Abstract
The invention includes a protective headpiece and components thereof and methods for their use. Preferred examples comprise a helmet component, a plurality of piers joining said helmet component to a shoulder pad component and an inner hat component permitting the wearer the ability to move the head from side to side and/or up and down within the helmet component without moving the helmet component. The helmet component may comprise a plurality of fluid-filled floating plates or floats on the inner surface thereof to cushion the head against impact during activities including, for example, football, race car driving, military activities and the like.
Claims
1) A protective headpiece, comprising: a) a helmet component having an interior surface comprising a padding component, and an exterior surface comprising an impact-resistant polymer, b) a shoulder pad component structured to cover the shoulder blades of a wearer and comprising a hard plastic shell with foam padding underneath, said shoulder pad component further comprising a substantially circular or ovoid, reinforced force-diffusing element integrated around a neck opening of the shoulder pad component, said force diffusing element having a plurality of connector receptacles as part thereof; c) at least one force-directing member integrated as part, of at least one of the front, the back, and the top, of the shoulder pad component, said at least one force-directing member comprising a rigid but flexible material selected from the group consisting of: a natural material, an elastomeric material, a metallic material, a synthetic material, and a mixture of any of these; d) a plurality of piers affixed to said helmet component and said shoulder pad component, and extending substantially downward from said helmet component and between said helmet component and said plurality of connector receptacles of the force-diffusing element of said shoulder pad component, at least one of said plurality of piers being positioned at a posterior of the helmet component or at an anterior of the helmet component said plurality of piers being integrated into and structurally connected within the helmet, and each pier of said plurality of piers having an end comprising a connector removably affixed to at least one of said plurality of connector, to form a unitary engineered network effective to selectively transfer impact forces from the helmet component through the plurality of piers, and the shoulder pad component to a wearer's shoulders and body in preference to a wearer's head, neck and spine; wherein said helmet component has an interior surface adapted to permit a wearer to turn his or her head from side to side within the helmet component without the helmet component itself moving.
2) The protective headpiece of claim 1 further comprising a face mask component having one or more protective bars, said one or more bars having tensile strength sufficient to resist a blow having a force of at least 100 G without breaking.
3) The protective headpiece of claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of piers has a tensile strength sufficient to resist a blow having a force of at least 100 G without deforming.
4) The protective headpiece of claim 1, comprising: e) an inner hat component structured to fit on a wearer's head within said helmet component, said inner hat comprising a chin strap and a fastener therefor on opposite sides of a lower anterior portion of said inner hat component adapted to fasten the inner hat component to the wearer's head, and a padding comprising a mask component and/or forehead component adapted to prevent injury to a forehead, mouth and/or nose during use; said helmet component and said inner hat component each being structured to permit said wearer to move the head and the inner hat component independently from the helmet component during use.
5) The protective headpiece of claim 4, wherein the interior surface of the helmet component comprises at least one additional padding component structured to contact said inner hat component.
6) The protective headpiece of claim 5, wherein the padding component of the helmet component is substantially smooth.
7) The protective headpiece of claim 5, wherein said at least one padding component contains a fluid.
8) The protective headpiece of claim 5, wherein said at least one padding component is adapted to contact said inner hat component at a location proximal to a crown of the wearer's head.
9) The protective headpiece of claim 5, wherein said at least one padding component adapted to contact said inner hat component at a location proximal to a crown of the wearer's head is structured to rotate about a substantially downward axis.
10) The protective headpiece of claim 8, comprising a plurality of padding components contacting said inner helmet component.
11) The protective headpiece of claim 4, wherein at least one additional padding component is affixed to an outer surface of said inner hat component.
12) The protective headpiece of claim 5, wherein said at least one padding component is affixed to the interior surface of the helmet component.
13) The protective headpiece of claim 1 wherein said plurality of connector receptacles further comprises a shock-absorbing component damping downward forces applied to the shoulder pad component through the at least one of said plurality of piers.
14) The protective headpiece of claim 1 further comprising a face mask component, wherein said face mask component comprises at least one of said plurality of piers extending substantially downward therefrom, said at least one pier structured to fit within a locking connector receptacle component of said shoulder pad component.
