Head and neck protection system

a head and neck protection and head and neck technology, applied in the field of safety equipment, can solve the problems of affecting the mobility of athletes, affecting the safety of protective gear, and often conflicting safety standards for protective gear,

US20050166303A1Inactive Publication Date: 2005-08-04COOPER TECH CO
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2005-08-04
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A head and neck protection system includes a head protector, a shoulder protector, and a neck guard for protecting a person from injury. The neck guard detachably connects between the head protector and the shoulder protector and includes a collar. The collar has a first edge and a second edge spaced apart from the first edge. The first and second edges include fastening means for detachably coupling the collar between the head protector and the shoulder protector. In one embodiment, the collar has a perimeter that flares outwardly as the collar extends from the head protector to the shoulder protector. The collar is formed of an anti-ballistic material to protect the person from injury from bullets, fragments and other projectiles. The collar interconnects the head protector with the shoulder protector to form a restraint that limits displacement of the head protector relative to the shoulder protector.
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Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 704,780 filed Nov. 10, 2003, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to safety equipment, and particularly to protective gear for the head and neck that can be used in a variety of activities involving risk of injury. BACKGROUND

[0003] Athletes use a variety of protective helmets and pads when participating in sports. For example, athletes who participate in football, lacrosse, hockey, auto racing and equestrian competition routinely use helmets for head protection. Safety standards for protective gear frequently conflict with other concerns, such as comfort. As a result, many head and neck guards sacrifice comfort for safety, or vice versa. A number of head and neck guards in the present state of the art have large bulky components that surround the head, neck and shoulders. Althoug...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021] Referring to the drawing figures, and in particular to FIG. 1, a head and neck protection system 12 is shown. The protection system 12 includes a head protector 20, a neck guard 30, and shoulder gear 50. The neck guard 30 is connected between the head protector 20 and the shoulder gear 50 to form a shock-absorbing brace between the head protector and shoulder gear that substantially prevents hyperextension of the neck, hyperflexion of the neck, and other serious head and neck injury. The neck guard 30 is sufficiently flexible and light-weight to permit normal head rotation about the axis of the wearer's neck.

[0022] The protective system 12 is intended for use in a variety of activities that involve risk of injury to the head, neck and spine. For example, the protective system 12 may be used in a variety of sports and recreational activities, including but not limited to football, auto racing, motorcycling, lacrosse, and equestrian competition. Therefore, the protective syste...