Headgear Including A Helmet

Abstract

A shock absorber for use with a cricket headgear. The headgear provides a protected mounting location for mounting a shock absorber for a faceguard.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/171,412 filed on Feb. 9, 2021, which is also a continuation-on-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/960,490, filed on Apr. 23, 2018 which is now U.S. Pat. No. 10,912,345 B2 and which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/787,591, filed on Oct. 28, 2015, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 9,949,523 B2 and which is a United States national stage application of International application number PCT/US2014/036418, filed on May 1, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/874,808, filed on May 1, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. This application is also claims the priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/002,641 filed Mar. 31, 2020, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to headgear including a helmet and having a faceguard that is provided with shock absorbing means and to a shock absorber suitable for use as the shock absorbing means.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The health effects of concussions, including repeated minor concussions, suffered by athletes engaged in sports where there is a substantial risk of severe impacts to the athlete's head and face have become a major concern to the athletes, sports teams, governing bodies of sports leagues, and the public in recent years. Impacts to the head may also cause neck injuries that are sometimes severe enough to cause the athlete to become paralyzed. This is particularly a concern with impacts directed frontally toward the face. Athletes in such sports have traditionally worn protective headgear in the form of a hard helmet for protection with a facemask rigidly attached to the helmet. In one embodiment, the helmet further includes a support system for supporting the helmet in relation to the user's head. The support system typically comprises straps that extend from the rim of the shell of the helmet to wrap around a portion of the user's head or neck, usually around the chin or the nape of the neck.

In some instances, attachments are desired or necessary based on the activity to be performed. Under these conditions and even without attachments, the helmet may tilt down over the user's face.

Accordingly, the support straps of the helmet may often be inadequate to hold the helmet in place upon a user's head such that the rim of the helmet is parallel to the ground. Ideally, the center of mass for such headgear would be directly over the top of the user's head; such that there is no offset to the weight, as an offset weight causes a tendency to rotate that must be counteracted by the user's neck muscles to maintain equilibrium. Because the additional weight of the attached apparatus may cause the center of the mass of the helmet to be shifted forward, causing the helmet to tilt down over the user's face, the shift forces the user to activate neck muscles to prevent the tilt.

Soft cushioning pads are provided inside the helmet around the wearer's head excluding the facial area. In some other sports, for example baseball or cricket, the protective headgear is simply a rigid facemask with cushioning padding on the outer frame that is held against the area around the wearer's face. Although the traditional headgear does mitigate the effect of impacts to the head and neck to some extent, they do not reduce the risk of head or neck injury to the desired degree. Accordingly, protective headgear having shock absorbing elements between the faceguard portion and the head-engaging portion of the headgear have been proposed in the prior art to further reduce the risk of injury. However, none of the prior art headgear with shock absorbing faceguards have been widely adopted. The need remains for a shock absorber for use with the faceguard of headgear that is robust enough, compact enough, unobtrusive enough, and adaptable enough for large scale adoption. The need also remains for headgear that can effectively incorporate such a shock absorber. There is also a need for headgear that will keep the shock absorber well protected. There is also a need for a counter weight system that will move the center of mass of the helmet with front-loaded attachments to an ideal position, without strain to the user's neck. None of the prior art headgear are seen to teach or suggest the unique features of the present invention or to achieve the advantages of the present invention that will become apparent from the description and drawings that follow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a shock absorber and headgear that employs the shock absorber. The headgear includes a faceguard and a head-engaging member. The headgear may also include a helmet stabilization apparatus that counterbalances any frontal load of additional attachments and restores the center of the helmet stabilization apparatus upon a user's head. The apparatus may include a removable counterweight adapted to be attached to different positions along a rear portion of the helmet.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a counterweight that may be adjusted to the specifications and preferences of a user. Moreover, it is an objective of the present invention that unintentional degrees of freedom of the helmet will be reduced while not restricting the user's freedom of movement.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a counterweight which may be attached and detached from a user's headgear.

The shock absorber supports the protective faceguard relative to the head-engaging member. The shock absorber includes a support structure, a guide rod, a sliding member, and a resilient member. The support structure is adapted for rigid attachment to either the head-engaging member or the faceguard. The guide rod is supported by the support structure in a fixed position relative to the support structure. The guide rod has first and second end portions, a length, and a longitudinal axis. The guide rod is supported by the support structure near the end portions of the guide rod. The sliding member is guided by the guide rod for rectilinear movement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rod. The movement of the sliding member is confined between the ends of the guide rod. The sliding member is adapted for rigid attachment to either the head engaging-member or the faceguard depending upon which of these is the one to which the support structure is attached. The resilient member acts on the sliding member to bias the sliding member toward one end of the guide rod. In the illustrated example, the resilient member is a coil spring that is provided on the guide rod between the sliding member and the second end portion of the guide rod and biases the sliding member toward the first end portion of the guide rod. In the illustrated example, the support structure is attached to the head-engaging member and the sliding member is attached to the faceguard. When an object impacts the faceguard, the sliding member is pushed from one end of the guide rod toward the other end resulting in the compression of the coil spring. Thus, the resilient member, in this case the coil spring, can absorb at least a portion of the impact energy of the object and cushion the blow to the faceguard.

In another aspect, the shock absorber includes a friction spring, which comprises a stack of a plurality of elastically deformable rings having tapered faces. The stack includes alternating inner rings and outer rings. The inner rings have outward facing tapered faces and the outer rings have inward facing tapered faces. Each inward facing tapered face is positioned proximate, and preferably in contact with, a corresponding outward facing tapered face. When a force is applied parallel to the central axis, the stack is compressed such that the inner rings are inwardly compressed and the outer rings are outwardly expanded against a frictional force experienced between the tapered faces.

The frictional force experienced between the tapered faces is a function of the nature and amount of lubricant between the faces, as well as the smoothness of the faces, the nominal gap between the faces, etc.

Other resilient members include a type or types of springs including clock springs, leaf springs, a buckling beam, a multiplicity of buckling beams, a circular ring, a multiplicity of circular rings, an ellipse, a multiplicity of ellipses, a torsion bar or a spring absorbing energy by stretching. The resilient member of the shock absorber can take other forms consistent with the definition of a resilient member. These forms may include a viscoelastic material such as a viscoelastic urethane polymer, a non-newtonian fluid or mixture contained within a flexible container within the shock absorber, a two-chamber cylinder connected by a small orifice within the shock absorber. The cylinder may also comprise a piston wherein the force of impact is dissipated by the piston compressing air directly or through a restricted opening. The resilient member may comprise an elastomeric material interposed between the head-engaging portion and faceguard that will compress upon impact thereby absorbing impact energy or absorb impact shock by stretching.

The shock absorber may comprise a shaft attached to the faceguard made to slide through a friction body attached to the head-engaging portion that will, on impact, retard sliding of the shaft through friction thereby absorbing impact energy. The shaft may be replaced by a disc or flat plates. Alternatively, the shock absorbing material may be replaceable and comprise a crushable structure suitable for one-time use. The crushable material may be a metallic foam, a metallic honeycomb, a polymeric foam, a polymeric honeycomb or a balloon.

The headgear of the present invention includes a head-engaging portion and a faceguard. In a first illustrative embodiment, the head-engaging portion includes first and second enclosed frames. The first frame is larger and designed to surround the wearer's face. The first frame is the closest to the wearer's face. The second frame surrounds the wearer's face and appears roughly concentric with the first frame when viewed from the front in relation to the wearer's face. The second frame is spaced apart from the first frame such that it is farther from the wearer's face as compared to the first frame. The second frame is connected to the first frame by pairs of L-shaped bars. Each pair of L-shaped bars supports a shock absorber in a protected location between the first and second frames of the head-engaging portion. The faceguard includes an enclosed frame that surrounds the wearer's face when viewed from the front in relation to the wearer's face. The frame of the faceguard is larger than the second frame of the head-engaging portion and envelops the second frame of the head-engaging portion when viewed from the front in relation to the wearer's face. The faceguard includes a first plurality of bars that are substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of the wearer's body and a second plurality of bars that are parallel to the transverse plane of the wearer's body. These pluralities of bars are attached to the frame of the faceguard such that they are positioned in front of the wearer's face and can thus provide protection to the wearer's face. The pluralities of bars are positioned to provide complete protection to the entire frontal area of the wearer's head. The frame of the faceguard is attached to the plurality of shock absorbers.

