the infant in the head 
area. 
Unlike the present invention, the prior art has failed to contemplate a 
device which comfortably, effectively, and attractively provides infant 
head protection for extended periods of time in a fun, enjoyable manner 
for the infant, without impairing sensory development. Indeed, the only 
infant headgear contemplated by the prior art appears to be all 
uncomfortable, bulky, restrictive, and certainly not enjoyable to wear, as 
is the present invention. Further, the prior art has failed to teach 
headgear particularly suited for protecting the occipital region of the 
skull, the prior art teaching protection of the upper skull area above the 
ears, but not providing padded protection for the lower rear portion of 
the head. 
3. General Summary Discussion of the Invention 
The present invention overcomes these prior art problems by providing a 
system which is highly reliable, relatively economical and of cost 
effective construction, without any restriction of audio visual 
development. 
As is well known, an infant's head area is particularly prone to injury due 
to the fact that the infant's skull often has not completely fused or is 
otherwise rather undeveloped after birth, coupled with the fact that 
infants lack significant motor skills. Therefore, the typical infant must 
often sustain multiple falls, often on hard floors, before it can learn to 
sit, crawl and walk without falling. 
The area to the back of the infant's head which is liable to sustain injury 
should he fall backwards is known as the occipital area of the skull. A 
massive impact to the area, conceivably the result of a backwards fall to 
a hard floor, could result in a subdural hematoma, skull fracture, or 
other serious injury. As the occipital area encompasses the lower rear and 
mid skull area, the prior art would not provide sufficient protection, 
only protecting the upper rear skull area at best. This leaves the lower 
occipital area, including that area of the skull occupied by the brain 
stem, exposed to potential injury should a backward fall occur. The 
present invention is specifically designed to protect the occipital area 
from such injury. 
Further, the infant's head size, when compared to its body, tends to be 
proportionally larger than that of older individuals. This, coupled with 
the child's weak muscular system, particularly in the neck, is often the 
cause of head injury to infants in their crawling, playing, or other 
activities. These injuries may be minor to severe, yet almost all are 
avoidable with proper protection. 
However, the prior art, until now, has failed to design infant protection 
headgear which is effective yet voluntarily worn by the infant in an 
pleasurable fashion. It is important that the headgear be voluntarily 
worn, as the infant will often refuse to wear headgear if it is 
uncomfortable or restrictive, often causing injury due to its size and 
weight, and not appealing to the child. Further, the headgear could 
conceivably stifle development of the child if it were overly heavy or 
restrictive, preventing the child from engaging in self learning 
activities, such as depth perception, distance approximation, audio 
perception, etc. 
The present device overcomes the prior art problems associated with infant 
headgear, providing a lightweight, effective, low cost, and realistically 
designed device that may be worn daily by the infant with no developmental 
hinderance, and in fact enjoyed by the child during use in terms of its 
appearance and feel. 
The preferred embodiment of the present device comprises a padded headband 
having a padded "saucer" shaped portion to protect the rear of the child's 
head, as well as an elastic chin strap and adjustable head strap. An 
alternative embodiment of the present invention further provides a 
ventilated padded head strap and a ventilated half circle portion on each 
side. 
As indicated above, the present invention may include animal ears or other 
fanciful items sewn to the device, as well as incorporate novelty exterior 
fabric with designs of animals' faces, etc. 
The headband in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises 
quilted cotton fabric, as does the rear "saucer" portion along with 
polyester fiberfill therebetween. 
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an infant 
protection device for the head of an infant or small child. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an infant 
protection device which is economical to manufacture, lightweight, and 
comfortable to wear. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an infant 
protection device which is designed to encourage the infant to wear it in 
the infant's daily activities. 
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an infant 
protection device which is designed to support novel designs such as 
animal ears and the like to encourage infant use and enjoyment. 
It is still further object of the present invention to provide an infant 
protection device which is configured to provide padded protection to the 
occipital area of the skull.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED, EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
As can be seen in FIGS. 1 & 3, the infant protection headgear H (termed 
"Baby Bumps"tm) of the preferred, exemplary embodiment of the present 
invention, includes a padded headband B of quilted, heavy cotton fabric or 
the like formed into a tubular band, and having a polyester fiber fill 
therein for padding. 
The distal sides of the headband B are connected via a multiple stitch chin 
strap 9, comprising in the preferred embodiment a strip of gathered ribbon 
over elastic 10. Chin strap 9 is affixed to the lower area of the headband 
B at two points 11 & 12, respectfully. While the chin strap 9 in the 
exemplary embodiment is fixed to headband B, it is noted that alternative 
embodiments might use snap, "Velcro" type material, button, or related 
means for removably affixing the chin strap thereto. 
Affixed to the upper, frontal area of the headband B at area 2 is the head 
strap 1. The head strap 1 comprises a strip of ribbon of sufficient length 
and width to join connection means, in the present embodiment, in the form 
of rings 3. The rings 3 are in turn affixed to a rear head pad 4 via 
connection strap 5. 
As denoted in the drawings, the rear head pad 4 is affixed to the ends of 
the head band at points 39, 40 so as to form a head cushion. Incorporated 
into the headband B near the headband connection points 39, 40 in an area 
of the headband B, the outer fabric is gathered over an elastic, forming 
itself into an elastic area, thereby providing snug means of wearing the 
headband for a variety of size heads. 
Like headband B, the rear head pad 4 preferably comprises an outer, quilted 
fabric of cotton or the like, formed in a disconfigured pad, and wrapped 
about a polyester fiberfill padding. The pad may include a circular 
stitched dart 6, forming an inner (7) and outer pad for increased padding 
and better appearance. 
About the periphery of rear head pad 4 and along the inner wall 13 of head 
band B, the present embodiment preferably includes a satin top stitched 
with thread for strength, durability and aesthetic appearance. 
