IMPACT DIVERSION SYSTEM
An impact diversion system for diverting the force of an impact away from a user's head, which includes a helmet system to receive an impact and a harness system suitably enabled to stabilize the helmet system. The helmet system includes a helmet comprising an outer shell with a first opening adapted to accept a second helmet mounted on the user's head, a ring configured to fit around the user's neck, and at least one post connected at a first end to the outer shell and removably connected at a second end to the ring. The harness system includes a first half and a second half that fit around the user's torso.
The present application is a U.S. non-provisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/850,732, filed Feb. 22, 2013 and entitled “SHELMET SYSTEM”, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENTAll of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION1. Field of the Present Invention
The present invention relates generally to a force diversion system, and in particular, to a head diversion system that diverts impact to the torso.
2. Background
In contact sports protective equipment for an athlete's head is highly desirable. Professional and amateur athletes participating in contact sports, such as football and hockey, are required to wear protective helmets. These protective helmets function to minimize an impact collision force to the head. Although the helmet is protective, players can and do suffer head injuries as a result of force generated by the collision. Forces to the head are thought to cause brain stress that may consequently produce concussions. Recent medical reports have linked concussions to both short and long term traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, current medical literature strongly suggests that repetitive subconcussive head trauma contributes substantially to traumatic brain injury.
Typically, helmets attempt to protect a head by absorbing the force of the collision. Helmets have been made from a wide range of materials, including a combination of materials. Today lightweight plastics are most often incorporated into the helmet to decrease the weight. Some helmets further include other protective elements which may be attached to the surface of a helmet. For example, U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2013/0283504 to Harris, discloses helmet pads removably attached to the outer surface of an existing sport's helmet to absorb impacts that may cause concussive type injuries. While attention has been given to absorbing the force of a collision, no attention has been given to diverting force away from the head.
Accordingly, it is believed that a need exists for a helmet system that diverts the force of an impact away from the head. It is believed that one or more of these needs and other needs are addressed by one or more aspects and features of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTIONBroadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect is an impact diversion system for diverting the force of an impact away from a user's head, the impact diversion system including a helmet system and a harness system suitably enabled to stabilize the helmet system. The helmet system includes a helmet comprising an outer shell with a first opening adapted to accept a second helmet mounted on the user's head, a ring configured to fit around the user's neck, and at least one rigid post connected at a first end to the outer shell and removably connected at a second end to the ring. The harness system includes a first half and a second half, wherein the first and second half join to fit around the user's torso.
In a feature of this aspect, the helmet further includes a pad removably attached to the inner surface of the outer shell.
In another feature of this aspect, the helmet further includes a second opening to enable the user to see outside of the helmet. In further feature, a facemask covers a portion of the second opening and is adapted to protect the user's eyes and face.
In another feature of this aspect, the ring includes at least one socket capable of receiving the second end of the post. In further feature, the ring further includes an opening permitting the ring to be opened and fitted around the user's neck.
In another feature of this aspect, the post includes a shock absorber suitably enabled to absorb a portion of the force of an impact receive to the outer shell.
In another feature of this aspect, the first and second half of the harness system includes a rigid section extending from the ring and covering at least a portion of the user's torso. In further feature, the first half and second half of the harness system further includes a flexible section extending from the front rigid section and adapted to connect the first half and second half together. The flexible section further includes rigid material extending laterally through the flexible section.
Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is an impact diversion system configured to be worn over a user's torso, the impact diversion system including a helmet system to receive an impact, a harness system to stabilize the helmet system, and a strap system. The helmet system includes a helmet comprising an outer shell with a first opening adapted to accept a second helmet mounted on the user's head, a ring including a rigid first surface and a padded second surface, and said ring including an opening permitting the ring to be opened and fitted around a user's neck, and wherein the padded second surface is fitted to and sits on the user's shoulders when the ring is fitted around a users neck, and a rigid post connected at a first end to the shell and removably connected at a second end to the ring. The harness system includes a first half and a second half, wherein the first and second halves join to fit around the user's torso. The strap system includes an attachment strap connected to the harness system and at a second end to the user's clothing. Where the rigid post supports and restrains the movement of the helmet.
In a feature of this aspect, the rigid first surface of the ring includes at least one socket capable of receiving the second end of the post.
In another feature of this aspect, the first end of the post is removably connected to the helmet. In further features, the post and ring transfers an impact force from the helmet to the harness system and the strap system.
In another feature of this aspect, the strap system is connected to the sides of the harness system by a series of attachment straps. In further features the series of attachment straps join to form a single attachment straps at the second end. In yet a further feature the strap system includes a belt comprising a first connection loop and a second connection loop and configured to be fitted around a user's waist; the second end of the strap system is removably connected to the first and second connection loop; the strap system further includes a first and second leg strap connected to the belt.
Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is an impact diversion system for diverting the force of an impact away from a user's head and to other parts of the user's body, including a harness system comprising two halves forming a vest adapted to be fastened around the user's torso, a helmet including an outer shell with a first opening adapted to surround a portion of the user's head and a group of rigid posts incorporated and extending from the periphery of the first opening. Where the group of rigid posts support and restrain movement of the outer shell. Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:
As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.
Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”
When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”
Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
The impact diversion system 10 serves to divert the force of impact away from a person's head to the person's torso.
