Protective mask

Abstract

The present invention provides a shock absorber for use with a headgear having a protective mask, the shock absorber having a sliding member that does not extend beyond the support structure of the shock absorber in a manner that makes the shock absorber susceptible to damage. The headgear having a protective mask provides a protected mounting location to facilitate mounting of the shock absorber for the protective mask.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is a divisional application of Chinese Invention Patent Application No. 201480024368.X (International Application No. PCT / US2014 / 036418), entitled “Protective Face Shield”, filed on May 1, 2014. Background Technology 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a headgear having a protective mask provided with a shock-absorbing device, and to a shock absorber suitable for use as a shock-absorbing device.

[0004] 2. Description of existing technology

[0005] In recent years, the health effects of concussions (including recurrent microconcussions) suffered by athletes in sports where severe head and face impacts are highly likely have garnered significant attention from athletes, sports teams, sports league authorities, and the public. Head impacts can also cause neck injuries, sometimes severe enough to paralyze an athlete. Neck injuries are particularly likely in cases of frontal facial impacts. Athletes in these sports routinely wear protective headgear in the form of rigid helmets with a face shield rigidly attached to them. The area inside the helmet that covers the wearer's head (excluding the face area) is lined with soft cushioning. In some other sports (such as baseball), the protective headgear is simply a rigid face shield with cushioning material on an outer frame fixed to the area around the wearer's face. While conventional headgear does mitigate the impact effects on the head and neck to some extent, it does not reduce the risk of head and neck injury to the desired level. Therefore, the prior art proposes a protective headgear with shock-absorbing elements between its protective face shield portion and the portion that engages with the head, which can further reduce the risk of injury to the wearer. However, existing headwear with shock-absorbing protective masks has not been widely adopted. There is currently a need for shock absorbers for the protective surface of headwear that are robust, compact, inconspicuous, and suitable for a wide range of applications. There is also a need for headwear that effectively incorporates such shock absorbers, and for headwear that provides good protection for them. We believe that no existing headwear teaches or presents the unique features of this invention, nor does it realize the many advantages of this invention, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon referring to the detailed description and accompanying drawings below. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention relates to a shock absorber and a headgear employing the shock absorber. The headgear includes a protective mask and a component that engages the head. The shock absorber supports the protective mask relative to the component engaging the head. The shock absorber includes a support structure, a guide rod, a sliding member, and an elastic member. The support structure is adapted to be rigidly attached to the component engaging the head or the protective mask. The guide rod is supported by the support structure in a fixed position relative to the support structure. The guide rod has a first end, a second end, and a certain length and longitudinal axis. The guide rod is supported by the support structure near its two ends. The sliding member is guided by the guide rod and moves linearly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rod. The movement of the sliding member is limited between the two ends of the guide rod. The sliding member is adapted to be rigidly attached to the component engaging the head or the protective mask, specifically to which of the two components is attached, depending on which component is attached to the support structure. The elastic member acts on the sliding member, biasing the sliding member toward one end of the guide rod. In the illustrated example, the elastic member is a coil spring positioned on the guide rod between the sliding member and the second end of the guide rod, biasing the sliding member toward the first end of the guide rod. In the example shown, the support structure is attached to the member of the engagement head, and the sliding member is attached to the protective mask. When an object impacts the protective mask, the impact force pushes the sliding member from one end of the guide rod to the other, causing the coil spring to compress. Therefore, the elastic member (in this case, the coil spring) can absorb at least some of the impact energy of the object, thereby mitigating the impact of the object on the protective mask.

[0007] The headgear of the present invention includes a portion for engaging the head and a protective mask. In a first exemplary embodiment, the portion for engaging the head includes a first closed frame and a second closed frame. The first frame is larger and designed to surround the wearer's face. The first frame is closest to the wearer's face. The second frame also surrounds the wearer's face, and appears substantially concentric with the first frame when viewed from the front relative to the wearer's face by an observer. The second frame is spaced apart from the first frame such that the distance between the second frame and the wearer's face is greater than the distance between the first frame and the wearer's face. The second frame is connected to the first frame by pairs of L-shaped strips. Each pair of L-shaped strips supports a shock absorber in a protected position between the first and second frames of the portion for engaging the head. The protective mask includes a closed frame that surrounds the wearer's face when viewed from the front relative to the wearer's face. The frame of the protective mask is larger than the second frame of the portion for engaging the head, and surrounds the second frame of the portion for engaging the head when viewed from the front relative to the wearer's face by an observer. The protective mask includes a first set of strips that are substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of the wearer's body; and a second set of strips that are parallel to the lateral plane of the wearer's body. These strips are attached to the mask's frame in a manner positioned in front of the wearer's face, thus providing protection for the wearer's face. These strips are positioned to provide complete protection for the entire frontal area of ​​the wearer's head. Multiple shock absorbers are attached to the mask's frame.

