Cooled Insulated Headgear Device

Abstract

A headgear device for inhibiting a user from losing hair is provided. The user has a scalp with the hair growing from hair follicles in the scalp. The headgear device comprises a head covering and a cooled gel insert receivable within the head covering. The cooled gel insert cools the scalp and the hair follicles, restricting the flow of blood to the scalp and the hair follicles.

Claims

1. A headgear device for inhibiting a user from losing hair, the user having a scalp, the hair growing from hair follicles in the scalp, the headgear device comprising: a head covering; and a cooled gel insert receivable within the head covering; wherein the cooled gel insert cools the scalp and the hair follicles, restricting the flow of blood to the scalp and the hair follicles.

2. The headgear device of claim 1 wherein the head covering is a cap.

3. The headgear device of claim 2 wherein the cap is malleable and deformable.

4. The headgear device of claim 1 wherein the head covering is a hard-sided helmet.

5. The headgear device of claim 4 wherein the helmet is insulated inhibiting cold air from escaping the helmet during wear.

6. The headgear device of claim 1 wherein the head covering encompass the top, sides, and base of the user.

7. The headgear device of claim 1 wherein the cooled gel insert is covered in a fine, medical grade plastic and nylon material that transmits the cool temperature to the scalp of the user.

8. The headgear device of claim 1 and further comprising: an electrical cooling system for maintaining the cooled gel insert at a desired cooled temperature.

9. The headgear device of claim 8 and further comprising: a rechargeable battery for powering the electrical cooling system.

10. The headgear device of claim 1 and further comprising: a chin strap attached to a base of an opening of the head covering.

11. The headgear device of claim 10 and further comprising: a hook and loop fastener for securing the chin strap.

12. The headgear device of claim 1 wherein the cooled gel insert covers only a portion of an interior surface of the head covering.

13. The headgear device of claim 1 wherein the cooled gel insert completely covers an interior surface of the head covering.

14. A method for inhibiting a user from losing hair, the user having a scalp, the hair growing from hair follicles in the scalp, the method comprising: providing a head covering; positioning a cooled gel insert within the head covering; cooling the scalp and the hair follicles; and restricting the flow of blood to the scalp and the hair follicles.

15. A headgear device for inhibiting a user from losing hair, the user having a scalp, the hair growing from hair follicles in the scalp, the headgear device comprising: an insulated, hard-sided head covering; a cooled gel insert receivable within the head covering; an electrical cooling system for maintaining the cooled gel insert at a desired cooled temperature; wherein the insulated head covering inhibits cold air from escaping the helmet during wear; and wherein the cooled gel insert cools the scalp and the hair follicles, restricting the flow of blood to the scalp and the hair follicles.

16. The headgear device of claim 15 wherein the head covering encompass the top, sides, and base of the user.

17. The headgear device of claim 15 wherein the cooled gel insert is covered in a fine, medical grade plastic and nylon material that transmits the cool temperature to the scalp of the user.

18. The headgear device of claim 15 and further comprising: a rechargeable battery for powering the electrical cooling system.

19. The headgear device of claim 15 wherein the cooled gel insert covers only a portion of an interior surface of the head covering.

20. The headgear device of claim 15 wherein the cooled gel insert completely covers an interior surface of the head covering.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooled gel insert of a cooled insulated headgear device, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a head covering of the cooled insulated headgear device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the head covering being constructed of a hard plastic material.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the cooled gel insert inserted into the head covering of the cooled insulated headgear device, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the head covering of the cooled insulated headgear device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the head covering in the style of a contemporary dare devil type helmet.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the head covering of the cooled insulated headgear device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the head covering in the style of a cap with an attached hair piece in the back and showing a rechargeable battery on the chin strap.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the head covering of the cooled insulated headgear device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the head covering in the style of the cap with the attached hair piece in the back and showing the inserted cooled gel insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Cooled Insulated Headgear Device, indicated generally at 10, provides cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with a reliable aid that effectively prevents their hair from falling out due to chemotherapy treatments. The Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 is a head covering 12 with a cooled gel insert 14 that keeps the interior of the head covering 12 icy cold or other desired cooled temperature during wear. In a preferred embodiment, the head covering 12 is insulated although having a head covering 12 which is not insulated is within the scope of the present invention.

[0021] Preferably, the head covering 12 of the Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 of the present invention comprises a tightly fitted cap, hat, or helmet, the interior of which receives the icy cold gel insert 14 that cools the head of the user during wear. The cool therapy of the cooled gel insert 14 functions to reduce blood flow to a wearer's scalp, preventing chemotherapy drugs from reaching and harming hair follicles. In this manner, the chance that hair follicles are damaged as a result of chemotherapy is effectively reduced, enabling a patient wearing the head covering 12 of the Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 to maintain their hair during their course of treatment.

[0022] The head covering 12 of the Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 of the present invention can be a malleable and deformable head covering constructed to encompass the top, sides, and base of a human head, conforming to a scalp and providing a comfortable, customized fit. In a helmet embodiment 16 of the head covering 12, the exterior of the helmet of the Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 comprises a hard plastic insulated shell that prevents cold air from escaping the helmet 16 during wear. The icy cold gel insert 14 positioned in the head covering 12 is a cushiony soft gel liner preferably covered in a fine, medical grade plastic and nylon material that transmits the cool temperature to the head and scalp, enabling the wearer to remain comfortable during the process.

[0023] The Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 of the present invention further includes a hook and loop strap chin fastener 20 can attached to the base of the opening of the helmet embodiment 16 of the head covering 12 or directly to the cool gel insert to tightly secure the helmet to the wearer's head and ensure the helmet 16 remains properly positioned at all times during wear. A rechargeable battery 18 located in the base of the helmet 16 or along the chin strap 20 powers an electrical cooling system which maintains the cool gel insert 14 at a desired cold temperature.

[0024] Using the Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 of the present invention is simple and straightforward. Prior to undergoing a chemotherapy treatment, a user applies a fully charged Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 to their head, making any necessary adjustments to the strap fastener 20 for a secure and comfortable fit. During treatment, the icy cold cooling gel insert 14 lining the interior of the head covering 12 cools the surface of the scalp and hair follicles, restricting the flow of blood containing chemotherapy chemicals to this area. After completing the chemotherapy treatment, the user removes the head covering 12 of the Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10, exposing their head and scalp to warm ambient temperatures and returning the circulation to this area to normal.

[0025] The Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 of the present invention prevents toxic chemicals from reaching the scalp and follicles, thus ensuring they remain healthy and strong during cancer treatment. Providing a simple way of preventing hair loss, wearing the Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 during treatment results in a patient having improved outlook and positive attitude for a patient. Although intended specifically for wear during chemotherapy treatments, the Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 is wearable by individuals who work or spend their leisure time outdoors during hot summer months. Whether a construction worker at a job site in the blazing sun or an avid jogger enjoying a long run on a hot summer day, the Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 functions to keep the head, and thus the body, cool and comfortable. Fully rechargeable and durably constructed of high quality materials, the Cooled Insulated Headgear Device 10 will withstand many years of continued use.

[0026] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claim.