Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
IMPACT DIFFUSING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to an impact
diffusing system for protecting the head of a user of the
system. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
impact diffusing system that includes a helmet portion attached
to a thoracic portion in a manner that prevents the helmet
portion from moving relative to the thoracic portion.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention is useful in sports, such as,
without limitation, football (i.e., American, Australian and
Canadian football), soccer, rugby, field and ice hockey,
lacrosse, boxing and automotive and motorcycle racing.
Additionally, the invention may find application in non-sporting
activities such as military and spacecraft activities, in which
bodily contact is common or the risk of collision or accident is
high.
[0003] In such activities there may be a high risk of head
injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as
injuries to the neck, back, and spine. TBI is defined as damage
to the brain resulting from external mechanical force, such as
rapid acceleration or deceleration, impact, blast waves, or
penetration by a projectile, that disrupts the normal function
of the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and
violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull
and enters brain tissue. Immediate symptoms of a TBI can be
mild, moderate or severe, depending on the extent of damage to
the brain. Mild cases (mild traumatic brain injury, or mTBI) may
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result in a brief change in mental state or consciousness, while
severe cases may result in extended periods of unconsciousness,
coma or even death.
100041 The American Society of Test and Materials (ASTM)
recommends that protective headgear be worn 100% of the time to
reduce the risk of TBI in most high risk activities such as
those mentioned above. While various attempts have been made to
make improved protective helmets, there remains a need for
effective and improved protective headgear for use by various
recreational, military and professional users, including both
children and adults. Such headgear should be capable of
substantially lessening the risk of TBI and neck, spine and back
injury caused by a blow or force applied to the head, and the
incidence of TBI (e.g., expressed as a percentage in a
population of users) as compared to previously used helmets and
protective headgear.
SUMMARY
100051
In a broad example, the present invention is directed to
methods and apparatus for preventing or reducing the severity of
traumatic brain injury (TBI), neck, spine and/or back injury,
through the use of protective headgear which is not supported,
or is structured not to be substantially supported, by the
wearer's head.
Thus, in a particular example, the present
invention is drawn to a protective headpiece comprising a helmet
portion having an interior surface, an exterior surface and
preferably a face mask component. The exterior surface of the
helmet portion preferably comprises an outer protective shell,
such as one including a durable material such as a resilient,
impact-resistant polymer.
By "resilient", "resilience" or like
words is meant capable of withstanding shock without permanent
deformation or rupture.
Such materials, which are preferably
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,
,
,
strong and lightweight, may include any suitable polymer such
as, without limitation, a polycarbonate, a carbon fiber
material, a polyester or a mixture of one or more of these
materials.
The majority of football helmets are made using a
polycarbonate component.
100061 In other examples, the exterior surface of the helmet
portion may comprise a "soft" shell, such as a viscoelastic
polymer component covering a hard shell component underneath, to
reduce the force experienced by the wearer.
Such viscoelastic
polymers may include "memory foams" such as low-resilience
polyurethane foam. If present, the soft shell component may in
some cases be designed as an outer covering which can be affixed
in place to a harder, resilient shell using a hook and loop type
fastener, such as a VELCRO fastener.
00071 In one example, the helmet portion of the present
invention is structured so that the inner surface thereof makes
no direct contact, or minimal direct contact, with the wearer's
head.
In this way, the wearer may move the head within the
helmet portion without the helmet portion itself moving.
By
"head" is meant the cranium and/or the cranium and the facial
bones, but is not meant the mandible alone. The minimization or
absence of direct contact between the helmet portion and the
wearer's head lessens the likelihood, particularly when used in
conjunction with the mechanism transferring impact force to a
thoracic portion of the system (to be described below), that an
impact received by the outer shell of the helmet portion will be
directly transmitted to the head or brain of the wearer without
attenuation. For instance, in some examples, the helmet portion
is adapted to leave sufficient space between the inner surface
of the helmet portion and the outer surface of inner headgear
(described below) to permit the wearer to move his or her head
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,
substantially freely within an angular range. The space between
the inner surface of the helmet portion and the outer surface of
the inner headgear may average, for example, about 0.5 mm, or
about 0.75 mm, or about 1 mm, or about 1.5 mm, or about 2 mm, or
about 0.5 cm, or about 1 cm, or about 1.5 cm, or about 2 cm, or
about 2.5 cm, or about 3 cm, or more.
The vertical angular
range of head movement is defined herein with respect to a
horizontal plane parallel to the ground and including a line
passing through the eyes when the user is looking straight
ahead. Such head movement (i.e. up and down) may be about 75
degrees, or about 70 degrees, or about 65 degrees, or about 60
degrees, or about 55 degrees, or about 50 degrees, or about 45
degrees, or about 40 degrees, or about 35 degrees, or about 30
degrees, or about 25 degrees, or about 20 degrees, or about 15
degrees. Vertical angular ranges of head movement may be
independently determined and different for head movement in the
"up" direction and head movement in the "down" direction.
100081
The horizontal angular range of head movement is defined
herein with respect to the sagittal plane of the body. Such head
movement (i.e. left and right of center) may be about 90
degrees, or about 85 degrees, or about 80 degrees, or about 75
degrees, or about 70 degrees, or about 65 degrees or about 60
degrees, or about 55 degrees, or about 50 degrees, or about 45
degrees, or about 40 degrees, or about 35 degrees, or about 30
degrees, or about 25 degrees, or about 20 degrees, or about 15
degrees. Horizontal angular ranges of head movement are
generally substantially identical, but may be independently
determined and different for head movement in the "left"
direction and head movement in the "right" direction.
100091 In the present application unless otherwise indicated,
each and every range of values (including degrees, angles,
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,
,
,
distances and the like) stated in this specification, including
the claims, are intended to specifically include every point and
subrange within the entire expressly specified range and not
just the endpoint(s). For example, a range stated to be from 0
to 10 is intended to disclose all whole numbers between 0 and 10
such as, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.; all fractional numbers
between 0 and 10 to two significant figures, for example 1.5,
2.3, etc.; and the endpoints 0 and 10, as well as all subranges
having these numbers as endpoints (such as the subranges "3 to
5" and "2.3 to 7.1"). Similarly, ranges expressed as "up to",
"at least", "greater than" (or less than) a given value means
the range of values extending between that value and, depending
upon the context, the highest value possible or lowest value
possible such as 100% (or 0%) when expressed as a percentage, or
360 or 0 when expressed as an angle.
Such subranges also
include all whole and fractional numbers to two significant
figures between the given value and the highest (or lowest)
possible value, as appropriate.
100101 In preferred examples of the present invention, the
system of the present invention comprises separate inner
headgear, which may be a "soft", preferably padded, hat
component, closely fitting the wearer's head. The inner headgear
is lightweight and may be comprised of, for example, a polymeric
material having a cushioning property.
