WO2011007034A1

WO2011007034A1 - Neck protector

Info

Publication number: WO2011007034A1
Application number: PCT/ES2010/070455
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jose Antonio LÓPEZ VICENTE; Julio César Abajo Alonso; Alberto Mansilla Gallo
Original assignee: Fundacion Cidaut
Priority date: 2009-07-14
Filing date: 2010-07-02
Publication date: 2011-01-20
Also published as: ES2368227A1; EP2374364A1; EP2374364A4; ES2368227B2; EP2374364B1; US20110225713A1

Abstract

The neck protector is formed by a rear shield-shaped part (100), which rests on the shoulders and the upper part of the back, and two front shield-shaped parts (251) (252), which rest on the upper front part of the torso, one on either side of the neck. Said front shield-shaped parts (251) (252) are connected to the rear shield-shaped part (100) by articulation means, for example hinges (301) (302), the rotation pins of which are oriented towards the top, towards the back and towards the centre such that the point (O₁) of intersection of which is located above and below them. Not only the front shield-shaped parts (251) (252) but also the rear shield-shaped part (100) can be fastened to the clothing via connecting areas, and by virtue of the special orientation of the pins of the hinges (301) (302) it is possible for the neck protector (001) to be able to be placed and removed together with any clothing. The configuration of the protector allows a quick-connection device for the various elements to be incorporated plus a system for adjustment to various body sizes.

Description

NECK PROTECTOR Object and field of the invention The present invention relates to a neck protection device, for any person subject to risk of injury and in particular for motorcyclists. It is a system of easy integration with the clothing, which used in conjunction with a helmet, reduces the risks of neck injury.

Background of the invention

At present, the use of various neck protection devices is being extended in different sports activities, such as motorcycling; This is mainly because they provide protection to a fairly vulnerable area of the body.

The protection mode of these devices is based on limiting the extreme movements of the head, which would cause damage to the neck, both forward (flexion) and backward (extension), as well as to the sides.

There are different types of neck protectors; On the one hand, the most basic are the compounds of a foam that surrounds the neck. As an example, among others, US 6058517 and WO 02089620 can be cited.

These describe foams that placed around the neck, restrict the movement of the helmet to a greater or lesser extent. For placement they have a front opening that closes by means of a strap, attached to one of the ends of the foam and attached to the other by means of sailboat type joints.

The main drawback of these protectors is that, in some cases they adjust too much to the neck, so that they are usually uncomfortable, and in others, they are not kept in the optimal position to limit the movement of the helmet, with the consequent loss of effectiveness in the protection to be provided.

On the other hand, we have the protectors that comprise a rigid structure on which the helmet rests, which extends along the back and chest, ensuring an optimal position with respect to the neck and improving the distribution of efforts. In this line, we have clear examples of the devices described in WO 2005051251 and WO 2008105010.

Thus, WO 2005051251 describes a device consisting of a ring placed around the neck, formed by two pieces that are joined by the sides, and a support, attached to the back piece of the ring, which extends over the back of the Username. The described device guarantees greater stability, although it is difficult to put it on and take it off, because it has the closures on the sides; It is not easily integrated with the user's clothing and is appalling, hindering its transport and storage. Likewise, the area that rests on the back, as it is not completely covered by foam, can be embedded in the spine, and can cause damage to it.

As for WO 2008105010, it describes a similar device, which consists of a ring formed by two arms joined in an articulated manner by a vertical axis in the rear part with opening in the front part, and of a support extending from the ring on the upper area of the user's back. A second axis, horizontal and parallel to the user's shoulders, allows varying the angle between the ring formed by the two arms and the rear support. The design of this device facilitates its assembly, when opening and closing in the front part, the transport and its storage, by easily disassembling the different parts that it consists of, but it presents serious inconveniences; among them, that although it would admit a conventional garment of clothing, open to the middle, could only be attached to the collar in the area of the rear protector due to the vertical axis, and that given the opening system no adjustment mechanism can be incorporated Different sizes of users. Finally, there are devices in which the structure that constitutes the collar is attached to the helmet or incorporated into a specific clothing.

Thus, WO 2005079614 describes a protection device for motorcyclists composed of a helmet and a collar that are joined together, behind the neck, by means of a mechanism that allows free movement of the head, without exceeding the limits to from which there is a risk of serious neck injury. The collar consists of two articulated arms on a central part. Among the main disadvantages of this device, is the fact that it cannot be used with any commercial helmet, since the helmet and collar are attached, and the poor support on the user's chest, due, among other things, to the absence of a support that extends over the back.

In WO 2008/050303, contrary to the previous device, the collar, instead of being attached to the helmet, is incorporated into a biker jumpsuit. The collar, in two parts, is separated by a connecting line, extending it into a lateral opening that, for these purposes, presents the monkey.

None of the devices described can be placed and removed together with the user's clothing, being necessary to place it before or after it (jacket, jumpsuit, shirt, ...).

Consequently, it is an objective of the present invention to have a neck protector that allows easy and rapid integration with the user's clothing.

It is another objective of the present invention to have a neck protector that allows it to be placed and removed in conjunction with the user's clothing.

It is another objective of the present invention to have a neck protector that allows the protector to be adjusted to different sizes, simply and without the need to exchange parts. Description of the invention

In order to fulfill the stated objectives, a neck protector formed by a rear shield has been devised, which rests on the shoulders and the upper part of the back, and two anterior shields, which rest on the upper front part of the torso, one on each side of the neck. Said anterior shields are joined with the posterior one by means of articulation means whose pivot axes are oriented upwards, backwards and towards the center, such that their point of intersection is located above and behind them. These articulation means can be materialized in various ways. In a first variant they may consist of rigid hinges. In a second variant, the articulation means can be deformable and consist of a simple flexible sheet, for example, a rubber sheet or a textile web. In this case, the axes of rotation are not fixed but admit a certain clearance in the space, which facilitates even more the manipulation of the device.

The basis of the invention is that the axes of rotation of the articulation means follow, in a certain way, the natural line of the shoulders.

Both the previous and subsequent shields can be fixed to the clothing through sailboat-type junction areas, or other rapid clipping systems.

In turn, and thanks to the special orientation of the axes of the hinges that articulate the rear shield and the previous ones, it is possible that the neck protector can be put on and removed together with the clothing.

The anterior and posterior shields that make up the neck protector, are advantageously constructed from a rigid frame and a deformable, foam-like covering, responsible for cushioning the contact between helmet and protector, and the latter with the thorax.

The possibility of incorporating specific protections that involve the rear frame, both in the upper area, is provided for cushion possible blows between the pilot and a rear passenger, as in the lower one, to avoid possible damage to the spine of the user, in case the lower part of said frame can be embedded.

The two previous shields can be separated from each other in the chest area, at a distance that allows the zipper of a dress to go up and down, which allows quick access to the interior thereof. This arrangement also allows greater ventilation.

Optionally, it has a union system of the two previous shields, composed of a slide that is collected on one of them and that, in an extended position, engages with a bolt located on the other previous shield.

In order to facilitate storage and transport, a quick anchor system can be incorporated between the front and rear shields, which allows the three parts of the neck protector to be separated.

Optionally, a guide-slide system with several locking positions can be included, allowing the neck protector to be adjusted to different user sizes, without requiring an exchange of parts.

The advantages of the neck protector of the invention are numerous:

Limit, by progressive braking, extreme movements of the head that can cause neck damage. Allow an easy integration of the protector with the user's clothing.

Allow to place and remove the protector together with the clothing.

Allow quick access to the interior of the clothing. Promote ventilation.

- Facilitate its quick and safe removal after an accident; for example, in the event that the user has to remain immobilized. Cushion bumps between the user and a possible rear passenger.

Avoid the appearance of damage to the spine, due to

The application of forces in localized areas.

Adjust the protector easily to different sizes.

Minimize the space it occupies disassembled, for easy storage.

Brief description of the figures

To complement the above description, and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a detailed description of a preferred embodiment will be carried out, based on a set of drawings that accompany this report. descriptive and where, for guidance and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented.

Figure 1 shows two situations of use in which the neck protector is attached to a jacket, the first one in closed position and the second one being removed together with the jacket to which it is attached.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device from the front.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the device from

The rear.

Figure 4 shows a side view of the device with the front shields closed.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the device with the front shields open.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the mechanisms of fast anchoring, hinge and size regulation.

Figure 7 shows a top view of the device. Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the device.

Figure 9 shows a plan view of the device with the front shields open.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the device from the front, and a detail of the front closure system.

In the previous figures, the numerical references correspond to the following parts and elements:

001. Neck protector.

100. Back shield.

101. Back frame.

102. Rear deformable coating.

1 1 1. Rear junction zone.

1 12. Middle junction zone.

121. Superior protection

122. Bottom protection.

201. Left anterior framework.

202. Right front frame.

203. Left anterior deformable coating.

204. Right front deformable coating.

21 1. Left anterior junction zone.

212. Right front junction area.

251 Left front shield.

252. Right front shield.

301 Left hinge.

302. Right hinge.

309. Left stem.

310. Right stem.

31 1. Left accommodation

312. Right housing.

313. Left guide locking screw.

314. Right guide locking screw.

315. Left guide lock nut.

316. Right guide lock nut. 317. Left lateral guide.

318. Right side guide.

401. Bolt support.

405. Front lock bolt.

412. Sliding box.

416. Sliding front closure.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment The figures show an embodiment of the neck protector

(001) of the invention comprising a rear shield (100), which rests on the shoulders and the upper part of the user's back, and two anterior shields (251) (252), which rest on the upper front part of the torso.

The rear shield (100) is composed of a rear frame

(101) rigid and with a deformable back cover (102). And it has an opening in the support area on the back to improve ventilation and reduce weight.

The left anterior shield (251) is composed of a left anterior framework (201) and a left anterior deformable coating (203).

The right front shield (252) is also composed of a right front frame (202) and a right front deformable coating (204).

The deformable coating (102) (203) (204) of all the described parts comprises a viscoelastic foam sensitive to the deformation rate, responsible for providing comfort to the user and absorbing energy in the event of an accident, braking the impact of the helmet on a scheduled basis. with the neck protector (001), and the latter with the body of the user. Biomechanical damage values are reduced in this way, such as the rotational acceleration of the head.

On the rear frame (101), specific areas of foam have been introduced (see figure 3) that cover it to constitute a upper protection (121), in order to cushion the possible blows between the pilot and a rear passenger, and a lower protection (122), to avoid possible damage to the user's spine, by minimizing the specific forces that can be transmitted to The column

To put on and take off the neck protector (001), hinges (301) (302) are arranged, which articulate the anterior shields (251) (252) with respect to the rear shield (100), whose pivot axes are oriented upwards , backwards and towards the center, in such a way that their point of intersection (Oi) is located above and behind them. In this way the previous shields (251) (252) open towards the sides and upwards. See figures 5 and 9.

The front shields (251) (252) are attached to the rear shield (100) by means of a quick anchoring system, which allows the three parts of the neck protector (001) to be easily separated, making it possible on the one hand, that when stored it occupies little space, and on the other, a fast and safe extraction after an accident.

Said anchoring system consists of housings (31 1) (312) arranged in the rear shield (100) and two forks integral with hinges (301) (302) (shown in Figure 6) which, when introduced into said housings (31 1) (312), are anchored to them.

In the contact surface with the user's body, connection zones (1 1 1) (1 12) (21 1) (212) have been provided in which to include sailboat-type joining systems, or other rapid clipping systems, for fix the neck protector (001) to the user's clothing (jacket, jumpsuit, sweatshirt, etc.). See figure 8.

These joining areas are also useful for incorporating a possible belt system and thus securing the neck protector (001) to the user's chest, in case it is not fixed directly to the clothing.

By fixing the neck protector (001) to the user's clothing as described above, and thanks to the kinematics of the opening system, the user can put on and take off the neck protector (001) together with a jacket or the like, remaining at all times joined both pieces. With the neck protector (001) in the closed position (see figure 8), the previous shields (251) (252) can be separated, in the frontal area, a distance that allows the zipper of a jacket, mono or any other garment placed under the neck protector (001). This arrangement also allows greater ventilation.

The collar that forms the protector around the neck, can be closed, in order to give it the necessary stability, in two different ways:

a) If the neck protector (001) is attached to the user's clothing (jacket, jumpsuit, ...) as previously indicated (sailboat type or similar), the same zipper or closure system of the clothing serves as closure element of the protector.

b) Through a joining system included in the front part of the previous shields (251) (252) that, in an open position, does not interfere with the possible space existing between them. This system can be used, additionally, although the neck protector (001) is attached to the clothing and the closure system thereof (zipper, ...) is used.

Said joining system between the previous shields (251) (252), is shown in Figure 10 and consists of:

- A slide (416) that slides through a box (412) fixed to one of the two previous shields (252) or (251). This mechanism has an elastic system, such as a spring, which causes a force that tends to collect the slide (416) into the box (412).

A bolt (405), movable on a support (401) integral with the other previous shield (251) or (252), which retains the slide (416) when it slides until it reaches the bolt (405). It also has an elastic system, such as a spring, which causes a force that tends to keep it in a closed position. The movements α perform, for the closure and release of this joining device, are simple and in a single direction.

With the aim of adapting the neck protector (001) to different sizes, a guide-sliding system, shown in figures 2 and 3 and in detail in figure 6, with its corresponding one, has been arranged on each side thereof locking mechanism formed by:

A locking screw (313) (314), housed in the lateral guides (31 7) (318) in solidarity with the previous shields (251) (252), which has restricted linear movement along its axis and which has stops to limit the range of rotation.

- A locking nut (315) (316), also housed in the side guides (317) (318) and threaded onto the locking screw (313) (314); and that its turning movement is restricted but it can move linearly.

- A rod (309) (310) that slides through the side guides

(31 7) (318) and which has several holes in which the lock nut (315) (31 6) can be inserted. It may also contain one or more stops at its end, to prevent it from leaving the lateral guide (317) (318) when the lock nut (315) (31 6) is outside the holes of the rod (309)

(310).

Figures 1 and 2 show the ease of removing the neck protector object of the invention. It can be seen that the protector, thanks to its special configuration, easily follows the movement of the garment, as if it formed a body with its neck. It is interesting to note that, even if they were not attached collar and garment, you can open and access the interior of the latter by slightly dragging the collar without removing it.

A more detailed explanation of some mechanical solutions that, in general, will be known by the person skilled in the art has not been considered necessary.

In the figures that accompany the description of the preferred embodiment described above, various elements, such as lightening windows and variations in the thickness of deformable coatings, which are not considered necessary to explain in detail because they are well known in the prior art.

Likewise, a series of variants and modifications that allow adapting the design to the available means of production, respecting the essentiality of the invention, will be evident to the person skilled in the art.

Claims

one . Neck protector (001), characterized by comprising:

- a rear shield (100), which rests on the shoulders and the upper part of the back,

- two anterior shields (251) (252), which rest on the upper front part of the user's torso, one on each side of the neck,

- articulation means of the anterior shields (251) (252) to the posterior shield (100), whose axes of rotation are oriented upwards, backwards and towards the center, such that their point of intersection (Oi) is located above and behind them.

2. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulation means comprise hinges (301) (302)

3. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulation means comprise deformable elements.

4. Neck protector (001) according to claim 3, characterized in that the deformable elements comprise flexible sheets.

5. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shields (100) (251) (252) comprise a frame (101) (201) (202), rigid, and a deformable coating

(102) (203) (204).

6. Neck protector (001) according to claim 5, characterized in that the deformable coating (102) (203)

(204) comprises a viscoelastic foam sensitive to the deformation rate.

7. Neck protector (001) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a top protection (121) that covers the rear frame (101).

8. Neck protector (001) according to claim 6, characterized by comprising a lower protection (122) that covers the rear frame (101).

9. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, on the surface of contact with the body, both of the rear shield (100) and of the previous shields (251) (252), several joining areas (1 1 1) (1 12) (21 1) (212) a

The user's clothing.

10. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two previous shields (251) (252), in closed position, have a separation in their frontal area.

eleven . Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for joining the two previous shields (251) (252).

12. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized in that the joining means of the two previous shields (251) (252) comprise;

- a slide (416) that slides through a box (412) fixed to one of the two previous shields (252) or (251),

- a bolt (405), movable on a support (401) integral with the other previous shield (251) or (252), which retains the slide (41 6) when it slides until it reaches the bolt (405).

13. Neck protector (001) according to claim 12, characterized in that the slide (41 6) incorporates an element elastic that causes a force that collects the slide (41 6), after releasing the bolt (405), towards the box (412) that it contains; in such a way that it does not interfere in the separation present between the previous shields (252) (251).

14. Neck protector (001) according to claim 12, characterized in that the bolt (405) incorporates an elastic element that causes a force that tends to keep the bolt (405) in the closed position.

15. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising means of rapid anchoring between the front shields (251) (252) and the rear shield (100).

16. Neck protector (001) according to claim 15, characterized in that the rapid anchoring means comprise;

- two housings (31 1) (312) arranged in the rear shield (100),

- two solidarity forks of the hinges (301) (302), which, when introduced into the housings (31 1) (312), are anchored to them.

1 7. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising adjustment means to different sizes.

18. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means at different sizes are implemented as slide guides characterized by understanding;

- a locking screw (313) (314), housed in lateral guides (31 7) (318) in solidarity with the previous shields (251) (252), which has restricted linear movement along its axis and has stops to limit the range of rotation. - A locking nut (315) (316), also housed in the lateral guides (317) (318) and threaded on the locking screw (313) (314), which has its turning movement restricted but can move linearly.

- A rod (309) (310) that slides through the lateral guides (317) (318) and has several holes in which the lock nut (315) (316) can be inserted.

19. Neck protector (001) according to claim 18, characterized in that the rod (309) (310) has at least one stop at its end; in such a way that its exit from the lateral guides (317) (318) is avoided when the lock nut (315)

(316) is out of the holes of the rod (309) (310).