US-12616264-B1 - Watercraft and water sports hypothermia cap

US12616264B1US 12616264 B1US12616264 B1US 12616264B1US-12616264-B1

Abstract

A hypothermia insulative cap is provided enhanced with a GPS-enabled LED strip for emergencies, constructed from dual-layer nylon and neoprene with advanced seam technologies for durability and comfort. It features a unique technology chassis for waterproofing essential electronics, a battery-activated GPS and LED for increased visibility, and a protective brow visor for comfort and protection. This cap is designed to maintain body temperature during waterborne rescues, offering increased visibility to rescuers and compatibility with conventional life vests, without impeding the function of either device.

Inventors

David G. Abood

Assignees

EQUALIZER TECHNOLOGY, LLC

Dates

Publication Date: 20260505
Application Date: 20240308

Claims (13)

1 . A hypothermia prevention cap for watercraft passengers and water sports participants, the cap being configured for wearing on a wearer's head and comprising: a multi-layer shell with an outer layer made of nylon and an inner layer made of 2.5 mm thick neoprene, designed to the wearer's head and minimize open air space; flatlock seams with spot glue reinforcement at seam ends for enhanced durability, and forming holes configured to align with ear be positions of the wearer for auditory perception without compromising thermal insulation; elastane binding around face and neck edges of the multi-layer shell attached using zigzag stitching for a secure and comfortable fit; a gripping lower edge to secure the cap on the wearer's head; and a molded frame to contain all technological components and protect them against water damage, designed with a frame seam allowance that follows the contour of the cranium and a visor seam allowance for secure attachment of the visor.
2 . The hypothermia prevention cap of claim 1 , further comprising a visual target or beacon integrated along the crown of the cap from front to back, wherein the visual target or beacon includes either a light-reflective material or an active lighting element to enhance the wearer's visibility during rescue operations.
3 . The hypothermia prevention cap of claim 1 , wherein the cap includes a GPS-enabled LED strip positioned along the seams of the central head panel, activated in emergencies to signal the wearer's location.
4 . The hypothermia prevention cap of claim 3 , wherein the cap includes a battery activator pull for activating the GPS and LED features in emergencies.
5 . The hypothermia prevention cap of claim 3 , wherein the GPS-enabled LED strip includes a user-activated switch accessible from the exterior of the cap, allowing wearers to activate the emergency signal without removing the cap, thus maintaining thermal insulation and visibility during rescue operations.
6 . The hypothermia prevention cap of claim 1 , further comprising a waterproof case integrated into the cap to house electronics, including sensors and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring operational functionality in wet conditions.
7 . The hypothermia prevention cap of claim 6 , further including an eyebrow visor for protection against water and sunlight, enhancing wearer's comfort and visibility.
8 . The hypothermia prevention cap of claim 7 , further comprising a removable and adjustable eyebrow visor, allowing users to customize the level of sun and water protection based on user preference.
9 . A covering unit as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the waterproof case for housing electronics is detachably integrated into the cap, allowing for the electronics to be removed and the cap to be cleaned or serviced without damaging the technological components.
10 . A covering unit of claim 1 , wherein the shell component's gripping lower edge includes an adjustable mechanism for securely fitting various head sizes and shapes, thereby ensuring that the covering unit remains in place during use.
11 . The covering unit of claim 10 , wherein the shell component is further characterized by punched holes over the ear positions, each hole being 5×3 mm in size to balance thermal insulation with auditory perception, allowing users to hear rescue signals and communications without compromising the insulative effectiveness of the covering unit.
12 . The hypothermia prevention cap of claim 1 , wherein the multi-layer shell's outer nylon layer is treated with a water-repellent coating to enhance the waterproof properties of the cap, thereby increasing the wearer's protection against water immersion.
13 . The hypothermia prevention of claim 1 , wherein the insulative component covering the inner surface comprises a composite layering of a ceramic fiber material, a phase change material, and a synthetic microfiber, offering a customizable approach to thermal regulation based on environmental conditions and wearer needs.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to water safety gear and, more specifically, to a hypothermia prevention cap designed to enhance thermal insulation and visibility for individuals in aquatic environments, incorporating advanced materials, integrated technology, and ergonomic design for improved rescue outcomes. 2. Description of the Related Art Current laws state that for one operating a boat, canoe or kayak of any length, a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be available for each person on board. If these life jackets are stored, they should be readily accessible. Additionally, children under 13 years of age must wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway in such a vessel. Laws also state that any person on board a personal watercraft (such as, for example, a Jet Ski® brand name of a personal watercraft manufactured by Kawasaki), or any person being towed behind a vessel (as in water skiing or knee-boarding) also must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. However, there currently is no product currently available on the market that can be used in conjunction with a life vest that can help maintain normothermia and reduce the deadly risks of hypothermia after a person has been in the water for a period of time. Consequently, a need exists for a safety systems, devices and methods for providing comfort and care to any person who is stranded in the water from a boating, sport/personal watercraft, cruise ship, airplane or helicopter accident and other situation where a victim finds themselves left stranded in the open water. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to provide a hypothermia and shock head covering that enhances comfort and care for individuals stranded in the water due to boating, sport/personal watercraft, cruise ship, airplane, or helicopter accidents, among other scenarios. This invention integrates advanced materials and technology to improve safety and visibility during rescue operations. It is an object of the present invention to reduce the risks of hypothermia or circulatory shock related to water accidents for the passengers or operators of boats, canoes, or kayaks. Another object of the present invention is to equip rescue personnel with a more effective visual target or marker to assist in identifying or locating individuals stranded in open water. Furthermore, this invention is designed to work in conjunction with existing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. According to a preferred embodiment, the invention introduces a watercraft and water sports hypothermia cap. This cap comprises a main panel, a central head panel, and a chin panel, all constructed from an outer layer of nylon and an inner layer of neoprene, 2.5 mm thick, aimed at optimizing insulation and comfort. The cap's design minimizes exposure to fibrous materials, thereby reducing habitats for bacterial growth, and incorporates a visual target or beacon to aid in locating the wearer by rescue personnel. To ensure a secure and comfortable fit, all main seams are constructed with flatlock stitching and spot glue at the seam ends to prevent unraveling. Additionally, 5×3 mm holes are punched over the ear positions to balance insulation with the need for hearing. External seams are secured with a two-thread blindstitch, and the edges around the face and neck are finished with Lycra binding attached via zigzag stitching for enhanced durability and fit. A novel GPS version of the cap includes an LED strip along the seams of the central head panel, which lights up to improve visibility when the cap is activated in emergencies. This feature is powered by a battery activator pull, further enhancing the cap's utility in search and rescue operations. The electronics, including sensors and Bluetooth connectivity, are housed within a waterproof case integrated into the cap. This ensures the functionality of the GPS and LED features even in wet conditions. An added brow visor provides protection from water and sunlight, improving the wearer's comfort and visibility. The visor and the technology chassis, a molded frame containing all the technological components, are made from TPU rubber. This material choice ensures flexibility for manufacturing processes and durability to protect against water damage. The frame seam allowance is meticulously designed to follow the contour of the cranium, with a visor seam allowance that ensures secure attachment. The cap extends over a significant portion of the forehead, ears, and behind the head to the top of the cervical spine, with the innovative design elements ensuring minimal airflow between the cap material and the user's head. This design effectively prevents large air gaps, thus maintaining the user's head temperature within a safe range. The incorporation of a chin strap ensures the cap's secure placement on the user's head, with attachment mechanisms designed for easy adjus