Patent Publication Number: US-10314351-B2

Title: Athletic headband with removable cooling elements

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/831,447, filed on Aug. 20, 2015, which claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/042,974, filed on Aug. 28, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present application relates to headbands. More specifically, the present application is directed to an athletic headband with removable cooling elements. 
     Brief Discussion of Related Art 
     Intensity of exercise as well as ambient temperature/humidity can affect core body temperature, which can elevate with increased intensity as well as with increased temperature/humidity. The body&#39;s natural response is perspiring or sweating, which generally releases excess heat through the skin surface in order to cool the body. 
     The hypothalamus is a portion of the human brain, which is located just above the brainstem. The hypothalamus functions as a thermostat for the body. More specifically, the hypothalamus includes a number of nuclei with a variety of functions, including an anterior hypothalamic nucleus that is responsible for thermoregulation or cooling of the body. The anterior hypothalamic nucleus sets desired body temperature, such as stimulating heat production to raise blood temperature to a higher setting, or sweating to lower the blood temperature to a lower setting. 
     Athletic headbands come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and generally absorb and/or draw away perspiration from the body of the user during various athletic activities, which may to an extent alleviate the user&#39;s discomfort—but which does not necessarily cool the user—and thus may not provide sufficient alleviation of the user&#39;s discomfort, especially during intense exercise and/or high ambient temperature/humidity. 
     The head and neck are generally more sensitive to changes in body temperature than the rest of the body. Providing cooling to the head and neck (e.g., hypothalamic cooling) can provide improved cooling of the body and thus improve user&#39;s comfort, especially during and/or after intense exercise. 
     It is therefore desirable to provide an athletic headband that can improve cooling and comfort of the user especially during and/or after engagement in various athletic activities. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with an embodiment, an athletic headband is disclosed. The athletic headband includes a body, a plurality of first cooling elements, a dropdown pocket, and a second cooling element. 
     The body has a first opening and a second opening that is substantially opposed to the first opening. Further, the body is configured to fit a head of a user through the first opening. Also, the body includes a plurality of pockets disposed about the body between the first opening and the second opening. The plurality of pockets has a respective plurality of openings. 
     The plurality of first cooling elements is configured to be received into the plurality of pockets through the respective plurality of openings to provide cooling about the head of the user. 
     The dropdown pocket is secured to an interior of the body between the first opening and the second opening. Further, the dropdown pocket extends from the interior of the body below the body and has an opening. 
     The second cooling element is configured to be received into the dropdown pocket through the opening. A first cooling element to be received in a pocket of the body overlaps at least partially the second cooling element to be received in the dropdown pocket so that the first cooling element is configured to press the second cooling element into a neck of the user to provide cooling to the neck. 
     In some embodiments or aspects, the body can be stretchable. Moreover, a pocket of the plurality of pockets can be defined by side stitchings that extend between about the first opening and about the second opening. The pocket can also include a retaining device to releaseably close the pocket. 
     In some embodiments or aspects, a cooling element of the plurality of first cooling elements can include a shell and a fill material, wherein the fill material is enabled to provide cooling to the user. The fill material can be a gel, gel-filled beads, or water, which can be cooled or frozen to provide cooling. Furthermore, the fill material can include components capable of providing cooling via an endothermic reaction. 
     The plurality of first cooling elements can be disposed adjacently one another about the body, and can further provide continuous cooling about the head of the user. Moreover, the second cooling element can be approximately the same as the first cooling element, or larger than the first cooling element. 
     A pocket of the plurality of pockets can include an opening about the second opening of the body. Moreover, the opening of the dropdown pocket can further be between the first opening and the second opening of the body. 
     In some embodiments or aspects, the dropdown pocket can be stitched to the body generally along stitchings that define a pocket of the plurality of pockets in the body. Moreover, the dropdown pocket can have a generally arcuate bottom. Additionally, the dropdown pocket can be stretchable. The dropdown pocket can also include a retaining device to releaseably close the dropdown pocket. 
     The second cooling element includes a shell and a fill material, wherein the fill material is enabled to provide cooling to the user. The fill material can be a gel, gel-filled beads, or water, which can be cooled or frozen to provide cooling. Furthermore, the fill material can include components capable of providing cooling via an endothermic reaction. 
