Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MULTILAYER IMPACT ATTENUATING INSERT FOR HEADGEAR
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Serial No.
61/480,847, filed April 29, 2011 and to U.S. provisional patent application
Serial No.
61/521,584 filed August 9, 2011, both of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to headgear and more specifically to impact
attenuating headgear intended to reduce the incidence or severity of closed
head
injuries.
Closed head injuries, particularly concussions, are a relatively common
occurrence. The term concussion describes an injury to the brain resulting
from an
impact to the head. By definition, a concussion is not a life-threatening
injury, but it
can cause both short-term and long-term problems. The terms mild brain injury,
mild
traumatic brain injury (MTBI), mild head injury (MHO, minor head trauma, and
concussion may be used interchangeably. Frequently defined as a head injury
with a
temporary loss of brain function, concussion can cause a variety of physical,
cognitive, and emotional symptoms A mild concussion may involve feeling
"dazed"
or a very brief loss of consciousness, for example, being "knocked out. A
severe
concussion may involve prolonged loss of consciousness with a delayed return
to
normal.
A concussion can be caused by a blow to the head, or by acceleration forces
without a direct impact. The forces involved disrupt cellular processes in the
brain for
days or weeks. Concussions often occur in sports, particularly contact sports
such
as football or hockey. Military personnel can suffer concussions from direct
blows to
the head or from the percussion of an explosive device.
Treatment of concussion involves monitoring and rest. Symptoms usually go
away entirely within three weeks, though they may persist, or complications
may
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occur. Repeated concussions can cause cumulative brain damage or severe
complications such as second-impact syndrome.
Use of protective equipment such as headgear has been found to reduce the
number of concussions in athletes and military personnel. Improvements in the
design of protective gear such as helmets may decrease the number and severity
of
such injuries.
It would be advantageous, therefore, to have protective headgear with
enhanced impact attenuating properties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Headgear with enhanced impact attenuating properties is provided. The
headgear can be provided as a liner for protective headgear, such as a helmet,
or as
an integral part of the protective headgear.
The headgear comprises an impact attenuating or shock reducing pad which
can be employed as a permanent liner or replaceable liner for protective
headgear
such as a helmet. In one aspect, the pad comprises a flexible base or web
having
an array of individual cells across the web. The liner is configured to fit
within the
cavity of an impact resistant shell, such as a helmet. As such the liner is
configured
so as to be folded and positioned within the helmet. The liner can be
reasonably
secured inside the helmet shell or integral with the helmet shell.
The individual cells can be air cells. The air cells can be sealed at an
optimal
internal pressure or can be interconnected by airflow channels so that
pressure can
be equalized among the cells. The size of the various air flow channels is
predetermined can be varied to control the flow of air between the cells at
impact to
better control the impact attenuating characteristics of the pad.
In another embodiment, the cells can be at least partially filled with another
impact attenuating medium such as a visco-elastic material or foam or impact
attenuating plastic that has optimal impact attenuating characteristics.
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In another aspect, the impact attenuating liner comprises an impact
attenuating base and an impact attenuating cellular layer positioned on the
base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an impact attenuating liner inside headgear;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an impact attenuating headgear liner;
Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the impact attenuating liner;
Fig. 4 is a side elevational view thereof;
Fig. 5 is a front plan view thereof;
Fig. 6 is a rear plan view thereof;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of another aspect of an impact attenuating headgear
liner;
FIG.8 is a perspective view of another aspect of an impact attenuating
headgear liner;
FIG. 9 is a top plan view thereof;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another aspect of an impact attenuating
headgear liner;
FIG 11 is a perspective view of a multilayer impact attenuating headgear
liner;
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the multilayer impact attenuating liner of FIG.
11
inside headgear; and
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual inflation pump.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
One embodiment of the impact attenuating headgear is indicated generally by
reference numeral 10. The illustrated headgear comprises an outer shell 12
defining
an inner cavity 14. There is an impact attenuating pad or liner within cavity
14.
Cavity 14 is sized and configured such that a wearer's head is snugly and
comfortably nestled within the cavity and surrounded by the liner, as will be
explained.
It will be noted that outer shell 12, as illustrated, is commonly referred to
as a
helmet. The illustrated embodiment is configured as a military type helmet.
The
outer shell, however, can be any type of helmet including, but not limited to,
a
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football helmet, racing or motorcycle helmet, bicycling helmet, baseball
batter's
helmet, hockey, skiing, or the like. It will be understood that any reference
to an outer
shell or helmet or headgear herein is intended to encompass any type of
protective
headgear presently known or developed in the future.
In general, outer shell 12 is impact resistant, in that it comprises a hard
material that resists penetration or breaking, cracking or shattering upon
impact.
