Helmet Retention System

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method of use for retaining protective head gear without the use of a chin strap. The inventive device and method utilizes connection means to a chest harness or other equipment worn over the torso.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.[0002]61 / 481,788, filed May 3, 2011.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]1. Field of Invention[0004]The inventive subject matter relates to a device and system to securely keep a helmet on the head of the wearer without the need for a chin strap.[0005]2. Background Art[0006]Helmets, including military helmets, have undergone little change as to how they are secured to the wearer. Typically, protective head gear is secured to the wear by either its firm fitting over the head or by a chin strap. Combat helmets are typically secured through a chin strap harness, fitting either under the chin or around the chin.[0007]In the case of U.S. military helmets, the chin straps, by applying force to the chin and neck, serves not only to secure the helmet to the wearer but as serve to ensure that the helmet is stable and properly positioned on the head. Proper fitting and placement of helmets, like most protective head gear, is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The invention relates to a helmet retention device for securing or retaining a helmet, or other protective head-wear, to the head without the use of a chin strap. In a preferred embodiment, the helmet retention device comprises two components: a head component and a chest harness component, wherein the head component is secured to the wearer via straps or other means for securing the helmet component to the wearer via the chest harness component. The inventive device provides a means for securely positioning head gear on the wearer while reducing potential injury otherwise seen in securing head gear via a chin-strap, including to the jaw and teeth, if the wearer receives a force applied to the head.

[0012]In one embodiment the retention device comprises a head component and a chest harness wherein the head component comprises pre-auricular and post-auricular straps located on both the right and left sides of the head. The pre-and post-auricular straps join and connect to a single strap below the ear. In this embodiment, the single strap attaches to a chest harness. In this preferred embodiment, the device comprises a mechanism permitting easy and quick release of the protective head gear from the harness at both the dorsal and ventral locations on the body harness component.

[0014]In one embodiment, the right and left sub-auricular straps would cross at the upper chest and connect, via quick attaching and releasing mechanisms, such as snaps or pelican hook like devices, at or below the clavicular-manubrial insertion to the sternum. If an occipitally placed strap is included. it would attach, via a quick attaching and releasing mechanism. such as a snap, to the dorsal aspect of the chest harness and would attach near the level of the scapula. The strap insertion mechanism into the chest harness permits free lateral and rotational motion of the head with little or no impedance or restriction of head motion. Similarly, the occipitally placed strap would not impede anterior and posterior tilt of the head or rotational movement of the head.

[0016]In an embodiment. the chest harness can contain physiological sensors to monitor biometric information or environmental circumstances encountered, as well as offer secure geo-location technology.

Problems solved by technology

If the helmet is improperly seated, such as caused by improper fitting or ineffective chin strap functioning, even significantly greater muscular strain and fatigue to the cervical column, upper back musculature and strap muscles of the neck can result.

This ultimately can cause a compromise of the spinal cord.

However, when exposed to rapid air and shock wave displacement, caused by explosive blast, directional energy forces the helmet up and back, with concomitant upward force against the mandible and other head and neck structures.

This uplifting can result in significant bone and tissue trauma, including head and neck injury and even dental injury.

The use of chin strap to secure helmets has been directly correlated with both odontogenic trauma and temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction.

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