U.S. patent application number 12/795768 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-02 for head protection apparatus.
Invention is credited to Don E. Morgan.
Application Number | 20100299813 12/795768 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37587802 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100299813 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morgan; Don E. |
December 2, 2010 |
Head Protection Apparatus
Abstract
An improved helmet padding includes a multi-layered liner
including an innermost layer consisting of a comfort liner designed
to engage the head of the user, and having an outer surface covered
by an inner surface of a relatively low density foam layer. The
relatively low density foam layer consists of a first region of
relatively uniform thickness with an outer area from which a
multiplicity of protuberances extend radially outwardly. The
radially outward layer of the inventive padding consists of a layer
of relatively high density foam. The outer layer includes a
plurality of recesses corresponding to the protuberances of the
inner layer and sized to snugly receive the conical protuberances
therewithin. The outer surface of the outer foam layer is shaped
and configured to engage the outer shell of a helmet in which it is
installed.
Inventors: |
Morgan; Don E.; (Brisbane,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GORDON & JACOBSON, P.C.
60 LONG RIDGE ROAD, SUITE 407
STAMFORD
CT
06902
US
|
Family ID: |
37587802 |
Appl. No.: |
12/795768 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11169635 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
7802320 |
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12795768 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/414 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/124 20130101;
A42B 3/128 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/414 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/12 20060101
A42B003/12 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. Head protection apparatus comprising: a first layer of foam
padding and a second layer of foam padding, said first layer of
foam padding having a density different than density of said second
layer of foam padding; wherein said first layer of foam padding
defines a plurality of integrally formed protuberances, and said
second layer of foam padding defines a plurality of integrally
formed recesses sized to receive, with surface contact,
corresponding ones of said protuberances; and wherein said first
and second layers of foam padding are assembled together with said
protuberances received within corresponding ones of said
recesses.
22. Head protection apparatus according to claim 21, further
comprising: a comfort liner for engaging the head of the user, the
comfort liner secured to an inner surface of the assembly of the
first and second layers of foam padding.
23. Head protection apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: said
second layer of foam padding covers said first layer of foam
padding.
24. Head protection apparatus according to claim 23, wherein: said
first layer of foam padding is disposed inside said second layer of
foam padding and nearer to the user's head.
25. Head protection apparatus according to claim 24, wherein:
density of said first layer of foam padding is less than density of
said second layer of foam padding.
26. Head protection apparatus according to claim 25, wherein:
density of said first layer of foam padding is in the range between
25 kg/m.sup.3 and 50 kg/m.sup.3.
27. Head protection apparatus according to claim 25, wherein:
density of said second layer of foam padding is in the range
between 60 kg/m.sup.3 and 90 kg/m.sup.3.
28. Head protection apparatus according to claim 21, further
comprising: a hard shell secured to an outer surface of the
assembly of the first and second layers of foam padding.
29. Head protection apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: said
protuberances are conical in shape.
30. Head protection apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: said
protuberances are frusto-conical in shape.
31. Head protection apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: said
protuberances have a circular base.
32. Head protection apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: said
protuberances have a polygonal base.
33. Head protection apparatus according to claim 32, wherein: the
polygonal base has a configuration selected from the group
including a square configuration, pentagonal configuration,
hexagonal configuration, and octagonal configuration.
34. Head protection apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: said
protuberances have a pointed end.
35. Head protection apparatus according to claim 34, wherein: each
of said pointed ends terminates at a location spaced from a
peripheral surface of said second layer of foam padding.
36. Head protection apparatus according to claim 35, wherein: said
location is offset in range between 1 mm and 5 mm from said
peripheral surface of said second layer of foam padding.
37. Head protection apparatus according to claim 34, wherein: each
of said pointed ends is contiguous with a peripheral surface of
said second layer of foam padding.
38. Head protection apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: each
of said protuberances has a width in the range between 18 mm and 22
mm.
39. Head protection apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: each
of said protuberances has a height in the range between 20 mm and
25 mm.
40. Head protection apparatus according to claim 21, wherein:
adjacent protuberances are spaced apart from one another by a
distance in the range between 0.5 mm and 5.0 mm.
41. Head protection apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: said
first layer of foam padding and said second layer of foam padding
both comprise polystyrene foam.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to improved helmet padding.
Applicant incorporates by reference Applicant's prior U.S. Pat. No.
5,669,079 issued on Sep. 23, 1997. In Applicant's prior U.S.
patent, the invention disclosed consists of a layer of high density
foam in which low density foam plugs were embedded. In one
embodiment, the plugs consist of cylindrical plugs, whereas in a
second embodiment, the plugs consist of generally conical plugs
having generally rectangular bases. In the latter case, the taper
of the plugs extends from a wider portion at the outer periphery to
a narrower pointed end in the direction of the inner periphery, but
spaced therefrom. In each case, the plugs consist of individual
plugs unconnected together by any structure. The present invention
differs from the teachings of Applicant's prior patent as
contemplating an inner layer of low density foam having integrally
formed therewith a plurality of conical portions that taper from a
wider portion remote from an outer higher density layer to a
pointed termination closer to an outer periphery of the outer high
density foam layer.
[0002] Subsequent to issuance of Applicant's prior patent,
Applicant was co-author of a study titled "Improved Shock Absorbing
Liner for Helmets." This publication was published in July, 2001.
In the publication, the combination of low density foam embedded
into high density foam was disclosed as one subject of the study.
However, the study did not contemplate or discuss the combination
of structural elements disclosed herein, namely, the combination of
a relatively high density outer layer and a relatively low density
inner layer, in which the inner layer includes a plurality of
generally conical protuberances embedded within the outer layer and
with their pointed ends extending toward an outer periphery of the
outer higher density foam layer.
[0003] The following prior art is known to Applicant:
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 3,529,306 to Thorne teaches an equalizer
device consisting of a plurality of plungers that may be wedge
shaped with their wider portions toward the outer shell and their
narrower portions toward the head of the user. The present
invention differs from the teachings of Thorne as contemplating an
outer relatively denser foam layer and an inner relatively less
dense foam layer with the inner layer having a plurality of
generally conical portions embedded within the outer layer with
their pointed ends extending toward an outer periphery of the outer
layer.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,076 to Summers et al. teaches a safety
hat energy absorbing liner in which shock absorbing members may be
made in a conical shape tapering to a narrower portion adjacent an
outer shell. The present invention differs from the teachings of
Summers et al. as contemplating an outer relatively denser foam
layer and an inner relatively less dense foam layer with the inner
layer having a plurality of generally conical portions embedded
within the outer layer with their pointed ends extending toward an
outer periphery of the outer layer.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,064,565 to Griffiths discloses a helmet
structure including a layer filled with spheres, with the spheres
being fillable with a liquid. This layer may be located between an
incompressible inner layer and a foam outer layer. The present
invention differs from the teachings of Griffiths as contemplating
the stiffer layer being more remote from the head of the user.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,106 to Aileo teaches a helmet made up of
an inner layer of padding including a plurality of foam plugs with
cushions near the head of the user. The present invention differs
from the teachings of Aileo as contemplating embedding of lower
density conical plugs within a relatively higher density outer foam
layer.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,099 to Grick et al. teaches a
multi-layered helmet liner including a fabric inner lining
followed, radially outwardly, by a plurality of hollow spherical
protuberances and an outer energy absorbing foam liner. The present
invention differs from the teachings of Grick et al. as
contemplating an outer relatively denser foam layer and an inner
relatively less dense foam layer with the inner layer having a
plurality of generally conical portions embedded within the outer
layer with their pointed ends extending toward an outer periphery
of the outer layer.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,068 to Mitchell et al. discloses a shock
attenuation system including an inner layer and a plurality of
plugs separating the inner layer from a hard helmet. The present
invention differs from the teachings of Mitchell et al. as
contemplating an outer relatively denser foam layer and an inner
relatively less dense foam layer with the inner layer having a
plurality of generally conical portions embedded within the outer
layer with their pointed ends extending toward an outer periphery
of the outer layer.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,200 to Poon discloses a protective crash
helmet including an inner layer followed by a layer of air bubbles
and an outer cushioning layer. The present invention differs from
the teachings of Poon as contemplating an outer relatively denser
foam layer and an inner relatively less dense foam layer with the
inner layer having a plurality of generally conical portions
embedded within the outer layer with their pointed ends extending
toward an outer periphery of the outer layer.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,614 to Cantwell et al. teaches a
ventilated protective head gear including an outer shell and a
plurality of elastomeric members that are frustoconical and taper
to smaller dimensions in the direction toward the user's head. The
present invention differs from the teachings of Cantwell et al. as
contemplating an outer relatively denser foam layer and an inner
relatively less dense foam layer with the inner layer having a
plurality of generally conical portions embedded within the outer
layer with their pointed ends extending toward an outer periphery
of the outer layer.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,527 to Wallace discloses a safety helmet
including padding in the nature of a plurality of fins. The present
invention differs from the teachings of Wallace as contemplating an
outer relatively denser foam layer and an inner relatively less
dense foam layer with the inner layer having a plurality of
generally conical portions embedded within the outer layer with
their pointed ends extending toward an outer periphery of the outer
layer.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,576 to Broersma discloses a multiple
density helmet body composition including the use of wedge shaped
padded portions embedded within a molded matrix material. The
present invention differs from the teachings of Broersma as
contemplating an inner relatively low density padded layer having
integrally formed therewith a plurality of conical members that
taper to smaller dimensions in the direction of the outer periphery
of an outer layer.
[0014] In studying prior art configurations of padding for helmets
of varying areas of utility, Applicant has found that embedding an
inner layer of low density foam within an outer layer of higher
density foam is an advantageous configuration. Applicant has also
found that it is advantageous to employ a plurality of
protuberances extending radially outwardly from the inner layer and
interconnected together via the inner layer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention relates to an improved helmet padding.
The present invention includes the following interrelated objects,
aspects and features:
[0016] (1) In a first aspect, the present invention contemplates an
improved helmet padding in the form of a multi-layered liner.
Considering the multi-layered liner from its innermost surface to
its outermost surface, the innermost layer consists of a comfort
liner designed to engage the head of the user on an inner surface
thereof, and having an outer surface covered by an inner surface of
a relatively low density foam layer.
[0017] (2) The relatively low density foam layer consists of a
first region of relatively uniform thickness with an outer area
from which a multiplicity of protuberances extend radially
outwardly. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
these protuberances consist of conical elements integrally formed
with the relatively low density layer.
[0018] (3) Each conical element includes a relatively thicker
portion tapering to a pointed end remote from the comfort liner. In
the preferred embodiment, the relatively lower density layer has a
density in the range of 25-50 kg/m.sup.3. Given the conversion rate
of 2.2 pounds per kilogram and 35.314 cubic feet per cubic meter,
this translates to 1.56 to 3.12 pounds per cubic foot.
[0019] (4) The radially outward layer of the inventive padding
consists of a layer of relatively high density foam. The outer
layer includes an inner surface having a plurality of conical
recesses corresponding to the conical protuberances of the inner
layer and sized to snugly receive the conical protuberances
therewithin. The higher density foam layer, preferably, has a
density in the range of 60 to 90 kg/m.sup.3. Using the conversion
factors set forth above, this translates to 3.74 to 5.62 pounds per
cubic foot.
[0020] (5) In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
each of the conical protuberances has a generally circular base.
However, the base may, if desired, be square or assume any other
polygonal shape. The conical protuberances are adjacent to one
another and, for example, can have a width of about 20 millimeters
and a height of approximately 20 to 25 millimeters. In the
preferred embodiment, the pointed outer terminations of the
protuberances are spaced 1 to 5 millimeters from the outer surface
of the outer foam layer. However, if desired, the pointed
terminations of the protuberances may extend contiguous with the
outer surface of the outer layer. The peripheries of the bases of
adjacent protuberances may be spaced apart by about 0.5 to 2
millimeters.
[0021] (6) The outer surface of the outer foam layer is shaped and
configured to engage the outer shell of a helmet in which it is
installed. The inventive padding may be fastened within the shell
using any suitable means including adhesive or mechanical fasteners
made of any desired materials such as rubber, plastic or metal. As
such, it is a first object of the present invention to provide an
improved helmet padding.
[0022] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a padding including an inner relatively lower density layer
and an outer relatively higher density layer.
[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a padding in which the inner layer includes, integrally formed
therewith, a plurality of protuberances extending radially
outwardly and embedded in the outer layer.
[0024] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide such a padding in which the protuberances are generally
conically shaped.
[0025] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide such a padding in which the pointed ends of the
protuberances are spaced from an outer surface of the outer padded
layer.
[0026] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide such a padding in which in a further embodiment thereof,
the pointed ends of the protuberances extend contiguous to the
location of the outer surface of the outer foam layer.
[0027] These and other objects, aspects and features of the present
invention will be better understood from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction
with the appended drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a helmet having the
inventive padding installed therein.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows an alternative construction of the foam layers
of the inventive padding.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a front view partially in cross-section of a
helmet with the inventive padding mounted therein.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the inventive padding.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows a further side view rotated from the view of
FIG. 4 and with the inventive padding exploded to show detail.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 3 which show a helmet
1 worn by a person 2, with the helmet 1 including a hard outer
shell 3. The present invention is generally designated by the
reference numeral 10, and is seen to include a comfort liner 11, an
inner relatively low density foam layer 13, and an outer relatively
high density foam layer 15.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the inner layer has a first
region 17 of relatively uniform thickness and having an inner
surface 19 that engages the comfort liner 11. Extending radially
outwardly from the region 17 is an outer surface with a
multiplicity of conical protuberances 21 integrally formed with the
inner layer. The protuberances 21 have pointed ends 23 as well as
bases 25 having outer peripheries 27 closely spaced from adjacent
protuberances. For example, the spacing between adjacent bases 25
can be as little as % millimeter or as much as 5 millimeters. The
protuberances 21 cover virtually the entirety of the radially
outward portion of the inner layer 13.
[0035] With particular reference to FIG. 5, it is seen that the
outer layer 15 includes a multiplicity of conical recesses 29 sized
and configured to receive the protuberances 25 with surface contact
in the manner shown in FIG. 1 as well as in FIG. 4.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
outer layer 15 includes an outer surface 31 (FIGS. 1 and 5). As
particularly shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, in the preferred embodiment,
the pointed ends 23 of the protuberances 21 are spaced from the
outer surface 31 of the outer layer 15. The spacing may be in the
range of 1 to 5 millimeters. However, if desired, in an alternative
embodiment with reference to FIG. 2, the pointed ends 23' of the
protuberances 21 of the inner layer 13' may extend to be contiguous
with the outer surface 31' of the outer layer 15' as seen in FIG.
2.
[0037] With reference back to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, in the preferred
embodiment, the protuberances 21 have a height of approximately 20
to 25 millimeters and a width of approximately 18 to 22
millimeters. In the preferred embodiment, the inner layer 13 has a
density of in the range of 25 to 50 kg/m.sup.3, or 1.56 to 3.12
pounds per cubic foot. In the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the outer layer 15 has a density of in the range of 60
to 90 kg/m.sup.3 or 3.74 to 5.62 pounds per cubic foot. In
accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the foam
employed may be of any suitable type that permits densities in the
disclosed ranges to be achieved. One example of such a foam
consists of polystyrene foam.
[0038] If desired, the protuberances 21 can consist of cones having
circular bases. If desired, however, the cones can have bases that
are polygonal in configuration, for example, square, pentagonal,
hexagonal, octagonal, etc. Also, if desired, the protuberances 21
may be made frustoconical rather than conical with pointed
terminations.
[0039] The inventive padding may be employed with any desired
helmet, including motorcycle helmets as well as helmets used by
construction personnel and riders of bicycles.
[0040] As such, an invention has been disclosed in terms of
preferred embodiments thereof, which fulfill each and every one of
the objects of the invention as set forth hereinabove, and provide
a new and useful improved helmet padding of great novelty and
utility.
[0041] Of course, various changes, modifications and alterations in
the teaching of the present invention may be contemplated by those
of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the intended
spirit and scope thereof.
[0042] As such, it is intended that the present invention only be
limited by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *