Helmet with non-Newtonian fluid liner system

Abstract

A helmet assembly that includes an outer shell having an outer surface and an inner surface and defines a shell interior, a pad system disposed in the shell interior, and at least a first bladder member positioned between the inner surface of the outer shell and the pad system. The first bladder member defines a bladder interior and a non-Newtonian fluid is disposed in the bladder interior.

Claims

1. A helmet assembly comprising: an outer shell that includes an outer surface and an inner surface and defines a shell interior, a pad system disposed in the shell interior, wherein the pad system includes at least first and second pad members, wherein the first pad member includes a first pocket that includes a non-Newtonian fluid disposed therein, wherein the second pad member includes a second pocket that includes a non-Newtonian fluid disposed therein, and a first set of coil members that are disposed in the first pocket, wherein the first set of coil members are immersed within the non-Newtonian fluid in the first pocket, a second set of coil members that are disposed in the second pocket, wherein the second set of coil members are immersed within the non-Newtonian fluid in the second pocket.

2. The helmet assembly of claim 1 wherein the first pocket includes a plurality of cells defined therein, wherein each cell includes the non-Newtonian fluid disposed therein, wherein the second pocket includes a plurality of cells defined therein, and wherein each cell includes the non-Newtonian fluid disposed therein.

3. The helmet assembly of claim 2 wherein each cell has a honeycomb shape.

4. The helmet assembly of claim 3 wherein each cell defines a cell axis, and wherein the cell axes are oriented generally perpendicular to the inner surface of the inner surface of the helmet.

5. The helmet assembly of claim 1 wherein the first pocket comprises a first bladder member that comprises a polymer, and wherein the second pocket comprises a second bladder member that comprises a polymer.

6. The helmet assembly of claim 1 wherein the non-Newtonian fluid comprises corn starch and non-toxic antifreeze.

7. The helmet assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second pad members are temporarily secured to the outer shell.

8. The helmet assembly of claim 7 wherein the first and second pad members are secured to the outer shell using hook and loop fasteners.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a helmet assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1 showing the outer shell, bladder member and pad system;

(3) FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a portion of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

(4) FIG. 4 is a cross-section of a portion of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

(5) FIG. 5 is a cross-section of a portion of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention that includes a plurality of bladder members;

(6) FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a helmet assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention showing the outer shell and pad system;

(7) FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the helmet assembly of FIG. 6 showing pad members that include a pocket having a non-Newtonian fluid therein;

(8) FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the helmet assembly of FIG. 6 showing pad members that include a pocket with cells having a non-Newtonian fluid therein; and

(9) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bladder with a set of coils therein, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(10) The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

(11) Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

(12) The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

(13) It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

(14) Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

(15) It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” “aft,” “forward,” “inboard,” “outboard” and “below” used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

(16) The invention generally relates to safety helmets, such as for activities and sports including, but not limited to football, baseball, hockey, skiing, cycling, and further includes, other sports requiring some form of head protection, but not with a hard or solid helmet shell comprised of materials science such as Polycarbonate, ABS, Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass, and more. The invention also generally relates to protective gear, such as padding, body armor, etc. This invention relates generally to a helmet protection system designed to protect the human head from injury resulting from sports impacts where helmets are typically worn.

(17) The method of the present invention embodies an inherent liner system added to the interior of a hard helmet shell with a liner system layer, or closed/sealed cells containing padding made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymer or polymeric material to contain and maintain the padding, or the added cavity, cavities, honeycomb, or enclosed void(s), or pocket(s) added to house or contain non-Newtonian fluid(s) of the present invention may also be incorporated next to the inside of the helmet shell. Additionally, the method of the present invention contains/adds an additional closed/sealed pocket in the liner system to hold the shear thickening fluid, locked within the layer nearest to the helmet shell in a permanently enclosed environment. The present invention with the non-Newtonian fluid dissipates and energy attenuates impact force from an impact or contact of the helmet or helmet using STF to dissipate and energy attenuate impact force. The non-Newtonian fluid or STF thickening properties at impact, or point of compression allows the fluids to return to its fluid or liquid state post the impact, and will act or behave the same with each repeated impact. The present invention designed to protect the head from injury resulting from sports and other impacts using an added layer with the STF to prior art padded liner systems to dissipate and energy attenuate the impact force resulting from contact just past the point of compression in a non-Newtonian Football & Other Sport Helmetry Liner System.

(18) The method embodies a non-Newtonian football and other sport helmet liner system that is activated by the impact force on the liner system and the non-Newtonian fluid contained within the layer of the liner system nearest or closest to the helmet shell resulting in dissipation and energy attenuation of the impact force.

(19) The present invention relates to a head protective device for protection from impact-based injuries, especially relating to sports activities, is provided by a plastic liner outer material/element/member, with an inner enclosed plastic or flexible polymer system with a cavity to house or contain non-Newtonian fluid contained therein. Non-Newtonian fluid, is strategically provided in a portion of or the entire liner system member(s) within the liner system of the outer layer nearest to, or located closest to the helmet outer shell material/element/member for protecting the human head from injuries related to impact during sports or athletic activities.

(20) The present invention may have inner layer cell(s) attached to, or as part of the outer layer liner cell(s), which may be constructed using sealants or adhesives, heat sealing, cements, glues, fusing techniques, and other materials or techniques not listed, or a combination thereof, or currently in production, and potentially throughout the helmet with the non-Newtonian fluid system contained and sealed therein and contained within the outer cell layer. Suitable flexible yet resilient plastics used for the inner and outer sealed layer(s) system using polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material polyethylene, and review of use of polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polytetrafluoroethylene that is flexible, but durable for holding shape under impact conditions, excessive heat conditions, not losing its strength or shape with impact force. The non-Newtonian fluid can be comprised of a simple dilitant or non-Newtonian fluids that exhibit viscoelatic properties, so long as the capacity of materials exhibit both viscous and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation under the resultant of pound force of compressive pressure from impact force to the human head. The liner system outer layer that contains non-Newtonian fluid may be joined to one another in various different methods, such as mechanical connectors, adhesives, cements, glues, fusing techniques, and other materials or techniques not listed.

(21) The following description includes various examples of the invention, which are referenced and reference is made to the associated drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration example systems. Also, the following description includes various examples of the invention, which are referenced and reference is made to the associated drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration example environments and usage the invention may be employed. It is to be stated that other configurations, usages, aspects of use, parts, portions, example systems may be used and structural and functional modifications or alterations may be made without taking leave from the scope of the present invention. Terms, such as “around,” “through,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “above,” “below,” “underneath,” “over,” “clear,” “transparent,” “inner,” “outer,” “fluids,” “soft,” “single,” “double,” “viscosity,” “dissipate,” “energy attenuate,” “force,” “impact,” linear,” “rotational,” “angular,” “acceleration,” etc. may be used to describe the invention, and the various examples, and example aspects, facets, features, elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of descriptors and for practicality and expediency based upon the example orientations as shown in the illustrations. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention.

(22) The method embodies a non-Newtonian fluid that is deployed or engaged with resulting impact force on the helmet including, but not limited to a liner system using the dilitant capabilities of a non-Newtonian fluid of the impact force incurred near the point of compression using the protective capability of the non-Newtonian fluid. The non-Newtonian fluid acts as fluid dilitant that is lightweight, but has the properties to immediately convert to a solid or semi-solid substance at the point of impact resulting from the impact force. The dilitant fluid relaxes once the pressure is released with the transfer of the impact energy force.

(23) A general description of the non-Newtonian helmet liner system is now described. Some aspects of the present invention relate generally to helmet systems, to non-Newtonian properties, to protective equipment for safety in sports, and other uses. The figures herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the liner system invention contained within a helmet shell. The non-Newtonian fluid may occupy one or more placements within the liner portion of the non-Newtonian helmet liner system. The outer layer of the liner system containing the non-Newtonian fluid, or closed/sealed tube made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material may occupy more than one placements within the padded liner systems.

(24) Aspects of the invention relate to safety systems in sports and relates to the non-Newtonian helmet liner system, can be any device that a user places on or over some portion of the human body. The non-Newtonian helmet liner system receiving device, (i.e., a non-Newtonian liner system designed to protect the users head area), which is a non-Newtonian helmet liner system and apparatus including a liner system with an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer(s) including at least a liner system member, at least one member of the liner system member including a dilitant, shear thickening fluid, or non-Newtonian fluid.

(25) At least one layer and preferably the outer layer of the liner system or member portion of the non-Newtonian helmet liner system contains the non-Newtonian fluid suspended in the outer layer of the liner system nearest to the helmet shell.

(26) The non-Newtonian fluid of an example embodiment of the invention may occupy a significant portion of the entire outer layer of the liner system or a significant portion of the surface area of the helmet/shell. For example, the non-Newtonian fluid can be spread out anywhere between 1% and 100% of the outer surface area of the helmet. The non-Newtonian helmet liner system may extend laterally and vertically, may have depth, and may have height.

(27) The outer layer of the closed/sealed liner system cell/pocket system may be formed of a variety of materials and/or include a variety of features or element to alter or adjust characteristics of the receiving device. For example, the pliable and durable bladder and/or inner and outer layer(s) of the liner system closed/sealed liner cell or pocket may be formed out of some polymer, such as flexible plastic, including, but not limited to thermoplastics including polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material, not excluding polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polytetrafluoroethylene.

(28) For example; the non-Newtonian fluid may be contained within the outer closed/sealed liner cell/pocket where each of the noted component part/fluid above will be inserted. To insert the non-Newtonian fluid into the liner system, may be placed within the outer layer, followed by adding the non-Newtonian fluid then sealing the outer layer of the liner system. The non-Newtonian fluid may not present the user or a wearer with an abnormal feeling of fit, comfort, or the like.

(29) Specific examples of the invention and the structures according to the examples of the invention are described in greater detail below. The reader of the invention should be aware that these specific examples and structures are set forth simply to illustrate the invention, and they should not be construed as limiting the invention.

