Protective Headgear Apparatus and Methods

The invention includes a protective headpiece and components thereof and methods for their use. Preferred examples comprise a helmet component, a plurality of piers joining said helmet component to a shoulder pad component and an inner hat component permitting the wearer the ability to move the head within the helmet component while in use. The helmet component may comprise a plurality of fluid-filled floating plates or floats on the inner surface thereof to cushion the head against impact during activities including, for example, football, race car driving, military activities and the like.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is useful in sports, such as, without limitation, football (i.e., American, Australian and Canadian football), soccer, rugby, field and ice hockey, lacrosse, boxing and automotive and motorcycle racing. Additionally, the invention may find application in non-sporting activities such as military and spacecraft activities, in which bodily contact is common or the risk of collision or accident is high.

In such activities there may be a high risk of head injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as injuries to the neck, back, and spine. TBI is defined as damage to the brain resulting from external mechanical force, such as rapid acceleration or deceleration, impact, blast waves, or penetration by a projectile, that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. Immediate symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the extent of damage to the brain. Mild cases (mild traumatic brain injury, or mTBI) may result in a brief change in mental state or consciousness, while severe cases may result in extended periods of unconsciousness, coma or even death.

In addition to the immediate effects of TBI, which manifest at the moment of injury, TBI can also cause secondary injuries, a variety of events that take place in the minutes, days, and weeks (or longer) following the injury. These processes, which may include alterations in cerebral blood flow and the pressure within the skull, contribute substantially to the damage from the initial injury. Chronic effects, particularly of moderate and severe TBI include cognitive deficits, including impaired attention; disrupted insight, judgment, and thought; reduced processing speed; distractibility; and deficits in executive functions such as abstract reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and multitasking. These effects are also cumulative, at least in certain individuals, particularly upon repetitive TBI, such as the mild TBI commonly experienced by regular and professional football players.

A 2009 study ranked the 20 sports and/or recreational activities representing the categories contributing to the highest number of estimated head injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2009.

The American Society of Test and Materials (ASM) recommends that protective headgear be worn 100% of the time to reduce the risk of TBI in most high risk activities such as these.

As a result of the heightened awareness concerning the long term effects of TBI, as of Jun. 1, 2013, there were more than 4,800 former professional football players as plaintiffs in 242 concussion-related lawsuits against the National Football League. Furthermore, many current or former athletes, including long-time Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka and quarterback Bret Favre and LeBron James, have stated that they would not permit their children to play football due to risk of cognitive deficits resulting from TBI.

In America football helmets made of leather were introduced in the late 19thcentury, with the introduction of the plastic football helmet in 1940. In 2002 a more spherical helmet, the Riddel REVOLUTION® helmet made of a polycarbonate shell and polyurethane and synthetic rubber foam on the interior surfaces, was introduced, and is now used by over 80% of professional football players. The maker of the REVOLUTION® helmet claimed that players wearing this helmet experience 31% fewer concussions compared to players wearing older style helmets. However, in 2011 a professor of neurology at the University of Michigan (and chair of the American Academy of Neurology's sports neurology section) testified before the U.S. Congress that “there is no significant data” in the study cited by the maker of the REVOLUTION® helmet to make the claim that the helmet reduced concussions by 31%, and the Federal Trade Commission subsequently required this claim to be removed from advertising of the REVOLUTION® helmet.

Various attempts have been made to make improved protective helmets. U.S. Pat. No. 3,818,509 (Romo, et al.) is directed to a football helmet having elastic straps at the sides and in the rear connected to the shoulder pads, to restrict or limit movement of the helmet upon an impact. There appears to be no added support for the head or neck in this design, and concussion or TBI does not seem to be addressed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,699 (Abraham et al.) is directed to a helmet assembly designed to protect a wearer from cervical spine injuries. The patent discloses a helmet having a posterior flange that hooks under and behind a helmet support ring, or collar that is held in place by a frame connected to a shoulder plate.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,155,747 (Baker) is directed to a head stabilizing system for activities such as racing cars or boats, or for use in aircraft. The system is meant to protect the spinal cord, base of the skull, and the neck from injury during a crash. The system comprises a helmet, a connection structure (such as a shoulder pad), and at least one resisting member (such as a tether or dashpot) connected to the helmet and the connection structure. The piston may contain a viscous fluid that damps the impact by friction.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,968,576 (McNeil, et al.) describes a helmet providing cervical spine protection by having a pair of shock absorbers mounted to the sides and connecting to a pair of shoulder pads using ball-and-socket mounts. A “pilot-operated valve” is said to permit free movement of the helmet except when an impact is experienced by the helmet, which then causes the valve to become activated and thereby block hydraulic flow of fluid through tubes connecting the valve with the shock absorbers.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0277225 (Salkind, et al.) is directed to an apparatus to prevent user injury from rotational force or whiplash due to sudden impact. In this system a football helmet is connected to a body harness using a series of tethers and spools, similar to a seatbelt mechanism. Upon a predetermined movement of at least one tether, the spool will lock, preventing further movement of the tether. However, this system does not provide independent support to the neck.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0277225 (Castillo) is drawn to a head protection system comprising a helmet having a hard shell and a padded interior, a shoulder cuff and a series of pistons having a viscous fluid within connected to the helmet and shoulder cuff to as shock dampers.

