U.S. patent application number 15/858494 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-10 for head and neck support and restraint system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jonathan Cook. Invention is credited to Jonathan Cook.
Application Number | 20180125140 15/858494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56615131 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180125140 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cook; Jonathan |
May 10, 2018 |
Head and Neck Support and Restraint System
Abstract
A head and neck support and restraint system including
protective headwear worn by a user; an article worn about the
shoulders, chest and back of the user; and a dynamic connector that
is disposed between and attached to the protective headwear and the
worn article that dampens and distributes forces to which the head
and neck are subjected during use. Such forces can include forces
experienced as a result of acceleration, deceleration, or impact
during a collision between the user and another person or object.
The dynamic connector also supports and limits the rate and range
of motion permitted between the head and neck relative to the
shoulders, chest and back of a user when the head or body of the
user is subjected to such forces.
Inventors: |
Cook; Jonathan; (Celina,
TX) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cook; Jonathan |
Celina |
TX |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
56615131 |
Appl. No.: |
15/858494 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15121298 |
Aug 24, 2016 |
9854863 |
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PCT/US2016/017840 |
Feb 12, 2016 |
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15858494 |
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62115281 |
Feb 12, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0512 20130101;
A63B 71/10 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 69/0059 20130101;
A63B 71/1291 20130101; A63B 2225/52 20130101; A63B 71/081 20130101;
A63B 71/12 20130101; A42B 3/0473 20130101; A63B 2220/53 20130101;
A63B 2071/1208 20130101; A63B 2243/007 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04; A63B 71/12 20060101 A63B071/12; A41D 13/05 20060101
A41D013/05; A63B 71/08 20060101 A63B071/08; A63B 71/10 20060101
A63B071/10 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A head and neck support and restraint system for supporting and
protecting the head, neck and body of a user from a force applied
from an external source that causes the head and neck of the user
to move relative to the body, the system comprising: a first
article of protective headwear; a second article worn about the
body; and a dynamic connector attachable to the first article and
to the second article and comprising a rotation damper, a tilt
damper, an elongation-compression damper, and an elongate shaft
that passes through the rotation damper, the tilt damper, and the
elongation-compression damper, wherein the dynamic connector damps
the force and distributes the damped force throughout the body to
reduce the likelihood of physiological damage to the user.
22. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 21
wherein the elongate shaft a first portion that is flexible and a
second portion that is relatively inflexible.
23. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 22
wherein the flexible first portion of the elongate shaft passes
through the rotation damper and the tilt damper.
24. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 22
wherein the relatively inflexible portion of the elongate shaft
passes through the elongation-compression damper.
25. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 22
wherein the flexible first portion of the elongate shaft has one
end that is couple to an adjacent end of the relatively inflexible
second portion of the elongate shaft.
26. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 21
wherein the elongate shaft desirably comprises a cross-section that
embodies one or more keys adapted for insertion into cooperatively
aligned bores disposed in the rotation damper and in the tilt
damper.
27. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 26
wherein some portions of the rotation damper comprise cooperatively
configured keyways to facilitate engagement between the rotation
damper and the elongate shaft through which rotational forces
imparted to the dynamic connector are communicated through the
elongate shaft to the rotation damper.
28. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 21
wherein the elongate shaft comprises a polymeric material.
29. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 21
wherein the dynamic connector limits the rate and range of movement
of the head and neck relative to the body within predetermined
allowable limits.
30. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 21
wherein the force is produced by acceleration, deceleration or
impact.
31. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 21
further comprising at least one release mechanism configured for
use in selectively detaching the dynamic connector from the first
article.
32. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 21
further comprising at least one release mechanism configured for
use in selectively detaching the dynamic connector from the second
article.
33. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 21
further comprising at least one removable locking key that is
engageable with the dynamic connector for use in selectively
locking system components into a fixed position relative to each
other to immobilize the head and neck relative to the body of the
user during an emergency situation.
34. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 21
wherein the first article is a helmet.
35. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 21
wherein the second article is selected from the group consisting of
a vest, pack, pack frame, reinforced jacket and shoulder pads.
36. The head and neck support and restrain system of claim 21
wherein the second article comprises a belt disposed around the
waist to distribute part of the force to the pelvis and hips of the
user.
37. The head and neck support and restraint system of claim 21
further comprising a force indicator.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/115281, filed Feb. 12, 2015.
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a system and apparatus useful for
supporting and protecting the head (including without limitation
the face, skull and brain) and neck of a user by damping and
distributing forces to which they would otherwise be subjected
during sudden acceleration, deceleration or impact. Such forces can
arise, for example, during a collision between the user and an
animate or inanimate object, no matter whether accidental or
intentional.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] In recent years much attention has been drawn to the causes
and effects of head, neck and brain injuries due to concussive
forces experienced by persons engaged in activities such as, for
example and without limitation: football; baseball; soccer; hockey;
lacrosse; boxing; bull riding; skiing; snowboarding; skateboarding;
sky-diving; base jumping; bicycling; motorcycling; riding
all-terrain vehicles; car or boat racing; piloting aircraft;
performing military, law-enforcement or fire-fighting operations or
maneuvers; other vehicular maneuvers, fire-fighting, and the like.
Historically, efforts to lessen the risk or likelihood of serious
physiological injury when engaging in such activities have focused
on providing a helmet or other headwear comprising one or more of
an outer shell or cover in combination with cushioning pads,
collapsible layers, or other impact-absorbing structures or
materials intended to protect the head of the user from impact or
injury.
[0004] Despite the improvements to headwear that have been made in
recent years, such devices or apparatus are still typically
configured in such manner that the neck is required to support the
weight of both the head and the protective headwear, sometimes
supplemented by neck cushions or collars disposed or worn between
the head and shoulders of the user. Because the weight of the prior
art protective headwear is supported primarily by the neck of the
user, designers are further constrained in the design of headwear
by the need to make the headwear relatively lightweight or risk
further physiological damage or injury due to the combined weight
of the head and headwear. Also, conventional protective headwear
typically does not limit either the rate or range of motion of the
head or neck relative to other parts of the body when subjected to
acceleration, deceleration or impact.
[0005] A system and apparatus are needed that will support the head
and neck, and supplement the protective features of conventional
headwear by dampening and dissipating forces otherwise applied to
the head and neck during a collision or impact; by distributing the
dissipated forces to the shoulders, chest and back of a user
without passing through and risking injury to the neck and cervical
vertebrae; and by limiting the rate and range of motion permitted
to the head and neck relative to the shoulders, chest and back of a
user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The subject system and apparatus are useful for avoiding or
limiting physiological and neurological damage or injury when the
user engages in or performs activities that are vocational,
avocational or recreational without regard to whether such
collisions are intentional or accidental in nature. The subject
system and apparatus will support head and neck of a user and
desirably permit rotational, tilting and stretching movement of the
head and neck of a during normal or routine performance of the
movements needed for engaging in a particular activity. However,
when the head and neck of the user are subjected to an
extraordinary impact or forces that may cause physiological injury
to the user, the subject system and apparatus will desirably limit
the rate and ranges of rotation, tilt, and compression or
elongation of the head and neck relative to the chest, back and
shoulders of a user when the head or body of the user.
[0007] The system and apparatus of the invention will desirably
respond in real time as the impact or other forces are inflicted
upon the user, thereby arresting movement of the head and neck
within predetermined allowable limits and also damping the forces
and distributing the damped forces throughout the body before
physiological damage occurs. When the forces are distributed or
dissipated, the system and apparatus return to the original
configuration, allowing routine movement as required for
performance of the activity for which they are designed.
[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, a head and neck support
and restraint system is disclosed that comprises protective
headwear worn by a user of the system; an article worn about the
shoulders, chest and back of the user (the "worn article"); and a
dynamic connector disposed between and attached to the protective
headwear and the worn article that supports the head and neck and
dampens and distributes forces to which the head and neck of the
user are subjected during use. Such forces can include forces
experienced as a result of acceleration, deceleration, or impact
during a collision between the user and another person or object
during use. The dynamic connector will also desirably limit the
rate and range of motion permitted between the head and neck
relative to the shoulders, chest and back of a user when the head
or body of the user is subjected to such forces.
