EP1210882A2 - Custom fitting assembly for helmet with protective hood - Google Patents
Custom fitting assembly for helmet with protective hood Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1210882A2 EP1210882A2 EP01310145A EP01310145A EP1210882A2 EP 1210882 A2 EP1210882 A2 EP 1210882A2 EP 01310145 A EP01310145 A EP 01310145A EP 01310145 A EP01310145 A EP 01310145A EP 1210882 A2 EP1210882 A2 EP 1210882A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- helmet
- protective hood
- crown
- pad
- panel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42C—MANUFACTURING OR TRIMMING HEAD COVERINGS, e.g. HATS
- A42C2/00—Manufacturing helmets by processes not otherwise provided for
- A42C2/007—Manufacturing custom-sized helmets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/10—Linings
- A42B3/14—Suspension devices
- A42B3/145—Size adjustment devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
- A62B18/04—Gas helmets
Definitions
- the invention relates to a custom fitting assembly for a helmet equipped with a protective hood.
- the system is particular suited for use with helmet mounted devices which support military air and ground operations.
- helmets are designed to meet requirements for comfort, stability, and head impact protection during flight, egress and ejection, and to fit an anthropometric range of heads.
- HMDs helmet mounted devices
- HMD Helmet Mounted Display
- an inner helmet assembly in just a few sizes which could be easily custom-fitted to military personnel for use with various outer helmet systems for a variety of modem combat applications.
- Such an inner helmet would figuratively lock onto the wearer's head thereby insuring reproducible alignment of the "eyebox" to the eventual HMD.
- the preferred embodiments of the invention therefore provide a helmet fitting assembly in one or two sizes with custom-fitted inserts that can be adapted to various helmets.
- the preferred embodiments allow easy positioning of the helmet with positive locking devices.
- the preferred embodiments provide an insert which is molded or formed in situ to conform to a portion of the wearer's head.
- the preferred helmet is equipped with a hood that provides protection against chemical agents and biological agent, as may occur during chemical or biological warfare or industrial accidents.
- a semi-rigid suspension system of independent components which contacts the head over large surface areas.
- the system includes a custom-contoured component and positive lock components which cooperatively allow repeated engagement of the desired design eye position.
- the preferred embodiment of the system revolves around an inner helmet comprising a front forehead dome and side sections.
- a semi-rigid rear panel engages the wearer's nape and has adjusting straps which extend generally forwardly to engage positive locking clips located on the inner helmet side sections.
- the inner helmet is positioned in the fore and aft directions by the rear panel adjusting straps.
- a contoured pad then supports the forehead dome on the user's forehead.
- the contoured pad includes an inner comfort layer, a primary layer which is custom fitted in situ, and an outer impact absorbing layer. Because the primary layer is essentially a mold of the wearer's forehead it always seats in the same position.
- a semi-rigid crown pad has adjusting straps which extend generally downward to engage positive locking clips located on the inner helmet side panels.
- the inner helmet assembly is suspended from the crown pad via the straps which are adjusted to bring the inner helmet to the desired vertical position.
- the inner helmet is restricted from upward movement by a chin strap or breathing mask.
- the components of the helmet fitting assembly are adjusted along the horizontal and vertical axes to position the wearer's eyes in the proper orientation and distance from the ultimate display.
- the helmet fitting assembly also resists forward rotation caused by the weight of the display systems located in front of the wearer's forehead within the helmet. Forward rotation is characterized by the forehead dome sliding down while the rear portion of the helmet rides up. These forces are resisted by the brow pad which is molded to a particular part of the forehead, the nape panel, and by the chin strap or breathing mask which opposes any tendency of the rear part of the helmet to pivot away from the wearer's chin.
- Outer helmet 10 may, for example, be formed of ballistic material of any suitable type known to the art to afford the wearer protection against injury from flying fragments and the like.
- Outer helmet 10 may consist of a basic protective helmet for infantry, a standard helmet for air crew provided with visors, or an advanced helmet for air crew provided with HMD technologies.
- Inner helmet 20 may be permanently attached within outer helmet 10, for example, by screws or adhesives.
- inner helmet 20 may be clipped, latched or otherwise removable secured within outer helmet 10, for example by an interchangeable latch assembly described in a commonly-owned, copending patent application Serial No. 09/640,442 filed on August 17, 2000.
- Total weight for the inner helmet and on HMD equipped outer helmet is in the order of 4 1/2 lbs.
- Inner helmet 20 is a rigid frame made of a strong yet lightweight material, for example, graphite or fiberglass.
- Inner helmet 20 is characterized by a broad forehead dome 21, side sections 22a and 22b, a rear panel 25 and a crown aperture 26.
- Side section 22a includes a first pair of retention clips 23a and 23b and a second pair of retention clips 23c and 23d.
- a similar set of retention clips are mounted onto side panel 22b.
- a chin strap 19 extends between the lower portions of side panels 22a and 22b.
- a crown pad 50 which will be described in greater detail below, includes adjusting straps that extend through slots 24c and 24d and into respective retention clips. These adjusting straps permit vertical positioning of inner helmet 20 relative to the crown of the wearer's head.
- a breathing mask may be attached to side panels 22a and 22b via adjustable length straps 27a. While not shown for the sake of clarity, the central portion of each side panel may comprise a depression for accommodating ear phones.
- a brow pad 30 Adjacent the interior of forehead dome 21 is a brow pad 30 which will be discussed in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B.
- a rear pad 25a of impact absorbing material is attached to the interior of rear panel 25.
- Interior of rear pad 25a is a nape panel 40 which will be discussed in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B.
- the adjusting straps of nape panel 40 are employed to set the fore and aft position of inner helmet 20 with respect to the nape of the wearer's neck.
