U.S. patent application number 14/612944 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-06 for impact reducing protective headgear.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority d/b/a Carolinas Healthcare System, The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority d/b/a Carolinas Healthcare System. Invention is credited to David E. Price.
Application Number | 20150216247 14/612944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53753726 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150216247 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Price; David E. |
August 6, 2015 |
IMPACT REDUCING PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR
Abstract
The present invention provides protective headgear which
includes magnetic material configured such that the impact of a
collision to the head of a wearer is reduced. In one embodiment,
protective headgear, such as a helmet, is provided with a first
magnetic material disposed in the helmet in at least one region of
the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to
exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet including
a second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the
impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision are reduced or
avoided. The invention additionally provides a system for impact
reduction including protective headgear, such as one or more
helmets, and optionally one or more neck pads or body armor
comprising magnetic material, and a method for reducing the impact
from a collision experienced by a wearer of the protective
headgear.
Inventors: |
Price; David E.; (Charlotte,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority d/b/a Carolinas
Healthcare System |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53753726 |
Appl. No.: |
14/612944 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61935990 |
Feb 5, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/414 ;
2/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/125 20130101;
A42B 3/069 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04; A42B 3/12 20060101 A42B003/12 |
Claims
1. A helmet comprising: a structure configured to at least
partially surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic material
disposed in the helmet in at least one region of the helmet,
wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a
magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising a
second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact
forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision is reduced or
avoided.
2. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the structure further comprises a
pad assembly and a shell configured to at least partially surround
a head of a wearer, the shell comprising an outer surface and an
inner surface.
3. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the magnetic material is adjacent
to the outer surface, the inner surface, the pad assembly, or
combinations thereof.
4. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the magnetic material is
incorporated in the pad assembly.
5. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the shell comprises magnetic
material configured to at least partially surround a head of a
wearer.
6. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the shell comprises a composite
material comprising magnetic material.
7. The helmet of claim 6, wherein the composite comprises a resin
and magnetic particles.
8. The helmet of claim 7, wherein the magnetic particles are in
powder form.
9. The helmet of claim 7, wherein the magnetic particles are
nanoparticles.
10. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the helmet comprises a front
region, a crown region, lateral regions, and a back region, wherein
at least one of the front region, crown region, lateral regions,
and back region comprises the magnetic material.
11. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the magnetic material comprises
a plurality of magnets.
12. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the magnetic material comprises
a rare earth magnet.
13. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the magnetic material comprises
neodymium, samarium, or combinations thereof.
14. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the helmet further comprises at
least one sensor configured to collect data regarding force of
impact the wearer receives.
15. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the helmet further comprises at
least one sensor configured to transfer data regarding force of
impact the wearer receives.
16. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the pad assembly comprises
crushable foam, pressurized fluid, or combinations thereof.
17. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the helmet further comprises a
facemask disposed to at least partially cover the face of the
wearer and the facemask comprises magnetic material.
18. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the magnetic material is coated,
plated, or combinations thereof.
19. The helmet of claim 18, wherein the magnetic material is coated
with at least one of an epoxy, paralyene, polytetrafluoroethylene,
and polyisoprene.
20. The helmet of claim 18, wherein the magnetic material is plated
with at least one of nickel, copper, zinc, gold, silver, tin,
titanium, titanium nitride, and chromium.
21. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic material is
configured to exert a repulsive force greater than 20 pounds force
against the second helmet comprising the second magnetic material
of the same polarity.
22. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic material is
configured to exert a repulsive force greater than 40 pounds force
against the second helmet comprising the second magnetic material
of the same polarity.
23. An impact reduction system comprising a plurality of helmets,
each of said helmets comprises a structure configured to at least
partially surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic material
disposed in a first helmet of the plurality of helmets in at least
one region of the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is
configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second
helmet comprising a second magnetic material of the same polarity,
such that the impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision
is reduced or avoided.
24. The impact reduction system of claim 23, wherein the plurality
of helmets comprise magnetic material of the same polarity.
25. The impact reduction system of claim 23, wherein the impact
reduction system further comprises a sensor configured to collect
data regarding force of impact a wearer receives.
26. A method of reducing the impact from a collision, the method
comprising the steps of: providing a helmet comprising a structure
configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer and a
first magnetic material disposed in the helmet in at least one
region of the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is
configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second
helmet comprising a second magnetic material of the same polarity,
such that the impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision
is reduced or avoided.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the method further comprises
providing a plurality of helmets comprising magnetic material of
the same polarity.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein the method further comprises
deflecting a first helmet of said plurality of helmets by the
magnetic material of a second helmet of said plurality of helmets.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/935,990 filed Feb. 5, 2014, the disclosure of
which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to protective
headgear and more particularly to protective headgear that includes
magnetic material configured to reduce impact forces due to contact
with protective headgear including magnetic material of the same
polarity.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Millions of concussions occur in the United States each
year, many of which result from contact sports participation.
Despite the widespread use of protective helmets in contact sports,
head injuries continue to occur at an unacceptably high rate.
Current sports helmet technology has focused on ways to absorb the
energy from a direct impact through padding or cushioning in order
to decrease concussion rates. While the helmets are able to absorb
some of the energy from a collision or impact, the brain remains
susceptible to injury.
[0004] A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury resulting
from the sudden jarring of the brain in the skull. The brain is
coupled to the skull by cerebral spinal fluid, which acts as a
cushion for the brain. The cerebral spinal fluid is able to protect
the brain from colliding with the skull when subjected to slight
jarring. However, subjected to more intense or severe disturbances,
the fluid is unable to adequately protect the brain from injury.
