The invention relates to systems and methods for an improved chincup. More specifically, this invention relates to systems and methods for a chincup comprising additional comfort relief during use.
Several sports and applications require the use of a chincup, including but not limited to American football, lacrosse, hockey, baseball. The purpose of this piece of equipment is dual: protecting the chin against injuries and securing the headgear to the head to hold the associated helmet on the player's head securely, resisting rearward and upward forces to help prevent further injury.
Traditionally, chincups are rigid and uncomfortable. Many players complain about the chincups lack of comfort, and even sometimes report that the outer perimeter of the chincup causes chin abrasions or bruising with continuous wear and/or after receiving impacts.
In one embodiment, the chincup assembly comprising a chincup, chincup padding layer, one or more chin cup straps or chinstraps, one or more sliding fasteners. The chincup having a first opening, a second opening and a relief cut out. The relief cutout being disposed on a region of the chincup, the regions of the chincup comprises a top portion, a bottom portion, a right portion or left portion, and/or any combination thereof. One or more chinstraps are threaded through the each of the first or second openings and extending away from the chincup. Each of the one or more chinstraps having at least two sliding fasteners on the opposed outer ends of the one or more chinstraps. The at least two sliding fasteners allow the one or more chinstrap to be slidably adjustable for tension on the wearers head and be coupled to the protective headgear. The sliding fasteners may include a snap elements, Velcro, quick release mechanism, magnetic mechanism, etc.
In another embodiment, a protective helmet may comprise an improved chincup. The protective helmet may comprise a helmet, a facemask and a chincup assembly. The helmet may comprise an outer shell, an inner shell, an impact mitigation layer. The outer shell having an inner surface; the inner shell having an exterior surface, the inner shell positioned adjacent to the outer shell inner surface; an impact mitigation layer between the outer shell inner surface and the inner shell exterior surface; and a chincup assembly; the chincup assembly comprises a chincup body or shell, a chincup padding, a chinstrap, a sliding fastener, the chincup body having a top or bottom portion and at least one cutout, the at least one cutout disposed on a region of the chincup body. The at least one cutout having a height and a width, the width being at least 2× larger than the height. The impact mitigation layer may comprise at least a portion of various impact mitigation structures, including filaments, laterally supported filaments, chevron or zigzag structures, inflatable air bladders, cones, shock absorbers, shock suspension systems, at least one foam layer, auxetic structures, 3D printed structures, and/or any combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the improved chincup assembly comprises a chincup, an inner padding layer, a chinstrap, and a sliding fastener. The chincup comprises a first opening, a second opening, a post and a relief cutout, the post being disposed in each of the first opening and the second opening; the relief cutout positioned on a region of the shell, the regions of the chincup being a top portion, a bottom portion, a right portion and a left portion, and/or any combination thereof; The inner padding layer having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being positioned within the relief cutout, the second portion being positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the shell, the inner padding layer having a perimeter, at least a portion of the perimeter matches the edge of the chincup, or the at least a portion of the perimeter of the inner padding layer extends beyond the edge of the chincup. The inner padding layer first portion and the second portion comprises a foam material, elastomeric materials or a soft polymer material. The inner padding layer first portion and the inner padding layer second portion comprises the same foam material, an elastomeric material, or a soft polymer material. The inner padding layer first portion and the inner padding layer second portion comprises different foam material, elastomeric material or soft polymer materials. The inner padding layer comprises one or more foam material layers—the one or more foam material layers comprises a single foam material, or comprises two or more material layers.
In another embodiment, the improved chincup assembly comprises a chincup shell, an inner padding layer, relief cutout padding layer, a chinstrap, and a sliding fastener. The chincup shell comprises a first opening, a second opening, a post and a relief cutout, the post being disposed in each of the first opening and the second opening; the relief cutout positioned on a region of the chincup shell, the regions of the chincup shell being a top portion, a bottom portion, a right portion and a left portion, and/or any combination thereof; the relief cutout padding layer, the relief cutout padding layer disposed within the relief cutout; the relief cutout padding layer having an edge, the edge matches or substantially matches with the perimeter of the chincup. Alternatively, the edge is below or extends beyond the perimeter of the chincup. The inner padding layer being positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the shell, the inner padding layer having a perimeter that matches the edge of the chincup, or the perimeter of the inner padding layer extends beyond the edge of the chincup. The inner padding layer and the relief cutout layer comprises a foam material, and elastomeric material or a soft polymer material. The inner padding layer and the relief cutout layer comprises the same foam material, elastomeric material or a soft polymer material. The inner padding layer and the relief cutout layer comprises different foam material, elastomeric material or a soft polymer materials. The inner padding layer and the relief cut out layer comprises one or more foam material layers—the one or more foam material layers comprises a single foam material, or comprises two or more material layers.
