US20210037906A1 - Protective helmets including non-linearly deforming elements - Google Patents
Protective helmets including non-linearly deforming elements Download PDFInfo
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- US20210037906A1 US20210037906A1 US16/949,287 US202016949287A US2021037906A1 US 20210037906 A1 US20210037906 A1 US 20210037906A1 US 202016949287 A US202016949287 A US 202016949287A US 2021037906 A1 US2021037906 A1 US 2021037906A1
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- helmet
- filaments
- inner shell
- wearer
- inner layer
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/10—Linings
- A42B3/12—Cushioning devices
- A42B3/124—Cushioning devices with at least one corrugated or ribbed layer
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/06—Impact-absorbing shells, e.g. of crash helmets
- A42B3/062—Impact-absorbing shells, e.g. of crash helmets with reinforcing means
- A42B3/063—Impact-absorbing shells, e.g. of crash helmets with reinforcing means using layered structures
- A42B3/064—Impact-absorbing shells, e.g. of crash helmets with reinforcing means using layered structures with relative movement between layers
Definitions
- the present technology is generally related to protective helmets, and more specifically to protective helmets including non-linearly deforming elements.
- Current helmet technology inadequately protects wearers from concussions, as current helmets primarily protect wearers from superficial head injury rather than concussions that can be caused by direct or oblique forces. Additionally, most conventional helmets linearly absorb incident forces, which transmits the bulk of the incident force to a wearer's head.
- a protective helmet comprises an inner layer and an outer layer separated from the inner layer by a space.
- An interface layer is positioned in the space between the inner layer and the outer layer and includes an impact absorbing material that non-linearly deforms in response to an incident force on the protective helmet.
- the impact absorbing material includes multiple filaments each having an end proximate to the inner layer and another end proximate to the outer layer interface, with the filaments configured to non-linearly deform in response to an incident force on the helmet.
- the impact absorbing material allows the helmet to locally and elastically deform in response to an incident force.
- Varying the composition, number, and configuration of the filaments in the impact absorbing material or varying composition and configuration of the outer layer or of the inner layer allows deformation of the helmet to be customized for different implementations.
- filaments in the impact absorbing material have different shapes or comprise different materials in different embodiments to customize deformation of the helmet.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 1B is a perspective cross-sectional view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIGS. 2A-C illustrate various embodiments of filaments configured for an interface layer of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIGS. 3A-D illustrate deformation of portion of an interface layer of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 4A is a side view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 4B is an isometric view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 4C is an exploded isometric view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an interface layer and impact absorbing materials in a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an interface layer and impact absorbing materials in a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an inner layer of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a protective helmet having an inner layer of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a protective helmet 101
- FIG. 1B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the protective helmet 101
- the helmet 101 comprises an outer layer 103 , an inner layer 105 , and a space 107 between the outer layer 103 and the inner layer 105
- An interface layer 109 comprising a plurality of filaments 111 is disposed in the space 107 between the outer layer 103 and the inner layer 105 .
- the filaments 111 extend between an outer surface 113 adjacent to the outer layer 103 and an inner surface 115 adjacent to the inner layer 105 , and span at least a threshold amount of the space 107 .
- the helmet 101 does not have an outer layer 103 , so the filaments 110 , or other non-linear compression units further described below in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-3D , extend from the inner layer 105 .
- Padding 117 is disposed adjacent to an interior surface of the inner layer 105 , and may be configured to comfortably conform to a head of a wearer (not shown) of the helmet 101 .
- the outer layer 103 of the helmet 101 is a single, continuous shell.
- the outer layer 103 may have a different configuration in other embodiments.
- the outer layer 103 and the inner layer 105 may both comprise a hard plastic material to provide a measure of rigidity to the outer layer 103 and to the inner layer 105 .
- the outer layer 103 is pliable enough to locally deform when subject to an incident force.
- the inner layer 105 is relatively stiffer than the outer layer to prevent projectiles or intense impacts from fracturing the skull or creating hematomas.
- the inner layer 105 is at least five times more rigid than the outer layer 103 .
- the outer layer 103 may also comprise a plurality of deformable beams that are flexibly connected and arranged so that the longitudinal axes of the beams are parallel to a surface of the outer layer 103 .
- each of the deformable beams is flexibly connected to at least one other deformable beam and to at least one filament 111 .
- the filaments 111 comprise thin, columnar or elongated structures that are configured to non-linearly deform in response to an incident force on the helmet 101 .
- Such structures can have a high aspect ratio.
- an aspect ratio of a filament 110 is between 3:1 and 1000:1.
- a filament 111 is configured to buckle in response to an incident force, where buckling is characterized by a sudden failure of the filament 111 when subjected to high compressive stress; the filament 111 fails when the filament 110 is subjected to compressive stress less than the maximum compressive stress that a material comprising the filament 111 is capable of withstanding.
- the filaments 111 may be configured to elastically deform, so a filament 111 returns to its initial configuration (or substantially returns to its initial configuration) when the compressive stress applied to the filament 110 is removed.
- At least a set of the filaments 111 may be configured with a tensile strength that resists separation of the outer layer 103 from the inner layer 105 .
- filaments 111 having tensile strength exert force to counteract the lateral movement of the outer layer 103 relative to the inner layer 105 .
- wires, rubber bands, or other elements are embedded in or otherwise coupled to the filaments 111 to provide additional tensile strength.
- the filaments 111 may be directly attached to the outer layer 103 or directly attached to the inner layer 105 .
- at least some of the filaments 111 are free at one end, with an opposite end coupled to an adjacent surface.
- an end of a filament 111 is coupled to a surface of the outer layer 105 while an opposite end of the filament 111 is free.
- an end of a filament 111 is coupled to a surface of the inner layer 105 , while an opposite end of the filament 111 is free.
- the flexibility of the filaments 111 allows the outer layer 103 to move laterally relative to the inner layer 105 .
- the filaments 111 optionally include a rotating member at one end or at both ends that is configured to rotatably fit within a corresponding socket in the outer layer 103 or the inner layer 105 to couple a filament 111 to the outer layer 103 or to the inner layer 105 .
- at least some of the filaments 111 are perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the inner surface 115 , to the outer surface 113 , or to the inner surface 115 and to the outer surface 113 .
- Example materials comprising a filament include: foam, elastomeric material, polymeric material, or any combination thereof
- the filaments 111 may comprise a material having a shape memory material or a self-healing material.
- a filament 111 may exhibit different shear characteristics in different directions.
