Exotect

Abstract

New spine-protecting motoring and sports equipment and apparel are provided. In some aspects of the invention, variably-joined pivoting and sliding members with both overall and local pivoting-speed and/or range-limits pivot about central points, lines and/or curves, which approximates the rotational center line of a user's spine, spinal cord or points of optimal flex reduction for a wearer's safety. Aiding in creating pivot-points and/or pivot lines are external body-holding extensions, connected to at least some of the pivoting and sliding members (a.k.a., “brace sections”). In one preferred embodiment, a torso-gripping jacket implements the above-described aspects, and a top-most member, linked with the other members, rotates more greatly and variably interlocks with rigid slot in the rear base of a specialized protective helmet, protecting the user's neck from breaking in a crash.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of crash-protective motoring equipment and motorsports equipment.

BACKGROUND

Since the 1970s, over 40,000 people per year have perished in motor vehicle accidents in the United States, placing motor vehicle accidents among the top ten causes of death for each year up to 2009. See U.S. D.O.T., N.H.T.S.A., Research Note: Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes as a Leading Cause of Death in the United States, 2008 and 2009, available at http://www.nhtsa.gov/, accessed Feb. 17, 2013. For people in their teens and 20s, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among all causes.

The risk of severe injury is far greater for motorcyclists in particular. Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists died 30 times more often in accidents than passenger car occupants in 2010. See U.S. D.O.T., N.H.T.S.A., Traffic Safety Facts, 2010 Data, at table 2. Put simply, unlike in cars, there is nothing around a motorcyclist to protect him or her from injury during crashes. As a result, motorcyclists are at a particularly high risk of traumatic injury leading to death and other permanent disabilities.

In the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, vehicle safety equipment began to be mandated by United States federal regulatory authorities. History.com, This Day in History: Sep. 9, 1966, President Johnson Signs the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, accessed Feb. 23, 2013, available at http://www.history.com. Lap seatbelts and optional, separate shoulder belts were introduced first. See, e.g., Tarbet, M. J., Cost and Weight Added by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Model Years 1968-2001 in Passenger Cars and Light Trucks, NHTSA Report Number DOT HS 809 834, at Section 3, p. 64 et seq. (2004), available at http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/regrev/evaluate/809834.html. But, due to the incomplete protection and additional risks posed by the high-pressure of those belts on a user's waist, with insufficiently uncontrolled movement and collisions of the upper torso, integral 3-point seatbelts (including a strap across the shoulder) were later adopted. See, id.; cf. Abbas, A. K., et al., Seatbelts and Road Traffic Collision Injuries, World J. Emer. Surgery, 6:18 (May 28, 2011), available at http://www.wjes.org/content/6/1/18. An early integral three-point seatbelt was introduced by an engineer at Volvo, Nils Bohlin. Additional seatbelt improvements include retracting and locking belts, some of which hold a driver tightly upon sudden crashes.

Vehicles were initially made extremely rigid and strong, but that approach proved dangerous in crashes, because a large amount of force would be transferred directly to the driver. In 1959, an engineer at Mercedes Benz, Bela Berenyi, designed crumple zones for absorbing the energy of a crash and reducing destructive force of impact with a user's body. Crumple zones have become increasingly sophisticated, and help protect the modern driver in a variety of crash scenarios, including side-impact. PBS, Nova Online, Escape through Time, Car, available at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/escape/timecar.html, accessed Feb. 17, 2013. Air bags, followed by multiple zone and multiple-impact variants, were also introduced and then mandated in the 1990s. History.com, This Day in History: Sep. 1, 1998, Federal Legislation Makes Airbags Mandatory, accessed Feb. 17, 2013, available at http://www.history.com.

Protective helmets have been worn in motor racing, aviation, other various sports and warfare for many decades, and serve both as a barrier and cushion to blows, when the design includes internal padding. Recently, impact-protective pads and suiting have been developed—particularly for motorcyclists, but also for motor racing in general. The high speeds and increased risk of injury from falling and unprotected bodily impact in those scenarios have driven those technological developments. Some of the technological developments include protective cushioning, plates and “drag pads”—which allow a rider to drag his or her knee on the ground at high speed to lean into turns.

Some neck supports have also been developed, in an effort to combat the risk of head and neck injury during crashes. See, e.g., Alpine Bionic Neck Support Product Details, available at http://www.alpinestars.com/bionic-neck-support-sb-special-blend.html#.USBxkOizPBU, accessed Feb. 15, 2013.

However, as noted at the outset, death and injuries from automotive accidents remain at unacceptably high levels, despite each of the above advancements, and recent advancements have produced increasingly diminished returns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

New spine-protecting motoring and sports equipment and apparel are provided. In some aspects of the invention, variably-joined pivoting and sliding members with both overall and local pivoting-speed and/or range-limits pivot about central points, lines and/or curves, which approximates the rotational center line of a user's spine, spinal cord or points of optimal flex reduction for a wearer's safety. Aiding in creating pivot-points and/or pivot lines are external body-holding extensions, connected to at least some of the pivoting and sliding members (a.k.a., “brace sections”). In one preferred embodiment, a torso-gripping jacket implements the above-described aspects, and a top-most member, linked with the other members, rotates more greatly and variably interlocks with rigid slot in the rear base of a specialized protective helmet, protecting the user's neck from breaking in a crash.

Where any term is set forth in a sentence, clause or statement (“statement”), each possible meaning, significance and/or sense of any term used in this application should be read as if separately, conjunctively and/or alternatively set forth in additional statements, as necessary to exhaust the possible meanings of each such term and each such statement.

It should also be understood that, for convenience and readability, this application may set forth particular pronouns and other linguistic qualifiers of various specific gender and number, but, where this occurs, all other logically possible gender and number alternatives should also be read in as both conjunctive and alternative statements, as if equally, separately set forth therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a human vertebra, specifically, the third thoracic vertebra, including insignia of potential aspects of its function in vivo.

FIG. 2 depicts another human vertebra and its physical relationship and interaction with some exemplary embodiments of aspects of the present invention, namely a limited free rotation-, extension-, compression-, tilting- and shifting-permitting, body-gripping brace section.

FIG. 3 is a side-view of a complex of interlocking rod layers, which may be used to support and assist in providing both local and overall rotation-, extension-, compression-, tilting- and shifting-movement limits for brace section elements, such as that discussed with reference to FIG. 2, above.

FIG. 4 is a top-view of an exemplary alternate embodiment of a limited free rotation-, extension-, compression-, tilting- and shifting-permitting, body-gripping brace section.

FIG. 5 is a bottom-view of the exemplary alternate embodiment of a limited free rotation-, extension-, compression-, tilting- and shifting-permitting, body-gripping brace section discussed with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side-view of another exemplary, alternate embodiment of a limited free rotation-, extension-, compression-, tilting- and shifting-permitting, body-gripping brace section, similar to that discussed with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, but also with rotational and pivoting enhancements.

FIG. 7 depicts an integrated set of brace sections, of a nature such as the brace sections discussed above, and a potential placement of such a set on a female user's body, as part of a specialized motorsports jacket and helmet.

FIG. 8 depicts a similar integrated set of brace sections to those depicted in FIG. 7, including additional aspects of the invention, such as shoulder and posterior straps for limiting extension and compression and further protecting the user's spine, and the remainder of her body.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternative of an integrated set of three major brace sections, as part of a specialized protective support frame for a participant in sporting activities, and, especially, motorsports activities.