     These and other purposes, goals and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description of example embodiments read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an example athletic headband with removable cooling elements according to a first example embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example athletic headband illustrated in  FIG. 1 , with a cooling element disposed in a pocket of the athletic headband; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a user wearing the example athletic headband illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the example athletic headband illustrated in  FIG. 3 , providing cooling to a portion of the user&#39;s head; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the example athletic headband illustrated in  FIG. 3 , providing cooling to a portion of the user&#39;s head and a portion of the user&#39;s neck; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an example athletic headband with removable cooling elements according to a second example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An athletic headband to improve cooling and comfort of the user is disclosed herein. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of example embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art, that an example embodiment may be practiced without all of the disclosed specific details. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an example athletic headband  100  with removable cooling elements  120 ,  122  according to a first example embodiment. The athletic headband  100  is shown inside out in order to illustrate its construction. 
     The athletic headband  100  is configured to provide a combination of cooling and comfort. More specifically, the athletic headband  100  provides removable cooling elements  120 ,  122  for cooling the head and neck of the user, as well as stretchability (e.g., top-to-bottom and circumferentially) for disposing the headband  100  atop the head of the user and for holding the cooling elements to provide improved use and comfort to the user. Moreover, the athletic headband  100  is configured to fit precisely over a user&#39;s head, providing effective cooling to the user during and/or after athletic activity in which the user engages. The cooling reduces overheating and decreases the likelihood of heat stress and/or heatstroke, which can result from exercise and/or ambient temperature/humidity. 
     The athletic headband  100  includes a body  101 , a dropdown pocket  112 , and a plurality of insertable and/or removable cooling elements  120 ,  122 . The body  101  can be made from synthetic and/or manmade materials, natural materials, and/or blended combinations thereof, such as, for example, acrylic, nylon, spandex, cotton, other natural or synthetic materials, and combinations thereof can be used. In some embodiments, the body  101  can be made of a combination of nylon and spandex. These materials provide excellent stretchability for wearing the athletic headband  100  and conforming the athletic headband  100  (as well as the cooling elements  120 ,  122  therein) to the head of the user. In these or other embodiments, at least the interior side (or layer) of the body  101  can also incorporate a material, or a combination of materials (e.g., cotton or a cotton blend), which can absorb and/or draw away perspiration from the head of the user during and/or after various athletic activities. 
     The body  101  is configured to receive and retain a plurality of cooling elements  120  in a predetermined configuration which provides cooling during operation of the athletic headband  100 , i.e., when the user wears the athletic headband  100  on the user&#39;s head. More specifically, the body  101  includes a plurality of pockets  102 , each of which is configured (e.g., sized and dimensioned) to receive and retain a respective cooling element  120 , such that the plurality of cooling elements  120  can be disposed in a predetermined configuration about the circumference of the headband  100 . In some embodiments, six (6) pockets  102  are provided in the body  101 . In alternate embodiments, the body  101  can be provided with fewer or greater number of pockets  102 . 
     The pockets  102  are disposed adjacently about the body  101  such that the cooling elements  120  can be disposed adjacently to one other, providing for continuous cooling about the circumference of the athletic headband  100 . In some embodiments, the pockets  102  can be disposed approximately equidistantly about the body  101 . In other embodiments, the pockets  102  can be disposed at locations not disposed equidistantly about the body  101 , e.g., based on the size and dimension of the respective cooling element  120  to be retained in the respective pockets  102 . 
     The body  101  can be constructed from one piece of material, which is folded lengthwise to form exterior and interior sides (or layers) and a base  103 , or two similarly-sized but separate pieces of material stitched together lengthwise and turned inside out with the stitching to the interior in order to form exterior and interior sides (or layers) and the base  103 . Moreover, a top  105  can be formed by providing hems folded to the interior and stitched by one or more stitchings, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . One or more of the left/right edges of the material can be cut an angle from the bottom to the top, such that a top circumference of the body  101  is smaller than a bottom circumference of the body  101  when the edges are stitched together top-to-bottom in order to form the body  101 . 
