CA1171202A - Shock attenuation system for headgear - Google Patents
Shock attenuation system for headgearInfo
- Publication number
- CA1171202A CA1171202A CA000375692A CA375692A CA1171202A CA 1171202 A CA1171202 A CA 1171202A CA 000375692 A CA000375692 A CA 000375692A CA 375692 A CA375692 A CA 375692A CA 1171202 A CA1171202 A CA 1171202A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tubes
- shock attenuation
- set forth
- attenuation system
- liner
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 56
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001230 polyarylate Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920003051 synthetic elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000005061 synthetic rubber Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000011068 loading method Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000006263 elastomeric foam Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004224 protection Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010998 test method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011179 visual inspection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000386 athletic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- OYFJQPXVCSSHAI-QFPUQLAESA-N enalapril maleate Chemical compound OC(=O)\C=C/C(O)=O.C([C@@H](C(=O)OCC)N[C@@H](C)C(=O)N1[C@@H](CCC1)C(O)=O)CC1=CC=CC=C1 OYFJQPXVCSSHAI-QFPUQLAESA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009863 impact test Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003116 impacting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001748 polybutylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000010561 standard procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/10—Linings
- A42B3/12—Cushioning devices
- A42B3/124—Cushioning devices with at least one corrugated or ribbed layer
Landscapes
- Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
- Suspension Of Electric Lines Or Cables (AREA)
- Particle Accelerators (AREA)
- Vibration Dampers (AREA)
- Window Of Vehicle (AREA)
- Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
- Gyroscopes (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A shock attenuation system for headgear having an outer protective shell, the system comprising a liner adapted to be secured to the internal surface of the shell, the liner comprising a series of tubes of elastomeric material extending with their axes generally parallel to the internal surface of the shell, and generally parallel to one another. Each tube is open at an end thereof and is elastically deformable under loads applied against the side of the tube, whereby, with the headgear worn by a wearer and upon application of an impact load to the headgear, the tubes in the area of impact deform elastically under the applied load and attenuate the shock upon the wearer from the applied load.
Description
SHOCK ATTENUATION SYSTEM FOR HEADGEAR
Back~round of the Invention This invention relates to headgear, and more particularly to a shock attenuation system for protective headgear.
This invention involves ~n improvement in shock at-tenuation systems for protective headgear of the type, such as shown for example in U.S. patents 3,292,180, 3,462,763, 3,600,714, 3,609,764, 3,668,704, and 3,887,076, comprising a deformable liner secured to the internal surface of an outer protective shell of the headgear, the liner deforming under an impact load applied to the shell for attenuating the shock upon the wearer. While the liners of prior systems initially provide adequate shock attenuation, they lose a substantial part of their shock attenuation properties with each impact, with the result that a~ter a relatively small number of impact loadings of relatively high magnitude, they no longer provide adequate shock attenuation. The loss of shock attenuation properties is not, however, accompanied by any visible changes ~0 in the liners of prior systems, and a user cannot determine by visual inspection whether a particular piece of headgear which has been previously used still provides adequate protection.
Summary of the Invention Among the several objects of this invention may be noted the provision of an improved shock attenuation system of the above-described type which provides a higher level of ~ `~
1 2 ~ 2 shock attenuation than prior systems; the provision of such a system which continues to provide an ade~uate level of shock attenuation after being subjected to numerous impact loadings;
the provision of such a system which is relatively compact and lightweight; and the provision of such a system which is rela-tively simple and economical to manufacture.
In general, the shock attenuation system of this in-vention comprises a liner adapted to be secured to the inter-nal surface of the outer shell of protective headgear, the li-ner comprising a series of tubes of elastomeric material adap-ted to extend with their axes generally parallel to the inter-nal surface of the shell and generally parallel to one ano-ther. Each tube is open at an end thereof and is elastically deformable under loads applied against the side of the tube, whereby, with the headgear worn by a wearer and upon applica-tion of an impact load to the headgear, the tubes in the area of impact deform elastically under the applied load and atten-uate the shock upon the wearer from the applied load.
Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
'7 1 2 3 2 Brief Description of -the Drawings Fig. 1 is a front elevation of headgear having a shock attenuation system of this invention with a portion oE
the headgear broken away to show a liner of the system and with parts of the liner broken away;
Fig. 2 is a horizontal section of the headgear on line 2--~ of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section of the headgear;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical section of the headgear on linè 4--4 of Fig. l;
Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a second embodiment of the shock attenuation system;
Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a third embodiment of the system; and Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a fourth embodiment of the system.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corre-sponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring first to Figs. 1 - 4 o~ the drawings, there is indicated at 1 headgear, such as a football helmet, comprising an outer protective shell 3 of a suitable rela-tively lightweight plastic material, such-as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin or polypropylene having a rela-tivèly high impact resistance, and a shock attentuation system ~:L712~2 5 of this invention comprising a liner 7 at the internal sur-face of the shell 3. To facilitate installation of the liner 7 in the shell 3 with the liner 7 held in close conEormance to the curved internal surface thereof~ the liner preferably has, as shown in Fi~. 1, a lower section 9 at the lower edge margin o the shell and a separate upper section 11 above the lower section extendiny toward but stopping short of the crown of the shell. A suspension harness indicated at 13 in Fig. 2 is provided in the headgear 1 at its crown for protecting the top of the wearer's head.
In accordance with this invention, ~he liner 7 com-prises a series of elastically deformable tubes lS of gener-ally circular section ex~ending up within the shell with their axes generally parallel to the internal surface of the shell, and a layer 17 of cushioning material at the interior periph-ery of the series of tubes. As shown in FigO 2, the layer 17 of cushioning material comprises a plurality of pads 19 of a suitable closed-cell elastomeric foam such as a foamed vinyl resin at spaced intervals along a carrier sheet 21 oE suitable material detachably secured to the tubes 15 by conventional fasteners ~3, such as snaps or hook and pile fasteners~ The inner surface of the layer 17 of cushioning mater,ial is en-~ageable with the head for providîn~ a snug, comfortable fit of the headgear on the wearer's head. The thickness of the layer 17 may be varied within a range (e.g., 1/4 to 5/8 inchl to enable use of one size of shell 3 for a range of head sizes.
:~1712~2 As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the tu~es 15 are secured together in side-by-side ~elation with adjacent tubes joined by a layer of suitable adhesive or integrally formed as by ex-trusion, and they are detachably secured to the shell 3 by conventional fastening means 25 such as rivets, "t" nuts and screws, or snaps. In accordance with this invention, the tubes are of an elastomeric material, such as polybutylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, a polyarylate resin such as that sold under the trademark "Ardel" by Union Carbide Corp., of New York, New York, or a synthetic rubber such as that sold under the trademark "Hytrel" by E. I. Du Pont De & Nemours Co., Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware, and are open at their ends to enable them readily to deform elastically from their normal circular section to an elliptical section under loads applied against their sides. The open ends of the tubes allow air to flow out of the tubes upon being deformed, and also to flow through the tukes to ventilate the headgear 1.
With the headgear 1 worn on a wearer's head, the system 5 attenuates the shock upon the wearer from an impact load applied to the heaàgear by distributing the loading over an increased area of the head and by increasing the period of time during which loading is applied to the head, thereby de-creasing the shock (which is a time derivative oE the load-ing). Upon the application of an impact load to the headgear, the tubes 15 in the area of impact deform to an elliptical section with their major axes generally parallel to the inter-nal surface of the shell 3 thereby causing the adjacent ~ubes to deform to an elliptical section with their major axes per-pendicular to the shell and to apply force against the 1 2 ~ 2 wearer's head, thus increasing the area of the head over which loading is applied. Time being required to deform the tubes upon application o~ the impact load and time being required for the tubes to return to their original circular section after the impact load has been applied, the overall period of time during which loading is applied to the head is increased.