The post 104 functions as a pathway to divert the force waves of an impact away from the head to the torso. The post 104 is fabricated from a suitable material, capable of transferring impact force and stabilizing the shell 104. In some embodiments, the post 104 is fabricated from solid rubber or metal. The use of the shock absorber 116 further facilitates the function of the post 104 by absorbing a portion of the force waves of an impact. The shock absorber 116 includes a chamber 122 and an internal damper system (not shown) such as a spring, compression fluid chamber or compression air chamber. The shock absorber 116 further includes a lock-out to control the internal damper system. For example, the lock-out control would substantially prevent the compression of the spring or the compression of the fluid or air. In some embodiments, the post 104 is covered by any suitable cushion material to protect the user or an individual that may contact the post 104.
The ring 106 is attachable to the periphery of the edge of the first opening 206 of the harness system 200. The ring 106 may be secured to the surface or partially incorporated into the harness system 200. The ring 106 secured to the surface may be adhesively or mechanically attached. Mechanically attachments may include any fastener now known or thereafter developed in the art including complementary adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, buttons snaps, zippers, and any other coupling mechanisms.
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The strap system 214 extending downwardly from attachment points 282 located on the harness system 200 to the user's 12 pants or jock strap. The strap system 214 helps to provide stability and divert side impact force received by the user.
Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. An impact diversion system for diverting the force of an impact away from a user's head, comprising:
- (a) a helmet system to receive an impact, including: (i) a helmet comprising an outer shell with a first opening adapted to accept a second helmet mounted on the user's head; (ii) a ring configured to fit around the user's neck; (ii) at least one rigid post connected at a first end to the outer shell and removably connected at a second end to the ring; and
- (b) a harness system suitably enabled to stabilize the helmet system, including a first half and a second half, wherein the first and second half join to fit around the user's torso.
2. The impact diversion system of claim 1, wherein the helmet further includes a pad removably attached to the inner surface of the outer shell.
3. The impact diversion system of claim 1, wherein the helmet further includes a second opening to enable the user to see outside of the helmet.
4. The impact diversion system of claim 3, wherein the helmet further includes a facemask covering a portion of the second opening and adapted to protect the user's eyes and face.
5. The impact diversion system of claim 1, wherein the ring includes at least one socket capable of receiving the second end of the post.
6. The impact diversion system of claim 5, wherein the ring further includes an opening permitting the ring to be opened and fitted around the user's neck.
7. The impact diversion system of claim 1, wherein the post includes a shock absorber suitably enabled to absorb a portion of the force of an impact receive to the outer shell.
8. The impact diversion system of claim 1, wherein the first and second half of the harness system includes a rigid section extending from the ring and covering at least a portion of the user's torso.
9. The impact diversion system of claim 8, wherein the first half and second half of the harness system further includes a flexible section extending from the front rigid section and adapted to connect the first half and second half together.
10. The impact diversion system of claim 9, wherein the flexible section further includes rigid material extending laterally through the flexible section.
11. An impact diversion system configured to be worn over a user's torso, comprising:
- (a) a helmet system to receive an impact, including: (i) a helmet comprising an outer shell with a first opening adapted to accept a second helmet mounted on the user's head; (ii) a ring including a rigid first surface and a padded second surface, and said ring including an opening permitting the ring to be opened and fitted around a user's neck, and wherein the padded second surface is fitted to and sits on the user's shoulders when the ring is fitted around a users neck; (ii) a rigid post connected at a first end to the shell and removably connected at a second end to the ring;
- (b) a harness system, to stabilize the helmet system, including a first half and a second half, wherein the first and second halves join to fit around the user's torso; and
- (c) a strap system including an attachment strap connected to the harness system and at a second end to the user's clothing;
- (d) wherein the rigid post supports and restrains the movement of the helmet.
12. The impact diversion system of claim 11, wherein the rigid first surface of the ring includes at least one socket capable of receiving the second end of the post.
13. The impact diversion system of claim 11, wherein the first end of the post is removably connected to the helmet.
14. The impact diversion system of claim 13, wherein the post and ring transfers an impact force from the helmet to the harness system and the strap system.
15. The impact diversion system of claim 11, wherein the strap system is connected to the sides of the harness system by a series of attachment straps.
16. The impact diversion system of claim 15, wherein the series of attachment straps join to form a single attachment straps at the second end.
17. The impact diversion system of claim 16, wherein the strap system further includes a belt comprising a first connection loop and a second connection loop and configured to be fitted around a user's waist.
18. The impact diversion system of claim 17, wherein the second end of the strap system is removably connected to the first and second connection loop.
19. The impact diversion system of claim 18, wherein the strap system further includes a first and second leg strap connected to the belt.
20. An impact diversion system for diverting the force of an impact away from a user's head and to other parts of the user's body, comprising:
- (a) a harness system comprising two halves forming a vest adapted to be fastened around the user's torso;
- (b) a helmet including: (i) an outer shell with a first opening adapted to surround a portion of the user's head; and (ii) a group of rigid posts incorporated and extending from the periphery the first opening;
- (c) wherein the group of rigid posts support and restrain movement of the outer shell.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 20, 2014
Publication Date: Aug 28, 2014
Inventor: John A. Lane (Raleigh, NC)
Application Number: 14/184,975
International Classification: A42B 3/04 (20060101); A42B 3/12 (20060101);