     In some embodiments, the top circumference can be approximately 15 inches, and the bottom circumference can be about 18 inches. The body  101  is generally open and round, taking on a slightly tapered appearance which transitions smoothly between the circumferences. This configuration helps in retaining the athletic headband  100  on the user&#39;s head and in compressing the cooling elements  120 ,  122  to deliver effective cooling to the user&#39;s head and neck. The top-to-bottom height of the body  101  can be approximately four and three quarter (4¾%) inches. It should be noted that different top and bottom circumferences as well as height of the body  101  can be provided based on requirements for the head size of the user, such as by using differently dimensioned material and the angulation at the edges. 
     A pair of side stitchings  108 ,  110  defines each of the respective pockets  102  in the body  101 . In some embodiments, the pockets  102  are of approximately equal dimensions. Furthermore, the side stitchings  108 ,  110  of each pocket  102  extend from approximately the base  103  and along the height of the body  101  to approximately the top  105  of the body  101 . In other embodiments, a different number of pockets  102 , of equal or different dimensions, can be provided by disposing the side stitchings  108 ,  110  at different distances from one another. 
     In addition, the pockets  102  include openings  104  and retaining devices  106 . The openings  104  of the respective pockets  102  are defined by the side stitchings  108 ,  110 , and are stretchable in order to receive the cooling elements  120  into the respective pockets  102 . The length of the opening  104  to the pocket  102  is approximately two and one half (2½) inches, while a length of the bottom of the pocket  102  is approximately three (3) inches. It should be noted that the pockets  102  and/or openings  104  having different dimensions can be provided based on various requirements. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the retaining devices  106  are hook-and-loop, which can releaseably close the pockets  102 . It should be noted that different retaining devices can be provided to releaseably close the pockets  102 . In some embodiments, the retaining devices  106  can also be omitted. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the athletic headband  100  includes a dropdown pocket  112 . The dropdown pocket  112  can be made of a material that is similar to or different than the material of the body  101 , as described hereinabove with respect to the body  101 . The dropdown pocket  112  can be constructed of two (2) similarly-sized pieces of material which have an arcuate (semi-circular) bottom edge, which when stitched together and turned inside out, form the dropdown pocket  112  that has an arcuate (e.g., semi-circular) base  113 . Moreover, the top  115  can be formed by providing hems folded to the interior and stitched by one or more stitchings, in a similar fashion as illustrated with respect to the body  101  in  FIG. 2 . 
     In some embodiments, the dropdown pocket  112  can be made of a combination of nylon and spandex. Stretchable materials are excellent for receiving the cooling element  122  in the dropdown pocket  112  and conforming the athletic headband  100  (as well as the cooling elements  120 ,  122  therein) to the head and neck of the user. In these or other embodiments, at least the interior side (or layer) of the dropdown pocket  112  can also incorporate a material, or a combination of materials (e.g., cotton or a cotton blend), which can absorb and/or draw away perspiration from the neck of the user during and/or after various athletic activities. 
     The dropdown pocket is stitched to the body  101  approximately half-way down the pocket  102  (e.g., two (2) inches below the top  105 ) by the side stitchings  116 ,  118 . The opening  114  of the dropdown pocket  112  is approximately two and one half (2½) inches, and the base  113  is defined by a circle having a diameter of approximately two inches. The height of the dropdown pocket  112 —from the lowest point of the base  113  to the top  115 —is approximately 4 and one half (4½) inches. Different dimensions can be selected for the dimensions and the location of the dropdown pocket  112  in relation to the body  101 . 
     Six (6) cooling elements  120  and one (1) cooling element  122  are insertable into the respective pockets  102 ,  112 . In various embodiments, there can be fewer or greater number of cooling elements  120  based on the number of pockets  102 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the cooling elements  120 ,  122  are generally round. However, the cooling elements  120 ,  122  can also be any shape or a combination of shapes, such as generally rectangular or square (with rounded corners), elliptical, another shape, or combination of shapes. In some embodiments, the cooling element  122  can be dimensioned to be larger than cooling element  120 . In other embodiments, the cooling elements  120 ,  122  can also be dimensioned to be the same or similar. 