In contrast to the prior shock attenuation systems in which the level of shock attentuation decreases signifi-cantly upon subjecting the systems to repeated impact load-ings, the system of this invention provides a level of shockattenuation on subsequent impact loadings which is approxi-mately equal to that for the initial impact loading. It is only upon the cracking or racture of a tube 15 of the liner 7, which may occur after a large number of impact loadings, that there is a substantial decrease in the level of shock attenuation of the system. In further contrast to the prior systems in which visual inspection of the systems does not re-veal~whether thèy are still capable of providing adequate pro-tection, in the system of this invention the series of tubes 15 may be easily and quickly removed from the shell 3 and in-spected for cracks and fractures, and the headgear 1 may be reconditioned by replacing a series of tubes 15 found to be defective.
Comparison tests of the shock attenuation properties of a football helmet having a shock attenuation system 5 of this invention and three football helmets having prior shock attenuation systems were conducted based on the STANDARD
METHOD OF IMPACT TEST AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOT-BALL HELMETS established by the National Operating Committee
Back~round of the Invention This invention relates to headgear, and more particularly to a shock attenuation system for protective headgear.
This invention involves ~n improvement in shock at-tenuation systems for protective headgear of the type, such as shown for example in U.S. patents 3,292,180, 3,462,763, 3,600,714, 3,609,764, 3,668,704, and 3,887,076, comprising a deformable liner secured to the internal surface of an outer protective shell of the headgear, the liner deforming under an impact load applied to the shell for attenuating the shock upon the wearer. While the liners of prior systems initially provide adequate shock attenuation, they lose a substantial part of their shock attenuation properties with each impact, with the result that a~ter a relatively small number of impact loadings of relatively high magnitude, they no longer provide adequate shock attenuation. The loss of shock attenuation properties is not, however, accompanied by any visible changes ~0 in the liners of prior systems, and a user cannot determine by visual inspection whether a particular piece of headgear which has been previously used still provides adequate protection.
Summary of the Invention Among the several objects of this invention may be noted the provision of an improved shock attenuation system of the above-described type which provides a higher level of ~ `~
1 2 ~ 2 shock attenuation than prior systems; the provision of such a system which continues to provide an ade~uate level of shock attenuation after being subjected to numerous impact loadings;
the provision of such a system which is relatively compact and lightweight; and the provision of such a system which is rela-tively simple and economical to manufacture.
In general, the shock attenuation system of this in-vention comprises a liner adapted to be secured to the inter-nal surface of the outer shell of protective headgear, the li-ner comprising a series of tubes of elastomeric material adap-ted to extend with their axes generally parallel to the inter-nal surface of the shell and generally parallel to one ano-ther. Each tube is open at an end thereof and is elastically deformable under loads applied against the side of the tube, whereby, with the headgear worn by a wearer and upon applica-tion of an impact load to the headgear, the tubes in the area of impact deform elastically under the applied load and atten-uate the shock upon the wearer from the applied load.
Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
'7 1 2 3 2 Brief Description of -the Drawings Fig. 1 is a front elevation of headgear having a shock attenuation system of this invention with a portion oE
the headgear broken away to show a liner of the system and with parts of the liner broken away;
Fig. 2 is a horizontal section of the headgear on line 2--~ of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section of the headgear;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical section of the headgear on linè 4--4 of Fig. l;
Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a second embodiment of the shock attenuation system;
Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a third embodiment of the system; and Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a fourth embodiment of the system.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corre-sponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring first to Figs. 1 - 4 o~ the drawings, there is indicated at 1 headgear, such as a football helmet, comprising an outer protective shell 3 of a suitable rela-tively lightweight plastic material, such-as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin or polypropylene having a rela-tivèly high impact resistance, and a shock attentuation system ~:L712~2 5 of this invention comprising a liner 7 at the internal sur-face of the shell 3. To facilitate installation of the liner 7 in the shell 3 with the liner 7 held in close conEormance to the curved internal surface thereof~ the liner preferably has, as shown in Fi~. 1, a lower section 9 at the lower edge margin o the shell and a separate upper section 11 above the lower section extendiny toward but stopping short of the crown of the shell. A suspension harness indicated at 13 in Fig. 2 is provided in the headgear 1 at its crown for protecting the top of the wearer's head.
