Helmet capable of absorbing impact force

Abstract

A helmet is provided. The helmet may include a top portion, where the top portion is made of a first material. The helmet may include an intermediate portion, where the intermediate portion is made of a second material. The helmet may include a bottom portion, where the bottom portion is made of a first material. The second material may be softer than the first material. The top portion may not be in contact with the bottom portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In some examples, the present application generally relates to helmets. More specifically, in some examples, the present application relates to helmets for absorbing impact forces. Background Art

[0002] Workers often use helmets, such as hard hats, to prevent head injuries. The inventors have identified many deficiencies and problems with the prior art in this area. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified deficiencies and problems have been addressed by developing solutions constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein. Summary of the invention

[0003] In an example embodiment, a helmet is provided. The example helmet includes a top portion defining a crown, wherein the top portion is made of a first material. The example helmet includes a middle portion extending outwardly from the top portion, wherein the middle portion is made of a second material. The example helmet includes a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion is made of the first material, extends outwardly from the middle portion and defines a brim. In an example embodiment, the middle portion is configured to compress in response to a force applied to the top portion.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the middle portion is formed by a double injection process.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the intermediate portion comprises an elastic material.

[0006] In an example embodiment, the middle portion is configured to decompress in response to the force being removed from the top portion.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the intermediate portion includes a spring-like structure.

[0008] In an example embodiment, at least one of the top portion or the bottom portion is made of at least one of high density polyethylene, high temperature nylon, or a compound including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the middle portion includes at least one of: polyamide 6 with glass fiber reinforcement, thermoplastic elastomer compound with gel, modified thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanizate, silicone modified thermoplastic vulcanizate, EPDM rubber compound with non-woven glass fiber or carbon fiber, fluororubber, Non-Newtonian fluids, polycarbonate-glass fibers with thermoplastic polyurethane coating on high-density polyethylene woven fabrics, polycarbonate-carbon fibers with thermoplastic polyurethane coating on non-woven fabrics, liquid crystal polymer modified resins coated on woven or non-woven fabrics, thermoplastic polyolefins, fluorinated ethylene-propylene resins, perfluoroalkoxy, stainless steel or alloys.

[0010] In an example embodiment, at least one of the top portion or the bottom portion has a thickness between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0011] In an example embodiment, the intermediate portion has a thickness between 5 mm and 7 mm.

[0012] In example embodiments, the middle portion has an oval or circular shape.

[0013] In an example embodiment, a hard hat is provided. The example hard hat includes a top portion defining a crown, wherein the top portion is made of a first material. The example hard hat includes a middle portion extending outwardly from the top portion, wherein the middle portion is made of a second material. The example hard hat includes a bottom portion extending outwardly from the middle portion and defining a brim, wherein the bottom portion is made of a first material. In an example embodiment, the middle portion is configured to compress in response to a force applied to the top portion.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the middle portion is formed by a double injection process.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the intermediate portion comprises an elastic material.

[0016] In an example embodiment, the middle portion is configured to decompress in response to the force being removed from the top portion.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the intermediate portion includes a spring-like structure.

[0018] In an example embodiment, at least one of the top portion or the bottom portion is made of at least one of high density polyethylene, high temperature nylon, or a compound including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the middle portion comprises at least one of: polyamide 6 with glass fiber reinforcement, thermoplastic elastomer compound with gel, modified thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanizate, silicone modified thermoplastic vulcanizate, EPDM rubber compound with non-woven glass fiber or carbon fiber, fluororubber, Non-Newtonian fluids, polycarbonate-glass fibers with thermoplastic polyurethane coating on high-density polyethylene woven fabrics, polycarbonate-carbon fibers with thermoplastic polyurethane coating on non-woven fabrics, liquid crystal polymer modified resins coated on woven or non-woven fabrics, thermoplastic polyolefins, fluorinated ethylene-propylene resins, perfluoroalkoxy, stainless steel or alloys.

[0020] In an example embodiment, at least one of the top portion or the bottom portion has a thickness between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0021] In an example embodiment, the intermediate portion has a thickness between 5 mm and 7 mm.