[0009] In one embodiment, the subject apparatus includes a dynamic
connector that desirably comprises a first end attachable to
protective headwear of a user; a second end attachable to an
article worn about the shoulders, chest and back of a user; and at
least one rotation damper, at least one tilt damper and at least
one elongation and compression damper disposed between the first
and second end. In one embodiment of the invention, an elongate
shaft also desirably extends between the first and second ends and
passes through the at least one rotation damper, the at least one
tilt damper, and the at least one elongation and compression
damper. In another embodiment of the invention, the elongate shaft
has a first portion that is flexible and a second portion that is
relatively inflexible. The flexible portion desirably passes
through the at least one rotation damper and the at least one tilt
damper, and the relatively inflexible portion passes through the
elongation-compression damper. One end of the flexible shaft is
desirably coupled to an adjacent end of the inflexible shaft so
that elongation or compression forces applied to the dynamic
connector can be transmitted through the flexible and inflexible
shafts to the elongation-compression damper of the dynamic
connector.
[0010] The flexible shaft desirably comprises a cross-section that
embodies one or more keys adapted for insertion into cooperatively
aligned bores of the damping devices, some portions of which can
have cooperatively configured keyways to facilitate rotational
engagement at least between the flexible shaft and those portions
of the rotational damper through which rotational forces imparted
to the dynamic connector are communicated to facilitate damping and
provide constraints as to the rate and range of permitted motion as
discussed in greater detail below. The flexible shaft can be made
by conventional means from any durable material, which can include
for example a polymeric material that is generally suitable for
such purposes, with a coefficient of elasticity, coefficient of
elongation, flex modulus, glass transition temperature, impact
resistance and service life that are consistent with the intended
use and use environment.
[0011] If desired, at least one removable release mechanism such as
a release pin is optionally provided for use in quickly and
selectively detaching the subject apparatus from either or both of
the protective headwear and the article worn by the user. If
desired, a removable locking key is optionally provided that is
engageable with the dynamic connector for use in selectively
locking all major components of the apparatus into a fixed position
relative to each other if, for example, it becomes desirable during
an emergency situation to immobilize the head relative to the body
of the wearer.
[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, a rotation damper is
disclosed for use in the dynamic connector that further comprises a
variable-response fluid damping valve in which two opposed internal
paddles move through cooperatively configured fluid chambers
containing a viscous fluid, displacing fluid from one chamber to
another through at least one fluid passageway disposed in fluid
communication with the two chambers. As used in relation to this
embodiment of the invention, "variable response" refers to the
resistance applied to flow of the viscous fluid inside the rotation
damper by reason of the restricted cross-sectional area of the
fluid passageway and the viscosity and incompressibility of the
fluid.
[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, a variable response tilt
damper is disclosed that desirably comprises at least one, and
preferably a plurality of circumferentially spaced, interconnected
flexible pouches disposed between two opposed discs, with each
pouch containing a quantity of viscous fluid. When a portion of one
disc is pressed closer to the other by flexure of a flexible shaft
passing through the tilt damper, the viscous fluid disposed in the
flexible pouch adjacent the area in which the closer movement
occurs desirably offers increasing resistance to the tilt that is
dependent upon factors such as the elasticity of the pouch material
and the volume of fluid inside the pouch relative to the internal
volume of the pouch. The ability of an individual pouch to distend
into another area between the opposed discs is desirably limited by
a support frame that defines boundary limits within which each
pouch is confined during use of the apparatus. As used in relation
to this embodiment of the invention, "variable response" refers to
progressively greater resistance to tilting of one disc relative to
the other due to the confinement and incompressible nature of the
viscous fluid.
[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, an elongation and
compression damper is disclosed that comprises a variable-response,
double-acting piston and cylinder in which a piston reciprocates to
force a viscous fluid back and forth between two cylinder chambers
disposed on opposite sides of the piston through at least one fluid
passageway in the piston that is in fluid communication with each
of the two oppositely disposed chambers. The maximum elongation or
compression of the dynamic connector is limited to the stroke
length of the piston. The piston shaft is desirably inflexible and
is coupled to an end of a flexible shaft portion that passes
through at least one of a rotation damper and a tilt damper of the
dynamic connector. As used in relation to this embodiment of the
invention, "variable response" refers to the resistance applied to
flow of the viscous fluid inside the elongation and compression
damper by reason of the restricted cross-sectional area of the at
least one fluid passageway through the piston and the viscosity and
incompressibility of the viscous fluid disposed inside the two
oppositely disposed cylinder chambers.
[0015] A satisfactory viscous fluid for use in at least some
embodiments of the invention is a medium weight oily fluid that
does not degrade or have any significant detrimental reaction with
the materials from which the internal components of the rotation
damper, tilt damper and elongation-compression damper of the
apparatus of the invention are made.
[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the dynamic connector
disposed between and attached to the protective headwear and the
worn article transmits the dampened forces originally received from
the protective headwear through the point of attachment to the worn
article, which then distributes those forces throughout the worn
article in a method consistent with its physical configuration and
the materials from which is it constructed to the shoulders, chest
and back (collectively, "trunk," or "body" when differentiated from
the head and neck) of the user, and through the skeleton and
musculature of the user to the legs, feet and underlying support
surface upon which the user is standing or resting. Depending upon
the activity in which the user is engaged, the worn article may
take on various physical configurations such as, for example,
shoulder pads, a vest, pack, pack frame, reinforced jacket, or the
like. The addition of a belt disposed around the waist can also
distribute some forces directly to the pelvis and hips of the user,
further lessening forces to be absorbed by the spine during use. In
one embodiment of the invention, a force indicator is also included
in the subject head and neck restraint system to alert users or
medical personnel if the design limits of the system were exceeded
by the concussive force to which the user was subjected.
[0017] Satisfactory devices for use in attaching the dynamic
connector to protective headwear or to a worn article can include
any known device or assembly capable of withstanding the forces
expected to be encountered during use of the invention. Similarly,
although satisfactory embodiments of the system and apparatus of
the invention are disclosed here, other embodiments of the
invention utilizing other similarly effective means for achieving
the functional objectives disclosed here will become more apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art who have read this disclosure
in view of the accompanying drawings, and it should be understood
that the subject invention is not limited to the particular
mechanical design disclosed in the accompanying detailed
description of one embodiment.
[0018] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood from a consideration of the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and
appended claims in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The system and apparatus of the invention are further
described and explained in relation to the following drawings
wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a simplified rear elevation view of one embodiment
of the system of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an enlarged rear elevation view of the dynamic
connector of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the dynamic connector of
FIG. 3 with the top cover removed;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevation view, partially broken
away, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a plurality of tilt dampers of the
invention as viewed along line 6-6 of FIG. 7;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a simplified cross-sectional elevation view of a
plurality of tilt dampers installed on a flexible shaft as viewed
along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 but not showing the internal configuration
of tilt dampers 46;
[0027] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of the
lower portion of the dynamic connector of the embodiment of FIG. 1
as viewed along line 8-8 of FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an assembled
rotation damper;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the cap of
the rotation damper of FIG. 9 as taken along line 10-10 of FIG.
11;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the cap portion of the
rotation damper of FIG. 10;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the base of
the rotation damper of FIG. 9 as viewed along line 12-12 of FIG.
13;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the base of the rotation damper of
FIG. 9;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an assembled
tilt damper as viewed along line 14-14 of FIG. 16;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the cap of FIG. 14;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along line
16-16 of FIG. 14;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the base of
FIG. 14 as viewed along line 17-17 of FIG. 18;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the base of FIG. 14;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a simplified cross-sectional elevation view of
the pouch ring of the tilt damper of FIG. 14 taken along line 19-19
of FIG. 20; and
[0039] FIG. 20 is a plan view of the pouch ring of the tilt damper
of FIG. 14.
[0040] The drawings are not to scale and the relative
proportionality and scale of like-numbered elements sometimes
varies in different Figures of the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a representative satisfactory
embodiment of the subject head and neck support and restraint
system 10 of the invention comprises football helmet 22 and
shoulder pads 24 that can be releasably interconnected by dynamic
connector 20. It should be understood, however, that football
helmet 22 and shoulder pads 24 are merely illustrative of the many
other types and varieties of protective headwear and articles such
as vests, jackets, harnesses (collectively, "body wraps") that can
be worn by a user and that can be assembled using a dynamic
connector 20 to configure a satisfactory embodiment of the head and
neck support and restraint system 10 of the invention. Such
protective headwear and body wraps can be constructed using a wide
variety of polymeric, metallic materials and fabric materials known
by those of ordinary skill in the art to be suitable for use in
such applications.
[0042] Of particular interest in relation to the embodiment of the
invention depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top end of dynamic
connector 20 plugs into a socket 12 (best seen in FIG. 2) that is
molded or otherwise provided in the back of helmet 22 to facilitate
releasable attachment of the two. Also, it will be observed upon
reading this disclosure that bracket 26 is provided for the
releasable attachment of dynamic connector 20 to shoulder pads 24.
Although conventional football shoulder pads rest on the shoulders
of the user, they are "worn" by the user in the sense that they are
often laced in front around the upper chest of the user, and
thereby also constitute a "body wrap" that constricts around the
back and trunk portion of the body of the user. Many conventional
attachment systems and devices are available that can be readily
used or modified for use with particular headwear and body
wraps.
[0043] Desirably, head and neck support and restraint system 10 of
the invention can be designed, fabricated and tailored to a
particular activity and user demographic so that it will not be
burdensome to wear when a user is participating in normal, routine
performance of an activity where there is some risk of being
subjected occasionally to a concussive force but where the user is
more often interested in being able to move relatively freely and
without undue constriction. For activities involving higher risk of
physiological injury due to concussive forces, the subject
invention will understandably be configured to be more durable and
may provide somewhat greater limitations to a user's ability to
move naturally while wearing the apparatus. Because the weight of
helmet 22 is primarily supported by dynamic connector 20, the
combined weight of the head and helmet are not supported by the
neck as with conventional protective headwear, and helmet 22 does
not contribute to the dynamic load transmitted to and through the
neck either during normal use or when helmet 22 is subjected to a
concussive force.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, dynamic connector 20 is desirably
attached to helmet 22 and shoulder pads 24 by a spring-loaded,
quick-release connector pin 14 (FIG. 2) and connector bracket 26
(FIG. 1), respectively. Referring to FIG. 3, dynamic connector 20
desirably further comprises at least one, and preferably two or
more rotation dampers 40. In the embodiment shown, rotation dampers
40 are spaced apart near the upper and lower ends of dynamic
connector 20, with a plurality of tilt dampers 46 disposed between
them. Flexible shaft 42 extends through the coaxially aligned
rotation dampers 40 and tilt dampers 46 to facilitate tilting
movement of helmet 22 in relation to the longitudinal axis through
the center of elongation-compression damper 50.
[0045] As used in this disclosure in relation to the presently
described embodiment of the invention, "tilt" and "tilting" should
be understood to include movement of the head and neck of the user
in any direction away from a longitudinal axis through the center
of the coaxially aligned elements of elongation-compression damper
50 of dynamic connector 20. When dynamic connector 20 is vertically
disposed as shown in FIG. 2, "tilt" or "tilting" refers to movement
of helmet 22 in a direction that tips or leans forward, backward,
left, right, or in any other intermediate direction from the
longitudinal axis through elongation-compression damper 50 (FIG.
3). When dynamic connector 20 is horizontally disposed, as might
occur for example when the upper body of a football player is
parallel to the ground, "tilt" or "tilting" is still movement of
helmet 20 in any direction away from the longitudinal axis through
elongation-compression damper 50. "Tilting" is distinguished from
"rotation" of helmet 22 relative to shoulder pads 24 in that
"rotation" refers to movement of helmet 22 around the longitudinal
axis.
[0046] Elongation-compression damper 50 of dynamic connector 20
controls and limits the rate and range of response when dynamic
connector 20 is subjected to elongation or compression due to
concussive forces imparted to helmet 22. Elongation-compression
damper 50 is useful in damping concussive forces that are imparted
to helmet 20 from any direction having a component force vector
along the longitudinal axis through the device. A significant
advantage of the present invention is that the rotation dampers 40,
tilt dampers 46, and elongation-compression damper 50 of dynamic
connector 20 are configured so as to limit both the rate and range
of travel of helmet 22 relative to shoulder pads 24 when subjected
to a high intensity concussive force. The structure and operation
of one embodiment of each of rotation dampers 40, tilt dampers 46
and elongation-compression damper 50 are further described and
explained in relation to FIGS. 6-20 below.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, helmet mount fixture 30 is desirably
configured to slidably engage and be releasably attachable to
helmet 22. Base 38 of helmet mount fixture 30 is seated at the top
of upper rotating damper 40 and contains a longitudinal bore
through which flexible shaft 37 is insertable, passing downwardly
sequentially through upper rotating damper 40, a plurality of tilt
dampers 46, lower rotating damper 40, and impact force indicator
disc 45 (FIG. 3). Although impact force indicator disc 45 is
depicted here as being disposed between the lowest tilt damper 46
and the lower of two rotation dampers 40, it can similarly be
positioned anywhere along the stem of dynamic connector 20 for use
in the invention. Impact force indicator disc 45 can be made
satisfactorily using metallic or polymeric materials appropriate to
the intended use, or a combination thereof, and desirably includes
one or more sensors that sense and transmit real-time impact data
wirelessly to a receiver and recorder.
