Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HELMET WITH MULTIPLE PROTECTIVE ZONES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to protective headgear, more particularly to sports or
work place
protective headgear, and still more particularly, to protective headgear
designed to prevent or
reduce head injury caused by linear or rotational forces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The human brain is an exceedingly delicate structure protected by a series of
envelopes to shield it from injury. The innermost layer, the pia mater, covers
the surface of
the brain. Next to the pia mater is the arachnoid layer, a spidery web-like
membrane that acts
like a waterproof membrane. Finally, the dura mater, a tough leather like
layer, covers the
arachnoid layer and adheres to the bones of the skull.
While this structure protects against penetrating trauma because of the bones
of the
skull, the softer inner layers absorb too little energy before the force is
transmitted to the
brain itself. Additionally, while the skull may dampen some of the linear
force applied to the
head, it does nothing to mitigate the effects of angular forces that impart
rotational spin to the
head. Many surgeons in the field believe the angular or rotational forces
applied to the brain
are more hazardous than direct linear forces due to the twisting or shear
forces they apply to
the white matter tracts and the brain stem itself. In addition, because the
person's head and
the colliding object (including another person's head) arc moving
independently and in
different angles, angular forces, as well as linear forces, are almost always
involved in head
injuries.
Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), more commonly known as "concussion," is a
type of brain injury that occurs frequently in many settings such as
construction worksites,
manufacturing sites, and athletic endeavors and is particularly problematic in
contact sports.
While at one time concussion was viewed as a trivial and reversible brain
injury, it has
become apparent that repetitive concussions, even without loss of
consciousness, are serious
deleterious events that contribute to debilitating disease processes such as
dementia and
neuro-degenerative diseases for example Parkinson's disease, chronic traumatic
encephalopathy (CTE), and pugilistic dementias.
U.S. Patent No. 5,815,846 by Calonge describes a helmet with fluid filled
chambers
that dissipate force by squeezing fluid into adjacent equalization pockets
when external force
is applied. In such a scenario, energy is dissipated only through viscous
friction as fluid is
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restrictively transferred from one pocket to another. Energy dissipation in
this scenario is
inversely proportional to the size of the hole between the full pocket and the
empty pocket.
That is to say, the smaller the hole, the greater the energy drop. The problem
with this design
is that, as the size of the hole is decreased and the energy dissipation
increases, the time to
dissipate the energy also increases. Because fluid filled chambers react
hydraulically, energy
transfer is in essence instantaneous, hence, in the Cologne design,
substantial energy is
transferred to the brain before viscous fluid can be displaced negating a
large portion of the
protective function provided by the fluid filled chambers. Viscous friction is
too slow an
energy dissipating modification to adequately mitigate concussive force. If
one were to
displace water from a squeeze bottle one can get an idea as to the function of
time and force
required to displace any fluid when the size of the exit hole is varied. The
smaller the transit
hole, the greater the force required and the longer the time required for any
given force to
displace fluid.
U.S. Patent No. 6,658,671 to Hoist discloses a helmet with an inner and outer
shell
with a sliding layer in between. The sliding layer allows for the displacement
of the outer
shell relative to the inner shell to help dissipate some of the angular force
during a collision
applied to the helmet. However, the force dissipation is confined to the outer
shell of the
helmet. In addition, the Ho1st helmet provides no mechanism to return the two
shells to the
resting position relative to each other. A similar shortcoming is seen in the
helmet disclosed
in U.S. Patent No. 5,956,777 to Popovich and European patent publication EP
0048442 to
Kalman, et al.
German Patent DE 19544375 to Zhan discloses a construction helmet that
includes
apertures in the hard outer shell that allows the expansion of what appears to
be a foam inner
liner through the apertures to dispel some of the force of a collision.
However, because the
inner liner appears to rest against the user's head, some force will be
directed toward rather
than away from the head. In addition, there is no mechanism to return the
expanded foam
liner back to the inside of the helmet.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0198604 to Weber, et al.
discloses a
safety helmet for protecting the human head against repetitive impacts as well
as moderate
and sever impacts to reduce the likelihood of brain injury caused by both
translational and
rotational forces. The helmet includes isolation dampers that act to separate
an outer liner
from an inner liner. Gaps are provided between the ends of the outer liner and
the inner liner
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to provide space to enable the outer liner to move without contacting the
inner liner upon
impact. However, it appears that several layers of isolation dampers and outer
liners are
necessary and no effective protection is provided to protect the brain from
direct translational
blows.