In the first illustrative embodiment, the support structure of shock absorber is rigidly attached to a corresponding pair of the L-shaped bars while the sliding member is rigidly attached to the frame of the faceguard.

In a second illustrative embodiment, the support structure of the shock absorber is adapted for being welded to the head-engaging portion of the headgear. Also, screw fasteners are used to secure the guide rods to the support structure.

In a third illustrative embodiment, the support structure of the shock absorber is of a modified form.

In a fourth illustrative embodiment, the head-engaging portion includes a shield and fixed frame combination. The shield covers the forehead, the forward top portion of the skull, the sides of the head, and the chin of the wearer. The shield has a face opening for the area corresponding to the mouth, nose, and eyes of the wearer. The fixed frame is fixedly attached to the shield on the interior of the shield such that the fixed frame is positioned intermediate the shield and the wearer's head. The fixed frame essentially surrounds the area corresponding to the face opening of the shield. Three shock absorber units made in accordance with the present invention support the faceguard relative to the head-engaging portion. These three shock absorber units attach the face guard to the fixed frame and thus to the head-engaging portion. The shield has openings that allow the shock absorber units to be attached to the fixed frame.

The shield may be made of fiberglass, carbon-fiber composite, KEVLAR®, molded polycarbonate, combinations thereof, and any other material suitable for use in the protective shell of protective headgear.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide suitable padding designed to be interposed between the wearer's head and the rigid parts of the head-engaging portion of the headgear of the present invention. The padding provided as part of the head-engaging portion of the headgear of the present invention should accommodate the shock absorber units such that the shock absorber units can be properly installed and can operate without hindrance.

The term head-engaging portion or member as used herein can include, without limitation, a frame, a shield, a helmet, combinations thereof, their associated padding, padding straps, and straps for securing the headgear of the present invention to the wearer's head. Depending on the materials employed and the intended use, the shock absorber units may be attached to the shield or the helmet rather than to a fixed frame.

The shock absorber or the headgear could be configured such that the sliding member is attached to the head-engaging portion and the support structure of the shock absorber is attached to the faceguard. Also the attachments between the shock absorber and the head-engaging portion or the attachment between the shock absorber and the faceguard or both could be made flexible instead of rigid as long as the attachment means used is resilient and strong enough to withstand the punishment it would be expected to receive.

Accordingly, it is a further object of the invention to provide a shock absorber for a faceguard that has a sliding member that does not extend beyond the support structure of the shock absorber so that the sliding member is not in a vulnerable position.

It is another object of the invention to provide a shock absorber for a faceguard that is robust.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a shock absorber for a faceguard that is compact.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a shock absorber for a faceguard that is unobtrusive.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a shock absorber for a faceguard that is adaptable to a wide variety of applications.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a headgear that provides a protected mounting location for mounting a shock absorber for a faceguard.

Additional embodiments of the invention are the use of a viscoelastic polymer as a shock absorber.

A further embodiment of the invention is a protective head device for absorbing shock to the head. The device includes an inner shell and an outer shell.

Another embodiment of the invention is a headgear with types of harnesses that are designed to stabilize the headgear on a wearer's head.

A further embodiment of the invention is a cricket helmet that includes a mask attached to the headgear and a shock absorber attached to both the headgear and mask.

Another embodiment discloses a further type of shock absorber featuring spirals.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the attached description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the headgear according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the headgear according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of the headgear according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of the headgear according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top isometric view of the headgear according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the headgear according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the headgear according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the shock absorber according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the shock absorber according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the shock absorber according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the shock absorber according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the shock absorber according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13-14 are views of the support structure or support bracket of the shock absorber according to the third embodiment of the present invention before it is bent into final form.

FIGS. 15-25 are views of the protective headgear having a shield and fixed frame combination according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 26-31 are views of pads suitable for use with the protective headgear according to the present invention.

FIG. 32 illustrates a fragmentary cross-section of a football helmet with a sheet of viscoelastic polymeric material adhered to an inner liner or shell.

FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate protective head devices.

FIG. 35 illustrates a shock absorber.

FIGS. 36-40 illustrate harnesses that facilitate the wearing of the helmet.

FIGS. 41-42 illustrate a shell having at least one energy absorbing layer.

FIG. 43 illustrates various types of units placed between the inner and outer shells.

FIGS. 44-48 illustrate cricket helmet headgears.

FIGS. 49-53 illustrate an alternate configuration of spirals used as part of shock absorbers.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the appended drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a shock absorber 100 and headgear 200 that employs a shock absorber such as, for example, the shock absorber 100. The headgear 200 includes a faceguard 202 and a head-engaging member 204. The shock absorber 100 supports the protective faceguard 202 relative to the head-engaging member 204. The shock absorber 100 includes a support structure 102, a guide rod 122 or 132, a sliding member 142, and a resilient member 152. The support structure 102 is adapted for rigid attachment to either the head-engaging member 204 or the faceguard 202. The guide rod 122 or 132 is supported by the support structure 102 in a fixed position relative to the support structure 102. The guide rod 122, 132 has first and second end portions, a length, and a longitudinal axis. The guide rod 122, 132 is supported by the support structure 102 near the end portions of the guide rod. The sliding member 142 is guided by the guide rod 122, 132 for rectilinear movement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rod. The movement of the sliding member 142 is confined between the ends of the guide rod 122, 132. The sliding member 142 is adapted for rigid attachment to either the head-engaging member 204 or the faceguard 202 depending upon which of these is the one to which the support structure is attached. The resilient member 152 acts on the sliding member 142 to bias the sliding member toward one end of the guide rod 122, 132. In the illustrated example, the resilient member is a coil spring 154 or 156 that is provided on the guide rod 122, 132 between the sliding member 142 and the second end portion of the guide rod and biases the sliding member 142 toward the first end portion of the guide rod 122, 132. In the illustrated example, the support structure 102 is attached to the head-engaging member 204 and the sliding member is attached to the faceguard 202. When an object impacts the faceguard 202, the sliding member 142 is pushed from one end of the guide rod 122, 132 toward the other end resulting in the compression of the coil spring 154, 156. Thus, the resilient member 152, in this case the coil spring 154, 156, can absorb at least a portion of the impact energy of the object and cushion the blow to the faceguard 202. The movement of the sliding member 142 is limited to a portion of the length of the guide rod 122, 132. The movement of the sliding member 142 is limited to rectilinear motion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rod 122, 132.

The headgear 200 of the present invention includes a head-engaging portion 204 and a faceguard 202. The head-engaging portion 204 is made of first and second substantially enclosed frames 206 and 208, respectively. The first frame 206 is larger than the second frame 208 and is designed to surround the wearer's face. The first frame 206 is the closest to the wearer's face. The second frame 208 surrounds the wearer's face and appears roughly concentric with the first frame 206 when viewed from the front in relation to the wearer's face. The second frame 208 is spaced apart from the first frame 206 such that it is farther from the wearer's face as compared to the first frame. The second frame 208 is connected to the first frame 206 by pairs of L-shaped bars 210. Each pair of L-shaped bars 210 supports a shock absorber 100 in a protected location between the first and second frames of the head-engaging portion 204. The faceguard 202 includes a substantially enclosed frame 212 that surrounds the wearer's face when viewed from the front in relation to the wearer's face. The frame 212 of the faceguard 202 is larger than the second frame 208 of the head-engaging portion 204 and envelops the second frame 208 of the head-engaging portion 204 when viewed from the front in relation to the wearer's face. The faceguard 202 includes a first plurality of bars 214 that are substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of the wearer's body and a second plurality of bars 216 that are parallel to the transverse plane of the wearer's body. These pluralities of bars 214, 216 are attached to the frame 212 of the faceguard 202 such that they are positioned in front of the wearer's face and can thus provide protection to the wearer's face. The pluralities of bars 214, 216 are positioned to provide complete protection to the entire frontal area of the wearer's head. The frame 212 of the faceguard 202 is attached to the plurality of shock absorbers 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 102 of shock absorber 100 is rigidly attached to a corresponding pair of the L-shaped bars 210 while the sliding member 142 is rigidly attached to the frame 212 of the faceguard 202. The shock absorber 100 or the headgear 200 could be configured such that the sliding member 142 is attached to the head-engaging portion 204 and the support structure 102 of the shock absorber 100 is attached to the faceguard 202. Also the attachments between the shock absorber 100 and the head-engaging portion 204 or the attachment between the shock absorber 100 and the faceguard 202 or both could be made flexible instead of rigid as long as the attachment means used is resilient and strong enough to withstand the punishment it would be expected to receive.

