Head protector for infants, small children, senior citizens, adults or physically disabled individuals

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a protective hat suitable for every day wear by infants, children, senior citizens or physically disabled individuals. Such hat protects at least the sides, top or rear of the wearer's head from injuries due to falls or bumps against bard objects while conducting routine, daily activities. Generally, the head protector of the present invention may comprise: ( 1 ) a cap member; and ( 2 ) one or more flexible, resilient shock absorbent pads. The cap member may be constructed so as to fully enclose and/or encapsulate the one or more pads.

1 . A protective hat in the form of a liner suitable for everyday wear during non-sport activities by infants, small children, senior citizens or physically disabled adults, comprising:
 (i) one or more pads, said pads being flexible, resilient and shock absorbent, the one or more pads having an outer portion and an inner portion, the outer portion comprising, at least in part, a soft portion configured to be positioned against a wearer's head when the liner is worn;   (ii) an outer material surrounding or connecting the one or more pads, the outer material prevents direct contact of the wearer's head with the one or more pads;   (iii) the one or more pads comprising a medium adequate to protect the wearer's head from injury resulting from bumps, falls or slips during non-sport activities;   (iv) the liner, when worn, is adapted to be worn by an infant, small child, senior citizen, or physically disabled adult, the physically disabled adult having a medical condition, the symptoms of which compromise the adult's balance or strength rendering the adult prone to falls when walking or standing;   (v) the liner being so constructed such that the liner, when worn, is adequate to protect the wearer's head from injury resulting from bumps, falls or slips while standing, crawling or walking during non-sport activities; and   (vi) the liner is configured to be removably attached to an inner surface of a cap member; and   (vii) the liner is configured to be used alone or in conjunction with the cap member.   
     
     
         2 . The protective hat of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more pads comprises a padded sandwich defined by the outer portion and the inner portion, wherein a padded material of the outer portion is different from that of the inner portion. 
     
     
         3 . The protective hat of  claim 1 , wherein the medium in the one or more pads comprises a silastic gelatinous material. 
     
     
         4 . The protective hat of  claim 1 , wherein the medium in the one or more pads comprises a gas. 
     
     
         5 . The protective hat of  claim 1 , wherein the medium one or more pads comprises air. 
     
     
         6 . The protective hat of  claim 1 , wherein the medium in the one or more pads comprises a liquid material. 
     
     
         7 . The protective hat of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more pads comprise an aerogel. 
     
     
         8 . The protective hat of  claim 1 , wherein the medium in the one or more pads comprises a silica aerogel. 
     
     
         9 . The protective hat of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more pads comprises a foam material. 
     
     
         10 . The protective hat of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more pads comprises a rubber material.