US20240138507A1 - Impact protection device and method of assembly - Google Patents
Impact protection device and method of assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20240138507A1 US20240138507A1 US18/386,174 US202318386174A US2024138507A1 US 20240138507 A1 US20240138507 A1 US 20240138507A1 US 202318386174 A US202318386174 A US 202318386174A US 2024138507 A1 US2024138507 A1 US 2024138507A1
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- elastomer
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- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 132
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 110
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- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000116 mitigating effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 210000003127 knee Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 206010010254 Concussion Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010019196 Head injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000001513 elbow Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000003562 lightweight material Substances 0.000 description 1
- ORQBXQOJMQIAOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N nobelium Chemical compound [No] ORQBXQOJMQIAOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B7/00—Fastening means for head coverings; Elastic cords; Ladies' hat fasteners
Definitions
- Helmets, shoulder pads, thigh pads, and other impact protection devices are used by people in various situations to help protect the body from injury due to impact. For example, in contact sports such as football, hockey, and lacrosse, impacts to the head can cause adverse effects to the player. As such, impact protection devices, such as helmets, can be used to mitigate the occurrence or severity of head injury, such as concussions.
- Conventional protective gear is configured to absorb impact energy through the use of compressive pads.
- Such pads do absorb some energy, but can suffer from a variety of deficiencies. For example, following the impact pads can become fully compressed, thereby reaching their compression limit and losing effectiveness. Further, in response to compressive loading, only the portion of the pad directly under the impact location and areas of the pad close to the impact location, are compressed. This limits the pad volume involved in energy absorption which, in turn, reduces the pad's effectiveness.
- Elastomeric coupling between inner and outer shells of a helmet can be utilized to overcome the deficiencies associated with compressive pads.
- assembly of helmets having elastomeric couplings can be time consuming and labor intensive.
- the hardware utilized for the assembly of conventional helmets having elastomeric couplings can add to the helmet's overall weight.
- the impact protection device can include an elastomer attachment system configured to secure elastomeric members to first and second shells of the device.
- the elastomer attachment system can include a first elastomer attachment mechanism configured to capture and secure a first portion of an elastomeric band relative to an outer surface of a first shell of the impact protection device.
- the elastomer attachment system can include a second elastomer attachment mechanism configured to secure a second portion of the elastomeric band relative to an inner surface of the second shell of the impact protection device.
- the elastomer attachment system allows a manufacturer to assemble the impact protection device in a relatively non-labor intensive manner with a relatively low manufacturing cost.
- Embodiments of the innovation relate to an impact protection device, comprising: a first shell configured to be disposed on a body portion of a user; a second shell spaced at a distance from the first shell; an elastomeric member spanning the distance between the first shell and the second shell; and an elastomer attachment system configured to secure the elastomeric member between the first shell and the second shell.
- the elastomer attachment system comprises: a first elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the first shell, a first portion of the elastomeric member disposed between the first elastomer attachment mechanism and an outer wall of the first shell, and a second elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the second shell, a second portion of elastomeric member disposed between the second elastomer attachment mechanism and an inner wall of the second shell.
- Embodiments of the innovation relate to a method of assembling an impact protection device, comprising: securing a first portion of an elastomeric member to an outer surface of a first shell via a first elastomeric attachment mechanism; coupling a first attachment section of a second elastomeric attachment mechanism to an inner surface of a second shell; inserting a second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism within a second portion of the elastomeric member to dispose the second portion of the elastomeric member between the second elastomeric attachment mechanism and the inner surface of the second shell; and coupling the second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism to the inner surface of the second shell to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member to the inner surface of the second shell.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an impact protection device, according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a front sectional view of the impact protection device of FIG. 1 in a non-impacted state, according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a front sectional view of the impact protection device of FIG. 1 in an impacted state, according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 4 A illustrates a side sectional, schematic view of an elastomer attachment system of the impact protection device of FIG. 1 , according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 4 B illustrates a front view of the first elastomer attachment mechanism of FIG. 1 , according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an inner shell of the impact protection device of FIG. 1 having a first elastomer attachment mechanism of the elastomer attachment system coupled thereto, according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the inner shell of FIG. 5 having the first elastomer attachment mechanism coupled thereto, according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a second elastomer attachment mechanism of the elastomer attachment system of FIG. 4 , according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the second elastomer attachment mechanism of FIG. 7 , according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the second elastomer attachment mechanism and elastomeric member of the elastomer attachment system of FIG. 4 , according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example method for manufacturing an impact protection device, according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the elastomer attachment system, according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the elastomer attachment system, according to one arrangement.
- FIG. 13 illustrates a top sectional, schematic view of first and second elastomers of an elastomer attachment system of the impact protection device of FIG. 1 disposed in a non-impacted state, according to one arrangement.
- the impact protection device can include an elastomer attachment system configured to secure elastomeric members to first and second shells of the device.
- the elastomer attachment system can include a first elastomer attachment mechanism configured to capture and secure a first portion of an elastomeric band relative to an outer surface of a first shell of the impact protection device.
- the elastomer attachment system can include a second elastomer attachment mechanism configured to secure a second portion of the elastomeric band relative to an inner surface of the second shell of the impact protection device.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an impact protection device 610 , according to one arrangement.
- the impact protection device 610 is configured as a helmet to be worn on the head 600 of a user to mitigate the effect of impact injury.
- the impact protection device 610 can be configured to function as an energy absorption device for any user body part (e.g., knee, shoulder, ankle, torso, elbow, etc.) where an impact load to one side of the energy impact device is transferred to an opposing side of the device to absorb energy and to mitigate the effect of the impact on the wearer.
- the impact protection device 610 includes an inner or first shell 614 , an outer or second shell 612 and a set of one or more elastomeric members 400 coupled to, and extending between, the first and second shells 614 , 612 via an elastomer attachment system 700 .
- the first shell 614 is configured to be disposed on a body portion of a user.
- the first shell 614 can be disposed on a user's head 600 .
- the second shell 612 is spaced at a distance d from the first shell 614 . While the distance d can include a variety of lengths, in one arrangement, the distance d between the second shell 612 and the first shell 614 is approximately one inch. With such spacing, the second shell 612 is configured to translate and/or rotate relative to the first shell 614 in response to an external load.
- the first and second shells 614 , 612 can be manufactured from a variety of materials. In one arrangement, each of the shells 614 , 612 can be manufactured from a relatively rigid material, such as a plastic material (e.g., polycarbonate).
