SHOCK ABSORBING SYSTEM FOR PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND DEVICES THEREFOR

Abstract

A shock absorbing system for use with protective head gear includes a compressible member containing separate chambers that are inflated with a volume of a fluid (gas), and positioned between the skull and shell of the head gear. In one embodiment, the compressible member has at least one orifice that may vent fluid upon impact. The venting of fluid is directed outside of the shell through an expansion reservoir that may assume a bellows structure. This structure acts as a restrictive and temporary compartment for fluids. The expansion reservoir may assume a structure that permits temporary fluid transfer for the duration of impact. The structure will resist the introduction of fluid and actively return fluid to the “donating” chamber. The sealed and autonomous interior of the outermost chamber consists of smaller autonomous chambers that are inflated to higher pressures.

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to protective equipment, and in particular to systems and devices for use in head safety.

BACKGROUND

Protective helmets are designed to prevent the human skull from fracturing. They are often not designed to protect the brain. When the head experiences linear or rotational acceleration, the brain moves within the skull and it is this behavior that is believed to cause concussions and other brain injury. It is the change in velocity of the brain within the skull that needs to be controlled. During impact, the skull's momentum stops, but the brain continues to move within the skull. If the time of impact is extended, the brain has the ability move closer to a synchronous motion with the skull thus minimizing the risk of injury.

Athletic helmets can be categorized into two segments: (ii) Single-impact; and (ii) Multiple-impact. Single impact helmets are disposable upon experiencing one impact. They are designed to fracture and cannot be used again. These types of helmets include helmets of the type used for cycling, motorcycling and skiing. They are able to absorb impacts by permanently deforming and thus eliminating the possibility of further use. Multiple-impact helmets, on the other hand, can sustain several impacts and allow the participants to continue to play after an impact event occurs. These types of helmets include helmets used in football, hockey and baseball.

Athletic helmets are typically comprised of a semi-rigid outer shell and interior layer of foam. These foams can be compressible (e.g. vinyl nitrile) as used in sport like hockey and football. Expandable polystyrene (EPS) is harder material and is often used in bicycling helmets.

Foam layers in the helmet have a thickness referred to as the “claim space”, which is defined as the available space between the skull of the wearer and the outer shell. Increasing the claim space by adding additional foam materials results in a larger helmet shell. Larger helmet shells are more susceptible to increased linear and rotational forces. For these reasons, the claim space needs to be designed with a minimum thickness.

For a given thickness of claim space within a helmet shell, there is a theoretical maximum amount of impact absorption. Foams typically can compress to approximately 70% of their original uncompressed thickness. Once full compression occurs in foam, it is deemed to have “bottomed out”. Bottoming out indicates that the foam is fully compressed and no further cushioning potential can be realized. When the foam is fully compressed under impact, the skull stops suddenly and the brain continues to move within the skull. Sudden head movements such as this place the brain at risk for injury.

The present invention moves closer to the maximum impact absorption potential by offering a multi-stage cushioning system that contains a vented outer chamber. The outer chamber contains one or more internal nested compression components. The outermost chamber would not realize a “bottoming out” effect since it contains one or more high-pressure chambers designed as compression devices.

Typically helmets of all types are designed for an upper-level of impact for the desired activity. They are designed to prevent skull fractures but they are not able to address the damage inflicted with the brain. Because of this, helmets often are not effective at providing comfort or safety at lower level impacts. The majority of head injuries occur in the mild-to-moderate range where we see concussions begin to occur. Current head protection testing procedures are designed for upper-level head injuries and do not adequately address linear and rotational forces on the brain.

SUMMARY

In the current environment of helmet safety, it is apparent that all helmet-wearing activities require better protection for the possible spectrum of impacts. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a vented impact solution for providing comfort and safety at the lower levels of impact as well as providing protection with higher impact forces.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a thin-walled elastic or plastic shock absorbing and compressible device for use in head safety.

The present invention provides a solution to impact absorption by uniquely using the laws of thermodynamics and fluid flow.

In one embodiment, the invention is comprised of a single pressurized and vented chamber that contains one or more internal chambers that are sealed and pressurized. Interior chambers are fluid-filled and autonomous and are preferably made from flexible elastomer material and contain higher pressures than the outer chamber. The interior chambers will become engaged with the impact only in event of more severe impacts to the head. The impact absorption capability of the invention is an improvement over conventional foams by venting fluid of the outer chamber through an orifice to an expansion reservoir. This reservoir allows for extension of the outermost chamber through the helmet shell. The entire mechanism of the invention works together to extend the impact period.