In another embodiment, a chincup assembly comprising: a shell, the shell comprises an external surface, an inner surface, and a recessed relief cutout, the relief cutout positioned on a top region of the shell; a first padding layer, the first padding layer comprising a first padding material the first padding layer disposed within the recessed relief cutout; and a second padding layer, the second padding layer comprising a second padding material, the second padding layer being coupled to the inner surface of the shell. The chincup further comprises a chincup strap, a sliding fastener and a connection mechanism. The shell comprising a deformable polymer material. The first padding layer and the second padding layer comprises different materials or the same materials. The first padding layer material comprises an elastic material and the second padding layer comprises a foam material. The chincup shell further comprising a first opening and second opening, the first and second opening spaced apart.
In another embodiment, a chincup assembly comprising: a shell, the shell comprises recessed a relief cutout, the recessed relief cutout positioned on a top region of the shell; and a inner pad layer, the inner pad layer having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being disposed within the recessed relief cutout, the second portion being disposed on an inner surface of the shell. The chincup further comprising a chincup strap, a sliding fastener and a connection mechanism. The chincup further comprising a first opening and second opening, the first and second opening spaced apart. The shell comprising a deformable polymer material. The first portion and the second portion comprise different foam materials. The first portion comprises an elastic material.
In another embodiment, a protective helmet comprising an outer shell, the outer shell having an inner surface; an inner shell, the inner shell having an exterior surface, the inner shell positioned adjacent to the outer shell inner surface; an impact mitigation layer between the outer shell inner surface and the inner shell exterior surface; and a chincup assembly; the chincup assembly comprises a shell, a first pad layer and a second pad layer, the shell including a recessed relief cutout disposed onto a top portion of the shell, the first pad layer being positioned within the recessed relief cutout out; the second pad layer being coupled to an inner surface of the shell. The chincup body further comprises a first opening and a second opening, the first and second opening spaced apart. The chincup assembly further comprising a chincup strap, a sliding fastener and a connection mechanism. The shell comprising a deformable polymer material. The first padding layer and the second padding layer comprises different materials. The second portion comprises a foam material. The first portion comprises an elastic material.
Chincups provide multi-factorial uses. For example, a chincup may be used to hold the associated helmet on the player's head securely, resisting rearward and upward forces but not offering such a high degree of resistance that an injury to the upper neck of the player might occur. Additionally, chincups offer protection to the mandible of a player to help reduce or eliminate common fractures or injuries. However, since traditional chincups are intended for impact protection, the traditional chincups may be sometimes uncomfortable to wear leading to abrasions or non-compliance to wear the chincup.
As a result, the improved chincup or chincup assembly that comprises a comfort relief region. The comfort relief chincup comprises a recess/relief/cutout on the top edge perimeter (or bottom edge perimeter or both) that can be filled with foam or soft polymer such that the top of the chincup to allow it to deform when pressure is applied, such as during an activity or impact, and returns to its original shape after impact (e.g., elastomeric material). The addition of the comfort relief region provides more comfort, support, contouring of the chin shape, rebounding, thus reducing risk of abrasions, bruising or cuts. Furthermore, the comfort relief region will allow a quicker recovery, allowing a quicker rebound and bounce when the impact or pressure is released (e.g., a spring like behavior).
The chincup shell first opening and second opening 204 comprises a post 208. The post 208 may be disposed within the first and second openings 204. The post 208 may be centered within the first and second openings 204. The post 208 having a width and height 218, the height 218 spans the height of the opening, the post width spanning only a portion of the width of the opening. The post 208 having a triangular shape. The post 208 having a non-uniform or uniform shape along the height 218 of the post 208. The chincup shell 220 having a front surface and a back surface. Each of the first opening and second opening 204 extends through the front surface and the back surface of the chincup shell. The chincup shell 220 having an elliptical body with a hemispherical shape. The chincup shell further comprises a plurality of holes 210, the plurality of holes 210 extend through the front surface and the back surface of the chincup shell. The plurality of holes 210 may be used for any fasteners or connection mechanisms. Furthermore, at least a portion the inner padding layer 206 may extend beyond the perimeter of the chincup shell 220, forming a flange 212. The chincup recess or chincup relief cutout 216 can either be filled with the foam padding or by another material, such as a TPU or thermoset part with a size substantially similar to the recess or lining the majority of the inner surface of the chincup and continuing on its top part to fill the recess.
