Abstract
An impact-related acceleration reduction helmet which includes an outer shell with at least one aperture formed therethrough, an insulating layer, at least one cushioning pad, and at least one damper, wherein the at least one damper is secured within the at least one aperture of the outer shell and is configured to reduce at least the linear and/or rotational acceleration of the helmet caused by a force applied to the helmet.
Claims
1. A helmet comprising: an outer shell including at least one aperture formed therethrough, an outer surface, and an inner surface; an insulating layer in communication with the inner surface; and at least one damper, wherein the at least one damper is secured within the at least one aperture.
2. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the damper further comprises an energy dissipating element and an inertial mass, the inertial mass being retained by the energy dissipating element.
3. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture and the at least one damper is centrally located at or near the top of the outer shell.
4. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture and the at least one damper is located at or near the portion of the outer shell which covers the external occipital protuberance of the skull of a user.
5. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the helmet further comprises at least one cushioning pad connected to the insulating layer.
6. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the helmet further comprises at least one sensor mounted to the outer shell or the insulating layer configured to send data to a data acquisition device acceleration and/or biometric data.
7. The helmet according to claim 6, wherein the helmet further comprises at least one alarm mounted to outer shell 102, inner surface 106, or cushioning pad, or to another part of helmet 100 and configured to provide output to a user in response to information provided by the at least one sensor.
8. A helmet comprising: an outer shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface; an insulating layer in communication with the inner surface; and at least one damper secured to the outer shell, wherein the at least one damper is secured to the outer shell and touches the outer surface and the inner surface.
9. The helmet according to claim 8, wherein the damper further comprises an upper lip and a lower lip, further defining a groove.
10. The helmet according to claim 9, wherein the helmet further comprises a recessed portion around the at least one aperture, the recessed portion configured to allow the upper lip of the damper to lie below or flush with the outer surface of the helmet.
11. The helmet according to claim 10, wherein the helmet further comprises a cover layer which covers the outer surface of the helmet.
12. The helmet according to claim 8, wherein the inner surface further comprises at least one ridge with two ends, wherein the at least one ridge connects one damper on one end to a second damper on the other end and is configured to transfer force between the two dampers.
13. The helmet according to claim 12, wherein the at least one ridge is “V” shaped.
14. The helmet according to claim 13, wherein the ridge is thicker at the apex of the “V” shape and thinner at each end.
15. The helmet according to claim 12, wherein the helmet further comprises an airgap between the at least one ridge and the insulating layer.
16. A helmet comprising: an outer shell comprising at least one aperture formed therethrough, an insulating layer in communication with the inner surface; and at least one damper, wherein the at least one damper is secured within the aperture and configured to reduce at least the linear and/or rotational acceleration of the helmet caused by an impact force applied to the outer shell.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1. is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2. is a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3. is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4. is a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5. is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of damper 112;
[0017] FIG. 6. is a top exploded view of an embodiment of damper 112;
[0018] FIG. 7. is a side exploded view of an embodiment of damper 112;
[0019] FIG. 8. is an assembled side view of an embodiment of damper 112;
[0020] FIG. 9. is a cross-section of an embodiment of the present invention taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;
[0021] FIG. 10. is a cross-section of an embodiment of the present invention taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the present invention taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a possible configuration of 10 dampers 112; and
[0025] FIG. 14 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a possible configuration of 20 dampers 112.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” or “approximately,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about,” or “approximately,” in the context of numeric values, generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Other uses of the term “about” (e.g., in a context other than numeric values) may be assumed to have their ordinary and customary definition(s), as understood from and consistent with the context of the specification, unless otherwise specified.
[0027] Although some suitable dimensions, ranges, and/or values pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by the present disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges, and/or values may deviate from those expressly disclosed.
[0028] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It is to be noted that in order to facilitate understanding, certain features of the disclosure may be described in the singular, even though those features may be plural or recurring within the disclosed embodiment(s). Each instance of the features may include and/or be encompassed by the singular disclosure(s), unless expressly stated to the contrary.
[0029] As used herein, the terms “helmet” is intended to mean any material or materials and configuration of said material used to protect a human head.