In accordance with this invention, ~he liner 7 com-prises a series of elastically deformable tubes lS of gener-ally circular section ex~ending up within the shell with their axes generally parallel to the internal surface of the shell, and a layer 17 of cushioning material at the interior periph-ery of the series of tubes. As shown in FigO 2, the layer 17 of cushioning material comprises a plurality of pads 19 of a suitable closed-cell elastomeric foam such as a foamed vinyl resin at spaced intervals along a carrier sheet 21 oE suitable material detachably secured to the tubes 15 by conventional fasteners ~3, such as snaps or hook and pile fasteners~ The inner surface of the layer 17 of cushioning mater,ial is en-~ageable with the head for providîn~ a snug, comfortable fit of the headgear on the wearer's head. The thickness of the layer 17 may be varied within a range (e.g., 1/4 to 5/8 inchl to enable use of one size of shell 3 for a range of head sizes.
:~1712~2 As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the tu~es 15 are secured together in side-by-side ~elation with adjacent tubes joined by a layer of suitable adhesive or integrally formed as by ex-trusion, and they are detachably secured to the shell 3 by conventional fastening means 25 such as rivets, "t" nuts and screws, or snaps. In accordance with this invention, the tubes are of an elastomeric material, such as polybutylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, a polyarylate resin such as that sold under the trademark "Ardel" by Union Carbide Corp., of New York, New York, or a synthetic rubber such as that sold under the trademark "Hytrel" by E. I. Du Pont De & Nemours Co., Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware, and are open at their ends to enable them readily to deform elastically from their normal circular section to an elliptical section under loads applied against their sides. The open ends of the tubes allow air to flow out of the tubes upon being deformed, and also to flow through the tukes to ventilate the headgear 1.
With the headgear 1 worn on a wearer's head, the system 5 attenuates the shock upon the wearer from an impact load applied to the heaàgear by distributing the loading over an increased area of the head and by increasing the period of time during which loading is applied to the head, thereby de-creasing the shock (which is a time derivative oE the load-ing). Upon the application of an impact load to the headgear, the tubes 15 in the area of impact deform to an elliptical section with their major axes generally parallel to the inter-nal surface of the shell 3 thereby causing the adjacent ~ubes to deform to an elliptical section with their major axes per-pendicular to the shell and to apply force against the 1 2 ~ 2 wearer's head, thus increasing the area of the head over which loading is applied. Time being required to deform the tubes upon application o~ the impact load and time being required for the tubes to return to their original circular section after the impact load has been applied, the overall period of time during which loading is applied to the head is increased.
In contrast to the prior shock attenuation systems in which the level of shock attentuation decreases signifi-cantly upon subjecting the systems to repeated impact load-ings, the system of this invention provides a level of shockattenuation on subsequent impact loadings which is approxi-mately equal to that for the initial impact loading. It is only upon the cracking or racture of a tube 15 of the liner 7, which may occur after a large number of impact loadings, that there is a substantial decrease in the level of shock attenuation of the system. In further contrast to the prior systems in which visual inspection of the systems does not re-veal~whether thèy are still capable of providing adequate pro-tection, in the system of this invention the series of tubes 15 may be easily and quickly removed from the shell 3 and in-spected for cracks and fractures, and the headgear 1 may be reconditioned by replacing a series of tubes 15 found to be defective.
Comparison tests of the shock attenuation properties of a football helmet having a shock attenuation system 5 of this invention and three football helmets having prior shock attenuation systems were conducted based on the STANDARD
METHOD OF IMPACT TEST AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOT-BALL HELMETS established by the National Operating Committee
2 ~ 2 on Standards in Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) as revised ~pril, 1977. In each test, a helmet was place~ on a tes~ head form having a triaxial accelerometer at its center of gravity, and was dropped ten times in guided free fall from a height of sixty inches onto a rigid anvil in accordance with the test procedures with the front of the helmet impacting the anvil.
