U.S. patent application number 12/810314 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-28 for safety helmet adapted for quick and easy emergency removal.
This patent application is currently assigned to NUTRICOM LTD.. Invention is credited to Erwin Salomon.
Application Number | 20100269246 12/810314 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40824804 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100269246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Salomon; Erwin |
October 28, 2010 |
SAFETY HELMET ADAPTED FOR QUICK AND EASY EMERGENCY REMOVAL
Abstract
A device and method reducing the resistance to emergency safety
helmet removal from the head of a crash victim by extracting the
shock-absorbing elements from within of the helmet cavity. The
removal of he shock-absorbing elements frees the head thereby
enabling removable of the helmet with negligible force.
Inventors: |
Salomon; Erwin;
(Shaarei-tiqwa, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DR. MARK M. FRIEDMAN;C/O BILL POLKINGHORN - DISCOVERY DISPATCH
9003 FLORIN WAY
UPPER MARLBORO
MD
20772
US
|
Assignee: |
NUTRICOM LTD.
Shaarei-tiqwa
IL
|
Family ID: |
40824804 |
Appl. No.: |
12/810314 |
Filed: |
December 24, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
December 24, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB08/55533 |
371 Date: |
June 24, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61016501 |
Dec 24, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/414 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/127 20130101;
A42B 3/328 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/414 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/06 20060101
A42B003/06 |
Claims
1. A safety helmet comprising: (a) a rigid, outer shell including a
back rim, (b) a slippery assemblage of shock-absorbing bodies, and
(c) a flexible pouch connected to the inside of said rigid, outer
shell, said slippery assemblage of shock-absorbing bodies being
arranged to absorb shock while inside sealed said flexible, pouch
and to readily slide out of said flexible pouch when opened so as
to enable said flexible pouch to collapse thereby reducing
resistance to the safety helmet being pulled off a wearer's
head.
2. The safety helmet of claim 1 further comprising at least one
handle configured to facilitate pulling said slippery assemblage of
shock-absorbing bodies out of said flexible pouch.
3. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein said shock-absorbent
bodies include bodies of extruded polystyrene.
4. The safety helmet of claim 3, wherein said bodies of extruded
polystyrene include blocks.
5. The safety helmet of claim 3, wherein said bodies of extruded
polystyrene include spherical bodies.
6. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein said assemblage of
shock-absorbing bodies includes a string connecting said
shock-absorbing bodies.
7. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein said assemblage of
shock-absorbing bodies includes a tube containing said
shock-absorbing bodies.
8. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein said flexible pouch
includes a pouch constructed of silicon.
9. The safety helmet of claim 1, further comprising a connection
arrangement connecting said flexible pouch to said rigid, outer
shell.
10. The safety helmet of claim 9, wherein said connection
arrangement includes an arrangement providing multiple connections
and disconnections.
11. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein said assemblage of
shock-absorbing bodies inside flexible pouch extends below the back
rim of said rigid shell so as to prevent the back rim from striking
the back of the wearer's neck upon backlash.
12. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein said flexible pouch
includes at least one opening configuration for opening said
flexible pouch to enable said slippery arrangement of
shock-absorbing bodies to be pulled through said opening.
13. The safety helmet of claim 12, wherein said opening
configuration includes a first of said opening configuration
disposed so as to be accessible from either the back or a first
side of the wearer and a second of said second opening
configurations disposed so as to be accessible from the back or the
opposite side of the wearer.
14. A method for removing a safety helmet from a crash victim's
head comprising: (a) providing a safety helmet with at least one
collapsible shock-absorbent pad having a shock-absorbing material
disposed inside a flexible pouch configured to enable said
shock-absorbing material to be pulled out of said flexible pouch,
(b) opening said flexible pouch, and (c) pulling out at least a
portion of said shock-absorbing material from said flexible pouch
so as to reduce said collapsible shock-absorbent pad thickness, so
as to enable the helmet to easily slide off the head of a crash
victim.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to safety helmets and, in
particular, it concerns removing the helmet from crash victims in a
manner that does not exacerbate cervical spine injuries. Safety
helmets are typically constructed so that the inner liners secure
the helmet snugly on the wearer's head for high-speed travel. In
crash situations, the helmet must be removed with the utmost of
care to prevent iatrogenically induced neurologic injury. Studies
have shown that a force of 16 KG must be applied to the helmet in
order to slide it off the head, thereby increasingly the likelihood
of exacerbating cervical spine injuries in the process. US patent
application 2007/0271688 addresses this need by providing a helmet
equipped with removable comfort pads that reduce the pull-off force
to a degree. However, these helmets still do not provide the
ability to be pulled off the head with the desired, negligible
force. The reason stems from the fact that the secure fit afforded
by the helmet liner is achieved by a combination of two distinct
components, each constructed from a different material. Comfort
pads, and shock-absorbing pads, fill a substantial portion of the
helmet cavity and secure the helmet on the wearer's head. Since the
comfort pads are elastically compressible they are not the primary
source of resistance to the helmet sliding off the head. So being,
even after removal of the elastic comfort pads, there remains a
significant resistance to the removal of the helmet from the head
of a crash victim therefore, the danger of exacerbating cervical
neck injuries as the helmet is pulled off the crash victim's head
remains.
[0002] There is therefore a need for a safety helmet that snugly
holds the wearer's head and offers negligible resistance to being
pulled off a crash victim's head so as to so as to negate, or to at
least minimize to an absolute minimum, the risk of iatrogenically
induced neurologic injury.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is safety helmet adapted for quick and
easy emergency removal.
[0004] According to the teachings of the present invention there is
provided, a safety helmet comprising: (a) a rigid, outer shell
including a back rim, (b) a slippery assemblage of shock-absorbing
bodies, and (c) a flexible pouch connected to the inside of said
rigid, outer shell, said slippery assemblage of shock-absorbing
bodies being arranged to absorb shock while inside sealed said
flexible, pouch and to readily slide out of said flexible pouch
when opened so as to enable said flexible pouch to collapse thereby
reducing resistance to the safety helmet being pulled off a
wearer's head.
[0005] According to a further feature of the present invention
there is also provided at least one handle configured to facilitate
pulling said slippery assemblage of shock-absorbing bodies out of
said flexible pouch.
[0006] According to a further feature of the present invention the
shock-absorbent bodies include bodies of extruded polystyrene.
[0007] According to a further feature of the present invention the
bodies of extruded polystyrene include blocks.
[0008] According to a further feature of the present invention the
bodies of extruded polystyrene include spherical bodies.
[0009] According to a further feature of the present invention the
assemblage of shock-absorbing bodies includes a string connecting
said shock-absorbing bodies.
[0010] According to a further feature of the present invention the
assemblage of shock-absorbing bodies includes a tube containing
said shock-absorbing bodies.
[0011] According to a further feature of the present invention the
flexible pouch includes a pouch constructed of silicon.
[0012] According to a further feature of the present invention
there is also provided a connection arrangement connecting said
flexible pouch to said rigid, outer shell.
[0013] According to a further feature of the present invention the
connection arrangement includes an arrangement providing multiple
connections and disconnections.
[0014] According to a further feature of the present invention the
assemblage of shock-absorbing bodies inside flexible pouch extends
below the back rim of said rigid shell so as to prevent the back
rim from striking the back of the wearer's neck upon backlash.
[0015] According to a further feature of the present invention the
flexible pouch includes at least one opening configuration for
opening said flexible pouch to enable said slippery arrangement of
shock-absorbing bodies to be pulled through said opening.
[0016] According to a further feature of the present invention the
opening configuration includes a first of said opening
configuration disposed so as to be accessible from either the back
or a first side of the wearer and a second of said second opening
configurations disposed so as to be accessible from the back or the
opposite side of the wearer.
[0017] According to the teachings of the present invention there is
provided a method for removing a safety helmet from a crash
victim's head comprising: (a) providing a safety helmet with at
least one collapsible shock-absorbent-pad having a shock-absorbing
material disposed inside a flexible pouch configured to enable said
shock-absorbing material to be pulled out of said flexible pouch,
(b) opening said flexible pouch, and (c) pulling out at least a
portion of said shock-absorbing material from said flexible pouch
so as to reduce said collapsible shock-absorbent pad thickness, so
as to enable the helmet to easily slide off the head of a crash
victim.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The invention is herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is schematic sectional, side-view of the safety
helmet depicting the shock-absorbent pad in its operational, impact
absorbing state;
[0020] FIG. 2 is schematic sectional, side-view of the safety
helmet depicting the shock-absorbent pad in its collapsed
state;
[0021] FIG. 3A is a schematic, sectional, side-view depicting the
assemblage of shock-absorbing bodies disposed in the flexible pouch
of the safely helmet.
[0022] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the section in FIG. 3A
designated "A".
[0023] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic, sectional side views
depicting tube assemblages of shock-absorbing blocks and spheres,
respectively;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view depicting the preferred
placement of pouch access ports.
[0025] FIG. 6 is an isometric, transparent view of a flexible
pouch;
[0026] FIG. 7 is an isometric bottom view of the flexible pouch
with its connection arrangement and access port configuration;
[0027] FIG. 8A is a schematic, sectional side-view of the helmet
depicting the shock-absorption pad before the contents have been
removed.
[0028] FIG. 8B is a schematic drawing of a crash victim depicting
the snug fit of the helmet resulting from shock-absorption pad
shown in FIG. 10A.
[0029] FIG. 9A is a schematic, sectional side-view of the helmet
depicting the shock absorption-pad after the contents have been
removed.
[0030] FIG. 9B is a schematic drawing of a crash victim depicting
the loose fit of the helmet resulting from the removal of the
shock-absorption pad as shown in FIG. 9A.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The present invention is safety helmet minimizing the danger
of exacerbating cervical spine injuries to crash victims during
emergency removal of the safety helmet. As mentioned above, helmets
are designed to fit snugly to ensure they stay in place at high
travel speeds; however, during emergency removal the helmet must
fit very loosely. The current invention addresses this requirement
by equipping safety helmets with removable shock-absorbing
materials disposed in pouches lining the inner surface of the outer
shell.
[0032] It should be further noted that the helmet of the current
invention has been discussed, by way of example, in regards to
motorcycling; however, it should be noted that safety helmets used
in skate boarding, bicycling, kayaking, auto racing and any
activity requiring head and face protection are also within the
scope of the current application.
[0033] The principles and operation of the adapted safety helmet
and removal method according to the present invention may be better
understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying
description.
[0034] Turning now to the FIG. 1, the safety helmet of the current
invention includes a hard, rigid outer shell 1, a shock-absorbent
pad 2 lining the inner surface of the outer shell 1, and a
synthetic comfort liner lining the inner surface of the
shock-absorbent pad 2 so as to provide a snug and comfortable fit.
The outer shell 1 is constructed from a composite material made up
of synthetic resin reinforced with organic fibers and fiberglass
designed to absorb and disperse the impact of a crash while
providing keeping the helmet lightweight. The shock-absorbent pad 2
is constructed from an assemblage of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
bodies arranged inside a flexible pouch to form a collective shock
absorbing entity to absorb the remaining force of the impact that
was partially absorbed and dispersed by outer shell 1. In an
exemplary embodiment the EPS, commonly known by its trademark name
Styrofoam, has a density of 39-61-kilograms/cubic meter and is
capable meeting safety requirements of withstanding 400 G's of
impact for a duration of 2 milliseconds as required for
motorcycling. The collective thickness of the shock absorbing
material employed is a function of the density. It should be noted
that any shock-absorbent material providing the functionality
associated with Styrofoam or meets the safety impact absorption
standards required for different activities is within the scope of
the current invention. Comfort lining 3 lines the inner surface of
shock-absorbent pad 2 to provide a snug and comfortable fit.
Comfort liner 3 is constructed from several different types of
synthetic foams varying in densities to ensure a long lasting,
comfortable fit. Comfort liner 3 is distinguished form
shock-absorbent pads 2 material by way of the impact deformation
qualities. Shock-absorbent pads 2 undergo destructive deformation
upon impact in that they compress and do not rebound to their
original form in contrast to comfort pads 3 that deforms
elastically in that it rebounds substantially to the original form.
The current invention discloses a shock-absorbent pad 2 extending
below the lower rim 5 of outer shell 1 to prevent rim 5 from
striking the back of the wearer's neck in crash situations as shown
in designation 4.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2-3B, the cavity of the helmet is
partially filled by the combination of shock-absorbing pads 2 and
comfort liner 3. The current invention discloses a shock-absorbent
pad 2 configured to allow the easy and quick release of the
shock-absorbing material 7 contained within flexible pouch 6 by
pulling handle 8. As shock-absorbing material 7 is removed,
flexible pouch walls 6 collapse from the lack of internal support
provided previously by shock-absorbing material 7, causing comfort
liner 3 to shift thereby transforming the previously snug fit into
a loose fit enabling the helmet to be easily slid off the wearer's
head during emergency removal. As mentioned above, shock-absorbing
material 7 is disposed in flexible pouch 6 as an assemblage in
which bodies of shock-absorbing material 7 are interconnected so
that the entire assemblage of shock absorbing bodies slides out of
pouch 6 when handle 8 is pulled. In a preferred, but non-limiting
embodiment, blocks 10 of shock-absorbing material 7 are
interconnected by way of string 9 between each block 10. A
lubricant (not shown) is disposed inside pouch 6 to ensure the
assemblage of shock absorbing blocks 10 may be smoothly and easy
pulled out of pouch 6 in time of need. Mineral oil, lubricating
jell or any substance facilitating the removal of shock-absorbing
material 7 from pouch 6 are within the scope of the present
invention. FIGS. 4A and 4B depict an alternative, non-limiting
assemblage of shock-absorbing bodies held together inside a tube 11
or casing. The casing is made of latex or nitrile rubber, or any
other material providing the strength and flexibility of these
rubbers. It should be noted that any type of assemblage of
shock-absorbing bodies providing a collective shock absorbing
entity are also within the scope of the present invention. FIGS. 4A
and 4B depict shock-absorbing blocks 12 and spheres 13,
respectively; however, it should be further noted that any
geometrical shape and size of shock-absorbing material are also
within the scope of the current invention.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, shock-absorbing material 7 is
removed from pouch 6 by way of access ports 16 disposed in at least
one, and preferably two, location as shown in FIG. 5. These opening
placements are located in terms of two perpendicular axes on the
bottom of the helmet; the first axis 15 passing from the back of
the helmet to the front and the second axis 16 passing from the
left side of the helmet to the right side as shown in FIG. 5.
Access ports 16 are disposed in the bottom surface of pouch 6
between these two axes in the rear portion of the helmet so as to
provide access to medical personnel attending a crash victim lying
on his back or lying on either the left or right side of his body.
It should be noted access ports 16 disposed in the outer face of
pouch 6 in the above-described location in shock-absorption pads 2
extending below helmet rim 5 are also within the scope of the
present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred, but
non-limiting, shape of pouch 6 providing for the placement of
shock-absorbing material disposed on the back and the top of the
head and the left and the right sides of the face when pouch 6 is
inserted inside the outer shell 1 and the extended pockets 18 are
contoured against the inner surface of the outer shell 1. Access
ports 16 are disposed in the bottom surface of pouch 6 as mentioned
above. Pouch 6 may be constructed of thin silicon, cloth, plastic
materials or other substances providing durability and flexibility.
In a preferred non-limiting example pouch 6 is disposable; replaced
after shock-absorbing material 7 is removed. An alternative pouch
embodiment is implemented as a permanent pouch 6 permanently fixed
to outer shell 1.
[0037] The above-mentioned access ports 16 through which
shock-absorbing material 7 is removed are sealed closed throughout
most of the helmet life. Only in emergency situations requiring the
helmet to be carefully and quickly removed, access ports 16 are
opened. Rip tab 19 sewn into pouch 6 so that when medical personnel
pull on rip tab 19 pouch 6 tears along perforation 20 thereby
providing an opening through which shock-absorbing material 7 may
be removed from pouch 6 as shown in FIG. 7. It should be noted that
zippers, and other means of maintaining pouch 6 closed until needed
are also within the scope of the present invention. As mentioned
above, shock-absorbing pad 2 contours the inner surface of outer
shell 1. FIG. 7 depicts a connection arrangement for connecting
shock-absorbing pad 2 to outer shell 1. In a preferred embodiment,
the connection configuration provides multiple connections and
disconnections suitable for disposable pouches 6 replaced after
shock-absorbing material 7 has been removed. Such functionality is
provided by a hook-and-catch arrangement 21 disposed on the outer
surface of pouch 6 and the corresponding inner surface of outer
shell 1 (not shown). It should be noted that snap fasteners and any
other connection configuration providing multiple use functionality
are included within the scope of the current invention. In an
alternative embodiment employing a permanent pouch 6, the
connection to outer shell 1 is accomplished by way of a permanent
connection means, like glue. Such an embodiment provides for
disposable shock absorbing assemblages loaded and unloaded into
permanent pouch 6.
[0038] Turning now to FIGS. 8A-9B, medical personnel attending a
crash victim opens access ports via rip tab 22 and pulls out
assemblage of shock-absorbing bodies 10 via handle 8 to loosen the
snug fit shown in FIG. 10B. It should be noted that handle 8
implemented as a pull tab, a ring connected to assemblage of
shock-absorbing bodies 10, a grip structure formed into a tube
enclosing shock-absorbing bodies as appearing in FIGS. 4A and 4B,
or formed into shock-absorbing bodies themselves are all within the
scope of the present invention. After assemblage of shock-absorbing
bodies 10 have been removed from pouch 6 as shown in FIG. 9A the
resulting gap between the crash victim's head and the helmet
provides the required easy removal of the helmet as shown in FIG.
9B.
[0039] It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are
intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments
are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined
in the appended claims.
* * * * *