Removable insulated head gear lining

• US 7,043,761 B2
• Filed: 04/26/2004
• Issued: 05/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/26/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stephen L. Epling
• Original Assignee: Stephen L. Epling
• Inventors: Epling, Stephen L.
• Primary Examiner(s): LINDSEY, RODNEY M
• Application Number:
  US10/831,218
• Publication Number:
  US 20050268382A1
• Time in Patent Office: 750 Days
• Field of Search: 241/0, 241/1, 241/2, 242/5, 218/1, 218/14, 220/01, 2/7, 241/4, 227/2, 218/21, 218/22
• US Class Current: 2/7
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 1/0189 Linings
• CPC Class Codes: A42C 5/04 Ventilating arrangements for head coverings for helmets A42B3/28

Abstract

The present invention features a removable liner for headgear. The inventive liner is specifically configured for placement within a cap member, hat, or any sort of headwear for enhanced thermal comfort. The liner is comprised of two shell layers that are made from choice performance materials. The two constituent shells are formed together to provide localized climate control for the head of the wearer. A first inner shell, adapted for contact with the wearer, is an ultrathin, thermally reflective, synthetic, microfibrous fabric. This inner shell removes moisture and allows airflow (for heat and perspiration removal. The second, outer shell is a multi-membrane fabric, forms an insulative, breathable, windproof, waterproof layer that lies between the headgear and the first inner shell.

Claims

1. An insulative headgear assembly comprising:

a headgear member having a dome-shaped, substantially hemispherical portion configured and arranged to be worn on the head of a wearer,

said headgear member having an interior and an exterior, an upper, distal portion and a lower, proximal edge portion, said interior being oriented to face the head of a wearer, said exterior being oriented for contact with the atmosphere surrounding a wearer,

said head gear member having fastening means located on said interior for removably attaching to said headgear a removable insulative lining; and

a removable insulative lining for selective placement within the interior of said headgear member,

said lining having a dome-shaped hemispherical portion configured and arranged to be worn on the head of a wearer, said lining having an interior, an exterior, an upper, distal portion, and a lower, proximal edge portion,

said lining comprising a composite structure having a first outer shell which directly contacts said headgear member when positioned therein, said first, outer shell comprising a multi-membrane fabric, and a second, inner shell adapted for direct contact with the head of a wearer, said second, inner shell comprising an ultrathin, microfibrous, synthetic, thermally reflectant fabric material layer.

2. The insulative headgear assembly as in claim 1, wherein said first and second shells are joined together at their respective proximal edge portions.

3. The insulative headgear assembly as in claim 1, wherein said inner shell fabric material layer further comprises a blend of olefin and polyester fibers.

4. The insulative headgear assembly as in claim 1, wherein said multi-membrane fabric comprises:

a first membrane which is one-way permeable to air and moisture;

a second, intermediate insulative membrane; and

a third, one-way permeable membrane allowing air and moisture to escape while preventing moisture from entering.

5. The insulative headgear assembly as in claim 1, wherein said inner shell comprises a lightweight fabric material that is permeable to both air and moisture.

6. A removable insulative lining for selective placement within the interior of headwear,

said lining having a dome-shaped hemispherical portion configured and arranged to be worn on the head of a wearer, said liner having an interior, an exterior, an upper, distal portion, and a lower, proximal edge portion,

said lining comprising a composite structure having a first outer shell adapted for directly contacting headwear when positioned therein, said first, outer shell comprising a multi-membrane fabric, and a second, inner shell adapted for direct contact with the head of a wearer, said second, inner shell comprising an ultrathin, microfibrous, synthetic, thermally reflectant fabric material layer.

7. The removable insulative lining as in claim 6, wherein said inner shell fabric material layer further comprises a blend of olefin and polyester fibers.

8. The removable insulative lining as in claim 6, wherein said first and second shells are joined together at their respective proximal edge portions.

9. The removable insulative lining as in claim 6, wherein said multi-membrane fabric comprises:

a first membrane which is one-way permeable to air and moisture;

a second, intermediate insulative membrane; and

a third, one-way permeable membrane allowing air and moisture to escape while preventing moisture from entering.

10. The removable insulative lining as in claim 6, wherein said inner shell comprises a lightweight fabric material that is permeable to both air and moisture.