FIG. 10 is a top-view of an exemplary process sensor/actuator, attached to and actuating a body-holding process under the control of a control system.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary system-actuable impact-absorbing or locking rotary, extending, and tilting joint, which may be used with a control system, as discussed above.

FIG. 12 depicts an integral set of brace sections that each may contribute to translating and transferring dangerous energy to a kinetic energy sink, to reduce peak forces from impact and prevent rebound actions, such as whiplash.

FIG. 13 depicts techniques for variable anchoring of a set of brace sections, such as the types of sets set forth elsewhere in this application, to a vehicular platform, namely, the back of an automobile seat.

FIG. 14 is a partially cutaway side-view of a motor vehicle comprising a user-bracing, impact-softening device that may be actuated by a control system according to other aspects of the invention during a crash, and which device distributes holding force more evenly across a user's head, neck and torso than conventional airbags and airbag complexes.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view depicting a brace section for protecting and supporting a user's spine and other related body parts, with an alternative form of circular-movement-creating telescoping members, similar to those discussed with reference to FIG. 2, above, but with a more compact design when not extended.

FIG. 16 depicts a rapidly-deployed head-wrapping, -conforming and -protecting frame, with inflating internal cushions for protecting and more gradually decelerating a user's head during an impact.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of some elements of an exemplary control system that may be used in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a top view of a human vertebra 100, specifically, the third thoracic vertebra, including insignia of potential aspects of its function in vivo. A large hole at the center of vertebra 100 is the vertebral foramen 103, which serves as a vessel for the spinal cord 105, occupying at least part of that space. Some evidence supports the hypothesis that the center of rotation of a spinal vertebra, when it is rotated in vivo relative to at least some neighboring vertebrae or some remainder of a human body, may be at or near point or axis 107. Specifically, rotational point or axis 107 is located near the anterior (a.k.a. ventral) edge of the spinal cord 105 and near the posterior (a.k.a. dorsal) edge of the vertebral body 109.

An alternative possible rotational point or axis 111 is also shown. Rotational point or axis 111 is approximately in the center, or along a central longitudinal line or curve, of the foramen 103 and spinal cord 105 within the foramen.

Points/axes/curves 107 and 111, and rotational, extension, compression, tilting and shifting progressions along such points, axes and curves, and other points, axes and curves, will be further discussed in reference to additional figures, set forth below, as targets for such movement and movement protection, and as indicators of net, resulting movement.

FIG. 2 depicts another human vertebra 200 and its physical relationship and interaction with some exemplary embodiments of aspects of the present invention, namely a limited free rotation-, extension-, compression-, tilting- and shifting-permitting, body-gripping brace section 201. Vertebra 200 is similar to the vertebra depicted in FIG. 1, and also shown from a top view. However, another alternative rotational point, axis or curve indicator 207 is shown at a position at the posterior edge of the vertebral body 209, and slightly more anterior than the rotational point, axis or curve options depicted in FIG. 1, discussed above. Some evidence supports the hypothesis that the center of rotation of a spinal vertebra, when it is rotated in vivo relative to at least some neighboring vertebrae or some remainder of a human body, may be at or near point or axis 207.

Brace section 201 may be one of several brace elements, used in unison in an integrated set of associated brace sections, and variably holding a user's body at several longitudinal points or body-conforming rings along the torso, neck and head. As will be discussed in greater detail in reference to additional figures, several forms of association to create such a set involve one or more unifying, preferably curved and/or sectioned rod(s) or columns with rotational limits, for example, linking such brace sections at a junction point, such as that shown as 213. The precise functions of the entire associated architectures of such sets will be discussed in greater detail below, but for the purposes of this figure, it is sufficient to note that, with support from neighboring structures anchored to various bodily areas, scaffolding and other anchoring structures, brace section 201 may limit the motion of the user's body in the regions gripped by body-hugging and/or -holding extensions, such as those shown as brace processes 215.

As shown by radial lines 217, drawn from point or axis 207 and describing the path of circular-path-sliding attachment members 219 from encapsulating housing 221, movement of the brace processes 215 relative to the remainder of brace section 201 is restricted to a semi-circular path, centering on point, axis or curve 207. Because processes 215 hug or otherwise conform to the outer surface of the user's body, the user's body also is substantially restricted to a circular path about point, axis or curve 207. Furthermore, due to slide-limiting pieces 223, which may collide with and hold internal barbed ends 225 of sliding members 219, that circular path is subject to outer limits, which may include both local and overall limits for a set of associated brace sections, depending on the designed characteristics of unifying structures. As will be explained in greater detail below, owing to further aspects of the association of braces in a complex with rod(s) and/or other brace pieces, directions of articulation of the user's body other than twisting and rotating—such as tilting, compression, and extension, may also be limited, both locally and over the entire longitude of the brace complex. In some aspects, movement, such as twisting, may be forced or encouraged in a progression of sequential, maximum local tolerances, after which point the overall movement of the complex is totally limited. Such embodiments may include movement-resisting or ideal posture encouraging force biasing.

Although a circular sliding path is depicted for attachment members 219, it should be noted that slightly different curves may, instead, be used for those paths such that, with the elasticity of the human body, and of padding and other elastic pieces, a resulting circular pivot point, axis and/or curve at a desired protected point 207 is achieved. Such variations may be optimized on an individual-user-by-individual-user basis, based on an analysis of a user's body motion and force resistance dynamics. Also, where a central point, axis or curve cannot be achieved, and therefore cannot be made a target of a designed sliding path for members 219, due, for example, to the complexity of body, cushioning and member-flexing dynamics, a target area including probably points, axes or curves of rotation may be used and a central, probable or actual point of such area covering rotation points, axes or curves may, instead, be used. If cushioning is used in brace section 201, such as the examples depicted as internal process cushioning 227, and back-support/cushioning 229 (which comprise a variable-giving foam, as shown by the internal circular texture gradient), flexible materials, such as flexible bands 231, may aid in reducing resistance to the movement of sliding attachment members 219.

FIG. 3 is a side-view of a complex 301 of interlocking rod layers, which may be used to support and assist in providing both local and overall rotation-, extension-, compression-, tilting- and shifting-limits for brace section elements, such as that discussed with reference to FIG. 2, above. The embodiment expressed in FIG. 3 includes two rod layers: (a) an outer rod layer 303 with a substantially hollow core; and (b) an inner rod layer 305, which occupies the hollow core of layer 303. Outer layer 303 is preferably substantially stiff, but still has some ability to twist, extend, compress, tilt and shift, albeit within limits that, when coupled with brace section elements and inner rod layer 305 as described in this application, protect all elements of a user's spine and supporting living tissues from damage. Outer rod layer 303 may be made of a single material, or a more complex structure of multiple materials, but, in either event, preferably is manufactured with a structure to specifically dictate individual rotation-, extension-, compression-, tilting- and shifting-limits that are each ideal in providing adequate safety from such damage. For example, the material(s) and structure of rod 303 and/or 305 may provide more than 120 degrees of overall rotation range, but prohibit more than 60 degrees of tilt. As another example, outer rod layer 303 may permit several inches of overall lateral shift by temporarily curving in response to stress, but may limit extension and compression to within ½ inch, overall. These differentials may be created, for example by smaller component structures (such as, but not limited to, nano- or micro-structures) such as longitudinal filaments with a high tensile strength, but that may nonetheless twist more readily, and latitudinal bands that, to a lesser extent, counteract twisting, or a helical structure that blends the two functions. Alternatively, some of the movement limits (e.g., compression and extension) may be provided by the inner rod layer 305, and such more central longitudinal structures) while others, such as tilting and rotating limits, may be provided by latitudinal, longitudinal, helical, honeycomb or other structures with greater limits, in the outer rod layer 303, or vice versa. In some embodiments, inner rod 305 may have less twisting and extension/compression range-limiting characteristics, and may even omit material substructure components of these types, due to the greater extension/compression limiting effect of the interaction of the two layers (discussed further below). Generally, the specialized range-limiting and/or elastomeric roles of each rod layer may overlap and combine, or may be restricted (a substantial motion limit provided by one rod only), depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, additional rod layers, or a single-layer rod may, instead, be used to incorporate all of the desired physical limits due to selected component structures and materials. In any event, the material(s) and structures comprised in each layer (or the single layer, if applicable) are preferably extremely resilient and create some centering- and original shape-restoring force bias, to encourage safe limits of movement and good posture in a user, and absorb energy experienced in a crash.

