Insert device for air-cooling in hats and helmets

Abstract

A self contained, battery operated fan device that inserts inside a hat or helmet. The device blows air across the head of a wearer, thereby providing evaporative cooling that can reduce the temperature inside the hat or helmet, make the wearer feel more comfortable when operating in a hot environment, and reduce the potential for heat stress for the wearer. Also, because the airflow produced by the insert blows down all around the head of the wearer of the hat or helmet, it helps to blow smoke or dust away from the user's face.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An insert device for installation inside a hat or helmet comprising:
 a rigid frame attachable to a hat or helmet, said rigid frame provided with an opening for the flow of air over the top portion of the head of the person wearing the hat of helmet; and   a fan attached to the frame for moving air over the top portion of the head of the person wearing the hat or helmet.   
     
     
         2 . The insert device of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a means of selectively activating and deactivating the fan. 
 
     
     
         3 . The insert device of  claim 2  wherein said means for selectively activating and deactivating the fan comprises:
 At least one battery operatively connected to the fan; and 
 a switch operatively connected to the at least one battery such that the fan is selectively activated and deactivated upon movement of the switch between on and off positions. 
 
     
     
         4 . The insert device in  claim 2  further comprising:
 an optional battery recharger plug functionally attached to said at least one battery to accept an external recharge adapter for the at least one battery. 
 
     
     
         5 . The insert device of  claim 1  further comprising:
 at least three tabs extending out from the frame, and 
 said tabs providing attachment means for attaching the insert device inside a hat or helmet. 
 
     
     
         6 . The insert device of  claim 5  wherein the attachment means for attaching the insert device inside a hat or helmet is selected from the following list: adhesive, or self gripping hook and loop fastener strips.