15) The protective headpiece of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of piers is positioned at or near each of: the posterior of the helmet component, a left side of the helmet component, a right side of the helmet component, and the anterior of the helmet component, respectively; and wherein each of said piers comprises a connector component structured to fit a respective connector receptacle component of said shoulder pad component, each said one connector receptacle component structured to releasably hold said at least one of said plurality of piers.
16) The protective headpiece of claim 4 wherein either or both the interior surface of the helmet component and the exterior surface of the inner hat component have a coating comprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
17) The protective headpiece of claim 16 wherein at least one of the interior surface of the helmet component and the exterior surface of the inner hat component are substantially smooth.
18) The protective headpiece of claim 1 wherein said connector is selected from the group consisting of hook latch, a ring, a barbed pier connector.
19) A method for protecting a player's head from concussion during a contact sport comprising: placing a shoulder pad component on said player's upper body, said shoulder pad component structured to cover the shoulder blades of the player and comprising a hard plastic shell with foam padding underneath, said shoulder pad component further comprising a force-diffusing element integrated around a neck opening of the shoulder pad component, said force diffusing element having one or more connector receptacles as part thereof; placing a helmet component on said player's head, said helmet component having an interior surface comprising a padding component, an exterior surface comprising an impact-resistant polymer, and a plurality of piers being integrated into and structurally connected within the helmet component as part of the helmet manufacturing process, at least one of said plurality of piers being positioned at a posterior of the helmet component or at an anterior of the helmet component each pier of said plurality of piers having an end comprising a connector removably affixable to a connector receptacle of the force diffusing element of said shoulder pad component, respectively, to form a unitary engineered network effective to selectively transfer impact forces from the helmet component through the plurality of piers, and the shoulder pad component to the player's shoulders and body in preference to the player's head, neck and spine, and wherein the interior surface of said helmet component is adapted to permit the player to turn his or her head from side to side within the helmet component without the helmet component itself moving; and affixing said pier connectors to the corresponding connector receptacles of the shoulder pad component.
20) The method of claim 19 further comprising placing an inner hat component on the player's head prior to placing a helmet component on said player's head.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] FIG. 1A shows a frontal view of one example of a helmet component/shoulder pad component assembly of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 1B shows a rear view of the example of the helmet component/shoulder pad component assembly shown in FIG. 1A.
[0061] FIG. 2 is a frontal view of another example of a helmet component/shoulder pad component assembly of the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 3A shows a cross-section through line A-A of the mating collar structure used in the helmet component/shoulder pad component assembly of FIG. 2.
[0063] FIG. 3B shows a cross-section through line A′-A′ of the mating collar structure used in the helmet component/shoulder pad component assembly of FIG. 2.
[0064] FIG. 3C shows a cross-section through line B-B of the ring structure used in the helmet component/shoulder pad component assembly of FIG. 2.
[0065] FIG. 3D shows a cross sectional through line B′-B′ of the ring structure used in the helmet component/shoulder pad component assembly of FIG. 2, comprising a lower intermediate horizontally extending member.
[0066] FIG. 3E shows the cross-sectional arrangement of the mating surfaces of the ring structure and the mating collar structure of FIG. 2 when the unitary helmet component/pier/ring structure assembly is placed on the mating collar structure in an “offset”, unlocked position.
[0067] FIG. 3F the cross-sectional arrangement of the mating surfaces of the ring structure and the mating collar structure when the unitary helmet component/pier/ring structure assembly is rotated from the “offset” position of FIG. 3F into a “locked” position.
[0068] FIG. 3G shows a perspective top view of a portion of the mating surface of the mating collar structure of FIG. 2.
[0069] FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway front view of a helmet component and inner hat component of the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 5 shows a view of the inner surface of a helmet component of the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 6 shows a view of a spindle component and top float assembly of the helmet component of FIG. 5.
[0072] FIG. 7 shows a frontal view of one example of a helmet component/shoulder pad component assembly of the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 8 shows a close up view of the pier connectors and mating connector elements shown in FIG. 7.
[0074] FIG. 9 shows an example of an inner hat of the present invention.
[0075] FIG. 10 shows a shoulder pad component comprising a collar component.
[0076] FIG. 11 shows the apparatus of FIG. 10 in which the helmet component is removed to show the attached collar component.
[0077] FIG. 12 shows an alternative design of a collar component comprising a series of staves.
[0078] FIG. 13A shows a front view of an example of a shoulder pad component having force-directing members.
[0079] FIG. 13B shows an oblique top view of an example of a shoulder pad component having force-directing members.
[0080] FIG. 14 shows a front view of a helmet component of the present invention showing the integration of the piers within the helmet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0081] FIG. 1A is a front view of an exemplary protective headgear apparatus of the present invention. The helmet component 101 of this example comprises a hard shell 103 substantially surrounding the back and sides of the wearer's head; in other examples at least a portion of the outer surface of the helmet component may comprise padding overlying a hard shell. When in use, the helmet component may be substantially stationary and fixed with respect to the shoulder pad component 113, with little or none of the helmet's weight applied to the wearer's head. Accordingly, the front portion of the helmet component may comprise, for example, a “birdcage-style” face mask 107 structured and designed in a manner similar to standard football face masks, or face masks containing any suitable number of bars in any other shape sufficient to provide protection of the wearer's face. The face mask bars 107 may be comprised of metal, for example a plastic- and/or elastomer-covered metal. However, the size (particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, the width) of the face mask, and the corresponding frontal aperture 109 of the helmet component are each preferably larger and/or wider than traditional football helmets, since the wearer's head is preferably not restricted from moving substantially within the interior of the helmet component. Other face masks, such as transparent face masks, may be used in other examples of the present invention, such as racing or military applications.
[0082] The helmet component 101 may further comprise ear holes 105 permitting the wearer to more clearly hear spoken commands or plays. Alternatively or optionally one or more wireless speakers may be placed proximate the wearer's ear(s) within the interior of the helmet component so that, for example, a coach or trainer may advise the wearer of important information, such as comments, strategy, or plays by radio or wireless transmission.
[0083] The helmet component of the example shown in FIG. 1A has four piers (111; only three visible in this view) joining the helmet component to the shoulder pad component 113 and extending substantially downward from the helmet component. In other examples the number of piers may vary. The piers 111 are preferably strong and may be substantially inflexible. Preferably the piers are comprised of a rigid, strong material such as a metal, metal alloy or carbon fiber polymer that is integrated as part of the helmet component during its manufacture, in which the piers are connected within the helmet in such as manner as to distribute the force of a blow to any portion of the helmet component among the plurality of piers. The lower portion of each of the piers preferably comprises a connector component 115 structured to join securely and firmly within a corresponding connector receptacle 117 of the shoulder pad component 113. Very preferably, the pier connector component 115 and the connector receptacle 117 of the shoulder pad component 113 are structured to be rapidly releasable, thereby permitting the helmet component 101 to be quickly removed by the player or by a doctor, coach, or medical technician, if desired. In FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the exemplary quick release mechanism comprises barbs on the connector components of the piers, with as locking connector receptacle similar to these holding automobile headrests.
[0084] In some examples, the connector receptacle component 117 may be wholly or partially embedded beneath the surface of the shoulder pad component 113, (for example, as part of a force-diffusing component) where it is integrated with the force-directing members of the shoulder pad component.
[0085] FIG. 1B shows a back view of the same exemplary helmet/shoulder pad assembly shown in FIG. 1A. Thus, the helmet component shell 103 is shown with piers 111 (integrated into the helmet component) and joined to the shoulder pad component 113 via pier connector components 115 and connector receptacle components 117 wholly or partially embedded beneath the surface of the shoulder pad component 113, (for example, as part of a force-diffusing component) where it is integrated with the force-directing members of the shoulder pad component.
[0086] FIG. 2 shows a helmet component 201 in an alternative exemplary design. In this example, the helmet component shell 203 having ear holes 205, face mask 207 and piers 211 integrated as part of the helmet is substantially similar or identical to that depicted in the example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. However, the piers terminate at their lower ends in a ring structure 209 encircling the neck of the wearer. The ring structure may be comprised of a lightweight, strong material able to withstand repeated mechanical shock and blows; for example, the ring structure may comprise a lightweight metallic element such as a titanium alloy; a polymeric material, a fiberglass material or a carbon fiber material. Particular care should be given to the strength of the joint between the piers and the ring structure. In certain examples the helmet component 201, piers 211 and ring structure 209 may be manufactured as a single piece in a process comprising casting or molding (for example, injection molding) of the structure as a unit.
[0087] The ring structure 209 is structured to mate with a mating collar structure 215 comprised or joined as part of the shoulder pad component 213. Preferably, the mating collar structure 215 is comprised in or as part of a force-diffusing component 217 which, in turn may be integrated as part of the shoulder pad component (for example, as part of a force-diffusing component), where it is, in turn, integrated with the force-directing members of the shoulder pad component to form part of a unitary engineered network.
[0088] The ring structure 209 and the mating collar structure 215 may mate in any suitably strong manner to firmly and strongly secure the helmet component 201 to the shoulder pad component 213 when is use. However, it is very preferable that the helmet component and/or face mask be able to be easily and quickly removed from the mating collar component by the wearer or by, for example, a trainer, doctor, or emergency medical technician. The mating collar structure 215 should be strongly attached to, embedded within, or made (for example, formed or cast) as part of, the force-diffusing component 217 or shoulder pad component 213.
[0089] The manner of the connection between the ring structure and the mating collar structure may be of any suitable design. In one example, shown in FIG. 3A (a cross-section through line A-A of FIG. 2), the mating collar structure comprises a shape resembling an “L” 301, this L shape having an upwardly vertically extending component 303 and a bottom horizontally extending component 305. The L-shape may be interrupted at intervals (for example, at regular intervals) with an upper intermediate horizontally extending component 307, shown in FIG. 3B (a cross-section through line A′-A′ of FIG. 2), rendering a mating collar structure having a “C” cross sectional shape 309 at such locations. In this example, the top horizontally extending component 307 extends transversely partially around the circumference of the mating collar structure's upwardly vertically extending component 303.
[0090] As shown here, the mating surfaces of the ring structure joined to the helmet component (FIG. 2, 209) are complementary to the mating surfaces of the mating collar structure 215 described above. Thus, in the example depicted in FIG. 3C (a cross-section through line B-B of FIG. 2), the ring structure comprises a mating surface 311 comprising an inverted “U” shape in cross section, and having an inner downwardly extending vertical component 313, an upper horizontally extending component 317, and an outer downwardly extending vertical component 315. As shown in FIG. 3D (a cross-section through line B′-B′ of FIG. 2), intermittently; for example, at intervals substantially identical to those of the mating collar structure, this inverted “U” shape may be interrupted with a lower intermediate horizontally extending member, see FIG. 3D, 319.
[0091] FIG. 3E is a depiction of the cross-sectional arrangement of a portion of the mating surfaces of the ring structure and the mating collar structure when the unitary helmet component/pier/ring structure assembly is placed on the mating collar structure in an “offset”, unlocked position. In this state, the upward extending vertical component 303 of the mating collar structure fits between the inner downwardly extending vertical component 313 and outer downwardly extending vertical component 315 of the ring structure. The lower surface of the outer downwardly extending vertical component 315 of the ring structure may rest upon the lower horizontally extending component 305 of the mating collar structure. The mating collar structure preferably is structured as part of the force-diffusing element of the shoulder pad component, and may comprise a hard elastomer 321 or other shock-absorbing element underlying the lower horizontally extending component 305. The hard elastomer is chosen to compress only at the greater forces associated with a blow or “hit”.
[0092] FIG. 3F is a depiction of the cross-sectional arrangement of the mating surfaces of the ring structure and the mating collar structure when the unitary helmet component/pier/ring structure assembly is rotated from the “offset” position into a “locked” position. This rotation substantially aligns the upper intermediate horizontally extending component 307 of the mating collar component over the lower intermediate horizontally extending component 319 of the ring structure, thus locking the unitary helmet component/pier/ring structure assembly to the mating collar structure.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 3G, a perspective top view of a portion of the mating surface of the mating collar structure (FIG. 2, 215) is shown, with upper intermediate horizontally extending components 307, upwardly vertically extending component 303 and bottom horizontally extending component 305. As shown in this figure, upper intermediate horizontally extending components 307 are spaced apart so as to fit the lower intermediate horizontally extending components 319 of the ring structure between them when the ring structure assembly is placed on the mating collar structure in an “offset” position.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 3G, preferably at least one of the upper intermediate horizontally extending component 307 and the lower intermediate horizontally extending component 319 is formed with one or more narrowed substantially wedge-shaped end 325 to facilitate the subduction of the lower intermediate horizontally extending component 319 under the upper intermediate horizontally extending component 307 when the ring structure of the helmet component is rotated into a locked position within the mating surface of the mating collar structure (FIG. 2, 215). Additionally, the width of the upper intermediate horizontally extending component 307 and/or the lower intermediate horizontally extending component 319, at, for example, a transverse midpoint 323, should be sufficiently wide to wedge and maintain the lower intermediate horizontally extending component 319 in a locked position under the upper intermediate horizontally extending component 307, and prevent it from slipping past the widest part of the upper intermediate horizontally extending component 307, thus becoming “unlocked”.
