Patent Publication Number: US-8117677-B2

Title: Systems and methods for providing a headgear cooling liner

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/809,878 filed Mar. 25, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,344, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A HEADGEAR COOLING LINER, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/470,282 filed May 14, 2003, entitled HEADGEAR COOLING LINER. Both are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to headgear. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a headgear cooling liner that provides a cooling effect to the person wearing the headgear, wherein the liner includes one or more pocket partitions having a liquid-absorbing material. 
     2. Background and Related Art 
     A variety of endeavors that are performed by individuals include the wearing of protective headgear. One such example is military duty, where a soldier typically wears a protective helmet for combat. When the combat takes place in warm climates, the wearing of the protective helmet assists in causing the soldier to become hot and exhausted in the hot weather. 
     Another example is in the construction industry. Hard hats are typically worn by workers in construction areas to provide protection from potential dangers. When worn in warm temperatures, the hard hats help cause the workers to become hot and exhausted in the warm weather. 
     Current techniques of combating heat and/or exhaustion caused by using protective headgear in hot climates include the consumption of cooled liquids and/or the utilization of helmet liners. The available liners form a complete and solid cap about the user&#39;s head, and have the appearance to warm the user rather than cool the user. These liners create a damp and uncomfortable environment within the headgear and against the user&#39;s scalp and skin. 
     Thus while techniques currently exist that are used to combat the heat and/or exhaustion caused by using protective headgear, challenges still exist. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to headgear. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a headgear cooling liner that provides a cooling effect to the person wearing the headgear, wherein the liner includes one or more pocket partitions having a liquid-absorbing material. 
     Implementation of the present invention takes place in association with an article associated with headgear that keeps the wearer&#39;s head cool and/or cushioned from the interior harness of the headgear. In at least some implementations, the article is a system, liner or pad that is inserted into the headgear or coupled to the headgear harness for cooling and comfort. The article includes a liquid-absorbing material such as a water absorbent polymer or other material, contained within non-impervious pocket partitions. In some implementations, a ventilation portion or device is provided e.g., a mesh fabric, ventilation provides ventilation portions, or airflow device) that allows for the free flow of air and breathing of the wearer&#39;s scalp to facilitate the natural evaporation of perspiration. 
     In at least some implementations, the article provides a cushion to the wearer&#39;s scalp from the abrasive effect of the webbing of the headgear harness. As the pocket partitions swell due to absorption of water or other liquid by the liquid-absorbing material, the pockets function as gel-like cushions or pads that protect the wearer&#39;s scalp. The article is held in place with small straps, Velcro® tabs, or other retention devices. 
     In some implementations, the pocket partitions are ribbed, segregated or otherwise compartmentalized to maintain appropriate distribution of the liquid-absorbing material in the pocket partitions. 
     While the methods and processes of the present invention have proven to be particularly useful in the area of military helmets, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the methods and processes can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of different headgear systems to provide a cooling device to the user of the headgear. Examples of such applicable headgear include military helmets, construction or industrial hats, pith helmets, leisure wear, motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets, recreational headgear, sporting or other recreational helmets, and other headgear where a cooling and/or cushioning effect is desirable. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a representative embodiment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the headgear cooling liner of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross sectional view of the headgear cooling liner of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of another representative headgear cooling liner in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a representative embodiment for providing a liquid to a representative headgear cooling liner for absorption; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of another representative embodiment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of another representative embodiment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of the representative embodiment of  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the representative embodiment of  FIG. 7  in a representative headgear. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to headgear. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a headgear cooling liner that provides a cooling effect to the person wearing the headgear, wherein the liner includes one or more pocket partitions having a liquid-absorbing material. 
     In the disclosure and in the claims the term “headgear” shall refer to any kind of covering or protective device for the head. Examples of headgear include a helmet (e.g., military helmet, recreational helmet, sporting helmet, motorcycle helmet, bicycle helmet, pith helmet, etc.), a hat (e.g., recreational hat, construction hard hat, etc.), a headdress, a hood, or any other head covering for which cooling and/or cushioning is desired. 