[0022] In example embodiments, the middle portion has an oval or circular shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Thus, having generally described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure above, non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which, unless otherwise specified, like reference numerals refer to like parts in the various views. The components shown in the figures may or may not be present in certain embodiments described herein. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures.

[0024] Figure 1 A side view of a helmet according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0025] Figure 2 A side view of a helmet struck by a sudden impact is provided according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of a helmet according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0027] Figure 4 An example spring-like structure is provided according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure that may be incorporated into a middle portion of a helmet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] One or more embodiments are now fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements throughout, and some but not all embodiments of the present invention are shown therein. In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, it is apparent that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. It should be understood that some embodiments, but not all embodiments, are shown and described herein. In fact, these embodiments can be specifically implemented in many different forms, and therefore the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will meet applicable legal requirements.

[0029] As used herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as superior or preferred over other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Furthermore, while a particular feature may be disclosed for only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, which may be desirable and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent the terms "includes" and "comprising" and variations thereof are used in the detailed description or claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising."

[0030] As used herein, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from the context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied in any of the foregoing instances. Furthermore, the articles "a" and "an" used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to direct to a singular form.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attachment as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0032] As used herein, the term "directly positioned on..." means that a first component is positioned on a second component such that they are in contact. Similarly, as used herein, the term "directly positioned between..." means that a first component is positioned between a second component and a third component such that the first component is in contact with both the second component and the third component. Conversely, a first component positioned between a second component and a third component may or may not be in contact with the second component and the third component. Furthermore, a first component "positioned between" a second component and a third component is positioned such that there may be other intermediate components between the second component and the third component in addition to the first component.

[0033] In some examples, it is desirable that a helmet (e.g., a protective cap, a protective helmet, a hard hat, and / or the like) can withstand a sudden impact without breaking. Embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, a helmet (e.g., a protective cap, a protective helmet, a hard hat, and / or the like), which in some examples can withstand a sudden impact without breaking.

[0034] Now turn to Figure 1, an example helmet 100 is provided. In one or more embodiments, the helmet 100 includes a top portion 110 defining a crown, a middle portion 120 extending outwardly from the top portion 110, and a bottom portion 130 extending outwardly from the middle portion 120 and defining a brim.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the helmet 100 is designed as a protective cap, a protective helmet, a hard hat, and / or the like. In some examples, the helmet 100 is in the form of a Type 1 or Type 2 hard hat, such as those described in ANSI Z89.1. For example, the helmet 100 maintains a dome shape, and its size and proportions are set to cover the top or crown of the worker's head. In some examples, the helmet 100 advantageously protects the worker from an object hitting the worker's head, and in some examples, prevents an object from hitting the worker's head and causing head injuries.

[0036] For example, the bottom portion 130 of the helmet 100 can be the widest portion of the helmet 100 and can define an oval or rounded brim that surrounds the wearer's head. In some examples, the bottom portion 130 of the helmet 100 can have a visor that extends outward from the helmet to shield the wearer's eyes from the sun and / or further protect the worker's face in some examples. In some examples, the bottom portion 130 of the helmet 100 narrows as it traverses the crown or top of the helmet 100.

[0037] In some embodiments, the bottom portion 130 of the helmet 100 has a reduced thickness (e.g., a thickness between 2 mm and 3 mm). In some examples, the reduced thickness allows the worker's head to be protected while allowing the helmet 100 to remain lightweight. In some examples, the bottom portion 130 can have a height between 15 mm and 25 mm.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the bottom portion 130 of the helmet 100 is made of a first material having a high hardness (eg, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate, high density polyethylene, high temperature nylon, and / or the like).

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the middle portion 120 is located between the bottom portion 130 and the top portion 110 and has a generally oval or circular shape. For example, the middle portion 120 can surround the worker's head in an area above the bottom portion 130. In some examples, the middle portion 120 curves inward as it extends from the bottom portion 130 to the top portion 120. For example, the middle portion 120 can curve inward (e.g., to conform to the curvature of the user's head). In some examples, the top of the middle portion 120 can be connected to the top portion 110. In some examples, the middle portion 120 has a smooth surface.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the middle portion 120 of the helmet 100 has a thickness that is greater than other portions of the helmet 100. For example, the middle portion 130 can have a thickness between 5 mm and 7 mm. In some examples, a middle portion having a thickness between 5 mm and 7 mm is beneficial because it allows the helmet 100 to provide protection to the wearer when the middle portion 130 is made of a softer material. In some examples, the middle portion 120 can have a height between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0041] In some examples, the middle portion 120 of the helmet is made of a second material that is softer than the first material (e.g., lower hardness than the first material). In some examples, the middle portion 120 is an elastic material, and in other examples, the middle portion 120 includes an elastic material and a non-elastic material for reinforcement. In some embodiments, the middle portion is made of a compound of multiple materials. For example, the middle portion 120 can be made of polyamide 6 with glass fiber reinforcement, a thermoplastic elastomer compound with gel, a modified thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic vulcanizate, a silicone-modified thermoplastic vulcanizate, an EPDM rubber compound with non-woven glass fiber or carbon fiber, a fluororubber, The intermediate portion 120 may be made of a non-Newtonian fluid, a polycarbonate-glass fiber with a thermoplastic polyurethane coating on a high-density polyethylene woven fabric, a polycarbonate-carbon fiber with a thermoplastic polyurethane coating on a non-woven fabric, a liquid crystal polymer modified resin coated on a woven or non-woven fabric, a thermoplastic polyolefin, a fluorinated ethylene-propylene resin, a perfluoroalkoxy, stainless steel, an alloy, and / or the like. In some examples where the intermediate portion 120 is made of fluororubber, the intermediate portion 120 may be able to withstand extreme weather conditions while maintaining its properties.

[0042] In some examples, the middle portion 120 is formed by a double injection process. For example, an initial material may be first injected into a mold in the shape of the middle portion 120. In some examples, the initial material is a non-elastic material or a high defection material. For example, the initial material may include glass fiber, carbon fiber, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, liquid crystal polymer modified resin coated on a woven or non-woven fabric, stainless steel, alloy, and / or the like. In some examples, the initial material forms a skeleton or frame. In some instances, the next material is then injected into the mold with the initial material. In some examples, the next material is an elastic material to overmold the outside of the middle material. For example, the next material may include thermoplastic elastomer, nylon 6, gel, thermoplastic polyolefin, thermoplastic vulcanizate, ethylene propylene diene monomer, Non-Newtonian fluids, fluorinated ethylene propylene, fluororubber, silicone modified thermoplastic vulcanizates, and / or the like. In some examples, the middle portion 120 is dried after the next material is added.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the top portion 110 of the helmet 100 has a dome shape that is generally shaped to resemble the top or crown of the wearer's head. For example, the top portion 110 can be curved inward to cover the top of the user's head. In some examples, the top portion 110 can have an oval dome shape, and in other examples, the top portion 110 can have a circular dome shape.

[0044] In some embodiments, the top portion 110 of the helmet 100 has a low or reduced thickness (e.g., between 2 mm and 3 mm). In some examples, the thickness of the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 130 can be the same. In some examples, this allows the worker's head to be protected while allowing the helmet 100 to remain lightweight. In some examples, the top portion 110 can have a height between 100 mm and 110 mm.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the top portion 110 of the helmet 100 is made of a first material (e.g., the same material as the bottom portion 130). In some examples, the first material has a higher hardness than the middle portion 120. For example, the top portion 110 can be made of a compound including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate, in other examples, the top portion 110 can be made of high-density polyethylene, and in other examples, the top portion 110 can be made of high-temperature nylon.

[0046] Now go to Figure 2 , illustrates an example of a helmet 100 that can withstand a sudden impact. In this example, the impact is caused by an object 210. In some examples, the helmet 100 can withstand an impact energy of up to 55 joules from the top with a peak reaction force of no more than 4.45 kilonewtons. In some examples, the helmet 100 can withstand an impact energy of up to 100 joules from the top with a peak reaction force of no more than 10 kilonewtons.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, and during operation, the top portion 110 of the helmet 100 may be suddenly hit by a falling object 210. Although the falling object 210 Figure 2 100 is depicted as a ball, but the impact may be caused by any number of objects. As another example, a worker's fall may cause an impact to the top portion 110 and / or the bottom portion 130 of the helmet 100.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, when the top portion 110 or the bottom portion 130 of the helmet 100 is impacted by the object 210, the middle portion 120 of the helmet 100 is configured to compress. For example, the middle portion 120 can be configured to compress in response to the force applied to the top portion 110. In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the middle portion 120 can be compressed on one side of the protective helmet, while the other side of the protective helmet can remain uncompressed. For example, if the object 210 impacts the front of the protective helmet 100, the middle portion 120 can be compressed at the front end of the top portion 110, while remaining unaffected at the rear end of the protective helmet. In other examples, the entire middle portion 120 can be compressed. For example, if the object 210 impacts the top portion 110 at the center, the entire middle portion 120 can be uniformly compressed. In some examples, the amount of compression of the middle portion 120 is proportional to the size of the impact on the helmet 100.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the middle portion 120 is configured to decompress in response to the force being removed from the top portion 110. For example, the middle portion 120 can decompress after the object 210 has been dropped from the helmet 100. In some examples, after the force is no longer acting on the helmet 100, the middle portion 210 returns to its pre-impact state.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, top portion 110 is not configured to compress in response to a force. For example, under an impact from object 210, top portion 110 can maintain a rigid structure. In some examples, when a force is applied to the top surface of top portion 110, top portion 110 is displaced downward. In some examples, top portion 110 is displaced downward due to compression of middle portion 120.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, bottom portion 130 is not configured to compress in response to a force. For example, bottom portion 130 can maintain a rigid structure under an impact from object 210. In some examples, bottom portion 130 is displaced upward when a force is applied to a bottom edge of bottom portion 130. In some examples, bottom portion 130 is displaced upward due to compression of middle portion 120.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, compression of middle portion 120 can prevent top portion 110 and / or bottom portion 130 from rupturing in response to a sudden impact force. For example, middle portion 120 can absorb a portion of the force of object 210 impacting helmet 100. In some examples, absorbing the force from the impact by middle portion 120 allows top portion 110 and / or bottom portion 130 to remain intact.

[0053] Now go to Figure 3, illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a helmet 100. In some examples, the inside of the helmet 100 includes a top portion 110, a middle portion 120, and a bottom portion 130 that is the outside of the helmet 100. In some examples, the top portion 110, the middle portion 120, and the bottom portion 130 extend all the way through the helmet 100. In some examples, the helmet 100 is hollow (e.g., to accommodate the wearer's head). In some examples, the top portion 110, the middle portion 120, and the bottom portion 130 are configured to surround the wearer's head when the helmet 100 is placed on the wearer's head.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, top portion 110 does not contact bottom portion 130. In some examples, middle portion 120 is connected along the entire top edge of bottom portion 130. In some examples, middle portion 120 is connected along the entire bottom edge of top portion 110. In some examples, middle portion 120 completely connects top portion 110 with bottom portion 130.

[0055] Now go to Figure 4 , provide example alternative structures for the intermediate portion 120. In some examples, the intermediate portion 120 includes a spring-like structure.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the middle portion 120 can include a single large spring-like structure 410 that forms the entire middle portion 120. For example, when placed in the helmet 100, the large spring-like structure 410 can surround the wearer's head. In some examples, the middle portion 120 includes one or more smooth portions above and / or below the large spring-like structure 410.

[0057] In other examples, the middle portion 120 can include a plurality of smaller spring-like structures 420 placed throughout the middle portion 120. For example, when placed in the helmet 100, the plurality of spring-like structures can be spread throughout the middle portion 120 and spaced around the wearer's head. In some examples, the middle portion 120 includes a smooth portion above, below, and / or between the plurality of smaller spring-like structures 420.

[0058] in conclusion

[0059] The above description of various embodiments disclosed in the subject matter and the corresponding drawings and the contents described in the abstract are described herein for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the disclosed embodiments to the disclosed precise form. It should be understood that it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments with modifications, substitutions, combinations and additions can be implemented to perform the same, similar, alternative or alternative functions of the disclosed subject matter, and are therefore considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but should be interpreted according to the breadth and scope of the attached claims. In addition, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe the example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that, without departing from the scope of the attached claims, alternative embodiments can provide different combinations of elements and / or functions. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also contemplated, as set forth in some of the attached claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are only used in a general and descriptive sense and are not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A helmet, comprising: defining a top portion of a crown, wherein the top portion is made of a first material; a middle portion extending outwardly from the top portion, wherein the middle portion is made of a second material; and a bottom portion extending outwardly from the middle portion and defining a brim, wherein the bottom portion is made of the first material, wherein the middle portion is configured to compress in response to a force applied to the top portion.

2. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein: The middle part is formed by a double injection process.

3. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein: The intermediate portion includes an elastic material.

4. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein: The middle portion is configured to decompress in response to the force being removed from the top portion.

5. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein: The intermediate portion includes a spring-like structure.

6. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the top portion or the bottom portion is made of at least one of high density polyethylene, high temperature nylon, or a compound including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate.

7. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein: The middle portion comprises at least one of: polyamide 6 with glass fiber reinforcement, thermoplastic elastomer compound with gel, modified thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanizate, silicone modified thermoplastic vulcanizate, EPDM rubber compound with non-woven glass fiber or carbon fiber, fluororubber, Non-Newtonian fluids, polycarbonate-glass fiber with thermoplastic polyurethane coating on high-density polyethylene woven fabric, polycarbonate-carbon fiber with thermoplastic polyurethane coating on non-woven fabric, liquid crystal polymer modified resin coated on woven or non-woven fabric, thermoplastic polyolefin, fluorinated ethylene propylene resin, perfluoroalkoxy, stainless steel or alloy.

8. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the top portion or the bottom portion has a thickness between 2 mm and 3 mm.

9. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein: The middle portion has a thickness between 5 mm and 7 mm.

10. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein: The middle portion has an oval or circular shape.

11. A safety helmet, comprising: defining a top portion of a crown, wherein the top portion is made of a first material; a middle portion extending outwardly from the top portion, wherein the middle portion is made of a second material; and a bottom portion extending outwardly from the middle portion and defining a brim, wherein the bottom portion is made of a first material, wherein the middle portion is configured to compress in response to a force applied to the top portion.

12. The safety helmet according to claim 11, wherein: The middle part is formed by a double injection process.

13. The safety helmet according to claim 11, wherein: The intermediate portion includes an elastic material.

14. The safety helmet according to claim 11, wherein: The middle portion is configured to decompress in response to the force being removed from the top portion.

15. The safety helmet according to claim 11, wherein: The intermediate portion includes a spring-like structure.

16. The safety helmet according to claim 11, wherein: At least one of the top portion or the bottom portion is made of at least one of high density polyethylene, high temperature nylon, or a compound including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate.

17. The safety helmet according to claim 11, wherein: The middle portion comprises at least one of: polyamide 6 with glass fiber reinforcement, thermoplastic elastomer compound with gel, modified thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanizate, silicone modified thermoplastic vulcanizate, EPDM rubber compound with non-woven glass fiber or carbon fiber, fluororubber, Non-Newtonian fluids, polycarbonate-glass fiber with thermoplastic polyurethane coating on high-density polyethylene woven fabric, polycarbonate-carbon fiber with thermoplastic polyurethane coating on non-woven fabric, liquid crystal polymer modified resin coated on woven or non-woven fabric, thermoplastic polyolefin, fluorinated ethylene propylene resin, perfluoroalkoxy, stainless steel or alloy.

18. The safety helmet according to claim 11, wherein: At least one of the top portion or the bottom portion has a thickness between 2 mm and 3 mm.

19. The safety helmet according to claim 11, wherein: The middle portion has a thickness between 5 mm and 7 mm.

20. The safety helmet according to claim 11, wherein: The middle portion has an oval or circular shape.

Images