- Brow pad 30 is subsequently fitted to the contours of the wearer's forehead.
- Points within brow pad 30, nape panel 40 and chin strap 19 or breathing mask 27 form the apices of an imaginary triangle 28.
- leg 28a of triangle 28 assumes a fixed length.
- chin strap 19 or breathing mask 27 essentially fixes the distance of legs 28b and 28c.
- the significance of the fixed triangle geometry is as follows.
- the straps of nape panel 40 and crown pad 50 may be adjusted to establish a particular exit pupil distance for an outer helmet mounted display (HMD).
- HMD outer helmet mounted display
- the position is retained by brow pad 30 which fills the entire space between forehead dome 21 and the wearer's forehead.
- An outer helmet mounted display typically adds significant weight to the front portion of the helmet. Such weight is evenly distributed across large surface areas via brow pad 30 and crown pad 50. The moment of this forwardly-mounted weight generally urges forehead dome 21 downwardly over the wearer's eyes. Since leg 28a is of a fixed length, such movement would require nape panel 40 to pivot counter-clockwise. However, since leg 28b is of fixed length the torque applied to nape panel 40 is resisted by chin strap 19.
- FIG. 2B is another cross-sectional view showing a protective hood 70 that is completely integrated with the components of the custom fitting assembly.
- the hood forms a protective bubble around the head.
- FIG. 2B illustrates the positioning of protective hood 70 with respect to the nape panel 40 and crown pad 50, both of which shall be generically referred to as support panels.
- Brow pad 30 is first fitted and then placed inside hood 70.
- Nape panel 40 and crown pad 50 are also placed inside hood 70 with their straps located outside hood 70.
- Hood 70 is sealed around the pivotal connection between the support panels and their straps, as will be described in further detail below.
- the straps are shown in dotted line indicating that in the view of FIG. 2B they are behind hood 70.
- a visor 74 having a visor periphery 74a.
- a visor duct 74b is disposed within periphery 74a and is fed ventilating air through the front or side of visor 74, for example, at a location 74c outside the hood.
- a respiration system 76 having the following conventional components: a stiff outer shell 76a; a rubber inner facepiece 76b; a breathing air supply hose 76c; an exhalation valve 76d; a microphone cable 76e; a drink tube 76f; and adjustable length straps 27a and 27b removably coupling outer shell 76a to helmet side sections 22a and 22b.
- the hood is layered between outer shell 76a and inner facepiece 76b.
- Components 76c, 76d, 76e and 76f pass through holes in the hood and are secured to inner facepiece 76b, effectively clamping the hood between facepiece 76b and outer shell 76a.
- Hose 76c and the tubular portion of valve 76d may be secured to facepiece 76b with threaded nuts 76g and 76h, for example. Any openings between the holes and the components are filled with an appropriate sealant.
- a pair of earphones 78 are placed inside the hood, whereby the hood provides increased attenuation of external ambient noise allowing improved communication.
- the earphones have a communications cable 78a which passes through a hole in the hood. Any opening between the hole and cable 78a is filled with an appropriate sealant.
- hood 70 has a lower edge 70a near which is attached a neck dam 70b.
- a shoulder shroud 70c may be attached onto lower edge 70a.
- Neck dam 70b is an air barrier preventing exchange of air between the head cavity and the atmosphere or the lower portion of a flight suit or other garment.
- a dump valve 70d is located above neck dam 70b for releasing excess pressure from within the head cavity.
- Shroud 70c may be attached to the flight suit or other garment with a slide fastener or simply tucked inside.
- Hood 70 is made from a chemically resistant and biologically resistant material, like rubber or butyl rubber. The hood is molded to the contours of the interior of the helmet.
- brow pad 30 comprising an outer pouch 31 equipped with a closeable flap 31a.
- Pouch 31 is removably affixed to the inner surface of forehead dome 21, for example, by hook and loop fasteners or other suitable means.
- Pouch 31 is made from a material which has characteristics of durability and comfort when contacting the wearer's skin, e.g. leather or other suitable materials.
- an outer liner 32 made of an impact absorbing material, for example, polystyrene, which conforms to the interior of forehead dome 21.
- an inner layer 34 made of compressible, comfort material, for example, foam rubber.
- the interior of pouch 31 is filled with a liquid foaming agent which expands and solidifies to conform to the contours of the wearer's forehead and the outer liner 32.
- a liquid foaming agent which expands and solidifies to conform to the contours of the wearer's forehead and the outer liner 32.
- an expandable foam may be used wherein the foaming agent in liquid form 33 is injected or poured into the interior of pouch 31 and expands to fill the cavity.
- a minimally exothermic polyurethane foam having a relatively fast rise time may be used, for example, foams made from polyether polyol resin combine with pre-reacted diphenylmethane diisocyanate.
- protective hood 70 is shown between forehead dome 21 and brow pad 30.
- Brow pad 30 is first fitted, as described above, in the absence of hood 70.
- Brow pad 30 is then placed inside hood 70 and attached with a hook and loop fastener to the hood 70 instead of forehead dome 21.
- nape panel 40 is shown comprising a semi-rigid frame 41 made, for example, from a composite resin. Very thin, flexible composite resin layers are laminated together resulting in lightweight, yieldable panels. Interior of frame 41 is a comfort layer 42 made from a compressible material, for example, foam rubber. Further interior is a cover layer 43 made from a comfortable, durable material, for example, leather. Cover layer 43 holds comfort layer 42 in place by extending through apertures 44 or around the outer perimeter where its edges are adhered on the exterior side of frame 41.
- FIG. 4B shows apertures 44 along with straps 46a, 46b, 46c and 46d which are attached respectively to four quadrants of nape panel 40 via pivoting connection points 47a, 47b, 47c and 47d.
