EP4694721A1

EP4694721A1 - Set for protection from head and neck injury in case of blow to the head and (or) high inertial forces

Info

Publication number: EP4694721A1
Application number: EP24725278.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bojan RADIC
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-04-11
Filing date: 2024-04-10
Publication date: 2026-02-18
Also published as: RS20230290A1; WO2024215215A1

Abstract

The invention represents a protector of the head and neck from injuries due to blows to the head and (or) the action of large inertial forces. The ensuing sudden movement of the head in relation to the trunk is a key reason for brain and neck injuries and it is necessary to alleviate it. This is achieved by the fact that the helmet (1), the neck assembly (2) and the support for transferring forces to the user's torso (3) that make up the invention act as a relatively rigid unit at the critical moment, so that the forces are transferred to the user's torso, which, being a part of the body characterised by significantly higher inherent firmness compared to the neck, absorbs the shock, alleviating the impact effect on the neck. The invention otherwise functions as a flexible (moving) assembly and does not disturb the user's freedom of movement, and stiffening at the desired moment is achieved by an innovative construction solution that involves the use of materials based on non-Newtonian dilatant fluids in combination with relatively rigid elements.

Description

SET FOR PROTECTION FROM HEAD AND NECK INJURY IN CASE OF BLOW

TO THE HEAD AND (OR) HIGH INERTIAL FORCES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention belongs, broadly speaking, to the field of personal protective equipment, and more specifically to the protection of the head and neck from injuries in the event of physical impact to the head caused by various circumstances (falls, external objects) as well as due to the effect of large inertial forces.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

How to structurally solve a protector that would provide additional protection for the head and neck - preventing their uncontrolled and sudden movement in relation to the body, in the event of a blow to the head as well as during the action of large inertial forces that occur in the event of a sudden stop of a body moving at high speed, with the head having a tendency to continue its movement in relation to the body, driven by the force of inertia (an example is the situation of a car crash when the driver is wearing a seat belt). This would significantly reduce the possibility of head injuries, especially concussions and brain damage, as well as neck injuries (especially the cervical part of the spinal column) that occur as a consequence of the described movement of the head and neck. How can the described technical problem be solved, while at the same time ensuring the comfortable design of the protector and freedom of movement of the user, and also preventing the occurrence of additional forces and loads that can lead to secondary injuries.

BACKGROUND ART

Adverse effects of blows to the head that occur due to various circumstances, e.g. when practicing various sports, falls while riding motorcycles, bicycles, etc., are currently alleviated by using different types of head protectors - helmets, ranging from sports to military-police helmets. Existing protectors achieve significant effects in terms of reducing the possibility of bone fractures of the head and various superficial injuries - however, their effectiveness in the event of damage to the brain and concussions and neck injuries after impact is very limited or non-existent. Trauma to the brain, as well as injuries to the neck (especially the cervical part of the spine) after impact and the effect of large inertial forces primarily occur due to a very sudden, uncontrolled movement of the head in relation to the body, as well as its sudden stop that occurs in the process. Due to the forces of inertia, the brain inside the head collides with the inside of the bones of the skull, and injuries to the ligaments and muscle tissue of the neck and injuries to the neck vertebrae are also common. Existing protective helmets have almost no effect on preventing the described sudden movements and shocks, the prevention of which is of crucial importance.

