GB2529707A

GB2529707A - A headgear device

Info

Publication number: GB2529707A
Application number: GB1415390.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Rothwell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-09-01
Filing date: 2014-09-01
Publication date: 2016-03-02
Also published as: GB201415390D0

Abstract

A headgear device for aiding a child riding on an adults shoulders comprising; a body configured to secure the device on a user's head; and a handle 100 which is secured to the body, and extends above the body in use. A child can hold on to the handle for support. The handle can be formed from two side members 13 joined by a bar 1 and can be displaceable in relation to the body via hinges. The handle may be detached for transport or storage. The hat or helmet type body can be in the form of a skeleton or shell and include removable padding. The device may include flexible strapping that can be adjusted to different lengths. A chin strap 8 can help ensure the headgear is secure on a users head. A replaceable outer cover 2 can be fastened over the helmet body.

Description

A HEADGEAR DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a headgear device, in particular a device for wearing on a head; more particularly but not exclusively a device for aiding a rider riding on a user's shoulders.

Background

Children and others like riding on users' shoulders. This can be problematic when the child or rider does not feel safe and secure on the user's shoulders.

The user will then need to hold the rider's legs, body or back, which can be awkward.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: International patent application WO 2013 030 600 (FORSYTH) provides support for a person comprising a liner for a helmet, a padded neck support and a connecting member connecting the liner and the padded neck support. The support is especially suitable for very young children and so the liner is normally sized to fit heads with a diameter of less than 50cm. The invention provides a flexible support for helmet, which are typically unsafe to use for children (e.g. when riding pillion on a bicycle) because they are too large and provide no neck support.

United States patent application US 6 098 856 (REILLY) discloses a shoulder baby carrier comprising: a horizontal head strap, with said horizontal head strap forming a horizontally disposed loop, with said head strap having a first intermediate portion and a second intermediate portion, with said first and said second intermediate portions generally diametrically opposed; an overhead strap with said overhead strap having a first end and a second end with said first end of said overhead strap attached to said first intermediate portion and with said second end of said overhead strap attached to said second intermediate portion; a first underarm strap having a first end and a second end; a second underarm strap having a first end and a second end, with said first end of said first underarm strap attached to said first intermediate portion of said horizontal head strap, with said first end of said second underarm strap attached to said second intermediate portion of said horizontal head strap; a baby back support, with said second end of said first underarm strap and said second end of said second underarm strap each attached to said baby back support; a baby seat strap, with said baby seat strap having a first end connected to said baby back support and a second end connected to said horizontal head strap; a baby waist strap with said baby waist strap forming a loop and with said baby waist strap connected to said baby seat back; and a pair of baby shoulder straps with each of said baby shoulder straps having a first end and a second end, with said first end of said first baby shoulder strap attached to said baby back support, with said first end of said second baby shoulder strap attached to said baby back support, with said second end of said first baby shoulder strap and said second end of said second baby shoulder strap each attached to said horizontal head strap.

International patent application WO 9 906 001 (YANAY) discloses a baby's carrying harness comprising a first loop adapted to be strapped around and tightened against the forehead of the carrying adult, while the baby is seated on his shoulders, and a second loop adapted to be strapped around and tightened against the baby's waist, the loops being fastened to each other in an "8-shape, back-to-back configuration.

Further comprised are a pair of shoulder-straps adapted to be strapped each around one of the baby's shoulders.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a headgear device comprising a body configured to secure the device on a user's head; and a handle, wherein the handle is secured to the body, and extends above the body in use.

In some embodiments the handle includes separate parts extending horizontally and vertically in relation to the body. In some embodiments the handle may be divided into two upstanding members and in preferred embodiments these members are joined by a bar, forming an inverted U shape extending above the body in use.

In other embodiments the two upstanding members may be joined by a flexible cord or tether in use, for example wherein a rider may be surrounded by said tether.

Advantageously therefore the device provides a handle for a child riding on the user's shoulders. In this way older riders or children are able to maintain a hold on the handle and consequently on the user. In embodiments having a tether a safeguard is also provided.

Preferably the handle comprises a bar member spaced from the body in a manner sufficient to allow the rider to comfortably hold the handle without interfering with the user's head, wherein the bar is substantially horizontal and at least 10-20cm from the user's crown in use.

The body preferably comprises a configuration of parts or a single part arranged such as to surround the user's head in use, in consequence securing the device to the user's head in a horizontal plane. In this way the body may take form of a standard cap or hat or headgear.

Said skeleton may comprise bands or straps arranged to surround the user's head, wherein the bands are flexible and/or flexibly interconnected and may have tightening mechanisms. In this way for example an area may be left open, for example for hair and/or contact between the rider and wearer.

In further embodiments the skeleton may comprise a solid or perforated shell, which shell is arranged to fit over the standard user's head, for example available in various sizes, or supplied with displaceable padding or other adjustment means.

In preferred embodiments the body is further arranged with a mechanism for temporary engagement to the user's head predominantly in a vertical plane wherein said configuration may comprise parts that consolidate engagement or prevent dislodging. Said mechanism may comprise strapping.

In preferred embodiments the mechanism comprises at least one strap configured with an end attachment and/or length adjustment mechanism.

Said strap or straps may be flexible and/or discontinuous, comprising a mechanism for attachment of the discontinued ends at a plurality of points, consequently adjusting length of the strap.

In other embodiments the strap is continuous in use and comprises a length adjustment mechanism shortening the strap length anchors between anchors. Such anchors are ideally situated to either side of the user's head in use.

Length adjustment may be comprised by two discontinuous straps with anchors to the body, wherein the two straps may be attached to each other by a temporary attachment means at a plurality of points, which points may form a continuous or stepped sequence, dependent on the means of attachment, wherein for example hook and loop portions such as Velcro (RIM) allow a large variety of length adjustments.

In some embodiments the length adjustment mechanism is comprised in elasticity of the strap, at least in part.

In addition or the alternative at least one adjustment mechanism may be included for adjustment of length spanning the user's head, wherein the body may be tightened about the head in or before use.

In preferred embodiments the mechanism for engagement of the user's head comprises a chin engagement mechanism, wherein the user's chin is surrounded by the mechanism and the device is secured around the head and chin.

Advantageously therefore the handle is safely secured in use to the user and the child is enabled to hold to the handle as well as or in addition to standard means of keeping secure when riding shoulders.

The chin engagement mechanism may include shaping and/or padding for the user's chin, wherein device is cushioned against the user's chin to accommodate extra weight and forces provoked by the rider pulling against the handle.

Preferably the device comprises an outer, wherein said outer provides an aesthetic covering for the body. Said outer may be fastened over the body in use, wherein the outer is replaceable and amendable for aesthetic or cleaning purposes. The outer thereby comprises a fastening means in such embodiments. The fastening means may comprise elasticated portions, press studs, buttons, hook and ioop such as Velcro (RTM) or similar reversible mechanisms. The outer is typically formed in fabric and shaped according to standard hat or cap shapes.

In some embodiments the device includes a harness attached or attachable to the handle so as to aid the rider in maintaining position safely even where the rider forgets to hold the handle.

In preferred embodiments the handle is displaceable in relation to the body wherein the handle may be reduced in size, hinged towards or away from the rider or detached from the body for transport, storage or so as to improve aesthetics of the device when no rider is in place.

For example in some embodiments the handle may be telescopic at least in part, for example so as to enable adjustment of the relative height of the bar member from the body.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the headgear device; Figure 2 shows a rear isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 show detail views of mechanism featured in the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 4 show plan views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 5 show front and rear views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 6 show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figure 8 shows a reverse isometric exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown a headgear device comprising a cap outer 2 and sub-frame providing a handle 100. Said handle comprises a bar 1 and side upstanding members 13. The bar is padded for comfort to the rider. The cap has a peak 16 in the pictured embodiment but may be interchangeable for aesthetic purposes or other reasons.

The cap has a lacuna 14 for receipt of the handle pivot 4, which lacuna has a fastener 15 to close.

The members 13 intersect at a joint 3 with the bar 1. In some embodiments the joint is free spinning in order to maximise comfort and enjoyment for the rider.

The subframe is made up of a shell 200, and a number of straps 5,6,8. The shell includes a headband 201 of substantially rigid but resiliently defoirnable nature, which headband surrounds a majority of the user's head in use and has a tightening mechanism 12.

The headband is part of a relatively more rigid plate 202 which supports the handle and may contain breathable padding and ventilation holes 204 to comfortably grip the wearer's head.

The straps are canvas webbing threaded through the shell and intersected at a joint 7. The joint 7 is arranged for receipt of a clip 10 with sprung buttons on the chin strap 8.

To adjust length of the chin strap the user would squeeze the buttons of the button release 10 together to unclip and fit the chin strap 8 then pull the strap end tight to secure the chin pad 9.

The headband has a ratchet mechanism wherein as a wheel is turned, an internal cord 122 is coiled around a button, tightening the sides of the headband. To unlock, a central button 121 is depressed, to dislocate locking pins, allowing the cord to loosen. The ratchet mechanism 12 is supported from the shell on a spur 123.

The handle locking mechanism includes a toothed wheel which slots into teeth on the handle and the cap. When the button is depressed, this lock is released allowing the handle to rotate freely. In use the user will press and hold the release button to pivot the handle to the correct location and release button to lock the handle in place. The positioning of the handle allows adjustment as the rider grows.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A headgear device comprising a body configured to secure the device on a user's head; and a handle, wherein the handle is secured to the body, and extends above the body in use.
2. A headgear device according to claim 1 wherein the handle includes separate parts extending horizontally and vertically in relation to the body.
3. A headgear device according to claim 2 wherein the handle is divided into two upstanding members joined by a bar, forming an inverted U shape extending above the body in use.
4. A headgear device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the body comprises a configuration of parts arranged such as to surround the user's head in use.
5. A headgear device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the body comprises a single part.
6. A headgear device according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the body comprises a skeleton.
7. A headgear device according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the body comprises a shell.
8. A headgear device according to any preceding claim wherein the body is arranged to fit over the standard user's head, for example available in various sizes.
9. A headgear device according to any preceding claim wherein the body comprises displaceable padding.
10. A headgear device according to any preceding claim comprising a mechanism for temporary engagement to the user's head predominantly in a vertical plane wherein said configuration may comprise parts that consolidate engagement or prevent dislodging.
11. A headgear device according to claim 10 wherein the mechanism comprises strapping.
12. A headgear device according to claim 11 comprising at least one strap configured with an end attachment and/or length adjustment mechanism.
13. A headgear device according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the strapping is flexible and/or discontinuous, comprising a mechanism for attachment of the discontinued ends at a plurality of points, consequently adjusting length of the strapping.
14. A headgear device according to any preceding claim comprising a chin engagement mechanism.
15. A headgear device according to claim 14 wherein the chin engagement device includes shaping and/or padding for a user's chin, wherein device is cushioned against the user's chin to accommodate extra weight and forces provoked by a rider pulling against the handle.
16. A headgear device according to any preceding claim wherein the device comprises an outer, such that said outer provides an aesthetic covering for the body.
17. A headgear device according to claim 16 wherein said outer is fastened over the body in use, wherein the outer is replaceable and amendable for aesthetic or cleaning purposes.
18. A headgear device according to any preceding claim wherein the handle is displaceable in relation to the body.
19. A headgear device according to claim 18 wherein the handle is reduced in size.
20. A headgear device according to claim 18 wherein the handle is hinged towards or away from the rider
21. A headgear device according to claim 18 wherein the handle is detached from the body for transport or storage.
22. A headgear device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.