Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
APPARATUS FOR DISPERSING IMPACT FORCES
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application
No.
61/928,687, filed January 17, 2014 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
Application No.
14/310,899, filed June 20, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No.
61/988,024, filed May 2, 2014 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
Application No.
14/188,303, filed February 24, 2014, now U.S. Patent No. 8,789,818, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 13/796,170, filed March 12, 2013,
now U.S.
Patent No. 8,695,955, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference
herein in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Impact forces received upon particular materials may compromise
the
integrity of the material and the purpose for which it is used. For example,
glass is an
amorphous solid material that is used extensively in everyday life. However,
glass products
such as automobile windshields and home windows are particularly prone to
encounter debris
that may result in some degree of cracking, chipping, or even shattering
(collectively
"breakage"). Rocks are often encountered by automobile tires and projected at
following
traffic, and lawn mowers may similarly propel debris at windows (and
especially those that
are adjacent the ground). While manufacturing advancements have been made to
improve
the resilience of glass products, such improved products may be undesirably
expensive and
may nevertheless still be susceptible to breakage. Further, those
manufacturing
advancements do not aid existing products that were made with older
technology.
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[0003] Additionally, impact forces received upon persons may have
harmful
consequences. For example, a tackle in the NFL can produce up to 1600 pounds
of force on a
player's body. Matt Higgins, "Football Physics: The Anatomy of a Hit," Popular
Mechanics,
December 9, 2009,
http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/physics/4212171. A
hit like this can cause a player's head to accelerate in his helmet at 30 to
60 g's. At 100g's, a
player will be out with a concussion. It has become increasingly important in
sports for
players to wear the best protective gear possible with the rising numbers of
sports-related
injuries, such as concussion. However, while advancements in sports gear have
improved the
safety of the game, players remain susceptible to head injuries where the
impact force upon
the player is greater than the force that the equipment can absorb.
[0004] Other types of helmets may also receive impacts, such as hard
hats.
Dispersion of impact forces acting upon these helmets may similarly be
desirable.
[0005] Some embodiments set forth herein may inhibit glass breakage
without
requiring any changes to how the glass is manufactured. Other embodiments set
forth herein
may be incorporated in the glass manufacturing process as an alternative, or
enhancement, to
other anti-breakage technologies. Still other embodiments set forth herein may
help disperse
impact forces away from a person's body to prevent or minimize injury.
SUMMARY
[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in
order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary
is not an
extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify critical
elements of the
invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to
present some
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concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description
that is presented elsewhere.
[0007] In one embodiment, an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage
includes a
housing, a contact member, and a biasing member. The housing has a contact end
with an
aperture, and the contact member is disposed at least primarily inside the
housing. The
biasing member biases the contact member toward the housing aperture. Means
for fixing
the housing contact end to a glass surface are further included.
[0008] In another embodiment, a method for inhibiting glass breakage
begins
with obtaining an apparatus having: (a) a housing having a contact end with an
aperture; (b) a
contact member disposed at least primarily inside the housing; and (c) a
biasing member
biasing the contact member toward the housing aperture. The housing contact
end is then
adhered to a glass item, and impact force is transferred from the glass item
to the biasing
member via the contact member.
[0009] In still another embodiment, a glass product includes a sheet of
glass and
an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage. The apparatus for inhibiting glass
breakage
includes: (a) a housing having a contact end with an aperture; (b) a contact
member disposed
at least primarily inside the housing; and (c) a biasing member biasing the
contact member
toward the housing aperture. The housing contact end is coupled to the sheet
of glass, and
the contact member rests upon the sheet of glass for receiving an impact force
from the sheet
of glass.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, a glass product includes a first
sheet of glass,
a second sheet of glass laminated to the first sheet of glass, and an
apparatus for inhibiting
glass breakage. The second sheet of glass has an opening therein, and the
apparatus for
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CA 02910310 2015-10-23
inhibiting glass breakage includes: (a) a housing having a contact end with a
first aperture;
(b) a first contact member disposed at least primarily inside the housing; and
(c) a biasing
member biasing the first contact member toward the first aperture. The housing
contact end
is coupled to at least one of the first sheet of glass and the second sheet of
glass, and the
contact member passes through the opening in the second sheet of glass and
rests upon the
first sheet of glass for receiving an impact force from the first sheet of
glass.
[0011] In another embodiment, an apparatus for dispersing impact forces
includes
a housing having a contact end with an aperture; a contact member located at
least primarily
inside the housing; a biasing member biasing the contact member toward the
housing
aperture; and means for securing the housing contact end to a surface. When an
impact force
is received upon the impact receiving surface, the force is at least partially
transferred to the
contact member, which in turn temporarily alters the biasing member, which
subsequently
returns the contact member to an initial position. The return of the contact
member imparts a
second force on the impact receiving surface, which is less than the impact
force transferred
to the contact member.
[0012] In still another embodiment an apparatus for dispersing impact
forces is
provided, which includes a base, a rail, a contact member for contacting an
impact receiving
surface, a first biasing member located between the base and the rail, and a
second biasing
member located between the rail and the contact member. The first biasing
member biases
the rail toward a rest position and the second biasing member biases the
contact member
toward an initial position at the impact receiving surface. An impact force
received on the
impact receiving surface is at least partially transferred to the contact
member, which
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CA 02910310 2015-10-23
temporarily alters the second biasing member. The contact member is
subsequently returned
to the initial position, which imparts a second force on the impact receiving
surface.
[0013] In still yet another embodiment, an apparatus for dispersing
impact forces
includes a base, a contact member for contacting an impact receiving surface,
and a primary
biasing member disposed between the base and the contact member. The primary
biasing
member biases the contact member toward an initial position at the impact
receiving surface.
An impact force received on the impact receiving surface is at least partially
transferred to
the contact member, which in turn temporarily alters the primary biasing
member which
subsequently returns the contact member to the initial position. The return of
the contact
member to the initial position imparts a second force on the impact receiving
surface.
[0014] In still a further embodiment, a window product includes a first
window
pane, a second window pane, and an apparatus for dispersing impact forces. The
apparatus
for dispersing impact forces has a base, a contact member for contacting the
first window
pane, and a primary biasing member disposed between the base and the contact
member.
The primary biasing member biases the contact member toward an initial
position at the first
window pane. An impact force received on the first window pane is at least
partially
transferred to the contact member, which in turn temporarily alters the
primary biasing
member which subsequently returns the contact member to the initial position.
The return of
the contact member to the initial position imparts a second force on the first
window pane.
[0015] In still another embodiment, an apparatus for dispersing impact
forces is
provided which includes a housing having a contact end with an aperture; a
contact member
located at least primarily inside the housing; a biasing member biasing the
contact member
toward the housing aperture; and a sensor. The housing contact end is secured
to an impact
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,
,
,
receiving surface. The sensor initiates an alert when an impact force received
on the impact
receiving surface causes the contact member to shift a predetermined distance
from an initial
position.
[0016] Provided in still yet another embodiment is an
apparatus for dispersing
impact forces having a base; a contact member for contacting an impact
receiving surface; a
biasing member disposed between the base and the contact member; and a sensor.
The
biasing member biases the contact member toward an initial position at the
impact receiving
surface; and the sensor initiates an alert when an impact force received on
the impact
receiving surface causes the contact member to shift from an initial position.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, a window product
includes a window pane
and an apparatus for dispersing impact forces. The apparatus for dispersing
impact forces
has a base; a contact member positioned to receive force from the window pane;
a biasing
member disposed between the base and the contact member; and a sensor. The
biasing
member biases the contact member toward an initial position at the window
pane. An impact
force received on the window pane cause the contact member and the biasing
member to
move. The movement of the contact member or the biasing member activates the
sensor,
causing the sensor to initiate an alert.
