ARTICLE OF HEADWEAR INCLUDING NON-NEWTONIAN FLUID

Abstract

An article of headwear that includes at least a first bladder member that defines a bladder interior that includes a non-Newtonian fluid disposed therein, and a fabric member that surrounds the first bladder member. The fabric member includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer is configured to be positioned adjacent a wearer's head when the article of headwear is worn.

Claims

1. An article of headwear comprising: at least a first bladder member that defines a bladder interior, wherein a non-Newtonian fluid is disposed in the bladder interior, a fabric member that surrounds the first bladder member, wherein the fabric member includes an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the inner layer is configured to be positioned adjacent a wearer's head when the article of headwear is worn.

2. The article of headwear of claim 1 wherein the bladder member includes a plurality of cells defined therein, wherein each cell includes the non-Newtonian fluid disposed therein.

3. The article of headwear of claim 2 wherein each cell has a honeycomb shape.

4. The article of headwear of claim 3 wherein each cell defines a cell axis, wherein the inner layer of the fabric layer defines an inner surface, and wherein the cell axes are oriented generally perpendicular to the inner surface.

5. The article of headwear of claim 1 wherein a soft layer is positioned between the outer layer of the fabric member and the bladder member.

6. The article of headwear of claim 1 wherein the bladder is made of a polymer.

7. The article of headwear of claim 1 wherein the article of headwear is a cylindrical headband.

8. The article of headwear of claim 1 wherein the article of headwear is a skull cap.

9. The article of headwear of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of bladder members that are enclosed in a plurality of pockets.

10. The article of headwear of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of coil members that are disposed in the bladder interior and within the non-Newtonian fluid.

11. The article of headwear of claim 1 wherein the non-Newtonian fluid comprises corn starch and non-toxic antifreeze.

12. An article of headwear comprising: at least a first bladder member that defines a bladder interior, wherein the bladder is made of a polymer and includes a plurality of cells defined therein, wherein a non-Newtonian fluid is disposed in each of the cells, wherein each cell has a honeycomb shape, and wherein each cell defines a cell axis, a fabric member that surrounds the first bladder member, wherein the fabric member includes an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the inner layer is configured to be positioned adjacent a wearer's head when the article of headwear is worn, wherein the inner layer of the fabric layer defines an inner surface, and wherein the cell axes are oriented generally perpendicular to the inner surface, and a foam layer that is positioned between the outer layer of the fabric member and the bladder member.

13. The article of headwear of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of bladder members that are enclosed in a plurality of pockets defined in the fabric member.

14. The article of headwear of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of coil members that are disposed in the bladder interior and within the non-Newtonian fluid.

15. The article of headwear of claim 12 wherein the non-Newtonian fluid comprises corn starch and non-toxic antifreeze.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a person wearing a headband in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a person wearing a skullcap, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing three layers of the headband of FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the headband taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1;

[0046] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a headband with pockets in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the headband of FIG. 1 with two of the bladders exploded out of the pocket;

[0048] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another headband with pockets in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a skullcap with pockets in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0050] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bladder with a set of coils therein, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

[0052] Reference in this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0053] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

[0054] It may be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0055] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, may control.

[0056] It may be appreciated that terms such as front, back, top, bottom, side, short, long, up, down, aft, forward, inboard, outboard and below used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] The invention generally relates to safety headwear, such as for activities and sports including, but not limited to soccer, rugby, and basketball, and further includes, other sports requiring some form of head protection, but not with a hard or solid helmet shell comprised of materials science such as Polycarbonate, ABS, Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass, and more. The invention also generally relates to protective gear, such as padding, body armor, etc. This invention relates generally to a disposable headwear protection system designed to protect the human head from injury resulting from sports impacts where helmets are not typically worn. Soccer and basketball are two non-contact sports that do suffer from concussions, in which acceleration, angular, rotational, linear with possible extension or flexion motion resulting from an impact force that calls for or requires protection for the head.

