Impact dissipating helmet liners with cylindrical retaining posts

Abstract

Impact dissipating helmet liners and protective barriers having internal cylindrical posts or pins are provided. The helmet liners and protective barriers include a flexible, fluid impermeable enclosure having an upper wall, an opposing lower wall, and a sidewall extending between the upper wall and the lower wall; a fluid contained in the enclosure; and cylindrical posts or pins extending from the lower wall to the upper wall, each of the cylindrical posts or pins at least partially restraining deflection of one of the upper wall and the lower wall. The helmet liners provided may include a central portion and lobes radially extending from the central portion and are adapted to conform to the shape of a helmet shell. The protective barriers disclosed may be constructed in any convenient shape compatible with the intended application of the protective barrier. Methods of fabricating helmet liners and protective barriers are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority from pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 199,919, filed on Feb. 3, 2021, the disclosure of which is included by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Field[0002]Aspects of the present invention relate generally to protective barriers and headgear, such as, helmets. More particularly, aspects of the invention, in its several embodiments, provide protective, fluid-containing, impact-dissipating liners, for example, helmet liners, having reinforcing pins or posts that enhance the performance and / or durability of the liners.Description of Related Art[0003]Numerous human activities, such as, recreation and sports, public protection, and armed service, expose the human body, especially, the head, to impact and injury.[0004]Head injury can be the most traumatic type of bodily injury. Especially when in motion, the exposure of the human head to contact and injury can be a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides improved impact-dissipating liner technology for helmets and barriers. The invention includes pins or posts within the liner to assist in maintaining its shape during impact. The liner may also include a fabric sheet to enhance its strength. This may improve the performance of the liner and make it more durable.

Problems solved by technology

The resulting helmets have been limited in their success in meeting either goals of head protection or aesthetics.

Though of relatively minor consequence to some users, the larger the amount of cushioning material typically also results in a more unsightly appearance of the resulting helmet to the typical helmet wearer.

It is generally believed that the repeated exposure of the head to impact loading, even when protected, can result in deteriorating and life changing effects upon cognitive abilities and behavior.

In addition to head protection, many other bodily, structural, or ornamental surfaces can be exposed to damage due to damaging contact and / or impact loading.

Images