- the impact protection device 610 can include a face mask 620 mechanically coupled to the second shell 612 .
- external forces applied to the face mask 620 are transferred to the second shell 612 of the impact protection device 610 , thereby creating motion of the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 which results in dispersion of the external forces.
- the set of elastomeric members 400 include individual elastomeric members 402 spanning the distance d between the first shell 614 and the second shell 612 .
- Each elastomeric member 402 includes a first end 420 and an opposing second end 422 which are coupled to the respective first and second shells 614 , 612 .
- the set of elastomeric members 400 are configured to absorb a load, such as an impact load, applied to the second shell 612 of the impact protection device 610 .
- each elastomeric member 402 operates mechanically as an extension spring configured to resist a tensile load.
- the elastomeric members 402 located opposite to an impact zone on the second shell 612 are configured to stretch as the second shell 612 moves relative to the first shell 614 , such as along a direction of a length of the elastomeric member 402 . Such stretching can decelerate the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 to absorb at least a portion of the impact energy delivered to the second shell 612 .
- the set of elastomeric members 400 are configured to mitigate or resist rotational impact loads applied to the second shell 612 .
- the elastomeric members 400 space the second shell 612 from the first shell 614 by the distance d.
- the second shell 612 can rotate relative to the first shell 614 and the elastomeric members 402 located opposite to a rotational impact zone on the second shell 612 can resist such rotational loading.
- rotation of the second shell 612 can deflect at least a portion of the rotational impact load away from the impact protection device 610 .
- rotation of the second shell 612 mitigates the absorption of the deflected energy by the impact protection device 610 .
- the impact protection device 610 can be worn by a user on a user's body portion (e.g., head, knee, shoulder, etc.) and be utilized to absorb the energy of an impact.
- the set of elastomeric members 400 are configured to stretch between the first shell 614 and the second shell 612 in response to a translation of the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 and at a location that is substantially opposite to an impact receiving location of the second shell 612 .
- the elastomeric members 402 opposite to the impact location stretch they absorb momentum of the second shell 612 and the energy of the impact, and thus lowering or eliminating the force of the impact felt by the person wearing the device 610 .
- FIG. 2 - 3 illustrate an example of the impact protection device 610 operating when receiving an impact load 650 and indicating that an impact load 650 applied to the second shell 612 passes through expanding, but resistive, elastomeric members 402 before the first shell 614 reaches full velocity caused by the impact load 650 .
- the impact protection device 610 in a non-impacted state, includes a set of elastomeric members 400 having at least a subset of elastomeric members 402 which are disposed under tension between the first and second shells 614 , 612 .
- the elastomeric members 402 space the second shell 612 at a distance d from the first shell 614 .
- the second shell 612 begins to move (e.g., translate and/or rotate) relative to the first shell 614 along the direction of the load. It is noted that the movement of the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 mitigates motion of the first shell 614 and user's head 600 from the impact load 650 .
- the outer shell 612 moves relative to the first shell 614 causing the elastomeric members 402 in proximity to the impact location 652 fold or collapse on each other while the elastomeric members 402 at the location 654 opposite to the impact location 652 stretch resistively to decelerate the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 and to accelerate the inner shell 614 and the user's head.
- the distance d 1 between the shells 612 , 614 in proximity to the impact location 652 decreases while the distance d 2 between the shells 612 , 614 at the location 654 increases until the second shell 612 contacts the first shell 614 at the impact location 652 .
- the elastomeric members 402 at the opposite location 654 have decelerated the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 and the user's head 600 . Further acceleration of the first shell 614 and the user's head 600 can continue if the impact load 650 is still in contact with the second shell 612 . However, in this case, the elastomeric members 402 opposite the impact location 652 have reduced the velocity differential between the second shell 612 and the first shell 614 and the user's head which, in turn, can mitigate further acceleration of the user's head 600 . For example, movement of the user's head 600 be mitigated until the elastomeric members have overcome the inertia of the user's head 600 and the first shell 614 .
- the velocity of the user's head may equal the velocity of the impact load 650 .
- the configuration of the impact protection device 610 with the elastomeric members 402 can delay that occurrence. Such an increase in time for the user's head 600 to reach full velocity can reduce the acceleration of the user's head 600 in proportion to that time.
- the elastomeric members 402 can be coupled to the first and second shells 614 , 612 via an elastomer attachment system 700 .
- the elastomer attachment system 700 is configured to secure the elastomeric members 402 to the first and second shells 614 , 612 .
- the elastomer attachment system 700 allows a manufacturer to assemble the impact protection device 610 in a relatively non-labor intensive manner with a relatively low manufacturing cost.
- each elastomeric member 402 of the set of elastomeric members 404 can be coupled to the first and second shells 614 , 612 of the impact protection device 610 via a corresponding elastomer attachment system 700 .
- the impact protection device 610 can include five elastomer attachment systems 700 corresponding to the five elastomeric members 402 carried by the first shell 614 .
- FIG. 4 A illustrates an example arrangement of an elastomer attachment system 700 .
- Each elastomer attachment system 700 can include a first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 and a second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 .
- each of the elastomeric members 402 of the impact protection device 610 used with the elastomer attachment system 700 can be configured as a closed-loop (e.g., loop-shaped) elastomeric band 710 defining a circular or rectangular cross-sectional shape.
- a closed-loop e.g., loop-shaped
- the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 of the elastomer attachment system 700 is configured to capture and secure a first portion 711 of an elastomeric band 710 relative to an outer surface 706 of the first shell 614 .
- the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 can be configured as a bracket or plate having a geometry that substantially mirrors the geometry of the outer surface 706 of the first shell 614 .
- the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 when attached to the first shell 614 , can compress the first portion 711 of the elastomeric band 710 against the outer surface 706 of the first shell 614 with substantially even pressure, thereby mitigating damage to the band 710 .
- the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 can be manufactured from a variety of materials.
- the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 can be manufactured from a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, to limit the overall weight of the impact protection device 610 .
- the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 can be secured to the first shell 614 via one or more fasteners 712 , such as a rivet (e.g., pop rivet), screw, or other securing mechanism.
- the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 includes a first attachment section 715 , a second attachment section 717 , and a body section 721 disposed between the first and second attachment sections 715 , 717 .
- the first attachment section 715 defines openings 723 , 725 configured to receive fasteners 712 to couple the first attachment section 715 to the first shell 614 .
- the second attachment section 717 defines openings 727 , 729 configured to receive fasteners 712 to couple the second attachment section 717 to the first shell 614 .
- four fasteners 712 secure the first and second attachment sections 715 , 717 of the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 to the first shell, thereby allowing the body section 721 to capture and secure the first portion 711 of the elastomeric band 710 against the first shell 614 .
- the fasteners 712 generate a relatively strong coupling of the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 to the first shell 614 , thereby mitigating motion of the elastomeric band 710 relative to the first shell 614 .
- the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 of the elastomer attachment system 700 is configured to secure a second portion 713 of the elastomeric band 710 relative to an inner surface 714 of the second shell 612 .
- the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be configured as a bracket or plate having a geometry that is configured to engage and secure the second portion 713 of the elastomeric band 710 against the second shell 612 .
- the elastomer attachment mechanism 704 is configured as a plate having a geometry that partially mirrors the geometry of the inner surface 714 of the second shell 612 .
- the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 includes a body section 724 , a first attachment section 722 , and a second attachment section 724 .
- the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 defines a first bend location 720 disposed between the first attachment section 722 and the body section 724 and is configured to orient the first attachment section 722 along a first direction 725 relative to the body section 724 (e.g., away from the second shell 612 and toward the first shell 614 ).
- Such orientation of the first attachment section 722 allows the elastomer attachment mechanism 704 to mirror the geometry of the inner surface 714 of the second shell 614 .
- the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 also defines a second bend location 726 disposed between the second attachment section 728 and the body section 724 and is configured to orient the second attachment section 728 along a second direction 727 relative to body section 724 (e.g., toward the second shell 612 and away from the first shell 614 ).
- the second attachment section 728 further defines a curved edge 730 .
- Such orientation and geometry of the second attachment section 728 allows the elastomer attachment mechanism 704 to engage the second portion 713 of the elastomeric band 710 as a manufacturer positions the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 during a manufacturing procedure.
- the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be manufactured from a variety of materials.
- the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be manufactured from a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, to limit the overall weight of the impact protection device 610 .
- the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be manufactured as having a variety of geometric dimensions.
- the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can have a width w 1 of about 1.0 inches with the first attachment section 722 having a length l 1 of about 0.5 inches and the body section 724 and the second attachment section 724 having a length l 2 of about 1.75 inches.
- the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be secured to the second shell 612 via one or more fastener 712 , such as a rivet (e.g., pop rivet), screw, or other securing mechanism.
- a fastener 712 such as a rivet (e.g., pop rivet), screw, or other securing mechanism.
- three fasteners 712 secure the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 and the second portion of the elastomeric band 710 to the second shell 612 .
- the fasteners 712 generate a relatively strong coupling of the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 and the second shell 612 , thereby mitigating motion of the elastomeric band 710 relative to the second shell 612 .
- FIG. 10 is a flowchart 100 showing an example method for manufacturing an impact protection device, according to one arrangement.
- the assembler secures a first portion 711 of an elastomeric member 410 to an outer surface 706 of the first shell 614 .
- the assembler identifies the number and locations of the elastomeric band 710 within the impact protection device 610 .
- the assembler can utilize the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 as a template to create openings in the first shell 614 for corresponding fasteners 712 .
- FIG. 1 the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 as a template to create openings in the first shell 614 for corresponding fasteners 712 .
- the assembler can create a set (e.g., four) openings in the first shell 614 corresponding to the locations of the four openings 723 , 725 , 727 , and 729 defined by the corners of the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 .
- the assembler can place a first portion 711 of an elastomeric band 710 against an outer surface 706 of the first shell 614 in proximity to the set of openings. For example, the assembler can place top and bottom edges of the elastomeric band 710 between two pairs of the openings defined by the first shell 614 . Further, the assembler can align the openings of the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 with the openings formed in the first shell 614 and can dispose the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 against the first portion of elastomeric band 710 and against the outer surface of the first shell 614 .
- the assembler can insert fasteners 712 into the openings 723 , 725 , 727 , and 729 defined by the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 and the openings formed in the first shell 614 to secure both the elastomeric band 710 and the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 to the first shell 614 .
- the assembler can use rivets as the fasteners 712 to couple the elastomeric band 710 and the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 to the first shell 614 .
- the assembler couples a first attachment section 722 of a second elastomeric attachment mechanism 704 to an inner surface 714 of a second shell 612 .
- the assembler can utilize the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 as a template to create holes in a second shell 612 for corresponding fasteners 712 .
- the assembler can create three holes in the second shell 612 corresponding to the locations of the three openings 740 , 743 , 744 defined by the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 . As indicted in FIG.
- the assembler can then dispose the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 on the inner surface 714 of the second shell 612 and insert fasteners 712 into the openings 740 , 742 defined by the first attachment section 722 and into the corresponding openings formed in the second shell 612 .
- the assembler can use rivets as the fasteners 712 to couple first attachment section 722 of the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 to the second shell 612 .
- the body section 724 and the second attachment section 728 of the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 is disposed at a distance from the inner surface 714 of the second shell 612 .
- the assembler inserts a second attachment section 728 of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism 704 within a second portion 713 of the elastomeric member 410 to dispose the second portion 713 of the elastomeric member 410 between the second elastomeric attachment mechanism 704 and the inner surface of the second shell 612 .
- the assembler disposes the second shell 612 onto the first shell 614 while aligning the second attachment section 728 of each second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 within a corresponding elastomeric band 710 .
- the assembler inserts the curved edge 730 of a second attachment section 728 into a loop defined by the corresponding elastomeric bands 710 to dispose a second portion 713 of corresponding elastomeric band 710 between the body section 724 of the second attachment section 728 and the inner surface 714 of the second shell 612 .
- the assembler couples the second attachment section 728 of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism 704 to the inner surface 714 of the second shell 612 to secure the second portion 713 of the elastomeric member 410 to the inner surface 714 of the second shell 612 .
- the assembler inserts a fastener into an opening 744 defined by the second attachment section 728 of the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 and into a corresponding opening formed in the second shell 612 .
- the assembler can use rivets as the fastener 712 to couple the second attachment section 728 to the second shell 612 , thereby securing the second portion of the elastomeric band 710 between the inner wall of the second shell 612 and the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 .
- Application of the fasteners 712 in such a manner can create torsion on elastomeric band 710 to tighten the elastomeric band 710 within the impact protection device 610 .
- FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the elastomeric band 710 extended between the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 and the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 with the second shell 612 being absent. Such illustration is for clarity. It should be understood that at the conclusion of the manufacturing process, the elastomeric band 710 is secured to the second shell 612 via the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 .
