Neck protector

Abstract

A neck protector for use with headgear in protecting the user's back or dorsal region of the neck from injury. An envelope is formed with a plurality of first chambers that are arranged sequentially to form a layer of a series of lengthwise pockets. A second layer of chambers are arranged and attached to the first layer of chambers to overlap the partitions of the first layer of chambers. A substantially rigid, curved member is contained in each of the chambers in both layers. A padded material is preferably permanently attached to each of the rigid, curved members on the side facing the neck of the individual when in use. The envelope also has means for attachment to existing protective headgear.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for use with headgear in protecting the back of the neck from injury, the apparatus comprising: 
 an envelope comprising: 
 a first layer of a plurality of elongated chambers laterally positioned adjacent to one another; and  
 a second layer of a plurality of elongated chambers positioned laterally adjacent to one another, wherein said second layer is positioned parallel to said first layer in a staggered fashion;  
   a first set of substantially rigid members, each contained within one the chambers of said first layer;    a second set of substantially rigid members, each contained within one of the chambers of said second layer; and    a means for attachment of the apparatus to the headgear.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein, said envelope is made of fire resistant material.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said fire resistant material is also resistant to penetration or absorption of liquids.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said material is a cloth made of flame retardant fiber.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said second set of substantially rigid members have padding on one side thereof.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said padding is approximately ¼ inch thick, is flame retardant and is resistant to the penetration or absorption of liquids.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for use with headgear in protecting the back of the neck from injury, the apparatus comprising: 
 an envelope comprising: 
 a first layer of a plurality of elongated chambers positioned adjacent to one another;  
 a second layer of a plurality of elongated chambers positioned adjacent to one another, said second layer being attached substantially parallel to said first layer in a staggered fashion;  
   a first set of substantially rigid members, each contained within one of the chambers of the first layer;    a second set of substantially rigid members, each contained within one of the chambers of the second layer, said second set of members being padded on one side thereof; and    a means for attachment of said envelope to the headgear.    
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein, said substantially rigid members are approximately 1 mm to 5 mm thick and approximately 10 inches long.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein, said substantially rigid members are curved lengthwise.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein, said envelope is fire resistant and resistant to penetration or absorption of liquids  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said envelope is selected from the group consisting of a cloth made of flame retardant fiber, and any substantially equivalent cloth known in the art.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein, said padding is made of flame retardant closed cell thermoplastic foam.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein, said padding is made of flame retardant felt and enclosed in a liquid-impervious pouch to minimize absorbency.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein, said substantially rigid horizontal members are made of a plastic material with relatively high heat distortion temperature and low flammability.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said members are selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate thermoplastic and any substantially equivalent material known in the art.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein, said substantially rigid horizontal members are metal.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein, said substantially rigid horizontal members are made from a composite material selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, carbon fiber, and puncture resistant man-made fiber.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein, said substantially rigid horizontal members are made of rawhide.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said means for secure attachment is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, clamps, buckles, glue, brackets, straps and bolts.  
     
     
         20 . An apparatus for use with headgear in protecting the back of the neck from injury, the apparatus comprising: 
 a first layer of substantially rigid members, laterally positioned adjacent to one another;    a second layer of substantially rigid members, laterally positioned adjacent to one another, wherein said second layer is positioned parallel to said first layer in a staggered fashion;    a flexible material connecting adjacent rigid members of said second layer with the staggered rigid members of said first layer; and    means for attachment of the apparatus to the headgear,    wherein a continuous flexible impenetrable barrier is formed, thereby protecting the back of the neck from injury.