Device and method for lifting protective helmets in injured persons

Abstract

In order to provide a device (100) for removing a protective helmet, in particular a motorcycle helmet, from a person's head, comprising a longitudinally extended means (10) for introducing an elastic balloon (12) between the inside of the helmet and the top of the person's head, which avoids the disadvantages of manually removing a protective helmet from the head of an injured person, so that the risk of additional injury to the person can be largely eliminated, it is proposed that the elastic balloon (12) be arranged at a first end (14) of the longitudinally extended means (10) and the means for pumping air (18) be arranged at a second end (16) of the longitudinally extended means (10), wherein a channel (24) runs inside the longitudinally extended means (10) connecting the means for pumping air (18) to the interior of the elastic balloon (12).Furthermore, a method for lifting a protective helmet using the device (100) is disclosed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for lifting a protective helmet, in particular a motorcycle helmet, from a person's head, comprising a longitudinally extended means for inserting a balloon between the inside of the helmet and the top of the person's head.

[0002] A helmet is typically part of a motorcyclist's protective clothing and protects their head from life-threatening injuries in a traffic accident. Modern helmets perform this function well; they can reduce the rate of traumatic brain injuries among motorcyclists by about 70% and the mortality rate by about 40%.

[0003] However well a motorcyclist's head is protected, the body often suffers multiple traumas despite protective clothing, requiring first responders to initiate various life-saving measures, such as checking breathing. However, these life-saving measures can only be applied once the helmet has been removed from the injured person's head.

[0004] Even in patients who are not unconscious, removing the helmet is absolutely necessary, as this is the only way to react immediately to a changing state of consciousness or further complications such as shortness of breath, vomiting or the like.

[0005] When removing the helmet, it is essential to stabilize the cervical spine to prevent further damage, especially to the spinal cord, in case of injury to the cervical spine, as this could result in paraplegia.

[0006] However, the probability of causing paraplegia in the injured person when removing the protective helmet, despite careful action, is relatively high, since protective helmets must and are designed with relatively tight-fitting padding for optimal head protection.

[0007] Therefore, a considerable force must normally be exerted on the helmet to remove it from the head. This lifting force is usually achieved by grasping the lower edge of the helmet and pushing or pulling upwards. A corresponding opposing pulling force is then transferred to the wearer's neck.

[0008] To reduce the risk of injury, some helmets have red markings indicating to first responders where the helmet can be broken. Other modern full-face helmets often have two red tabs at the opening, allowing first responders to partially remove the inner lining to facilitate helmet removal.

[0009] The problem described affects more or less all types of protective helmets or full-face helmets.

[0010] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method that avoids the disadvantages of manually removing the protective helmet from the head of an injured person, so that the risk of additional damage to the person can be largely eliminated.

[0011] The problem is solved by a device and a method having the features of the independent claims.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a device and a method for lifting a helmet in order to remove the wearer's head, at least partially, from the helmet so that it can be removed without exerting force on the wearer's neck.

[0013] According to the invention, a device for lifting a protective helmet, in particular a motorcycle helmet, from a person's head is provided, which has a longitudinally extended means for introducing a balloon between the inside of the helmet and the top of the person's head, wherein the balloon is arranged at a first end of the longitudinally extended means and the means for pumping air is arranged at a second end of the longitudinally extended means, and wherein a channel runs inside the longitudinally extended means which fluidically connects the means for pumping with the interior of the balloon.

[0014] The longitudinally extended means for inserting the balloon preferably consists of a flexible material that has sufficient rigidity to insert the balloon between the head and the helmet, but at the same time is elastic / flexible enough to adapt to the shape of the head or the inside of the helmet during insertion.

[0015] Preferably, the means for pumping air is manually or at least partially semi-automatically operable; for example, this means can be a manual air pump, a bellows, a ball pump, a hand or foot pump, a floor pump, or the like.

[0016] According to the invention, the pumping means can preferably also be electrically or motor-driven air pumps or CO2 cartridge pumps.

[0017] The pumping device preferably has a check valve and / or a valve to allow controlled release and emptying of the balloon.

[0018] A non-return valve prevents uncontrolled deflation of the balloon, for example due to leaks at the connection between the longitudinally extended means and the means of pumping, while the helmet is being removed.

[0019] The use of a valve ensures that the balloon can be deflated from inflated to deflated without damage by controlled air release. Additionally, air can be released through the valve if the balloon is overinflated or if heat causes the air inside to expand excessively, potentially leading to a burst balloon.

[0020] Preferably the balloon is elastic, as this advantageously reduces the space required when uninflated, making it easier to insert between the head and helmet and eliminating the need for space to unfold an inelastic balloon.

[0021] The balloon is preferably fillable with 10-20 liters of air, CO₂, or another inert gas. Furthermore, the balloon is preferably designed to withstand a pressure of 3-5 bar.

[0022] The balloon can have any geometric shape when inflated. Preferably, the balloon, when inflated, has a spherical, cylindrical, zeppelin-like, or cushion-shaped form, and most preferably a cylindrical form, as explained below. These balloon shapes allow for optimal expansion of the balloon between the top of the head and the helmet with respect to force distribution.

[0023] A key feature of all balloon designs is that, when inflated, they do not exert concentrated pressure on the top of the skull, which could lead to further damage in the case of a skull fracture. Instead, the balloon's volume is distributed evenly across the top of the skull, thus advantageously stabilizing it in the event of a fracture.

[0024] Preferably, the balloon has the highest possible tear resistance to allow maximum expansion, enabling the helmet to be efficiently displaced from the head. Accordingly, the balloon preferably has a greater wall thickness than conventional balloons to prevent unintentional bursting or damage at the deployment site from, for example, splinters, broken pieces, or other sharp or pointed edges and / or corners. A tear resistance and elasticity comparable to a bicycle inner tube is preferred.

[0025] Preferably, the balloon consists of a rubber-elastic polymer, preferably silicone, latex, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyisopropene, butyl rubber, or other rubber. The longitudinally extended element is preferably made of the same materials.

[0026] Preferably, these parts are sterilizable to meet the hygienic requirements of the medical field.

[0027] The balloon has an opening through which the longitudinally extended element can protrude into the interior of the balloon. Preferably, a projection for fixing the longitudinally extended element is provided at the opening of the balloon.

[0028] In one embodiment, the longitudinally extended means has a cross-section designed such that the circumferential extension of the balloon and the longitudinally extended means are fixed after connection only by frictional forces between the circumferential extension and the longitudinally extended means.

[0029] In another embodiment, the balloon's circumferential extension is fixed to the longitudinally extended element by means of a fixing element, in order to allow for non-destructive disassembly of the balloon and the longitudinally extended element and to achieve fixation of the balloon by means of the fixing element during use of the device. The fixing element can be attached from one end via the longitudinally extended element and the circumferential extension of the balloon, so that the circumferential end and the balloon are fixed to each other.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the fixing element is designed such that the fixing element has two ends and the two ends of the fixing element can be connected to each other, for example by snapping them together or by means of a suitable adhesive, so that the fixing element can be bent apart before assembly and then attached from one side of the longitudinally extended means around the balloon and the longitudinally extended means and subsequently fixed.

[0031] In another embodiment, the longitudinally extended element, the balloon, the fixing element, and the inflation means are detachably connected. This allows the device to be disassembled without damage, enabling the targeted replacement of individual components and / or reducing transport and storage dimensions.

[0032] The balloon preferably has a reinforcement in an area opposite the opening, where the longitudinally extended element rests. The element is preferably fixed in this area, even without reinforcement.

[0033] In one embodiment, the balloon can also be fixed in place by a clamping element that is arranged externally on the longitudinally extended element, so that the balloon is held clamped between the clamping element and the longitudinally extended element. The clamping element can be glued, welded, or otherwise force-fitted to the balloon and the longitudinally extended element.

[0034] This makes it easier to insert the balloon into the gap between the head and helmet without damaging the balloon through the second end of the elongated means.

[0035] Preferably, the longitudinally extended means is fixed to the balloon in the area of ​​the opening and preferably in the area opposite the opening.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the channel of the longitudinally extended means simultaneously serves as a storage space for the balloon. For this purpose, the balloon is fixed to the second end of the longitudinally extended means, i.e., glued, welded, or the like, or the longitudinally extended means and the balloon are manufactured / formed as a single piece. During manufacturing, the balloon is inverted into the channel so that, when the device is used, i.e., when the pump is actuated, the balloon is expelled from the channel and thereby inflated. The channel can have a larger diameter in the area where the balloon is located than in the other area without the balloon.

[0037] In this embodiment, the longitudinally extended means with the balloon can be considered a consumable item and packaged accordingly, which then only needs to be coupled to the pump, preferably via a plug connection.

[0038] To facilitate insertion into the gap between the head and the helmet, the balloon and the longitudinally extended means can preferably be coated with a fluid, preferably medical / sterile lubricant, for example a water-based or silicone oil-based lubricant, which advantageously does not attack the polymeric materials of the device according to the invention, thereby reducing the friction between the device and the hair of the helmet wearer.

[0039] In the embodiment with the balloon arranged in the channel of the longitudinally extended means, a certain amount of lubricant can be introduced into the channel with the balloon from the side from which the balloon is expelled, which then exits and spreads out when the balloon is expelled.

[0040] The opening from which the balloon exits, and optionally the lubricant, can preferably be provided with a seal that is destroyed by the use of the device and thus serves as an indicator of non-use or use.

[0041] In this embodiment, the variant of the longitudinally extended means, which has an elliptical or modified elliptical cross-sectional area, is described in more detail below.

[0042] In another embodiment, an elongated sheath, similar to a condom and coated on the outside with a lubricant, is pulled over the balloon and the longitudinally extended element. This elongated sheath facilitates insertion between the head and helmet by reducing friction between the device and the wearer's hair. This variant advantageously eliminates the need to clean the device itself, as it does not require lubrication; only the elongated sheath, which can preferably be designed as a disposable item, needs to be cleaned.

[0043] This covering can consist of a plastic film, such as a polyethylene or polypropylene film, or of an elastic material, such as silicone, latex, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane or polyisopropene.

[0044] In embodiments where the longitudinal element preferably projects into the balloon, the device has at least one opening in the channel. This also includes lateral areas of the longitudinally extended element, allowing air to flow freely into the balloon. This facilitates filling the balloon with air when, in its deflated state after insertion, the balloon is located between the head and the inside of the helmet.

[0045] In another embodiment, the longitudinally extended means can have an elliptical or a modified elliptical cross-sectional area. When inserting the balloon between the head and the helmet, the flattened side of the longitudinally extended means can be guided along the top of the head in this embodiment.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the longitudinally extended means can have at least one further channel in addition to the channel running inside the longitudinally extended means, wherein at least one stiffening element, for example on a fiber-reinforced material, can be inserted into the further channel in order to change the stiffness of the longitudinally extended means in certain areas or over its entire length. The stiffening element can have a stiffness that is equal to or greater than the stiffness of the longitudinally extended means.

[0047] In another embodiment, the longitudinally extended means is angled at the first end in such a way that the first end tapers and thus the balloon cannot be damaged by the edges of the first end of the longitudinally extended element when inserted between the helmet and the head.

[0048] In a further embodiment, a profile cap tapering in one direction can be attached to the longitudinally extended element, such that the non-tapered end of the profile cap is attached to the first end of the longitudinally extended element, preventing damage to the balloon from the edges of the first end of the longitudinally extended element when it is inserted between the helmet and the head. Furthermore, a channel can run inside the profile cap, which is arranged coaxially with the air channel of the longitudinally extended element and connects the longitudinally extended element to the interior of the balloon.

[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the balloon and the longitudinally extended means are made in one piece, wherein only the section forming the balloon, which is positioned on the top of the head between the head and the helmet, is inflatable.

[0050] In this embodiment, the section of the one-piece device that corresponds to the longitudinally extended means in the two-piece version is preferably in the shape of an elliptical cylinder, and the section of the one-piece device that corresponds to the balloon in the two-piece version is in any geometric shape, preferably round, elongated, or pear-shaped; other shapes have already been described above. The section of the one-piece device that corresponds to the balloon in the two-piece version preferably has sufficient strength and wall thickness so that this section does not collapse and / or lose its shape when empty. During inflation with air, the original shape that the section has when empty is retained and merely expanded. A particular advantage of this embodiment is that the individual components (balloon, longitudinally extended means, and optionally the two-piece section) can be assembled without any additional assembly required.The fixing element is eliminated, thus reducing assembly time and eliminating the possibility of faulty assembly, which can lead to leaks.