Their role is mainly reduced to preventing direct contact between the head and the object hitting it in order to reduce the possibility of bone fractures and superficial injuries. In addition to the mentioned protectors, there are other protectors that are currently used to prevent the free, uncontrolled movement of the head and neck after an impact or due to the effect of large inertial forces, such as the Hans device in motoring and the neck brace in motorcycling. However, these protectors do not provide immediate protection in the situations for which they are intended, since there is a time delay which occurs because it is necessary for the head and neck to travel a certain distance after an impact or a critical situation until the protection occurs, the effectiveness depending on the angle of action of unwanted forces can be drastically reduced, even non-existent, imposing numerous limitations in terms of user comfort, as well as serious risks for causing secondary injuries. By searching patent documents, such as US10681951B2, W02011149895A1, US2021106090A1, WO2016130973A1... it can be concluded that systems for protection against the described injuries and uncontrolled movements are based on the principle of connecting the helmet and the element on the user's torso via the neck elements. This would ensure the transmission of the forces that occur after the impact in the helmet to the torso of the user, which would further reduce the uncontrolled, sudden movement of the head in relation to the torso. It can be concluded that all of the proposed solutions share the same following drawbacks: the heavy weight of the system, which makes it uncomfortable, and (or) the elements of the system, especially the neck assembly, preventing (limiting) the free movement of the head and other parts of the body before and after the impact (unwanted forces), and (or) the elements on the body through which the forces are transmitted to the trunk being fixed with insufficient stability in relation to the body, which compromises the entire proposed principle, and (or) the construction of the system being such that the parts that serve to stabilize the head during an impact actually follow Newton's law of action and reaction and make an impact to the head at the same time when the force of the primary impact acts on it, but primarily in the opposite direction, which leads to the appearance of shear loads and unwanted moments of forces that act on the head and spine and which can cause serious injuries. The existing solutions are not at all or insufficiently effective for solving the technical problem, and the invention presented here provides a solution for all the described shortcomings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The natural mechanism of human protection against the previously described injuries in the described situations is, first of all, the contraction of the neck muscles in order to prevent the sudden movement. The neck musculature functions as a shock absorber, but its strength is relatively small, limited and essentially insufficient to prevent the effects of impacts and inertial forces encountered in reality. In addition, blows are often sudden, making voluntary contraction of the musculature impossible. The invention provides immediate, additional support to the muscles of the neck, relieves them and transfers the force of impact and inertial forces to the user's torso, thus achieving stabilization of the head and neck at a critical moment - preventing their sudden and uncontrolled movement in relation to the torso, which significantly reduces the possibility of shock, brain damage and neck injuries, especially the cervical part of the spine. Essentially, the invention represents an assembly of a helmet, a neck assembly and supports for transferring forces to the user's torso. At the critical moment, the assembly behaves as a relatively rigid unit, while before and after that moment, the neck part of the assembly is flexible (movable), which enables unhindered voluntary head movement and user comfort. When the helmet, neck assembly, and support for transmitting force to the user's torso behave as a relatively rigidly connected unit, unwanted forces are transferred to the user's torso, which is anatomically a far stiffer, stronger, and more stable part of the body than the neck. In this way, the possibilities of described internal head injuries as well as neck injuries are reduced. The invention is not heavy and uncomfortable, providing sufficient stability on the body for the purpose of efficiency, and not causing unwanted secondary forces that can lead to injury. The principle of head and neck stabilization is a novelty compared to solutions contained in the state of the art. The novelty is also contained in the way in which the construction and principle of functioning of the invention enables it to behave as a relatively rigidly connected unit at the desired moment, and as a flexible one when it is needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

The invention will be described in more detail according to the attached drawing in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of an assembly consisting of a helmet, a neck assembly and a support for transmitting forces to the user's torso

Figure 2 shows a frontal view of the assembly consisting of a helmet, a neck assembly and a support for transmitting forces to the user's torso

Figure 3 shows a side view of detail A from Figure 1 - connection of 2 adjacent elements of the neck assembly in the form of rings Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section of detail A from Figure 1 - the connection of 2 adjacent elements of the neck assembly in the form of rings

Figure 5 shows a cross-section of detail A from Figure 1 - the connection of 2 adjacent elements of the neck assembly in the form of rings

Figure 6 shows a side view of detail B from Figure 1 - element of the neck assembly with attachments for attachment to the support for transferring forces to the user's torso

Figure 7 shows a frontal view of detail C from Figure 2 - the adjustable part longitudinal to the length of the support for transferring forces to the user's torso

Figure 8 shows a side view of detail D from Figure 2 - the tilt-adjustable part of the support for transferring forces to the user's torso

Figure 9 shows a side view of detail E from Figure 1 - a sliding element of support for transferring forces to the user's torso.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION THE INVENTION:

In principle, the invention consists of three parts: helmet 1, neck assembly 2, support for transferring forces to the user's torso 3.

