Helmet Retention System

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method of use for retaining protective head gear without the use of a chin strap. The inventive device and method utilizes connection means to a chest harness or other equipment worn over the torso.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

61/481,788, filed May 3, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The inventive subject matter relates to a device and system to securely keep a helmet on the head of the wearer without the need for a chin strap.

2. Background Art

Helmets, including military helmets, have undergone little change as to how they are secured to the wearer. Typically, protective head gear is secured to the wear by either its firm fitting over the head or by a chin strap. Combat helmets are typically secured through a chin strap harness, fitting either under the chin or around the chin.

In the case of U.S. military helmets, the chin straps, by applying force to the chin and neck, serves not only to secure the helmet to the wearer but as serve to ensure that the helmet is stable and properly positioned on the head. Proper fitting and placement of helmets, like most protective head gear, is critical for the head gear to provide maximal protection. And yet even with a properly fitting chin strap, fixating the helmet by the chin, serves to entrap the mandible, inhibiting normal movement and translate external force loads, bilaterally, into the temporal aspects of the head. Also this strap system creates a fulcrum pivot point around the C-1 and C-2 cervical neck complex. If the helmet is improperly seated, such as caused by improper fitting or ineffective chin strap functioning, even significantly greater muscular strain and fatigue to the cervical column, upper back musculature and strap muscles of the neck can result. This ultimately can cause a compromise of the spinal cord.

Early military helmets were principally designed to protect: the head from direct injury against flying shrapnel. However, when exposed to rapid air and shock wave displacement, caused by explosive blast, directional energy forces the helmet up and back, with concomitant upward force against the mandible and other head and neck structures. This uplifting can result in significant bone and tissue trauma, including head and neck injury and even dental injury.

The use of chin strap to secure helmets has been directly correlated with both odontogenic trauma and temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction. Additionally. a relationship exists between the use of chin straps and traumatic auricular degradation and destruction, as well as cervical spine, neck injury and muscle trauma. The use of chin straps has also been implicated in leading to central nervous system injury, as evidenced by both low level (e.g., cognition, memory degradation, psychological/emotional alterations) and more severe traumatic brain injury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a helmet retention device for securing or retaining a helmet, or other protective head-wear, to the head without the use of a chin strap. In a preferred embodiment, the helmet retention device comprises two components: a head component and a chest harness component, wherein the head component is secured to the wearer via straps or other means for securing the helmet component to the wearer via the chest harness component. The inventive device provides a means for securely positioning head gear on the wearer while reducing potential injury otherwise seen in securing head gear via a chin-strap, including to the jaw and teeth, if the wearer receives a force applied to the head.

In one embodiment, the head component of the helmet retention device is built into and is integral with the protective head gear. In an alternate embodiment, the retention device is separate and can be interchanged with other protective head gear by fastening the retention system to a the head gear.

In one embodiment the retention device comprises a head component and a chest harness wherein the head component comprises pre-auricular and post-auricular straps located on both the right and left sides of the head. The pre-and post-auricular straps join and connect to a single strap below the ear. In this embodiment, the single strap attaches to a chest harness. In this preferred embodiment, the device comprises a mechanism permitting easy and quick release of the protective head gear from the harness at both the dorsal and ventral locations on the body harness component.

In another embodiment, the device also comprises, an occipital strap, disposed in the occipital region of the helmet. The inclusion of this strap would therefore, operate, in conjunction with the pre- and post-auricular straps, to secure the protective head gear.

In one embodiment, the right and left sub-auricular straps would cross at the upper chest and connect, via quick attaching and releasing mechanisms, such as snaps or pelican hook like devices, at or below the clavicular-manubrial insertion to the sternum. If an occipitally placed strap is included. it would attach, via a quick attaching and releasing mechanism. such as a snap, to the dorsal aspect of the chest harness and would attach near the level of the scapula. The strap insertion mechanism into the chest harness permits free lateral and rotational motion of the head with little or no impedance or restriction of head motion. Similarly, the occipitally placed strap would not impede anterior and posterior tilt of the head or rotational movement of the head.

In another embodiment the attachment of the straps from the helmet temporo-bilaterally would attach through a clip system in the top center of the harness mechanism over the manubrium with the strap attachment clips adjacent to one another but not crossed over. This mimics the body mechanics of muscles supporting the head naturally. It is contemplated that the device, be incorporated as multiple embodiments particular to circumstances encountered, including weather and duties. For example, the chest harness can be an independent piece of equipment or clothing. Alternatively the chest harness can be integral to the clothing, such as a t-shirt.

