US20170251742A1

US20170251742A1 - Concussive Reduction Helmet Attachment(s) Translational Axial Rotation Control and Bracing System (TARCBS).

Info

Publication number: US20170251742A1
Application number: US15/047,507
Authority: US
Inventors: Loren George Partlo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-02-18
Filing date: 2016-02-18
Publication date: 2017-09-07

Abstract

A concussive reduction helmet attachment system which reduces the total area available for acceleration of the head in all axis, specifically designed to provide a measured reduction in accelerative force at the critical moment within the blow. A helmet attachment that reduces the factors that contribute to mechanical transfer of energy to the brain thereby reducing potential traumatic brain injury, concussions and neck compression. A helmet augmentation for body-contact sport helmets, also having utility for military ground based personnel helmets where blunt force trauma injury to the head and neck are apt to occur. A concussive helmet attachment having a Translational Axial Rotation Control Bracing System (TARCBS) that transfers mechanical energy to the torso, reduces available area for linear and rotational acceleration while reducing potential for neck and spinal injury. A concussive helmet attachment having two construction types, single and multiple component and three embodiments: hard, soft and mechanical.

Description

A concussive reduction helmet attachment system for body-contact sports helmets also having utility for military ground based personnel helmets, designed to reduce the mechanical transfer of energy to the brain and reduce potential of brain injury. An attachment system for augmentation to body-contact sport helmets and military ground based personnel helmets where blunt force trauma injury to the head and neck are apt to occur. Two construction types single and multiple component and three attachment embodiments (hard, mechanical and soft) are used to create multiple configurations of the concussive reduction helmet attachment(s) having a translational axial rotation control bracing system (TARCBS) configuration. Here within referred to as the concussive reduction helmet attachment, current invention, TARCBS or TARCBS attachment(s).
The TARCBS is specifically designed to reduce linear, translational and rotational acceleration having six specific areas of focus. First, by reducing the total area for accelerative movement space between the helmet and the torso. Through reducing the area for acceleration the potential for acceleration is reduced therefore if the area is reduced a larger accelerative hit is required to accelerate the helmet to a threshold where harm can take place. Additionally, by reducing the total area for accelerative movement there is a mathematical reduction in the number of hits that potentially will be able to exceed the injury threshold within the new parameters of the reduced area of movement, thereby improving the safety of the helmet. Second, improve the use of the helmet padding so that a larger magnitude of force is required to exceed the harm threshold during acceleration. Third, provide dissipation of force earlier in the hit to reduce cumulative force peek energy. Fourth, create and manage a critical moment of time within the blow where said concussive forces are decelerated and absorbed during the critical moment of the blow. Fifth, provide a transfer of force to include force that cannot be absorbed by the helmet and neck to the torso thereby reducing the peek mechanical force of the blow. Lastly, through seated bracing change the dynamics of how translational acceleration effects the body of the wearer so that the mechanical transfer of energy does not manifest in the neck and helmet and therefore does not transfer to the brain.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

- Current U.S. Class: 2/425; 2/468; 2/422; 2/411; 2/415; 2/455; 2/6.6; 2/6.8
- Current CPC Class: A42B 3/20 (20130101); F41H 1/04 (20130101); A42B 3/225 (20130101); A42B 3/105 (20130101); A63B 71/10 (20130101); A42B
- Current International Class A63B 71/10 (20060101); A42B 1/24 (20060101); A41D 13/00 (20060101); A41D 27/26 (20060101)
- Field of Search: 2/410-415 421,423-425,462,468,175.6,209.13,172,139,149,41 73/379.04,2/455,6.5, 6.6, 6.7,10,429,9, 2.5

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS


8,990,962 B2	March 2015	Siegler et al.
8,834,394 B2	September 2014	Ghajar
8,914,916 B2	December 2014	Castillo
8,074,301 B2	December 2011	Motaffar
5,287,562	February 1994	Rush
4,094,015	June 1978	Howard
6,847,170 B1	April 2005	Aaron
9,241,528	January 2016	Partlo
7,849,525	December 2010	Ghajar
8,671,467 B2	March 2014	Tack et al.
7,805,776 B2	October 2010	Crossman et al.
8,533,870 B2	September 2013	Barth et al.
7,797,764 B2	September 2010	Norris
7,631,365 B1	December 2009	Mahan
8,561,217	October 2013	Negley
6,862,749 B1	March 2005	Krause