The sliding member 142 has an opening 144 through it and the guide rod 122 extends through the opening 144. The support structure 102 supports the guide rod 122 at the first end portion 124 of the guide rod 122 and at the second end portion 126 of the guide rod 122. The resilient member 152 can be a type or types of springs such as a coil spring 154 that has a plurality of coils. The guide rod 122 extends through the plurality of coils of the coil spring 154. The coil spring 154 is positioned intermediate a portion of the sliding member 142 that surrounds the opening 144 and the second end portion 126 of the guide rod 122.

The coil spring 154 has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the coil spring 154 bears directly or indirectly against a portion of the sliding member 142 that surrounds the opening 144. The second end of the coil spring 154 bears directly or indirectly against a portion of the support structure 102 proximate the second end portion of the guide rod 122.

The sliding member 142 has at least one hole 148 for engagement by at least one sliding member fastener 150 to thereby rigidly attach the sliding member 142 to the faceguard 202.

The support structure 102 has means for engagement by at least one support structure fastener 162, 164 to thereby rigidly attach the support structure 102 to the head-engaging member 204. The support structure 102 is a bracket comprising a base plate 104, a first endplate 106, and a second endplate 108. The first endplate 106 has a hole 110, 112 for the first end portion 124, 134 of the guide rod 122, 132. The second endplate 108 has a hole 114, 116 for the second end portion 126, 136 of the guide rod 122, 132. A first lateral flange 118 is provided on a first side of the base plate 104, and a second lateral flange 120 is provided on a second side of the base plate 104. The first endplate 106 is provided proximate a first end 166 of the base plate 104, and the second endplate 108 is provided proximate a second end 168 of the base plate 104 opposite the first endplate 106. The first lateral flange 118 extends approximately laterally from the first side 170 of the base plate 104, and the second lateral flange 120 extends approximately laterally from the second side 172 of the base plate 104 in a direction approximately opposite that of the first lateral flange 118. Each of the first lateral flange 118 and the second lateral flange 120 has means for engagement by at least one support structure fastener 162, 164 to thereby rigidly attach the support structure 102 to the head-engaging member 204. Each of the first lateral flange 118 and the second lateral flange 120 has a hole 174, 176, respectively, for engagement by a respective support structure fastener 162, 164 to thereby rigidly attach the support structure 102 to the head-engaging member 204. The lateral flanges 118, 120 and the holes 174, 176 constitute the means for engagement by at least one support structure fastener 162, 164 to thereby rigidly attach the support structure 102 to the head-engaging member 204.

In the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorber 100 has two guide rods 122 and 132 and two coil springs 154 and 156. The first guide rod 122 has first and second end portions 124 and 126, a length, and a longitudinal axis. The second guide rod 132 extends in parallel to the first guide rod 122. The second guide rod 132 has first and second end portions 134 and 136, a length, and a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first guide rod 122.

Accordingly, the sliding member 142 has a first opening 144 and a second opening 146 that extend through the sliding member 142. The first guide rod 122 extends through the first opening 144 and the second guide rod 132 extends through the second opening 146. The support structure 102 supports the first guide rod 122 at the first end portion 124 of the first guide rod 122 and at the second end portion 126 of the first guide rod 122. The support structure 102 supports the second guide rod 132 at the first end portion 134 of the second guide rod 132 and at the second end portion 136 of the second guide rod 132.

The resilient member 152 includes the first coil spring 154 and the second coil spring 156. The first coil spring 154 has a plurality of coils 158 and the first guide rod 122 extends through the plurality of coils of the first spring 154. The second coil spring 156 has a plurality of coils 160 and the second guide rod 132 extends through the plurality of coils of the second spring 156. The first coil spring 154 is positioned intermediate a first portion of the sliding member 142 and the second end 126 of the first guide rod 122. The second coil spring 156 is positioned intermediate a second portion of the sliding member 142 and the second end 136 of the second guide rod 132.

The first coil spring 154 has a first end 155 and a second end 157. The first end 155 of the first coil spring 154 bears directly or indirectly against a first portion of the sliding member 142 and the second end 157 of the first coil spring 154 bears directly or indirectly against a first portion of the support structure 102 proximate the second end 126 of the first guide rod 122. In the illustrated example, the second end 157 of the first coil spring 154 bears directly against the support structure 102, specifically the second endplate 108. The first end 155 of the first coil spring 154 bears indirectly against the sliding member 142. However, the spring 154 may bear directly or indirectly against either of those parts while the shock absorber remains within the scope of the appended claims. For example, one or more washers may be provided between the second end 157 of spring 154 and the second endplate 108 to prevent the spring from marring the endplate, or the first end 155 of the spring 154 may directly contact the sliding member 142 with the shock absorber still remaining functional.

The second coil spring 156 has a first end 159 and a second end 161. The first end 159 of the second coil spring 156 bears directly or indirectly against a second portion of the sliding member 142 and the second end 161 of the second coil spring 156 bears directly or indirectly against a second portion of the support structure 102 proximate the second end 136 of the second guide rod 132. In the illustrated example, the second end 161 of the second coil spring 156 bears directly against the support structure 102, specifically the second endplate 108. The first end 159 of the second coil spring 156 bears indirectly against the sliding member 142. However, the spring 156 may bear directly or indirectly against either of those parts while the shock absorber remains within the scope of the appended claims. For example, one or more washers may be provided between the second end 161 of spring 156 and the second endplate 108 to prevent the spring from marring the endplate, or the first end 159 of the spring 156 may directly contact the sliding member 142 with the shock absorber still remaining functional.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first endplate 106 has a first hole 110 for the first end portion 124 of the first guide rod 122 and a second hole 112 for the first end portion 134 of the second guide rod 132. The second endplate 108 has a first hole 114 for the second end portion 126 of the first guide rod 122 and a second hole 116 for the second end portion 136 of the second guide rod 132. The hole 110 is in registry with the hole 114 and the hole 112 is in registry with the hole 116.

The guide rod 122 has a first diameter and a second diameter. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. The second end portion 126 of the guide rod 122 is in large part of the first diameter. The first end portion 124 and the portion of the guide rod 122 extending between the first end portion 124 and a location proximate the second end portion 126 are essentially of the second diameter. This arrangement forms an annular step or shoulder 123 proximate the second end portion 126 of the first guide rod 122. The portion of the rod 122 extending from the shoulder 123 to the second end portion 126 is of the first diameter. The terminal portion of the first end portion 124 of the guide rod 122 extends through the hole 110 in the endplate 106. An annular groove 125 is provided on the terminal portion of the first end portion 124 of the guide rod 122 on the side of the endplate 106 opposite the side of the endplate 106 that faces the sliding member 142. An E-clip or retaining ring 127 is positioned in engagement with the groove 125. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rod 122 is provided with an annular flange 129 at the terminus of the second end portion 126 that cooperates with the clip 127 to secure the guide rod 122 to the support structure 102. The hole 114 in endplate 108 is sized to provide clearance for the first diameter of the guide rod 122 while providing a bearing surface for the second end portion 126 of the guide rod 122. The hole 110 has a diameter smaller than the first diameter of the guide rod 122 and is sized to provide clearance for the terminal portion of the first end portion 124 of the guide rod 122 that has the second diameter.