[0008] In a first exemplary embodiment, when the sliding member is rigidly attached to the frame of the protective mask, the support structure of the shock absorber is rigidly attached to a corresponding pair of L-shaped strips.

[0009] In a second exemplary embodiment, the support structure of the shock absorber is adapted to be welded to the portion of the headpiece of the headwear. Additionally, screw fasteners are used to secure the guide rod to the support structure.

[0010] In the third exemplary embodiment, the support structure of the shock absorber is a modified type.

[0011] In a fourth exemplary embodiment, the portion of the head assembly includes a combination of a shield and a fixing frame. The shield covers the wearer's forehead, the front top of the skull, the sides of the head, and the chin. The shield has a facial opening in the area corresponding to the wearer's mouth, nose, and eyes. The fixing frame is fixedly attached to the interior of the shield in a manner positioned between the shield and the wearer's head. The fixing frame substantially surrounds the area corresponding to the facial opening of the shield. Three shock-absorbing units, made according to the invention, support the protective mask relative to the portion of the head assembly. These three shock-absorbing units attach the protective mask to the fixing frame, and thus to the portion of the head assembly. The shield has openings that allow the shock-absorbing units to be attached to the fixing frame.

[0012] The shielding cover can be made of glass fiber, carbon fiber composite material, Molded polycarbonate, combinations of these materials, and any other materials suitable for the protective shell of a protective headgear.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention provides a suitable padding material designed to be inserted between the rigid parts of the wearer's head and the engaging head portion of the head-mounted device of the invention. The padding material provided as part of the engaging head portion of the head-mounted device of the invention should be suitable for accommodating a shock absorber unit so that the shock absorber unit can be properly installed and can operate without obstruction.

[0014] As used herein, the term "parts or components that engage the head" may include, but is not limited to, frames, visors, helmets, combinations of these components, padding associated with these components, padding strips, and strips for securing the headgear of the present invention to the wearer's head. Depending on the materials used and intended use, the shock absorber unit may be attached to a visor or helmet rather than to a fixed frame.

[0015] Shock absorbers or headgear can be configured such that a sliding member is attached to a portion of the head assembly, and a support structure for the shock absorber is attached to a protective mask. Alternatively, the attachments between the shock absorber and the head assembly, between the shock absorber and the protective mask, or both, can be made flexible rather than rigid, provided that the elasticity and strength of the attachments used are sufficient to withstand the expected impacts.

[0016] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a shock absorber for a protective mask, wherein the sliding member of the shock absorber does not extend beyond the support structure of the shock absorber, so that the sliding member is not in a vulnerable position.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a robust shock absorber for use in protective masks.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact shock absorber for protective masks.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inconspicuous shock absorber for use in protective masks.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a shock absorber for protective masks that can be adapted to a variety of applications.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a headgear having a protected mounting position for mounting a shock absorber for a protective mask.

[0022] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand these and other objectives of the invention upon referring to the accompanying detailed embodiments and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a front view of the head-mounted device according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a right-side view of the head-mounted device according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an isometric front view of the head-mounted device according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is an isometric rear view of the headgear according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is an isometric top view of the head-mounted device according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a top view of the head-mounted device according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the head-mounted device according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 This is an isometric view of the shock absorber according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the shock absorber according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 10 This is an isometric view of a shock absorber according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of a shock absorber according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 12 This is an isometric view of a shock absorber according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figures 13 to 14 This is a view of the support structure or support bracket of the shock absorber according to the third embodiment of the present invention before it is bent into its final form.

[0036] Figures 15 to 25 This is a view of a protective headgear with a combination of a shield and a fixing frame according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figures 26 to 31 This is a view of the padding material suitable for the protective headgear according to the present invention.

