HEAD AND NECK SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

A head and neck support device for a user of a vehicle with a safety harness over the shoulders of the user and a helmet on a head of the user is provided having a collar and a plurality of tethers. The helmet is configured to interact with the collar or the shoulder of the user to limit rotation of the head of the user. Lateral motions and associated forces on the user's head and spine are reduced by the transfer of associated forces to the user's body through the plurality of tethers and the interaction between the helmet and the collar or shoulder of the user.

Description

This application claims priority to and the benefit of US. Provisional Application No. 61/035,933, filed on Mar. 12, 2008, which is incorporated in its entirety in this document by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of head and neck support devices for use by users of cars, boats, aircraft, and the like. More particularly, the present application relates to an improved helmet and tethering system for a head and neck support device which acts to transfer force away from the neck of the user through the device to the safety harness of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The driver and other users of high performance cars, planes, boats and other vehicles (collectively, “vehicles”) typically wear equipment designed to reduce physical harm during use of the vehicle but especially to reduce physical harm during sudden deceleration or impact of the vehicle. Standard pieces of such equipment include a helmet to reduce head injury and a safety harness attached to the vehicle for restraining torso movement relative to the seat and vehicle.

It was long ago realized that the neck undergoes various motions and forces during deceleration. In response, various devices have been developed in an attempt to reduce the amount of motions and forces experienced by the neck during deceleration. Additionally, devices have been developed to transmit forces from the helmeted head to the torso in an attempt to reduce neck muscle fatigue and extreme head motions. While these devices may reduce neck muscle fatigue and extreme head motions, they may also lead to other problems.

Generally, present head and neck restraint devices that have proven to be variously effective in reducing the forces on a user's neck by restricting the extent of motion of the head with respect to the torso rely on a restrictive force being carried partially or fully to the torso. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,566 to Hubbard describes a head and neck support device with two tethers that are attached between the respective sides of the device user's helmet and the rear of the head and neck support device. The head and neck support device described in the '566 patent has a yoke that is configured to fit around the back of the user's shoulders, adjacent the neck, and on the front of the user's chest. The yoke defines a forward facing opening so that the user can put on the head and neck support device by placing their head and neck through the opening. In a further aspect, the upper surface of the yoke has a frictional material placed on it so that the vehicle seat belts can hold the yoke in place. This inhibits forward motion of the device and assists in overcoming the forward forces of the tethers pulling at the rear of the device by the head/helmet and by the chest and shoulders dragging on the underside of the yoke.

The head and neck support device disclosed in the '566 patent restrains the head and neck in primarily the forward direction of travel of the vehicle. However, forces may be exerted on the user from directions other than the forward direction of travel. Thus, what is needed is a head and neck support device that effectively transfers forces associated with lateral motions to the user's body, reducing the transfer of associated forces on the user's head and spine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to various embodiments, the present invention is a head and neck support device for use in high performance vehicles. In one embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of tethers, a collar comprising a pair of opposed side members defining an opening for a neck of the user, and a means for selectively limiting translation and/or rotation of the head of the user relative to the collar. In one aspect, each of the opposed side members can have a load bearing surface wherein at least a portion of the load bearing surface is configured to engage a safety harness of the vehicle, and a platform wherein at least a portion of the platform is configured to interact with a bottom edge of a helmet or an extension thereof worn by the vehicle user. In another aspect, each tether of the plurality of tethers can have a first end selectively connected to one of the pair of opposed side members, and a second end selectively connected to the helmet.

In use, according to this embodiment, the device effectively transfers lateral forces to the torso of the user, reducing neck fatigue and potentially injurious head motions. Each member of the pair of opposed side members can be placed over a shoulder of the user and can be secured to the user with the vehicle safety harness. The tethers and the interaction between the platform of each of the pair of opposed side members and the helmet can restrain the user's head from rotating and/or translating beyond a desired position upon exertion of a lateral force.

In another embodiment, the device comprises a helmet that is selectively mountable on a head of a user, a collar comprising a pair of opposed side members configured to be worn by a user of a vehicle, and a means for selectively limiting translation and/or rotation of the head of the user relative to the collar. In this embodiment, the opposed side members of the collar can define an opening for a neck of the user. In one aspect, at least a portion of a bottom edge of the helmet can define at least one downwardly extending extension member that extends downwardly longitudinally relative to the bottom edge of the helmet to a distal end that is positioned a predetermined distance from the shoulders of the user when the helmet is placed on the head of the user. In another aspect, each of the opposed side members can have a load bearing surface configured such that at least a portion of the load bearing surface can engage a safety harness of the vehicle, and at least a portion of the load bearing surface can be configured to interact with at least a portion of the bottom edge of the helmet. In another aspect, each tether of the plurality of tethers can have a first end selectively connected to one of the pair of opposed side members, and a second end selectively connected to the helmet.

According to this embodiment, each member of the pair of opposed side members can be placed over a shoulder of the user and can be secured to the user with the vehicle safety harness. The helmet can be placed on the head of the user. Upon exertion of a lateral force upon the user, the tethers and the interaction between the load bearing surface of each of the pair of opposed side members and the bottom edge of the helmet can restrain the user's head from rotating and/or translating beyond a desired position.