In some examples the
inner headgear may be firmly secured to the wearer's head using,
for example, one or more preferably well-padded chin straps.
The inner headgear may include padding comprising a forehead
component to prevent injury to the forehead resulting from a
blow that would otherwise force the face against the facemask of
the helmet portion.
The inner headgear is structured and
designed to function together with the helmet portion so as to
allow a range of motion for the wearer, thereby permitting
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wearers to move the head and inner headgear independently of the
outer helmet portion to adjust their view within a range of
vision while wearing the protective headgear apparatus of the
present invention.
100111
In some preferred examples, at least a portion of the
outer surface of the inner headgear is substantially smooth and
may be at least partially coated with a material having low
friction, such as a material comprising polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE), sold under the trade name TEFLON .
In some of these
preferred examples, at least a portion the interior surface of
the helmet portion may also similarly be at least partially
coated with a material having low friction (e.g., PTFE).
When
the wearer experiences a blow to the helmet portion, the head
and inner headgear may move independently of the outer helmet
portion with lower friction and thus greater ease than if one or
both surfaces were not coated with the low friction material.
In some examples, the inner surface of the helmet portion may be
at least partially covered with a "skin" that may be
substantially smooth, thereby permitting the inner headgear to
slide relative to the interior part of the helmet portion when a
blow is experienced.
100121 As described above, in important examples, the helmet
portion and the inner headgear are structured and fitted in a
manner such that a narrow space or gap is maintained between the
inside of the helmet portion and at least a substantial part of
the outer surface of the inner headgear during normal
circumstances.
This space may average, for example, about 0.5
mm, or about 0.75 mm, or about 1 mm, or about 1.5 mm, or about 2
mm, or about 0.5 cm, or about 1 cm, or about 1.5 cm, or about 2
cm, or about 2.5 cm, or about 3 cm, or more. Very preferably the
average value of the space or gap is the smallest necessary to
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,
,
,
,
permit the wearer to be able to move the head and inner headgear
independently within the helmet portion without undue effort,
while at the same time preventing the head from "rattling"
against the inner walls of the helmet portion when the helmet
portion receives a blow.
K0431 Preferably, the helmet portion has a wider, and
optionally higher, face opening than a conventional football
helmet.
Since the helmet portion makes little or no direct
contact, or only minimal direct contact, with the inner
headgear, and is preferably sized to maintain a gap between the
inner headgear and the helmet portion, the helmet portion may be
larger than a conventional football helmet in some examples.
For e.g., sports applications the helmet portion may preferably
comprise a face mask component, such as a metal or polymer-
coated metal "birdcage" type face mask component similar to
those in current use. Preferably, the face mask component will
be larger than conventional faceplates to accommodate the helmet
portion's larger face opening in some examples of the present
invention.
[0014] In important examples of the present invention, the
helmet portion is either permanently or (preferably) removably
affixed to a thoracic portion.
Unless indicated otherwise
expressly, it will be understood that the term "thoracic
portion" refers to a protective piece of equipment comprising a
shock absorbing pad material with a hard plastic outer covering.
As used in this specification, the protective equipment denoted
the "thoracic portion" substantially covers the top portion of
each of the two shoulder joints. As used herein, the shoulder
joint comprises the part of the body where the humerus attaches
to the scapula, the head sitting in the glenoid cavity, and is
synonymous with the glenohumeral joint. The term "shoulder" or
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"shoulder(s)", as used herein, means the shoulder joint and
nearby structures, but excludes the neck, the portion of the
clavicle that makes contact with the spine, or any portion of
the spine. The thoracic portion of the present invention is thus
adapted to cover at least the top portion of the wearer's
shoulders. Additionally, the thoracic portion comprises a rigid
framework to which the helmet portion is attached.
100151 As discussed above, the helmet portion is made to
function as a strong unitary engineered assembly with the
thoracic portion, thereby transferring impact force applied to
the helmet portion to the shoulders and/or body rather than the
head, neck and/or spine.
Thus, in preferred examples, the
helmet portion is fabricated to contain a plurality of integral
bars or "pillars" that connect the helmet portion to the
thoracic portion and support the helmet during use.
The term
"pillars" as used herein refers to a vertical structure that
extends between, and is coupled to, the helmet portion and the
thoracic portion.
The pillars may be narrow, or elongated, or
any width in between, and may extend along any width of the
space between the helmet portion and the thoracic portion. The
pillars may be located at the back, sides and/or front of the
helmet.
For example, there may be four pillars, with one
located in the front, one in the back, and one on each side of
the helmet portion.
In some examples there may be three
pillars; preferably in such examples either a front pillar or a
back pillar is positioned substantially on the sagittal plane,
and side pillars are located on the sides above the shoulders
and near (or slightly anterior to or posterior to) the coronal
plane. In other examples there may be more or less than four
pillars.
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[00161 The pillars are strong enough to absorb at least a
portion of the force transmitted by a direct impact to the
helmet portion.
The pillars may be manufactured using, for
example, a core made from a suitably strong and lightweight
material, such as one or more of titanium, a titanium alloy, a
non-titanium metal, a nanostructured ceramic, a nanostructured
metal or metal alloy, a thermopolymer, or a carbon polymer.
Preferably the pillars are integrated into the helmet portion as
part of the structure of the helmet (e.g., during the
manufacturing process), such as through an engineered network
connecting the pillars within the helmet portion to help diffuse
and distribute impact forces throughout the helmet portion into
each of the pillars and thereby evenly transfer the force to the
thoracic portion.
100171
In some examples (for example, ones in which the pillars
are non-removable from the thoracic portion) the pillars may be
integrated into the thoracic portion so as to make the helmet
portion and the thoracic portion a single structure.
In these
examples, the pillars may be integrated into the thoracic
portion in a manner similar to their connection to the helmet
portion, such as through an engineered network connecting the
pillars within the thoracic portion (which may contain a rigid
framework, as described above) to help better diffuse impact
forces along the shoulders and/or to the chest.
[0018]
In these examples, therefore, the helmet portion and the
thoracic portion together comprise a single unitary engineered
assembly which can be used by placing the thoracic portion over
the head, and then lowering the assembly so that the helmet
portion fits onto the wearer's head. However, in other examples,
the pillars are connectable to and removable from the thoracic
portion, and are not permanently integrated therein.
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100191 The thoracic portion may generally consist of a hard
plastic shell with foam and/or fluid filled padding underneath.
The pads fit over the shoulders and the chest and rib area, and
may be secured with various snaps and/or buckles, for example,
at the front of the chest or near the bottom of the thoracic
portion.
100201 In the present invention, the pillars are preferably
integrated within, or joined to, the thoracic portion so as to
distribute impact forces experienced by the helmet portion to
the thoracic portion and thence throughout the thoracic portion
by way of the rigid framework within the thoracic portion. In
this way, the concussive force applied to the head is deflected
from the head and brain to the shoulders and chest by a unitary
engineered assembly or network.
100211 In preferred examples, the helmet portion may be
structured to be removable from the thoracic portion.
For
example, the pillars may comprise one or more quick-release
mechanisms to permit the helmet portion to be removed quickly in
the event of an injury.
These quick-release mechanisms should
be capable of activation both by the wearer or by another person
(such as a medical technician or doctor), but should be
structured in a manner that prevents unintentional activation of
the quick-release mechanism during play or other activity, or
malicious removal by an opposing player.
100221 Examples of suitable quick-release mechanisms are well
known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and may comprise
any suitable quick release mechanism.
Thus, such a quick
release mechanism may comprise (without limitation) quick-
release pins, which can be pulled to separate the pillars from
the helmet portion or thoracic portion, gimbaled latch
mechanisms similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication
CA 3040666 2019-04-17
No. US 2014/0259319, loops and clasps, carabiners and the like.
Thus, the quick release mechanism may comprise pillar connectors
located at the downward end of each pillar.
100231
Additionally or alternatively, certain of the examples of
the present invention may include one or more quick-release
mechanisms for the face mask of the helmet portion, permitting
it to be removed or opened when the player is on the sidelines
or bench, thus permitting the wearer to eat or drink, or for
emergency medical aid to be provided when and as necessary. A
particular example of a quick release mechanism for the face
mask may comprise one or more hinges or pivot mounts that allow
the face mask to be lifted up, similar to a face guard on a
helmet for a suit of armor, or to the side.
100241
In some examples, the present invention may be structured
for the helmet portion to be placed on the head after the
thoracic portion has been put on and fitted, in a manner similar
to how the helmet of a deep sea diving suit is placed on the
head and secured to the suit after the diver has put the
remainder of the suit on. In such examples, the pillars of the
helmet portion may terminate in a fixture that can then be
firmly and strongly mated with or joined to a corresponding
thoracic portion fixture (such as, without limitation, a force-
diffusing component), preferably using quick-release fasteners.
100251 In other examples, the helmet portion may comprise a
plurality of pillars extending generally downward therefrom with
pillar connectors at or near the lower portion of one or more
pillars.
Preferably, at least three pillars, or at least four
pillars, have connectors located at or near their lowest point.
Each connector may be structured to fit and lock to a
corresponding connector receptacle located on or in the thoracic
portion. Each connector of the helmet portion pillars may fit
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into, and lock within its corresponding receptacle.
In such
cases the connector receptacle is preferably an element of the
rigid framework of the thoracic portion.
100261 In one embodiment of the present invention, an impact
diffusing system for protecting a head of a user of the system
is provided.
The system includes a headpiece cage having at
least two support bars that extend from a top of the cage to a
bottom of the cage, such that the support bars extend from an
upper position above a top of the user's head to a lower
position below a jaw line of the user. The support bars of the
headpiece cage may be connected to each other at the top of the
headpiece cage, above the top of the user's head. The headpiece
cage may be structured to attach to a conventional helmet, such
as to the outside surface of the conventional helmet.
Alternatively, the impact diffusing system may further include
an outer shell covering at least a portion of an outer surface
of the headpiece cage and fixedly attached thereto.
100271
In one example, the cage may include a first support
bar along the coronal plane and a second support bar along the
sagittal plane posterior to the head. The first support bar may
extend from one side of the head adjacent to one shoulder,
around the top of the head, to the other side of the head
adjacent to the other shoulder.
In another example, the cage
may include two support bars, each of which extends from the
upper position above the top of the user's head, along a plane
that is between the coronal and sagittal planes, to the lower
position that is near a respective trapezius area of the user
posterior to the head.
10*281
The headpiece cage may further include a plurality of
rigid bars that are sized and structured to surround at least a
portion of a forehead, a top, and sides of the head, wherein the
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plurality of rigid bars are coupled to the support bars. Still
further, the headpiece cage preferably includes a face mask
structured to enclose at least a front portion of a face of the
user. The face mask is coupled to at least one of the support
bars. The face mask may protrude anterior to the coronal plane
and may include a post extending from the face mask downward
from a central area of the face mask. The face mask post may
extend from a center of the face mask along the sagittal plane.
Alternatively, the face mask post may extend from a position to
one side of a center of the face mask, and the face mask may
further include a second post that extends downward from the
face mask at a second position to the other side of the center
of the face mask.
100291
The impact diffusing system further includes a thoracic
framework structured to cover at least a portion of a chest,
upper back, and shoulders of the user, wherein the thoracic
framework is attached to the at least two support bars of the
headpiece cage in a manner that prevents movement of the
headpiece cage relative to the thoracic framework. The thoracic
framework may also be attached to the post extending downward
from the face mask.
The system may further include inner
thoracic padding and an outer thoracic shell, and the thoracic
framework may be disposed between the inner thoracic padding and
the outer thoracic shell. Alternatively, the thoracic framework
may be structured to attach to conventional shoulder pads. The
thoracic framework may include structurally reinforcing bars
forming polygonal shapes that surround the at least a portion of
the chest, upper back, and shoulders of the user. The thoracic
framework may be formed of a rigid, inflexible material, such as
a metal or metal alloy, carbon fiber, or a suitably strong
polymer.
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100301
In one aspect of the invention, the thoracic framework
may include rigid portions and flexible portions. The flexible
portions may be formed by hinges, reduced thickness portions, or
slots or openings formed within selected regions of the
framework.
PM The thoracic framework may be permanently attached to the
headpiece cage.
For example, the thoracic framework and the
headpiece cage may be manufactured as a unitary piece.
The
headpiece cage and the thoracic framework may be made of
stainless steel, titanium and/or carbon fiber.
100321 Alternatively, the thoracic framework may be removably
attached to the headpiece cage.
In this embodiment, the
thoracic framework may include at least three connector
receptacles and the headpiece cage may include at least three
connectors each configured to removably attach to a respective
one of the thoracic framework connector receptacles.
The
support bars of the headpiece cage may include a first support
bar that extends along the coronal plane from one side of the
head adjacent to one shoulder, around the top of the head, to
the other side of the head adjacent to the other shoulder, and a
second support bar along the sagittal plane posterior to the
head. A first connector may be disposed at a first end of the
first support bar, a second connector may be disposed at a
second end of the first support bar, and a third connector may
be disposed at an end of the second support bar.
In another
aspect, the cage may include two support bars, each of which
extends from the upper position above the top of the user's
head, along a plane that is between the coronal and sagittal
planes, to the lower position that is near a respective
trapezius area of the user posterior to the head.
In this
aspect, the headpiece cage may include three connectors, wherein
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one of the three connectors is at an end of a post extending
from the face mask, and the other two connectors are at
respective lower ends of the two support bars. Thus, the impact
diffusing system of this embodiment may include at least three
connection points between the thoracic framework and the
headpiece cage.
The term "connection point" as used herein
refers to a location at which the headpiece cage and the
thoracic framework are joined together in a manner that limits
or prevents movement of the headpiece cage relative to the
thoracic framework.
[00331
The impact diffusing system may include inner headgear
structured and sized to conform to the user's head and to fit
inside the headpiece cage. The inner headgear may be sized and
structured to be moveable relative to the headpiece cage. The
inner headgear may include a friction-reducing outer coating
that reduces friction when the inner headgear moves relative to
the headpiece cage. Similarly, the headpiece cage may include a
friction-reducing inner coating that reduces friction when the
inner headgear moves relative to the headpiece cage. The inner
headgear may include impact absorbing padding. The padding may
be inflatable padding and/or smart material padding.
[0034]
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed
to an impact diffusing system for protecting a head of a user of
the system, wherein the system includes a helmet component
comprising a solid, rigid unitary piece structured to surround a
top, a back, and sides of the user's head, such that ears of the
user and at least a portion of a neck of the user are enclosed
within the helmet component.
The system further includes a
rigid thoracic cage structured to cover at least a portion of a
chest, upper back, and shoulders of the user, wherein the
thoracic cage is attached to the helmet component in a manner
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,
,
that prevents movement of the helmet component relative to the
thoracic cage . The thoracic cage may be attached to the helmet
component via at least four connection points, which may include
two front connection points that are anterior to a coronal
plane, and two rear connection points that are posterior to the
coronal plane. Embodiments having at least three connection
points may include a connection point located at the front or
the back of the user's body and positioned substantially on the
sagittal plane, and two side connection points located on the
sides of the user's body above the shoulders and near (or
slightly anterior to or posterior to) the coronal plane.
The
connection points may be permanent connectors and the thoracic
cage may be fixedly attached to the helmet component.
Alternatively, the connection points may be quick-release
connectors and the thoracic cage may be removably attached to
the helmet component.
100351
The thoracic cage and the helmet component may be made of
inflexible material.
For example, the thoracic cage and the
helmet component may be made of carbon fiber.
10036] The system of this embodiment may also include inner
headgear structured and sized to conform to the user's head, fit
within the helmet component, move with the user's head, and move
relative to the helmet component.
100371 The system of this embodiment may also include inner
thoracic padding and an outer thoracic shell, and the thoracic
cage may be disposed between the inner thoracic padding and the
outer thoracic shell. Alternatively, the thoracic cage may be
structured to attach to conventional shoulder pads.
10038] In accordance with another embodiment, the present
invention is directed to an impact diffusing system for
protecting a head of a user of the system, wherein the system
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includes a rigid thoracic framework structured to cover at least
a portion of a chest, upper back, and shoulders of the user.
The system further includes a headpiece cage structured to
surround a top, sides, and back of the head. The cage includes
at least two support bars extending from a top of the cage to a
bottom of the cage, wherein top ends of the support bars are
attached to each other, and bottom ends of the support bars are
attached to the rigid thoracic framework in a manner that
prevents movement of the headpiece cage relative to the thoracic
framework. The cage further includes a plurality of rigid bars
that are sized and structured to surround at least a portion of
a forehead, a top, and sides of the head, wherein the plurality
of rigid bars are coupled to the at least two support bars.
Still further, the cage includes a face mask structured to
enclose at least a portion of a face of the user, wherein the
face mask is coupled to at least one of the support bars. The
face mask may protrude anterior to a coronal plane and comprise
a post extending downward from a bottom of the face mask from a
central area of the face mask, such that the post is positioned
anterior to a throat of the user. The post may be attached to
the rigid thoracic framework, such that the headpiece cage and
the thoracic framework are attached to each other at least at
three attachment points.
100391 Other and further aspects and features of the invention
will be evident from reading the following detailed description
of the preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate,
not limit, the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The foregoing and other aspects of embodiments are
described in further detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements
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and the description for like elements shall be applicable for
all described embodiments wherever relevant:
100411 Figs. 1A-1D are, respectively, perspective, side, front,
and rear views of an impact diffusing system in accordance with
one aspect of the present invention;
[0042] Figs. 2A and 2B are, respectively, side and front views
of an impact diffusing system in accordance with another aspect
of the present invention;
[0043] Fig. 3 is a front view of an impact diffusing system in
accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention;
[0044] Figs. 4A-4D are, respectively, perspective, side, front,
and rear views of the impact diffusing system depicted in Figs.
1A-1D with the outer shell removed;
[0045] Figs. SA and 5B are, respectively, rear and side views of
an impact diffusing system in accordance with still another
aspect of the present invention;
[0046] Figs. EA and 6B are, respectively, front and side views
of an impact diffusing system in accordance with still another
aspect of the present invention;
[0047] Figs. TA and 7B are, respectively, front perspective and
side perspective views of an exemplary connector for use in the
impact diffusing system;
100481 Figs. 8A and 8B are, respectively, perspective and side
views of on example of a thoracic framework of the impact
diffusing system;
[0049] Figs. 9A-9E are, respectively, perspective, front, side,
rear, and top views of one example of inner headgear for use
with the impact diffusing system;
[0050] Figs. 10A and 10B are, respectively, side and perspective
views of an impact diffusing system in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention; and
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100511 Figs. 11A-11D are, respectively, front perspective, side,
rear perspective, and rear views of an impact diffusing system
in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] Disclosed herein is an impact diffusing system for
protecting the head of a user of the system.
Conventional
helmets distribute impact forces throughout the helmet.
With
the system of the present invention, impact force is more evenly
distributed throughout the system instead of being concentrated
at the point of impact or distributed throughout just the
helmet.
[0053]
In one example, as shown in Figs. LA-1D, the system 100
includes a helmet portion 102 coupled to a thoracic portion 104.
The helmet portion 102 surrounds, or encloses, the head of the
user, and the thoracic portion 104 encloses a portion of the
thoracic region of the user. The thoracic region is the part of
the body that lies between the neck and the abdomen, and
includes the breastbone, heart, lungs, ribs, thoracic vertebrae,
chest, and shoulder girdle (i.e., the clavicle and scapula). In
the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A-1D, the thoracic portion 104 of
the system 100 includes a chest portion 110 for covering part of
the chest of the user, including the sternum and at least a
portion of the pectoral area. The thoracic portion 104 further
includes a shoulder portion 112 that surrounds a front, top, and
back of the shoulders of the user, including the upper tip of
the humerus, the shoulder girdle, and the front upper shoulders.