[0048] Flexible shaft 37 is desirably constructed of a durable,
extrudable polymeric material that will flex but not fracture when
subjected to the range of torsional, flexural, tensile and
compression loadings likely to be encountered during use. Flexible
shaft 37 desirably has a non-circular cross-section that is
engageable with an inwardly facing collar inside each rotation
damper 46 as flexible shaft 37 is inserted through the aligned
longitudinal bores of the constituent elements of dynamic connector
20. A cylindrical packing 42 or functionally equivalent sealant
layer is desirably provided where flexible shaft 37 passes through
fluid-containing rotating dampers 40 and tilt dampers 46. The upper
end of flexible shaft 37 is desirably connected to helmet mounting
fixture 30 by one or more pins 32, 34, 39, with one or both of pins
32, 34 also being available for use in attaching helmet mounting
fixture 30 to helmet 22. If desired, a locking key can also be
provided to enable medical personnel to secure and immobilize
helmet 22 and the head and neck of a user in an optimal position to
allow transport of the user without movement of the head and neck
relative to the shoulders following a concussion or other injury.
Such a locking key is desirably insertable through a longitudinally
extending keyway that can be internal to and coaxially aligned
with, or offset from, flexible shaft 37.
[0049] Referring to the embodiment of the present invention that is
shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, elongation-compression damper 50 is
disposed at the base of dynamic connector 20. An
elongation-compression damper 50 that is satisfactory for use in
the invention comprises a mounting disk and coupling 68 near the
uppermost end that attaches the lower end of flexible shaft 37 to
the upper end of piston rod 48. Piston rod 48 is in turn coupled in
fixed relation to piston 56, which further comprises at least one
fluid passageway 58. Piston 56 is desirably a double-acting piston
disposed inside cylinder 60, which also contains a predetermined
volume of an oily or oil-like fluid 64 that does not completely
fill the voids inside cylinder 60 and fluid passageway(s) 58. Fluid
seal 56 is desirably disposed above cylinder 62, and is maintained
by keeper rings 52, 54.
[0050] Elongation-compression damper 50 is configured to damp
forces imparted to dynamic connector 20 that have component forces
acting in the longitudinal direction that act either to elongate or
compress the connector. In the absence of the invention, a
significant portion of an impact received on the crown of an item
of protective headwear is transmitted through the cervical
vertebrae to the spine. One purpose and intended function of
dynamic connector 20 and, more particularly, of
elongation-compression damper 50 is to take that load away from the
neck and reduce the magnitude of the force before distributing it
to the body through a worn article to which the lower end of
dynamic connector 20 is attached. The force is dissipated by using
a significant portion of the energy applied through piston rod 48
to drive double-acting piston 56 inside cylinder 60 while
simultaneously displacing fluid 64, preferably a medium viscosity
oil, through one or more fluid passageways 58 in piston 56 to the
other side of cylinder 60. The maximum range of travel of piston
rod 48 is determined by the overall length of cylinder 60 less the
thickness of piston 56.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 9-13, each rotation damper 40 preferably
further comprises cap 70 and base 72, each of which has a circular
shape, with the outside diameter of cap 70 being slightly greater
than the outside diameter of base 72 to facilitated fluid-tight
slip-fit engagement between them. In the depicted embodiment, cap
70 comprises annular recess 78 into which annular rim 80 can slide
into engagement when assembled as shown in FIG. 9. Both cap 70 and
base 72 also have centrally disposed longitudinal bores 74, 76,
with the bore of cap 70 being smaller than that through base 72. As
seen in FIG. 11, bore 74 of cap 70 is configured in size and shape
to receive flexible shaft 37 (FIG. 3) into slidable engagement with
it, while bore 76 of base 72 is large enough to permit shaft 37 to
spin inside it when cap 70 and base 72 are assembled as shown in
FIG. 9. The rotation of cap 70 in either rotational direction
relative to base 72 is indicated by arrow 90 of FIG. 11. FIGS. 10
and 11 further comprise diametrically opposed blades or paddles 82,
84 that sweep through cooperatively configured interior chambers
86, 88 of base 72 when cap 70 and base 72 are assembled as depicted
in FIG. 9. When in use, rotation damper 40 will desirably contain
an oily or oil-like fluid (not shown) that is disposed in chambers
86, 88 of base 72. It will also be appreciated that fluid seals
(not shown) are desirably provided to prevent or control fluid
leakage between cap 70 and base 72, and around the bores 74, 76.