[0018] In still a further embodiment is provided a
monitoring system having an
input device, an alarm, a processor, and electronic instructions. The input
device includes a
housing having a contact end with an aperture; a contact member located at
least primarily
inside the housing; a biasing member biasing the contact member toward the
housing
aperture; at least one sensor; and means for securing the housing contact end
to an impact
receiving surface. The processor is in data communication with the sensor, and
the electronic
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instructions, when executed by the processor, performs steps for (a) receiving
at least one
signal from the sensor; (b) analyzing the at least one signal to identify a
triggering event; and
(c) upon identifying a triggering event, actuating the alarm.
[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention a system for
mitigating an
impact force is disclosed. The system includes a device having a first layer,
a second layer,
and an intervening member. The intervening member is suspended between the
first and
second layers via a first biasing member. A first portion of a force initially
received by the
first layer is transferred to the intervening member; a fraction of the force
transferred to the
intervening member is returned to the first layer, the fraction returned to
the first layer being
less than the force received by the first layer; and a second portion of the
force initially
received by the first layer is partially transferred to the second layer, the
second portion being
less than the initial force received by the first layer.
[0020] In still another embodiment, a system for mitigating head
injuries includes
a helmet. The helmet has a hard outer layer; a padded inner layer; and an
intervening layer
suspended between the outer layer and the inner layer via a first biasing
member. An
alignment member secures the outer layer to the inner layer, the alignment
member being
telescopic and having a second biasing member. A first portion of a force
initially received
by the outer layer is transferred to the intervening member; a fraction of the
force transferred
to the intervening member is returned to the outer layer, the fraction
returned to the outer
layer being less than the force received by the outer layer; and a second
portion of the force
initially received by the outer layer is partially transferred to the inner
layer, the second
portion being less than the initial force received by the outer layer.
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[0021] In still yet another embodiment, a system for mitigating an
impact force,
includes a helmet with a face mask. The face mask has a first portion and a
second portion
separated by a gap and held together via a biasing member. A force received by
the first
portion is at least partially transferred to the second portion, and a
fraction of the transferred
force is returned to the first portion, the fraction being less than the force
received.
In still a further embodiment, a system for mitigating an impact force is
provided which
includes a first helmet, a plurality of proximity sensors, a plurality of
electromagnets, and
ferromagnetic material. The first helmet has an outer layer, an inner layer,
and an impact
plate suspended between the outer layer and the inner layer via a first
biasing member. The
proximity sensors and the electromagnets are in data communication with a
processor and
non-transitory computer memory. The memory includes programming to effectuate
the steps
of: (1) determining the proximity of the first helmet to A second helmet; (2)
determining a
potential impact location of the first helmet with the second helmet; and (3)
actuating one or
more of the electromagnets to attract the ferromagnetic material to the
potential impact
location. A portion of an impact force between the first and second helmets is
dissipated by
overcoming the electromagnet attraction of the ferromagnetic material; and
another portion
of the impact force is transferred to the impact plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting
glass
breakage according to one embodiment of the current invention, with a distal
end of the
apparatus visible.
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[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with a
proximal
(or "contact") end of the apparatus visible.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in use, with
various
elements shown in section taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a section view of the housing of FIG. 3.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a section view showing a cushion member added inside
the
housing of FIG. 4.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting
glass
breakage according to another embodiment of the current invention, with a
distal end of the
apparatus visible.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 6, with various
elements
shown in section taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting
glass
breakage according to still another embodiment of the current invention, with
a distal end of
the apparatus visible.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 8, with a
proximal
(or "contact") end of the apparatus visible.
[0031] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 8, with
contact
members and biasing members separated from a housing.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a section view of the apparatus of FIG. 8, taken
along line 11-
11 in FIG. 8.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a section view of one embodiment of a glass product
incorporating the apparatus of FIG. 8.
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[0034] FIG. 12a is an exploded view showing another embodiment of the
apparatus of FIG. 8 in an example use.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for
inhibiting glass
breakage according to yet another embodiment of the current invention, with a
distal end of
the apparatus visible.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 13, with
a proximal
(or "contact") end of the apparatus visible.
[0037] FIG. 15 is a section view of the apparatus of FIG. 13, with
various
elements shown in section taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 13.
[0038] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for
inhibiting glass
breakage according to still yet another embodiment of the current invention.
[0039] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a mount of the apparatus
of FIG.
16.
[0040] FIG. 18 is a section view of part of the apparatus of FIG. 16,
with various
elements shown in section.
[0041] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an apparatus for inhibiting
glass breakage
and a resulting glass product according to a further embodiment of the current
invention.
[0042] FIG. 20 is a side view of the apparatus and resulting glass
product of FIG.
19.
[0043] FIG. 21 shows an alternate base portion for use in the apparatus
of FIG.
19.
[0044] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an apparatus for inhibiting
glass breakage
and a resulting glass product according to a still further embodiment of the
current invention.
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
[0045] FIG. 22a shows an alternate base portion for use in the apparatus
of FIG.
19.
[0046] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an apparatus for inhibiting
glass breakage
and a resulting glass product according to still yet another embodiment of the
current
invention.
[0047] FIG. 24 is a side view of a helmet, according to another
embodiment of
the current invention.
[0048] FIG. 25 is a section view of an apparatus for dispersing impact
forces as
applied to the helmet of FIG. 34, according to another embodiment of the
current invention.
[0049] FIG. 26 is a section view of an apparatus for dispersing impact
forces as
applied to the helmet of FIG. 34, according to yet another embodiment of the
current
invention.
[0050] FIG. 27 is a section view of apparatus for dispersing impact
forces shown
located between the layers of a helmet and within pads on the helmet,
according to various
embodiments of the current invention.
[0051] FIG. 28 is an exploded view of a system for mitigating harm due
to impact
forces according to one embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of a system for mitigating harm due
to impact
forces according to another embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 30 is an exploded view of a system for mitigating harm due
to impact
forces according to still another embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 31 is a section view of a system for mitigating harm due to
impact
forces incorporating a telescoping rivet, according to one embodiment.
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[0055] FIG. 32 is a section view of a system for mitigating harm due to
impact
forces incorporating a telescoping rivet having an internal biasing member,
according to
another embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 33 is a section view of a face mask of a helmet according
to one
embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 34 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in use, with
various
elements shown in section taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1, and incorporating
sensors.
[0058] FIG. 35 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 6, taken along
line 7-7 in
FIG. 6 and further incorporating sensors.
[0059] FIG. 36 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, taken along
line 3-3 in
FIG. 1, showing a magnetic spring and further incorporating sensors.
[0060] FIG. 37 is a section view of the apparatus of FIG. 8, taken
along line 11-
11 in FIG. 8, and further incorporating sensors.
[0061] FIG. 38 is a section view of one embodiment of a glass product
incorporating the apparatus of FIG. 8 and further incorporating sensors.
[0062] FIG. 39 is a section view of the apparatus of FIG. 13, with
various
elements shown in section taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 13, and further
incorporating
sensors.
[0063] FIG. 40 is a side view of the apparatus and resulting glass
product of FIG.
19, and further incorporating sensors.
[0064] FIG. 41 is a section view of a system for mitigating harm due to
impact
forces incorporating a telescoping rivet, and further incorporating sensors.