[0038] Similar reference numerals are used to consistently denote the corresponding parts in all the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0039] See Figures 1 to 9 A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a shock absorber 100 and a headgear 200 employing a shock absorber (e.g., shock absorber 100). The headgear 200 includes a protective mask 202 and a head-engaging member 204. The shock absorber 100 supports the protective mask 202 relative to the head-engaging member 204. The shock absorber 100 includes a support structure 102, guide rods 122 or 132, a sliding member 142, and an elastic member 152. The support structure 102 is adapted to be rigidly attached to the head-engaging member 204 or the protective mask 202. The guide rods 122 or 132 are supported by the support structure 102 in a fixed position relative to the support structure 102. The guide rods 122, 132 have a first end, a second end, and also a length and a longitudinal axis. The guide rods 122, 132 are supported by the support structure 102 near their two ends. The sliding member 142 is guided by the guide rods 122, 132 and moves linearly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rods. The linear movement of the sliding member 142 is limited between the two ends of the guide rods 122 and 132. The sliding member 142 is adapted to be rigidly attached to either the engagement head member 204 or the protective mask 202, depending on which of these two components is attached to the support structure. An elastic member 152 acts on the sliding member 142, biasing it toward one end of the guide rods 122 and 132. In the illustrated example, the elastic member is a coil spring 154 or 156, positioned on the guide rods 122 and 132 between the sliding member 142 and the second end of the guide rod, biasing the sliding member 142 toward the first end of the guide rods 122 and 132. In the illustrated example, the support structure 102 is attached to the engagement head member 204, and the sliding member 142 is attached to the protective mask 202. When an object impacts the protective mask 202, the impact force pushes the sliding member 142 from one end of the guide rods 122 and 132 to the other, causing the coil springs 154 and 156 to compress. Therefore, the elastic member 152 (in this case, the coil springs 154 and 156) can absorb at least a portion of the impact energy, thereby mitigating the impact of the object on the protective mask 202. The movement of the sliding member 142 is limited to a portion of the length of the guide rods 122 and 132. The movement of the sliding member 142 is limited to linear motion along the longitudinal axis parallel to the guide rods 122 and 132.

[0040] The headgear 200 of the present invention includes a head-engaging portion 204 and a protective face mask 202. The head-engaging portion 204 consists of a first substantially enclosed frame 206 and a second substantially enclosed frame 208. The first frame 206 is larger than the second frame 208 and is designed to surround the wearer's face. The first frame 206 is closest to the wearer's face. The second frame 208 surrounds the wearer's face, and when an observer views the second frame 208 from the front relative to the wearer's face, the second frame 208 appears to be approximately concentric with the first frame 206. The second frame 208 is spaced apart from the first frame 206 such that the distance between the second frame 208 and the wearer's face is greater than the distance between the first frame 206 and the wearer's face. The second frame 208 is connected to the first frame 206 by pairs of L-shaped strips 210. Each pair of L-shaped strips 210 supports a shock absorber 100 in a protected position between the first and second frames of the head-engaging portion 204. The protective mask 202 includes a substantially enclosed frame 212 that surrounds the wearer's face when viewed from the front relative to the wearer's face. The frame 212 of the protective mask 202 is larger than a second frame 208 that engages with the head portion 204, and when viewed from the front relative to the wearer's face, the frame 212 surrounds the second frame 208 that engages with the head portion 204. The protective mask 202 includes a first set of multiple strips 214 substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of the wearer's body; and a second set of multiple strips 216 parallel to the transverse plane of the wearer's body. These multiple strips 214, 216 are attached to the frame 212 of the protective mask 202 in a manner positioned in front of the wearer's face, thus providing protection for the wearer's face. These multiple strips 214, 216 are positioned to provide complete protection for the entire frontal area of ​​the wearer's head. The frame 212 of the protective mask 202 is attached to a plurality of shock absorbers 100.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, when the sliding member 142 is rigidly attached to the frame 212 of the protective mask 202, the support structure 102 of the shock absorber 100 is rigidly attached to a corresponding pair of L-shaped strips 210. The shock absorber 100 or headgear 200 may be configured such that the sliding member 142 is attached to the portion 204 of the engaging head, and the support structure 102 of the shock absorber 100 is attached to the protective mask 202. Alternatively, the attachments between the shock absorber 100 and the portion 204 of the engaging head, the attachments between the shock absorber 100 and the protective mask 202, or both, may be made flexible rather than rigid, provided that the elasticity and strength of the attachments used are sufficient to withstand the expected impacts.

[0042] The sliding member 142 has an opening 144 therethrough, and the guide rod 122 extends through the opening 144. A support structure 102 supports the guide rod 122 at a first end 124 and a second end 126. The elastic member 152 may be a coil spring 154 having multiple coils. The guide rod 122 extends through the multiple coils of the coil spring 154. The coil spring 154 is positioned in the sliding member 142 between a portion of the opening 144 and the second end 126 of the guide rod 122.

[0043] The coil spring 154 has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the coil spring 154 directly or indirectly abuts against a portion of the sliding member 142 surrounding the opening 144. The second end of the coil spring 154 directly or indirectly abuts against a portion of the second end of the support structure 102 adjacent to the guide rod 122.

[0044] The sliding member 142 has at least one hole 148 for engaging with at least one sliding member fastener 150, thereby rigidly attaching the sliding member 142 to the protective mask 202.