- FIG. 4C shows the pivotal connection between the support panels and their straps in detail.
- a portion of comfort layer 42 is removed and a hole is formed in frame 41 to accommodate a threaded female post 80 which terminates at its left side in a retention plate 80a.
- Hood material 70 is fitted around post 80 with any openings being filled by an appropriate sealant.
- Strap 46 is pivotally connected to post 80 via screw 46e.
- the pivotal connections for both support panels are maintained with the hood material completely sealing the support panels therein.
- the benefit of this configuration is that the support panels, as well as the brow pad, serve to lift the hood material off the wearer's head providing greater comfort.
- This configuration also maintains the contact surfaces between the brow pad and the wearer as well as between the support panels and the wearer. Therefore, the wearer's head can be completely sealed against the environment while maintaining the reproducible alignment of the eyebox, which is critical for HMD systems.
- this lifting of the hood results in a gap 50c between webbing strips 50a and 50b of the support panel or a space 50d adjacent the support panel.
- a duct 90 having an exhaust vent 90a directed toward gap 50c or space 50d is provided.
- Duct 90 extends through a hole in the hood. Any spaces around the hole are filled with an appropriate sealant. Ventilating air is provided to duct 90 to cool the wearer's head.
- crown pad 50 has a similar construction to nape panel 40 including a semi-rigid frame 51, a comfort layer similar to 42 and a cover layer similar to 43.
- the cover layer has edges 53a and 53b which extend through apertures 54 before being adhered on the exterior surface of frame 51.
- Each of the quadrants 55a, 55b, 55c and 55d includes a strap 56a, 56b, 56c and 56d pivotally attached to frame 51 via screws 57a, 57b, 57c and 57d.
- the apertures create web-like strips in panel 40 and pad 50 that extend from the adjacent quadrants out to the strap connection points.
- FIG. 6A shows an exemplary bendable, plastic strap extending initially through a side panel slot 24 formed within side panel 22a or 22b and further through clip frame 60 made of rugged plastic.
- Mounting screws 61 secure clip frame 60 to the exterior of side panel 22.
- Extending outwardly from clip frame 60 is a cantilevered retention arm 62 having a fixed end 62b and a free end 62c with downwardly extending wedges 62a therebetween.
- Locking element 63 as can be seen more clearly in FIG. 6B is slideably mounted to clip frame 60. Locking element 63 is slideable in direction 62d from a position adjacent rear stop 62e, over detent 62f, to a position adjacent front stop 62g.
- FIG. 2 shows a positioning fixture 29 with a reference point 29a.
- Positioning fixture 29 is dimensioned and configured to align reference point 29a on the exact line of sight of the ultimate display.
- the crown pad straps and nape panel straps are adjusted in 2mm increments to locate reference point 29a directly in front of the wearer's eyes at a predetermined distance. If a strap is inserted too far through clip 60, free end 62c is raised and the strap is retracted. Once aligned, locking elements 63 are moved to their locking positions over free ends 62c. While maintaining the aligned position on the wearer's head, brow pad 30 is filled with the appropriate amount of foaming agent. The resulting foam 33 expands to fill the gap and press the head firmly against nape panel 40.
- Brow pad 30 and nape panel 40 are generally diametrically opposed. Accordingly, the inner helmet may be easily donned and doffed while simultaneously reestablishing the exact eyebox alignment every time. Upon tightening chin strap 19, the inner helmet assembly becomes locked in position on the head. Centrifuge testing was performed with head movements up to 4G and forwardly-positioned stationery head positioning up to 9G. Overall the approximately 4 1/2 lbs. complete inner/outer helmet was displaced a maximum of 4mm with the average for 10 aircrew between 1.5 and 3mm.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Pulmonology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a custom fitting assembly for a helmet equipped with a protective hood. The system is particular suited for use with helmet mounted devices which support military air and ground operations.
- In general, helmets are designed to meet requirements for comfort, stability, and head impact protection during flight, egress and ejection, and to fit an anthropometric range of heads. With the advent of helmet mounted devices (HMDs) an increased demand for optical stability was required to keep the HMD in the operator's field of view. This created various designs of inner liners and improved suspension systems to meet the comfort, stability and weight bearing requirements of the many HMDs.
- Improvements in electro-optics technologies promised to transfer aircraft mounted head up displays and HMD imagery to the inner surface of the helmets visor or to other optical display combiner or device. With new Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) technologies comes a new and even tighter requirement for optical stability. Current helmets have been used to launch these new technologies with little success. The weights and center of gravity of new HMD systems displace the helmet out of the "eyebox" thereby negating the HMD's operational effectiveness as well as causing aircrew fatigue, neck strain, and during ejection possible severe injury and death.
- An example of a prior art design is described in U.S. Patent 5,584,073. A serious drawback with such platform is that to achieve a high level of stability, the suspension had to be tightened to the point of wearer discomfort. While the suspension system was tight it still swayed under "G" loading with HMD weights. Due to the narrow headband, the load bearing areas around the head created numerous areas of discomfort, known as "hot spots". Additionally, each HMD system requires exact and repeatable placement of the image in front of the wearer's eyes, which must be maintained during the entire mission and over many missions. Designers concluded that meeting such criteria with existing systems could not be practically achieved and would require an impractical number of helmet sizes to properly fit a large anthropometric head population.
- Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an inner helmet assembly in just a few sizes which could be easily custom-fitted to military personnel for use with various outer helmet systems for a variety of modem combat applications. Such an inner helmet would figuratively lock onto the wearer's head thereby insuring reproducible alignment of the "eyebox" to the eventual HMD.