In yet another embodiment, the device comprises a helmet configured to be selectively mountable on a head of the user, a plurality of tethers, and a means for selectively limiting translation and/or rotation of the head of the user relative to a longitudinal axis extending through the neck of the user. In one aspect, the helmet can have an extension such that at least a portion of a bottom edge of the helmet extends downwardly longitudinally to a predetermined distance from the shoulders of the user when the helmet is placed on the head of the user. In another aspect, the extension of the helmet can be configured to interact with the shoulders of the user. In still another aspect, a first end and a second end of each tether can be configured to be selectively attached to the helmet, and a center portion of each tether can be configured to engage the safety harness of the vehicle.

According to this embodiment, the helmet can be placed on the head of the user, the first and second ends of each tether can be attached to the helmet and a center portion of each tether can engage the safety harness of the vehicle. Upon exertion of a lateral force upon the user, the tethers and the interaction between the shoulders of the user and the bottom edge of the helmet can restrain the user's head from rotating and/or translating beyond a desired position.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is front view of an embodiment of the head and neck support device mounted on a user.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1 mounted on the user after application of a lateral force.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1 mounted on the user, showing rotational and translational movement of the head of the user after application of a lateral force.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of one aspect of the collar member of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of another aspect of the collar of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is front view of another embodiment of the head and neck support device mounted on a user.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the head and neck support device of FIG. 5 mounted on the user after application of a lateral force.

FIG. 7 is front view of another embodiment of the head and neck support device mounted on a user.

FIG. 8 is a perspective close-up view of a portion of the head and neck support device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the head and neck support device of FIG. 7 mounted on the user after application of a lateral force.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one aspect of a side member of the collar of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another aspect of a side member of the collar of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12A is a side view of a collar of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1 mounted on the user, according to one aspect.

FIG. 12B is a front view of a side member of the collar of the head and neck support device of FIG. 12A mounted on the user.

FIG. 12C is a top view of a side member of the collar of the head and neck support device of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a collar of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1, according to one aspect.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a collar of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1, according to another aspect.

FIG. 14A is perspective view of a sliding tether anchor of a head and neck support device, according to one aspect.

FIG. 14B is perspective view of a sliding tether anchor of a head and neck support device, according to another aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “tether” can include two or more such tethers unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

As used herein, the term “attached” means joined by a connection that may be permanent or one that is effectively permanent in service but capable of being connected and disconnected to aid installation and use of the device or component. It is further contemplated that such connections may also be made using materials or devices capable of permitting rotations about the connection point.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

A head and neck support device is provided, according to various embodiments of the present application. In various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the head and neck support device 10 comprises a plurality of tethers 40 and a collar 20 comprising a pair of opposed side members 22, 24. In one aspect, the pair of opposed side members of the collar can define an opening for a neck of a user. In another aspect, the collar can have a longitudinal axis that bisects the opening. In still another aspect, the longitudinal axis of the collar can be in a movement plane that is coplanar with the longitudinal axis and that bisects opposed portions of the respective pair of opposed side members. In another aspect, the device can selectively limit movement of the head of the user, such as translation and/or rotation of the head, relative to the movement plane and the longitudinal axis of the collar.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate two aspects of a first embodiment of the collar 20 of the head and neck support device. In these aspects, each member 22, 24 of the pair of opposed side members of the collar 20 can have a load bearing surface 26 having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. In another aspect, the load bearing surface can be located on a top surface 28 of each of the pair of opposed side members. The load bearing surface can have a predetermined longitudinal width that is preferably wider than the width of a shoulder belt 60 of the safety harness of the vehicle, and can be configured to engage the safety harness. In one aspect, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the load bearing surface 26 can be provided with a friction material 34, coating, or the like that is configured to resist slipping.

In another aspect, each member of the pair of opposed side members can have a beam 27 having a proximal end connected to an inner side edge of each of the respective side members and extending substantially transverse to at least a portion of the load bearing surface of the respective side members. In still another aspect, each member 22, 24 of the pair of opposed side members can have a platform 30 connected to a distal end of the beam such that the platform can be positioned from and overlie at least a portion of the load bearing surface 26. The platform can have, in another aspect, an upper surface 36 configured to interact with at least a portion of a bottom edge 72 of a helmet 70 of the user, described more fully below. In one aspect, the beam 27 can have a longitudinal length of between about zero and six inches. Thus, when the length of the beam is 0 inches, the upper surface of the platform and the load bearing surface can be the same surface. In another aspect, at least a portion of the upper surface 36 of the platform 30 can have a width that is preferably greater than at least a portion of the width of the bottom edge of the helmet of the user.

In an exemplary aspect, the collar 20 can have a portion of a bottom surface 32 of each member of the pair of opposed side members that is configured to conform to the shoulders 52 of the user 50 of the vehicle. In another aspect, a portion of the bottom surface of each member 22, 24 of the pair of opposed side members can be configured to conform to portions of the shoulders and/or the front torso/chest 54 of the user of the vehicle.