FIG. 2 of the drawings illustrates an alternative embodiment 14 of the 
present invention, illustrating the inclusion of a novel pair of animal 
ears, here, in the form of mouse or bear ears 29, 30, stitched to the 
upper periphery of rear head pad 25. Ears 29 & 30 comprise, like the rear 
pad, an outer cotton, quilted fabric forming the rear wall of ears, and, 
forming the front wall of the ears, is a heavier, felt-like fabric of 
polyester or the like. In the present invention, the ears comprise a front 
wall of two different color cloths, forming inner (33) and outer (31) 
portions of ear 30, the two cloths being joined via a dart 32. 
FIG. 3 further illustrates the placement and configuration of decorative 
ears 29, 30 upon rear head pad 4, as an addition to the basic headgear 
design to encourage infant and child enjoyment of the device. 
As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the chin strap 15 comprises a non-elastic 
ribbon affixed to the lower side portion of the headband 14 via a dart 36. 
Chin strap 15 is tapered at area 37 so as to communicate with rings 18, 
which are in turn affixed to the headband 16 via a ring strap 19. 
Like the preferred embodiment, the alternative embodiment of the present 
invention can utilize a gathered headband area 17, with a large rear head 
pad 25 affixed to the distal ends of the headband areas 34, 35. Again like 
the preferred embodiment, the alternative embodiment can use a center 
stitched dart 26 on the rear head pad 25 for increased padding and better 
appearance. The construction of rear head pad 25 is similar to that 
contemplated in the preferred embodiment, with the inclusion of ears 29, 
30 discussed above, as well as the inclusion of a polyester fiberfill 
cushioning between the fabric walls. 
The alternative embodiment of the present invention further includes an 
adjustable, cushioned head strap distinguishable from that contemplated in 
the preferred embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the head strap means 
in the alternative embodiment comprises a first head strap 20 made of a 
ribbon strap satin stitched to distal sides 21, 22 of the headband 16. 
Also connected by gathered ribbon over elastic with a short portion of 
ribbon sewn to the underside constructing a containment glide area for 
head strap 23. 
The head strap means in this alternative embodiment further includes a 
second head strap 23, which is adjustable and padded at area 23. The 
second head strap 23 is somewhat tapered in overall configuration, having 
a wide end and a narrow end, the wide end being affixed to the front 
portion 24 of the headband 16 ventilated headband, the distal, narrow end 
38 being of such a length and configuration as to readily pass through the 
securing rings 27, which are in turn affixed to the rear head pad 25 via a 
ring strap 28 or, for further example, VELCRO.TM. type material may be 
used. 
As stated above, this second head strap 23 is adjustable via the strap 
38/ring 27 arrangement and is padded. The padding arrangement may be the 
same fabric/polyester fiber fill construction as contemplated for the rear 
head pad 25 supra, but of course in the tapered configuration discussed 
above. 
The padded head strap of the alternative embodiment is designed to prevent 
injury to the top of the head of the wearer due to hitting the bottom face 
of a table or any similar collisions which might occur in play. Further, 
the padded head strap may provide some protection to the infant or child 
due to an object inadvertently falling upon the head of the wearer. 
A second alternative to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4, 
wherein the headgear further includes side pads 42, 43 affixed to headband 
16, each pad further including ventilation holes 44, 45. The side pads 42, 
43 provide additional upper head protection and are desirable wherein the 
child is apt to strike his head on the underside of tables and the like 
during the crawling/early walking stage. First head strap 41 is sewn to 
the upper areas of the side pads 42, 43 and communicates with second head 
strap 46, joining the pads. 
As illustrated in FIG. 5, in use, the present invention is generally 
adjusted to the approximate size of the head of the infant wearer and then 
placed thereupon, wherein it is further adjusted upon the wearer's head so 
that it is comfortable and unencumbering. Depending upon the embodiment 
worn, the chin strap and/or the head strap may or may not have to be 
adjusted. 
The invention is placed upon the head such that the rear head pad 4, 25 is 
placed to the rear of the head, providing padded protection to the 
occipital and surrounding region of the skull, and the headband portions 
B, 16 communicate with the forehead and sides of the head. Head straps 15 
should be adjusted to communicate with the top of the head, so as to 
prevent the headband portions B, from slipping down the forehead, across 
the face of the wearer as a child tends to pull things down. 
As worn, the alternative embodiment of the invention incorporating 
decorative ears 29, 30 serves as both a means of protection and a 
pleasurable "toy," wherein the wearer sports animal ears such as those of 
a mouse, rabbit, or the like. 
The rear pad 4, 25 is designed to protect against head injury due to the 
wearer's falling backward and striking her head against the ground, or 
collisions with furniture, walls and the like during walking, crawling, or 
similar activities. 
The headband portions B are designed to protect against light head injury 
due to, for example, falling face forward, or striking the side of the 
head against the floor, furniture, walls during similar walking or 
crawling type activities. The gathered head band in both embodiments 
disclosed above, in conjunction with their respective head and chin 
straps, comfortably but securely maintains the protective device in place. 
The dimensions of the exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3 are as 
follows: 
Diameter of rear pad 4--7 inches 
Thickness of rear pad and center pad 7--approx. 1 inch 
Length of headband B--approximately 17 inches, 
Thickness of headband B--approximately 1 inch 
Dimensions of ears 29, 30--1/8".times.2.5".times.3" 
Length of head strap 1--approx. 7 inches 
Length of chin strap 9--approx. 8 inches 
The embodiment(s) described herein in detail for exemplary purposes are of 
course subject to many different variations in structure, design, 
application and methodology. Because many varying and different 
embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept(s) 
herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the 
embodiment(s) herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive 
requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein 
are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.