OTHER REFERENCES

Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Loren G. Partlo

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

DESCRIPTION

Field of the Invention
The current invention connects to a helmet to reduce acceleration of the head, reduce mechanical transfer of energy to the brain and reduce the potential for head, neck and specifically brain injury. The concussive reduction helmet attachment(s) TARCBS are specifically designed for body-contact sports such as American football, hockey and lacrosse where injury to the head is apt to occur. The current invention also has utility for military application for ground based military personnel where the helmet attachment(s), due to its unique design features, provide for the wearer an increased level of protection designed to reduce factors that cause Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), concussions, soft tissue damage of the neck and compression of the neck. The concussive reduction helmet attachments(s) are designed to augment an existing helmet to increase the ability of the helmet to protect the portion of the body between the head and shoulders as a single unit against the application of a strong force.
Background of the Invention
Protecting a person's head while in a contact sport or war has been a developing science since helmets first started to be worn. Sports helmets have been primarily designed to: reduce the impact of a blow, reduce cuts over eyes, forehead, and cheek, reduce possibility of cauliflower ears, reduce possibility of perforated eardrums, absorb or reduce impact on the head and reduce impact of the head with the ground after a fall. With military helmets all the aforementioned items are important with the addition of the desire to provide ballistic protection and protection from the elements. Attachments, specifically are added to increase either protection, comfort or provide convenience such as a bracket to hold auxiliary equipment.
The current invention is unique because it is specifically designed for an emerging aspect of protection which is reducing brain injury. The current invention is designed to: limit the total available accelerative space between the head and torso, provide a clearance gap for free but limited movement in all axis, create a critical moment within the hit, reduce and control linear, translational and rotational acceleration of the head and neck and reduce the factors that provide mechanical transfer of energy during a blow to the brain which cause brain injury.
In order to reduce linear and rotational acceleration of the head six distinct factors are addressed by the current invention. First, create a reduction of the total available acceleration space between the helmet and the torso of the wearer. This is accomplished by TARCBS reducing the total amount of area between the helmet and torso. Next, a clearance gap is created which provides limited free movement in all axis and an ability to further manage concussive forces. Second, reduce the available area of acceleration potential such that a larger magnitude of force is required in a shorter area of movement to exceed the harm threshold. Third, the TARCBS provides intervention and dissipation of force earlier in the hit than helmets without the TARCBS. Fourth, the TARCBS provides for a managed force decelerated and absorption during the blow to include management of force at the critical moment of the hit, through the attachment components. Fifth, through bracing provide a transfer of force to include force that cannot be absorbed by the helmet neck or head and transfers said force to the torso which reduces force transfer to the brain. The sixth factor the TARCBS attachment provides is seated bracing, which is when all bracing surfaces of the helmet attachments are engaged to the torso and the wearer has created a resistant force. Seating the TARCBS on the torso and locking the helmet to the torso via the resistant force reduces the week point of the neck and changes the dynamics of how translational acceleration effects the body of the wearer.
Other inventions have addressed various aspects of brain injury intervention however the concussive reduction helmet attachment(s) do so by applying aspects of laws of motion and intervention to these motions in a unique way while still providing an area of limited free movement of the helmet in all axis.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,015 to Howard is a helmet neck roll attachment made of foam intended to assist in reducing cervical compression of the neck. Howard's invention specifically “ . . . will not interfere with any of the head or body movements of the player or with other conventional protective equipment such as helmets and shoulder pads.” This is the opposite of the current invention which specifically is designed to curtail head movement and join with protective equipment specifically shoulder pads or flax jacket. Howard's invention does not support the sides or front of the helmet, only the back. Howard's invention's focus is to “protects the cervical spine . . . from the rear edge of the helmet shell.” Howard's invention focuses on reducing neck injuries from a frontal hit. It is not focused on reducing acceleration space, reducing linear, translational or rotational motion, nor is it designed or intended to provide the ability to brace the helmet for impact.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,805,776 B2 by Crossman et al., which shows an attachment face protector that extends “ . . . about a person's mandibular (lower jaw) region, said protective portion comprising a protective structure, said face protector . . . ” It is also detachably mounted which the current invention does not do. The TARCBS attachments forward helmet attachment chin chest bracing bridge is similar only in that it also protects the same area on a person, however the current inventions purpose of construction and more importantly function is significantly different than Crossman's design. The forward helmet attachment chin chest bracing bridge is constructed with bracing surfaces to reduce linear acceleration that creates low-speed coup counter coup closed head injury(s) and rotational bracing edges specifically designed to reduce rotational acceleration about the Z axis which is a significant difference in design and function between these two inventions.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,631,365 B1 by Mahan, is another example of an attachment with a protective intent. Mahan's attachment is a visor “ . . . ballistic face guard for providing protection to a wearer's face and neck.” Although Mahan claims protection to a wearer's “neck” it becomes apparent that the intent is to protect the front of the neck specifically the throat area which is covered by the ballistic face guard. Mahan's attachment protects the face and throat from direct impact and is not designed to reduce brain injury or concussions.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,533,870 B2 by Barth et al., is a force absorbent insert that is mounted on the interior of the helmet and is a “shock-absorbing inner fitment . . . ” Barth's invention is an improvement in helmet padding.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,797,764 B2 by Norris, is a ballistic neck plate, a “ . . . horseshoe-shaped rigid neck shield . . . ” with adjustment that is intended to protect the neck from direct fire and shrapnel. The commonality between the current invention and that of Norris is the ballistic protection and general shape. Although the attachment of Norris is visibly similar to the TARCBS there are significant differences in function. The TARCBS attachment(s) has additional design features: contoured bracing surface, rotational limiting bracing edges, etc. designed to reduce the factors that are responsible for concussions. Norris's inventions focuses on “ballistic protection” and unlike the current invention it was never intended nor designed to reduce mechanical transfer of energy to the brain for the purpose of reducing the factors that contribute to brain injury.
Regarding military helmet patents that provide helmet extensions to provide ballistic protection and access to or hold equipment. U.S. Pat. No. 8,671,467 B2 to Tack et al., has a focus on providing a series of attachments such as: a power and data bus system that allow components to be plugged into the bus system and locked into place. A nape protection attachment, a mandibular guard attachment, a visor attachment and method to affix other attachments to the shell. Tack et al., claims a “ . . . removable protective accessories comprises a rigid nape shroud.” A “rigid nape shroud comprises a plurality of plates of rigid material . . . ” The nape shroud is clearly intended for protection from shrapnel and direct fire. Although there are some visual similarities to this invention the purpose in design of the current invention is substantially different.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,749 by Krause, is a leather cover which attaches to the base of a motorcycle helmet. The design intention is “A helmet neck skirt system for covering an entirety of a user's neck to inhibit debris and adverse weather from providing discomfort to the user . . . ” It is not designed nor intended to reduce the transfer of mechanical energy to the brain to reduce concussive forces.
With regard to supporting the neck and reducing movement of the head there are some patents that do this but they are similar to U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,170 to Aaron for a helmet attachment that reduces the movement of the head and neck but do so by affixing or tethering the shoulder pads directly to the helmet. Aaron's patent does have a collar design for neck support. However, the collar is used as a structure to tether the head to the shoulder pads. Although there is neck support it is not the same as the current invention and is not designed with the same structural elements. Aaron's patent unlike the current invention does not provide helmet extensions that provide free but limit movement in all axis. Aaron's patent connects the helmet to the shoulder pads making one rigid unit that specifically limits free movement in all axis.
There are patents that do look at linking the head to the torso to limit linear and rotational force transfer to the head. Almost without exception they connect the helmet to a shoulder pad assembly or have a neck yoke/collar arrangement that tethers the helmet to the torso.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,217 to Nagely, et al., is a spring three point break away strut system which provides support to the wearer's head by means of a harness assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,849,525 by Ghajar, connects the helmet to a torso mounted body harness via a plurality of tethered spools which control rotational and linear movement.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,990,962 B2 by Seigler et al., connects the helmet to the shoulder pads and focuses on reducing neck and spinal injuries not brain injury.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,834,394 by Ghajar, is a spring apparatus design that uses a harness that connects to the helmet via a spring. The invention is for maintaining posture.
In U.S. Pat. No. 8,914,916 B2 by Castillo, is a helmet suspension system which again affixes the helmet to the torso of the wearer that is also vehicle mounted. “ . . . may be mounted to a shoulder pad of a driver suit, or to a surface of the vehicle.”
In U.S. Pat. No. 8,074,301 B2 by Mothaffar, uses a series of straps to connect the helmet to a belt supported shoulder harness.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,562 by Rush, uses an inflatable bag, a gas-operated piston and cylinder arrangement carried in the helmet. “The bag is similar to that use in automotive vehicles to provide supplemental restraint to occupants in a collision and can be deployed in 5 milliseconds or less.” This invention is focused on similar outcomes but the engineering concepts are very different. Additionally, the current invention allows for bracing prior to the hit which is not possible with Rush's design that requires a hit of magnitude to deploy the bag.
The closest patent found in the patent data base regarding similar function is U.S. Pat. No. 9,241,528 to Partlo a helmet patent written by and issued to me. The engineering concepts vary slightly regarding the reduction and management of the total accelerative area. The current invention provides a method to manage concussive forces at the critical moment of impact which the helmet patent did not have. Additionally, the current invention's TARCBS intervention process allows for adjustment of the stroke area of the mechanical component that provides the ability to actuate at a specific force threshold and reduce the force at the critical moment by an exact amount as determined by the setting of the dampener or crushable component. Additionally, the current invention is for the creation of an attachment for a helmet where the prior patent was for the creation of a helmet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the current invention is to reduce brain injury, specifically concussions in contact sports such as American football, hockey, etc. and also provide augmentation to helmets used in the military. The concussive reduction helmet TARCBS attachments addresses the problems of brain injury and concussions by focusing on six distinct factors associated with linear, translational and rotational acceleration and mechanical force transfer to the brain. It is the object of the current invention to provide a helmet attachment that first, creates a reduction of the total available space between the helmet and the torso of the wearer. Second, reduces the available area of acceleration potential so that a larger magnitude of force is required in this shorter area of movement to exceed the harm threshold. Third, the TARCBS provides intervention and dissipation of force earlier in the hit than helmets without the TARCBS. Fourth, the TARCBS provides for managed force decelerated and absorption during the critical moment of the blow. Fifth, through bracing the TARCBS provide a transfer of force to include force that cannot be absorbed by the helmet and neck to the torso which reduces cumulative force available for mechanical transfer to the brain. The sixth factor the TARCBS attachment provides bracing and seated bracing which is when all bracing surfaces of the helmet are engaged to the torso and the wearer creates a resistant force. Seating the TARCBS on the torso and locking the helmet to the torso via the resistant force reduces the week point of the neck and changes the dynamics of how translational acceleration effects the body of the wearer.
Another object of the current invention is to provide augmentation to an existing helmet. People are use to using their existing helmets and are resistant to change. The TARCBS provides a method to allow a person to use their trusted existing helmet and improve its ability to reduce brain injury by adding the TARCBS attachment(s).
Another object of the current invention is to reduce neck injuries in environments where blows to the head are anticipated which cause bone and soft tissue damage such as: cervical spine strain injuries, fractures, micro-fractures, nerve root injuries, etc., and provide support to reduce neck compression injuries. These issues are reduced by the TARCBS ability to brace and support the head in such a way that it limits the available space of movement. The aforementioned injuries occur when the head violently surpasses the normal range and speed of movement. The TARCBS is specifically designed to proportionally reduce and channel force away from the brain and support the head and neck to prevent movement outside the normal range of motion where injury is more apt to occur.
Another object of the current invention is to augment a broad range of existing helmets/headguards used in a variety of environments where brain and neck injuries may occur. The three TARCBS embodiments (hard, mechanical and soft) were created to be used in these various environments. By providing three embodiments of design utility of the attachment is enhanced.
Another object of the current invention is to reduce available space for translational and rotational movement. The total space available for head acceleration is proportional to injury potential. The current invention addresses this problem by the TARCBS filling to a large extent the total space available for head acceleration. Next the TARCBS creates the clearance gap which provides limited free movement of the head. The TARCBS bracing surfaces which contact the torso perpendicularly and rotational limiting bracing edges which limit the space available for acceleration in the Z axis are controlled by the person wearing the helmet such that they can use the clearance gap to move their head freely or close and brace the gap thereby using the bracing surfaces an rotational limiting bracing edges to further reduce the space available for acceleration which in turn reduces potential for harm.
Another object of this invention is to provide an area of limited free movement in all axis which is accomplished by the clearance gap while reducing the range of motion available for acceleration and rotation when a blow contacts the helmet. Reducing the available area for acceleration is proportional to increasing the requirement for injury to take place.
Another goal of the current invention is to reduce rotational acceleration. Which is accomplished via the rotational bracing edges.
Another goal of this invention is a balanced or symmetrical reducing and stopping of rotational acceleration. When reducing and transferring forces of magnitude providing a balanced method of force distribution and dissipation is essential in reducing injury potential. Symmetrical force reduction and breaking is accomplished by the TARCBS being designed such that multiple rotational edges and bracing surfaces are engaged simultaneously in the front and back to provide a symmetrical arresting of motion during impact. If force management is not balanced it can lead to injury of the wearer.
Creating helmet attachment(s) that have utility in a number of different environment is a factor the current invention addresses by having variation in attachment design while maintaining desired function. The TARCBS has two types of construction. The first is a single component design similar to a horse shoe or donut type fitment that wraps around the base of the helmet and attaches to the lower edge of the helmet. The second embodiment of construction also wraps around the base of the helmet in a horse shoe or donut type configuration but has multiple individual components that attach to the helmet.
Additionally, the two types of construction, single part and multiple individual components are further diversified to adapt to a multitude of environments by the creation of three types of embodiments. The embodiments: hard, mechanical and soft can also be interchanged. For example a hard forward and shoulder component left and right attachment can be attached to a helmet and a soft mechanical rear attachment could also be attached. This provides the ability for the wearer to build a TARCBS attachment having multiple component configurations so that an attachment can be created that best fits the needs of the environment the user will be in.
All TARCBS attachments regardless of construction type or embodiment have the following components: shoulder component(s) left and right which extend parallel to and above the shoulders which reduce lateral movement on the ZX axis. A forward helmet attachment having three embodiments: the forward helmet chest brace, chin chest bracing bridge and the add-on-chest-bridge. Each of these embodiments provide forward head support and reduce linear, translational and rotational acceleration of the helmet from the front. Each of the forward helmet components also work with the rear components to provide balanced reduction in force dissipation and limit the fore and aft pitching of the head; as well as translational and rotational movement of the head about the YZ and XY axis while ergonomically designed to transfer force from the helmet to the torso or gear on the torso of the wearer. The rear components are also specifically designed to limit rotational acceleration about the Z axis and reduce fore and aft pitching movements of the head along the ZY axis. To manage rotational acceleration each aforementioned attachment component has at least one or more rotational limiting bracing edges. These edges are designed to contact the wearer perpendicularly when rotation of the helmet on any and all axis take place and provide a symmetrical balance to the force reduction and braking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 presents a side view of a single part hard TARCBS extension attached to a football helmet using the existing connecting points on the helmet;

FIG. 1a is a transverse view, from a slightly elevate perspective of a single part hard TARCBS extension shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional, transverse rear view of a single part hard TARCBS extension attached to a football helmet shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2a presents a bottom view of a single part hard TARCBS extension attached to a football helmet shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a left transverse side view from a slightly elevated perspective of the single part hard TARCBS extension attached to a football helmet shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 presents a rear view of a multiple part segmented hard TARCBS extension attached to a military Kevlar helmet;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a single part hard TARCBS extension on a military helmet as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a slightly elevated left/rear side transverse view of an American football helmet with a single part hard TARCBS attachment engaged in the bracing position on the torso;

FIG. 6a is a slightly elevated front view the helmet of FIG. 6 showing the engagement of the TRACBS bracing surfaces on the torso/shoulder pads.

FIG. 7 presents a slightly elevated front transverse view highlighting the front portion of the symmetrical breaking process of the TARCBS reducing rotation about the Z axis;

FIG. 8 presents a transverse rear view of FIG. 7 highlighting the rear portion of the symmetrical breaking process of the TARCBS reducing rotation about the Z axis.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of a mechanical single part hard TARCBS extension attached to an American football helmet;

FIG. 9a is an expanded view of the adjustable feature of the connective edge;

FIG. 10 is a front view of FIG. 9 of an American football player with shoulder pads and mechanical TARCBS attachment in the neutral position.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a multiple part soft mechanical TARCBS extension on a military helmet with the TARCBS in the braced position;

FIG. 12 is the same side view of FIG. 11 showing the rotational movement of the head along the ZY axis and the movement of the soft mechanical TARCBS extension as the flexible components of the rear attachment compress to the point that the mechanical component made of friable material is actuated.