For example, when the head rapidly accelerates and then suddenly
stops, the brain keeps moving crashing into the fluid surrounding
it. The fluid is displaced causing stress on the brain by
compression and shear. Such stress can result in bruising of the
brain, broken blood vessels, or nerve damage. Accordingly,
protecting the skull from fracture is insufficient by itself to
fully protect the brain.
[0005] To reduce brain injury, a helmet should also reduce the
force the brain experiences against the skull. When two objects
collide, as in the case of two helmets colliding, both are
accelerating. Once impact occurs, the objects rapidly decelerate.
It is the latter--the rapid deceleration--that causes head injury.
Helmets help mitigate head injury by slowing down the
deceleration--in other words, dissipating the force over a longer
period of time.
[0006] Current technology slows down the rapid deceleration by
having material inside the helmet that cushions the blow by
absorbing much of the energy. The material is typically crushable
foam or inflated padding. Upon impact, the foam or padding material
crushes, controlling the crash energy and extending the head's
stopping time by about 6 ms to reduce the peak impact to the brain.
The brain experiences a milder impact than without the
shock-absorbing material. Nevertheless, despite the positive effect
the current helmet technology has had on the rate of traumatic
brain injury, the concussion rate remains relatively high. Thus,
there remains a need for a helmet that can further reduce the
impact of collisions and in turn, further reduce the occurrence of
traumatic brain injury.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention may help solve the aforementioned need
by utilizing the strong repulsive forces of magnets of the same
polarity. The present invention provides a helmet with magnetic
material which will help to deflect an impact to the wearer's brain
when it comes into direct contact with another helmet of the same
polarity. The repulsive forces help deflect a direct
helmet-to-helmet collision.
[0008] The present invention provides an improved helmet wherein
the power of magnets is utilized to reduce direct impact to the
wearer and subsequently lower head injury and concussion risk. By
incorporating the repelling characteristics of magnets with like
charges, the invention is able to deflect helmet-to-helmet direct
contact. By lowering the impact force on the helmet and therefore
the brain, the frequency of head injuries and concussions is
reduced. Furthermore, because the magnets are so powerful and
light, there is minimal increase in helmet weight.
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide protective
headgear, such as a helmet, comprising a structure configured to at
least partially surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic
material disposed in the helmet in at least one region of the
helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert
a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising a
second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact
forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision are reduced or
avoided. In one embodiment, the structure may comprise a shell
configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer, the
shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface. The
structure may additionally comprise a pad assembly. In one
embodiment, the helmet comprises a front region, a crown region,
lateral regions, and a back region, wherein at least one of the
front region, crown region, lateral regions, and back region
comprises magnetic material. In some embodiments, magnetic material
may extend along at least one of the front region, crown region,
lateral regions, and back region, or partially extends along at
least one of the regions. Magnetic material may comprise a
plurality of magnets configured throughout the helmet.
[0010] In certain embodiments, magnetic material may be adjacent to
the outer surface of the shell. In another embodiment, magnetic
material may be adjacent to the inner surface of the shell. In
either, magnetic material may extend along the shell, in any of the
front region, crown region, lateral regions, and back region. In
some embodiments, magnetic material is adjacent to both the outer
surface and the inner surface and may extend along the shell, in
any of the front region, crown region, lateral regions, and back
region.
[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the shell may comprise
magnetic material configured to at least partially surround a head
of a wearer. The shell may comprise a composite material comprising
magnetic material. In a preferred embodiment, the composite
material may comprise a resin and magnetic particles, such as
powder or nanoparticles.
[0012] In one embodiment, magnetic material may comprise permanent
magnets. Magnetic material may comprise an alloy of aluminum, iron,
nickel, manganese, zinc, copper, titanium, cobalt, or oxides of one
of more of these elements, such as alnico or ferrite magnets. In a
preferred embodiment, magnetic material may comprise neodymium
and/or samarium. In some embodiments, magnetic material is coated
or plated. In a further embodiment, magnetic material is both
plated and coated, with one or more layers of each. In certain
embodiments, magnetic material may be coupled to the components of
the helmet, such as by an adhesive, by being sown into the
structure, or by one or more mechanical fasteners.
[0013] In one embodiment, magnetic material may be configured to
exert a pull force greater than 20 pounds force against a second
helmet comprising magnetic material of the same polarity. In
certain other embodiments, magnetic material may be configured to
exert a pull force greater than 40 pounds force against a second
helmet comprising magnetic material of the same polarity.
[0014] In some embodiments, the helmet may be used in conjunction
with a sensor configured to collect data regarding force of impact
the wearer receives. The structure may comprise at least one sensor
configured to collect data regarding force of impact the wearer
receives. The sensor may be located throughout the helmet, for
example, adjacent to the shell, in a mouth piece connected to the
helmet, facemask, pad assembly, or elsewhere as part of the
helmet.
[0015] In one embodiment, the pad assembly may comprise
shock-absorbing material, such as foam and/or pressurized fluid
pads. In a further embodiment, the pad assembly comprises magnetic
material in addition to the shock-absorbing material.
[0016] In certain embodiments, the helmet comprises a facemask
disposed to at least partially cover the face of the wearer. In one
embodiment, the facemask comprises magnetic material. In some
embodiments, the facemask does not comprise magnetic material.
[0017] In a further embodiment, the helmet of the present invention
is particularly useful in an impact reduction system. For instance,
the system can comprise a plurality of helmets, each of said
helmets comprising a structure configured to at least partially
surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic material disposed
in the helmet in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the
first magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive
force against a second helmet comprising a second magnetic material
of the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct
helmet-to-helmet collision is reduced or avoided. The plurality of
helmets can comprise magnetic material of the same polarity, such
that a first helmet of said plurality of helmets is repelled by the
magnetic material on a second helmet of said plurality of helmets.