     Embodiments of the present invention embrace an article associated with headgear that keeps the wearer&#39;s head cool and/or cushioned from an interior harness of the headgear. In at least some embodiments, the article is a system, liner or pad that is inserted into the headgear or coupled to the headgear harness or interior surface for cooling and/or comfort. The article includes a liquid absorbent material contained within pocket partitions. In some embodiment, a concave webbing lattice or mesh fabric is coupled to the pocket partitions and provides ventilation portions, which allow for the free flow of air and breathing of the wearer&#39;s scalp to facilitate the natural evaporation of perspiration. In some embodiments, a ventilation device is included that enables or otherwise encourages air flow. 
     In at least some embodiments, the article provides a cushion to the wearer&#39;s scalp from the abrasive effect of the webbing of the headgear harness. As the pocket partitions swell due to absorption of water by the polymer material, the pockets function as gel-like cushions or pads that protect the wearer&#39;s scalp. The article is held in place with straps, Velcro® tabs, or other retention devices. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 1 , a general description is provided of a representative embodiment in accordance with the present invention. In  FIG. 1 , cooling system  10  includes headgear  12  and headgear cooling liner  14 , which comprises one or more ventilation portions  16  and one or more pocket partitions  18 . In the present embodiment, headgear  12  is a military helmet and includes a plurality of cushions  20  that form a fitting system at the interior of headgear  12 . While the fitting system of headgear  12  includes a plurality of pads  20 , those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present invention include any type of fitting or harness system used in association with wearing headgear. Examples include straps, pads, cushions, etc. 
     In the present embodiment, headgear cooling liner  14  is designed of a specific size (e.g., approximately six inches in diameter) so that liner  14  fits within a military helmet. Pads  20  are provided so as to not compromise the protection provided by headgear  12 . In at least some embodiments, the headgear cooling liner is also of the correct size to fit in other headgear, such as hard hats and helmets that could be used in work or sports. 
     Headgear cooling liner  14  is more specifically illustrated in  FIGS. 2-3 . In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a headgear cooling liner includes means to cool the scalp and means to cushion the scalp of the individual wearing headgear. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , headgear cooling liner  14  includes one or more pocket partitions  18 , which are attached to a mesh concave disk to provide one or more ventilation portions  16 . As will be further discussed below, pocket partitions  18  contain a material that absorbs a liquid such as water to provide a cooling effect on the head of the wearer. Liner  14  further includes a hem or rim  22 . 
     In the present embodiment, the elongated pocket partitions  18  are arranged with the longer axis from the front to the back and a distance from one another such that an air space (ventilation portion  16 ) is created between the pocket partitions  18 . This allows for flow of air between the pocket partitions that facilitates the evaporation process. The liner is held in place by an attachment mechanism, as will be further discussed below. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 3 , a cross sectional view of the headgear cooling liner of  FIGS. 1-2  is illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 3 , each pocket partition  18  contains a cushioning device  24  and a liquid-absorbing material  26 . Headgear cooling liner  14  provides a cooling effect on the head of the individual wearing the headgear by having the chambers or pocket partitions  18  at least partly filled with the liquid-absorbing material  26 . In at least some embodiments, the liquid absorbing material is a polymer, which absorbs water, expands and fills the chambers or pocket partitions  18  that are attached to the mesh cap. The cooling effect is facilitated by non-impervious properties of a layer of fabric used in construction that permit evaporation. Ventilation portion  16  comprises a mesh fabric that allows airflow. 
     Embodiments of the present invention embrace the utilization of solid and/or hollow cushioning devices. Thus, in one embodiment a cushioning device  24  is a solid material as illustrated by cushioning devices  24   a  and  24   b . In another embodiment, a cushioning device is a hollow device as illustrated by cushioning device  24   c . In at least some embodiments, each cushioning device is an elongated rubber material that extends down each pocket partition to provide cushioning to the individual. In the illustrated embodiment, cushioning devices  24  comprise poplin tubes containing polyacrilamide. 
     The liquid absorbing material  26  surrounds each cushioning device  24 . When water or another liquid is absorbed by material  26 , a gel-like substance is formed in pocket partitions  18  around devices  24 . In at least some embodiments, the liquid-absorbing material is a polymer. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid-absorbing material  26  comprises polyacrylamide beads that absorb a liquid such as water to form a gel, which may be used at ambient temperatures or may be selectively chilled or frozen to provide a cooling effect on the head of the wearer. As provided above, the cooling effect is facilitated by non-impervious properties of a layer of fabric that permit evaporation. 
     The illustrated beads of polyacrylamide are commercially known as anionic polyacrylamide powder and have a chemical name of copolymer of potassium acrylamide and potassium acrylate. The beads are commercially available, for example, from JRM Chemical, 15663 NEO Parkway, Cleveland, Ohio 44128. The beads of polyacrylamide are non-hazardous, and are a white granular solid. In the illustrated embodiment, the beads are sized 1 mm to 2 mm and are insoluble in water, but swell in water to a gel consistency that is many times the dry weight size. While the illustrated embodiment include beads that are 1 mm to 2 mm in size, embodiments of the present invention embrace the utilization of beads that are less than or greater than the 1-2 mm sized bead. 
     A variety of methods may be employed to place the polyacrylamide beads into the elongated tubular structures or pocket partitions made of poplin fabric, which retains the particles in either a wet or dry state but the small air gaps in the poplin allow for the transfer of airborne water molecules which causes the evaporation process to take place and thus the cooling effect enjoyed by the wearer. This poplin can be commercially purchased, for example, from E.E. Schenk Co., 4561 Maywood Ave., Vernon, Calif. 90058. While the present embodiment comprises poplin, but testing has shown that many other fabrics may be used that allow for the passage of water vapor but retain liquid-absorbing material. 
     In one method, the polyacrylamide beads are blown into the tubular structures or pocket partitions by a pneumatic-electric device that has been invented by the applicant for this purpose. This polymer injector, which is referred to as a “puffer,” can be purchased from Greg Toth, 1121 10th St., Rock Springs, Wyo. 82901. 
     In other methods, the polyacrylamide beads are inserted into the tubular structures or pocket partitions through the utilization of a funnel, measuring spoon and/or another manner or device. Once the polyacrylamide beads have been injected, the pocket partitions are then sewn onto the mesh fabric that provides the primary structure and shape of the device. This mesh fabric can be commercially purchased, for example, from Apex Mills Corp., 168 Doughty Boulevard, Inwood, N.Y. 11096-0670. The mesh fabric allows for the free flow of air both across the pocket partitions and across the scalp of the wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, this mesh material includes apertures having a diameter of approximately 4 mm. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention embrace apertures that are larger or smaller than provided in the illustrated embodiment. 
     The mesh is then hemmed around its perimeter to provide rim  22 . After the hemming process is accomplished, Velcro® attachment straps or tabs  28  are then sewn on or otherwise coupled to the headgear cooling liner. 
     While  FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a headgear cooling liner having the elongated pocket partitions arranged with the longer axis from the front to the back and a distance from one another, other embodiments of the present invention embrace other headgear cooling liners that still provide the air space through a ventilation portion between pocket partitions to allow for air flow between the pocket partitions. For example, with reference now to FIG.  4 , another embodiment of a headgear cooling liner in accordance with the present invention is illustrated as headgear cooling liner  30 . 
     In  FIG. 4  headgear cooling liner  30  comprises one or more pocket partitions  32 , one or more ventilation portions  34 , a rim  36 , and attachment tabs  38 . Each pocket partition  32  comprises a cushion device (not shown) and a liquid-absorbing material (not shown). In the present embodiment attachment straps  38  are Velcro® strips that are configured to wrap around or otherwise couple liner  30  to an interior structure of a headgear. In the illustrated embodiment, the Velcro® strips are ½ inch wide and 5 inches long, however those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments embrace utilization of smaller or larger strips. In the present embodiment, one end is sewn to liner  30  and the other is left free to be inserted around the harness in the headgear. 
     Headgear cooling liner  30  allows for the flow of cooling air between the tubular structures or pocket partitions. The headgear cooling liner  30  includes elongated chambers separated by mesh fabric that allows for airflow and enhances the cooling effect. The use of a breathable mesh material to provide the form of headgear cooling liner  30  with large separate cooling tubular structures or pocket partitions provides enhanced results. In one embodiment, materials used to provide a headgear cooling liner comprised flame resistant material. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 5 , a representative embodiment is illustrated that includes applying a liquid to a headgear cooling liner. In according with embodiments of the present invention, a liquid may be applied in a variety of manners. For example, a headgear cooling liner may be sprayed, soaked or other wise provided with water or another liquid to replenish the cooling effect as often as is necessary. In some embodiments, the liquid includes the natural perspiration of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, headgear  12  is turned upside down like a bowl and filled with cold water. After a period of approximately 20 minutes, the pocket partitions are inflated and ready to provide the wearer with several hours of cooling comfort. 
     In  FIG. 5 , a liquid  40  is applied to headgear cooling liner  14  to allow liquid  40  to be absorbed by a liquid absorbing material contained in pocket partitions  18  to create a gel-like substance. Through the natural process of evaporation, liner  14  cools the scalp of the wearer, providing a degree of cooling comfort. In addition to the cooling effect provided, the soft pliable chambers or pocket partitions protect the wearer from irritation and chaffing caused by the harness and/or hatband of the headgear. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a headgear cooling liner may be coupled to an interior surface or structure of a headgear in a variety of manners.  FIG. 5  illustrates a cutaway portion to demonstrate how a Velcro® tab  28  on the exterior surface of headgear cooling liner  14  is selectively coupled to a Velcro® tab  29  on the interior surface or structure of headgear  12 . In the present embodiment, the entire liner  14  is held in place by Velcro® tabs  28 , which are coupled to the exterior surface of the liner, and are configured to receive Velcro® tabs  29  of the interior surface of headgear  12  to couple the headgear cooling liner  14  to the headgear  12 . While the illustrated embodiment includes Velcro® tabs as a coupling mechanism, other embodiments embrace other coupling mechanisms, including an adhesive, straps, snaps, etc. to couple liner  14  to headgear  12 . 
     While headgear  12  is a military helmet, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments in the present invention embrace any type of headgear, including industrial safety hard hat, supporting safety head gear, etc. Thus, by way of example,  FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of another representative embodiment in accordance with the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 6  a representative embodiment illustrates headgear  50 , which is a construction hard had that includes an exterior surface  52  and a selectively adjustable interior harness system  51 . A headgear cooling liner  54  is selectively coupled to headgear  50 . In the present embodiment, headgear cooling liner  54  is coupled to system  51  and includes one or more ventilation portions  56 , one or more pocket partitions  58  containing a liquid absorbing material, and rim  60 . In a further embodiment, the pocket partitions further include a cushioning device. Headgear cooling liner  54  further includes tabs  62 , which are configured to selectively couple liner  54  to system  51 . 
     Thus, embodiments of the present invention relates to an article of headgear that, when installed into a protective helmet, hard hat or other headgear, keeps the wearer&#39;s head both cool and cushioned from the interior harness of said headgear. More particularly, a protective pad is provided for inclusion into a helmet or protective headgear for cooling and comfort. The article, pad or liner includes a liquid absorbent material as a coolant through evaporation, allowed by the material being contained within non-impervious pockets attached to the concave disk of mesh fabric. The mesh fabric used for attachment of the pockets allows for the free flow of air, which allows for the evaporative process to occur, but also allows for the breathing of the scalp to facilitate the natural evaporation of sweat. The article, pad or liner further provides a cushion to the scalp of the wearer from the abrasive effect of the webbing in the helmet harness. As the pockets swell with water due to absorption, the pockets become cushions or pads that protect the scalp. The article, pad, liner or device is held in place with one or more retention mechanisms. 