FIG. 13 presents a transverse view of a soft single part TARCBS extension mounted on a hockey helmet;

FIG. 13a is an enlarged view of the contoured bracing surface on the shoulder attachment left component of FIG. 13;

FIG. 14 presents a transverse bottom view of the soft single part extension shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 14a presents a rear view of an American football player showing total area for accelerative movement space between the helmet and the torso;

FIG. 14b presents a rear view of an American football player showing the reduction in accelerative movement area once the TARCBS attachment has been attached between the helmet and the torso;

FIG. 15 is a transverse side view of a soft extension multiple part embodiment highlighting the rear attachment left rotational bracing edge in the open position;

FIG. 16 is a transverse elevated side view of the same soft multiple part TARCBS extension sown in FIG. 15 where the helmet is being struck along the ZX axis from the right side and the rear attachment left rotational bracing edge has closed to stop rotational movement of the head about the Z axis.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of a multi component hard mechanical TARCS extension on a motorcycle helmet having an external crushable component showing the TARCBS attachments seated on the torso braced for impact;

FIG. 18 is the same view of the braced helmet with TARCBS attachments shown in FIG. 17 sustaining lateral impact force from the left along the ZX axis. This rear view compared to FIG. 17 shows the rear attachment right rotational bracing edge contacting the torso, transferring mechanical force to the torso and arresting the rotational movement of the head along the XZ axis;

FIG. 19 is a side view of a military helmet with a Kevlar multi sectional hard embodiment TARCBS highlighting the force absorption crushable component on the bracing surface of the right shoulder attachment;

FIG. 20 is a side view of a combative helmet with a hard TARCBS attachment highlighting the forward helmet attachment chin chest bracing bridge;

FIG. 21 is the same view as FIG. 20 showing the hinge configuration of the forward helmet attachment chin chest bracing bridge and rotational limiting bracing edges;

FIG. 22 is a side view of an American football player with a hard wire TARCBS attachment showing the third embodiment of the forward helmet attachment the add-on-chest-bridge attached to the front of the face mask.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description is not intended to be limiting, it is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the principles of the invention. The TARCBS helmet attachment design intent is to provide an inexpensive method to provide concussive reducing ability to existing helmets to reduce the mechanical transfer of linear, translational and rotational acceleration to the brain. There are no sensors or electronic components required for the TARCBS to function. The TARCBS attachment is an invention that attaches to an existing helmet that is already approved for use in said sport, occupation or activity.
First the overarching design characteristics of the TARCBS that reduce and manage acceleration in all axis and the transfer and reduction and management of these forces will be discussed. Then the types of construction and the three design embodiments will be addressed. Then the specific individual components of the various embodiments will be discussed in detail while referencing the drawings.
It is a goal of the current invention to provide a free limited movement ability of the head but reduce the factors that cause mechanical transfer of energy to the brain which contribute to brain injury specifically Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). To accomplish this the TARCBS incorporates a six step integrated strategy of intervention to reduce these factors. It is the action and interaction of the various parts of the TARCBS and how these component parts work independently and concurrently to reduce accelerative concussive forces which allows the current invention to provide intervention for reducing brain injury, cervical vertebra and spinal cord injuries.
The first, factor the TARCBS addresses is that it creates a reduction of the total available space between the helmet and the torso of the wearer. See FIG. 14a , where 300 provides a pictorial representation of the total available space for rotational movement between the helmet and the torso along the ZX axis. FIG. 14b is the same view of the American football player with a concussive reduction helmet attachment arresting rotational movement along the XZ axis and 301 provides a pictorial representation of the total area for accelerative movement space between the helmet and the torso that is available when the TARCBS is present. The TARCBS reduces translational and rotational movement in all axis. This is done by limiting the available space for movement of the head in all axis. Space available for head acceleration is proportional to injury potential, limiting the potential space for acceleration reduces injury potential. This is achieved when the helmet attachments are affixed to the helmet. The attachments reduce the available area the head can move by filling the area between the base of the helmet and the torso. FIG. 1 shows the clearance gap 5 which is the reduction of available space that is created between the shoulder attachment right 2 and the top of the shoulder pads. The clearance gap while it provides limited free movement in all axis also provides a method for the wearer to close said gap and further reduce acceleration area.
The second factor is managing acceleration potential. The safety or ability of the existing helmet can be improved by how the TARCBS manages acceleration potential. By affixing the TARCBS the total area available for head acceleration is reduced. By creating the clearance gap a smaller area for acceleration remains and the laws of physics require that a hit of larger magnitude is needed to exceed the harm threshold (compared to the unmanaged space) because the time of acceleration and area where acceleration can happen have been reduced. By the TRACBS managing acceleration space and limiting time for mechanical buildup of force the threshold where harm occurs is more difficult to achieve. For an example of rotational force and the limiting of available space the TARCBS creates refer to FIGS. 17 and 18 which illustrate the movement of the head from an impact from the left side laterally along the XZ axis. Without an intervention on the force acting on the helmet to stop the rotation of the head it would accelerate and build momentum as it moves laterally and rotationally along the XZ axis until the right ear portion of the helmet contacts the top of the right shoulder pad resulting in the transfer of the rotational acceleration momentum into kinetic energy. If the right shoulder rotational limiting bracing edge 32 where not there to arrest rotational acceleration and momentum the force would significantly multiply over the distance gaining momentum every fraction of a second until the right side of the helmet slammed into the top of the shoulder. The area between the bottom of the helmet and top of the torso is so large that without the attachments filling this void to manage the movement space the acceleration and momentum forces easily surpass the harm threshold. The acceleration and movement of the head stops abruptly with the hitting of the helmet on the top of the shoulder. Although, in this example the helmet and skull have stopped moving the brain is still moving inside the skull. The brain stops its motion by slamming into the inside of the brain case which causes brain injury. By limiting the range and time for accelerative motion the TARCBS extensions create an environment where more force is required within a small movement window to cause injury. This reduces the number of hits capable of causing injury because a larger hit force is required in a shorter distance to reach the same threshold of harm. Mathematically many of the hits will fail to meet the threshold requirement for injury and the cases of brain injury will be reduced proportionally. The clearance gap 5 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 not only limits free movement it significantly reduces injury potential. The key is to provide a clearance gap which allows limited free movement of the head so the athlete or soldier can effectively move uninhibited but also have a clearance gap which is small enough that the majority of accelerative forces that would normally cause injury do not.
The third factor addresses is early intervention. The earlier in the cycle of contact that the TARCBS is engage the quicker a reduction of force can take place. Additionally, by intervening in the hit cycle earlier the cumulative peek force potential will also be decreased. This is an important part of reducing potential for harm. Quicker intervention creates greater force reduction which improves the potential for remaining under the threshold of harm. Many brain injuries can be prevented and many more significantly reduced by simply reducing the cumulative energy available for transfer to the brain. This is why so many people create patens focused on creating more efficient padding. By the TARCBS attachments creating a clearance gap and only being a short distance from the torso intervention and dissipation of force can take place much earlier in the hit cycle because the distance to activation only requires a relatively small head movement to engage the TARCBS. Providing earlier intervention in the hit cycle provides earlier reduction, quicker force transfer and an overall reduction in the magnitude of the accelerative force which further reduces the number of hits that will be able to attain the threshold of harm. The TARCBS attachments reduces the area of free movement to a gap, or relatively small area, identified as the clearance gap 5 in FIG. 1 being the area between the posterior edge of any TARCBS attachment and the torso/flak jacket or shoulder pads of the player. The TARCBS attachments provide a method to enact earlier intervention than helmets that do not have them.
The fourth problem the current invention addresses is managing force deceleration and absorption during the blow. To managed force deceleration the TARCBS has to address the absorption of kinetic energy and the problem of momentum which is addressed in six ways. First, by transferring force to the torso the force is eliminated from being able to be transferred to the brain. Second, the force absorbent structures or padding already available in the helmet need to be maximized. By bracing or seating the helmet on the torso the existing padding in the helmet is used to maximum force absorption. The helmet is braced and the head then is cushioned by the padding in the helmet. Because of the transfer of force to the torso there is a dissipation of force but the bracing provides the situation where the padding is actuated to stop the motion of the head. Excellent padding is already used in helmets but the padding is expected to overcome multiple concussive forces at one time instead of being used to simply slow the movement of the head. The TARCBS allows the existing padding to be used for the purpose of stopping the head movement inside the helmet. A third way to absorb force out of the hit equation is to make the TARCBS out of a force absorbent material such as: rubber, silicone or force absorbent foam as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. A fourth method to achieve force absorption is to emplace a mechanical device which in the illustrations are shown as a dampener 11-15 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 or a friable/crushable component 24 placed in an area where force will accumulate as the impact takes place as shown in FIGS. 11, and 12. It is important to note that the mechanical device may be a dampener or device that has the force reduction capabilities which may be: mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic, jell, gelatinous, liquid metal or other force resistant substance, etc. The point is it specifically designed to provide a measure resistance and force dissipation. A fifth method used by the current invention to manage kinetic energy is to increases the bracing surface area between the contoured bracing surfaces and the rotational limiting edges and the torso where contact can be made which will provide for a better transfer of force for deceleration and absorption to the torso. Lastly, managing force decelerated and absorption has a timing component. The sixth method the TARCBS uses to managing force deceleration is in regard to timing. It is critical to intervene and reduce the mechanical transferred of energy when the helmet abruptly stops and just prior to the padding in the helmet no longer reducing the movement of the head. Intervention to reduce force at this critical point in time is achieved in the current invention by the use of dampeners, and crushable components. These force absorbing structures are actuated when a pre-determined force threshold is met or exceeded. Having the mechanical component of the TARCBS activate at this critical moment in time further reduces and manages the threshold where harm occurs.
The fifth problem the current invention addresses is how to manage the additional force that within a conventional helmet cannot be dissipated. This force has to be transferred away from the helmet and neck. The current invention addresses this problem by providing force transfer to the body via bracing surfaces and rotational limiting bracing edges that reduce the mechanical energy available for transfer to the brain. It is important to understand the physics of how brain injury occurs to see the benefit to transferring force to the torso. In a conventional helmet when a blow hits the head the neck of the player whiplashes violently. This motion called coup counter coup movement is responsible for the majority of concussions. The total energy of the blow in a conventional helmet is maintained within the helmet, neck and body of the player until the player makes contact with some other object which allows energy transfer to take place. Often this energy transfer takes place with another player's helmet or the ground. When this happens the rotational acceleration of the head as it hits the ground or the other player actually accelerates the brain movement within the brain case. Although this movement of the brain in the brain case is relatively small the force the brain transmits to the brain case as it slams into it is what causes brain injury. In a conventional helmet there is nowhere for excess energy to transfer to except the neck and skull which eventually gets transferred as rotational energy back to the brain which causes the injury. The current invention breaks this cycle of events and increases the force absorption capability of the helmet by transferring force via the TARCBS attachments to the torso. The current invention also provides methods to absorb kinetic force as in flexible TARCBS or via mechanical components like dampeners and crushable components.
The sixth problem addressed is changing the dynamics of how accelerative forces act on the body. The question becomes how a helmet can be modified so that mechanical transfer of energy will not naturally gravitate to the head and neck. The problem is finding a way to change the force dynamics and disrupt the natural process of energy transfer to the week part of the body, the neck and head during the hit. The answer is to change the helmet so that it will change how the body reacts to acceleration forces. For example when a whip is cracked the energy moves from the hand of the user down the length of the whip and accelerates as the whip bends back on its self as it moves through the air. At the tip of the whip the acceleration forces culminate into a single movement and the tip of the whip accelerates to over 800 miles per hour breaking the sound barrier and the whip cracks. This is similar to how a person's body reacts when it is hit. The linear acceleration of energy becomes translational energy within the person's body and travels to the weakest part of the body, the neck which provides a whip lash movement. This whip lash movement is referred to as coup counter coup movement and is responsible for causing brain injury. If the whip were altered, made stiff, into a non-flexible leather rod and swung through the air the accelerative forces acting on the whip change significantly because the movement characteristics of the whip have been modified. The current invention through seated bracing changes the dynamics of how translational acceleration effects the body of the wearer so that the mechanical transfer of energy does not seek to manifest in the neck and helmet. By linking the head to the torso via the TARCBS and applying resistant force seated bracing as seen in FIGS. 6 and 6 a the acceleration dynamics of the body are changed. The neck is supported, the ability to have whiplash movement is considerably reduced which in turn reduces the potential for energy to seek this area.
Two construction types single and multiple component design, and three attachment embodiments (hard, mechanical and soft) are used to create various helmet attachment configurations for a variety of different types of helmets and environments.
The current invention has two types of TARCBS attachments designs which is evident within the three embodiments and variations thereof. The two types of TARCBS are, a single part construction as seen in FIGS. 1, 5, and 13 which attach to the base of the helmet in a horse shoe configuration. The other attachment design is a segmented or multiple component design as seen in FIGS. 4, 11 and 16 having separate component parts that are individually affixed to the helmet.
Single part configuration can be seen within the three TARCBS design embodiments (hard, mechanical and soft): FIG. 5 is a hard single part design, FIGS. 9 and 10 show a single part mechanical embodiment and FIG. 13 shows a single part soft embodiment on a hockey helmet.
Multiple part configuration is also illustrated as seen within the three TARCBS design embodiments: FIG. 4 is a hard multiple part design, FIGS. 11 and 12 show a multiple part mechanical embodiment and FIGS. 15 and 16 show a multiple part soft embodiment.
The TARCBS attachments regardless of single or segmented component design are constructed with four main component part(s) which support the neck: forward helmet attachments, shoulder attachments (left, right) and rear attachment.
There are three forward helmet attachments types (forward helmet chest brace and chin chest bracing bridge and the add-on-chest-bridge) and these attachments provide support to the front of the helmet.
The first is the forward helmet chest brace which is an elongation of the left and right shoulder attachments. FIG. 6 shows the left forward helmet chest brace 6 and FIG. 6a shows both the forward helmet chest braces left 6 and right 7 which extend forward of the chest. When the wearer lowers their chin the chest braces contact the torso slightly in front of the shoulders and allows the wearer to brace for a blow by seating the contoured bracing surfaces of the attachment against the torso.
The second forward helmet attachment type is a chin chest bracing bridge providing front support which is achieved by connecting the chin chest bracing bridge 25 from one side of the helmet to the other as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. It is advantageous in some helmets to reinforce the integrity of the helmet, improve the chin support and provide rigidity across the helmet, hence a bridge with a contoured bracing edge 55, to support the head from the front.
The third forward helmet attachment type is the add-on-chest-bridge is an attachment to a helmet where no reinforcement of the helmet or improvement to chin support is desired. However, it is desirable to support the front of the head directly on the torso. When this is the case the add-on-chest-bridge can attach to the helmet or components of the helmet such as the face mask as shown in FIG. 22, 90.
FIG. 4 shows a shoulder attachment component left 4 and right 2, and a rear attachment component 3.
The attachment of the TRACBS to the helmet varies depending upon the embodiment however, all embodiments have a connective edge 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 9, and 17 which conforms to the exterior of the helmet where attachment is made. The connective edge attachment type depends upon the helmet and environment in which it is used. The connective edge 1 shown on the hard embodiment on FIG. 1, uses the existing attachment points for the face mask 60, the attachment is welded to the face mask. The affixing of the attachment to the helmet is not unique nor is it intended to be. The attachment to the helmet can be made by tong and groove, buttressed, lapped type connection, etc. which also may incorporate: bolts, pins, glue, epoxy, adhesives or appropriate joining compound or a combination thereof, to include the use of preexisting helmet attachment points. Additionally, the connective edge may also have adjustment capability to improve the ability to adjust the length of the clearance gap as shown in FIG. 9a where the connective edge is adjustable and is affixed with machine screws.
An example of a TARCBS designed for low and medium impact is the soft attachment embodiment shown in FIG. 13-16 having utility for environments where head impacts are not as violent; such as junior American football, Junior Hockey, some military operations, etc.
The hard attachment embodiment example shown in FIG. 1-3 made of steel wire and the plastic hard attachment embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 have great utility as an inexpensive attachment to reduce brain injury in contact sports where impact is greater, such as American College or High School football or motorcycle sports. Another embodiment of the hard attachment is shown in FIGS. 4, and 5, have utility for environment where impact are more sever such as professional contact sports or military ground applications where head acceleration that causes brain injury can come from any direction and the resulting injury may have a diverse effect on not only the individual but the mission outcome.
Examples of the mechanical embodiment where a mechanical component such as a dampener or crushable component are incorporated to provide a timed reduction in the overall accelerative force are shown in FIGS. 9-12.
The Translational Axial Rotation Control Bracing System (TARCBS) attachment(s) are named for the extensions design features. Translational movement is the movement of an object in one or more of three dimensions: x, y and z axis. Linear acceleration turns into translational acceleration which acts on the body and often results in rotational acceleration or the spinning of an object (head and brain) that takes place during and after impact.
Addressing rotational movement is a focused goal of this invention which is achieved through the implementation of multiple intervention aspects of the TARCBS in addition to the rotational limiting bracing edges, and it is the combined intervention of these factors that reduce, manage and even stop the rotational motion of the head.
One unique aspect of the current invention is the ability afforded to the wearer to brace for impact. Bracing for an impact at any point before, during or after the impact increases the effective mass of the helmet, provides rigidity and requires a larger force to accelerate the helmet to the point where brain injury can occur.
The current invention provides a method for bracing for impact and also seating the helmet to support to the neck. All TARCBS need to have the clearance gap set to the appropriate length for the wearer to ensure the user can apply resistant force during bracing to improve efficiency and reduce neck compression injury. As seen in the expanded view of 9 a the length of the TARCBS attachment can be adjusted by the connective edge, adjusting the dampener length, changing the crushable component for one of a larger or lesser size or simply attaching a longer or shorter TARCBS attachment. It is important to get the proper size clearance gap which the wearer is then able to open and close comfortably to be able to avoid neck compression. The size of the clearance gap determines how effective bracing will be and the amount of compression the neck will undergo. Once the proper length is set neck compression injury reduction is accomplished in the TARCBS attachments ability to brace for impact and seat on the torso as shown in FIGS. 6, 6 a, and 11. The ergonomic joining of the contoured surface of each TARCBS attachment effectively connects the helmet to the torso which reduces momentum and acceleration of force and enhances the transfer of force to the torso providing dissipation of force over a larger area.
A partial bracing ability is also available as shown in FIG. 16 were the wearer is only engaging one side of the helmet's rotational limiting bracing edge. One advantage of the current invention is to provide to the player the ability to seat (or use resistant force to brace) the helmet on the torso by raising their shoulders and lowering their chin to close the clearance gap. By resistant bracing for impact the head and neck is supported by the TARCBS and limits the load placed on the cervical vertebra during impact thereby reducing potential for neck compression, hyperflexion, lateralflexion and hyperextension of the cervical spine. The support that the TARCBS provides to the neck and head when bracing on the torso may be the most beneficial method of protecting the neck, spine and brain.
The TARCBS does not only creates a method to transfer excess force to a larger body part, another player or the ground the TARCBS changes the dynamics of how force acceleration acts on the body when the user seats the helmet and creates a reinforcing pressure between the TARCBS and the shoulder pad or flax jacket which the TARCBS is seated upon. This limits movement of the player's body so that rotational force that would normally manifest in the neck and head manifests on the totality of the players body. When the wearer seats the helmet and braces the helmet with resistive force as seen in FIGS. 6 and 6 a the rotational force no longer transfers into the weakest point of the player which is the neck.
The function of the contoured bracing surface is to provide perpendicular contact between the helmet TARCBS attachments and torso or equipment on the torso such that the helmet extensions seat against the torso ergonomically allowing a friction based connection between the helmet to the torso for energy transfer. Bracing significantly increases the effective mass of the helmet and increases its ability to resist linear, rotational acceleration and momentum. The primary function of the contoured bracing surfaces are to reduce linear acceleration in x, y, and z axis. The contoured bracing surfaces also assist in reducing rotational acceleration but it is not their main function.
The contoured bracing surfaces are broad surface on the posterior edge of each TARCBS attachment which are designed to contact the gear on the torso of the player be it: shoulder pads, flax jacket or simply the torso and provide the ability for the wearer to seat the helmet to the torso and brace for impact. Each TARCBS attachment has a contoured bracing surface and an example of 360 degree support can be seen in FIG. 14. The left 21 and right 22 shoulder attachment contoured bracing surfaces provide support to the left and right side of the helmet. The rear attachment contoured bracing surface 18 and rear attachment left contoured bracing surface 40 and right 41 provide support to the back of the helmet. The forward helmet chest brace left 16 and right 17 also can be seen in FIG. 14 which provide support to the front of the helmet in this particular embodiment.
The TARCBS attachments have two surfaces that contact the body perpendicularly to deal with accelerative forces, the contoured bracing surfaces and the rotational bracing edges. The contoured bracing surface have two embodiments the first is the contoured bracing edge with no padding and is made of the same material as the helmet is shown in FIG. 5, 26 where the contoured bracing edge is the distal portion of the TARCBS attachment which is ergonomically designed to seat upon the soldier's flax jacket. The second embodiment is a contoured bracing edge having padding FIG. 18 padding 23 or FIG. 19 where a friable material 24 on the contoured bracing surface of the shoulder attachment right, 2 is used to create a force absorbing/padded bracing surface.
Another goal of the TARCBS helmet attachments are to reduce rotational acceleration and this is where the rotational bracing edges are need. Although a large portion of rotational force is absorbed by the contoured bracing surfaces they can only absorb a limited amount of force before linear acceleration turns into rotational acceleration. Rotational force makes the head whiplash along the YZ axis or laterally along the XZ axis or rotate about the Z axis. When a blow acts on a body it progresses from a linear force to a translational force to a rotational force as long as the force exceeds the absorption or transfer rate. During a hit of magnitude force quickly surpasses the ability of the bracing surface and rotational force then starts acting on the head. Once the contoured bracing surfaces can no longer absorb or channel said force helmet tips and the TARCBS rotational limiting bracing edges engage the body to counteract the rotational force as explained previously using FIGS. 16 and 17.
The function of the rotational limiting bracing edge is to contact the torso of the wearer at a perpendicular angle opposite of the rotational force being applied. The rotational limiting bracing edge provides a solid surface that automatically contacts the body to stop the rotational acceleration and movement. Each TARCBS attachment has a rotational limiting bracing edge. FIG. 16 shows rotational force along the XZ axis being arrested by the left rotational limiting bracing edge 33. An example of the forward element rotational bracing edge is seen in FIGS. 20 and 21, 56 the chest bracing bridge left rotational bracing edge and 57 right. An example of the TARCBS attachments reducing rotational movement about the Z axis is shown in FIG. 15 where the rear attachment left rotational bracing edge 19 prior to engagement is not in contact with the torso but in FIG. 16 the rear attachment left rotational bracing edge 19 clearance gap has been closed by the wearer in preparation for the force being applied to the helmet. Rotational limiting bracing edges can also be used to brace against rotational acceleration.
The hard TARCBS helmet attachment embodiment will be described using two different helmet attachments one made for American football: FIGS. 1, 1 a, 2, 2 a, 3, 6, 6 a, 7, and 8 and a military helmet attachment shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 19.
FIGS. 1 and 1 a show the hard TARCB helmet attachment embodiment adapted for American high school football. This embodiment is constructed of steel wire made to match the FIG. 22 facemask 60 in steal diameter, tensile strength and hardness. Because it is important in this sport to keep the TARCBS attachment light, inexpensive and convenient for use the attachment is made to be welded FIG. 1a onto the existing face mask to create the TARCBS attachment shown in FIG. 1. The connective edge 1 is attached to the helmet through the use of existing mounting points. This allows existing helmets to use the TARCBS without modification reducing cost of attachment. In FIG. 1 the player's head is in the neutral free movement position and the TARCBS extensions clearance gap 5 allows for limited free movement of the players head. The clearance gap 5 is the area between the contoured bracing surfaces of the right shoulder attachment 2 and the torso. The clearance gap 5 is identified between the rear attachment 3 and the back of the player. The player is able to close or open the clearance gap in all axis by tipping the chin forward and hunching their shoulders up. The forward helmet chest brace left 6 is designed such that the brace is forward of the collar bones so it can engage the chest when the chin is lowered to brace the front of the helmet on the chest as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6 a. The forward helmet chest brace right 7 shown in FIG. 3 will directly transfer impact energy to the torso of the player when the clearance gap is closed.
FIG. 1a is of a hard wire embodiment TARCBS that is welded to the existing facemask of the football helmet. This figure is provided to assist in differentiating between the existing football helmet face mask and the attachment.
FIG. 2 shows the shape of the rear component 3 which is lower than the shoulders, extends distally down the back yet is parallel and above the back to create the clearance gap 5. This does two things, first it provides a way to eliminate rotation along the ZY axis (fore and aft pithing of the head) as the rear attachment contoured bracing edge 18 of the hard wire attachment shown in in FIG. 2a will contact the back and arrest movement. FIG. 2 highlights the rear attachment right rotational bracing edge 20 in the neutral position.
FIG. 2a is a bottom view of the hard TARCBS attachment embodiment showing the contoured bracing edges designed to seat perpendicularly onto a shoulder pad configuration as found in American football or hockey. This particular arrangement of attachments are in a horse shoe configuration. From this perspective it is easy to clearly identify the contoured bracing edges: the left shoulder attachment contoured bracing edge 21, the right shoulder attachment contoured bracing surface 22, the forward helmet chest brace left contoured bracing surface 16, and forward helmet chest brace right contoured bracing surface 17, the rear attachment contoured bracing surface 18, rear attachment left contoured bracing surface 40 and rear attachment right contoured bracing surface 41.
FIG. 3 shows a transverse side view from a slightly elevated perspective highlighting the right forward helmet chest brace 7, the left shoulder attachment 4 (braced on the shoulder) and a support leg 27 that is needed within this embodiment configuration between the connective edge and the contoured bracing surface.
FIGS. 6 and 6 a shows a football player in a hard TARCBS embodiment in a braced position, the contoured surfaces of the TARCBS attachments are seated on the torso. All the connective bracing surfaces have been engaged with the shoulder pads to brace for impact and provide maximum resistance to acceleration in all axis. This unique ability of the current invention to brace for impact significantly increases the wearer's chances of not being injured. Additionally, it is this bracing that creates direct support for the neck and head which significantly reduces potential for neck compression, hyperflexion, lateralflexion and hyperextension and or injury to the cervical spine and spinal cord. FIG. 6 is a slightly elevated transverse rear view showing the engaged rear attachment contoured bracing surface 18, rear attachment left contoured bracing surface 40 and rear attachment right contoured bracing surface 41 engaged to the torso.
FIG. 6a is a front view from a slightly elevated angle showing the engagement of the forward helmet chest brace left 6 and forward helmet chest brace right 7 contoured bracing surfaces engaged to the shoulder pads. FIG. 6a also shows the left shoulder attachment contoured bracing surface 21 and right shoulder attachment contoured bracing surface 22 seated on the torso of the player in a bracing position.
FIG. 7 is a front transverse view of the hard wire TARCBS attachment highlighting the forward helmet chest brace right, 7 the head is impacted from the left side causing rotation of the head about the Z axis to the right. When this happens the forward helmet chest brace rotational limiting bracing edge right, 9 is engaged against the inside of the right shoulder to stop rotational movement of the head about the Z axis.
FIG. 8 shows a transverse rear view highlighting the engagement of the rear attachment left rotational bracing edge 19 as it simultaneously engages with the forward helmet chest brace rotational limiting bracing edge right, 9 shown in FIG. 7. This ability of the TARCBS to simultaneously engage on both sides of the body left and right, forward and back allows for a distribution of force over a larger area as well as symmetrical balance in the force reduction process making the attachment safer to the user.
Two hard TARCBS attachments for military use are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a rear view of a segmented hard extension which is designed not only to reduce the factors that cause concussion but also is made to protect against direct and indirect fire because it is made of Kevlar. FIG. 4 highlights the individual components of a segmented hard embodiment being in this case the shoulder attachment right 2 the rear attachment 3 and the shoulder attachment left 4. Having a segmented construction allows for variation in length of the attachment which is beneficial in proper sizing and allows for variation so the soldier can have a TARCBS attachments in a configuration that best suits their particular need and one specially fit to the individual.
FIG. 5 is a rear view of a single part hard extension which does not allow the soldier to build a TARCBS attachment configuration, several different lengths of the extension would be required to provide the proper fit based on neck length. The single part hard extension offers greater protection and stronger resistance to force than the segmented extension shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows the connective edge 1, shoulder attachment right 2, rear attachment 3, rear attachment left rotational bracing edge 19, rear attachment right rotational bracing edge 20 and the contoured bracing surface 26 without padding on the rear portion of the TARCBS extension.
Examples of the mechanical attachment embodiments follow. A mechanical attachment has a type of force absorbent mechanism or structure within it. FIGS. 9 and 10 are a back and front view of a hard single part TARCBS attachment having mechanical dampeners. The dampeners in this configuration work individually, sequentially and collectively. When force is applied to the helmet the clearance gap is eliminated by either the person wearing the helmet or by impact force. For example in FIG. 9 dampeners would be actuated as the space between the connective edge 1 and any of the contoured bracing edge, without padding 26, in this case is reduced. In FIG. 9 it is the reduction in space between the connective edge 1 and any or all of the rear attachment contoured bracing surfaces 18, or the left rear attachment contoured bracing surface 19 and or the right rear attachment contoured bracing surface 20 which triggers the mechanical component. In this example a blow to the helmet from the front takes place and the dampener(s) stroke as required to absorb and significantly reduce energy, specifically shock energy at the critical moment of the hit. Timing of the dissipation of excess energy is important in reducing mechanical transfer of energy to the brain. The mechanical embodiment is necessary to meet the requirement of dissipating or dampening large quantities of energy at the critical peak moment to reduce the overall force transmitted to the brain of the player.
In this particular configuration embodiment FIGS. 9 and 10 the dampeners have replaced the forward helmet chest brace left 6 and right 7 shown in FIG. 6a . The dampeners FIG. 10 mechanical dampener left shoulder component 15 and right 14 can work independently or simultaneously. For example, if a football player wearing the mechanical TARCBS attachments as shown in FIG. 10 were to brace for an impact as shown in FIG. 6a that is closing the gap between the shoulders and the contoured bracing surfaces of the shoulder attachment right 2, and shoulder attachment left 4, the front mechanical dampener right shoulder component 14 and or the mechanical dampener left shoulder component 15 may each stroke on impact if the force is evenly distributed and adequate to exceed the dampener's threshold for activation. If the force was more on the left than the right side the mechanical dampener left shoulder component 15 would be more likely to be the only dampener to actuate. If the force is from the left along the ZY axis then mechanical dampener right shoulder component 14 would be more likely to be actuated. If the impact is head on the key to maximizing a reduction in translational and rotational acceleration is to get the contoured bracing surfaces on the distal edges of the TARCBS attachments to seat on the torso forward chest area so the mechanical dampener's 14 and 15 are positioned and braced to absorb force.
If the forward left and right shoulder components in this example cannot be seated and the front of the player's helmet strikes that of another player (head to head contact) and the force is directed along the ZY axis then the players head will pitch up (as shown in FIG. 12) the clearance gap between the back of the player and the rear attachment contoured bracing surface 18 will contact the torso and the force of the blow will be channeled (see FIG. 9) through the mechanical dampener rear component 13. If the energy translates to a rotational movement about the Z axis to the right then the rear attachment, left rotational bracing edge 19 will seat against the torso and the energy will then translate back to linear acceleration and be channeled to the mechanical dampener shoulder component left 11 and it will be actuated if force is sufficient. If the energy is more on the left side and is rotational (from the perspective of the player in FIG. 9) the rear attachment right rotational bracing edge 20 would engage and the mechanical dampener shoulder component right, 12 would be more likely to be actuated.
In this scenario the force will be reduced by the dampener then remaining force will be transferred to the torso where it will be absorbed and dissipated. If the force exceeds the setting of the dampeners (for impact on the left side) 11 and 13 will stroke as required to dissipate force. Once a dampener is actuated it closes momentarily creating a solid non-moving leg that in turn uses the natural force absorption of the torso to further reduce injury potential. Once the energy dissipates the dampeners will reset automatically when the player takes the force off the dampener. The same process will apply for a hit of magnitude from the right side where the associated contoured surfaces and or rotational bracing edges(s) would seat to the torso and the force will channel between the mechanical dampener shoulder component right 12, and the rear mechanical dampener 13. This configuration allows force reduction to take place at the point where the most force is strongest, allows for dissipation of force at the critical moment and dissipates said remaining force over a larger area.
FIGS. 11 and 12 show a soft mechanical multi section TARCBS embodiment. It is a mechanical embodiment because within its construction there is a dedicated component that has a force threshold for actuation at the critical movement of impact to absorb and dissipate force and reduce mechanical force transfer to the brain. In this case the mechanical embodiment is a force absorption crushable component 24. This is a multi-sectional embodiment as shown in FIG. 11 by the clear component edge visible between the rear attachment 3 and the shoulder attachment right 2. This perspective also provides a clear view of the right shoulder attachment rotational limiting bracing edge 32 which reduces and or halts rotational movement along the ZX axis.
FIG. 11 shows the soft mechanical multi section embodiment TARCBS attachment 30 before impact and FIG. 12 shows the soft mechanical multi sectional TARCBS embodiment 31 absorbing force from a front impact where the rotational acceleration is acing along the ZY axis pitching the head up. Additionally, the crushable component 24 is collapsed in FIG. 12 at the critical moment showing the absorbing movement of the soft mechanical multi section embodiment TARCB during impact. In this embodiment the mechanical component does not reset and is not reusable because it crushes to absorb the mechanical transfer of force at the critical moment. In this embodiment of the TARCBS attachment the mechanical crushable component would need to be replaced for successive impacts. The soft embodiment TARCBS attachment(s) are made of foam, silicone, or other resilient material that will fold in on its self to support the neck as force is absorbed as shown in the comparison between FIGS. 11 and 12 by the compression of the rear attachment 3. The soft embodiment may be made out of foam or similar substance that may skin to create a durable outer coating or an outside cover such as leather, vinyl, cloth or another type covering may be applied to better suit the environment which the TARCBS attachment will be used. A soft embodiment like the one presented would have utility also for use within military equipment, not designed to withstand direct or indirect fire because the wearer is within a vehicle or building which may receive the blow directly and the occupants receive tremendous amounts of secondary energy because they are within the vehicle or structure that was struck. In this embodiment in FIGS. 11 and 12 the TARCBS attachments are connected with adhesive to the helmet and a mounting bracket 50 is also used to assists in the management of the compression of the rear attachment to ensuring the rear attachment will compress properly. This embodiment also has venting not shown. FIG. 11 also shows the rear attachment right rotational bracing edge 20 which reduces rotational movement about the Z axis from the left.
A hard mechanical configuration in FIG. 19 shows a military helmet that has been augmented with a hard mechanical TARCBS right shoulder attachment 2 and forward helmet chest brace right 7 with a force absorption crushable component padding 24 on the distal edge of the extension contoured bracing surface which makes this a mechanical attachment. By providing a hard extension with a crushable component mechanism to dampen force a very strong protective attachment for extreme acceleration can be created and a mechanical crushable component on the bracing surface provides a method to reduce extreme accelerative forces at the critical moment and assist in reducing injury potential.
Another embodiment of a hard segmented mechanical TARCBS attachment made of high impact plastic for motorcycle sports is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The attachments are constructed of high impact plastic which allows the attachments to be light and durable while providing the ability to match the aesthetics of the helmet. FIG. 17 shows the force absorbent crushable component 24 between the connective edge 1 and the distal portion of the rear attachment 3. FIG. 18 shows the wearer receiving force from the left side along the ZX axis and the head is being acted on by rotational force. As the head rotates along the XZ axis the rear attachment contoured bracing edge with padding, 23 clearance gap is eliminated. As the force continues the top of the head will start to rotate towards the shoulder as the linear lateral ZX acceleration transfers into rotational acceleration. The force is then transferred to the right shoulder attachment rotational limiting bracing edge 32 which braces against the top of the shoulder of the player and reduces movement along the XZ axis and provides support to the head and neck of the player.
Now the soft configurations will be addressed using FIGS. 13, 13 a, 14, and 16.
FIGS. 13 and 14 shows an embodiment a TARCBS for a hockey helmet which is a soft one piece attachment made of a resilient close cell foam that was injected molded having a tough outer flexible skin created as the foam sets. In FIG. 13 the forward helmet chest brace rotational limiting bracing edge left 8 which is designed to perpendicularly meet the inside of the left shoulder pad to reduce and stop rotational movement from the right about the Z axis is highlighted. The rear attachment 3 and rear attachment left rotational bracing edge 19 which contacts the back and reduces rotation along the Z axis when the helmet is rotated to the right from the wearers perspective are visible.
FIG. 13a is an expanded transverse view of the left shoulder attachment 4 with a slight bottom view to show the contoured bracing surface 21 that is designed to meet the top of the torso/shoulder perpendicularly to reduce momentum and translational and rotational acceleration. The point of this view is to show that the bracing surface is not easily seen. Also the left shoulder attachment rotational limiting bracing edge 33 is shown because in this configuration it is not easily identifiable. The rotational bracing edge 33 in this case would perpendicularly meet the left shoulder pad when rotational forces along the ZX axis cause the top of the helmet to tip towards the left shoulder.
FIG. 14 is a soft one piece hockey TARCBS attachment presented from a transverse bottom view to illustrate the various contoured bracing and rotational bracing edges. The contoured bracing surfaces and rotational bracing edges are present on all TARCBS attachments even though the actual surfaces may be very small as represented by the wire TARCBS shown in FIG. 2a . When the player braces for impact the following contoured bracing surfaces contact the torso. On the left side the forward helmet chest brace left contoured bracing surface 16, left shoulder attachment contoured bracing surface 21, and rear attachment left contoured bracing surface 40 will engage. The rear attachment contoured bracing surface 18 will engage for support in the center of the back. On the right side the forward helmet chest brace right contoured bracing surface 17, right shoulder attachment contoured bracing surface 22, and rear attachment right contoured bracing surface 41 will engage allowing the user to seat the helmet on the torso to maximize rigidity improve helmet effective mass and increase the amount of force required in a blow to cause injury. The linear acceleration of force during a blow turns into rotational acceleration as it acts on and as the body absorbs and dissipates energy.
The TARCBS attachments referencing FIG. 14 are designed with rotational limiting bracing edges which engage the torso perpendicularly during rotation about the Z axis. The TARCBS attachment(s) provide a way to transfer energy to the torso while, the rotational edges buttress against the torso and support the head to maximize rigidity of the head and neck to arrest and limit rotational movement space. Linear impact energy often turns into rotational force and right rotational force about the Z axis engage the rotational limiting bracing surfaces on the left side of the attachment and vice versa. If a player is hit from the right the head may rotate about the Z axis counterclockwise or to the left form the wearer's perspective and in this instance the helmet chest brace rotational limiting bracing edge left 8 would contact the inside of the left shoulder to arrest movement. Simultaneously, the rear attachment right rotational bracing edge 20 would also engage. If the hit from the right side of the player was along the ZX axis then as the top of the head tips to the left the left shoulder attachment rotational limiting bracing edge 33, would contact the torso to support the neck and head and transfer the energy of the blow to the torso. If the hit was from the left and the head were to rotate clockwise about the Z axis the forward helmet chest brace rotational limiting bracing edge right 9 would seat against the inside right should to arrest the movement and also engage the rear attachment left rotational bracing edge 19. This simultaneous seating of the two bracing edges one in the front 9 and one in the back 19 in an example of a balanced method of force distribution unique to the TARCBS attachment embodiment(s). If the blow from the left was along the ZX axis laterally the right shoulder attachment rotational limiting bracing edge 32 would engage as the top of the head tips toward the right shoulder. Also on this view it is beneficial to clearly identify that the forward helmet chest brace rotational limiting bracing edges right 9 and left 8 and the forward helmet chest brace right contoured bracing edge 17 and the forward helmet chest brace left contoured bracing edge 16 are component parts of the forward helmet chest attachment(s) left 6 and right 7 which in this FIG. 14 are further defined by a line on the figure just forward of the rotational bracing edges and shoulder components.
The forward helmet attachment has three embodiments: the forward helmet chest brace attachment(s) left 6 and right 7, are shown in multiple figures such as 3, 6 a, 13 and 14. The second embodiment of the forward helmet attachment is the chin chest bracing bridge 25, shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 which spans from one side of the front of the helmet to the other, provides a chin cup 70 to support the chin built into the chin chest bracing bridge and has a hinged closure, as shown in FIG. 21. The hinge closure mechanism in FIG. 21 is a belt closure 71, although it could be a snap or Velcro strap closure. In FIG. 20 the chin chest bracing bridge contoured bracing surface 55 which meets the chest perpendicularly for bracing the forward portion of the helmet and head is located on the posterior edge of the chin chest bracing bridge 25. In FIG. 21 the chin chest bracing bridge left rotational bracing edge 56 and the chin chest bracing bridge right rotational bracing edge 57 are identified and are responsible for limiting rotational movement about the Z axis for the front of the helmet. The third forward helmet attachment embodiment the add-on-chest-bridge 90 as seen in FIG. 22 connects to an existing facemask structure 60 on the front of the helmet. The add-on-chest-bridge has a contoured bracing surface 55, and left and right rotational bracing edges respectively 56 and 57 which perpendicularly meet the torso with rotation clockwise or counterclockwise about the Z axis.
Within the prior art helmets and helmet attachments are designed to protect the head and neck against abrasions, blows, cuts, shrapnel, natural elements, etc. The current invention also has these features but more importantly focus on reducing the mechanical transfer of energy to the brain, head and neck for the purpose of reducing brain injury, concussions, soft tissue injury of the head, neck and reduce potential for vertebral neck compression injuries. A concussive reduction helmet attachment(s) having a translational axial rotation control bracing system (TARCBS) configuration. Here within referred to as the concussive reduction helmet attachment, current invention, TARCBS or TARCBS attachment(s).

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. The concussive reduction helmet attachment system, which specifically reduces the total accelerative movement area between the head and shoulders thereby reducing the area for head accelerative movement in all axis between the helmet and the shoulders, torso or flak jacket, and;

by reducing the total area for accelerative movement the force application within this reduced area of movement must be increased to reach a threshold where harm can take place, because acceleration and potential acceleration is reduced, therefore there is a mathematical reduction in the number of hits that potentially will be able to achieve the injury threshold within the new parameters of the reduced total accelerative movement area, thereby increasing the safety of the helmet, and;

the acceleration required to reach the new harm threshold will mathematically be increased within the new smaller total accelerative movement area thereby also increasing the safety of the helmet which will reduces the mechanical transfer of energy to the neck, head and brain and reduce the potential for injury of the wearer, and;

the concussive reduction helmet attachment creates a clearance gap between the attachment and the torso of the wearer to provide an area of free but limited movement in all axis, and;

said clearance gap also provides a method for the current invention to further reduce and control accelerative forces through application of bracing surfaces, rotational limiting bracing edges and mechanical components to manage and dissipate force throughout the hit, and;

the concussive reduction helmet attachment provides the ability to manage force at the critical moment within the hit which allows for controlled reduction of acceleration in all axis throughout the duration of the impact and provides symmetrical reduction in force and breaking in all axis to include the ability to brace prior to an impact and the ability to seat the helmet to the torso/shoulder pads or flax jacket of the wearer through applying resistive force seats the bracing surfaces and rotational edges as applicable to change how accelerative forces act on the body by significantly reducing and eliminating coup counter coup movement of the head which is known to cause concussions.

2. A concussive reduction helmet attachment system designed to reduce the accelerative movement area available for the head between the helmet and torso, and;

manage the mechanical transfer of concussive forces away from the brain to reduce potential brain injury, soft tissue damage and neck compression injury having utility in contact sports and ground combat operations where blunt force trauma to the head is apt to occur, comprising;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system that limits linear, translational, axial rotation and has the ability to control the range of acceleration and bracing system to manage accelerative potential and movement, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system which protect the portion of the body between the head and shoulders as a single unit against the application of a strong force, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system which reduces the total accelerative movement area between the helmet and the torso because reducing the area for accelerative movement is proportional to reducing potential of injury, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system that manages the total accelerative area between the head and torso/shoulder pads or flak jacket and;

by managing and reducing the area for acceleration creates a requirement for a larger magnitude of force within the reduced area of acceleration to be able to meet or exceed the harm threshold thereby mathematically reducing the total number of hits that reach said threshold making the helmet safer and reducing the mechanical transfer of energy to the head, neck and brain, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system which extends distally from the connective edge of the helmet attachment towards the torso stopping at a pre-determined distances from the torso for the purpose of reducing the total accelerative area available between the helmet and the torso of the wearer, and

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system that creates a clearance gap between the bracing surfaces and the torso/shoulder pads or flak jacket of the wearer, and;

a clearance gap where the wearer has the ability to control the area of free movement and can at will open and close the clearance gap space by lowering the chin and hunching the shoulders up to brace or seat the attachments to the torso, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system having a clearance gap which allows the factors of the attachment which manage concussive forces to work independently and concurrently to provide a way to manage force during the critical moment within the hit, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment where the clearance gap allows the wearer to have limited free movement in all axis, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system that reduces total peek acceleration force by providing earlier intervention and dissipation of force in the hit because the reduction in the total accelerative area allow for quicker implementation of the attachments because there is less total accelerative space to move in before the attachments are engaged, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system that provides for managed force decelerated and absorption before by bracing, during through force dissipation and reduction and throughout the duration of the blow, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system that reduces the total acceleration force of the hit to the helmet by transferring force to the torso through the process of bracing, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system having a contoured bracing surface where the user has the ability to close the clearance gap and contact, brace and seat the contoured bracing surfaces against the torso for the purpose bracing for the blow, improving rigidity, and reducing linear and translational acceleration, and;

the function of the contoured bracing surface is to ergonomically connect the helmet to the torso thereby significantly increasing the effective mass of the helmet, and;

by creating the proper clearance between the bracing surfaces of the TARCBS and the shoulder pads the wearer can increase the pressure between the bracing surface and the shoulder pads through resistive force to increase rigidity, and;

the seating of the contoured bracing surfaces on the torso provide even distribution of accelerative force to the torso by increasing the area for force dissipation which improves the helmet's ability to transfer force to the torso thereby reducing the transfer of linear and translational acceleration and mechanical energy to the brain, and;

the contoured bracing surfaces have two embodiments the first is a contoured bracing surface with no padding where deceleration, force absorption and force dissipation is conducted by the natural resilience and energy absorption of the helmet, torso/shoulder pads or flax jacket of the wearer, and;

the second embodiment of the contoured bracing surface is padded with either a friable material a force absorbent material or a combination thereof which assists in the fit of the TARCBS contoured bracing surface, improves the friction of the contact with the torso and enhances force absorption by the TARCBS, improves transfer and dissipation of force to the torso, and enhances the comfort for the wearer, and;

A concussive reduction helmet attachment that through seated resistant force bracing of the helmet reduces the week point of the neck and changes the dynamics of translational acceleration, changing the dynamics of how translational acceleration effects the body of the wearer thereby reducing the mechanical transfer of energy to the head, neck and brain, and;

bracing of the TARCBS provides the ability for the attachments to transfer kinetic force to the torso and away from the head thereby reducing potential for whiplash or coup counter coup movement of the head a movement known to cause brain, skeletal and soft tissue damage to the head and neck during an impact of magnitude, and;

bracing the helmet also increases the helmet's ability to dissipate, and distribute the kinetic force of the impact(s) over a larger area, the wearer's shoulders and chest which reduces the mechanical transferred of energy to the head, neck and brain, and;

the ergonomic contours of the bracing surfaces perpendicularly connect the helmet to the torso via the TARCBS and limit the kinetic load placed on the cervical vertebra during impact thereby reducing potential for neck compression, hyperflexion, lateralflexion and hyperextension of the cervical spine, and;

the concussive attachment rotational bracing edges(s) are defined as surfaces that are designed to contact the torso or gear upon the torso perpendicularly to limit, reduce and stop rotational movement in all axis focusing on the Z axis, and;

there are three specific functions of the TARCBS attachment rotational bracing edges(s): to reduce rotational acceleration space, dissipate rotational force symmetrically to the torso and ergonomically contact the torso perpendicularly to stop rotational movement about the Z axis and transfer said rotational acceleration energy to the torso thereby reducing the mechanical transfer of energy to the brain, and;

the rotational bracing edges(s) have two embodiments the first is a contoured bracing surface with no padding where deceleration, force absorption and force dissipation is conducted by the natural resilience and energy absorption of the torso/shoulder pads or flax jacket of the wearer, to reduce rotation about the Z axis and;

the second embodiment of the rotational bracing edges(s) are a bracing surface which is padded with either a friable material a force absorbent material or a combination thereof which assists in the fit of the TARCBS rotational bracing edge(s) contacting the torso and enhances force absorption by the TARCBS, improves transfer and dissipation of force to the torso, and enhances the comfort for the wearer, while reducing rotation in all axis especially the Z axis, and;

A concussive reduction helmet attachment that arrests movement of the head in all axis by bracing which stops the movement of the helmet thereby allowing the padding of the helmet to provide intervention to reduce the accelerative movement of the head, and;

The concussive reduction attachment(s) having three main component parts: a shoulder component (left and right), a rear attachment component and a forward helmet component, each having contoured bracing surfaces and rotational limiting bracing edges, and;

the first TARCBS component part is the shoulder attachment component(s) (left and right) which extend parallel and above the shoulders and reduces lateral movement of the head and neck along the XZ and YZ axis and when the clearance gap is closed the contoured bracing surfaces contact the torso perpendicularly allowing for transfer of energy directly from the helmet and helmet attachment to the torso, and;

the shoulder attachment components left and right also have rotational limiting bracing edges which contact the torso perpendicularly when the helmet is rotated about the XZ and Z axis to reduce and limit available rotational space and once the rotational limiting bracing edges transferring force to the torso the mechanical transfer of energy to the brain is reduced, and;

the second TARCBS component part is the rear attachment which extends distally above the posterior side of the body centered on the sagital (median) plane creating a clearance gap for limited free movement along the ZY axis and when the clearance gap is closed allows for direct transfer of energy from the attachment contoured bracing edge to the torso reducing linear acceleration, and;

the rear attachment has a left and right rotational limiting bracing edge which perpendicularly contacts the torso when rotation acceleration about the Z axis takes place thereby reducing and limiting available movement space, transferring force to the torso and reducing mechanical transfer of energy to the brain, and;

the third TARCBS component part(s) are the forward helmet attachments of which there are three embodiments: the forward helmet chest brace attachment(s), chin chest bracing bridge, and add-on-chest-bridge, each designed to provide contact with the torso to reduce the total available linear and rotational acceleration space between the helmet and the chest of the wearer, to provide for neck support and improving the effective mass of the helmet and symmetrical dissipation and transfer of energy to the torso and away from the brain, and;

the first forward helmet TARCBS attachment embodiment is the forward helmet chest brace attachment(s) having both a left and right component attaching and extending from the anterior distal edge of the helmet left and right sides having a posterior edge in front of the chest and collar bone(s) of the wearer which extends anterior of the wearer above the chest/shoulder pads or flax jacket creating a clearance gap between the chest or shoulder pads/flak jacket of the wearer allowing for freedom of movement in all axis, and;

the forward helmet chest brace attachment(s) have on the distal edge of the chest extension(s) a contoured bracing surface that perpendicularly meets the torso, which allows the wearer to draw their shoulders up and tip their head forward to brace the posterior contact edge bracing surface of the forward helmet chest brace against the torso or equipment on the torso of the wearer such that the contoured bracing surface perpendicularly makes contact with the torso thereby effectively seating the helmet to the torso via the forward helmet chest brace(s) allowing the wearer to brace for an impact, reduce neck compression and transfer said energy of impact from the helmet to the torso, and;

the forward helmet chest brace attachment(s) rotational limiting bracing edge are flat surfaces found on the distal portion of each (left and right) forward helmet chest brace attachment such that when the helmet is rotated about the Z axis the outside portions of the forward helmet chest brace attachments rotational bracing edge(s) will contact the inside of the shoulder/torso/shoulder pads/flak jacket perpendicularly and not only stop rotational movement but allow the wearer the ability to brace the forward helmet chest brace attachment against the torso or equipment there on to increase rigidity and transfer energy away from the head and to the torso, and;

the second forward helmet TARCBS attachment embodiment is the chin chest bracing bridge and in function is the same as the forward helmet chest brace attachment(s) only the attachment to the helmet or helmet attachment can vary, and;

the chin chest bracing bridge is a structure that replaces the chin support means of the helmet, attaches to the front of the helmet and connects both the front right and front left of the helmet, has an adjustable chin cup, protects the chin and throat, provides an anchor point connecting the chin to the helmet to reduce spinning of the helmet on the head, protects the chin and cheek area of the face but does not inhibit vision, is hinged on either side of the helmet to allow the wearer entry into and out of the helmet, and has both a contoured bracing surface that contacts the chest when the chin is lowered and two rotational limiting bracing edges left and right respectively which contact the inside of the torso or equipment on the torso for bracing when the head is rotated about the Z axis, and;

the third forward helmet TARCBS attachment embodiment is the add-on-chest-bridge which attaches to a preexisting portion of the front of the helmet or an attachment thereon and does not replace any of the chin support means but does have both a contoured bracing surface to provide forward support and rotational limiting bracing edges left and right respectively for bracing when the head is rotated about the Z axis, and;

both the chin chest bracing bridge attachment and the add-on-chest-bridge attachment have on their distal edge which is closest to the torso a contoured bracing surface which when the clearance gap is closed allows the attachment contoured bracing surface to perpendicularly contact the chest thereby supporting the font of the helmet, reducing area for acceleration, improving transfer of energy to the torso and reduces mechanical transfer of energy to the brain, and;

both the chin chest bracing bridge attachment and the add-on-chest-bridge attachment have a rotational limiting bracing edge(s) left and right on the distal edges of the attachment which are surfaces that when the head is rotated about the Z axis will contact the inside of the shoulder left or right depending on the direction of rotation, and;

the rotational limiting bracing edge also provides a clearance gap between said edge and the torso for free but limited motion, and;

the rotational limiting bracing edge left and right will perpendicularly meet the inside of the shoulder or torso and reduce/limit rotational movement about the Z axis, and;

both the chin chest bracing bridge attachment and the add-on-chest-bridge attachment allow the wearer to brace for rotational impact by purposely contacting the appropriate rotational bracing edge against the torso before impact linking the torso to the helmet via resistive force and thereby provides the ability of transferring force to the torso of the wearer and reducing mechanical transfer of energy to the neck and head, and;

A concussive reduction helmet attachment where said mechanical component is a structure specifically designed to significantly absorb, reduce and channel force such as a mechanical dampener or crushable component, and;

A concussive reduction helmet attachment which creates a critical moment force threshold in which the mechanical component as defined in the Detailed Description of the Invention provides intervention (a pre-determined reduction of force) for management of peek accelerative forces providing an intervention method where an exact concussive force threshold can be reduced prior to the critical moment of the blow to provide an exact reduction/absorption of concussive energy, and;

The critical moment of the blow is when the helmet movement has been significantly reduced or stopped such that the helmet and neck are supported by the concussive reduction helmet attachments and the head inside the helmet is being decelerated by the collapsing padding of the helmet and just before the force absorbance of the helmet padding is exhausted, at this moment the helmet is stopped but the head of the wearer is still moving against the helmet padding this is the critical moment, and at this moment the mechanical component intervention takes place (the dampener closes or the crushable component crushes to dissipate force) to significantly reduce the rotational force acting on the moving head within the helmet, and;

this mechanical reduction in force at the critical moment when the helmet is stopped and the head is still moving significantly reduces the accelerative forces within the helmet, and;

to dissipate the accelerative energy acting on the head to decelerate and stop the movement of the head before the padding of the helmet loses its force absorption ability the mechanical component will engage, and;

when appropriate reduction of force takes place the rotational accelerative force will be dissipated, and;

if the reduction in force is insufficient the head will exhaust the padding of the helmet and the wearer's brain will then contact the inside of the braincase and brain injury may occur, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system where component parts work independently, sequentially and concurrently depending on the applied force thereby reducing the mechanical transfer of energy to the head, neck and brain.

3. A concussive reduction helmet attachment system of claim 2, having two manufacturing approaches each attach to the sides and base of the helmet in a horseshoe type configuration, and;

the first is a single one piece component construction, and;

second is a segmented component design having multiple individual elements (front, left, right and rear) that must be attached individually.

4. A concussive reduction helmet attachment system of claim 2, having three embodiments: hard, mechanical and soft, of the two types of construction providing differing levels of protection for the user to promote use within different environments while maintaining the design principles and functions.

5. A concussive reduction helmet attachment system of claim 2, made of the same material as the helmet being rigid, non-flexible material such as steal, ceramic, plastic or any combination thereof.

6. A concussive reduction helmet attachment system of claim 2, made of the same material as the helmet or a resilient force absorbing material such as foam, rubber, padding or any combination thereof.

7. A concussive reduction helmet attachment system of claim 2, where the extension embodiment of the helmet extensions have single and multiple mechanical components.

8. A concussive reduction helmet attachment system of claim 2, being a helmet attachment having venting.

9. A concussive reduction helmet attachment system of claim 2, were multiple rotational limiting bracing edges can engage individually, sequentially or concurrently providing an ability to brace for impact, and a symmetrical distribution and transfer of force to the torso that reduces and arrests movement and decreases the mechanical transfer of energy to the brain.

10. A concussive reduction helmet attachment system of claim 2, having multiple contoured bracing surfaces on the TARCB attachment(s) which can engage individually, sequentially or concurrently providing a symmetrical distribution and transfer of force to the torso to provide for bracing, reduce and arrest movement and decrease mechanical transfer of energy to the brain.

11. A concussive reduction helmet attachment system of claim 2, having a mechanical component as defined in the Detailed Description of the Invention incorporated into the attachment to further enhance the absorption of kinetic energy during the critical moment of impact, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system having a mechanical component/dampener within the TARCBS which is specifically designed to provide an ability to set a pre-determined actuation threshold, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system having a mechanical component/dampener within the TARCBS which is specifically designed to provide an exact reduction in force when a critical moment within the hit is achieved, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system having a mechanical component/dampener that is an automatic adjustment dampener that monitors the accelerative forces and automatically adjusts the activation threshold such that it activates at the critical moment within the hit then resets for successive impacts, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system having a mechanical component/dampener specifically designed to provide an exact reduction in force during the critical moment within the hit when activation is achieved, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system with mechanical component(s) which will compress and support the neck and neck cervical vertebra and neck soft tissue throughout the blow thereby reducing trauma to the neck, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system having a mechanical component within the TARCBS which provides a method to adjust the stroke of the dampener by having an adjustable stroke dampener, by replacing the dampening component with one having a different stroke limit or changing the size of the crushable component, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system having a mechanical component within the TARCBS which is providing adjustment with the purpose of managing the reduction of space available for force absorption and dissipation of force during movement, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system having a mechanical component within the TARCBS which is providing an adjustment to the TARCBS by adjusting the dampening unit to manage the space of whiplash or coup counter coup movement, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system having mechanical component within the TARCBS which is providing an ability to decelerate the speed of whiplash or coup counter coup movement of the head during an impact, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system with mechanical dampeners which will activate individually, sequentially or concurrently, a concussive helmet attachment having multiple mechanical components on an individual TARCBS attachment to provide multiple dampening events within a single impact event, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system having mechanical component TARCBS which can be adjusted to provide an actuated and measured control of force specifically within the normal range of movement of the head and neck to provide an ability to directly support the neck, cervical vertebra and reduce trauma to the brain throughout the hit, and reduce potential for neck compression, hyperflexion, lateralflexion and hyperextension of the cervical spine.

12. A concussive reduction helmet attachment which creates a critical moment force threshold in which the mechanical component as defined in the Detailed Description of the Invention which provides intervention (a pre-determined reduction of force) for reduction of peek accelerative forces providing an intervention method where an exact concussive force threshold can be reduced prior to the critical moment of the blow to provide an exact reduction/absorption of concussive energy, and;

The critical moment of the blow is when the helmet movement has been significantly reduced or stopped such that the helmet and neck are supported by the concussive reduction helmet attachments and the head inside the helmet is being decelerated by the collapsing padding of the helmet and just before the force absorbance of the helmet padding is exhausted, at this moment the helmet is stopped but the head of the wearer is still moving against the helmet padding this is the critical moment, and at this moment the mechanical component intervention takes place (the dampener closes or the crushable component crushes to dissipate force) to significantly decelerate the rotational force acting on the moving head within the helmet, and;

this mechanical reduction in force at the critical moment when the helmet is stopped and the head is still moving significantly reduces the accelerative forces within the helmet, for the purpose of decelerating the head and brain concurrently before the padding of the helmet loses its force absorption ability, and;

when appropriate reduction of force takes place the rotational accelerative force will be dissipated and no injury will follow, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment having a mechanical dampener/component which provides an intervention method where an exact force threshold can be determined to activate said dampener, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment having a mechanical dampener/component that can be pre-set to a measurable force reduction for intervention during the critical moment so impact intervention can be made thereby providing an exact force reduction in the mechanical transfer of energy to the head, neck and brain, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment having a mechanical dampener/component which can be set to actuate at any predetermined threshold during any stage of the hit to include the critical moment of the blow, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment system where the mechanical component parts work independently, sequentially and concurrently responding to the applied force of the hit thereby reducing the mechanical transfer of energy to the head, neck and brain, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment having a mechanical component/dampener incorporated into the attachment to further enhance the absorption of kinetic energy during impact, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment having a mechanical component which provides a method to adjust the stroke of the dampener or component by having an adjustable stroke dampener, by replacing the dampening component with one having a different stroke limit or changing the size of the crushable component, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment having a mechanical component which by providing adjustment of stroke and force dissipation is able to manage the reduction of space and force during impact, and;

a concussive helmet attachment having a mechanical dampener that automatically resets for successive reduction in head acceleration for the purpose of intervening and stopping the whiplash or coup counter coup movement of the helmet, head, neck and brain, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment having a mechanical component which provides an ability to decelerate the speed of whiplash or coup counter coup movement of the head during an impact, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment having multiple mechanical components on an individual attachment to provide a sequential cascading dampening event within a single impact event, and;

a concussive reduction helmet attachment which can be adjusted to provide an actuated and measured control of force specifically within the normal range of movement of the head and neck to provide the ability to directly support the neck, cervical vertebra and reduce trauma to the brain throughout the hit, thereby reducing potential for neck compression, hyperflexion, lateralflexion and hyperextension of the cervical spine, and;

a concussive helmet attachment having a mechanical dampener that is an automatic adjustment dampener that monitors the accelerative forces and automatically adjusts the activation threshold such that it activates at the critical moment within the hit then resets for successive impacts.