U.S. patent application number 16/146208 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-09 for shock reducing helmet.
The applicant listed for this patent is NOGGIN LOCKER, LLC. Invention is credited to Edward Jonas Domanskis, Gregory Andrew Grim.
Application Number | 20190133235 16/146208 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66326384 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190133235 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Domanskis; Edward Jonas ; et
al. |
May 9, 2019 |
Shock Reducing Helmet
Abstract
A shock reducing helmet includes a helmet body made of an outer
and inner shell, ear openings, and face shield or visor that
connects flush to the helmet body. The outer shell is formed from
the strongest and lightest weight materials, such as polycarbonate,
or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber, or metal, to provide a
high strength to weight ratio and minimize fracture. The inner
chamber includes shock absorbing structures made from materials
such as a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, other
plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber, or metal. Some variants have a
viscous or gaseous layer around the springs to increase stability
upon linear and rotational impact. The face shield or visor is made
of a clear polycarbonate that connects flush with the outer shell
to eliminate visibility interference and rotational injuries caused
by competitors pulling the metal bars commonly present in football
helmets.
Inventors: |
Domanskis; Edward Jonas;
(Los Angeles, CA) ; Grim; Gregory Andrew; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NOGGIN LOCKER, LLC |
Newport Beach |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66326384 |
Appl. No.: |
16/146208 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62565079 |
Sep 28, 2017 |
|
|
|
62730793 |
Sep 13, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/28 20130101; A42B
3/221 20130101; A42B 3/128 20130101; A42B 3/105 20130101; A42B
3/124 20130101; A42B 3/285 20130101; A42B 3/0473 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/12 20060101
A42B003/12; A42B 3/28 20060101 A42B003/28; A42B 3/10 20060101
A42B003/10; A42B 3/22 20060101 A42B003/22 |
Claims
1. A helmet, comprising: a helmet body, comprising a core
surrounded by a shell; and a cervical protector, wherein the core
comprises an internal shock absorbing structure that is less rigid
than the shell, and wherein the cervical protector is configured to
allow the insertion of one or more of cooling packs and diagnostic
devices.
2. The helmet as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
transparent face mask comprising at least one vent.
3. The helmet as recited in claim 2, wherein the at least one vent
comprises hexagonal vents.
4. The helmet as recited in claim 1, further comprising a visor
sized and positioned to protect a wearer's eyes.
5. The helmet as recited in claim 4, wherein the visor is
transparent.
6. The helmet as recited in claim 5, wherein the visor is made of a
scratch-resistant transparent polycarbonate.
7. The helmet as recited in claim 1, wherein the cervical protector
is removable to allow the insertion of one or more of cooling packs
and diagnostic devices.
8. The helmet as recited in claim 1, wherein the cervical protector
is openable to allow the insertion of one or more of cooling packs
and diagnostic devices.
9. The helmet as recited in claim 1, wherein the core comprises
variably placed compression springs selected from the group
consisting of coil springs, helical springs, and wave springs.
10. The helmet as recited in claim 9, wherein the shell comprises
at least one perforation configured to allow gas exchange to dampen
the spring load upon impact force.
11. The helmet as recited in claim 9, wherein the core further
comprises structures that mimic trabeculae found in trabecular
cancellous bone also known as spongy bone.
12. The helmet as recited in claim 9, wherein the core further
comprises at least one shock absorbing structure selected from the
group consisting of honeycomb structures, hexagonal structures,
leafspring structures, helical structures, tetrahedral structures,
beam structures, wire structures, web structures, trabecular
structures, cage structures, truss structures, and concave
tetrahedral structures.
13. The helmet as recited in claim 1, wherein the core comprises at
least one shock absorbing structure selected from the group
consisting of honeycomb structures, hexagonal structures,
leafspring structures, helical structures, tetrahedral structures,
beam structures, wire structures, web structures, trabecular
structures, cage structures, truss structures, and concave
tetrahedral structures.
14. The helmet as recited in claim 13, wherein the at least one
shock absorbing structure comprises a shape-memory alloy.
15. The helmet as recited in claim 14, wherein the shape-memory
alloy exhibits superelasticity.
16. The helmet as recited in claim 15, wherein the shape-memory
allow is nickel titanium alloy.
17. A helmet, comprising: a body configured to cover the head and
face of a wearer and having an aperture configured to be located
around the eyes of the wearer when the helmet is worn, the body
comprising a shell around a core comprising an internal shock
absorbing structure that is less rigid than the shell; a visor
covering the aperture of the body; and a removable cervical
protective cover attached to a base of the body and configured to
protect the wearer's neck, wherein the internal shock absorbing
structure comprises at least one shock absorbing structure selected
from the group consisting of honeycomb structures, hexagonal
structures, leafspring structures, helical structures, tetrahedral
structures, beam structures, wire structures, web structures,
trabecular structures, cage structures, truss structures, and
concave tetrahedral structures.