12
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=
[0065] FIG. 42 is a section view of a system for mitigating harm
due to impact
forces incorporating a telescoping rivet having an internal biasing member and
further
incorporating sensors.
[0066] FIG. 43 is a section view of a face mask of a helmet
according to one
embodiment and further incorporating sensors.
[0067] FIG. 44 is a block diagram of a system according to one
embodiment of
the current invention.
[0068] FIG. 45 is a circuit diagram of an input device as shown in
FIG. 44.
[0069] FIG. 46 is a circuit diagram of an input device as shown in
FIG. 44
showing two switches.
[0070] FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional diagram showing two helmets in
communication via proximity sensors.
[0071] FIG. 48 is a circuit diagram of the proximity sensors as
shown in FIG. 47.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0072] FIGs. 1 through 4 show an apparatus for inhibiting glass
breakage
according to one embodiment 100 of the current invention. The apparatus 100
broadly
includes a housing 110, a contact member 130, and a biasing member 140.
[0073] The housing 110 has a contact end 112a opposite a distal
end 112b, and
the contact end 112a has an aperture 115 (FIGs. 2 through 4). While the
housing 110 may be
configured in various ways, it may be desirable for the contact end 112a to
have a surface
area that is greater than a surface area of the distal end 112b. Such
increased surface area at
the contact end 112a may allow the housing 110 to be better coupled to a glass
surface (as
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CA 02910310 2015-10-23
discussed further below) while minimizing the size of the housing 110 at the
distal end 112b.
The housing 110 is shown to have a first portion 113 extending from the
contact end 112a
and a second portion 114 extending from the distal end 112b, with each portion
113, 114
being generally cylindrical and extending to one another. While such
configuration is
currently preferred in the embodiment 100, other geometries (conical,
rectangular, octagonal,
irregular geometries, more or fewer portions, et cetera) may nevertheless be
used.
[0074] The housing 110 may be constructed of plastic, metal,
composites, and/or
any other appropriate material. Moreover, various manufacturing processes may
be used to
form the housing, such as molding, casting, machining, and/or 3-D printing.
While in some
embodiments the housing 110 is formed as a unitary element, in other
embodiments it may
be multiple elements coupled together. For example, the first portion 113 may
be fastened to
the second portion 114 after each portion 113, 114 is formed.
[0075] The contact member 130 (FIGs. 2 and 3) is disposed at least
primarily
inside the housing 110, and specifically in a cavity 116 defined by the
housing 110, and the
biasing member 140 (FIG. 3) is similarly disposed in the cavity 116 and biases
the contact
member 130 toward the housing aperture 115. In the embodiment 100, the
aperture 115 is
round and smaller than the contact member 130 such that the contact member 130
cannot
completely pass through the aperture 115.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 3, it may be desirable for the contact member
130 to be
generally spherical to provide a single point of contact between the contact
member 130 and
a sheet of glass 10 with which the apparatus 100 will be used. In addition, a
spherical
configuration may allow the contact member 130 to be easily seated in the
housing 110 at the
aperture 115. Nevertheless, the contact member 130 may be configured to be
shaped
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=
differently and the aperture 115 may be shaped complementary to the
configuration of the
contact member 130.
[0077] The contact member 130 may be constructed of entirely non-
elastic
material (e.g., metal). However, it may be desirable for the contact member
130 to be made
at least partially of a resilient material such as rubber, or other materials
such as glass. A
rubberized coating on a non-elastic material may be particularly suitable,
allowing some
energy to be absorbed upon impact of the glass 10 and the contact member 130
yet
transferring most of an impact force from the glass 10 to the biasing member
140.
[0078] The biasing member 140 in the embodiment 100 is a helical
spring, as
shown in FIG. 3. Other types of resilient members may alternately (or
additionally) be used
in different embodiments, such as a flat spring, a gas spring, a hydraulic
spring, or a magnetic
spring. An endcap 120 is coupled to the housing 110 to prevent the contact
member 130
from exiting the housing 110, and the biasing member 140 may abut the endcap
120, as
shown in FIG. 3. The housing 110 includes threading 118 (FIGs. 3 and 4), and
the endcap
120 includes complementary threading 122 for coupling the endcap 120 to the
housing 110.
The endcap 120 may further include a passage or other element 124 for
receiving a driver bit,
allowing the endcap 120 to be fastened to the housing 110. While other
embodiments may
use fastening methods besides threading (for example, adhesive or fusing), it
may be
desirable for the endcap 120 to be adjustably coupled to the housing 110; such
adjustment
may allow an amount of force on the contact member 130 provided by the biasing
member
140 to be altered as desired.
[0079] Various means may be included for fastening the housing contact
end
112a to the glass 10 (which may or may not be generally planar). As shown in
FIGs. 2 and 3,
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
adhesive 150 may be used to couple the contact end 112a to the glass 10.
Especially if the
housing contact end 112a is generally flat or otherwise not of the same
curvature as the glass
10, the adhesive 150 may be particularly desirable to fill the area between
the contact end
112a and the glass 10 and provide a strong bond. Nevertheless, other
embodiments may use
magnetic fasteners, fusing processes, and other suitable fastening technology.
[0080] In use, the apparatus 100 is adhered to (or otherwise coupled
to) the glass
10, as shown for example in FIG. 3. The biasing member 140 biases the contact
member 130
toward the aperture 115, and the contact member 130 extends through the
aperture 115 and
contacts the glass 10. The system may remain in this configuration until the
glass 10
receives an impact force I. For example, the glass 10 may be a windshield or a
residential
window, and flying debris may provide the impact force I. Upon receipt of the
impact force
I, the glass 10 may transfer at least a portion of the impact force Ito the
contact member 130,
which in turn may move from the contact end 112a and transfer force to the
biasing member
140. The biasing member 140 may then return to its prior configuration, moving
the contact
member 140 back through the aperture 115 and contacting the glass 10.
[0081] Inefficiencies in the biasing member 140, for example, may cause
less
than the full amount of force transferred to the contact member 130 from the
glass 10 to be
returned to the glass 10. This may be particularly advantageous if multiple
apparatus 100 are
used with the glass 10. In addition, if multiple apparatus 100 are used with
the glass 10, the
timing of the force transfer may vary slightly between the different apparatus
100, allowing
forces to be transferred back to the glass 10 at different times. The glass 10
may be able to
withstand this staggered return of forces better than the impact force I if
the multiple
apparatus 100 were not utilized.
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[0082] To further dissipate the impact force I, a cushion 190 may be
placed in the
housing 110, as shown in FIG. 5. In such embodiments, the cushion 190 may be
initially
compressed when the contact member 130 contacts the glass 10. Upon movement of
the
contact member 130 away from the aperture 115 (and the cushion 190), the
cushion 190 may
expand. The cushion 190 may then absorb some force from the contact member 130
when
the contact member 130 is returned to the glass 10, causing the cushion 190 to
return to the
compressed configuration.
[0083] The cushion 190 may be constructed of, for example, open celled
polyurethane, and fast-recovery memory foam may be particularly useful. Those
skilled in
the art will appreciate that other materials which may quickly return to their
original
configuration after being compressed may similarly be used.
[0084] While the positioning of the apparatus 100 may vary (based, for
example,
on the type of glass application), in some embodiments where the glass 10 is a
windshield,
multiple apparatus 100 may be dispersed along a perimeter of the glass 10
and/or behind the
rear view mirror so as not to unnecessarily obstruct the driver's view.
[0085] FIGs. 6 and 7 show another apparatus 200 for inhibiting glass
breakage
that is substantially similar to the embodiment 100, except as specifically
noted and/or
shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the
embodiment 100 (and thus the embodiment 200) may be modified in various ways,
such as
through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments,
for example.
For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 200 and 299 may be used
to indicate
parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered between 100 and 199
(e.g., housing
210 corresponds generally to the housing 110), though with any noted or shown
deviations.
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[0086] In embodiment 200, endcap 220 is fused to housing 210. For
example, the
housing 210 and the endcap 220 may be plastic coupled together through
friction welding or
ultrasonic welding.
[0087] FIGs. 8 through 11 show another apparatus 300 for inhibiting
glass
breakage that is substantially similar to the embodiment 100, except as
specifically noted
and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that
the embodiment 100 (and thus the embodiment 300) may be modified in various
ways, such
as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described
embodiments, for
example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 300 and 399 may
be used
to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered between 100
and 199
(e.g., housing 310 corresponds generally to the housing 110), though with any
noted or
shown deviations.
[0088] In embodiment 300, the housing 310 is sized to contain more than
one of
the contact members 330. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the housing contact end
312a has
more than one of the apertures 315, and the apparatus 300 may further include
at least one
cushion 390 (FIG. 11) inside the housing 310 associated with each aperture
315. While
embodiment 300 has three rectangular apertures 315, a generally rectangular
contact end
312a, and a rounded distal end 312b, the housing 310 can be configured in
various ways (as
noted regarding the embodiment 100) and may include more or fewer apertures
315 of any
appropriate shape to correspond to the contact member(s) 330. And while the
drawings show
the housing 310 to be a unitary member, it may generally be formed of multiple
segments
coupled together during a manufacturing process.
18
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
[0089] The contact members 330 are disposed at least primarily inside
the
housing 310, with each of the contact members 330 being associated with (and
biased
toward) a respective aperture 315. The embodiment 300 includes rectangular
contact
members 330 each having a recess 331 (FIG. 11), and the apertures 315 are
smaller than the
contact members 330 such that the contact members 330 cannot completely pass
through the
apertures 315. Such sizing may be particularly desirable when the apparatus
300 is for
"aftermarket" use (i.e., when the glass product is not sold with the apparatus
300).
[0090] When multiple contact members 330 are included, they may be
biased
toward the apertures 315 by a single biasing member 340, or by multiple
biasing members
340. The embodiment 300 includes multiple biasing members 340, shown to be
flat springs
340a coupled to one another by a rail 340b. More particularly, the embodiment
300 includes
a piece of stamped metal bent to define the flat springs 340a. While FIG. 11
shows an upper
end of a respective flat spring 340a touching the housing 310, other
embodiments employing
flat springs 340a may include a spacing between the spring upper ends and the
housing 310.
And, as discussed above regarding the embodiment 100, other types of biasing
members 310
may be used.
[0091] FIG. 12 shows the apparatus 300 in one method of use, and a
resulting
glass product. First and second sheets of glass 31, 32 may be spaced apart or
laminated
together (as shown). Windshield applications, for example, may include
lamination; window
applications, for example, may include spacing. The second sheet of glass has
at least one
opening 32a therein, and the contact end 312a of the housing 310 is coupled to
at least one of
the sheets 31, 32. One of the contact members 330 passes through a respective
opening 32a
and rests upon the first sheet 31 for receiving an impact force from the first
sheet 31.
19
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
Another of the contact members 330 rests upon the second sheet 32 for
receiving an impact
force from the second sheet 32. Forces from each sheet 31, 32 are transferred
generally as
described above regarding FIGs. 1 through 5. By receiving at least a portion
of an impact
force from the sheet 31, the apparatus 300 may be better able to prevent
breakage than if only
the sheet 32 were contacted.
[0092] FIG. 12a shows the apparatus 300 configured as a ribbon (i.e.,
with the
housing 310 elongated and having a reduced distance between ends 312a, 312b)
and
positioned between the windshield 10 and an automobile body 2. In such
embodiments, the
windshield 10 may be directly installed atop the apparatus 300.
[0093] FIGs. 13 through 15 show another apparatus 400 for inhibiting
glass
breakage that is substantially similar to the embodiment 100, except as
specifically noted
and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that
the embodiment 100 (and thus the embodiment 400) may be modified in various
ways, such
as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described
embodiments, for
example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 400 and 499 may
be used
to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered between 100
and 199
(e.g., housing 410 corresponds generally to the housing 110), though with any
noted or
shown deviations.
[0094] In embodiment 400, the housing 410 is configured as a rear view
mirror
mount, such that the housing 410 may be coupled to a windshield and a rear
view mirror may
in turn be coupled to the housing 410. While it may be particularly desirable
for the housing
410 to be constructed of metal, other materials (e.g., plastic, ceramic, or
glass) may
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
alternately be used. The biasing member 440 shown in FIG. 15 is another type
of flat spring.
But, as noted above, other types of biasing members may be used.
(00951 FIGs. 16 through 18 show another apparatus 500 for inhibiting
glass
breakage that is substantially similar to the embodiment 100, except as
specifically noted
and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that
the embodiment 100 (and thus the embodiment 500) may be modified in various
ways, such
as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described
embodiments, for
example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 500 and 599 may
be used
to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered between 100
and 199
(e.g., housing 510 corresponds generally to the housing 110), though with any
noted or
shown deviations.
[0096] In embodiment 500, the housing 510 is configured to attach to a
rear view
mirror mount 570, such that the housing 510 overlays the mount 570 for
example. And in
the embodiment 500, endcap 520 is shown fused to the housing 510. The endcap
520 may
extend to a mirror portion 580, and a ball and socket joint or other structure
may be utilized
to allow positioning of the mirror portion 580 to be easily adjusted. In other
embodiments,
the housing 510 may extend to the mirror portion 580 (with any adjustment
elements
included), and other structure (e.g., set screws or removable plates) may be
used to support
the biasing member 540. A cushion corresponding to the cushion 190 may of
course be
included in the housing 510.
[0097] In use, the mount 570 is coupled to a windshield, and the
housing 510 is
coupled to the mount 570 such that the contact member 530 passes through a
hole 575 in the
mount 570 and rests on the windshield. Force transfer may occur generally as
set forth above
21
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
to inhibit glass breakage, and the minor portion 580 may be used in a
traditional manner to
improve a user's view.
[0098] FIGs. 19-20 show another apparatus 600 for inhibiting glass
breakage in
one method of use, and a resulting glass product. First and second sheets of
glass 61, 62 are
spaced apart by a spacer 63 that includes a ledge 64. A bonding agent (not
shown) may
couple the spacer 63 to the glass 61, 62. The apparatus 600 includes a base
portion 610, a
contact member 630, and a biasing member 640. In some embodiments, the base
portion
610, the contact member 630, and the biasing member 640 are all made of a
continuous,
unitary material (e.g., resilient metal, resilient plastic, et cetera), either
with or without an
overlying coating; in other embodiments, one or more of the portions 610, 630,
640 are
formed separately and coupled to the other portions (e.g., by adhesive,
welding, et cetera).
The base portion 610 is configured to interact with the ledge 64 to maintain
the base portion
610 stationary relative to the glass 61, 62 and the spacer 63. Adhesive or
other fastening
methods may or may not be used to further fix the base portion 610 to the
spacer 63, and
distal end 610a of the base portion 610 may or may not extend to spacer face
63a.