Clearly to prevent traumatic brain injury, not only must penetrating objects
be
stopped, but any force, angular or linear, imparted to the exterior of the
helmet must also be
prevented from simply being transmitted to the enclosed skull and brain. That
is to say that
the helmet must not merely play a passive role in dampening such external
forces, but must
play an active role in dissipating both linear and angular momentum imparted
by said forces
such that they have little or no deleterious effect on the delicate brain.
To achieve these ends one must conceive of the helmet much as biologic
evolution
has of the skull and the brain. That is to say, to afford maximal protection
from linear and
angular forces, the skull and the brain must be capable of movement
independent of each
other, and to have mechanisms which dissipate imparted kinetic energy,
regardless of the
vector or vectors by which it is applied.
To attain these objectives in a helmet design, the inner component (shell) and
the
outer component (shell or shells) must be capable of appreciable degrees of
movement
independent of each other. Additionally, the momentum imparted to the outer
shell should
both be directed away from and/or around the underlying inner shell and brain
and
sufficiently dissipated so as to negate deleterious effects.
Another difficulty with protective helmets is the tight fit of the helmet
against the
user's head. To fit properly, the narrow opening of a conventional helmet must
be pulled
over the widest part of the user's head Often the fit is so snug that it can
be painful to pull
the helmet over the user's head and protruding ears. Consequently, a user may
use a larger
helmet, which while more comfortable and easier to put on, does not provide
the level of
protection obtainable with a correctly fitted helmet.
Clearly, there is a need in the art and science of protective head gear design
to
mitigate these deleterious consequences of repetitive traumatic brain injury.
There is also a
need in the field for a helmet that can provide the protection achieved with a
proper fit and
still be relatively easy to pull over a user's head.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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The present invention broadly comprises a protective helmet that includes a
hard outer
shell the hard outer shell including a plurality of apertures; a hard inner
shell; a padded inner
liner functionally attached to the hard inner shell; a plurality of fluid-
filled bladders
positioned between the outer shell and the padded inner liner; and, a
plurality of elastomeric
cords connecting the outer shell and the inner liner.
In an alternate embodiment, the present invention includes a hard outer shell
the hard
outer shell including a plurality of apertures; a hard inner shell; a padded
inner liner
functionally attached to the hard inner shell; an intermediate shell
contacting the padded inner
liner and enclosing a quantity of cushioning pieces; a plurality of fluid-
filled bladders
positioned between the outer shell and the padded inner liner; and, a
plurality of elastomeric
cords connecting the outer shell and the inner liner and passing through the
intermediate
shell. One or more of the elastomeric cords may have a thin portion and a
thick portion, while
one or more cords may have uniform thickness.
In a second alternate embodiment, the present invention includes protective
helmet
having multiple protective zones comprising an impenetrable outer protective
zone formed by
a hard outer shell, the outer shell including a plurality of apertures; an
anchor zone formed by
a hard inner shell; an inner zone formed by a padded inner liner functionally
attached to the
hard inner shell; and, an elastomeric zone formed by a plurality of leaf
springs positioned
between the outer shell and the inner shell. Each of the plurality of leaf
springs includes at
least one elastic member and an anchor point. Additionally, the helmet may
include an
intermediate shell contacting the padded inner liner and enclosing a quantity
of cushioning
pieces. Furthermore, a plurality of elastomeric cords may be present that
connect the inner
shell and outer shell passing through any intermediate structures. The
elastomeric cords may
have uniform thickness and/or thick and thin portions in the same individual
cord.
In an additional alternate embodiment, the present invention includes an
articulated
protective helmet comprising a hard outer shell having at least two parts,
said at least two
parts each joined by an articulating means; an ear aperture in two of the at
least two parts; a
plurality of protective pads attached to an inner surface of the hard outer
shell; and a locking
means to releasably lock the articulated helmet in a closed position.
One object of the invention is to provide a helmet that will direct linear and
rotational
forces away from the braincase.
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A second object of the invention is to supply a helmet that includes an outer
shell that
floats or is suspended above the inner shell.
A third object of the invention is to offer a helmet with a sliding connection
between
the inner and outer shells.
An additional object of the invention is to supply a helmet that includes a
crumple
zone to absorb forces before they reach the braincase of the user.