In an embodiment. the chest harness can contain physiological sensors to monitor biometric information or environmental circumstances encountered, as well as offer secure geo-location technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Diagram illustrating relationship of head gear assembly and its attachment to a chest harness. As illustrated, protective head gear is attached to the wearer by straps. located on either side of the head, to a chest harness.

FIG. 2. Diagram illustrating a head-piece assembly that is detachable, re-attachable and interchangeable with different protective head gear alternative styles. The diagram also illustrates an alternative attachment means of the protective head gear to the chest harness.

FIG. 3. Diagram illustrating an embodiment wherein the straps are configured to have a crossed alignment. In this configuration, straps attached to protective head gear on one side are attached to the chest harness on the opposite side of the body. The illustration also illustrates the placement of quick release/attachment assemblies. These assemblies comprise a means to enable the quick release of the straps from the chest harness.

FIG. 4. Diagram illustrating alternative chest harness arrangement.

FIG. 5. Diagram illustrating an example of occipital cushion, showing, among other features, examples of adjustment strap placement and operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Retention of protective head gear, including military helmets, is typically achieved by a chin strap fastened to the head gear and protruding under the chin. Securing protective head gear, especially military or similar helmets, which are often relatively heavy, can lead to muscular strain and fatigue through inordinate weight to the head. In current systems, emphasis is placed on the chin, through the chin strap, to maintain proper balance and placement of the helmet on the wearer. Injury can often result, directly or indirectly, through the use of chin straps. following the application of forces to the head gear.

Removal of forces applied through the chin strap has the potential to mitigate specific components of cervical spine force overloads and cerebral traumatic events, including concussion and coup-contra- coup forces. Therefore, use of alternate systems to secure protective head gear and provide proper head positioning would allow for the central balancing pivot point (fulcrum) of the head gear, during blast events and other similar force disruptions, to be directed to other, less physically vulnerable as well as heavier anchored anatomical structures. If the force is directed lower down the body to a point away from the cervical vertebrae C1 (i.e., atlas) or below the cervical vertebrae C2 through C7, into the area of the thoracic spinal column and upper chest, any potential injurious forces are then positioned within a location of the body that has greater capacity for its distribution and absorption by lowering the anchorage/fulcrum point while using more muscular and heavily weighted anchorages.

As an example, in military settings, force dynamics would be affected and potentially reduced resulting in fewer spinal cord injuries. Injuries can result from blast forces resulting in force vectors directly impacting the helmet with energy being ultimately transferred to associated anatomical structures. Injuries can also result, over a longer period of wear, from: long term cervical neck muscle fatigue, affecting loss of support and, therefore, subsequent cervical neck strain and/or head and neck trauma; and bio-mechanical breakdown caused by repetitive forces while riding in various military watercraft, vehicle transport in rough terrain, amphibious transport.

The invention relates to a device for securing or retaining a helmet, or other protective head-wear, to the head without the use of a chin strap. As illustrated in FIG. 1. in a preferred embodiment, protective head gear (1) is secured to the head attached via straps to a chest piece instead of straps under the chin of the wearer.

The basic device is illustrated in FIG. 1. The device in FIG. 1 significantly reduces trauma associated with the use of chin straps. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a device to secure protective head gear (1) to a wearer, comprising, on each side of the head, pre- and post-auricular straps (3) and (5), respectively, which connects, via helmet straps (2), left side and (4), right side, to a chest harness (7). In this preferred embodiment, the pre- and post-auricular straps (3) and (5) connect below the ear, approximately 1-3 cm below bottom of the ear. The occipital region of the protective head gear can also include greater padding in an occipital cushion (8), preferably with soft, form fitting padding material, in the occipital region in order to provide form-fitting of the head gear to the wearer.

As an example of the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the two helmet straps, (2) and (4), connect to the pre- and post auricular straps (3) and (5), which are attached to the protective head gear, and also connect to the chest harness (7). The helmet straps (2) and (4) are each located on either side of the head to provide a symmetrical connection. In the preferred embodiment, the strap arrangement, through strap length adjustment or strap material flexibility, and insertion mechanism into the chest harness (7) permits free lateral and rotational motion of the head with little or no impedance or restriction of head motion.

In an alternative embodiment, a third, occipital strap (6), can also be included, which connects the protective head gear (1), via an occipital cushion (8), to the chest harness (7). The third strap can be included to provide additional support, if needed. In this embodiment, the occipital strap (6) can fixed or be able to be detached or re-attached, as needed. Therefore, in this alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, three straps connect the protective head gear to the chest harness (7). Two straps (3) and (5), which connect to straps (2) and (4) on either side of the head and a third (6). As in the preferred embodiment, strap placement and connection to the chest harness (7), by adjustment of the strap length and/or flexibility of the strap permits free head movement, both lateral and rotational, with little or no impedance or restriction of head motion.

In another, alternate embodiment, the pre- and post- auricular straps (3) and (5) can be separately attached, to the chest harness (7). The strap (6) then, also directly connects to the chest harness (7). In another embodiment the attachment of the straps from the helmet temporo-bilaterally would attach through a clip system in the top center of the harness mechanism over the manubrium with the strap attachment clips adjacent to one another but not crossed over. This mimics the body mechanics of muscles supporting the head naturally.

Another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, comprises pre- and post-auricular straps (3) and (5) connect the headgear to a single, horizontally placed, connecting strap (9), running from ear to ear around the back of the head below the ear. The device can also be comprised of a third strap (13), placed in the occipital region, that connects to the horizontally placed strap (9). The connecting strap (9) is then connected, via securing straps (16) and (17), positioned on each side of the head to the chest harness (7). The securing straps (16) and (17) are analogous to the helmet straps (2) and (4) (see FIG. 1). In an alternate embodiment, the connecting strap (9) can also be further connected to the chest harness (7) by a neck strap (11) at the back of the neck.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in another embodiment, the straps (3), (5) and (13) connect to a head-piece (15), separate from but attachable and detachable to protective head gear (1) (FIG. 1). Connection of the head-piece (15) to the protective head gear (1) can be via a number of means including snap fasters or other fastening means.

In another embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the helmet straps (2) and (4) or securing straps (16) and (17) can cross at the chest ultimately attaching to the chest harness (7).

In a preferred embodiment, the helmet or securing straps are connected to the chest harness (7) via quick releasing mechanisms. A number of means for quickly releasing the straps are contemplated. An embodiment includes a mechanism similar to a small pelican hook-like mechanism or other means whereby release of the connection can be affected quickly with minimal action by the wearer. The location for quick release can be located in a number of positions. FIG. 3, illustrates the quick release (19) on the chest harness (7). However, it is also contemplated that the release can be located instead, or in addition to the chest harness (7), on a number of other positions. As an example, these alternate positions include near the head gear area such as the connection between the pre- and post-auricular straps (3) and (5) and the helmet straps (2) and (4), and the occipital strap (6), if used (FIG. 1). In this example, the quick release mechanisms can be positions so as to directly release the straps from the head regions.

In these embodiments, regardless of positioning of the quick release, the means for quick releasing would not impede anterior and posterior tilt of the head or rotational movement of the head.

In a further embodiment, the straps connecting the protective head gear to the chest harness contains means for disconnecting, automatically. To illustrate this embodiment, the helmet straps (2) and (4) and the occipital strap (6) would each be composed of two separate components joined by a means for detecting a force or exertion applied to the straps that is beyond a preset threshold. When a force is applied on these straps, beyond the preset threshold the means causes the separate components of the straps to disconnect with concomitant disconnection of the protective head gear and the chest harness. In another embodiment, the automatic release means is positioned on the attachment point of the straps on the chest harness (7), as in the position for the quick release attachment point (19) illustrated in FIG. 3.

An automatic release feature would be advantageous in environments where moving, heavy objects are frequently encountered. Automatic release of protective head gear would also be advantageous in scenarios where there is not enough time for the wearer to manually disconnect the head gear from the chest harness (7).

In one embodiment, the chest harness (7) is an independent piece of equipment or clothing. In this embodiment, the harness (7) is placed under or over other standard wear. In an alternative embodiment, the chest harness (7) is integral to a garment or clothing, such as a t-shirt. In one alternative to this embodiment, the chest harness (7), is integral to the clothing and has direct contact with the skin of the wearer permitting the inclusion of physiological sensors to be operably associated with the wearer in order to monitor biometric information. In this embodiment, the chest harness can contain one or more sensors capable of monitor a number of parameters, including ambient air temperature, and normal physiological parameters, such as heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, hydration rate or body temperature. Additionally, sensors, associated with the quick release attachments (19), may also be added to measure tension or force applied between the helmet and chest harness. This parameter would be valuable in determining the extent of injury following an impact to the head and chest.