- the helmet 101 is configured to deform locally and elastically in response to an incident force. For example, when between approximately 100 and 500 static pounds of force are applied to the helmet 101 , the outer layer 103 and the interface layer 109 deform between about 0.75 and 2.25 inches. Varying the composition, number, and configuration of the filaments 111 or varying the composition and configuration of the outer layer 103 and inner layer 105 allows the deformability of the helmet 101 to be tuned for various embodiments.
- FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate various embodiments of filaments configured for an interface layer 109 of a helmet 101 .
- a plurality of filaments 211 a have a cross-sectional shape of regular polygons.
- Individual filaments 211 a have a height 201 , a width 203 , and a spacing 205 between adjacent filaments 211 a .
- FIG. 2B shows filaments 211 b having an end connected to an inner surface 215 and another end that is free.
- filaments 211 a - 211 c may have any suitable shape and/or cross-section, including cylinders, hexagons (inverse honeycomb), circle, square, irregular polygons, regular polygons, random, etc.
- a point of connection between a filament 211 a - 211 c and the inner surface 215 or the spine 207 may be modified to customize or modify orthotropic properties of the filaments 211 a - 211 c .
- one or more of the height 210 , the width 203 , and the spacing 205 of filaments 211 a - 211 c , one or more materials comprising the filaments 211 a - 211 c , or a material in spaces between the filaments 211 a - 211 c may be modified to customize orthotropic properties of the filaments 211 a - 211 c .
- the filaments 211 a - 211 c may be made from any material allowing large elastic deformations including.
- Example materials for making the filaments 211 a - 211 c include foams, elastic foams, plastics, etc. Additionally, spacing between filaments 211 a - 211 c may be filled with gas, liquid, or complex fluids, to further customize overall material properties of the interface layer 109 .
- space between filaments 211 a - 211 c may be filled with a gas, a liquid (e.g., a shear thinning or shear thickening liquid), a gel (e.g., a shear thinning or shear thickening gel), a foam, a polymeric material, or any combination thereof.
- the filaments 211 a - 211 c may comprise a solid cross-section, and/or a solid cross-section that is uniform or substantially uniform along the height 210 of the filaments 211 a - 211 c.
- FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate the deformation of an interface layer 309 having an outer surface 313 , an inner surface 315 , and a plurality of filaments 311 extending between the outer surface 313 and the inner surface 315 .
- FIG. 3A illustrates the interface layer 309 without application of an external force.
- FIG. 3B a downward force is applied to the outer surface 313 , causing deformation of a portion of the filaments 311 .
- FIG. 3C illustrates translation of the outer surface 313 with respect to the inner surface 315 in response to a tangential force.
- a vertical and tangential force applied to the outer surface 313 deforms the filaments 311 . Oblique or tangential forces t distributed over a larger area of the outer surface 313 may result in shear of the filaments 311 or local buckling of some of the filaments 311 .
- a protective helmet comprises a compression unit removably affixed to an inner layer, allowing the compression unit to be reconditioned or replaced as necessary for safety and comfort.
- FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a protective helmet 401 .
- FIG. 4B illustrates an isometric view of the protective helmet 401
- FIG. 4C illustrates isometric exploded view of the protective helmet 401 .
- the protective helmet 401 comprises: an inner shell 406 that may be sized and shaped to conform a head of a wearer and a compression unit 402 removably affixed to the inner shell 406 .
- the inner shell 406 comprises an inner layer 403 , an outer layer 404 separated from the inner layer 403 by a space, and an interface layer 405 positioned in the space between the inner layer 403 and the outer layer 405 .
- the interface layer 405 comprises an impact absorbing material, which may be the plurality of filaments 111 further described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3D .
- the compression unit 402 can be affixed to the inner layer by any device or technique capable of removably coupling the compression unit 402 to the inner layer 403 .
- Example devices for removably coupling the compression unit 402 to the inner layer 403 include: include screws, hook and loop closures, adhesives, and the like.
- the protective helmet further comprises a frame 407 affixed to the inner shell 406 .
- the frame 407 may provide additional structural rigidity to the helmet 401 .
- the frame 407 is configured to accept and secure a face mask or face guard to protect a face of the wearer's face.
- FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a protective helmet 901 .
- the protective helmet 901 comprises an inner shell 903 sized and shaped to conform the head of a wearer, a compression unit 904 removably affixed to the inner shell, and an outer layer or shell 905 .
- the compression unit 904 positioned between the inner shell 903 and outer layer or shell 905 .
- the compression unit 904 comprises an impact absorbing material or a plurality of impact absorbers.
- the compression unit 904 further comprises an outer layer 909 , an inner layer 910 , and an interface layer 911 .
- the outer layer 909 separated from the inner layer 910 by a space.
- the interface layer 911 disposed in the space and comprises an impact absorbing material or a plurality of impact absorbers.
- Padding 902 is disposed adjacent to the inner layer 903 , and the padding 902 may be configured to comfortably conform to a head of the wearer.
- the protective helmet 901 further comprises a facemask 906 affixed to the outer layer 905 and a chin strap 907 affixed to the inner layer.
- the protective helmet 901 also includes pads 908 configured to contact a portion of a cheek of a wearer and/or conform to the cheeks of a wearer to comfortably secure the protective helmet 901 to the head of the wearer.
- At least one cheek pad 908 contacts a portion of a cheek of wearer, the at least one cheek pad 908 may be secured to the protective helmet 901 . More specifically, the at least one cheek pad 908 may be secured to a portion of the inner shell 903 , a portion of the outer shell 905 , a portion of the compression unit 904 , and/or any combination thereof.
- the protective helmet 901 may further comprise a first cheek pad and a second cheek pad, the first cheek pad positioned on the right side or right hemisphere of the protective helmet 901 and contacts a portion of a right cheek of the wearer, and the second cheek pad positioned on the left side or left hemisphere of the protective helmet 901 and contacts a portion of a left cheek of the wearer.
- a protective helmet comprises an interface layer between an inner layer and an outer layer, the interface layer comprises multiple layers of individual impact absorbers.
- Such an interface layer provides a non-linear force displacement curve that optimally absorbs impact and reduces peak acceleration at impact, which spreads an impact to the helmet and head of a wearer over a longer period of time.
- an interface layer comprises one or more intermediate layers and multiple, stacked pluralities of filaments with different mechanical properties, compositions, and geometries to provide the non-linear force displacement curve. For example, each plurality of filaments has a different stiffness and deforms non-linearly in response to varying levels of incident force.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of a compression unit 501 .