The interaction of the two rod layers (in a two-rod-layer embodiment, or more, in the instance of more layers) may provide a range of freer movement, provided by space tolerances between binding structures of each. For example inner rod layer 305 may include attached or integral tabs, such as those examples shown as 307, which may emerge from windows, such as those pictured as 309, in outer rod layer 303 and pivot and slide within them. More specifically, tabs 307 may move both laterally and up and down (along with twisting or shifting inner rod layer 305) to some tolerated degree before encountering the edges of windows 309, through which they protrude, after which point the flexibility of the rod layers dictate limits for further, force-bias-resisted movement (for example, from the flexibility of the inner rod 305 material. Tabs 307 may also be or serve as extension points for body-holding processes (not pictured in this figure, but discussed elsewhere in this application), which therefore limit over-movement of aspects of the human body, as well as the force-biasing and/or regional and overall limits for brace section sets discussed in this application. The limitation of movement of Tabs 307 by windows 309 may also, as mentioned above, have the effect of limiting the extension/compression of, especially, the inner rod, because windows 309 may limit the involvement of the inner rod being extended/compressed to lengths extending distally from that point. In those embodiments, such differentiation may be desirable to create a greater range of rotation than compression/extension, protecting against, for example, herniation of intervertebral disks, while still permitting free rotational movement.

The rod complex 301 may extend to or be temporarily attached to additional body-anchoring processes, aside from the body-holding processes discussed above. For example, a variably-interlocking top tab 311 attached to either or both of the rod layers may interface with, and temporarily lock into, a tab-accepting pocket (not pictured) in a helmet and/or cervical gripping process, to limit movements of the neck in the same way as the body-holding processes. The limits of movement tab 311 may be optimized for regional and overall safe limits of head and neck movement. Similarly, a lower tab and/or process extensions 313 may be attached to either or both rod layers and hug the user's pelvis, lap and/or posterior aspects of the user's body, or even anchor with a seating structure, for example, a vehicle seating structure, to aid in anchoring the complex and user and providing protective limits for the user's pelvis and lower back, as well as the remainder of the area protected by the bracing aspects discussed above.

To ease the differential movement of rod layers 303 and 305, movement enhancing devices and materials may be used, such as lubricants (preferably lubricant impregnation of at least some of the component materials, as with graphite) or bearings may be used. Also preferably, outer layer 303 is at least generally stiffer, more supportive, protective and stronger structurally than inner layer 305, such that inner layer 303 is more flexible and able to provide some rotation, shifting, tilting, extension and compression movement by moving itself within outer layer 305, while still providing safety limits for all types of body movement through interaction with outer layer 303, which itself may provide some movement range, albeit with considerably less rotational and other forms of flexibility. The greater flexibility of inner rod layer 305 enables it to conform to the hollow inner core of outer rod layer 303, while performing its role(s). However, any motion-controlling or limiting role may be managed by either or both rod layers and, as also mentioned above, the roles of the rod layers may be reversed in some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a top-view of an exemplary alternate embodiment of a limited free rotation-, extension-, compression-, tilting- and shifting-permitting, body-gripping brace section 401. As with section 201, discussed above, brace section 401 provides limits for movement of a user's spinal column and related aspects of the user's body. However, unlike section 201 and certain other embodiments discussed in this application, brace section 401, at least by itself, does not necessarily create circular or other curved shifting patterns that result in central rotation about an aspect of the user's spine when it is sufficiently pushed laterally or rotated. However, in a complex of additional brace aspects that do provide such movement, such shifting patterns may nonetheless be incorporated. For example, attached process stems 403 (partially pictured) may incorporate or be included in such aspects creating those, or other desired, shifting patterns. Alternatively, such process stems 403 may be fixed and/or flexible, but not shifting, or may be omitted and, instead, the remainder of brace section 401 may be otherwise joined to other brace sections or aspects, such as brace section 201 via fastening port 213. In any event, brace section 401 may interface with other brace elements to join and become unified with them, while retaining limited motion capabilities relative to them. Preferably, brace section 401 may, among other possibilities, join with another such brace section of the same form as 401, by inserting its semi-conical or semi-cylindrical lower (in the perspective of the figure) body 405 into the upper body 407 of such another brace section, stacked below it in the same orientation. Such brace sections may therefore be stacked and joined in an interlocked tower or column, up to a desired length for protecting (in addition with other brace aspects which may use such a stack of sections as a scaffold) a user's body and providing a limited free range of motion, support, protection of the user's spine and other related body parts, as well as physical movement limits, as with the rod complex discussed in reference to FIG. 3.

In this embodiment of aspects of the invention, free movement may be provided and limited by insertion-locking tabs (not pictured in this figure, but pictured in the subsequent figure as 509) and tab-accepting slots 411. Barbing 413 toward the inner, top-end (facing the viewer) of upper body 407 may interface with complementary barbing (shown in FIG. 5 as 515) on the lower, outer side of lower body 415 and tabs 509, locking two such brace sections 401 together. Tabs 509 and tab-accepting slots 411 are substantially longer than necessary to provide that locking interface, and preferably one or the other is/are sufficiently long to permit tabs 509 to travel within slots 411 and, therefore, for each brace section 401 to move longitudinally, shift, and tilt relative to the other, within range limits, and without becoming disengaged. In greater numbers of interlocked brace sections 401, this travel will, cumulatively, also permit lateral shifting of brace sections. Tabs 509 and tab-accepting slots 411, and/or other members or physical elements, may also provide physical ranges and limits to rotation of one brace section 401 relative to another with which it is engaged, with the aid of rotational subsections and/or bearings. For example, outer rotational subsection 415 may hold, within a gripping inner hollow or overhang 417, abutting bearings such as those examples pictured as 419, which themselves abut inner, sliding rotational subsections 421, which are or comprise slots 411 and their surrounding supporting structure(s). Gripping hollow overhang 417 may hold subsections 421 in place while permitting them to slidingly rotate, for example, with a running track into which subsections 421 insert. By incorporating or comprising, in a fixed manner, rotation stops 423 in outer rotational subsection 415, which itself is fixed to tabs 509 (on the opposite side, out of view in this figure), the rotation of the inner and outer subsections (and one engaged brace section relative to another) is, however, limited to prevent injury to a user from rotational over-motion (for example that might endanger or break the user's spine).

In some embodiments, a single, concentric tab 509 and tab-accepting slot 411 may be used, that each span the circumference of lower body 405 and upper body 407, respectively. In such an embodiment, the tab 509 and slot 411 may rotate more freely, and separate rotational moving sections and bearings may be omitted, although rotational stopping members may still be incorporated on the face of tab 509 and slot 411, to provide desired rotational protection. However, even if more economical to produce, such an embodiment is not be preferred because the less restricted movement of the tabs in multiple planes leads to a greater risk of failure by the tab 509 disengaging from the slot 411, especially when one brace section 401 is tilted or twisted relative to another with which it is engaged.

FIG. 5 is a bottom-view of the exemplary alternate embodiment of a limited free rotation-, extension-, compression-, tilting- and shifting-permitting, body-gripping brace section, now 501, discussed with reference to FIG. 4, above. In comparison to FIG. 4, brace section 501 (previously 401) has been vertically flipped, which is why the optional process stems (now 503) now appear to curve in the opposite direction. From this perspective, the semi-conical or semi-cylindrical lower body 505 can now be more completely viewed, and tabs 509, with barbing 510, may now be seen. Barbing 510 is at the near end (toward the viewer) of both tabs 509 and lower body 505. Other, such as inner rotational, apparatus(ae) are hidden from view by lower body 505 and not revealed, for simplicity.

FIG. 6 is a side-view of another exemplary, alternate embodiment of a limited free rotation-, extension-, compression-, tilting- and shifting-permitting, body-gripping brace section, now 601, similar to that discussed with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, above, but also with rotational and pivoting enhancements. From this perspective, the optional process stems (now 603) curve out toward the viewer, and a lower body 605 still comprises tab(s) 609, while an upper body 607 still comprises tab-accepting slots 611. However, unlike with the embodiments depicted with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, lower body 605 is generally wider than upper body 607 and, thus, it is lower body 605 that receives upper body within it, locking inner tabs 609 within outer tab-accepting slots 611, which hold one another in place with complementary barbing 610 and 613. A wide variety and number of differing tab and tab-accepting channels, or other interlocking shapes, may, alternatively, be used, in addition to the embodiments pictured, within the scope of the invention. But, preferably, at least one dorsal and one ventral interlocking set of tabs and slots (or other moveably interlocking parts) is used, to make brace section movements smoother and better prevent movement beyond structural limits.

Also shown in FIG. 6 is an alternative structure for rotation, created by overlapping, separate sub-sections of brace section 601. Specifically, the upper sub-section 625 comprises a socket, cupping and holding a lower sub-section 627. Together, sections 625 and 627 comprise a ball-and-socket joint, permitting rotation on multiple planes. Locking tabs 628 and 629 of lower subsection 627 prevent hyper-rotation beyond desired physical limits by colliding with retaining lips 631 of the upper sub-section 625. Bearings, such as those shown as examples 619, or lubricants may be included between the two subsections to improve rotation dynamics and are preferably round. As with other embodiments of the invention, a centering or preferred-posture encouraging force-biasing may be included, and may comprise a complementary, slightly out-of-round but curved complementary shape of subsections 625 and 627 that, with a strong yet semi-flexible nature of the materials chosen for both, creates such a vertical and horizontal rotation centering force-bias.

The brace sections set forth as examples in FIGS. 4-6, as with other brace sections discussed in this application, may be implemented as a larger set of unified, integrated brace sections, with processes holding parts of the user's body (or other members so holding the user's body) and therefore permitting a wide range of motions of the user's spine and body in general, while supporting and protecting the user from dangerous movements beyond tolerated limits of the system. An example of such a unified, integrated system is provided next, in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 depicts an integrated set 701 of brace sections such as those examples shown as 703, and which may also be those examples discussed above, and a potential placement on a female user's body 705 as part of a specialized motorsports jacket 707 and helmet 709. For simplicity, only the left half of the user's body, set, brace sections, jacket and helmet are fully depicted, but it should be understood that a right-hand, substantial mirror image structure for each of those aspects may also be included.

As alluded to above, some brace sections 703 have processes 711 attached to and substantially fixed in rotation, tilt, shift, compression and other movements with them. Also as alluded to, and as pictured, processes 711 hold the user's body, by substantially wrapping around and conforming to it. Preferably, processes 711 comprise a semi-flexible, semi-rigid, strong, curved material able to create moderate holding pressure against the user's body, and prevent slipping off in the event of exerting physical limits or encountering other trauma. But processes 711 may, alternatively or in addition, comprise bands that may be variably interlocked with one another once brought around the user's body, creating a closed loop(s) around the user's body. In a preferred embodiment, such variable interlocking can be simplified by making processes 711 an integral part of the user's garment, such as her motorcycle riding jacket 707, and by making the closing process for the jacket one and the same with interlocking the left and right process of a bracket section around the user's body, in the front of the jacket (not pictured). In other words, a zipper or buckles may be attached to both ends of each paired set of processes 711 and the remainder of jacket 707, at the edge of the front flaps of the jacket, when open in front and, by closing such fastener(s) to close the jacket, the user may automatically fasten processes 711 together with one another, in the front, to close securing loops around her body.

To integrate the user's motorcycle helmet 709 as another spine and body-protecting process, the top bracket section may variably fasten to the user's helmet, which may then, once donned and so fastened, render the entire helmet a spine, head and neck-protecting process (protecting each of them from over-movement, as well as trauma. More specifically, the top-most brace section 713 may, for example, comprise a male end of a variably-barbed release buckle, along with a female slot 715 in or otherwise connected to or part of the helmet, in the area of the helmet near the back of the user's neck. A release button 717, which is preferably inside the user's helmet beneath padding, a flap or other protector (and/or otherwise secure from unintentional depression, for example, during a crash) may be used to retract barbing or another catch between the male and female parts of the buckle, and release the helmet from the brace set 701.

While, generally, any other type of brace section discussed in this application may be used in set 701, some alternative aspects of a new type of brace section 703 will also be discussed. In FIG. 7, an outer rod 719 is shown, coupled to the brace sections 703. In addition to providing support, protection and body movement safety limits, as with other rods discussed in this application, rod 719 may provide hard limits to movement by colliding with tabs 720 at the proximal ends of brace subsections 703 if they over-rotate. Brace sections 703 themselves may then rotate about an inner, flexible axle 721, but up to such a limit caused by such tab(s) 720.

FIG. 8 depicts a similar integrated set 801 of brace sections, such as those examples shown as 803, to those depicted in FIG. 7, including additional aspects of the invention, such as shoulder and posterior straps for limiting extension and compression and further protecting the user's spine, and the rest of her body.

The additional shoulder-gripping processes and/or straps 841 are attached to a brace section 803 near the top of the set 801, but far enough down the set that, with enough gripping pressure (e.g., tightness), the set will be pulled predominantly upward, rather than predominantly sideways, by the straps 841. Another set of posterior-gripping processes and/or straps 843 may also be provided which, when properly attached as a lower part of the set 801 (such that, with sufficient pulling pressure (e.g., tightness), the set will be pulled predominantly downward, rather than predominantly sideways), oppose the pulling pressure from the shoulder-gripping processes and/or straps 841.

In conjunction with one another, and the structural strength of the remainder of the set, processes and/or straps 841 and 843 may provide longitudinal stability and support, and may aid in preventing over-extension during collisions and other dangerous sources of potential over-motion. As will also be discussed in greater detail below, in some embodiments, the tightness, holding strength and other aspects of all processes may be variably controlled before or during use, by a user and/or control system, and sensors and actuators for that purpose. Conversely, a non-compressible, or limited compression rod, such as the rod types discussed with reference to FIG. 3, may provide safe limits from over-compression, when connected to body-holding processes.