[0095] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the widest point of the upper and/or lower intermediate horizontally extending components may be located at positions other than midway along the transverse length of the component. For example, one or both of these components may be formed as a wedge or partial wedge, having the widest part of the wedge located at one end thereof. Furthermore, while this description provides one example of a locking mechanism for joining the helmet component to the shoulder pad component, those of ordinary skill in the art will immediately envision alternative methods.
[0096] FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway view of an example of a helmet component 401 being worn by a player together with an inner hat component 403. In the example shown, the helmet component 401 (shown for clarity without the face mask) comprises a top fluid-filled floating plate 408 on the inside surface of the helmet, and two side fluid-filled floating plates 405 located proximate to the temple area of the wearer's head. The inner hat closely fits the wearer's head, and is preferably not attached to the inside of the helmet component. The inner hat component preferably comprises a padded chin strap 407 to secure the hat component to the head, and a face and forehead mask made of padding to protect against the face being forced towards the face mask (shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10)). The crown of the inner hat is preferably free to move within the inside surfaces of the helmet component, (except, in certain examples, the inner hat makes contact against the top float) so that the wearer can move the head and inner hat from side to side and/or up and down relatively freely within the helmet.
[0097] FIG. 5 shows a upward view of the inside surface 501 of an exemplary helmet component in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. In this view, the top fluid-filled float 509 is secured to the interior surface of the helmet by a sliding spindle component 511 set into a circular inset 513 formed within the helmet components inside surface. A forehead float 503, two side floats 505, and a rear float 507 are also shown. The sliding spindle arrangement thus may function like a “lazy susan” permitting rotation of the head within the helmet component. For clarity, in this view the piers are not shown.
[0098] FIG. 6 is a cross section of the portion of the helmet component of FIG. 5 showing the top float 603 and the spindle component 605, which fits within a void 609 formed within the inner surface of the helmet component and is secured in place by a circular insert 607. The spindle component 605 must be strong and preferably has a diameter equal to or less than about half that of the hole 611 in the inner surface of the helmet component through which the spindle component projects to permit the spindle component 605 to slide freely from one side of the hole 611 to another. The circular inset 607 preferably has a diameter sufficiently greater than hole 611 to permit the top float 603 to rotate around the axis of the spindle component 605.
[0099] In this manner, during use the wearer will have the benefit of the protection of the protective headgear apparatus (the elements of which, form the unitary engineered network), while the inner hat and float assembly and the space within the helmet assembly will allow the wearer to move the head relatively freely within the helmet component in order to be able to scan the playing field and/or outside environment without requiring the shoulders or body to move.
[0100] FIG. 7 shows another example of the protective headgear apparatus of the present invention. The helmet component 701 and piers 703 in this example are configured essentially as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, with the lower end of each pier comprising a connector component 705 comprising a hook latch structured to fit within a connector receptacle component (loop) 707 firmly incorporated as part of an ovoid force-diffusing element 709 incorporated as part of the shoulder pad component. The force-diffusing element is, joined to, or comprises part of, the shoulder pad component 711 (the entire shoulder pad component including the shoulder joint coverings, is not shown in this view). In other words, the force-diffusing element 709 receives force from a blow or shock to the helmet component 701 through the piers 703 and distributes the force of the blow or shock through the force-directing members (FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B) of the shoulder pad component 711, thus lessening the severity of this force at any one point, and distributing the force through the shoulders, chest, and musculature of the back.