In various aspects, the distance between the upper surface 36 of the platform 30 and the load bearing surface 26 can be selectively adjustable. As illustrated in FIG. 10, in one aspect, the beam 27 can be formed from a first beam segment 127 and a second beam segment 128 that can cooperate with each other to form the beam. In other aspects, at least a portion of the second beam segment 128 can be constructed and arranged for selectively clamping onto a portion of the first beam segment 127. In one aspect, for example, at least one slot 129 can be defined therein the first and second beam segments. In this aspect, the at least one slot defined in the first and second beam segments can be substantially co-axially aligned such that a portion of a fastener can be inserted through the at least one slot of the first and second beam segments. Thus, the fastener can selectively secure the second beam segment 128 to the first beam segment 127 such that the upper surface 36 of the platform 30 is a desired distance from the load bearing surface 26 of the collar 20. In use, the position of the second beam segment and the platform can be adjusted by loosening the fastener or other clamping device, adjusting the upper surface of the platform into the desired position, and tightening the fastener or other clamping device to secure the platform in the desired position.

FIG. 11 illustrates another aspect of an adjustable upper surface 36 of the platform. In this aspect, a spacing element 38 can be configured to overlie at least a portion of the platform of the collar 20. In another aspect, a plurality of spacing elements having varied thicknesses can be supplied to the user 50 of the device 10. In still another aspect, the spacing element can be selectively detachable, so that the user can select a spacing element having a desired thickness from the plurality of spacing elements and attach that desired spacing element to the platform, thereby positioning the upper surface 36 a desired distance from the load bearing surface 26 of the collar 20. In another aspect, the spacing element 38 can have a thickness that varies at different locations as the spacing element overlies the platform 30. Thus, the distance from the upper surface of the platform 30 to the load bearing surface can be varied, as desired.

In various other aspects, each member 22, 24 of the pair of opposed side members of the collar 20 can have a tether attachment point 48. In one aspect, the tether attachment point can be a fixed attachment point configured for attaching a tether 40 to the collar 20 at a stationary position. In another aspect, however, the tether attachment point 48 can be a sliding tether attachment point. In one aspect, the sliding tether attachment point can be a slot defined in the load bearing surface or the platform 30 of the collar 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C. In another aspect, the sliding tether attachment point can be configured for receiving a portion of a tether therein. In this aspect, a first end 42 of the tether can be threaded through the slot in the platform and can be attached to a center portion 46 of the tether or to a helmet attachment point. A second end 44 of the tether can be attached to the helmet attachment point. In use, a portion of the tether can be permitted to slide in at least a portion of the slot in response to movement from the user and/or external force applied to the user. It is contemplated that in an impact with a significant longitudinal component (i.e., in a purely forward or rearward direction with respect to the body of the user), the sliding tether attachment point can decrease the potential for injurious upper neck loads.

In another aspect, the sliding tether attachment point 48 can be an offset rod 49 fixedly attached to the platform 30 or the load bearing surface 26, as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B. The offset rod can have an offset portion that is separated from the platform or load bearing surface and configured for receiving a portion of the tether 40. In one aspect, the offset rod can be positioned on the platform or load bearing surface on an inside portion of the platform or load bearing surface (i.e., nearer to the center of the user), as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 13A. In another aspect, the offset rod 49 can be positioned on the platform 30 or load bearing surface 26 on an outside portion of the platform or load bearing surface (i.e., farther from the center of the user), as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 13B. In use, according to this aspect, the first end 42 of the tether can be threaded around the offset portion of the offset rod 49 and can be attached to the center portion 46 of the tether or to the helmet attachment point. The second end 44 of the tether can be attached to the helmet attachment point. In one aspect, the a portion of the tether can be permitted to slide along at least a portion of the offset portion of the offset rod in response to movement from the user and/or external force applied to the user. Again, it is contemplated that in an impact with a significant longitudinal component, the sliding tether attachment point can decrease the potential for injurious upper neck loads.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in one exemplary aspect, the head and neck support device 10 of the present application can further comprise a plurality of tethers 40. Each tether of the plurality of tethers can have a fixed length that extends a predetermined distance between the respective first and second ends. In one aspect, the fixed length of the tether can be operatively selected.

A head and neck support device according to this embodiment can be assembled to comprise any or all of the components as described above. In one aspect, each member 22, 24 of the pair of opposed side members of the collar 20 can be placed on a shoulder 52 of the user 50 of the vehicle. The shoulder belts 60 of the vehicle safety harness 62 can be placed over the load bearing surface 26 of the side members. In another aspect, the shoulder belts can engage the friction material 34, coating, or the like of the load bearing surface of the side members, thereby holding each member 22, 24 of the pair of opposed side members in place on the user. In still another aspect, the upper surface of the platform 30 of each member of the pair of opposed side members can be positioned substantially coplanar to each other after the pair of opposed side members have been held to the user 50 of the vehicle with the vehicle safety harness 62. In a further aspect, and as described in more detail below, the first end 42 of each tether 40 of the plurality of tethers can be selectively connected to a tether attachment point 48 on each member 22, 24 of the pair of opposed side members and the second end 44 of each tether can be selectively connected to an attachment point on the helmet 70.

In a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the head and neck support device 10 can comprise a plurality of tethers 40, a collar 20 comprising a pair of opposed side members 22, 24 and a helmet 70 that is selectively mountable on the head of the user. In this embodiment, the plurality of tethers and the collar can be as previously described.