Preferably, the set of posterior-gripping processes and/or straps 843 are variably attachable to the overall set 801 of brace sections 803, for example, by a variably-barbed release buckle, of a nature similar to male and female brace section and slot 713 and 715, discussed above, with a similar release button or trigger similarly protected from accidental actuation. The set of posterior-gripping processes and/or straps 843 may be incorporated in a garment, as with processes/straps 711, discussed above—such as within riding chaps—or may comprise a stand-alone harness. As with processes/straps 711, preferably, processes/straps 843 form a loop around each of the user's thighs but, unlike with processes/straps 711, those loops 845 are preferably always closed loops, although, preferably, their tension may be adjusted, as can the tension in main lead 847 which variably connects with the bottom bracket section 849, as discussed above, in some embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternative of an integrated set 901 of three major brace sections 903, 905 and 907 as part of a specialized protective support frame for a participant in sporting activities, and, especially, motorsports activities. As with set 701 and 801, set 901 may variably interface with and attach to a helmet 909, more greatly protecting a user's neck and head from injury from uncontrolled movement as well as trauma, as may occur in a crash. However, in set 901, two variably-attached processes 911 (rather than one) may snap in to connect helmet 909 with an upper brace section, such as 903. This bilateral approach may aid in protecting a user's neck from over-rotation and other dangerous movements (by strengthening the attachment), as well as shield the user's neck from foreign objects. In addition, in FIG. 9, fewer, larger projections hold a user's body across broader areas, and may, themselves provide shielding from impact by covering areas of a user's body likely to sustain such impact. As with the sets discussed in FIGS. 7 and 8, set 901 may be incorporated with garments or other motorsports gear, and may loop around parts of a user's body, such as the user's arms, shoulders legs and pelvis. Other processes may, in addition, or alternatively, hug other sections of the users body as well, and variably fasten in loops (e.g., a clippable belt variably surrounding a user's waist.)

FIG. 10 is a top-view of an exemplary process sensor/actuator 1001, attached to and actuating a body-holding process 1003 under the control of a control system 1005.

Rather than rely on purely passive brace sections, and the resilience of materials, aspects of the invention benefit from active monitoring and reaction to environmental stimulus, and the anticipation of dangers, to reduce the risk of injury to a user. Any of the processes and brace sections discussed in this application may benefit from the active management aspects of the present invention, for example, by further comprising movement-controlling actuators controlled by a control system.

Among other types of actuation, a control system controlling the actuation of sensor/actuators 1001 may carry out active movements and other actuations in the following major areas, but is not limited to these areas: (a) preparatory movement of the user's body for or to avoid a potential acceleration/deceleration and impact, of varying imminence; (b) preparatory movement of processes and other bracing and shielding to better to avoid or absorb acceleration/deceleration and impacts of varying imminence; (c) preparatory locking or other engagement of “soft impact” force-absorbing devices to better protect a user from, and absorb acceleration/deceleration and impact; (d) reorienting and supporting a user's body for balance, posture, and altering G-forces; (e) movement or actuation of the user's body during acceleration/deceleration and impact to decrease danger and destruction to the user's body; (f) movement or actuation of processes and other bracing and shielding during impact to better absorb deceleration and impacts; (g) locking or other engagement of soft impact devices, such as but not limited to, a kinetic sink, during impact to better protect a user from, and absorb deceleration and impact; (h) engaging and actuating local limits (including, but not limited to soft limits) to ranges of movement of a user's body, in anticipation of impact; (i) engaging and actuating overall limits (including, but not limited to soft limits) to ranges of movement of a user's body, in anticipation of impact; (j) engaging and actuating local limits (including, but not limited to soft limits) to ranges of movement of a user's body, during impact; (k) engaging and actuating overall limits (including, but not limited to soft limits) to ranges of movement of a user's body, during impact.

To illustrate, we will assume that a motorcycle rider has donned a set of integrated brace sections such as section 1000, which are actuable by control system 1005, to protect him- or herself while riding, and has mounted a motorcycle. The control system 1005 may detect that the user has mounted a motorcycle and/or started it by local or wireless communication or motorcycle seat posture detection, for example, through servo/motors controlling and directing the articulation of brace sections in every possible direction and type of movement, using the set. At this stage, the control system may enter a mode for riding, in which further sensation and articulation are geared toward the activity of riding a motorcycle, and the set of brace sections may begin active tensioning, which may require the use of power from the control system 1005, but would not be warranted prior to triggering that operational mode. As the user begins to accelerate on the motorcycle, and ride, the system may anticipate or sense that acceleration, for example, from a separate accelerometer (not pictured) that is networked or otherwise in communication with the system. As a result, the control system 1005 may begin to take action to encourage or push the user's body into a proper orientation for such acceleration, such as a more leaned-forward position to bring or maintain the nose of the motorcycle, and front wheel down on the ground. Failing sufficient body actuation for such safe balance, the system may also actuate the accelerator of the motorcycle to reduce acceleration to remove the risk of the motorcycle flipping backward, or losing front-wheel-to-ground contact, depending on the aggressiveness of user safety settings. Alternatively, a wheel pressure, or balance point detector on the motorcycle may trigger such throttle actuation response, by the same criteria. The system may also engage actuated shielding to cover vital organs at the front of the rider, and add force-loading or locks via actuators, such as 1001, against the direction more likely to absorb a potential impact, or that incurs such an impact. As the user rounds corners, the system may correct critical errors in balancing, for example, by coordinated shifting and tilting actuation of sensor motors 1001 in all brace sections, preventing the motorcycle from tipping over and “dumping” on the ground at high speed. Such reactions may be heightened under circumstances indicating higher degrees of danger, such as heavy breaking at high speed, indicating that a collision is more likely. In addition, active collision detection, such as with sonar or other Doppler reflection from near objects or other object tracking analysis may be conducted by the system to detect or project potential collision. Depending on how specific such object, object-movement, and object-collision subsystems and sensors are, the system may also take other actions in response to potential and imminent impacts. For example, if a dense or large object is traveling directly at the user, the system may move the user's body slightly out of the way to avoid impact. If such an impact cannot be avoided, the system may begin locking sections or otherwise bracing, moving shielding to meet, or otherwise form a barrier to spinal or other bodily damage from the impact, and/or create a larger space for softer deceleration of body parts. In addition, the system may extend processes and shielding away from the user's body in the direction of potential impact and, if and as impact occurs, absorb the impact with process movement, to avoid acceleration of and impact with the user's body, with absorbing movements toward the space thereby created between the processes and the user's body. The system may also move the user's body part subject to collision further away from the object that is projected to be a source of potential impact, and decelerate the user's body more slowly through sensor/motor actuation during an impact (a “soft impact” technique). Processes may even be used to block, scatter, or move objects, causing them to roll off of the user's body.

