Impact damping system

Abstract

An impact attenuation system is disclosed for protecting a base structure that is part of a person or structure from damage or damage caused by impact shocks. The impact attenuation system includes a plurality of nodes arranged in a matrix of nodes, wherein each node is interconnected with its adjacent nodes. In use, each node is at least partially rotatable relative to each other node within the matrix of nodes and rolls along the infrastructure when the matrix of nodes is affected by an impact shock. The impact attenuation system may be used in helmets of persons susceptible to head impacts, as well as in body armors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an impact-attenuation system.

[0002] More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an impact attenuation system for protecting a person or structure from injury or damage from impact shocks. The impact attenuation system can be used in helmets for athletes, climbers, motorcyclists, and any other person prone to head impacts, as well as in body armor. Background Art

[0003] Regardless of the environment in which the impact occurs, the impact vibration has a tendency to cause greater damage to the impacted object. In terms of human body injuries, the human head is most susceptible to damage from such impact vibration, resulting in concussion and brain damage. However, buildings and other physical structures are also often damaged by impact vibration.

[0004] A helmet is a piece of protective equipment that is worn to protect the head, and more particularly the human brain, from injury following impact shock. Helmets are used in recreational activities and sports (e.g., rules football, including soccer, AFL (Australian Football League), rugby union and rugby league, jockeys, American football, ice hockey, cricket, baseball, photography, hurling and rock climbing); hazardous work activities, such as construction, mining, riot police, military aviation and transportation (e.g., motorcycle helmets and bicycle helmets).

[0005] Some sports helmets are made of flexible foams, such as EVA foam (EVA foam is a closed-cell ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam), and are used for sports that also require protection from items that hit the head, such as boxing and rugby or football. Other sports helmets have an outer hard shell that encloses a flexible or rigid foam inside the helmet, such as bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets, and American football helmets. The hard shell resists rupture on impact, while the inner flexible or rigid foam cushions the impact of the hard shell on the head.

[0006] In modern sports, emphasis is placed on concussion safety. When an athlete's head is impacted, the head and brain are subjected to G-forces that can cause concussive injuries, the severity of which depends on the velocity of the impact shock as well as the mass, angle and location of the impact shock. Rotational motion is a common cause of concussions and more severe brain injuries in oblique blows to the head. Impact shock and the resulting damage can be reduced by attenuating the duration of the impact and the force and / or direction of the impact shock.

[0007] The MIPS system is a well-known embodiment of a device designed to attempt to reduce the rotational acceleration imparted by impact shock. Essentially, MIPS is a thin, low-friction plastic liner inside the helmet that is designed to move slightly inside the helmet to help redirect the forces away from the head. However, the effectiveness of the MIPS system tends to be limited to certain angles, as it does not effectively resist impact shocks from all angles and does not absorb any impact shocks.

[0008] In order to at least partially mitigate damage caused by impact shock, it is necessary to improve angular acceleration management and / or decelerate and mitigate impact forces.

[0009] The above reference to background art and any reference to prior art does not constitute an admission that the art forms part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, an impact attenuation system is provided. The impact attenuation system is arranged to protect a person or a structure from injury or damage due to impact shock. The impact attenuation system can be used in helmets for athletes, climbers, motorcyclists, and any other person who is prone to head impacts, as well as in body armor.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an impact attenuation system for protecting an infrastructure as part of a person or structure from injury or damage caused by impact vibrations, the impact attenuation system comprising a plurality of nodes arranged in a node matrix, wherein each node is interconnected with its adjacent nodes, and wherein each node is capable of at least partially rotating relative to each other node within the node matrix.

[0012] The node matrix may include a single layer of nodes arranged in a triangular matrix.

[0013] In one embodiment, each node has a crown in the form of a ridge protruding from the node, and wherein the crown is oriented toward the operational outside of the node. Each node may have a node cap mounted on the crown, whereby the node cap is arranged to cover the node outwardly. Each node cap may have a peripheral lip arranged to extend over the edge of the crown. In one embodiment, each node has a node cap mounted on the node, wherein the node cap is toward the operational outside of the node. The node cap may be arranged to cover the outside of the node. Each node cap may be made of a rigid plastic material.

[0014] In one embodiment, each node has a geometric shape selected from the following group: a solid spherical node, a segmented or mosaic spherical node, an ovoid node, a pedestal node, and an hourglass node. Each node may have an equatorial groove. Each node may be made of a flexible foam, a rigid foam, a liquid crystal elastomer, a hollow elastomeric sphere, or an air-pressurized hollow elastomeric sphere.

[0015] In one embodiment, the node matrix is ​​surrounded by an edge boundary, the edge boundary includes an embedded wire skeleton, wherein the wire skeleton is made of an elastic material with a high yield strength.

[0016] In one embodiment, each node is in abutting contact with its adjacent nodes. Each node may be integrally formed with each adjacent adjacent node.

[0017] In one embodiment, each node is spaced apart from but interconnected with its adjacent nodes. In one embodiment, the nodes are interconnected by lattice bars formed integrally with the nodes.