All patents, patent applications, and non-patent publications referenced in this specification are hereby individually incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

There remains a need for effective and improved protective headgear for use by various recreational, military and professional users, including both children and adults. Such headgear should be capable of substantially lessening the risk of TBI and neck, spine and back injury caused by a blow or force applied to the head, and the incidence of TBI (e.g., expressed as a percentage in a population of users) as compared to previously used helmets and protective headgear.

SUMMARY

In a broad example, the present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for preventing or reducing the severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI), neck, spine and/or back injury, through the use of protective headgear which is not supported, or is structured not to be substantially supported by the wearer's head.

Thus, in a particular example, the present invention is drawn to a protective headpiece comprising a helmet component having an interior surface, an exterior surface and optionally, depending upon the use thereof, a face mask component. The exterior surface of the helmet component preferably comprises an outer protective shell, such as one made from a durable material such as a hard, impact-resistant polymer. Such polymers, which are preferably strong and lightweight, may include any suitable polymer; the majority of football helmets are made using a polycarbonate component. However, in other examples, the exterior surface of the helmet component may comprise a “soft” shell, such as a viscoelastic polymer component covering a hard shell component underneath, to reduce the force experienced by the wearer. Such viscoelastic polymers include “memory foams” such as low-resilience polyurethane foam. If present, the soft shell component may in some cases be designed as an outer covering which can be affixed in place using a hook and loop type fastener, such as a VELCRO® fastener.

In certain examples of the invention the inner surface of the helmet component may comprise one or more padding component, such as a foam or fluid-filled padding component. The padding components may comprise bladder-type “floats” or padding having a fluid-tight, fillable interior space or void, or a non-bladder padding component. The helmet component may comprise a combination of both bladder-type and non-bladder padding components. The padding may be made of any suitable polymer, such as a polyurethane, or a vinyl polymer, such as vinyl nitrile or materials having similar properties. The paddings may have different densities based on their location in the interior of the helmet component, with, for example, the densest padding being in the region (in football, generally the forehead area) most likely to taking the majority of the impacts.

In other examples, the interior of the helmet component may comprise, or be, at least one, and preferably a plurality of “floating plates” or floats to facilitate some movement of the head (for example, from side to side or up or down) within the helmet. The floating plates or floats may comprise a fluid-filled bladder; for example, the fluid may be air or gas, or a fluid such as a silicone liquid, for example, a high molecular weight silicone preferably having a high specific gravity. The bladders may be made from any suitable material, for example, they may comprise a lightweight, strong material such as poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (KEVLAR®) or a material having similar properties.

In some examples the floating plates or floats may be set within the helmet component, for example, within a molded or formed indentation on the interior portion of the helmet component. For example, in some examples one or more such float or floating plate may sit within a shallow depression about 0.5 inch to about 1 inch deep set inside the inner surface of the helmet component. In preferred examples a plurality of floats, such as side floats positioned to protect either side of the head, a front float, a rear float and a top float to contact the crown of the head may be present.

The floats may be fluid-filled containers, for example about the size of a small plate, while the top float may be somewhat larger and shaped to fit the crown of the head (for example partially concave) and located on the top of the inner surface of the helmet component. In some examples, the top float may be structured to slide and/or to rotate about a spindle or axis in a manner similar to a “Lazy Susan”, thereby permitting the wearer's head to turn from side to side within the helmet.

In certain examples the side, forehead and/or rear floats are fluid-filled and rollable along an axis. For example, the floats may be in the approximate shape of a hair roller and mounted on an rolling axle; an axle of the side floats may be positioned approximately vertically. An axle of the forehead and/or back float may be positioned approximately horizontally. Preferably under normal circumstances the wearer's head may not make contact with the floats. However, when the helmet receives a blow, it may be expected that the helmet will momentarily distort inward at the point of the blow; the floats would then be effective to both cushion the head and to permit the head to move from side to side, thus allowing some freedom of motion and permitting the head to move to avoid the full force of the blow.

Thus, in an important example, the helmet component of the present invention is structured so that the inner surface thereof makes no direct contact, or minimal direct contact, with the wearer's head (except in certain examples, at the crown of the head against the float within the helmet). In this way, the wearer may move the head within the helmet component without the helmet component itself moving. Additionally, the minimization or absence of direct contact between the helmet component and the wearer's head lessens the likelihood, particularly when used in conjunction with the mechanism transferring impact force to a shoulder or body harness structure to be described below, that an impact received by the outer shell of the helmet component will be transmitted to the head or brain of the wearer.