By constricting the fluid flow through an orifice and using the impact's energy to extend the bellows structure, the force of the impact is better absorbed. Employing internal compression mechanisms can further extent the time of impact. The impact's time extension mitigates risk of injury by allowing the brain to move with a decreased change of velocity in relation to the skull.

The materials for the chambers are preferably made from a durable elastomer material. These are typically non-allergenic, flexible and offer prolonged use over multiple impacts in a wide variety of physical environments. The venting expansion bellows structure is in a contracted state while at rest. While the device is under impact, air flows through the orifice creating friction and thermal energy that offers energy absorption. The fluid from the outer chamber will flow through the orifice and reach the bellows structure extending it fully out through the helmet shell.

Once the fluid reaches the bellows structure it acts as an expansion reservoir to temporarily store the displaced fluid. If the impact has enough force, the head will engage the secondary and tertiary chambers. These chambers are closed and autonomous (non-transfer of fluid) and act as compression-only devices to prevent bottoming out of the invention.

Once the impact has been cushioned, the expandable bellows returns to its resting position and thus forces the fluid back into the outer chamber. The device is then ready for the next impact.

The bellows structure may be located directly on the outer chamber or may used with a stem so that it may be offset to accommodate the helmet design requirements. By providing an offset stem design, the ejecting bellows from the helmet are less likely to be blocked in the event of direct impact. Using offset stems means that site of impact on the helmet is NOT the site of ejection through the helmet shell.

Venting the outer chamber outside of the helmet functionally provides additional cushioning that would otherwise have to be achieved by increasing the claim space within the confines of the helmet shell.

During the production process, adjustments to the diameter of the venting orifice and pressure of the individual chambers can be made in order to accommodate the expected conditions of the helmet-wearing activity.

The invention structures are intended to be factory sealed units that will retain strength and internal pressures over multiple impacts. They may be replaced in the event of damage or deflation. Other inventions involve the displacement of air within air pockets and are confined within the protective outer shell and have not contained a reservoir vented outside of a helmet shell that actively resists the containment of fluid.

In an example embodiment, the device is a collection of fluid-venting and compressible components that, together, operate as a multi-stage cushioning system. Various components of the compressible member will be engaged as required by the forces of impact. At each stage of engagement, the device will offer additional cushioning capabilities in order to protect the head and extend the duration of impact. The compressible members are preferably produced from elastic and plastic materials (e.g. Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)) in order to react rapidly to impact. TPE material contains both elastic and viscous properties that allow it to stretch and rebound at a wide variety of temperatures. It is well suited for sports helmets as it falls well within the operating temperature range of participating indoor and outdoor activities. TPE contains properties to resist becoming permanently deformed under repeated mechanical stresses such as helmet impacts during participation in sport.

The compressible members would be used in a matrix layout and would ensure that each part of the inner surface of the protective headgear can supply sufficient protection to the wearer. The number of compressible members required in a helmet will be defined by the activity by which the helmet is used as well as the size of the outer helmet shell.

In one embodiment, the present invention combines: (i) One or more interior compression chambers; and (ii) An outer chamber used for the release of energy through to a bellows, also known as the expansion reservoir. This bellows structure consists of a series of convolutions (ridges) that permit extension along the longitudinal axis. The extension and compression movement is referred to as an axial movement. The convolutions are the smallest flexible unit contained within the bellows. When fluids are forced into the offset stem and subsequent bellows, they are directed to the convolutions. The convolutions allow for increased pressure strength and axial movement and as such, this design provides more stability than a non-bellows structure.

Volume of fluid can change in the bellows by compression or expansion due to impacts on the helmet. Regardless of the direction of impact to the compressible members, the result is the compression of the outermost chamber. This causes the extension of the bellows with an axial movement outward through the helmet shell. This controlled movement of fluids into the offset stem and bellows can extend the period of time of the impact. The extension of time for a given force of impact will mitigate injury to the wearer.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4A, 5A, and 7A) where the expansion reservoir's distance from the main chamber is increased, the site of impact may not be the site of extension of the expansion reservoir. By using this style of embodiment, it reduces the possibility of the compressible member's bellows becoming compressed due to applied forces. A direct impact at the location of an expansion reservoir/bellows would permit other neighboring compressible members to become engaged and extend their bellows outside of the helmet shell.

