Anti-blast and shock optimal reduction buffer

Abstract

A cushion for use in a helmet or body armor to mitigate shock loads (i.e. blasts or blunt impact) against the human body includes a matrix having a plurality of fluid pockets. The fluid pockets themselves are either deformable, or they can be reconfigured (e.g. emptied) and are, therefore, connected in fluid communication with an empty receiver pocket. In the latter case, a vent connects each fluid pocket to at least one receiver pocket, and a valve is imbedded into the vent to control fluid flow through the vent. In either case, when the cushion receives a shock load, fluid in the cushion is transferred to reconfigure the cushion for mitigation of the resultant forces.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention pertains generally to systems for protecting the body from shock loading due to a violent impact or blast. Shock loading is the very rapid application and short duration of applied force. More particularly, the present invention pertains to cushions for mitigating the adverse effects that can result from forces to the head and body that are caused by shock loads. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a protective cushion that incorporates fluid transfer, fluid compression, and membrane deformation techniques, into a helmet, vest, shoes, or clothing, for mitigating the injury effects of shock loadings.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A primary objective of any protective gear is to somehow mitigate the adverse effects that shock loading can have on the body. Low level impacts to the head can produce mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), while high level impacts to the head can produce massive internal inj...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]For an alternate embodiment of the present invention, there are no receiver pockets; only fluid pockets. In this embodiment, the matrix itself (e.g. membrane) deforms. This causes the fluid pockets to be reconfigured, to thereby absorb the effects of an external force.

[0014]An important aspect of the present invention is that the configuration of fluid pockets, and receiver pockets if used, can be customized. Stated differently, the cushion may have any of several different configurations, arrangements or presentations. Further, based on material selection for manufacture of the cushion and the consequent operational thresholds for valves, baffles and membrane expansions, it can, in effect, be “tuned” to have a desired protective response to a blast impact.

Problems solved by technology

Low level impacts to the head can produce mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), while high level impacts to the head can produce massive internal injury and death.

Impacts to the extremities can lead to traumatic amputation.

These brain injuries are, unfortunately, in addition to other injuries that may also be sustained.

Impact to the torso can produce significant internal injury.

Even when the person is wearing personal body armor (military or law enforcement) that provides protection from the penetration of bullets and fragments, blunt trauma can occur from the inward deformation of the armor.

Currently, armor designs are limited by these deformations.

Although these materials may be efficacious for some types of force loadings, they do not provide the theoretical optimum protection possible and have characteristics that lose their cushioning ability as the duration of the loading decreases.

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