Apparatus for Enhancing Absorption and Dissipation of Impact Forces for Sweatbands

Abstract

A sweatband designed to be worn on a user for usage in a variety of sporting activities. The sweatband comprises inserts for the purpose of protecting the user, which may be permanently placed or removable. In the preferred mode, the inserts are polymeric and function to absorb and dissipate impact forces with which the user comes in contact. Importantly, the inserts may he strategically placed within the sweatband, such as in the areas most vulnerable to concussion or injury upon impact. In an alternate embodiment, the polymeric inserts may he removed from the sweatband. In total, the invention provides a novel, lightweight means to protect the athlete, while effectively functioning to absorb perspiration.

1 . An apparatus for enhancing absorption and dissipation of forces for sweatbands comprising:
 a soft, pliable sweatband of a generally annular configuration, the sweatband comprising an exterior portion and interior portion,   at least one insert placed within the sweatband, the insert relatively thin in nature and positioned to protect the intended area of a user,   the apparatus functioning to absorb perspiration and absorb and dissipate impact forces, with only remaining forces distributed to the user.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the insert is permanently placed within the sweatband. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the insert is removably placed within the sweatband. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the sweatband comprises an exterior portion and interior portion and is designed to be placed around the head of a user, from the forehead to back of the head, at least one insert placed within the sweatband, the insert positioned to protect the forehead area of a user, and a soft, pliable vertical sweatband affixed to the horizontal sweatband, the vertical sweatband comprising an exterior portion and interior portion and designed to extend from the user's forehead over the crown of the head, and to the back of the head, at least one insert placed within the sweatband, the insert positioned to protect at least one additional area of the head. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the sweatband is designed to be fitted and placed around a lower leg area of a user, at least one insert placed within the sweatband, the insert positioned to protect a shin of a user. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the sweatband is designed to be fitted and placed around a knee of a user, at least one insert placed within the sweatband, the insert positioned to protect a knee of a user. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the sweatband is designed to be fitted and placed around an arm of a user, at least one insert placed within the sweatband, the insert positioned to protect the wrist and forearm area of a user. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the sweatband is designed to be fitted and placed around an upper leg area of a user, at least one insert placed within the sweatband, the insert positioned to protect at least a hamstring area of a user. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the insert is a soft, pliable padding material with consistent memory. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the insert is a semi-rigid polymeric material. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, a combination of polymers, and a combination of co-polymers. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the insert comprises apertures which function to allow air to pass therethrough. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein an aperture is located upon an interior surface of the sweatband. 
   
   
       14 . The improved protective apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein an aperture is located upon an exterior surface of the sweatband. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein ends of the sweatband are attached to one another by means selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, Velcro®, snaps, and at least one button. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein ends of the sweatband are permanently affixed to one another and the sweatband is slid over an area intended to be protected. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is utilized in activities selected from the group consisting of football, hockey, baseball, softball, lacrosse, skiing, horseback riding, climbing, skateboarding, roller skating, cycling, motorcycling, automobile racing, and snowmobiling. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the inserts are manufactured in a variety of previously determined sizes, functioning to render the inserts effective for multiple previously determined sporting events. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the insert can be removed and washed. 
   
   
       20 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the sweatband may be washed with the insert permanently in place. 
   
   
       21 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the insert is curved in configuration, and is of a length in the range of three to eight inches. 
   
   
       22 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1 , wherein the sweatband is reversible, functioning to allow the interior portion to dry while the exterior portion is placed against the user. 
   
   
       23 . An apparatus for enhancing absorption and dissipation of forces for sweatbands used in connection with helmets comprising:
 a soft, pliable horizontal sweatband of a generally annular configuration, the sweatband comprising an exterior portion and interior portion and designed to be placed around the head of a user, from the forehead to back of the head, at least one insert placed within the sweatband, the insert relatively thin in nature and positioned to protect the forehead area of a user, and a soft, pliable vertical sweatband affixed to the horizontal sweatband, the vertical sweatband comprising an exterior portion and interior portion and designed to extend from the user's forehead over the crown of the head, and to the back of the head, at least one insert placed within the sweatband through at least one aperture on the sweatband, the insert relatively thin in nature and positioned to protect at least one additional area of the head,   the apparatus functioning to absorb perspiration and absorb and dissipate impact forces, with only remaining forces distributed to the user.   
   
   
       24 . The improved protective apparatus as described in  claim 23 , wherein the insert is permanently placed within the sweatband. 
   
   
       25 . The improved protective apparatus as described in  claim 23 , wherein the insert is removably placed within the sweatband. 
   
   
       26 . An apparatus for enhancing absorption and dissipation of forces for sweatbands used in connection with helmets comprising:
 a soft, pliable horizontal sweatband of a generally annular configuration, the sweatband comprising an exterior portion and interior portion and designed to be placed around the head of a user, from the forehead to back of the head, at least one insert placed within the sweatband, the insert relatively thin in nature and positioned to protect the forehead area of a user,   a soft, pliable first vertical sweatband affixed to the horizontal sweatband, the vertical sweatband comprising an exterior portion and interior portion and designed to extend from the user's forehead over the crown of the head, and to the back of the head, at least one insert placed within the sweatband through at least one aperture on the sweatband, the insert relatively thin in nature and positioned to protect at least one additional area of the head,   a soft, pliable second vertical sweatband affixed to the horizontal sweatband, the vertical sweatband comprising an exterior portion and interior portion and designed to extend from a first side of the user's head over the crown of the head, and to a second side of the user's head, at least one insert placed within the sweatband through at least one aperture on the sweatband, the insert relatively thin in nature and positioned to protect at least one additional area of the head,   the apparatus functioning to absorb and dissipate impact forces, with only remaining forces distributed to the user.   
   
   
       27 . The improved protective apparatus as described in  claim 26 , wherein the insert is permanently placed within the sweatband. 
   
   
       28 . The improved protective apparatus as described in  claim 26 , wherein the insert is removably placed within the sweatband.