[0058] The method of the present invention embodies an inherent system contained in a breathable wicking material with an inner layer, or closed/sealed tube made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material to contain and maintain the shear thickening fluid locked within the inner layer in a permanently enclosed environment. The present invention may also include and contained within the closed/sealed tube with the non-Newtonian fluid the matrix of honeycomb that dissipates and energy attenuates impact force from an impact or contact of the headband or skull cap using the non-Newtonian fluid as an energy attenuation mechanism, as well as the non-Newtonian combined with the matrix of honeycomb to dissipate and energy attenuate impact force. The present invention also includes the coil system matrix and/or honeycomb that is contained/enclosed within the interior closed/sealed tube made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material to contain and maintain the shear thickening fluid along with the matrix of honeycomb, which is suspended in the STF of the headwear or skull cap resulting in energy attenuation of the impact force of the protective headwear/headband or skull cap. The present invention also includes in the headband or skull cap system breathable double fabric knit as the exterior/outer layer that also may include a very thin layer of foam (e.g., a high density open cell urethane foam, a microcellular ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polyethylene foam, etc.), and/or honeycomb, of the headband or skull cap. The matrix of honeycomb specific energy dissipating and energy attenuating characteristics addresses impact points on the head, whereby the non-Newtonian fluid thickening properties at impact, or point of compression allows the soft materials and fluids to behave like a hard helmet shell, and the transfer of impact force at the point of compression into the non-Newtonian fluids, and the combination of the non-Newtonian fluids with the matrix of honeycomb through rarefaction is enabled by the headband or skull cap(s) to act as properties as a hard exterior/outer shell. The STF fluid may also return to its fluid or liquid state post the impact, and may act or behave the same with each repeated impact. The present invention is a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system and apparatus that is designed to protect the head from injury resulting from sports and other impacts using an outer layer of wicking material that may contain a very thin layer of foam, a bladder containing the non-Newtonian fluid, and/or honeycomb, with an inner layer using a polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material to contain and maintain the shear thickening fluid, or STF, a matrix of honeycomb contained within/suspended in the STF to dissipate and energy attenuate the impact force resulting from contact at the point of compression in a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system.

[0059] The method embodies a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system that is activated by the impact force on the a bladder containing the non-Newtonian fluid, and/or the matrix of honeycomb suspended in the non-Newtonian or STF fluid, or the non-Newtonian fluid is suspended within each honeycomb cell/cavity contained within the inner layer of the headband or skull cap system resulting in dissipation and energy attenuation of the impact force at the point of impact, or compression.

[0060] The present invention looks at a head protective device for protection from impact-based injuries, especially relating to sports activities, is provided by a fabric or wicking outer material/element/member, or garment, with an inner enclosed plastic or flexible polymer system with a cavity to house or contain non-Newtonian fluid(s), which may include and house or contain the matrix of honeycomb contained therein. The matrix of honeycomb is suspended in the non-Newtonian fluid or shear thickening fluid, which is strategically provided in the entire headband or skull cap member(s) within the inner layer of the headband outer material/element/member or garment worn for protecting the human head from injuries related to impact during sports or athletic activities.

[0061] The matrix of honeycomb may be continuously linked as a contiguous one-piece, which are designed to transfer and dissipate the impact energy waveforms from small to significant impacts, utilizing significantly lighter and stronger materials.

[0062] The present inventions matrix of honeycomb and its ability to dissipate and energy attenuate impact force whether it is resulting from linear acceleration, angular acceleration, or rotational acceleration coupled with the characteristics of non-Newtonian or shear thickening fluid to harden at the moment and point of impact may apply to, but not be limited to: headbands/headwear including skull caps worn by human wearers, contact with other humans not wearing headwear, and impact with other parts of the human body, such as, but not limited to: legs, shoulders, elbows, hands, wrists, knees, feet, ankles, shoes worn by the human, hips, and other body parts and the like, plus the impact force may be sensed from contact whether it is from a contact surface, such as, but not limited to: the ground consisting of grass, dirt, man-made turf, such as astro turf, or synthetic turf used instead of grass, snow, ice, asphalt, clay, concrete, other surfaces including the ball, and the like.

[0063] The disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system/member and apparatus that is designed to protect the head from injury resulting from sports and other impacts may exhibit a layered configuration that includes a soft comfortable exterior layer of wicking material that may contain a very thin layer of foam, and/or honeycomb, a strong, pliable and inner layer with durable enclosed system (formed out of some polymer, such as flexible plastic, including, but not limited to polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material), where the present invention may also/may also include and contain within the closed/sealed tube the non-Newtonian fluid along with the matrix of honeycomb. In another embodiment, coils, similar to those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 9,314,060 can be used in place of or in conjunction with the matrix of honeycomb.

