U.S. patent application number 12/715240 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-01 for protective sports helmet with energy-absorbing padding and a facemask with force-distributing shock absorbers.
Invention is credited to Carl DRAKE.
Application Number | 20110209272 12/715240 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44504465 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110209272 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DRAKE; Carl |
September 1, 2011 |
PROTECTIVE SPORTS HELMET WITH ENERGY-ABSORBING PADDING AND A
FACEMASK WITH FORCE-DISTRIBUTING SHOCK ABSORBERS
Abstract
A protective helmet having a layer of foam covering the hard
shell of the helmet configured such that the foam absorbs shock
from an impact thereby decreasing the amount of force translated to
the head, neck, or spine of the wearer. A force-distributing shock
absorber coupled to a helmet and facemask to protect the jaw from
shock impacts.
Inventors: |
DRAKE; Carl; (Hillsborough,
CA) |
Family ID: |
44504465 |
Appl. No.: |
12/715240 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/411 ;
2/424 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/20 20130101; A42B
3/069 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/411 ;
2/424 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/12 20060101
A42B003/12; A42B 3/18 20060101 A42B003/18 |
Claims
1. A helmet comprising: a helmet shell configured to receive a head
of a wearer of the helmet and configured to receive an impact
force, wherein the helmet shell has a plurality of regions
including: a crown region; a rear region; a front region; and two
side regions; a layer of cushioning coupled to the outside of the
helmet shell, wherein the layer of cushioning is configured to
absorb at least a portion of said impact force; a faceguard
configured to substantially cover the face, jaw, and chin of said
wearer, wherein said faceguard is coupled with the front region of
said helmet shell and to each of said two side regions via a
shock-absorbent facemask coupling, said shock-absorbent facemask
coupling comprising: an axial member extending parallel to an axis
of a predominant force component of a force exerted on the chin and
jaw of a wearer during a head-to-head collision between the wearer
and another human; a dampening mechanism coupled to said axial
member configured to at least partially resist said predominant
force component of said force; and a quick-release mechanism
configured to release said shock-absorbent facemask coupling.
2. The helmet according to claim 1, further comprising an inner
cushioning layer coupled with the inner surface of the our shell
outer-shell.
3. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein said layer of
cushioning comprises a polymer foam.
4. The helmet according to claim 3, wherein said foam is contoured
over the surface of said shell such that said foam is thicker in
regions most frequently impacted during normal sport.
5. The helmet according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of said
foam falls within a range between 0.25 inches and 2.50 inches.
6. The helmet according to claim 3, wherein the density of said
foam falls into a range between 0.75 pounds per cubic foot and 2.00
pounds per cubic foot.
7. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein shell includes one or
more ventilation holes disposed therein, and wherein said layer of
cushioning includes one or more ventilation slits disposed therein,
wherein one or more of said ventilation holes and one or more of
said ventilation slits are substantially lined up, thereby exposing
at least a portion of the head of the wearer to the
environment.
8. The helmet according to claim 1, further comprising a deformable
polymer outer-shell coupled to an outside surface of said layer of
cushioning.
9. The helmet according to claim 8, wherein said deformable polymer
outer-shell is paintable and does not freeze during environmental
conditions normally associated with sports activity.
10. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein said shock-absorbent
facemask coupling couples with said facemask via a snap-on
clip.
11. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein said shock-absorbent
facemask coupling couples with said facemask via clip, and wherein
said clip includes a quick release strap mechanism for securing
said facemask within the clip such that said coupling can be
released by releasing said quick release strap mechanism.
12. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein said layer of
cushioning is permanently coupled with said shell.
13. A helmet comprising: a shell configured to receive a head of a
wearer of the helmet and configured to receive an impact force,
wherein the shell has a plurality of regions including: a crown
region; a rear region; a front region; and two side regions; a
layer of cushioning coupled to the shell, wherein the layer of
cushioning is configured to absorb at least a portion of said
impact force.
14. The helmet according to claim 13, wherein said layer of
cushioning comprises a polymer foam.
15. The helmet according to claim 13, wherein said layer of
cushioning is permanently coupled with said shell.
16. The helmet according to claim 14, wherein said foam is
contoured over the surface of said shell such that said foam is
thicker in regions most frequently impacted during normal
sport.
17. The helmet according to claim 14, wherein the thickness of said
foam falls within a range between 0.25 inches and 2.50 inches, and
wherein the density of said foam falls into a range between 0.75
pounds per cubic foot and 2.00 pounds per cubic foot.
18. The helmet according to claim 13, wherein shell includes one or
more ventilation holes disposed therein, and wherein said layer of
cushioning includes one or more ventilation slits disposed therein,
wherein one or more of said ventilation holes and one or more of
said ventilation slits are substantially lined up, thereby exposing
at least a portion of the head of the wearer.
19. The helmet according to claim 13, further comprising a
deformable polymer outer-shell coupled to an outside surface of
said layer of cushioning.
20. A helmet comprising: a shell configured to receive a head of a
wearer of the helmet and configured to receive an impact force,
wherein the shell has a plurality of regions including: a crown
region; a rear region; a front region; and two side regions; a
faceguard configured to substantially cover the face, jaw, and chin
of said wearer, wherein said faceguard is coupled with the front
region of said shell and to each of said two side regions via a
shock-absorbent facemask coupling, said shock-absorbent facemask
coupling comprising: an axial member extending parallel to an axis
of a predominant force component of a force exerted on the chin and
jaw of a wearer during a head-to-head collision between the wearer
and another human; a dampening mechanism coupled to said axial
member configured to at least partially resist said predominant
force component of said force.
21. The helmet according to claim 20, wherein said shock-absorbent
facemask coupling couples with said facemask via a means selected
from among: a snap-on clip; and a u-shaped clip, and wherein said
u-shaped clip includes a quick release strap mechanism for securing
said facemask within said u-shaped clip such that said coupling can
be released by releasing said quick release strap mechanism.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The invention relates generally to protective headgear. More
specifically, the invention relates to a protective sports helmet
with energy-absorbing padding and a facemask with
force-distributing shock absorbers.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The potential for an individual suffering a head injury
while participating in a sporting activity depends upon the type of
sport as well as the skill of its participants. High impact sports
necessitate the use of the headwear; however, head injuries still
occur despite participant skill. Headwear protection must also be
capable of withstanding repeated impacts without imparting injury
to the individual.
[0005] Headwear designed to protect an individual's head from
injury is commonly referred to as a helmet. Proper helmet
construction cannot be emphasized enough when used in such sports
as football. In fact, it is a requirement that high school,
college, and professional football players wear a helmet during
play. Typically, these helmets have included: an outer shell,
generally made of an appropriate plastic material, having the
requisite strength and durability characteristics to enable them to
be used in the sport of football; some type of shock absorbing
liner within the shell; a face guard; and a chin protector, or chin
strap, that fits snugly about the chin of the wear of the helmet,
in order to secure the helmet to the wearer's head, as are all
known in the art.
[0006] When a user's head impacts a hard object while wearing a
helmet, some of the energy of the impact is absorbed and displaced
by the padding as it compresses against and between the user's head
and the outer casing. However, despite the mandated requirement for
helmet use and construction, head injuries still occur in notable
numbers.
[0007] The rule makers for football have recognized the importance
of the helmet and face mask combination and have imposed rules to
help to reduce injuries. However, a rule in itself cannot prevent
injury and/or maiming of a player. Such a rule can only invoke a
yardage penalty, a fine, or at worst a suspension of a player. The
injury and associated damage, however, will have still occurred to
the victim player.
[0008] Head trauma and head injuries are some of the most under
diagnosed and misunderstood afflictions in sports. As more and more
data and information comes to light regarding athletes and
concussions, the closer sports and medical professionals come to
finding a workable solution and possibly better prevention
methods.
[0009] In fact, the United States Congress has recently considered
a study performed at the University of Michigan that revealed that
football players who suffer head injuries have much higher rates of
dementia and cognitive disabilities later in their lives. In
response, the National Football League has announced that it will
conduct scientific research that will give players and equipment
managers more information about helmets and will help manufacturers
know where they could improve equipment.
[0010] Numerous helmet manufacturers have developed various helmet
designs and materials of construction in an effort to reduce head
injury. As mentioned above, the common element in all such helmets
is that the outer skeletal shell is constructed of an impact
resistant hard plastic shell which operates to protect the wearer's
head and spine should the individual wearing such a helmet impact
another person or another obstacle. However, known solutions do not
adequately address the risk of head injury as evidenced by the
staggering amount of head injuries that still occur.
[0011] Additionally, during sporting events, blows are commonly
directed to the chin or jaw. When a heavy blow is delivered to the
chin, the force extends into the jaw joint. The forces are
transmitted to major nerves at the base of the brain, to the blood
supplies to the brain, as well as to the balance center located
near the jaw joint. In short, this force can leave the athlete with
a concussion. Scientific studies and practical experience time and
again have demonstrated the effectiveness of chin and jaw
protection in the prevention of concussion.
[0012] Additionally, a helmet wearer's comfort is an additional
concern to designers. Notably, a helmet should allow warm air to
escape the helmet through vents and allow breathability.
Accordingly, a helmet is needed which provides superior
breathability, padding, and impact resistance for the user, while
simultaneously offering more resilient external surfaces for
contact with opposing objects. A player should have confidence that
a head injury can be avoided through the use of such equipment.
Likewise, a helmet is needed which provides superior protection to
chin and jaw impact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention relates to a helmet having a layer of foam
covering the hard shell of the helmet and a shock absorbent
facemask. According to some embodiments, a helmet is configured
such that the foam absorbs shock from an impact thereby decreasing
the amount of force translated to the head, neck, or spine of the
wearer.
[0014] In some embodiments of the invention, more foam is placed in
areas that protect against the most common impacts. In some
embodiments of the invention, a flexible, durable plastic covering
covers the foam. The plastic covering is preferably paintable and
does not freeze during common sports conditions. In some
embodiments the shell and the foam covering include ventilation
holes to allow for breathability.
[0015] In some embodiments of the helmet couples with the facemask
of the helmet with a force-distributing shock absorber to protect
the jaw from shock impacts. In some embodiments, the
force-distributing shock absorber includes a snap-on coupling. In
some other embodiments, the force-distributing shock absorber
includes a quick-release coupling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a basic protective
helmet of the prior art;
[0017] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an improved
helmet according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of a helmet having a shell,
a layer of foam, ventilation holes, and gaps in the foam according
to some embodiments of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a helmet with
a layer of shock absorbent foam with a deformable polymer
outer-shell according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 2D illustrates a front view of a helmet with a layer of
shock absorbent foam with a deformable polymer outer-shell
according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric detail of a helmet coupled
with a facemask via a shock-absorbent facemask coupling mechanism
according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 4A is an overhead view of the shock-absorbent facemask
coupling mechanism and a vertical member of the facemask via a
snap-on, c-shaped clip according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 4B is an overhead view of the shock-absorbent facemask
coupling mechanism coupled with a vertical member of the facemask
via a snap-on, c-shaped clip according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 5A is an overhead view of the shock-absorbent facemask
coupling mechanism and a vertical member of the facemask via a
u-shaped clip and a securing strap according to some embodiments of
the invention; and
[0025] FIG. 5B is an overhead view of the shock-absorbent facemask
coupling mechanism coupled with a vertical member of the facemask
via the u-shaped clip according to some embodiments of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The invention comprises an improved protective helmet.
Helmets are configured to protect a wearer's head, face, and spine
from a plurality of impact forces. FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric
view of a basic protective helmet 100 of the prior art. The helmet
100 includes a shell 101 configured to receive the head of a wearer
of the helmet 100. The helmet 100 comprises a front region 102, a
crown region 103, a rear region 104, two side regions 105, a jaw
protection region 106, a chin strap 107, and a facemask 108. The
helmet 100 of the prior art provides only a base level of
protection against head impact and impact to the wearer's jaw and
chin during a collision.
[0027] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an improved
helmet 200 according to some embodiments of the invention. The
helmet 200 includes a shell 201 designed to securely receive the
head of a wearer. In the presently preferred embodiments of the
invention, the helmet 200 includes a layer of cushioning 299
coupled to the outer surface of a shell 201. For the remainder of
the disclosure, the cushioning 299 is referred to as foam. However,
it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art
having benefit of this disclosure that other suitable materials,
now known or later developed, that decrease shock forces are
equally suitable as cushioning.
[0028] The layer of foam 299 is configured to absorb impact forces
on the wearer's head. In the presently preferred embodiments of the
invention, the layer of foam 299 is permanently coupled with the
shell 201 of the helmet 200.
[0029] In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, the
maximum thickness of the layer of foam falls within a range of 0.25
inches and 2.50 inches. In some embodiments the layer of foam 299
is contoured such that the layer is thinner in some areas and
thicker in other areas. For example, in some embodiments of the
invention, the foam 299 is thicker in areas most frequently
impacted during the normal course of a sporting event.
[0030] In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, the
layer of foam has a density in the range of 0.75 pounds per cubic
foot to 2.00 pounds per cubic foot. In some embodiments of the
invention, the layer of foam 299 utilizes a plurality of foam
regions, each one of which possibly uses different foam density
values.
[0031] Although specific thickness and density values are specified
herein, it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure that a wide variety
of thicknesses and densities are feasible.
[0032] FIG. 2A shows the layer of foam 299 covering a front region
202, a crown region 203, and rear region 204 of the helmet 200. In
some embodiments of the invention, the layer of foam covers fewer
regions or more regions. For example, FIG. 2B illustrates a front
view of a helmet 200 having a shell 201 with a layer of foam 299
covering front region 202, a crown region 203, and side regions 205
of the helmet 200 according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0033] Although specific examples of helmets are disclosed herein
with placement of foam layers in specific regions, it will be
readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure that a helmet can include a foam layer
in any region of the helmet.
[0034] While protection against shock impact is the primary purpose
of a helmet, the helmet should also provide comfort and
breathability. Referring again to FIG. 2B, the helmet 200 is
configured with ventilation holes 275 disposed in the shell 201.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the layer of foam
299 includes gaps 285 for letting the ventilation holes 275
breathe.
[0035] In some embodiments of the invention, the helmet 200
includes an outer-shell 298 covering a layer of foam 299. FIGS. 2C
and 2D illustrate a cross-sectional view and a front view of a
helmet 200 with a layer of shock absorbent foam 299 with a
deformable polymer outer-shell 298 according to some embodiments of
the invention.
[0036] In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, the
outer-shell 298 is a deformable polymer. The outer-shell 298 is
preferably paintable such that a team logo, player number, etc. may
be applied to the outer-shell 298. The outer-shell 298 also
preferably maintains deformability at low temperatures. Although
specific preferences are disclosed, it will be readily apparent to
those having ordinary skill in the art that the outer-shell 298 can
be composed of a number of different materials and have a number of
different configurations.
[0037] As explained above, shocking blows to a human's chin or jaw
can leave them with a concussion. Accordingly, some embodiments of
the invention include a shock-absorbent facemask coupling mechanism
to reduce the risk of injury to an athlete. FIG. 3 illustrates an
isometric detail of a helmet 300 coupled with a facemask 350 via a
shock-absorbent facemask coupling mechanism 375.
[0038] According to FIG. 3, the shock-absorbent facemask coupling
mechanism 375 comprises an axial member 376 containing a dampening
mechanism 377 for absorbing force components parallel to the axial
member 376. For example, according to FIG. 3, the shock-absorbent
facemask coupling mechanism 375 is configured such that forces
components in the -z direction are absorbed by the dampening
mechanism 377.
[0039] According to FIG. 3, the axial member 376 is coupled with an
ear protection region 305 of the helmet 300. In some embodiments of
the invention, the shock-absorbent facemask coupling mechanism 375
is fixed to the helmet 300. For example, FIG. 3 shows the
shock-absorbent facemask coupling mechanism 375 fixed to the helmet
300 via a bolt 380. In some other embodiments, the shock-absorbent
facemask coupling mechanism 375 is removably coupled to the helmet
300.
[0040] Likewise, in some embodiments of the invention, the
shock-absorbent facemask coupling mechanism 375 is fixed to the
facemask 350, while in other embodiments the shock-absorbent
facemask coupling mechanism 375 is removably coupled to the
facemask. FIG. 3 shows the shock-absorbent facemask coupling
mechanism 375 coupled with a vertical member of the facemask 350
via a snap-on, c-shaped clip 360.
[0041] FIG. 4A is an overhead view of the shock-absorbent facemask
coupling mechanism 475 and a vertical member 450 of the facemask
extending in an out of the page. The shock-absorbent facemask
coupling mechanism 475 comprises an axial member 476 containing a
dampening mechanism 477 coupled with a shaft 478. The shaft 478
terminates with a snap-on, c-shaped clip 460. The axial member is
coupled with a flange 479 having a conduit 481 disposed therein.
The snap-on, c-shaped clip 460 is preferably a resilient material
that deforms to expand. Accordingly, the snap-on, c-shaped clip 460
is configured to snap onto the vertical member 450 of the
facemask.
[0042] Preferably the facemask extends far enough away from the
wearer's chin such that the facemask does not impact the wearer's
chin during full compression of the dampening mechanism 477.
[0043] FIG. 4B is an overhead view of the shock-absorbent facemask
coupling mechanism 475 coupled with a vertical member 450 of the
facemask via a snap-on, c-shaped clip 460. Additionally, according
to FIG. 4B, a bolt 480 is inserted into the conduit 481 for
coupling the shock-absorbent facemask coupling mechanism 475 with
the helmet.
[0044] In some situations it may be desirable to provide a helmet
having a shock-absorbent facemask coupling mechanism with a quick
release feature such that the facemask can be opened without an
application of force. For example, if a wearer experiences a neck
injury while wearing the helmet, it is desirable to open the
facemask and remove the helmet with as little force as possible to
prevent further injury. Accordingly, some embodiments of the
invention provide a shock-absorbent facemask coupling mechanism
that uses a coupling that is easily removable.
[0045] FIG. 5A is an overhead view of the shock-absorbent facemask
coupling mechanism 575 and a vertical member 550 of the facemask.
The shock-absorbent facemask coupling mechanism 575 includes a
u-shaped clip 560 and a securing strap 557 The shock-absorbent
facemask coupling mechanism 575 comprises an axial member 576
containing a dampening mechanism 577 coupled with a shaft 578. The
axial member is also coupled with a flange 579 having a conduit 581
disposed therein. The u-shaped clip 560 is configured to
accommodate the vertical member 550 of the facemask. The u-shaped
clip 560 also comprises a strap 557 with the female end of a snap
556 disposed on a first end of the strap 557 and a rivet 558
disposed on the other end of the strap 556 for coupling with the
u-shaped clip 560. Likewise, the u-shaped clip 560 includes a male
end of a snap 559. Accordingly, the u-shaped clip 560 is configured
to fit onto the vertical member 550 of the facemask with the strap
556 securing it therein.
[0046] FIG. 5B is an overhead view of the shock-absorbent facemask
coupling mechanism 575 coupled with a vertical member 550 of the
facemask via the u-shaped clip 560. As shown, the female end of the
snap 556 is snapped to the male end of the snap 559, thereby
securing the shock-absorbent facemask coupling mechanism 575 with
the vertical member 550. Additionally, according to FIG. 5B, a bolt
580 is inserted into the conduit 581 to couple the shock-absorbent
facemask coupling mechanism 575 with the helmet.
[0047] Although the invention is described herein with reference to
the preferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that other applications may be substituted for those set
forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the
Claims included below.
* * * * *