U.S. patent application number 13/553048 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-23 for head and neck support device with low collar.
This patent application is currently assigned to HUBBARD DOWNING INC. The applicant listed for this patent is James R. Downing, Mark A. Stiles. Invention is credited to James R. Downing, Mark A. Stiles.
Application Number | 20140020163 13/553048 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49945321 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140020163 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stiles; Mark A. ; et
al. |
January 23, 2014 |
HEAD AND NECK SUPPORT DEVICE WITH LOW COLLAR
Abstract
A head and neck support (HANS) device comprises a yoke structure
having a low collar, a left leg and a right leg extending
respectively from a left side and a right side of the low collar,
and a tether having a strap coupled to the low collar and a pair of
catches connected to two ends of the strap. The low collar is
characterized with a distance between a central line of the tether
and a top end of each leg, where the distance is less than 70 mm.
The catches of the tether are operable to attach to a helmet of the
driver so as to engage the low collar with the helmet of the
driver.
Inventors: |
Stiles; Mark A.; (Atlanta,
GA) ; Downing; James R.; (Atlanta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stiles; Mark A.
Downing; James R. |
Atlanta
Atlanta |
GA
GA |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HUBBARD DOWNING INC
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
49945321 |
Appl. No.: |
13/553048 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/468 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0512 20130101;
A61F 5/055 20130101; A42B 3/0473 20130101; A41D 13/0568
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/468 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/05 20060101
A41D013/05 |
Claims
1. A head and neck support (HANS) device, comprising: a low collar
having a left side, a right side, a central portion defined between
the left side and the right side, and a pair of openings formed in
the central portion and proximate to the left side and the right
side, respectively; a left leg having a top portion extending
laterally and outwardly from the left side of the low collar, and a
bottom portion extending curvedly and downwardly from the top
portion; and a right leg having a top portion extending laterally
and outwardly extending from the right side of the low collar, and
a bottom portion extending curvedly and downwardly from the top
portion, wherein the low collar, the left leg and the right leg
integrally form a yoke structure therewith, such that the central
portion of the low collar is operable to be positioned behind the
neck of a driver, the top portion of the left leg is operable to
engage the left shoulder of the driver, the bottom portion of the
left leg is operable to engage the left chest area of the driver,
the top portion of the right leg is operable to engage the right
shoulder of the driver, and the bottom portion of the right leg is
operable to engage the right chest area of the driver,
respectively; and wherein the low collar is characterized with a
distance between a horizontal line crossing the middle of the pair
of openings of the low collar and a top end of the top portion of
each of the left leg and the right leg, wherein the distance is
less than 70 mm.
2. The HANS device of claim 1, further comprising a tether having a
strap coupled to the low collar through the pair of openings of the
low collar, and a pair of catches connected to two ends of the
strap, wherein the catches of the tether are operable to attach to
a helmet of the driver so as to engage the low collar with the
helmet of the driver.
3. The HANS device of claim 2, wherein the low collar is formed
such that a portion of the strap of the tether is exposed at a rear
surface of the low collar.
4. The HANS device of claim 2, wherein the low collar has a recess
formed on a rear surface of the low collar at the central portion
of the low collar such that the pair of openings are located in the
recess, and a peg member configured complementarily to the recess
and operable to be received in the recess, and wherein as
assembled, the strap of the tether passes through the pair of
openings of the low collar and a portion of the strap is
accommodated in the recess of the low collar, and the peg member is
pegged into the recess, such that no portion of the strap of the
tether is visually exposed in a rear view of the low collar.
5. The HANS device of claim 1, wherein the low collar has a curved
notch formed on a bottom edge of the central portion, wherein the
notch is operable to accommodate the neck of the driver.
6. The HANS device of claim 1, wherein the low collar has a collar
height that varies gradually from a central portion to the left and
right sides, wherein the collar height at the central portion is
higher than that at the left and right sides.
7. The HANS device of claim 1, further comprising a left cushion
detachably attached to a bottom surface of the left leg, and a
right cushion detachably attached to a bottom surface of the right
leg, wherein each cushion is operable to provide a buffer action
for the corresponding shoulder and chest area of the driver.
8. The HANS device of claim 1, further comprising a left
load-bearing thin layer formed on a top surface of the left leg,
and a right load-bearing thin layer formed on a top surface of the
right leg, wherein each load-bearing thin layer is formed of a
friction material and is operable to resist the shoulder belts from
slipping on the load bearing surfaces of the HANS device.
9. The HANS device of claim 1, wherein a top surface of each of the
left leg and the right leg is provided with a friction means,
wherein the friction means is operable to provide for better
transference of force from the load bearing surfaces to the
shoulder belt of a safety harness.
10. The HANS device of claim 1, wherein each of the left leg and
the right leg has an upward lip with a variable height extending
upwardly from an exterior edge of the top portion of the
corresponding leg, wherein the upward lip is operable to reduce the
chance of a shoulder belt of a safety harness sliding off the HANS
device.
11. A head and neck support (HANS) device, comprising: a low collar
having a left side, a right side, a central portion defined between
the left side and the right side, a front surface, a rear surface
and at least one sleeve member attached to the rear surface to
define an opening therewith; a left leg having a top portion
extending laterally and outwardly from the left side of the low
collar, and a bottom portion extending curvedly and downwardly from
the top portion; and a right leg having a top portion extending
laterally and outwardly extending from the right side of the low
collar, and a bottom portion extending curvedly and downwardly from
the top portion, wherein the low collar, the left leg and the right
leg integrally form a yoke structure therewith, such that the
central portion of the low collar is operable to be positioned
behind the neck of a driver, the top portion of the left leg is
operable to engage the left shoulder of the driver, the bottom
portion of the left leg is operable to engage the left chest area
of the driver, the top portion of the right leg is operable to
engage the right shoulder of the driver, and the bottom portion of
the right leg is operable to engage the right chest area of the
driver, respectively; and wherein the low collar is characterized
with a distance between a horizontal line crossing the middle of
the opening of the at least one sleeve member and a top end of the
top portion of each of the left leg and the right leg, wherein the
distance is less than 70 mm.
12. The HANS device of claim 11, further comprising a tether having
a strap coupled to the low collar through the opening of the at
least one sleeve member, and a pair of catches connected to two
ends of the strap, wherein the catches of the tether are operable
to attach to a helmet of the driver so as to engage the low collar
with the helmet of the driver, such that a portion of the strap of
the tether is exposed at the rear surface of the low collar.
13. The HANS device of claim 11, wherein the low collar has a
curved notch formed on a bottom edge of the central portion,
wherein the notch is operable to accommodate the neck of the
driver.
14. The HANS device of claim 11, wherein the low collar has a
collar height that varies gradually from a central portion to the
left and right sides, wherein the collar height at the central
portion is higher than that at the left and right sides.
15. The HANS device of claim 11, further comprising a left cushion
detachably attached to a bottom surface of the left leg, and a
right cushion detachably attached to a bottom surface of the right
leg, wherein each cushion is operable to provide a buffer action
for the corresponding shoulder and chest area of the driver.
16. The HANS device of claim 11, further comprising a left
load-bearing thin layer formed on a top surface of the left leg,
and a right load-bearing thin layer formed on a top surface of the
right leg, wherein each load-bearing thin layer is formed of a
friction material and is operable to resist the shoulder belts from
slipping on the load bearing surfaces of the HANS device.
17. The HANS device of claim 11, wherein a top surface of each of
the left leg and the right leg is provided with a friction means,
wherein the friction means is operable to provide for better
transference of force from the load bearing surfaces to the
shoulder harness.
18. The HANS device of claim 11, wherein each of the left leg and
the right leg has an upward lip with a variable height extending
upwardly from an exterior edge of the top portion of the
corresponding leg, wherein the upward lip is operable to reduce the
chance of a shoulder belt of a safety harness sliding off the HANS
device.
19. A head and neck support (HANS) device, comprising: a yoke
structure having a low collar, a left leg and a right leg extending
respectively from a left side and a right side of the low collar;
and a tether having a strap coupled to the low collar and a pair of
catches connected to two ends of the strap, wherein the catches of
the tether are operable to attach to a helmet of the driver so as
to engage the low collar with the helmet of the driver, wherein the
low collar is characterized with a distance between a central line
of the tether and a top end of each leg, wherein the distance is
less than 70 mm.