Although no material is absolutely impact resistant, the material comprising
the outer
shell will be referred to as impact resistant in the general sense. Such
materials
include, but are not limited to, synthetic fiber materials such as Kevlar
high impact
Impact attenuating pad or liner 16 comprises a base 18, which is constructed
as a flexible web. There is an array 20 of individual, upstanding cells 21
across the
web. The liner can be constructed with cells 21 molded into an upper or top
sheet,
or conformal, which is then adhered to a bottom or backing sheet. The bottom
sheet
In other aspects, the cells can be partially or fully filled with another
impact
attenuating material, such as liquid or foam or visco-elastic material or
combinations
thereof. In one aspect of the liner the cells are about 3/4 inch high when
fully
functional.
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In the illustrated embodiment, cells 21 can be interconnected by air flow
pathways or conduits 24 extending through base 18. The interconnected cells
can
have enhanced impact attenuating properties since the pressure within the
cells can
be equalized. Moreover, if there is impact at one area of the cells, air
within those
5 cells will be forced through the air conduits to better absorb the force.
The cross-
sectional area of conduits 24 may be varied among the cells to enhance or
control
the shock or force absorbing characteristics of the cells by controlling the
egress of
air out of the cells upon the application of force. As seen in Fig. 1, liner
16 includes
an inflation valve 25 that is in fluid communication with the cells. The
wearer can
optimally inflate the base for a snug fit, either by inflating the cells and
donning the
helmet or by donning the helmet then inflating the cells until the desired fit
is
achieved.
In one embodiment, the base and cells comprise a dip molded neoprene
material which has optimal pressure dispersing characteristics. The base and
cells
also can be a cavity molded polyurethane or other appropriate material.
In alternative embodiments, the base and cells can be molded from urethane
or similar materials. Cells 21 can contain or be filled with, or fashioned
from, other
impact attenuating material, such as visco-elastic gel, or foam or the like.
Moreover,
some of the cells can be air cells and others can be gel or foam filled cells.
In other
embodiments, the cells are not filled with gel or foam, but the cell itself is
constructed
of gel or foam.
The liner has major components that are intended to provide impact
attenuation at primary areas of a wearer's skull when folded and positioned
within
the cavity of the protective shell. Liner 16 includes a central section 26
that is
positioned at the midline of the protective shell and extends the length of
the liner
and extends from the frontal area, over the parietal area and to the occipital
area of
the skull of the wearer. There is a forward section 28, having side flaps 28A
and 28B
at the first or front end of the central section that is positioned across the
frontal area
of the skull. At the approximate midpoint of the central section there is a
first
temporal pad 30 and an opposed second temporal pad 32. At the rear or second
end
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of the central section is rear section 34, having side flaps 34A and 34B that
is
position over the occipital area of the wearer's skull.
As seen from Fig. 1, liner 16 is configured such that it can be folded and
optimally positioned within cavity 14. Hence base 18 includes a plurality of
appropriately located fold lines 34 between the major sections described
above. The
air conduits 24 extend through fold lines 25 without collapsing when folded.
Another aspect of a liner, indicated generally by reference number 40, is
shown in FIG. 7. Liner 40 includes a base 42 with an array of individual
upstanding,
impact attenuating cells 44 on the base. The cells are upstanding and include
a
peripheral side wall 45 and a top wall 46. In one aspect, the cells are about
3/4 inch
high when functional. Liner 40 has a substantially cruciform peripheral
configuration
and comprises a center section 47, a forward section 48, a rear section 49, a
first
side section 50 and a second side section 52. The side sections may be
referred to
as wings or temporal pads.
Cells 44 in the center, front and rear sections are substantially rectangular
in
peripheral configuration. The cells comprising first and second side sections
50 and
52, respectively, have varied configurations. As shown, the cells in the
temporal
pads are configured to define cut-outs or arches 54 and 56 positioned such
that the
liner does not impinge on the wearer's ears and hearing when position in a
helmet.
As previously described, cells 44 of liner 40 may be partially or totally
filled
with a gas, such as air, or filled or partially filled with another impact
attenuating
material such as a liquid, foam, a visco-elastic material, an impact
attenuating
plastic or the like. In any event, cells 44, containing a gas or another
flowable
medium, such as liquid, are interconnected by fluid flow conduits 58 to
equalize the
pressure among the cells in use. The conduits may be varied in size to control
fluid
flow patterns, as described above.
Liner 44 may be sealed or include an air valve 59, which can be a self-
inflating valve or even a valve and pump combination. The valve 59 (or
pump/valve,
or a self-adjusting valve as disclosed in the assignee's co-pending
provisional
application Serial No. 61/408,774, which is incorporated herein by reference)
is
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located on one of the side sections so that it is easily reached when
installed in a
helmet and placed on the head. Also, by placing valve 50 at this position, it
does not
contact the head if the helmet is struck by a projectile or jarred by
concussive force.
In use, the helmet and liner is place on the head and inflated. The user then
manipulates valve 59 to allow some deflation until the helmet is optimally
positioned
on the head.
