U.S. patent application number 15/442602 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-30 for impact resistant headgear.
The applicant listed for this patent is Medical Innovation Group, LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffrey Charles Kelly, Jarrett LeClaire.
Application Number | 20180242676 15/442602 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63245751 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180242676 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LeClaire; Jarrett ; et
al. |
August 30, 2018 |
Impact Resistant Headgear
Abstract
An impact reducing headgear is disclosed which utilizes
dynamically responsive materials which undergo physical changes
during exposure to impact forces, such that physical changes or
phase changes absorb energy. The helmet may be constructed with a
dual shell structure and a bladder, where the dynamically
responsive materials may be contained.
Inventors: |
LeClaire; Jarrett;
(Vancouver, WA) ; Kelly; Jeffrey Charles;
(Downingtown, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Medical Innovation Group, LLC |
Vancouver |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63245751 |
Appl. No.: |
15/442602 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/063 20130101;
A42B 3/064 20130101; A42B 3/128 20130101; A42B 3/0453 20130101;
A42B 3/121 20130101; A42B 3/067 20130101; A42B 3/12 20130101; A42B
3/069 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/12 20060101
A42B003/12; A63B 71/08 20060101 A63B071/08 |
Claims
1. An impact reducing head gear comprising: A dual shell structure,
having a front side and a back side, wherein said dual shell
structure comprises an inner shell and an outer shell, with such
inner shell being separated from said outer shell by a functional
gap; A bladder arranged to contain a dynamically responsive member,
wherein said bladder comprises at least one compartment and is
arranged to be disposed in said functional gap.
2. The head gear of claim 1, wherein said dynamically responsive
member comprises a thixotropic material.
3. The head gear of claim 1, wherein said dynamically responsive
member comprises a rheopectic material.
4. The head gear of claim 1, wherein said dynamically responsive
member comprises a combination of a thixotropic and a rheopectic
material.
5. The head gear of claim 1, wherein said dynamically responsive
member comprises a plurality of dynamically responsive materials
wherein said dynamically responsive member comprises
orientation.
6. The head gear of claim 5, wherein said orientation comprises a
first structure arranged at said front side and a second structure
arranged at said back side.
7. The head gear of claim 5, wherein said first structure is
separated from said second structure by a separation means.
8. The head gear of claim 1, wherein said dynamically responsive
member exhibits a dynamic response upon impact.
9. The head gear of claim 2, wherein said dynamically responsive
member exhibits a dynamic response upon impact.
10. The head gear of claim 3, wherein said dynamically responsive
member exhibits a dynamic response upon impact.
11. The head gear of claim 4, wherein said dynamically responsive
member exhibits a dynamic response upon impact.
12. The head gear of claim 9, wherein said dynamic response absorbs
impact energy.
13. The head gear of claim 10, wherein said dynamic response
absorbs impact energy.
14. The head gear of claim 11, wherein said dynamic response
absorbs impact energy.
15. An impact reducing head gear comprising: A dual shell
structure, having a front side and a back side, wherein said dual
shell structure comprises an inner shell and an outer shell, with
such inner shell being separated from said outer shell by a
functional gap, wherein said inner shell is more rigid than said
outer shell; A bladder arranged to contain a dynamically responsive
member, wherein said bladder comprises at least one compartment and
is arranged to be disposed in said functional gap.
16. The head gear of claim 15, wherein said outer shell is arranged
to deflect upon impact.
17. The head gear of claim 16, wherein said deflection of said
outer shell causes a deflection impact to be translated to said
dynamically responsive member.
18. The head gear of claim 17, wherein said deflection impact
causes said dynamically responsive material to exhibit a dynamic
response.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Many sports, extracurricular activities, and occupations,
involve contact. Various of these activities involve exposure of
the head to rapid stressing, and these impact forces have been
found to cause injury to the brain. Moreover, it has also been
found that less traumatic, but repetitive instances of stressing
the brain, causes injury over time.
[0002] More recently, scientists have studied a disease, now known
as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) which is being diagnosed
in ex-football players. It is believed to result from the injury
the brain receives when it impacts the inside of the skull; thus,
the focus on diagnosis and prevention needs to consider two
impacts, the initial impact to the external side of the skull, and
the internal impact where the brain impacts the inside of the
skull. This motion referred to as coup-contrecoup (C-C) action is a
potential cause of CTE, even occurring in small or minor impacts.
The brain is somewhat mobile inside the skull, as it rests in
cerebrospinal fluid; it is not rigidly attached to the skull, and
this feature serves to protect it well, except during instances of
impact.