The helmet 70 of this embodiment can be a conventional helmet, as is commonly known in the arts. In an exemplary aspect, however, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, at least a portion of a bottom edge 72 of the helmet can define at least one downwardly extending extension member 74 that extends downwardly longitudinally relative to the bottom edge of the helmet to a distal end that is positioned a predetermined distance from the shoulders 52 of the user 50 when the helmet is placed on the head 56 of the user. In this aspect, at least a portion of the bottom edge of the at least one extension member of the helmet 70 can be configured to interact with at least a portion of the upper surface 36 of the platform 30 or the load bearing surfaces 26 of the pair of opposed side members 22, 24. By extending the at least one extension member of the helmet, when the helmet is placed on the user 50, the distance from the upper surfaces or the load bearing surfaces to the bottom edge of the helmet is decreased relative to a conventional helmet design.

In one aspect, the at least one downwardly extending extension 74 member can comprise a pair of downwardly extending extension members that are positioned in substantial opposition to each other on opposed sides of the helmet. Thus, in contrast to conventional helmet designs that do not have a downwardly extending extension member, the amount of head/helmet rotation around a pivot point on the longitudinal axis of the user is limited because the helmet 70 of the present system has less distance to travel before at least a portion of the distal end of the at least one downwardly extending extension member 74 interferes with or otherwise interacts with at least a portion of the upper surfaces 36 of the platform or the load bearing surfaces 26 of the collar 20.

In another aspect, it is contemplated that the at least one extension member 74 can be incorporated into the helmet design as either a fixed or adjustable element. In one aspect, an adjustable at least one extension member can be formed from a sliding member that can cooperate with the helmet to form the adjustable at least one extension member. In other aspects, at least a portion of the sliding member can be constructed and arranged for selectively clamping onto a portion of the helmet 70. In one aspect, for example, at least one slot can be defined therein the sliding member and the helmet. In this aspect, the at least one slot defined in the sliding member and the helmet can be substantially co-axially aligned such that a portion of a fastener can be inserted through the at least one slot of the sliding member and the helmet. Thus, the fastener can selectively secure the sliding member to the helmet 70 such that the bottom edge 72 of the helmet is a desired distance from the upper surface 36 of the platform 30 or the load bearing surface 26 of the collar 20. In use, the position of the bottom edge of the helmet can be adjusted by loosening the fastener or other clamping device, adjusting the sliding member so that the bottom edge of the helmet is in the desired position, and tightening the fastener or other clamping device to secure the bottom edge of the helmet in the desired position.

In a third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a head and neck support device 10 comprises a helmet 70 configured to be selectively mountable on the head 56 of the user 50 and a plurality of tethers 40. In an exemplary aspect, at least a portion of a bottom edge 72 of the helmet can define at least one downwardly extending extension member that extends downwardly longitudinally relative to a distal end that is positioned a predetermined distance from the shoulders 52 of the user when the helmet is placed on the head of the user. In this aspect, at least a portion of the bottom edge of the at least one extension member 74 of the helmet 70 can be configured to interact with at least a portion of a shoulder of the user. By extending at least one extension member of the helmet, when the helmet is placed on the user 50, the distance from the shoulder of the user to the bottom edge of the helmet is decreased relative to a conventional helmet design. In one aspect, the at least one downwardly extending extension member 74 can comprise a pair of downwardly extending extension members that are positioned in substantial opposition to each other on opposed sides of the helmet 70. As noted above, it is contemplated that such an extension member can be incorporated into the helmet design as either a fixed or adjustable element, as previously described. Thus, the amount of head/helmet rotation around a pivot point on the longitudinal axis of the user 50 is limited because the helmet has less distance to travel to interfere with or otherwise interact with the shoulders 52 of the user than if the helmet did not have the at least one extension member 74 extending therefrom.

Still with reference to FIG. 7, each tether 40 of the plurality of tethers of the head and neck support device 10 of the present embodiment can have a fixed length that extends a predetermined distance between the respective first and second ends and defines a tether center portion 46. In one aspect, the fixed length of the tether can be operatively selected.

In this embodiment, the first end 42 of each tether 40 of the plurality of tethers can be selectively connected to an attachment point on the helmet. The second end 44 of each tether of the plurality of tethers can be placed under the shoulder belt 60 of the vehicle safety harness 62, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, before also being selectively connected to the helmet 70. Thus, the center portion of each tether can engage the harness. In one aspect, the first end 42 of a tether and the second end of that tether can be connected to the helmet at a common attachment point. In another aspect, the first end of a tether and the second end of that tether 40 can be connected to the helmet 70 at separate attachment points. In still another aspect, the length of each tether can be selected to allow the user a predetermined range of head motion when the tether is selectively attached to the helmet and threaded under the safety harness as described herein. Thus, in this embodiment, the amount of head/helmet rotation around a pivot point on a longitudinal axis of the neck of the user 50 can be limited because the helmet 70 can be restrained by a tether and/or by the interference of the at least one extension member 74 of the helmet and a shoulder 52 of the user.

