WO2010084483A1

WO2010084483A1 - Cooling head gear for endurance activity

Info

Publication number: WO2010084483A1
Application number: PCT/IL2009/000975
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ehud Ofir; Shy Zeharhary; Moran Sarig; Alon Merimsky
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-01-22
Filing date: 2009-10-12
Publication date: 2010-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2011-07-22

Abstract

A head covering system comprising a concave head cover separated from the scalp that follows the contours of the scalp thereby to generate a narrow chamber adjacent the scalp such that headwind air particles adjacent the scalp are tunneled into and out of the narrow chamber for acceleration therewithin, wherein the narrow chamber comprises a wider forward portion and a narrower rear portion thereby to generate acceleration of headwind air particles by virtue of the Bernoulli effect.

Description

COOLING HEAD GEAR FOR ENDURANCE ACTIVITY

REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS

Priority is claimed from US provisional application No. 61/202,034, entitled "Cooling Cap" and filed January 22, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to headgear and more particularly to headgear for sports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional technology pertaining to certain embodiments of the present invention is described in the following publications inter alia:

The state of the art is represented by the following publications inter alia: United States Patent 5218977 to Masakatsu Takahashi; United States Patent 5365607 to Benevento; United States Patent 5327585 to Karlan, United States Patent to Asenguah; United States Design Patent D439377 to Dagan; United States Patent 7097080 to Cox; United States Patent 5839121 to Morales; United States Design Patent D354376 to Kun; United States Patent 6598236 to Gantt.

Bernoulli's principle is known in the art of fluid dynamics and states that for an inviscid flow of fluid, an increase in the fluid's speed occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the potential energy of the fluid.

The Venturi effect refers to a reduction in pressure of a fluid as the fluid flows from a first section of pipe having a first, larger cross-section, into a second section of the pipe having second, smaller cross-section.

The disclosures of all publications and patent documents mentioned in the specification, and of the publications and patent documents cited therein directly or indirectly, are hereby incorporated by reference. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

During continuous sport activity at temperatures higher than 20 degrees C - at least 20% of the human body's extra heat are regulated by the capillary blood vessels that are close to the skull's skin surface and by the evaporation of sweat. If the body is unable to maintain a normal temperature and it increases significantly above normal - it results in major degradation of the physical fitness and eventually could cause a heat stroke.

Cooling the head during sport activity in hot weather improves the physical state of the athlete e.g. runner thus enabling the runner to run faster, feel better and extend her or his endurance. The efficiency of such thermo regulation may be influenced by one or more of the velocity of the air, the air temperature, the humidity of the air and the exposed surface dimension.

Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide optimizations for head gear during endurance activity to meet the best conditions for optimal thermo regulation .

The cooling properties of the hat for runners provided according to certain embodiments of the present invention is achieved by the roof of the hat being elevated from the head and held with typically minimal and thin supporting profiles typically a couple of centimeters above the head. While the hat roof may still provide its legacy sun ray (heat and UV) blocking functionality, it also creates a wind tunnel that enables the flow of air, typically at a speed at least equal to the running speed. The narrowing tunnel of the air created by the shape of the hat forces the air above the head to flow as per Bernoulli's law: As a gas moves from a wider pipe into a narrower pipe, a corresponding volume must move a greater distance forward in the narrower pipe and thus have a greater speed. Since the speed is greater in the narrower pipe, the kinetic energy of that volume is greater and the head's heat removal is faster .

For best results the runner's hair should be shaved to less than 3mm height. However, for the case of runners that prefer longer hair - a synthetic breathing wig like cap with synthetic capillary knobs may be used to increase the sweat evaporation surface and thermal dissipation.

Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a hat whose roof is elevated above the head so as to not block heat generated by the head.

Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a hat including a roof that tunnels the head wind during running to be accelerated above the head and thus increase the sweat evaporation and the heat removal .

Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a hat including an optional accessory (for runners that do not shorten their hair) Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide an elastic net of knobs used as head cover that has synthetic capillary knobs acting like radiator by absorbing the sweat and increasing the cooling surface and evaporation.

Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a hat that has a roof with external chrome color to maximize sun rays reflection.

Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a hat shaped as a thin layer light weight plastic helmet secluded few centimeters from the head.

Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a hat with a battery operated light fan replaced at the rear of the hat to increase the wind flow on the head.

Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a switch to determine the direction of the ventilator spinning for suction or blow effect.

Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a hat with means to adjust the hat's distance from the head.

Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a hat whose roof is a shadowing roof .

Certain embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a method for manufacturing any of the above hats including providing each of the components of the hats and assembling the same as shown and described herein.

Experimental measurements of the temperature adjacent the head using a hat constructed according to certain embodiments of the present invention during continuous running at 5 min/km pace in 38 - 39 degrees Celsius in direct sun, have yielded a result of 28 degrees Celsius, which is 7 degrees cooler than the temperature near the head under the same conditions other than use of a standard white running cap rather than a hat shown and described herein. The experimentally obtained temperature near the head was also 5 degrees cooler than measurements taken from a runner with short brown hair who was not wearing a hat.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, light head gear is provided that effectively cools the head during endurance activity, such as long distance running or jogging, in hot weather .

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided to maximize the efficiency of respiration cooling achieved by tunneling and accelerating the airflow around the head while it sweats, hence enabling the body's thermal energy to be transferred efficiently.

The roof portion of the hat may be formed of slats or sections so as to be foldable and/or partially retractable. The hat has easily adjustable degrees of freedom for adjustment of the hat contour, while running, to the contour of the runner's head, without removing the hat and without stopping running. This feature is particularly useful for runners subject to fluctuating conditions, aerodynamic and other, such as sun, wind intensity and direction, rain, and temperature.

The hat is particularly useful in dissipating the micro-climate near the head e.g. by acceleration of headwind.

It is believed that generally, the wind in a chamber defined by a hat spaced from the head of a runner is slower than the wind outside the chamber, due to friction generated between the air, scalp and the covering or roof of the chamber provided by the spaced hat. However, it is believed that the Bernoulli effect, if invoked as in certain embodiments of the present invention e.g. by inducing air to travel from a wide chamber portion to a narrow one, is so much greater than the effect of the friction within the chamber that a large difference in temperature between chamber and the outdoors, in favor of the chamber, may result, being as large as, say, an 11 degree Celsius difference between the chamber temperature and the ambient temperature. It is believed that when the micro-environment adjacent the head is cooler than the head, the head's heat energy dissipates into the micro-environment and therefrom into the ambient environment, thereby enhancing sports performance, comfort and safety.

Typically, the adjustment mechanism includes markings that mark vertical and horizontal positions to achieve a symmetric adjustment.

There is thus provided, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, a head covering system comprising a concave head cover separated from the scalp that follows the contours of the scalp thereby to generate a narrow chamber adjacent the scalp such that headwind air particles adjacent the scalp are tunneled into and out of the narrow chamber for acceleration therewithin.

Further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the head cover includes a top portion elevated from the top of the head.

Still further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the head cover includes a back portion separated from the back portion of the head, thereby operative to generate wind adjacent the back portion of the head.

Further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a head cover contour modifying mechanism providing at least one degree of freedom to the head cover.

Further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the narrow chamber has no floor portion and rather is delimited by the scalp itself. Still further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the concave head cover defines a forward facing air opening.

Additionally in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the narrow chamber comprises a wider forward portion and a narrower rear portion thereby to generate acceleration of headwind air particles by virtue of the Bernoulli effect.

Further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the head cover contour modifying mechanism is operative to adjust the head cover's contour to achieve a narrow chamber comprising a wider forward portion and a narrower rear portion for a wide variety of human heads.

Still further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the modifying mechanism provides a first, linear degree of freedom along a front-back axis defined by a human head.

Additionally in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the modifying mechanism provides a second vertical linear degree of freedom when the head cover is mounted on a human head.

Further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the modifying mechanism provides a third rotational degree of freedom about an imaginary axis extending from left to right when the head cover is mounted on a human head.

Still further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the modifying mechanism is constructed and positioned such that the imaginary axis extends from one side of the head to another when the head cover is mounted on a human head.

Further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the system also comprises a connector element connecting the head cover to the head including a rigid element including an upright member generating separation between the head cover and the head and first and second elastic portions fastened to the rigid element wherein the first elastic portion is configured to extend around a front portion of a user's head from a first location in front of his first ear to a second location in front of his second ear, and wherein the second elastic portion is configured to extend around a back portion of a user's head from a first location in back of his first ear to a second location in back of his second ear.

Still further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the system also comprises a connector element connecting the head cover to the head wherein the connector element includes at least one replaceable portion. Additionally in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the head cover has two stable states including a first operative unfolded concave state and a second folded storage state in which the head cover is flatter than when in the first state.

Further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the head cover comprises a rigid skeleton covered by a flexible skin portion.

Still further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the head cover comprises a plurality of extendible slats which when extended create a concave structure and when retracted create a structure which is flatter than the concave structure.

Additionally in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism includes at least one contour locking member which is accessible to a wearer of the head covering system and which defines a first unlocked position in which the contour modifying mechanism can be adjusted so as to modify the contour and a second locked position in which the contour modifying mechanism cannot be adjusted such that the contour cannot be modified.

Further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the contour fixating member comprises a knob protruding outward from the head when the head covering system is mounted on the head.

Still further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism is operative to adjust the head cover's contour to achieve optimal correspondence to the contours of an individual scalp.

Further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the head cover comprises an arch configured to extend from one side of a runner's head to the other side; a fabric stretched over the arch and having a length extending from a front edge of the fabric to a rear edge thereof; and flexible rods each having a length which slightly exceeds that of the fabric, a first end fixed to the arch and a second end fixed to the rear edge of the fabric.

Still further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the system also comprises a headband extending around the head from its front to its back, wherein the head cover comprises a concave roof portion formed of semi-rigid, thin, lightweight material attached to the headband.

Additionally in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the head cover includes a front portion whose forward protrusion is adjustable, thereby to control the amount of tunneled headwind.

Further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the head cover includes at least one of a top portion and side portions, at least one of which is apertured, thereby to increase the amount of headwind which is tunneled into the tunnel formed between the head cover and the head.

Further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the head cover includes flat, thin, semi-rigid members which are assembled in a bent orientation so as to provide concavity of the head cover .

Still further in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises a visor just above eye level which provides shade not provided by the head cover separated from the scalp.

The embodiments referred to above, and other embodiments, are described in detail in the next section.

Any trademark occurring in the text or drawings is the property of its owner and occurs herein merely to explain or illustrate one example of how an embodiment of the invention may be implemented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the following drawings:

Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are respective perspective, front and side view illustrations of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention in which a rigid frame supports a flexible "skin" portion, the apparatus of Fig. 3 having an optional visor.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustration of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention in which substantially the entirety of the apparatus is rigid.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustration of cooling headgear apparatus which is similar to the apparatus of Fig. 4 except that the apparatus of Fig. 5 includes a visor.

Figs. 6 and 7 are respective side and front view illustrations of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 8 and 9 are respective perspective and side view illustrations of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention which may be similar to any of the embodiments of Figs. 4 - 7 but also includes a head-cooling fan. Figs. 10 and 11 are respective side and perspective illustrations of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention which includes an array of knobs protruding outward.

Figs. 12A and 12B are respective side and perspective views of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention whose fit to the head is adjustable by the runner, while wearing the apparatus and running.

Fig. 12C is a perspective view illustration, looking toward the head, of the horizontal and vertical apparatus-head fit-adjusting device of Figs. 12A - 12B, when the device is unassembled.

Fig. 12D is a perspective view illustration, looking outward from the head, of the fit- adjusting device of Figs. 12A - 12B, when the device is unassembled.

Fig. 13 is a side view of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention whose fit to the head is adjustable by the runner, while wearing the apparatus and running, as in the sixth embodiment, however, a different configuration of support element is provided to support the roof portion atop the runner's head.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustration of a headgear-head fitting device forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15A is an exploded perspective view illustration of a modification of the apparatus of Fig. 7.

Fig. 15B is a top view illustration of an unassembled, compact configuration of the head contacting member of Fig. 15 A.

Fig. 15C is a perspective view illustration of the head contacting member of Fig. 15B, when assembled.

Figs. 16A - 16C are respective perspective illustrations of the frame element of Figs. 12A - 12B when unassembled, assembled and unfolded, and folded, respectively.

Fig. 17 is a side view illustration of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention which is frameless. Fig. 18 is a perspective view illustration of the apparatus of Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustration of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention in which the roof portion of the hat is semi-rigid. Fig. 2OA is a side view illustration of apparatus which is similar to the apparatus of Fig. 19 except that the roof portion includes two segments such that the size and/or configuration of the entry slot through which the headwind enters the tunnel formed between the head and roof portion of the apparatus, is adjustable.

Figs. 2OB and 2OC are side view illustrations of two end positions of the apparatus of Fig. 2OA respectively including a first end position in which less shade is provided and a second end position in which more shade is provided, and wherein the configuration of the resulting air tunnel is indicated in dashed lines.

Figs. 21 A - 21 B are respective perspective and side view illustrations of apparatus which is similar to the apparatus of Fig. 19 except that apertures are formed in the concave roof portion to increase the amount of headwind which is tunneled into the tunnel formed between the roof portion and the runner's head. The rear portion of the tunnel is characterized by lower pressure than is the front portion, due to Bernoulli's effect, hence, by virtue of Venturi's principle, incoming air is sucked toward the rear portion of the tunnel thereby enhancing the wind rushing along the tunnel, hence the cooling effect. The apertures also reduce or prevent turbulence in the tunnel, thereby further enhancing the wind rushing along the tunnel, hence the cooling effect.

Fig. 22A is a side view illustration of apparatus which is similar to the apparatus of Fig. 19 except that the roof portion includes several segments thereby to provide foldability such that the apparatus, including flexible headband and visor if any, can be packaged in an envelope rather than in a box.

Fig. 22B is a top view illustration of an individual one of the back slats in the apparatus of Fig. 22 A.

Fig. 22C is a top view illustration of the front member of the apparatus of Fig. 22 A. Fig. 22D is a perspective view illustration of three of the slats of Fig. 22B, pivotably attached together.

Fig. 22E is a top view illustration of the front member of the apparatus of Fig. 22C when bent into its assembled orientation.

Fig. 23A is a top view illustration of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention which is configured as a single flexible e.g. foamed polyurethane or other foam rubber member which when unassembled is flat enough to be packaged in an envelope rather than in a box.

Fig. 23 B and 23 C are respective rear and side view illustrations of a runner wearing the assembled apparatus of Fig. 23A. The peripheral strips once gathered toward the central T- portion may be fixed into place by any suitable means such as but not limited to Velcro or by fitting the arms of the T through slots (not shown) formed in the peripheral strips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which the roof of the hat may be made of light synthetic cloth held around a light wire frame that holds the shape above the head.

The roof 10 of the hat may be formed of synthetic chrome colored silk or polyester fiber to maximize the reflection of heat rays. The roof 10 of the hat may be attached to a light wire 20 which may for example be formed of Titanium. The wire element 20 creates the skeleton of a bent oval shape e.g. as shown. The attachment of the roof 10 to the skeleton wire 20 in certain embodiments may be implemented by means of a strong elastic thread tailored at the edge of the synthetic silk or polyester fiber, thereby providing a modular arrangement for quick and easy replacement of the roof if torn. A central light wire 30 which may for example be formed of Titanium or the like may connect the oval shape front to back so as to perform one some or all of the following functions: to shape its aerodynamic shape above the head, to strengthen the structure and to support the height dimension. Light wire poles 40, which are typically granulated, may uphold the hat's roof structure 10. An elastic band base 50 typically maintains the hat's stable attachment to the head. The height of the light weight wire granulated poles 40 can typically be adjusted within a flat disk connector 60 to the elastic band base 50. The adjustment typically uses quick release means such as a spring pressed against the granulated pole 40 to increase the friction on the pole enabling quick height adjustment that does not require any tools. Such quick release means are known, for example, in telescopic pipes provided by vacuum cleaner manufacturers such as Hoover.

The inner surface 70 of the elastic band base 50 may be covered with a soft towel material to decrease irritation of the skin and to absorb sweat. The towel material may wrap around the elastic band 50 and may for example comprise a strip of toweling with removable adhesive such as VELCRO® Brand hook & loop tape along its long edges, so as to be easily removed, washed and replaced.

Fig. 2 illustrates the front view of the hat put on the head. The hat may be maintained above the head by being attached to an elastic band covered with a removable towel- like cover to absorb the sweat and prevent irritation of the skin. The roof 80 of the hat typically shades the head from vertical sun rays impinging on a surface which is larger than the head. A skeleton pole 90 typically runs along the interior of the hat's roof to align it with the head's oval shape. A peripheral solid wire 100 typically creates the frame of the hat's roof. Height adjusted solid wire poles 110, which may be granulated, typically connect the hat's roof 80 to an elastic band 130.

Connectors 120 on the elastic band 130 typically include means to hold and adjust the vertical height of each pole 110. Free vertical movement of the pole may be enabled using any suitable means known in the art such as a spring pressed against granulated pole 110) to increase the friction on the pole when a button push is released. When the button is pushed, free vertical motion of the pole is enabled. The connectors may be formed of a firm plastic or light metal and may be oval in shape and 3-5 cm wide. The connectors maintain the stability of the poles as against sudden movements and vibrations which may occur when the wearer of the hat is running.

The elastic band 130 typically runs inside a removable elastic towel flat pipe and typically serves to hold the connectors 120 stable and adjacent to the head.

Fig. 3 illustrates the side view of a hat constructed according to certain embodiments of the present invention, when mounted on the head. An optional extension shadows the forehead, and illustrates how the head wind air enters a narrowing tunnel under the hat's roof.

One or more poles 140 (typically 4) typically connect the hat's top or roof portion 180 to flat disks e.g. with bolts on the elastic band. The poles' height can be adjusted without tools for an easy fast adjustment. The rear poles 150 may be slightly shorter to narrow the distance of the hat from the head. Frontal airflow typically enters a tunnel whose frontal portion is a volume 160 defined above the head and beneath the hat's roof. The frontal airflow is accelerated towards the scruff of the neck as it transfers the heat and evaporates the sweat.

An optional frontal visor 170 helps to direct the frontal airflow to the tunnel, and also shades the face. Alternatively, if the roof portion protrudes far enough forward,- it can achieve the shading functionality.

The roof 180 of the hat is typically made of a light weight cloth formed of polyester fiber. Its external color may be bright and glowing to maximize reflection of sun rays. It may be held tightened with elastic cord to the frame 181 which makes it easy to remove and reassemble.

Fig. 4 illustrates a structure of a hat made of a light reflective plastic. The roof above the forehead may be shaped to capture the head wind and to tunnel it inside the hat. The elastic band at the back of the head may be located lower to provide better grip between the band and the runner's head, and to direct the air to the top of the nape of the neck.

A head cover 190 may be formed of a light weight thin film plastic that covers the head like a helmet that may be held a few centimeters above the head. The front of the hat defines an opening 200 to collect and to tunnel the head wind. An elastic band 210 that holds the hat may be threaded through the plastic cover 190. The elastic band 210 typically is encased with a soft sponge or toweling external layer touching the skin. The fabric that touches the skin can typically be released easily, washed, and replaced.

Fig. 5 illustrates a plastic "helmet" embodiment from a side perspective with an extension to shadow the forehead. A curve maintains the elastic band at the back neck.

An optional visor 22 is added which may be similar to visor 170 in Fig. 3. Also as in Fig. 3, the external color may be bright and glowing. In order to keep the plastic cover as thin and light weight as possible but still robust, its shape may include thin ridges and tunnels to increase its structural strength. A elastic band 240 may be lowered towards the scruff of the neck to improve the grip of the hat on the runner's head. Band 240 can be resized for various head size and tightness adjustments. In this embodiment the elastic band 240 is only at the rear while the frontal grip of the frontal base 211 may be static.

The lowering of the rear elastic band towards the scruff may be implemented by creating an angle in the lower frame of the plastic cover. In this embodiment the frontal shadowing part may be inserted and held in a tunnel in the plastic cover.

Fig. 6 illustrates a plastic helmet embodiment, from a side perspective, mounted on the head. A narrowing tunnel accelerates the head wind inside the hat.

The grip of the hat on the head includes short poles 260 raised horizontally from a rigid panel 262 through elliptical holes 263 to seclude the plastic cover 261 . The plastic cover can be adjusted to be below the head grip line at the rigid panel 262 to control the height 264 of the tunnel. If the tunnel is blocked completely then the hat may be used to warm the head. This may be useful for temperature regulation in activities such as multi-day or all-day events where both cooling and keeping warm are required.

Fig. 7 illustrates the plastic helmet embodiment, from a front perspective, mounted on the head. The immediate curve near the elastic band typically keeps the plastic helmet away from the head to allow air flow.

The plastic cover 270 is typically angled at its point of connection to the lower grip frame. One role of the angle may be to seclude the plastic as much as possible close to the grip to enable ventilation of this area. Fig. 8 illustrates a plastic "helmet" embodiment with a rear battery operated light fan. Another embodiment of this patent includes an additional electric battery operated fan 280 located at the rear of the plastic cover 301. Any conventional low power fan such as those sold off-the-shelf for cooling laptops may be employed. This embodiment is applicable even in those fields of endeavor in which fast motion is not available to create a breeze.

The battery 290 of the fan may be a small light weight and still generate powerful breeze for couple of hours. The battery 290 may optionally include means to charge the fan with a gripper that closes the contacts without removing the battery 290 from the hat. The fan can be removed from or assembled to the plastic cover 301. When removed - the opening 300 in the plastic may be shut e.g. with a simple sliding plastic door to keep the tunnel continuous. A 3 state switch 310 typically controls the fan 280 to turn in one direction for suction airflow, and in another direction for a direct blow or to halt.

Fig. 9 demonstrates forcing air flow using the battery operated light fan. The battery may use existing technology for power saving such as mobility charging or provision of a solar cell 320. Using the electric fan allows the air tunnel 330 above the head to be thinner thus to increase the wind speed and the friction with the head's evaporation surface 340. When engaging in activity with a fast head wind it is recommended to use the fan for suction otherwise conflicting air flows may reduce the effectiveness of head-cooling.

While running committees may currently consider the electric fan as a non natural accessory and therefore forbid its use in competitions, nonetheless it is useful in that it enables training in hot weather. The presence of the fan keeps the head cool even during periods of no mobility.

Fig. 10 illustrates an elastic net with knobs used to increase the evaporation and cooling area.

In order to increase the evaporation and cooling surface, an elastic "wig" 360 fabricated as an elastic scalp encasing member with square holes 371 which may for example be 2 centimeters wide, may be employed. From each cross junction of the scalp encasing member a stiff knob 370 may protrude 1 centimeter from each side of the elastic net. The knob may also be round or heptagon shaped. The elastic member may be integrally formed with the hat or may constitute an accessory thereto. Each synthetic knob 370 typically holds its shape vertically. The elastic member may incorporate light polymer capillary tubing, formed e.g. of polyurethane, that absorbs sweat and causes it to evaporate quickly.

Fig. 11 illustrates an elastic net with knobs which may penetrate the hair to increase the evaporation and cooling surface area. Below the net surface, the knobs 370 typically penetrate the hair to deliver the thermal exchange as close as possible to the skin. The elastic net may be made to wear tightly on the hair. This is mostly effective for runners who do not have short hair. Referring again to Fig. 5, achieving the grip of the rear elastic band 240 at a lower position towards the scruff of the neck may be implemented by creating an arch in the lower frame of the plastic cover above each ear and attaching the elastic band's tips to the low rear part of each arch. The frontal shadowing part 220 in this embodiment, is inserted into a tunnel 250 in the plastic cover and held there by friction.

Figs. 12A and 12B are respective side and perspective views of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention whose fit to the head is adjustable by the runner, while wearing the apparatus and running. The rigid roof 410 of the hat is closer to the skull towards the back thereof, and further from the skull toward the front thereof. An elastic band is typically formed of two separate co- linear band members 420 and 430 for better grip. Both of these are attached to an arched rigid element 440, enabling connection of the rear elastic band 430 below the top of the ear.

Fig. 12C is a perspective view illustration, looking toward the head, of the horizontal and vertical apparatus-head fit-adjusting device 440 of Figs. 12A - 12B, when the device is unassembled. Fig. 12D is a perspective view illustration, looking outward from the head, of the fit-adjusting device 440 of Figs. 12A - 12B, when the device is unassembled. As shown in Fig. 12D, replaceable absorbing material 460 is attached to the internal member 470 that faces the head.

Suitable instructions for donning the apparatus of Figs. 12A - 12D including adjusting it suitably relative to the head, may be appended to the apparatus. Suitable instructions may for example be as follows:

"Follow the following steps to adjust the hat to fit your head size and shape both for comfort and for optimal airflow. a) Adjust the length of the front elastic band so that the middle of the arch on the plastic frame is just above your ears" b) Adjust the length of the rear elastic band so that it grips the back of your head firmly but comfortably and not too tightly. c) Loosen the screws on both sides of the adjusting parts. d) Adjust the horizontal axis so that the back of the hat is just 1 cm away from the back of your head e) Adjust the height of the hat above your head so that the top of your head is 2 cm below the roof of the hat. f) Verify that the angle of the visor is not facing downwards. g) Now re-screw the screws firmly but not too tightly. h) Steps (a) - (b) and/or (c) - (g) can be repeated as you jog to enhance comfort. Always adjust both sides symmetrically using the adjustment numbered signs. Note that whenever the instructions refer to "your head", such references include your hair."

Fig. 13 is a side view of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention whose fit to the head is adjustable by the runner, while she is wearing the apparatus and running, as in the sixth embodiment, however, a different configuration of support element 445 is provided to support the roof portion 450 atop the runner's head. Typically, markings 452 and 454 indicating vertical and horizontal positions respectively are provided in this embodiment and/or in other embodiments. Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustration of a headgear-head fitting device forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 A is an exploded perspective view illustration of a modification of the apparatus of Fig. 7 which has a compact configuration when unassembled and may include a pair of roof portion supporting elements each having a base portion 271 and, for supporting a roof portion 272, a roof support portion 273. The roof portion supporting elements may be integrally formed with a head contacting member 274 which typically encircles the head. Fig. 15B is a top view illustration of an unassembled, compact configuration of the head contacting member 274 of Fig. 15 A. Fig. 15C is a perspective view illustration of the head contacting member of Fig. 15B, when assembled. It is appreciated that the head contacting member 274 may be "one-size" as shown in Fig. 15 A, if it is formed of a non-elastic material, or alternatively a suitable fastening mechanism may be provided, preferably one which is, as shown in Figs. 15B and 15C, integrally formed and lies flat when member 274 is unassembled.

Figs. 16A - 16C are perspective illustrations of the frame element of Figs. 12A - 12B when unassembled, assembled and unfolded, and folded, respectively. The frame may be formed from a rigid flat elongate member 480 as shown in Fig. 16A. When the elongate member's ends are attached, this serves as the hat's skeleton as shown in Fig. 16B. As shown in Fig. 16C, the frame is thus foldable.

Fig. 17 is a side view illustration of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a eighth embodiment of the present invention which is frameless. Fig. 18 is a perspective view illustration of the apparatus of Fig. 17. As shown, the roof of the hat is not surrounded by a frame but rather comprises a rigid arch 500 supporting elastic rods 510 bent by the smaller dimensions of the supported fabric 520. Each rod 510 is fixed at one tip to the central arch 500 and at its other tip to a stitched pocket (not shown) in the fabric 520.

More generally, in the embodiment of Figs. 17 - 18, a fabric 520 is stretched over a structural element e.g. rigid arch 500 configured to extend from one side of a runner's head to the other side, the ends thereof typically being attached to a headband extending around the user's head, typically just above eye-level, over the ears and around the nape. Alternatively, the headband may be formed of two separate co-linear band members both attached to an arched rigid element 530 as in the embodiment of Fig. 12A, enabling connection of the rear elastic band 540 below the top of the ear.

Flexible rods 510 whose length slightly exceeds that of the fabric 520 are provided which have a first end fixed to the central arch and a second end fixed to the back edge of the fabric 520, typically to one or more stitched pockets formed along the back edge. The rods 510 are bent by virtue of their length which slightly exceeds that of the fabric 520 thereby generating a concave head cover.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustration of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention in which the roof portion of the hat is semi-rigid.

In the embodiment of Fig. 19, a concave roof portion 550 is formed, e.g. by vacuum forming, of semi-rigid, thin, lightweight material such as 0.5mm thick plastic. The roof portion 550 may be attached to the headband 560 using any suitable methodology such as via Velcro at location/s 570.

Fig. 2OA is a side view illustration of apparatus which is similar to the apparatus of Fig. 19 except that the roof portion 600 includes two segments 610 and 620 such that the size and/or configuration of the entry slot 630 through which the headwind enters the tunnel 640 formed between the head and the roof portion 600 of the apparatus, is adjustable.

Figs. 2OB and 2OC are side view illustrations of two end positions of the apparatus of Fig. 2OA respectively including a first end position in which less shade is provided (Fig. 20B) and a second end position (Fig. 20C) in which more shade is provided, and wherein the configuration of the resulting air tunnel is indicated in dashed lines.

The embodiment of Figs. 2OA - 2OC provides a capability to control the headwind and head sheltering functionality by adjusting the front portion of the apparatus as shown.

More generally, in the embodiment of Figs. 2OA - 2OC, a concave roof portion includes an adjustable front portion, shown in different adjustable positions in Figs. 2OA - 2C, thereby to control the amount of tunneled headwind, reduce friction, and also preferably control the amount of shade.

Figs. 21A - 21B are respective perspective and side view illustrations of apparatus which is similar to the apparatus of Fig. 19 except that air openings 650 are provided aside and/or atop the runner's head. In the illustrated embodiment - one air opening is provided on each side and a third air opening is provided atop the head.

A particular feature of the apparatus of Figs. 21A - 21B is that the apertures 650 may be located at the sides and at the rear top portion of a main concave member 660. These holes increase the amount of tunneled front air as the person runs and also follow Venturi's principle, sucking air towards the lower pressure at the rear tunnel caused by Bernoulli's effect.

Fig. 22A is a side view illustration of apparatus which is similar to the apparatus of Fig. 19 except that the roof portion includes several segments 710 including a front member 712 and back-slats 714, thereby to provide foldability such that the apparatus, including flexible headband 720 and visor 730 if any, can be packaged in an envelope rather than in a box. Fig. 22B is a top view illustration of an individual one of the back slats in the apparatus of Fig. 22 A. Fig. 22C is a top view illustration of the front member 712 of the apparatus of Fig. 22 A. Fig. 22D is a perspective view illustration of three of the slats 714 of Fig. 22B, pivotably attached together. Fig. 22E is a top view illustration of the front member of the apparatus of Fig. 22C when bent into its assembled orientation.

The flat semi-rigid segments 710 may be formed of a thin plastic planar member. When assembled, they may be bent and connected together e.g. with Velcro or a screw to form a concave shape e.g. as shown in Fig. 22E. To control shading, an optional replaceable visor 730 is provided, located above the eyes, attached with Velcro or the like.

While the roof portion shown in various of the embodiments shown and described herein can be configured to shade the eyes, this is not necessarily optimal. In certain applications, the length of the forward extension of the roof portion required to adequately shade the eyes may result in a roof portion which is too heavy, too bulky, or insufficiently aerodynamic. Therefore, alternatively, a visor, typically removable, may be used to provide shade. For example, in the embodiment of Figs. 22A - 22E, the removable visor 750, may for example be attached via Velcro to the remaining apparatus. It is appreciated that the visor need not extend forward as far as the roof portion would need to, in view of the closer proximity of the visor to the eyes, the roof portion being disposed higher than the top of the head, in order to tunnel headwind, as opposed to the visor which may be disposed just over the eyes. Fig. 23A is a top view illustration of cooling headgear apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention which is configured as a single flexible e.g. foamed polyurethane or other foam rubber member which when unassembled is flat enough to be packaged in an envelope rather than in a box. Fig. 23B and 23 C are respective rear and side view illustrations of a runner wearing the assembled apparatus of Fig. 23 A. The peripheral strips once gathered toward the central T-portion may be fixed into place by any suitable means such as but not limited to Velcro or by fitting the arms of the T through slots (not shown) formed in the peripheral strips.

It is believed that the cooling properties achieved by certain of the embodiments shown and described herein are affected by turbulence and by Bernoulli's effect. In particular, if the headgear apparatus includes a roof member spaced from the head which defines a tunnel extending from the front of the head to the nape of the neck whose width is generally uniform throughout, because the roof member is equally spaced from the contour of the head all along the tunnel, the following may apply:

The airflow speed decreases as the air flows down the tunnel because of friction with the tunnel's internal surface (the runner's head and the roof member) and because of turbulences that cause some air molecules, affected by the turbulence, to confront incoming air molecules. A small amount of heat is generated due to friction. Hot air discharged from the head dissipates, but not efficiently.

In contrast, if the headgear apparatus includes a roof member spaced from the head defining a tunnel which narrows as it runs from the front of the head to the nape of the neck, because the roof member's spacing from the contour of the head diminishes along the tunnel, the air in the tunnel flows in accordance with Bernoulli's law and the following may apply: First, the air moves faster as the tunnel narrows, and therefore it removes heat faster; friction with the internal surface of the tunnel (the runner's head and the roof member) and the turbulences are compensated or overshadowed by the effects of acceleration. It is also believed that the pressure on the internal surface of the tunnel is reduced as the tunnel narrows. A lower pressure increases fluid evaporation and thus decreases the temperature.

Features of the present invention which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, features of the invention, including method steps, which are described for brevity in the context of a single embodiment or in a certain order may be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or in a different order, "e.g." is used herein in the sense of a specific example which is not intended to be limiting. For example, the scalp contacting member of Fig. 10 can be combined with apparatus such as in Figs. 3, 6, 12 A, 13, 17 - 22E which include a head covering member raised from the head and no scalp contacting member, thereby to obtain hat apparatus including a scalp contacting member in combination with a head covering member raised from the head. Also, the apparatus of Fig. 15B - 15C may be used to support a variety of head covering members raised from the head other than that shown in Fig. 15A, such as those shown in Figs. 3, 6, 12A, 13, 17 - 22E.

Claims

1. A head covering system comprising: a concave head cover separated from the scalp that follows the contours of the scalp thereby to generate a narrow chamber adjacent the scalp such that headwind air particles adjacent the scalp are tunneled into and out of the narrow chamber for acceleration therewithin.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said head cover includes a top portion elevated from the top of the head.

3. A system according to claim 2 wherein said head cover includes a back portion separated from the back portion of the head, thereby operative to generate wind adjacent the back portion of the head.

4. A system according to claim 1 and also comprising a head cover contour modifying mechanism providing at least one degree of freedom to the head cover.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein the narrow chamber has no floor portion and rather is delimited by the scalp itself.

6. A system according to claim 1 wherein said concave head cover defines a forward facing air opening.

7. A system according to claim 1 wherein said narrow chamber comprises a wider forward portion and a narrower rear portion thereby to generate acceleration of headwind air particles by virtue of the Bernoulli effect.

8. A system according to claim 4 wherein said head cover contour modifying mechanism is operative to adjust the head cover's contour to achieve a narrow chamber comprising a wider forward portion and a narrower rear portion for a wide variety of human heads.

9. A system according to claim 4 wherein said modifying mechanism provides a first, linear degree of freedom along a front-back axis defined by a human head.

10. A system according to claim 4 wherein said modifying mechanism provides a second vertical linear degree of freedom when said head cover is mounted on a human head.

11. A system according to claim 4 wherein said modifying mechanism provides a third rotational degree of freedom about an imaginary axis extending from left to right when said head cover is mounted on a human head.

12. A system according to claim 11 wherein said modifying mechanism is constructed and positioned such that said imaginary axis extends from one side of the head to another when said head cover is mounted on a human head.

13. A system according to claim 1 and also comprising a connector element connecting the head cover to the head including a rigid element including an upright member generating separation between the head cover and the head and first and second elastic portions fastened to the rigid element wherein the first elastic portion is configured to extend around a front portion of a user's head from a first location in front of his first ear to a second location in front of his second ear, and wherein the second elastic portion is configured to extend around a back portion of a user's head from a first location in back of his first ear to a second location in back of his second ear.

14. A system according to claim 1 also comprising a connector element connecting the head cover to the head wherein said connector element includes at least one replaceable portion.

15. A system according to claim 1 wherein said head cover has two stable states including a first operative unfolded concave state and a second folded storage state in which the head cover is flatter than when in the first state.

16. A system according to claim 1 wherein said head cover comprises a rigid skeleton covered by a flexible skin portion.

17. A system according to claim 1 wherein said head cover comprises a plurality of extendible slats which when extended create a concave structure and when retracted create a structure which is flatter than said concave structure.

18. A system according to claim 4 wherein said mechanism includes at least one contour locking member which is accessible to a wearer of the head covering system and which defines a first unlocked position in which the contour modifying mechanism can be adjusted so as to modify the contour and a second locked position in which the contour modifying mechanism cannot be adjusted such that the contour cannot be modified.

19. A system according to claim 18 wherein said contour fixating member comprises a knob protruding outward from the head when the head covering system is mounted on the head.

20. A system according to claim 4 wherein said mechanism is operative to adjust the head cover's contour to achieve optimal correspondence to the contours of an individual scalp.

21. A system according to claim 1 wherein said head cover comprises: an arch configured to extend from one side of a runner's head to the other side; a fabric stretched over the arch and having a length extending from a front edge of the fabric to a rear edge thereof; and flexible rods each having a length which slightly exceeds that of the fabric, a first end fixed to the arch and a second end fixed to the rear edge of the fabric.

22. A system according to claim 1 and also comprising a headband extending around the head from its front to its back, wherein said head cover comprises a concave roof portion formed of semi-rigid, thin, lightweight material attached to the headband.

23. A system according to claim 1 wherein said head cover includes a front portion whose forward protrusion is adjustable, thereby to control the amount of tunneled headwind.

24. A system according to claim 1 wherein said head cover includes at least one of a top portion and side portions, at least one of which is apertured, thereby to increase the amount of headwind which is tunneled into the tunnel formed between the head cover and the head.

25. A system according to claim 1 wherein said head cover includes flat, thin, semi-rigid members which are assembled bent so as to provide concavity of the head cover.

26. A system according to claim 1 and also comprising a visor just above eye level which provides shade not provided by said head cover separated from the scalp.

27. Head covering apparatus comprising: a head cover formed of a sweat absorbing material and having a surface area greater than the surface area of the head and including a first portion of the surface area which touches the head and a second portion of the surface area communicating with said first portion which does not touch the head.

28. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said second portion comprises knobs protruding outward from the head.

29. Apparatus according to claim 27 and wherein said sweat absorbing material generates a capillary effect.

30. A fitted hat system having a compact storage configuration, the system comprising: a flexible headband; and head covering apparatus having a generally planar storage configuration and including apertures through which the headband is threaded.

31. Head covering apparatus comprising: a shading member having a compact storage configuration; and a shading member support element having a compact storage configuration and a second head mountable configuration in which the support element supports the shading member at a distance from the head.

32. Apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said shading member's and support element's compact storage configurations comprise flat configurations.

33. Apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said shading member comprises a concave head cover separated from the scalp that when in said second configuration, follows the contours of the scalp thereby to generate a narrow chamber adjacent the scalp such that headwind air particles adjacent the scalp are tunneled into and out of the narrow chamber for acceleration therewithin.

34. Apparatus according to claim 27 and also comprising a concave head cover separated from the scalp that follows the contours of the scalp thereby to generate a narrow chamber between the separated head cover and the head cover formed of a sweat absorbing material such that headwind air particles are tunneled into and out of the narrow chamber for acceleration therewithin.