20. The HANS device of claim 19, wherein the tether is coupled to
the low collar through a pair of openings formed in a central
portion of the low collar, or at least one sleeve member attached
to a rear surface of the low collar.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to head and neck
support devices, and more particularly to head and neck support
devices with a low collar.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A head and neck support (HANS) device is a structure that is
worn around the neck and over the shoulders of a race car driver
while racing. The HANS device is intended to reduce the likelihood
or severity of head and/or neck injuries in the event of a crash or
collision. A typical HANS device is formed with a high collar, a
left leg unit and a right leg unit connected to the high collar.
The high collar is an upright member in the center of the HANS
device that is positioned behind the driver's neck and the head
when the device is worn. The left and right leg units engage the
driver's shoulders and the upper part of the chest. The driver's
helmet is tethered to the back of the high collar to reduce the
forces being transmitted to the neck of the driver in the event of
a head-on or front end collision. For such a high collar design,
the centerline of the tethers is 70 mm or higher above the top of
the legs, so that the tethers are approximately horizontal as they
are connected to the helmet.
[0003] Additionally, for the high collar design of the HANS device,
in order to accommodate different sized drivers, different seating
angles and different headrests of vehicles, the HANS device is
manufactured in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations.
This requires race teams to purchase multiple different HANS
devices and often leads to confusion for the driver who must figure
out which HANS device he/she needs for proper safety and comfort.
Furthermore, the high collar HANS device needs more material and
has more weight.
[0004] Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the art
to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, the invention relates to a head and neck
support (HANS) device. In one embodiment, the HANS device includes
a low collar having a left side, a right side, a central portion
defined between the left side and the right side, and a pair of
openings formed in the central portion and proximate to the left
side and the right side, respectively.
[0006] The HANS device also includes a left leg having a top
portion extending laterally and outwardly from the left side of the
low collar, and a bottom portion extending curvedly and downwardly
from the top portion, and a right leg having a top portion
extending laterally and outwardly extending from the right side of
the low collar, and a bottom portion extending curvedly and
downwardly from the top portion.
[0007] The low collar, the left leg and the right leg integrally
form a yoke structure therewith, such that the central portion of
the low collar is operable to be positioned behind the neck of a
driver, the top portion of the left leg is operable to engage the
left shoulder of the driver, the bottom portion of the left leg is
operable to engage the left chest area of the driver, the top
portion of the right leg is operable to engage the right shoulder
of the driver, and the bottom portion of the right leg is operable
to engage the right chest area of the driver, respectively.
[0008] Additionally, the low collar is characterized with a
distance between a horizontal line crossing the middle of the pair
of openings of the low collar and a top end of the top portion of
each of the left leg and the right leg. The distance is less than
70 mm.
[0009] The HANS device further includes a tether having a strap
coupled to the low collar through the pair of openings of the low
collar, and a pair of catches connected to two ends of the strap,
where the catches of the tether are operable to attach to a helmet
of the driver so as to engage the low collar with the helmet of the
driver.
[0010] In one embodiment, the low collar is formed such that a
portion of the strap of the tether is exposed at a rear surface of
the low collar.
[0011] In one embodiment, the low collar has a recess formed on a
rear surface of the low collar at the central portion of the low
collar such that the pair of openings are located in the recess,
and a peg member configured complementarily to the recess and
operable to be received in the recess. As assembled, the strap of
the tether passes through the pair of openings of the low collar
and a portion of the strap is accommodated in the recess of the low
collar, and the peg member is pegged into the recess, such that no
portion of the strap of the tether is exposed at a rear surface of
the low collar.
[0012] In one embodiment, the low collar has a curved notch formed
on a bottom edge of the central portion. The notch is operable to
accommodate the neck of the driver.
[0013] The low collar has a collar height that varies gradually
from a central portion to the left and right sides. The collar
height at the central portion is higher than that at the left and
right sides.
[0014] In one embodiment, the HANS device may include a left
cushion detachably attached to a bottom surface of the left leg,
and a right cushion detachably attached to a bottom surface of the
right leg. Each cushion is operable to provide a buffer action for
the corresponding shoulder and chest area of the driver.
[0015] In one embodiment, the HANS device includes a left
load-bearing thin layer formed on a top surface of the left leg,
and a right load-bearing thin layer formed on a top surface of the
right leg. Each load-bearing thin layer is formed of a friction
material and is operable to resist the shoulder belts from slipping
along the load bearing surfaces of the HANS device.
[0016] In one embodiment, a top surface of each of the left leg and
the right leg is provided with a friction means. The friction means
provides for better transference of force from the load bearing
surfaces to the shoulder harness in a crash.
[0017] In one embodiment, each of the left leg and the right leg
has an upward lip with a variable height extending upwardly from an
exterior edge of the top portion of the corresponding leg, where
the upward lip is operable to reduce the chance of the shoulder
belt of the safety harness sliding off the HANS device.
[0018] In another aspect, the invention relates to a HANS device.
In one embodiment, the HANS device includes a low collar having a
left side, a right side, a central portion defined between the left
side and the right side, a front surface, a rear surface and at
least one sleeve member attached to the rear surface to define an
opening therewith, a left leg having a top portion extending
laterally and outwardly from the left side of the low collar, and a
bottom portion extending curvedly and downwardly from the top
portion, and a right leg having a top portion extending laterally
and outwardly extending from the right side of the low collar, and
a bottom portion extending curvedly and downwardly from the top
portion.
[0019] The low collar, the left leg and the right leg integrally
form a yoke structure therewith, such that the central portion of
the low collar is operable to be positioned behind the neck of a
driver, the top portion of the left leg is operable to engage the
left shoulder of the driver, the bottom portion of the left leg is
operable to engage the left chest area of the driver, the top
portion of the right leg is operable to engage the right shoulder
of the driver, and the bottom portion of the right leg is operable
to engage the right chest area of the driver, respectively; and
[0020] The low collar is characterized with a distance between a
horizontal line crossing the middle of the opening of the at least
one sleeve member and a top end of the top portion of each of the
left leg and the right leg. The distance is less than 70 mm.
[0021] The HANS device further includes a tether having a strap
coupled to the low collar through the opening of at least one
sleeve member, and a pair of catches connected to the two ends of
the strap, where the catches of the tether are operable to attach
to a helmet of the driver so as to engage the low collar with the
helmet of the driver, such that a portion of the strap of the
tether is exposed at the rear surface of the low collar.
[0022] In one embodiment, the low collar has a curved notch formed
on a bottom edge of the central portion. The notch is operable to
accommodate the neck of the driver.
[0023] In one embodiment, the low collar has a collar height that
varies gradually from a central portion to the left and right
sides. The collar height at the central portion is higher than that
at the left and right sides.
[0024] Additionally, the HANS device has a left cushion detachably
attached to a bottom surface of the left leg, and a right cushion
detachably attached to a bottom surface of the right leg. Each
cushion is operable to provide a buffer action for the
corresponding shoulder and chest area of the driver.
[0025] Further, the HANS device may have a left load-bearing thin
layer formed on a top surface of the left leg, and a right
load-bearing thin layer formed on a top surface of the right leg.
Each load-bearing thin layer is formed of a friction material and
is operable to resist the shoulder belts from slipping on the load
bearing surfaces in a crash.
[0026] In one embodiment, a top surface of each of the left leg and
the right leg is provided with a friction means. The friction means
provides for better transference of force from the load bearing
surfaces to the shoulder harness in a crash.
[0027] In one embodiment, each of the left leg and the right leg
has an upward lip 122C/124C with a variable height extending
upwardly from an exterior edge of the top portion of the
corresponding leg, where the upward lip is operable to reduce the
chance of the shoulder belt of a safety harness sliding off the
HANS device.
[0028] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a HANS
device. In one embodiment, the HANS device includes a yoke
structure having a low collar, a left leg and a right leg extending
respectively from a left side and a right side of the low collar,
and a tether having a strap coupled to the low collar and a pair of
catches connected to two ends of the strap, where the catches of
the tether are operable to attach to a helmet of the driver so as
to engage the low collar with the helmet of the driver, where the
low collar is characterized with a distance between a central line
of the tether and a top end of each leg. The distance is less than
70 mm.
[0029] In one embodiment, the tether is coupled to the low collar
through a pair of openings formed in a central portion of the low
collar, or at least one sleeve member attached to a rear surface of
the low collar.
[0030] Accordingly, the low collar design of the HANS device, among
other things, has many advantages over a high collar design. For
example, the low collar design allows universal applications to all
vehicles regardless of seating angles or human body types since
there is no high collar situated between the back of the helmet and
the headrest of the vehicles. The low collar design also allows
unobstructed exit from a vehicle which can sometimes be a problem
with a high collar design in some vehicles. In addition, the low
collar design can reduce the material and therefore the weight of
the HANS device, which is always desired by all racing drivers.
Further, the low collar design with the concealed tether variation
(as called the "subjugator") routing can keep the tether from
rubbing on the headrest which can damage it in some situations.
[0031] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0032] These and other aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment
taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although
variations and modifications therein may be effected without
departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0033] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments
of the invention and, together with the written description, serve
to explain the principles of the invention. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to
the same or like elements of an embodiment. The drawings do not
limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed
and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the
principles of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a HANS device according
to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of the HANS device
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the HANS device according to
the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the HANS device according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows an exploding perspective view of a HANS device
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows another perspective view of the HANS device
according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 7 shows an exploding perspective view of a HANS device
according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 8 shows another perspective view of the HANS device
according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 9 shows schematically a use of the HANS device
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0043] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art.
[0044] The terms used in this specification generally have their
ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the invention,
and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms
that are used to describe the invention are discussed below, or
elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to
the practitioner regarding the description of the invention. For
convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using
italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no
influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning
of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is
highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said
in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and
synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed
herein, and no special significance is to be placed upon whether or
not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain
terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not
exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in
this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein
is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of
the invention or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the invention
is not limited to various embodiments given in this
specification.
[0045] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as
being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element
or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an
element is referred to as being "directly on" another element,
there are no intervening elements present. As used herein, the term
"and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the
associated listed items.
[0046] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited
by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another element,
component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element,
component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed
a second element, component, region, layer or section without
departing from the teachings of the present invention. Furthermore,
relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top",
may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to
another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be
understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different
orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted
in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is
turned over, elements described as being on the "lower" side of
other elements would then be oriented on "upper" sides of the other
elements. The exemplary term "lower", can therefore, encompass both
an orientation of "lower" and "upper", depending of the particular
orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the
figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath"
other elements would then be oriented "above" the other elements.
The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can, therefore, encompass
both an orientation of above and below.
[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present
disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0048] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims
that follow, the meaning of "a", "an", and "the" includes plural
reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as
used in the description herein and throughout the claims that
follow, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0049] As used herein, "around", "about" or "approximately" shall
generally mean within 20 percent, preferably within 10 percent, and
more preferably within 5 percent of a given value or range.
Numerical quantities given herein are approximate, meaning that the
term "around", "about" or "approximately" can be inferred if not
expressly stated.
[0050] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including,"
"having," "containing," "involving," and the like are to be
understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not
limited to.
[0051] In this description, references to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", or "embodiments" mean that the feature or features
being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the
technology. Separate references to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", or "embodiments" in this description do not
necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually
exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For
example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one
embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not
necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a
variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments
described herein.
[0052] The description will be made as to the embodiments of the
present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
FIGS. 1-9. In accordance with the purposes of this invention, as
embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in one
aspect, relates to a head and neck support (HANS) device having a
low collar.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the HANS device 100 is shown
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The HANS
device 100 includes a low collar 110. The low collar 110 has a left
side 111, a right side 113, a central portion 115 defined between
the left side 111 and the right side 113, and a pair of openings
112 formed in the central portion 115 and proximate to the left
side 111 and the right side 113, respectively.
[0054] The HANS device 100 also includes a left leg 122 and a right
leg 124. The left leg 122 has a top portion 122A extending
laterally and outwardly from the left side 111 of the low collar
110, and a bottom portion 122B extending curvedly and downwardly
from the top portion 122A. The right leg 124 has a top portion 124A
extending laterally and outwardly extending from the right side 113
of the low collar 110, and a bottom portion 124B extending curvedly
and downwardly from the top portion 124A.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the low collar 110, the left leg 122
and the right leg 124 of the HANS device 100 integrally form a
symmetrically U-shaped yoke structure therewith, such that the
central portion 115 of the low collar 110 is operable to be
positioned behind the neck of the driver, the top portion 122A of
the left leg 122 is operable to engage the left shoulder of the
driver, the bottom portion 122B of the left leg 122 is operable to
engage the left chest area of the driver, the top portion 124A of
the right leg 124 is operable to engage the right shoulder of the
driver, and the bottom portion 124B of the right leg 124 is
operable to engage the right chest area of the driver,
respectively. Accordingly, the top portion 122A/124A of each leg
122/124 is also called a shoulder portion, and the bottom portion
122B/124B of each leg 122/124 is also called a chest portion. For
each leg 122/124, the shoulder portion may be wider and thicker
than the chest portion with a curvature on its bottom surface
122E/124E to match the shoulder of the driver.
[0056] The low collar 110 is a generally upright member, and has a
collar height, H, that varies gradually from a central portion 115
to the left and right sides 111 and 113. As shown in FIG. 3, the
collar height H at the central portion 115 is higher than that at
the left and right sides 111 and 113. The left and right sides 111
and 113 of the low collar 110 may taper forward from the central
portion 115 such that the low collar 110 wraps around at least part
of the neck of the driver. In other words, the low collar 110 is
configured smoothly with a gradually reduced height along the left
and right sides 111 and 113 so as to allow the driver to freely
turn around his/her face to adjust his/her side vision if needed.
And yet the left and right sides 111 and 113 is higher enough to
operably reduce the chance of the shoulder belts of a shoulder
harness slipping off the left and right legs 122 and 124 inwardly
toward the neck of the driver.
[0057] The low collar 110 also has a curved or arched notch 117
formed on a bottom of the central portion 115, where the notch 117
is adapted for engaging the lower part of the neck and the upper
part of the back of the driver. In addition, the bottom of the
central portion 115 of the low collar 110 may have rounded edges
for comfort.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, each of the left leg 122 and the
right leg 124 has an upward lip 122C/124C extending upwardly from
an exterior edge of the top portion 122A/124A of the corresponding
leg 122/124. In this exemplary embodiment, the upward lip 122C/124C
is formed with a variable height. The upward lip 122C/124C is
operable to reduce the chance of the shoulder belt of the safety
harness sliding off the left and right legs 122 and 124 of the HANS
device 100.
[0059] Additionally, the HANS device 100 may include a left
load-bearing thin layer/film 142 formed on the top surface 122D of
the left leg 122, and a right load-bearing thin layer 144 formed on
the top surface 124D of the right leg 124, as shown in FIGS. 1 and
3. Each load-bearing thin layer 142/144 is formed of a friction
material and is operable to resist a shoulder belt of a safety
harness from slipping on the left and right legs 122 and 124 of the
HANS device 100. The friction material can be, for example,
rubber.
[0060] Alternatively, the top surface 122D/124D of each leg 122/124
is provided with a friction means. The friction means includes, for
example, a pattern formed of a friction material such as rubber (as
shown by 340 in FIG. 7). Similarly, the friction means is operable
to resist the shoulder belts of the safety harness slipping on the
left and right legs 122 and 124 of the HANS device 100.
[0061] Furthermore, the HANS device 100 also includes a left
cushion 152 attached to a bottom surface 122E of the left leg 122,
and a right cushion 154 attached to a bottom surface 124E of the
right leg 124, as shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the cushion 152/154
is detachably attached to the bottom surface 122E/124E, as shown in
FIG. 2. For example, the cushion 152/154 may be attached to the
bottom surface 122E/124E by a hook and loop fastener, a snap
fastener, or other attaching means. Each cushion 152/154 is
operable to provide a buffer action for the corresponding shoulder
and chest area of the driver.
