Neck protector for use with a crash helmet

A restraint system is disclosed which limits the range of motion of a driver's helmet, and consequently the flexure of an individual's neck. In particular, the proposed system is laterally symmetric and comprises an arrangement of straps including a first strap extending from the “chin” of the helmet downwardly over the shoulder to an attachment point near the shoulder blade. A second strap extend form the occipital region forward over the shoulder and is attached on the chest. A separate strap also extends from the chin to the mid-point of the second strap. A fourth strap extends from the occipital region to the mid-point of the first strap. In addition, a harness is disclosed comprising a strap which encircles the check and straps which encircle the thighs, and use of a VELCRO fastener to anchor the restraint system to the harness.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally directed toward a head and neck protector, and more specifically, directed toward a head and neck restraint system for use with a helmet for protecting a driver's head and neck during a crash.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Protecting the head and neck of drivers for high speed race cars or motorcycles is highly desirable. In order to protect the driver's head, the use of a crash helmet is common. However, the use of the helmet does not limit the range of motion of the driver's neck and does not restrain the neck. Therefore, this allows the neck of the driver to uncontrollably snap move in different directions during a crash.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a restraint system usable with a crash helmet which limits the range of motion of a driver's head, and consequently the flexure of the driver's neck.

It is another object of the invention to provide a restraint system that is easily worn and uses with a conventional helmet.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a device which maintains the head and neck of the driver in alignment with the driver's spine during a frontal impact of a high performance vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These problems and others are addressed by the present invention which comprises a head and neck-restraint system for protecting the neck of an individual during a crash of a motor vehicle, the head and neck restraint system comprising a head enclosing helmet of the type having a head shell surrounding the head, forehead, and chin of the individual with an opening at a bottom portion thereof and a face portion, a plurality of straps and means for releasably securing the plurality of straps to a portion of the helmet, means for securing the plurality of straps to the individual, and, wherein the plurality of straps form an X-pattern configuration on a right side and a left side of said user below the helmet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, referring toFIGS. 1-3, a neck restraint system is generally shown at10being used by a user12and attached to a crash helmet14. The helmet14includes a head shell16and a bottom opening18for providing access for the user's head, and a frontal opening20to provide visibility for the user when the user has the helmet on.

In the first representative embodiment of the present invention, the neck restraint system10comprises a plurality of laterally symmetrical straps that are attached to the helmet14at one end and are removably attached to the user's outfit at opposing second end.

The neck restraint system10comprises a plurality of directive anchors and, more specifically and preferably, four directive anchors wherein a first directive anchor22is attached to an inner and frontal right side of the helmet shell16, a second directive anchor24is attached to the inner and rear right side of the helmet shell16, a third directive anchor26is attached to the inner and frontal left side of the helmet shell16, and a fourth directive anchor28is attached to the inner and rear left side of the helmet shell16. The first and the second directive anchors22,24are preferably symmetrically positioned with respect to the third and fourth directive anchors26,28. Also, the number of the directive anchors are not limited to four and, alternatively, they may be positioned and attached to the outside of the helmet shell16. The first, second, third, and fourth directive anchors22,24,26,28preferably have identical shapes and configurations, as best seenFIGS. 4-7, and provide an attaching means for securing the plurality of straps of the neck restraint system to the helmet.

The neck restraint system10further includes a first strap or belt30, preferably made of nylon, polyester, cotton, or combinations thereof, having a first end32and a second end34, a second strap36having a first end38and a second end40, a third strap42having a first end44and a second end46, and a fourth strap48having a first end50and a second end52, configured and attached to one another in a manner that will be explained in a greater detail herein.

As best seen inFIG. 1, the first representative embodiment of the present invention requires the neck restraint system10to be attached to a user's outfit or race suit, generally illustrated at54. A plurality of anchor straps are attached at the outer portion of the user's race suit54generally below the user's abdomen area. More specifically, a first anchor strap56having a first metal loop58attached to a first end thereof, and a second end60attached, preferably, but not limited to, by stitching to the front side outer portion of the race suit54. A second anchor strap62having a second metal loop64attached to a first end thereof, and a second end66attached by, preferably, but not limited to, stitching to the rear side outer portion of the race suit54. A third anchor strap68having a third metal loop70attached to a first end thereof, and a second end72attached by, preferably, but not limited to, stitching to the front side outer portion of the race suit54. And a fourth anchor strap74having a fourth metal loop76attached to a first end thereof, and a second end78attached by, preferably, but not limited to, stitching to the rear side outer portion of the race suit54. As will be explained herein, the first, second, third, and fourth anchor straps56,62,68, and74are laterally and symmetrically positioned and attached to the race suit for providing support for the first, second, third, and fourth straps30,36,42and48, respectively.

Referring toFIGS. 4 through 7, the first directive anchor22is illustrated. As stated hereinabove, the first, second, third and fourth directive anchors22,24,26, and28are preferably identical in shape and configuration, and therefore, the structural features and the fastening means of each directive anchor is described and illustrated in view of the first directive anchor22only. The first directive anchor22includes a top surface80, a bottom surface82and a plurality of elongate slots providing a plurality of openings from the top surface80to the bottom surface82. More specifically, the first directive anchor22includes a first slot84and a second parallel slot86disposed at one side thereof and separated from the first slot84by a first divider85, a third slot88substantially parallel to the first and the second slots84,86, a fourth slot90and a fifth slot92separated from the fourth slot90by a second divider91and parallel to the fourth slot90at a second side of the first directive anchor and substantially below the first, the second, and third slot84,86,88. The first directive anchor22further includes a pyramid-configured protrusion94on the top surface80and positioned and bounded by the second slot86, third slot88, and the fourth slot90, wherein, as will be explained in greater detail, the straps of the neck restraint system are extended over the pyramid-configured protrusion94.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 through 7, the assembled neck restraint system10will be explained. In order to attach the neck restraint system10to the helmet14and the race suit54of the user, the first strap30is attached to the second directive anchor24by extending the first strap second end34, or in the alternative, the first strap first end32, through the first slot84from underneath, then over the first divider85, through the second slot86and underneath the second directive anchor24, up through the third slot88and over the pyramid-configured protrusion94and through the fourth slot90, underneath the second divider91, and then up through the fifth slot92. The first strap second end34is then attached by, preferably, but not limited to, stitching to an upper portion of the second strap36at34′. Now, the first strap first end32is of a length and dimensioned and configured to extend and be inserted through the first metal loop58attached to the first anchor strap56, and folder over and secured to itself by a fastening means, such as, but not limited to, a VELCRO brand fastening means96.

The second strap36is slidably disposed within or attached to the first directive anchor22in a substantially similar manner as the first strap30being attached to the second directive anchor24, wherein the second strap second end40is attached, preferably by stitching to the first strap30at40′ and just above the user's right shoulder98, and the second strap first end38extends through the second anchor strap second metal loop64and is folded and secured to itself by a VELCRO brand fastening means96.

The substantially mid-point of the portion of the first strap30between where the second strap first end40is attached or stitched to the first strap30at40′ and the second directive anchor24is also stitched and attached at a point100to substantially the mid-point of the portion of the second strap36between where the first strap second end34is attached to stitched to second strap36at34′ and the first directive anchor22. Therefore, as best seen inFIG. 1, the right side of the neck restraint system10in the assembled configuration and right above the right shoulder98of the user includes an X-pattern configuration resulting from the portions of the first strap30and the second strap36being attached to the helmet.

As best seen inFIGS. 1 and 3, the third strap42is slidably disposed within or attached to the fourth directive anchor28in a substantially similar manner as the first strap30being attached to the second directive anchor24, wherein the third strap second end46is attached, preferably by stitching to the fourth strap48at46′ just above the user's left shoulder102, and the third strap first end44extends through the third metal loop70and is folded and secured to itself by a VELCRO brand fastening means96. Similarly, the fourth strap48is slidably disposed within or attached to the third directive anchor26as the first strap30being attached to the second directive anchor24, wherein the fourth strap second end second end52is attached, preferably by stitching to the third strap42at52′ just above the user's left shoulder102, and the fourth strap first end50extends through the fourth anchor strap metal loop76and is folded and secured to itself by a VELCRO fastening means96. Alternatively, other fastening means may be used instead of the VELCRO fastening means96such as, but not limited to, a belt and buckle securing means.

The substantially mid-point of the portion of the fourth strap48between where the third strap second end46is attached or stitched to the first strap30at46′ and the third directive anchor26is also stitched and attached at a point104to substantially the mid-point of the portion of the third strap42between where the fourth strap second end52is attached and stitched to third strap42at52′ and the fourth directive anchor28.

Therefore, as best seen inFIG. 3, the left side of the neck restraint system10in the assembled configuration and above the left shoulder102of the user includes an X-pattern configuration resulting from the portions of the fourth strap48and third strap42being attached to the helmet.

Referring now toFIG. 8, a second representative embodiment of the neck restraint system is illustrated wherein the first, second, third, and fourth,30,36,42, and48are attached to a harness assembly106instead of being directly attached to the user's race outfit. The harness assembly106comprises a main belt portion108having a buckle110which can be adjustably worn by the user around the user's waist. The first anchor strap56is now attached, preferably by stitching, to the main belt108at a second end112, and similarly, the second anchor strap62is attached to the main belt108at a second end114, the third anchor strap68is attached to the main belt108at a second end116, and the fourth anchor strap74is attached to the main belt at a second end118.

The harness assembly108further includes a leg attachment means comprising a right leg strap120dimensioned and configured to be wrapped around the user's right leg, preferably around the user's right thigh and above the right knee, and removably secured by an attaching means such as, but not limited to, a VELCRO brand fastener.

A right leg extension124includes a first end128securely attached to the right leg strap120preferably by stitching, and a second end130attached to a lower portion or the inside of the main belt108. A left leg strap122dimensioned and configured to be wrapped around the user's left leg, preferably around the user's left thigh and above the left knee, and removably secured by an attaching means such as a VELCRO brand fastener. A left leg extension126includes a first end132securely attached to the left leg strap122preferably by stitching; and a second end134attached to a lower portion or the inside of the main belt108.

Referring now toFIG. 9, a third alternative embodiment of the neck restraint system10is illustrated. A fifth strap136having a first end138and a second end140provides further stability and securement of the system when in use by having the first end138attached, preferably by stitching, to the first strap30right above the point100and the second end140similarly attached to the second strap36right above the point100. The fifth strap136also includes a metal loop142which is freely slidable between the first and the second ends138,140.

A fifth anchor strap144is attached, preferably by stitching, to the user's race outfit right above the right shoulder98, wherein the fifth anchor straps's free end146can loop through the metal loop142and secure the fifth strap136by having the free end146attached to the opposing end of the fifth anchor strap144by means of VELCRO or other suitable removable means.

Similarly, for the left side of the neck restraint system, a sixth strap148having a first end150and a second end152provides further stability and securement of the system when in use by having the first end150attached, preferably by stitching, to the third strap42right above the point104and the second end similarly attached to the fourth strap48right above the point104. The sixth strap136also includes a metal loop154which is freely slidable between the first and the second ends150,152.

A sixth anchor strap156is attached, preferably by stitching, to the user's race outfit right above the left shoulder102, wherein the sixth anchor straps's free end158can loop through the metal loop154and secure the sixth strap148by having the free end158attached to the opposing end of the sixth anchor strap156by means of VELCRO or other suitable removable means.

Moreover, additional X-pattern straps maybe attached to the front and the back of the neck restraint system10to limit the rotational and circular movement of the user's helmet while in use. More specifically, a front X-pattern strap160includes a strap162and a strap164attached in the middle at166, wherein, as best seenFIG. 9, the first and the second ends of the strap162are attached to the first strap30and the third strap42at168and170, respectively, and the first and the second ends of the strap164are attached to the first strap30and the third strap42at172and174, respectively.

Similarly, a rear X-pattern strap176includes a strap178and a strap180attached in the middle at182, wherein, as best seenFIG. 9, the first and the second ends of the strap178are attached to the second strap36and the fourth strap48at184and186, respectively, and the first and the second ends of the strap180are attached to the second strap36and the fourth strap48at188and190, respectively.

Referring now toFIGS. 10 through 14, a fourth alternative embodiment of the neck restraint system10is illustrated. More specifically, this embodiment contemplates the use of a removable mechanism for attaching and detaching the neck restraint system10from the user's helmet14.

A plurality of female anchor receivers are attached to the inner front and rear sides of the helmet. More specifically, a first female anchor receiver192and a second female anchor receiver194is attached to the inner front left side and inner rear left side of the helmet14by means of, but not limited to, a plurality of screws200. Similarly, a third female anchor receiver196and a fourth female anchor receiver198is attached to inner front right side and inner rear right side of the helmet14by means of, but not limited to, the plurality of screws200. These female anchor receivers replace the first, second, third, and fourth directive anchors to provide for a detachable and removable assembly of the neck restraint system for the helmet.

Each of the first, second, third, and fourth female anchor receivers192,194,196, and198includes a bottom opening201to provide, as will be explained herein, access for the detachable male anchors.

A plurality of male anchors, and more specifically, a first, second, third, and fourth male anchors202,204,206, and208are provided to replace the first, second, third, and fourth directive anchors to attach the straps, and the first, second, third, and fourth male anchors,202,204,206, and208are detachably attached to the first, second, third, and fourth female anchor receivers192,194,196, and198, respectively, in a manner that will be discussed in a greater detail below. It is noted that the first, the second, third, and fourth male anchors202,204,206, and208are preferably identical to one another and, therefore, their details will be only discussed in relation to the first male anchor202.

Referring now toFIGS. 12 and 13, the first female anchor receiver192includes a top wall210, a first sidewall212, and a second sidewall214bounding the bottom opening201. A support plate216, preferably made from metal or other suitable material, is secured to the inner surface of the second sidewall214and further includes an extension arm having a circular pivot end218. The second a sidewall214further includes a protrusion215on the inner side thereof for providing further support to hold the support plate216.

A hook-shaped linkage arm220includes a first portion222and a second portion224integral with the first portion224, wherein the second portion224further includes a fork-shaped end having a pair of tines226. The linkage arm220is pivotally attached to the support plate216at the circular pivot end218in a pivoting and balanced way, wherein the linkage arm220, as best seen inFIG. 12, can pivot about the pivot end218in either a clockwise direction or a counter clockwise direction.

A second linkage arm228includes a first end and is pivotally attached to a second end of the first portion222of the hook-shaped linkage arm220at230, and a second end232pivotally attached to a third linkage arm234.

Referring toFIG. 12, the first male anchor202is illustrated in a locked, engaged, or attached configuration with the first female anchor receiver192. The first male anchor202includes a lower housing236having a top wall238and an upper housing240on top of the lower housing236. An actuating lever arm242is pivotally mounted within the lower housing236at one end through a pin or dowel244extending laterally the width of the lower housing236, and further includes a second end246extending outwardly from the lower housing236and through the top wall238to provide support for a user's finger to actuate the mechanism.

A fourth linkage arm248is operably disposed within the lower housing and has a substantially W-shaped or wavy configuration. The fourth linkage arm248is centrally and pivotally mounted at a mid-point section250thereof through the pin or dowel244and includes a first engaging end252and an opposing second engaging end254. The actuating lever arm242further includes an extension256which engages the lower portion of the second engaging end254as well as an upper portion of the second engaging end254, wherein pressing the second end246of the actuating lever arm242would actuate the fourth linkage arm248.

A plunger258includes a first end260and a second end262and slidably extends through the upper housing240, wherein the second end262extends through an opening at a top wall264and engages the lower portion of the third linkage arm234through the opening201. The first end260extends through an opening at the top wall238of the lower housing236and rests against the first engaging end252of the fourth linkage arm248.

A coiled spring266is inserted through the first end260of the plunger258, and includes a first end268resting against the lower surface of the top wall238, and a second end270resting against the first engaging end252and providing a spring biased forced against the movement of the fourth linkage arm248.

A directive anchor272, similar to that of the directive anchors of the first embodiment for supporting the belt straps, includes a first end274attached to the upper surface of the top wall238, and further includes a second engaging end having an arrow-head shape and configuration276with a laterally extending slit278therethrough. The arrow-head end276comprises a pair of opposing indentations280that provide for an engagement with the corresponding pair of tines226for the fork-shaped second portion224.

Referring toFIG. 14, to disengage the first male anchor202from the first female anchor receiver192, and thereby releasing the neck restraint system10from the user's helmet14, a user presses the actuating lever arm242at the second end246, causing the actuating lever arm242to pivot about the central pivot point250, and further-pivoting the fourth -linkage arm248by pressing against the second engaging end254. The first engaging end253presses against the first end260of the plunger258, and compresses the coiled spring266. The plunger258is moved upwardly and cause the third linkage arm234to move, and in turn causing the second linkage arm228to pivot, thereby causing the hook-shaped linkage arm220to pivot about the circular pivot end218, which in turn cause the pair of tine226to move away and disengage the pair of indentations280. Hence, the first male anchor202can be pulled down and away from the first female anchor192.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration only, and this description should not be construed as limiting to the several claims appended hereto.