The floats may be structured to be integral to the helmet component, or may be structured to fit or be secured within the depressions or shallows when the helmet component is worn using, for example, hook and loop-type fasteners or webbing and straps.

In preferred examples of the present invention, the headgear apparatus of the present invention comprises a separate inner hat component, which may be a “soft”, preferably padded, hat component, closely fitting the wearer's head. The inner hat component is lightweight and may be comprised of for example, a polymeric material having a cushioning property. In some examples the inner hat component may, when worn with the outer helmet, be situated proximal to one or more floats the inside of the helmet component and can be firmly secured to the wearer's head using, for example, one or more preferably well-padded chin strap. Very preferably the inner hat component includes padding comprising a mask component and/or forehead components to prevent injury to the forehead, mouth and nose resulting from a blow forcing the face against the facemask of the helmet.

The hat component is structured and designed to interact with the helmet component so as to allow a range of motion for the wearer, thereby permitting wearers to move the head and inner hat component independently of the outer helmet component to adjust their view within a range of vision while wearing the protective headgear apparatus of the present invention.

In some preferred examples, at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner hat component is substantially smooth, and may be at least partially coated with a material having low friction, such as a material comprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), sold under the trade name TEFLON®. In some of these preferred examples, at least a portion the interior surface of the helmet component may also similarly may be at least partially coated with a material having low friction(PTFE); when the wearer experiences a blow to the helmet, the head and inner hat component may move independently of the outer helmet component with low friction. In some examples, at least a portion of the surface of the floating plates may be at least partially coated with a material having low friction(PTFE). In other examples the floats or other padding may be located under a “skin” of the helmet component at least partially covering the interior surface of the helmet component; this skin may be substantially smooth, thereby permitting the inner hat to skid off the interior part of the helmet when a blow is experienced. In some examples, the interior surface of the helmet component may not comprise floating plates, but may be appropriately padded.

In important examples, the helmet component and the inner hat component are structured and fitted in a manner such that a space or gap is substantially or wholly maintained between the inside of the helmet and the outer surface of the inner hat during normal circumstances.

Preferably, the helmet component has a wider, and optionally higher, face opening than a conventional football helmet. Since the helmet makes no direct contact, or only minimal direct contact, with the inner hat, and is preferably sized to maintain a gap between the inner hat and the helmet, the helmet component may be larger than a conventional football helmet in some examples. For e.g., sports applications the helmet component may also comprise a face mask component, such as a metal or polymer-coated metal “birdcage” type face mask component similar to those in current use. Preferably, the face mask component will be larger than conventional faceplates to accommodate the helmet component's larger face aperture in some examples of the present invention.

In important examples of the present invention the helmet component is either permanently or connectably affixed to a shoulder pad and/or body harness component. Unless indicated otherwise expressly, it will be understood that the term “shoulder pad component” means a shoulder pad and/or body harness component (the latter of which would transfer more of the force to the trunk than solely to the shoulders). In such examples the helmet component is made to function as a strong unitary assembly with the shoulder pad component, thereby transferring impact force applied to the helmet to the shoulders and/or body rather than the head, neck and/or spine.

Thus, in preferred examples, the helmet component is fabricated to contain a plurality of integral bars or “piers” that connect the helmet component to the shoulder pad component and support the helmet during use. The piers may be located at the back, sides and front of the helmet, for example, there may be four or more piers, with one located in the front, one in the back, and one of each side of the helmet.

The piers are strong enough to absorb at least a portion of the force transmitted by a direct impact to the helmet, but in one example are also preferably flexible enough to absorb some of the force of a hard impact; the piers are preferably structured to absorb torque forces as well. However, in other examples, the piers are substantially non-flexible.

The piers may be manufactured using, for example, a core made from a suitably strong and lightweight material, such as one or more of titanium, a titanium alloy, a non-titanium metal, a nanostructured ceramic, a nanostructured metal or metal alloy, a thermopolymer, or a carbon polymer. Preferably the piers are integrated into the helmet component as part of the structure of the helmet (e.g., during the manufacturing process), such as through a engineered network connecting the piers within the helmet to help diffuse impact forces throughout the helmet component into the piers and thereby transfer the force to the shoulder pad component.

In some examples the piers may be integrated into a shoulder pad component so as to make the helmet component and the shoulder pad component a unitary structure. In these examples, the piers may be integrated into the shoulder pad component in a manner similar to their connection to the helmet component, such as through an engineered network connecting the piers within the shoulder pad component to help better diffuse impact forces along the shoulders.

In these examples, therefore, the helmet component and the shoulder pad component together comprise a single composition which can be used by placing the shoulder pads over the head, and then lowering the assembly so that the helmet component fits onto the wearer's head. However, in other examples, the piers are connectable to and removable from the shoulder pad component, and are not permanently integrated therein.