[0051] Preferably, the longitudinally extended means and the pumping means are connected by one or more connecting elements. In a preferred embodiment, a pump is connected to the longitudinally extended means by means of a ball, bicycle, or car valve. The connecting element preferably has a thread on one end and a conical push-fit connection on the other. The threaded connection can be screwed into a wide variety of pumps, while the push-fit connection can simply be inserted into the longitudinally extended means.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the device, a handle is arranged between the first and second ends, in the region of the second end of the longitudinally extended element. This handle is designed to extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extended element, preventing a hand holding the element from slipping towards the head during use. Alternatively, the longitudinally extended element can be ergonomically shaped in the section where the second end is located. This improves the handling of the longitudinally extended element and also reduces the risk of the hand slipping off it.

[0053] If a CO2 cartridge pump is used as a means of pumping, the CO2 cartridge can preferably be aligned at a right angle to the longitudinally extended center, so that the cartridge can be used as a handle.

[0054] In another embodiment, the longitudinally extended means has an ergonomically designed area near the second end, ensuring better gripping and / or handling of the longitudinally extended means.

[0055] In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, at least one haptically and / or visually perceptible element is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extended means, whereby the insertion depth of the balloon (and the longitudinally extended means) becomes perceptible to the user of the device via its position. This advantageously ensures that the balloon is positioned appropriately above the top of the head before inflation. Preferably, several of these elements can also be arranged one behind the other in a corresponding position to accommodate different helmet or head sizes.

[0056] The device according to the invention is preferably designed, at least partially, in a color that offers the advantage of being highly visible, particularly in darkness, since lighting conditions are usually limited in accident situations. Such a color is preferably a signal color, a fluorescent, a reflective, and / or a phosphorescent color to ensure the visibility of the device, e.g., at night. A selection of the aforementioned colors can also be used to ensure optimal visibility of the device and thus safe handling of the device in a wide variety of situations.

[0057] Furthermore, a method for removing a protective helmet using the steps described above is claimed, comprising the following steps: a. Inserting the first end of the longitudinally extended means, on which the balloon is arranged, between the top of the head and the inside of the helmet, b. until the balloon has been placed in a suitable position on the top of the head, and c. operating the means to inflate the balloon until the helmet is lifted from the head sufficiently to allow it to be removed without force.

[0058] Furthermore, a kit for providing a device according to the invention is claimed, comprising a pumping means, at least one longitudinally extended means with a balloon arranged thereon or therein, wherein the longitudinally extended means is preferably arranged in a disposable package. Otherwise, reference is made to the preceding descriptions of the individual components of the device.

[0059] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show Fig. 1 in a side view of a device according to the invention with an uninflated balloon, Fig. 2 in a side view of a device according to the invention with an inflated balloon, Fig. 3 in a perspective view of a device according to the invention being inserted into a gap between a person's head and the inside of the helmet to be removed, Fig. 4 in a perspective view of a device according to the invention during inflation of the balloon in the gap between a person's head and the inside of the helmet to be removed, Fig. 5 in a perspective detail view of a longitudinally extended means with a stiffening element, Fig. 6 in a perspective detail view of a longitudinally extended means with an internal balloon, and Fig. 7 in a perspective detail view of the longitudinally extended means after Figure 6 with an inflated balloon.

[0060] The device 100 according to the invention for removing a protective helmet, in particular a motorcycle helmet, from a person's head has a longitudinally extended means 10 for introducing a balloon 12 between the inside of the helmet and the top of the person's head. The balloon 12 is arranged at a first end 14 of the longitudinally extended means 10, and the means for pumping air 18 is provided at a second end 16 of the longitudinally extended means 10. The longitudinally extended means 10 is connected by a [missing information] (not shown in all figures). Figures 1-4 The visible opening 20 is inserted into the balloon 12, with the longitudinally extended means 10 being fixed in the region of the non-visible opening 20. The first end 12 of the longitudinally extended means 10 located in the balloon 12 is also connected to the balloon 12 such that the connection is made in the region 22 of the balloon 12 that is opposite the opening 20. Not in the Figures 1 to 4A channel is evident inside the longitudinally extended means 10, connecting the pumping means 18 to the interior of the balloon 12. The longitudinally extended means 10 for inserting the balloon 12 preferably consists of a polymeric material that has sufficient rigidity to allow the balloon 12 to be inserted between the head and helmet, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 depicted, but simultaneously elastic enough to adapt to the shape of the head or the inside of the helmet during insertion. Preferably, the means for pumping air is manually operated. However, according to the invention, electrically or motor-driven air pumps or CO2 cartridge pumps can also be used. As soon as the balloon 12 of the device 100 is completely inserted into the gap, the balloon 12 is inflated. Fig. 4 It is evident that the inflated balloon 12 has largely lifted the helmet away from the head and it can now be removed from the head without force being applied.

[0061] The pumping device 18 is a hand pump of the type known, for example, from blood pressure monitors. These typically have a non-return valve and a release valve, which are also advantageous in the context of this invention.

[0062] Preferably the balloon is elastic, as this advantageously reduces the space required when deflated, thus making it easier to insert between the head and helmet.

[0063] In Figure 5 An elongated element 10 is shown, in which two additional channels 30 run parallel to the channel 24 and into which a stiffening element 28 can be inserted. This is shown with only one additional channel 30, where the stiffening element 28 is not yet fully inserted.

[0064] Figure 6 and 7shows an embodiment of the longitudinally extended element 10 in which a balloon 12 is arranged in the channel 24 ( Fig. 6 ), which is glued to the outlet of channel 24 with that of the elongated element 10. When balloon 12 is inflated, it is expelled from channel 24 and can be used to lift the helmet. Reference symbol list

[0065] device 100 longitudinally extended mean 10 balloon 12 first end 14 second ending 16 Pumping equipment 18 opening 20 channel 24 stiffening element 28 channel 30

Claims

1. Device (100) for lifting a protective helmet, in particular a motorcycle helmet, from a person's head, comprising a longitudinally extended means (10) for inserting an elastic balloon (12) between the inside of the helmet and the top of the person's head, wherein the elastic balloon (12) is arranged at a first end (14) of the longitudinally extended means (10) and the means for pumping air (18) is arranged at a second end (16) of the longitudinally extended means (10) and wherein a channel (24) runs inside the longitudinally extended means (10) which connects the means for pumping air (18) with the interior of the elastic balloon (12).

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the means for pumping air (18) is manually, electrically or by motor, or is a CO2 cartridge pump.

3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pumping means (18) has a check valve and / or a drain valve.

4. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon (12) and the longitudinally extended means (10) are designed as one part.

5. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic balloon (12) has an opening (20) through which the longitudinally extended means (10) projects into the interior of the elastic balloon (12).

6. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic balloon (12) has a reinforcement in a region (22) opposite the opening (20) in which the longitudinally extended means (10) rests.

7. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinally extended means (10) is fixed to the elastic balloon (12) in the region of the opening (20) and preferably in the region opposite the opening (20).

8. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100) is coated with a lubricant.

9. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinally extended means (10) has an elliptical or derived elliptical cross-section or a rectangular cross-section with rounded edges.

10. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein inside the longitudinally extended means (10) in addition to the channel (24) which connects the means for pumping (18) with the interior of the elastic balloon (12), at least one further channel (28) runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extended means (10), wherein at least one stiffening element (26) is inserted in the additional channel (28) inside the longitudinally extended means (10).

11. Device (100) according to claim 17, characterized by the fact thatat the first end (14) of the longitudinally extended means (10) a profile cap (30) is attached, inside of which a channel (24) runs, which connects the longitudinally extended means (10) with the interior of the balloon (12).

12. Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that an element extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extended means (10) is arranged between the first end (14) and the second end (16) of the longitudinally extended means (10).

13. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon (12) is arranged in the channel (24) of the longitudinally extended element (10).

14. Method for removing a protective helmet using a device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: a. Inserting the first end (14) of the longitudinally extended means (10) on which the balloon (12) is arranged between the top of the head and the inside of the helmet, b. until the balloon has been placed in a suitable position on the top of the head, and c. Actuating the means for inflating the balloon (12) until the helmet is lifted from the head to such an extent that it can be removed from the head without force being applied.

15. Kit for providing a device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a pumping means (18), at least one longitudinally extended means (10) with a balloon (12) arranged thereon or therein, wherein the longitudinally extended means (10) is arranged in a disposable package.

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