[0018] In one embodiment, the impact attenuation system further comprises a grid mesh having a plurality of strands arranged in a grid structure, the strands intersecting at intersections, wherein a node is mounted on the grid mesh at each intersection. The node may be overmolded or clip-fitted onto the intersection of the grid mesh. Alternatively, the node may be pre-formed as a connectable separate component having engageable male pins and female sockets so that the node can be clipped together at the intersection of the grid mesh.

[0019] In one embodiment, the impact attenuation system further comprises a rigid or flexible frame structure defining a plurality of through holes, whereby a node may be located within each through hole. A portion of the frame structure surrounding each through hole may be received within an equatorial groove in a node located within the through hole.

[0020] The nodes may be spaced apart within the node matrix with a spacing between centers of adjacent nodes being approximately 80%-130% of a nominal cross-sectional width of one of the nodes. In a node having a substantially spherical shape, the nominal cross-sectional width of one of the nodes is its diameter.

[0021] In one embodiment, the node matrix may be arranged in the form of a helmet for protecting a person's head. In another embodiment, the node matrix may be arranged in the form of a liner or padding provided within a conventional helmet or hard hat. In one embodiment, the node matrix may be arranged in the form of a body armor to be worn on a person to protect a portion of the person's body. In one embodiment, the node matrix may be arranged in the form of a protective layer to protect a portion of a building or physical structure. During use, when the nodes are impacted by impact vibrations, the nodes may be at least partially arranged to rotate within the node matrix and roll along the underlying structure.

[0022] The node may be made of a resiliently compressible material having an increased resistance to compression when the node is compressed by an impact vibration. The node may be made of a resiliently compressible material having a variable density over a height of the node extending away from the base surface, wherein the resiliently compressible material includes a lower density foam closer to the base surface and a higher density foam further from the base surface.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a helmet for a human head, the helmet being arranged to at least partially surround the human head, the helmet comprising a plurality of nodes arranged into a node matrix, wherein each node is interconnected with its adjacent nodes, and wherein each node is capable of at least partially rotating relative to each other node within the node matrix, whereby in use, when an impact shock impacts one or more nodes, the impacted nodes are capable of at least partially rotating and rolling around the human head.

[0024] The helmet may comprise an impact attenuation system as defined in the first aspect of the present disclosure.The helmet may be arranged in the form of a liner or pad provided within a conventional helmet or hard hat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other features will become more apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the drawings are given for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be limiting in any way:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a helmet incorporating an impact attenuation system according to the present disclosure, wherein the impact attenuation system includes a plurality of nodes interconnected in a spaced-apart matrix of nodes as shown in an enlarged blow-out balloon cross-sectional view;

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a helmet incorporating an impact attenuation system according to the present disclosure, wherein the impact attenuation system includes a plurality of nodes interconnected in a compressed node matrix, as shown in an enlarged exploded balloon cross-sectional view;

[0028] Figure 3 is similar to Figure 1 a perspective view of a helmet of a third embodiment of a helmet of , but wherein the nodes of the spaced-apart node matrix are provided with node caps, as shown in the enlarged burst balloon cross-sectional view;

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial view of a helmet showing only the edge boundaries of the node matrix;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 1A schematic side view of a helmet of , wherein the helmet is provided as a liner or pad within a hard hat;

[0031] Figure 6 The A-6F shows that it can Figure 1 and 2 Side views of various embodiments of different types of nodes used in a node matrix are shown;

[0032] Figure 7 The A-7C shows the Figure 3 Side views of various embodiments of different types of nodes used in a node matrix are shown;

[0033] Figure 8 Shows Figure 2 A stereogram of a portion of a compressed node matrix shown in a helmet;

[0034] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 3 A stereogram of a portion of a matrix of spaced nodes shown in a helmet;

[0035] Fig.10 A perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a matrix of spaced nodes is shown, wherein the nodes are removably securable to a grid mesh, and wherein the nodes are shaped as Figure 1 As shown;

[0036] Fig.11 Shows Fig.10 The node matrix of the exploded stereogram is shown in Figure 1, but the shape of the nodes is as follows: Figure 6 As shown in A;

[0037] Fig.12 shows a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a matrix of spaced nodes in which the nodes are removably securable to a frame structure;

[0038] Fig.13 A-13C shows schematic plan views of various node matrices having nodes of different nominal widths and arranged at different node spacings;

[0039] Fig.14 Schematic cross-sectional views of nodes at various stages of deformation under increasing orthogonal compressive forces are shown, with the node e.g. Figure 6 The embodiment shown in A;

[0040] Fig.15 Schematic cross-sectional views of a series of nodes at various stages of deformation under increasing oblique compressive forces are shown, with nodes such as Figure 6 The implementation method shown in A;

[0041] Fig.16a graph showing a compression resistance curve and an impact force deceleration curve plotted against degree of compression; and

[0042] Fig.17 A-17C shows the use of the impact attenuation system in various other applications, such as use in body armor in the form of chest and shin guards, and use on crash barriers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present disclosure relates to an impact attenuation system. The impact attenuation system is arranged to protect a person or a structure from injury or damage caused by impact shock. The impact attenuation system can be used in helmets for athletes, climbers, motorcyclists and any other person who is prone to head impacts, as well as in body armor. The impact attenuation system is particularly suitable for attenuating the impact time and force and / or direction of impact shock applied to a person's head or body.

[0044] In the attached figure Figure 1 A first embodiment of a helmet 110 is shown that is configured to be worn on a person's head 100. The helmet 110 incorporates an impact attenuation system 102 that includes a plurality of nodes 112 interconnected to one another in a node matrix 114. The node matrix 114 has a peripheral edge boundary 116 that can be connected to a strap 118, such as a chin strap, for securing the helmet 110 to the person's head 100.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the nodes 112 are spaced apart and arranged in a triangular matrix, wherein the nodes 112 are not adjacent to each other, but wherein each node 112 is interconnected with its adjacent nodes by lattice bars 120. Although the lattice bars 120 are shown as tubular bars, they may also have other geometric cross-sections, such as square, rectangular, or elliptical bars. Each node 112 is substantially spherical, with an outwardly directed crown 122 in the form of a hexagonal ridge. Each crown 122 may be integrally formed with its node 112. In this embodiment, the shape of the crown 122 is merely aesthetic and has no functional purpose, however, in other embodiments (described below), the crown may have some functionality.

[0046] The helmet 110 is made of a uniform material throughout, such that the nodes 112 and the lattice bars 120 are made of the same material. The helmet 110 is made of a compressible and resilient soft foam, such as EVA foam.

[0047] Figure 2A second embodiment of a helmet 210 is shown that is configured to be worn on a person's head 100. The helmet 210 is substantially similar to the helmet 110, and like components are indicated by like reference numerals. The helmet 210 includes a plurality of nodes 112 interconnected to one another in a node matrix 114. The node matrix 114 has a peripheral edge boundary 116 that can be attached to a strap 118, such as a chin strap, for securing the helmet 210 on the person's head 100. The helmet 210 has a chin guard 124 coupled to the strap 118, wherein the chin guard 124 is shaped to complement the jawline of a person and generally has a node matrix surrounded by a peripheral edge boundary.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the nodes 112 are substantially spherical and arranged in a compressed triangular matrix, wherein the nodes 112 directly abut and are bonded to each adjacent node. In some embodiments, the nodes 112 may be integrally bonded together.

[0049] The helmet 210 is made entirely of uniform material. The helmet 210 is made of compressed and resilient soft foam, such as EVA foam.

[0050] Figure 3 A third embodiment of a helmet 310 is shown, which is configured to be worn on a person's head 100. The helmet 310 is substantially similar to the helmet 110, and like parts are indicated by like reference numerals. The helmet 310 also has a similar Figure 2 The chin guard 124 is shown. The nodes 112 of the third embodiment are provided with outer node caps 126 that rest on the crown 122. In contrast to the soft foam that the nodes 112 and lattice strips 120 are made of, the node caps 126 are made of a rigid plastic material that is arranged to form a hard shell.

[0051] Reference now Figure 4, which shows only a partial schematic diagram of the edge border 116 of the first embodiment of the helmet 110, wherein the rest of the helmet is omitted for clarity and simplicity. The edge border 116 is shown as including an embedded wire skeleton 128. In one embodiment, the wire skeleton 128 extends along the entire length of the edge border 116 so that it completely surrounds the head 100. However, in other embodiments, the wire skeleton 128 can be provided only along intermittent portions of the edge border 116 as required. The wire skeleton 128 is made of an elastic material, such as spring steel or carbon fiber with a high yield strength. The elasticity of the wire skeleton 128 allows the edge border 116 of the helmet 110 to be pushed away by a person so that they can place the helmet 110 on their head 100, after which the wire skeleton 128 will "snap back" to (or largely recover to) its original shape, thereby keeping the helmet 110 on the person's head 100 with a friction fit without the need for a strap 118. By extending the front cheek piece of the helmet 110 to at least partially surround the cheekbone or jaw of the person, the strength of the fit and friction fit of the helmet 110 on the person's head can be enhanced. It should be understood that providing the wire skeleton 128 and its friction fit can also be applied to the helmets 210, 310 of the second and third embodiments.

[0052] In addition to use as a stand-alone protective headgear, either or any portion of helmets 110, 210 may also be used as a liner or pad within a conventional type of headgear, such as an industrial headgear or a hard helmet, such as a motorcycle helmet, bicycle helmet, American football helmet, etc. Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional side view of such a hard hat 130 is shown, wherein the helmet 110 is provided as a liner therein to provide better impact protection, whether against direct orthogonal impact or oblique impact shock.

[0053] In each of the above-described embodiments of the helmet 110, 210, 310, the node 112 may be selected to have one of several different types or shapes. Examples of such nodes of different shapes are described in Figure 6 A-6F is shown, where:

[0054] Figure 6 A shows a node 132 in the form of a solid sphere.

[0055] Figure 6 B shows a segmented or tessellated spherical node 134. In one embodiment, the node 134 can have a honeycomb geometry. In another embodiment, the node 134 can be any n-sided hosohedron, which is a tessellation of half-moons on a sphere so that each half-moon shares the same two vertices of opposite polarity. In an exemplary embodiment, the node 134 is a square hosohedron.

[0056] Figure 6 C shows an oval node 136 having its greatest girth located in the outer / upper half of the node indicated by reference numeral 138, i.e., this greatest girth 138, in use, will be spaced farthest concentrically from the head 100. This oval shape allows the node 112 to more completely cover a person's head 100 and reduces the formation of external gaps that may occur with a spherical ball.

[0057] Figure 6 D shows a substantially spherical node 140 having an equatorial groove 142 and a rounded crown 144 .

[0058] Figure 6 E shows a base-shaped node 146 having a mushroom-like appearance, which may be formed by inverting the lower hemisphere of a spherical node.

[0059] Figure 6 F shows an hourglass-shaped node 148, which may be formed by inverting the upper and lower hemispheres of a spherical node.

[0060] However, it should be understood that other shapes of nodes may also be used in the node matrix 114. The nodes 112 may be made of flexible foam, rigid foam, liquid crystal elastomer, or hollow elastomeric balls (which may optionally be pressurized). In one embodiment, the nodes 112 may be made of a solid, hollow, or 3D lattice structured liquid crystal elastomer. In another embodiment, the nodes 112 are air-pressurized hollow elastomeric balls, such as similar to miniature stress balls or squeeze balls. Such nodes 112 may be pressurized to an optimal pressure for shock absorption, thereby potentially forming a pneumatic shock system. In addition, the elastomeric skin (e.g., polyurethane) of the elastomeric balls may exhibit excellent surface toughness against abrasive mechanical impacts when compared to foam.

[0061] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments of the helmet 110, 210, 310, the node 112 may be provided with a node cap 126, that is, the helmets 110 and 210 may also be provided with a similar Figure 3 The node cap 126 of those node caps shown in the helmet 310. An embodiment of such a node 112 having a node cap 126 is shown in Figure 7 A-7C, where:

[0062] Figure 7 A shows a spherical spherical node 140 provided with a dish-shaped node cap 150 having an everted annular periphery 152;

[0063] Figure 7 B shows a spherical node 154 having a hexagonal crown 156, i.e., Figure 1 The illustrated node 112 is similar and is provided with a node cap 158 having a hexagonal perimeter 160;

[0064] Figure 7 C shows a spherical node 162 having an equatorial groove 164 and a hexagonal crown 166 provided with a node cap 168 having a hexagonal perimeter 170, i.e., the node 162 and the node cap 168 are similar to Figure 3 Node 112 is shown, but node 162 has Figure 6 D. The hexagonal perimeter 170 has a depending perimeter lip 172 that is arranged to extend over the edge of the hexagonal crown 166 to more securely position the node cap 168. In an exemplary embodiment, the edge of the hexagonal crown 166 has a scarf groove so that the perimeter lip 172 can be received therein without protruding beyond the hexagonal crown 166.

[0065] In one embodiment, the shape of the node cap 126 is hexagonal when viewed in plan, i.e., orthogonal to the person's head 100. The use of a hexagonal node cap 126 allows the node cap 126 to be inlaid on the helmet 110, thereby being able to be packed relatively tightly together and provide a greater degree of coverage on the outer surface of the helmet 310. It should be understood that other shapes of node caps 126 will also allow for similar inlays.

[0066] Providing the crown 126 on the node 112 allows the node cap 126 to be more securely connected to the node 112 .

[0067] Reference now Figures 8 to 12 , various embodiments for bonding nodes 112 together in a node matrix 114 are shown. The node matrix 114 is typically a sheet having a single layer of nodes 112. When the node matrix 114 is manufactured as a flat sheet, the nodes 112 will be arranged generally coplanar with one another, however, it will be appreciated that due to the flexibility of the material from which the nodes 112 and / or the interconnecting lattices 120 are made, the node matrix 114 can be bent into any desired shape, for example, to define the shape of a portion of a helmet 110, a helmet liner, or a body armor. Alternatively, the node matrix 114 can be molded directly into the desired shape, such as the shape of a helmet 110. In Figure 8-Figure 12 In FIG. 1 , only a portion of the node matrix 114 is shown, and it should be understood that the matrix can be expanded to obtain the desired planar size. In an exemplary embodiment, the node matrix 114 is arranged in a triangular matrix because this allows the maximum number of spherical nodes 112 to be provided in any given area.

[0068] exist Figure 8, a first embodiment of a node matrix 114 is shown, wherein nodes 112 are spherical nodes that directly abut their neighboring nodes in a compressed matrix. In some cases, nodes 112 may be joined to their neighboring nodes 112 at circumferential / tangential contact points, but such small contact areas may result in weak bonding between neighboring nodes 112. Figure 8 As shown, a stronger bond can be achieved by crossing / overlapping the nodes 112 so that adjacent nodes 112 can be connected together along a desired spherical segment of their circumference to provide a larger contact area. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112 will be less than 100% of the nominal cross-sectional width of one of the nodes 112 (eg, the diameter of a spherical node), and typically about 80%-90%. Figure 8 The node matrix 114 shown in FIG. 1 is molded as a single component. Figure 2 The use of a compressed node matrix 114 is shown in the helmet 110.

[0069] exist Fig. 9 , a second embodiment of a node matrix 114 is shown, wherein the nodes 112 are spherical nodes, each spherical node having a hexagonal crown 122 provided with a node cap 126. The nodes 112 are spaced apart from each other in a spaced matrix, whereby each node 112 is interconnected with its adjacent nodes 112 by a lattice bar 120. The lattice bar 120 has a cylindrical shape and has a diameter that is approximately 20%-50% of the diameter of the node 112. The axial length of the lattice bar 120 can be selected to obtain a desired spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112. Fig. 9 1, the spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112 will be greater than 100% of the nominal cross-sectional width (e.g., the diameter of a spherical node) of one of the nodes 112, and typically will be about 105%-130% of the nominal cross-sectional width (e.g., the diameter of a spherical node) of one of the nodes 112. As previously mentioned, although the lattice bars 120 are shown as tubular bars, they may also have other geometric cross-sections, such as square, rectangular, or elliptical bars. Fig. 9 The node matrix 114 is shown molded as a single component, except for the node caps 126 which are joined to their respective nodes 112 later in the production process, such as by bonding or overmolding.

[0070] exist Fig.10 and Fig.11 , a third embodiment of a node matrix 114 is shown, wherein the nodes 112 are spherical nodes, each having an outer hexagonal crown 122. The nodes 112 are spaced apart from each other in a spaced matrix, whereby each node 112 is connected to a flexible grid mesh 174 (at Fig.11178). The grid mesh 174 has strands 176 arranged in a triangular grid structure, but it should be understood that other shapes of grid structures may also be used, such as a square grid mesh or a diamond grid mesh. The diameter of the strands 176 of the grid mesh 174 is approximately 5%-20% of the diameter of the nodes 112. The grid mesh 174 can be made of any stretchable but tough and elastic material, such as a polyurethane elastomer. The nodes 112 are joined to the grid mesh 174 at each intersection 178 of the strands 176 so that the center of each node 112 is located at its associated intersection 178. The spacing of the intersections 178 of the grid mesh 174 can be selected to obtain the desired spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In some embodiments, the spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112 will be greater than 100%, and typically about 105%-130% of the nominal cross-sectional width of one of the nodes 112 (e.g., the diameter of a spherical node). Fig.10 As shown, the nodes 112 may be overmolded as a single component onto the intersections 178 of the grid mesh 174. In another embodiment, the nodes 112 may be clip-fitted onto the intersections 178 of the grid mesh 174. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, the nodes 112 can be pre-formed in connectable separate hemispheres 180 which can be clamped onto the intersection 178 of the grid mesh 174, in which case the hemispheres 180 will have suitable male pins 182 for engaging into female sockets 184 (although those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of mechanical connections may also be used).

[0071] exist Fig.12 , a fourth embodiment of the node matrix 114 is shown, wherein the nodes 112 are Figure 7 The type shown in C, i.e., spherical nodes 162, each node has an equatorial groove 164 and a hexagonal crown 166, and is provided with a node cap 168. The node matrix 114 includes a flexible frame structure 186 defining a plurality of through holes 188, whereby each node 162 can be positioned in one of the through holes 188 such that the frame structure 186 is received within its equatorial groove 164. Thus, the through holes 188 and the equatorial groove 164 are complementary in shape, and in an exemplary embodiment, the through holes 188 and the equatorial groove 164 have a hexagonal shape, but they may also be circular or square in shape. The spacing of the through holes 188 in the frame structure 186 can be selected to obtain a desired spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 162. Fig.12, the spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112 will be greater than 100% of the nominal cross-sectional width (e.g., the diameter of a spherical node) of one of the nodes 112, and typically will be about 105%-130% of the nominal cross-sectional width (e.g., the diameter of a spherical node) of one of the nodes 112. In some embodiments, the frame structure 186 can be rigid if the nodes 114 are sufficiently resilient to allow the nodes 114 to "roll" slightly relative to the frame structure 186 when compressed by an impact shock.

[0072] The above spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112 is Fig.13 As shown more clearly in Figures AC, these figures show various portions of the node matrix 114 in plan view. Fig.13 A shows Figure 8 A node matrix 114 is shown in which the nodes 112 have a diameter / nominal width "NW" and wherein the node spacing "NS" is approximately 95% of the nominal width. Fig.13 B shows Fig. 9 A node matrix 114 is shown in which nodes 112 have a diameter / nominal width "NW" and wherein the node spacing "NS" is approximately 110% of the nominal width. Fig.13 C shows Fig.12 A node matrix 114 is shown in which the nodes 112 have a diameter / nominal width "NW" and wherein the node spacing "NS" is approximately 104% of the nominal width.

[0073] The following description will only refer to the helmet 110 , but it may be equally applicable to the helmets 210 and 310 .

[0074] In most head collisions, the impact shock is not directed radially only toward the center of mass of the person's head 100. Instead, the impact shock is directed obliquely toward the person's head 100 and includes radial and tangential impact forces.

[0075] In one embodiment, the helmet 110 can be used as a stand-alone headgear, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. When an impact shock is applied to the helmet 110, the node matrix 114 is used to reduce the magnitude and rotational momentum of the impact force. This is achievable because the nodes 112 and the node matrix 114 are able to deform to cushion the impact force, while the nodes 112 are able to rotate or roll at least slightly relative to each other within the node matrix 114, that is, when an impact shock is applied to the person's head 100, the nodes 112 can be compressed and also roll slightly around the wearer's head.

[0076] In another embodiment, the helmet 110 can be used as a liner in a conventional hard hat 130, such as Figure 5As shown. The main protection provided by conventional helmets 130 is against direct impacts from rigid objects. For example, collisions with cars, roads, obstacles, etc. However, conventional helmets 130 are not good at resisting shocks because an impact shock to any point of the helmet 130 will cause the entire helmet 130 to react to the blow - that is, the person's head 100 will accelerate rapidly due to the impact force - and this is exactly what needs to be avoided to prevent concussions. When an angled impact hits the outside of the helmet 130 lined with the helmet 110, the helmet 130 will still rotate as a whole, but the helmet 130 will be pressed onto the nodes 112 in discrete areas, causing the nodes 112 in the area to rotate and roll relative to the person's head 100, and thereby causing the person's head to rotate to a lesser extent and attenuate the head acceleration caused by the oblique contact that impacts the helmet 130.

[0077] Alternatively, the helmet 310 may be used as a stand-alone headgear, such as Figure 5 As shown, it combines the features of the helmet 110 and the hard hat 130. By providing hard plastic node caps 126 on the outside of the nodes 112, the node caps 126 act like the protective scales of a pangolin. This segmented hard shell structure localizes the area that receives the impact shock, so the entire head / helmet does not accelerate in response thereto. The impact force is decelerated, absorbed and attenuated by the nodes 112 and the node matrix 114 in the localized area of ​​the impact shock.

[0078] The degree or distance that the nodes 112 can roll around a person's head 100 is affected by the size of the nodes 112. The flexibility of the node matrix 114 and the degree or distance that the nodes 112 can rotate and roll around a person's head 100 is also affected by the spacing between the nodes 112 and the matrix structure. Figure 8 In the node matrix 114 shown, the nodes 112 will be able to experience minimal rolling / rotation and the node matrix 114 will have low flexibility. Fig. 9 In the node matrix 114 shown, the nodes 112 will be able to undergo moderate rolling / rotation, and the node matrix 114 will have moderate flexibility. Figures 10 to 12 In the node matrix 114 shown, the nodes 112 will be able to undergo a large degree of rolling / rotation, and the node matrix 114 will have a high degree of flexibility.

[0079] Figures 10 to 12 The high flexibility of the node matrix shown in has the advantage of enabling the helmet 110 to better fit the shape of each individual's head 100 and to lie nearly flat when stored. In addition to being used in the helmet 110, Figures 10 to 12 The matrix 114 shown in FIG. 1 is also suitable for body armor applications, particularly due to the high flexibility of the grid mesh 174 and the large degree of roll / rotation of the nodes 112 .

[0080] The nodes 112 have a geometry that creates an inherent progressive resistance to impact forces as the nodes 112 are compressed. In other words, as the impact force on one or more nodes 112 increases, the initial compression and resistance to compression exerted by those nodes 112 is low, but as the nodes 112 become more compressed under the increasing impact force, the shape of the nodes 112 deforms to become more elliptical (spheroidal), thereby providing a progressively greater resistance to the impact force. In practice, this is because the central cross-sectional area of ​​the nodes 112 increases.

[0081] The geometry of the node 112 changes in Fig.14 and Fig.15 The results are shown in Fig.16 As shown in the figure.

[0082] Fig.14 Comparative schematic cross-sectional views of a single node 112 at different stages of deformation under increasing orthogonal compressive forces 190 (i.e., as would occur if a person's head 100 were struck radially / vertically). Node 112.1 is subjected to a low impact force and exhibits minimal deformation remaining substantially spherical. Node 112.2 is subjected to a moderate impact force and exhibits moderate deformation to become more elliptical. Node 112.3 is subjected to a large impact force and exhibits severe deformation to become very elliptical. As the deformation of node 112 increases, its resistance to further deformation, and therefore its resistance to impact forces, increases.

[0083] Fig.15 1 shows a comparative schematic cross-sectional view of three adjacent nodes 112 at different stages of deformation under increasing oblique compressive force 192 (ie, angular impact force acting on the person's head 100). Fig.14 In addition to the compression of node 112 described in FIG. 1 , the tangential vector of the impact force also causes node 112 to roll and rotate slightly about the person's head 100. Thus, node 112.1 experiences the smallest tangential displacement, while node 112.2 experiences a moderate tangential displacement and node 112.3 experiences a large tangential displacement. The rolling can be seen by the displacement of the static surface point 194 shown in node 112.

[0084] Fig.16 A compression resistance curve and an impact force deceleration curve are shown as a function of compression. The illustrated compression curve 196 shows that when the node 112 is compressed (X axis), its initial compression resistance (Y axis) is very low, but then the compression resistance gradually increases. Since the impact velocity is initially high, but then gradually decreases, the resulting impact force deceleration curve 198 is the opposite of this curve. This gradual deceleration of the impact force reduces the chance of concussion or head injury.

[0085] The compression of the nodes 112 and their ability to roll and rotate relative to each other within the node matrix 114 distributes and attenuates the impact force by deforming and performing work, thereby reducing the magnitude of the impact force.

[0086] When experiencing an orthogonal shock, Figure 6 All of the illustrated node 112 geometries perform substantially in an equivalent manner to the geometry of a simple sphere, with the progressive resistance and deceleration described above being inherent in all alternatives. Thus, the actual choice of which shape and / or type of node 112 to use is determined primarily by the specific desired practical application requirements.

[0087] Example 1

[0088] At the New South Wales Government Collision Laboratory, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The node matrix 114 shown was laboratory tested with a rigid, medium density polystyrene foam block and a polystyrene foam spherical node block of the same density and thickness. Both blocks had the same thickness, with the same 1.5 mm thick polycarbonate skin on the top and bottom. The spherical node block had only 52% of the foam volume and foam weight of the solid foam block because the spherical ball has 52% of the volume of the solid foam at the same thickness and circumference.

[0089] The spherical node block performed significantly better in attenuating impact forces in all tests except the straight-line drop test. This is because, with only 52% of the foam volume, there was not enough foam to match the drop weight and height. However, with 48% less foam than a solid block, the spherical node block was only 13% worse in a straight drop impact. In contrast, the spherical node block performed 50% better than the solid block despite having only 52% of the foam volume of a solid block. When corrected for volume / weight, the spherical node block's results for oblique impact forces were 3 times better than those of the foam block. The improved attenuation of oblique impact forces is attributed to the superior deceleration properties of the spherical node's ability to rotate and roll (described above).

[0090] Example 2

[0091] For a helmet 110 used as a football helmet, the nodes 112 are typically made of a foam material such as EVA, which has a typical hardness of Shore A35-40 (Asker C 55-65), but these hardness values ​​can be higher or lower. This hardness value typically corresponds to an EVA foam density of more than 100 kg / m3, but of course it can vary according to the dedicated EVA raw material, etc. In some embodiments, each node 112 can be molded with a lower density foam in the inner portion of the node 112 (i.e., the portion that contacts the person's head 100), and molded with a higher density foam in the outer portion of the node 112 (i.e., the portion away from the person's head 100). This variable density combination has obvious advantages, namely, it is more comfortable to wear because the softer foam contacts the person's head 100, and also has a lower compression resistance (a gentler initial deceleration from the impact) because the lower density foam is compressed first, followed by the outer higher density foam.

[0092] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous changes and / or modifications may be made to the impact attenuation system as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as broadly described. The disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0093] For example, much of the above description of the impact-attenuation system 102 relates to its use in a helmet 110, however the impact-attenuation system 102 has many other applications and may also be used in body armor, particularly, for example Fig.17 A chest protector and Fig.17 Shin guards shown at B. Body armour may include shoulder guards and gloves, such as cricket gloves.

[0094] Optionally, the impact attenuation system 102 may also be used to protect structures and / or buildings from impact shocks and may also be used, for example, to Fig.17 C shows the crash barrier.

[0095] In the appended claims and the foregoing description, unless the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "include" or "contain" are used in a non-restrictive and inclusive sense, i.e., specifying the presence of stated features but not excluding the presence or addition of other features in various embodiments. The use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" to refer to an element does not exclude the possibility of more than one element being present, unless the context clearly requires the presence of one and only one element.

[0096] Reference numerals

[0097] 100 head 156 hexagonal crown

[0098] 102 Impact Attenuation System 158 Node Cap

[0099] 110 Helmet 160 Hexagonal Periphery

[0100] 210 helmet 162 spherical node

[0101] 310 Helmet 164 Equatorial Groove

[0102] 112 nodes 166 hexagonal crown

[0103] 114 node matrix 168 node cap

[0104] 116 edge border 170 hexagonal perimeter

[0105] 118 strap 172 lip

[0106] 120 grid bars 174 grid mesh

[0107] 122 crown 176 strands

[0108] 124 Chin guard 178 Intersection

[0109] 126 node cap 180 hemisphere

[0110] 128 wire frame 182 bolt

[0111] 130 safety helmet 184 socket

[0112] 132 solid spherical node 186 frame structure

[0113] 134 segmented spherical nodes 188 through holes

[0114] 136 Oval node 190 Orthogonal compression force

[0115] 138 Maximum circumference 192 Tilt compression force

[0116] 140 spherical nodes 194 surface points

[0117] 142 Equatorial groove 196 Compression curve

[0118] 144 annular crown 198 deceleration curve

[0119] 146 Base Node

[0120] 148 Hourglass-shaped node Nominal width of NW node

[0121] 150 dish node cap NS node matrix node spacing

[0122] 152 Ring perimeter

[0123] 154 Spherical Nodes

Claims

1. An impact attenuation system for protecting an infrastructure, such as a person or part of a structure, from injury or damage caused by impact vibrations, the impact attenuation system comprising a plurality of nodes arranged in a node matrix, wherein each node is interconnected with its adjacent nodes, and wherein each node is capable of at least partially rotating relative to each other node within the node matrix.

2. The impact attenuation system of claim 1, wherein: The node matrix includes a single layer of nodes arranged in a triangular matrix.

3. The impact attenuation system of claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each node has a crown in the form of a ridge protruding from the node, and wherein the crown is towards the operative outside of the node.

4. The impact attenuation system of claim 3, wherein: Each node has a node cap mounted on the crown, whereby the node cap is arranged to outwardly cover the node.

5. The impact attenuation system of claim 4, wherein: Each node cap has a peripheral lip arranged to extend over the edge of the crown.

6. The impact attenuation system of claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each node has a node cap mounted on the node, and wherein the node cap is towards an operational outside of the node, whereby the node cap is arranged to cover an outside of the node.

7. The impact attenuation system of claims 4 to 6, wherein: Each node cap is made of a rigid plastic material.

8. An impact-attenuating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each node has a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of a solid spherical node, a segmented spherical node, a tessellated spherical node, an egg-shaped node, a base-shaped node, and an hourglass-shaped node.

9. An impact-attenuating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each node has an equatorial groove.

10. An impact-attenuating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each node is made of flexible foam, rigid foam, liquid crystal elastomer, hollow elastomeric sphere, or air-pressurized hollow elastomeric sphere.

11. An impact-attenuating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The node matrix is ​​surrounded by an edge boundary including an embedded wire skeleton, wherein the wire skeleton is made of an elastic material having a high yield strength.

12. The impact-attenuation system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: Each node is in contact with its neighboring nodes.

13. The impact-attenuation system of claim 12, wherein: Each node is integrally formed with each adjoining adjacent node.

14. The impact-attenuating system of claims 1 to 11, wherein: Each node is separated from its neighboring nodes.

15. The impact-attenuation system of claim 14, wherein: The nodes are interconnected by lattice bars formed integrally with the nodes.

16. The impact-attenuation system of claim 14, further comprising a grid mesh having a plurality of strands arranged in a grid structure that intersect at intersections, wherein the node is mounted on the grid mesh at each intersection.

17. The impact-attenuation system of claim 16, wherein: The nodes are overmolded or clip-fitted onto the intersection points of the grid mesh.

18. The impact-attenuation system of claim 16, wherein: The nodes are pre-formed as connectable individual components having engageable male pins and female sockets so that the nodes can be clipped together at intersections of the grid web.

19. The impact-attenuating system of claim 14, further comprising a frame structure defining a plurality of through-holes, whereby one of the nodes is positionable within each of the through-holes.

20. The impact-attenuation system of claim 19, wherein: The portion of the frame structure surrounding each through-hole is received in an equatorial groove in the node located within the through-hole.

21. An impact-attenuating system according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein: The nodes are spaced apart within the node matrix, with the spacing between centers of adjacent nodes being approximately 80% to 130% of a nominal cross-sectional width of one of the nodes.

22. An impact-attenuating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The node matrix is ​​arranged in the form of a helmet, and the base structure is a human head.

23. An impact-attenuating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The node matrix is ​​arranged in the form of a liner or padding provided within a conventional helmet or hard hat, and the base structure is a human head.

24. An impact-attenuating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The node matrix is ​​arranged in the form of a body armor worn on a human body, and the base structure is a part of the human body.

25. An impact-attenuating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The node matrix is ​​arranged in a protective layer and the infrastructure is part of a building or physical structure.

26. An impact-attenuating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The node is arranged to rotate and roll at least partially along the base structure.

27. An impact-attenuating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The node is made of a resiliently compressible material having an increased resistance to compression when the node is compressed.

28. An impact-attenuating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The node is made of a resiliently compressible material having a variable density over a height of the node extending away from the base surface, wherein the resiliently compressible material includes a lower density foam closer to the base surface and a higher density foam further away from the base surface.

29. A helmet for a person's head, the helmet being arranged to at least partially surround the person's head, the helmet comprising a plurality of nodes arranged in a node matrix, wherein each of the nodes is interconnected with its adjacent nodes, and wherein each node is capable of at least partially rotating relative to each other node within the node matrix, whereby in use, when an impact shock impacts one or more of the nodes, the impacted nodes are capable of at least partially rotating and rolling around the person's head.

30. A helmet as claimed in claim 29 comprising an impact attenuation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21.

31. A helmet as claimed in claim 29 or 30 arranged in the form of a liner or pad provided within a conventional helmet or hard hat.

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