U.S. patent application number 11/526428 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-29 for head and neck restraint system and device.
Invention is credited to Leigh R. Sargent.
Application Number | 20070067896 11/526428 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37564369 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070067896 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sargent; Leigh R. |
March 29, 2007 |
Head and neck restraint system and device
Abstract
A head and neck restraint device controls the motion of the head
and forces exerted upon the neck of a seated occupant in a
decelerating vehicle. A body defines a collar, right and left legs
and right and left wings. The collar is tethered to the helmet.
Each leg has belt interaction surfaces that provide a friction
action on the shoulder straps. Left and right extensions or wings
residing under the shoulder strap rearward of the legs provide a
restriction of rotation of the body and thus a binding action on
the shoulder straps. A cantilever action is induced in generally
forward impact by the tethers pulling on the collar of the body and
the binding action on the shoulder straps reducing the forward
motion of the body. The present restraint device does not attach to
the structure of the vehicle, allows travel thereof with respect to
the seated occupant, yet controls the motion of the occupant's head
in order to substantially reduce neck loads on the occupant.
Moreover present restraint device is not in contact with the
occupant during normal operation and thus does not induce
discomfort or fatigue. Under general forward impact conditions, the
occupant's head motion is controlled with respect to the torso, yet
the device will restrictively move with the driver's head and torso
along shoulder straps of a seat harness of the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Sargent; Leigh R.; (Avon,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOWMAN & ASSOCIATES
1016 3RD AVENUE SW, SUITE 205
CARMEL
IN
46032
US
|
Family ID: |
37564369 |
Appl. No.: |
11/526428 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60720517 |
Sep 26, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/468 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 22/001 20130101;
B64D 10/00 20130101; B60R 2021/0086 20130101; A42B 3/0473 20130101;
B60R 2021/0048 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/468 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Claims
1. A head and neck restraint device for controlling the motion of
the head and forces exerted upon the neck of an occupant in a seat
of a vehicle, having a seat harness with shoulder straps, the
device comprising: a rigid body; a first contact surface formed in
a first bottom surface of the body and adapted to rest atop of a
first shoulder strap of the seat harness adjacent occupant's
shoulder; a second contact surface formed in a second bottom
surface of the body and adapted to rest atop of a second shoulder
strap of the seat harness adjacent occupant's shoulder; a third
contact surface formed in a first top surface of the body and
adapted to rest below the first shoulder strap aft of the first
bottom surface; a fourth contact surface formed in a second top
surface of the body and adapted to rest below the second shoulder
strap aft of the second bottom surface; and a rigid vertical
section residing above the four strap contact surfaces behind the
helmet projecting vertically and laterally, supporting the four
strap contact surfaces; the body configured for placement aft of
occupant's head and forward of attachment of the shoulder
straps.
2. The head and neck restraint device of claim 1, wherein the rigid
body is formed of a composite.
3. The head and neck restraint device of claim 1, wherein the rigid
body rests only on the first and second shoulder straps and does
not touch the occupant during normal operation.
4. The head and neck restraint device of claim 1, wherein the rigid
body is adapted to be attached to a helmet of an occupant via a
tether extending from a vertical surface of the rigid body to the
helmet.
5. A head and neck restraint device for controlling the motion of
the head and forces exerted upon the neck of an occupant in a seat
of a vehicle, having a seat harness with shoulder straps, the
device comprising: a rigid body having a vertical surface; the
vertical surface having a tether attachment point; and the rigid
body having a first shoulder strap contact point and a second
shoulder strap contact point; wherein the device uses a cantilever
type action from the tether attachment point to the shoulder strap
contact points.
6. A head and neck restraint device for controlling the motion of
the head and forces exerted upon the neck of an occupant in a seat
of a vehicle, having a seat harness with shoulder straps, the
device comprising: a rigid body; a first contact surface associated
with the rigid body; a second contact surface associated with the
rigid body and opposite the first shoulder strap contact surface;
the device using a twisting action on the opposing contact surfaces
in contact with the shoulder straps to induce binding thereon.
7. The head and neck restraint device of claim 6, wherein the
contact surfaces are bottom surfaces of the rigid body are atop of
the shoulder straps and forward of the opposing and upper surfaces
of the rigid body that are below the shoulder straps.
8. The head and neck restraint device of claim 6, wherein lower and
upper surfaces of the rigid body that are in contact with the
shoulder strap have friction materials.
9. The head and neck restraint device of claim 6, wherein the rigid
body resists forward motion during impact due to the binding action
on the shoulder straps.
10. A head and neck restraint device for controlling motion of the
head and forces exerted upon the neck of an occupant in a seat of a
vehicle, the seat including a seat harness having shoulder straps,
the device comprising: a body; a first contact surface formed in a
first bottom surface of the body and adapted to rest on a first
shoulder strap of the seat harness adjacent occupant's shoulder; a
second contact surface formed in a second bottom surface of the
body and adapted to rest on a second shoulder strap of the seat
harness adjacent occupant's shoulder; and a connection means for a
helmet tether; the body tethered to a helmet of the occupant and
which rests only upon the first and second shoulder straps during
normal operation.
11. The head and neck restraint device of claim 10, wherein the
body is tethered to the helmet such that helmet is free to turn by
freedom of tether movement.