The "Severity Index" (as specified in the test procedure) of the shock experienced by the head form was calculated for each drop. NOCSAE standards require ~hat the Severity Index for a helmet not exceed 1500 upon the first or second drop of the helmet.
The four helmets tested were designated A, B, C and D. Helmet A had a liner embodying the shock attenuation sys-tem 5 of this invention r comprising tubes of polyurethane hav-ing a 3/8 inch inner diameter and a 1~2 inch outer diameter, and a layer of 3~8 inch thick vinyl resin foam. Helmet B was of the type such as that shown for example in U.S. patent
The "Severity Index" (as specified in the test procedure) of the shock experienced by the head form was calculated for each drop. NOCSAE standards require ~hat the Severity Index for a helmet not exceed 1500 upon the first or second drop of the helmet.
The four helmets tested were designated A, B, C and D. Helmet A had a liner embodying the shock attenuation sys-tem 5 of this invention r comprising tubes of polyurethane hav-ing a 3/8 inch inner diameter and a 1~2 inch outer diameter, and a layer of 3~8 inch thick vinyl resin foam. Helmet B was of the type such as that shown for example in U.S. patent
3,462,763 having an air suspension shock attenuation system.
Helmet C was of the type such as that shown for example in U.S. patent 3,609,764 having a shock attenuation system com-prising a liner of dual composition vinyl resin foam. Melmet D was of the type such as that shown for example in U.S. pat-ent 3,6Q0 r 714 having a hydraulic suspension shock attenuation system. During the testing, it was observed that the Severity Index of tfie initial drop for the helmets B-D was greater than that for the helmet A and that the Severity Index of each of the helmets A-D increased on succeeding drops with the in-crease for helmets B-D on succeeding drops being greater than :l 17 1 2~
that for helmet A. Table 1 is a tabulation of the number oE
times, up to ten, each helmet was dropped un~il the Severity Index ~irst exceeded 1500.
NUMBER OF DROPS UNTIL THE SEVERITY
HELMET NUMBER OF DROPS
A Not Applicable (Severity Index did not exceed 1500 in ten drops) From the Table, it will be observed that the Sever ity Index for each of helmets B-D exceeded 1500 prior to or upon the fifth drop of the helmet, whereas the Severity Index of helmet A did not exceed 1500 even on the tenth drop.
. A second embodiment 27 of the shock attenuation sys-tem of this invention is shown in Fig. 5. It is similar to the system 5 ex~ept that its liner 29 comprises a series of tubes 15 laced together by lacing 31 extending through holes in the sides of the tubes.
Referring to Fig. 6, a third embodiment 33 of the shock attenuation system of this invention~ is shown, also similar to the system 5 except that its liner 35 comprises a series of tubes 15 joined to a common carrier sheet 37, which l:l712~2 g may be of the same elastomeric material as the tubes, with an elongate strip 39 o~ a suitable elastomeric foam extending around the interior periphery of the series of tubes. As shown in Fig. 5, adjacent tubes 15 may be spaced apart a pre-determined distance on the carrier sheet and the fastening means 19 may have a projection 41 extending between a~jacent tubes.
Referring to Fi~. 7, a fourth embodiment 43 of the shock attenuation system is shown, similar to the system 5 ex-cept that its liner 45 further comprises first and secondstrips 47, 49 of suitable material such as a fabric secured together, as by stitching, at spaced intervals to form means defining a plurality of pockets 51 each receiving a tube 15.
This arrangement is advantageous in that it enables replace-ment of only those tubes ~ound to be defective upon inspection of the liner 45 rather than an entire series of tubes. LikP
the system 33, ad]acent tubes 15 of this system may be spaced apart a predetermined distance and the layer 17 of cushioning material may comprise an elongate strip of elastomeric foam extending around the interior periphery of the series of tubes. As shown in Fig. 7, lacing 53 may be used to secure the layer 17 to the first and second strips 47, 49.
While the shock attenuation systems of this inven-tion have been shown and described as being incorporated in football helmets, it is to be understood that they could be incorporated into other protective headgear, such as aviation helmets and military helmets including those having a bullet-proof outer protective shell. For such applications, the sys-tems of this invent;on would provide improved ventilation to - ~7~L2~2 enable the helmet to be worn Eor extended periods of time, and would attenuate noise such as that rom aircraEt engines or gunfire.
In view of the above, it will be seen that the sev-eral objects of the invention are achieved and other advan-tageous results attained~
As various changes could be made in the above con-structions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above descrip-tion or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be inter-preted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Helmet C was of the type such as that shown for example in U.S. patent 3,609,764 having a shock attenuation system com-prising a liner of dual composition vinyl resin foam. Melmet D was of the type such as that shown for example in U.S. pat-ent 3,6Q0 r 714 having a hydraulic suspension shock attenuation system. During the testing, it was observed that the Severity Index of tfie initial drop for the helmets B-D was greater than that for the helmet A and that the Severity Index of each of the helmets A-D increased on succeeding drops with the in-crease for helmets B-D on succeeding drops being greater than :l 17 1 2~
that for helmet A. Table 1 is a tabulation of the number oE
times, up to ten, each helmet was dropped un~il the Severity Index ~irst exceeded 1500.
NUMBER OF DROPS UNTIL THE SEVERITY
HELMET NUMBER OF DROPS
A Not Applicable (Severity Index did not exceed 1500 in ten drops) From the Table, it will be observed that the Sever ity Index for each of helmets B-D exceeded 1500 prior to or upon the fifth drop of the helmet, whereas the Severity Index of helmet A did not exceed 1500 even on the tenth drop.
. A second embodiment 27 of the shock attenuation sys-tem of this invention is shown in Fig. 5. It is similar to the system 5 ex~ept that its liner 29 comprises a series of tubes 15 laced together by lacing 31 extending through holes in the sides of the tubes.
Referring to Fig. 6, a third embodiment 33 of the shock attenuation system of this invention~ is shown, also similar to the system 5 except that its liner 35 comprises a series of tubes 15 joined to a common carrier sheet 37, which l:l712~2 g may be of the same elastomeric material as the tubes, with an elongate strip 39 o~ a suitable elastomeric foam extending around the interior periphery of the series of tubes. As shown in Fig. 5, adjacent tubes 15 may be spaced apart a pre-determined distance on the carrier sheet and the fastening means 19 may have a projection 41 extending between a~jacent tubes.
Referring to Fi~. 7, a fourth embodiment 43 of the shock attenuation system is shown, similar to the system 5 ex-cept that its liner 45 further comprises first and secondstrips 47, 49 of suitable material such as a fabric secured together, as by stitching, at spaced intervals to form means defining a plurality of pockets 51 each receiving a tube 15.
This arrangement is advantageous in that it enables replace-ment of only those tubes ~ound to be defective upon inspection of the liner 45 rather than an entire series of tubes. LikP
the system 33, ad]acent tubes 15 of this system may be spaced apart a predetermined distance and the layer 17 of cushioning material may comprise an elongate strip of elastomeric foam extending around the interior periphery of the series of tubes. As shown in Fig. 7, lacing 53 may be used to secure the layer 17 to the first and second strips 47, 49.
While the shock attenuation systems of this inven-tion have been shown and described as being incorporated in football helmets, it is to be understood that they could be incorporated into other protective headgear, such as aviation helmets and military helmets including those having a bullet-proof outer protective shell. For such applications, the sys-tems of this invent;on would provide improved ventilation to - ~7~L2~2 enable the helmet to be worn Eor extended periods of time, and would attenuate noise such as that rom aircraEt engines or gunfire.
In view of the above, it will be seen that the sev-eral objects of the invention are achieved and other advan-tageous results attained~
As various changes could be made in the above con-structions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above descrip-tion or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be inter-preted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (19)
1. A shock attenuation system for headgear having an outer protective shell, said system comprising a liner adapted to be secured to the internal surface of the shell, said liner comprising a series of tubes of elastomeric mate-rial adapted to extend with their axes generally parallel to the internal surface of the shell, the tubes extending gener-ally parallel to one another, each of said tubes being open at an end thereof and elastically deformable under loads applied against the side of the tube, whereby, with the headgear worn by a wearer and upon application of an impact load to the headgear, the tubes in the area of impact deform elastically under the applied load and attenuate the shock upon the wearer from the applied load.
2. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the liner further comprises an inner layer of cushioning material engageable with the wearer's head.
3. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the layer of cushioning material is detachably secured to the tubes.
4. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the cushioning material is a foamed lastomeric mate-rial.
5. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the cushioning material is a foamed vinyl resin material.
6. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tubes o the liner extend in side-by-side rela-tion.
7. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 6 wherein adjacent tubes of the liner are joined together at their sides.
8. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 6 wherein the tubes are laced together by lacing extending through the sides of the tubes.
9. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the liner further comprises a carrier sheet, said tubes being joined to said sheet.
10. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the liner further comprises means forming pockets at spaced intervals adapted to receive said tubes.
11. A shock attenuation system as set forth ;n claim 1 wherein the sides of the adjacent tubes of the liner are spaced apart.
12. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 1 wherein with the liner secured in the shell the axis of each tube extends generally vertically.
13. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 12 wherein the liner comprises a lower section, at the lower margin of the shell, and a separate upper section above the lower section.
14. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the liner is engageable with and conformable to the internal surface of the shell.
15. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tubes are of polyurethane.
16. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tubes are of polyethylene.
17. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tubes are of polyarylate.
18. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tubes are of synthetic rubber.
19. A shock attenuation system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tubes are adapted for communication with the interior of the headgear whereby when the tubes are deformed during an impact air is adapted to flow out of the tubes and into the interior of the shell for ventilating the headgear.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US18520880A | 1980-09-08 | 1980-09-08 | |
| US185,208 | 1980-09-08 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1171202A true CA1171202A (en) | 1984-07-24 |
Family
ID=22680049
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000375692A Expired CA1171202A (en) | 1980-09-08 | 1981-04-16 | Shock attenuation system for headgear |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0047712B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5777307A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE10059T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1171202A (en) |
| DE (2) | DE47712T1 (en) |
| IL (1) | IL63556A (en) |
| MX (1) | MX158259A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4845786A (en) * | 1987-06-24 | 1989-07-11 | Chiarella Michele A | Lightweight molded protective helmet |
Families Citing this family (18)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4558470A (en) * | 1982-10-26 | 1985-12-17 | Figgie International Inc. | Shock attenuation system |
| US4472472A (en) * | 1983-04-28 | 1984-09-18 | Schultz Robert J | Protective device |
| US4782536A (en) * | 1987-04-20 | 1988-11-08 | Stricklin Bobby R | Emergency safety helmet |
| NO981233D0 (en) * | 1998-03-19 | 1998-03-19 | Niels Dahl | Protective helmet |
| WO1999056572A1 (en) * | 1998-05-04 | 1999-11-11 | Katz Jeffrey P | Protective helmet |
| GB0329612D0 (en) * | 2003-12-20 | 2004-01-28 | Lloyd Scotland Ltd | Safety helmet |
| AU2004304701B2 (en) * | 2003-12-20 | 2011-07-07 | Lloyd (Scotland) Limited | Body protecting device |
| GB2431859A (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-09 | Lloyd | A body protecting device comprising an array of energy absorbing cells |
| CN101467799B (en) * | 2007-12-25 | 2011-07-13 | 林庚贤 | Shock absorbing device |
| EP2100527B1 (en) * | 2008-03-10 | 2010-09-15 | Keng-Hsien Lin | Resilient shock-absorbing device |
| US8621672B2 (en) | 2011-05-06 | 2014-01-07 | John CHUBACK | Head and neck protection apparatus |
| JP2013057354A (en) * | 2011-09-08 | 2013-03-28 | Tokushu Iryo:Kk | Impact absorbing structure and method for manufacturing the same |
| US10321724B2 (en) | 2012-02-16 | 2019-06-18 | WB Development Company, LLC | Personal impact protection device |
| SE1751565A1 (en) * | 2017-12-18 | 2019-06-19 | Svein Kleiven | Protective device |
| IT202100022058A1 (en) * | 2021-08-18 | 2023-02-18 | Alpinestars Res Spa | PROTECTIVE HELMET |
| IT202100022061A1 (en) * | 2021-08-18 | 2023-02-18 | Alpinestars Res Spa | PROTECTIVE HELMET |
| JP2023130001A (en) * | 2022-03-07 | 2023-09-20 | オーシャンビートル有限会社 | Shock absorption structure |
| WO2024201295A1 (en) * | 2023-03-28 | 2024-10-03 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Helmet with lateral protection |
Family Cites Families (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1652776A (en) * | 1927-01-11 | 1927-12-13 | Emanuel N Galanis | Miner's cap |
| US2585937A (en) * | 1949-08-01 | 1952-02-19 | Willson Products Inc | Safety hat |
| US3186004A (en) * | 1962-06-07 | 1965-06-01 | Richard E Carlini | Protective helmet |
| US3600714A (en) * | 1969-03-19 | 1971-08-24 | Hop N Gator Inc | Hydraulic helmet |
| US3829900A (en) * | 1973-08-30 | 1974-08-20 | Mine Safety Appliances Co | Safety hat energy absorbing liner |
| US3877076A (en) * | 1974-05-08 | 1975-04-15 | Mine Safety Appliances Co | Safety hat energy absorbing liner |
| GB1503483A (en) * | 1975-02-10 | 1978-03-08 | Bothwell P | Shock absorbing means |
| DE2659324C3 (en) * | 1976-12-29 | 1981-01-15 | Kalman 3141 Garlstorf Gyoery | Protective helmet for motorcyclists |
| US4133055A (en) * | 1977-08-03 | 1979-01-09 | Energy Systems Corporation | Protective helmet with thermal liner |
| DE7829829U1 (en) * | 1978-10-06 | 1979-01-18 | Richter, Manfred, 6700 Ludwigshafen | helmet |
| US4223409A (en) * | 1979-04-30 | 1980-09-23 | Lee Pei Hwang | Helmet provided with shockproof and ventilative device |
| DE2938355A1 (en) * | 1979-09-22 | 1981-04-09 | A + R Fahrzeug- und Sicherheitstechnik GmbH, 7300 Esslingen | Bullet proof helmet with inner pad - has armour of small plates supported by sealed air cushions in inner helmet part |
-
1981
- 1981-04-16 CA CA000375692A patent/CA1171202A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-08-12 IL IL63556A patent/IL63556A/en unknown
- 1981-08-26 DE DE198181630050T patent/DE47712T1/en active Pending
- 1981-08-26 EP EP81630050A patent/EP0047712B1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-08-26 AT AT81630050T patent/ATE10059T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1981-08-26 DE DE8181630050T patent/DE3166977D1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-09-03 JP JP56137915A patent/JPS5777307A/en active Pending
- 1981-09-04 MX MX189054A patent/MX158259A/en unknown
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4845786A (en) * | 1987-06-24 | 1989-07-11 | Chiarella Michele A | Lightweight molded protective helmet |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IL63556A (en) | 1984-03-30 |
| ATE10059T1 (en) | 1984-11-15 |
| MX158259A (en) | 1989-01-18 |
| DE3166977D1 (en) | 1984-12-06 |
| EP0047712A3 (en) | 1982-03-24 |
| EP0047712B1 (en) | 1984-10-31 |
| EP0047712A2 (en) | 1982-03-17 |
| IL63556A0 (en) | 1981-11-30 |
| JPS5777307A (en) | 1982-05-14 |
| DE47712T1 (en) | 1983-04-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |