Apparatus and method for facilitating emergency helmet removal

Abstract

A safety helmet, such as for use with motorcycles, race vehicles, off-road vehicles, boats, skiing, and similar activities which pose a risk to the head and neck of individuals. The inventive helmet is beneficially configured for being readily removed in the case of emergency, such as if the wearer experiences a collision. The helmet can only be readily separated electronically under proper conditions, therein allowing portions of the helmet to be removed without undue forces being applied to the head and neck of the wearer. A separation preparation indicator is also described for providing indications of whether an adjacent and / or remote assembly configured with releasable portions attached with electrically responsive adhesive has been deactivated, and has the advantage of accurately indicating the state of the releasable portion as the indicator is subject to the same electrical stimulation and electrically releasable adhesive.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 694,749 filed Jun. 27, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] 1. Field of the Invention [0005] This invention pertains generally to motorcycle safety devices and more particularly to a safety helmet which can be readily split open after an accident without inducing neck or head trauma. [0006] 2. Description of the Background Art [0007] Helmets, such as used by motorcycle riders, provide invaluable crash protection. Helmet manufacturers have gone to extreme lengths to create a very light-weight extremely high impact resistant shell. Motorcycle helmet shells are formed in a single piece, with no seam, to reduce weight and increase strength. Often carbon fiber, Kevlar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] A helmet according to the invention is configured for being readily removed from the wearer in emergency situations in response to an electrical stimulus which reconfigures the helmet from a first to a second configuration. Once the electrical signals prepare the helmet for separation, the portions of it can be readily removed from the head of the wearer without undue stress.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention a helmet apparatus is constructed in at least two sections which are joined with an electrically responsive mechanical means for preparing for and / or effecting separation. For example, the helmet is formed from sections having a conductive portion at the joint between the sections. An electrically responsive epoxy is used to adhere the portions of the helmet. An electrical connection to the conductive portion of the joint allows receipt of a sufficient electrical stimulus across the epoxy, wherein it debonds from the joint. The helmet can then be readily separated into its component sections and removed from the head of the wearer without the usual trauma.

[0014] The electrical stimulus can be received by the helmet in a number of alternative ways. In one embodiment an electrical connection on the helmet is configured for receiving a key device for providing the electrical power to effect separation, or to complete a circuit wherein power from within the helmet itself is used to change the configuration. In another embodiment the power from an existing device, such as a portable heart defibrillation unit, is used to drive the change in configuration. For example, the paddles are placed on opposing sides of the helmet and the electrical output triggered, to deactivate the bonds on the helmet halves, thus rendering them easily removed without undue pressure on the head or neck of the injured, or potentially-injured, rider.

[0016] One implementation of the invention can be described as a helmet apparatus for preventing head and neck injury, comprising: (a) at least a first and second outer shell section; (b) a conductive interface proximal to where the at least first outer shell section and second outer shell section are to be joined to create the exterior of the helmet shell; (c) an electrically responsive adhesive retained between the conductive interface portions of the first outer shell section and the second outer shell section; (d) wherein the helmet outer shell is formed with at least the first and second sections joined by the adhesive is configured to remain intact despite encountering a collision event; (e) at least one layer of inner padding within the helmet outer shell and configured to increase comfort and reduce impact forces on the head of a wearer inserted within the padding interior of the outer shell; and (f) an emergency activation means configured for providing a sufficient electrical stimulus between conductive interfaces on at least the first and second sections of the outer shell for deactivating the bonding of the adhesive; (g) thereby in response to emergency activation the sections of the helmet can be readily separated from each other and the head of the user without the conventional forces required to remove a helmet with an intact outer shell.

Problems solved by technology

However, after a crash, in particular if the rider is unconscious or has suspected head or neck injuries, the helmet can become a liability.

In the process of removing the helmet the spinal nerves can be damaged, or other forms of head, neck or back damage induced.

The very snug fit makes ingress or egress somewhat difficult within these helmets—even by the wearer who can feel where and how to apply the pressures to ingress or egress.

A second party removing the helmet from a victim, however, has no such feedback and is removing the helmet from an individual that often has damage in those areas as well as swelling.

It is difficult to administer first aid to a crash victim while still wearing their helmet, wherein the helmets are often removed by EMT personnel as well as individuals with little training that are attempting to administer first aid.

The damage which results from helmet removal has prompted many riders to wear a tag on their helmet indicating that in case of accident DO NOT remove the helmet.

Although, emergency rooms and possibly some emergency medical technicians (Mets), have the equipment for cutting the helmet off, this is not a suitable solution, as it can be very difficult to administer the necessary first aid and determine the extent of injuries with a helmet still on the patient.

Furthermore, if a head trauma has occurred, then head swelling can make the helmet fit even tighter and may cut off blood supply.

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