12. A head and neck restraint device having a rigid body that is
tethered to a helmet utilizing a single tether attaching to and
passing from one side of the helmet around the back of the rigid
body and attaching to another side of the helmet.
13. The head and neck restraint device of claim 12, wherein the
tether is allowed to slip freely around the back of the rigid
device during normal operation to allow freedom of lateral head
movement.
14. The head and neck device restraint of claim 12, wherein the
tether binds at the rear of the head and neck device during impact
to restrict head rotation during impact.
15. A head and neck restraint device for controlling head movement
and forces exerted upon the neck of an occupant in a seat of a
vehicle, the seat including a seat harness having first and second
shoulder straps, the device comprising: a rigid body; a first pivot
surface formed in a first bottom surface of the body and adapted to
rest on a first shoulder strap of the seat harness adjacent
occupant's shoulder; a second pivot surface formed in a second
bottom surface of the body and adapted to rest on a second shoulder
strap of the seat harness adjacent occupant's shoulder, the pivot
surfaces providing a pivoting action on the shoulder straps for
creating a frictional binding action for reduction of forward
motion of the body; a connection means for a helmet tether; a first
wing formed in the body aft of the first pivot surface and adapted
to releasably receive and releasably bind the first shoulder strap;
a second wing formed in the body aft of the second pivot surface
and adapted to releasably receive and releasably bind the second
shoulder strap; the body connected to a helmet of the occupant by
the helmet tether and the body utilizing a cantilever action
induced by the helmet tethers to bind the first and second pivot
surfaces relative to the first and second wings against the
shoulder straps to inhibit forward motion of the body.
16. A head and neck restraint device for controlling head motion
and forces exerted upon the neck of an occupant in a seat of a
vehicle, the seat including a seat harness having shoulder straps,
the device comprising: a body; a first contact surface formed in a
first bottom surface of the body and adapted to rest on a first
shoulder strap of the seat harness adjacent occupant's shoulder; a
second contact surface formed in a second bottom surface of the
body and adapted to rest on a second shoulder strap of the seat
harness adjacent occupant's shoulder; a first strap attachment
device formed in the body aft of the first contact surface and
adapted to releasably receive and releasably bind the first
shoulder strap; and a second strap attachment device formed in the
body aft of the second contact surface and adapted to releasably
receive and releasably bind the second shoulder strap; the body
configured for sliding movement along the shoulder straps of the
occupant with resistance to reduce forward motion of the occupant's
head.
17. A head and neck restraint device for controlling motion of the
head and forces exerted upon an occupant in a seat of a vehicle,
the seat including a seat harness having shoulder straps, the
device comprising a body that induces a cantilever action under
general forward crash impact between a tether point of contact on
the device and two upper and two lower shoulder harness contact
surface points acting as pivot points.
18. The head and neck restraint device of claim 17, wherein the
body has upper surfaces that contact the shoulder harness each with
a main frictional surface and a secondary forward surface that
controls the maximum amount of cantilever tilt of the body.
19. The head and neck restraint device of claim 18, wherein the
body has upper surfaces that contact the shoulder harness each with
a main frictional surface and a secondary forward surface that
controls the maximum amount of cantilever tilt of the body and that
limits the amount of exertion of pressure thereon of the upper rear
friction surface by means of the upper forward surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of and/or
priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/720,517
filed Sep. 26, 2005, entitled "Head and Neck Restraint System and
Device" the entire contents of which is specifically incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to head and neck protection
devices for use by occupants of a car, aircraft, boat and/or other
vehicle to aid in reducing bodily strain, fatigue and injury
especially during deceleration of the vehicle.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] The driver and/or other occupants of high performance cars,
planes, boats and/or other vehicles (collectively, `vehicles`)
typically wear equipment and/or gear designed to provide protection
against physical harm during use of the vehicle but especially for
providing protection against physical harm during sudden or rapid
deceleration, torque or impact of the vehicle. Standard pieces of
such equipment and/or gear include a helmet for protection against
head injury and a shoulder harness attached to the vehicle for
restraining torso movement relative to the seat and vehicle.
[0006] It was long ago realized that the neck undergoes various
stresses and strains during deceleration. As such, various devices
have been developed in an attempt to reduce the amount of stress
and strain experienced by the neck during deceleration. Various
structures have been developed to transmit loads from the helmeted
head to the torso in an attempt to reduce neck muscle fatigue and
extreme head motions. While these devices may reduce neck muscle
fatigue and extreme head motions, they may also lead to other
problems.
[0007] Present head and neck devices that have proven to be
effective in reducing the forces on an occupant's neck by
restricting the extent of motion of the head with respect to the
torso rely on a restrictive force being carried partially or fully
through the torso. In these cases the occupant is effected by the
head and neck device with either discomfort and/or torso
restriction during normal operation.
[0008] Those devices which do not contact the occupant's torso
during normal operation are typically ineffective in reducing the
neck loads or are restrictive on the occupant when attempting to
exit the vehicle. Those devices that are both successful in
controlling head motion and that do not inhibit egress from the
vehicle also have a tendency to move with the driver during impact
to assure that the distance between the device and the head of the
occupant does not become excessive. This, however, is not
desirable.
[0009] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,638,510 and 6,009,566 to Hubbard show a
protection device that works on the principle of the body squeezing
two forward arms (extensions) against the seat belts during impact
by the driver's chest pushing against the underside of the arms. A
frictional material is placed on the upper surface of the
extensions to enhance the adherence against the seat belt. This
inhibits forward motion of the device and assists in overcoming the
forward forces of the tethers pulling at the top of the device by
the head/helmet and by the chest and shoulders dragging on the
underside of the extensions.
[0010] The device lays on the shoulders and chest of the occupant
during normal operation. This however, applies an increased load
from the seat belts in this area, thus causing the driver or
occupant discomfort. This is undesirable both from the point of
discomfort and fatigue as well as the occupant or driver may not
wish to tighten the seat belts to optimum tension, thus reducing
the seat belt's effect under impact events. It is also noted that
during impact and actuation of the device, increased chest loads
are exerted on the occupant as the end of the arms are driven into
the driver's chest. Also, since the device is trapped between the
driver's shoulders, chest and seat belt, during a rearward impact
the device may place high loads on the upper torso of the driver or
occupant.
[0011] The device firstly travels forward with the torso and head
during the initial stages of an impact imparting only minimal
tension on the tethers allowing the neck to initially be tensioned
as the head moves forward faster than the torso which is
progressively being restrained by the seat belts. It is during the
forward motion of the driver's torso that the device will finally
bind against the underside of the belts restricting the forward
motion of the head. The torso will still be sliding underneath the
device while the head is now restricted, driving the torso into the
head placing the neck in a compression situation. It has been shown
that these loads are below the threshold of injury in typical crash
conditions, but this sequence of restraint is not optimal.
[0012] The device is a rigid structure typically made of carbon
fiber composites. Many shapes and sizes need to be made to fit
different size occupants or driver, as well as different seating
positions.
[0013] Another head and neck restraint system/device is known as
the R3 head and neck device from LFT Technologies, Inc. The R3
device is a back brace type strap device that relies solely on the
torso for head movement restriction. The R3 device provides fit and
comfort problems by having a rigid structural device ride down the
back spinal area of the driver. This may likely have problems in a
rearward impact and thus impart undue pressure points on the
driver's back and spinal area. The R3 device functions by having a
rigid back brace strapped to the torso with an extended upward
section to which the tethers are attached.
[0014] Another head and neck restraint system/device is known as
the Hutchens and Hutchens II (Hutchens') by Safety Solutions. The
Hutchens' devices use many straps that are placed around the torso,
crotch and upper leg area to distribute the load of the head during
impact throughout the driver's body. The Hutchens' devices do not
seem to restrict the head motion enough to create a significant
enough difference in neck load. Under impact, the Hutchens' devices
are known to put pressure on the crotch area of the driver thus
possibly sustaining injury in this area. This device also provides
strapping around the shoulder and upper torso area in an attempt to
restrict the collar movement thus restraining head motion under
impact. In similar manner to other prior art head and neck
restraint systems/devices, the Hutchens' devices attempt to load
the torso in an endeavor to restrict motion of the head and to
lower neck loads in order to prevent injury during an impact. This
device does have surfaces that reside below the shoulder harness,
but there is no forward restriction of movement induced by the
shoulder belts.
[0015] Still another head and neck restraint system/device is known
as the SRS-1 device by G Force Racing Gear. The SRS-1 has a metal
T-bar that resides underneath the shoulder belts and one central
tether. The T-bar slides along with the driver and has no
restriction of travel under forward impact. The driver's head
rotates down and forward around the neck which is along the single
tether therefore little to no load is placed on the helmet tethers
and near full load is taken by the neck.
[0016] Yet another head and neck restraint system/device is known
as the White device. The White device is a strap device the
attempts to restrict forward head motion during frontal impact by
placing the loads through the torso. Again, the tethers coming from
the shoulder area are at the pivot point of the neck and thus do
little to restrict the forward head motion, thus the likelihood of
a neck injury is not reduced.
[0017] A further head and neck restraint system/device is known as
the Wright device. The Wright device comes in three distinct
styles. One style is an inertia wheel tethered to the chassis. This
inhibits exiting the vehicle and has been shown to induce very
large compression loads on the neck above 4000N. The second style
is strapped to the body. The third style is strapped to the
shoulder harness. These attachment points do not slide along the
shoulder harness and are permanent. This has the potential of
inducing large compression loads into the neck by restricting
forward head movement too much in large frontal impacts. The device
also cannot adjust the point of forward restriction respective to
the amount of torso movement. This third type of attachment also
restricts the driver's ability to exit the vehicle.
[0018] A yet further head and neck restraint system/device is known
as the Isaac. This device runs along the shoulder harness doing
little to lower forward head motion. It has two metal pieces, one
for the left shoulder and one for the right shoulder harness.
Although there is an upper and lower surface, they do not act in a
cantilever action. The upper surface is used only under normal
operation while the lower surface is used during impact but runs
along the shoulder strap doing little to restrict head movement.
This device uses small shock absorbers instead of nylon webbing
tethers.
[0019] It is therefore apparent from the above discussion that
there are problems and/or deficiencies in prior art head and neck
restraint systems/devices.
