Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
A Neck Protector Device
FIELD OF THE INVENq~ION
The present invention relates to a neck protector device
to be worn by athletes, such as hockey players, to protect them
against neck injuries which would be occasioned for example by
slashes to the neck by skate blades.
BACKGROlJND OF THE INVENTION
Neck protecting devices for hockey and other sports are
becoming increasingly popular. For example, Canadian Patent No.
1,242,051 of Lagace issued September 20, 1988 describes a
cylindrical neck protector device made from intertwined co-planar
metallic rings suspended from a helmet worn by the player. The
rings are covered by, but free from, outer layers of absorbent
flexible material.
Canadian Patent No. 1,172,803 of Gauthier issued August
21, 1984 describes a sports neck and collar bone protector
compri~ing a fabric collar incorporating a plurality of armour
members, which collar is fastened about a wearer's throat by means
of hook and loop fastenings. A bib also containing an armour
member extends below the collar to overlie a wearer's chest. The
armour members are made of rigid plastics material and hence must
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be appropriately formed to go about the wearer's throat and rest on
the wearer's chest.
U.S. Patent No. 4,686,710 of Marston, et al issued
August 18, 1987 describes and illustrates a flexible sports neck
protector comprising a removable slash-resistant material which is
held within a collar member, the collar member having hook and loop
securing means at its ends. A quilted bib is secured to and
extends downwardly from the collar.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a
more comfortable, lightweight neck protector device for protecting
the neck of a hockey player and the like.
æUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is
provided a neck protector device to be worn by hockey players and
the like. The neck protector comprises a turtleneck made of a
flexible, slash-resistant woven cloth enclosed within outer layers
of fabric material in combination with a bib of fabric material
extending below the turtleneck to be seated on the wearer's
shoulders and chest when in position. The cloth and fabric
material are stitched together to form a unitary construction.
In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion of the
device at its rear is provided with a slit extending through the
collar to the bib. Portions of the collar and bib on either side
of the slit overlap, and releasable fastening means are provided on
confronting surfaces of the overlapping portions to releasably
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secure the turtleneck in position comfortably about the neck of a
wearer.
The neck protector device according to the present
invention is extremely simple and easy to use, requiring the wearer
simply to pull it down over his or her head to bring the turtleneck
and bib into position. The turtleneck construction is a
significant improvement in comfort and ease of handling over prior
art collars.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWINGg
~hese and other objects and advantages of the invention
will become apparent upon reading the following detailed
description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a neck protector device
in accordance with the present invention being drawn into position
over a person's head;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the neck protector
device of FIGURE 1 in position on the person;
FIGURE 3 is a section view of the neck protector along
II-II of FIGURE 1; and
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view from the rear of an
alternative embodiment of neck protector device in accordance with
the present invention.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with
example embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended
to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is
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intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents
as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED D~8CRIPTION OF T~E INVEN~ION
In the drawings, similar features have been given similar
reference numerals.
Turning to the drawings a neck protector device 2 in
accordance with the present invention is illustrated on a player.
Device 2 comprises a turtleneck 4 to circumscribe and protect the
wearer's neck, and a bib 6 extending below turtleneck 4 to be
seated on the wearer's shoulders and chest as illustrated.
Turtleneck 4 is made of a flexible, slash-resistant woven
cloth 8 (FIGURE 2) enclosed within outer layers 10 of an
appropriate fabric material (e.g. cotton, polyester blend). The
slash-resistant material is preferably a loosely woven flexible
material made of a blend of fibres as follows:
66% - ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibres
22% - Synthetic fibres
12% - Optical fibres
The synthetic fibres are taken from the group consisting of nylon,
polyester or blends thereof. The optical fibres are preferably
continuous filament fiberglass fibre.
It is preferred that the cloth be woven with a small
curvature to enhance conformity, and hence comfort, with a wearer's
neck. The outer layers 10 are stitched to woven cloth 8 as
illustrated, to provide a unitary construction of fabric. It is
important that the composition and construction of cloth ~ and
outer layers 10 of turtleneck 4 be such that the turtleneck will
sit comfortably about a wearer's neck when lowered into wearing
position.
The bib, if desired, may also incorporate slash-resistant
cloth within outer layers 10, although this is not necessary
because, for instance in hockey, other forms of protection such as
shoulder pads with chest protectors may already be used by the
wearer.
In the preferred, alternative embodiment illustrated in
FIGURE 4, the upper portion of neck protector device 2 is provided
with a slit 16 extending through turtleneck 4 and bib 6, opposition
portions of which overlap. Hook and pile fastener means 20 are
provided, on confronting, overlapping portions of turtleneck 4 as
illustrated, to enable the turtleneck to be comfortably but
securely fastened in place on the wearer. This construction
facilitates the putting on and taking off of the neck protector
device 4.
The neck protector device according to the present
invention is exceptionally comfortable and easy to put on and take
off, while maintaining a high standard of safety as found in
earlier described, less comfortable neck protector devices.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in
accordance with the invention a neck protector device that fully
satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While
the invention has been described in conjunction with specific
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embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the
invention.