The shoulder pad component may generally consist of a hard plastic shell with foam padding underneath. The pads fit over the shoulders and the chest and rib area, and are secured with various snaps and buckles, for example, at the front of the chest. The shoulder pads themselves may be strung on tight webbing and are structured to deform when subjected to an impact. The impact forces are thus distributed through a larger area than the original point of impact.

In the present inventor:, the piers are preferably integrated within, or joined to, the shoulder pad component so as to distribute impact forces experienced by the helmet to the shoulder pad component and thence throughout the shoulder pad apparatus. In this way, the concussive force applied to the head is deflected from the head and brain to the shoulders, body, and/or back. In some examples, the piers may be joined to a shock-absorbing component, such as a short-stroke compressible pneumatic or hydraulic shock-absorbing component located, for example, either at the junction between the pier and the shoulder pad component, or (less preferably) at the juncture between the helmet component and the pier component. The stroke of the shock absorbers may be about one inch or less, such as about ¾ inch, or about ½ inch or about ¼ inch The shock-absorbing component may be structured to be part of, or securely connectable to, the shoulder pad component (for example, within a pocket, depression, or recess within the shoulder pad component) to avoid possible unintentional contact with equipment or other players during activities.

In other examples the shock absorbing element may comprise a hard elastomeric material structured to compress substantially only under a force having a magnitude of a blow to the helmet, such as a force of 25G (25 times the force of gravity) or more, or 50G or more, or 75G or more, or 100G or more.

The piers are preferably capable of withstanding and distributing impact forces of up to one ton or more. It has been estimated that an average-sized National Football League defensive back (about 5 feet 11 inches in height and weighing 200 pounds) is capable of an average speed of 40 yards in 4.5 seconds. This combination of speed and mass can result in 1,600 pounds of tackling force. Simulating impact forces on an object the size and weight of a human head (about 20 pounds) dropped two feet onto a football field yields a metric in multiples of gravitational force. Walking exerts about 1G on the object. An F-16 fighter roll exerts about 9G, while a concussion exerts about 100 C, and an extreme football impact exerts about 150 G on the head.

Thus, preferably the piers of the present invention are capable of withstanding a force of up to 100G, or up to 125G, or up to 150G, or up to 175G, or up to 200G, or more without breaking, cracking, or becoming separated from either the helmet component or the shoulder pad component.

In preferred examples, the helmet component may be structured to be removable from the shoulder pad component. For example, the piers may comprise one or more quick-release mechanism to permit the helmet component to be removed quickly in the event of an injury. These quick-release mechanisms should be capable of activation both by the wearer or by another person (such as a medical technician or doctor), but should be structured in a mariner that prevents unintentional activation of the quick-release mechanism during play or other activity, or malicious removal by an opposing player.

Examples of suitable quick-release mechanisms are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and may include (without limitation) quick-release pins, which can be pulled to separate the piers from the helmet component or shoulder pad component, or gimbaled latch mechanisms similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2014/0259319. In some examples, the quick-release mechanism may be integrated into the system in conjunction with shock absorber-type components connected to or associated with the piers, if these are present. Thus, the quick release mechanism may comprise pier connectors located at the downward end of each pier.

Additionally, certain of the examples of the present invention may include one or more quick-release mechanisms for the face mask of the helmet component such as hinges on one side of the face mask and one or more quick-release latch on an opposing side, permitting it to be removed or opened when the player is on the sidelines or bench, thus permitting the wearer to eat or drink, or for emergency medical aid to be provided when and as necessary.

A particular example of a quick release mechanism for the face mask may comprise a heavy duty hinge or plurality of such hinges securing the face mask to the helmet component on one side of the face aperture, with one or more releasable heavy duty latch component locking the face mask in place at an opposing side of the Face aperture.

In preferred examples of the invention, the shoulder pad incorporates a force-diffusing component to which the piers from the helmet component are partly or wholly joined. In one example, the force-diffusing, component my comprise a roughly circular or ovoid element supported on top of the shoulders and integrated as part of the shoulder pad assembly as a whole. This element generally comprises a similar construction as that found in the shoulder pad component; for example, a hard plastic shell capable of rigidly, but flexibly, distributing shock forces from the helmet component, through the piers to the force-diffusing component, with padding, such as an elastomeric polymeric foam, underlying the shell, resting at least partially on, and preferably joined to, the shoulder pad component. In other examples, this force-diffusing element may be integrated or embedded as part of the shoulder pad component, and will generally be regarding as part of the shoulder pad component unless specifically indicated as being absent.

The force-diffusing element preferably comprises a mating connector component structured to accept and securely hold the piers of the helmet component, thus rendering the helmet as a unitary structure with the shoulder pad component. In one example of such a mating structure component, the force-fusing element may comprise a plurality of loops located on the circumference of the forced diffusing component and directly under the helmet piers when the helmet is placed on the head over the shoulder pad assembly. These loops are preferably integrated into a reinforced portion of the force-diffusing element, which may comprise, for example, a cable core surrounded by hard polymer. The loops are sized to be able to be connected to, for example, hook snap or leach-type snap pier connectors.

In particularly preferred examples the shoulder pad component may comprise a collar component to dampen side-to-side and/or front to back movement of the head upon impact, and helps protect the contact of the head with the interior of the helmet as well as protecting the wearer from neck injury (such as whiplash) during play or other activity. The collar component may be, and preferably is, integrated as part of, of affixed to, the shoulder pad component and/or the force diffusing element around the neck, and, depending upon the particular design of the shoulder pad component, may project above the shoulder pads about one to about four inches, sufficiently to cushion contact of the head with the helmet interior as a result of an impact. Preferably, when viewed from the outside, the collar has a slight to moderate concave curvature, supporting the back of the neck and the head above it.

The collar component s preferably supported internally by one or more strong, somewhat flexible material, such as, without limitation: metal, a strong flexible polymer, carbon fiber, or fiberglass, cushioned with padding where the collar makes contact with the neck or head. For example, the collar may comprise a set of “staves”, for example, wider than they are thick, arranged in a manner similar to fence staves, around the circumference of the neck. The staves may be covered with a cushioning material, either individually or collectively. The staves are preferably integrated as part of, of affixed to, the shoulder pad component and/or the force diffusing element around the neck. An advantage of a collar component having such a “stave” design is that each stave may bend or flex on its own, without substantially affecting the position of other staves.

In some examples, the present invention may be structured, and/or provide, for the helmet component to be placed on the head after the shoulder pad component has been put on and fitted, in a manner similar to how the helmet of a deep sea diving suit is placed on the head and secured to the suit after the diver has put the remainder of the suit on. In such examples, the piers of the helmet component may terminate in a fixture, for example, a circular, ovoid, or diamond-shaped fixture, that can then be firmly mated with or joined to a corresponding shoulder pad component fixture (such as, without limitation, a force-diffusing component), preferably using quick-release fasteners.

In other examples, the helmet component may comprise a plurality of piers extending generally downward therefrom with pier connectors at or near the lower portion of one or more pier. Preferably, at least four piers have connectors located at or near their lowest point. Each connector may be structured to fit and lock to a corresponding connector receptacle located on or in the shoulder pad component. In some examples, the connector receptacle may be embedded within the body of the shoulder pad component; for example, such a connector receptacle may comprise a small shock-absorbing component connected to the force-diffusing component of the shoulder pad with a shock diffuser plate underlying each receptacle point. Each connector of the helmet component piers may fit into, and lock within its corresponding receptacle, such as by a “locking slide mechanism”, such as using a heavy duty latch buckle, such as one made from a strong polymer, metal, or metal alloy.

In another example, the pier connectors may comprise an attachable or integrated snap hook, such as a dog leash-type snap, or a mountaineering snap hook. The hook or leash-type snap should be able to be secured against accidental opening, such as with a screw-down lock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1Ais a front view of an exemplary helmet/shoulder pad assembly of the present invention. The helmet component101of this example comprises a hard shell103substantially surrounding the back and sides of the wearer's head; in other examples at least a portion of the outer surface of the helmet component may comprise padding overlying a hard shell. When in use, the helmet component may be substantially stationary and fixed with respect to the shoulder pad component113, with little or none of the helmet's weight applied to the wearer's head. Accordingly, the front portion of the helmet component may comprise, for example, a “birdcage-style” face mask107structured and designed in a manner similar to standard football face masks, or face masks containing any suitable number of bars in any other shape sufficient to provide protection of the wearer's face. The face mask bars107may be comprised of metal, for example a plastic- and/or elastomer-covered metal. However, the size (particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, the width) of the face mask, and the corresponding frontal aperture109of the helmet component are each preferably larger and/or wider than traditional football helmets, since the wearer's head is preferably not restricted from moving substantially within the interior of the helmet component. Other face masks, such as transparent face masks, may be used in other examples of the present invention, such as racing or military applications.

The helmet component101may further comprise ear holes105permitting the wearer to more clearly hear spoken commands or plays. Alternatively or optionally one or more wireless speakers may be placed proximate the wearer's ear(s) within the interior of the helmet component so that, for example, a coach or trainer may advise the wearer of important information, such as comments, strategy, or plays by radio or wireless transmission.

The helmet component of the example shown inFIG. 1Ahas four piers (111; only three visible in this view) joining the helmet component to the shoulder pad component113and extending substantially downward from the helmet component. In other examples the number of piers may vary. The piers111are preferably substantially strong and may be substantially inflexible. In other examples the piers may be flexible enough to provide a measure of shock-absorbing capacity when subject to a large force; this providing a cushioning effect. The lower portion of each of the piers preferably comprises a connector component115structured to join securely and firmly within a corresponding connector receptacle117of the shoulder pad component113. Very preferably, the pier connector component115and the connector receptacle117of the shoulder pad component113are structured to be rapidly releasable, thereby permitting the helmet component101to be quickly removed by the player or by a doctor, coach, or medical technician, if desired. IfFIG. 1A and 1B, the quick release mechanism shown comprises barbs on the connector components of the piers, with as locking connector receptacle similar to these holding automobile headrests.

In some examples, the connector receptacle component117may be wholly or partially embedded beneath the surface of the shoulder pad component113. In some examples, the connector receptacle component may be wholly or partially embedded within or incorporated as part of a force-diffusing component (seeFIG. 7) of the shoulder pad component113.

FIG. 1Bshows a back view of the same exemplary helmet/shoulder pad assembly shown inFIG. 1A. Thus, the helmet component shell103is shown with piers111integrated into the helmet component and joined to the shoulder pad component113via pier connector components115and connector receptacle components117wholly or partially embedded beneath the surface of the shoulder pad component113.

FIG. 2shows a helmet component201in an alternative exemplary design. In this example, the helmet component shell203having ear holes205, face mask207and piers211is substantially similar or identical to that depicted in the example shown inFIG. 1A and 1B. However, the piers terminate at their lower ends in a ring structure209encircling the neck of the wearer. The ring structure may be comprised of a lightweight, strong material able to withstand repeated mechanical shock and blows; for example, the ring structure may comprise a lightweight metallic element such as a titanium alloy; a polymeric material, a fiberglass material or a carbon fiber material. Particular care should be given to the strength of the joint between the piers and the ring structure. In certain examples the helmet component201, piers211and ring structure209may be manufactured as a single piece in a process comprising casting or molding (for example, injection molding) of the structure as a unit.

The ring structure209is structured to mate with a mating collar structure215comprised or joined as part of the shoulder pad component213. Preferably, the collar structure215is comprised in or as part of a force-diffusing component217which, in turn may be part of the shoulder pad assembly.

The ring structure209and the mating collar structure215may mate in any suitably strong manner to firmly and strongly secure the helmet component201to the shoulder pad component213when is use. However, it is very preferable that the helmet component and/or face mask be able to be easily and quickly removed from the mating collar component by the wearer or by, for example, a trainer, doctor, or emergency medical technician. The mating collar structure215should be strongly attached to, embedded within, or made (for example, formed or cast) as part of, the force-diffusing component217or shoulder pad component213.

The manner of the connection between the ring structure and the mating collar structure may be of any suitable design. In one example, shown inFIG. 3A(a cross-section through line A-A ofFIG. 2), the mating collar structure comprises a shape resembling an “L”301, this L shape having an upwardly vertically extending component303and a bottom horizontally extending component305. The L-shape may be interrupted at intervals (for example, at regular intervals) with an upper intermediate horizontally extending component307, shown inFIG. 3B(a cross-section through line A′-A′ ofFIG. 2), rendering a mating collar structure having a “C” cross sectional shape309at such locations. In this example, the top horizontally extending component307extends transversely partially around the circumference of the mating collar structure's upwardly vertically extending component303.

As shown here, the mating surfaces of the ring structure joined to the helmet component (FIG. 2, 209) are complementary to the mating surfaces of the mating collar structure215described above. Thus, in the example depicted inFIG. 3C(a cross-section through line B-B ofFIG. 2), the ring structure comprises a mating surface311comprising an inverted “U” shape in cross section, and having an inner downwardly extending vertical component313, an upper horizontally extending component317, and an outer downwardly extending vertical component315. As shown inFIG. 3D(a cross-section through line B′-B′ ofFIG. 2), intermittently; for example, at intervals substantially identical to those of the mating collar structure, this inverted “U” shape may be interrupted with a lower intermediate horizontally extending member, seeFIG. 3D, 319.

FIG. 3Eis a depiction of the cross-sectional arrangement of a portion of the mating surfaces of the ring structure and the mating collar structure when the unitary helmet component/pier/ring structure assembly is placed on the mating collar structure in an “offset”, unlocked position. In this state, the upward extending vertical component303of the mating collar structure fits between the inner downwardly extending vertical component313and outer downwardly extending vertical component315of the ring structure. The lower surface of the outer downwardly extending vertical component315of the ring structure may rest upon the lower horizontally extending component305of the mating collar structure. The mating collar structure preferably is structured as part of the force-diffusing element of the shoulder pad component, and may comprise a hard elastomer321or other shock-absorbing element underlying the lower horizontally extending component305. The hard elastomer is chosen to compress only at the greater forces associated with a blow or “hit”.

FIG. 3Fis a depiction of the cross-sectional arrangement of the mating surfaces of the ring structure and the mating collar structure when the unitary helmet component/pier/ring structure assembly is rotated from the “offset” position into a “locked” position. This rotation substantially aligns the upper intermediate horizontally extending component307of the mating collar component over the lower intermediate horizontally extending component319of the ring structure, thus locking the unitary helmet component/pier/ring structure assembly to the mating collar structure.

Referring now toFIG. 3G, a perspective top view of a portion of the mating surface of the mating collar structure (FIG. 2, 215) is shown, with upper intermediate horizontally extending components307, upwardly vertically extending component303and bottom horizontally extending component305. As shown in this figure, upper intermediate horizontally extending components307are spaced apart so as to fit the lower intermediate horizontally extending components319of the ring structure between them when the ring structure assembly is placed on the mating collar structure in an “offset” position.

As shown inFIG. 3G, preferably at least one of the upper intermediate horizontally extending component307and the lower intermediate horizontally extending component319is formed with one or more narrowed substantially wedge-shaped end325to facilitate the subduction of the lower intermediate horizontally extending component319under the upper intermediate horizontally extending component307when the ring structure of the helmet component is rotated into a locked position within the mating surface of the mating collar structure (FIG. 2, 215). Additionally, the width of the upper intermediate horizontally extending component307and/or the lower intermediate horizontally extending component319, at, for example, a transverse midpoint323, should be sufficiently wide to wedge and maintain the lower intermediate horizontally extending component319in a locked position under the upper intermediate horizontally extending component307, and prevent it from slipping past the widest part of the upper intermediate horizontally extending component307, thus becoming “unlocked”.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the widest point of the upper and/or lower intermediate horizontally extending components may be located at positions other than midway along the transverse length of the component. For example, one or both of these components may be formed as a wedge or partial wedge, having the widest part of the wedge located at one end thereof. Furthermore, while this description provides one example of a locking mechanism for joining the helmet component to the shoulder pad component, those of ordinary skill in the art will immediately envision alternative methods.

FIG. 4Ashows a partial cutaway view of an example of a helmet component401being worn by a player together with an inner hat component403. In the example shown, the helmet component401(shown for clarity without the face mask) comprises a top fluid-filled floating plate407on the inside surface of the helmet, and two side fluid-filled floating plates405located proximate to the temple area of the wearer's head. The inner hat closely fits the wearer's head, and is preferably not attached to the inside of the helmet component. The inner hat component preferably comprises a padded chin strap407to secure the hat component to the head, and a face and forehead mask made of padding to protect against the face being forced towards the face mask (not shown). The crown of the inner hat is preferably free to move within the inside surfaces of the helmet component, (except, in certain examples, the inner hat makes contact against the top float) so that the wearer can move the head and inner hat relatively freely within the helmet.

FIG. 5shows a view of the inside surface501of an exemplary helmet component in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. In this view, the top fluid-filled float509is secured to the interior surface of the helmet by a sliding spindle component511set into a circular inset513formed within the helmet components inside surface. A forehead float503, two side floats505, and a rear float507are also shown. The sliding spindle arrangement thus may function like a “lazy susan” permitting rotation of the head within the helmet component.

FIG. 6is a cross section of the portion of the helmet component ofFIG. 5showing the top float603and the spindle component605, which fits within a void609formed within the inner surface of the helmet component and is secured in place by a circular insert607. The spindle component605must be strong and preferably has a diameter equal to or less than about half that of the hole611in the inner surface of the helmet component through which the spindle component projects to permit the spindle component605to slide freely from one side of the hole611to another. The circular inset607preferably has a diameter sufficiently greater than hole611to permit the top float603to rotate around the axis of the spindle component605.

In this manner, during use the wearer will have the benefit of the protection of the unitary helmet component/pier/shoulder pad component assembly (the elements of which, while preferably somewhat flexible, are relatively immovable with respect to each other), while the inner hat and float assembly and the space within the helmet assembly will allow the wearer to move the head relatively freely within the helmet component in order to be able to scan the playing field and/or outside environment without requiring the shoulders or body to move.

FIG. 7shows an example of the unified helmet component/piers/shoulder pad component assembly of the present invention. The helmet component701and piers703in this example are configured essentially as shown inFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B, with the lower end of each pier comprising a connector component705comprising a hook latch structured to fit within a connector receptacle component (loop)707firmly incorporated as part of an ovoid force-diffusing element709. The force-diffusing element is, in turn, joined to, or comprises part of the shoulder pad component711. In other words, the force-diffusing element709receives force from a blow or shock to the helmet component701through the piers703and distributes the force of the blow or shock throughout the shoulder pad component711, thus lessening the severity of this force at any one point. As indicated above, the force-diffusing element generally comprises a similar construction as that found in the shoulder pad component; for example, a hard plastic shell capable of rigidly, but flexibly, distributing shock forces from the helmet component, through the piers and the force diffusing component to the shoulder pad component as a whole.

The force-diffusing element, may preferably be fabricated as part of the shoulder pad component, with connector receptacle components built therein. Less preferably, but still within the scope of this invention, the force-diffusing element may be fabricated as a separate element to be secured to an existing shoulder pad, for example, with nylon webbing and buckles, or anther similar suitably strong connector.

Turning now toFIG. 8, this figure provides a close up view of the pier connectors801and mating connector structure803of the protective headwear assembly shown inFIG. 7. In this case the piers805terminate in a reinforced eyelet807comprising a hole through which the pier connector801(here shown as a hook snap) may be introduced. The mating connector structure803shown inFIG. 8is a reinforced loop comprising a stainless steel cable core encased within a durable, slightly flexible hard polymer. The mating connector structure803is located around the edge809of an ovoid force-diffusing element811, with which it is integrated. The force-diffusing element811is in turn a part of the shoulder pad component.

FIG. 9is a depiction of inner hat of the present invention. The inner hat901may be comprised of polymeric material, particularly, around the head the polymeric material is cushioning or padding material. The inner hat is preferably lightweight. The polymeric padding may underlie a skin comprising a smooth, low friction material such as a TEFLON® lubricant surface905. InFIG. 9, the padding902is shown underlying the TEFLON® skin. The inner hat has ear protection907, forehead padding911, and a padded mask909covering the mouth and nose, and serving as a chin strap to secure the inner hat to the wearer's head. In some examples the outer surface of the inner hat may be untextured and substantially smooth.

FIG. 10shows a shoulder pad component1001comprising a collar component1003encircling the neck of the wearer for the prevention of whiplash and head injury due to the movement of the head inside the fixed helmet1007following an impact. The piers1005supporting the helmet are also shown. Importantly, the collar component comprises a unitary structure firmly integrated into or affixed to the shoulder pad assembly. The unitary structure preferably comprises a strong, comparatively thin, flexible material such as a metal, polymeric, carbon fiber, or fiberglass material surrounding the neck. The interior of the collar component may curve outward convexly to support the neck and cushion the head, while not substantially interfering with head or shoulder movement.

FIG. 11is the apparatus ofFIG. 10with the helmet component removed to show the integrated or attached collar component (with its cushioning overlying the strong resilient material underneath) more clearly.

FIG. 12shows an alternative design of a collar component1003. In this design, the collar component comprises a series of stave components1009arranged around the neck opening of the shoulder pad component1001. The stave components may each comprise a strong, comparatively thin, flexible material such as a metal, carbon fiber, or fiberglass, and may have a width of from au out ½ inch to about 3 inches or so, in half-inch intervals. The staves may be collectively and/or individually covered with a padding or cushioning material, particularly where the collar component contacts the neck. Individual staves made be formed to curve outward convexly (when viewed from the perspective of the shoulder pad neck opening) in order to support the neck, while being sufficiently wide at the top and bottom not to substantially interfering with head or shoulder movement. The staves are firmly integrated into or affixed to the shoulder pad assembly. For example, without limitation, the bottom portions of the staves may be linked together by one or more fiber, cable, wire, or bundle comprising an integral part of the shoulder pad assembly, or may be molded as part of a shoulder pad component.

It will be understood that in some examples of the present invention, a shoulder pad assembly of the present invention may include a body harness component to assist in further distributing forces throughout the body. In other examples, a body harness component may be absent. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the term shoulder pad assembly shall include within its meaning either or both a shoulder pad and a body harness. Additionally, unless specifically excluded, a shoulder pad component include a force-diffusing element.

To the extent that a plurality of inventions are disclosed herein, any such invention shall be understood to have disclosed herein alone, in combination with other features or inventions disclosed herein, or lacking any feature or features not explicitly disclosed as essential for that invention. For example, the inventions described in this specification can be practiced within elements of, or in combination with, other any features, elements, methods or structures described herein. Additionally, features illustrated herein as being present in a particular example are intended, in other examples of the present invention, to be explicitly lacking from the invention, or combinable with features described elsewhere in this patent application, in a manner not otherwise illustrated in this patent application or present in that particular example. The scope of the invention shall be determined solely by the language of the claims.

The present invention may, in certain examples, be drawn to a unitary helmet component/pier/shoulder pad component assembly, with and without the inner hat and with and without the force-diffusing element. In other examples, the invention may be drawn to the helmet component comprising integrated piers. In other examples, the invention may be drawn to the shoulder pad component comprising the force-diffusing element. In other examples, the invention may be drawn to the helmet component and inner hat. In other examples, the invention may be drawn to methods for protecting the head from experiencing the full impact of a blow thereto, using any, all, or any combination of the elements of the protective headgear described herein.

Thus, the various descriptions of the invention provided herein illustrate presently preferred examples of the invention; however, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the examples provided, or to the specific configurations, shapes, and relation of elements unless the claims specifically indicate otherwise. Based upon the present disclosure a person of ordinary skill in the art will immediately conceive of other alternatives to the specific examples given, such that the present disclosure will be understood to provide a full written description of each of such alternatives as if each had been specifically described.