[0020] In view of the above, it is apparent that there is a need
for a better head and neck restraint system/device.
[0021] In view of the above, it is also apparent that there is a
need for a head and neck restraint device/system that overcomes the
problems of the prior art.
[0022] In view of the above, it is further apparent that there is a
need for a head and neck restraint system/device that is both
effective in restricting head motion with respect to the body in
order to lower neck forces below injury level during typical
impacts, yet not inhibit nor discomfort the driver during normal
operation.
[0023] In view of the above, it is still further apparent that
there is a need for a head and neck restraint system/device that is
not attached to the driver's torso so as not to be effected by the
device during normal operation, nor be affixed to the chassis or
other features of the vehicle so that exiting the vehicle is not
inhibited or made more difficult.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention is a head and neck restraint system,
method and device (collectively, device) for controlling motion and
forces exerted upon the head and neck of an occupant seated in a
decelerating vehicle.
[0025] The present head and neck device does not attach to the
structure of the vehicle, allows travel thereof with respect to the
seated occupant, yet controls the motion of the occupant's head in
order to substantially reduce neck loads on the occupant. The
present invention is not in contact with the occupant during normal
operation and thus does not induce discomfort or fatigue. Under
general forward impact conditions, the occupant's head motion is
controlled with respect to the torso, yet the device will
restrictively move with the driver's head and torso along shoulder
straps of a seat harness of the vehicle. The present invention thus
reduces substantial compression on the neck due to the head being
overly restrained when in deceleration.
[0026] The present invention has both the advantage of not
imparting loads directly on the torso during normal operation of
the vehicle nor does it apply loads to the torso during impact when
the device is providing restriction of movement to the occupant's
head with respect to his torso.
[0027] The present invention does not utilize the torso to control
head movement nor is it trapped between the torso and seat belts.
It does not impart loads to the chest in a generally forward impact
nor does it impart loads on the upper torso, shoulder or neck area
in rearward impacts. The device does not restrict the tension of
the seat belts during occupant entry and thus allows for normal use
of the seat belts. The sequential loading of the helmet tethers of
the present head and neck restraint system, reduces the
tension/compression scenario. The present invention then has the
unique ability at a predetermined tether load to restrictively
slide forward with the driver inducing a more stable loading on the
helmet tethers thus allowing the head to move forward with limited
restraint with respect to the torso reducing the neck compression
in the later stages of the impact.
[0028] The present invention provides a one size fits most, if not
all, occupant sizes and seating positions and accepts changes in
tether angle with regard to shoulder distance to helmet tether
attachment. This distance is not critical in the performance of the
present invention.
[0029] The functionality of the present invention does not rely on
the occupant's torso in restricting head motion during deceleration
or impact. The present head and neck restraint device provides the
above mentioned functions and/or movements through restrictive
pivoting of the device through a binding of the device on the
occupant's shoulder harness.
[0030] The present invention uses a rotation or twisting action on
the shoulder harness straps due to a cantilever motion being
applied by the exertion of the helmet tethers being loading by the
forward motion of the occupant's helmet, which causes a binding of
the shoulder harness between upper and lower surfaces of the device
which then restricts the motion forward. Due to the shape, surface
area and material type of both the upper and lower surfaces of the
present invention, the type and magnitude of motion can be designed
to best reduce the load on the occupant's neck thus minimizing the
likelihood of injury.
[0031] The present invention utilizes the shoulder harness straps
to restrict the forward motion of the head. The present invention
is not permanently attached to the vehicle but resides in a relaxed
state in normal operation of the vehicle. It also allows for quick
exit as the shoulder harness straps fall away from and out of the
slots of the device when the occupant unbuckles the harness.
Forward motion of the present device is controlled by friction
surfaces and/or configured surfaces that contact the harness straps
so that in larger impacts the motion of the device relative to the
harness straps is great, while in smaller impacts, the motion of
the device relative to the harness straps is less. Thus, the
present invention has the ability to travel generally with the
torso and thus does not induce adversely high compression loads in
the neck at high forward impacts (e.g. 50 G).
[0032] The present invention has a controlled resistive forward
motion that applies a progressive load on the tethers even with
varying impact loads. It uses a twisting or binding action upon the
shoulder harness straps to induce a controlled friction. Such
action is enhanced by three separate surfaces; two for orientation
on the top of the strap and one for orientation on the bottom of
the strap.
[0033] The present invention does not impart pressure points or
undue loads to the occupant's upper torso during rearward or
forward impacts, yet inhibits head movement with respect to the
torso under general forward impacts to the extent that the
occupant's neck loads are reduced.
[0034] The present device rides behind the occupant's shoulder and
forward of the attachment points of the shoulder belts. The device
straddles the shoulder belts and has a forward section that resides
on the top surface of the shoulder belts slightly to the rear of
the occupant's shoulder and a lower section that resides under the
seat belt aft of the upper section. The present device has a
vertical section above the two mentioned surfaces that tethers or
by a single tether is attached to or resides at on the rearward
surface. The present device uses both frictional forces on the
upper and lower surfaces as well as a cantilever system that
applies a twisting action on the belt. This twisting action along
with the friction of the upper and lower surfaces of the device
provides a resistance to the forward motion of the device, thus
controlling the motion of the head with respect to the torso
without the need of loads being imparted to the occupant's
torso.