Additional stabilization, preparation and protection may be accomplished with additional aspects, in communication with a control system, as set forth further, below. An exemplary control system for carrying out such steps as described here is also provided as FIG. 17.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary system-actuable impact-absorbing or locking rotary, extending, and tilting joint 1101, which may be used with a control system, as discussed above. As with other interlocking, yet limited freely-moving joints discussed in this application, joint 1101 includes an interlocked yet rotatable, shiftable and/or tiltable outer body, 1107, and inner body 1105. Also as with other joints set forth in this application, interlocking tabs on the outer body (1109) and inner body (1111) retain the overlapping, variably-moving relationship while preventing decoupling. New to the embodiment set forth in FIG. 11 are friction-variable resisting/holding members or textures, such as those shown as examples 1113. With sufficient space, resisting/holding members or textures 1113 on the inner surfaces of outer body 1107, and on the outer surfaces of inner body 1105, do not substantially interfere with the limited free movement of the joint, because they have a low enough profile and/or are sufficiently rounded at the edges to prevent binding. However, if outer layer 1107 is constricted or otherwise has its inner surface brought to bear on the outer surface of inner body 1105, such resistance or locking binding may occur.

In the embodiment pictured, a control system may variably actuate such joint resistance or binding by constricting electromotive actuator bands 1117, which may be connected to or otherwise in communication with the control system, for example, via communications wires 1119. As such, a control system may drive impact-absorbing resistance or protective locking and support to protect a user's body from injury, in accordance with other aspects of the invention set forth herein.

FIG. 12 depicts an integral set 1201 of brace sections, such as those shown as examples 1203, that each may contribute to absorbing, translating and transferring dangerous energy to a kinetic energy sink, to reduce peak forces and/or stress from impact and prevent rebound actions, such as whiplash. In addition to restricting dangerous over-movements as discussed elsewhere in this application, the brace sections discussed with reference to FIG. 12 are able to transfer movement(s) (and force(s) driving such movement) that approaches, approaches too rapidly or exceeds movement limits, for example, by flexible push rod(s) 1205, and gearing variably engaging and driving such rods from such movement. For example, as one or both rod(s) 1205 are driven upward and downward, they may drive force translation mechanisms ending in spinning a rotatable object. For example, in the instance of sideways tilting of the connected helmet 1209, the right-side rod 1205 is driven downward and the left-side rod 1205 is pulled upward by the movement of the attached brace section(s) 1208, for example, due to connection to the rods by the physical limiting tabs, or actuation of connection to the rods by a control system or locking reel, or other variably interconnecting mechanism. That rod movement may, in turn, drive rail-type push/pulling gear(s) 1207 in connection with rotary gear(s) 1212 driving a flywheel/gyro(s), wind- or other medium-resister 1213. A variable engagement mechanism, such as a ratchet or other one-way slip technique, or control system actuated engagement, preferably disengages the drive connecting flywheel(s) and/or gyro(s) to prevent the rebound (energy backflow) from the gyro(s)/flywheel(s) back to the rod(s) or other transfer or translation mechanisms. Preferably, two such flywheels and/or gyros, with equal moments of inertia and opposing rotations, are driven at equal speeds, regardless of the translated motion. Inherent or designed friction or other resistance may serve to dissipate the energy stored in the gyros (such as wind-resistance or tab colliding flaps 1216), as shown by radiation lines 1217, but such energy may be alternately translated and/or stored and spent for other use.

FIG. 13 depicts techniques for variable anchoring of a set 1301 of brace sections 1303, which may represent the types of sets set forth elsewhere in this application, to a vehicular platform, namely, in this example, the back of an automobile seat 1305. One or more brace sections 1303 within the set 1301 may include variably-locking female locking-tab-accepting slots 1307. When mounted on a user's body, at his or her back, set 1301 may be locked to complementary-shaped, interlocking tabs 1309 by the user simply leaning back in his or her seat 1305, if properly aligned or with the assistance of slopes and guides. At this point, the set 1301 is anchored to the seat 1305, but extending cables (not pictured) to the tab-containing seat panel 1311 may permit the user to move his or her back from a position flat against the seat, under some modes of operation. In the event of a crash, a control system may, however, safely reel the user back against the back of the seat, and lock panel 1311 in place (as shown) (for example, with actuable, drivable and lockable locking reels for the cable(s)) in the seatback, to create more space for a potential impact and/or aid in moving or decelerating the user's body more softly during an impact. Similarly, the seat itself, within the vehicle, may be moved further away from the direction of a potential impact (for example by rails of varying directions of articulation), such that a control system may use the additional space thereby created to moderate the force of impact, or even move a user's body out of the way of such an impact.

Other bracing, shielding and impact-softening aspects may be so modulated by a control system in anticipation of or during an impact, as discussed previously in the context of a system for a motorcycle user in FIG. 10, above, in the instance of use of such a control system in an automobile.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, an extending, variably-positioned, multiple-sectioned impact softening aspect 1401 may be brought to decelerate a user's body more softly and evenly than conventional airbags, in a variety of orientations during impact. By anticipating an impact, and extending aspect 1401 downward (though telescoping airbag-inflating frame sections 1407) from a stowing container 1405 in the vehicle roof 1403, the control system may activate individually-filled individual airbag sections 1409. The individual airbag sections include air transmission gates on their neighboring borders 1411, however, that are preferably open during initial (pre-vehicle-impact) inflation only. Due to those variably open gates, the initial inflation of each airbag chamber 1409 is accomplished to a degree filling the available space more appropriately and specifically than an individual airbag. For example, if a user, such as the human user 1413 is leaned over toward the steering wheel (moreso than pictured) the bottom-most airbag chamber 1415 may have more room, and fill more greatly than lower chambers, when impact is anticipated or initially detected, because the top-most chamber 1419 encountered the user's head earlier than the bottom-most chamber 1415 encountered the user's chest and gas sent from inflation ports, such as those examples shown as 1421, is diverted through gates/borders 1411 toward the lower chambers. After reaching a maximum overall pre-user deceleration positive pressure increase, the overall chamber system and its control system may then close gates/borders 1411, to absorb the impact of the user's body without spilling gas between individual chambers 1409. In addition, to accommodate a wide variety of user positions, the stowing container 1403, or parts thereof, may be mobile (for example, on tracks) within roof 1403, such that, during pre-impact or initial impact detection and inflation, the system moves from a front-most position backwards, as shown by motion arrow 1423, until the airbag chambers 1409 each make initial contact with an obstacle—such as part of the user's body at a desired angle with adequate air-bag cushioning for deceleration of the user's body. Although shown pivoting and telescoping downward, frame sections 1407 may be stowed in a lateral direction, to maximize the useable space in the roof, and also may telescope only after reaching an ideal pivoting position (avoiding interference with the user's arms and other undesired bodies, prior to inflation, creating more space for deceleration of the user's body). To accomplish rotation along multiple axes, a rotary joint deploying system 1401 may take on alternate forms, such as ball-and-socket, while still permitting the flow of gas through it or around it (in a separate channel) into sections 1407, and out through ports 1421. Also, additional telescoping frame sections may telescope outward at varying angles, such as telescoping frame section 1425, for example, to cover side or rear-quarter impact decelerations of the user's body.

The impact-protective aspects of a crash control system may therefore be used in an automobile impact scenario, as well as a motorcycle impact scenario, as discussed previously. By using semi-separated chambers and/or individually filling them, as necessary, an equal timing of body-retaining pressure may be exerted on the user's body by a control system, avoiding movement differentials between the user's body and head during impact, which can be a cause of whiplash.

Similarly, blocking extending flanges, shields or space-creating extending sticks or other members can be actuated by such a system on a motorcycle during a crash impact, or upon “dumping” a bike in a crash, to prevent the motorcycle from crushing or dragging the user's leg(s).

FIG. 15 depicts a brace section for protecting and supporting a user's spine and other related body parts, with an alternative form of circular-movement-creating sliding/telescoping members 1503, similar to those discussed with reference to FIG. 2, above, but with a more compact design when not in extension (due to rotation). As with the circular, sliding attachment members discussed with reference to FIG. 2, sliding members 1503 (comprising a body-holding process) create circular pivoting movement, supporting a user's free rotational movement within tolerated safe limits, and the circular movement centers on a preferred pivot point 1505 for protecting the user's spinal column, spine and surrounding structures. In addition, however, the complex of multiple sliding members 1503 and optional tilt-stopping suspension elements 1508 permit tilting within safe limits, governed by locking tabs 1507. In addition, the ability of the multiple sliding members to collapse and telescope within one another, and inside a substantially smaller (than in other brace sections) outer housing 1509, means that the sections, and entire set, can take up far less room in a neutral (centered) position, while still performing the concentric rotation function. Urging the neutral position is optional force-biasing 1513, which tends to pull each sliding member 1503, to the center, within housing 1509. Alternatively, or in addition, a cable may also fix a maximum extended distance between the body-hugging processes. Again, body-holding processes 1517 may grip the user's body at the relevant region for the brace section, protecting the body from regional and overall over-movement, along with other conjoined aspects, such as rods and other neighboring elements, as discussed in this application.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view depicting a rapidly-deployed head-wrapping, -conforming, and -protecting frame 1601, with inflating internal cushions 1605 for protecting and more gradually decelerating a user's head in during an impact. As with the aspects of the invention discussed with reference to FIG. 14, multiple, telescoping frame sections 1603 may be extended by a control system, such as, but not limited to a hardware and software control system such as that shown as 1607, and such as that discussed with reference to FIG. 17, below, and with respect to other drawings in this application. When the control system 1607 detects an imminent or initiating collision (e.g., by accelerometers or other collision sensors or object approach sensors) of sufficient danger to the user's head and neck area (for example, by foreign object tracking), the system may deploy gas, for example, from compressed sources 1609, which may then serve to extend and eject the telescoping frame sections 1603 from a housing, mounted on the user's back, for example, on a shoulder-slung harness 1611. As with other physical augmentations worn by a user in this application, frame harness 1611, along with its variably-housed, ejectable frame 1601, may be integrated with apparel, such as a motorcycle jacket. As compressed gas exits sources 1609, it may enter a frame-deployment housing 1613, and eject frame sections 1603 upward and out of that housing, as illustrated by motion arrows 1615. This initial movement is shown by the condition of telescoping sections 1603 depicted as “Stage 1,” in which the sections have been ejected initially into two long columns, each section aligned with the other. Following this, as the sections 1615 reach their terminal, extended length upward, and all more distant, narrower sections emerge completely from their larger neighbors, interfacing surfaces on those interfacing section housings may become curved and more tightly fitted, and begin to force the sections into a second, wrapping configuration, about the user's head and neck, shown as “Stage 2,” caused by those interfacing curves. As this occurs, preferably, the sections fan out into a wider configuration substantially protecting the entirety of the user's head, and lock into that position, for example, with the aid of locking tabs at terminal positions between each abutting section. With no further extension possible, the ejecting gas may next empty from ports in the sections 1603, upon reaching sufficient pressure to overcome valves at those ports (not pictured) and proceed to fill air bags that then exit from and surround the inner (head or neck-facing) face of each section, cushioning the user's head and neck.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of some elements of an exemplary control system 1700 that may be used in accordance with aspects of the present invention, such as, but not limited to, actuating sensors, motors and other actuators in connection with structural aspects, such as braces, brace sections, interconnecting rods, restraint systems, arms, rails, cables and frame pieces, to protect a user's body from over-motion with safety limits and otherwise protect it from the forces of impacts—for example, from sporting or vehicular activities. The generic and other components and aspects described herein are not exhaustive of the many different systems and variations, including a number of possible hardware aspects and machine-readable media that might be used, in accordance with the present invention. Rather, the system 1700 is described to make clear how aspects may be implemented. Among other components, the system 1700 includes an input/output device 1701, a memory device 1703, storage media and/or hard disk recorder and/or cloud storage port or connection device 1705, and a processor or processors 1707. The processor(s) 1707 is (are) capable of receiving, interpreting, processing and manipulating signals and executing instructions for further processing and for output, pre-output or storage in and outside of the system. The processor(s) 1707 may be general or multipurpose, single- or multi-threaded, and may have a single core or several processor cores, including, but not limited to, microprocessors. Among other things, the processor(s) 1707 is/are capable of processing signals and instructions for the input/output device 1701, analog receiver/storage/converter device 1719, analog in/out device 1721, and/or analog/digital or other combination apparatus 1723 to cause a display, light-affecting apparatus and/or other user interface with active physical controls (any of which may be comprised in a GUI) to be provided for use by a user on hardware, such as a personal computer monitor or PDA screen (including, but not limited to, monitors or touch- and gesture-actuable displays) or terminal monitor with a mouse and keyboard or other input hardware and presentation and input software (as in a software application GUI), and/or other physical controls. Alternatively, or in addition, the system, using processors 1707 and input/output devices 1719, 1721 and/or 1723, may accept and exert passive and other physical (e.g., tactile) user and environmental input and output.

For example, and in connection with aspects of the invention discussed in reference to the remaining figures, the system may carry out any aspects of the present invention as necessary with associated hardware and using specialized software, including, but not limited to, controlling the form, structural strength, holding force, conformation with a user's body, reaction(s) and other movement of brace sections, frame pieces, cushioning (including gas-inflated cushioning) and other aspects holding and protecting aspects of the user's body using attached sensor/motors and other actuating devices. The system may also, among many other things described for control systems in this application, respond to user, sensor and other input (for example, by a user-actuated GUI controlled by computer hardware and software or by another physical control) to activate/deactivate or release/fasten or reel in support and protective devices, and detect and analyze body dynamics, collision hazards, balance, and any other factor. The system 1701 may also permit the user and/or system-variation of settings, including but not limited to the affects of user activity on modes of operation of the system, and send external alerts and other communications (for example, to emergency personnel) via external communication devices, for any control system aspect that may require or benefit from such external or system-extending communications.

The processor 1707 is capable of processing instructions stored in memory devices 1703 and/or 1705 (and/or ROM or RAM), and may communicate with any of these, and/or any other connected component, via system buses 1775. Input/output device 1701 is capable of input/output operations for the system, and may include/communicate with any number of input and/or output hardware, such as a computer mouse, keyboard, entry pad, actuable display, networked or connected second computer, other GUI aspects, camera(s) or scanner(s), sensor(s), sensor/motor(s), range-finders, GPS systems, receiver(s), transmitter(s), transceiver(s), transflecting transceivers (“transflecters”), antennas, electromagnetic actuator(s), mixing board, reel-to-reel tape recorder, external hard disk recorder (solid state or rotary), additional hardware controls (such as, but not limited to, buttons and switches, and actuators (such as, but not limited to, the type of physical resistive force adjusting device discussed with reference to FIG. 11), light sources, speakers, additional video and/or sound editing system or gear, filters, computer display screen or touch screen. It is to be understood that the input and output of the system may be in any useable form, including, but not limited to, signals, data, commands/instructions and output for presentation and manipulation by a user in a GUI. Such a GUI hardware unit and other input/output devices could implement a user interface created by machine-readable means, such as software, permitting the user to carry out any of the user settings, commands and input/output discussed above, and elsewhere in this application.

1701, 1703, 1705, 1707, 1719, 1721 and 1723 are connected and able to communicate communications, transmissions and instructions via system busses 2375. Storage media and/or hard disk recorder and/or cloud storage port or connection device 2305 is capable of providing mass storage for the system, and may be a computer-readable medium, may be a connected mass storage device (e.g., flash drive or other drive connected to a U.S.B. port or Wi-Fi) may use back-end (with or without middle-ware) or cloud storage over a network (e.g., the internet) as either a memory backup for an internal mass storage device or as a primary memory storage means, or may simply be an internal mass storage device, such as a computer hard drive or optical drive.

Generally speaking, the system may be implemented as a client/server arrangement, where features of the invention are performed on a remote server, networked to the client and made a client and server by software on both the client computer and server computer. Input and output devices may deliver their input and receive output by any known means of communicating and/or transmitting communications, signals, commands and/or data input/output, including, but not limited to, input through the devices illustrated in examples shown as 1717, such as 1709, 1711, 1713, 1715, and 1777 and any other devices, hardware or other input/output generating and receiving aspects. Any phenomenon that may be sensed may be managed, manipulated and distributed and may be taken or converted as input or output through any sensor or carrier known in the art. In addition, directly carried elements (for example a light stream taken by fiber optics from a view of a scene) may be directly managed, manipulated and distributed in whole or in part to enhance output, and whole ambient light or other RF information for an environmental region may be taken by a series of sensors dedicated to angles of detection, or an omnidirectional sensor or series of sensors which record direction as well as the presence of electromagnetic or other radiation. While this example is illustrative, it is understood that any form of electromagnetism, compression wave or other sensory phenomenon may include such sensory directional and 3D locational information, which may also be made possible by multiple locations of sensing, preferably, in a similar, if not identical, time frame. The system may condition, select all or part of, alter and/or generate composites from all or part of such direct or analog image or other sensory transmissions, including physical samples (such as DNA, fingerprints, iris, and other biometric samples or scans) and may combine them with other forms of data, such as image files, dossiers or metadata, if such direct or data encoded sources are used.

While the illustrated system example 1700 may be helpful to understand the implementation of aspects of the invention, it is understood that any form of computer system may be used to implement many control system and other aspects of the invention—for example, a simpler computer system containing just a processor (datapath and control) for executing instructions from a memory or transmission source. The aspects or features set forth may be implemented with, and in any combination of, digital electronic circuitry, hardware, software, firmware, or in analog or direct (such as electromagnetic wave-based, physical wave-based or analog electronic, magnetic or direct transmission, without translation and the attendant degradation, of the medium) systems or circuitry or associational storage and transmission, any of which may be aided with enhancing media from external hardware and software, optionally, by wired or wireless networked connection, such as by LAN, WAN or the many connections forming the internet or local networks. The system can be embodied in a tangibly-stored computer program, as by a machine-readable medium and propagated signal, for execution by a programmable processor. The method steps of the embodiments of the present invention also may be performed by such a programmable processor, executing a program of instructions, operating on input and output, and generating output. A computer program includes instructions for a computer to carry out a particular activity to bring about a particular result, and may be written in any programming language, including compiled and uncompiled, interpreted languages, assembly languages and machine language, and can be deployed in any form, including a complete program, module, component, subroutine, or other suitable routine for a computer program.

Claims

1. A system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s), comprising a set of connected variable-position and/or variable relative movement (with respect to one another) brace sections, each of which holds and/or otherwise confines at least part of the user's body, and each of which encounters both local (with respect to other, neighboring brace sections) and overall (with respect to a foundation or the remainder of the set) limits to its range of movement and, thereby, the range of movement of parts of the user's body.

2. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 1, in which the system further comprises a centering or other resting conformation bias, which may comprise a force bias such as a spring, for returning or urging the brace sections to a desired default posture.

3. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 1, in which said limits to its range of movement comprise rotational limits.

4. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 3, in which said rotational limits further comprise a central point(s), line(s) or curve(s) (or progression thereof) of rotation located within a desired area of protection from over movement within the user's body.

5. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 4, in which said central point(s), line(s) or curve(s) (or progression thereof) of rotation is/are located within or about the user's spinal cord, or within or about a potential location of a potential user's spinal cord.

6. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 5, in which said central point(s), line(s) or curve(s) (or progression thereof) of rotation is/are located, at least in part, at or about the center of a vertebral foramen and/or spinal cord of a user or a potential center of a vertebral foramen and/or spinal cord of a potential user.

7. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 5, in which said central point(s), line(s) or curve(s) (or progression thereof) of rotation is/are located, at least in part, at or about an evidentiarily-established potential center of rotation of at least one of a user's (or potential user's) vertebra in vivo, such as, but not limited to, a location at or about the anterior edge of the spinal cord and/or the posterior edge of the vertebral body.

8. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 1, in which the system is integrated into a user-wearable harness or garment, such as a racing jacket, which may also contain other shielding and/or padding.

9. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 8, further comprising shoulder and/or posterior straps for better controlling extension and/or compression of the system and/or part of the user's body.

10. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 1, in which an upper brace section comprises a motion-controlling variable fastener for variably attaching a head and/or neck-gripping helmet or other process(es) to control over-movement of the user's head and/or neck relative to the remainder of his or her spine or associated body parts beyond safe limits.

11. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 10, further comprising a user-actuable release for decoupling said head and/or neck-gripping helmet or other process(es) from said upper brace section.

12. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 1, in which a lower brace section comprises a motion-controlling variable fastener for variably attaching a posterior and/or pelvis-gripping brace, straps, harness other process(es) to control over-movement of the user's pelvis and/or other extremities relative to the remainder of his or her spine or associated body parts beyond safe limits.

13. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 1, in which said limits comprise limits to the tilt of each section of each section and/or associated body part(s).

14. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 1, in which said limits comprise limits to the lateral shift of each section of each section and/or associated body part(s).

15. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 1, in which said limits comprise limits to the extension and/or compression of each section and/or associated body part(s).

16. The system for permitting movement while controlling over-movement of a user's body in the same direction(s) of claim 1, in which said limits comprise limits to the rotation, tilt, lateral shift and extension/compression of each section and/or associated (held or otherwise confined) body part(s).

17. A set of variable user-confining braces in which a computer hardware and software control system actively controls the location and safe limits of movement, including functions or progressions of movement, of at least parts of a user's body to prepare it for and/or decrease the risk of injury from (projected) potential, imminent or initiated impacts in a crash.

18. The set of variable user-confining braces of claim 17, further comprising in which said braces are or comprise seatbelts or may variably couple with a variable-length, system-actuable cable, seat or other structural platform in a motor vehicle.

19. A set of user-confining braces in which force against said braces beyond acceleration and/or other physical limits may result in absorbing and/or transferring and translating energy from that force to a kinetic sink.

20. The set of user-confining braces of claim 19, further comprising in which said absorbing and/or transferring may be accomplished, at least in part, by push rods and said kinetic sink may comprise, at least in part, dual gyros and/or flywheels and/or a resistive medium, and in which the transfer is one-way only (to the sink, gyro(s) and/or flywheel(s)), preventing rebound from the kinetic sink, accomplished, for example, by operation a ratchet or other one-way slip rotational device.