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. An embodiment for a comfortable fit which remains tight to the wearer's head is disclosed.

Claims

1. A tight fitting comfortable head gear configured to fit a head of a wearer, comprising: a shell structure, wherein said shell structure further defining a functional gap, with said functional gap arranged between said shell structure and the head of the wearer of the head gear, said shell structure further defining at least a forward-facing opening and a downward-facing opening bounded by an edge; at least one bladder arranged to contain therein at least one dynamically responsive material including a thixotropic material, wherein said bladder comprises at least one compartment and is disposed in said functional gap; wherein in a half sectional view, said at least one bladder and dynamically responsive material appears as a first deformable member and a second deformable member, said first and second deformable members adapted to create negative clearance with respect to the wearer's head such that said first and second deformable materials deform during insertion of the wearer's head into said head gear, and further wherein a distance across said downward-facing opening at said edge is greater than a distance from said first deformable member to said second deformable member, wherein during the insertion of the wearer's head into said head gear, said thixotropic material becomes more fluid as a result of stress and vibration associated with said insertion, thereby allowing said dynamically responsive material to more easily deform.

2. The head gear of claim 1, wherein said dynamically responsive material is further arranged to be located near the opening in said head gear.

3. The head gear of claim 1, wherein said tight fit causes said head gear to directly engage with the wearer's head to allow more effective impact resistance.

4. The head gear of claim 1, wherein said bladder is arranged to have a second dynamically responsive material.

5. The head gear of claim 4, wherein said second dynamically responsive material comprises thixotropic material.

6. The head gear of claim 4, wherein said second dynamically responsive material comprises rheopectic material.

7. The head gear of claim 4, wherein said second dynamically responsive material comprises a combination of a thixotropic and a rheopectic material.

8. A tight fitting comfortable head gear configured to fit a head of a wearer of the head gear, comprising: 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, said shell structure having at least a forward-facing opening and a downward-facing opening; at least one bladder comprising at least one dynamically responsive material, said bladder having a shell side and a wearer's side, said bladder being arranged in said functional gap along an edge of said shell structure, said edge forming said downward-facing opening; said bladder and dynamically responsive material defining a deformable member, said deformable member having a negative clearance with respect to said wearer's head, wherein during insertion of the wearer's head into said head gear, stress and vibration associated with said insertion cause said dynamically responsive material to become more fluid, thereby allowing said dynamically responsive material within said bladder to more easily deform, and following said insertion, said dynamically responsive material within said bladder returns to an original shape.

9. The head gear of claim 8, wherein said dynamically responsive material returns to a stiff state following said insertion.

10. The head gear of claim 9, wherein said head gear provides greater circumferential support following said stress and vibration associated with said insertion.

11. The head gear of claim 10, wherein said greater support causes said head gear to shift on said wearer's head less upon impact.

12. The head gear of claim 8, covering a greater circumference of the head of the wearer relative to prior art head gear, and further wherein said greater circumference includes covering a greater extent of the lower jaw of the wearer.

13. A tight fitting comfortable head gear configured to fit a head of a wearer of the head gear, comprising: 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, said shell structure defining at least a forward-facing opening and a downward-facing opening; at least one bladder comprising at least one dynamically responsive material, said bladder having a shell side and a wearer's side, said bladder being arranged in said functional gap; said bladder and dynamically responsive material defining a deformable member, said deformable member having a negative clearance with said wearer's head, wherein during insertion of the wearer's head into said head gear, stress and vibration associated with said insertion cause said deformable material to deform to allow said insertion of the head, and following said insertion, said deformable material assumes its original shape and creates the tight fit, thereby permitting said head gear to cover a greater circumference of the head of the wearer relative to prior art head gear, and further wherein said greater circumference includes covering a greater extent of a jaw area of the wearer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a view of a preferred embodiment of the helmet disclosed in the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a view of another preferred embodiment disclosed.

(3) FIG. 3 is a view showing additional features which may be used with various of the preferred embodiments disclosed.

(4) FIG. 4 is a view of yet another preferred embodiment.

(5) FIG. 5 is a view of the final preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) 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.

(7) 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.

(8) 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).

(9) 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.

(10) 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.

(11) 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.

(12) 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.′

(13) 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.

(14) 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.

(15) 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.

(16) 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.

(17) 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.

(18) 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.

(19) 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.