- The preferred embodiments of the invention therefore provide a helmet fitting assembly in one or two sizes with custom-fitted inserts that can be adapted to various helmets. The preferred embodiments allow easy positioning of the helmet with positive locking devices. The preferred embodiments provide an insert which is molded or formed in situ to conform to a portion of the wearer's head. The preferred helmet is equipped with a hood that provides protection against chemical agents and biological agent, as may occur during chemical or biological warfare or industrial accidents.
- These and other related features are provided by a semi-rigid suspension system of independent components which contacts the head over large surface areas. The system includes a custom-contoured component and positive lock components which cooperatively allow repeated engagement of the desired design eye position.
- The preferred embodiment of the system revolves around an inner helmet comprising a front forehead dome and side sections. A semi-rigid rear panel engages the wearer's nape and has adjusting straps which extend generally forwardly to engage positive locking clips located on the inner helmet side sections. The inner helmet is positioned in the fore and aft directions by the rear panel adjusting straps. A contoured pad then supports the forehead dome on the user's forehead. The contoured pad includes an inner comfort layer, a primary layer which is custom fitted in situ, and an outer impact absorbing layer. Because the primary layer is essentially a mold of the wearer's forehead it always seats in the same position.
- A semi-rigid crown pad has adjusting straps which extend generally downward to engage positive locking clips located on the inner helmet side panels. The inner helmet assembly is suspended from the crown pad via the straps which are adjusted to bring the inner helmet to the desired vertical position. The inner helmet is restricted from upward movement by a chin strap or breathing mask.
- The components of the helmet fitting assembly are adjusted along the horizontal and vertical axes to position the wearer's eyes in the proper orientation and distance from the ultimate display. In use the helmet fitting assembly also resists forward rotation caused by the weight of the display systems located in front of the wearer's forehead within the helmet. Forward rotation is characterized by the forehead dome sliding down while the rear portion of the helmet rides up. These forces are resisted by the brow pad which is molded to a particular part of the forehead, the nape panel, and by the chin strap or breathing mask which opposes any tendency of the rear part of the helmet to pivot away from the wearer's chin.
- It can be seen that we have met the various objects of the invention by providing a custom molded insert which complements the positive lock components used for alignment. The semi-rigid crown pad and nape panel are strong, lightweight and conformable to individual sizes and shapes. All inserts are designed to distribute weight and stresses over large surface areas avoiding sensitive regions of the head. The inserts work in conjunction with the chin strap or breathing mask and nape strap to resist pivoting forces thereby locking the helmet in its desired position.
- In the accompanying drawings to which reference is made in the instant specification and which are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in various views:
- FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment showing an outer helmet separated from an embodiment of an inner helmet which includes the fitting assembly according to the invention.
- FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the inner helmet taken along the line 2-2 from FIG. 1.
- FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2A showing the protective hood according to the invention.
- FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of the front brow pad taken from FIG. 2A.
- FIG. 3B is a front side elevational view of the brow pad illustrating a foaming operation for custom fitting the brow pad to the wearer's forehead.
- FIG. 3C is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 3A showing the protective hood in relation to the brow pad.
- FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the nape strap taken from FIG. 2A.
- FIG. 4B is a front side elevational view of the nape strap.
- FIG. 4C is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 4A showing the protective hood in relation to the pivotal connection of the support panels.
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the crown pad taken along the line 5-5 from FIG. 2A.
- FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a retention clip engaging a strap taken along the line 6a-6a from FIG. 2.
- FIG. 6B is a further view cross-sectional view of the retention clip taken along
the
line 6B-6B from FIG. 6A. -
- Referring now in detail to drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, there is shown an
outer helmet 10 separated from aninner helmet 20.Outer helmet 10 may, for example, be formed of ballistic material of any suitable type known to the art to afford the wearer protection against injury from flying fragments and the like.Outer helmet 10 may consist of a basic protective helmet for infantry, a standard helmet for air crew provided with visors, or an advanced helmet for air crew provided with HMD technologies.Inner helmet 20 may be permanently attached withinouter helmet 10, for example, by screws or adhesives. Alternativelyinner helmet 20 may be clipped, latched or otherwise removable secured withinouter helmet 10, for example by an interchangeable latch assembly described in a commonly-owned, copending patent application Serial No. 09/640,442 filed on August 17, 2000. Total weight for the inner helmet and on HMD equipped outer helmet is in the order of 4 1/2 lbs. -
Inner helmet 20 is a rigid frame made of a strong yet lightweight material, for example, graphite or fiberglass.Inner helmet 20 is characterized by abroad forehead dome 21,side sections rear panel 25 and acrown aperture 26.Side section 22a includes a first pair ofretention clips retention clips side panel 22b. Achin strap 19 extends between the lower portions ofside panels - Referring now to FIG.
