EP4687560A1 - Helmet with lateral protection - Google Patents

Abstract

A helmet with a liner around the interior periphery, the liner including channel segments which may facilitate ventilation while providing for protection for a wearer against side impacts.

Description

HELMET WITH LATERAL PROTECTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of personal protection equipment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to personal protection equipment that provide acoustic or visual signals that may be interpreted as electronic data to ascertain the readiness of the article of personal protective equipment.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The standard for industrial head protection Z89.1-2014 of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) specifies impact protection requirements for two helmet types, Type I and Type II. Type I helmets are only tested for impacts onto the helmet apex. Type II helmets must in addition provide impact energy attenuation and penetration resistance for impacts to the helmet front, back, and sides (the helmet’s external periphery), where most impacts take place in real world usage. Over the years, manufacturers of helmets have responded to the requirements of relating to the Type II designation in several ways, mostly involving the placement of rigid foam between the hard outer shell and the wearer’s head, positioned around the circumference of head.

SUMMARY

[0003] A helmet having improved lateral impact protection using substantially horizontally oriented channels, which deflect and deform upon impact to a helmet’s shell. The horizontally oriented channels, in one embodiment, are molded together to form a repeating pattern that is placed around the inside of a helmet, around the lateral periphery. The plurality of repeating channels are made of an impact absorbing material that, as deployed in a helmet, provides protection against lateral impacts to the helmet. The channels may take many different forms, but typically are formed of a high aspect ratio. In some embodiments, the channels facilitate air circulation and in conjunction with vents located at the apex of the helmet, provide a cooling chimney effect for a wearer, as warm moist air rises and egresses through vents located toward the apex of the helmet, and thereby pulling in cool replacement air around the helmet’s perimeter.

[0004] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a drawing of an article of personal protective equipment, a helmet, having a liner.

[0006] Figure 2 is a profile view of the helmet of Figure 1.

[0007] Figure 3 is a drawing of a liner that may be inserted into a helmet.

[0008] Figure 4 is a plan view of the liner of Figure 3.

[0009] Figure 5 A is detail of a plurality of channel segments. [0010] Figure 5B is detail of a plurality of channel segments. [0011] Figure 5C is detail of a plurality of channel segments. [0012] Figure 5D is detail of a plurality of channel segments. [0013] Figure 5E is detail of a plurality of channel segments. [0014] Figure 5F is detail of a plurality of channel segments. [0015] Figure 5G is detail of a plurality of channel segments. [0016] Figure 6 is a drawing of a helmet having a liner with channel segments installed therein. [0017] It is to be understood that the embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a apart hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and equivalents thereof. [0019] The standard for industrial head protection Z89.1-2014 of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) specifies impact protection requirements for two helmet types, Type I and Type II. Type I helmets are only tested for impacts onto the helmet apex. Impact tests employ a falling impactor with a sharp tip to assess penetration resistance or a drop onto a hemispherical impactor to assess force transmission. Type II helmets must in addition provide impact energy attenuation and penetration resistance for impacts to the helmet front, back, and sides (the helmet’s external periphery), where most impacts actually take place in real world usage. [0020] Hardhats with an injection-molded polymer shell and a harness suspension have been around for decades. Most hardhat helmets that meet ANSI Type I requirements use a 4- or 6-point harness that suspends a polymer shell at a set distance of about 3-5 cm over the head apex (a suspension). Impact absorption in such a helmet relies on deformation of the helmet apex within the air space between the shell and the harness suspension. In side impacts, Type I helmets provide little protection since the harness does not effectively prevent the hard shell from contacting the head.

[0021] Type II hardhats typically comprise a liner of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam on the inside periphery of the helmet shell, in addition to the harness suspension. For front, back and side impacts, this EPS liner provides impact force mitigation. Hardhats using EPS foam, while meeting Type II requirements, may be uncomfortable to wear because the EPS foam is typically quite rigid. Furthermore, the foam employed impedes ventilation around the internal periphery of the helmet, which can lead to undesirable heat build-up and retention in the helmet.

[0022] While most Type II helmets comprise a suspension for apex protection combined with a liner of EPS to provide side impact performance, other manufacturers, such as Wave-cel of Wilsonville, Oregon, have innovated in the space. Wave-cel, for example, uses a collapsible cellular structure for mitigation of impact forces, both to the apex and periphery of the helmet. Such helmets, however, are relatively expensive and only fit into a custom shell.

[0023] It has been discovered that a helmet peripheral liner comprising repeating, oriented channels may meet Type II performance standards while additionally providing enhanced comfort, in some embodiments, to a wearer. Such enhanced comfort may arise due to improved venting design that facilitates air movement around a wearer’s head while the helmet is donned. Such ventilation is desirable in industrial settings where such helmets may need to be worn for long periods of time. In some embodiments, such a peripheral liner may fit into readily available and relatively inexpensive shells used in Type I applications, which may reduce manufacturing costs, thus converting a Type I helmet into a Type II helmet.

[0024] Figure 1 is a drawing of an improved helmet 10 according to aspects of this disclosure. Helmet 10 includes rigid shell 12, having a brim 15 that circumscribes the and defines the lower edge of the shell. Helmet 10 includes a relatively minor visor 18, though some helmets do not include a visor or include a more pronounced visor. Helmet 10 includes a 4- or 6-point suspension 14 (mostly obscured in Figure 1) which protects against apex impacts when donned (other apex protection approaches may be used, as discussed below).

[0025] Around the internal periphery of shell 12 is a liner 16 which comprises a plurality of channel segments 17 having a major axis that is oriented, in one embodiment, substantially vertically, meaning toward the apex of the helmet. These channel segments define channels that facilitate fluid communication of air from around brim 15 toward the apex of the helmet, and particularly toward vents 13. In use, warm moist air within a worn helmet 10 rises and egresses through vents 13, pulling fresh, cool air into the channel segments 17 behind to create a chimney effect which provides improved ventilation comfort to most wearers. Each channel has an air ingress zone located closer to the brim, and an air egress zone which is located between the air ingress zone and the helmet apex. The ventilation effect is enhanced by a plurality of vias 19 within the channel walls.

[0026] Shell 12 may be formed via known molding techniques, typically way of an injection molding process using a durable thermoplastic polymer, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), low or high density polyethylene (LDPE or HDPE), polyamide (nylon), or in some embodiments polypropylene (PP). The shell has various attachment points that receive attachment elements of the suspension and the liner.

[0027] Liner 16 comprises, in one embodiment, a rigid or semi-rigid injection molded plastic or foam. For example, polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM) or other suitable plastic materials, or foam materials such as expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), etc. The channels have, in one embodiment, a pitch of about .5 to 5 cm, and in one embodiment fully circumscribe the interior periphery of the helmet (less than fully circumscribing is also contemplated within this disclosure). As shown, the channels are semicircular when viewed in profile, from for example from the apex of the helmet, having a radius that may vary based on positioning within the helmet geometry. The vertical lengths of the channels (channel length) ranges from l-7cm, and will also vary based on positioning. For example, the radius of the semicircle at the front of the helmet, where the channel length is lower than the back of the helmet, may be smaller, meaning higher channel density (but smaller radiuses) in the front of the helmet, and smaller channel density (but larger radiuses) in the back of the helmet. The channels, when semicircular, may be referred to as “half pipe” in shape, when viewed in profile. Other shapes and designs are possible, as discussed below. The channels might be half pipes and half pipes with reinforcement structures as shown in Figure 5 A. They might be different in sizes as shown in Figure 5B, or cone shaped as shown in Figure 5C. The half pipes can also be closed as shown in Figure 5D, and deployed in in combinations with other options, such as those shown in Figure 5A -5C in particular. The actual half pipe shape could also be variable in basic shape according to Figure 5E-5G, with triangular, square, or prismatic profiles, also here in combination with features shown in Figures 5A-5D.

[0028] Figure 2 is a drawing of helmet 10, shown in profile view. In this view, liner 16 is shown extending beyond brim 14; in other embodiments liner 16 is relatively flush with brim 14 or sits shy of brim 14. Helmet apex 22 is shown, for reference, as is the approximate peripheral area 20 of the hardhat. Side impact protection, and the liner 16 discussed herein, generally corresponds with impact protection in the peripheral area 20 that refers generally to the areas that would encounter a side, front, or back impact to the helmet - an area roughly circumscribing the interior circumference of hardhat 10, generally corresponding to a wearer’s forehead and back of head, as well as the side of the wearer’s head. The external periphery refers to the exterior major surface facing outward from a wearer’s head corresponding to the peripheral area 20; the internal periphery refers to the interior area located between the interior major surface that is opposite the peripheral area’s exterior major surface and a wearer’s head. Major helmet axis 5 comprises an axis through the helmet’s right / left axis of rotational symmetry.

[0029] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional drawing of one embodiment of liner 16. Liner 16 is shown as a plurality of joined channel segments 17. Channel segments, in one embodiment, are integrally joined via an injection molding process that forms liner 16. In other embodiments, channel segments may comprise groups of 2, 3, 4, or more channel segments, which may be joined to other such groups of channel segments, through conventional means (adhesive, ultrasonic welding, mechanical). In other embodiments, discrete groups of channel segments may be spaced apart and positioned around the interior periphery of the helmet, for example a group of 8 joined channel segments in the front of the helmet, a group of 5 joined channel segments along either side of the helmet, and a group of 10 joined channel segments at the back of the helmet. Extended channel segments 30 and 32 are of similar shape to other channel segments, but have features that extend into but outside the helmet shell, to allow greater conformance to the interior periphery topography of the helmet. Liner 16 is coupled to helmet, in one embodiment, via mechanical attachment means typical on helmets. These attachment mechanisms are typically made of plastic or polycarbonate or nylon, or any suitable material, and interface with compatible features, such as slots or vias, or other features, integral to the helmet shell. They can take the form of e.g. center or side release buckles, or circular studs with a bulbous end that slide into a female channel to lock securely into place. Any suitable attachment mechanism, including for example adhesives, are contemplated within this disclosure. Channel segments 31 and 33 are shown having a diameter of X and a major axis length of Y. In preferred embodiments a majority of the channel segments have a high aspect ratio of Y to X (that is, they are preferred to be relatively long and skinny). In some embodiments, the Y to X ratio is 3: 1. In other embodiments it can be 1: 1, 1.5: 1, 2: 1, 2.5: 1, 3:1, 3.5: 1, 4:1, 4.5: 1, 5: 1, 5.5: 1, 6:1, 6.5: 1, 7:1, 7.5: 1, 8: 1, 8.5: 1, 9:1, 9.5: 1, 10: 1 or even higher (and including all points in between). Channel segments are shown integrally joined along lateral edge 33, that is, they were constructed as part of a common molding process.

[0030] Channel segments include a major axis orientation that that in one embodiment is an angle 0 in degrees that such axis is offset from parallel to helmet axis 5 (see Figure), in an X-Y plane for a given segment channel, as shown in Figure 3. In preferred embodiments, 0 = 0 or +/- 5, 10, or 15°, but in other embodiments the channel segments could be angled such that 0 may up to +/- 45° In the Z plane, the channel segment typically follows the contour of a helmet and, as it extends gets further from the helmet brim, curve toward the helmet apex (such Z-dimension curvature is not shown in the embodiment shown in Figure 3).

[0200] Figure 4 is a plan drawing of liner 28. Extended channel segments 32 are seen extending further from the liner than regular channel segments. The liner is circular in shape.

[0201] Figures 5A through 5G show various types of channel segments that could be used in liner 16. Figure 58 shows a channel segment 40 having a cross sectional shape of a half circle, and a cross section dimension 42. Located within channel segment is sub-channel 44 that runs parallel to channel segment 44. In cross section, sub-channel 44 has two walls of dimension 46 which, in combination with one of the circular or semi-circular walls of channel segment 40 define the subchannel. Other shapes of sub-channels are possible, and a plurality of sub-channels are also possible.

[0202] Figure 5B shows group 50 of channel segments 52, 54, and 56, of different cross section dimension. Channel segment 52 has cross sectional width of 52’, channel segment 54 has cross sectional width of 54’, and channel segment 56 has cross sectional width of 56’. The cross- sectional widths shown of the channel segments that comprise group 50 are different, with 52’ being the largest, 56’ being the smallest, and 54’ being between the other two.

[0203] Figure 5C shows tapered group 60 comprising channel segments 62, 64, and 66, each having the same cross-sectional widths, but being tapered such that cross dimensional width 62’ is greater than cross dimensional width 62”. In a helmet configuration, in one embodiment, the taper is toward the apex of the helmet, meaning the larger opening is nearer the brim.

[0204] Figure 5D shows channel segment 70, where channel 74 includes a “lid” to add stability in some embodiment.

[0205] Figure 5E shows group 80 comprising two channel segments that are triangular in cross section.

[0206] Figure 5F shows group 90 comprising two channel segments that are square or rectangular in cross section.

[0207] Figure 5G shows group 100 comprising two channel segments that have five surfaces in cross section (a bisected octagonal shape in cross section, thus comprising five sides).

[0208] Figure 5A through 5B show various embodiments of channel segments; other shapes and sizes are possible and the examples discussed should not be read as limiting.

[0209] Figure 6 is an image of helmet 110, which is shown turned top side down (apex of shell 12 is oriented downward). Liner 16 comprising channel segments 17 can be seen, as can suspension 102, which protects against impacts to the helmet apex. Headband 112 includes an adjustment knob 114 which allows the headband to be loosened or tightened. The liner with the half pipes connects to the helmet mechanically via several slots in the helmet. In the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the liner 16 couples directly to headband 112 and suspension 102.

[0210] In the present detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0211] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0212] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0213] Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, “proximate,” “distal,” “lower,” “upper,” “beneath,” “below,” “above,” and “on top,” if used herein, are utilized for ease of description to describe spatial relationships of an element(s) to another. Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the particular orientations depicted in the figures and described herein. For example, if an object depicted in the figures is turned over or flipped over, portions previously described as below, or beneath other elements would then be above or on top of those other elements.

[0214] As used herein, when an element, component, or layer for example is described as forming a “coincident interface” with, or being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled with,” “stacked on” or “in contact with” another element, component, or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, directly coupled with, directly stacked on, in direct contact with, or intervening elements, components or layers may be on, connected, coupled or in contact with the particular element, component, or layer, for example. When an element, component, or layer for example is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly coupled with,” or “directly in contact with” another element, there are no intervening elements, components or layers for example [0215] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A helmet comprising : a shell having an apex and an interior periphery; a suspension coupled to the shell; and, a liner coupled to the shell in the interior periphery, wherein the liner comprises a plurality of channel segments.

2. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the channel segments have a length and a width, and individual segments form channels along their lengths, and the channels have a channel orientation parallel their length.

3. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the channels additionally have a width, and wherein the channels have a length:width ratio of at least 2: 1.

4. The helmet of claim 3, wherein the channels have a length:width ratio of at least 3: 1.

5. The helmet of claim 2, wherein plurality of channel segments circumscribes at least part of the interior periphery.

6. The helmet of claim 2, wherein a plurality of channel segments comprises at least 10 channel segments.

7. The helmet of claim 2, wherein at least some channel segments have a length or a width that is different than other channel segments.

8. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the helmet has a brim, and wherein the channel segments each define an air ingress zone and an air egress zone, and wherein the air ingress zone is closer to helmet brim than the air egress zone.

9. The helmet of claim 8, wherein at least some of the channel segments have at least some channel segments that have a channel orientation directed from the helmet brim to the helmet apex.

10. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the channel segments are half-pipe shaped.

11. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the liner is comprised of at least one of the following materials: polyamide, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyoxymethylene, expanded polypropylene, expanded polystyrene.

12. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the liner is formed via injection molding.

13. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the helmet additionally comprises a suspension.

14. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the channel segments comprise channel walls and the channel walls comprise a plurality of vias.

15. The helmet of claim 2, wherein a first set of channel segments are associated with the back of the helmet, and second set of channel segments are associated with the front of the helmet, and the first set of channel segments has a higher aspect ratio than the second set of channel segments.

16. The helmet of claim 15, wherein the first set of channel segments has a durometer, and the second set of channel segments has a durometer, and the durometer of the first channel segment and the second channel segment are different.

17. A liner for a helmet, the liner comprising: a plurality of channel segments comprised of an impact-resistant material and having an aspect ratio (length:width) of at lest 1.5: 1, the channel segments arranged to fit around the interior periphery of a helmet.

18. The liner of claim 17, wherein the liner is circular in plan view.

19. The liner of claim 17, wherein the channel segments are integrally formed.

20. The liner of claim 17, wherein at least some of the channel segments are joined to neighboring channel segments along their edges.