- the compression unit 501 comprises an inner layer 508 , an outer layer 502 positioned apart from the inner layer 508 to define a space between the inner layer 508 and outer layer 502 , and an interface layer 509 positioned in the space between the inner layer 508 and the outer layer 502 and comprising an impact absorbing material.
- the interface layer 509 comprises a plurality of filaments 503 that each comprise an end proximate to the outer layer 502 and an additional end proximate to an intermediate layer 504 , an additional plurality of filaments 505 that each comprise an end proximate to an additional intermediate layer 506 and an additional end proximate to the inner layer 508 .
- the interface layer 503 comprises another plurality 507 of filaments positioned between the plurality of filaments 503 and the additional plurality of filaments 505 , with each filament of the other plurality 507 of filaments having an end proximate to the intermediate layer 504 and an additional end proximate to the additional intermediate layer 506 .
- the filaments of the plurality of filaments 503 , the additional plurality of filaments 505 , and the other plurality of filaments 507 are configured to non-linearly deform in response to an external incident force on the compression unit 501 .
- filaments of the plurality of filaments 503 , the additional plurality of filaments 505 , and the other plurality of filaments 507 may have different diameters, which may provide different stiffnesses and/or buckling strengths.
- different pluralities of filaments have varying geometries and materials, as described in, for example, PCT application no. PCT/US2014/064173, filed on Nov. 5, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. While FIG. 5 shows an example compression unit 501 including three plurality of filaments, in various embodiments, the interface layer 509 may have any number of plurality of filaments that may have their own intermediate layers.
- protective helmets or compression units comprise a plurality of ribs.
- the interface layer comprises plurality of ribs, where individual ribs comprise a sheet having a first edge proximate to an inner layer, a second edge proximal to an intermediate layer, and a longitudinal axis.
- FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the interface layer of a protective helmet or compression unit.
- the interface layer comprises a plurality of ribs 604 , with individual ribs comprising a sheet having an edge 609 proximate to an inner layer 605 , an additional edge 608 proximate to an intermediate layer 603 , and a longitudinal axis.
- a longitudinal axis of at least one rib of the plurality of ribs 604 is not parallel to a longitudinal axis of at least one rib of the additional plurality of parallel ribs 602 , and the ribs of the plurality of ribs 604 and or the additional plurality of parallel ribs 602 are configured to non-linearly deform in response to an external incident force on the helmet or on the compression unit.
- An angle between longitudinal axes of ribs of the plurality of ribs 604 and axes of ribs of the additional plurality of parallel ribs 602 may have any suitable value in different embodiments.
- the angle between longitudinal axes of ribs of the plurality of ribs 604 and axes of ribs of the additional plurality of parallel ribs 602 may vary between 1-10 degrees, 1-15 degrees, 1-20 degrees, 1-30 degrees, 1-40 degrees, 1-50 degrees, 1-60 degrees, 1-70 degrees, 1-80 degrees, and 1-90 degrees in various embodiments. While FIG.
- the interface layer may include any number of pluralities of ribs (e.g., a single plurality, 2-5 pluralities, 5 or more pluralities, etc.).
- different pluralities of ribs have different geometries, materials, and densities than other pluralities of ribs.
- the plurality of ribs 604 includes ribs having different geometries or made from different material than ribs of the additional plurality of parallel ribs 602 .
- the plurality of ribs 604 has a greater density of ribs than the additional plurality of parallel ribs 602 .
- Varying the geometries, materials, and densities of a plurality of ribs allows modification of mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness) of the plurality of ribs, allowing different pluralities of ribs to have different mechanical properties, as well as non-linearly deform in response to varying external forces incident on the protective helmet or on the compression unit.
- Layering such anisotropic layers in the interface layers of a protective helmet or of a compression unit as described above allows the protective helmet or the compression unit to have an overall isotropic absorption behavior.
- the inner layer distribute forces across a large area to reduce pressure applied to the head of a wearer, protecting the wearer from skull fractures and hematomas.
- the protective helmets or compression units described herein have inner layers closer to a wearer's skull than, which reduces the distance between the wearer's head and the inner layer compared to conventional helmets. This reduced distance makes it more difficult to determine a shape of the inner layer that comfortable fits a wide range of wearers' heads, particularly when the inner layer is relatively rigid and inflexible.
- the inner layer comprises one or more slits. Removing sections of the inner shell allows the shell to more easily flex to adjust to head sizes and shapes of individual wearers (e.g., enlarge) while donning, wearing, and removing the helmet.
- FIGS. 7 and 10 illustrates one embodiment of an inner layer of a protective helmet 1000 according to the present technology.
- the protective helmet 1000 comprises an outer layer 1004 , and inner layer 1001 , and an interface layer or compression unit 1003 .
- the outer layer 1004 separated by the inner layer 1001 by a space, the interface layer or compression unit 1003 positioned in the space.
- the inner layer 701 , 1001 comprises a plurality of slits 702 , and one or more inner layer portions 703 , which allow the relatively rigid inner shell to flex.
- the slits 702 may have different widths in different embodiments.
- the slits 702 include ranges of: 0.1-2 cm, 0.5-1.5 cm, and 0.75-1.25 cm. In certain embodiments, the slits are smaller than the dimensions of, for example, a shoe cleat used in sporting activities.
- the protective helmet 1200 further comprises a facemask 1005 affixed to the outer layer 1004 and a chin strap 1006 affixed to the inner layer 701 , 1001 .
- the protective helmet 1000 also includes pads 1007 configured to contact a portion of a cheek of a wearer and/or conform to the cheeks of a wearer to comfortably secure the protective helmet 1000 to the head of the wearer.
- At least one cheek pad 1007 contacts a portion of a cheek of wearer, the at least one cheek pad 1007 may be secured to the protective helmet 1000 . More specifically, the at least one cheek pad 1007 may be secured to a portion of the inner shell 1001 , a portion of the outer shell 1004 , a portion of the compression unit 1003 , and/or any combination thereof.
- the protective helmet 1000 may further comprise a first cheek pad and a second cheek pad, the first cheek pad positioned on the right side or right hemisphere of the protective helmet 1000 and contacts a portion of a right cheek of the wearer, and the second cheek pad positioned on the left side or left hemisphere of the protective helmet 1000 and contacts a portion of a left cheek of the wearer.
- the protective helmet including the inner layer 701 which is sized and configured to comfortably and substantially encompass a wearer's head and has the plurality of slits 702 also includes a tightening unit configured to tighten the inner layer 701 to the head of a wearer.
- the inner layer 701 comprises a tightening unit, a first longitudinal inner layer portion and a second longitudinal inner layer portion having one or more slits 702 between the first and second longitudinal inner layer portions.