2A side panel 22b is shown with a first pair ofside panel slots side panel slots crown pad 50, which will be described in greater detail below, includes adjusting straps that extend throughslots inner helmet 20 relative to the crown of the wearer's head. A breathing mask may be attached toside panels adjustable length straps 27a. While not shown for the sake of clarity, the central portion of each side panel may comprise a depression for accommodating ear phones. - Adjacent the interior of
forehead dome 21 is abrow pad 30 which will be discussed in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B. Arear pad 25a of impact absorbing material is attached to the interior ofrear panel 25. Interior ofrear pad 25a is anape panel 40 which will be discussed in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B. In use, the adjusting straps ofnape panel 40 are employed to set the fore and aft position ofinner helmet 20 with respect to the nape of the wearer's neck.Brow pad 30 is subsequently fitted to the contours of the wearer's forehead. Points withinbrow pad 30,nape panel 40 andchin strap 19 or breathingmask 27 form the apices of animaginary triangle 28. Upon installation ofbrow pad 30,leg 28a oftriangle 28 assumes a fixed length. When tightened,chin strap 19 or breathingmask 27 essentially fixes the distance oflegs - The straps of
nape panel 40 andcrown pad 50 may be adjusted to establish a particular exit pupil distance for an outer helmet mounted display (HMD). The position is retained bybrow pad 30 which fills the entire space betweenforehead dome 21 and the wearer's forehead. An outer helmet mounted display typically adds significant weight to the front portion of the helmet. Such weight is evenly distributed across large surface areas viabrow pad 30 andcrown pad 50. The moment of this forwardly-mounted weight generally urgesforehead dome 21 downwardly over the wearer's eyes. Sinceleg 28a is of a fixed length, such movement would requirenape panel 40 to pivot counter-clockwise. However, sinceleg 28b is of fixed length the torque applied tonape panel 40 is resisted bychin strap 19. - FIG. 2B is another cross-sectional view showing a
protective hood 70 that is completely integrated with the components of the custom fitting assembly. The hood forms a protective bubble around the head. With the introduction of chemically- and biologically-filtered breathing and ventilation air into the hood, aircrew can safely operate, and exit their vehicles, in hostile environments. - FIG. 2B illustrates the positioning of
protective hood 70 with respect to thenape panel 40 andcrown pad 50, both of which shall be generically referred to as support panels.Brow pad 30 is first fitted and then placed insidehood 70.Nape panel 40 andcrown pad 50 are also placed insidehood 70 with their straps located outsidehood 70.Hood 70 is sealed around the pivotal connection between the support panels and their straps, as will be described in further detail below. The straps are shown in dotted line indicating that in the view of FIG. 2B they are behindhood 70. - To seal across the open front of the helmet, there is provided a
visor 74 having a visor periphery 74a. A visor duct 74b is disposed within periphery 74a and is fed ventilating air through the front or side ofvisor 74, for example, at alocation 74c outside the hood. Below the visor is a respiration system 76 having the following conventional components: a stiff outer shell 76a; a rubber inner facepiece 76b; a breathingair supply hose 76c; anexhalation valve 76d; amicrophone cable 76e; adrink tube 76f; and adjustable length straps 27a and 27b removably coupling outer shell 76a tohelmet side sections Components Hose 76c and the tubular portion ofvalve 76d may be secured to facepiece 76b with threaded nuts 76g and 76h, for example. Any openings between the holes and the components are filled with an appropriate sealant. - A pair of
earphones 78 are placed inside the hood, whereby the hood provides increased attenuation of external ambient noise allowing improved communication. The earphones have acommunications cable 78a which passes through a hole in the hood. Any opening between the hole andcable 78a is filled with an appropriate sealant. Further down,hood 70 has a lower edge 70a near which is attached aneck dam 70b. Optionally, ashoulder shroud 70c may be attached onto lower edge 70a.Neck dam 70b is an air barrier preventing exchange of air between the head cavity and the atmosphere or the lower portion of a flight suit or other garment. Adump valve 70d is located aboveneck dam 70b for releasing excess pressure from within the head cavity.Shroud 70c may be attached to the flight suit or other garment with a slide fastener or simply tucked inside.Hood 70 is made from a chemically resistant and biologically resistant material, like rubber or butyl rubber. The hood is molded to the contours of the interior of the helmet. - Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B,
brow pad 30 is shown comprising anouter pouch 31 equipped with acloseable flap 31a.Pouch 31 is removably affixed to the inner surface offorehead dome 21, for example, by hook and loop fasteners or other suitable means.Pouch 31 is made from a material which has characteristics of durability and comfort when contacting the wearer's skin, e.g. leather or other suitable materials. Within the pouch there is anouter liner 32 made of an impact absorbing material, for example, polystyrene, which conforms to the interior offorehead dome 21. There is also aninner layer 34 made of compressible, comfort material, for example, foam rubber. Oncenape panel 40 andcrown pad 50 are adjusted to the proper exit pupil, the interior ofpouch 31 is filled with a liquid foaming agent which expands and solidifies to conform to the contours of the wearer's forehead and theouter liner 32. As can be seen in FIG. 3B an expandable foam may be used wherein the foaming agent inliquid form 33 is injected or poured into the interior ofpouch 31 and expands to fill the cavity. A minimally exothermic polyurethane foam having a relatively fast rise time may be used, for example, foams made from polyether polyol resin combine with pre-reacted diphenylmethane diisocyanate. - In FIG. 3C,
protective hood 70 is shown betweenforehead dome 21 andbrow pad 30.Brow pad 30 is first fitted, as described above, in the absence ofhood 70.Brow pad 30 is then placed insidehood 70 and attached with a hook and loop fastener to thehood 70 instead offorehead dome 21. - In FIG. 4A,
nape panel 40 is shown comprising asemi-rigid frame 41 made, for example, from a composite resin. Very thin, flexible composite resin layers are laminated together resulting in lightweight, yieldable panels. Interior offrame 41 is acomfort layer 42 made from a compressible material, for example, foam rubber. Further interior is acover layer 43 made from a comfortable, durable material, for example, leather.Cover layer 43 holdscomfort layer 42 in place by extending throughapertures 44 or around the outer perimeter where its edges are adhered on the exterior side offrame 41. FIG. 4B showsapertures 44 along withstraps nape panel 40 via pivotingconnection points - FIG. 4C shows the pivotal connection between the support panels and their straps in detail. A portion of
comfort layer 42 is removed and a hole is formed inframe 41 to accommodate a threadedfemale post 80 which terminates at its left side in a retention plate 80a.Hood material 70 is fitted around post 80 with any openings being filled by an appropriate sealant.Strap 46 is pivotally connected to post 80 viascrew 46e. Hence, the pivotal connections for both support panels are maintained with the hood material completely sealing the support panels therein. The benefit of this configuration is that the support panels, as well as the brow pad, serve to lift the hood material off the wearer's head providing greater comfort. This configuration also maintains the contact surfaces between the brow pad and the wearer as well as between the support panels and the wearer. Therefore, the wearer's head can be completely sealed against the environment while maintaining the reproducible alignment of the eyebox, which is critical for HMD systems. - Referring again to FIG. 2B, this lifting of the hood results in a
gap 50c betweenwebbing strips 50a and 50b of the support panel or a space 50d adjacent the support panel. Aduct 90 having anexhaust vent 90a directed towardgap 50c or space 50d is provided.Duct 90 extends through a hole in the hood. Any spaces around the hole are filled with an appropriate sealant. Ventilating air is provided toduct 90 to cool the wearer's head. - As can be seen in FIG. 5
crown pad 50 has a similar construction tonape panel 40 including asemi-rigid frame 51, a comfort layer similar to 42 and a cover layer similar to 43. As can be seen from this top plan view, the cover layer hasedges apertures 54 before being adhered on the exterior surface offrame 51. Each of thequadrants strap screws panel 40 andpad 50 that extend from the adjacent quadrants out to the strap connection points. This web-like configuration allows each quadrant to conform to the contours of the wearer's crown and nape as the straps bend to extend through the side panel slots in the inner helmet. In other words, the straps and the connection points of FIGS. 4B and 5 have a further independent degree of flexibility into and out of the page. - FIG. 6A shows an exemplary bendable, plastic strap extending initially through a
side panel slot 24 formed withinside panel clip frame 60 made of rugged plastic. Mountingscrews 61secure clip frame 60 to the exterior ofside panel 22. Extending outwardly fromclip frame 60 is a cantileveredretention arm 62 having afixed end 62b and afree end 62c with downwardly extendingwedges 62a therebetween. Lockingelement 63, as can be seen more clearly in FIG. 6B is slideably mounted toclip frame 60. Lockingelement 63 is slideable indirection 62d from a position adjacentrear stop 62e, overdetent 62f, to a position adjacentfront stop 62g. Ordinarily thefree end 62c ofcantilevered retention arm 62 is free to rise upwardly aswedges 62a ratchet over corresponding wedges 58 on the strap. Once the final adjusted position is obtained, lockingelement 63 is slid to its left most locking position whereby thefree end 62c is prohibited from riding upwardly to lock the strap in position. In a practical embodiment, wedges 58 on the strap and arm were spaced 2mm apart. - FIG. 2 shows a
positioning fixture 29 with areference point 29a. Positioningfixture 29 is dimensioned and configured to alignreference point 29a on the exact line of sight of the ultimate display. The crown pad straps and nape panel straps are adjusted in 2mm increments to locatereference point 29a directly in front of the wearer's eyes at a predetermined distance. If a strap is inserted too far throughclip 60,free end 62c is raised and the strap is retracted. Once aligned, lockingelements 63 are moved to their locking positions overfree ends 62c. While maintaining the aligned position on the wearer's head,brow pad 30 is filled with the appropriate amount of foaming agent. The resultingfoam 33 expands to fill the gap and press the head firmly againstnape panel 40.Brow pad 30 andnape panel 40 are generally diametrically opposed. Accordingly, the inner helmet may be easily donned and doffed while simultaneously reestablishing the exact eyebox alignment every time. Upon tighteningchin strap 19, the inner helmet assembly becomes locked in position on the head. Centrifuge testing was performed with head movements up to 4G and forwardly-positioned stationery head positioning up to 9G. Overall the approximately 4 1/2 lbs. complete inner/outer helmet was displaced a maximum of 4mm with the average for 10 aircrew between 1.5 and 3mm. - It will be seen that we have provided a lightweight inner helmet with conformable panels and a complementary contoured pad that can be easily custom fitted to a large population. The helmet fitting assembly effectively distributes weight and resists displacement forces by locking the assembly to the head over large surface areas. The positive lock retention system and molded brow pad insure reproducible alignment to the eyebox thereby meeting critical requirements for HMD utilization.
- It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. It is further obvious that various changes may be made in details within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific details shown and described.
Claims (26)
- A system for adjusting an enclosed support panel comprising:a helmet having an interior;a protective hood lining said interior;a support panel disposed within said protective hood; anda custom fitting system disposed outside of said protective hood and operationally coupled to said support panel through said protective hood, said custom fitting system preferably adjusting the relative position between said support panel and said helmet.
- The system of claim 1, wherein said custom fitting system is pivotably connected to said support panel and wherein said protective hood is sealed around the pivotal connection, said custom fitting system preferably comprising:straps pivotally connected to said support panel; andstrap retaining clips mounted to said helmet.
- The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said support panel comprises a nape panel, and wherein said custom fitting system preferably adjusts the front-to-back position of said nape panel relative to said helmet.
- The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a brow pad disposed within said protective hood.
- The system of any preceding claim, wherein said support panel comprises a crown panel, custom fitting system preferably adjusting the height of said crown panel relative to said helmet, and/or said crown panel preferably comprising webbing strips with a gap formed therebetween.
- The system of claim 5, comprising a crown duct equipped with an exhaust vent directed toward the gap, said hood preferably being sealed around said crown duct.
- The system of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said crown panel creates a space between said protective hood and a wearer's head, and preferably comprising a crown duct equipped with an exhaust vent directed toward the space, the hood preferably being sealed around said crown duct.
- The system of any preceding claim, wherein said helmet includes a visor having an interior surface and a periphery and said protective hood is sealed to said visor periphery, said visor preferably including a visor duct along at least a portion of said visor periphery, and wherein said visor duct is equipped with vent holes directed toward the interior surface of said visor.