[0045] The support structure 102 has components for engaging with at least one support structure fastener 162, 164, thereby rigidly attaching the support structure 102 to the member 204 of the engagement head. The support structure 102 is a bracket comprising a base plate 104, a first end plate 106, and a second end plate 108. The first end plate 106 has holes 110, 112 for receiving first ends 124, 134 of guide rods 122, 132. The second end plate 108 has holes 114, 116 for receiving second ends 126, 136 of guide rods 122, 132. A first side flange 118 is disposed on a first side surface of the base plate 104, and a second side flange 120 is disposed on a second side surface of the base plate 104. The first end plate 106 is disposed adjacent to a first end 166 of the base plate 104, and the second end plate 108 is disposed adjacent to a second end 168 of the base plate 104 opposite to the first end plate 106. A first side flange 118 extends generally laterally from a first side surface 170 of the substrate 104, and a second side flange 120 extends generally laterally from a second side surface 172 of the substrate 104 in a direction generally opposite to the extending direction of the first side flange 118. Each of the first side flange 118 and the second side flange 120 has a component for engaging with at least one support structure fastener 162, 164, thereby rigidly attaching the support structure 102 to the member 204 of the engagement head. Each of the first side flange 118 and the second side flange 120 has holes, holes 174 and 176 respectively, for engaging with the corresponding support structure fasteners 162 and 164, thereby rigidly attaching the support structure 102 to the member 204 of the engagement head. The side flanges 118, 120 and the holes 174, 176 constitute a component for engaging with at least one support structure fastener 162, 164, thereby rigidly attaching the support structure 102 to the member 204 of the engagement head.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorber 100 has two guide rods 122 and 132, and two coil springs 154 and 156. The first guide rod 122 has a first end 124, a second end 126, and a certain length and a longitudinal axis. The second guide rod 132 extends parallel to the first guide rod 122. The second guide rod 132 has a first end 134, a second end 136, and a certain length and a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first guide rod 122.

[0047] Therefore, the sliding member 142 has a first opening 144 and a second opening 146 extending therethrough. A first guide rod 122 extends through the first opening 144, and a second guide rod 132 extends through the second opening 146. A support structure 102 supports the first guide rod 122 at a first end 124 and a second end 126. A support structure 102 supports the second guide rod 132 at a first end 134 and a second end 136.

[0048] The elastic member 152 includes a first coil spring 154 and a second coil spring 156. The first coil spring 154 has a plurality of coils 158, and a first guide rod 122 extends through the plurality of coils of the first coil spring 154. The second coil spring 156 has a plurality of coils 160, and a second guide rod 132 extends through the plurality of coils of the second coil spring 156. The first coil spring 154 is positioned between a first portion of the sliding member 142 and a second end 126 of the first guide rod 122. The second coil spring 156 is positioned between a second portion of the sliding member 142 and a second end 136 of the second guide rod 132.

[0049] The first coil spring 154 has a first end 155 and a second end 157. The first end 155 of the first coil spring 154 abuts directly or indirectly against a first portion of the sliding member 142, and the second end 157 of the first coil spring 154 abuts directly or indirectly against a first portion of the second end 126 of the support structure 102 adjacent to the first guide rod 122. In the illustrated example, the second end 157 of the first coil spring 154 abuts directly against the support structure 102, specifically, against the second end plate 108. The first end 155 of the first coil spring 154 abuts indirectly against the sliding member 142. However, when the shock absorber remains within the scope of the appended claims, the spring 154 may abut directly or indirectly against any of these parts. For example, one or more washers may be provided between the second end 157 of the coil spring 154 and the second end plate 108 to prevent the coil spring from damaging the end plate; or, the first end 155 of the coil spring 154 may be in direct contact with the sliding member 142 while the shock absorber still functions.

[0050] The second coil spring 156 has a first end 159 and a second end 161. The first end 159 of the second coil spring 156 abuts directly or indirectly against a second portion of the sliding member 142, and the second end 161 of the second coil spring 156 abuts directly or indirectly against a second portion of the second end 136 of the support structure 102 adjacent to the second guide rod 132. In the illustrated example, the second end 161 of the second coil spring 156 abuts directly against the support structure 102, specifically, against the second end plate 108. The first end 159 of the second coil spring 156 abuts indirectly against the sliding member 142. However, when the shock absorber remains within the scope of the appended claims, the spring 156 may abut directly or indirectly against any of these parts. For example, one or more washers may be provided between the second end 161 of the coil spring 156 and the second end plate 108 to prevent the coil spring from damaging the end plate; or, the first end 159 of the coil spring 156 may be in direct contact with the sliding member 142 while the shock absorber still functions.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the first end plate 106 has a first hole 110 for receiving a first end portion 124 of a first guide rod 122, and a second hole 112 for receiving a first end portion 134 of a second guide rod 132. The second end plate 108 has a first hole 114 for receiving a second end portion 126 of the first guide rod 122, and a second hole 116 for receiving a second end portion 136 of the second guide rod 132. Holes 110 and 114 are aligned, and holes 112 and 116 are aligned.

