US Patent 7096512 Protective sports hat insert device

A protective sports hat insert device is disclosed. The device is a moulded compound insert utilizing reinforced fibres as the preferred embodiment as the outer shell or unreinforced fibres as secondary choice (18) (41a) (41b) (48a) (48b) (55a) (55b) with either a flexible inner shell or a rigid inner shell (19) (42a) (42b) (49a) 49b) 56a) (56b) utilizing high-density foam or an air management system with slits or holes (4a) (4b) punctured along the top. The shells are hemispherical and have a removable cloth liner (20) (43a) (43b) (50a) (50b) (57a) (57b) to add comfort. Resilient spacers (7b) provide comfort and a better fit. A retention strap (25a) (32) (33) secures the device to the head. An identification decal (25e) denotes the hat is a safety-approved device and visibly identifies the wearer for safety from oncoming traffic. When the outer insert shells (18) (41a) (41b) (48a) (48b) (55a) (55b) and the inner shells (19) (42a) (42b) (49a) (49b) (56a) (56b) along with the cloth liner (20) (43a) (43b) (50a) (50b) (57a) (57b) are placed inside an existing hat (15a & 15aa) (15b & 15bb) (15c & 15cc) (38a) (38b) (45a) (45b) (52a) (52b) some extra protection and comfort will be provided to the head while maintaining the outward appearance of an existing sports hat (15a & 15aa) (15b & 15bb) (15c & 15cc) (38a) (38b) (45a) (45b) (52a) (52b).