Classifications

• • 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
  • A42B3/12—Cushioning devices
  • A42B3/121—Cushioning devices with at least one layer or pad containing a fluid
  • A42B3/122—Cushioning devices with at least one layer or pad containing a fluid inflatable
• • 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
  • A42B3/12—Cushioning devices
• • 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
  • A42B3/12—Cushioning devices
  • A42B3/121—Cushioning devices with at least one layer or pad containing a fluid
• • 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
  • A42B3/12—Cushioning devices
  • A42B3/125—Cushioning devices with a padded structure, e.g. foam
• • 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
  • A42B3/12—Cushioning devices
  • A42B3/125—Cushioning devices with a padded structure, e.g. foam
  • A42B3/127—Cushioning devices with a padded structure, e.g. foam with removable or adjustable pads

Definitions

• the invention relates generally to headgear and more specifically to impact attenuating headgear intended to reduce the incidence or severity of closed head injuries.
• concussion describes an injury to the brain resulting from an impact to the head.
• a concussion is not a life-threatening injury, but it can cause both short-term and long-term problems.
• the terms mild brain injury, mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), mild head injury (MHI), minor head trauma, and concussion may be used interchangeably.
• MTBI mild traumatic brain injury
• MHI mild head injury
• concussion can cause a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms
• a mild concussion may involve feeling "dazed” or a very brief loss of consciousness, for example, being “knocked out”.
• a severe concussion may involve prolonged loss of consciousness with a delayed return to normal.
• a concussion can be caused by a blow to the head, or by acceleration forces without a direct impact.
• the forces involved disrupt cellular processes in the brain for days or weeks. Concussions often occur in sports, particularly contact sports such as football or hockey. Military personnel can suffer concussions from direct blows to the head or from the percussion of an explosive device.
• concussion Treatment of concussion involves monitoring and rest. Symptoms usually go away entirely within three weeks, though they may persist, or complications may occur. Repeated concussions can cause cumulative brain damage or severe complications such as second-impact syndrome.
• the headgear can be provided as a liner for protective headgear, such as a helmet, or as an integral part of the protective headgear.
• the headgear comprises an impact attenuating or shock reducing pad which can be employed as a permanent liner or replaceable liner for protective headgear such as a helmet.
• the pad comprises a flexible base or web having an array of individual cells across the web.
• the liner is configured to fit within the cavity of an impact resistant shell, such as a helmet. As such the liner is configured so as to be folded and positioned within the helmet. The liner can be reasonably secured inside the helmet shell or integral with the helmet shell.
• the individual cells can be air cells.
• the air cells can be sealed at an optimal internal pressure or can be interconnected by airflow channels so that pressure can be equalized among the cells.
• the size of the various air flow channels is
• predetermined can be varied to control the flow of air between the cells at impact to better control the impact attenuating characteristics of the pad.
• the cells can be at least partially filled with another impact attenuating medium such as a visco-elastic material or foam or impact attenuating plastic that has optimal impact attenuating characteristics.
• the impact attenuating liner comprises an impact attenuating base and an impact attenuating cellular layer positioned on the base.
• Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an impact attenuating liner inside headgear
• Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an impact attenuating headgear liner
• Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the impact attenuating liner
• Fig. 4 is a side elevational view thereof
• Fig. 5 is a front plan view thereof
• Fig. 6 is a rear plan view thereof
• FIG. 7 is a top plan view of another aspect of an impact attenuating headgear liner
• FIG.8 is a perspective view of another aspect of an impact attenuating headgear liner
• FIG. 9 is a top plan view thereof.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another aspect of an impact attenuating headgear liner
• FIG 1 1 is a perspective view of a multilayer impact attenuating headgear liner
• FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the multilayer impact attenuating liner of FIG. 1 1 inside headgear;
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual inflation pump.
• the illustrated headgear comprises an outer shell 12 defining an inner cavity 14. There is an impact attenuating pad or liner within cavity 14.
• Cavity 14 is sized and configured such that a wearer's head is snugly and
• outer shell 12 is commonly referred to as a helmet.
• the illustrated embodiment is configured as a military type helmet.
• the outer shell can be any type of helmet including, but not limited to, a football helmet, racing or motorcycle helmet, bicycling helmet, baseball batter's helmet, hockey, skiing, or the like. It will be understood that any reference to an outer shell or helmet or headgear herein is intended to encompass any type of protective headgear presently known or developed in the future.
• outer shell 12 is impact resistant, in that it comprises a hard material that resists penetration or breaking, cracking or shattering upon impact. Although no material is absolutely impact resistant, the material comprising the outer shell will be referred to as impact resistant in the general sense. Such materials include, but are not limited to, synthetic fiber materials such as Kevlar ® high impact plastics, fiberglass or metal.
• Impact attenuating pad or liner 16 comprises a base 18, which is constructed as a flexible web. There is an array 20 of individual, upstanding cells 21 across the web.
• the liner can be constructed with cells 21 molded into an upper or top sheet, or conformal, which is then adhered to a bottom or backing sheet. The bottom sheet and the material around the cells form a flexible web.
• the impact attenuating pad can be formed or molded or constructed in any acceptable manner.
• Cells 21 are referred to as impact attenuating cells in that they absorb forces exerted against the cells resulting from impact to the outer shell or jarring or shaking movement of the wearer's head.
• cells 21 are upstanding inflatable cells. Many of the cells are substantially rectangular, while others are triangular and others trapezoidal in peripheral configuration. The configuration of the cells allows the liner to be folded into place within the helmet without any gaps between impact attenuating cells.
• the upstanding cells include a top wall 22 and side walls 23 around the periphery of the cell. The cells can be filled with a gas, such as air, to a desired pressure and sealed.
• the cells can be partially or fully filled with another impact attenuating material, such as liquid or foam or visco-elastic material or combinations thereof.
• another impact attenuating material such as liquid or foam or visco-elastic material or combinations thereof.
• the cells are about 3 ⁇ 4 inch high when fully functional.
• cells 21 can be interconnected by air flow pathways or conduits 24 extending through base 18.
• the interconnected cells can have enhanced impact attenuating properties since the pressure within the cells can be equalized.
• air within those cells will be forced through the air conduits to better absorb the force.
• the cross- sectional area of conduits 24 may be varied among the cells to enhance or control the shock or force absorbing characteristics of the cells by controlling the egress of air out of the cells upon the application of force.
• liner 1 6 includes an inflation valve 25 that is in fluid communication with the cells.
• the wearer can optimally inflate the base for a snug fit, either by inflating the cells and donning the helmet or by donning the helmet then inflating the cells until the desired fit is achieved.
• the base and cells comprise a dip molded neoprene material which has optimal pressure dispersing characteristics.
• the base and cells also can be a cavity molded polyurethane or other appropriate material.
• the base and cells can be molded from urethane or similar materials.
• Cells 21 can contain or be filled with, or fashioned from, other impact attenuating material, such as visco-elastic gel, or foam or the like.
• some of the cells can be air cells and others can be gel or foam filled cells.
• the cells are not filled with gel or foam, but the cell itself is constructed of gel or foam.
• Liner 16 has major components that are intended to provide impact attenuation at primary areas of a wearer's skull when folded and positioned within the cavity of the protective shell.
• Liner 16 includes a central section 26 that is positioned at the midline of the protective shell and extends the length of the liner and extends from the frontal area, over the parietal area and to the occipital area of the skull of the wearer.
• first temporal pad 30 and an opposed second temporal pad 32 At the approximate midpoint of the central section there is a first temporal pad 30 and an opposed second temporal pad 32.
• rear section 34 At the rear or second end of the central section is rear section 34, having side flaps 34A and 34B that is position over the occipital area of the wearer's skull.
• liner 16 is configured such that it can be folded and optimally positioned within cavity 14.
• base 18 includes a plurality of appropriately located fold lines 34 between the major sections described above.
• the air conduits 24 extend through fold lines 25 without collapsing when folded.
• Liner 40 includes a base 42 with an array of individual upstanding, impact attenuating cells 44 on the base.
• the cells are upstanding and include a peripheral side wall 45 and a top wall 46. In one aspect, the cells are about 3 ⁇ 4 inch high when functional.
• Liner 40 has a substantially cruciform peripheral configuration and comprises a center section 47, a forward section 48, a rear section 49, a first side section 50 and a second side section 52.
• the side sections may be referred to as wings or temporal pads.
• Cells 44 in the center, front and rear sections are substantially rectangular in peripheral configuration.
• the cells comprising first and second side sections 50 and 52, respectively, have varied configurations.
• the cells in the temporal pads are configured to define cut-outs or arches 54 and 56 positioned such that the liner does not impinge on the wearer's ears and hearing when position in a helmet.
• cells 44 of liner 40 may be partially or totally filled with a gas, such as air, or filled or partially filled with another impact attenuating material such as a liquid, foam, a visco-elastic material, an impact attenuating plastic or the like.
• a gas such as air
• another impact attenuating material such as a liquid, foam, a visco-elastic material, an impact attenuating plastic or the like.
• cells 44, containing a gas or another flowable medium, such as liquid are interconnected by fluid flow conduits 58 to equalize the pressure among the cells in use.
• the conduits may be varied in size to control fluid flow patterns, as described above.
• Liner 44 may be sealed or include an air valve 59, which can be a self- inflating valve or even a valve and pump combination.
• the valve 59 (or pump/valve, or a self-adjusting valve as disclosed in the assignee's co-pending provisional application Serial No. 61 /408,774, which is incorporated herein by reference) is located on one of the side sections so that it is easily reached when installed in a helmet and placed on the head. Also, by placing valve 50 at this position, it does not contact the head if the helmet is struck by a projectile or jarred by concussive force. In use, the helmet and liner is place on the head and inflated. The user then manipulates valve 59 to allow some deflation until the helmet is optimally positioned on the head.
• FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another aspect of a liner, indicated generally as reference number 60
• Liner 60 also has a substantially cruciform configuration and includes a center section 62, a forward section 64, a rear section 66, a first side section 68 and a second side section 70.
• Liner 60 comprises a base 71 with an array of individual upstanding, impact attenuating cells 72 on the base.
• the cells 70 have a substantially circular peripheral configuration and a rounded or domed cross- section. Cells 70 are about 3 ⁇ 4 inch high at the top when fully functional.
• the cells are interconnected by fluid flow conduits 74, as previously described, and may be totally fluid filled or partially fluid filled or totally filled with another impact attenuating material or combinations thereof, as described above.
• One of the cells may incorporate a valve, a self-adjusting valve or pump, as at 76, or as shown in Fig. 13.
• the air pad layer could also be pre-sealed during manufacture with a set amount of air so that it is not adjusted by the user.
• FIG. 10 illustrates another aspect of a liner, indicated generally by reference number 80.
• Liner 80 has a substantially cruciform peripheral configuration and includes an array of individual, upstanding dome-shaped cells 82.
• the cells are interconnected by a web 84 that includes internal fluid flow conduits.
• Web 84 defines a plurality of open areas 86 spaced between the cells. These open areas reduce the material weight of liner 80 and promote ventilation.
• the cell and web structure is arranged with a center section 87, a forward section 89, a rear section 90, a first temporal pad 92 and a second temporal pad 94.
• open spaces 86 may be filled with other, light weight material, such as light weight foam.
• liner 80 may be positioned on a pad. Appropriately configured surfaces of the pad may protrude into open areas 86 between the cells.
• the dome shaped cells of liners 60 and 80 offer significant advantages. As mentioned above, the liner is secured in the helmet, deflated, placed on the head and then inflated for proper fit. In some circumstances, cells with a top wall and peripheral side wall will collapse when deflated. However, the side walls buckle or fold and the folded or wrinkled cell material support the helmet on the head. It is difficult to get a proper fit or feel. On the other hand, when domed cells are deflated, the collapse inwardly without the wrinkling or folding, allowing for a better feel and a better fit upon inflation.
• FIGS. 1 1 and 12 illustrate another aspect of the impact attenuating liner.
• the liner is a multi-layer liner, indicated generally by reference number 100, comprising a cellular layer, in this illustration the inflatable layer being liner 60 shown in Fig. 8 with its constituent parts. It will be understood that any of the previously described cellular liners may be employed in the multilayer liner.
• the multilayer liner 100 also includes a base layer 102.
• Base layer 102 is an impact attenuating layer comprising an impact attenuating material such as an appropriate liquid, foam, visco-elastic material, impact attenuating plastic such as lsoblox ® (theDODDgroup, Allen, Tx), fiber, either synthetic or natural, or any other material that has
• lsoblox ® theDODDgroup, Allen, Tx
• base layer 1 02 can comprise another cellular layer with different impact attenuating characteristics than cellular liner 80.
• base layer 102 has the same peripheral configuration as cellular liner 60 and includes a center 104, a front section 106, a rear section 108, a first temporal section 1 10 and a second temporal section 1 12.
• cellular layer 60 is slightly undersized in width and length compared to base layer 1 02 so that when both layers are folded or configured to fit inside a helmet 1 2 the layers have coextensive peripheral edges, as shown in FIG. 12.
• the multi-layer liner 100 is approximately 7/8 inch in thickness from the bottom surface of the base to the top of the functional cells.
• Base layer 102 can have a cover and/or both layers together can be covered.
• the cover could have two pockets, one to hold the base layer and another to hold the cellular layer.
• cellular layer 60 may be attached or bonded to base layer 102, for example by spot welds or hook and loop fastener (Velcro ® ) or any other means to keep the layers in alignment in use.
• spot welds or hook and loop fastener (Velcro ® ) or any other means to keep the layers in alignment in use.
• base layer 102 is shown as a contiguous sheet, it can comprise discrete segments of impact attenuating material that are hinged or otherwise flexibly attached together to allow it to bend or flex to fit properly within the helmet.
• base layer 1 02 may comprise a cover or container that encloses a plurality of chunks or granules or pieces of impact attenuating material.
• Pump assembly 1 20 includes web 122 with a diaphragm pump or other acceptable pump (not seen) inside a cell 124.
• Cell 1 24 is configured to be integrated into web 122 in place of one of the cells described above or just ancillary to the cells.
• Pump assembly 1 20 includes a release valve 126 and appropriate fluid flow connection 128 to an adjacent air cell to allow inflation of the air cells by manipulation of the pump. The user can don the helmet, actuate the pump until snug and release air, if necessary, through release valve 126.
• Pump assembly may include other apparatus such as a check valve and manual inflation valve to allow inflation by an outside air source. Other aspects of acceptable pumps are shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,074,765.

Landscapes

• Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
• Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=47072987

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Families Citing this family (80)

Citations (5)

Family Cites Families (48)

• 2012
  • 2012-03-12 EP EP12776854.7A patent/EP2701543A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2012-03-12 CA CA2833137A patent/CA2833137A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2012-03-12 US US14/110,833 patent/US20140020158A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2012-03-12 WO PCT/US2012/028710 patent/WO2012148582A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2012-03-12 AU AU2012250202A patent/AU2012250202A1/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (5)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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