Helmet 1 can be of different shape and design, made of different materials, primarily depending on the specific purpose for which the invention will be used. Basically, the helmet 1 does not necessarily have to be a new part of the invention, some of the already existing helmets can be used if the neck assembly 2 is connected to them by a rigid connection. It is important that the helmet 1 is basically made of a rigid material that deforms minimally upon impact. This is important so that, for example, during a blow to the front of the head where the helmet 1 does not cover the head, the force from the back of the head at the point where it rests on the helmet 1 simultaneously acts. A typical example can be a standard helmet for motorcyclist which, essentially, does not have to be changed for the application of the invention in motorcycling. It is important that the helmet 1 covers the entire head from all sides, i.e. that, if it has certain openings (for ventilation, breathing, better visibility, etc.), which should be small enough to prevent direct contact between the head and the object hitting it, in line with its intended use and possible types of blows, i.e. to prevent a direct blow to the head instead of the helmet 1. For example, if the invention is used in striking martial arts, e.g. in boxing, the helmet 1 must be anatomically constructed, with a base of rigid material, and all its openings must be small enough so that the hand of the punching boxer cannot directly hit the exposed part of the wearer's head. Possible designs, ways of opening and closing the helmet 1 when putting on and taking off are different and are not essential to the nature of the invention, the most important thing being that they should be such as to ensure the rigidity of the complete helmet 1 during use.

Neck assembly 2 represents the most innovative part of the product. It consists of a set of relatively strong, rigid elements connected to each other by a flexible connection, designed in such a way that they do not interfere with the anatomical movement of the head and neck in relation to the trunk and the freedom of movement of the user body. Neck assembly 2 connects helmet 1 and support for the transferring forces to the user's torso 3. An example of the assembly is the ring structure shown in Figure 1, which consists of 5 rings (cylinders) of circular cross-section with different diameters arranged inside each other. The rings can be arranged so that the ring with the largest diameter is connected rigidly to the lower part of the helmet 1 by means of suitable integrated attachments, and the ring with the smallest diameter is connected rigidly to the support for the transferring forces to the user's torso 3. Both of these connections can be realized, for example, by different types of rigid clips 4 which ensure easy removal and installation and stability and stiffness of the connection during use.

