Multilayer impact attenuating insert for headgear

Abstract

Impact attenuating liner for headgear and headgear employing the liner, the liner positionable inside the headgear and comprising a cellular layer having an array of individual impact attenuating cells, each individual impact attenuating cells including an impact attenuating medium. The impact attenuating cells can comprise a gas, liquid, visco-elastic gel, foam, fiber or combinations thereof as well other impact attenuating medium. In another aspect, the impact attenuating liner has at least two layers, a cellular layer of and an impact attenuating layer under the cellular. The liner can include a cover. The liner can be removable from the headgear.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 480,847, filed Apr. 29, 2011 and to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 521,584 filed Aug. 9, 2011, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates generally to headgear and more specifically to impact attenuating headgear intended to reduce the incidence or severity of closed head injuries.[0003]Closed head injuries, particularly concussions, are a relatively common occurrence. The term concussion describes an injury to the brain resulting from an impact to the head. By definition, a concussion is not a life-threatening injury, but it can cause both short-term and long-term problems. The terms mild brain injury, mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), mild head injury (MHO, minor head trauma, and concussion may be used interchangeably. Frequently defined as a head injury with a temporary loss of b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Headgear with enhanced impact attenuating properties is provided. The headgear can be provided as a liner for protective headgear, such as a helmet, or as an integral part of the protective headgear.

[0010]The individual cells can be air cells. The air cells can be sealed at an optimal internal pressure or can be interconnected by airflow channels so that pressure can be equalized among the cells. The size of the various air flow channels is predetermined can be varied to control the flow of air between the cells at impact to better control the impact attenuating characteristics of the pad.

Problems solved by technology

By definition, a concussion is not a life-threatening injury, but it can cause both short-term and long-term problems.

Military personnel can suffer concussions from direct blows to the head or from the percussion of an explosive device.

Symptoms usually go away entirely within three weeks, though they may persist, or complications may occur.

Repeated concussions can cause cumulative brain damage or severe complications such as second-impact syndrome.

Images