In certain embodiments, the impact reduction system may be used in
an athletic competition. In one embodiment, the impact reduction
system may be used in conjunction with a sensor configured to
collect data regarding force of impact the wearer receives.
[0018] In one embodiment, the helmet of the present invention may
be useful in a method of reducing impact from a collision, the
method comprising the steps of providing a helmet, wherein the
helmet comprises a structure configured to at least partially
surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic material disposed
in the helmet in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the
first magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive
force against a second helmet comprising a second magnetic material
of the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct
helmet-to-helmet collision is reduced or avoided. In one
embodiment, the method may comprise providing a plurality of
helmets comprising magnetic material of the same polarity. The
method may comprise deflecting a first helmet of a plurality of
helmets by magnetic material of a second helmet of a plurality of
helmets. In certain embodiments, the method of reducing impact from
a collision may be used in an athletic competition. In one
embodiment, the method of reducing impact from a collision may be
used in conjunction with a sensor configured to collect data
regarding force of impact the wearer receives.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a helmet showing
magnetic material located beneath the shell and wherein the helmet
comprises sensors to collect data regarding the wearer's
collisions.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
helmet showing layers of material comprising the helmet wherein
magnetic material is located beneath the shell.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a helmet
showing magnetic material located on the outside of the shell.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a helmet
showing a plurality of magnets located on the outside of the
shell.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a helmet showing
the shell comprising a composite material.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
helmet showing the layers of material comprising the helmet wherein
the shell is a composite of magnetic material.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the impact
reduction system showing the magnetic repulsive force between two
helmets of an embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the impact
reduction system showing a cowboy collar comprising magnetic
material.
[0028] FIG. 9 is an illustration of the arrangement of a plurality
of magnets utilized in the experimental testing.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the impact
reduction system showing a vest comprising magnetic material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,
the invention may 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
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 1, a helmet in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention is illustrated and designated by
reference 10. The helmet 10 comprises a shell 12 configured to at
least partially surround a head of a wearer. The helmet comprises
magnetic material 14 configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force
against a second helmet comprising magnetic material of the same
polarity. The magnetic material may be configured in the helmet to
have either the north or south pole facing outside of the helmet
10.
[0032] The shell 12 may be any material capable of being formed
into a structure that partially surrounds the head of a wearer,
including but not limited to, any suitable plastic or metallic
material. The shape may vary based on the use of the helmet.
Helmets for certain sports such as football are shaped differently
than that of hockey. The shape may vary to provide coverage of the
areas more likely to be hit. Suitable plastic materials may include
those such as polycarbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, as
used in many football helmets, or vinyl nitrile, as used in many
hockey helmets. Other possible shell materials include aluminum
ceramic foams, ceramic sheeting, carbon foams, carbon fiber
composites, closed cell foams, expanded polystyrene or
polypropylene, epoxy or thermoplastic composite, fiberglass, fluid
filled chambers, magnesium, nanotubes, open cell foams, and
polyurethane. International Publication WO 2013/148633 describes
various possible shell materials that may be suitable for a
football helmet. As described later, in some embodiments, the shell
may comprise magnetic material in combination with one or more of
the above materials.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, magnetic material 14 may be disposed
adjacent to the shell 12 and disposed under the shell 12. In
certain embodiments of the invention, magnetic material of the
invention may include any permanent magnet. A permanent magnet is a
material magnetized to create its own persistent magnetic field.
Ferromagnetic materials are those easily magnetized to form
permanent magnets. The magnetic material may include an alloy
comprising one or more of aluminum, barium, iron, nickel,
manganese, strontium carbonate, zinc, copper, titanium, cobalt, or
oxides of one of more of these elements, such as alnico or ferrite
magnets. Alnico is a permanent magnet primarily comprising iron,
aluminum, nickel, and cobalt. Ferrite is a permanent magnet
primarily comprising iron oxide and the oxides of one or more other
metals such as barium, strontium carbonate, manganese, nickel,
and/or zinc. The magnetic material may comprise flexible magnets
comprising permanent magnets mixed with a plastic binder and
typically in the form of sheets or strips. While not exhibiting as
strong magnetic forces as others, flexible magnets may be used when
weaker forces are desired or may be used in conjunction with
stronger magnetic material. Naturally occurring magnets, such as
lodestone, may be incorporated into the magnetic material.
[0034] The magnetic material may include a rare earth element such
as neodymium and/or samarium alone or in combination with other
materials, such as those listed above. Rare earth elements are
those elements of the lanthanide group of the periodic table plus
scandium and yttrium. At least some of these magnets have been
found to exhibit magnetic forces, such as neodymium, samarium,
praseodymium, gadolinium, and dysprosium. In a preferred
embodiment, the magnetic material may comprise an alloy of
neodymium and/or samarium, such as neodymium-iron-boron and
samarium-cobalt. Such materials are generally lighter and may
provide more compact magnetic strength. As such, these materials
may be easily incorporated throughout the helmet, alone or in
combination with other magnetic material. For example, powder
neodymium alloy may be incorporated into the plastic binder of
flexible magnets along with other permanent magnetic material to
produce a magnetic sheet exhibiting stronger magnetic forces.
[0035] Some magnetic materials, for instance rare earth metals such
as neodymium or samarium, are prone to corrosion and/or brittle. To
protect the material from corrosion or to protect the material from
breaking, in certain embodiments of the invention, the magnetic
material may be coated with one or more components. Any coating
appropriate for the particular application of the helmet may be
used, including but not limited to epoxy, paralyene,
polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisoprene, or the like, alone or in
combination. Instead of a coating or in combination with a coating,
the magnetic material may be plated with a metal or metallic alloy.
Any metal appropriate for the particular application of the helmet
may be used, including but not limited to nickel, copper, zinc,
gold, silver, tin, titanium, titanium nitride, or chromium, alone
or in combination. For instance, the magnetic material may be
plated with Ni--Cu--Ni. In certain embodiments, the magnetic
material may be both plated and coated, such as nickel plating with
an epoxy coating. The magnetic material may be plated and/or coated
with one or more layers of each.
[0036] In some instances, the magnets may be painted. For example,
if the magnetic material is located adjacent to the outer surface,
it may be desired to paint the magnetic material in colors of a
team for an athletic competition, or to indicate the position of a
player in an athletic competition.
[0037] Magnets are often characterized by their pull force, or the
holding force of a magnet in contact with a steel plate or a magnet
of the same type. Essentially, pull force is the force used to pull
apart a magnet and another magnetic object. Generally, repelling
magnets will exert a repulsive force of the same magnitude as the
pull force. The effective pull force, i.e. the pull force one
actually experiences in practice, may differ due to uneven contact
between objects, pulling the magnet in a direction other than
perpendicular to the object (i.e., lateral and rotational forces),
the material being pulled against, surface coatings or defects, and
other factors. For some embodiments of the present invention, the
repulsive force of individual magnets may be from 0.01 to 150 lbs.,
depending on the configuration and purpose of the magnetic material
as a whole. The repulsive force exerted by the magnetic material
may vary with position on the helmet and may depend on the
configuration of the magnetic material. Preferably, magnetic
material on a helmet exerts a repulsive force greater than 10 lbs.,
greater than 20 lbs., greater than 30 lbs., and more preferably,
greater than 40 lbs. For example, the magnetic material may exert a
repulsive force of 5-150 lbs., 10-120 lbs., 20-80 lbs., or 40-60
lbs. in some regions of the helmet. Magnets of such force should be
handled with care as anything between two magnets of opposite
polarities may be crushed between the two magnets due to the
attractive forces.
[0038] Typically, magnets may be magnetized by exposing them to a
strong magnetic field. The grade of the magnet is then determined
as the maximum strength that the material can be magnetized to.
Generally, the grade of magnet increases with increasing strength.
For example, a grade N42 magnet is a neodymium magnet with a
maximum energy product of 42 MGOe (unit millions of Gauss Oersted).
In certain embodiments, the maximum energy strength should be
greater than 10 MGOe, preferably greater than 20 MGOe, and more
preferably, greater than 25 MGOe. For example, the magnetic
material may have a maximum energy strength of 1-150 MGOe, 10-100
MGOe, 20-75 MGOe, or 25-60 MGOe.
[0039] Magnets also have a maximum operating temperature and a
Curie temperature. Above the maximum operating temperature, a
magnet will lose a fraction of its magnetic strength, or begin to
demagnetize. Above the Curie temperature, the magnet will lose all
of its magnetic properties. For instance, standard neodymium
magnets have a maximum operating temperature of 176.degree. F.
(80.degree. C.) and a Curie temperature of 590.degree. F.
(310.degree. C.). However, higher temperature grades of neodymium
are available with maximum operating temperatures of 302.degree. F.
(150.degree. C.), for instance. Certain samarium-cobalt magnets are
able to withstand temperatures up to 350.degree. C., with a Curie
temperature of over 750.degree. C.
[0040] FIG. 1 additionally illustrates an embodiment where the
helmet is used in conjunction with a sensor configured to collect
data regarding the force of impact the wearer receives. Sensors 32
may be located throughout the helmet 10. As shown in FIG. 1,
sensors 32 may be located adjacent to the shell 12 and disposed
under the shell 12. In some embodiments, a sensor 32 may be located
in the mouth guard 22, which may be attached to the helmet 10 by
any known means.
[0041] FIG. 1 additionally illustrates a helmet comprising a
facemask 20 disposed to at least partially cover the face of a
wearer. The facemask may comprise any suitable material capable of
being shaped into a form sufficient to at least partially cover the
face of a wearer and may be attached to the helmet by any known
means. Suitable materials include plastic, metal, or a composite of
plastic and/or metal, in the form of bars, wires, or rods. For
instance, the facemask may comprise carbon fiber reinforced
plastic. Many facemasks are currently made from carbon steel or
titanium. The facemask may be coated, such as with a polymeric
composition, or remain uncoated. The facemask may also be in the
form of a solid sheet of plastic, metal, or a composite of plastic
and/or metal. In some embodiments, the facemask may not comprise
magnetic material. For instance, the facemask may comprise
non-ferrous material such as copper or aluminum.
[0042] In one embodiment, the facemask may comprise magnetic
material. For instance, the facemask may comprise a metal alloy or
a composite, wherein the alloy or composite exhibit magnetic
properties. The structure and components of the facemask may vary
based on the purpose of the helmet and/or the wearer's position in
the athletic competition, should the helmet be used for such
activity.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of the invention where magnetic material 14 is adjacent to the
shell 12 and disposed between the shell 12 and the pad assembly 16.
FIG. 2 further illustrates the outer surface 38 and the inner
surface 36 of the shell 12. Magnetic material may be adjacent to
the inner surface 36. In some embodiments, magnetic material may be
adjacent to the outer surface 38. In a further embodiment, magnetic
material may be adjacent to the inner surface 36 and the outer
surface 38.
[0044] In certain embodiments, magnetic material may be coupled to
a surface in the helmet utilizing an adhesive. Suitable adhesives
include, but are not limited to, epoxies, acrylic adhesives,
urethane adhesives, silicone adhesives, and other such adhesives,
in any suitable form such as liquid, tape, or spray. For example,
commercial products such as 3M.TM. VHB.TM., an acrylic foam tape,
or LOCTITE.RTM. 392.TM., also an acrylic adhesive, with
LOCTITE.RTM. 7380.TM. activator, may be used to couple magnetic
material to a surface in the helmet. In another embodiment,
magnetic material may be coupled to a surface in the helmet by
being sown into the helmet. For example, magnetic material may be
sown into the pad assembly or an interior lining or exterior lining
of the shell. In some embodiments, magnetic material may be coupled
to a surface with the use of mechanical fasteners, including but
not limited to bolts, screws, straps, rivets, and the like. In one
embodiment, magnetic material may be pushed into a helmet with a
snap fit feature.