- the tightening unit having a first device 704 and a second device 705 , the first device 704 attached to the first longitudinal inner layer portion, the second device 705 being attached to the second longitudinal inner layer portion, the tightening unit is configured to tighten the inner layer 701 to the head of a wearer by manipulating the first and second longitudinal inner layer portions to bring the portions of the first longitudinal inner layer portion and the second longitudinal inner layer portions 703 on either side of a slit 702 in closer proximity to each other by narrowing the width of each of the plurality of slits 702 .
- the tightening unit may be any device 704 , 705 capable of bringing portions of the inner layer portions 703 on different sides of a slit 702 into closer proximity.
- Example devices 704 , 705 used for the tightening unit include: threaded screws, cables, draw strings, flexible bands affixed to either side of the slit 702 , a ratchet mechanism, and the like.
- the inner layer of a protective helmet as described herein comprises a relatively stiff or rigid material that does not easily deform in response to an incident force. While having a relatively rigid inner layer protects a wearer by distributing incident forces on the protective helmet, rigidity of the inner layer increases the difficulty of fitting the protective helmet to a broad range of head sizes and shapes.
- the inner layer comprises a thermoplastic material.
- Example thermoplastic materials include polyurethane, polcaprolactone, polypropylene, polyether block amide, and combinations thereof. A thermoplastic material may be heated to a temperature between a melting temperature and a heat distortion temperature and deformed by application of pressure while at the temperature.
- the inner layer comprises a thermoplastic material
- heating the inner layer to a temperature above a heat distortion temperature of the thermoplastic material and applying pressure to the inner layer allows the inner layer to be individually fit to a wearer's head.
- a protective helmet including the inner layer is placed on a wearer's head to individually fit the inner shell to the wearer's head.
- an inner layer of a protective helmet as described herein comprises a shell configured to substantially surround a portion of the head of a wearer and a deformable foam cushion disposed and configured to cushion the head of the wearer from incident forces on the helmet.
- the deformable foam cushion may be a heat-moldable foam in various embodiments.
- the heat-moldable fold is foam having an elastic modulus that decreases at temperatures above a plastic transition temperature (also referred to as a “softening temperature”).
- a heat-moldable foam softens when heated to temperatures above the softening temperature, allowing the heat-moldable foam to be molded at temperatures above the softening temperature.
- Protective helmets as described here may further include an additional foam cushion that does not comprise heat-moldable foam and is positioned on an interior surface of a protective helmet and configured to contact a forehead of a wearer of the helmet.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-section of one embodiment of a helmet 801 including an inner layer that comprises a shell 804 configured to substantially surround a portion of the head of a wearer and a deformable foam cushion 805 configured to cushion the head of the wearer from incident forces on the helmet 801 .
- the embodiment of the helmet 801 shown in FIG. 8 also includes an outer layer 802 separated from the inner layer by a space and an interface layer 803 positioned in the space between the inner layer and the outer layer 802 .
- the interface layer 803 comprises an impact absorbing material.
- the impact absorbing material comprises a plurality of filaments.
- the helmet 801 may also include a facemask 808 and a chin strap 807 , as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the helmet 801 also includes additional foam cushion 806 positioned on an interior surface of the helmet 801 and configured to contact a forehead of a user wearing the helmet 801 .
- the additional foam cushion 806 does not comprise heat-moldable foam. Having foam that is not heat-moldable for the additional foam cushion allows a wearer's forehead to remain at a known reference location, while the helmet 801 accounts for variations in wearers' head size or shape at the rear of the helmet 801 via the heat-moldable foam comprising the foam cushion 805 at the rear and sides of the helmet 801 .
- the wearer's head is pushed forward against the additional foam cushion 806 during fitting.
- the additional foam cushion 806 is positioned on an interior surface of the helmet 801 and configured to contact a back of the wearer's head.
- a helmet having an interior surface sized and shaped to conform to the head of a wearer is provided.
- the helmet includes a deformable foam cushion comprising heat-moldable foam positioned on an interior of the helmet.
- the heat-moldable foam is heated, and the head of the wearer is inserted into the helmet, causing deformation of the heat-moldable foam comprising the deformable foam cushion to fit the helmet to the head of the wearer.
- the heat-moldable foam is heated using a heating element shaped to conform to the interior surface of the helmet and configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the deformable foam cushion.
- a helmet having an interior surface sized and shaped to conform to a wearer's head and having a deformable foam cushion comprising a heat-moldable foam positioned on an interior of the helmet may be fit to the wearer's head by heating the heat-moldable foam using a heating element shaped to conform to the interior surface of the helmet and configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the deformable foam cushion.
- the helmet After heating the heat-moldable foam, the helmet is placed on the wearer's head while the heat-moldable foam is heated. Deformation of the heated heat-moldable foam by the wearer's head fits the helmet to the wearer's head.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/078,848, filed Mar. 23, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/136,969, filed Mar. 23, 2015, now expired. This application is also a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/034,006, filed May 3, 2016, which is a U.S. National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/US2014/064173, filed Nov. 5, 2014, now expired, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/900,212, filed Nov. 5, 2013, now expired; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/923,495, filed Jan. 3, 2014, now expired; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/049,049, filed Sep. 11, 2014, now expired; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/049,161, filed Sep. 11, 2014, now expired; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/049,190, filed Sep. 11, 2014, now expired; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/049,207, filed Sep. 11, 2014, now expired. Each of the foregoing applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present technology is generally related to protective helmets, and more specifically to protective helmets including non-linearly deforming elements.
- Sports-related traumatic brain injury, and specifically concussions, have become major concerns football teams and leagues at various levels, from high school to professional. Such injuries are also significant concerns for participants in other activities such as cycling and skiing. Current helmet technology inadequately protects wearers from concussions, as current helmets primarily protect wearers from superficial head injury rather than concussions that can be caused by direct or oblique forces. Additionally, most conventional helmets linearly absorb incident forces, which transmits the bulk of the incident force to a wearer's head.
- A protective helmet comprises an inner layer and an outer layer separated from the inner layer by a space. An interface layer is positioned in the space between the inner layer and the outer layer and includes an impact absorbing material that non-linearly deforms in response to an incident force on the protective helmet. For example, the impact absorbing material includes multiple filaments each having an end proximate to the inner layer and another end proximate to the outer layer interface, with the filaments configured to non-linearly deform in response to an incident force on the helmet. In some embodiments, the impact absorbing material allows the helmet to locally and elastically deform in response to an incident force. Varying the composition, number, and configuration of the filaments in the impact absorbing material or varying composition and configuration of the outer layer or of the inner layer allows deformation of the helmet to be customized for different implementations. For example, filaments in the impact absorbing material have different shapes or comprise different materials in different embodiments to customize deformation of the helmet.
- Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating clearly the principles of the present disclosure.
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FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 1B is a perspective cross-sectional view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIGS. 2A-C illustrate various embodiments of filaments configured for an interface layer of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIGS. 3A-D illustrate deformation of portion of an interface layer of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 4A is a side view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 4B is an isometric view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 4C is an exploded isometric view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an interface layer and impact absorbing materials in a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an interface layer and impact absorbing materials in a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an inner layer of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a protective helmet, in accordance with an embodiment; and -
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a protective helmet having an inner layer ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of aprotective helmet 101, andFIG. 1B is a perspective cross-sectional view of theprotective helmet 101. In the embodiment shown byFIGS. 1A and 1B , thehelmet 101 comprises anouter layer 103, aninner layer 105, and aspace 107 between theouter layer 103 and theinner layer 105. Aninterface layer 109 comprising a plurality offilaments 111 is disposed in thespace 107 between theouter layer 103 and theinner layer 105. In the illustrated embodiment, thefilaments 111 extend between anouter surface 113 adjacent to theouter layer 103 and aninner surface 115 adjacent to theinner layer 105, and span at least a threshold amount of thespace 107. However, in certain embodiments, thehelmet 101 does not have anouter layer 103, so the filaments 110, or other non-linear compression units further described below in conjunction withFIGS. 2A-3D , extend from theinner layer 105.Padding 117 is disposed adjacent to an interior surface of theinner layer 105, and may be configured to comfortably conform to a head of a wearer (not shown) of thehelmet 101. - In some embodiments, the
outer layer 103 of thehelmet 101 is a single, continuous shell. However, theouter layer 103 may have a different configuration in other embodiments. Theouter layer 103 and theinner layer 105 may both comprise a hard plastic material to provide a measure of rigidity to theouter layer 103 and to theinner layer 105. However, theouter layer 103 is pliable enough to locally deform when subject to an incident force. In certain embodiments, theinner layer 105 is relatively stiffer than the outer layer to prevent projectiles or intense impacts from fracturing the skull or creating hematomas. In some embodiments, theinner layer 105 is at least five times more rigid than theouter layer 103. Theouter layer 103 may also comprise a plurality of deformable beams that are flexibly connected and arranged so that the longitudinal axes of the beams are parallel to a surface of theouter layer 103. In some embodiments each of the deformable beams is flexibly connected to at least one other deformable beam and to at least onefilament 111. - The
filaments 111 comprise thin, columnar or elongated structures that are configured to non-linearly deform in response to an incident force on thehelmet 101. Such structures can have a high aspect ratio. For example, an aspect ratio of a filament 110 is between 3:1 and 1000:1. Non-linear deformation of thefilaments 111 to provide improved protection against high-impact forces directly incident on thehelmet 101, as well as high-impact forces obliquely incident on thehelmet 101. More specifically, afilament 111 is configured to buckle in response to an incident force, where buckling is characterized by a sudden failure of thefilament 111 when subjected to high compressive stress; thefilament 111 fails when the filament 110 is subjected to compressive stress less than the maximum compressive stress that a material comprising thefilament 111 is capable of withstanding. Thefilaments 111 may be configured to elastically deform, so afilament 111 returns to its initial configuration (or substantially returns to its initial configuration) when the compressive stress applied to the filament 110 is removed. - At least a set of the
filaments 111 may be configured with a tensile strength that resists separation of theouter layer 103 from theinner layer 105. For example, during lateral movement of theouter layer 103 relative to theinner layer 105,filaments 111 having tensile strength exert force to counteract the lateral movement of theouter layer 103 relative to theinner layer 105. In some embodiments, wires, rubber bands, or other elements are embedded in or otherwise coupled to thefilaments 111 to provide additional tensile strength. - As shown in
FIG. 1B , thefilaments 111 may be directly attached to theouter layer 103 or directly attached to theinner layer 105. In some embodiments, at least some of thefilaments 111 are free at one end, with an opposite end coupled to an adjacent surface. For example, an end of afilament 111 is coupled to a surface of theouter layer 105 while an opposite end of thefilament 111 is free. As another example, an end of afilament 111 is coupled to a surface of theinner layer 105, while an opposite end of thefilament 111 is free. The flexibility of thefilaments 111 allows theouter layer 103 to move laterally relative to theinner layer 105. In some embodiments, thefilaments 111 optionally include a rotating member at one end or at both ends that is configured to rotatably fit within a corresponding socket in theouter layer 103 or theinner layer 105 to couple afilament 111 to theouter layer 103 or to theinner layer 105. In some embodiments, at least some of thefilaments 111 are perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to theinner surface 115, to theouter surface 113, or to theinner surface 115 and to theouter surface 113. - Various materials may comprise the
filaments 111 in different embodiments. Example materials comprising a filament include: foam, elastomeric material, polymeric material, or any combination thereof In some embodiments, thefilaments 111 may comprise a material having a shape memory material or a self-healing material. Furthermore, in some embodiments, afilament 111 may exhibit different shear characteristics in different directions. - In some embodiments, the
helmet 101 is configured to deform locally and elastically in response to an incident force. For example, when between approximately 100 and 500 static pounds of force are applied to thehelmet 101, theouter layer 103 and theinterface layer 109 deform between about 0.75 and 2.25 inches. Varying the composition, number, and configuration of thefilaments 111 or varying the composition and configuration of theouter layer 103 andinner layer 105 allows the deformability of thehelmet 101 to be tuned for various embodiments. -
FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate various embodiments of filaments configured for aninterface layer 109 of ahelmet 101. Referring toFIG. 2A , a plurality offilaments 211 a have a cross-sectional shape of regular polygons.Individual filaments 211 a have aheight 201, awidth 203, and aspacing 205 betweenadjacent filaments 211 a.FIG. 2B showsfilaments 211 b having an end connected to aninner surface 215 and another end that is free. InFIG. 2C , a portion of one ormore filaments 211 c (e.g., a middle portion of the one ormore filaments 211 c) is coupled to aspine 207 so ends of afilament 211 c extends outwardly in opposite directions from thespine 207. As shown byFIGS. 2A-2C , filaments 211 a-211 c may have any suitable shape and/or cross-section, including cylinders, hexagons (inverse honeycomb), circle, square, irregular polygons, regular polygons, random, etc. Additionally, a point of connection between a filament 211 a-211 c and theinner surface 215 or thespine 207 may be modified to customize or modify orthotropic properties of the filaments 211 a-211 c. Similarly, one or more of the height 210, thewidth 203, and the spacing 205 of filaments 211 a-211 c, one or more materials comprising the filaments 211 a-211 c, or a material in spaces between the filaments 211 a-211 c, may be modified to customize orthotropic properties of the filaments 211 a-211 c. This customization allows deformation properties of the filaments 211 a-211 c to be varied between different regions of theinterface layer 109, allowing different regions of theinterface layer 109 to have desired deformation properties. The filaments 211 a-211 c may be made from any material allowing large elastic deformations including. Example materials for making the filaments 211 a-211 c include foams, elastic foams, plastics, etc. Additionally, spacing between filaments 211 a-211 c may be filled with gas, liquid, or complex fluids, to further customize overall material properties of theinterface layer 109. For example, space between filaments 211 a-211 c may be filled with a gas, a liquid (e.g., a shear thinning or shear thickening liquid), a gel (e.g., a shear thinning or shear thickening gel), a foam, a polymeric material, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the filaments 211 a-211 c may comprise a solid cross-section, and/or a solid cross-section that is uniform or substantially uniform along the height 210 of the filaments 211 a-211 c. -
FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate the deformation of aninterface layer 309 having anouter surface 313, aninner surface 315, and a plurality offilaments 311 extending between theouter surface 313 and theinner surface 315.FIG. 3A illustrates theinterface layer 309 without application of an external force. InFIG. 3B , a downward force is applied to theouter surface 313, causing deformation of a portion of thefilaments 311.FIG. 3C illustrates translation of theouter surface 313 with respect to theinner surface 315 in response to a tangential force. InFIG. 3D , a vertical and tangential force applied to theouter surface 313 deforms thefilaments 311. Oblique or tangential forces t distributed over a larger area of theouter surface 313 may result in shear of thefilaments 311 or local buckling of some of thefilaments 311. - In certain embodiments, a protective helmet comprises a compression unit removably affixed to an inner layer, allowing the compression unit to be reconditioned or replaced as necessary for safety and comfort.
FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of aprotective helmet 401.FIG. 4B illustrates an isometric view of theprotective helmet 401, whileFIG. 4C illustrates isometric exploded view of theprotective helmet 401. Referring toFIGS. 4A-4C , theprotective helmet 401 comprises: aninner shell 406 that may be sized and shaped to conform a head of a wearer and acompression unit 402 removably affixed to theinner shell 406. Theinner shell 406 comprises an inner layer 403, anouter layer 404 separated from the inner layer 403 by a space, and aninterface layer 405 positioned in the space between the inner layer 403 and theouter layer 405. Theinterface layer 405 comprises an impact absorbing material, which may be the plurality offilaments 111 further described above in conjunction withFIGS. 1-3D . Thecompression unit 402 can be affixed to the inner layer by any device or technique capable of removably coupling thecompression unit 402 to the inner layer 403. Example devices for removably coupling thecompression unit 402 to the inner layer 403 include: include screws, hook and loop closures, adhesives, and the like. - In some embodiments, the protective helmet further comprises a
frame 407 affixed to theinner shell 406. Theframe 407 may provide additional structural rigidity to thehelmet 401. In certain embodiments, theframe 407 is configured to accept and secure a face mask or face guard to protect a face of the wearer's face. -
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an embodiment of aprotective helmet 901. In the embodiment shown byFIG. 9 , theprotective helmet 901 comprises aninner shell 903 sized and shaped to conform the head of a wearer, acompression unit 904 removably affixed to the inner shell, and an outer layer orshell 905. Thecompression unit 904 positioned between theinner shell 903 and outer layer orshell 905. Thecompression unit 904 comprises an impact absorbing material or a plurality of impact absorbers. Thecompression unit 904 further comprises anouter layer 909, aninner layer 910, and aninterface layer 911. Theouter layer 909 separated from theinner layer 910 by a space. Theinterface layer 911 disposed in the space and comprises an impact absorbing material or a plurality of impact absorbers. Padding 902 is disposed adjacent to theinner layer 903, and thepadding 902 may be configured to comfortably conform to a head of the wearer. In some embodiments, theprotective helmet 901 further comprises afacemask 906 affixed to theouter layer 905 and achin strap 907 affixed to the inner layer. In certain embodiments, theprotective helmet 901 also includespads 908 configured to contact a portion of a cheek of a wearer and/or conform to the cheeks of a wearer to comfortably secure theprotective helmet 901 to the head of the wearer. At least onecheek pad 908 contacts a portion of a cheek of wearer, the at least onecheek pad 908 may be secured to theprotective helmet 901. More specifically, the at least onecheek pad 908 may be secured to a portion of theinner shell 903, a portion of theouter shell 905, a portion of thecompression unit 904, and/or any combination thereof. Alternatively, in another embodiment, theprotective helmet 901 may further comprise a first cheek pad and a second cheek pad, the first cheek pad positioned on the right side or right hemisphere of theprotective helmet 901 and contacts a portion of a right cheek of the wearer, and the second cheek pad positioned on the left side or left hemisphere of theprotective helmet 901 and contacts a portion of a left cheek of the wearer. - In certain embodiments, a protective helmet comprises an interface layer between an inner layer and an outer layer, the interface layer comprises multiple layers of individual impact absorbers. Such an interface layer provides a non-linear force displacement curve that optimally absorbs impact and reduces peak acceleration at impact, which spreads an impact to the helmet and head of a wearer over a longer period of time. In various embodiments, an interface layer comprises one or more intermediate layers and multiple, stacked pluralities of filaments with different mechanical properties, compositions, and geometries to provide the non-linear force displacement curve. For example, each plurality of filaments has a different stiffness and deforms non-linearly in response to varying levels of incident force.
-
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of acompression unit 501. In the example shown byFIG. 5 , thecompression unit 501 comprises aninner layer 508, anouter layer 502 positioned apart from theinner layer 508 to define a space between theinner layer 508 andouter layer 502, and aninterface layer 509 positioned in the space between theinner layer 508 and theouter layer 502 and comprising an impact absorbing material. In this embodiment, theinterface layer 509 comprises a plurality offilaments 503 that each comprise an end proximate to theouter layer 502 and an additional end proximate to anintermediate layer 504, an additional plurality offilaments 505 that each comprise an end proximate to an additionalintermediate layer 506 and an additional end proximate to theinner layer 508. Additionally, theinterface layer 503 comprises anotherplurality 507 of filaments positioned between the plurality offilaments 503 and the additional plurality offilaments 505, with each filament of theother plurality 507 of filaments having an end proximate to theintermediate layer 504 and an additional end proximate to the additionalintermediate layer 506. The filaments of the plurality offilaments 503, the additional plurality offilaments 505, and the other plurality offilaments 507 are configured to non-linearly deform in response to an external incident force on thecompression unit 501. As shown inFIG. 5 , filaments of the plurality offilaments 503, the additional plurality offilaments 505, and the other plurality offilaments 507 may have different diameters, which may provide different stiffnesses and/or buckling strengths. In certain embodiments, different pluralities of filaments have varying geometries and materials, as described in, for example, PCT application no. PCT/US2014/064173, filed on Nov. 5, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. WhileFIG. 5 shows anexample compression unit 501 including three plurality of filaments, in various embodiments, theinterface layer 509 may have any number of plurality of filaments that may have their own intermediate layers. - In certain embodiments, protective helmets or compression units comprise a plurality of ribs. For example, the interface layer comprises plurality of ribs, where individual ribs comprise a sheet having a first edge proximate to an inner layer, a second edge proximal to an intermediate layer, and a longitudinal axis.
FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the interface layer of a protective helmet or compression unit. In the example ofFIG. 6 , the interface layer comprises a plurality ofribs 604, with individual ribs comprising a sheet having anedge 609 proximate to aninner layer 605, anadditional edge 608 proximate to anintermediate layer 603, and a longitudinal axis. The interface layer in the example ofFIG. 6 further comprises an additional plurality ofparallel ribs 602, with individual ribs comprising anedge 607 proximate to theintermediate layer 603, anadditional edge 606 proximate to the outer layer, and a longitudinal axis. A longitudinal axis of at least one rib of the plurality ofribs 604 is not parallel to a longitudinal axis of at least one rib of the additional plurality ofparallel ribs 602, and the ribs of the plurality ofribs 604 and or the additional plurality ofparallel ribs 602 are configured to non-linearly deform in response to an external incident force on the helmet or on the compression unit. An angle between longitudinal axes of ribs of the plurality ofribs 604 and axes of ribs of the additional plurality ofparallel ribs 602 may have any suitable value in different embodiments. For example, the angle between longitudinal axes of ribs of the plurality ofribs 604 and axes of ribs of the additional plurality ofparallel ribs 602 may vary between 1-10 degrees, 1-15 degrees, 1-20 degrees, 1-30 degrees, 1-40 degrees, 1-50 degrees, 1-60 degrees, 1-70 degrees, 1-80 degrees, and 1-90 degrees in various embodiments. WhileFIG. 6 shows an example interface layer including a plurality ofribs 604 and an additional plurality ofparallel ribs 602, in various embodiments, the interface layer may include any number of pluralities of ribs (e.g., a single plurality, 2-5 pluralities, 5 or more pluralities, etc.). - In some embodiments, different pluralities of ribs have different geometries, materials, and densities than other pluralities of ribs. For example, in
FIG. 6 , the plurality ofribs 604 includes ribs having different geometries or made from different material than ribs of the additional plurality ofparallel ribs 602. As another example, the plurality ofribs 604 has a greater density of ribs than the additional plurality ofparallel ribs 602. Varying the geometries, materials, and densities of a plurality of ribs allows modification of mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness) of the plurality of ribs, allowing different pluralities of ribs to have different mechanical properties, as well as non-linearly deform in response to varying external forces incident on the protective helmet or on the compression unit. Layering such anisotropic layers in the interface layers of a protective helmet or of a compression unit as described above allows the protective helmet or the compression unit to have an overall isotropic absorption behavior. - In a protective helmet or compression unit as further described above in conjunction with
FIGS. 1, 4A-4C, and 5 , the inner layer distribute forces across a large area to reduce pressure applied to the head of a wearer, protecting the wearer from skull fractures and hematomas. In contrast to conventional helmets, the protective helmets or compression units described herein have inner layers closer to a wearer's skull than, which reduces the distance between the wearer's head and the inner layer compared to conventional helmets. This reduced distance makes it more difficult to determine a shape of the inner layer that comfortable fits a wide range of wearers' heads, particularly when the inner layer is relatively rigid and inflexible. To allow the inner layer of a protective helmet or a compression unit as described herein to better fit wearers' heads, in various embodiments, the inner layer comprises one or more slits. Removing sections of the inner shell allows the shell to more easily flex to adjust to head sizes and shapes of individual wearers (e.g., enlarge) while donning, wearing, and removing the helmet. -
FIGS. 7 and 10 illustrates one embodiment of an inner layer of aprotective helmet 1000 according to the present technology. Theprotective helmet 1000 comprises anouter layer 1004, andinner layer 1001, and an interface layer orcompression unit 1003. Theouter layer 1004 separated by theinner layer 1001 by a space, the interface layer orcompression unit 1003 positioned in the space. In the example shown byFIGS. 7 and 10 , theinner layer slits 702, and one or moreinner layer portions 703, which allow the relatively rigid inner shell to flex. Theslits 702 may have different widths in different embodiments. Examples widths of theslits 702 include ranges of: 0.1-2 cm, 0.5-1.5 cm, and 0.75-1.25 cm. In certain embodiments, the slits are smaller than the dimensions of, for example, a shoe cleat used in sporting activities. In some embodiments, the protective helmet 1200 further comprises afacemask 1005 affixed to theouter layer 1004 and achin strap 1006 affixed to theinner layer protective helmet 1000 also includespads 1007 configured to contact a portion of a cheek of a wearer and/or conform to the cheeks of a wearer to comfortably secure theprotective helmet 1000 to the head of the wearer. At least onecheek pad 1007 contacts a portion of a cheek of wearer, the at least onecheek pad 1007 may be secured to theprotective helmet 1000. More specifically, the at least onecheek pad 1007 may be secured to a portion of theinner shell 1001, a portion of theouter shell 1004, a portion of thecompression unit 1003, and/or any combination thereof. Alternatively, in another embodiment, theprotective helmet 1000 may further comprise a first cheek pad and a second cheek pad, the first cheek pad positioned on the right side or right hemisphere of theprotective helmet 1000 and contacts a portion of a right cheek of the wearer, and the second cheek pad positioned on the left side or left hemisphere of theprotective helmet 1000 and contacts a portion of a left cheek of the wearer. - In certain further embodiments, the protective helmet including the