[0064] The present invention preferably has an outer layer attached to the inner layer at the top and bottom of the headband, which may be constructed using stitching or sewing, sealants or adhesives, heat sealing, cements, glues, fusing techniques, and other materials or techniques not listed, or a combination thereof, and potentially throughout the headband with the non-Newtonian or STF fluid system contained and sealed therein and contained within the inner layer or bladder system. The matrix of honeycomb is preferably sealed in the inner layer, and suspended in the non-Newtonian fluid, or the non-Newtonian fluid is suspended within each of the honeycomb cells/cavities and sealed. The matrix of honeycomb or bladder system may be attached at certain points of the top and bottom of the headband using stitching or sewing, sealants or adhesives, heat sealing, cements, glues, fusing techniques, and other materials or techniques not listed. Suitable flexible yet resilient plastics used for the inner sealed layer system using polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material polyethylene, and review of use of polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polytetrafluoroethylene that is flexible, but durable for holding shape under impact conditions, excessive heat conditions, not losing its strength or shape with impact force. The non-Newtonian Fluid or STF can be comprised of corn starch and non-toxic anti-freeze, or a simple dilitant, such as cornstarch in water, or non-Newtonian fluids that exhibit viscoelatic properties, so long as the capacity of materials exhibit preferably both viscous and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation under the resultant of pound force of compressive pressure from impact force to the human head. The exterior or outer layer that may contain a very thin layer of foam, and/or honeycomb, an inner durable plastic layer, non-Newtonian fluid, matrix of honeycomb may be joined to one another in various different methods, such as mechanical connectors, stitching or sewing, adhesives, cements, glues, fusing techniques, and other materials or techniques not listed.

[0065] The following description includes various examples of the invention, which are referenced and reference is made to the associated drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration example systems. Also, the following description includes various examples of the invention, which are referenced and reference is made to the associated drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration example environments and usage the invention may be employed. It is to be stated that other configurations, usages, aspects of use, parts, portions, example systems may be used and structural and functional modifications or alterations may be made without taking leave from the scope of the present invention. Terms, such as around, through, top, bottom, side, above, below, underneath, over, clear, transparent, inner, outer, matrix, fluids, soft, wicking, single, double, viscosity, dissipate, energy attenuate, force, impact, linear, rotational, angular, acceleration, honeycomb, cells, etc. may be used to describe the invention, and the various examples, and example aspects, facets, features, elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of descriptors and for practicality and expediency based upon the example orientations as shown in the illustrations. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention.

[0066] General Description of the disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system/member and apparatus receiving devices including: A disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system/member and apparatus designed to protect the human head from injury resulting from sports impacts with a non-Newtonian fluid or STF also with a bladder system and/or with a matrix of honeycomb in which linear acceleration, angular, and/or rotational acceleration, deceleration or velocity resulting from an impact force requires deployment of an apparatus protection device at the point of impact or compression. The method embodies a non-Newtonian fluid containing the matrix of honeycomb that is deployed or engaged with resulting impact force on the headwear including, but not limited to a headband, or skull cap using the dilitant capabilities of a non-Newtonian fluid coupled with the matrix of honeycomb resulting in dissipation and energy attenuation via the non-Newtonian fluid with or without the matrix of honeycomb of the impact force incurred at the point of compression using the protective capability of matrix of honeycomb contained in the non-Newtonian fluid. The non-Newtonian fluid acts as fluid dilitant that is lightweight, but has the properties to immediately convert to a solid substance at the point of impact resulting from the impact force. The dilitant fluid immediately relaxes once the pressure is released with the transfer of the impact energy force into the matrix of honeycomb. The properties of the non-Newtonian fluid of the present invention also address outside air temperature fluctuations and may accommodate temperature ranges below freezing and above 100.

[0067] Some aspects of the present invention relate generally to headwear systems, to non-Newtonian properties, to protective equipment for safety in sports, and other uses. Preferably, the advanced sports safety technology headwear system fits on the wearer's head. The non-Newtonian fluid may occupy one or more placements within the headband portion of the disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system. The matrix of honeycomb may occupy one or more placements within the headband portion of the disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system. The suspended matrix of honeycomb may occupy one or more placements within the headband or skull cap portion of the headwear system. The inner layer, or closed/sealed tube made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material may occupy one or more placements within the outer breathable and stretchable wicking material layer, which may contain a thin layer of foam, of the headband or skull cap system.

[0068] The disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system may be formed from a variety of comfortable wicking materials and may be formed with a variety of characteristics in the prior art. The inner layer, or closed/sealed tube made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material plastic system may be formed from a variety of materials and may be formed with a variety of characteristics. The inherent non-Newtonian fluid, dilitant or shear thickening fluid may be formed from a variety of materials and may be formed with a variety of characteristics.

