Helmet fitting and impact attenuation system

Abstract

There is provided a safety helmet with a helmet fitting and impact attenuation system. The system comprises a semi-rigid space frame attachable to the safety helmet and a headband, releasably attachable to one or more arms of the space frame. The space frame and headband accommodate the use of an impact attenuation liner mounted between the space frame and the helmet shell. The helmet fitting and impact attenuation system also may be used to update and retrofit existing helmet shells.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C., S. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 014,239 filed on Dec. 17, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a safety helmet fitting and impact attenuation system and a safety helmet fitting and impact attenuation system that may be retrofitted to existing helmet shells.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Modern safety helmets must fulfill a number of functions for the helmet wearer. The helmet must provide protection from any one or combination of blast, debris, projectile or impact as a result of striking an object or being struck by an object; support the mounting and use of additional devices worn on or near the head or helmet, such as various types of glasses, goggles, communications devices, microphones and other devices; and provide a comfortable fit and ventilation for the wearer without comprising the other functions.[0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]Embodiments of the present invention provide a helmet fitting and impact attenuation system for new helmet shells or to be used to retrofit existing helmet shells. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a helmet fitting and impact attenuation system for use in a helmet. The fitting and impact attenuation system comprises a semi-rigid space frame comprising a plurality of arms extending from a central crown point wherein at leas

Problems solved by technology

For military applications, helmet design is further limited in the choice of materials, fasteners and space that can be used to meet these design goals and create a helmet that functions in harsh environments.

Although existing helmet designs provide for some adjustment of the crown webbing layer, the webbing loops and drawstring are known to create pressure points and cause discomfort for the wearer.

Although the nape strap may increase stability of the helmet on the wearer's head, it also may provide a further source of discomfort, pressure and fit problems for the helmet wearer.

Impact attenuating materials found in certain helmets can cause discomfort when in contact with the head due to pressure points or heat / moisture retention.

However, EPS has a low chemical resistance, becomes fragile with use, and the foam rubber pads are known to be an additional cause of discomfort.

For example, existing helmets have been found to interfere with ear pieces worn under the helmet, causing the ear piece to be displaced from the helmet wearer's ear.

It has been found, for helmet systems with removable materials or padding, that helmet wearers also may carry out unauthorized modifications to the impact attenuation system and alter or remove the pieces of the impact attenuation material to further improve the comfort of the helmet.

Such unauthorized modifications may severely impair the impact protection performance of the helmet and result in injury to the helmet wearer.

The helmet shell, impact attenuation and suspension system also must operate in harsh environments and may be degraded by sand, water and other elements.

The impact attenuation, webbing and strap material typically wear out or become excessive soiled more quickly than the helmet shell, thus limiting the usable life of the helmet.

However, Zahn does not disclose adjustment of the inner supporting band, a second headband adjusted to the wearer, the accommodation of a liner to provide impact protection or the design of a fitting and impact attenuation system that may be used to retrofit existing helmet shells.

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