A cushioning structure and a helmet

Abstract

This utility model relates to a buffer structure and a helmet. The buffer structure includes: an elastic buffer layer with an inner surface and an outer surface; a plurality of elastic buffer pillars, each with its first end spaced apart and connected to the inner surface of the buffer layer; and a second end of each buffer pillar extending inward relative to the inner surface of the buffer layer. It also includes: a flexible fabric, at least partially disposed on the inner surface of the buffer layer, and arranged opposite to the inner surface of the buffer layer to form a buffer cavity accommodating the buffer pillars. This makes each buffer pillar within the buffer cavity resemble a cantilever beam structure with one end fixed to the buffer layer and the other end facing the flexible fabric. When subjected to impacts from various directions, the buffer pillars will tilt and compress irregularly to provide cushioning, ensuring a good buffering effect. Furthermore, the combination of the cantilever beam structure of the buffer pillars and the flexible fabric enhances the softness and comfort of the buffer structure during use. This utility model also features a simple structure, is easy to manufacture and use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of helmet technology, specifically relating to a cushioning structure and a helmet. Background Technology

[0002] Helmets, as a commonly used head protection device, generally consist of an outer shell and an inner liner. When the helmet shell impacts the ground, in addition to the normal impact force, it is usually subjected to a tangential impact force. If the tangential impact force on the helmet shell is large, the helmet shell will rotate at high speed, which may cause brain injury to the user's head due to rotational impact. Moreover, medical research shows that brain injuries caused by rotational impacts, such as concussion, subdural hematoma, and diffuse axonal injury, are more severe than brain injuries caused by linear impacts.

[0003] To address this, helmets with rotating cushioning functions have been designed, such as the Chinese invention patent application "Rotating Impact Cushioning Safety Helmet" (application number 201810210306.8, publication number CN108294394A). This helmet includes an outer shell and an elastic liner inside the shell, with a gap between them. A rotating impact cushioning device is provided between the outer shell and the elastic liner, allowing the outer shell to rotate relative to the elastic liner. When the helmet is impacted by an external force, the tangential component of the external force acting on the outer shell causes the outer shell to tend to rotate relative to the elastic liner. Through the tangential deformation of the rotating impact cushioning device, the outer shell can rotate a certain angle relative to the elastic liner while the elastic liner remains relatively stationary, thus significantly reducing the impact of the external force on the user. However, the solution in the aforementioned patent application needs further simplification to ensure the cushioning effect while reducing costs and facilitating assembly and use. Furthermore, how to effectively protect against impacts from different directions remains to be addressed.

[0004] To provide a helmet cushioning structure that is simple in structure and can buffer impacts from all directions, the applicant designed a cushioning structure as described in the Chinese Utility Model Patent Application No. 202420671688.5, entitled "Cushioning Structure and Helmet" (Authorization Announcement No. CN221949293U). This cushioning structure includes an inner layer and an outer layer spaced apart, with the outer surface of the inner layer facing the inner surface of the outer layer. It also includes multiple elastic connecting posts spaced apart between the inner and outer layers. The inner end of each connecting post is integrally connected to the outer surface of the inner layer, and the outer end is integrally connected to the inner surface of the outer layer. The connecting posts are arranged such that they can undergo elastic deformation under external force, allowing the outer layer to move relative to the inner layer. This cushioning structure can effectively buffer impacts from all directions, but its breathability and softness need to be further improved to enhance user comfort. Utility Model Content

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a buffer structure that is simple in structure, can buffer impacts from all directions, and can also improve user comfort, in light of the current state of the technology.

[0006] The second technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a helmet with the above-mentioned buffer structure.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a buffer structure, comprising:

[0008] It has a flexible buffer layer with an inner and outer surface;

[0009] Multiple elastic buffer pillars, with the first end of each buffer pillar connected at intervals to the inner surface of the buffer layer;

[0010] Its features are:

[0011] The second end of each buffer column is a free end that extends inward relative to the inner surface of the buffer layer;

[0012] It also includes:

[0013] A flexible fabric, at least partially disposed on the inner side of the buffer layer, and arranged opposite to the inner side of the buffer layer to form a buffer cavity accommodating the aforementioned buffer column.

[0014] In this invention, the first ends of each buffer column are spaced apart and connected to the inner surface of the buffer layer. The second end of each buffer column is designed as a free end. At least a portion of the flexible fabric is disposed on the inner surface of the buffer layer, forming a buffer cavity that accommodates the buffer columns. This makes each buffer column within the buffer cavity resemble a cantilever beam structure, with one end fixed to the buffer layer and the other end facing the flexible fabric. When subjected to impacts from various directions, the buffer columns will tilt and compress somewhat irregularly to provide cushioning, ensuring the cushioning effect. Furthermore, the combination of the cantilever beam structure of the buffer columns and the flexible fabric enhances the softness and comfort of the buffer structure during use. This invention also features a simple structure, making it easy to manufacture and use.

[0015] Preferably, the buffer layer has a central region with the aforementioned buffer pillars and a peripheral region located around the central region;

[0016] The outer region is bonded to the flexible fabric, and the central region forms the buffer cavity between the flexible fabric and the outer region.

[0017] Preferably, the central region of the buffer layer arches outward relative to the outer region to form an inner opening cavity, so that the buffer column can be placed in the cavity;

[0018] The flexible fabric covers the inner opening of the cavity to form a closed buffer cavity. The buffer layer with the cavity facilitates the formation of the buffer cavity.

[0019] Furthermore, the free end of the cushioning post is spaced apart from the surface of the corresponding flexible fabric. When the user's head comes into contact with the flexible fabric, the design of the cushioning post avoids affecting the comfort of wearing and using the device, as the free end of the cushioning post is spaced apart from the surface of the corresponding flexible fabric.

[0020] Furthermore, the buffer pillar protrudes from the inner side of the buffer layer, so that the portion of the flexible fabric corresponding to the buffer pillar arches relative to the central region of the buffer layer under the action of the buffer pillar, forming a closed buffer cavity between the buffer pillar and the central region.

[0021] In the above scheme, preferably, the flexible fabric is entirely surrounded by the component consisting of the buffer layer and the buffer column.

[0022] Preferably, the length of the buffer column is greater than the wall thickness of the buffer layer, which is greater than the wall thickness of the flexible fabric. This ensures that the buffer structure of this invention has a relatively small overall thickness and is quite flexible while maintaining a good buffering effect.

[0023] In the above solutions, preferably, the buffer column and the buffer layer are an integral part.

[0024] Preferably, the integral component is made of silicone.

[0025] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a helmet, including an outer shell, characterized in that it further includes a buffer structure as described above, wherein the outer side of the buffer layer is attached to the inner wall surface of the outer shell.

[0026] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: By connecting the first ends of each buffer column to the inner surface of the buffer layer at intervals, designing the second end of each buffer column as a free end, and placing at least a portion of the flexible fabric on the inner surface of the buffer layer, a buffer cavity is formed opposite to the inner surface of the buffer layer to accommodate the buffer columns. This makes each buffer column within the buffer cavity resemble a "cantilever beam" structure with one end fixed to the buffer layer and the other end facing the flexible fabric. When subjected to impacts from various directions, the buffer columns will tilt and compress somewhat irregularly to provide cushioning, ensuring the cushioning effect. Furthermore, the combination of the "cantilever beam" structure of the buffer columns and the flexible fabric enhances the softness and comfort of the buffer structure during use. Moreover, this invention has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture and use. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the helmet according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the buffer structure according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the buffer structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model from another perspective;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the buffer structure according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the buffer structure of Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the buffer structure of Embodiment 3 of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0034] Example 1:

[0035] like Figures 1-4 As shown, this is a preferred embodiment of a buffer structure and helmet of the present invention. The buffer structure includes a buffer layer 1, a buffer column 2, and a flexible cloth 3.

[0036] The buffer layer 1 is made of elastic silicone material and has an inner side 11 and an outer side 12.

[0037] The buffer pillars 2 are made of elastic silicone material. There are multiple buffer pillars 2. The first end 21 of each buffer pillar 2 is connected at intervals to the inner surface 11 of the buffer layer 1 and is integrated with the buffer layer as a whole. The second end 22 of each buffer pillar 2 is a free end that extends inward relative to the inner surface 11 of the buffer layer 1.

[0038] A flexible fabric 3 is disposed on the inner side of the buffer layer 1 and is arranged opposite to the inner side 11 of the buffer layer 1 to form a buffer cavity 10 that accommodates the aforementioned buffer pillar 2. The wall thickness of the flexible fabric 3 is less than the wall thickness of the buffer layer 1 and less than the length of the buffer pillar 2. Because the flexible fabric is thinner and more flexible, it can reduce the overall thickness of the buffer structure and improve its flexibility.

[0039] In this embodiment, the buffer layer 1 is basically flat and has a central region 1a with the buffer pillar 2 and an outer region 1b located around the central region 1a. The outer region 1b is attached to the flexible fabric 3, and a buffer cavity 10 is formed between the central region 1a and the flexible fabric 3. Since the buffer pillar 2 protrudes relative to the inner side surface 11 of the buffer layer 1, the part of the flexible fabric 3 corresponding to the buffer pillar 2 arches relative to the central region 1a of the buffer layer 1 under the action of the buffer pillar 2, thus forming a closed buffer cavity 10 between the buffer layer 1a and the central region 1a.

[0040] Each buffer column 2 in the buffer cavity 10 is similar to a "cantilever beam" structure with one end fixed to the buffer layer 1 and the other end facing the flexible fabric 3. When subjected to impacts from all directions, each buffer column 2 will tilt and squeeze in a relatively irregular manner to buffer, ensuring the buffering effect. Furthermore, the combination of the buffer column 2 of the "cantilever beam" structure and the flexible fabric 3 can improve the softness, breathability, and comfort of the buffer structure during use.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the helmet of this embodiment includes an outer shell 4 and the aforementioned cushioning structure. The outer shell 4 is a conventional helmet outer shell structure, which will not be described in detail here. The outer surface 12 of the cushioning layer 1 is attached to the inner wall surface 41 of the outer shell 4.

[0042] Example 2:

[0043] like Figure 5 The diagram shows a preferred embodiment of the buffer structure and helmet of this utility model. This embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment, except that in this embodiment, the central region 1a of the buffer layer 1 arches outward relative to the outer region 1b to form a recessed cavity 100 with an inner opening, so that the buffer post 2 can be disposed in the recessed cavity 100; the flexible fabric 3 is basically flat and covers the inner opening of the recessed cavity 100 to form a closed buffer cavity 10. Furthermore, the free end of the buffer post 2 is spaced relative to the surface of the corresponding flexible fabric 3.

[0044] Example 3:

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, this is a preferred embodiment three of the buffer structure and helmet of the present invention. This embodiment is basically the same as the second embodiment, except that in this embodiment, the fabric 3 is completely surrounded by the components composed of the buffer layer 1 and the buffer pillar 2.

Claims

1. A buffer structure, comprising: The elastic buffer layer (1) has an inner surface (11) and an outer surface (12); Multiple elastic buffer pillars (2), with the first end (21) of each buffer pillar (2) being spaced apart and connected to the inner side (11) of the buffer layer (1); Its features are: The second end (22) of each buffer column (2) is a free end that extends inward relative to the inner side (11) of the buffer layer (1); It also includes: A flexible fabric (3) is provided at least partially inside the buffer layer (1) and is arranged opposite to the inner side (11) of the buffer layer (1) to form a buffer cavity (10) that accommodates the buffer column (2).

2. The buffer structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer layer (1) has a central region (1a) with the aforementioned buffer pillars (2) and an outer region (1b) located outside the central region (1a); The outer region (1b) is attached to the flexible fabric (3), and the buffer cavity (10) is formed between the central region (1a) and the flexible fabric (3).

3. The buffer structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The central region (1a) of the buffer layer (1) arches outward relative to the outer region (1b) to form an inner opening cavity (100) for the buffer column (2) to be placed in the cavity (100); The flexible fabric (3) covers the inner opening of the recess (100) to form a closed buffer cavity (10).

4. The buffer structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The free end of the buffer post (2) is spaced relative to the surface of the corresponding flexible fabric (3).

5. The buffer structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The buffer pillar (2) protrudes from the inner side (11) of the buffer layer (1), so that the part of the flexible cloth (3) corresponding to the buffer pillar (2) arches relative to the central region (1a) of the buffer layer (1) under the action of the buffer pillar (2) and forms a closed buffer cavity (10) between it and the central region (1a).

6. The buffer structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible fabric (3) is entirely surrounded by the component consisting of the buffer layer (1) and the buffer column (2).

7. The buffer structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the buffer column (2) is greater than the wall thickness of the buffer layer (1) and the wall thickness of the flexible fabric (3).

8. The buffer structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The buffer column (2) and the buffer layer (1) are an integral part.

9. The buffer structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The integrated component is made of silicone.

10. A helmet comprising an outer shell (4), characterized in that... It also includes a buffer structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer side (12) of the buffer layer (1) is attached to the inner wall surface (41) of the outer shell (4).

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