- the elastomer attachment system 700 is configured to lock the elastomeric band 710 between the inner and outer shells 614 , 612 . Further, the elastomer attachment system 700 simplifies manufacturing relative to conventional manufacturing methods with a relatively low manufacturing cost. With such simplified assembly, worn elastomeric bands 710 can be replaced relatively easily. Additionally, the components of the elastomer attachment system 700 are manufactured from relatively strong but lightweight material, resulting in an impact protection device 610 having a relatively low weight.
- each elastomer attachment system 700 is configured to secure a corresponding elastomeric band 710 to the first and second shells 614 , 612 of the impact protection device 610 .
- the impact protection device 610 can include first and second elastomeric devices 750 , 752 which are configured to mitigate expansion of the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 over a relatively wide range of impact forces.
- the first elastomeric device 750 can be nested within the second elastomeric device 752 such that a first portion of each of the first and second elastomeric devices 750 , 752 are secured between the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 and the inner shell 614 and such that a second portion of each of the first and second elastomeric devices 750 , 752 are secured between the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 and the outer shell 612 .
- Each of the first and second elastomeric devices 750 , 752 can be manufactured from the same elastomeric material but configured with different elastic moduli.
- the first elastomeric device 750 can be configured with a relatively thinner wall relative to the second elastomeric device 752 and, as such, can have a first, relatively lower elastic modulus compared to a second, relatively higher elastic modulus of the second elastomeric device 752 .
- the second elastomeric device 752 is relatively longer than the first elastomeric device 750 , which provides an additional length to stretch following impact.
- the first and second elastomeric devices 750 , 752 can be paired to mitigate different types of impact forces based upon the use of impact protection device 610 .
- an impact protection device 610 used for nonprofessional football players aged 5-7 can include first and second elastomeric devices 750 , 752 which can absorb a relatively lower range of impact forces while an impact protection device 610 used for professional football players aged 20-30 can include first and second elastomeric devices 750 , 752 which can absorb a relatively higher range of impact forces.
- the first elastomeric device 750 stretches to decelerate the outer shell 612 relative to the inner shell 614 .
- the second elastomeric device 752 takes over and stretches between the outer and inner shells 612 , 614 to further decelerate the outer shell 612 relative to the inner shell 614 .
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- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
- Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
Abstract
Embodiments of the innovation relate to an impact protection device, comprising: a first shell configured to be disposed on a body portion of a user; a second shell spaced at a distance from the first shell; an elastomeric member spanning the distance between the first shell and the second shell; and an elastomer attachment system configured to secure the elastomeric member between the first shell and the second shell. The elastomer attachment system comprises: a first elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the first shell, a first portion of the elastomeric member disposed between the first elastomer attachment mechanism and an outer wall of the first shell, and a second elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the second shell, a second portion of elastomeric member disposed between the second elastomer attachment mechanism and an inner wall of the second shell.
Description
- This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/421,806, filed on Nov. 2, 2022, entitled, “Impact Protection Device and Method of Assembly,” the contents and teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- Helmets, shoulder pads, thigh pads, and other impact protection devices are used by people in various situations to help protect the body from injury due to impact. For example, in contact sports such as football, hockey, and lacrosse, impacts to the head can cause adverse effects to the player. As such, impact protection devices, such as helmets, can be used to mitigate the occurrence or severity of head injury, such as concussions.
- Conventional protective gear is configured to absorb impact energy through the use of compressive pads. Such pads do absorb some energy, but can suffer from a variety of deficiencies. For example, following the impact pads can become fully compressed, thereby reaching their compression limit and losing effectiveness. Further, in response to compressive loading, only the portion of the pad directly under the impact location and areas of the pad close to the impact location, are compressed. This limits the pad volume involved in energy absorption which, in turn, reduces the pad's effectiveness.
- Elastomeric coupling between inner and outer shells of a helmet can be utilized to overcome the deficiencies associated with compressive pads. However, assembly of helmets having elastomeric couplings can be time consuming and labor intensive. Further, the hardware utilized for the assembly of conventional helmets having elastomeric couplings can add to the helmet's overall weight.
- By contrast to conventional protective gear, embodiments of the present innovation relate to an impact protection device and method of assembly. In one arrangement, the impact protection device can include an elastomer attachment system configured to secure elastomeric members to first and second shells of the device. For example, the elastomer attachment system can include a first elastomer attachment mechanism configured to capture and secure a first portion of an elastomeric band relative to an outer surface of a first shell of the impact protection device. Further, the elastomer attachment system can include a second elastomer attachment mechanism configured to secure a second portion of the elastomeric band relative to an inner surface of the second shell of the impact protection device. In use, the elastomer attachment system allows a manufacturer to assemble the impact protection device in a relatively non-labor intensive manner with a relatively low manufacturing cost.
- Embodiments of the innovation relate to an impact protection device, comprising: a first shell configured to be disposed on a body portion of a user; a second shell spaced at a distance from the first shell; an elastomeric member spanning the distance between the first shell and the second shell; and an elastomer attachment system configured to secure the elastomeric member between the first shell and the second shell. The elastomer attachment system comprises: a first elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the first shell, a first portion of the elastomeric member disposed between the first elastomer attachment mechanism and an outer wall of the first shell, and a second elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the second shell, a second portion of elastomeric member disposed between the second elastomer attachment mechanism and an inner wall of the second shell.
- Embodiments of the innovation relate to a method of assembling an impact protection device, comprising: securing a first portion of an elastomeric member to an outer surface of a first shell via a first elastomeric attachment mechanism; coupling a first attachment section of a second elastomeric attachment mechanism to an inner surface of a second shell; inserting a second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism within a second portion of the elastomeric member to dispose the second portion of the elastomeric member between the second elastomeric attachment mechanism and the inner surface of the second shell; and coupling the second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism to the inner surface of the second shell to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member to the inner surface of the second shell.
- The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the innovation, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the innovation.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an impact protection device, according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a front sectional view of the impact protection device ofFIG. 1 in a non-impacted state, according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a front sectional view of the impact protection device ofFIG. 1 in an impacted state, according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 4A illustrates a side sectional, schematic view of an elastomer attachment system of the impact protection device ofFIG. 1 , according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the first elastomer attachment mechanism ofFIG. 1 , according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an inner shell of the impact protection device ofFIG. 1 having a first elastomer attachment mechanism of the elastomer attachment system coupled thereto, according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the inner shell ofFIG. 5 having the first elastomer attachment mechanism coupled thereto, according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a second elastomer attachment mechanism of the elastomer attachment system ofFIG. 4 , according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the second elastomer attachment mechanism ofFIG. 7 , according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the second elastomer attachment mechanism and elastomeric member of the elastomer attachment system ofFIG. 4 , according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example method for manufacturing an impact protection device, according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the elastomer attachment system, according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the elastomer attachment system, according to one arrangement. -
FIG. 13 illustrates a top sectional, schematic view of first and second elastomers of an elastomer attachment system of the impact protection device ofFIG. 1 disposed in a non-impacted state, according to one arrangement. - Embodiments of the present innovation relate to an impact protection device and method of assembly. In one arrangement, the impact protection device can include an elastomer attachment system configured to secure elastomeric members to first and second shells of the device. For example, the elastomer attachment system can include a first elastomer attachment mechanism configured to capture and secure a first portion of an elastomeric band relative to an outer surface of a first shell of the impact protection device. Further, the elastomer attachment system can include a second elastomer attachment mechanism configured to secure a second portion of the elastomeric band relative to an inner surface of the second shell of the impact protection device.
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FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate animpact protection device 610, according to one arrangement. As illustrated, theimpact protection device 610 is configured as a helmet to be worn on thehead 600 of a user to mitigate the effect of impact injury. It should be understood that theimpact protection device 610 can be configured to function as an energy absorption device for any user body part (e.g., knee, shoulder, ankle, torso, elbow, etc.) where an impact load to one side of the energy impact device is transferred to an opposing side of the device to absorb energy and to mitigate the effect of the impact on the wearer. - As illustrated, the
impact protection device 610 includes an inner orfirst shell 614, an outer orsecond shell 612 and a set of one or moreelastomeric members 400 coupled to, and extending between, the first andsecond shells elastomer attachment system 700. - The
first shell 614 is configured to be disposed on a body portion of a user. For example, in the case where theimpact protection device 610 is a helmet, thefirst shell 614 can be disposed on a user'shead 600. Thesecond shell 612 is spaced at a distance d from thefirst shell 614. While the distance d can include a variety of lengths, in one arrangement, the distance d between thesecond shell 612 and thefirst shell 614 is approximately one inch. With such spacing, thesecond shell 612 is configured to translate and/or rotate relative to thefirst shell 614 in response to an external load. The first andsecond shells shells - In one arrangement, the
impact protection device 610 can include aface mask 620 mechanically coupled to thesecond shell 612. With such an arrangement, external forces applied to theface mask 620 are transferred to thesecond shell 612 of theimpact protection device 610, thereby creating motion of thesecond shell 612 relative to thefirst shell 614 which results in dispersion of the external forces. - The set of
elastomeric members 400 include individualelastomeric members 402 spanning the distance d between thefirst shell 614 and thesecond shell 612. Eachelastomeric member 402 includes afirst end 420 and an opposingsecond end 422 which are coupled to the respective first andsecond shells - The set of
elastomeric members 400 are configured to absorb a load, such as an impact load, applied to thesecond shell 612 of theimpact protection device 610. For example, eachelastomeric member 402 operates mechanically as an extension spring configured to resist a tensile load. As such, and as will be described in detail below, theelastomeric members 402 located opposite to an impact zone on thesecond shell 612 are configured to stretch as thesecond shell 612 moves relative to thefirst shell 614, such as along a direction of a length of theelastomeric member 402. Such stretching can decelerate thesecond shell 612 relative to thefirst shell 614 to absorb at least a portion of the impact energy delivered to thesecond shell 612. - Further, the set of
elastomeric members 400 are configured to mitigate or resist rotational impact loads applied to thesecond shell 612. For example, as provided above, theelastomeric members 400 space thesecond shell 612 from thefirst shell 614 by the distance d. As such, thesecond shell 612 can rotate relative to thefirst shell 614 and theelastomeric members 402 located opposite to a rotational impact zone on thesecond shell 612 can resist such rotational loading. Additionally, in response to rotational impact loads, rotation of thesecond shell 612 can deflect at least a portion of the rotational impact load away from theimpact protection device 610. As such, rotation of thesecond shell 612 mitigates the absorption of the deflected energy by theimpact protection device 610. - The
impact protection device 610 can be worn by a user on a user's body portion (e.g., head, knee, shoulder, etc.) and be utilized to absorb the energy of an impact. During operation, the set ofelastomeric members 400 are configured to stretch between thefirst shell 614 and thesecond shell 612 in response to a translation of thesecond shell 612 relative to thefirst shell 614 and at a location that is substantially opposite to an impact receiving location of thesecond shell 612. For example, as theelastomeric members 402 opposite to the impact location stretch, they absorb momentum of thesecond shell 612 and the energy of the impact, and thus lowering or eliminating the force of the impact felt by the person wearing thedevice 610.FIGS. 2-3 illustrate an example of theimpact protection device 610 operating when receiving animpact load 650 and indicating that animpact load 650 applied to thesecond shell 612 passes through expanding, but resistive,elastomeric members 402 before thefirst shell 614 reaches full velocity caused by theimpact load 650. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , in a non-impacted state, theimpact protection device 610 includes a set ofelastomeric members 400 having at least a subset ofelastomeric members 402 which are disposed under tension between the first andsecond shells elastomeric members 402 space thesecond shell 612 at a distance d from thefirst shell 614. At the instant of the application of animpact load 650 at animpact location 652, thesecond shell 612 begins to move (e.g., translate and/or rotate) relative to thefirst shell 614 along the direction of the load. It is noted that the movement of thesecond shell 612 relative to thefirst shell 614 mitigates motion of thefirst shell 614 and user'shead 600 from theimpact load 650. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , as a result of the application of theimpact load 650 at theimpact location 652, theouter shell 612 moves relative to thefirst shell 614 causing theelastomeric members 402 in proximity to theimpact location 652 fold or collapse on each other while theelastomeric members 402 at thelocation 654 opposite to theimpact location 652 stretch resistively to decelerate thesecond shell 612 relative to thefirst shell 614 and to accelerate theinner shell 614 and the user's head. Further, the distance d1 between theshells impact location 652 decreases while the distance d2 between theshells location 654 increases until thesecond shell 612 contacts thefirst shell 614 at theimpact location 652. - At this point, the
elastomeric members 402 at theopposite location 654 have decelerated thesecond shell 612 relative to thefirst shell 614 and the user'shead 600. Further acceleration of thefirst shell 614 and the user'shead 600 can continue if theimpact load 650 is still in contact with thesecond shell 612. However, in this case, theelastomeric members 402 opposite theimpact location 652 have reduced the velocity differential between thesecond shell 612 and thefirst shell 614 and the user's head which, in turn, can mitigate further acceleration of the user'shead 600. For example, movement of the user'shead 600 be mitigated until the elastomeric members have overcome the inertia of the user'shead 600 and thefirst shell 614. - With the positioning of the
impact protection device 610 shown inFIG. 3 (e.g., maximal stretching of theelastomeric members 402 at the location 654), the velocity of the user's head may equal the velocity of theimpact load 650. However, the configuration of theimpact protection device 610 with theelastomeric members 402 can delay that occurrence. Such an increase in time for the user'shead 600 to reach full velocity can reduce the acceleration of the user'shead 600 in proportion to that time. - With reference to
FIG. 1 , theelastomeric members 402 can be coupled to the first andsecond shells elastomer attachment system 700. Theelastomer attachment system 700 is configured to secure theelastomeric members 402 to the first andsecond shells elastomer attachment system 700 allows a manufacturer to assemble theimpact protection device 610 in a relatively non-labor intensive manner with a relatively low manufacturing cost. - In one arrangement, each
elastomeric member 402 of the set of elastomeric members 404 can be coupled to the first andsecond shells impact protection device 610 via a correspondingelastomer attachment system 700. For example, with reference toFIG. 6 , theimpact protection device 610 can include fiveelastomer attachment systems 700 corresponding to the fiveelastomeric members 402 carried by thefirst shell 614. -
FIG. 4A illustrates an example arrangement of anelastomer attachment system 700. Eachelastomer attachment system 700 can include a firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 and a secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704. Further, each of theelastomeric members 402 of theimpact protection device 610 used with theelastomer attachment system 700 can be configured as a closed-loop (e.g., loop-shaped)elastomeric band 710 defining a circular or rectangular cross-sectional shape. - With additional reference to
FIGS. 4B, 5, and 6 , the firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 of theelastomer attachment system 700 is configured to capture and secure afirst portion 711 of anelastomeric band 710 relative to anouter surface 706 of thefirst shell 614. In one arrangement, the firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 can be configured as a bracket or plate having a geometry that substantially mirrors the geometry of theouter surface 706 of thefirst shell 614. As such, when attached to thefirst shell 614, the firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 can compress thefirst portion 711 of theelastomeric band 710 against theouter surface 706 of thefirst shell 614 with substantially even pressure, thereby mitigating damage to theband 710. The firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 can be manufactured from a variety of materials. For example, the firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 can be manufactured from a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, to limit the overall weight of theimpact protection device 610. - The first
elastomer attachment mechanism 702 can be secured to thefirst shell 614 via one ormore fasteners 712, such as a rivet (e.g., pop rivet), screw, or other securing mechanism. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4B , the firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 includes afirst attachment section 715, asecond attachment section 717, and abody section 721 disposed between the first andsecond attachment sections first attachment section 715 definesopenings fasteners 712 to couple thefirst attachment section 715 to thefirst shell 614. Further, thesecond attachment section 717 definesopenings fasteners 712 to couple thesecond attachment section 717 to thefirst shell 614. As such, in one arrangement, as indicated inFIG. 10 , fourfasteners 712 secure the first andsecond attachment sections elastomer attachment mechanism 702 to the first shell, thereby allowing thebody section 721 to capture and secure thefirst portion 711 of theelastomeric band 710 against thefirst shell 614. Accordingly, thefasteners 712 generate a relatively strong coupling of the firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 to thefirst shell 614, thereby mitigating motion of theelastomeric band 710 relative to thefirst shell 614. - Returning to
FIG. 4A , the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 of theelastomer attachment system 700 is configured to secure asecond portion 713 of theelastomeric band 710 relative to aninner surface 714 of thesecond shell 612. In one arrangement, the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be configured as a bracket or plate having a geometry that is configured to engage and secure thesecond portion 713 of theelastomeric band 710 against thesecond shell 612. For example, with additional reference toFIGS. 7-9 , theelastomer attachment mechanism 704 is configured as a plate having a geometry that partially mirrors the geometry of theinner surface 714 of thesecond shell 612. - As illustrated, the second
elastomer attachment mechanism 704 includes abody section 724, afirst attachment section 722, and asecond attachment section 724. The secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 defines afirst bend location 720 disposed between thefirst attachment section 722 and thebody section 724 and is configured to orient thefirst attachment section 722 along afirst direction 725 relative to the body section 724 (e.g., away from thesecond shell 612 and toward the first shell 614). Such orientation of thefirst attachment section 722 allows theelastomer attachment mechanism 704 to mirror the geometry of theinner surface 714 of thesecond shell 614. The secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 also defines asecond bend location 726 disposed between thesecond attachment section 728 and thebody section 724 and is configured to orient thesecond attachment section 728 along asecond direction 727 relative to body section 724 (e.g., toward thesecond shell 612 and away from the first shell 614). Thesecond attachment section 728 further defines acurved edge 730. Such orientation and geometry of thesecond attachment section 728 allows theelastomer attachment mechanism 704 to engage thesecond portion 713 of theelastomeric band 710 as a manufacturer positions thesecond shell 612 relative to thefirst shell 614 during a manufacturing procedure. - The second
elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be manufactured from a variety of materials. For example, the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be manufactured from a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, to limit the overall weight of theimpact protection device 610. Further, the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be manufactured as having a variety of geometric dimensions. For example, as shown, the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 can have a width w1 of about 1.0 inches with thefirst attachment section 722 having a length l1 of about 0.5 inches and thebody section 724 and thesecond attachment section 724 having a length l2 of about 1.75 inches. - Following placement of the
second shell 612 onto thefirst shell 614 and engagement with thesecond portion 713 of theelastomeric band 710, the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be secured to thesecond shell 612 via one ormore fastener 712, such as a rivet (e.g., pop rivet), screw, or other securing mechanism. In one arrangement, as indicated inFIGS. 4 and 7-9 , threefasteners 712 secure the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 and the second portion of theelastomeric band 710 to thesecond shell 612. As such, thefasteners 712 generate a relatively strong coupling of the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 and thesecond shell 612, thereby mitigating motion of theelastomeric band 710 relative to thesecond shell 612. - As provided above, use of the
elastomer attachment system 700 allows a manufacturer to assemble theimpact protection device 610 in a relatively non-labor intensive manner.FIG. 10 is aflowchart 100 showing an example method for manufacturing an impact protection device, according to one arrangement. - During an assembly process, as indicated in
element 102, the assembler secures afirst portion 711 of an elastomeric member 410 to anouter surface 706 of thefirst shell 614. For example, with reference toFIGS. 5, 6, 11, and 12 , the assembler identifies the number and locations of theelastomeric band 710 within theimpact protection device 610. For eachelastomeric band 710, the assembler can utilize the firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 as a template to create openings in thefirst shell 614 for correspondingfasteners 712. For example, with reference toFIG. 11 , the assembler can create a set (e.g., four) openings in thefirst shell 614 corresponding to the locations of the fouropenings elastomer attachment mechanism 702. - Next, the assembler can place a
first portion 711 of anelastomeric band 710 against anouter surface 706 of thefirst shell 614 in proximity to the set of openings. For example, the assembler can place top and bottom edges of theelastomeric band 710 between two pairs of the openings defined by thefirst shell 614. Further, the assembler can align the openings of the firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 with the openings formed in thefirst shell 614 and can dispose the firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 against the first portion ofelastomeric band 710 and against the outer surface of thefirst shell 614. - Next, the assembler can insert
fasteners 712 into theopenings elastomer attachment mechanism 702 and the openings formed in thefirst shell 614 to secure both theelastomeric band 710 and the firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 to thefirst shell 614. For example, the assembler can use rivets as thefasteners 712 to couple theelastomeric band 710 and the firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 to thefirst shell 614. - Returning to
FIG. 10 , inelement 104, the assembler couples afirst attachment section 722 of a secondelastomeric attachment mechanism 704 to aninner surface 714 of asecond shell 612. For example, the assembler can utilize the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 as a template to create holes in asecond shell 612 for correspondingfasteners 712. For example, with reference toFIG. 7 , the assembler can create three holes in thesecond shell 612 corresponding to the locations of the threeopenings elastomer attachment mechanism 704. As indicted inFIG. 4A , the assembler can then dispose the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 on theinner surface 714 of thesecond shell 612 and insertfasteners 712 into theopenings first attachment section 722 and into the corresponding openings formed in thesecond shell 612. For example, the assembler can use rivets as thefasteners 712 to couplefirst attachment section 722 of the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 to thesecond shell 612. With such coupling, thebody section 724 and thesecond attachment section 728 of the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 is disposed at a distance from theinner surface 714 of thesecond shell 612. - Returning to
FIG. 10 , inelement 106, the assembler inserts asecond attachment section 728 of the secondelastomeric attachment mechanism 704 within asecond portion 713 of the elastomeric member 410 to dispose thesecond portion 713 of the elastomeric member 410 between the secondelastomeric attachment mechanism 704 and the inner surface of thesecond shell 612. For example, the assembler disposes thesecond shell 612 onto thefirst shell 614 while aligning thesecond attachment section 728 of each secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 within a correspondingelastomeric band 710. For example, with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12 , the assembler inserts thecurved edge 730 of asecond attachment section 728 into a loop defined by the correspondingelastomeric bands 710 to dispose asecond portion 713 of correspondingelastomeric band 710 between thebody section 724 of thesecond attachment section 728 and theinner surface 714 of thesecond shell 612. - Returning to
FIG. 10 , inelement 108, the assembler couples thesecond attachment section 728 of the secondelastomeric attachment mechanism 704 to theinner surface 714 of thesecond shell 612 to secure thesecond portion 713 of the elastomeric member 410 to theinner surface 714 of thesecond shell 612. In one arrangement, the assembler inserts a fastener into anopening 744 defined by thesecond attachment section 728 of the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 and into a corresponding opening formed in thesecond shell 612. For example, with reference toFIG. 4A , the assembler can use rivets as thefastener 712 to couple thesecond attachment section 728 to thesecond shell 612, thereby securing the second portion of theelastomeric band 710 between the inner wall of thesecond shell 612 and the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704. Application of thefasteners 712 in such a manner can create torsion onelastomeric band 710 to tighten theelastomeric band 710 within theimpact protection device 610. It is noted thatFIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate theelastomeric band 710 extended between the firstelastomer attachment mechanism 702 and the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704 with thesecond shell 612 being absent. Such illustration is for clarity. It should be understood that at the conclusion of the manufacturing process, theelastomeric band 710 is secured to thesecond shell 612 via the secondelastomer attachment mechanism 704. - The
elastomer attachment system 700, therefore, is configured to lock theelastomeric band 710 between the inner andouter shells elastomer attachment system 700 simplifies manufacturing relative to conventional manufacturing methods with a relatively low manufacturing cost. With such simplified assembly, wornelastomeric bands 710 can be replaced relatively easily. Additionally, the components of theelastomer attachment system 700 are manufactured from relatively strong but lightweight material, resulting in animpact protection device 610 having a relatively low weight. - As provided above, each
elastomer attachment system 700 is configured to secure a correspondingelastomeric band 710 to the first andsecond shells impact protection device 610. In one arrangement, with reference toFIG. 13 , theimpact protection device 610 can include first and secondelastomeric devices second shell 612 relative to thefirst shell 614 over a relatively wide range of impact forces. - As illustrated, the first
elastomeric device 750 can be nested within the secondelastomeric device 752 such that a first portion of each of the first and secondelastomeric devices elastomer attachment mechanism 702 and theinner shell 614 and such that a second portion of each of the first and secondelastomeric devices elastomer attachment mechanism 704 and theouter shell 612. - Each of the first and second
elastomeric devices elastomeric device 750 can be configured with a relatively thinner wall relative to the secondelastomeric device 752 and, as such, can have a first, relatively lower elastic modulus compared to a second, relatively higher elastic modulus of the secondelastomeric device 752. Further, it is noted that the secondelastomeric device 752 is relatively longer than the firstelastomeric device 750, which provides an additional length to stretch following impact. - The first and second
elastomeric devices impact protection device 610. For example, animpact protection device 610 used for nonprofessional football players aged 5-7 can include first and secondelastomeric devices impact protection device 610 used for professional football players aged 20-30 can include first and secondelastomeric devices - During operation, following application of an impact load to the
outer shell 612, as theouter shell 612 travels away from theinner shell 614 at a location opposite to the impact location, the firstelastomeric device 750 stretches to decelerate theouter shell 612 relative to theinner shell 614. For relatively large impact loads, as the firstelastomeric device 750 reaches the maximum amount of deceleration, the secondelastomeric device 752 takes over and stretches between the outer andinner shells outer shell 612 relative to theinner shell 614. - While various embodiments of the innovation have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the innovation as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. An impact protection device, comprising:
a first shell configured to be disposed on a body portion of a user;
a second shell spaced at a distance from the first shell;
an elastomeric member spanning the distance between the first shell and the second shell; and
an elastomer attachment system configured to secure the elastomeric member between the first shell and the second shell, the elastomer attachment system comprising:
a first elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the first shell, a first portion of the elastomeric member disposed between the first elastomer attachment mechanism and an outer wall of the first shell, and
a second elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the second shell, a second portion of the elastomeric member disposed between the second elastomer attachment mechanism and an inner wall of the second shell.
2. The impact protection device of claim 1 , wherein the first elastomer attachment mechanism comprises:
a first attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the first attachment section to the first shell;
a second attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the second attachment section to the first shell; and
a body section disposed between the first attachment section and the second attachment section, the second attachment section configured to secure the first portion of the elastomeric member against the first shell.
3. The impact protection device of claim 1 , wherein the second elastomer attachment mechanism comprises:
a first attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the first attachment section to the second shell;
a second attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the second attachment section to the second shell; and
a body section disposed between the first attachment section and the second attachment section, the second attachment section configured to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member against the second shell.
4. The impact protection device of claim 3 , wherein the second elastomer attachment mechanism comprises a first bend location disposed between the first attachment section and the body section, the first bend location configured to orient the first attachment section along a first direction relative to the body section.
5. The impact protection device of claim 3 , wherein the second elastomer attachment mechanism comprises a second bend location disposed between the second attachment section and the body section and is configured to orient the second attachment section along a second direction relative to body section.
6. The impact protection device of claim 3 , wherein second attachment section defines a curved edge configured to engage a portion of the elastomeric member.
7. The impact protection device of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric member comprises a loop-shaped elastomeric band.
8. The impact protection device of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric member comprises a first elastomeric device and a second elastomeric device, the first elastomeric device having a first elastic modulus and the second elastomeric device having a second elastic modulus, the first elastic modulus being distinct from the second elastic modulus.
9. The impact protection device of claim 1 , wherein each of the first elastomeric device and the second elastomeric device configured as a loop-shaped elastomeric band, the first elastomeric device nested within the second elastomeric device.
10. A method of assembling an impact protection device, comprising:
securing a first portion of an elastomeric member to an outer surface of a first shell via a first elastomeric attachment mechanism;
coupling a first attachment section of a second elastomeric attachment mechanism to an inner surface of a second shell;
inserting a second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism within a second portion of the elastomeric member to dispose the second portion of the elastomeric member between the second elastomeric attachment mechanism and the inner surface of the second shell; and
coupling the second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism to the inner surface of the second shell to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member to the inner surface of the second shell.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein securing the first portion of the elastomeric member to the outer surface of the first shell via the first elastomeric attachment mechanism comprises:
creating a set of openings in the first shell corresponding to the locations of the openings defined by the first elastomer attachment mechanism;
placing the first portion of the elastomeric member against the outer surface of the first shell in proximity to the set of openings;
disposing the first elastomer attachment mechanism against the first portion of elastomeric band and against the outer surface of the first shell; and
inserting fasteners into the openings defined by the first elastomer attachment mechanism and the set of openings formed in the first shell to secure the elastomeric member and the first elastomer attachment mechanism to the first shell.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein coupling the first attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism to the inner surface of the second shell comprises:
creating a set of openings in the second shell corresponding to the locations of the openings defined by the second elastomer attachment mechanism;
disposing the second elastomer attachment mechanism on the inner surface of the second shell; and
inserting fasteners into the openings defined by the first attachment section of the second elastomer attachment mechanism and into the set of openings formed in the second shell.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein inserting the second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism within the second portion of the elastomeric member to dispose the second portion of the elastomeric member between the second elastomeric attachment mechanism and the inner surface of the second shell comprises:
inserting a curved edge of the second attachment section into a loop defined by the elastomeric member to dispose the second portion of the elastomeric member between the body section of the second attachment section and the inner surface of the second shell.
14. The method of claim 10 , wherein coupling the second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism to the inner surface of the second shell to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member to the inner surface of the second shell comprises:
inserting fasteners into the openings defined by the second attachment section of the second elastomer attachment mechanism and into the corresponding openings formed in the second shell to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member between the inner wall of the second shell and the second elastomer attachment mechanism.
15. An elastomer attachment system, comprising:
an elastomeric member;
a first elastomer attachment mechanism configured to capture a first portion of the elastomeric member between the first elastomer attachment mechanism and an outer wall of a first shell of an impact protection device; and
a second elastomer attachment mechanism configured to capture a second portion of the elastomeric member between the second elastomer attachment mechanism and an inner wall of a second shell of the impact protection device.
16. The elastomer attachment system of claim 15 , wherein the first elastomer attachment mechanism comprises:
a first attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the first attachment section to the first shell;
a second attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the second attachment section to the first shell; and
a body section disposed between the first attachment section and the second attachment section, the second attachment section configured to secure the first portion of the elastomeric member against the first shell.
17. The elastomer attachment system of claim 15 , wherein the second elastomer attachment mechanism comprises:
a first attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the first attachment section to the second shell;
a second attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the second attachment section to the second shell; and
a body section disposed between the first attachment section and the second attachment section, the second attachment section configured to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member against the second shell.
18. The elastomer attachment system of claim 17 , wherein the second elastomer attachment mechanism comprises a first bend location disposed between the first attachment section and the body section, the first bend location configured to orient the first attachment section along a first direction relative to the body section.
19. The elastomer attachment system of claim 17 , wherein the second elastomer attachment mechanism comprises a second bend location disposed between the second attachment section and the body section and is configured to orient the second attachment section along a second direction relative to body section.
20. The elastomer attachment system of claim 17 , wherein second attachment section defines a curved edge configured to engage a portion of the elastomeric member.
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US18/386,174 US20240138507A1 (en) | 2022-11-02 | 2023-11-01 | Impact protection device and method of assembly |
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US202263421806P | 2022-11-02 | 2022-11-02 | |
US18/386,174 US20240138507A1 (en) | 2022-11-02 | 2023-11-01 | Impact protection device and method of assembly |
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2023
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