[0099] Continuing, the contact member 630 abuts the glass 61, and the
biasing
member 640 biases the contact member 630 toward the glass 61. As shown in
FIGs. 19-20, it
may be desirable for the contact member 630 to be generally round to provide a
single point
of contact between the contact member 630 and the glass 61. Nevertheless, the
contact
member 630 may be configured to be shaped differently. As with the contact
member 130
described above, rubber and glass may also be suitable materials for the
contact member 630.
Rubberized coatings on resilient or non-resilient materials may further be
acceptable. The
apparatus 600 in FIGs. 19-20 is formed of a unitary sheet of material bent to
define the base
22
f
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
portion 610, the contact member 630, and the biasing member 640, and one end
of the sheet
is rolled to define the contact member 630.
[00100] The biasing member 640 specifically causes the contact member 630 to
impart a first force in direction Fl on the glass 61, and the system may
remain in this
configuration until the glass 61 receives an impact force in direction F2
(e.g., imparted by
flying debris). Upon receipt of the impact force F2, the glass 61 may transfer
at least a
portion of the impact force F2 to the contact member 630, which in turn may
transfer force to
the biasing member 640. The biasing member 640 may then return part of the
force F2 to the
glass 61 via the contact member 630. In some embodiments, the contact member
630 may
move from the glass 61 upon receiving the portion of the impact force F2.
[00101] Inefficiencies in the biasing member 640, for example, may cause less
than the full amount of force transferred to the contact member 630 from the
glass 61 to be
returned to the glass 61. This may be particularly advantageous if multiple
apparatus 600 are
used with the glass 61. In addition, if multiple apparatus 600 are used with
the glass 61, the
timing of the force transfer may vary slightly between the different apparatus
600, allowing
forces to be transferred back to the glass 61 at different times. The glass 61
may be able to
withstand this staggered return of forces better than the impact force F2 if
the multiple
apparatus 600 were not utilized.
[00102] To further dissipate the impact force F2, a cushion may be coupled to
the
contact member 630 (e.g., using adhesive or other appropriate fastening
devices and
methods). In such embodiments, the cushion may be initially compressed when
the contact
member 630 contacts the glass 61. Upon movement of the contact member 630 away
from
the glass 61, the cushion may expand. The cushion may then absorb some force
from the
23
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
contact member 630 when the contact member 630 is returned to the glass 61,
causing the
cushion to return to the compressed configuration. The cushion may be
constructed of, for
example, open celled polyurethane, and a fast-recovery memory foam may be
particularly
useful. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials which
may quickly return
to their original configuration after being compressed may similarly be used.
[00103] HG. 21 shows an alternate base portion 610' for use in the apparatus
600.
The alternate base portion 610' illustrates that various configurations may be
appropriate for
interacting with the ledge 64.
[00104] FIG. 22 shows the apparatus 600 for inhibiting glass breakage and a
resulting glass product (slightly exploded) that is substantially similar to
as described above
regarding embodiment 600, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as
would be
inherent. In FIG. 22, the spacer 63 is not present (or at least not utilized).
As such, the base
portion 610 extends in a pressure fit between glass sheets 61, 62. Adhesive or
other fastening
methods may or may not be used to further fix the base portion 610 to the
glass 61, 62.
[00105] FIG. 22a shows another alternate base portion 610" for use in the
apparatus 600. Here, alternate base portion 610" is coupled to the glass sheet
61 (e.g., by
adhesive). The alternate base portion 610" illustrates that various base
configurations may be
appropriate for interacting with the glass 61, 62 (or the spacer 63).
[00106] FIG. 23 shows another apparatus 700 for inhibiting glass breakage in
one
method of use that is substantially similar to embodiment 600, except as
specifically noted
and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that
the embodiment 700 (and thus the embodiment 600) may be modified in various
ways, such
as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described
embodiments, for
24
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 700 and 799 may
be used
to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered 600-699
(e.g, contact
member 630 corresponds generally to contact member 730) though with any noted
or shown
deviations. In an embodiment, the apparatus 700 includes a base portion 710, a
contact
member 730, a first biasing member 740a, a second biasing member 740b, and a
rail 760.
[00107] The rail 760 may be a piece of material extending around the perimeter
of
a window frame between a first sheet of glass 71 and a second sheet of glass
72 or may be,
for example, a grid pattern visible through the glass 71, 72. The first and
second sheets of
glass 71, 72 may be spaced apart by a spacer 73. The base portion 710 may, for
example, fit
snugly within the spacer 73 between the first and second sheets of glass 71,
72. The first
biasing member 740a abuts the rail 760. The second biasing member 740b extends
from the
rail 760 to the contact member 730, and the contact member 730 abuts the first
sheet of glass
71. The first biasing member 740a biases against the rail 760, which supports
the second
biasing member 740b, which biases the contact member 730 toward the glass 71.
[00108] When a force is received against the first sheet of glass 71, at least
a
portion of the force is transferred to the contact member 730. The contact
member 730
pushes against the second biasing member 740b which causes temporary
deformation of the
second biasing member 740b as it pushes against the rail 760 and may allow the
contact
member 730 to separate from the glass 71. If the force upon the first sheet of
glass 71 is
great enough, then the force transferred to the rail 760 by the second biasing
member 740b
may be sufficient to cause temporary deformation of the first biasing member
740a and
movement of the rail 760. The first biasing member 740a, the rail 760, the
second biasing
member 740b, and the contact member 730 may eventually each return to their
initial
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
positions. As described above, cushions may be used (e.g., with the contact
member 730),
and the amount of force transferred back to the first sheet of glass 71 may be
less than the
force initially received. Additionally, as set forth in FIG. 23, multiple base
portions 710,
biasing members 740a, 740b, and contact members 730 may be associated with the
rail 760.
[00109] FIGs. 24-25 show another apparatus 800 for dispersing impact forces
that
is substantially similar to the embodiment 100, except as specifically noted
and/or shown, or
as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
the embodiment 100
(and thus embodiment 800) may be modified in various ways, such as through
incorporating
all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For
uniformity and
brevity, references numbers between 800 and 899 may be used to indicate parts
corresponding to those discussed above numbered between 100 and 199 (e.g.,
housing 810
corresponds generally to housing 110), though with any noted or shown
deviations.
[00110] FIG. 25 shows the apparatus 800 in one method of use, e.g. located
between an inside layer 81a and an outside layer 81b of a helmet 81, and
specifically a
football helmet (although this is not limited to football helmets). The
housing 810 may be
coupled to a helmet 81 such that the contact member 830 rests on the outer
layer 81a of the
helmet 81. Alternately, the housing 810 may be coupled to a helmet 81 such
that the contact
member 830 rests on the inside layer 81b of the helmet 81.
[00111] A cushion 890 may be included in the housing 810. Force transfer may
occur generally as set forth above to dispel impact forces (though here the
impact forces are
acting on the outside of the helmet 81 instead of on the glass 10). In some
embodiments, the
distal end 812b of the housing 810 is the helmet inside layer 81b. In other
embodiments, the
distal end 812b is distinct from (and either adjacent to or spaced apart from
the helmet inside
26
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
layer 81b). In embodiments, where the distal end 812b is distinct from ¨ and
spaced apart
from ¨ the helmet inside layer 81 b, appropriate padding (whether now known or
later
developed) may be located between the distal end 812b and the helmet inside
layer 81b.
Examples of appropriate padding include paddings currently used in athletic
and work
helmets.
[00112] While the positioning of the apparatus 800 may vary (based, for
example,
on the type of helmet), multiple apparatus 800 may be dispersed between the
inner layer 81b
and the outer layer 81a. Furthermore, the apparatus 800 may be alternately
positioned, for
example, several apparatus 800 may be coupled to the helmet 81 such that the
contact
member 830 rests on the outside layer 81a of the helmet, and several apparatus
800 may be
coupled to the helmet 81 such that the contact member 830 rests on the inside
layer 81 b of
the helmet 81. This configuration may help to dispel impact forces coming from
more than
one direction (i.e., the forces acting upon the outside surface of the helmet
and the forces
acting upon the inside surface of the helmet from a person's head).
[00113] FIG. 26 shows another embodiment of an apparatus 900 for dispersing
impact forces that is substantially similar to the embodiment 800, except as
specifically noted
and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the
embodiment 800 (and thus embodiment 900) may be modified in various ways, such
as
through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments,
for example.
For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 900 and 999 may be used
to indicate
parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered between 800 and 899
(e.g., housing
810 corresponds generally to housing 910), though with any noted or shown
deviations.
27
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
[00114] In use, the apparatus 900 may be located between an inside layer 91b
and
an outside layer 91a of a helmet (shown in FIG. 24). The housing 910 may be
coupled to the
helmet such that the contact member 930 rests on the outer layer 91a of the
helmet.
Alternatively, the housing 910 may be coupled to the helmet such that the
contact member
930 rests on the inside layer 91b of the helmet. A cushion 990 may be included
in the
housing 910, and force transfer may occur generally as referenced above in
embodiment 800.
[00115] Primary differences between the illustrated embodiments 800 and 900 is
that the illustrated embodiment 900 includes an endcap 920, contact member
930, and
biasing member 940 similar to elements 420, 430, and 440 in FIG. 15.
[00116] While the positioning of the apparatus 900 may vary (based, for
example,
on the type of helmet), multiple apparatus 900 may be dispersed between the
inner layer 91b
and the outer layer 91a. Furthermore, the apparatus 900 may be alternately
positioned, for
example, several apparatus 900 may be coupled to the helmet such that the
contact member
910 rests on the outside layer 91a of the helmet, and several apparatus 900
may be coupled to
the helmet such that the contact member 930 rests on the inside layer 91b of
the helmet. This
configuration may help to dispel impact forces coming from more than one
direction (i.e., the
forces acting upon the outside surface of the helmet and the forces acting
upon the inside
surface of the helmet from a person's head).
[00117] FIG. 27 shows that the various apparatus for dispersing impact forces
may
be incorporated differently into a helmet. For example, a plurality of pads 83
of different
shapes and sizes may be dispersed along inside layer 81b of helmet 81, and
various
embodiments described above may be positioned within the pads 83 (preferably
with space
between the endcap 220 and the pads 83). FIG. 27 specifically incorporates
apparatus 200 in
28
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
the pads 83. Force transfer may occur generally as referenced above in
embodiments 800 and
900.
[00118] The positioning of the pads 83 on the inside surface 81b of the helmet
81
may be such that spaces exist between the pads 83. Various embodiments
described above,
may be configured to fit in another cushion 84 that can be positioned between
the pads 83; a
resized version of embodiment 200 is used here in FIG. 27. Clearly, other
embodiments
(such as 300 and 400, for example) may be used within the pads 83 and/or the
cushions 84.
Further, those skilled in the art may readily see benefits to incorporating
apparatus between
the layers of the helmet 81 (as described regarding embodiments 800 and 900,
for example),
within the pads 83 and the cushions 84.
[00119] FIGs. 28-30 show another system 1000 for mitigating harm due to impact
forces. The system may include a first layer 1010, a second layer 1020, and an
intervening
plate 1030. The first layer 1010 may be, for example, the outer layer of a
helmet. An
additional layer (not shown) may overlay first layer 1010 to provide a smooth
outer surface
for the helmet.
[00120] The second layer 1020 layer may be, for example, a layer of padding on
the inside surface of the helmet. As described above with reference to FIG.
27, various
embodiments described above (e.g., 800, 900, et cetera) may be positioned
within the pads.
However, instead of the padding being positioned along the inside layer of the
helmet, a
space may be provided between the first layer 1010 and the second padding
layer 1020.
, Therefore, the apparatus 800, 900 would be located entirely within the
padding such that the
contact member 830, 930 is not in direct contact with the helmet's inside
surface 81b (but
29
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
would rather be in contact with an interior or exterior edge of the second
layer 1020). Force
transfer may occur generally as discussed above with reference to embodiments
800 and 900.
[00121] The intervening plate 1030 may be disposed between the first and
second
layers 1010, 1020. Means for attaching the intervening plate 1030 to the first
layer 1010 may
be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, springs 1048 located on the
intervening plate
1030 may be secured to the underside of the first layer 1010 to hold the
intervening plate
1030 in flexible communication with the first layer 1010.
[00122] The intervening plate 1030 may be equipped with transfer members 1032
which may be individually biased from the plate 1030 (e.g., 1032a, 1032b,
1032c, 1032d,
1032e, 10320. Biasing members 1038 (for example, springs) may bias the
transfer members
1032 toward the first layer 1010, as shown more clearly in FIG. 32. In this
case, biasing
members 1048 may hold the plate 1030 in place and provide additional tension
to the system.
Alternately, the transfer members 1032a, 1032b, 1032c, etc. may be biased
directly from the
second layer 1020 (e.g., without the intervening plate 1030).
[00123] Additionally, the transfer members 1032 and the intervening plate 1030
may form a unitary member 1030' (as shown more clearly in FIG. 31). For
example, as
shown in FIG. 30, biasing members 1018 may be secured between the first layer
1010 and
the intervening plate 1030' to hold the plate 1030' in place. Here, the
biasing members 1048
may not be necessary, although they could be included to provide additional
tension to the
system. The first layer 1010 may be equipped with recesses 1012 for receiving
the transfer
members 1032. As described above, an additional layer may overlay the first
layer 1010 to
provide a smooth outside surface, thereby "hiding" the recesses 1012.
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
[00124] As shown in FIGs. 31 and 32, alignment members 1022 (e.g., telescoping
rivets) may be secured between apertures 1015, 1035 in the first layer 1010
and the
intervening plate 1030, respectively. Additionally, the rivets 1022 may pass
through
apertures 1025 in the second layer 1020 to secure the second layer 1020 to the
first layer
1010. The rivets 1022 may alternately be secured to the first layer 1010 and
the second layer
1020 via adhesive, for example.
[00125] A biasing member 1058 (shown in FIG. 32) may also be included within
the rivet 1022 to provide additional tension to the system 1000. In
particular, FIG. 31 shows
the use of a telescoping rivet 1022 with the intervening plate 1030 and the
transfer members
1032 in a unitary construction. FIG. 32 shows the use of a telescoping rivet
1022' with the
intervening plate 1030 having individually biased transfer members 1032. In
addition, a
biasing member 1058 is shown inside the rivet 1022'.
[00126] It shall be noted that either the rivet 1022 or 1022' may be used with
either
the unitary member 1030' or the intervening plate 1030 having individually
biased transfer
members 1032. It shall also be noted that biasing members 1018, 1038, 1048,
and 1058 may
be helical springs, magnetic springs, flat springs, gas springs, pneumatic
springs, et cetera.
[00127] In some embodiments, other means of securing the first layer 1010 to
the
second layer 1020 may be utilized. For example, the second layer 1020 may be
attached to
the first layer via straps or a latching mechanism such as snaps, clips,
zippers, et cetera.
Corresponding snaps may be secured around the edge of the first layer 1010 and
the second
layer 1020 to snap the second layer 1020 into place. If clips are used, the
second layer 1020
may be configured to snap into place around the outer perimeter of the first
layer 1010.
31
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
[00128] In use, the system 1000 may act to mitigate the harmful effects of
significant impact forces. When an impact force is received upon the first
layer 1010, a
portion of that force may be transferred to the various transfer members 1032
and biasing
members 1018, 1038, 1048 to reduce the force received upon the wearer of the
helmet. The
biasing members 1018, 1038, 1048 may be altered for a short period of time,
allowing the
transfer members 1032 to move toward the plate 1030. If the impact force is
sufficiently
strong, the transfer members 1032 may contact the plate 1030 and move the
plate 1030
toward the second layer 1020. Eventually, the biasing members 1018, 1038, 1048
may return
the transfer members 1032 and the second layer 1030 to their initial positions
pre-impact.
The telescoping rivet 1022, 1022' may provide additional benefits when
particularly hard
forces are received upon the first layer 1010 by dispelling additional forces.
[00129] While the description of the invention is directed towards helmets, it
should be noted that the invention may have use in other applications,
including but not
limited to other devices. For example, in shoes, the first layer 1010 may form
a shoe sole and
the second layer 1020 may form a layer for receiving a foot.
[00130] FIG. 33 shows another embodiment 1100 of the invention for mitigating
harm due to impact forces shown in reference to a mask on a helmet. The mask
1100 may
include a front portion 1120, a back portion 1130, and optionally a first
layer 1110. As shown
in FIG. 33, the front and back portions 1120, 1130 may be separably connected
via a biasing
member 1148. When force is applied in the direction of the arrow, a portion of
the force is
transferred to the biasing member 1148 and the back portion 1130 separates
from an initial
position adjacent the front portion 1120, as indicated by the dotted lines
used to show
movement of the back portion 1130. The biasing member 1148 and the back
portion 1130
32
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
eventually return to the initial position. The first layer 1110 may protect a
user from being
pinched during separation of the front and back portions 1120, 1130. It should
be noted that
the biasing member 1148 may be helical springs, magnetic springs, flat
springs, gas springs,
pneumatic springs, et cetera.
[00131] FIGs. 34-43 show alternative embodiments of various apparatus
incorporating sensors 1000 as part of the apparatus. The sensors 1000 may, for
example, be
enabled to detect movement of a surface in response to a force acting upon a
surface, and to
cause an alert to be activated.
[00132] FIGs. 34 and 35 show apparatus 100', 100" that are substantially
similar
to embodiment 100, except as specifically noted and9/or shown, or as would be
inherent. In
FIG. 34, sensors 2000 are placed at various locations inside the housing 110
such that a force
acting upon the sheet of glass 10 would trigger an alert. For example, sensors
2000a may be
disposed along the walls of the housing 110 forming the cavity 116. The
contact member
130 may be in constant contact with the sensors 2000a. When a force I acts
upon the sheet of
glass 10, the contact member 130 may be forced away from the sheet of glass
10. When the
contact member 130 loses contact with the sensors 2000a, the sensors 2000a may
recognize
that the force I caused the contact member 130 to shift off of the sensors
2000a, thus
triggering an alert. Alternately, the sensors 1000 can be placed along the
walls of the
housing 110 near the upper edge of the contact member 130, as shown at 2000b.
When the
force I causes the contact member 130 to shift, the contact member 130
encounters the
sensors 2000b, thus triggering an alert. In another alternative, sensors 2000
may be placed
along the walls of the housing 110 between coils in a biasing member 140
(which is a helical
spring in FIG. 34), as shown at 2000c. When a force I acts upon the sheet of
glass 10, the
33
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
contact member 130 is pushed against the spring 140, and causing the coils to
contract. As
the coils contract, one or more of the coils may come into contact with the
sensors 2000c,
thus triggering an alert. As shown in FIG. 35, the sensors 2000n may
alternately be located
along a contact end 11, wherein the contact member 130 sits atop the contact
end 11 and is in
constant contact with the sensors 2000n. When a force is applied to the
contact end 11, the
contact member 130 loses contact with the sensors 2000n, thus triggering an
alert.
[00133] FIG. 36 shows an apparatus 100" that is substantially similar to the
embodiments described above with reference to FIGs. 34-35, except as
specifically noted
and/or shown, or as would be inherent. The difference between embodiment 100"
and
those shown in FIGs. 34-35 is that the spring 140 in FIG. 36 is a magnetic
spring rather than
a helical spring. The sensors 2000p in FIG. 36 are shown in the cavity 116 of
the housing
110. When a force is received upon the sheet of glass 10, the contact member
130 causes the
magnet 140' to shift upwards. The magnet 140' may come into contact with the
sensors
2000p, thus triggering an alert.
[00134] FIGs. 37 and 38 show an apparatus 300' that is substantially similar
to
embodiment 300, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be
inherent.
Sensors 2000 may be located, for example, along the edges of the biasing
member 340, as
shown at 2000e. Alternately, sensors may be placed at various places on the
biasing member
2000f such that movement of the biasing member triggers the sensors 2000 to
initiate an
alert.
[00135] FIG. 39 shows an apparatus 400' that is substantially similar to
embodiment 400, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be
inherent.
Sensors 2000 may be secured, for example, behind the biasing member 440, as
shown at
34
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
2000g, such that movement of the contact member 430 causes the biasing member
440 to
contact the sensor 2000g, thus triggering an alert. Alternately, the sensors
may be located
within the cushions 490 (as shown at 2000h), such that movement of the contact
member 430
away from the cushion 490, or a return of the contact member 490 to the
cushion 490 after a
force has been received, activates the sensor 2000h. In another alternative,
the sensors 2000
can be placed along the walls of the housing 410 near the upper edge of the
contact member
430, as shown at 2000i. When the force I causes the contact member 430 to
shift, the contact
member 430 encounters the sensors 2000i, thus triggering an alert.
[001361 FIG. 40 shows an apparatus 600' that is substantially similar to
embodiment 600, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be
inherent.
Sensors 2000 may be provided, for example, near where the contact member 630
rests upon
the glass 61, as shown at 2000j, such that a force F2 received upon the glass
61 causes the
contact member 630 to shift away from the glass 61, triggering the sensors
2000j.
Alternately, the sensor may be located at the junction between the biasing
member 640 and
the base member 610, as shown at 2000k. When a force is received upon the
surface of the
glass 61, the biasing member 630 may be pushed away from the surface of the
glass 61, thus
engaging the sensor 2000k. In another alternative, a sensor 1000 may be
supported behind
the biasing member 640, as shown at 2000m. Again, a force F2 received upon the
surface of
the glass 61 causes the biasing member to shift, thus triggering the sensor
2000m.
[001371 FIGs. 41 and 42 show systems 1000', 1000" that are substantially
similar
to embodiment 1000, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be
inherent.
Sensors 2000 may be provided, for example, near the transfer members 1032,
intervening
plate 1030, and biasing members 1018, 1038 as shown at 2000p such that
movement of the
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
transfer members 1032, intervening plate 1030, and/or biasing members 1018,
1038 triggers
the sensors 2000p. Alternately, the sensors 2000 may be located somewhere
along the rivet
1022 as shown at 2000r such that movement of the rivet 1022 triggers the
sensors 2000r. As
described above, the sensors 2000 may be triggered by contact of the sensors
2000 with the
transfer members 1032, intervening plate 1030, and/or biasing members 1018,
1038, by
losing contact with the sensors 2000, or by movement alone.
[00138] FIG. 43 shows embodiment 1100' which is substantially similar to
embodiment 1100, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be
inherent.
Sensors 2000 may be provided, for example, along the separation point between
the front
portion 1120 and the back portion 1130 as shown at 2000s. In this way, the
sensors 2000s
may be triggered when contact between the sensors 2000s and the back portion
1130 is lost.
Alternately, the sensors 2000s may be triggered when contact with the sensors
2000s is lost
and regained, such as when the back portion 1030 leaves and subsequently
returns to its
original position.
[00139] It shall be understood that examples depicted in FIGs. 34-43 and
described
herein are exemplary only, and that the sensor(s) 2000 may be placed in any
appropriate
location such that movement of the biasing member caused by an impact force
would cause
the sensor 2000 to trigger an alert. Further, multiple sensors 2000 may be
incorporated in an
embodiment, and filtering criteria may be used to determine when to activate
an alert. For
example, an alert may be initiated only after two sensors 2000 detect
movement.
[00140] Additionally, the sensors 2000 may be able to detect the amount of
force
exerted upon the surface of the glass 61 (or other surface). For example,
multiple sensors
2000 may be located at various points within or along the housing 110. The
amount of force
36
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
=
=
exerted upon the contact surface may be determined by which sensor(s) 2000 are
activated by
movement of the contact member 130. The amount of force required to reach each
sensor
2000 may be already known, such that if the contact member 130 contacts a
first sensor 2000
along the walls of the housing 110 but not a second sensor located further
from the contact
member 130, the amount of force will be generally known. Alternately, the
sensor(s) 2000
may be able to measure the amount of force exerted upon the contact surface
and to report
that information to a user.
[00141] FIG. 44 illustrates a system 3000 incorporating apparatus for
dispersing
impact forces. The system 3000 may include an interface unit 3004 and a sensor
2000' in
data communication over a network 3002. The interface unit 3004 may include a
communication device 3006, a processor 3008, an output device 3014, and non-
transitory
computer memory 3010 having programming 3012.
[00142] The output device 3014 may be any appropriate device, whether now
existing or later developed, for presenting data from the processor 3008. This
may include,
for example, one or more of: a printer, a monitor, a keyboard, a computer
mouse, a touchpad,
a speaker, a buzzer, a light, et cetera. The communication device 3006 may be
any device,
whether now known or later developed, that allows the system 3000 to
communicate with the
network 3002. For example, the communication device 3006 may be a switch,
wireless
router, wired modem, et cetera. The network 3002 may be the World Wide Web, a
private or
local network, or a cellular network, for example.
[00143] The interface unit 3004 may be, for example, a computer or smart phone
associated with a monitoring system. Alternately, the interface unit 3004 may
be a home
37
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
alarm that alerts the homeowner that a force has been received upon a surface
having an
apparatus attached thereto.
[00144] The sensor 2000', as described above regarding the sensors 2000, may
be
located in or on various apparatus for dispersing impact forces. The sensor
2000' may
include a transmitter 3018, a processor 3020, and non-transitory memory 3022
having
programming 3024. Optionally, the processor 3020, memory 3022, and programming
3024
may be separate from the sensor 2000'.
[00145] In use, a force is received upon an impact surface, causing a contact
member in an apparatus for dispersing impact forces (such as those described
in
embodiments 100', 100", 100", 300', 400', and 600') to shift. The shift in the
contact
member to (or away from) the sensor 2000' may complete a circuit 4000 shown in
FIG. 45,
as generally described above regarding sensing in FIGs. 34-43, and the
transmitter 3018 may
send an alert. In another alternative (FIG. 46), the contact member may be
required to
activate (e.g., shift away from) a first sensor 2000' and also activate (e.g.,
contact) a second
sensor 2000" before the transmitter 3018 emits an alert to the interface unit
3004.
[00146] Once an alert has been sent via the transmitter 3018, the processor
3008
may then recognize the signal and cause the output device 3014 to alert the
user that the
sensor 2000' has been triggered.
[00147] Yet another system for mitigating head injuries is shown in FIGs. 47-
48.
Here, two helmets 4700, 4800 (shown in cross-section diagram) each include a
plurality of
dispersed proximity sensors 4710, 4810 such that the proximity sensors 4710 of
the first
helmet 4700 are in communication with the proximity sensors 4810 of the second
helmet
4800, and specifically such that: (a) the proximity sensors 4710 can indicate
what part of the
38
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
helmet 4700 is closest to the helmet 4800; and (b) the proximity sensors 4810
can indicate
what part of the helmet 4800 is closest to the helmet 4700. As shown in FIG.
48, the
proximity sensors 4710, 4810 may be in data communication with one or more
processor
4720, 4820 and non-transitory computer memory 4725, 4825. The memory 4725,
4825
includes programming to effectuate the steps and functions described herein,
as well as other
steps and functions that may be desired. Dispersed electromagnets 4730 are in
communication with the processor 4720, and other dispersed electromagnets 4830
are in
communication with the processor 4820.
[00148] As shown in FIG. 47, each helmet 4700, 4800 has a cavity 4702, 4802
between external and internal walls 4702a, 4702b, 4802a, 4802b, and
ferromagnetic material
4705, 4805 (e.g., iron shavings) is located in each cavity 4702, 4802.
[00149] The processors 4720, 4820 may constantly (or periodically) review data
from the proximity sensors 4710, 4810 to determine if the helmets 4700, 4800
are within a
predetermined distance of each other, and more specifically what parts of the
helmets 4700,
4800 are nearest one another. Upon the processor 4720 determining that a
particular part of
the helmet 4700 is nearest to the helmet 4800, the processor 4720 may actuate
one or more of
the electromagnets 4730 that is closest to the potential impact location. This
in turn may
attract the ferromagnetic material 4705 to the potential impact location.
Similarly, upon the
processor 4820 determining that a particular part of the helmet 4800 is
nearest to the helmet
4700, the processor 4820 may actuate one or more of the electromagnets 4830
that is closest
to the potential impact location¨in turn attracting the ferromagnetic material
4805 to the
potential impact location.
39
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
[00150] Upon subsequent impact between the helmet 4700 and the helmet 4800,
part of the impact force on the helmet 4700 may be absorbed and dissipated by
overcoming
the magnetic force acting on the ferromagnetic material 4705. Moreover, an
impact plate
4707 in the cavity 4702 (e.g., biased from the wall 4702a or the wall 4702b,
by a biasing
member 4708, such as a flat spring, a helical spring, a magnetic spring, a
liquid spring, or a
gas spring) may receive and distribute force transferred by the ferromagnetic
material 4705.
Similarly, upon subsequent impact between the helmet 4800 and the helmet 4700,
part of the
impact force on the helmet 4800 may be absorbed and dissipated by overcoming
the
magnetic force acting on the ferromagnetic material 4805. And an impact plate
4807 in the
cavity 4802 (e.g., biased from the wall 4802a or the wall 4802b by a biasing
member 4808,
such as a flat spring, a helical spring, a magnetic spring, a liquid spring,
and a gas spring)
may receive and distribute force transferred by the ferromagnetic material
4805.
[00151] The helmets 4700, 4800 may further incorporate any of the other force-
dispersing apparatus discussed above¨for example as described with reference
to FIGs. 24-
27.
[00152] Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as
well
as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and
scope of the
present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described
with the intent
to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will
become apparent to
those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan
may develop
alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without
departing from
the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that certain
features and
subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other
features and
CA 02910310 2015-10-23
subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Various
steps in
described methods may be undertaken simultaneously or in other orders than
specifically
provided.
41