- The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a respiration system including a stiff outer shell equipped with a breathing air supply hose and an exhalation valve, wherein said outer shell overlies a portion of said protective hood, preferably a portion disposed below said visor, and wherein said protective hood preferably seals around said breathing air supply hose and said exhalation valve.
- The system of claim 9, wherein said respiration system additionally includes an adjustable length strap removably coupled between said outer shell and said helmet.
- The system of any preceding claim, wherein said outer shell is equipped with a microphone cable, wherein said protective hood seals around said microphone cable, and/or said outer shell is equipped with a drink tube, wherein said protective hood seals around said drink tube, and/or said helmet includes earphones having communications cables, wherein said earphones are disposed within said hood and said hood is sealed around said communications cables.
- The system of claim 1, further comprising a respiration system including a stiff outer shell and an inner facepiece adapted to enclose a mouth and nose of a wearer, wherein said stiff outer shell and said inner facepiece sandwich a portion of said protective hood therebetween, said respiration system preferably including a breathing air supply hose and an exhalation valve, wherein said protective hood seals around said breathing air supply hose and said exhalation valve.
- The system of any preceding claim, wherein said protective hood has a lower edge, and comprising an elastic neck dam connected near said lower edge of said protective hood, and/or a shoulder shroud connected to said lower edge of said protective hood.
- The system of any preceding claim, wherein said protective hood is made from a chemical resistant and biological resistant material that is molded to the shape of the helmet interior.
- A fitting assembly for a helmet comprising:an inner helmet positionable in a fore and aft direction and including interiorly a front forehead dome and side sections;a rear panel adapted to contact the wearer's nape and means coupling said rear panel to said side sections for adjustably positioning said inner helmet in the fore and aft direction;a contoured pad adapted to support the dome on the wearer's forehead; anda protective hood lining the interior of said inner helmet.
- The assembly of claim 15, wherein said contoured pad comprises a primary layer molded to the contours of the wearer's forehead, said primary layer preferably comprising an expanding foam compound having an initial liquid state and a final, cured solid state, said compound preferably being introduced in the initial liquid state into a gap formed between said dome and the wearer's forehead and wherein said compound expands to substantially occupy the gap in the final, cured solid state.
- The assembly of claim 16, further comprising an inner layer of compressible material disposed between said primary layer and the wearer's forehead said contoured pad preferably further comprising an outer impact absorbing layer disposed between said primary layer and said dome, said inner and outer layers preferably cooperatively forming a receptacle for containing said primary layer.
- The assembly of claim 16, wherein said contoured pad further comprises a pouch made of a material adapted for skin contact, wherein said pouch encases said primary layer, said inner layer and said outer layer.
- The assembly of any of claims 15 to 18, wherein said coupling means comprises straps on said rear panel and retention clips on said inner helmet, said rear panel straps preferably being pivotally connected to said rear panel, and said rear panel preferably comprising a semi-rigid material.
- The assembly of claim 41, wherein said rear panel straps pivot to engage said clips and upon tightening, said rear panel straps are adapted to flex said rear panel to the profile of the user's nape.
- The assembly of any of claims 15 to 20, further comprising a chin strap attached to lower regions of said side sections, wherein said chin strap and said contoured pad and said rear panel form a three-point restraint which cooperatively resists forward rotation of the helmet, and/or comprising a breathing mask attached to lower regions of said side sections, wherein said breathing mask and said contoured pad and said rear panel form a three-point restraint which cooperatively resists forward rotation of the helmet
- The assembly of any of claims 15 to 21, wherein said rear panel is disposed within said protective hood, and/or said contoured pad is disposed within said protective hood, and/or said rear panel coupling means is disposed outside said protective hood.
- The assembly of any of claims 15 to 22, further comprising: a crown pad adapted to contact the wearer's crown, wherein said inner helmet in additionally positionable in a vertical direction; and means coupling said crown pad to said side sections for adjustably positioning said inner helmet in the vertical direction.
- The assembly of claim 23, wherein said coupling means comprises straps on said crown pad and retention clips on said inner helmet, crown pad straps preferably being pivotally connected to said crown pad, said crown pad preferably being made of a semi-rigid material.
- The assembly of claim 24, wherein said crown pad straps pivot to engage said clips and upon tightening, said crown pad straps are adapted to flex said crown pad to the profile of the user's crown.