[0052] The guide rod 122 has a first diameter and a second diameter. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. The second end 126 of the guide rod 122 occupies a large portion of the first diameter. The first end 124 and the portion of the guide rod 122 extending between the first end 124 and the position adjacent to the second end 126 substantially have the second diameter. This arrangement forms an annular step or shoulder 123 adjacent to the second end 126 of the first guide rod 122. The portion of the rod 122 extending from the shoulder 123 to the second end 126 has the first diameter. The terminal portion of the first end 124 of the guide rod 122 extends through a hole 110 in the end plate 106. An annular groove 125 is provided on the terminal portion of the first end 124 of the guide rod 122 on the side of the end plate 106 opposite to the side of the end plate 106 facing the sliding member 142. An E-shaped clamp or retaining ring 127 is positioned to engage with the groove 125. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rod 122 has an annular flange 129 at the end of its second end 126, which cooperates with the clamp 127 to secure the guide rod 122 to the support structure 102. The aperture 114 in the end plate 108 is sized to provide clearance for a first diameter of the guide rod 122 while providing a support surface for the second end 126 of the guide rod 122. The aperture 110 has a smaller diameter than the first diameter of the guide rod 122 and is sized to provide clearance for the terminal portion of the first end 124 of the guide rod 122, which has a second diameter.

[0053] The guide rod 132 has a first diameter and a second diameter. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. The second end 136 occupies a large portion of the first diameter. The first end 134 and the portion of the guide rod 132 extending between the first end 134 and the position adjacent to the second end 136 have the second diameter. This arrangement forms an annular step or shoulder 133 adjacent to the second end 136. The portion of the rod 132 extending from the shoulder 133 to the second end 136 has the first diameter. The terminal portion of the first end 134 of the guide rod 132 extends through a hole 112 in the end plate 106. An annular groove 135 is provided on the terminal portion of the first end 134 of the guide rod 132 on the side of the end plate 106 opposite to the side of the end plate 106 facing the sliding member 142. An E-shaped clamp or retaining ring 137 is positioned to engage with the groove 135. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rod 132 has an annular flange 139 at the end of its second end 136, which cooperates with the clamp 137 to secure the guide rod 132 to the support structure 102. The aperture 116 in the end plate 108 is sized to provide clearance for a first diameter of the guide rod 132 while providing a support surface for the second end 136 of the guide rod 132. The aperture 112 has a smaller diameter than the first diameter of the guide rod 132 and is sized to provide clearance for the terminal portion of the first end 134 of the guide rod 132, which has a second diameter.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, guide rods 122 and 132 are identical. One or both of guide rods 122 and 132 may be configured to provide a second shoulder or flange (not shown) near their second ends 126, 136, such that the second end 157 of spring 154 and the second end 161 of spring 156 abut against the second shoulder or flange rather than against the second end plate 108. Therefore, the second end 157 of spring 154 and the second end 161 of spring 156 can directly abut against the support structure 102.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of tabs 218 are disposed on the frame 212 of the protective mask 202. Each of the tabs 218 has a hole 220 that engages with a corresponding fastener 150 to secure the sliding member 142 of the corresponding shock absorber 100 to the protective mask 202. A first set of multiple strips 214 may also be attached to one or more of a second set of multiple strips 216. Alternatively, the tabs 218 can be integral with the sliding member 142, while the sliding member 142 is secured to the frame 212 or any of the multiple strips 214, 216 using the fastener 150. The member 204 of the engaging head is provided with padding (e.g., Figures 23 to 27 (as shown), for use in engaging with the wearer's head.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, a first tubular sleeve 219 and a second tubular sleeve 222 are respectively disposed at openings 144 and 146 to provide a larger support surface between the sliding member 142 and guide rods 122 and 132, thereby reducing the tilt of the sliding member relative to the guide rods and thus reducing the possibility of the sliding member 142 becoming blocked on the guide rods. The first tubular sleeve 219 and the second tubular sleeve 222 engage with openings 144 and 146, respectively. For ease of manufacturing, the first tubular sleeve 219 and the second tubular sleeve 222 are identical. Each of the first tubular sleeve 219 and the second tubular sleeve 222 has a first portion 224, 226 and a second portion 228, 230, respectively. Each of the first tubular sleeve 219 and the second tubular sleeve 222 has annular flanges 232, 234 positioned between the first portions 224, 226 and the second portions 228, 230 of the tubular sleeve. Guide rod 122 extends through the first sleeve 219, and guide rod 132 extends through the second sleeve 222.

[0057] With the flange 232 of the first sleeve 219 abutting the sliding member 142, the first portion 224 of the first sleeve 219 engages with the opening 144 of the sliding member 142. The second portion 228 of the first sleeve 219 engages with the space between the coil of the spring 154 and the portion of the guide rod 122 having a second diameter. The first end 155 of the coil spring 154 engages with the flange 232 of the sleeve 219 to bias the sliding member 142 toward the first end 124 of the guide rod 122. Thus, the spring 154 indirectly abuts against the sliding member 142.

[0058] With the flange 234 of the second sleeve 222 abutting the sliding member 142, the first portion 226 of the sleeve 222 engages into the opening 146 of the sliding member 142. The second portion 230 of the second sleeve 222 engages into the space between the coil of the spring 156 and the portion of the guide rod 132 having a second diameter. The first end 159 of the coil spring 156 engages with the flange 234 of the sleeve 222 to bias the sliding member 142 toward the first end 134 of the guide rod 132. Therefore, the spring 156 indirectly abuts against the sliding member 142.

[0059] The headgear shown is particularly suitable for use by baseball catchers or umpires. In use, the headgear 200 is secured to the wearer's head in a conventional manner using straps (not shown) or similar materials. Pads (such as...) are then placed... Figures 23 to 27(As shown) is positioned between the wearer's head and the head-engaging portion 204. The padding and strips must be applied in a manner that does not impede relative movement between the head-engaging portion 204 and the protective mask 202. The springs 154, 156 of the shock absorber 100 typically bias the sliding member 142 into contact with the first end plate 106. When an object impacts the protective mask 202, the sliding member 142 is pushed against the end plate 108, causing the springs 154, 156 to compress between the sliding member 142 and the end plate 108. Therefore, the springs 154, 156 absorb at least a portion of the impact energy of the object, rather than transmitting it to the wearer's head.

[0060] See Figure 10 and 11 As can be seen, a shock absorber 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is present. The shock absorber 300 has a support structure 302, two guide rods 322 and 332, two coil springs 354 and 356, a first tubular sleeve 419 and a second tubular sleeve 422, and a sliding member 342. The structure and function of these parts are substantially the same as the corresponding parts of the shock absorber 100, and thus the structure and function of the shock absorber 300 are substantially the same as those of the shock absorber 100, except for the differences mentioned below. The sliding member 342 differs from the sliding member 142 in that the hole 148 is replaced by a hole 348, which extends in the thickness direction of the sliding member 342 rather than in a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the sliding member. The hole 348 has threads to receive a screw fastener 350 for securing a strip 418 to the sliding member 342. The strip 418 has a loop extending between two ends, each end having a hole for the shaft of the screw 350. The holes in the ends of the strip 418 are aligned with each other. The loop of the strip 418 engages around a portion of the frame 212 of the protective mask 202 such that when the shaft of the screw 350 is placed through a hole in the end of the strip 418 and the screw 350 is tightened in the hole 348, the strip 418 clamps the frame 212 of the protective mask 202 to attach the sliding member 342 to the protective mask 202.

[0061] The side flanges 118, 120 and holes 174, 176 are eliminated from the support structure 302. Instead, the support structure 302 has a plurality of tabs 318 that allow the support structure 302 to be welded to the strips of the member 204 of the mating head, thereby securing the support structure 302 to the member 204 of the mating head. While welding is preferred because it generally provides good adhesive strength, brazing and soldering can also be used in addition to welding.

[0062] The support structure 302 is a bracket comprising a base plate 304, a first end plate 306, and a second end plate 308. Each of the guide rods 322, 332 has a threaded hole in its first end portion 324, 334 for engagement with a corresponding screw fastener 327, 337. The first end plate 306 has holes (not shown) corresponding to holes 110, 112 in the support structure 102, smaller in diameter than the first ends 324, 334 of the guide rods 322, 332, but large enough to allow the shafts of the screw fasteners 327, 337 to extend through the first end plate 306. The screw fasteners 327, 337 engage with the threaded holes in the first ends 324, 334 of the guide rods 322, 332, respectively, to secure the guide rods 322, 332 to the support structure 302. Therefore, the annular grooves 125, 135 and the E-shaped clamps 127, 137 are eliminated from the shock absorber 300.

[0063] The second end plate 308 has holes (not shown) corresponding to the holes 114, 116 of the support structure 102. The area surrounding the holes in the end plate 308 is recessed to form recesses 315 and 317, which allow the second ends 326, 336 of the guide rods 322, 332 to be substantially flush with the surface of the second end plate 308 on the side opposite to the springs 354, 356. The guide rods 322, 332 can be pressure-fitted into the holes in the recesses 315, 317, or the second ends 326, 336 of the guide rods 322, 332 can be welded, brazed, or soldered to these recesses.

[0064] See Figures 12 to 14 As can be seen, a shock absorber 500 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is provided. The shock absorber 500 has a support structure 502, two guide rods 522 and 532, two coil springs 554 and 556, a first tubular sleeve 619 and a second tubular sleeve 622, and a sliding member 542. The structure and function of these parts are substantially the same as the corresponding parts of the shock absorber 100, and therefore the structure and function of the shock absorber 500 are substantially the same as those of the shock absorber 100, except for the differences mentioned below.

[0065] The side flanges 118, 120 and holes 174, 176 are eliminated from the support structure 502. Instead, the support structure 502 has a plurality of tabs 518 that allow the support structure 502 to be welded to the strips of the member 204 of the engagement head, thereby securing the support structure 502 to the member 204 of the engagement head.

[0066] See Figures 15 to 25A protective headgear 800 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention can be seen. In the headgear 800, the portion 804 that engages the head includes a shield 808 and a fixing frame 806. The shield 808 covers the wearer's forehead, the front top of the skull, the sides of the head, and the chin. The shield 808 has a facial opening 811 in the area corresponding to the wearer's mouth, nose, and eyes. The fixing frame 806 is fixedly attached to the interior of the shield 808 in a manner positioned between the shield 808 and the wearer's head. The fixing frame 806 substantially surrounds the area corresponding to the facial opening 811 of the shield 808. Three shock-absorbing units 700, made according to the present invention, support a protective mask 802 relative to the portion 804 that engages the head. The three shock-absorbing units 700 attach the protective mask 802 to the fixing frame 806, and thus to the portion 804 that engages the head. The shield 808 has an opening 813 that allows the shock-absorbing units 700 to be attached to the fixing frame 806. The face shield 808 has ventilation openings 815 in the top and side areas around the forehead region. The face shield 808 may be made of glass fiber, carbon fiber composite material, etc. Molded polycarbonate, combinations of these materials, and any other materials suitable for the protective shell of a protective headgear.

[0067] The shock absorber 700 has a support structure 702, two guide rods 722 and 732, two coil springs 754 and 756, a first tubular sleeve 819 and a second tubular sleeve 822, and a sliding member 742. The structure and function of these parts are basically the same as the corresponding parts of the shock absorber 100, and therefore the structure and function of the shock absorber 700 are basically the same as those of the shock absorber 100, except for the differences mentioned below.

[0068] Side flanges 118, 120 and holes 174, 176 are eliminated from the support structure 702. Instead, the support structure 702 has a slot 703 in its base plate 704. An insert 705 is provided, having a portion 707 that fits into the slot 703 and a flange 709 that is too large to pass through the slot 703. The insert 705 also has holes 711 for engaging with support structure fasteners 762, 764. The support structure 702 is secured to the member 804 of the engaging head by placing the support structure fasteners 762, 764 (which may be, for example, screws or rivets) through the holes in the fixing frame 806 and then securing the support structure fasteners 762, 764 to the insert 705, thereby capturing the support structure 702 between the insert 705 and the fixing frame 806. Thus, the shock absorber 700 is secured to the member 804 of the engaging head. These guide rods should be supported high enough above the insert 705 that the insert 705 and the support structure fasteners 762, 764 do not obstruct the movement of the sleeves 819, 822 and the sliding member 742, nor do they impede the normal operation of the springs 754, 756. The hole 711 in the insert 705 may also be a countersunk hole to further help prevent the support structure fasteners 762, 764 from obstructing the movement of the sliding member 742.

[0069] Alternatively, the support structure 702 may have multiple holes in its base plate 704, which allow the support structure 702 to be secured to the member 804 of the engagement head using support structure fasteners 762, 764 (such as screws or rivets). The holes in the base plate 704 of the support structure 702 for the support structure fasteners 762, 764 are preferably countersunk holes or located in recessed areas of the base plate 704, so that the support structure fasteners 762, 764 do not obstruct the movement of the sleeves 819, 822 and the sliding member 742, nor do they obstruct the normal operation of the springs 754, 756.

[0070] The fixed frame 806 has spaced-apart strips 810 at positions corresponding to the shock absorber 700. Support structure fasteners 762, 764 engage with the corresponding spaced-apart strips 810 to secure the support structure 702 to the fixed frame 806.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of tabs 818 are disposed on the frame 812 of the protective mask 802. Each of the tabs 818 has a hole that engages with a corresponding fastener 750 to secure the sliding member 742 of the corresponding shock absorber 700 to the protective mask 802. The member 804 of the engaging head preferably has padding (e.g., having a... Figures 26 to 31(Similar type as shown) for engagement with the wearer's head. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective mask 802 is cage-shaped and similar to the protective mask 202. The protective headgear 800 is ideally suited for use by hockey goalkeepers.

[0072] See Figures 26 to 31 Examples of pads used with the protective headband of the present invention or other protective headbands can be seen. These pads include an upper pad 900 for engaging with the wearer's forehead, and a lower pad 902 for engaging with the wearer's chin near or just above the chin area. Pads 900 and 902 may have cutouts 904 and 906 (which can be seen from the front of the washer), or they may be sized in other ways and configured to clear the shock absorber. The lower pad 908 uses a downwardly extending beak 910 to prevent the wearer's chin from contacting the lowermost shock absorber. A similar configuration is used for the upper pad 914, which has an upwardly extending beak 916 to prevent the wearer's forehead from contacting the uppermost shock absorber. The upper pad 914 preferably also has an opening 918 for straps (not shown) used to secure the headband 200 to the wearer's head. Pads 900, 902, 908, and 914 preferably have strips 912 equipped with a hook-and-loop fastening system for attaching these pads to frames 206, 208, shield 808, and fixing frame 806. These pads preferably have a natural or synthetic leather outer cover and foam-type cushioning material as filling. The foam-type cushioning material is preferably of a relatively robust type.

[0073] A spring stiffness in the range of approximately 15 to approximately 50 pounds appears to provide optimal results. Most preferably, the spring stiffness is approximately 25 pounds. Any of the various disclosed shock absorbers and pads may be used with any of the protective headwear disclosed in this invention or with other protective headwear.

[0074] Test Results

[0075] The National Committee for Standards in Sports Equipment (NOCSAE) has published testing methods for assessing the risk of head injury associated with head-mounted devices worn by athletes. In the United States, only four independent facilities are NOCSAE-approved to perform testing on sports equipment. The baseball catcher's face shield according to the present invention was tested at a NOCSAE-approved facility. Additionally, a currently available control group catcher's face shield was tested for comparison. The test results are presented in Tables 1 and 2 below.

[0076]

[0077]

[0078] The Severity Index (SI) is defined as follows:

[0079]

[0080] Where: A is the instantaneous composite acceleration, expressed as a multiple of g (gravitational acceleration); dt is the time increment in seconds; and this integral is performed over the fundamental duration (T) of the acceleration pulse. A lower SI indicates a lower risk of damage, while a higher acceleration indicates a higher risk of damage. For similar SI values, a higher acceleration generally indicates a higher risk of damage.

[0081] As can be seen from these results, the SI and peak acceleration of the protective face shield according to the invention are significantly reduced, and therefore the risk of damage from ball impact is correspondingly reduced.

[0082] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but covers any and all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protective headgear, comprising: The part that connects to the head; Protective face mask; as well as A plurality of shock absorbers, each of which connects the protective mask to a portion of the engagement head, wherein each of the plurality of shock absorbers is used to support the protective mask relative to a portion of the engagement head, and each of the plurality of shock absorbers includes: A support structure adapted to be attached to one of the portion of the engaging head and the protective mask; A guide rod, which is supported by the support structure at a fixed position relative to the support structure, the guide rod having a first end and a second end, a length, and a longitudinal axis; A sliding member, guided by the guide rod, moves linearly along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rod, the sliding member being adapted to attach to a portion of the engaging head and another of the protective mask; and An elastic member acts on the sliding member to bias the sliding member toward the first end of the guide rod, wherein the elastic member is capable of absorbing at least a portion of the impact energy of the object impacting the protective mask when the sliding member moves toward the second end of the guide rod due to an impact of an object on the protective mask; The sliding member has an opening therethrough, and the guide rod extends through the opening; and Wherein, the support structure supports the guide rod at the first end and the second end of the guide rod; and The engagement head portion includes a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame member being larger than the second frame member and sized to substantially surround the wearer's face, and multiple pairs of L-shaped strips connecting the second frame member to the first frame member, each pair of L-shaped strips supporting a corresponding shock absorber among the plurality of shock absorbers, such that the corresponding shock absorber is located in a protected position between the first frame member and the second frame member of the engagement head portion.

2. The protective headgear of claim 1, wherein, The elastic component is in the form of a coil spring.

3. The protective headgear of claim 2, wherein, The elastic member is in the form of a coil spring, which is disposed on the guide rod between the sliding member and the second end of the guide rod, and biases the sliding member toward the first end of the guide rod.

4. The protective headgear of claim 1, wherein, The elastic member is in the form of a coil spring with multiple turns.

5. The protective headgear of claim 4, wherein, The elastic member is in the form of a coil spring having multiple turns and a guide rod extending through the multiple turns.

6. The protective headgear of claim 2, wherein, The coil spring has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the coil spring directly or indirectly abuts against a portion of the sliding member, and the second end of the coil spring directly or indirectly abuts against a portion of the second end of the support structure adjacent to the guide rod.

7. The protective headgear of claim 4, wherein, The elastic member is in the form of a coil spring with multiple turns, wherein a first guide rod extends through multiple turns in a first coil spring, and a second guide rod extends through multiple turns in a second coil spring.

8. The protective headgear of claim 2, wherein, The elastic member is in the form of a coil spring positioned between a portion of the sliding member surrounding the opening and the second end of the guide rod.

9. The protective headgear of claim 2, wherein, The shock absorber is in the form of a coil spring with a spring stiffness between 15 and 50 pounds.

10. The protective headgear of claim 9, wherein, The spring stiffness is 25 pounds.

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