(30) Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-9 show embodiments of a helmet, helmet system or helmet assembly that includes a non-Newtonian fluid liner therein in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

(31) As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the helmet assembly 10 includes an outer shell 12, a pad system 14 or padding disposed in the shell interior 15, and at least a first bladder member 16. The outer shell 12 includes an outer surface 12a and an inner surface 12b. The helmet assembly 10 can be any helmet for any use. In the drawings, the helmet assembly 10 is a football helmet that includes a facemask 11, ear holes 13 and other components known in football helmets. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in a preferred embodiment, the bladder member 16 is positioned between the inner surface 12b of the outer shell 12 and the pad system 14. The bladder member (s) 16 can be secured to the inner surface 12b of the outer shell 12 in a number of different ways or methods. For example, the bladder member can be secured to the outer shell using adhesive, Velcro, snaps, clips, etc. The securing of the bladder member can be permanent or temporary. Temporary securing of the bladder member 16 (e.g., Velcro or other hook and loop fasteners) can allow a user to reposition the bladder member(s) as desired. Furthermore, the pads 14 can be secured to the bladder member(s) 16 using any method as described herein. It will be appreciated that there may be layers between the outer shell and the bladder member 16 or between the bladder member 16 and the pads. Therefore, “secured to” does not mean that it has to be directly secured thereto.

(32) The bladder member 16 defines a bladder interior 18, and a non-Newtonian fluid 24 is disposed in the bladder interior 18. The bladder member 16 can be completely open on the inside thereof and have the non-Newtonian fluid 24 distributed throughout, as shown in FIG. 3. In another embodiment, the bladder member 16 can include a plurality of cells or pockets therein. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in a preferred embodiment, the bladder member 16 includes a plurality of honeycomb cells 26 and each cell includes the non-Newtonian fluid 24 disposed therein. In a preferred embodiment, each cell 26 defines a cell axis A1 that extends generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the wearer's skin. In other words, the cell axes are oriented generally perpendicular to the inner and outer surfaces of the outer shell 12. In another embodiment, the cells can be oriented so that the cell axes are not perpendicular to the inner and outer surfaces of the outer shell 12. In another embodiment, there can be multiple layers of cells.

(33) As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bladder member 16 is secured, adhered or otherwise affixed to or adjacent to the inner surface of the outer shell 12 and the pad system or pads 14 are secured, adhered or otherwise affixed to or adjacent to the inner layer of the bladder member 16. In another embodiment, there can be a plurality of bladder members 16 secured, adhered or otherwise affixed to or adjacent to the inner surface of the outer shell 12. In a preferred embodiment, the non-Newtonian fluid comprises corn starch and non-toxic antifreeze. However, any non-Newtonian fluid is within the scope of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the invention where a separate bladder member 16 is positioned between the outer shell 12 and each pad 14.

(34) FIGS. 6-8 show another embodiment of a helmet assembly 31 that includes an outer shell 12 and a pad system 30 that includes the non-Newtonian fluid in individual pad member or assembly 33. The pad system 30 is disposed in the shell interior 15. As shown in FIG. 7, in a preferred embodiment, one or more of the pad assemblies 33 include a pad portion 34 and a fluid portion 36. The pad portion 34 is made of pad material, as is typically found in helmets, and the fluid portion 36 includes the non-Newtonian fluid. Preferably, the fluid portion 36 is positioned between the pad portion 34 and the outer shell 12. Preferably, the fluid portion 36 defines a pocket 38 that includes the non-Newtonian fluid 24 disposed therein.

(35) The pocket 38 can be completely open and include the non-Newtonian fluid 24 disposed therein, as shown in FIG. 7 or, as shown in FIG. 8, the pocket 38 can include a plurality of cells 26 defined therein, where each cell includes the non-Newtonian fluid 24 disposed therein. It will be appreciated that some of the pads in the pad system may include pockets with non-Newtonian fluid therein and other pads may not. The pad assemblies 33 can be secured to the inner surface 12b of the outer shell 12 in a number of different ways or methods. For example, the pad assemblies can be secured to the outer shell using adhesive, Velcro, snaps, clips, etc. The securing of the pad assemblies can be permanent or temporary. Temporary securing of the pad assemblies 33 (e.g., Velcro or other hook and loop fasteners) can allow a user to reposition the pad assemblies as desired.

(36) FIG. 9 shows a bladder member 17 with a coil system or plurality of coils 32 disposed in the bladder interior 18 and immersed in the non-Newtonian fluid 24. The coils 32 have the characteristics described in the '060 patent, discussed above. The coil system can be used in any of the embodiments discussed herein.

(37) There may be many modifications to the specifically described structures, systems, and methods of the invention may take place without departing from this invention. As an example, while the invention has been specifically described with respect to specific examples including preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be numerous variations, combinations, and permutations of the above described systems and methods. Furthermore, various specific structural features included in the examples merely represent examples of structural feathers that may be included in some examples of structure according to the invention. Furthermore, with respect to the methods, many variations in the method steps may take place, the steps may be changed in order, various steps or features may be added changes, or omitted, etc., without departing from the invention. Thus, the reader should understand that the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

(38) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

(39) The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.

(40) The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements can be used. Further, any specific materials noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing materials.

(41) Any patents and applications and other references are articles noted herein, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, charts or figures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

(42) These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

(43) Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.