     In some embodiments, the cooling elements  120 ,  122  are gel packs, which can be cooled/frozen but remain flexible, in order to conform to the head of the user during operation of the athletic headband  100 . Different cooling elements can be used, such as described hereinbelow in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     The cooling elements  120  are independently situated or disposed in the respective pockets  102  of the body  101 , providing almost continuous cooling about the circumference of the athletic headband  100 . Moreover, the cooling element  122  is disposed in the dropdown pocket  112  such that the cooling element  120  at least partially overlaps the cooling element  122 , providing almost continuous cooling that extends from the body  101  down the dropdown pocket  112 . The cooling elements  120 ,  122  are flexible and can conform to the pockets  102 ,  112  as well as to the user&#39;s head and neck. In some embodiments, the cooling elements  120  are approximately three and one half (3½)inches in diameter (or width), while the cooling element  122  is approximately four (4) inches in diameter (or width). In other embodiments, the cooling elements  120 ,  122  are the same in size, e.g., three and one half (3½)inches diameter or width. 
     As described hereinabove, the cooling element  122  in the dropdown pocket  112  can be larger than the cooling element  120  in the other pockets  102 . This is done so that the cooling elements  120 ,  122  can at least partially overlap in the proximity of the hypothalamus at the base of the head. In other embodiments, the location of dropdown pocket  112  can be adjusted with respect to the pocket  102 , such that similarly sized cooling elements  120 ,  122  (e.g., three and one half (3½) inches) can at least partially overlap in the proximity of the hypothalamus at the base of the head. As aforementioned, one of the functions of the hypothalamus is to regulate body temperature. By overlapping cooling elements  120 ,  122 , the cooling effect in proximity of the hypothalamus is enhanced. Also, the dropdown pocket  112  extends down the neck approximately two (2) inches, which provides additional cooling effect and comfort to the user. The cooling effect works properly when the cooling elements are cold and/or frozen. 
     The base  103  extends along the circumference of the body  101  to provide a seat for each of the cooling elements  120 , while the arcuate base  113  extends along the bottom of the dropdown pocket  112  to provide a seat for the cooling elements  122 , such that the cooling elements  120 ,  122  can be retained in a predetermined configuration with respect to one another and can provide an almost continuous cooling to the head and neck of the user during use of the athletic headband  100 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view along line  2 - 2  of the example athletic headband  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , with a cooling element  120  disposed in a pocket  102  of the athletic headband  100 . 
     As illustrated, the top  105  of the body  101  is formed by sides or layers  202 ,  204  of the material folded to the interior of the body  101  and stitched by respective stitchings  206 ,  208  to provide hems  203 ,  205 . Moreover, the same stitchings  206 ,  208  can be used to secure the respective portions  210 ,  212  of the retaining device  106  (e.g., hook-and-loop) to the hems  203 ,  205 . 
     The cooling element  120  is disposed in the pocket  102  and abuts the base  103  (not shown). Moreover, the retaining device  106  can be releaseably closed to secure the cooling element  120  in the pocket  102 . As noted herein, the retaining device  106  can be omitted, in which case, the smaller top circumference of the body  101  retains the cooling element  120  in the pocket  102 . 
     The retention before deployment of the athletic headband  100  on the head of the user can be accomplished without the retaining devices  106  because the height of the athletic headband  100  allows the cooling element  120  to be disposed at a distance (e.g., approximately one and a quarter (1¼)inches) from the opening  104  of the pocket  102 . Moreover, the opening  104  of the pocket  102  (e.g., 2½ inches) is smaller than the diameter (or width) of the cooling element  120  (e.g., 3½ inches). 
     During deployment of the athletic headband  100  on the head of the user, the retention can be accomplished due to conformity of the athletic headband  100  to the contour of the user&#39;s head. The contour conformity is generally created by the smaller top circumference (e.g., 15 inches) and larger bottom circumference (e.g., 18 inches). 
     It should be noted that retention before deployment can also be enhanced with the retaining device  106 . The retaining device  106  can further prevent the cooling element  120  from coming out of the pocket  104  when the athletic headband  100  is tossed to the ground or elsewhere. 
     The cooling element  120  includes a flexible shell  214  and a fill material  216 . The cooling elements  120  can be reusable or single use. In the reusable case, the fill material  216  can be cooled (and re-cooled) by refrigeration, such as gel, gel-filled beads, water, a different material, or a combination of materials. Gel may be preferable as it tends to be flexible when cold and can conform to the user&#39;s head during operation of the athletic headband  100 . In some embodiments where water is used, the shell  214  can be placed on a contoured surface when the water is cooled and/or frozen, such that shell  214  can better conform to the head of the user. In other embodiments, the shell  214  is generally flat when water is cooled and/or frozen. In single use cases, the fill material  216  can be also comprised of separate components (not shown) that, when combined, create cold via an endothermic reaction. 
     While the dropdown pocket  112  is not illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the top  115  of the dropdown pocket  112  can be formed in the same fashion as described with reference to the top  105  of the body  101 . More specifically, the top  115  of the pocket  112  can be formed by sides of the material folded to the interior of the pocket and stitched by respective stitchings to provide hems. Moreover, the same stitchings can be used to secure respective portions of the retaining device  106  (e.g., hook-and-loop) to the hems. Moreover, while the cooling element  122  is not illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the cooling element  122  is disposed in the pocket  112  in a similar fashion, abutting the base  113  (not shown). Similarly, the retaining device  106  can be provided or omitted, as desired. Moreover, the cooling element  122  can be similar to or different than cooling element  120 , as described hereinabove. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a user wearing the example athletic headband  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , because the athletic headband  100  is stretchable (e.g., top-to-bottom and circumferentially), it can be pulled down over the forehead  302  and the ears  304 , and down the neck  306 , which thereby positions the cooling elements  120  disposed in the pockets  102  about the head of the user  300 , and further positions the cooling element  122  disposed in the pocket  112  about the neck  306  of the user  300 . 
     The cooling elements  120 ,  122  are retained in the athletic headband  100 , in pockets  102 ,  112  and generally conform to the head and neck of the user  300 , providing an almost continuous cooling to the user&#39;s head and neck. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view along line  4 - 4  of the example athletic headband  100  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , providing cooling to a portion  402  of the user&#39;s head. 
     As illustrated, the cooling element  120  is retained in the pocket  102  of the athletic headband  100  and generally conforms to a portion  402  of the head of the user  300 . Moreover, the cooling element  120  provides cooling  404  to the portion  402  of the user&#39;s head. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view along line  5 - 5  of the example athletic headband illustrated in  FIG. 4 , providing cooling to a portion  502  of the user&#39;s head and a portion  506  of the user&#39;s neck. 
     As illustrated, the cooling element  120  is retained in the pocket  102  of the athletic headband  100  and generally conforms to a portion  502  of the head of the user  300 , providing cooling  504  to the portion  502  of the user&#39;s head. 
     The cooling element  122  is retained in the pocket  112  of the athletic headband  100  and generally conforms to a portion  506  of the user&#39;s neck. The cooling element  120  in the pocket  102  overlaps at least partially the cooling element  122  in the pocket  112 , pressing the cooling element  122  into the portion  506  of the user&#39;s neck to provide effective contact and cooling  508  to the portion  506  of the user  300 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an example athletic headband  600  with removable cooling elements  120  according to a second example embodiment. The athletic headband  600  is similar to the athletic headband  100  described with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , except that the dropdown pocket  112  is omitted from the athletic headband  600 . 
     As such, the athletic headband  600  is configured to provide a combination of cooling and comfort. The athletic headband  600  provides removable cooling elements  120  for cooling the head of the user, as well as a stretchable circumference for disposing the headband  100  atop the head of the user and for holding the cooling elements  120  to provide improved use and comfort to the user. 
     Similarly, the athletic headband  600  is configured to fit precisely over a user&#39;s head, providing effective cooling to the user during and/or after athletic activity in which the user engages. The cooling reduces overheating and decreases the likelihood of heat stress and/or heatstroke, which can result from exercise and/or ambient temperature/humidity. 
     Thus, an athletic headband with removable cooling elements has been described. Although specific example embodiments have been described, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, show by way of illustration, and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. The embodiments shown are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this application. 
     The foregoing detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     Although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. 
     The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure of this application. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 
     In the foregoing detailed description, various features may be grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure of this application. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting that the claimed embodiments have more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. 
     Moreover, it is contemplated that the features or components of various embodiments described herein can be combined into different combinations that are not explicitly enumerated in the foregoing detailed description and that such combinations can similarly stand on their own as separate example embodiments that can be claimed.