GB2569973A

GB2569973A - A sports protection pad

Info

Publication number: GB2569973A
Application number: GB1800154.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Miller Samuel
Original assignee: Masuri Group Ltd
Current assignee: Masuri Group Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-05
Filing date: 2018-01-05
Publication date: 2019-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-05
Also published as: GB201800154D0; GB2569973B

Abstract

A rear neck protector pad 10 for attachment to a forward extending face guard of a sports helmet, the pad comprising a first end 12 with a connection mechanism 14 for pivotally connecting the pad to the face guard of the sports helmet, such that the pad extends rearwardly from the faceguard, and a second end 16 that is smaller than the first end. The pad may have adjustable biasing means at the connection mechanism to bias the pad towards a rest position. The second end of the pad may be closed. Also claimed is a rearwardly extending neck protection system, where two pads are connected to a face guard of a sports helmet.

Description

A Sports Protection Pad

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a sports helmet neck protection pad, particularly for use with a sports helmet having a forward extending faceguard.

Background to the Invention

Sports helmets are important personal protection equipment when undertaking sporting activities, particularly where projectiles are involved, such as in cricket and ice hockey. Many such helmets are provided with faceguard or can be fitted with a faceguard in order to protect a user’s face. However, oftentimes, the rear of the head and particularly the first cervical vertebrae (Cl to C3) and the nape of the neck are left exposed. This presents an opportunity for a projectile to strike a user when they are facing away from the direction of approach of the projectile and such situations have been known to cause severe injury and death.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a rear neck protector pad for attachment to a forward extending face guard of a sports helmet, the pad comprising: a first end having a connection mechanism for pivotally connecting the pad to the faceguard of the sports helmet such that the pad extends rearwardly from the faceguard; and a second end; wherein the second end is smaller than the first end.

The first end of the device can be connected to the forward extending faceguard in a manner that allows the pad to extend rearwardly from the faceguard in order to cover at least a portion of the user’s neck. This is particularly useful where the faceguard is of a grille, or cage-type, construction having wires extending from the helmet and protecting the face. The pad covers the upper vertebrae and/or nape of the neck and extends towards the sagittal plane of the head. The pad can be stepped, arced and/or tapered such that the second end is smaller than the first end, which allows the user to have protection against impact whilst retaining freedom of movement. The second end may be dimensionally smaller in respect of its height, depth and/or cross-section. Thus, it is preferred that the half of the pad adjacent the second end has a smaller volume than the half of the pad adjacent the first end.

The present invention allows for protection of the back of the user’s head and their neck during sporting activity, without restricting movement to the extent that they are unable to perform or uncomfortable wearing the helmet. The present invention allows a pad to he connected to a faceguard and extend rearwardly to protect the user. By having the second end of the pad smaller, or narrower, in height and/or depth and it being free to move rather than being connected to another element, it allows a good range of motion and freedom of movement without impacting on the comfort of the player. In some prior art devices, a single pad is employed that connects from one side of the faceguard to the other; however, displacement of one part of the pad leads to movement of the rest of the pad. Having a pad that can be connected to one side of the faceguard and that is able to move independently of a second pad element and/or not being restrained by the other side of the faceguard improves comfort for the wearer.

In a preferred arrangement, the pad comprises biasing means to bias the pad towards a rest position, when in use, should the pad become displaced from the rest position. The biasing means may be positioned at one end of the pad, preferably, at the first end as part of, adjacent to or in close proximity of the connection mechanism, or it may be positioned along the length of the pad. This allows the pad to be displaced by movement of the head with the biasing means returning the pad to the rest, protection position, thereby reducing the risk of an exposed region that is meant to be covered by the pad. The biasing means may comprise a spring, a plastics material element and/or an elasticated portion.

Where biasing means are employed, it is advantageous that the biasing means is provided with an adjustment mechanism to adjust the rest position of the pad. This allows a user to best select the most appropriate and comfortable position for them. The adjustment may be made by way of a threaded portion to adjust the biasing means, or a range of motion limiter or locking mechanism.

It is preferable that the pad is greater in length than 10cm, thereby extending a significant way across the back of a user’s head. The pad may cover up to 25% of the rear of the user’s neck and/or skull area, and, preferably, between 10 and 20% to allow freedom of movement.

In one arrangement, wherein the second end is substantially closed, that is to say that it is not provided with any means with which to connect the second end of the pad to a further element.

The invention extends to a rearwardly extending neck protection system comprising: a sports helmet having a forward extending face guard, respective sides of the face guard extending to opposing sides of the helmet; and a first pad connected to a first side of the face guard and extending rearwardly,

Such an arrangement allows for one side of the user’s neck to be protected, whilst providing a large freedom of movement to the user, This may be useful in cricket where the batsman faces the bowler and the side of their head nearest the bowler is most at risk or in baseball where the user’s neck closest to the pitcher is most vulnerable. It is advantageous that the pad is one as described herein,

Preferably, the system further comprises a second pad connected to a second side of the face guard and extending rearwardly and wherein each pad is movable independent of the other. Where two pads are employed, they can be positioned such that their second ends almost touch, thereby providing broad protection across the rear of the user’s neck.

In one embodiment, the, or each, pad has a respective rest position and a biasing mechanism is provided to the, or each, pad such that when the pad is displaced from its rest position, the biasing mechanism urges the pad back to its rest position. This allows the user to move freely with the confidence that the pad(s) will move back towards the rest position after displacement.

Additionally, the pad(s) may be provided with one or more adjustment mechanisms to allow the rest position to be adjusted, thereby allowing the user to adjust the rest position to their liking and style of play.

The connection mechanism may comprise a click-fit engagement, a hook-and-eye fastening, a popper or other means for attaching the pad to the faceguard.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of a pad according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second pad in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a helmet provided with the pad or Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a bottom view of a helmet with two pads connected to a faceguard, in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows a further view of the helmet of Figure 5.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Figures 1 to 3 show a neck protection pad 10 comprising a first end 12 having a connection mechanism 14 and a second end 16. The connection mechanism 14 comprises a click-fit mechanism that is able to engage a wire strut forming part of a grille of a faceguard. The body 18 of the pad has an arcuate edge such that the second end 16 is of a reduced height relative to the first end 12. The body 18 is provided with impact absorbing foam material. Figure 1 shows a device for connection to one side of the faceguard and Figure 2 shows a device for connection to the opposing side of the faceguard,

Figure 4 shows a cricket helmet 30 having a faceguard 32 comprising cross-connected wire portions that form a grille-type faceguard. The pad 10 fits onto a rear wire strut of the faceguard 32.

Figures 5 and 6 show a bottom view of a pad 10 connected to a helmet 30. As shown in the Figures, the pad 10 is able to move about the connection mechanism of the pad 10.

The Figures demonstrate that the pads are able to move independently of one another and, due to biasing means provided in the connection mechanism, the pads 10 are biased towards their rest position such that they return to that position when displaced.

Claims

1. A rear neck protector pad for attachment to a forward extending face guard of a sports helmet, the pad comprising: a first end having a connection mechanism for pivotally connecting the pad to the face guard of the sports helmet such that the pad extends rearwardly from the faceguard; and a second end; wherein the second end is smaller than the first end.

2. A rear neck protector pad according to claim 1, wherein the pad comprises biasing means to bias the pad towards a rest position, when in use, should the pad become displaced from the rest position.

3. A rear neck protector pad according to claim 2, wherein the biasing means are provided at the connection mechanism.

4. A rear neck protector pad according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the biasing means is provided with an adjustment mechanism to adjust the rest position of the pad.

5. A rear neck protector pad according to any preceding claim, wherein the pad is greater in length than 10cm.

6. A rear neck protector pad according to any preceding claim, wherein the second end is substantially closed.

7. A rearwardly extending neck protection system comprising: a sports helmet having a forward extending face guard, respective sides of tlie face guard extending to opposing sides of the helmet; and a first pad connected to a first side of the face guard and extending rearwardly.

8. A rearwardly extending neck protection-system according to claim 7, wherein the system further comprises a second pad connected to a second side of the face guard and extending rearwardly and wherein each pad is movable independent of the other.

9. A rearwardly extending neck protection system according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the, or each, pad has a respective rest position and a biasing mechanism is provided to the, or each, such that when the pad is displaced from its rest position, the biasing mechanism urges the pad back to its rest position.

10. A rearwardly extending neck protection system according to claim 9, wherein the pads are provided with one or more adjustment mechanisms to allow the rest position to be adjusted.