[0062] The HANS device 100 further includes a tether 130 having a
strap 131 and a pair of catches 132 connected to two ends of the
strap 131. The strap 131 is coupled to the low collar 110 through
the pair of openings 112 of the low collar 110. In this exemplary
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the strap 131 passes through the
front surface 110A of the low collar 110, through one opening 112
of the low collar 110, extends along the rear surface 110B of the
low collar 110, and passes through the other opening 112, such that
a portion of the strap 131 of the tether 130 is exposed at the rear
surface 110B of the low collar 110. The catches 132 are operable to
attach to a helmet of the driver (for example, as shown in FIG. 9)
so as to engage the low collar 110 with the helmet of the driver.
In one embodiment, the tether 130 is connected in such a way as to
allow side to side turning motion of the head of the driver.
Preferably, the tether 130 has a fixed length. The length of the
tether 130 is such as to allow some mobility of the driver's head.
The length of the tether 130 preferably allows the driver to have
the ability to rotate his/her head to increase his/her lateral
sight area.
[0063] According to the invention, the HANS device 100 is a head
and neck support device with the low collar 110 that is
characterized with a distance, h, between a horizontal line 119
crossing the middle of the pair of openings 112 of the low collar
110 and a top end of the top portion 122A/124A of each of the left
and right legs 122/124. The distance h is less than 70 mm.
[0064] The low collar design of the HANS device, among other
things, has many advantages over a high collar design. For example,
the low collar design allows universal applications to all vehicles
regardless of seating angles or human body types since there is no
high collar between the back of the helmet and the headrest of the
vehicles. The low collar design also allows unobstructed exit from
a vehicle which can sometimes be a problem with a high collar
design in some vehicles. In addition, the low collar design can
reduce the material used and therefore the weight of the HANS
device, which is always desired by all racing drivers.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the HANS device 200 is shown
according to another embodiment of the present invention. The HANS
device 200 has a low collar 210 and a left leg 222 and a right leg
224 which integrally form a symmetrically U-shaped yoke structure
therewith. The HANS device 200 is substantially the same as the
HANS device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4, except that the low collar 210
has a recess 213A formed on the rear surface 210B of the low collar
210 and a peg member 213B configured complementarily to the recess
213A and operable to be received in the recess 213A. The recess
213A is formed at the central portion 215 of the low collar 210
such that the pair of openings 212 is located in the recess 213A.
As assembled, the strap 131 of the tether 130 passes through the
pair of openings 212 of the low collar 210 and a portion of the
strap 131 is accommodated in the recess of the low collar 210, and
the peg member 213B is pegged into the recess 213A. As such, no
portion of the strap 131 of the tether 130 is visually exposed in
rear view of the rear surface 210B of the low collar 210.
Accordingly, the low collar design with the concealed tether
variation (as called the "subjugator") routing can keep the tether
from rubbing on the headrest which can damage it in some
situations.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the HANS device 300 is shown
according to another embodiment of the present invention. The HANS
device 300 has a low collar 310 and a left leg 322 and a right leg
324 integrally forming a symmetrically U-shaped yoke structure
therewith. The HANS device 300 is substantially the same as the
HANS device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4, except that the low collar 310
has at least one sleeve member 312 attached to the rear surface
310B to define an opening 312A therewith. Preferably, the low
collar 310 has two sleeve member 312 attached to the rear surface
310B of the low collar 310 at the central portion 315 of the low
collar 310. As assembled, the strap 131 of the tether 130 passes
through the opening 312A and extends along the rear surface 310B of
the low collar 310. As such, a portion of the strap 131 of the
tether 130 is exposed at the rear surface 310B of the low collar
310, but no portion of the strap 131 of the tether 130 passes
through the front surface 310A of the low collar 310.
[0067] Additionally, the top of the central portion 315 of the low
collar 310 is relatively flat, compared to the HANS devices 100 and
200 as disclosed above.
[0068] For the low collar design, the distance between a horizontal
line crossing the middle of the openings of the sleeve members 312
and a top end of the top portion of each leg 322/324 is less than
70 mm.
[0069] According to the invention, the HANS device is generally
rigid and may be manufactured from a lightweight, durable, stiff
and relatively inflexible material, such as a material that can be
formed into a hard mold or injected into a hard mold such as
injection molded metal alloy material, a formable composite
material, or a high impact resistant plastic material, such as
formable carbon fiber or thermal set composite material. An
exemplary HANS device may be manufactured from thixentropic
injection molded magnesium, "THIXO", that includes a range of
alloys such as AZ91, AM60, and the like. The THIXO alloys may
include parameters such as a tensile strength of approximately
35,000 to approximately 40,000 psi, a stiffness (modulus) of
approximately 7,500,000 psi, and an elongation of approximately 5%
to approximately 13%.
[0070] In various embodiments, the magnesium is overmolded in an
injection molded process with a Zytel.RTM. or similar material
(from DuPont of Wilmington, Del.) shell. The Zytel.RTM. is fire
resistant and provides a protective coating for the HANS device, as
well as a soft-touch surface for comfort.
[0071] The strap of the tether is preferably made of a relatively
inextensible, fibrous strap material.
[0072] In use, for example, the HANS device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4,
is attached onto the shoulder of a driver, as partially shown in
FIG. 9, such that the neck of the driver is adjacent the notch 117
of the central portion 115 of the low collar 110, the top portion
122A of the left leg 122 engages the left shoulder of the driver,
the bottom portion 122B of the left leg 122 engages the left chest
area of the driver, the top portion 124A of the right leg 124
engages the right shoulder of the driver, and the bottom portion
124B of the right leg 124 engages the right chest area of the
driver, respectively. The strap 131 of the tether 130 is coupled to
the low collar 110 through the pair of openings 112 of the low
collar 110. The catches 132 are attached to posts 102 of the helmet
108 of the driver so as to engage the low collar 110 with the
helmet 108 of the driver. The tether 130 is connected between the
low collar 110 and the helmet 108. According to the invention, the
first connection of the tether 130 to the helmet 108 at the helmet
end (i.e., at the posts 102) is below the horizontal level of the
center of gravity (HCG) of the combined driver's head and helmet
and behind the vertical line of the center of gravity (VCG) of the
combined driver's head and helmet, while the second connection of
the tether 130 to the low collar 110 at the low collar end (i.e.,
at the openings 112) is lower than the first connection, such that
the tether 130 is essentially at an angle, a, relative to the HCG,
as shown in FIG. 9. In other words, in operation, the combined
driver's head and helmet center of gravity is significantly above
the low collar 110 of the HANS device 100.
[0073] The HANS device 100 is securely held in place by the
shoulder belts of the shoulder harness (not shown) when the driver
is securely belted into the vehicle. The HANS device 100 is only
secured to the driver of the vehicle by the shoulder belts. This
allows the driver to exit the vehicle without having to remove the
HANS device 100. The shoulder belts of the shoulder harness extend
along the load bearing surfaces (or thin film/layer) 142 and 144 on
the left and right legs 122 and 124 such that the left and right
legs 122 and 124 are between the shoulder belts and the driver and
the load bearing surfaces 142 and 144 are above the driver's
shoulders. The load bearing surfaces 142 and 144 at the top
(shoulder) portions 122A and 124A of the left and right legs 122
and 124 are positioned such that the shoulder belts of the shoulder
harness adjacent the top (shoulder) portions 122A and 124A are
substantially parallel with the horizontal level of the top of the
shoulders of the driver. The shoulder belts of the shoulder harness
hold the yoke structure securely in contact with the front of the
chest and the shoulders of the driver during normal vehicle
operation. During a crash, the connection of the tethers 130 to the
helmet 108 tends to pull the entire HANS device 100 forward and the
shoulder portions 122A and 124A of the left and right legs 122 and
124 and the low collar 110 of the HANS device 100 upward. During a
crash, the tether 130 carries tension forces from the helmet 108 to
the low collar 110 of the HANS device 100.
[0074] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of
the invention has been presented only for the purposes of
illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching.
[0075] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
explain the principles of the invention and their practical
application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize
the invention and various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in
the art to which the present invention pertains without departing
from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present
invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the
foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described
therein.
* * * * *