Helmet fitting and impact attenuation system

a technology of impact attenuation and helmet, which is applied in the field of the safety helmet fitting and impact attenuation system, can solve the problems of pressure and fit problems for the helmet wearer, further limitations in the design of the helmet, and further source of discomfort for the wearer

Inactive Publication Date: 2011-07-14
BIOKINETICS & ASSOCS
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For military applications, helmet design is further limited in the choice of materials, fasteners and space that can be used to meet these design goals and create a helmet that functions in harsh environments.
Although existing helmet designs provide for some adjustment of the crown webbing layer, the webbing loops and drawstring are known to create pressure points and cause discomfort for the wearer.
Although the nape strap may increase stability of the helmet on the wearer's head, it also may provide a further source of discomfort, pressure and fit problems for the helmet wearer.
Impact attenuating materials found in certain helmets can cause discomfort when in contact with the head due to pressure points or heat / moisture retention.
However, EPS has a low chemical resistance, becomes fragile with use, and the foam rubber pads are known to be an additional cause of discomfort.
For example, existing helmets have been found to interfere with ear pieces worn under the helmet, causing the ear piece to be displaced from the helmet wearer's ear.
It has been found, for helmet systems with removable materials or padding, that helmet wearers also may carry out unauthorized modifications to the impact attenuation system and alter or remove the pieces of the impact attenuation material to further improve the comfort of the helmet.
Such unauthorized modifications may severely impair the impact protection performance of the helmet and result in injury to the helmet wearer.
The helmet shell, impact attenuation and suspension system also must operate in harsh environments and may be degraded by sand, water and other elements.
The impact attenuation, webbing and strap material typically wear out or become excessive soiled more quickly than the helmet shell, thus limiting the usable life of the helmet.
However, Zahn does not disclose adjustment of the inner supporting band, a second headband adjusted to the wearer, the accommodation of a liner to provide impact protection or the design of a fitting and impact attenuation system that may be used to retrofit existing helmet shells.

Method used

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Embodiment Construction

[0032]In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given identical reference numerals where appropriate. References to the left or right side and front or back of the helmet and system components are made with respect to the helmet and system situated on a wearer's head.

[0033]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate helmet designs known in the Prior Art and in use at present.

[0034]FIG. 3 illustrates a safety helmet 10, including a fitting and impact attenuation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The helmet shell 12 may be a standard helmet shell used in the military. Within the helmet 10, and as shown in FIG. 4, the fitting system includes a space frame 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. The space frame 14 is a flexible system which, when affixed and conformed to the interior of the shell 12 and having a headband 16 attached, results in a system 10 that provides offset in the fore-aft and lateral directions with...

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PUM

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Abstract

There is provided a safety helmet with a helmet fitting and impact attenuation system. The system comprises a semi-rigid space frame attachable to the safety helmet and a headband, releasably attachable to one or more arms of the space frame. The space frame and headband accommodate the use of an impact attenuation liner mounted between the space frame and the helmet shell. The helmet fitting and impact attenuation system also may be used to update and retrofit existing helmet shells.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C., S. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 014,239 filed on Dec. 17, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a safety helmet fitting and impact attenuation system and a safety helmet fitting and impact attenuation system that may be retrofitted to existing helmet shells.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Modern safety helmets must fulfill a number of functions for the helmet wearer. The helmet must provide protection from any one or combination of blast, debris, projectile or impact as a result of striking an object or being struck by an object; support the mounting and use of additional devices worn on or near the head or helmet, such as various types of glasses, goggles, communications devices, microphones and other devices; and provide a comfortable fit and ventilation for the wearer without comprising the other functions.[0...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A42B3/06
CPCA42B3/14
Inventor BAYNE, TIMOTHY DOUGLASFOURNIER, EDMUNDSHEWCHENKO, NICHOLASWITHNALL, CHRISTOPHER
Owner BIOKINETICS & ASSOCS
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