- The assembly of any of claims 23-25, wherein said crown pad is disposed within said protective hood, and/or said crown pad coupling means is disposed outside of said protective hood.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US729119 | 1991-07-12 | ||
US09/729,119 US6401259B1 (en) | 2000-02-02 | 2000-12-04 | Custom fitting assembly for helmet with protective hood |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1210882A2 true EP1210882A2 (en) | 2002-06-05 |
EP1210882A3 EP1210882A3 (en) | 2003-11-12 |
EP1210882B1 EP1210882B1 (en) | 2006-04-05 |
Family
ID=24929663
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01310145A Expired - Lifetime EP1210882B1 (en) | 2000-12-04 | 2001-12-04 | Custom fitting assembly for helmet with protective hood |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1210882B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE322185T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60118499T2 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200109968B (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2409817A (en) * | 2004-01-12 | 2005-07-13 | Helmet Integrated Syst Ltd | Fitted cap for use in helmet |
CN113398503A (en) * | 2021-05-17 | 2021-09-17 | 中国人民解放军火箭军特色医学中心 | Protective cover for rocket propellant operation |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8296868B2 (en) | 2007-08-17 | 2012-10-30 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Adjustable hockey helmet |
DE102010009666A1 (en) * | 2010-02-27 | 2011-09-01 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Device for moistening the breathing air of a user and their use |
US9345282B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2016-05-24 | Bauer Hockey, Inc. | Adjustable helmet for a hockey or lacrosse player |
US11768538B1 (en) | 2019-04-26 | 2023-09-26 | Apple Inc. | Wearable electronic device with physical interface |
WO2022016040A1 (en) * | 2020-07-17 | 2022-01-20 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Hard hat with strap system |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3843970A (en) * | 1973-03-19 | 1974-10-29 | M Marietta | Protective headgear |
US4833735A (en) * | 1987-07-01 | 1989-05-30 | Gentex Corporation | Helmet suspension with integrated crown straps and headband |
EP0468675A1 (en) * | 1990-07-23 | 1992-01-29 | Helmets Limited | Helmet liner |
WO1993014818A1 (en) * | 1992-01-30 | 1993-08-05 | Intertechnique | Individual protective and breathing equipment for contaminated environments |
US5245993A (en) * | 1991-10-31 | 1993-09-21 | The Boeing Company | Pilot's ensemble with integrated threat protection |
US5315718A (en) * | 1992-04-30 | 1994-05-31 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Protective helmet and retention system therefor |
US5584073A (en) * | 1995-04-12 | 1996-12-17 | Gentex Corporation | Integrated helmet system |
GB2358787A (en) * | 2000-02-02 | 2001-08-08 | Gentex Corp | Custom fitting assembly for a helmet |
-
2001
- 2001-12-04 ZA ZA200109968A patent/ZA200109968B/en unknown
- 2001-12-04 DE DE60118499T patent/DE60118499T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-12-04 AT AT01310145T patent/ATE322185T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-12-04 EP EP01310145A patent/EP1210882B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3843970A (en) * | 1973-03-19 | 1974-10-29 | M Marietta | Protective headgear |
US4833735A (en) * | 1987-07-01 | 1989-05-30 | Gentex Corporation | Helmet suspension with integrated crown straps and headband |
EP0468675A1 (en) * | 1990-07-23 | 1992-01-29 | Helmets Limited | Helmet liner |
US5245993A (en) * | 1991-10-31 | 1993-09-21 | The Boeing Company | Pilot's ensemble with integrated threat protection |
WO1993014818A1 (en) * | 1992-01-30 | 1993-08-05 | Intertechnique | Individual protective and breathing equipment for contaminated environments |
US5315718A (en) * | 1992-04-30 | 1994-05-31 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Protective helmet and retention system therefor |
US5584073A (en) * | 1995-04-12 | 1996-12-17 | Gentex Corporation | Integrated helmet system |
GB2358787A (en) * | 2000-02-02 | 2001-08-08 | Gentex Corp | Custom fitting assembly for a helmet |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2409817A (en) * | 2004-01-12 | 2005-07-13 | Helmet Integrated Syst Ltd | Fitted cap for use in helmet |
GB2409817B (en) * | 2004-01-12 | 2009-02-18 | Helmet Integrated Syst Ltd | Headgear |
CN113398503A (en) * | 2021-05-17 | 2021-09-17 | 中国人民解放军火箭军特色医学中心 | Protective cover for rocket propellant operation |
CN113398503B (en) * | 2021-05-17 | 2022-04-26 | 中国人民解放军火箭军特色医学中心 | Protective cover for rocket propellant operation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ZA200109968B (en) | 2002-06-27 |
DE60118499T2 (en) | 2006-09-07 |
EP1210882A3 (en) | 2003-11-12 |
DE60118499D1 (en) | 2006-05-18 |
EP1210882B1 (en) | 2006-04-05 |
ATE322185T1 (en) | 2006-04-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6401259B1 (en) | Custom fitting assembly for helmet with protective hood | |
US5584073A (en) | Integrated helmet system | |
US3362403A (en) | Unified helmet and oxygen breathing assembly | |
US5603117A (en) | Protective helmet assembly | |
US5318018A (en) | Advanced aircrew protection system | |
US10238164B2 (en) | Helmet having magnetically coupled cheek pads | |
US3665514A (en) | Low profile size adjustable protective helmet | |
US4475248A (en) | Explosive ordinance disposal helmet | |
US5315718A (en) | Protective helmet and retention system therefor | |
US3833935A (en) | Integrated helmet and mask structure | |
EP0673610B1 (en) | Sighter's protective helmet | |
CA2159275C (en) | Quick-donning full face oxygen mask with inflatable harness and soft foldable lens | |
US5630412A (en) | Protective equipment for the head comprising a breathing mask and an optical screen | |
US20180092424A1 (en) | Helmet assembly | |
GB1587121A (en) | Protective clothing | |
WO2005096857A2 (en) | Protective helmet assembly having lightweight suspension system | |
US5322245A (en) | Integrated pilot protective and restraint system | |
US11666112B2 (en) | Headborne attachment platform including system, devices and methods | |
US20080276933A1 (en) | Headgear | |
US9861152B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for improved helmet | |
EP1210882B1 (en) | Custom fitting assembly for helmet with protective hood | |
US20040163160A1 (en) | Protective helmet with vertically adjustable headband | |
US6754911B1 (en) | Modular helmet ear cup tensioner | |
US4035845A (en) | Protective flight helmet | |
US20210112904A1 (en) | HORUS - The Modular Aircrew Helmet System |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20040130 |
|
AKX | Designation fees paid |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20040820 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED. Effective date: 20060405 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060405 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060405 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060405 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060405 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060405 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060405 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 60118499 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20060518 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060705 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060705 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060716 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060905 |
|
NLV1 | Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act | ||
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20061204 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20061231 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20070108 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060706 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060405 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20061204 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20060405 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20081212 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20081127 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20081203 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20091204 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST Effective date: 20100831 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20091231 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20100701 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20091204 |