inner layer 701, which is sized and configured to comfortably and substantially encompass a wearer's head and has the plurality ofslits 702 also includes a tightening unit configured to tighten theinner layer 701 to the head of a wearer. Theinner layer 701 comprises a tightening unit, a first longitudinal inner layer portion and a second longitudinal inner layer portion having one ormore slits 702 between the first and second longitudinal inner layer portions. The tightening unit having afirst device 704 and asecond device 705, thefirst device 704 attached to the first longitudinal inner layer portion, thesecond device 705 being attached to the second longitudinal inner layer portion, the tightening unit is configured to tighten theinner layer 701 to the head of a wearer by manipulating the first and second longitudinal inner layer portions to bring the portions of the first longitudinal inner layer portion and the second longitudinalinner layer portions 703 on either side of aslit 702 in closer proximity to each other by narrowing the width of each of the plurality ofslits 702. The tightening unit may be anydevice inner layer portions 703 on different sides of aslit 702 into closer proximity.Example devices slit 702, a ratchet mechanism, and the like. - In some embodiments, the inner layer of a protective helmet as described herein comprises a relatively stiff or rigid material that does not easily deform in response to an incident force. While having a relatively rigid inner layer protects a wearer by distributing incident forces on the protective helmet, rigidity of the inner layer increases the difficulty of fitting the protective helmet to a broad range of head sizes and shapes. To allow the inner layer to better fit various head sizes and shapes, in some embodiments, the inner layer comprises a thermoplastic material. Example thermoplastic materials include polyurethane, polcaprolactone, polypropylene, polyether block amide, and combinations thereof. A thermoplastic material may be heated to a temperature between a melting temperature and a heat distortion temperature and deformed by application of pressure while at the temperature. When the thermoplastic material is cooled below the heat distortion temperature, deformations of the thermoplastic material are largely maintained by the thermoplastic material. Hence, if the inner layer comprises a thermoplastic material, heating the inner layer to a temperature above a heat distortion temperature of the thermoplastic material and applying pressure to the inner layer allows the inner layer to be individually fit to a wearer's head. For example, after heating the inner layer to a temperature above the heat distortion temperature of a thermoplastic material comprising the inner layer, a protective helmet including the inner layer is placed on a wearer's head to individually fit the inner shell to the wearer's head.
- In certain embodiments, an inner layer of a protective helmet as described herein comprises a shell configured to substantially surround a portion of the head of a wearer and a deformable foam cushion disposed and configured to cushion the head of the wearer from incident forces on the helmet. The deformable foam cushion may be a heat-moldable foam in various embodiments. For example, the heat-moldable fold is foam having an elastic modulus that decreases at temperatures above a plastic transition temperature (also referred to as a “softening temperature”). Hence, a heat-moldable foam softens when heated to temperatures above the softening temperature, allowing the heat-moldable foam to be molded at temperatures above the softening temperature. When the heat-moldable foam is cooled to temperatures below the softening temperature, the heat-moldable foam retains a shape to which it was molded while at a temperature above the softening temperature. Protective helmets as described here may further include an additional foam cushion that does not comprise heat-moldable foam and is positioned on an interior surface of a protective helmet and configured to contact a forehead of a wearer of the helmet.
-
FIG. 8 is a cross-section of one embodiment of ahelmet 801 including an inner layer that comprises ashell 804 configured to substantially surround a portion of the head of a wearer and adeformable foam cushion 805 configured to cushion the head of the wearer from incident forces on thehelmet 801. Additionally, the embodiment of thehelmet 801 shown inFIG. 8 also includes anouter layer 802 separated from the inner layer by a space and aninterface layer 803 positioned in the space between the inner layer and theouter layer 802. Theinterface layer 803 comprises an impact absorbing material. In the example shown byFIG. 8 , the impact absorbing material comprises a plurality of filaments. Thehelmet 801 may also include afacemask 808 and achin strap 807, as shown inFIG. 8 . - In the embodiment shown by
FIG. 8 , thehelmet 801 also includesadditional foam cushion 806 positioned on an interior surface of thehelmet 801 and configured to contact a forehead of a user wearing thehelmet 801. Unlike thedeformable foam cushion 805, theadditional foam cushion 806 does not comprise heat-moldable foam. Having foam that is not heat-moldable for the additional foam cushion allows a wearer's forehead to remain at a known reference location, while thehelmet 801 accounts for variations in wearers' head size or shape at the rear of thehelmet 801 via the heat-moldable foam comprising thefoam cushion 805 at the rear and sides of thehelmet 801. As side forces on the head of the wearer are generally symmetrical, while the geometry and forces to the front and back of the head of the wearer not typically symmetrical, so when fitting thehelmet 801 to a wearer's head, the wearer's head is pushed forward against theadditional foam cushion 806 during fitting. This allows a wearer to maintain good visibility from an opening at a front of thehelmet 801 by preserving a distance between the wearer's eyes and the front opening of thehelmet 801. Alternatively, theadditional foam cushion 806 is positioned on an interior surface of thehelmet 801 and configured to contact a back of the wearer's head. - To fit a helmet to a wearer's head, a helmet having an interior surface sized and shaped to conform to the head of a wearer is provided. The helmet includes a deformable foam cushion comprising heat-moldable foam positioned on an interior of the helmet. The heat-moldable foam is heated, and the head of the wearer is inserted into the helmet, causing deformation of the heat-moldable foam comprising the deformable foam cushion to fit the helmet to the head of the wearer. The heat-moldable foam is heated using a heating element shaped to conform to the interior surface of the helmet and configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the deformable foam cushion. Hence, a helmet having an interior surface sized and shaped to conform to a wearer's head and having a deformable foam cushion comprising a heat-moldable foam positioned on an interior of the helmet may be fit to the wearer's head by heating the heat-moldable foam using a heating element shaped to conform to the interior surface of the helmet and configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the deformable foam cushion. After heating the heat-moldable foam, the helmet is placed on the wearer's head while the heat-moldable foam is heated. Deformation of the heated heat-moldable foam by the wearer's head fits the helmet to the wearer's head.
- The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure.
- Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
Claims (19)
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- 2016-03-23 JP JP2018502038A patent/JP2018509536A/en active Pending
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2020
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US10813402B2 (en) | 2020-10-27 |
JP2018509536A (en) | 2018-04-05 |
EP3273819A4 (en) | 2019-03-20 |
US20160278470A1 (en) | 2016-09-29 |
CA2975747A1 (en) | 2016-09-29 |
CN107920615A (en) | 2018-04-17 |
AU2016235183A1 (en) | 2017-09-28 |
EP3273819A1 (en) | 2018-01-31 |
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