[0069] The matrix of honeycomb may be formed from a variety of materials and may be formed with a variety of characteristics, as well as may be formed from materials used in the tested coil technology discussed herein.

[0070] Aspects of the invention relate to safety systems in sports and relates to a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system or a disposable advanced sports safety headband or skull cap technology system means any device that a user places on or over some portion of the human body. The advanced sports safety headwear technology system receiving device, (i.e., a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system designed to protect the users head area), which is a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system and apparatus including a headwear system with an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner and outer layers including at least a headband or skull cap member, at least one member of the headwear member including a dilitant, shear thickening fluid, or non-Newtonian fluid, and at least one member of the headwear member including a matrix of honeycomb.

[0071] The inner layer or member portion of the advanced sports safety headwear technology system contains the matrix of honeycomb, including one or more honeycomb cells structured and distributed throughout the headwear portion of the advanced sports safety technology system and are suspended or some form of minimal contact to maintain positioning in the non-Newtonian fluid suspended, or the non-Newtonian fluid suspended within each honeycomb cell/cavity in the inner layer of the headwear.

[0072] The matrix of honeycomb is preferably distributed throughout the headband or skull cap member portion of the headwear system, e.g., at least over 95%, or at least over 99%, or at least 100% of the headwear member area (or anywhere between 1% and 95%). Additionally, the headwear member includes a dilitant, shear thickening or non-Newtonian fluid. When the matrix of honeycomb along with non-Newtonian fluid are inserted in the inner layer or member or cavity between the outer layer of wicking material in the headwear member, there are preferably no protrusions and the matrix of honeycomb is preferably flat, lightweight and may extend vertically and laterally and/or upward or downward within the inner layer member.

[0073] The non-Newtonian fluid of an example embodiment of the invention may occupy a significant portion of the entire inner layer member system, e.g., at least 99%, or at least 100% of the headwear system member of the headwear system and region or area (or anywhere between 1% and 99%). The matrix of honeycomb when inserted in the inner layer member or cavity or void designed in the headwear system, specifically in the full headband or in the full skull cap respective member of the headwear system, preferably does not have any protrusions, and the matrix of honeycomb may extend laterally and vertically, may have depth, may have height, and may be in three dimensional form.

[0074] Also as noted, as an example of the embodiment of the invention, may include a matrix of honeycomb and non-Newtonian fluid oriented in the inner closed/sealed tube made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material that is contained inside of the outer or exterior layer member comprised of a breathable wicking material. While not visible, the matrix of honeycomb will be noted due to the honeycombs extending vertically and/or horizontally, having depth, having height and being in three dimensional form.

[0075] The inner closed/sealed tube system may be formed of a variety of materials and/or include a variety of features or element to alter or adjust characteristics of the receiving device. For example, the pliable and durable inner closed/sealed tube may be formed out of some polymer, such as flexible plastic, including, but not limited to thermoplastics including polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material, not excluding polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0076] The matrix of honeycomb may be formed of a variety of materials and/or include a variety of features or element to alter or adjust characteristics of the receiving device.

[0077] Additional aspects of the invention include methods of providing and methods of using headwear systems. For example, to insert the matrix of honeycomb where the matrix of honeycomb is distributed/situated throughout the headwear member. The matrix of honeycomb member including one or more apertures. The non-Newtonian fluid may be both contained within the inner closed/sealed tube or layer between the outer breathable wicking material layer of material where each of the noted component parts above will be inserted.

[0078] To insert the matrix of honeycomb into the headwear system, it may be placed within the inner layer, followed by adding the non-Newtonian fluid then sealing the inner layer, and may be placed within the outer breathable wicking outer layer or member.

[0079] The headwear system receiving device when worn independently, including the matrix of honeycomb the non-Newtonian fluid may not present the user or a wearer with an abnormal feeling of fit, comfort, or the like.

[0080] Specific examples of the invention and the structures according to the examples of the invention are described in greater detail below. These specific examples and structures are set forth simply to illustrate the invention, and they should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0081] The various figures in the application illustrate examples of a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system apparatus and product. The headwear system or article of headwear in the form of a headband or in the form of a skull cap used for other various uses is used as a base shape or design in the examples of the invention.

[0082] The various figures in the application illustrate examples of an advanced sports safety headwear technology system apparatus and product. The headwear system in the form of a headband or in the form of a skull cap used for other various uses is used as a base shape or design in the examples of the invention.