The guide rod 132 has a first diameter and a second diameter. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. The second end portion 136 is in large part of the first diameter. The first end portion 134 and the portion of the guide rod 132 extending between the first end portion 134 and a location proximate the second end portion 136 are of the second diameter. This arrangement forms an annular step or shoulder 133 proximate the second end portion 136. The portion of the rod 132 extending from the shoulder 133 to the second end portion 136 is of the first diameter. The terminal portion of the first end portion 134 of the guide rod 132 extends through the hole 112 in the endplate 106. An annular groove 135 is provided on the terminal portion of the first end portion 134 of the guide rod 132 on the side of the endplate 106 opposite the side of the endplate 106 that faces the sliding member 142. An E-clip or retaining ring 137 is positioned in engagement with the groove 135. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rod 132 is provided with an annular flange 139 at the terminus of the second end portion 136 that cooperates with the clip 137 to secure the guide rod 132 to the support structure 102. The hole 116 in endplate 108 is sized to provide clearance for the first diameter of the guide rod 132 while providing a bearing surface for the second end portion 136 of the guide rod 132. The hole 112 has a diameter smaller than the first diameter of the guide rod 132 and is sized to provide clearance for the terminal portion of the first end portion 134 of the guide rod 132 that has the second diameter.

In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rod 122 and the guide rod 132 are identical. One or both of the guide rods 122 and 132 could be configured to provide a second shoulder or flange (not shown) near their second end portions 126, 136 such that the second ends 157 and 161 of the springs 154 and 156 bear against that second shoulder or flange rather than against the second endplate 108. Thus, the second ends 157 and 161 of the springs 154 and 156 may bear indirectly against the support structure 102.

In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of tabs 218 are provided on the frame 212 of the faceguard 202. Each of the tabs 218 has a hole 220 that is engaged by a respective fastener 150 to secure the sliding member 142 of a respective shock absorber 100 to the faceguard 202. The first plurality of bars 214 may also be attached to one or more of the second plurality of bars 216. It is also possible to make the tabs 218 integral with the sliding member 142, while using a fastener 150 to secure the sliding member 142 to the frame 212 or any of the pluralities of bars 214, 216. The head-engaging member 204 is provided with padding, such as shown in FIGS. 23-27, for engagement with the wearer's head.

In the illustrated embodiment, first and second tubular sleeves 219 and 222 are provided at the openings 144 and 146, respectively, to give a greater bearing surface between the sliding member 142 and the guide rods 122 and 132 so as to reduce tilting of the sliding member relative to the guide rods, thus reducing the possibility of the sliding member 142 jamming on the guide rods. The first and second tubular sleeves 219 and 222 are in engagement with the openings 144 and 146, respectively. The first and second tubular sleeves 219 and 222 are identical to simplify manufacture. Each of the first and second tubular sleeves 219 and 222 has a first portion 224, 226, respectively, and a second portion 228, 230, respectively. Each of the first and second tubular sleeves 219 and 222 has an annular flange 232, 234, respectively, located intermediate its first portion 224, 226 and its second portion 228, 230. The guide rod 122 extends through the first sleeve 219, and the guide rod 132 extends through the second sleeve 222.

The first portion 224 of the first sleeve 219 fits into the opening 144 of the sliding member 142 with the flange 232 of the sleeve 219 abutting the sliding member 142. The second portion 228 of the first sleeve 219 fits into the space between the coils of the spring 154 and the portion of the guide rod 122 that is of the second diameter. The first end 155 of the coil spring 154 engages the flange 232 of the sleeve 219 to bias the sliding member 142 toward the first end portion 124 of the guide rod 122. Thus, the spring 154 indirectly bears against the sliding member 142.

The first portion 226 of the second sleeve 222 fits into the opening 146 of the sliding member 142 with the flange 234 of the sleeve 222 abutting the sliding member 142. The second portion 230 of the second sleeve 222 fits into the space between the coils of the spring 156 and the portion of the guide rod 132 that is of the second diameter. The first end 159 of the coil spring 156 engages the flange 234 of the sleeve 222 to bias the sliding member 142 toward the first end portion 134 of the guide rod 132. Thus, the spring 156 indirectly bears against the sliding member 142.

The illustrated headgear is particularly suited for use by a baseball catcher or umpire. In use, the headgear 200 is secured to the wearer's head using straps (not shown) or the like in the conventional manner. Padding, such as shown in FIGS. 23-27, is provided between the wearer's head and the head-engaging portion 204. The padding and straps must be applied in such a way so as to not interfere with the relative movement between the head-engaging portion 204 and the faceguard 202. Normally, the springs 154, 156 of the shock absorber 100 will bias the sliding member 142 into contact with the first endplate 106. When an object impacts the faceguard 202, the sliding member 142 is pushed toward the endplate 108, which causes the springs 154, 156 to be compressed between the sliding member 142 and the endplate 108. Thus, the springs 154, 156 absorb at least a portion of the impact energy of the object rather than transmitting it to the wearer's head.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a shock absorber 300 in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention can be seen. The shock absorber 300 has a support structure 302, two guide rods 322 and 332, two coil springs 354 and 356, first and second tubular sleeves 419 and 422, and sliding members 322 and 332. These parts are essentially identical in structure and function to the corresponding parts of the shock absorber 100, and in turn the shock absorber 300 is essentially identical in structure and function to the shock absorber 100, except as to the differences noted below. The sliding members 322 and 332 differ from the sliding member 142 in that the hole 148 is replaced by the hole 348 that extends in the direction of the thickness of the sliding members 322 and 332 rather than in the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the sliding members. The hole 348 is threaded to receive a screw fastener 350 that can secure the fastener 418 to the sliding member 342. The strap 418 has a loop that extends between two end portions that are each provided with a hole for the shaft of the screw 350. The holes in the end portions of the fastener 418 are in registry with one another. The loop of the fastener 418 fits around a portion of the frame 212 of the faceguard 202 such that, when the shaft of the screw 350 is placed through the holes in the end portions of the fastener 418 and the screw 350 is tightened in the hole 348, the fastener 418 is clamped to the frame 212 of the faceguard 202 so as to attach the sliding members 322 and 332 to the face guard 202.

The lateral flanges 118, 120 and the holes 174, 176 have been eliminated from the support structure 302. Instead, the support structure 302 is provided with a plurality of tabs 318 that allow the support structure 302 to be welded to the bars of the head-engaging member 204 to thereby fix the support structure 302 to the head-engaging member 204. In addition to welding, soldering and brazing may also be used, although welding is preferred because it ordinarily provides good bond strength.

The support structure 302 is a bracket comprising a base plate 304, a first endplate 306, and a second endplate 308. Each of the guide rods 322, 332 has a threaded hole in the first end portions 324, 334, respectively, for engagement by a respective one of the screw fasteners 327, 337. The first end plate 306 has holes (not shown), corresponding to holes 110, 112 of the support structure 102, that are smaller in diameter than the first end portions 324, 334 of the guide rods 322, 332 but are large enough to allow the shafts of the screw fasteners 327, 337 to extend through the first endplate 306. The screw fasteners 327, 337 engage the threaded holes in the first end portions 324, 334 of the guide rods 322, 332, respectively, in order to secure the guide rods 322, 332 to the support structure 302. The annular grooves 125, 135 and the E-clips 127, 137 are accordingly eliminated from the shock absorber 300.

The second endplate 308 has holes (not shown) corresponding to holes 114, 116 of the support structure 102. The area around the holes in the end plate 308 is dimpled to form dimples 315 and 317 that allow the second end portions 326, 336 of the guide rods 322, 332 to sit substantially flush with the surface of the second endplate 308 on the side opposite the springs 354, 356. The guide rods 322, 332 may be press fit to the holes in the dimples 315, 317, or the second end portions 326, 336 of the guide rods 322, 332 may be welded, brazed, or soldered to the dimples.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14, a shock absorber 500 in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention can be seen. The shock absorber 500 has a support structure 502, two guide rods 522 and 532, two coil springs 554 and 556, first and second tubular sleeves 619 and 622, and a sliding member 542. These parts are essentially identical in structure and function to the corresponding parts of the shock absorber 100, and in turn the shock absorber 500 is essentially identical in structure and function to the shock absorber 100, except as to the differences noted below.

The lateral flanges 118, 120 and the holes 174, 176 have been eliminated from the support structure 502. Instead, the support structure 502 is provided with a plurality of tabs 518 that allow the support structure 502 to be welded to the bars of the head-engaging member 204 to thereby fix the support structure 502 to the head-engaging member 204.

Referring to FIGS. 15-25, a protective headgear 800 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be seen. In the headgear 800, the head-engaging portion 804 includes a shield 808 and a fixed frame 806. The shield 808 covers the forehead, the forward top portion of the skull, the sides of the head, and the chin of the wearer. The shield 808 has a face opening 811 for the area corresponding to the mouth, nose, and eyes of the wearer. The fixed frame 806 is fixedly attached to the shield 808 on the interior of the shield 808 such that the fixed frame 806 is positioned intermediate the shield 808 and the wearer's head. The fixed frame 806 essentially surrounds the area corresponding to the face opening 811 of the shield 808. Three shock absorber units 700 made in accordance with the present invention support the faceguard 802 relative to the head-engaging portion 804. These three shock absorber units 700 attach the face guard 802 to the fixed frame 806 and thus to the head-engaging portion 804. The shield 808 has openings 813 that allow the shock absorber units 700 to be attached to the fixed frame 806. The shield 808 has vent openings 815 in the top and lateral areas around the forehead region. The shield 808 may be made of fiberglass, carbon-fiber composite, KEVLAR®, molded polycarbonate, combinations thereof, and any other material suitable for use in the protective shell of protective headgear.

The shock absorber 700 has a support structure 702, two guide rods 722 and 732, two coil springs 754 and 756, first and second tubular sleeves 819 and 822, and a sliding member 742. These parts are essentially identical in structure and function to the corresponding parts of the shock absorber 100, and in turn the shock absorber 700 is essentially identical in structure and function to the shock absorber 100, except as to the differences noted below.

The lateral flanges 118, 120 and the holes 174, 176 have been eliminated from the support structure 702. Instead, the support structure 702 is provided with a slot 703 in the base plate 704 of the support structure 702. An insert 705 is provided that has a portion 707 that fits into the slot 703 and that has a flange 709 that is too large to pass through the slot 703. The insert 705 also has holes 711 for engagement by the support structure fasteners 762, 764. The support structure 702 is fixed to the head-engaging member 804 by placing the support structure fasteners 762, 764, which may be screws or rivets for example, through holes in the fixed frame 806 and then securing the support structure fasteners 762, 764 to the insert 705 to thereby capture the support structure 702 between the insert 705 and the fixed frame 806. Thus the shock absorber 700 is fixed to the head-engaging member 804. The guide rods should be supported high enough above the insert 705 so that the insert 705 and the support structure fasteners 762, 764 will not interfere with the travel of the sleeves 819, 822 and the sliding member 742 or with the proper functioning of the springs 754, 756. The holes 711 in the insert 705 may also be countersunk to further aid in preventing the support structure fasteners 762, 764 from interfering with the travel of the sliding member 742.

Alternatively, the support structure 702 may be provided with a plurality of holes in the base plate 704 of the support structure 702 that allow the support structure 702 to be fixed to the head-engaging member 804 using the support structure fasteners 762, 764, which may be screws or rivets for example. The holes in the base plate 704 of the support structure 702 for the support structure fasteners 762, 764 would preferably be countersunk or provided in a dimpled region of the base plate 704 of the support structure 702 so that the support structure fasteners 762, 764 do not interfere with the travel of the sleeves 819, 822 and the sliding member 742 or with the proper functioning of the springs 754, 756.

The fixed frame 806 is provided with spaced-apart bar portions 810 at locations corresponding to the shock absorbers 700. The support structure fasteners 762, 764 engage with a respective spaced-apart bar portion 810 to fix the support structure 702 to the fixed frame 806. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of tabs 818 is provided on the frame 812 of the faceguard 802. Each of the tabs 818 has a hole that is engaged by a respective fastener 750 to secure the sliding member 742 of a respective shock absorber 700 to the faceguard 802. The head-engaging member 804 is preferably provided with padding, for example of a type similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 26-31, for engagement with the wearer's head. In the illustrated embodiment, the faceguard 802 is of the cage type and is similar to the faceguard 202. The protective headgear 800 is particularly well suited for use by a hockey goaltender.

Referring to FIGS. 26-31, examples of pads for use with the protective headgear of the present invention or other protective headgear can be seen. The pads include an upper pad 900 for engagement with the wearer's forehead and a lower pad 902 for engagement with the wearer's mandible at about the region of the chin or just above the chin. The pads 900 and 902 may be provided with cutouts 904 and 906, visible from the front of the pad, or they may be otherwise dimensioned and configured to clear the shock absorbers. The lower pad 908 uses a downward extending bill 910 to shield the wearer's chin from the lowermost shock absorber. A similar configuration is used for the upper pad 914, which has an upward extending bill 916 to shield the wearer's forehead from the uppermost shock absorber. The upper pad 914 is preferably also provided with an opening 918 for the straps (not shown) that are used to secure the headgear 200 to the wearer's head. The pads 900, 902, 908, and 914 are preferably provided with straps 912 that are equipped with hook-and-loop fastening systems for attaching the pads to the frames 206, 208, the shield 808 and the fixed frame 806. The pads preferably have a natural or simulated leather outer covering and a foam type cushioning material as the filling. The foam type cushioning material is preferably of a relatively firm variety.

Spring rates in the range of about 15 to about 50 lbs. seem to provide the best results. Most preferably, the spring rate is about 25 lbs. Any of the various disclosed shock absorbers and the various disclosed pads may be used with any of the disclosed protective headgear of the present invention or with other protective headgear.

The viscoelastic polymer material is preferably chosen to provide good shock absorption properties.

One example of suitable viscoelastic polymeric materials suitable for use in the present invention are the proprietary polyurethane viscoelastic materials sold under the Sorbothane trademark. However, the chemical composition of the viscoelastic polymeric material employed in the present invention is not critical, and other types of viscoelastic polymeric materials having different chemical composition can also be employed provided that they exhibit similar viscoelastic behavior upon impact. Viscoelastic materials exhibit, as the term implies, both an elastic character and a viscous character.

Preferably, the viscoelastic polymeric material has a tan delta of from about 0.25 to 0.5 (5 Hertz), about 0.3 to 0.8 (15 Hertz), about 0.55 to 0.85 (30 Hertz), and about 0.37 to 0.9 (50 Hertz), and a Shore Durometer range of from about 30 to 70. Preferably, the viscoelastic polymeric material has a dynamic elastic modulus (5 Hz) of from about 100 to 300 psi (at 10% stress), and about 50 to 250 psi (at 15% stress); about 50 to 260 psi (20% stress). Preferably, the viscoelastic polymeric material has a dynamic elastic modulus (50 Hz) of from about 100 to 300 psi (at 10% stress), and about 110 to350 psi (at 15% stress), and about 120 to 390 psi (20% stress). Preferably, the glass transition temperature of the viscoelastic polymeric material is from about −15 to −30 degrees C.

FIG. 32 below illustrates a fragmentary cross-section of a football helmet 1000 with a sheet of viscoelastic polymeric material 1020 adhered to an inner liner or shell 1030. The sheet of viscoelastic polymer material 1020 is covered with a decorative coating or film of a polymeric material 1040. In a preferred embodiment, the coating is stamped or otherwise branded by marking the surface to form an impression. Other material layers may be provided inside the inner shell 1040 to enhance the protection provided to the individual wearing the helmet and/or to increase the comfort of the helmet 1000.

The present invention also provides a protective head device for absorbing shocks to the head as may be encountered when participating in contact sports such as football, ice hockey, lacrosse, and the like. The present invention provides a protective head device or helmet including an inner shell and an outer shell, with a plurality of shock absorption devices extending between the inner shell and the outer shell, such as the shock absorption devices employed in the present invention.

As depicted in the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 33, a protective head device 1100 includes an inner shell 1110 contoured to accommodate an individual human head, and an outer shell 1120 spaced and generally following the contour of the inner shell 1110. Preferably, extending generally perpendicularly from the upper surface 1112 of the inner shell 1110 to the inner surface 1122 of the outer shell 1120 are a plurality of shock absorption devices 1130, with each of the shock absorption devices 1130 having a central axis 1132. Preferably, the outer shell 1120 and the inner shell 1110 are generally coextensive. The shape and contour of the outer shell 1120 and inner shell 1110 may be adapted to the requirements of the specific sport for which protective head device 1100 of the present invention.

In one presently preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of shock absorption devices 1130 is mounted normal to the upper surface 1112 of the inner shell 1110, and each shock absorption device 1130 has a spring constant k and a damping coefficient c with components parallel to the central axis (k_∥, c_∥) and components perpendicular to the central axis (k^™ c^™).

In one presently preferred embodiment, at least one of the plurality of shock absorption devices 1130 is a friction spring 1150 having both an elastic force component k1, as well as a first frictional force component during spring compression μ1 and a second frictional force μ2 component during decompression.

Preferably, the protective head device 1100 includes at least one shock absorption device 1130 absorbs at least 25 percent of the force applied to the shock absorption device 1130. More preferably, the protective head device 1100 includes at least one shock absorption device 1130 that absorbs at least 50 percent of the force applied to the shock absorption device 1130.

In one presently preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, the protective head device 1200 includes as shock absorption devices 1230 at least one friction spring 1260 comprises a stack 1270 of a plurality of elastically deformable rings 1280 having tapered faces 1282, the stack 1270 having a central vertical axis 1272, each ring face 1274 having a predetermined taper of F degrees From the vertical axis of the stack 1270, and has a stiffness c. Preferably, the stack 1270 comprises alternating inner rings 1276 and outer rings 1278, the inner rings 1276 having outward facing tapered faces 1284 and the outer rings 1278 having inward facing tapered faces 1286, with each inward facing tapered face 1286 being positioned proximate a corresponding outward facing tapered face 1284. When a force is applied parallel to the central axis 1232, the stack 1270 is compressed such that the inner rings 1276 are compressed and the outer rings 1278 are expanded against a frictional force experienced between the tapered faces 1282.

In another aspect, the taper F of the elastically deformable rings 1280 varies from top to bottom of the stack 1270. In one aspect, the taper F of the elastically deformable rings 1280 decreases from top to bottom of the stack 1270. In another aspect, the taper F of the elastically deformable rings 1280 increases from top to bottom of the stack 1270.

In another presently preferred embodiment, the shock absorption device or shock absorber includes a support structure adapted for attachment to one of the inner shell and the outer shell. The shock absorption device also includes a guide rod supported by said support structure in a fixed position relative to said support structure. The guide rod has first and second end portions, a length, and a longitudinal axis. The shock absorption device also includes a sliding member guided by the guide rod for rectilinear movement in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said guide rod. The sliding member is adapted for attachment to another one of the inner shell and the outer shell. The resilient member acts on the sliding member to bias the sliding member toward the first end portion of the guide rod. The resilient member can absorb at least a portion of the impact energy of an object impacting the outer shell when the impact causes the sliding member to move toward the second end portion of the guide rod.

Referring to FIG. 35, a shock absorber 1300 in accordance with an adaptation of the second embodiment of the shock absorber of present invention can be seen. The shock absorber 1300 has a support structure 1302, two guide rods 1322 and 1332, two coil springs 1354 and 1356, first and second tubular sleeves 1319 and 1322, and a sliding member 1342. These parts are essentially identical in structure and function to the corresponding parts of the shock absorber 300, and in turn the shock absorber 300 is essentially identical in structure and function to the shock absorber 1300, except as to the differences noted below. The sliding member 1342 differs from the sliding member 342 in that the hole 1348 is threaded to receive a screw fastener 1350 (not shown) that can secure a portion of the underside of the outer shell to the sliding member 1342. The outer shell includes a raised portion and a recessed portion, such that when the shock absorber 1300 is in contact with the outer shell, the corresponding aperture formed in the raised portion of the outer shell is in registration with the hole 1348, such that the screw fastener 1350 can be employed to fasten the sliding member 1342 to the raised portion of the outer shell to secure the shock absorber 1300 to the outer shell. The recessed portion of the inner shell is formed to receive the outwardly projecting portion of the support structure 1300, with the depth of recess from the raised portion being determined by the axial range of motion of the sliding member 1342. The opposite end of the shock absorber 1300 is fastened to the outer surface of the inner shell. The support structure 1302 is provided with a plurality of tabs 1318 that allow the support structure 1302 to be fastened to the inner shell to thereby fix the support structure 1302 to the inner shell.

The support structure 1302 is a bracket comprising a base plate 1304, a first endplate 1306, and a second endplate 1308. Each of the guide rods 1322, 1332 has a threaded hole in the first end portions 1324, 1334, respectively, for engagement by a respective one of the screw fasteners 1327, 1337. The first end plate 1306 has holes (not shown) that are smaller in diameter than the first end portions 1324, 1334 of the guide rods 1322, 1332 but are large enough to allow the shafts of the screw fasteners 1327, 1337 to extend through the first endplate 1306. The screw fasteners 1327, 1337 engage the threaded holes in the first end portions 1324, 1334 of the guide rods 1322, 1332, respectively, in order to secure the guide rods 1322, 1332 to the support structure 1302. The second endplate 1308 also has holes (not shown) corresponding to holes 1314, 1316 of the support structure 1302. The area around the holes 1335 in the end plate 1308 is dimpled to form dimples 1315 and 1317 that allow the second end portions 1326, 1336 of the guide rods 1322, 1332 to sit substantially flush with the surface of the second endplate 1308 on the side opposite the springs 1354, 1356. The guide rods 1322, 1332 may be press fit to the holes in the dimples 1315, 1317, or the second end portions 1326, 1336 of the guide rods 1322, 1332 and may be welded, brazed, or soldered to the dimples.

Test Results

Testing methodology for assessing the risk of head injury associated with athletic headgear is promulgated by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). There are only four independent facilities in the United States approved by the NOCSAE for performing testing of athletic equipment. A baseball catcher's mask in accordance with the present invention was tested at a NOCSAE-approved facility. In addition, currently-available competitive catcher's masks were also tested for comparison. The results of the testing are presented in Tables 1 and 2 below.

TABLE 1
Baseball Impacts
Required Velocity: 100 mph (43.81-45.60 m/s)
				Peak
	Impact		Severity	Acceleration
Sample	Location	Velocity (m/s)	Index	(g)
Rawlings	Front	43.86	149	123
	Front	44.37	169	135
Wilson	Front	44.24	90	54
	Front	43.86	112	127
Champion	Front	44.07	85	98
	Front	43.86	119	121
Mask according	Front	44.20	43	76
to the present	Front	43.86	59	74
invention

TABLE 2
Softball Impacts
Required Velocity: 70 mph (30.35-32.23 m/s)
				Peak
	Impact		Severity	Acceleration
Sample	Location	Velocity (m/s)	Index	(g)
Rawlings	Front	30.71	96	111
Wilson	Front	30.77	44	72
Champion	Front	30.71	79	93
Mask according	Front	30.82	11	49
to the present
invention

The Severity Index (SI) is defined as follows:

$\mathrm{SI}=\underset{0}{\overset{T}{\int }}{A}^{2.5}\mathrm{dt}$

Where: A is the instantaneous resultant acceleration expressed as a multiple of g (acceleration of gravity); dt are the time increments in seconds; and the integration is carried out over the essential duration (T) of the acceleration pulse. The lower the SI, the lower the risk of injury will be, while the higher acceleration is correlated with a higher risk of injury. For a comparable SI, the higher acceleration would present a higher risk of injury.

As can be seen from these results, the mask according to the present invention provides significant reductions in both SI and peak acceleration and would therefore be expected to correspondingly reduce the risk of injury from ball impacts.

Another embodiment of the invention is a harness that facilitates the wearing of the helmet.

FIGS. 36-38 illustrate three protective headgears with types of harnesses that are designed to stabilize the helmet on the wearer's head. The protective headgear 1400 shown in FIG. 36 illustrates a helmet 1402 with a triangular shaped harness 1404. The harness 1404 also has three strips 1408. Each of the strips 1408 forms a loop 1410 at the end of the strips. The harness 1404 is capable of being attached to the helmet 1402 shown in FIG. 36 by affixing one of the loops to the helmet 1402. The remaining two loops are attached to the fixed helmet 1402.

FIG. 37, similar to FIG. 36, illustrates another embodiment of a protective headgear 1500 with a helmet 1502 and harness 1504. The harness 1504 is fixedly attached to the back side of the protective headgear 1500 with one side fixedly attached to the upper side of the forward top portion of the shield (not shown) and the remaining two sides fixedly attached to the fixed frame.

FIG. 38 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a helmet stabilization apparatus 1604 wherein a removable counterweight may be attached via a hook and loop connection interface. FIG. 38 shows protective headgear 1600 which contains helmet 1602, removable counterweight 1606, hook and loop interface 1608, and hook and loop connectors (not shown). The protective headgear 1600 is designed to maintain the functionality of helmet 1602, but also counterbalance a frontal load of any weight upon helmet 1802 and may restore the center of balance of helmet stabilization apparatus 1604 upon a user's head as if there were no offset load, and the system was at equilibrium.

Helmet 1602 is a form of protective covering that may be worn on the head of a user. Helmet 1602 may also couple to a separate harness 1604 and interface with removable counterweight 1606. Additionally, helmet 1602 may be modified such that removable counterweight may be attachable to and detachable from helmet 1602. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 38, helmet 1602 contains hook and loop connection interface 1608 such that removable counterweight 1606 may be attached and detached to helmet 1602 thereby allowing a user to adapt helmet 1602 so as to add or remove accessories while still maintaining helmet 1602's center of mass upon the central axis of the user.

In the present embodiment, removable counterweight 1606 may be attached to or removed from helmet 1602 via hook and loop connection interface 1608 and hook and loop connectors (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, removable counterweight 1606 may be composed of the same preferred material as that of helmet 1602, such that removable counterweight 1606 may provide protection. However, the size, weight or shape of removable counterweight 1606 should not be interpreted so as to limit the scope of the present invention.

Hoop and loop connection interface 1608 may couple helmet 1602 to removable counterweight 1606 via hook and loop connectors (not shown). Hook and loop connection interface 1608 and hook and loop connectors may be composed of hook and loop fasteners (not shown). Hook and loop connection interface 1608 and hook and loop connectors may each consist of a hook layer and a loop layer, respectively. In one embodiment, hook and loop connection interface 1608 may consist of a surface comprised of a series of small hooks, while hook and loop connectors may comprise of a series of small loops. However, in another embodiment, hook and loop connection interface 1608 may consist of a surface comprised of a series of small loops, while hook and loop connectors may comprise a series of small hooks.

Hook and loop connector interface 1608 may be securely attached to helmet 1602. In an exemplary embodiment, hook and loop connection interface 1608 may be coupled to helmet 1602 by a strong adhesive. In other embodiments, however, hook and loop connection interface 1608 may be coupled to helmet 1602 by other methods, such as mounting brackets or stitching. Therefore, the means of connection between hook and loop connection interface 1608 and helmet 1602 should not be interpreted so as to narrow the scope of the present invention.

Hook and loop connector may be securely stitched to the posterior surface of removable counterweight 1606. In an exemplary embodiment, hook and loop connectors may be coupled to removable counterweight 1606 by a strong adhesive. In other embodiments however, hook and loop connectors may be coupled to removable counterweight 1606 by other methods, such as mounting brackets or stitching.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 38, removable counterweight 1606 may contain two hook and loop connectors. In other embodiments, hook and loop connector may be so large as to cover the entire posterior surface of removable counterweight 1606 or as small as permissible in order to securely attach removable counterweight 1606 to helmet 1602. Therefore, the means of connection between hook and loop connectors and removable counterweight 1606 should not be interpreted so as to narrow the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 37 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of helmet stabilization apparatus 1704 with removable counterweight (not shown) coupled into a first portion via hook and loop connection interface 1708. Helmet stabilization apparatus 1704 may allow the user to specifically modify the position of removable counterweight upon helmet 1702 in order to maintain helmet 1702's center of mass upon the central axis of the user.

Another preferred option is to incorporate a fixed weight in the harness. The counterweight may incorporate a half-pound or a pound weight preferably in the form of metal pellets.

FIG. 40 illustrates a different embodiment of a protective headgear 1800 with a helmet 1808 and harness 1810. The harness contains a lower strip 1806 at the base and another strip 1802 extending from the center of the other strip 1806 and strip 1814 connects to strip 1806 to provide support. The end of strip 1806 identified as 1810 and the end 1814 of the strip 1802 are capable of being attached to the mask shown in FIG. 40 by affixing ends 1806 and 1802 to the fixed frame 1808 and affixing end 1810 and 1814 to the shield (not shown).

FIG. 41 illustrates a shell 1900 having a first energy absorbing layer 1902 extending between the inner side of the outer shell 1904 and the outer side of the inner shell 1910. A second energy absorbing layer 1908 extends from the inner side of the inner shell 1910. The first energy absorbing layer is adapted to manage forces having a component in a plane perpendicular to the normal of the outer side of the outer shell 1912.

In a preferred embodiment, the first energy absorbing layer has a plurality of units 1914. The units are placed at selected positions in between the outer shell and the inner shell. In a preferred embodiment, each unit comprises a torsion spring. Each spring extends from a first selected position on the inner side of the outer shell to a second selected position on the outer side of the inner shell.

In a further preferred embodiment, the helmet may further comprise a face shield and a pair of attachment devices for attaching the face shield to the outer shell wherein each attachment device comprises a torsion spring. This helmet may be further limited to provide that each attachment device is configured to limit the motion of the face shield in the agreed direction, such that the distance between the face shield and the outer shell is no greater than a predetermined length.

FIGS. 42A and B illustrate a variation 1900 of FIG. 41 with a different unit. FIG. 43 illustrates alternative units A-Q.

FIGS. 44-48 illustrate cricket helmet headgears. FIG. 44 shows a cricket helmet headgear 2000 having a head engaging portion 2002, a protective faceguard or mask 2004 and connecting member 2006 to the headgear and mask wherein the connecting member 2006 contains at least one shock absorber 2008. A plurality of pairs of L-shaped bars 2010 connecting said face guard frame member 2004 to a first frame member that is part of helmet headgear 2000. Each pair of L-shaped bars support a respective one of said plurality of shock absorbers such that said respective shock absorber is in a protective location between said first frame member and said second frame member of said head engaging portion.

FIG. 45 illustrates a cricket helmet similar to the helmet of FIG. 44 except that it includes a neck brace. FIG. 45 shows a cricket helmet headgear 2100 having a head engaging portion 2102, a protective faceguard or mask 2104 and connecting member 2106 to the headgear 2100 and mask 2104 wherein the connecting member 2106 contains at least one shock absorber 2108. A plurality of pairs of L-shaped bars 2110 connect said face guard frame member 2104 to said first frame member helmet headgear 2106. Each pair of L-shaped bars 2110 support a respective one of said plurality of shock absorbers 2108 such that said respective shock absorbers 2108 is in a protective location between said first head engaging portion 2102 and said second frame protective faceguard 2104. FIG. 45 also illustrates a neck guard 2112 extending below and connected to the first frame member, headgear 2102.

FIG. 46 illustrates another cricket helmet headgear 2200 according to the invention. FIG. 46 illustrates a cricket helmet headgear 2200 having a head engaging portion 2202, a protective face guard 2204, a flat sheet 2206 and a shock absorber 2208. The shock absorber 2208 is attached to both the cricket helmet head gear 2200 and the protective face guard 2204.

FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate two views of a cricket helmet headgear 2300 and 2400. The cricket helmet headgear 2400 shown in FIG. 48 identifies various layers of the headgear. They are an outer embellishable layer 2402, a soft padding layer 2404, an outer shell 2406, an omnidirectional layer 2408, an inner padding layer 2410 and an inner shell layer 2412.

An alternative configuration of a shock absorber is illustrated in FIGS. 49 to 53 which show a spiral forming the shape of a continuous curving line that forms circles around a center point. The spiral may consist of wire or square blocks that are connected. The spiral is placed between the inner and outer layers of a helmet (not shown) and acts as another embodiment of shock absorber. Five spirals are illustrated in FIGS. 49 to 53. FIGS. 49 and 51 to 53 illustrate spirals around a cylindrical rod. FIG. 50 illustrates only a spiral.

As illustrated FIGS. 49 to 53, a spiral is a curve which emanates from a point moving further away as it revolves around the point. As a three-dimensional curve, it turns around an axis at a constant or continuously varying distance while moving parallel to the axis. A spiral is also referenced to as a helix. A spiral can function as a shock absorber. It is a mechanized device designed to absorb and damp shock impulses. It converts kinetic energy of the shock into another form of energy (i.e. heat) which is then dissipated.

It should be noted various substitutions, modifications and changes may be made to the present disclosure by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field which the present disclosure belongs without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and the present disclosure is not limited by the above described embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

Claims

1. A protective headgear, comprising:

a head-engaging portion;

a protective faceguard; and

a plurality of shock absorbers, each of said plurality of shock absorbers connecting said faceguard to said head-engaging portion, wherein each of said plurality of shock absorbers is for supporting said protective faceguard relative to said head-engaging portion, each of said plurality of shock absorbers comprising:

a support structure adapted for attachment to one of the head-engaging-portion and the faceguard;

a guide rod supported by said support structure in a fixed position relative to said support structure, said guide rod having first and second end portions, a length, and a longitudinal axis;

a sliding member guided by said guide rod for rectilinear movement in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said guide rod, said sliding member being adapted for attachment to another one of the head engaging member and the faceguard; and

the attachments between the shock absorber and face guard are resilient,

wherein said sliding member has an opening therethrough and said guide rod extends through said opening, and

wherein said support structure supports said guide rod at said first end portion of said guide rod and at said second end portion of said guide rod; and

wherein said head-engaging portion comprises first and second frame members said first frame member being larger than said second frame member and being sized to substantially surround a wearer's face, a plurality of pairs of L-shaped bars connecting said second frame member to said first frame member, each pair of L-shaped bars supporting a respective one of said plurality of shock absorbers such that said respective shock absorber is in a protected location between said first frame member and said second frame member of said head-engaging portion.

2. A protective headgear comprising:

a head-engaging portion;

a protective faceguard; and

at least one shock absorber connecting said faceguard to said head-engaging portion,

wherein said head-engaging portion comprises first and second frame members, said first frame member being larger than said second frame member and being sized to substantially surround a wearer's face, a plurality of pairs of L-shaped bars connecting said second frame member to said first frame member, each pair of L-shaped bars supporting a respective one of said plurality of shock absorbers.

3. A protective headgear according to claim 1 comprising:

a head engaging portion comprising

an inner shell for positioning proximate the upper portion of a human head, the inner shell having an upper surface;

an outer shell, spaced from the inner shell; and

a plurality of shock absorption devices extending between the inner shell and the outer shell for dampening impulse force directed to the outer shell, each of the plurality of the shock absorption devices having a central axis; and

a protective faceguard,

wherein said head-engaging portion comprises first and second frame members, said first frame member being larger than said second frame member and being sized to substantially surround a wearer's face, a plurality of pairs L-shaped bars connecting said second frame member to said first frame member, each pair of L-shaped bars supporting a respective one of said plurality of shock absorbers such that said respective shock absorber is in a protected location between said first frame member and said second frame member of said head-engaging portion.

4. A protective head device according to claim 3 wherein the inner shell is generally coextensive with the outer shell.

5. A protective head device according to claim 3 wherein each of the plurality of shock absorption devices is mounted normal to the upper surface of the inner shell.

6. A helmet stabilization harness that maintains the center of mass of the helmet upon the central axis of the user in which the harness is attached to the helmet in at least two places and contains a counterweight which counterbalances a frontal load of weight upon the helmet.

7. The helmet stabilization harness of claim 6 wherein the counterweight is removable.

8. The helmet stabilization harness of claim 6 wherein the counterweight is attached or removed from a helmet by a hook and loop connection interface.

9. The helmet stabilization harness of claim 6 wherein the counterweight is incorporated in the harness.

10. The helmet stabilization harness of claim 6 wherein the counterweight is selected from the group consisting of 0.5 pound weights and 1.0 pound weights.

11. A protective headgear according to claim 1 and comprising a head engaging portion which comprises inner and outer shells; and

a plurality of shock absorbers extending between the inner side of the outer shell and the outer side of the inner shell, each of said plurality of shock absorbers comprising a spiral forming the shape of a continuous curving line that forms circles around a center point.

12. A protective headgear according to claim 11 wherein the headgear also comprises a protective face guard.

13. A protective headgear according to claim 11 wherein the spiral is placed between the inner and outer shells and acts as a shock absorber.

14. A protective headgear according to claim 11 wherein the spiral is made from wire.

15. A protective headgear according to claim 11 wherein the spiral is made from square blocks that are connected.

16. A cricket headgear, comprising:

a head-engaging portion;

a protective faceguard; and

a plurality of shock absorbers, each of said plurality of shock absorbers connecting said faceguard to said head-engaging portion, wherein each of said plurality of shock absorbers is for supporting said protective faceguard relative to said head-engaging portion, each of said plurality of shock absorbers comprising a support structure adapted for attachment to one of the head-engaging-portion and the faceguard wherein said head-engaging portion comprises first and second frame members said first frame member being larger than said second frame member and being sized to substantially surround a wearer's face, a plurality of pairs of L-shaped bars connecting said second frame member to said first frame member, each pair of L-shaped bars supporting a respective one of said plurality of shock absorbers such that said respective shock absorber is in a protected location between said first frame member and said second frame member of said head-engaging portion.

17. A cricket headgear comprising:

a head-engaging portion;

a protective faceguard; and

at least one shock absorber connecting said faceguard to said head-engaging portion,

wherein said head-engaging portion comprises first and second frame members, said first frame member being larger than said second frame member and being sized to substantially surround a wearer's face, a plurality of pairs of L-shaped bars connecting said second frame member to said first frame member, each pair of L-shaped bars supporting a respective one of said plurality of shock absorbers.

18. A cricket headgear comprising:

a head engaging portion comprising

an inner shell for positioning proximate the upper portion of a human head, the inner shell having an upper surface;

an outer shell, spaced from the inner shell; and

a plurality of shock absorption devices extending between the inner shell and the outer shell for dampening impulse force directed to the outer shell, each of the plurality of the shock absorption devices having a central axis; and

a protective faceguard,

wherein said head-engaging portion comprises first and second frame members, said first frame member being larger than said second frame member and being sized to substantially surround a wearer's face, a plurality of pairs L-shaped bars connecting said second frame member to said first frame member, each pair of L-shaped bars supporting a respective one of said plurality of shock absorbers such that said respective shock absorber is in a protected location between said first frame member and said second frame member of said head-engaging portion.

19. A cricket headgear according to claim 18 wherein the inner shell is generally coextensive with the outer shell.

20. A cricket headgear according to claim 18 wherein each of the plurality of shock absorption devices is mounted normal to the upper surface of the inner shell.