[0101] The force-diffusing element may preferably be fabricated as part of the shoulder pad component, with connector receptacle components built therein. Less preferably, but still within the scope of this invention, the force-diffusing element may be fabricated as a separate element to be secured to an existing shoulder pad, for example, with nylon webbing and buckles, or anther similar suitably strong connector. IN either case the shoulder pad component very preferably comprises a plurality of force-directing members that distributes the force of the transmitted blow through the shoulders, chest, and musculature of the back.
[0102] Turning now to FIG. 8, this figure provides a close up view of the pier connectors 801 and mating connector structure 803 of the protective headwear assembly in FIG. 7. In this case, the piers 805 terminate in a reinforced eyelet 807 comprising a hole through which the pier connector 801 (here shown as a nook snap) may be introduced. The mating connector structure 803 shown in FIG. 8 is a reinforced loop comprising a stainless steel cable core encased within a durable, slightly flexible hard polymer. The mating connector structure 803 is located around the edge 809 of an ovoid force-diffusing element 811, with which it is integrated and either connected or proximal to the force-directing members of the shoulder pad component so as to permit the force to dissipate over the shoulders, back and chest of the user. The force-diffusing element 811 is a part of the shoulder pad component.
[0103] FIG. 9 is a depiction of an inner hat of the present invention. The inner hat 901 may be comprised of polymeric material, particularly, around the head the polymeric material is cushioning or padding material. The inner hat is preferably lightweight. The polymeric padding may underlie a skin comprising a smooth, low friction material such as a TEFLON® lubricant surface 905. In FIG. 9, the padding 902 is shown underlying the TEFLON® skin. The inner hat has ear protection 907, forehead padding 911, and a padded mask 909 covering the mouth and nose, and serving as a chin strap to secure the inner hat to the wearer's head. In some examples the outer surface of the inner hat may be untextured and substantially smooth.
[0104] FIG. 10 shows a portion of the shoulder pad component 1001 comprising a collar component 1003 encircling the neck of the wearer for the prevention of whiplash and head injury due to the movement of the head inside the fixed helmet 1007 following an impact. The piers 1005 supporting the helmet are also shown. Importantly, the collar component comprises a unitary engineered network firmly integrated into or affixed to the shoulder pad assembly by force directing members contained therewithin, as described above. The collar component preferably comprises a padded surface near the skin (such as neoprene or another foam polymer), and a strong, comparatively thin, flexible protective material such as a metal, polymeric, carbon fiber, or fiberglass material surrounding the neck. The interior of the collar component may curve outward convexly to support the neck and cushion the head, while not substantially interfering with head or shoulder movement.
[0105] FIG. 11 is the apparatus of FIG. 10 with the helmet component removed to show the integrated or attached collar component (with its padding or cushioning overlying the strong resilient material underneath) more clearly.
[0106] FIG. 12 shows an alternative design of a collar component 1003. In this design, the collar component comprises a series of stave components 1009 arranged around the neck opening of the shoulder pad component 1001. The stave components may each comprise a strong, comparatively thin, flexible material such as a metal, carbon fiber, or fiberglass, and may have a width of from about ½ inch to about 3 inches or so, in half-inch intervals. The staves may be collectively and/or individually covered with a padding or cushioning material, particularly where the collar component contacts the neck. Individual staves made be formed to curve outward convexly (when viewed from the perspective of the shoulder pad neck opening) in order to support the neck, while being sufficiently wide at the top and Bottom not to substantially interfering with head or shoulder movement. The staves are firmly integrated into or affixed to the shoulder pad assembly. For example, without limitation, the bottom portions of the staves may be linked together by one or more fiber, cable, wire, or bundle comprising an integral part of the shoulder pad assembly, or may be molded as part of a shoulder pad component.
[0107] It will be understood that in some examples of the present invention, a shoulder pad assembly. Unless specifically excluded, a shoulder pad component include a plurality of force-directing members; and support for such specific exclusion is hereby provided.
[0108] FIG. 13A is a front view of an example of a shoulder pad component 1301 of the present invention, showing an example of integral force-directing members 1303 embedded within the shoulder pad component and linking the connector receptacles 1305, which receive the piers of the helmet (not shown), with the force diffusing component 1307 integrated within the shoulder pad component. As described above, the shoulder pad component comprises a hard polymeric outer shell covering the shoulders including the shoulder joint, for example, comprising shoulder plates 1309, arm plates 1311 and body plates 1313. The polymeric outer shell overlies an inner layer of a polymeric foam 1315. The inner layer may in other examples be a fluid-filled padding. The shoulder pad component is shown with a belt or cinch to secure the shoulder pad apparatus around the waist.
[0109] As shown, the force-directing members 1303 are arranged in a manner similar to the roots of a tree, along the chest, back (not shown) and along the shoulders and upper arm so as to diffuse the force of a blow to the helmet transmitted through the piers and then throughout the shoulder pad apparatus to the shoulders and upper body and away from the head. The force-directing members are preferably transversely flexible, but linearly rigid enough to absorb and direct a force received from the helmet via a connecting receptacle inner hatto the shoulders and back in preference to the neck or spine. The force-directing members may comprise, without limitation, rigid but flexible natural, elastomeric, metallic, or synthetic fibers or materials (or a mixture of any of these), rods, or narrow flexible strips (battens) permanently or removably integrated as part of the shoulder pad component.
[0110] FIG. 13B depicts the shoulder pad component of FIG. 13A in an elevated, back view, showing the force-directing members 1303 arranged along the top of the shoulder pad apparatus, and along the portion overlying the shoulders, including the shoulder joint, (see shoulder plates 1309 and arm plates 1311).
[0111] In the present invention, even in variants in which the shoulder pad component comprises a collar component, the pier connector receptacles are comprised below the neck level; that is, around the neck opening (i.e., supported by the clavicles, upper ribs, sternum and scapulae and overlying muscles), and never in the ring or collar surrounding the neck.
[0112] This distinction is critical to the present invention. Anchoring the piers in a collar around the user's neck, even if the collar is attached to a harness or shoulder pad, could easily lead to severe neck injury. For example, force from a horizontal, continuing blow to one side of the helmet could cause the helmet to accelerate and move in a horizontal direction substantially parallel to the collarbone, and could easily result in a neck fracture.
[0113] By contrast, in the present invention, the piers are anchored below neck level to the chest, shoulders and upper back (over the scapulae). By attaching the piers in this location, such a sliding horizontal blow is concentrated on the upper body rather than the neck, and the force is distributed over a larger surface than the neck and collarbone.
[0114] FIG. 14 is a partial cutaway front view of a helmet component of the present invention 1401 comprising a plurality of piers 1405 integrated as part of the helmet component itself 1403, and joining at the crown of the helmet 1407. As an integral part of the helmet, the piers comprise a suitably strong and lightweight material, such as, without limitation, one or more of titanium, a titanium alloy, a non-titanium metal, a nanostructured ceramic, a nanostructured metal or metal alloy, a thermopolymer, or a carbon polymer. The plurality of piers are preferably connected to more effectively conduct and distribute the force from a blow to the helmet component among said plurality of piers.
[0115] To the extent that a plurality of inventions may be disclosed herein, any such invention shall be understood to have disclosed herein alone, in combination with other features or inventions disclosed herein, or lacking any feature or features not explicitly disclosed as essential for that invention. For example, the inventions described in this specification can be practiced within elements of, or in combination with, other any features, elements, methods or structures described herein. Additionally, features illustrated herein as being present in a particular example are intended, in other examples of the present invention, to be explicitly lacking from the invention, or combinable with features described elsewhere in this patent application, in a manner not otherwise illustrated in this patent application or present in that particular example. The scope of the invention shall be determined solely by the language of the claims.
[0116] The present invention may, in certain examples, be drawn to a unitary helmet component/pier/shoulder pad component assembly, with and without the inner hat and with and without the force-diffusing element. In other examples, the invention may be drawn to the helmet component comprising integrated piers. In other examples, the invention may be drawn to the shoulder pad component comprising the force-diffusing element. In other examples, the invention may be drawn to the helmet component and inner hat. In other examples, the invention may be drawn to methods for protecting the head from experiencing the full impact of a blow thereto, using any, all, or any combination of the elements of the protective headgear described herein.
[0117] Thus, the various descriptions of the invention provided herein illustrate presently preferred examples of the invention; however, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the examples provided, or to the specific configurations, shapes, and relation of elements unless the claims specifically indicate otherwise. Based upon the present disclosure a person of ordinary skill in the art will immediately conceive of other alternatives to the specific examples given, such that the present disclosure will be understood to provide a full written description of each of such alternatives as if each had been specifically described.