18. The helmet as recited in claim 17, wherein the visor comprises
a transparent material.
19. The helmet as recited in claim 18, wherein the transparent
material is polycarbonate.
20. The helmet as recited in claim 17, wherein the visor comprises
a polymer.
21. The helmet as recited in claim 20, wherein the polymer is
Lexan.
22. The helmet as recited in claim 17, wherein the core comprises a
shape-memory metal alloy.
23. The helmet as recited in claim 22, wherein the shape-memory
alloy exhibits superelasticity.
24. The helmet as recited in claim 23, wherein the shape-memory
allow is nickel titanium alloy.
25. The helmet as recited in claim 17, wherein the internal shock
absorbing structure has a nonuniform density throughout the
core.
26. The helmet as recited in claim 17, wherein the internal shock
absorbing structure has an anisotropic configuration.
27. The helmet as recited in claim 17, wherein the shell comprises
a material selected from the group consisting of metal,
polycarbonate, ABS plastic, Kevlar, and carbon fiber.
28. The helmet as recited in claim 27, wherein the core comprises
the same materials as the shell.
29. The helmet as recited in claim 27, wherein the core comprises
different materials from the shell.
30. The helmet as recited in claim 17, wherein the removable
cervical protective cover comprises an internal shock absorbing
core.
31. The helmet as recited in claim 30, wherein the internal shock
absorbing core of the removable cervical protective cover comprises
at least one shock absorbing structure selected from the group
consisting of honeycomb structures, hexagonal structures,
leafspring structures, helical structures, tetrahedral structures,
beam structures, wire structures, web structures, trabecular
structures, cage structures, truss structures, and concave
tetrahedral structures.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to the U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/565,079 for a "Shock Reducing Sports
Helmet," filed Sep. 28, 2017, and currently co-pending, and to the
U.S.
[0002] Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/730,793 for a
"Shock Reducing Helmet," filed Sep. 13, 2018, and currently
co-pending, both of which are fully incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention pertains generally to protective
equipment for use in potentially dangerous activities. More
particularly, the present invention pertains to a shock reducing
helmet. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively,
useful as a sports helmet worn on an athlete's head to reduce the
impact and shock experienced by the user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] For more than forty years, football helmets have retained a
basic design of a plastic outer shell, interior padding, and metal
bars that extend from the outer shell. Recently, the National
Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE)
recognized that current helmet designs fail to account for
significant rotational forces football players routinely encounter.
Accordingly, effective in 2018, football helmets approved by NOCSAE
will have to meet increased rotational safety standards.
[0005] Originally, helmets were made of leather and then
transitioned to a hard outer plastic layer with minimal interior
padding, which protected against skull fractures, but not
concussions or other internal head trauma. This problem has been
partially solved by increased padding to minimize the force of
impact by decreasing the acceleration, but this increased padding
only protects against linear impact, not rotational impact. An
improved helmet is needed to protect against rotational impact, as
the brain stem can twist during rotational collisions, causing
damage to nerves.
[0006] Another problem with current helmet designs is the existence
of a metal face guard that can be pulled or knocked by other
players leading to rotational injuries. The metal bars can also
interfere with visual fields. An improved face guard design is
needed to eliminate rotational injuries caused by the current
design and improve visibility.
[0007] In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide a
shock reducing sports helmet made from improved materials for the
shell and core of the helmet to increase stability upon linear and
rotational impact and thereby minimize head injuries.
[0008] It would be further advantageous to provide a shock reducing
sports helmet designed to eliminate rotational injuries and
visibility interference created by the metal bars of the face
guard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Disclosed is a shock reducing helmet having a rigid shell
that encloses a shock-absorbing chamber. The rigid shell has an
exterior, or "outer shell," and an interior, or "inner shell," with
the chamber sandwiched between and enclosed by the outer shell and
the inner shell. The chamber provides a shock-absorbing capability
through truss elements, springs, a viscous filling, an elastic
material, or any combination thereof. The "core," or the chamber
with any filling material and shock absorbing elements, is less
rigid than the shell.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the core has a viscoelastic
composite structure with at least two subcomponents. One embodiment
of the composite structure has one elastic subcomponent and one
viscous subcomponent. Another embodiment has two viscoelastic
elements, and yet another has more than two viscoelastic elements.
This structure mimics a human or animal skull in that the outer
external, or exposed, structure is more rigid than the internal, or
porous trabecular core, structure. Both the outer and internal
structure may provide a degree of elasticity, but the inner
structure is less rigid and more elastic.
[0011] A preferred embodiment of the shell has multiple
perforations through which a fluid or gas may pass.
[0012] A preferred embodiment of the shock reducing helmet includes
a football helmet with a lightweight polycarbonate shell, a
visco-elastic core with varying density as a function of placement
along the skull, and a clear, polycarbonate face shield that
connects flush to the outer shell and will enclose the helmet.