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another aspect of a liner, indicated generally as
reference number 60, Liner 60 also has a substantially cruciform configuration
and
includes a center section 62, a forward section 64, a rear section 66, a first
side
section 68 and a second side section 70. Liner 60 comprises a base 71 with an
array of individual upstanding, impact attenuating cells 72 on the base. The
cells 70
have a substantially circular peripheral configuration and a rounded or domed
cross-
section. Cells 70 are about 3/4 inch high at the top when fully functional.
The cells are
interconnected by fluid flow conduits 74, as previously described, and may be
totally
fluid filled or partially fluid filled or totally filled with another impact
attenuating
material or combinations thereof, as described above. One of the cells may
incorporate a valve, a self-adjusting valve or pump, as at 76, or as shown in
Fig. 13.
The air pad layer could also be pre-sealed during manufacture with a set
amount of
air so that it is not adjusted by the user.
FIG. 10 illustrates another aspect of a liner, indicated generally by
reference
number 80. Liner 80 has a substantially cruciform peripheral configuration and
includes an array of individual, upstanding dome-shaped cells 82. The cells
are
interconnected by a web 84 that includes internal fluid flow conduits. Web 84
defines
a plurality of open areas 86 spaced between the cells. These open areas reduce
the
material weight of liner 80 and promote ventilation. The cell and web
structure is
arranged with a center section 87, a forward section 89, a rear section 90, a
first
temporal pad 92 and a second temporal pad 94.
It should be noted that open spaces 86 may be filled with other, light weight
material, such as light weight foam. Or, as will be explained hereinafter,
liner 80 may
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be positioned on a pad. Appropriately configured surfaces of the pad may
protrude
into open areas 86 between the cells.
The dome shaped cells of liners 60 and 80 offer significant advantages. As
mentioned above, the liner is secured in the helmet, deflated, placed on the
head
and then inflated for proper fit. In some circumstances, cells with a top wall
and
peripheral side wall will collapse when deflated. However, the side walls
buckle or
fold and the folded or wrinkled cell material support the helmet on the head.
It is
difficult to get a proper fit or feel. On the other hand, when domed cells are
deflated,
the collapse inwardly without the wrinkling or folding, allowing for a better
feel and a
better fit upon inflation.
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another aspect of the impact attenuating liner. As
seen, the liner is a multi-layer liner, indicated generally by reference
number 100,
comprising a cellular layer, in this illustration the inflatable layer being
liner 60 shown
in Fig. 8 with its constituent parts. It will be understood that any of the
previously
described cellular liners may be employed in the multilayer liner. The
multilayer liner
100 also includes a base layer 102. Base layer 102 is an impact attenuating
layer
comprising an impact attenuating material such as an appropriate liquid, foam,
visco-elastic material, impact attenuating plastic such as
!sobloe(theDODDgroup,
Allen, Tx), fiber, either synthetic or natural, or any other material that has
appropriate impact attenuating characteristics at the appropriate and useful
dimensions.
Moreover, base layer 102 can comprise another cellular layer with different
impact attenuating characteristics than cellular liner 80. In any event, base
layer 102
has the same peripheral configuration as cellular liner 60 and includes a
center 104,
a front section 106, a rear section 108, a first temporal section 110 and a
second
temporal section 112. In one aspect, cellular layer 60 is slightly undersized
in width
and length compared to base layer 102 so that when both layers are folded or
configured to fit inside a helmet 12 the layers have coextensive peripheral
edges, as
shown in FIG. 12.
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In one aspect, the multi-layer liner 100 is approximately 7/8 inch in
thickness
from the bottom surface of the base to the top of the functional cells.
Base layer 102 can have a cover and/or both layers together can be covered.
In one example, the cover could have two pockets, one to hold the base layer
and
another to hold the cellular layer.
In another aspect, cellular layer 60 may be attached or bonded to base layer
102, for example by spot welds or hook and loop fastener (Velcro ) or any
other
means to keep the layers in alignment in use.
Although base layer 102 is shown as a contiguous sheet, it can comprise
discrete segments of impact attenuating material that are hinged or otherwise
flexibly
attached together to allow it to bend or flex to fit properly within the
helmet. Or, base
layer 102 may comprise a cover or container that encloses a plurality of
chunks or
granules or pieces of impact attenuating material.
One embodiment of an acceptable pump assembly is shown in Fig. 13 and
indicated by reference number 120. Pump assembly 120 includes web 122 with a
diaphragm pump or other acceptable pump (not seen) inside a cell 124. Cell 124
is
configured to be integrated into web 122 in place of one of the cells
described above
or just ancillary to the cells. Pump assembly 120 includes a release valve 126
and
appropriate fluid flow connection 128 to an adjacent air cell to allow
inflation of the air
cells by manipulation of the pump. The user can don the helmet, actuate the
pump
until snug and release air, if necessary, through release valve 126. Pump
assembly
may include other apparatus such as a check valve and manual inflation valve
to
allow inflation by an outside air source. Other aspects of acceptable pumps
are
shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,074,765.
The foregoing description of the various embodiments is intended to be
illustrative of the broader aspects of the present invention and should not be
construed in a limiting sense.