[0035] The action of the present device in the cantilever motion
and consequential friction against the seat belts is further
controlled by three means. The first being the surface type of the
lower and upper portions of the device that are in contact with the
shoulder harness belts; a secondary surface edge on the upper
surface that is forward of the primary frictional surface which
controls the amount of forward roll and consequential twist on the
device; and thirdly the ratio of the distance between the two
opposing upper and lower surfaces and the distance to the tether
attachment points.
[0036] Another feature of the present invention is a single, dual
attachment tether. The present invention may comprise a single
tether attached at each of its ends to the helmet and looped around
a rear vertical section of the device. This provides the benefits
of allowing the occupant a higher degree of lateral rotation of the
head for improved peripheral vision, allows for shorter tethers
that will assist in take up during forward impact, and reduce the
slippage which takes place in prior art forms of tether
attachments. The present invention will be more apparent upon
reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The above mentioned and other features, advantages and
objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will
become apparent and the invention itself will be better understood
by reference to the following description of embodiments of the
invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a left front side perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a head and neck restraint device fashioned in
accordance with the principles of the present invention, the left
side perspective view relative to a user of the head and neck
restraint device;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a right front side perspective view of the head
and neck restraint device of FIG. 1, the right side relative to a
user of the head and neck restraint device;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the head and neck restraint device
of FIG. 1 showing a helmet strap or tether slidably received in
brackets of the head and neck restraint device;
[0041] FIG. 4 is a right front side perspective view of the head
and neck restraint device of FIG. 1 illustrating various features
and functions of the present invention such as the manner in which
straps of a shoulder harness are received by the present head and
neck restraint device, directions of movement of the head and neck
restraint device relative to the shoulder harness straps, and the
manner in which helmet tethers are received by the head and neck
restraint device;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a left front side perspective view of a racing
vehicle in partial cutaway showing a seated driver of the racing
vehicle wearing the head and neck restraint device of FIG. 1 as
installed in the racing vehicle, the left side relative to the
driver of the racing vehicle;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of a racing vehicle
in partial cutaway showing a seated driver of the racing vehicle
wearing the head and neck restraint device of FIG. 1 as installed
in the racing vehicle, the right side relative to the driver of the
racing vehicle;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a close-up front left side perspective view of the
seated driver of FIGS. 5 and 6 particularly showing the position of
the head and neck restraint device on shoulder straps of a safety
harness of the racing vehicle and relative to the helmeted head and
neck of the seated driver during use;
[0045] FIG. 8 is a close-up front right side perspective view of
the seated driver of FIGS. 5 and 6 particularly showing the
position of the head and neck restraint device on the shoulder
straps of the safety harness of the racing vehicle and relative to
the helmeted head and neck of the driver during use;
[0046] FIG. 9 is a close-up rear view of the head and neck
restraint device as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 as positioned on the
seated driver and showing the manner in which the shoulder straps
of the safety harness of the racing vehicle extend through the
device and are attached to the seat of the racing vehicle;
[0047] FIG. 10 is an upper front left side perspective view of
another exemplary embodiment of a head and neck restraint device
fashioned in accordance with the principles of the present
invention, the left side relative to a user of the head and neck
restraint device;
[0048] FIG. 11 is an upper rear left side perspective view of the
head and neck restraining device of FIG. 10;
[0049] FIG. 12 is an upper rear right side perspective view of the
head and neck restraint device of FIG. 10, the ride side relative
to a user of the head and neck restraint device;
[0050] FIG. 13 is a top view of the head and neck restraint device
of FIG. 10;
[0051] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the head and neck restraint
device of FIG. 10;
[0052] FIG. 15 is an upper front left side perspective view of
another exemplary embodiment of a head and neck restraint device
fashioned in accordance with the principles of the present
invention, the left side relative to a user of the head and neck
restraint device; and
[0053] FIG. 16 is an upper rear left side perspective view of the
head and neck restraint device of FIG. 15.
[0054] Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts
throughout the several figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] In FIGS. 1-4, there is depicted various views of an
exemplary embodiment of a head and neck restraint device, generally
designated 100, that is used to control forces exerted upon an
occupant seated in a moving vehicle especially during deceleration
of the vehicle. More especially the head and neck restraint device
100 is designed to control forces exerted upon the seated occupant
during rapid deceleration of the vehicle such as during an impact.
The present head and neck restraint device 100 is useable with
cars, aircraft and boats (collectively, vehicles), but especially
with all types of high performance vehicles such as race cars. The
head and neck restraint device 100 may also be used in conjunction
with seated and non-seated static or moving rides such as may be
used in amusement parks or other places. As apparent, the head and
neck restraint device 100 may be used in various other types of
devices.
[0056] An example of use of the head and neck restraint device 100
in a high performance car is depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIGS. 5
and 6, a race car 400 is illustrated in partial cutaway showing an
occupant O (e.g. the driver) seated in a seat 450 of the race car
400. The seat 450 is equipped with a seat harness 300 configured to
retain and restrain movement of the occupant in the seat. The head
and neck restraint device 100 is associated with and utilizes the
seat harness 300 for use and operability. This combination may be
defined as a head and neck restraint system 500 and form at least a
part of the present invention. As discerned in FIGS. 5 and 6, a
helmet tether 230 that is detachably attached to opposite sides of
a helmet 200 of the occupant O is retained by and about the head
and neck restraint device 100. Particularly, and as better
discerned in FIGS. 7 and 8, the head and neck restraint device 100
is intertwined with left and right (as viewed by the occupant O)
shoulder straps 150 and 160. It should be appreciated that the term
left and right are to be taken relative to the forward view of the
occupant O.
[0057] The head and neck restraint device 100 is preferably made
out of a composite or similar material, but may be made of one or
more other types of materials as desired. The device 100 is defined
generally by a body 101. The body 101 has a back 134, a left
sidewall 102 extending out from the back 134, and a right sidewall
104 extending out from the back 134 and spaced approximately a
shoulder's width apart from the left sidewall 102. The left
sidewall 102 defines a contoured front surface 103 and a contoured
bottom surface 106. The right sidewall 104 defines a contoured
front surface 105 and a contoured bottom surface 108. The body 101
is thereby configured to partially surround the neck and head areas
of the occupant O. Particularly, when the device 100 is used, the
back 134 of the body 101 is situated behind the occupant's head and
is thus oriented essentially co-axial with the occupant's spine,
the left sidewall 102 extends essentially transverse to and along
the length of the left side of the back 134 and is thus oriented
essentially along and/or adjacent the left side of the occupant's
neck, and right sidewall 102 extends essentially transverse to and
along the length of the right side of the back 134 and is thus
oriented essentially along and/or adjacent the left side of the
occupant's neck. The left and right sidewalls 102, 104 may be
outwardly contoured as desired.
[0058] The bottom surfaces 106 and 108 are friction and shoulder
belt contacting surfaces and as such, each bottom surface 106, 108
is slightly rounded or curved to provide a pivot point for a
cantilever or rocking action of the device 100 per the principles
of the present invention. Bottom surface curvature configuration
determines the pivot point of the device 100 as well as the extent
of forward and reverse pivoting thereof. The bottom surfaces 106
and 108 preferably, but not necessarily, have a width that is
approximately the same as the width of seat harness shoulder
straps.
[0059] The body 101 has a left side extension 120 that is situated
on the lower part of the front surface 103 of the left sidewall
102, and a right side extension 122 that is situated on the lower
part of the front surface 105 of the right sidewall 104. The right
and left extensions 122, 120 may or may not be moveable
(adjustable) up and down relative to the sidewalls 102, 104 (as
represented by the double-headed arrows adjacent the extensions) as
desired. The extensions 120, 122 are shown as adjustable.
[0060] As such, the left side extension 120 is adjustably connected
to the lower portion of the front surface 103. The left side
extension 120 is adjustably connected to the front surface 103
through interaction of bolt and slot assemblies 124, 125. In this
embodiment, the bolt portion is part of the left sidewall 102 while
the slots are part of the left side extension 120. The left side
extension 120 includes a contoured bottom surface 128 that defines
a belt contacting surface being preferably, but not necessarily,
approximately the same width as the left shoulder strap 150.
Up/down adjustability of the left side extension 120 provides
up/down adjustability in the distance between the bottom surface
128 of the left side extension 120 and the bottom surface 106 of
the left sidewall 102. This affects forward pivoting of the device
100.
[0061] Moreover, the right side 122 is adjustably connected to the
lower portion of the front surface 105. The right side extension
122 is adjustably connected to the front surface 105 through
interaction of bolt and slot assemblies 126, 127. In this
embodiment, the bolt portion is part of the right sidewall 104
while the slots are part of the right side extension 122. The right
side extension 122 includes a contoured bottom surface 130 that
defines a belt contacting surface being preferably, but not
necessarily, approximately the same width as the right shoulder
strap 160. Up/down adjustability of the right side extension 122
provides up/down adjustability in the distance between the bottom
surface 130 of the right side extension 122 and the bottom surface
108 the right sidewall 104. This affects forward pivoting of the
device 100.
[0062] The height of the surface 128 relative to the surface 106,
and the height of the surface 130 relative to the surface 108
(ratio thereof) limits the amount of load, grip or holding of the
device 100 on the shoulder straps 150, 160 before the device 100
pivots (cantilevers) forward and moves with the occupant during
deceleration. The device 100 moves while maintaining its pivot or
cantilever angle. Typically and preferably, but not necessarily,
the two extensions 120 and 122 are adjusted for the same height.
Surfaces 128 and 130 may be deemed cantilever surfaces in that the
height or ratio of the height of these surfaces relative to their
associated surfaces 106 and 108 determines when the device 100 will
stop, pivot and interact with the shoulder straps 150, 160.