[0045] The pad assembly may comprise any material that may be
utilized to absorb energy from a collision. The shock-absorbing pad
assembly reduces energy absorbed by the brain and in turn, reduces
the damage that the brain experiences. The pad assembly may
comprise a plurality of materials, such as foams or pressurized
fluid pads, alone or in combination. The pad assembly may comprise
magnetic material in conjunction with shock-absorbing materials
such as foams or pressurized fluid pads. For instance, magnetic
material may be coupled to channels between the foam and/or
padding. Suitable foams include but are not limited to vinyl
nitrile foam, rubber foam, expanded polypropylene, expanded
polystyrene, expanded polyethylene, expanded polyurethane, and the
like. The pressurized fluid may be any such fluid suitable for a
helmet, such as air. The pressurized fluid may be introduced into
the pad assembly by a system of valves and tubing to allow the pads
to be inflated to a desire level, such as to inflate the pads so
that the helmet comfortably fits the wearer. International
Publication WO 2013/148633 describes various possible
shock-absorbing materials specifically for a football helmet.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, a pad assembly 16 may be disposed
adjacent to the shell 12 and adjacent to an inner lining 18. The
pad assembly 16 may comprise a layer of foam, which may be encased
by an inner lining 18. In the alternative, the pad assembly 16 may
comprise pressurized fluid pads, which may be enclosed by an inner
lining 18. Interior linings such as inner lining 18 and exterior
linings may be made from any suitable material, such as natural and
synthetic fabrics.
[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of the invention wherein magnetic material is located adjacent to
the shell 12 and adjacent to the outer surface. The helmet
structure 10 includes a front region 24, crown region 26, lateral
regions 28, and a back region 30. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the
various regions of the structure include magnetic material 14. In
certain embodiments, the location and amount of the magnetic
material may vary based on the body parts covered in that region.
For instance, the front region and crown region, covering the
pre-frontal cortex, may necessitate stronger magnetic forces to
protect these more sensitive regions as compared to the back
region, such that more magnetic material or stronger magnetic
material is used in the front and crown regions.
[0048] The location and/or amount of magnetic material may also
vary based on the use of the helmet, such as in various athletic
competitions, and within those competitions, the location and
amount may vary based on the wearer's position in the competition.
Magnetic material may extend over one or more regions of the
helmet. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment wherein magnetic material
14 comprises a plurality of magnetic material located throughout
the various regions of the structure. Magnetic material may be in
the form of chips, rods, rings, blocks, cylinders, cubes, discs,
spheres, arcs, wire, sheets, or the like in various sizes and
locations throughout the helmet. Magnetic material may be shaped
into custom shapes to conform to the shape of a wearer's head. In a
further embodiment, magnetic material may be shaped to cover the
head of a wearer and may be used in conjunction with the shell or
in place of the shell.
[0049] In FIG. 4, the plurality of magnetic material is positioned
adjacent to the shell 12; however, instead of or in addition to
this placement, the plurality may be positioned adjacent to the
inner surface of the shell and/or as a part of the pad assembly.
For instance, magnetic material may be incorporated between layers
of foam and/or padding in the pad assembly.
[0050] FIGS. 3 and 4 further illustrate an optional chin strap 34,
which secures the helmet to the wearer. The chin strap may be
manufactured by known methods in the art and may be formed of any
suitable material, including but not limited to polycarbonate,
polyurethane, polyester, polyvinylchloride, and the like. As known
in the art, the chin strap may comprise foam and/or padding. In one
embodiment, the chin strap may comprise magnetic material. Magnetic
material may be incorporated into the chin strap by coupling
magnetic material to the plastic material with an adhesive, by
sowing magnetic material into the padding, by utilizing a composite
of a suitable resin and magnetic material as the chin strap or as
part of the chin strap, or by being mechanically secured, such as
with a bolt or screws.
[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates a helmet 10 comprising magnetic material
configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second
helmet comprising magnetic material of the same polarity wherein
the shell 12 of the helmet 10 comprises magnetic material 14. The
shell is configured to at least partially surround a head of a
wearer 50. The shell 12 may comprise a composite of magnetic
material 14. In some embodiments, the shell is formed of a
composite of a resin and magnetic material. The magnetic material
may be in any form available, such as solid particles including but
not limited to magnetic powders or nanoparticles. The resin may be
any suitable resin able to provide sufficient structure and support
to the helmet, including but not limited to polyamide and
polyphenylene sulfide. In some embodiments, the helmet 10 may
comprise a shell 12 comprising materials such as an alloy of
magnetic material. The magnetic material may be formed of any
suitable method, including but not limited to sintering, casting,
hot extrusion or injection molding. FIG. 5 illustrates the magnetic
material on the shell to show that the shell comprises magnetic
material; however, it should be recognized that, in practice, an
ordinary observer may not see the magnetic material as distinct
from the resin.
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the helmet
wherein the shell 12 is a composite of magnetic material 14. The
pad assembly 16 is adjacent to the shell 12 and an inner lining
18.
[0053] The helmet may be used for any activity where there is a
likelihood of impact with another helmet. Indeed, the helmet may be
used in athletic competitions, including but not limited to
football; hockey; lacrosse; race car racing, such as in
NASCAR.RTM.; or other such competitions utilizing protective
headgear. Referring back to FIG. 1, an embodiment is illustrated of
a helmet of the invention configured for use in football. Also
referring back, in FIG. 5, an embodiment is illustrated of a helmet
of the invention configured for use in race car racing, such as in
NASCAR.RTM..
[0054] Another aspect of the invention includes an impact reduction
system comprising a plurality of helmets, each of the helmets
comprising a structure configured to at least partially surround a
head of a wearer and a first magnetic material disposed in the
helmet in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the first
magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force
against a second helmet comprising a second magnetic material of
the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct
helmet-to-helmet collision is reduced or avoided. The impact
reduction system may comprise a plurality of helmets comprising
magnetic material of the same polarity. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a
first helmet 40 is deflected by the magnetic repulsive forces
created between the first magnetic material 44 on the first helmet
40 and the second magnetic material 46 on the second helmet 42. The
first helmet comprises magnetic material of the same polarity of
the second helmet configured such that when the first helmet comes
near the second helmet, the repulsive forces help prevent the two
helmets from having a direct helmet-to-helmet collision. Rather
than a direct collision, the use of the magnetic material in both
helmets allows for the helmets to experience glancing blows. The
impact experienced by the wearer may be reduced by up to 80%, such
as from 15-60%. FIG. 7 illustrates the magnetic material on the
shell to show that the shell comprises magnetic material; however,
it should be recognized that, in practice, an ordinary observer may
not see the magnetic material as distinct from the resin.
[0055] The impact reduction system may be used for any activity
where there is a likelihood of impact between two helmets. In
certain embodiments of the invention, the impact reduction system
may be utilized in an athletic competition. For example, the impact
reduction system may be utilized in football; hockey; lacrosse;
race car racing, such as in NASCAR.RTM.; or other such competitions
utilizing protective headgear. The location and amount of magnetic
material in the helmet may depend on the wearer's position in the
athletic competition. Indeed, a helmet for a lineman in football
may comprise magnetic material in a different amount and/or
location than a helmet for a kicker. Not all players of an athletic
competition may use the present helmet and may instead use
conventional pad-filled helmets.
[0056] In certain other embodiments of the invention, an impact
reduction system comprises a helmet used in conjunction with one or
more sensors configured to collect data regarding force of impact
the wearer receives. Suitable sensors for collecting data regarding
the force of impact a wearer receives may be any of those known in
the art, such as HEAD IMPACT TELEMETRY.TM. by RIDDELL.RTM. or
CHECKLIGHT.TM. by REEBOK.RTM.. These monitoring devices measure and
record all significant head impacts and may alert the wearer or
others to potentially harmful head impacts. For example, the HEAD
IMPACT TELEMETRY.TM. system measures the location, magnitude,
duration, and direction of head acceleration. CHECKLIGHT.TM.
continuously monitors the impacts a wearer receives by coupling
sensors directly to the head and provides a visual display, in the
form of a small light at the neck of the wearer, of the impact
severity, such that others are aware of the wearer's condition.
Such monitoring devices may be used in conjunction with the present
invention to provide an additional layer of confidence in the
well-being of the wearer.
[0057] In some embodiments, the monitoring devices may be used to
record data. The monitoring devices may be used for continuous
monitoring in real time and/or may be used to store data for later
review. The monitoring devices may be used with wireless
communication services to allow for the transfer of data to one or
more other devices. For example, the SIDELINE RESPONSE SYSTEM.TM.
by RIDDELL.RTM. incorporates the HEAD IMPACT TELEMETRY.TM. system
and a data service called TEAM ADMINISTRATOR DATA SERVICE.TM. to
provide recorded information to registered users. The data service
is an internet-enabled, data management and analysis system that
allows instant access to the collected data. In certain
embodiments, the impact reduction system comprises a data
acquisition system developed for the impact reduction system of the
invention. The data acquisition system may collect, record,
evaluate, and/or transfer data regarding the impact reduction
system to enable custom monitoring of the helmets and those wearing
the helmets in the impact reduction system.
[0058] In another embodiment, the impact reduction system may
comprise a neck pad, such as a cowboy collar, comprising magnetic
material configured to repel the helmet on the wearer. FIG. 8
illustrates a cowboy collar 48 comprising magnetic material 14 in
the neck region 49 of the cowboy collar. By incorporating magnetic
material of the same polarity as that of the helmet the individual
is wearing, one can mitigate the impact on the brain due to sudden
distortion of the neck, commonly referred to as whiplash. Magnetic
material in the cowboy collar exerts repulsive forces against
magnetic material of the helmet, such as in the back region, to
prevent the neck from quickly snapping backwards. Magnetic material
of this neck pad and back region may be configured to exert weaker
repulsive forces than those experienced between two helmets of the
same polarity. Magnetic material may be located throughout the neck
pad in various forms, and may be attached by any known method, such
as an adhesive, by sowing the material into the neck pad, or by any
mechanical fastener, such as straps.
[0059] In some embodiments, magnetic material may be located in
body armor such as military body armor. For instance, the magnetic
material may be located in a vest or jacket or other clothing
material such that the magnetic material exerts repulsive forces
against magnetic material of the helmet, such as in the back
region, to prevent the neck from quickly snapping backwards. FIG.
10 illustrates a military vest 51 comprising magnetic material 14
in the back region 52 of the vest 51. Magnetic material of this
body armor may be configured to exert weaker repulsive forces on
the magnetic material of the helmet than those experienced between
two helmets of the same polarity. Magnetic material may be located
throughout the body armor in various forms, and may be attached by
any known method, such as an adhesive, by sowing the material into
body armor, or by any mechanical fastener, such as straps. The
presence of the magnetic material in the body armor may mitigate
the impact on the brain due to forced extension or sudden
distortion of the neck. In many instances, military soldiers who
have had a concussion or been in close proximity to explosions
experience neck muscle spasms. The presence of the magnetic
material in body armor may help mitigate or prevent the later
occurrence of these neck spasms.
