Abstract:
A helmet or headgear apparatus particularly useful to mixed martial arts (MMA), hand to hand combat training and boxing is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention offers improved features providing greater protection than previous solutions such as material covering the top and back of a user&#39;s head. A faceguard design is additionally provided. Further, adjustments in design provide for improved comfort to a user as well as a solution that will last longer and fit more varied sizes of heads. Different amounts of layered shock absorbent padding are further provided as desired for the particular training situation.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This patent application claims benefit of the priority date of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/433,841 filed on Jan. 18, 2011, entitled BOXING AND MIXED MARITIAL ART TYPE EQUIPMENT; further this patent application claims benefit of the priority date of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/473,378 filed on Apr. 8, 2011, entitled MARTIAL ARTS EQUIPMENT, and further this patent application claims benefit of the priority date of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/526,999 filed on Aug. 24, 2011, entitled TRAINING EQUIPMENT, accordingly, the entire contents of these patent applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention pertains generally to sports equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to training in the areas of mixed martial arts (MMA), hand to hand combat and boxing. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is more particularly useful as helmet apparatus for protecting participants during fighting and training exercises. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Currently, a growing number of sports and work out enthusiast are participating in fighting sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA) and traditional boxing. Also, tactical professionals such as law enforcement, soldiers and marines are doing more heavy hand to hand combat exercises sometimes involving blunt force weapons and therefore need the highest quality gear. It is with that notion in mind that the present invention was conceived. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, a comparable example is proposed by Tsujimoto entitled “Headgear,” U.S. Pat. No. 7,739,752 and was granted patent protection in 2010. Initially, the Tsujimoto example fails to protect a top of a user&#39;s head as typical to boxing sparring helmets. Additionally, the back of a user&#39;s head remains unprotected while providing a design that can be easily donned and removed. Also, the faceguard is somewhat suspect protection wise while simultaneously providing adequate field of view. 
         [0007]    In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide training headgear with an improved design protecting more areas of a user&#39;s head with improved materials as detailed herein. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a helmet apparatus that has features and characteristics for improved wear and longevity. Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a helmet design that can withstand higher blunt force impact which still providing comfort to a user. Yet further it is another object of the present invention to address versatility according to different desires and purposes of a user. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention in a first aspect, is a helmet apparatus, particularly for fighting and combat training purposes, comprising: a padded substantially circumferential member generally protecting a user&#39;s face, forehead, and sides of the user&#39;s head, wherein the circumferential member leaves a back of user&#39;s head unprotected. A top member is included joined to the circumferential member protecting a top of a user&#39;s head, wherein the top member includes a padded flap piviotably at an end thereof, the padded flap for protecting a back of a user&#39;s head; a first top shock absorbing padded layer covering nearly all of the top of the user&#39;s head; and a second top shock absorbing padded layer over the first shock absorbing layer substantially covering the top of the user&#39;s head but covering less than the first padded layer. 
         [0009]    The helmet is additionally characterized as further comprising: a first aperture in the first top padded layer; a second aperture in the first top padded layer; a third aperture in the second top padded layer; and a fourth aperture in the second top padded layer. The first, second, third, and fourth apertures together provide for ventilation and heat transfer from the top of the user&#39;s head wherein the first and second apertures are smaller in size than the third and fourth apertures. 
         [0010]    The helmet particularly for fighting and combat training purposes is additionally characterized as comprising: a first strip of Velcro about right temple area on the circumferential member; a second strip of Velcro about a left temple area on the circumferential member; a third strip of Velcro about a chin area on the circumferential member; a fourth strip of Velcro about a forehead area on the circumferential member, the fourth strip of Velcro having a break therein to allow for a manufacturer logo to be joined to the forehead area. Also a faceguard is included releasably coupled to the circumferential member the faceguard having a grill section and a frame section both comprising steel bars, wherein the frame section has a bottom most horizontal bar having a thickness greater than the grill section steel bars for improved longevity and wear characteristics to the faceguard. 
         [0011]    The helmet herein is still further characterized wherein the circumferential member further comprises a first and a second overlapping flaps rotating about a vertical axis and joining the top member padded flap via corresponding Velcro; and a padded ear hole for protecting a user&#39;s ear, the padded ear hole having a metal plate coupled at a center portion thereto, the metal plate having an additional plurality of holes to allow a passing of sound. 
         [0012]    In yet another aspect the present invention is a helmet comprising: a padded substantially circumferential member generally protecting a user&#39;s face, forehead, chin, cheek bones, and sides of the user&#39;s head, the circumferential member comprising a first and a second overlapping flaps at a rear thereof for donning and removal of the helmet; and a top member flexibly coupled to the circumferential member via a plurality of flexible bands the flexible bands providing an optimum flex fit thereby further providing increased comfort to a user while also accommodating more different head sizes, the top member providing protection to a top of a user&#39;s head. 
         [0013]    The helmet is also described as having a padded flap pivotally at an end thereof, the padded flap for protecting a back of a user&#39;s head, wherein the paddled flap comprises Velcro material, wherein the first overlapping flap comprises Velcro material on a front side and on a backside thereof, and wherein the second overlapping flap comprises Velcro material on a back side thereof and comprises a manufacturing logo on a front side there, the padded flap, first and second overlapping flaps together allowing for a donning of the helmet. 
         [0014]    The helmet in this aspect is also described wherein the circumferential member additionally comprises a chin portion generally protecting a front of a user&#39;s chin, the helmet additionally having a bottom member joined to the chin portion, the chin portion being generally thicker and having more dense padding as compared to the bottom member, and further the bottom member having softer material as compared to the chin portion for optimum comfort and protection. 
         [0015]    Also specifically with regard to materials contemplated the helmet has an outer skin comprising advanced, man-made leather composed of a non-woven fabric having ultra-fine fibers, approximately measuring 0.05 micron in diameter, the ultra-fine fibers combined to form fiber bundles, the bundles further impregnated with polyurethane to improve flexibility and conformability; and it also has an inner cushioning material including a polymer composite containing a chemically engineered dilatant assisting in energy absorbing properties. 
         [0016]    These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0017]    While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  is a front quarter perspective illustration of a first preferred helmet or headgear apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is an upper front perspective view thereof; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1C  is a front perspective view showing visor removed showing arrangement fo hook and loop fasteners of the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 1D  is front plan view particular showing and outline of a cage visor of the embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a front plan view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention however similar to the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an elevated side perspective view thereof; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2C  is a rear view of the second preferred embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2D  is an underneath view of the second preferred embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a front plan view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention however similar to the first and the second preferred embodiments; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view thereof; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 3C  is a side elevated perspective view of the second preferred embodiment; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. Initially with regard to  FIG. 1A , a helmet apparatus  10   a  particularly useful for fighting and hand to hand combat training purposes has a padded, substantially circumferential member  11  generally protecting a user&#39;s face, forehead, and sides of the user&#39;s head. However as explained herein, the circumferential member  11  leaves a back of user&#39;s head unprotected (as best seen in  FIG. 2C ). 
         [0031]    With further reference to  FIG. 1B , a top member  20  is joined to the circumferential member  11  protecting a top of a user&#39;s head. The top member  20 , in this embodiment  10   a , is composed of multiple padded layers  21 ,  22  wherein a first top shock absorbing padded layer  21  covers nearly all of the top of the user&#39;s head, and a second top shock absorbing padded layer  22  over the first shock absorbing layer  21  substantially covers the top of the user&#39;s head but covers less than the first padded layer  21 . Holes or apertures  23 ,  24  are provided for proper ventilation and also offer a convenient way to carry the apparatus  10   a  while not being worn. Note that aperture  23  in first padded layer  21  is smaller in size than corresponding aperture  24  in the second padded layer  22 . 
         [0032]    With reference to  FIG. 1C , the helmet  10   a  herein is also designed with a detachable faceguard  18 ,  19  comprising a reinforced steel cage further including a grill section  18  and a frame section  19 . Importantly, the frame section  19  is thicker and has a bottom most horizontal bar having a thickness greater than the grill section  18  steel bars for improved longevity and wear characteristics to the faceguard when the helmet  10   a  is placed on a hard surface. In the preferred embodiment, Velcro, or hook and loop fasteners  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  are provided to the circumferential member  11  and are actually sewn around the faceguard steel frame  19  with durable nylon material. More specifically, the circumferential member has a first strip of Velcro  12  about right temple area, a second strip of Velcro  13  about a left temple area, a third strip of Velcro  14  about a chin area, and a fourth strip of Velcro  15  about a forehead area. The fourth strip  15  is unique however as shown in  FIG. 1B  (but not in  FIG. 1A ) in that is has a break therein to allow for a manufacturer logo  16  to be joined to the forehead area of circumferential member  11 . Also, the corresponding Velcro and nylon sewn around the cage frame  19  has a break therein to allow for the manufacture logo  16 . 
         [0033]    Also according to this embodiment  10   a , a padded ear hole  31  for protecting a user&#39;s ear is provided having a metal plate  32  coupled at a center portion thereto. As shown, the metal plate has a plurality of holes  32  to allow a passing of sound. An alternative embodiment provides that rigid plastic could be substituted for the metal plate  32 .  FIG. 1D  is provided particularly to show and outline of a cage visor  18 ,  19  in the front aspect. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an additional embodiment  10   b  without a cage visor  18 ,  19  and without a second layer  22  of padding on the top portion  20 . With reference to  FIG. 2C  and  FIG. 2D , top member  20  has a padded flap  25  piviotably at an end thereof for protecting a back of a user&#39;s head. The padded flap  25  has Velcro to join with a first  34  and a second  35  overlapping flaps rotating about a substantially vertical axis (i.e. they open like a door). More specifically, first overlapping flap  34  has Velcro on both sides and second padded flap  35  has Velcro on one side for all three flaps providing a snug fit to a user (flap  34  on top of flap  25  with flap  35  on top of flap  34 ). Flap  35  further comprises a manufacturing logo on the side opposite the Velcro (not shown). These flaps  25 ,  34 ,  35  further help to fix the helmet  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c  in place on the user&#39;s head, and also make the helmet&#39;s size  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c  more adjustable to fit comfortably and securely on heads of different sizes. 
         [0035]    Also as best seen with regard to  FIG. 2B , top member  20  is elastically joined to the circumferential member  11  via a plurality of flexible bands  41 . The flexible bands  41  also have a small gap  42  therebetween to additionally aid in flexibility. Further, the flexible bands  41  provide an optimum flex fit thereby giving increased comfort to a user while also accommodating more different head sizes. 
         [0036]    Further with regard to  FIG. 2C  and  FIG. 2D , the circumferential member  11  additionally has a chin portion protecting a front of a user&#39;s chin. This chin portion generally has thick shock absorbing padding. Importantly, a bottom member  17  is joined to the chin portion having softer material as compared to the chin portion for optimum chin protection and comfort. Various embodiments herein  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  and be described as having an outer skin  11 ,  20  comprising advanced, man-made leather composed of a non-woven fabric having ultra-fine fibers, approximately measuring 0.05 micron in diameter, the ultra-fine fibers combined to form fiber bundles, the bundles further impregnated with polyurethane to improve flexibility and conformability. The outer skin  11 ,  20  will generally cover an inner cushioning material including a polymer composite containing a chemically engineered dilatant assisting in energy absorbing properties. Further, materials  11 ,  20  are contemplated to have an antimicrobial feature. More specifically, the textile or surface layer may be treated with an antimicrobial agent to reduce odor-causing and/or pathogenic microorganisms. Examples of such antimicrobial agents include: silane functionalized quaternary amines such as Microbe Shield™ available from AEGIS Environments; colloidal silver solutions such as Silpure™ available from Thompson Research Associates, Canada, silver chelated polymer solutions such as SilvaDur™ available from Rohm &amp; Haas; biguanides such as polyhexamethylene biguanide sold under the trade names Vantocil™ and Cosmocil™ available from Arch Chemicals; and a formulation sold under the name of GermPro™ available from GermPatrol LLC, Largo, Fla. 
         [0037]    An additional heavily padded variation  11   c  is provided in  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B  and  FIG. 3C . The elliptical shape of the face opening  39  allows for thick, multilayer padding to protect the sides and front of the user&#39;s head. Still further, the face is given additional protection by a steel frame built into said padding  11 . Herein, the whole interior is lined with a layer of soft foam with high quality bonded to foam for maximum comfort. As before, two layers  21 ,  22  protect a top of a user&#39;s head. 
         [0038]    It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.