In yet another aspect, the head and neck device support 10 can further comprise a sliding tether anchor 90, illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B. In one aspect, the sliding tether anchor can be a rectangular cuboid with a slot defined therein for receiving a portion of the shoulder belt 60 of the vehicle safety harness. Thus, the sliding tether anchor can slide along at least a portion of the length of the shoulder belt. In another aspect, at least a portion of the bottom edge of the at least one extension member 74 of the helmet 70 can be configured to interact with at least a portion of the sliding tether anchor. In another aspect, the sliding tether anchor 90 can have a tether attachment point 48 located on an edge of the anchor. In use, in one aspect, the second end 44 of each tether 40 of the plurality of tethers can be selectively connected to the helmet 70. In another aspect, the first end 42 of each tether can be selectively connected to the tether attachment point of the sliding tether anchor. In response to movement from the user and/or external force applied to the user, the tether 40 and sliding tether anchor can be permitted to slide along at least a portion of the shoulder belt. As previously discussed, it is contemplated that in an impact with a significant longitudinal component, the sliding tether attachment point can decrease the potential for injurious upper neck loads.

In various exemplary aspects, a helmet anchor, as known in the art, can be mounted to the helmet. In other exemplary aspects, and as discussed above, each member 22, 24 of the pair of opposed side members of the collar 20 can have a tether attachment point 48 mounted to the member, as also known in the art. Ends of the tethers can be attached to the helmet anchors and to the tether attachment points by, for example and without limitation, a shackle, a post and post catch system or the like.

In various exemplary aspects, each tether 40 of the plurality of tethers can be a rope, strap, wire, chain, and the like, or other like devices selectively configured to resist tension and/or compression forces and/or moments, but are preferably constructed of a relatively inextensible, fibrous strap material. It is however contemplated that the tethers can be, at least partially, constructed of a relatively elastic material. By elastic, it is meant a material that is capable of returning to its original length, shape, etc., after being stretched, deformed, compressed, and/or expanded. By inextensible, it is meant a material that is incapable of being extended or stretched, however, as can be appreciated by one of skill in the arts, an inextensible material can be extended or stretched to a degree under some loading conditions.

In one aspect, the length of the tethers can be selectably predetermined to allow some mobility of the head 56 while reducing fatigue and potentially injurious head motions, when assembled as described herein. The length of the tethers preferably allows the user 50 to have the ability to rotate or otherwise move their head to increase their available sight area. The user is preferably able to move their head such as to have forward and lateral fields of view.

In a further aspect, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, at least a portion of the bottom edge 72 of the helmet 70 can be sculpted for strength and improved interaction with the platform 30 of the side members 22, 24 of the collar 20, the load bearing surface 26 of the side members, and/or the shoulder 52 of the user. In another aspect, at least a portion of the bottom edge 72 of the helmet can be substantially L-shaped, as shown in FIG. 7, thereby improving edge strength and area available for interaction. In yet another aspect, at least a portion of the bottom edge of the helmet can be padded to cushion the shoulder of the user when the helmet contacts or otherwise interacts with it.

It is contemplated that the head and neck support device 10 of the current application could be utilized with existing head and neck support devices to add or enhance restraint and management of head and neck forces or moments acting on the user 50, and related motions, arising in a direction lateral to that of the vehicle's longitudinal axis. It is further contemplated that the platforms 30 or load bearing surfaces 26 of the side members 22, 24 of the device 10 of the present application could be integrally formed within or added to other head and neck support devices to provide improved head and neck support with a one-piece apparatus.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the head and neck support device 10 of the present application can be mounted on the user 50 of a vehicle such that the side members 22, 24 of the collar 20 extend over the shoulders 52 of the user. In one aspect, the device can be mounted such that one side member of the pair of opposed side members is placed on top of a left shoulder of the user, and the other side member is placed on the right shoulder of the user. In one example, each side member 22, 24 of the pair of opposed side members of the collar can be oriented so that the friction material 34, coating, or the like on the top surface 28 of the member is not in contact with the shoulders of the user.

In one aspect, the head and neck support device can be securely held in place by the shoulder belts 60 of the vehicle safety harness 62 when the user 50 is securely belted into the vehicle. In another aspect, the device 10 can be only secured to the user of the vehicle by the shoulder belts. This can allow the user to exit the vehicle without having to remove the device. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the shoulder belts 60 of the safety harness can extend along the load bearing surfaces 26 of each side member 22, 24 of the pair of opposed side members such that the side members are between the shoulder belts and the user and the load bearing surfaces 26 are above the shoulders 52 of the user. In another aspect, the shoulder belts of the vehicle safety harness 62 hold the collar 20 securely in contact with the shoulders of the user 50 during both normal vehicle operation and a crash. In still another aspect, the side members 22, 24 are attached by the plurality of tethers 40 to the helmet 70 on the head 56 of the user. During a crash, at least one tether of the plurality of tethers carries or transmits forces from the helmet to the head and neck support device 10.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 9, in one aspect, the amount of head rotation around a pivot point on the longitudinal axis of the user that the user 50 experiences can be limited by the distance between the platform 30 or the load bearing surface 26 of the side member 22, 24 of the pair of opposed side members of the collar 20 on the side of the user 50 being rotated towards and the bottom edge 72 of the same side of the helmet 70. Further, in another aspect, the amount of head rotation around a pivot point on the longitudinal axis of the user that the user experiences can be limited by the length of the tether 40 on the opposite side of the head 56 that the user is rotating towards.

With the head and neck support device 10 fully assembled and mounted on the user 50 as described above, the device adds or enhances restraint and management of head and neck forces or moments acting on the user, and related motions, arising in a direction lateral to that of the vehicle's longitudinal axis. In one aspect, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6 and 9, when the user rotates his head around a pivot point on the longitudinal axis of the user, such that the left side of his head rotates towards his left shoulder 52, the distance from the bottom edge 72 of the left side of the helmet to the side member of the collar 20 located on the user's left shoulder decreases. Simultaneously, the end of the tether 40 on the right side of the helmet 70 exerts a force on the right side tether which thereby exerts a force on the side member 22, 24 of the collar located on the right shoulder 52 of the user 50 when the tether is extended to its maximum length. The vehicle safety harness 62 resists the force exerted by the tether 40 from moving the collar side member. The user will be able to continue to rotate his head 56 in this manner until either the bottom edge 72 of the left side of the helmet 70 contacts a platform 30 or load bearing surface 26 of the left side collar member, or until the right side tether 40 becomes fully extended. When the location of maximum rotation is reached, forces exerted on the head will be transferred to the user's torso 54 through the collar 20, thereby reducing forces exerted through the neck 58 of the user.

Similarly, when the user 50 rotates his head 56 around a pivot point on the longitudinal axis of the user, such that the right side of his head rotates towards his right shoulder, the distance from the bottom edge 72 of the right side of the helmet 70 to the side member 22, 24 of the collar 20 located on the right shoulder 52 of the user decreases. The user will be able to continue to rotate his head in this manner until either the bottom edge of the right side of the helmet contacts the platform 30 or load bearing surface 26 of the right side collar member, or until the left side tether 40 becomes fully extended. When the location of maximum rotation is reached, forces exerted on the head 56 will be transferred to the user's torso through the collar 20, thereby reducing forces exerted through the user's neck 58.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the user 50 translates his head 56 towards the left such that the user's head is shifted laterally towards the left shoulder 52 of the user and offset from the longitudinal axis of the user, the distance from the bottom edge 72 of the left side of the helmet 70 to the tether attachment point 48 of the side member 22, 24 of the collar 20 located on the user's left shoulder increases, extending the tether 40 on the left side of the helmet. When the tether on the left side of the helmet is extended to its maximum length, it will exert a force on the collar side member located on the left shoulder of the user 50. The vehicle safety harness 62 resists the force exerted by the tether 40 from moving the collar side member. The user will be able to continue to translate his head 56 towards the left until the left side tether 40 becomes fully extended. When the location of maximum translation is reached, forces exerted on the head will be transferred to the torso 54 of the user through the collar 20, thereby reducing forces exerted through the user's neck 58.

Similarly, when the user translates his head 56 towards the right such that the user's head is shifted laterally towards the right shoulder of the user and offset from the longitudinal axis of the user, the distance from the bottom edge 72 of the right side of the helmet 70 to the tether attachment point 48 of the side member 22, 24 of the collar 20 located on the user's right shoulder increases, extending the tether 40 on the right side of the helmet. When the tether on the right side of the helmet is extended to its maximum length, it will exert a force on the collar side member located on the right shoulder 52 of the user 50. The vehicle safety harness 62 resists the force exerted by the tether from moving the collar side member. The user 50 will be able to continue to translate his head 56 towards the right until the right side tether 40 becomes fully extended. When the location of maximum translation is reached, forces exerted on the head will be transferred to the torso 54 of the user through the collar 20, thereby reducing forces exerted through the user's neck 58.

As shown in FIG. 3, in one aspect, the amount of head rotation around a pivot point on the longitudinal axis of the user 50, and the amount of head translation (lateral movement of the user's head relative to the longitudinal axis of the user) can be limited by the distance between the platform 30 or the load bearing surface 26 of the side member 22, 24 of the pair of opposed side members of the collar on the side of the user being rotated and/or translated towards and the bottom edge 72 of the same side of the helmet 70. In another aspect, the amount of head rotation around a pivot point on the longitudinal axis of the user and the amount of head translation that the user experiences can be limited by the length of the tethers 40 on both sides of the head 56 of the user. The embodiments of the present application illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 limit head rotation and head translation in the same manner as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 and described herein.

In one aspect, the tether forces and interactions between the helmet 70 and the collar 20 or the shoulder 52 of the user restrain the head, reducing the loading of the neck 58. Thus, the tether 40 and the collar-helmet interactions reduce the fatiguing demands on the neck and the potential for injury from the forces and motions that would be present without the head and neck support device 10. The tether and the collar-helmet interactions can also reduce extreme head and neck motion relative to the torso 54 of user 50. In another aspect, the forces from the tether and from the collar-helmet interactions are transmitted through the collar 20 to the torso and shoulder belts 60 of the safety harness 62.

In one exemplary aspect, the friction material 34 that can be attached to the load bearing surfaces 26 can increase the frictional forces acting rearward on the load bearing surfaces from the shoulder belts. In this way, the load bearing surfaces effectively restrain the head and neck support device to carry the tether force and the force exerted on the collar by the helmet 70, which restrain the head 56 of the user to move with the torso 54.

It can be appreciated that any impact, other than pure frontal or pure rearward impact, between the vehicle and any other object, will impart some sideways acceleration moments onto the body and/or head of the user.

