Chin protection system

Abstract

A chin protection system for releasable attachment to a wide variety of helmets through the use of an elastically-deformable helmet cover, a pliable retainer, and a chin protector. The system safely attaches to a helmet without any modifications to the helmet and therefore does not impact the warranty or safety rating of the helmet. The helmet cover is designed to stretch and conform to numerous different helmet styles and manufacturers, while serving as an attachment point for the pliable retainer. The pliable retainer provides the tensile force necessary to keep the chin protector in place throughout the range of movement common during sporting activities, as well as during an impact to the chin. The chin protection system may be utilized on any safety helmet including, but not limited to, bike helmets, skateboard helmets, rollerblade helmets, ski/snowboard helmets, motorcycle helmets, go-cart helmets, baseball and softball helmets, and climbing helmets.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0001]This invention was not made as part of a federally sponsored research or development project.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to protection equipment for the human chin; more specifically to a chin protection system that can be attached to an existing safety helmet without any modifications to the helmet.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Injuries to the heads of children and adults due to falls and / or collisions experienced during sporting events such as bicycling, skateboarding, and rollerblading have been reduced as a result of more widespread recognition that helmets should be worn during such activities. However, helmets do little to protect the chin, mandible, and facial structures of a user during a face forward fall, which generally result in chin lacerations and possible facture of the mandible.[0004]Safety helmets generally require a system to retain the helmet on a user's head during a vi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]A chin protection system for releasable attachment to a wide variety of helmets through the use of an elastically-deformable helmet cover, a pliable retainer, and a chin protector. The chin protection system safely attaches to a helmet without any modifications to the helmet and therefore does not impact the warranty or safety rating of the helmet. The helmet cover is designed to stretch and conform to numerous different helmet styles and manufacturers, while also serving as an attachment point for the pliable retainer. The pliable retainer provides the tensile force necessary to keep the chin protector in place throughout the range of movements common during sporting activities, as well as during an impact to the chin. The chin protection system also serves a stability system that ensure the helmet stays squarely in place on a users head during rapid head movements, such as during tricks, something lacking from a helmet's under-the-chin strap system.

Problems solved by technology

However, helmets do little to protect the chin, mandible, and facial structures of a user during a face forward fall, which generally result in chin lacerations and possible facture of the mandible.

Such systems avoid attachment at the chin because it would be possible for a chin attachment system to be dislodged from the chin during a violent impact and risk unintended removal of the helmet.

Therefore the field has needed a supplemental system that serves to protect a user's chin and adding stability to a helmet system, while not reducing the safety associated with traditional retainer straps.

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