[0013] The shell is formed from the strongest and lightest weight
materials, such as polycarbonate, (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
ABS plastic, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber composite,
metal, or any combination thereof (such as carbon fiber reinforced
polymer), to provide a high strength to weight ratio and to
minimize fracture. On either side of the shell there are ear
openings extending from the outer shell through the inner shell to
allow for transmission of sound. On the back of the shell there is
a flap attached with hook-and-loop fasteners, such as those sold
under the brand name VELCRO, so it can be easily removed in the
event of a neck injury or to insert cooling pads and
accelerometers.
[0014] The core may include elastic or visco-elastic spring
elements or features to absorb shock and may include a viscous
layer filling the open chambers around the springs to slow recoil
of the springs. This design increases stability upon linear and
rotational impact, thereby minimizing head injuries.
[0015] The face shield is preferably made of a clear polycarbonate,
such as Lexan, that connects flush with the outer shell of the
helmet body to eliminate visibility interference and rotational
injuries caused by knocking or pulling the metal bars of face
shields used in prior art. The face shield is connected to the
outer shell via fasteners on the face shield that mate with
connection points on the outer shell and may include a rotating
flange feature, or lip, and hook-and-loop fasteners. Vents are
located at the front of the face shield to allow for air flow.
[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the core includes steel
springs with perforated chambers between the springs that mimic
trabeculae of spongy bone to allow for gas exchange to dampen the
spring load upon impact.
[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the core is formed from a
thin, super elastic alloy to absorb shock and a viscous layer to
dampen the force of impact.
[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the core includes hollow
perforations that mimic trabeculae found in trabecular cancellous
bone, also known as spongy bone to allow for gas exchange to dampen
the force of impact.
[0019] Preferred embodiments of a shock reducing sports helmet of
the present invention include a craniomaxillofacial impaction
absorbing system assembly composed of a monolithic anisotropic
shell, modular fit liner, modular facemask, and modular cervical
protector. Air vent features in the shell, liner, facemask, and
cervical protector improve ergonomics by reduced weight and
increased airflow.
[0020] The shell subcomponent has an outer, (superior-lateral), and
inner, (inferior-medial), contiguous semi-rigid shell wall
enclosing a dampening viscoelastic porous core and elastic
compression springs (where present) which serve to decelerate,
dampen, and dissipate impact energy imparted to the user's head
which in turn mitigates the occurrence of concussive injury by
reducing intracranial motion of the brain. Viscoelastic materials
exhibit rubber like behavior explained by the thermodynamic theory
of polymer elasticity. A viscoelastic material has the following
properties: hysteresis is seen in the stress-strain curve, and
stress relaxation occurs: step constant strain causes decreasing
stress.
[0021] The modular liner subcomponent is a compressible liner
designed to allow the shell subcomponent to comfortably accommodate
the user's head anatomy.
[0022] The modular facemask subcomponent is a semi-rigid,
breathable, barrier that assembles flush to the shell subcomponent
to prevent facial fractures and opponent interference while
maximizing visibility. The facemask couples to the shell
subcomponent via taper locking posts and hook-and-loop fastener
attachments that allow for easy removal and prevent iatrogenic
injuries, obviating torsional face mask injuries, with an internal
safety truss bar encircling the helmet like a halo for protection
from craniomaxillofacial injuries.
[0023] The modular cervical protector is a hook-and-loop fastened
removable hinged component that couples to the shell subcomponent
to mitigate spine injuries and can receive modular cooling packs
and sensing diagnostic components, for example, accelerometers,
etc.
[0024] Given the high costs of present football helmets the present
invention incorporates a one size fits all option which also allows
the helmet to self-adjust depending on swelling secondary to weight
loss/gain/fluid retention to keep helmet adherence to cranium yet
not constrictive to maximize comfort and minimize concussions. This
may obviate the need for player position specific helmet types.
[0025] Furthermore, the present invention also addresses the
torsional injuries secondary to the facemask bars by eliminating
them and incorporating a single unit visor. This solves the
torsional forces generated by players grabbing the face masks and
wrenching opponents to the ground.
[0026] Visibility in the present invention is enhanced by
incorporating the clear visor instead of the traditional facemask
bars which interfere with players visual fields. This feature of
the present invention will further enhance the prevention of
craniomaxillofacial injuries.
[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize
velour hook-and-loop fastener closures instead of common snaps and
buckles to further reduce potential injuries.
[0028] To compensate for the "closed" effect of the visor, its
lower portion, covering the nose and lower face, is widely
perforated for air circulation. Between these sections an extra
single bar is placed within the visor itself connecting to the
helmet in a "halo" fashion, encircling the head and increasing the
strength and stability of the helmet further holding the head, face
and neck in place during tackles, hits and pile-ons.
[0029] Hook-and-loop fasteners also facilitate rapid removal of the
visor and replacement secondary to unanticipated breakage as well
as rapid removal in cases of injury and to prevent iatrogenic
injuries. There is no need to have special equipment, i.e. screw
drivers, new screws available.
[0030] The external plastic surface of the helmet is smooth and
continuous with the unitary and integral visor to reduce the risk
of sudden deceleration reducing risk of cervical spine injury or
concussion.
[0031] Because some studies have shown that there is still an
increased possibility of neck injuries, the present invention
includes a "break away" panel secured by hook-and-loop fasteners on
the back of the helmet. Inserts on this panel are used for
placement of cold packs for player comfort and help limit heat
stroke. Also, on the field wireless sensors, accelerometers, EKG
monitoring, EEG monitoring, and other apparatus can be placed here
to field real-time information monitoring potential injuries.
[0032] In addition, the present invention incorporates the lighter,
more resilient and energy absorbing material, such as
polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber
composite, metal, or any combination thereof (such as carbon fiber
reinforced polymer), for the shells without sacrificing strength
and stability of the helmet.
[0033] The present invention also includes added ventilation over
hair bearing areas but not usual impact points of frontal and
parietal areas for more player comfort.
[0034] In an alternative embodiment, the porous core of the helmet
has omnidirectionally interwoven honeycomb structures.
[0035] In another alternative embodiment, the porous core of the
helmet has an omnidirectionally interwoven elliptical leafspring
structure.
[0036] In a further embodiment, the porous core of the helmet has
an omnidirectionally interwoven multi-start helical coil
structure.
[0037] In another embodiment, the porous core of the helmet has a
concave tetrahedral lattice.
[0038] In further embodiments, the porous core of the helmet has a
deltahedral or polyhedral geometry.
[0039] The present invention contributes to a significant reduction
in headform acceleration, minimizing the energy involved in impacts
and collisions and/or the forces applied below those causing
concussions.
[0040] Although the shock reducing helmet is described herein in
terms of a preferred embodiment of a football helmet, it will be
apparent to one of skill in the art that the shock reducing helmet
may be adapted for use in other activities, both recreational and
labor-related, that would benefit from increased protection from
both linear and rotational impacts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The novel features of this invention, as well as the
invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will
be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar
reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a shock reducing sports
helmet of the present invention, showing the helmet body formed
with ear openings and a full face shield flush with the helmet
body;
[0043] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a shock reducing sports helmet
of the present invention, with the face shield removed;
[0044] FIG. 3 is a left side view of a shock reducing sports helmet
of the present invention, as described in FIG. 1;
[0045] FIG. 4 is a front view of a shock reducing sports helmet of
the present invention, as described in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0046] FIG. 5 is a rear view of a shock reducing sports helmet of
the present invention, showing the rear region of the outer shell
of the helmet with a removable flap;
[0047] FIG. 6 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a shock reducing
sports helmet of the present invention, as taken along line 6-6 of
FIG. 3, showing the outer shell, the inner shell, an array of
springs extending between the outer shell and the inner shell, and
an exemplary skeleton as positioned within the shock reducing
sports helmet during use;
[0048] FIG. 7 is a midsaggital cross-sectional view of a shock
reducing sports helmet of the present invention, as taken along
line 7-7 of FIG. 4, shows the interior of the inner shell as
described in FIG. 6;
[0049] FIG. 8 is a transverse cross sectional view of a shock
reducing sports helmet of the present invention, as taken along
line 8-8 of FIG. 5, showing the inner shell from a top
perspective;
[0050] FIG. 9 is an internal view of the inner shell of a shock
reducing sports helmet of the present invention, showing the spring
assembly;
[0051] FIG. 10 is a front view of a shock reducing sports helmet of
the present invention, showing an alternative embodiment to the
helmet described in FIG. 4 having a bar incorporated within the
face shield that will circle the entire helmet;
[0052] FIG. 11 is a medial cross-sectional view of a shock reducing
sports helmet of the present invention, showing an alternative
embodiment of FIG. 7 having perforated chambers between the
springs;
[0053] FIG. 12 is a medial cross-sectional view of a shock reducing
sports helmet of the present invention, showing an enlarged view of
FIG. 11;
[0054] FIG. 13 is a medial cross-sectional view of a shock reducing
sports helmet of the present invention, showing a further enlarged
view of FIG. 11;
[0055] FIG. 14 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative
preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet, showing the rigid
shell and a chamber filled with honeycomb-shaped shock-absorbing
structures;
[0056] FIG. 15 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG.
14;
[0057] FIG. 16 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative
preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet, showing the rigid
shell and a chamber filled with hexagonal shock-absorbing
structures;
[0058] FIG. 17 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG.
16;
[0059] FIG. 18 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative
preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet, showing the rigid
shell and a chamber filled with hexagonal shock-absorbing
structures;
[0060] FIG. 19 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG.
18;
[0061] FIG. 20 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative
preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet, showing the rigid
shell and a chamber filled with leafspring shock-absorbing
structures;
[0062] FIG. 21 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG.
20;
[0063] FIG. 22 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative
preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet, showing the rigid
shell and a chamber filled with multi-start helical shock-absorbing
structures;
[0064] FIG. 23 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG.
22;
[0065] FIG. 24 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative
preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet, showing the rigid
shell and a chamber filled with a concave tetrahedral
shock-absorbing structures;
[0066] FIG. 25 is a side cutaway view of the helmet of FIG. 24;
and
[0067] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
shock reducing helmet;
[0068] FIG. 27 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 26; and
[0069] FIG. 28 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG.
26.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0070] Referring initially to FIG. 1, the Shock Reducing Sports
Helmet of the present invention is shown and generally designated
10. Helmet 10 includes a body 12 formed with a left ear opening 26,
right ear opening 46 (shown in FIG. 2), and a full face shield 14
flush with the helmet body 12.
[0071] The helmet body 12 has a crown region 20, front region 18,
rear region 22, left side region 24, and right side region 54
(shown in FIG. 4). The helmet body 12 is made of an outer shell 16
and an inner shell 38.
[0072] The face shield 14 is preferably made of a clear transparent
polycarbonate, such as Lexan, and attaches flush with the outer
shell 16 of the helmet body 12 to eliminate visibility interference
and rotational injuries caused by knocking or pulling the metal
bars of face shields used in prior art.
[0073] The face shield 14 attaches to the helmet body 12 by hinges
42 (shown in FIG. 2) on the right side of the face shield 32 and
fasteners 36 on the left side of the face shield 34. Alternatively,
the location of the hinges 42 and fasteners 36 may reverse sides.
The front of the face shield 30 has vents 28 to allow for
ventilation and verbal communication.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the Shock
Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, with the face
shield 14 removed. This exploded perspective shows the helmet 10 as
described in FIG. 1 with additional features, including a view of
the interior of the helmet 47, the relative thickness between the
outer shell and inner shell 48, and the inner wall 19 and outer
wall 17 of the outer shell 16. The outer shell 16 is preferably
made of the strongest and lightest weight materials, such as
polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber
composite, metal, or any combination thereof (such as carbon fiber
reinforced polymer), to provide a high strength to weight ratio and
to minimize fracture. Alternatively, a metal alloy may be used for
the outer shell.
[0075] FIG. 2 also shows the right ear opening 46, of the helmet
body 12. The ear openings 26 and 46 are situated on the helmet body
12 to be generally in line with the ears of the user of the helmet
to allow for transmission of sound.
[0076] Additionally, FIG. 2 shows the hinges 42 mentioned above
that attach the face shield 14 to the helmet body 12 via hinge
attachment points 44 on the right side region 54 (shown in FIG. 4)
of the helmet body 12. The fasteners 36 on the left side of the
face shield 34 connect to the left side region 22 of the helmet
body 12 via fastener connection points 40. As previously mentioned,
the location of the hinges 42 and fasteners 36 and their associated
connection points may reverse sides.
[0077] Finally, FIG. 2 shows a chin strap 50 with chin strap
fasteners 52 that attach to one or more chin strap connection
points (not shown on figures) on the helmet body 12. The chin strap
50 fits snugly around the chin of user and connects to both sides
of the helmet body 12 to prevent the helmet 10 from falling off
user's head.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 3, a left side view of the Shock
Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing helmet 10
as described in FIG. 1.
[0079] Referring now to FIG. 4, a front side view of the Shock
Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing helmet 10
as described in FIGS. 1 and 2, and additionally showing the right
side region 54 of the helmet body 12.
[0080] As seen in FIG. 4, vents 28 are orifices in the face shield
14 that allow for airflow in and out of the helmet 10. In a
preferred embodiment, vents 28 are hexagon-shaped in order to allow
for an optimal balance between airflow and strength. However, the
appropriate balance may vary between different types of activity
and from individual to individual. Some embodiments use slots
instead of hexagons for vents 28 in order to increase airflow.
Other embodiments include helmets 10 with triangle-shaped vents 28,
helmets 10 with circular vents 28, helmets 10 with other shapes of
vents 28, and helmets 10 with mixed shapes of vents 28.
[0081] Referring now to FIG. 5, a rear view of the Shock Reducing
Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing helmet 10 as
described in FIG. 4, and additionally showing a modular cervical
protector 55, which is connected to the helmet body 12 by
hook-and-loop fasteners so it may be easily opened in the event of
a neck injury to insert cooling pads or accelerometers. Other
monitoring devices such as, for example, EEG electrodes, may also
be inserted through the opening. In one embodiment, the
hook-and-loop fasteners of modular cervical protector 55 hold the
modular cervical protector 55 closed, and may be disengaged in
order to open modular cervical protector 55 like a flap. In another
embodiment, the hook-and-loop fasteners are disengaged in order to
remove the modular cervical protector 55 entirely.