In a pure frontal crash, the user 50 tends to move forward because of the configuration of the harness system. The plurality of tethers 40 restrain the motions of the user's head such that the user's head 56 moves with the user's torso 54 which reduces the forces applied to the user's neck 58 that can cause injuries to the head and neck. As the user moves forward relative to the seat back, the shoulder belts 60 apply downward and rearward forces on the load bearing surfaces 26 of the side members adjacent to the shoulders 52 of the user to counteract the tether forces acting between the side members 22, 24 of the collar and the helmet 70 of the user. The forces from the shoulder belts on the load bearing surfaces act through the device 10 and the tether 40 to resist differential motions of the head of the user 50 relative to the torso of the user. Because the head and neck support device is between the user's torso 54 and the safety harness 62, the forces that restrain the helmeted head 56 are transmitted through the head and neck support device to the user's torso and the safety harness 62. Further, because the head and neck support device 10 adds stiffness to the harness restraint system and provides a distributed load path for the forces that restrain the helmeted head 56 to the torso of the user, the effectiveness of the safety harness 62 is enhanced. Thus, the head and neck support device 10 improves the restraint of the user's upper torso in a forward crash.

In a pure rearward crash, the user 50 tends to move rearward and upward because of the angle of the seat back and the configuration of the harness system. The plurality of tethers 40 restrain the motions of the user's head such that the user's head 56 moves with the user's torso which reduces the forces applied to the user's neck 58 that may cause injuries to the head and neck. As the user moves upward relative to the seat squab, the shoulder belts 60 apply downward and rearward forces on the load bearing surfaces 26 of the side members adjacent to the shoulders 52 of the user to counteract the tether forces acting between the side members 22, 24 of the collar and the helmet 70 of the user. The forces from the shoulder belts on the load bearing surfaces act through the device 10 and the tether 40 to resist differential motions of the head of the user 50 relative to the torso of the user. Because the head and neck support device is between the torso 54 of the user and the safety harness 62, the forces that restrain the helmeted head 56 are transmitted through the head and neck support device to the user's torso and the safety harness 62. Further, because the head and neck support device 10 adds stiffness to the harness restraint system and provides a distributed load path for the forces that restrain the helmeted head 56 to the user's torso, the effectiveness of the safety harness 62 is enhanced. Thus, the head and neck support device 10 improves the restraint of the user's upper torso in a rearward crash.

In pure sideways acceleration (such as in striking an object with the side of the vehicle), assume, for the sake of illustration, that the vehicle is accelerated to the right as would occur in turning toward the right or striking an object with left side of the vehicle and that forces and motions are expressed relative to the vehicle. The torso 54 is restrained by the seat and safety harness 62. The helmet 70 and head 56 are restrained to accelerate to the right with the torso by forces in the tethers 40 acting independently of each other or together, and by the interaction between the collar 20 and the helmet of the user. In sideways acceleration, the forces on the collar 20 from the helmeted head tend to rotate the top of the collar away from the direction of the acceleration (top toward the left in the current example). The side member 22, 24 of the collar 20 on the left shoulder tends to move downward onto the left shoulder, and the side member 22, 24 of the collar on the right shoulder tends to move upward off of the right shoulder. This tendency to rotate is resisted by the forces between the collar 20 and the left shoulder and between the collar and the safety harness 62 on the right side. The head 56, helmet, and the head and neck support device 10 also tend to move to the left. This motion is resisted by the safety harness on the left and, to some extent, by the shoulder belt 60 on the load bearing surfaces 26 on the right side of the collar and the contact between the collar and the upper shoulders 52 and neck 58.

In acceleration in multiple directions (such as in striking an object with the corner of the vehicle) the torso is restrained by the seat and harness. The helmet 70 and head are restrained to accelerate with the torso 54 by forces in at least one tether 40 and by the interaction between the collar 20 and the helmet 70 of the user. Thus, the accelerations of the head, helmet, neck 58, and torso, with components in forward, rearward or sideward directions, are restrained as combinations of the mechanical responses described above.

In one aspect, the load bearing surfaces 26 of the side members 22, 24 can extend rearward from the top of the shoulders 52 of the user so that, when in use, these load bearing surfaces lie below the shoulder belts 60 of the safety harness 62. Since the shoulder belts can be secured to the vehicle below the edge of the load bearing surfaces, the load bearing surfaces 26 of the head and neck support device 10 will be loaded by the shoulder belts while in use and this loading of the head and neck support device is transmitted to the shoulders of the user 50 to help hold the user down in the seat.

In another aspect, the load bearing surfaces provide a load path for the forces from the tethers 40 and collar-helmet interactions through the head and neck support device to the shoulder belts 60. The head and neck support device 10 of the present application is small and easy to handle which enables a user 50 to wear the device with very little interference between the head and neck support device and the helmet 70.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is therefore understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention.

Claims

1. A head and neck support device for a user of a vehicle with a safety harness configured to pass over the shoulders of the user and for a helmet that is selectively mountable on a head of the user, comprising:

a plurality of tethers;

a collar comprising a pair of opposed side members defining an opening for a neck of the user, wherein the collar has a longitudinal axis that bisects the opening, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the collar is in a movement plane that is coplanar with the longitudinal axis and bisects opposed portions of the respective pair of opposed side members; and

a means for selectively limiting movement of the head of the user relative to the movement plane and the longitudinal axis of the collar.

2. The head and neck support device of claim 1, wherein the means for selectively limiting movement of the head of the user relative to the movement plane and the longitudinal axis of the collar comprises a means for selectively limiting translation of the head of the user relative to the movement plane and the longitudinal axis of the collar.

3. The head and neck support device of claim 1, wherein the means for selectively limiting movement of the head of the user relative to the movement plane and the longitudinal axis of the collar comprises a means for selectively limiting rotation of the head of the user relative to the movement plane and the longitudinal axis of the collar.

4. The head and neck support device of claim 1, wherein the means for selectively limiting movement of the head of the user relative to the movement plane and the longitudinal axis of the collar comprises a means for selectively limiting translation and rotation of the head of the user relative to the movement plane and the longitudinal axis of the collar.

5. The head and neck support device of claim 1, wherein each side member of the pair of opposed side members has a load bearing surface, and wherein at least a portion of the load bearing surface is configured to engage the safety harness.

6. The head and neck support device of claim 5, wherein the means for selectively limiting movement of the head of the user relative to the movement plane and the longitudinal axis of the collar comprises:

a beam connected to an inner side edge of each of the respective side members and extending substantially transverse to at least a portion of the load bearing surface of the respective side members; and

a platform having an upper surface, wherein the platform is connected to a distal end of the beam such that the platform is positioned a distance from and overlies at least a portion of the load bearing surface, and wherein at least a portion of the upper surface of the platform is configured to interact with at least a portion of a bottom edge of the helmet.

7. The head and neck support device of claim 6, further comprising means for selectively adjusting the distance between the platform and the load bearing surface.

8. The head and neck support device of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the upper surface of the platform has a width that is greater than at least a portion of a width of the bottom edge of the helmet.

9. The head and neck support device of claim 1, wherein a first end of each tether of the plurality of tethers is selectively connected to the collar, and a second end of each tether is selectively connected to the helmet.

10. The head and neck support device of claim 1, wherein a first end of at least one tether of the plurality of tethers is slideably, selectively connected to the collar, and a second end of each tether is selectively connected to the helmet.

11. The head and neck support device of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the load bearing surface of the pair of opposed side members comprises a friction material configured to engage at least a portion of the safety harness.

12. A head and neck support device for a user of a vehicle with a safety harness configured to pass over the shoulders of the user comprising:

a helmet that is selectively mountable on a head of the user;

a plurality of tethers;

a collar comprising a pair of opposed side members defining an opening for a neck of the user, wherein the collar has a longitudinal axis that bisects the opening, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the collar is in a movement plane that is coplanar with the longitudinal axis and bisects opposed portions of the respective pair of opposed side members; and

a means for selectively limiting movement of the head of the user relative to the movement plane and the longitudinal axis of the collar.

13. The head and neck support device of claim 12, wherein the means for selectively limiting movement of the head of the user relative to the movement plane and the longitudinal axis of the collar comprises a means for selectively limiting translation and rotation of the head of the user relative to the movement plane and the longitudinal axis of the collar.

14. The head and neck support device of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of a bottom edge of the helmet defines at least one downwardly extending extension member that extends downwardly longitudinally relative to bottom edge of the helmet to a distal end that is positioned a predetermined distance from the shoulders of the user when the helmet is placed on the head of the user.

15. The head and neck support device of claim 14, comprising means for selectively adjusting an elongate longitudinal length of the at least one downwardly extending extension member.

16. The head and neck support device of claim 14, wherein the at least one downwardly extending extension member comprises a pair of downwardly extending members that are positioned in substantial opposition to each other on opposed sides of the helmet.

17. The head and neck support device of claim 16, wherein each side member of the pair of opposed side members has a load bearing surface, wherein at least a portion of the load bearing surface is configured to engage the safety harness, and wherein at least a portion of the respective load bearing surfaces are configured to interact with at least a portion of the distal ends of the pair of downwardly extending members.

18. The head and neck support device of claim 12, wherein a first end of each tether of the plurality of tethers is selectively configured to be attached to the collar, and a second end of each tether is selectively configured to be attached to the helmet.

19. The head and neck support device of claim 12, wherein a first end of at least one tether of the plurality of tethers is slideably selectively connected to the collar, and a second end of each tether is selectively connected to the helmet.

20. A head and neck support device for a user of a vehicle with a safety harness configured to pass over the shoulders of the user, comprising:

a helmet configured to be selectively mountable on a head of the user, wherein the helmet has an extension such that at least a portion of a bottom edge of the helmet extends downwardly longitudinally to a predetermined distance from the shoulders of the user when the helmet is placed on the head of the user, and wherein the extension of the helmet is configured to interact with the shoulders of the user; and

a plurality of tethers, wherein a first end and a second end of each tether is selectively configured to be attached to the helmet, and wherein a center portion of each tether is configured to engage the safety harness; and

a means for selectively limiting movement of the head of the user relative to a longitudinal axis of the neck of the user.

21. The head and neck support device of claim 20, wherein the means for selectively limiting movement of the head of the user relative to the longitudinal axis of the neck of the user comprises a means for selectively limiting translation and rotation of the head of the user relative to the longitudinal axis of the neck of the user.

22. The head and neck support device of claim 20, wherein the first end and the second end of each tether are selectively attached to the helmet at a common helmet attachment point.

23. The head and neck support device of claim 20, wherein the first end and the second end of each tether are selectively attached to the helmet at separate helmet attachment points.