[0083] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-9 show embodiments of headbands and skullcaps that include a non-Newtonian fluid therein in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] FIG. 1 shows a wearer with a headband 12 thereon and FIG. 2 shows a wearer with a skullcap 14 thereon. The headband and skullcap (as well as the headband and skullcap shown in FIGS. 5, 8 and 9) are all articles of headwear and will therefore be referred to generally herein as an article of headwear 10. All description related to the headband herein applies to the skullcap as well.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in a preferred embodiment, the article of headwear 10 includes a bladder member 16 that defines a bladder interior 18, a fabric member 20 that surrounds the bladder member 16, and a foam member 22 that is positioned between the fabric member 20 and the bladder member 16. As shown in FIG. 4, a non-Newtonian fluid 24 is disposed in the bladder interior. In a preferred embodiment, the non-Newtonian fluid comprises corn starch and non-toxic antifreeze. However, any non-Newtonian fluid is within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the fabric member 20 includes an outer layer 21 and an inner layer 23 that is configured to be positioned adjacent a wearer's head when the article of headwear 10 is worn.

[0086] The bladder member 16 is preferably made of a polymer so that it is malleable and can move when worn and struck. The bladder member 16 can be completely open on the inside thereof (i.e., a single cavity) and have the non-Newtonian fluid 24 distributed throughout. In another embodiment, the bladder member 16 can include a plurality of cells or pockets therein. As shown in FIGS. 3-4, in a preferred embodiment, the bladder member 16 includes a plurality of honeycomb cells 26 and each cell includes the non-Newtonian fluid 24 disposed therein. In a preferred embodiment, each cell 26 defines a cell axis A1 that extends generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the wearer's skin. In other words, the cell axes are oriented generally perpendicular to the inner surface 23a of the inner layer 23 of the fabric member 20. In another embodiment, the cells can be oriented so that the cell axes are not perpendicular to the wearer's skin. In another embodiment, there can be multiple layers of cells. The fabric member 20 can be stitched as necessary to enclose the bladder member(s) 16 and foam layer 22 therein.

[0087] The foam member 22 surrounds the bladder member 16 and provides cushioning and comfort both when the article of headwear 10 is normally worn and when the article of headwear 10 is struck (e.g., by a soccer ball). The foam member can be omitted if desired or it can be made of other soft materials that are not foam. The foam layer is a soft layer. In another embodiment, the foam member can be a single layer that is positioned between the outer layer 21 of the fabric member 20 and the bladder member 16 or between the inner layer 23 of the fabric member 20 and the bladder member 16.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the article of headwear 10 is a cylindrical headband 12. The bladder member 16 can be a complete cylinder or, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the article of headwear can include a plurality of bladder member 16 that are disposed in the fabric member 20. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, separate pockets 30 are formed in the article of headwear 10. The pockets 30 can be created via stitching 32. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pockets 30 can be created separately with separate fabric members 20 forming a pocket 30 that includes one or more bladder members 16 therein. It will be appreciated that the non-Newtonian fluid in each bladder member can be the same or may have a different formula depending on the portion of the wearer's head that is covered (i.e., it can relate to key impact points on the head) and the characteristics of the non-Newtonian fluid needed. In another embodiment, some pockets may include bladders with non-Newtonian fluid therein and other pockets can include padding therein. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the article of headwear can include elastic members 40 for stretching the article of headwear over the wearer's head. The article of headwear can also include a chin strap 42, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0089] FIG. 9 shows a bladder member 17 with a coil system or plurality of coils 32 disposed in the bladder interior 18 and immersed in the non-Newtonian fluid 24. The coils 32 have the characteristics described in the '060 patent, discussed above.

[0090] There may be many modifications to the specifically described structures, systems, and methods of the invention may take place without departing from this invention. As an example, while the invention has been specifically described with respect to specific examples including preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art may appreciate that there may be numerous variations, combinations, and permutations of the above described systems and methods. Furthermore, various specific structural features included in the examples merely represent examples of structural feathers that may be included in some examples of structure according to the invention. Furthermore, with respect to the methods, many variations in the method steps may take place, the steps may be changed in order, various steps or features may be added changes, or omitted, etc., without departing from the invention. Thus, the reader should understand that the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

[0091] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to. As used herein, the terms connected, coupled, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words herein, above, below, and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word or in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0092] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art may recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.

[0093] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements can be used. Further, any specific materials noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing materials.

[0094] Any patents and/or patent applications and other references are articles noted above or herein, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, charts or figures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

[0095] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

[0096] Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.