[0082] Referring now to FIG. 6, a lateral cross-sectional view of
the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, as taken
along line 6-6 of FIG. 3, showing the outer shell 16, the inner
shell 38, an array of springs 56 extending between the outer shell
16 and the inner shell 38, and an exemplary skeleton 66 as
positioned within the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet during use.
[0083] The inner shell 38 includes springs 56, spring gaps 62 (as
shown in FIG. 9), chambers 58, and side chambers 60, which are
distributed in a manner to maximize shock absorption upon linear
and rotational impact. Springs 56 are coil springs in some
preferred embodiments, and cylindrical wave springs in other
preferred embodiments. Other springs or spring-like elements
exhibiting appropriate compression characteristics may be used for
springs 56. Chambers 58 between the springs 56 and side chambers 60
may be filled with a viscous polymer or gas to dampen recoil of the
springs 56 and vary in density as a function of placement along the
skull 64. Chambers 58 between the springs 56 and chambers 60 also
have, in some embodiments, an inner core that is porous,
trabecular, or honeycomb, or any combination thereof, in geometric
structure. Some embodiments of the trabecular structure are
symmetrical, and other embodiments are asymmetrical and irregular.
Both symmetrical and asymmetrical trabeculae are used in some
embodiments of the shock reducing helmet.
[0084] In an alternative embodiment, chambers 58 between the
springs 56 are empty, and perforations in the outer shell 16 allow
gas exchange to dampen the spring load upon impact force, while
chambers 60 are filled with a porous honeycomb or trabecular
structure.
[0085] Referring now to FIG. 7, a medial cross-sectional view of
the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, as taken
along line 7-7 of FIG. 4, showing the interior of the inner shell
38 as described in FIG. 6. A compressible foam liner lines inner
shell 38 for fit in some embodiments; alternatively, a head sock
may be used.
[0086] Referring now to FIG. 8, a lateral-cross sectional view of
the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, as taken
along line 8-8 of FIG. 5, showing the inner shell 38 as described
in FIG. 6 from a top perspective.
[0087] Referring now to FIG. 9, an internal view of the inner shell
38 of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention,
showing the spring assembly as described in FIG. 6, and
additionally showing spring gaps 62 to demonstrate variable spacing
of the springs 56 as a function of placement along the skull
64.
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 10, a front view of the Shock Reducing
Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing an alternative
embodiment to the helmet 10 described in FIG. 4 with a "bar," or
circumferential structural supporting rib 68 incorporated within
the face shield that encircles the helmet body 12 to further
reinforce stability of the helmet 10.
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 11, a medial cross-sectional view of
the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing
an alternative embodiment to the helmet 10 described in FIG. 7 with
perforations 70 in the chambers between the springs that mimic
trabeculae found in trabecular cancellous bone, also known as
spongy bone to allow for gas exchange to dampen the spring load
upon impact.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 12, a medial cross-sectional view of
the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing
an enlarged view of FIG. 11. Chambers 58 are filled with a porous
plastic or metal material that matches the outer shell 16 and inner
shell 38 in material properties, but has a porous structure
resulting in perforations 70.
[0091] Referring now to FIG. 13, a medial cross-sectional view of
the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing
a further enlarged view of FIG. 11. The perforations 70 are
arranged in a pattern in some embodiments, and in other embodiments
are arranged irregularly.
[0092] FIGS. 14-25 illustrate shock-absorbing structures used to
absorb impact energy in various embodiments of the shock reducing
helmet described herein. The shock-absorbing structures are placed
in the core of the helmet, usually extending from the outer shell
(e.g. outer shell 16) to the inner shell (e.g. inner shell 38), and
filling at least a portion, but in some embodiments all, of the
core of the helmet. The helmet thus has a trabecular core region
composed of one or more of the below-described shock-absorbing
structures. The shock-absorbing structures absorb impact energy by
a resilient, elastic, viscoelastic, or frangible dynamic response
to compression. Moreover, the shock-absorbing structures have a
nonuniform density, anisotropic configuration, or both in some
embodiments.
[0093] In order to make some embodiments of a shock reducing
helmet, 3D printing is used to create shock-absorbing structures
that were previously not available with manufacturing processes
such as casting or extrusion.
[0094] Some preferred embodiments of the shock-absorbing structures
are made from a shape-memory alloy, which allows portions of the
helmet to be deformed during impact and later returned to their
original shape. Some embodiments use superelastic alloys, such as a
nickel titanium shape-memory alloy, allowing the helmet to recover
its original shape on its own after impact, without the need for a
temperature change.
[0095] Referring now to FIG. 14, a perspective cutaway view of an
alternative preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet shows
the rigid shell and a chamber 58 filled with a cage structure, or,
more particularly, honeycomb-shaped shock-absorbing structures 120.