[0003] The C-C damage, it is believed, may occur with less injury
than what has been shown to cause a typical concussion. That is,
CTE may result where normal symptoms seen in a concussion (e.g.,
dizziness, loss of memory, vomiting, vertigo, and loss of
consciousness) are not experienced; further, there may be no brain
bleeding or recognized swelling. The modality of the disease
appears to progressive, and triggered by impact to cause a buildup
of an abnormal protein in the brain referred to as Tau.
[0004] While it is easy to understand many sports and other
activities that may involve head impact, to varying degrees, the
most prevalence of CTE is in ex-football players. In fact, this
past March, the National Football League first publicly
acknowledged a connection between football and CTE. The NFL had
appointed a Doctor to a newly created position of Chief Health and
Medical Advisor in 2015, perhaps among other things, to monitor
this disease and the current state of the game.
[0005] Their currently is no treatment for CTE, and the only sure
way to diagnose it is through an autopsy. Symptoms of CTE include
nausea, disorientation, memory loss, confusion, mood swings, and
depression. All of these symptoms are common to other issues,
situations, or ailments, further making diagnoses more difficult.
These elusive diagnoses are believed to have limited the attention
to CTE over the years. Other sports are gaining visibility with
participants at high levels beginning to speak out; for example,
people from soccer, rugby, and boxing have recently been more vocal
about symptoms and concerns. Clearly, there exists a need for
protective head gear, for all ages and various sports, whether it
is for protect from chronic indications such as CTE or acute
conditions such as a concussion.
SUMMARY
[0006] The current invention attempts to limit C-C injury resulting
from impact, by absorbing energy from said impact through
constructs of energy absorbing materials or constructs of head gear
geometry, as well as combinations of these approaches.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the head gear has a dual shell
structure; wherein the dual shell structure consists of an inner
shell and an outer shell with a functional gap located between the
shells. The functional gap may contain a bladder which in turn may
contain a dynamically responsive material or member.
[0008] The dynamically responsive materials disclosed and described
herein include materials broadly classified as thixotropic,
rheopectic, and dilatantic. These various embodiments contemplate
materials, mixtures, and compounds recognized by those skilled in
the art to exhibit properties common to these broad classes of
materials; examples disclosed or described herein are not meant to
be limiting.
[0009] Thixotropic materials demonstrate "thixotropy" which is a
time-dependent shear thinning property. These types of materials
are very thick or viscous under static conditions; but they will
flow, become thin or less viscous over time when shaken, agitated,
sheared or otherwise stressed. This unique feature is commonly
referred to as time dependent viscosity. When the transformational
stresses are released or discontinued, the materials will then
return to the original more viscous state; however, this
transgression does take a finite period of time.
[0010] Certain paints exhibit thixotropy, and can utilize this
property to be applied more easily to their target substrate. This,
the paint exists initially in a gel form; but the gel becomes very
fluid as a paint brush or other applicator is inserted and
agitated. The induced fluidity aids in the paint coating the
applicator, but as the stresses (or energy input from the
applicator agitating the gel) reside the paint returns to its gel
state. This return to the original state allows the paint to remain
on the applicator without dripping; again, as the applicator
contacts the wall or target surface energy is again absorbed
causing the thinning of the paint, which affords the material a
thinning condition enabling an easy transfer to the target.
[0011] Similarly, when a helmet containing a thixotropic material
encounters a rapid stressing, the gel absorbs energy while becoming
more fluid. This absorption of energy is tailorable, based upon the
type of thixotropic material. Additionally, various compositions
could be used in concert, whether housed in a single or multiple
bladders.
[0012] Interestingly, certain materials exhibit a rheopectic
nature, which is fundamentally the opposite of thixotropy. That is,
as stress is applied to a rheopectic material, its viscosity
increases; along with the viscosity increase is the concomitant
absorption of energy. Similarly with thixotropic materials, the
energy absorption is not instantaneous, as some material
transitions can be (especially those involving isothermal phase
changes).
[0013] It is recognized that a rheopectic and a thixotropic
material could be used in concert. This dual material composition
could be used to tailor the "feel" of a material, as one absorbs
energy so does the other, so each material could serve to dampen
the effects of the other. Of course, while they would dampen the
resulting effect on mechanical properties, they would both absorb
energy; this dual energy absorption could result in a favorable
design that absorbs more energy than a single material design.
[0014] A further modification or tailoring of properties may be
made by an addition of a dilatant fluid or dilatant material.
Dilatant fluids are similar to rheopectic materials, but they are
different in a manner that may be very significant in this
application. Dilatant fluids, while of low viscosity at an
un-agitated or non-stressed state, become highly viscous nearly
instantaneously; which may also be beneficial to this design on its
own, or as a component of a blend or composite of materials. This
fluid is a non-Newtonian fluid, just as thixotropic and rheopectic
fluids are; that is, viscosity varies with stress and stress
application rate. It is recognized that blending of these types of
materials together, or using them separately but in concert (as in
a composite construct) could positively alter the strain response
profile. The profile could be influenced by not only the selection
of each material, but also by the volume ratio of each type of
material. It is also recognized that as the stress is being
absorbed, the rate of transition in each material may be different;
thus the pseudoplastic response rate could be affected by things
such as, but not limited to, the response factor of the component
materials.
[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the design or placement of
the bladder or the dynamic responsive material renders the helmet
to have properties that are oriented and cause the helmet to absorb
increased energy. Such orientation may be achieved with distinctly
varied dynamically responsive materials being located at strategic
places or regions, which causes the helmet to move or rotate upon a
phase change or other dynamic response to the impact.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the dual shell structure is
arranged such that the outer shell is less rigid than the inner
shell, such that said outer shell deflects upon impact thereby
absorbing energy. In such embodiment the rigid, or less flexible
inner shell, serves to protect the skull by maintaining continuous
contact. The deflection of the outer shell may cause a transition
in the dynamically responsive material which may be located in
between the dual shells. There may be more than one dynamically
responsive material, as well as other materials exhibiting
preferred properties.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment, a protective head gear has
a dual shell structure, having an inner shell and an outer shell,
with such inner shell being separated from said outer shell by a
functional gap. A dynamically responsive material may be contained
in such functional gap, which may be with the aid of a bladder. An
engagement member may be affixed to said inner and outer shells,
wherein a compressive strain on a first side of the helmet results
or is translated into a tensile strain on the opposing side of the
helmet. The engagement member may be a flexible member, a columnar
structural member, other member suitable to transfer stress, or it
may be the dynamically responsive member itself. The deformation or
deflection of the engagement member may apply stress to the
dynamically responsive member, and such stress may cause a phase
change or other response which absorbs energy.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment, a protective head gear has
an impact measurement system. Such system comprises a pressure
sensitive member which is arranged between the dual shell layers,
or elsewhere if a dual shell construction is not employed. The
pressure sensitive member is arranged to rupture upon experiencing
a predetermined impact force; and such predetermined force is below
that believed to lead to CTE.
[0019] In yet another preferred embodiment, the pressure sensitive
member releases a perceptible signal upon rupturing. The pressure
sensitive member may be inserted in or near the bladder, in any
design using same; or said pressure sensitive member may lie
outside the bladder, between such bladder and outer shell; or said
pressure sensitive member may lie inside the bladder, between such
bladder and an inner shell, which may assist with the emission of
said signal.
[0020] A perceptive signal may arise from the release of a fluid
containing dye, where the dye is contained in the bladder or other
containment mechanism to avoid general release eternal to the
helmet. However, in a preferred embodiment the fluid containing dye
is visible from the outside of said helmet.
[0021] These various signaling embodiments may utilize a
dynamically responsive member, or they may be used alone. Further,
said signal may be triggered at impact forces typically believed to
lead to CTE in the longer term (or slightly below such level) or
concussive force levels in the near term. Additionally, several
signaling members may be employed at the same time, but which are
set at gradually increasing trigger values. This arrangement would
yield a more quantitative indication of the amount of stress the
brain has seen; as opposed to the more qualitative go no-go
indication with a single signaling member.
[0022] In yet another preferred embodiment, the signaling means may
constructed in the basic manner described, including for example a
single or plurality of signaling agents (and with a single or a
plurality of bladders or other containment methods), and it could
be used in a bladder with or without dynamic responsive materials.
However, the signaling device may also be arranged as a stand-alone
device which may be retrofitted into existing helmets.
[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the head gear comprises a
dual shell structure, having a front side and a back side, wherein
said dual shell structure comprises an inner shell and an outer
shell, with such inner shell being separated from said outer shell
by a functional gap containing a plurality of compartments. Said
plurality of compartments arranged to be create radially
differentiated zones; with said zones having different materials
therein which in turn have different mechanical or physical
properties. The radially differentiated zones having radially
differentiated properties which causes said helmet to rotate upon
impact; with such rotation being around an axis approximating the
vertical axis created by the direction of the wearer's spine. Other
axes of rotation may be achieved (e.g., forward tilting, backward
tilting, or any other axis) by creating the appropriate radial
mismatch in properties.
[0024] This rotational movement should be able to capture energy,
in any situation where the rotation comprises circular movement of
said outer shell relative to said inner shell, thereby reducing the
amount of energy available to be transmitted to the wearer's head.
These embodiments should reduce energy transmitted even in an
instance where the radial zone only serves to amplify natural
rotation mechanics upon impact.
[0025] Dissimilar impact properties may be created with at least
one zone with a more rigid response upon impact and at least one
zone with a less rigid response upon impact; similarly one could
employ at least one zone arranged to exhibit high elastic strain
upon impact and at least one zone with low elastic strain upon
impact. One skilled in the art could envision various material
characteristics which render different responses; the correlating
materials of construction available to render these properties are
within the scope of this invention.
[0026] In another preferred embodiment, a form-fitting comfortable
head gear is made with a shell structure, wherein said shell
structure further comprises a functional gap, with said functional
gap arranged between said shell structure and the head of the
wearer of the head gear. The functional gap houses a bladder
arranged to contain dynamically responsive materials creating a
deformable member. The deformable member is designed to create a
negative clearance with the wearer's head, such that said
deformable member deforms during the insertion of the wearer's head
into said head gear.
[0027] The negative clearance results in a tight fit with the
wearer's head, but it is comfortable and easy to insert the
wearer's head because the deformable member comprises a dynamically
responsive material, wherein said dynamically responsive material
is arranged to react during the stress of the insertion of said
wearer's head. This reaction causes a partial relaxation of the
material as the vibration and disruption allow the material to
deform more easily; but the material returns to its original shape
(in the bladder) and its original stiffness.
[0028] This embodiment results in a tight fit with the wearer's
head, thereby enabling the design mechanics of the helmet to be
active and eliminating or reducing the secondary impact of the
helmet to the head on impact. While the fit may be tighter, it is
comfortable, because the tightness arises from the helmet's ability
to extend farther around the circumference of the head (or, for
example, farther into the jaw area which is normally open and
therefore providing no support or protection).
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the negative clearance helmet may
be constructed such that said bladder may be arranged to have at
least a second dynamically responsive material, or a second bladder
containing a second dynamically responsive material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a view of a preferred embodiment of the helmet
disclosed in the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a view of another preferred embodiment
disclosed;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a view showing additional features which may be
used with various of the preferred embodiments disclosed;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a view of yet another preferred embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a view of the final preferred embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Reference is made to FIG. 1 for the illustration of one
preferred embodiment of an energy absorbing helmet made according
to the present invention which is designated generally by the
reference numeral 10. In this embodiment the helmet 10 has a dual
shell structure, with an outer shell 11 being separated from an
inner shell 12 by a functional gap 13. The functional gap 13 is at
least partially occupied by a bladder 14.
[0036] The bladder is at least partially filled with a dynamically
responsive material. The bladder may contain compartments to
contain said dynamically responsive material (not shown) or
bladders (not shown) within the main bladder 14. Upon impact the
relative movement of the shells triggers a response from the
dynamically responsive material.
[0037] In another preferred embodiment, said outer shell 12 is less
rigid than inner shell 11. This will result in elastic energy being
absorbed by the outer shell upon the relative deformation.
Additionally, this type of embodiment could increase the stresses
placed upon the bladder 14 (thereby increasing the response from
the dynamically responsive material).
[0038] Reference is now made to another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, which is illustrated at FIG. 2. The same
structures, components and features existing in this embodiment;
that have been introduced in previous figures or embodiments will
be represented by the same reference numeral with, however, the
addition of a prime marking. In instances where this scheme may
cause confusion, for example, a component in a similar location,
but serving a different function, such component may be assigned a
new numeric designation. This figure again shows a helmet 10' of a
dual shell structure, consisting of an outer shell 11' and an inner
shell (not shown). This cut-away view shows potential placement of
a plurality of bladders, wherein the placement can cause oriented
properties. The properties may be varied to create a rotational
strain component to the relative movement of the shells (with
respect to one another). For example, a highly reactive material
may be placed in at least one bladder 21, while a less reactive
material may be placed in a different bladder 22. The location of
these bladders (that is, numbers 21 and 22) will affect the degree
and direction of rotation.
[0039] In this embodiment the placement of the bladders is only
meant to be illustrative, and several bladders may contain similar
materials (not shown or indicated in this figure). This figure
shows a design that would tend to create rotation with an axis that
would approximate an axis collinear with the wearer's spine.
[0040] Additionally, the materials in the bladders may not be of
high and low reactivity; they may experience an opposite type of
response. For example a first bladder may contain a rheopectic
material and a second bladder may contain a thixotropic
material.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, another helmet 10' embodiment is
shown. This view is a half section, of a dual shell structure,
consisting of an outer shell 11' and an inner shell (not shown).
Similarly, this design shows a plurality of bladders, with a first
set of bladders 21' having properties that vary from a second set
of bladders 22.' The significance of this design is that the
induced rotation upon impact would tend to be around an axis nearly
approximating an axis that runs through the ear hole(s) 31 in the
helmet 10.'
[0042] This figure also illustrates another embodiment that
includes an impact level indicator in the form of a signaling means
32. The size, location, and orientation of the signaling means are
meant for illustrative purposes only; this embodiment shows a
member that may be sized to retrofit into standard helmets (not
shown), and may be placed in between pads or above pads near the
top of the helmet (not shown). The signaling means 32 may provide a
signal that is visible from the outside of the helmet while it is
being worn. For example, the signaling means 32 may be seen through
a slot 33, which may be made expressly for that purpose, or it may
be an air vent (not shown) in a standard helmet. The helmet 10' may
have a signaling means 32 attached permanently or temporarily by,
for example, and adhesive or a hook and loop type of fastener (not
shown); other methods of attachment known to those skilled in the
art may also be used.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 4, another helmet 10' embodiment is
shown. This view is a half section, of a dual shell structure,
consisting of an outer shell 11' and an inner shell 12.' However,
this figure shows different bladder configurations, and adds a
structural component which allows stress to be conveyed from the
outer shell 11' to the inner shell 12.' The added structural
component may serve as an engagement member 41, and there may be a
plurality of such members placed at various locations around the
helmet (three are shown). The engagement member 41 may be arranged
adjacent to, adjoining, or to serve as a constraining side of a
bladder 42. In yet another embodiment the engagement member 44, is
separate from, and may be placed a distance from the bladder
43.
[0044] This illustration contemplates various configurations of
bladders and designed placements, it also contemplates various
designs for engagement members. These examples are only meant to
demonstrate the concepts and to provide examples; those skilled in
the art will recognize various materials which could successfully
be used as engagement members and designs for such members and
bladders.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 5, another helmet 10' embodiment is
shown. This view is a half section, of a shell structure,
consisting of an outer shell 11' and may also comprise an inner
shell (not shown). This illustration shows a first deformable
member 51 and a second deformable member 52. The distance between
the edges forming the opening of the outer shell 11' is greater
than the distance between said first deformable member 51 and
second deformable member 52. This negative clearance allows for a
smaller opening in helmet 10' while maintaining a tight fit with
the wearer's head; where the deformable members comprise
dynamically responsive materials, the jarring action of pressing
the helmet onto the wearer's head could cause a transition or phase
change in the materials. This reaction could render the helmet 10'
easier to slide on to the head; however, once the subtle jarring or
vibration type of motion ceases, the deformable member(s) would
regain the stiff properties necessary for securing the helmet
during impact.
[0046] In this embodiment, a thixotropic material may be used, or a
combination or blend with other materials may be used, including
the dynamically responsive materials disclosed herein. Furthermore,
the deformable members (51 and 52) may be comprised of bladders
containing the material, or of a matrix which serves to hold the
material in place. In this disclosure generally, it is recognized
by those skilled in the art, that various configurations or designs
may be arranged to constrain, hold, or support a dynamically
responsive material; this disclosure and these figures are not
meant to be limiting in that regard.
[0047] The deformable members may be used along edges of the helmet
10,' whether arranged to be affixed to the outer shell 11' or an
inner shell 12' (where such inner shell is employed); with such
placement being at the opening region which is more forward facing,
or the opening region which is more downward facing (not shown).
These designs which provide more support to the facial area and the
lower skull region, respectively; while maintaining a level of
comfort and ease of head insertion.
[0048] While this disclosure refers to general illustrative
embodiments as well as various particular embodiments, it should be
understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto.
Modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure, even where certain modifications are suggested, this
disclosure is not necessarily exhaustive. Those skilled in the art
with access to this disclosure will recognize additional
modifications, embodiments, and methods of use within the scope of
this disclosure; and similarly, additional fields of use in which
the disclosed invention could be applied may be contemplated.
Therefore, this detailed description is not meant to be limiting.
Further, it is understood that the apparatus and methods described
herein can be implemented in many different embodiments of
hardware, devices, or systems. Any actual apparatus, method of
manufacture, or method of use, described is not meant to be
limiting. The operation and behavior of the apparatus and methods
presented are described with the understanding that modifications
and variations of the embodiments as well as modalities of use and
operation are possible.
* * * * *