Headgear safety apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates generally to the field of headgear, and, more particularly, to a headgear safety apparatus in the form of a single contiguous and homogeneous pad, the apparatus comprising: an inner surface, wherein said inner surface is substantially concave; an outer surface, wherein said outer surface is substantially convex; and a one or more safety features. The single contiguous and homogeneous pad is manufactured from closed-cell, ethylene vinyl acetate foam using an injection molding process to create integrated safety features in a single, anti-microbial, safety pad.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A headgear safety apparatus in the form of a single contiguous and homogeneous pad,
 the apparatus comprising:   an inner surface, wherein said inner surface is substantially concave;   an outer surface, wherein said outer surface is substantially convex; and   a one or more safety features, wherein said one or more safety features are chosen from the group of safety features including:
 slots and channels configured to accept a strap; 
 tapered channels configured to accept a strap, where the tapered channels are configured so as to allow for the pad position to be adjusted while still constraining the strap within the tapered channels; 
 a molded recess in the inner surface configured to accept a user's ear; 
 a one or more aperture, wherein said aperture extends from the inner surface to the outer surface and is configured to provide for ventilation and unobstructed hearing; 
 a one or more recesses in the inner surface, wherein said one or more recesses are configured as score markings for a user to cut off excess pad material in order to ensure a proper fit; 
 a plurality of raised protrusions extending normal to the inner surface configured to provide a first shock absorbing mechanism as well as to provide for airflow and ventilation between the apparatus and the wearer's skin; and 
 a temple portion configured to extend over and protect the wearer's temple. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is manufactured by an injection molded foam process utilizing closed-cell, ethylene vinyl acetate foam with an anti-microbial additive. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises a one or more strap system.