In a further embodiment, the chest harness (7) can be attached or removed from clothing or garments. Removal of the chest harness (7) enables easier cleaning of the clothing or attachment of the chest harness (7) to other garments, based on changing weather conditions or to change out of damaged or torn clothing. A means for attaching or detaching the chest harness (7) can be via any means, such as hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro strips, or zippers.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment for the chest harness. In FIG. 4, the chest harness is much reduced in area permitting greater freedom of motion. Furthermore, since this alternative comprises reduced area, it is more amenable for use in hot climates.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a configuration of the occipital cushion (8). In this example, the cushion can be adjusted along the neck and head by adjusting the fasteners (20). The occipital cushion can also be adjusted and tightened on the neck and head by the strap fastener (21) as illustrated. In FIG. 5, the strap fastener is secured by hook and loop fastener or buckle.

An embodiment of the invention is a method of reducing work or battlefield related odontogenic injury and temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction following head and neck trauma or impact to the cervical neck and head region. The method comprises,use of the device as illustrated in above and in FIGS. 1 through 5 in order to secure protective head gear, without dependence of chin straps. The method can comprise use of manual or automatic means for quickly releasing and separating the chest harness, as discussed and illustrated above.

Claims

1. A protective head gear retention device comprising a means for securing the protective head gear to a chest harness, wherein said means comprises two opposed ends wherein one end is connected to the protective head gear and the opposite end of the means is connected to a chest harness.

2. The protective head gear retention device of claim 1, wherein the means for securing the protective head gear comprises bilaterally disposed pre- and a post-auricular straps, on either side of the head, wherein, the pre-auricular strap is disposed forward of the ear and the post-auricular strap is disposed behind the ear, and wherein the pre- and post-auricular straps are connected at one of its two ends to said protective head gear and the opposite ends of the pre- and post auricular straps join by a means for connecting straps to form a single strap and wherein said single strap is connected to a chest harness, by a securing means.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device also comprises an occipital strap that connects to said protective head gear near the occipital region of the head, and wherein said occipital strap is connected at one of its two ends to said protective head gear and opposite end protrudes down the back of the neck and connects to said chest harness by a means for connecting straps.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said connection to said chest harness is located at a point that is at or below the clavicular-manubrial insertion to the sternum.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said means for connecting straps to the chest harness or helmet comprises a means for quick release for separating the head gear from the chest harness.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said chest harness is incorporated in an inner or outer garment and is integral to that garment.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the chest harness comprises biometric sensors.

8. The device of claim 2, wherein said pre- and post-auricular straps, on either side of the head, are connected together below the ear by a means for fastening the straps and, wherein said pre- and post-auricular straps are connected by said means for fastening straps to a helmet strap that is operatively connected said chest harness.

9. The device of claim 2, wherein said pre- and post-auricular straps are connected to a horizontally disposed strap that extends from ear to ear and around the back of the head that is connected by straps to said chest harness.

10. The device of claim 5, wherein said quick release is a quick release buckle that releases upon pressing a button or lever.

11. The device of claim 5, wherein said quick release mechanism operates automatically by a means for determining a preset exertion or force threshold and a means for releasing the connection of the protective head gear and a chest harness in response to exceeding the said preset threshold.

12. The device of claim 6, wherein said chest harness can be detached from said garment by means for detaching and attaching.

13. The device of claim 7, wherein said chest harness contains one or more sensors capable of measuring parameters selected from the group consisting of: body temperature of wearer, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, ambient air temperature, hydration/dehydration, global positioning and tension exerted between helmet and chest harness.

14. The device of claim 10, wherein said protective head gear and chest harness connection is the strap connection to said chest harness.

15. The device of claim 10, wherein said protective head gear and chest harness connection is the connection between the pre- and post-auricular straps and said strap connected to said chest harness.

16. The device of claim 10, wherein the protective head gear and chest harness connection is the connection between a securing strap and a horizontally disposed strap.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein said protective head gear and chest harness connection also comprises the connection of the occipital strap to said protective head gear.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein said connection also comprises the connection of the neck strap and said horizontally disposed strap.

19. A method of protecting individuals from head injury comprising securing a protective head gear to a wearer using the device of claim 1, wherein the protective head gear is connected to a chest harness or garment worn on the wearer's torso.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said protective head gear can be quickly separated from said chest harness or garment.