The expandable bellows structure may be situated in various locations in relation to the outermost chamber of the invention. The offset stem mechanism would be used to locate the expansion reservoir and would not affect the functioning mechanism of the invention. The offsetting of the expansion reservoir would be dependent on the helmet shell design and levels of expected impacts sustained during activity.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variations of the embodiments described below may also be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention. Further note, these embodiments, and other embodiments of the present invention, will become more fully apparent from a review of the description and claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments herein will be understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of an example compressible member having an expansion reservoir that can vent fluids outside of a helmet shell. The invention contains a main fluid-filled chamber that vents fluid through an orifice into a compartment that permits expansion and contraction. This configuration contains two inner pressure-filled chambers.

FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of an example compressible member. The interior chambers, offset stem and expansion reservoir are in their original positions. The offset stern is connected to the outermost chamber is in a state of equilibrium with the outermost chamber's fluid pressure.

FIG. 1C is a side elevation view of the compressible member of FIG. 1B through the line 1C. The sealed ends of the outer and inner chambers can be seen along with the inner fluid-filled chambers. The compressible member is in a state of rest.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an athletic helmet lined with the compressible members arranged in a resting state.

FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of a portion of the compressible members of FIG. 2 as they rest between the head and helmet shell.

FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of the compressible members of FIG. 2A under impact, wherein the fluid moves through each member's orifice and temporarily outside of the helmet shell.

FIG. 3AA is the first illustration of a series (3AA through 3FF) side elevation view of the compressible member under impact. FIG. 3AA illustrates the member in a state of rest and can be viewed from the axial position in rest in FIG. 3BB.

FIG. 3BB is the side elevation view of the compressible member of FIG. 3AA through the line 3BB. It illustrates how the invention rests between the helmet shell and head when the expansion reservoir is in a closed position.

FIG. 3CC illustrates an embodiment of the compressible member upon impact. Forces cause downward pressure the helmet shell and upward pressure from the head and cause a deformation of the invention. This forces fluids through an orifice and outside of the helmet shell.

FIG. 3DD is a side elevation view of the compressible member of FIG. 3CC through the line 3DD. It demonstrates a partial protrusion through the helmet shell of the expansion reservoir. This view demonstrates that the outer and inner chambers are deformed by varying amounts depending on the forces of impact placed on the helmet shell.

FIG. 3EE illustrates a side elevation view of the compressible member under full impact. The outermost chamber forces fluids through the orifice and into the expansion reservoir before making contact with the inner chamber. The higher-pressure inner chamber may compress sufficiently to make contact with the innermost higher-pressure chamber.

FIG. 3FF illustrates a side elevation view of the compressible member under full impact. This view demonstrates the deformation of the inner chambers as they are contained within confines of the outermost chamber. Under full impact, the fluids from the outermost chamber will exhaust the holding capacity of the expansion reservoir and will engage the higher-pressures interior chambers for added cushioning.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an example compressible member with an extended offset stern. By extending the stern, the member is able to further offset the expansion reservoir away from the main chamber. Offsetting allows the member to be positioned in a helmet shell so that the physical site of impact is not the same location as the protrusion of the expansion reservoir through the helmet shell.

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the compressible member of FIG. 4A. Two interior chambers are illustrated.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternate example compressible member with an extended offset stern designed with an angular bend in the stern. A bending of the stern will permit for directional venting of the fluids from the outermost chamber. An example of this angular vented design can be seen in FIG. 6.

FIG. 5B is a top plan view of the compressible member of FIG. 5A. Interior chambers can be seen within the outmost chamber,

FIG. 6 is an illustration of how the compressible members may be placed together to form a protective matrix within the helmet shell (shown in slotted lines). The compressible members here contain an extended offset stem and with an angular profile. The angled stem allows the expansion reservoir to be vented outside of the helmet shell and away from the site of impact on the helmet shell.

FIG. 7A illustrates perspective view of an alternate example embodiment of the compressible member. In this instance, the member assumes the shape of a torus. This shape may be suitable for helmets that are designed to cover the ear, such as a baseball helmet. The torus may contain interior chambers to provide additional cushion protection and would be dependent on the expected forces of impact for the particular sport. The torus can be designed with multiple offset stems and expansion reservoirs. The outermost chamber will contain a series of orifices with attached offset stems and expansion reservoirs. The interior nested chambers would be closed and pressurized torus structures.

FIG. 7B is illustrates a top plan view of the member of FIG. 7A. A cutaway portion demonstrates the nesting of the inner chambers.

FIG. 7C is a side elevation view of the member of FIG. 7A. Interior chambers are visible and rest inside the outermost chamber. Each offset extension is connected to the outermost chamber and contains and orifice that vents to the expansion reservoir.

FIG. 7D illustrates how the member of FIG. 7A could be placed over a user's ear.

FIG. 7E illustrates the torus embodiment (of FIG. A) placed inside of a helmet shell with visible expansion reservoirs in a state of rest.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user (in slotted lines) with a full matrix of compressible members integrated with a helmet in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In this regard, the drawings are not to scale and relative dimension but serve to illustrate the principles of the invention in terms of fluid (gas) flow and energy absorption.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. In particular, all terms used herein are used in accordance with their ordinary meanings unless the context or definition clearly indicates otherwise. Also, unless indicated otherwise except within the claims the use of “or” includes “and” and vice-versa. Non-limiting terms are not to be construed as limiting unless expressly stated or the context clearly indicates otherwise (for example, “including”, “having”, “characterized by” and “comprising” typically indicate “including without limitation”). Singular forms included in the claims such as “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless expressly stated or the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, the stated features and/or configurations or embodiments thereof the suggested intent may be applied as seen fit to certain operating conditions or environments by one experienced in the field of art.

The present disclosure relates to protective, shock-absorbing helmets that contain fluid-filled chambers. The chambers serve to dampen the force of impact and reduce the possibility of trauma to the brain and skull.

Now referring to the drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates the top view of a compressible member 90 along with the internal fluid-filled chambers in a state of rest. The member 90 is preferably formed from flexible Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) material. TPE materials contain thermoplastic and elastomeric properties and it provides the ability to return to its original form after an impact. The invention possesses a “memory” and can sustain multiple impacts prior to failure.

The use of TPE allows for a wide operating temperature of the materials. The composition of the TPE can be properly selected for the expected range of use; this ensures it can remain in a soft rubbery state for the duration of participation.

The invention's components are comprised of an outer flexible chamber 80 that is pressurized to slightly above atmospheric levels. In this illustration, the ends of the invention 90 are sealed 86, however the manufacturing process may make it possible to have seamless embodiments. The relatively low pressure of the chamber ensures comfort when placed between the helmet shell and participant's head.

There is an orifice 81 located within the outer chamber 80. The orifice is vented through an offset stem 82 and into an expansion reservoir 83. It is capable of expanding and contracting the reservoir with an axial movement (up and down along axis). It permits expansion outside of the helmet shell through an opening in the shell. The size of the orifice can be appropriately selected to produce a rate-sensitive response to expected impacts. The size of the orifice will slow the impact and reduce forces by channeling fluid into the expansion reservoir 83. The process of moving fluid through an orifice will cause friction and produce thermal energy to help alleviate forces of impact.

The interior of the outermost chamber 80 may contain one or more chambers 84, 85. Interior chambers contain higher pressures than the chambers that surround them.

Innermost chambers would preferably contain the highest pressures as they are only engaged during the highest levels of impact.

The two inner chambers 84, 85 depicted in this view are sealed 86. They are autonomous compression devices and may not move fluids between other chambers.

FIG. 1B demonstrates a side view of the compressible member 90 in a resting position. The expansion reservoir 83 assumes a closed position when it is not under impact stress. The outer chamber 80 and expansion reservoir 83 maintain an equal pressure due to their connectivity. Fluids are prevented from leaving the member due to the sealed structure 86. When the compressible member is under impact, fluid flows from the outermost chamber and into the expansion reservoir and it will demonstrate movement along its axis 87.

FIG. 1C illustrates an axial view of the compressible member 90. The expansion reservoir 83 is in a closed/resting position. Upon impact the expansion reservoir will open along its axis 87 and breach the helmet shell. The inner chambers 84, 85 are nested within the outer chamber 80 and sealed 86 by way of a manufacturing process.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a compressible member positioned in a sport helmet. It is anticipated that the members would assume a matrix within the helmet shell and offer protection for the entire inner space of the helmet shell. The compressible members can assume various shapes (see for example, the members depicted in FIG. 4A, FIG. 5A, and FIG. 7A) to best accommodate the activity, expected impact forces and angular shearing forces.

Each member's expansion reservoirs is forced through an open channel 40 through the helmet shell upon impact. While impact is underway, the participant's head 30 comes in contact with the bottom side of the member and compresses the outermost chamber. This moves fluid from the outermost chamber through an orifice into the offset stem and into the expansion reservoir. Once the fluid enters the reservoir, the additional pressure forces it to expand and open.

FIG. 2A is a close up view of FIG. 2. Here, the illustrated members 90 assume an uncompressed state at rest. The members 90 are placed between the helmet shell 34 and head 30 with optional material layers 33, 32 to protect the TPE members 90 from damage from the helmet shell and head.

FIG. 2B illustrates the members under moderate forces of impact 50, 51 from exterior outside objects on the helmet shell 34 and inside the helmet from the head 30. The outermost chamber 80 compresses with impact and ejects fluid through the orifice 81 and into the expansion reservoir 31. The reservoir opens in the direction of the arrow 87 and breaches the helmet shell. The reservoir retracts within the helmet shell 34 after impact. Once returned to a resting position, the reservoir and the outermost chamber assume a state of pressure equilibrium. Depending on the severity of impact, the interior chambers may be deformed,

Now referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3AA offers the first in a series of close up views of the compressible members providing cushioning at each stage of impact. In this respect, FIG. 3AA illustrates the compressible member 90 inserted in the interior of a helmet shell 34. The member may lie between two protective layers of material 32, 33 that can protect the outermost chamber 80 from damage. FIG. 3AA is in a state of rest. Each of the three depicted chambers 80, 84, 85 are inflated and not sufficiently deformed to cause significant movement or compression of fluids. The offset stem 82 leading from outermost chamber is permanently fixed and simply provides the path for fluid flow to the expansion reservoir 83. The 3BB will provide an axial view of the compressible member within the helmet shell.

FIG. 3BB is the axial view of the invention in FIG. 3AA. The interior chambers 84, 85 can be seen along with the end seal point. Here, the compressible member's expansion reservoir is in a closed position within the hole in the helmet shell 34.

FIG. 3CC is an illustration of the compressible member under partial impact. When a helmet is impacted, the force from outside of the helmet 50 places pressure on the participants head. Forces from the helmet shell move towards the head. The head exerts force 51 then on the compressible members between the head and the helmet shell. When the head is placed inside of the helmet, the outside chamber 80 of the compressible member makes contact head. Protective materials 32, 33 will rest against the head and helmet shell. As the impact occurs, fluids from the outermost chamber raise the interior pressure in the chamber. As the fluid seeks escape, it moves out through the orifice 81 and is channeled through the offset stem 82 into the expansion reservoir 83 in an axial movement 87 in relation to the stem 82. In a moderate impact to the helmet, it is possible that the expansion reservoir 83 does not fill to complete extension. The innermost chamber 85 in this diagram is not affected due to insufficient impact forces. In this illustration the outermost chamber 80 and middle chamber 84 become deformed with the force of impact. Cushioning devices cannot provide protection until they become engaged from at least two opposing directions. It is the difference in “pushing” a cushion versus “pinching” a cushion. This can be demonstrated in this embodiment with the middle chamber 84.

Forces 51 from the head push the outermost chamber 80 towards the helmet shell 34. As that outermost material moves closer to the shell, it engages the middle chamber 84 and pushes that towards the helmet shell. The middle chamber is a closed and compressed device and until the middle chamber is compressed from both the head and helmet shell side, it would not offer any significant cushioning protection.

3DD provides an axial view of the compressible member within the helmet shell. FIG. 3DD is an axial view of the invention in FIG. 3CC. External forces 50 are applied to the helmet shell 34 and internal forces 51 are applied to the invention. The three chambers 80, 84, 85 are sealed 86 at the viewable end and may be protected from materials 32, 33. The outmost chamber is slightly 80 deformed which expels fluids through the orifice 81, through the offset stem 82 and into the expansion reservoir 83. The reservoir opens and expands in with an axial movement 87 through a channel in the helmet shell. The middle chamber 84 may begin to deform under moderate impact forces applied to the helmet shell 34. Under moderate forces, the innermost compression chamber 85 may not be engaged or deformed.

FIG. 3EE illustrates the example compressible member under full impact. When a helmet is impacted, the force from outside 50 onto the helmet shell 34. Forces from the helmet shell move towards the head. The compressible member may be protected from materials 32, 33. The head exerts force 51 upon the member between the head and the helmet shell. From this side view, the interiors chambers 80, 84, 85 compress along their axial path due to the forces of impact, FIG. 3FF further illustrates that the internal chambers meet along the top and bottom axial surface and allow for horizontal deformation even under full impact. Under full impact, the compressible member will channel fluids through the outermost chamber 80 to the orifice 81 into the offset extension stem 82 and fill the expansion reservoir 83.

FIG. 3FF depicts an axial view of the compressible member of FIG. 3EE within the helmet shell. In this embodiment, the chambers 80, 84, 85 are sealed 86 which allows them to maintain their individual pressures. When sufficient force 50 is placed on the helmet shell 34, the head exerts an upward force 51 on the compressible member. The outmost chamber 80 compresses and forces fluids through the orifice 81 and into the offset 82 stem. This causes the expansion reservoir 83 to fully extend. Under full impact, the outermost chamber 80, contacts the middle chamber 84, The middle chamber contacts the innermost chamber and together, they move towards the helmet shell 34. Once the compressible member becomes engaged on both sides, the expansion reservoir has been filled and the outer chamber 80 becomes a compression device. The inner two chambers 84, 85 act as two further compression devices to help protect against injury.

Now referring to FIG. 4A, there is shown an alternate embodiment of the compressible member in accordance with the invention 91 with extended offset stem 82. This version differs slightly in design by lengthening the offset stem. The design does not affect the cushioning mechanism of the compressible member, but it allows the expansion reservoir 83 to be vented further from the point of impact. This functional distance between the venting mechanism and the compressible member reduces the potential for blockage of the venting mechanism and can help prevent damage of the member while it is manifested outside of a helmet shell. The outermost chamber is visible with a seal point 86 to prevent escape of fluid outside of the dosed system comprised of the outer chamber 80, stem 82 and reservoir 83. Upon impact, fluid travels from the outermost chamber 80 through the orifice 81 and into the offset stem 82 towards the expansion reservoir. This style of compressible member may be used in specific applications of sport as required by expected linear and shearing forces.

FIG. 4.B illustrates a view of the compressible member 91 where the interior pressurized chambers 84, 85 are visible. The compressible member illustrates a seal point 86 that prevents any of the chambers from leaching fluids outside of the closed unit. Upon impact, fluid from the outermost chamber 80, flow through the orifice 81 and into the offset stem 82. Once the fluid reaches the expansion reservoir 83, it will cause it to expand/open and vent through a hole in a helmet shell.

FIG. 5A illustrates a further alternate embodiment of a compressible member, wherein further manipulation of direction and distance of vented fluids through the outermost chamber 80 is achieved. The outermost chamber 80 is sealed 86 and, once compressed, forces fluid through the orifice and through an offset stem 82. The stem may be angled during the manufacturing process so that it may properly be positioned for the expected level of linear impacts and rotational forces. This style of offset stern may also protect the protruded expansion reservoir from damage since the location of impact is not the location of protrusion. FIG. 5B shows a top view of the compressible member 84, 85 with the interior chambers visible and sealed 86. This compressible member form is displayed within the confines of a helmet shell in FIG. 6.

Once impact forces are applied to the outermost chamber 80, fluids move through the orifice 81, into the offset stem 82 and vent the fluids using the expansion reservoir 83. FIG. 6 demonstrates a potential configuration of compressible members shown in FIG. 5A. In this example, a participant 71 wears a helmet configured with a matrix of compressible members 91.

The members 91 may be placed in various orientations to allow impact locations from linear or shearing forces to cause venting in neighboring locations. In the event of an impact to the rear of the head, expansion reservoirs 83 would breach the helmet shell towards the rear and side of the head rather than directly back towards the forces of impact.

The impact forces may affect any number of the compressible members 91. Members that are not directly affected by the force of impact will remain at rest and the reservoir will remain in a closed position under the surface of the helmet shell 70.

FIG. 7A illustrates yet another alternate embodiment of the compressible member of the present invention that maintains a consistency of mechanism (FIG. 1-FIG. 6) while assuming a specialized shape. In this regard, FIG. 7A shows a series of chambers 80, 84, 85 that all are pressurized torus shapes. The member 100 consists of an outermost chamber 80 that contains the lowest pressure. This chamber is equipped with multiple offset stems 82 and expansion reservoirs 83. The interior middle chamber is inflated to a higher pressure than its surrounding torus 80. The middle chamber 84 is closed and does not leach fluids into other chambers. The interior chamber 85 is inflated to a higher pressure than its surrounding torus 84. This innermost chamber is closed and does not leach fluids into other chambers.

The compressible member is shown in a state of rest in FIG. 7A. This type of shape could be used in sports helmets in where cushioning must be absent yet still provides a safe level of protection. This design may be suited for baseball and football helmets where an over-the-ear design is required.

When the compressible member is impacted, one or more of the expansion reservoirs 83 may inflate and protrude from a helmet shell. In more significant impacts, the interior chambers may be engaged and help provide further compression cushioning protection.

FIG. 7B illustrates the torus embodiment from a top-view perspective. A cutaway view illustrates the interior chambers 84, 85 or the outermost chamber 80. The offset stem 82 is fixed to the outmost chamber and contains the expansion reservoir that is designed to protrude through holes in a helmet shell.

FIG. 7C is a side profile view of the torus embodiment of the compressible member of FIGS. 7A and 7B. Interior sealed and autonomous chambers 84, 85 rest inside of the outermost chamber 80. The outermost chamber contains a series of orifices 81 that are connected to the offset sterns 82 and expansion reservoirs 83. Compression of the outermost chamber 80, will cause one or more of the expansion reservoirs 83 to open and protrude through the helmet shell. More severe impacts will engage the inner chambers for additional cushioning.

FIG. 7D depicts placement of the torus-shaped compressible member configuration placed over a user's ear. The device would be placed inside of a helmet shell and reside between the head and shell. Upon impact, the outermost chamber would be vented through orifices with attached offset stems 82. The expansion reservoirs 83 become opened and vented through the helmet shell.

FIG. 7E is a demonstration of a helmet shell 34 worm by a participant. The torus embodiment is placed between the helmet shell and head of the wearer. A compressible member is placed on the side of the head which allow the expansion reservoirs 83 to occupy holes in the helmet shell. Upon impact, the outer chamber pushed fluid through the orifice and into the expansion reservoirs 83. The reservoirs then vent fluids in an outward axial motion 87 to help absorb impact forces and extend the time of impact. The extension of impact time can reduced the risk of physical injury to the wearer. Extending the time of impact has been proven to mitigate head injury in sport.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user (in slotted lines) with a full matrix of compressible members integrated with a helmet. This is an example only, and a number of different compressible member configurations could be employed, depending for example on the activity engaged in by the user, expected force and direction of impact, and/or the need for efficiency of design. A cutaway demonstrates a potential configuration of compressible members. Here we can see the outermost chamber 80 along with a perpendicular offset stem and expansion reservoir 83 that is under impact. When the helmet is under impact, the reservoir is in an open position and protrudes through the helmet shell. Several of the compressible members are under impact as they force fluids out through the helmet shell. Expansion reservoirs 83 that are not within proximity of the site of impact will remain in a closed position.

While one or more embodiments of this invention have been described above, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the essence of this invention. All such modifications are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An shock absorbing helmet comprising:

a plurality of compressible members arranged in accordance with the expected force and direction of impact, each compressible member itself comprising: a pressurized chamber comprising: an at least one orifice; an at least one expansion reservoir in fluid communication with the chamber, the expansion reservoir for facilitating the temporary exchange of fluids from the chamber to the reservoir in response to an impact; and an at least one connecting stem for permitting the movement of fluid between the pressurized chamber and the expansion reservoir; and a shell comprising a plurality of apertures, each aperture for receiving an expansion reservoir of each compressible member, each aperture for allowing each associated expansion reservoir to temporarily accept fluids and vent outside of the shell on impact;

wherein the plurality of compressible members are positioned on the underside of the shell and secured from direct contact with a user's head.