     As is provided herein, in one embodiment the headgear cooling liner covers only a portion of the headgear interior, while in another embodiment the liner covers the entire interior of the headgear to provide a cooling effect on the head of a person wearing the headgear. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that while representative embodiments discussed herein comprise water absorbent polymer particles, embodiments of the present invention embrace utilization of any type of a material that is capable of suspending or otherwise containing a liquid, wherein the liquid is enabled to evaporate. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7 , another representative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In  FIG. 7 , headgear cooling liner  70  includes pocket partitions  72 - 74 . In the present embodiment, pocket partitions  72  and  74  are arranged such that an air space or ventilation portion is created between the pocket partitions  72  and  74 . This allows for air flow between pocket partitions  72  and  74  that facilitates the evaporation process. 
     Headgear cooling liner  70  is coupled to a headgear and held in place through the utilization of an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism of the illustrated embodiment includes tabs  76 , wherein a first attachment portion  76 A is configured to selectively couple to a corresponding second attachment portion  76 B. In the present embodiment, the attachment mechanism further includes tab  78  having a first attachment portion  78 A that is configured to selectively couple to a second attachment portion  78 B. 
     While the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7  includes an attachment mechanism that utilizes tabs and Velcro, those skills in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention embrace a variety of different attachment mechanisms that may be utilized to couple a headgear cooling liner to a headgear. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , each pocket partition  72 - 74  contains a material  80  that is capable of absorbing a liquid to provide a cooling effect on the head of the wearer. In one embodiment, material  80  is a water absorbent polymer material. Other embodiments embrace other types of materials that are configured to suspend or otherwise absorb a liquid that may be utilized to provide a cooling effect on the head of the headgear wearer. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 8 , a side view of the representative embodiment of  FIG. 7  is illustrated. As mentioned above, the representative embodiment includes a cooling system that comprises a headgear cooling liner  70  having one or more pocket partitions ( 72 - 74 ), wherein the pocket partitions comprise a liquid suspending or absorbing material that provides a cooling and/or cushioning effect to a headgear user. Liner  70  further includes an attachment mechanism, such as tab  76  and  78 , which enable coupling of the liner  70  to the headgear. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , an illustration is provided that illustrates liner  70  coupled to a headgear, such as an industrial hard hat  50 . 
     In  FIG. 9  a representative embodiment illustrates headgear  50 , which is an industrial hard hat that includes an exterior surface and a selectively adjustable harness system. A headgear cooling liner  70  is selectively coupled to headgear  50 . In the present embodiment, headgear cooling liner  70  is coupled to the interior harness system of headgear  50  through the utilization of tab  76 - 78 . A ventilation portion is created within the headgear that allows air to flow and enables a cooling effect for the user. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, pocket partitions  72 - 74  are ribbed or otherwise segmented to enable proper distribution of the liquid absorbing material that is contained within pocket partitions  72 - 74 . In some embodiments, the pocket partitions further include a cushioning device or tube to further provide cushioning for the user. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention embrace ventilation portions to enable air flow. Such ventilation portions include a mesh material that enables air flow and/or a device that enable air flow. In one embodiment, a device, such as a fan or other airflow device, is incorporated in the cooling system to enable air flow about a headgear cooling liner of the present invention. In a further embodiment, a ventilation portion includes an air vent or aperture that allows for air flow. 
     Thus, as discussed herein, the embodiments of the present invention embrace headgear. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a headgear cooling liner that provides a cooling effect to the person wearing the headgear, wherein the liner includes one or more pocket partitions having a liquid-absorbing material. In at least some embodiments, one or more ventilation portions and/or devices are also included. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.