[0063] The device 100 further includes a belt interaction portion
110 that extends outwardly from the left and right sides of the
back or center portion 134 of the body 101. The left and right side
extensions of the belt interaction portion 110 each have a contact
surface 112 on a respective upper area thereof. This contact
surface 112 is a friction and binding area and is adapted to
receive and contact a shoulder strap 150, 160 over the left and
right extensions respectively. The left sidewall 102 of the body
101 has a cutout area 113. The cutout area 113 defines a strap
space for receiving and guiding the left strap 150 therethrough and
over the left side extension, thereby directing the strap 150 thus
between the contact surface 112 of the left side extension and the
bottom surface 106 of the left sidewall 102. Likewise, the right
sidewall 104 of the body 101 has a cutout area 115. The cutout area
115 defines a strap space for receiving and guiding the right strap
160 therethrough and over the right side extension, thereby
directing the strap 160 thus between the contact surface 112 of the
right side extension and the bottom surface 108 of the right
sidewall 104.
[0064] FIGS. 3 and 9 depict rear views of the head and neck
restraint device 100 and additional attention is directed thereto.
Particularly, FIG. 3 depicts the head and neck restraint device 100
by itself while FIG. 9 depicts the head and neck restraint device
100 as situated during use and as a rear view of FIGS. 7 and 8.
These views show the gap or areas 113 and 115 between the left and
right extensions of the belt interaction portion 110 through which
the respective straps 150, 160 extend. Since the ends of the
extensions are open, this allows easy lateral insertion and removal
of the respective shoulder straps onto the device 100. While not
shown, the extensions may have belt retention portions extending
from their contact surface 112 to aid in releasably retaining the
shoulder straps thereon.
[0065] FIG. 3 additionally depicts a helmet tether 230 extending
through retention portions or brackets 136 and 138 on the back side
of the body 101. This tether is releasably connected at a left end
to a left connector 212 of the helmet 200 (see e.g. FIGS. 4 and 7)
and releasably connected at a right end to a right connector 210 of
the helmet 200 (see e.g. FIG. 8). The tethers are angled upwardly
from the device to the helmet. This aids in providing the necessary
cantilever action with respect to the device. In this manner, the
helmet 200 is connected to the device 100. The length of the tether
230 determines the maximum outward (forward) length of travel for
the helmet 200 relative to the device 100. The longer the tether
the greater the length of travel for the occupant's helmet relative
to the device and visa versa. The length of travel determines
actuation of the cantilever motion. The retention portions 136, 138
of the body 101 allow the tether 230 to move freely therethrough,
thereby allowing side-to-side head motion by the occupant O (as
represented by the double-headed arrow) regardless of the maximum
length of travel for the tether. Thus, as the restraint helmet 200
moves from side to side, the tether may move with it. Other
configurations for retention portions are contemplated.
[0066] FIG. 4 provides a close-up perspective view of the present
head and neck restraint device 100 in relation to shoulder straps
150 and 160, and an occupant's restraint helmet 200 particularly
illustrating the various moments, forces, motions, dynamics and/or
the like of the present invention as represented by the arrows and
any associated lines. Shoulder strap 150 is positioned over the
belt interaction portion 110 (side or lateral placement onto
surface 112) and under the extension 102 and plate 120. Likewise,
the shoulder strap 160 is positioned over the belt interaction
portion 110 (side or lateral placement onto the surface 112) and
under the extension 104 and plate 122.
[0067] The device 100 may move forward and back along the shoulder
straps as represented by the double-headed arrows below the
extensions 102 and 104. The device 100 also tilts, pivots or
provides a cantilever action as represented by the dashed lines and
angled double-headed arrows. The relationship of the tether 230 to
the device is also illustrated by dashed line-tether 230.
[0068] In FIG. 7 there is depicted the left side of the head and
neck restraint system 500 using the head and neck restraint device
100. The helmet tether 230 is shown connected to the connector 212
of the restraint helmet 200. The shoulder strap 150 is shown
extending over the shoulders of the occupant O, under the surface
128 of the adjustment plate 120, under the friction surface 106 of
the left sidewall 106, and over the surface 112 of the belt
interaction portion 110.
[0069] In FIG. 8 there is depicted the right side of the head and
neck restraint system 500 using the head and neck restraint device
100. The helmet tether 230 is shown connected to the connector 210
of the restraint helmet 200. The shoulder strap 320 is shown
extending over the shoulders of the occupant O, under the surface
130 of the adjustment plate 122, under the surface 108 of the right
sidewall 104, and over the surface 112 of the belt interaction
portion 110.
[0070] It can thus be deduced that when the body moves forward
during impact or deceleration, the head, through helmet 200 and
tether 230 pulls the upper portion of the device 100. The device
100 will move along the shoulder straps 310, 320 by the pulling of
the upper portion as the head and body move forward. Depending on
the friction of the surfaces 106, 108, 112, 128 and 130 the device
100 will move along the straps 310, 320 until a frictional point is
reached and the device 100 pivots or provides a cantilever
action.
[0071] FIGS. 10-14 depict various views of another exemplary
embodiment of a head and neck restraint device, generally
designated 300. The head and neck restraint device 300 is formed as
a one piece body 301. Preferably, but not necessarily, the body 301
is formed of a composite material or as a composite structure. This
makes the device lightweight and durable.
[0072] The body 301 has a back 302 defining a collar portion 304, a
right leg 306 and a left leg 308. The right leg 306 is contoured to
define a right belt surface 360 (see e.g. FIG. 14). The left leg
308 is contoured to define a left belt surface 350 (see e.g. FIG.
14). When the device 300 is used, the collar portion 304 is
situated behind the occupant's head and is thus oriented
essentially co-axial with the occupant's spine, the left leg 308 is
oriented essentially along and/or adjacent the left side of the
occupant's neck or over the left shoulder, and the right leg 306 is
oriented essentially along and/or adjacent the right side of the
occupant's neck or over the right shoulder. The left and right legs
308, 306 may be outwardly contoured as desired.
[0073] The bottom surfaces 350 and 360 of the legs 308, 306 are
friction and shoulder belt contacting surfaces and as such, each
bottom surface 350, 360 is contoured to provide a pivot point for a
cantilever or rocking action of the device 300 per the principles
of the present invention. Bottom surface curvature configuration
determines the pivot point of the device 300 as well as the extent
of forward and reverse pivoting thereof. The bottom surfaces 350,
360 preferably, but not necessarily, have a width that is
approximately the same as the width of seat harness shoulder
straps. In one form, the widths are larger than the strap. In
another form, the widths are smaller than the strap.
[0074] With attention directed to FIG. 14, the bottom surface 350
of the left leg 308 has a double ridge configuration defining a
trough therebetween. Particularly, the bottom surface 350 has a
stop ridge 330 that extends essentially transverse to a
forward/reverse direction of the body 301 and a pivot ridge 332
that extends essentially transverse to the forward/reverse
direction of the body 301. The stop ridge 330 and the pivot ridge
332 defines a transverse trough 334 situated between the ridges.
The height of the ridges relative to one another defines the amount
of forward pivot of the device 300. Particularly, the height of
stop surface 330 relative to the pivot surface 332 limits the
amount of load/grip the device 300 exhibits (holding) before the
device tilts or pivots and then moves.
[0075] The bottom surface 360 of the right leg 306 likewise has a
double ridge configuration defining a trough therebetween.
Particularly, the bottom surface 360 has a stop ridge 320 that
extends essentially transverse to a forward/reverse direction of
the body 301 and a pivot ridge 322 that extends essentially
transverse to the forward/reverse direction of the body 301. The
stop ridge 320 and the pivot ridge 322 defines a transverse trough
324. Particularly, the height of stop surface 320 relative to the
pivot surface 322 limits the amount of load/grip the device 300
exhibits (holding) before the device tilts or pivots and then
moves.
[0076] The device 300 further includes a belt interaction portion
310 that extends down from the bottom of the back 302 and outwardly
from the left and right sides thereof. The belt interaction portion
310 has a left wing 311 and a right wing 313 each having a contact
surface 112 on a respective upper area thereof. These contact
surfaces 112 are a friction and binding areas and are adapted to
receive and contact a shoulder strap over the left and right
wings.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 11, the device 300 may have one or more
brackets for holding and/or guiding a helmet tether. The body 301
has a right bracket 305 on the right rear of the collar 304 and a
left bracket 307 on the left rear of the collar 304. The brackets
are sized to receive a helmet tether and allow the tether to slide
therethrough.
[0078] FIGS. 15 and 16 depict another exemplary embodiment of a
head and neck restraint device, generally designated 700. The head
and neck device 700 is formed as a one piece body 701. Preferably,
but not necessarily, the body 701 is formed of a composite material
or as a composite structure. This makes the device lightweight and
durable.
[0079] The body 701 has a collar 702, a right leg 706 and a left
leg 704. The right leg 706 is contoured on its underside to define
a right belt pivot. The left leg 704 is contoured on its underside
to define a left belt pivot. When the device 700 is used, the
collar 702 is situated behind the occupant's head and is thus
oriented essentially co-axial with the occupant's spine, the left
leg 704 is oriented over the left shoulder adjacent the left side
of the occupant's neck, and the right leg 706 is oriented over the
right should adjacent the left side of the occupant's neck.
[0080] The device 700 further includes a belt interaction portion
730 that extends down from the bottom of the collar 702 and
outwardly from the left and right sides thereof. The belt
interaction portion 730 has a left wing 732 and a right wing 734
each having a respective contact surface 733, 735 on a respective
upper area thereof. These contact surfaces 733, 735 are a friction
and binding areas and are adapted to receive and contact a shoulder
strap over the left and right wings. The left wing 732 and the left
leg 704 together define a belt reception area 785. The right wing
734 and the right leg 706 together define a belt reception area
780.
[0081] The device 700 may have one or more brackets for holding
and/or guiding a helmet tether. The device 700 is shown with a two
brackets, particularly a right bracket 790 on the right rear of the
collar 702, and a left bracket 765 on the left rear of the collar
702. The brackets are sized to receive a helmet tether and allow
the tether to slide therethrough.
[0082] The device 700 has longer belt surfaces so consequently have
longer legs. As such, the left leg 704 has a left extension or foot
710 with an adjustable toe piece 712. Likewise, the right leg 706
has a left extension or foot 720 with an adjustable toe piece 722.
The left toe piece 712 includes a stop surface on the bottom
thereof. The right toe piece 722 likewise includes a stop surface
on the bottom thereof. The stop surfaces of the toes pieces limit
the amount of forward pivoting of the device 700. It should be
appreciated that the device 700 has features and thus functions in
like manner to the other embodiments presented herein.
[0083] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only preferred embodiments have been shown
and described and that all changes and modifications that come
within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
* * * * *