Structurally, it is also possible for the ring with the largest diameter to be an integrated part of the helmet 1, in which case this limits the possible options for making the helmet 1, in the part concerning the way it is put on and taken off. All rings are connected to each other by a flexible link that allows them to move at an angle relative to each other, rotationally as well as vertically to the desired extent. An example of such a connection is a connection using 4 (or more) ropes 5 in the corresponding slot of the ring placed at every 90 degrees of the circular section. Ropes 5 connect each ring 6 with the neighbouring ring 7 of the first larger or first smaller diameter. The length of the ropes 5 should be such that it does not allow one ring to move vertically in relation to the adjacent one by more than, for example, 50% of its height, and certainly the vertical movement must not be such that the sides of two adjacent, mutually connected rings, . e.g. 6 and 7, separate completely when viewed in relation to the vertical axis. It is necessary that they are partially or completely overlapped in every possible position, i.e. that it is not possible for one ring to be in a position where it is completely above or below the neighbouring one with its entire surface. The diameters of the rings, the thickness of their walls, and their height should be dimensioned in such a way that, in the given example, the ring with the smallest diameter is slightly larger than the circumference of the base of the user's neck (in the part where the neck joins the body), and that the rings can move at a sufficient angle relative to each other so that they do not impair the user's comfort when moving the head and neck in all anatomical directions. Removal and installation of the neck assembly 2 can be made possible by opening and closing the rings via the hinge system. The element of the neck assembly 2, which is rigidly connected to support for the transferring forces to the user's torso 3, can contain extensions for connection adjustable in width and inclination 8, depending on the shape and structure of the user's torso. In the space between all adjacent rings (determined by the difference between the outer diameter of one ring and the inner diameter of the adjacent, larger one) there is a special material based on dilatant (shear thickening) non-Newtonian (or similar) fluid 9. It can be in the form of a liquid (bounded by walls of elastic or flexible material), or gel or foamy - spongy structures, etc. Dilatant non-Newtonian fluid 9 is known to increase viscosity with the increase of the stress action on it, so that when an object moves through the fluid relatively slowly, it behaves fluidly and softly, while when it moves suddenly, it resists - preventing movement through the fluid - behaving like solid mass. Dilating fluids are also excellent for mitigating the effects of impacts and absorbing shocks. A well-known example of this type of fluid is a mixture of corn starch and water in the appropriate ratio. Many types of so-called "smart" materials are today made on the basis of non-Newtonian dilatant fluids and are used for a variety of purposes, from various sports plate protectors for impact mitigation to ballistic body armour. Examples are D30 material (Great Britain), Polyanswer (Portugal)... The application of dilatant non-Newtonian fluid 9 in the manner described here is unique. The construction must be such that the elements based on the dilatant non-Newtonian fluid 9 are arranged in relation to the solid elements of the neck assembly 2 so that with any anatomical movement of the head, the dilatant non-Newtonian fluid 9 is loaded by pressure and (or) shear, and not by, for example stretching or bending. This is important because its characteristic of behaving like a solid mass under the action of sudden forces applies to shear and compressive loads, but not to sudden bending loads, while under sudden tensile loads it can easily crack and break. The described filling of the space between the rings with a material based on a dilatant non-Newtonian fluid 9, in addition to absorbing shocks, also ensures that the neck assembly 2 is flexible (movable) during slow - voluntary movements of the head and neck, while during a sudden movement relative to the trunk, due to an impact or under the influence of large inertial forces, the neck assembly 2 becomes relatively rigid and represents a relatively rigid connection between the helmet 1 and the support for the transmission of force to the user's torso 3. Selection of an adequate type of material based on dilatant fluid, primarily in relation to its density and strength during sudden movement , as well as the amount that will be placed in the gaps between the rings (whether it will be placed in full extent and height or partially) determines the optimal relationship between the requirements for comfort (as little resistance as possible during voluntary movement) and stabilization of the head and neck during impact and action of large inertia forces. The described ring assembly is only an example of the functioning principle of the neck assembly 2. Other constructions based on the same principle of combination of relatively rigid elements, flexible connections and materials based on nonNewtonian dilatant fluid loaded under pressure and (or) shear are also possible.

The support for transferring forces to the user's torso 3 is connected by a rigid connection to the neck assembly 2. Its role is to be a stable connection to the user's torso, especially in the moment of an impact, and to transmit the critical forces that then arise on the torso. It can be constructed differently depending on the specific application of the invention that dictates the requirements regarding the mobility of the user's body. For example, the support for the transferring forces to the user's torso 3 in motorcycling can be of a more robust construction, while in the case of application of the invention for practicing the sport of boxing, it must allow greater freedom of movement, so it will be less robust. Figure 1 shows only one of the possible construction forms and solutions. It can cover parts of the chest from the front, back and sides. It can be made of flexible or relatively rigid materials 10 or in a combination of parts of flexible or relatively rigid materials 10 and parts of elastic materials 11, which serve to optimally tighten the body of the user and adapt to the individual shape and size of the body. It can contain elastic or limited elastic suspenders 12 and tensioners 13, as well as parts that allow adjustment of the inclination according to the user's body 14 and parts that allow partial lengthening and shortening 15, for which there are numerous constructional solutions. The support for transferring forces to the user's torso 3 can have rigid sliding elements 16 produced in combination with a material based on a dilatant non-Newtonian fluid 17, which serve to increase its flexibility and comfort of the user's movement, and which translate into a rigid connection, upon impact and (or) the action of large inertial forces, owing to the transfer of shocks from the head and neck to the support enabling the transfer of forces to the body of the user 3, thereby further stabilizing it and preventing its movement in relation to the body.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY:

The invention can be applied as individual protective equipment in all situations where the user is at risk of receiving blows to the head and (or) the effect of large inertial forces that cause the head and neck to move suddenly and uncontrollably in relation to the user's torso. These situations are various, from different types of sports, through motoring, driving motorcycles and bicycles, to military and police actions.

The drawing and its description are provided for the purpose of illustrating the idea of the invention. The invention may vary in detail within the scope of the patent claim. Any structural improvements or changes that would be within the shown assembly and that would be for the purpose of its functional improvement; are considered to be covered by this application.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS:

1. A set for protection from head and neck injury in case of blow to the head and (or) high inertial forces, which includes a helmet (1) based on a rigid material, characterised in that the helmet (1) is additionally rigidly connected to the neck assembly (2) which is further rigidly connected to the support for transferring forces to the user's torso (3) so that these 3 parts form a whole.

2. The set according to patent claim 1, characterised in that_ the assembly behaves as a relatively rigid unit firmly fixed to the body at the moment of a blow to the head and (or) the action of large inertial forces, while it is otherwise flexible (movable), and its parts are of such position, weight, shape and dimensions so as not to disturb the freedom of movement and comfort of the user.

3. The set according to patent claims 1 and 2, , characterised in that it has elements of the neck assembly (2) which have the characteristic of being stiffened at the moment of a blow to the head and (or) the effect of large inertial forces.

4. The set according to patent claims 1, 2 and 3, characterised in that it has elements of support for the transmission of forces to the user's torso (3) which have the characteristic of being stiffened at the moment of a blow to the head and (or) the effect of large inertial forces.

5. The set according to patent claims 1, 2, 3, characterised in that between the rigid elements of the neck assembly (2) there are materials based on dilatant non-Newtonian fluid (9) arranged so that they are loaded with pressure and (or) shearing during any anatomical movement of the user.

6. The set according to patent claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, characterised in that between the rigid support elements for the transmission of forces to the user's torso (3) there are materials based on a dilatant non-Newtonian fluid (17) arranged so that at any anatomical movement of the user and at the moment of a blow to the head and (or) the action of large inertial forces loaded on pressure and (or) shear.

7. The set according to any of the previous patent claims, characterised in that the neck assembly (2) contains a minimum of 2 elements in the form of cylinders (rings) of different diameters placed so that they can be moved within each other to a limited extent.

8. The set according to any of the previous patent claims, , characterised in that the support for transferring forces to the user's torso (3) is stably fixed to the user's torso.

9. A method for stabilizing the head in relation to the trunk in the event of a blow to the head and (or) the effect of large inertial forces, characterised in that the transfer of impact and large inertial forces acting on the head from the head to the trunk is achieved through a system consisting of 3 rigid joined parts - helmet (1), neck assembly (2) and a stable support for transferring forces to the user's torso (3), whereby the system behaves as a relatively rigid unit at the moment of impact and the effect of large inertial forces, while it is otherwise flexible.

10. A method for stiffening a movable assembly of rigid elements connected by flexible links under the effect of impact and (or) large inertial forces, , characterised in that between the rigid elements of the assembly, structurally placed elements made of material based on a nonNewtonian dilatant fluid are loaded during movement of the assembly by pressure and shear so that they behave as a relatively solid connection in the moment of impact and (or) the action of large inertial forces, while they are otherwise flexible.