Referring to FIGS. 9-13, when rotation damper 40 is subjected to
rotational loading by the engagement of flexible shaft 37 (FIG. 3)
with bore 74 as helmet 22 is rotated left or right relative to
shoulder pads 24 (FIG. 3), paddles 84, 84 force fluid disposed in
chambers 86, 88 of base 72, forcing fluid through fluid passageways
92, 94, 96, 98 as seen in FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0052] In each instance where dynamic loading of dynamic connector
20 produces relative motion that causes fluid inside rotation
damper 40 or elongation-compression damper 50 to be pushed through
fluid passageways, it will be appreciated that the magnitude of
damping will vary according to factors such as, for example, the
number, cross-sectional area and surface configuration of the
associated fluid passageways, the molecular weight, viscosity and
lubricity of the fluid used, and the rate of movement of the paddle
82, 84 or piston 56 that is displacing the fluid. It will also be
apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure
that those factors can be adjusted as needed in accordance with
load factors likely to be encountered for a targeted activity, use
environment and user demographic.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 14-20, each of a plurality of tilt
dampers 46 as disclosed in relation to this embodiment of the
invention further comprises cap 100, base 102 that are
cooperatively configured to be assembled into slip-fit engagement
with each other, with a ring 104 of interconnected,
impact-absorbing pouches 105 disposed between them. Sufficient
diametric clearance is desirably provided between cap 100 and base
102 of each tilt damper 46 that each cap 100 can tilt slightly in
relation to the cooperatively engaged base 102 to permit some
compression of a pouch 105 disposed between them in that portion of
the circumference in which the tilting pressure is applied by
flexure of flexible shaft 37 (FIG. 3) relative to a centrally
disposed longitudinal axis through elongation-compression damper 50
(FIG. 3). Referring to FIG. 15, cap 100 further comprises annular
rim 108 that cooperates with a plurality of evenly spaced, radially
extending ribs (or spokes) 115 to define the upper portion of a
plurality of recesses 114. Transverse openings 110 are desirably
provided in each rib 115 to provide clearance for connectors 128
between adjacent pouches 105 of pouch ring 104 (FIGS. 14 and
19-20). Referring to FIGS. 17-18, base 102 further comprises an
annular rim cooperatively configured to fit inside rim 108 of cap
100 (FIG. 14). Base 102 further comprises a plurality of evenly
spaced, radially extending ribs 118 that define recesses 116 that
cooperate with recesses 114 of cap 100 to receive pouches 105 of
pouch ring 104 when assembled as depicted in FIG. 14. Centrally
disposed axial bores 112 through cap 100, 106 through base 102 and
aperture 130 through pouch ring 104 are all desirably cooperatively
aligned and are sized and configured to allow flexible shaft 37
(FIG. 3) to pass through them. An oily or oil-like fluid 109 is
desirably confined inside pouch ring 104 to provide cushioning and
resistance to a force applied downwardly through dynamic connector
20 or by flexure of shaft 37 relative to shoulder pads 24 (FIG.
3).
[0054] Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate upon
reading this specification and the description of preferred
embodiments herein that modifications and alterations to the
apparatus and methods may be made within the scope of the invention
and it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein
be limited only by the broadest interpretation of the appended
claims to which the inventor is legally entitled.
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