A back portion 114 of the thoracic portion 104 covers a portion
of the upper back of the user, including the rhomboid muscles
and an upper part of the trapezius muscles.
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100541
The helmet portion 102 of the system 100 is attached to
the thoracic portion 104 such that the helmet portion 102 is
stationary and fixed relative to the thoracic portion 104.
Lateral, posterior, and anterior movement of the helmet portion
102 relative to the thoracic portion 104 is at least limited, if
not eliminated.
In this manner, rather than resting on the
user's head, like a conventional helmet, the helmet portion 102
of the system 100 rests upon the thoracic portion 104 so that
all, or substantially all, of the weight of the system 100 is
applied to the user's thoracic region.
There is space between
the inner surface of the helmet portion 102 and the user's head
so that the user's head may move relative to the helmet potion
102. The user's head may rotate side to side as well as up and
down within the helmet portion 102. Preferably, the user's head
is able to turn up to about 90 degrees to the left and to the
right, relative to center. Preferably, the user's head is able
to bend towards the chest up to about 60 degrees relative to
neutral head position, and to tilt back up to about 70 degrees
relative to neutral head position.
100551 The helmet portion 102 of this example comprises a
resilient shell 103 substantially surrounding the back and sides
of the wearer's head.
The outer shell 103 provides hard,
resilient outer protection and shock absorption and may be made
of a durable polymer, such as polycarbonate.
The inner
framework of the helmet portion 102 includes main support bars
122 and 124, and the outer shell 103 is fixedly attached (e.g.,
by screws, bolts, a strong adhesive, or other such fasteners) to
the outside surfaces of the main support bars 122, 124.
Thus,
the force of impacts to the outer shell 103 is deflected to
support bars 122, 124.
In some examples, the user's field of
view may be partially obstructed above and below the eyes by
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rigid bars of the face mask portion of the helmet portion 102,
but not by the outer shell 103. That is, the outer shell 103 is
disposed outside of the user's peripheral vision when the user
is looking straight ahead. The outer shell 103 surrounds a face
opening that is wider, and optionally higher, than that of a
conventional football helmet. In some, currently less preferred
examples, at least a portion of the outer surface of the helmet
portion 102 may comprise a soft padding overlying a hard shell,
as described above.
[0056] In yet another example, rather than having a hard shell
applied to the outer surface of the helmet portion 102, the
framework of the helmet portion 102 may be sized and structured
to be attached to a conventional helmet. For example, as shown
in Figs. 2A and 2B, the framework of the helmet portion 102 is
sized and structured to attach to the outside of a conventional
football helmet that has been modified to fit within the system
100. In the example shown in Figs. 2A and 2B the main support
bars 122', 124' are coupled to the outside of a conventional
football helmet shell 103'. A face mask 107' and a plurality of
rigid bars 105' surround the user's face and are attached to the
main support bars 122', 124' and to the helmet shell 103'.
[0057] Referring back to Figs. 1A-1D, the front of the helmet
portion 102 may comprise, for example, a "birdcage-style" face
mask 107 covering a portion of the face opening. The face mask
107 is structured and designed in a manner similar to standard
football face masks (except preferably larger), or face masks
containing any suitable number of bars in any other shape
sufficient to provide protection to the wearer's face. The face
mask 107 encloses at least the lower portion of the face of the
user, and protrudes anterior to the front of the user's face.
The bars of the face mask 107 may be comprised of any
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sufficiently rigid material, such as metal and/or hard plastic.
For example, the bars of the face mask 107 may be made of
plastic- and/or elastomer-covered metal, stainless steel,
titanium, carbon fiber, or any combination thereof.
The face
mask 107 is strongly affixed to the support bars 122, 124.
In
an alternate embodiment, the face mask 107 may be joined to the
support bars 122, 124 with one or more hinges or pivot mounts,
such that the face mask 107 may be lifted upwards, similar to a
face guard on a suit of armor helmet, or opened sideways, like a
birdcage door, upon the disconnection of a strong latch
preventing unintentional opening of the face mask 107.
Other
face masks, such as transparent face masks, may be used in other
examples of the present invention, such as in racing or military
applications, in which routine risk of blows directly to the
face are not as common as in football.
The face mask 107
prevents the user's face from sustaining a direct blow. Rather,
the force of an impact sustained by the face mask 107 will be
transferred to the support bars 122, 124 and to the thoracic
portion 104 of the system 100.
[0058]
As shown in e.g., Fig 1B, face mask 107 includes a face
mask pillar 140 that extends downward from the bottom of the
face mask 107 and terminates in a connector 142 for connecting
the pillar 140 to the thoracic portion 104. The connector 142
at the bottom of the face mask pillar 140 is positioned such
that the connection between the pillar 140 and the thoracic
portion 104 will be near the user's sternum.
The face mask
pillar 140 is in about the center of the face mask 107 and is
positioned anterior to the user's throat.
[0059]
In alternate embodiments, the face mask 107 may include
more than one face mask pillar.
For example, the embodiment
shown in Fig. 3 is similar to that shown in Figs. 1A-1D, except
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that the face mask 107 includes two face mask pillars 140'. Each
of the face mask pillars 140' extends downward from the bottom
of the face mask 107 and is positioned in the central area on
either side of the center of the face mask 107, anterior to the
user's throat.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the face mask 107 may include any suitable number
and configuration of face mask pillars 140 extending downwardly
from the bottom of the face mask 107. Those of ordinary skill
in the art will also recognize that the face mask 107 may not
include a face mask pillar at all, as discussed in more detail
below with reference to Figs. 6A and 6B.
100601
Referring back to Figs. 1A-1D, the helmet portion 102 of
the system 100 surrounds most of the head, with the exception of
a front window (in this case rectangular in shape) 109 that
provides the user with a visual field.
The front window 109
does not include any bars. The front window 109 may be similar
to that of a conventional helmet. However, the size
(particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, the width) of
the face mask 107, and the corresponding front window 109 of the
helmet portion 102 are each preferably larger and/or wider than
traditional football helmets, since the wearer's head is
preferably not restricted from moving substantially within the
interior of the helmet portion 102. The helmet portion 102 may
optionally include a visor (not shown) for covering the window
109 and protecting the eyes of the user.
100611
The helmet portion 102 further includes a plurality of
rigid bars 105 near the user's forehead. These bars 105 form a
cage-like structure for protecting the front of the user's head,
including the forehead, the forward portion of the top of the
head, and the upper portion of the sides of the head.
The
plurality of rigid bars 105 surrounding the forehead are
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attached to the support bars 122, 124 in order to deflect the
force of impacts near the front of the head to the support bars
122, 124 and to maintain the structural integrity of the helmet
portion 102. In this manner, the plurality of bars 105 prevents
the forehead from sustaining a direct blow.
[0062]
Referring now to Figs. 4A-4D, the system 100 is depicted
with the outer shell 103 removed in order to more clearly show
the headpiece cage in the helmet portion 102. The cage of the
helmet portion 102 includes the two support bars 122, 124
surrounding the back and sides of the user's head, the plurality
of rigid bars 105 enclosing the forehead, top and sides of the
user's head, and the face mask 107 for protecting the face of
the user 130. The support bars 122, 124 are rigid and function
as the main struts and as major structural elements of the
helmet portion 102.
The support bars 122, 124 are wider than
the other bars 105, 107 of the helmet portion 102. Most of the
force of an impact to the helmet portion 102 will be transferred
to the support bars 122, 124, which will then transfer the force
of the blow to the thoracic portion 104 of the system 100,
thereby avoiding injury or unattenuated impact to the user's
head.
[0063]
As shown in Figs. 4A-4D, the two support bars 122, 124
include a first support bar 122 along the coronal plane 132 and
a second support bar 124 along the sagittal plane 134.
The
coronal plane 132 is a vertical plane that is perpendicular to
the ground and that divides the human body into ventral and
dorsal (or belly and back) sides (see Fig. 4B).
The sagittal
plane 134 is a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the
ground and to the coronal plane 132 and that divides the human
body evenly into left and right sides (shown in Figs. 4A and
4D).
The first support bar 122 has an arch shape, or an
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inverted "U" shape. The ends of the first support bar 122 form
pillars 140 that protrude from the bottom of the helmet portion
102 to a lower position below the jaw line of the user.
The
pillars 140 are coupled to the thoracic portion 104 in a
location adjacent to the tops of the user's shoulders.
For
example, these side connection points between the helmet portion
102 and the thoracic portion 104 are near the upper tip of the
humerus of the user, and are on the same horizontal plane as
each other.
The first support bar 122 curves over the top of
the user's head, with the top of the first support bar 122 being
positioned above the top of the user's head.
100641
The second support bar 124 is shaped like half of an arch
or half of an inverted "U."
The bottom end of the second
support bar 124 forms a rear pillar 140 that protrudes from the
bottom of the helmet portion 102 and that connects to the
thoracic portion 104 near the upper back or bottom neck region
of the user 130.
For example, this rear connection point
between the helmet portion 102 and the thoracic portion 104 is
near the vertebrae of the user 130 at approximately the bottom
of the cervical vertebrae or the top of the thoracic vertebrae.
Thus, the rear connection point is elevated relative to the
front connection point between the face mask 107 and the
thoracic portion 104, as can be seen clearly in Figs. 1B and 4B.
The connection points between the helmet portion 102 and the
thoracic portion 104 are positioned below the user's line of
sight, and preferably below the jaw line of the user. The
support bars 122, 124 are coupled to each other above the top of
the user's head in order to reinforce each other and more evenly
distribute impact forces.
100651
The plurality of pillars 140 are integrated as part of
the helmet portion 102 itself. For example, the pillars 140 are
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formed as an integral part of the helmet portion 102.
The
headpiece cage, including the bars 105, the face mask 107, the
support bars 122, 124, and the pillars 140, comprises a suitably
strong and lightweight material, such as, without limitation,
one or more of titanium, a titanium alloy, a non-titanium metal,
a nanostructured ceramic, a nanostructured metal or metal alloy,
a thermopolymer, or a carbon polymer. In the present invention,
the pillars 140 are preferably anchored below neck level to the
chest, shoulders and upper back (over the scapulae).
By
attaching the pillars 140 in this location, a sliding horizontal
blow is concentrated on the upper body rather than the neck, and
the force is distributed over a larger surface than the neck and
collarbone.
Now
In an alternate embodiment, shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, the
system 100" is substantially similar to the system 100 shown in
Figs. 1A-1D and Figs. 4A-4D, except that the support bars 122",
124" in the helmet portion 102" are disposed between the
coronal and sagittal planes 132, 134. That is, the support bars
122", 124" extend from a position above the top of the user's
head and terminate at a lower position that is posterior to the
head and near the trapezius muscle or the scapula of the user
130.
As shown in Fig. 5B, the outer shell 103" (shown in
phantom) of the helmet portion 102" extends posterior to the
support bars 122", 124".
In this embodiment, the helmet
portion 102" includes only three pillars 140" that are coupled
to the thoracic portion 104" of the system 100". One of the
pillars 140" protrudes from the bottom of the face mask 107",
and the other two pillars 140" are at the ends of the support
bars 122", 124".
100671
In another alternate embodiment, shown in Figs. EA and
6B, the system 300 is substantially similar to the system 100
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shown in Figs. 1A-1D and Figs. 4A-4D, except that the face mask
pillar is removed. Thus, the helmet portion 302 is coupled to
the thoracic portion 304 through pillars 340 at the ends of the
support bars 322, 324. That is, there are only three connection
points between the helmet portion 302 and the thoracic portion
304.
However, the embodiments shown in Figs. 1A-6B are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention, and one of
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there may be any
number of pillars and support bars that may be arranged in many
different configurations in order to couple the helmet portion
to the thoracic portion in a manner that prevents movement of
the helmet portion relative to the thoracic portion.
[0068]
Referring back to the system 100 in Figs. 1A-1D and Figs.
4A-4D, the helmet portion 102 is coupled to the thoracic portion
104 in a manner that restricts or eliminates lateral, anterior,
and posterior movement of the helmet portion 102 relative to the
thoracic portion 104.
As discussed above, the helmet portion
102 of the example shown in Figs. 1A-1D and 4A-4D has four
pillars 140 joining the helmet portion 102 to the thoracic
portion 104 and extending substantially downward from the helmet
portion 102.
In particular, the helmet portion 102 of this
example includes one pillar extending from the bottom of the
central area of the face mask 107, one pillar positioned behind
the user's head, and one pillar positioned adjacent to the tops
of each of the user's shoulders.
In other examples, as
discussed above, the number of pillars may vary. The pillars 140
are preferably strong and may be substantially inflexible. By
"substantially inflexible" or "substantially rigid" is meant
that elements of the system are strong and resilient enough to
withstand the forces expected to be encountered in the sport or
activity during which the system is used without breaking or
flexing more than about 0.25 inches, or about 0.5 inches or
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about I inch. The pillars 140 are connected within the helmet
portion 102 in such a manner so as to distribute the force of a
blow to any portion of the helmet portion 102 among the
plurality of pillars 140. The lower portion of each of the
pillars 140 preferably comprises a connector component 142
structured to join securely and firmly within a corresponding
connector receptacle of the thoracic portion 104. The connector
receptacle of the thoracic portion 104 is attached to, or
integrated as part of, the framework of the thoracic portion
104. Alternatively, the connector receptacle may be part of the
helmet component 102, and the connector component 142 may be
part of the thoracic portion 104.
Very preferably, the
connector component 142 and the connector receptacle of the
thoracic portion 104 are structured to be rapidly releasable,
thereby permitting the helmet portion 102 to be quickly detached
from the thoracic portion 104 and removed by the player or by a
doctor, coach, or medical technician, if desired.
This may be
advantageous in the event of an injury to the user of the system
100.
[0069] Although those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that any type of connector may be used to couple the
helmet portion 102 to the thoracic portion 104, an exemplary
"pin-type" quick release mechanism is depicted in Figs. 7A and
78.
In this example, the connectors 142 include an annular
finger grip 152 and a central push button 154. When the annular
finger grip 152 is grasped with the fingers and the push button
154 is depressed with the thumb of the same hand, the connector
142 disengages from the connector receptacle on the thoracic
portion 104.
When the push button 154 is released, the
connector 142 engages. As such, using such a connector 142, the
helmet portion 102 and the thoracic portion 104 can quickly be
separated by depressing the push button 154 relative to the
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finger grip 152 and pulling the connector 142 away from the
connector receptacle, so that it disengages from the connector
receptacle of the thoracic portion 104 of the system 100.
PON Referring back to Figs. 1A-1D and 4A-4D, the thoracic
portion 104 comprises inner padding 176 and an outer shell 178.
The outer shell 178 is formed of a hard plastic and provides
impact resistance and protection to the user. The outer shell
178 may include shoulder plates, arm plates and body plates.
The polymeric outer shell 178 overlies the inner padding 176,
which may be a polymeric foam.
The inner padding 176 may in
other examples be a fluid-filled padding. The thoracic portion
104 is shown with a belt or cinch to secure the thoracic portion
104 around the thoracic region of the user.A rigid framework is
disposed between the inner padding 176 and the outer shell 178.
In this manner, the inner padding 176 is in direct contact with
the user's thoracic region and provides cushioning between the
user and the framework so that the thoracic portion 104 is
comfortable to wear.
As shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the rigid
framework 170 comprises a plurality of substantially rigid bars
172.
The bars 172 may be comprised of a rigid, substantially
inflexible material, such as metal or hard plastic.
For
example, the bars 172 may be stainless steel, titanium, carbon
fiber, or any combination thereof.
The rigid bars 172 of the
thoracic portion 104 are substantially vertical or substantially
horizontal, and may form polygonal shapes, thus distributing
forces like a geodesic dome, in which triangular elements of the
dome are structurally rigid and
distribute
structural stress throughout the structure.
PON
With reference to Figs. 8A and 8B, the pillars 140
extending from the bottom of the helmet portion 102 are attached
to the bars 172 of the framework 170.
In particular, the
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pillars 140 are coupled to substantially horizontal portions of
the framework 170.
In this manner, impact forces sustained by
the helmet portion 102 are transferred to the rigid framework
170 of the thoracic portion 104, thereby protecting the head of
the user. In other words, the framework 170 receives force from
a blow or shock to the helmet portion 102 through the pillars
140 and distributes the force of the blow or shock through the
framework 170 of the thoracic portion 104, thus lessening the
severity of this force at any one point, and distributing the
force through the shoulders, chest, and musculature of the back.
100721
In an alternative embodiment, the framework 170 may be
structured to be attached to a conventional shoulder pad
apparatus, such as the shoulder pads worn by football players.
As shown, the framework 170 is arranged along the chest, back
and along the shoulders so as to diffuse the force of a blow to
the helmet portion 102 transmitted through the pillars 140 and
then throughout the thoracic portion 104 to the shoulders and
upper body and away from the head. The framework 170 is rigid
enough to absorb and direct a force received from the helmet
portion 102 to the shoulders and back in preference to the neck
or spine.
100731
The thoracic framework 170 may preferably be fabricated
as part of the thoracic portion 104, with connector receptacle
components built therein. Less preferably, but still within the
scope of this invention, the framework 170 may be fabricated as
a separate element to be secured to an existing shoulder pad,
for example, with nylon webbing and buckles, or another similar
suitably strong connector. In either case, the thoracic portion
104 very preferably comprises a rigid framework 170 that
distributes the force of the transmitted blow through the
shoulders, chest, and musculature of the back.
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[0074]
In one embodiment (not shown), the rigid framework 170
includes rigid portions and flexible portions.
Flexibility in
certain areas of the framework 170 may be necessary in order to
facilitate the range of motion required by the user, depending
on the user's activities or player position.
Such flexible
portions in the framework 170 may be formed by hinges, reduced
thickness portions, or slots or openings formed within selected
regions of the framework 170.
100751
In an alternative embodiment, the thoracic framework 170
and the headpiece cage are manufactured as a single, unitary
piece.
In such an embodiment, the helmet portion and the
thoracic portion cannot be disconnected, and the connectors are
eliminated.
[0076]
The system 100 further includes inner headgear 190 that
is attached to, and in direct contact with, the head of the user
130, as depicted in Figs. 4A-4D.
The inner headgear 190
surrounds the back, sides, and top of the user's head, as well
as the user's forehead.
The inner headgear 190 is fixed
relative to the user's head, and thus moves with the user's head
and moves relative to the helmet portion 102 of the system 100.
The inner headgear 190 may be comprised of polymeric material
and is preferably lightweight. The inner headgear 190 includes
padding for protecting the user's head from the force of a
collision with the inner surfaces of the helmet portion 102.
Any padded headgear that can be fixed to the user's head may be
used with the system 100, and is not limited to the one-piece
padded headgear 190 shown in Figs. 4A-4D.
100771 In one embodiment, shown in Figs. 9A-9E, the inner
headgear 290 includes padding that underlies a skin comprising a
smooth, low friction material such as a TEFLON lubricant
surface. The padding includes wedge-shaped pads 291 at the top
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of the user's head, a forehead pad 292, side pads 293
surrounding each one of the sides the user's head (including the
ears), and a rear pad 294 (see Figs. 9D and 9E) at the back of
the user's head between the side pads 293.
Each of the pads
291-294 may be made of impact absorbing padding, such as
inflatable padding, fluid-filled padding, foam padding, smart
material padding (e.g., PORON XRDO, D3(:)@, or the like), or any
combination thereof.
Smart material padding is formed of an
elastic polymer that stiffens upon impact.
The inner headgear
290 also includes a chin strap 295 for securing the headgear 290
to the user's head.
Each of the pads 291-294 is connected to
the other pads 291-294 through a layer of material 296. In this
manner, the pads 291-294 are able to move and flex relative to
each other. The inner headgear 290 and the helmet portion 102
are constructed so that there is a space between the outer
surface 298 of the inner headgear 290 and the inner surface of
the helmet portion 102 so that the user's head may turn side to
side, as well at tilt forward and back, relative to the helmet
portion 102 without interference or friction from the helmet
portion 102. The outer surface of the inner headgear 290 may be
untextured and substantially smooth.
100781
Alternatively or additionally, the outer surface 298 of
the inner headgear 290 and the inner surface of the helmet
portion 102 may be coated with a friction-reducing material,
such as polytetrafluoroethylene, in order to facilitate movement
of the inner headgear 290 relative to the helmet portion 102.
Alternatively or additionally, the helmet portion 102 may
include inner padding attached thereto, including a floating top
plate that is rotatable relative to the outer shell 103 of the
helmet portion 102, such as those disclosed in Figs. 4-6 of U.S.
Patent No. 9,462,841, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
The inner padding of the helmet
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,
portion 102 may be in contact with, or spaced apart slightly
from, the inner headgear 290.
100791 In this manner, during use, the wearer will have the
benefit of the protection of the protective headpiece cage,
while the inner headgear 190, 290 and the space within the
helmet portion 102 will allow the wearer to move the head
relatively freely within the helmet portion 102 in order to be
able to scan the playing field and/or outside environment
without requiring the shoulders or body to move.
100801
In another embodiment, shown in Figs. 10.A and 10B, an
impact diffusing system 200 includes a helmet portion 202 and a
thoracic portion 204, both of which are formed of a rigid,
lightweight material, such as carbon fiber. The helmet portion
202 comprises a unitary shell 206 that surrounds the back,
sides, and top of the user's head.
The helmet portion 202
further includes pillars 208 that protrude from the bottom of
the helmet portion 202 and that include connectors 210 for
connecting the helmet portion 202 to the thoracic portion 204.
The pillars 208 in this embodiment are wider than the pillars
140 in the previous embodiments. The shell 206 and the pillars
208 may be formed separately and then affixed to each other, or
the shell 206 and the pillars 208 may be fabricated as a
continuous, unitary piece.
The thoracic portion 204 includes
thoracic framework 212 that fits over and around the user's
shoulders, back and chest. The thoracic framework 212 includes
connector receptacles for coupling to the connectors 210 on the
helmet portion 202.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 10A and
10B, there are four connectors 210 that connect the helmet
portion 202 to the thoracic portion 204. Two of the connectors
210 are anterior to the coronal plane 132 and positioned at the
front of the user's body.
The other two connectors 210 are
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posterior to the coronal plane 132 and positioned at the back of
the user's body.
However, those of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that the system 200 may include more than four
connectors or fewer than four connectors and that the connectors
may be positioned anywhere between the helmet portion 202 and
the thoracic portion 204.
The connectors 210 are below eye
level, and are preferably below the jaw line of the user.
Similar to the above embodiments, the connectors 210 are
preferably quick-release connectors.
Alternatively, the
thoracic framework 212, the helmet shell 206, and the helmet
pillars 208 may be manufactured as a single, unitary piece,
thereby eliminating the connectors and connector receptacles.
Similar to the above embodiments, the thoracic framework 212 is
disposed between inner padding and an outer shell (not shown).
Alternatively, the thoracic framework 212 may be sized and
structured to be attached to a conventional shoulder pad
apparatus, such as the shoulder pads worn by football players.
Also similar to the above embodiments, the system 200 includes
inner headgear that is affixed to the user's head and configured
to move relative to the helmet portion 202.
For example, the
inner headgear 190 depicted in Figs. 4A-4D, or the inner
headgear 290 depicted in Figs. 9A-9E may be used in the system
200. The system 200 may further include a face mask, similar to
the face mask 107 in the above embodiments. The face mask for
the system 200 may be attached to the helmet shell 206 and/or
the pillars 208 with a hinge or pivot mount such that the face
mask may be opened to provide access to the user's face during
use.
Alternatively, such a face mask may be permanently
attached to the shell 206 and/or the pillars 208.
The system
200 may further include a visor or other eye protection (not
shown).
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KWH] In Figs. 11A-11D, another embodiment of an impact
diffusing system 400 is depicted. This system 400 is similar to
the system 200 shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, except that the
pillars 408, 409 in the system 400 are in a different
configuration than the pillars 208 in the system 200.
The
system 400 comprises a helmet portion 402, a thoracic portion
404, and three pillars that extend between, and are coupled to,
the helmet portion 402 and the thoracic portion 404.
In
particular, the system 400 comprises two front pillars 408 that
are anterior to the coronal plane 132 and a wide rear pillar 409
that is posterior to the coronal plane 132. The front pillars
408 each include one connection point 410. The rear pillar 409
includes four connection points 410. The system 400 is depicted
including a face mask 407 and a plurality of rigid bars 405 for
surrounding the user's forehead area, and one of ordinary skill
in the art would recognize that a face mask and plurality of
rigid bars may similarly be incorporated into the system 200
depicted in Figs. 10A and 10B. One of ordinary skill in the art
would also recognize that any number and configuration of
pillars and connectors may be used to couple the helmet portion
to the thoracic portion in a manner that prevents movement of
the helmet portion relative to the thoracic portion.
[0082] To the extent that a plurality of inventions may be
disclosed herein, any such invention shall be understood to have
been disclosed herein alone, in combination with other features
or inventions disclosed herein, or lacking any feature or
features not explicitly disclosed as essential for that
invention. For example, the inventions described in this
specification can be practiced within elements of, or in
combination with, any other features, elements, methods or
structures described herein.
Additionally, features
CA 3040666 2019-04-17
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,
illustrated herein as being present in a particular example are
intended, in other examples of the present invention, to be
explicitly lacking from the invention, or combinable with
features described elsewhere in this patent application, in a
manner not otherwise illustrated in this patent application or
present in that particular example. The scope of the invention
shall be determined solely by the language of the claims.
[00831
The present invention may, in certain examples, be drawn
to a unitary helmet portion/pillar/thoracic portion assembly,
with and without the inner headgear.
In other examples, the
invention may be drawn to the helmet portion comprising
integrated pillars.
In other examples, the invention may be
drawn to the thoracic portion comprising the rigid framework.
In other examples, the invention may be drawn to the helmet
portion and inner headgear. In other examples, the invention may
be drawn to methods for protecting the head from experiencing
the full impact of a blow thereto, using any, all, or any
combination of the elements of the impact diffusing system
described herein.
100841
Thus, the various descriptions of the invention provided
herein illustrate presently preferred examples of the invention;
however, it will be understood that the invention is not limited
to the examples provided, or to the specific configurations,
shapes, and relation of elements unless the claims specifically
indicate otherwise. Based upon the present disclosure a person
of ordinary skill in the art will immediately conceive of other
alternatives to the specific examples given, such that the
present disclosure will be understood to provide a full written
description of each of such alternatives as if each had been
specifically described.
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