Protective attachment assembly for headgear

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved method and device for temporarily affixing a protective attachment assembly 20 to a headgear 30 having a headband inner surface 36. The stiffener 10 has an arched shape between the two ends 16 and 16 A with a left tab 12 and a right tab 12 A both having first projections 19 and second projections 19 A that provide frictional holding when inserted between the headband inner surface 36 and the perimeter surface 35 of the headgear 30. A center tab 13 B consists of an upper relief radius 13 that will accommodate a ponytail 40 and a protruding lower radius 13 A that provides stabilizing support when placed over the adjustment strap 33 of the headgear 30.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A protective headgear attachment assembly that attaches to a headgear device having an internal headband with an upwardly facing inner channel between the headband and the headgear with the protective attachment assembly comprising: 
 a) a stiffener having opposed ends forming a plane;    b) a stiffener having opposed ends forming a plane with both ends of the stiffener connected to a tab and sharing a common plane and 
 i) the tabs extending beyond the width of body of the stiffener in a downward direction on opposed ends and  
 ii) the tabs having a frictional surface on opposing surfaces.  
   c) a stiffener having and arc shape between the opposed ends;    d) a stiffener having a relief on the upper edge of the arc between the opposed ends to accommodate a ponytail;    e) a stiffener having a protruding tab on the lower edge of the arc between the opposed ends providing additional support for the protective headgear attachment;    f) a stiffener constructed of a pliable material such as plastic or a fibrous material;    g) a stiffener attached to a material body that drapes downward from the stiffener to shield the neck, ears and sides of face of the wearer from areas not protected by the headgear device.    
     
     
         2 . A protective headgear attachment assembly as in  claim 1  with a pocket between layers of the material body where an absorbent material may be placed to hold a liquid for cooling or warming or an insect repellant or particular scent may be applied for release over time or for electrical wiring for a heating element or lighting to be enclosed.  
     
     
         3 . A protective headgear attachment assembly as in  claim 1  where the material body is designed in the particular shape of an object.  
     
     
         4 . A protective headgear attachment assembly as in  claim 1  where the material body is made of multiple layers of disposable material that may be removed along a tear line to expose a new layer.  
     
     
         5 . A protective headgear attachment assembly as in  claim 1  where the material body is made of a specific material that aids the identification the wearer in an obvious or discrete manner.  
     
     
         6 . A protective headgear attachment assembly as in  claim 1  where the outward facing side is imprinted with particular images or words.  
     
     
         7 . A stiffener as in  claim 1  fabricated from flat material and the frictional surface created by mechanical impressions.  
     
     
         8 . A stiffener as in  claim 1  fabricated from flat material and the frictional surface created by applying a material or adhesive to the surface of the stiffener.  
     
     
         9 . A stiffener as in  claim 1  made in a mold with the frictional surface created by protrusions extending from the surface.