Each structure 120 is a chain of hexagonal elements extending from
the outer shell 16 to the inner shell 38. Each hexagonal element
has a wall 122 and an aperture 124 extending from one end of the
hexagonal element to the other. The walls 122 increase in thickness
and the apertures 124 decrease in cross-sectional area along the
length of the structure 120 as it extends toward the inner shell
38. As shown, the shock-absorbing structures 120 are placed in
alternating orientations. Moreover, in some embodiments the shock
absorbing structures 120 vary in density of their placement
throughout the helmet, providing varying stiffness between regions
of the helmet.
[0096] Structures 120 act as compression springs, absorbing the
energy of impacts against the helmet. Due to the increasing
thickness of walls 122, the structures 120 exhibit greater
stiffness, or resistance to deflection nearer the inner shell
38.
[0097] In a preferred embodiment, shock-absorbing structures 120
are placed in regions of the helmet that do not have springs 56. In
another embodiment, shock absorbing structures 120 are used
throughout the helmet instead of springs 56.
[0098] Referring now to FIG. 15, a side cutaway view of the
alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 14 is illustrated. As
seen, the shock-absorbing structures 120 alternate in orientation,
both from left to right and front to back.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 16, a perspective cutaway view of an
alternative preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet shows
the rigid shell and a chamber 58 filled with a cage structure or,
more particularly, hexagonal shock-absorbing structures 130. Most
of the top and bottom side of each hexagon are provided by the
outer shell 16 and the inner shell 38 of the helmet.
Shock-absorbing structures 130 may be made from a nickel-titanium
shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or other plastics,
Kevlar, carbon fiber composite, metal, or any combination thereof
(such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer), which allows portions of
the helmet to be deformed during impact and later returned to their
original shape.
[0100] Referring now to FIG. 17, a cutaway side view of the
alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 16 is shown. As seen, the
shock-absorbing structures 130 alternate in orientation, both from
left to right and front to back. In a preferred embodiment,
shock-absorbing structures 130 are placed in regions of the helmet
that do not have springs 56. In another embodiment, shock absorbing
structures 130 are used throughout the helmet instead of springs
56.
[0101] Referring now to FIG. 18, a perspective cutaway view of an
alternative preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet shows
the rigid shell and a chamber 58 filled with hexagonal
shock-absorbing structures 135. Most of the top and bottom side of
each hexagon are provided by the outer shell 16 and the inner shell
38 of the helmet. Shock-absorbing structures 135 may be made from
steel in a preferred embodiment, but may be made from other
materials such as a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy,
polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber
composite, metal, or any combination thereof (such as carbon fiber
reinforced polymer).
[0102] Referring now to FIG. 19, a cutaway side view of the
alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 18 is shown. As seen, the
shock-absorbing structures 135 alternate in orientation, both from
left to right and front to back. In a preferred embodiment,
shock-absorbing structures 135 are placed in regions of the helmet
that do not have springs 56. In another embodiment, shock absorbing
structures 135 are used throughout the helmet instead of springs
56.
[0103] Referring now to FIG. 20, a perspective cutaway view of an
alternative preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet shows
the rigid shell and a chamber 58 filled with beam structures. More
particularly, chamber 58 is filled with leafspring shock-absorbing
structures 140. Shock-absorbing structures 140 may be made from a
nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or
other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber composite, metal, or any
combination thereof (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer),
which allows portions of the helmet to be deformed during impact
and later returned to their original shape.
[0104] Referring now to FIG. 21, a cutaway side view of the
alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 20 is shown. As seen, the
shock-absorbing structures 140 are placed in sets of two opposing
leafspring structures, and the sets alternate in orientation, both
from left to right and front to back. In a preferred embodiment,
shock-absorbing structures 140 are placed in regions of the helmet
that do not have springs 56. In another embodiment, shock absorbing
structures 140 are used throughout the helmet instead of springs
56.
[0105] Referring now to FIG. 22, a perspective cutaway view of an
alternative preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet shows
the rigid shell and a chamber 58 filled with helical
shock-absorbing structures 150. Shock-absorbing structures 150 may
be made from a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, from a
nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or
other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber composite, metal, or any
combination thereof (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer),
which allows portions of the helmet to be deformed during impact
and later returned to their original shape. Each shock-absorbing
structure 150 has between one and five congruent intertwined
nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or
other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber composite, metal, or any
combination thereof (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer)
material helices or resilient members. In one embodiment,
shock-absorbing structures 150 may be wire structures, much like
helical springs. In a preferred embodiment, structure 150 is a
triple helix.
[0106] Referring now to FIG. 23, a cutaway side view of the
alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 23 is shown. In a
preferred embodiment, shock-absorbing structures 150 are placed in
regions of the helmet that do not have springs 56. In another
embodiment, shock absorbing structures 150 are used throughout the
helmet instead of springs 56.
[0107] Referring now to FIG. 24, a perspective cutaway view of an
alternative preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet shows
the rigid shell and a chamber 58 filled with a truss structure.
More particularly, chamber 58 is illustrated as being filled with a
lattice of tetrahedron shock-absorbing structures 160. As
illustrated, in some embodiments the tetrahedral shape of the
shock-absorbing structures 160 may have concave rather than
straight edges. In a preferred embodiment, the lattice is made up
of two layers of tetrahedron-shaped elements between the outer
shell 16 and the inner shell 38 of the helmet. Shock-absorbing
structures 160 are made from a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy,
polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber
composite, metal, or any combination thereof (such as carbon fiber
reinforced polymer), which allows portions of the helmet to be
deformed during impact and later returned to their original
shape.
[0108] Referring now to FIG. 25, a cutaway side view of the
alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 24 is shown. As seen, the
lattice of shock-absorbing structures 160 is made up of two layers
of tetrahedron-shaped elements. In a preferred embodiment,
shock-absorbing structures 160 are placed in regions of the helmet
that do not have springs 56. In another embodiment, shock absorbing
structures 160 are used throughout the helmet instead of springs
56.
[0109] Referring now to FIG. 26, a shock reducing helmet 200 is
illustrated. Shock reducing helmet 200 is substantially similar to
helmet 10 in materials, structure, and use, with the primary
exceptions of the face mask 14 and the flap 55, which differences
are discussed below. In all other respects, it is fully
contemplated that for each component, the materials and structure
of the corresponding structure of other embodiments described
herein may also be used with helmet 200.
[0110] The helmet body 212 of helmet 200 covers the lower portion
of a wearer's face, including the maxilla and mandible, thus
requiring only a visor 214 smaller than the face shield 14 of
helmet 10. In a preferred embodiment, visor 214 is made of a
scratch-resistant, transparent polycarbonate. The body 212 of
helmet 200 is made with an outer shell 216 and an inner shell 238
(shown in FIG. 28), creating a chamber 258. The body 212 has a left
ear opening 226 and a right ear opening.
[0111] In an alternative embodiment, helmet 200 has a facemask 14
(shown in FIGS. 1-4) of which visor 214 forms a part.
[0112] Instead of modular cervical protector 55, helmet 200 has a
removable cervical protector 255 attached to the rear portion of
the base of helmet body 212. Removable cervical protector 255 may
be easily removed in the event of a neck injury to insert cooling
pads or an instrumentation pack that acquires, stores, and
transmits data, such as an instrumentation pack containing
accelerometers and other diagnostic instrumentation.
[0113] A circumferential structural supporting rib or halo 268,
analogous to rib 68 shown in FIG. 10, is present in some preferred
embodiments, and, for aesthetic purposes, integrated into the
helmet shell rather than visibly present outside the helmet 200. In
some embodiments, multiple halos 268 are present.
[0114] Referring now to FIG. 27, a side view of helmet 200 is
illustrated, showing the position of visor 214 and removable
cervical protector 255. As shown, visor 214 sits flush with the
body 212 of helmet 200, making it difficult for another player to
grab, thus avoiding torsional injuries generated by players
grabbing the face masks and wrenching opponents to the ground.
[0115] Some embodiments of the removable cervical protector 255
extend up to the bottom of the halo 268, as illustrated by broken
line 255A. Moreover, some preferred embodiments of the cervical
protector 255, intended for use in environments where blows to the
back of the head and neck are likely, have the same internal shock
absorbing structures as the body 212 of helmet 200.
[0116] Referring now to FIG. 28, the chambers 258 between the outer
shell 216 and the inner shell 238 are filled with one or more of
the shock absorbing structures described in conjunction with FIGS.
14 through 25. In a preferred embodiment, the shock absorbing
structures are used throughout the chambers 258 instead of the
springs 56 used in several preferred embodiments of helmet 10,
resulting in a modular core region at least partially, and in some
embodiments completely, composed of the shock absorbing structures.
In some embodiments, the shock absorbing structures are placed
throughout the helmet 200 with a nonuniform density, while in other
embodiments a uniform density is used.
[0117] The shock absorbing structures form a trabecular core
region, and vary between embodiments in interlaced, independently
aligned, patterned, and pseudo-randomly oriented. The shock
absorbing structures absorb impact energy by a resilient, elastic,
viscoelastic, or frangible dynamic response to compression.
[0118] Helmet 200 includes, in some embodiments, modular fasteners
274 for ancillary device compatibility. Fasteners 274 vary in
number and position among embodiments, and may be found on the
outside of helmet 200, on the inside of helmet 200, or both on the
outside and on the inside of helmet 200. Fasteners 274 may be
screws, bolts, flaps, cables, epoxy, straps, or any combination
thereof. It is fully contemplated that the other embodiments of the
shock reducing helmet described herein may also be equipped with
fasteners such as fasteners 274.
[0119] As with helmet 10, a compressible foam liner lines inner
shell 238 of helmet 200 for fit in some embodiments; alternatively,
a head sock may be used.
[0120] While there have been shown what are presently considered to
be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *