Impact-absorbing headgear liner and skull cap

Abstract

A protective impact-absorbing headgear liner for use with various types of helmets and protective gear or clothing. The lining material has unique impact absorbing properties to additionally protect a wearer from impact related injuries. The headgear liner has a band and crown which are variously shaped and positioned to received impact-absorbing pads. The position of the pockets depends on the helmet style. In one example the liner is a stretchable material. Impact absorbing pads as described herein may be used in a variety of clothing and protective gear to protect from impact injury. Examples are football shoulder ads, thigh pads, bicycle helmets and the like. The liner may also be an expanded foam. A preferred pad material is a gel containing a thermoplastic elastomer.

1 . An under helmet liner comprising:
 (a) a circular head-encircling band having a crown;   (b) said band and crown each defining at least one pocket; and   (c) an impact-absorbing gel pad in said pocket.   
     
     
         2 . The liner of  claim 1  wherein the pads are removable from the pockets. 
     
     
         3 . The liner of  claim 2  wherein the pockets are formed by overlapping pieces of fabric. 
     
     
         4 . The liner of  claim 1  wherein the pads are an impact-absorbing gel. 
     
     
         5 . The liner of  claim 4  wherein the gel is a thermoplastic resin. 
     
     
         6 . The liner of  claim 1  wherein the band and crown are an elasticized, stretchable material. 
     
     
         7 . The liner of  claim 1  wherein the impact absorbing gel pad includes an expanded foam disposed on the impact absorbing gel pad. 
     
     
         8 . The liner of  claim 1  wherein the liner has a tail piece formed from impact absorbing gel to adjust a size of the liner. 
     
     
         9 . The liner of  claim 1  wherein the location of the pockets are selected to provide impact-resistance in areas based on the type of helmet and activity. 
     
     
         10 . The liner of  claim 1  wherein the liner includes vents. 
     
     
         11 . The liner of  claim 1  wherein the liner is moisture-absorbent. 
     
     
         12 . A protective gear system comprising:
 an article of protective gear to designed to protect a wearer from an impact related injury; and   a thermoplastic elastomer material disposed between the article of protective gear and a wearer of the protective gear to further absorb an impacting force whereby the wearer is further protected.