[0030] An impact-related acceleration reduction helmet will now be described with references in FIGS. 1-14. Turning to the drawings, where the reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several figures, attention is first directed to FIG. 1 where a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, illustrating its composition, the apparatus is generally indicated by reference character 100. Helmet 100 comprises a protective outer shell 102 which comprises an outer surface 104 and an inner surface 106 (see FIG. 10 and FIG. 11). Helmet 100 further comprises an insulating layer 108 connected to inner surface 106 of outer shell 102, at least one cushioning pad 110 connected to insulating layer 108, and at least one damper 112 connected to outer shell 102, wherein the at least one cushioning pad 110 is configured to secure helmet 100 to a user's head. Damper 112 may be removable but can also be permanently secured to outer shell 102 by glue, overmolding, or other methods known in the art to join a flexible material to a rigid material. Damper 112 may also be removably attached to outer shell 102 through an interference or press fit, Velcro® (a trademark of Velcro USA Inc., Manchester, N.H.), or other method known in the art. Outer shell 102 further comprises at least one aperture 118 formed therethrough shell 102, wherein damper 112 is configured to secure within aperture 118. As a force is applied to outer surface 104 of helmet 100, such as a hit from an opposing player during a football game, the force causes linear and rotational acceleration of helmet 100 (and the user's head), disbursing either or both accelerations throughout outer shell 102 and each damper 112. Damper 112 is configured to absorb at least some (if not collectively all) of the force and reduce linear and/or rotational acceleration of helmet 100 transferred to a user's head. If the accelerations are greater than can be absorbed by outer shell 102 and each damper 112, any remaining force is transferred to insulating layer 106, with any remaining unabsorbed force transferred to at least one cushioning pad 110, wherein finally any remaining force is finally transferred to the head of the user wearing helmet 100. The quantity, location, and characteristics of each damper 112 in relation to the location of the force application to outer surface 104 of outer shell 102 will determine the amount and efficiency of force disbursed or absorbed by each damper 112, and ultimately the amount of force transferred to the head of the user. The quantity, location, and characteristics of damper 112 may be altered depending on the intended use for helmet 100, such as for a specific sport or application. In addition, outer shell 102 may be made from any known process in the art such as molding (injection, blow, vacuum, or otherwise) and 3-D printing.
[0031] Turning to FIG. 2, a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. While an evenly distributed placement of dampers 112 over the surface area of outer surface 104 may be ideal to ensure any impact force reduction by the dampers regardless of location of the impact, there are at least two ideal locations where dampers 112 may be located. The first is location, DU-20 120, is located on the area of helmet 100 covering the vertex of a user's head. It is approximately 3-4 inches from the hairline of the forehead of the user along the midline of the head and in-line with the apex of the user's ears, which is centrally located at or near the top of outer shell 102. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and acupressure of location DU-20 120 is used to treat many illnesses as well as symptoms and should be protected from impact. Clinically, if this point were to be struck with an object or force it could bring symptoms of vertigo (most common) to a patient as well as other possible health concerns. The second location, DU-18 122, is located at the external occipital protuberance located at the occipital base of the skull of a user and is approximately one inch above the hairline on the back of the head. This point is of great significance because the location of the spine under this point is not well protected and can cause an array of trauma and symptoms if disturbed or the recipient of a hit, from at least pain to neurological symptoms.
[0032] Turning to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a front view and a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. There may be multiple cushioning pads 110 to ensure a secure and secure, and preferably comfortable, fit with a user's head, with cushioning pads 110 normally being located on the left (around the ear), right (also around the ear), top, and back interior of helmet 110 and fixed to insulating layer 108 by for example, adhesive, stitching, ultrasonic welding, or Velcro, although any configuration and attachment method found desirable for a user may be utilized. It is also contemplated that insulating layer 108 may include multiple forms or layers within said insulating layer 108, which may include a multitude of materials such as air, foam (such as open cell, closed cell, or spray), latex, rubber, air bladders, or other known materials which can absorb, at least partially, a force applied to said insulating material.
[0033] Turning to FIG. 5, an exploded view of an embodiment of damper 112 is shown. Damper 112 is comprised of an energy dissipating element 114 and an inertia mass 116 wherein inertia mass 116 is retained by energy dissipating element 114. Damper 112 is preferably secured within aperture 118 of helmet 100 via an interference or press fit, wherein when a force is applied to outer shell 102 of helmet 100, at least a portion of the force is transferred to energy dissipating element 114, causing element 114 and inertial mass 116 to oscillate back and forth, thereby dissipating some (or all) of the force, and reducing or eliminating the transfer of the force from outer shell 102 to insulating layer 108, then to each cushioning pad 110, and ultimately to a user's head, thereby reducing potential head trauma from the force impact. In the current embodiment energy dissipating element 114 is cylindrical and made of rubber and preferably between 0.63 in. (16 mm) and 0.87 in. (22 mm), but other materials, shapes, and sizes are contemplated which are flexible and able to absorb and react to vibration are contemplated. The size, shape, and stiffness or the dynamic stiffness coefficient of the type of material used may be altered to change the force mitigation characteristics of energy dissipating element 114 as desired for a specific helmet 100 application with a specific configuration of dampers 112. Inertial mass 116 is currently comprised of metal, specifically aluminum, and cylindrical shaped but may be varied in material, weight, and shape to operate with energy dissipating element 114 to absorb a force of a specific amplitude, frequency, and duration.
[0034] Energy dissipating element 114 comprises an upper surface 140 with an upper lip 124 extending around the perimeter of upper surface 140 and a lower surface 142 with a lower lip 128 extending around the perimeter of lower surface 142. Upper lip 124 is a mirror image of lower lip 128 (although they may be different shapes if desired). Upper lip 124 and lower lip 128 further define groove 126 which also extends around the perimeter of element 114 and is configured to communicate with aperture 118 of outer shell 102 of helmet 100, thereby securing a damper 112 in each aperture 118. In the current embodiment upper lip 124 is in communication with outer surface 104 of outer shell 102 and lower lip 128 is in communication with inner surface 106 of outer shell 102, but since upper lip 124 and lower lip 128 are mirror images of each other either lip can be in communication with either surface if desired. Lower lip 128 may be in communication with insulating layer 108 or an airgap (not shown) between lower lip 128 and insulating layer 108 may exist depending on the desired energy damping characteristics and configuration of damper 112 and expected impact force characteristics for a particular application of helmet 100. Since energy dissipating element 114 is flexible rubber, damper 112 can generally be installed in aperture 118 by hand and is configured to stay within aperture 118 regardless of the strength or location of the force applied to helmet 100. As mentioned earlier, damper 112 can also be overmolded to helmet 100 if desired to further ensure secure placement of each damper 112 in each aperture 118. Inertial mass 116 comprises a top surface 136 on one side of inertial mass 116 with a first ridge 130 extending around top surface 136, and a bottom surface 138 on the other side of inertial mass 116 with a second ridge 134 extending around the bottom surface 138, wherein first ridge 130 and second ridge 134 define a notch 132 also extending around inertial mass 116.
[0035] Turning to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9, a top exploded view, a side exploded view, an assembled side view, and a cross-section of an embodiment of the present invention taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 of an embodiment of damper 112 is shown. Energy dissipating element 114 further may comprises at least one opening 144 formed therethrough upper surface 140 and extending to lower surface 142 and formed primarily to reduce weight affect oscillation characteristics of damper 112, but opening 144 may be omitted if additional material is desired. Energy dissipating element 114 further comprises an inner aperture 146 centrally located in element 114 and formed therethrough element 114 and configured to be in communication with inertial mass 116. Energy dissipating element 114 further comprises a fin 148 extending perpendicular to and away from inner aperture 146 and configured to define central aperture 150, also centrally located within inner aperture 146. Fin 148 is centrally located in inner aperture 146, equidistant between upper surface 140 and lower surface 142 and configured to fit into notch 132 of inertial element 116, thereby securing and maintaining inertial element 116 within inner aperture 146 of energy dissipating element 114 in addition to the tight fit created between first ridge 130 and second ridge 134 with inner aperture 146 of element 114. While the top surface 136 of inertial mass 116 and the upper surface 140 of energy dissipating element 114 are preferably in-line with one another, if desired, top surface element 136 may be offset from upper surface 140. If for example, it is desired that inertial mass 116 have a different configuration in shape, weight, or placement/connection with element 114. In addition, it is contemplated energy dissipating element 114 and inertial mass 116 may be connected by overmolding, insert molding, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or other known methods of adhering two dissimilar materials together. Aperture 118 of helmet 100 is preferably circular with a diameter of 9/16 in. (14.29 mm), while energy dissipating element 114 is preferably cylindrical and has an outer diameter of about 6/8 in. (19.05 mm), between 0.118 in. (3 mm) and 0.512 in. (13 mm) thickness, and has a density between 3.4 lbs./ft (about 0.016 g/cm) and 25 lbs./ft (about 0.4 g/cm), however these characteristics can be altered as desired. The diameter of inner aperture 146 is approximately 5/16 in. (7.94 mm), and the diameter of central aperture 150 is about 3/16 in. (4.76 mm) and weighs about 0.035 oz. (1 gram), however these weights and sizes (and the shape of element 114) may be altered for desired damping characteristics or helmet embodiment. In addition, inertial mass 116 is circular and about ⅜ in. (9.53 mm) in diameter and weighs about 0.04 oz. (1.1 gram), however it also can also be altered in shape, size, and dimension to be compatible with a specific configuration of energy dissipating element 114. In addition, while it is preferred that energy dissipating element 114 be made of a single material, it is contemplated it could be made from multiple materials, potentially formed in layers or sections.
[0036] Turning to FIG. 10, a cross-section of an embodiment of the present invention taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 3 is shown. In this figure damper 112 is flush mounted with outer shell 102 of helmet 100. Further, upper lip 124 is in communication with outer surface 104 of and lower lip is in communication with inner surface 106, while grove 126 fits around aperture 118 of outer shell 102.
[0037] Turning to FIG. 11. a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the present invention taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 3 is shown. In this figure, outer surface 104 further comprises recessed portion 152 located around aperture 118, thereby recessing installed damper 112 so that the upper lip 124 of the damper lies below or flush with outer surface 104 of helmet 100 so that energy dissipating element 114 and inertial mass 116 can still oscillate effectively to reduce the force of an impact to outer shell 102 transferred to insulating layer 108. In this embodiment, it is contemplated a cover layer 154 may be placed over outer surface 106 without interfering with the operation of each damper 112, wherein cover layer 154 may contain artwork or information specific to a team or even user identification using any known printing methodology, such as but not limited to: 3-D Printing, offset printing, sublimation printing, transfer paper printing, direct-to-garment printing, or gravure printing. Cover layer 154 may be a fabric, film, foil, leather (real or faux), or other cover material known in the art such as ballistic nylon, a high denier nylon thread with a dense basket wave such as Cordura® (a trademark of Invista, Wichita, Kans.), Neoprene® (a trademark of DuPont, Del.) rubber (polychloroprene) fabric, polyester fiber, non-woven fiber or printable film. Cover layer 154 may be between 0.0039 in. (0.1 mm) and 0.039 in. (10 mm) thick, although it may be thinner or thicker as desired, such as for example to protect each damper 112 and outer shell 102 or to accommodate environmental conditions. If desired, cover layer 154 may extend around a portion, or the entire periphery, of outer surface 104 of outer shell 102. Cover layer 154 may be attached at one or more places to outer shell 102 so that cover layer 154 may be removable without affecting outside shell 102 or the operation of dampers 112. By way of example only, cover layer 154 may be removably attached to outside shell 102 by Velcro®, clasps, or snaps. Alternatively, cover layer 154 may also be glued, tacked or sewn to outer shell 102.
[0038] Turning to FIG. 12, a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, interior surface 106 of helmet 100 may further comprise at least one channel 156 connecting each damper 112 (or at least each aperture 118 for each damper 112) to at least a second damper 112 (or at least a second aperture 118 for a second damper 112). Each channel 156 may comprise a first ridge 158 and a second ridge 160 which defines channel 156, wherein first ridge 158 and second ridge 160 physically touch a different (first or second) damper 112 on each end, thereby connecting each damper 112 into a network wherein force in excess of what each connected damper 112 can accommodate may be directly transferred another connected damper 112 directly via first ridge 158 and/or second ridge 160 instead of distributing through naturally through outer shell 102, thereby reducing likelihood of force distribution to insulating layer 108 and ultimately to a user's head, regardless of the location of the impact force on the outer shell 102 and the location of each damper 112 in relation to the impact force. In the preferred embodiment first ridge 158 and second ridge 160 are each configured in a “V” shape, thereby creating a channel 156 that is a rhombus or diamond shape between the first and second dampers 112. Further, each ridge is wider at the apex of the “V” shape and thinner at each end which connects to a damper 112, which may help with force distribution and absorption by each ridge 156 and 158 itself from the first damper 112 to the second damper 112. It is contemplated the shape of channel 156 and shape of first ridge 158 and/or second ridge 160 may be different to accommodate desired force transfer and reduction characteristics. First ridge 156 and second ridge 158 are preferably semicircular by may be rectangular or another desired shape. If desired, a single first ridge 158 may be used to connect each damper 112. First ridge 158 and second ridge 160 may be molded into inner surface 106 and made of the same material as outer shell 102, or may be overmolded using a different material, such as the material used for energy dissipating element 114. In addition, while insulating layer 108 may touch first ridge 158 and second ridge 160, it is contemplated an airgap may created between each ridge (or specific ridges) and insulating layer 108 to reduce likelihood of force transmission to insulating layer 108 before dampers 112 have a chance to distribute and reduce an impact force received by the dampers.
[0039] Turning to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a possible configuration of 10 dampers 112 and a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a possible configuration of 20 dampers 112 is shown. In FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 the front of helmet 100 is facing to the right and may further comprises at least one vent 162 formed therethrough outer shell 102 and insulating layer 108 to provide airflow to a user's head. It should be noted the present invention may have an outer shell 102, insulating layer 108 and cushioning pads 110 may be almost any design found desirable to use for a specific application. While damper 112 placement at or near at least DU-20 120 and DU-18 122 is preferable, damper 112 placement may be in other configurations and in different quantities to obtain the desired force reduction results. It has been found through extensive testing that damper 112 placement of 10 dampers similar to that shown in FIG. 13 yielded at least a 9% reduction in lateral acceleration versus the same impact tests performed on a regular helmet (Riddell® 2016 (a trademark of Riddell, Inc., Des Plaines, Ill.)). In addition, tests have shown frequency attenuation in the range of 2-4 kHz from frontal impact tests, suggesting reduction in vibration in that frequency range. Further, testing of helmet 100 with 20 dampers 112 in the configuration shown in FIG. 14 with diameter of 0.787 in. (20 mm) for each energy dissipating element 114, a mass density of 1.095e-06 kg/mm.sup.3, and a Young's modulus of at least 0.1 GPa, provided a reduction in helmet contact forces by 6%, the head acceleration force was reduced by 5%, and the helmet 100 acceleration was reduced by 14% as compared to the same force applied to a regular helmet (Riddell® 2016). It should be noted however that the number, size, and stiffness of dampers 112 may be further optimized for a particular helmet application. Dampers 112 in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are located around the outer shell 102 of helmet 100 equidistant from one another. Regardless of the exact location and quantity of dampers 112, helmet 100 provides meaningful reduction in forces that ultimately are applied to the head of a user, thus reducing the likelihood of a head injury to the user.
[0040] In addition, it is contemplated a face mask (not shown) could be attached to a damper 112 to provide additional force distribution to reduce impacts to helmet 100 from transferring to the head of a user. It should also be noted that outer shell 102 could be made of a material (or materials) that aid in the effectiveness of the helmet and could comprise multiple layers, each with different composition of material if desired. Such specialized materials can include, for example: silicon carbide; boron carbide; amorphous boron; hafnium carbine; tantalum carbide; tungsten carbide; magnesium diboride; carbon nanotubes; glassy carbon; diamond-like carbon; single-crystal tungsten; boron nitride; titanium diboride; hafnium diboride; lanthanum hexaboride; cerium hexaboride; molybdenum carbide; tungsten disulfide; polyethylene; polyurethane; polyvinyl; nylon; an aramid material such as Kevlar; fiberglass; metal; or plastic, such as polycarbonate, hard plastic, ABS resin, polypropylene, carbon fiber, fiberglass, para-aramid synthetic fiber, or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, and/or any organic or inorganic material.
[0041] Further, it is contemplated helmet 100 may further comprises at least one sensor (not shown), such as an accelerometer affixed near specific dampers 112 or clusters of dampers 112 to outer shell 102, insulating layer 108, or cushioning pad 110 within proximity to one another wherein the sensors are connected to a data acquisition device such as a microprocessor or microcontroller with a storage medium and configured to log acceleration data with at least a timestamp for analysis at another point in time regarding force distribution and mitigation effects of helmet 100. Further, the sensors may be configured to send data wirelessly via technology such as Bluetooth® (a trademark of The Bluetooth Special Interest Group, Kirkland, Wash.) or other wireless communication protocol for sending and receiving data to a logging device or computer to store and analyze such force data. It is contemplated other sensors could also be used in addition to generate additional data for analysis, these sensors may include, but are not limited to sensors which detect biometric data such as heart rate, ECG, EEG, oxygen levels, and/or temperature. It is further contemplated that in addition to the at least one sensor, helmet 100 may comprise at least one alarm mechanism (not shown) mounted or fixed to outer shell 102, inner surface 106, or cushioning pad, or to another part of helmet 100, such as a face mask. The at least one alarm can be auditory, such as via a speaker, visual such as by an LED, or physical, such as by a vibratory motor, all of which can tell a user information, such as an impending impact will occur or there is some action they need to change or perform.
[0042] While the present invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.