[0060] In certain other embodiments, the impact reduction system
may be used to repel other magnetized objects such as the doors or
the back of seats in a car, such as in a NASCAR.RTM. race car or
military vehicle (e.g., armored vehicle). By balancing the
repulsive forces exerted between the helmet and each of the doors
to the car, the wearer's head may be maintained in a steady upright
condition, preventing sudden rotational or axial distortion.
[0061] Another aspect of the invention includes a method of
reducing the impact from a collision, the method comprising the
steps of providing a helmet, comprising a structure configured to
at least partially surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic
material disposed in the helmet in at least one region of the
helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert
a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising a
second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact
forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision is reduced or
avoided. In an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of
helmets comprises magnetic material of the same polarity. In
certain embodiments of the invention, the method comprises
repelling a first helmet of said plurality of helmets by the
magnetic material of a second helmet of said plurality of
helmets.
[0062] In certain other embodiments of the invention, the method
further comprises providing a helmet comprising a sensor configured
to collect data regarding force of impact the wearer receives. The
sensor may be any of those described above.
[0063] The method of reducing the impact from a collision may be
used for any activity where there is a likelihood of impact between
two helmets. Indeed, the method may be used in athletic
competitions, including but not limited to football; hockey;
lacrosse; race car racing, such as in NASCAR.RTM.; or other such
competitions utilizing protective headgear.
Examples
[0064] The following examples were conducted to test the ability of
protective head gear in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention to decrease impact forces experienced in helmet-to-helmet
collisions.
[0065] As described below, two helmets were equipped with magnetic
material positioned in the front region of each helmet. The helmets
were then collided into each other and the impact forces (measured
in max g forces (acceleration)) were measured at the time of
impact. Sensors positioned in the helmet measure the g forces. The
results are compared to control helmets that do not include the
magnetic material.
[0066] Experimental Set Up
[0067] The experimental testing equipment comprised an apparatus
having a pendulum style test rig to assess helmet-to-helmet
impacts. The main structure of the apparatus was made from aluminum
extrusion frame which functioned to give two pendulums a stable
axis on which to swing. The pendulum length is 2 meters. The length
of the pendulum was selected to allow the speed of the impacts to
cover the range of speeds done in NOCSAE (National Operating
Committee Standards for Athletic Equipment) helmet testing (3.46 to
5.46 m/s) without having to raise the helmet past 90 degrees. The
pendulums included a bearing block, a tie rod, and the head and
helmet assembly. The bearing block was made from machined aluminum
and has two bearings pressed into it for smooth operation. There
was also a pulley gear that screws into the side of the bearing
block. The pulley had a belt on it which was connected to a pulley
that was attached to a rotary potentiometer for data acquisition.
The tie rod was 1/2 inch diameter all-thread. The head and helmet
assembly included an angle adjustment mechanism, a head mount
plate, a model head, and a football helmet. The angle adjustment
mechanism in the instant example was made from a decorative flag
mount. The head mount plate was a piece of 1/4'' thick aluminum.
The model head was a mannequin head from a retail display, and the
helmets were each RIDDELL.RTM. VSR-4, size XL. The head was
attached to the mounting plate with a single screw.
[0068] Magnetic material was attached to each helmet in the front
region to simulate a direct helmet-to-helmet collision. In trials
1-10, the magnetic material was secured with duct tape. For these
trials, four 40 lbs. neodymium-iron-boron magnets from K&J
Magnetics, product number RX038DCB, Grade N42, were arranged in a
square, potted with hot glue, and attached to the outside of the
helmet in the front region. Each magnet was plated with Ni--Cu--Ni.
Comparative trials 1-9 had no magnetic material attached to the
helmet.
[0069] In Comparative trials 10-15, a dummy magnet comprising
non-magnetic plastic from was potted with hot glue and attached to
the front region of the helmet with duct tape to test the dampening
effect of the resin. No magnetic material was used in these
trials.
[0070] In trials 11-26, the magnetic material was secured to the
helmets with bolts and screws. FIG. 9 provides a representation of
the plurality of magnets used for these trials. The plurality of
magnets was arranged in the front region of the helmet attached to
the shell 12. Padding in the pad assembly 16 is also illustrated.
As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality comprised five 40 lbs. magnets A,
three 30 lbs. magnets B, and four 20 lbs. magnets C. These values
are approximate pull forces. The 40 lbs. magnets were
neodymium-iron-boron from K&J Magnetics (RX038DCB, Grade N42).
The 30 lbs. magnets were neodymium-iron-boron from K&J
Magnetics (RX054-N52, Grade N52). The 20 lbs. magnets were
neodymium-iron-boron from K&J Magnetics (RX033CS-S, Grade N42).
All of the magnets were plated with Ni--Cu--Ni.
[0071] The testing apparatus was outfitted with data acquisition
equipment to measure the severity of the impacts. There are two
parts to the data acquisition scheme. There is a HEAD IMPACT
TELEMETRY.TM. (HIT.TM.) system which consists of a sensor pack that
is resident inside the helmets and reports impacts back to a
computer via a wireless connection. Since these systems are used in
on-field testing, this allows for a direct comparison between lab
tests and impacts on the field. There was also a more traditional
data acquisition system that had analog and digital inputs that
record data to a computer that is wired to it. The system reads
signals from a rotary potentiometer that is mechanically linked to
the pivot axis of each pendulum to measure the angle during a test
run. There is also a 3 axis accelerometer mounted to the aluminum
base to measure the acceleration of the head. The data recorder
used was an OMEGA.RTM. OMB-DAQ-3000.
Experimental Procedure
[0072] The testing apparatus used in the examples is capable of
multiple test configurations, including helmet-to-helmet collisions
with one or both helmets set in motion. It can also be setup to do
single helmet collisions with one helmet colliding with a solid
wall. All of the results in the current study were done with a
helmet-to-helmet collision with one of the helmets set in motion.
This procedure was done to simulate a linebacker sacking a
stationary quarterback, and in part because it is a more repeatable
test than setting both helmets in motion.
[0073] Each test started by initializing both the HIT.TM. and the
traditional data system. Then the helmet that was to be put in
motion ("Hitter") was raised to a specific angle based on the
output of the rotary potentiometer. The stationary helmet
("Receiver") was settled by hand to damp its oscillation. Once the
hitter helmet was at the desired test angle, the helmet was
released and allowed to impact the receiver helmet while the data
systems recorded the impact. Drop angles of 20 and 25 degrees were
used for all of the testing. A 25 degree start angle results in
about a 50 g impact for the control helmets, and a 20 degree drop
angle results in a 40 g impact for the control helmets.
[0074] Test Results.
[0075] Table 1 includes results for testing in which the magnetic
material was attached to the helmets via duct tape. Table 2 is the
average results of the data presented in Table 1 and compares the
average values for the trial utilizing a magnet verse those without
a magnet in both the 20.degree. and 25.degree. trials,
respectively.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Magnetic material attached with duct tape
Nominal Nominal Max Max Hitter Start Receiver Start Acceleration
Acceleration Angle Angle Hitter Receiver Trial (.degree.)
(.degree.) (g) (g) Comparative 25 0 52 41.4 Trial 1 Comparative 25
0 51.6 39.4 Trial 2 Comparative 25 0 56.8 36.4 Trial 3 Comparative
25 0 52.8 32.8 Trial 4 Comparative 25 0 54.4 44.4 Trial 5 1.sup.a
25 0 31.5 26.5 2 25 0 30.2 23.8 3 25 0 33.7 27.4 4 25 0 37 26.5 5
25 0 36 27.7 6.sup.b 20 0 21.3 17.3 7 20 0 18.8 13.9 8 20 0 22.1
19.3 9 20 0 20.7 21.4 10 20 0 21.1 20.6 Comparative 20 0 45.5 32.8
Trial 6 Comparative 20 0 44.5 32.3 Trial 7 Comparative 20 0 48.9
35.2 Trial 8 Comparative 20 0 42.2 33.9 Trial 9 .sup.aMagnets
attached to the outside of each helmet in the front region with
duct tape. .sup.bBatteries for the HIT .TM. system were
replaced.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Average acceleration for trials with
magnetic material and trials with no magnetic material Max g
average Rotational Acceleration Drop Angle Hitter Receiver Hitter
Receiver (.degree.) Magnet (g) (g) (rad/s.sup.2) (rad/s.sup.2) 20
No 45.3 33.6 2234 330 20 Yes 20.8 18.5 984 575 25 No 53.5 38.9 2839
763 25 Yes 33.7 26.4 1664 651
[0076] Table 3 includes results for testing in which a dummy magnet
comprising non-magnetic plastic in hot glue taped to each of the
helmets.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Dummy magnet Nominal Nominal Max Max Hitter
Start Receiver Start Acceleration Acceleration Trial Angle
(.degree.) Angle (.degree.) Hitter (g) Receiver (g) Comparative 25
0 31.8 24.6 Trial 10 Comparative 25 0 40.4 28.6 Trial 11
Comparative 25 0 37.4 33 Trial 12 Comparative 25 0 42.8 32.7 Trial
13 Comparative 25 0 31.3 26.3 Trial 14 Comparative 20 0 18.4 22.1
Trial 15
[0077] Tables 4 and 5 include results for testing in which the
magnetic material was bolted to each of the helmets. Table 5 is the
average results of the data presented in Table 4. Please note due
to issues with the helmets slipping on the mannequin or poor
positioning at impact, some of the trials listed below were removed
from consideration for the average results. The data in Table 5
were compared to the averages for the Comparative trials listed in
Table 1 where no magnet was attached to the helmet.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Magnetic material bolted to helmet Nominal
Nominal Max Max Hitter Start Receiver Start Acceleration
Acceleration Angle Angle Hitter Receiver Trial Magnet (.degree.)
(.degree.) (g) (g) 11 Yes 20 0 33.3 39.3 12.sup.a Yes 20 0 26.9
21.1 13 Yes 20 0 34.8 30.4 14.sup.a,b Yes 20 0 41.8 27.4 15 Yes 20
0 32.8 27.7 16 Yes 20 0 31.1 23.1 17 Yes 20 0 36.7 27.9 18.sup.a
Yes 20 0 28.5 19.4 19.sup.a Yes 25 0 47.4 38.4 20.sup.a Yes 25 0
25.7 21.1 21 Yes 25 0 38.8 32.7 22.sup.a Yes 25 0 46.9 33.7 23 Yes
25 0 40.8 30.8 24 Yes 25 0 36 33.3 25 Yes 25 0 33.7 33.7 26.sup.a
Yes 25 0 38.7 27.1 .sup.aEither one or both helmets did not collide
properly (e.g. one may have slipped down on the mannequin or there
was poor positioning at impact). .sup.bThe positioning of the
helmets were fixed.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Average acceleration for trials with
magnetic material bolted to helmet and trials with no magnetic
material Drop Max g average Rotational Acceleration Angle Hitter
Receiver Hitter Receiver (.degree.) Magnet (g) (g) (rad/s.sup.2)
(rad/s.sup.2) 20 No 45.3 33.6 2234 330 20 Yes 33.7 26 1552 837 25
No 53.3 37.5 2646 157 25 Yes 37.6 32.8 2259 895
[0078] From the results above, it can be seen that the magnetic
material can help to significantly reduce the impact forces
resulting from helmet-to-helmet collisions.
[0079] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *