Head protector

Abstract

A headgear enhancer or head protector of a molded thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which may include a styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) material to provide desired resiliency for comfort, force distribution, and protection while also providing suitable molding characteristics related to management of flash, demolding, and deforming. The head protector may include a plurality of elements molded in a network, mesh, or grid of connected polygons forming a single unitary construction with an outer diameter of the elements ranging from about 6 mm (¼ inch) to about 16 mm (⅝ inch). The elements are formed of a material having a durometer range from 40-90 on the Shore A Hardness scale. The head protector may be a headband having a width of 2-10 cm with an open top or crown and bottom and may be worn beneath a helmet or cap, such as a baseball cap or water polo cap.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A protective head gear, comprising:
 a network of segments that define the outer boundary of triangular elements and rectangular elements;   said network configured to cover the circumference about the head defined by the upper and lower boundaries of the forehead, the temples on both sides of the head, and the crown of the head;   said segments molded together to form a single, unitary construction and configured to distribute forces resulting from an impact;   said segments having an outer diameter ranging from 5-17 mm and having a hardness ranging from 15-60 Shore A Hardness scale.