A further object of the invention is to provide a helmet that is comfortable
to put on
while providing the protection of a helmet with a snug fit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The nature and mode of the operation of the present invention will now be more
fully
described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with
the accompanying
drawing Figures, in which:
Figure 1 is a front view of the double shell helmet ("helmet") of the present
invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of the helmet showing two face protection device
attachments
on one side of the helmet;
Figure 3A is a cross section view of the helmet showing the inner shell and
the
clastomcric cords connecting the two shells;
Figure 3B is a cross section view similar to Figure 3 depicting an alternate
embodiment of the helmet to include an intermediate shell enclosing cushioning
pieces;
Figure 3C is a cross section view similar to Figure 3A depicting an alternate
embodiment of the elastomeric cords in which some of the elastomeric cords
have thin and
thick portions;
Figure 4 is a schematic view of both types of cords in both a neutral position
and in
maximal deployment when the helmet is hit with greater than normal force;
Figure 5A is a top perspective view of one section of the outer shell of the
helmet
showing an alternate embodiment including a liftable lid that protect the
diaphragms covering
apertures in the outer shell of the helmet;
Figure 5B is a the same view as Figure 5A depicting the liftable lid
protecting the
bulging fluid-filled bladder;
Figure 6A is an exploded view showing the attachment of the cord to both the
inner
shell and outer shell to enable the outer shell to float around the inner
shell; and,
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Figure 6B is a cross section of the completed attachment fitting with the
elastomeric
cord attached to two plugs and extending between the outer shell and the inner
hell of the
helmet;
Figure 7 is a cross section view of an alternate embodiment of the helmet of
the
present invention in which the fluid-filled bladders are replaced as force
absorbers/deflectors
by parabolic leaf springs;
Figure 7A is a cross section view of an alternate embodiment of the helmet of
the
present invention in which the fluid-filled bladders are replaced as force
absorbers/deflectors
by elliptical leaf springs;
Figure 8 is a cross section of the alternate embodiment of the protective
helmet shown
in Figure 7 showing the use of the leaf springs with both types of elastomeric
cords;
Figure 9 is a cross section view of the helmet illustrating leaf springs
anchored on the
outer shell of the helmet;
Figure 10A depicts schematically the parabolic leaf springs when the helmet is
in a
neutral state before being struck by a force;
Figure 10B depicts schematically how the parabolic leaf springs temporarily
change
their shape when absorbing a force striking the helmet;
Figure 11 is an enlarged schematic cross section of a crumple zone in a helmet
in
which a leaf spring is the force absorber/deflector;
Figure 12 is a top view of the crumple zone showing a plurality of clastomeric
cords
extending between the cones of the viscoelastic material;
Figures 13A and 13B are front views of an articulating helmet in which is
divided into
at least two parts in which are attached by articulating means such as hinges
or pivots;
Figures 14A and 14B depict front views of an alternate embodiment of the
articulating helmet of the present invention having three articulating
sections;
Figure 15 is a side view of the two section embodiment of the articulating
helmet with
the addition of air vents;
Figure 16 is a side view of the three section embodiment of the articulating
helmet
showing two hinges for the articulating means;
Figure 17 is a front view of an additional alternate embodiment of
articulating helmet
100 in which pads or cushions are attached to the inner surface of the helmet;
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Figure 17A is a front view of a user wearing the articulating helmet in a
cross section
view demonstrating the fit of the helmet on the user;
Figures 18 and 18A are front views of the articulating helmet demonstrating an
embodiment in which one section of the helmet may nest inside the other
section; and,
Figure 19 depicts is an enlarged top view of one embodiment of a swivel that
enables
two articulating sections of an articulating helmet to turn nest within one
another.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different
drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. It also
should be
appreciated that figure proportions and angles are not always to scale in
order to clearly
portray the attributes of the present invention.
While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently
considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the
invention is not limited
to the disclosed embodiments. The present invention is intended to cover
various
modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope
of the
appended claims.
Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the
particular
methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course,
vary. It is
also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular
aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention,
which is limited
only by the appended claims.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have
the same
meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this invention
belongs. It should be appreciated that the term "substantially" is synonymous
with terms such
as "nearly", "very nearly", "about", "approximately", "around", "bordering
on", "close to",
"essentially", "in the neighborhood of', "in the vicinity of', etc., and such
terms may be used
interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. Although any
methods, devices
or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in
the practice or
testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are
now described. It
should be appreciated that the term "proximate" is synonymous with terms such
as "nearby",
"close", "adjacent", "neighboring", "immediate", "adjoining", etc., and such
terms may be
used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims.
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Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have
the same
meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this invention
belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to
those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred
methods, devices,
and materials are now described.
In the present invention, a helmet is presented that includes multiple
protective zones
formed in layers over the user's skull or braincase. The outer protective zone
is formed by an
outer shell that "floats" or is suspended on the inner shell such that
rotational force applied to
the outer shell will cause it to rotate, or translate around the inner shell
rather than
immediately transfer such rotational or translational force to the skull and
brain.
The inner shell and outer shell are connected to each other by elastomeric
cords that
serve to limit the rotation of the outer shell on the inner shell and to
dissipate energy by virtue
of elastic deformation rather than passively transferring rotational force to
the brain as with
existing helmets. In effect, these elastomeric cords function like mini bungee
cords that
dissipate both angular and linear forces through a mechanism known as
hysteretic damping
i.e. when elastomeric cords are deformed, internal friction causes high energy
losses to occur.
These elastomeric cords are of particular value in preventing so called
contrecoup brain
injury.
The outer shell, in turn floats on the inner shell by virtue of one or more
force
absorbers or deflectors such as fluid filled bladders or leaf springs located
between the inner
shell and the outer shell. To maximize the instantaneous reduction or
dissipation of a linear
and/or angular force applied to the outer shell, the fluid filled bladders
interposed between the
hard inner and outer shells may be intimately associated with, that is located
under, one or
more apertures in the outer shell with the apertures preferably being covered
with elastomeric
diaphragms and serving to dissipate energy by bulging outward against the
elastomeric
diaphragm whenever the outer shell is accelerated, by any force vector, toward
the inner
shell. Alternatively, the diaphragms could be located internally between inner
and outer
shells, or at the inferior border of the inner and outer shells, if it is
imperative to preserve
surface continuity in the outer shell. This iteration would necessitate
separation between
adjacent bladders to allow adequate movement of associated diaphragms.
In existing fluid filled designs, when the outer shell of a helmet receives a
linear force
that accelerates it toward the inner shell, the interposed gas or fluid is
compressed and
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displaced. Because gas and especially fluid is not readily compressible, it
passes the force
passively to the inner shell and hence to the skull and the brain. This is
indeed the very
mechanism by which existing fluid filled helmets fail. The transfer of force
is hydraulic and
essentially instantaneous, negating the effectiveness of viscous fluid
transfers as a means of
dissipating concussive force.
Because of the elastomeric diaphragms in the present invention, any force
imparted to
the outer shell will transfer to the gas or liquid in the bladders, which in
turn will
instantaneously transfer the force to the external elastomeric diaphragms
covering the
apertures in the outer shell. The elastomeric diaphragms in turn will bulge
out through the
aperture in the outer shell, or at the inferior junction between inner and
outer shells thereby
dissipating the applied force through elastic deformation at the site of the
diaphragm rather
than passively transferring it to the padded lining of the inner shell. This
process directs
energy away from the brain and dissipates it via a combination of elastic
deformation and
tympanic resonance or oscillation. By oscillating, an elastic diaphragm
employs the principle
of hysteretic damping over and over, thereby maximizing the conversion of
kinetic energy to
low level heat, which in turn is dissipated harmlessly to the surrounding air.
Furthermore, the elastomeric springs or cords that bridge the space holding
the fluid
filled bladders (like the arachnoid membrane in the brain) serve to stabilize
the spatial
relationship of the inner and outer shells and provide additional dissipation
of concussive
force via the same principle of elastic deformation via the mechanism of
stretching, torsion
and even compression of the elastic cords.
By combining the bridging effects of the elastic springs or cords as well as
the
elastomeric diaphragms strategically placed at external apertures, both linear
and rotational
forces can be effectively dissipated.
In an alternate embodiment, leaf springs may replace fluid-filled bladders as
a force
absorber/deflector. Leaf springs may be structured as a fully elliptical
spring or, preferably,
formed in a parabolic shape. In both forms, the leaf spring is anchored at a
single point to
either the outer shell or, preferably, the hard inner shell and extend into
the zone between the
outer shell and inner shell. The springs may have a single leaf (or arm) or
comprise a
plurality of arms arrayed radially around a common anchor point. Preferably,
each arm
tapers from a thicker center to thinner outer portions toward each end of the
arm. Further, the
ends of each arm may include a curve to allow the end to more easily slide on
the shell
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opposite the anchoring shell. In contrast to the use of leaf springs in
vehicles, the distal end
of the spring arms are not attached to the nonanchoring or opposite shell.
This allows the
ends to slide on the shell to allow independent movement of each shell when
the helmet is
struck by rotational forces. This also enables the frictional dissipation of
energy. Preferably,
the distal ends contact the opposite shell in the neutral condition, that is,
when the helmet is
not in the process of being struck.
When the elastomeric cords are used in conjunction with the leaf springs, the
orientation of the cords will be similar to their use with the fluid-filled
bladders/ diaphragm
embodiment, but will be utilized to absorb rotational forces as the leaf
springs will handle the
liner forces more directly.
Henceforth, my design, by employing elastomeric cords and diaphragms can
protect
against concussion as well as so called coup and contrecoup brain injury and
torsional brain
injury which can cause subdural hematoma by tearing of bridging veins or
injury to the brain
stem through twisting of the stem about its central axis.
Adverting to the drawings, Figure 1 is a front view of multiple protective
zone helmet
10 ("helmet 10"). The outer protective zone is formed by outer shell 12 and is
preferably
manufactured from rigid, impact resistant materials such as metals, plastics
such as
polycarbonates, ceramics, composites and similar materials well known to those
having skill
in the art. Outer shell 12 defines at least one and preferably a plurality of
apertures 14.
Apertures 14 may be open but are preferably covered by a flexible elastomeric
material in the
form of diaphragm 16. In a preferred embodiment, helmet 10 also includes
several face
protection device attachments 18. In a more preferred embodiment, face
protection device
attachments 18 are fabricated from a flexible elastomeric material to provide
flexibility to the
attachment. The elastomeric material reduces the rotational pull on helmet 10
if the attached
face protection device (not seen in Figure 1) is pulled. By elastomeric is
meant any of
various substances resembling rubber in properties, such as resilience and
flexibility. Such
elastomeric materials are well known to those having skill in the art. Figure
2 is a side view
of helmet 10 showing two face protection device attachments 18a and 186 on one
side of the
helmet. Examples of face protection devices are visors and face masks. Such
attachments
can also be used for chin straps releasably attached to the helmet in a known
manner.
Figure 3A is a cross section view of helmet 10 showing the hard inner shell 20
and the
elastomeric springs or cords 30 ("cords 30") that extend through an
elastomeric zone
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connecting the two shells. Inner shell 20 forms an anchor zone and is
preferably
manufactured from rigid, impact resistant materials such as metals, plastics
such as
polycarbonates, ceramics, composites and similar materials well known to those
having skill
in the art. Inner shell 20 and outer hell 12 are slidingly connected at
sliding connection 22.
By slidingly connected is meant that the edges of inner shell 20 and outer
shell 12,
respectively, slide against or over each other at connection 22. In an
alternate embodiment,
outer shell 12 and inner shell 20 are connected by an elastomeric element, for
example a u-
shaped elastomeric connector 22a ("connector 22a"). Sliding connection 22 and
connector
22a each serve to both dissipate energy and maintain the spatial relationship
between outer
shell 12 and inner shell 20.
Cords 30 are flexible cords, such as bungee cords or elastic "hold down" cords
or
their equivalents used to hold articles on car or bike carriers. This
flexibility allows outer
shell 12 to move or "float" relative to inner shell 20 and still remain
connected to inner shell
20. This floating capability is also enabled by the sliding connection 22
between outer shell
12 and inner shell 20. In an alternate embodiment, sliding connection 22 may
also include an
elastomeric connection 22a between outer shell 12 and inner shell 20. Padding
24 forms an
inner zone and lines the inner surface of inner shell 20 to provide a
comfortable material to
support helmet 10 on the user's head. In one embodiment, padding 24 may
enclose a loose
cushioning pieces such as STYROFOAM beads 24a or "peanuts" or loose oatmeal.
Also seen in Figure 3A is a cross section view of bladders 40 situated in the
elastomeric zone between outer shell 12 and inner shell 20. Helmet 10 includes
at least one
and preferably a plurality of bladders 40. Bladders 40 are filled with fluid,
either a liquid
such as water or a gas such as helium or air. In one preferred embodiment, the
fluid is helium
as it is light and its use would reduce the total weight of helmet 10. In an
alternate
embodiment, bladders 40 may also include compressible beads or pieces such as
STYROFOAM beads. Bladders 40 are preferably located under apertures 14 of
outer shell
12 and are in contact with both inner shell 20 and outer shell 12. Thus, if
outer shell 12 is
pressed in toward inner shell 20 and the user's skull during a collision, the
fluid in one or
more of bladders 40 will compress and squeeze bladder 40, similar to squeezing
a balloon.
Bladder 40 will bulge toward aperture 14 and displace elastomeric diaphragm
16. This
bulging-displacement action diverts the force of the blow from the user's
skull and brain up
toward the aperture providing a new direction for the force vector. Bladders
40 may also be
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divided internally into compartments 40a by bladder wall 41 such that if the
integrity of one
compartment is breached, the other compartment will still function to
dissipate linear and
rotational forces. Valve(s) 42 may also be included between the compartments
to control the
fluid movement.
Figure 3B is a cross section view similar to Figure 3 discussed above
depicting an
alternate embodiment of helmet 10. Helmet 10 in Figure 3B includes a crumple
zone formed
by intermediate shell 50 located between outer shell 12 and inner shell 20. In
the
embodiment shown, intermediate shell 50 is close to or adjacent to inner shell
20. As seen in
Figure 3B, intermediate shell 50 encloses filler 52. Preferably, filler 52 is
a compressible
material that is packed to deflect the energy of a blow to protect the skull,
similar to a
"crumple zone" in a car. The filler is designed to crumple or deform, thereby
absorbing the
force of the collision before it reaches inner pad 24 and the brain case. In
this embodiment, it
can be seen that cords 30 extend from inner shell 20 to outer shell 12 through
intermediate
shell 50. One suitable filler 52 is STYROFOAM beads or "peanuts" or
equivalent material
such as is used in packing objects. Because of its "crumpling" function,
intermediate shell
50 is preferably constructed with a softer or more deformable materials than
outer shell 12 or
inner shell 20. Typical fabrication material for intermediate shell 50 is a
stretchable material
such as latex or spandex or other similar elastomeric fabric that preferably
encloses filler 52.
Figure 3C is a cross section view similar to Figure 3A depicting an alternate
embodiment of helmet 10 in which elastomeric cords 31 ("cords" 31) have thin
and thick
portions. In the embodiment shown, the thick elastomeric portions may be
anchored on
either the inner surface of outer shell 12 or outer surface of inner shell 20.
Similarly, the thin
nonelastomeric portions of cords 31 may be attached to either the inner
surface of outer shell
12 or the outer surface of inner shell 20. The thin elastomeric portions may
be a single or
multiply cord.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of cords 31 in a neutral position and in maximal
deployment when helmet 10 is hit with greater than normal force. Also seen are
cords 30
which have uniform thickness throughout their lengths. In the neutral position
on the left of
Figure 4, cords 30 are under slight tension while cords 31 are under not
tension. As seen on
the right of Figure 4, under maximal displacement of outer shell 12 relative
to inner shell 20,
cords 30 may be stretched close or up to its elastic limit, but the thin
portion of cord 31 has
now engaged the thicker portion to mitigate the large force striking helmet 10
and to prevent
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any loss of elasticity in cord 30. By using cord 31 as a backup for blows
struck with severe
force, greater protection can be achieved even after the cord 30 reaches its
elastic limit and
does not interfere with absorbing the any rotational force striking helmet 10.
For this reason,
cord(s) 31 will act to preserve the integrity of the cord system of helmet 10.
Figure 5A is a top view of one section of outer shell 12 of helmet 10 showing
an
alternate embodiment in which liftable lids 60 ("lid 60") are used to cover
aperture 14 to
shield diaphragm 16 and/or bladder 40 from punctures, rips, or similar
incidents that may
destroy their integrity. Lids 60 are attached to outer shell 12 by lid
connector 62 ("connector
62") in such a way that they will lift or raise up if a particular diaphragm
16 bulges outside of
aperture 14 due to the expansion of one or more bladders 40, exposing it to
additional
collisions. Because it is liftable, lid 60 allows diaphragm 16 to freely
elastically bulge
through aperture 14 above the surface of outer shell 12 to absorb the force of
a collision, but
still be protected from damage caused by external forces. In an alternate
embodiment,
diaphragm 16 is not used and lid 60 directly shields and protects bladder 40.
In one
embodiment, lids 60 arc attached to outer shell 12 using hinges 62. in an
alternate
embodiment, lids 60 are attached using flexible plastic attachment 62. Figure
5B depicts
liftable lid 60 protecting bladder 40 as it bulges above outer shell 12.
Figure 6A is an exploded view showing one method cord 30 is attached to helmet
10
to enable outer shell 12 to float over inner shell 20. Cavities 36, preferably
with concave sides
36a, are drilled or otherwise placed in outer shell 12 and inner shell 20 so
that the holes are
aligned. Each end of cord 30 is attached to plugs 32 which are then placed in
the aligned
holes. In one embodiment, plugs 32 arc held in cavities 36 using suitable
adhesives known to
those skilled in the art. In an alternate embodiment, plugs 32 are held in
cavities 36 with a
friction fit or a snap fit.
Figure 6B is a cross section of the completed fitting in which cord 30 is
attached to
two plugs 32 and extends between outer shell 12 and inner shell 20. Also seen
is intermediate
shell 50 enclosing filler 52. Not seen are bladders 40 which would be situated
between
intermediate shell 50 (or inner shell 20) and outer shell 12. Persons of skill
in the art will
recognize that cords 31 may be attached between outer shell 12 and inner shell
20 in a similar
manner.
Figure 7 is a cross section view of an alternate embodiment of helmet 10 in
which
bladders 40 are replaced as force absorbers/deflectors with parabolic leaf
springs 41 ("springs
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41"). In the embodiment shown, springs 41 are anchored onto inner shell 20 at
anchor point
42. Springs 41 include at least one arm 43 with two ends 43a which are
preferably shaped
into a curve as shown. Arms 43 are preferably tapered having a thicker center
portion near
anchor point 42 and gradually thinning in width and/or thickness towards ends
43a. In
addition, arms 43 may be laminated with gradually more elastic layers applied
more distally
from anchor point 42. A plurality of arms 43 may be arrayed radially around
and attached to a
single anchor point 42. As seen in Figure 7, arms 43 extend through crumple
zone 50, if
present. Leaf springs 41 may also be used with elastomeric cords 30. Figure 7A
is an
alternate embodiment in which elliptical leaf springs 41a ("springs 41a"),
also attached at a
single anchor point 42 are used in place of parabolic leaf springs 41.
Figure 8 is a cross section of the alternate embodiment of helmet 10 shown in
Figure
7 showing the use of leaf springs 41 with both elastomerie cords 30 and cords
31. As
described above, cords 31, whose thick portions are thicker than uniform cords
30, act as a
backup to prevent cords 30 from being stretched beyond their elastic limit. As
shown in
Figure 8, the thick portions may be attached to either outer shell 12 or inner
shell 20.
Figure 9 is a cross section view of helmet 10 illustrating leaf springs 41
anchored on
outer shell 12 with cords 30. It is understood that cords 31 may also be used
with this
embodiment.
Figures 10A and 10B depict schematically the action of leaf springs 41 when
helmet
is struck by a force. In Figure 10A, helmet 10 is in the neutral state.
Springs 41 are shown in
relatively slight tension on all sides of helmet 10. In Figure 10B, force F
strikes helmet 10
from the right hand side. Ends 43a are separated further from each other as
arms 43 are
pushed toward inner shell 20 to absorb the translational force vector created
by force F.
Simultaneously, ends 43a' of arms 43' of the springs 41' located on the
opposite side of
helmet 10 move closer together as the tension on arms 43' is reduced as the
left side of outer
shell 12 is temporarily moved away from inner shell 20. After force F is
exhausted, the
increased tension created on the arms 43 on the right hand or contact side of
helmet 10 act to
push outer shell 12 toward the neutral position. This is aided by the relaxed
tension of arms
43' on the noncontact side of helmet 10 which enables that side of outer shell
12 to move into
the neutral position closer to inner shell 20. Although not shown in Figures
10A and 10B, it
will be understood that cords 30 and/or cords 31 will act to absorb any
rotational force
generated on helmet 10 by force F.
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Figure 11 is an enlarged schematic cross section of the crumple zone 50 in
helmet 10
in which leaf spring 41 is the force absorber/deflector. Elastomeric cords 30
extend from
inner shell 20 to outer shell 12. Crumple zone 50 is seen between cords 30 and
preferably
comprises SORBOTHANE or other viscoelastic materials 52. In the embodiment
shown,
the SORBOTHANE is in the shape of cones. Viscoelastic materials provide the
advantage
of behaving like a quasi-liquid, being readily deformed by an applied force
and slow to
recover, although in the absence of such a force it takes up a defined shape
and volume. An
unusually high amount of the energy from an object dropped onto SORBOTHANE is
absorbed. Leaf spring 41 is seen anchored to inner shell 20 and extending up
through
crumple zone 50 and contacting outer shell 12. In this embodiment, cones 52 in
crumple
zone 50 acts to absorb a blow having much greater than normal force so that
springs 41 are
deflected to such a degree that outer shell reaches crumple zone 50. Figure 12
is a top view
of crumple zone 50 showing a plurality of cords 30 extending between the cones
52 of the
viscoelastic material. It is understood that a helmet 10 employing fluid-
filled bladders 40
may include a crumple zone 50 having viscoelastic materials 52 such as
SORBOTHANE .
Figures 13A and 13B are front views of articulating helmet 100 ("helmet 100")
which
is divided into at least two parts that are attached by articulating means. By
articulating is
meant a helmet possesses parts or sections joined by articulating means such
as hinge or pivot
connections, swivels, or other devices that can allow separate parts of a
helmet to be opened
and closed together. Each section includes hard outer shell 101.
Figure 13A shows helmet 100 in the closed and locked orientation. Sections
102a
and 102b are joined by articulating means 104. In this embodiment,
articulating means 104
is hinge 104. It will be recognized that more than one hinge 104 or other
articulating means
may be used to open and close helmet 100. Preferably helmet 100 includes at
least one lock
106 to hold helmet 100 in the closed position. Ear apertures 108 arc also
shown along with
inner surface 103.
Figure 13B shows helmet 100 in the open orientation. Lock 106 is unlocked
allowing
hinge 104 to open separating sections 102a and 102b.
Figures 14A and 14B depict front views of an alternate embodiment of helmet
100
having three sections 103a, 103b, and 103c. In this embodiment, helmet 100
also includes
air vents 110 which are openings extending from outer surface 101 through to
inner surface
103 of helmet 100 and defined by helmet 100. Hinges 104 pivot to move sections
103b and
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103c closed with section 103a. One or more locks 106 hold the sections in the
closed
position. It will be recognized that air vents 110 may be present in helmets
with two or more
than three sections such as seen in Figures 13A and 13B. Figure 13B shows
helmet 100 in
the open position in which both hinges 104 open to separate sections 103b and
103c from
section 103a.
Figure 15 is a side view of the two section embodiment of helmet 100 with the
addition of air vents 110. Also seen are two hinges 104. Similarly, Figure 16
is a side view
of the three section embodiment of helmet 100 showing two hinges 104 for
section 102c.
Figure 17 is a front view of another alternate embodiment of articulating
helmet 100
in which pads or cushions 112 are attached to inner surface 101a of helmet
100. Pads 112
may either be permanently attached to the inner surface 103 (not seen in
Figure 17) with
suitable attachment devices such as rivets or screws or by adhesives. Pads may
be made of
foam materials well known in the art.
Alternatively, pads 112 may by releasably attached to inner surface 103 using
hook
and loop material such as VELCRO . This provides the advantage of enabling the
user to
obtain and arrange cushions 112 that will provide a snug fit when helmet 110
is worn. In
both embodiments, pads 112 are attached to inner surface 101a between vents
110 to ensure
as much air as possible reaches the user.
Figure 17A is a front view of a user showing articulating helmet 100 which is
seen in
cross section. Pads 112 are seen contacting the top of the head of user U
providing a snug fit.
Note that pads 112 are attached to inner surface 101a in such a way as to
leave air vents 110
open to provide air flow to the head. In this embodiment, car apertures 108
are covered with
a membrane or diaphragm 108a. In one embodiment, diaphragm 108a is fabricated
from
KEVLAR fabric.
Figures 18 and 18A arc front views of articulating helmet 100 demonstrating an
embodiment in which one section of helmet 100 may nest inside the other. In
Figure 18A,
section 102b is nested inside section 102a. Articulating means 104a is a
swivel that not only
holds the two sections together, but is also configured to allow sections 102a
and 102b to
open and to turn so that the outer surface of outer shell 101 of one section
faces inner surface
101a of the other section. This embodiment provides the advantage of
decreasing the overall
volume of helmet 100 in the open position making it easier to store.
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Figure 19 depicts an enlarged top view of one embodiment of swivel means 104a
that
enables sections 102a and 102b to turn nest within one another. Cable 105 is
attached to
section 102b and universal joint 107. Universal joint 107 is attached by
spring 109 to section
102a. Spring 109 acts to pull cable 105 plus attached section 102b toward
section 102a.
Universal joint 107 allows cable 105 to rotate. When the sections are pulled
apart, universal
joint 107 enables section 102b to rotate relative to section 102a after which
section 102b is
pulled back toward section 102a. Because section 102b has been rotated, it
will nest against
inner surface 101a of section 102a.
Thus it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained,
although
changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those
having
ordinary skill in the art, which changes would not depart from the spirit and
scope of the
invention as claimed.
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