The one or more foam material layers can include polymeric foams, quantum foam, polyethylene foam, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, XPS foam, thermoplastic polyurethane foam (foam rubber), XPS foam, polystyrene, phenolic, memory foam (traditional, open cell, or gel), Ariaprene, impact absorbing foam (e.g., VN600), latex rubber foam, convoluted foam (“egg create foam”), Evlon foam, impact hardening foam, 4.0 Custula comfort foam (open cell low density foam), TPU foam and/or any combination thereof. The at least one foam layer may have an open-cell structure or closed-cell structure. The one or more foam material layers can be further tailored to obtain specific characteristics, such as anti-static, breathable, conductive, hydrophilic, high-tensile, high-tear, controlled elongation, and/or any combination thereof. The one or more foam material layers may have a thickness ranging from 7 mm to 25 mm.
In another embodiment, the chincup 300 comprises a single, continuous padding component (see
The shell 800 comprises a plurality of openings 816 and/or a plurality of holes 814. The plurality of openings 816 and/or a plurality of holes 814 are spaced apart symmetrically or asymmetrically. Accordingly, the plurality of openings 816 and/or the plurality of holes are disposed within a right and left side regions 808 of the shell 800. The plurality of openings 816 extend through from the external surface 818 through the internal surface 822. The plurality of openings may comprise a shape, the shape may include a circle, an oval, a regular polygon or an irregular polygon. The plurality of holes 814 may include a recess, the plurality of holes 814 extend from the external surface 818 through the internal surface 822. The plurality of holes 814 may be sized and configured to receive a connection mechanism for the chinstrap, the connection mechanism includes a rivet, a bolt, a screw, a dowel pin, a quick-release mechanism, and/or any combination thereof.
The shell 800 comprises a recessed relief cutout 812. The recessed cutout 812 may formed from at least one surface of the external surface 818 or the internal surface 822. The recessed cutout 812 is formed from the external surface 818 towards a portion of the internal surface 822. The recessed cutout 812 is formed from the internal surface 822 towards a portion of the both the external surface 818. Alternatively, the recessed cutout 812 may be formed or disposed from the external surface 818 or the internal surface 822. The recessed cutout 812 is formed or disposed from the external surface 818 towards a portion of the internal surface 822 the internal surface 822 towards a portion of the external surface 818. The shell 800 may be solid or hollow. The shell 800 further includes a perimeter 834.
In another embodiment, the shell 800 may comprise a recess cutout 812, the recess cutout 812 is disposed from the top region 802 towards a portion of a bottom region 810, following the contour of the shell 800. The recess cutout 812 comprises a “U” shape, a concave shape, an arched shape, and/or any combination thereof. The recess cutout 812 comprises a width 828 and a height 830. The recess cutout 812 includes a bridge 828. The bridge 826 spans the entire width 828 and height 830. Alternatively, the bridge 826 spans a portion of the width 828 and a portion of the height 830. Also, the bridge 826 spans the width 828 and a portion of the height 830 or does not extend the entire height 826. The recess cutout 812 is sized and configured to receive a bridge 826. The bridge 826 is sized and configured to be disposed within the recess cutout 812. The bridge 826 comprises a first surface 828 and a second surface 832. The bridge 826 includes a plurality of holes 824, the plurality of holes 824 are spaced apart, and offset. At least two of the plurality of holes 824 are axially aligned.
The body 1002 comprises a shape, the shape includes an arched shape, hemispherical shape and/or a concave shape. The body 1002 comprises a first plurality of openings 1006 and a second plurality of openings 1014. The first plurality of openings is 1006 disposed on a side region (right or left side) of the body 1002, the second plurality of openings 1014 is disposed on the opposing side region (right or left side) of the body 2002. The first plurality of openings 1006 is spaced apart from the second plurality of openings 1014. Each of the first plurality of openings 1006 are spaced apart, each of the second plurality of openings 1014 is spaced apart. At least one of the first plurality of openings 1006 and at least one of the second plurality of openings 1014 align with and/or are concentric with the plurality of openings 816 of the shell 800. At least a portion of at least one of the first plurality of openings 1006 and at least a portion of at least one of the second plurality of openings 1014 align with and/or are concentric with the plurality of openings 816 of the shell 800.
The body 1002 comprises a first surface or external surface 1008 and a second surface or internal surface 1010. The internal surface or second surface 1010 comprises a plurality of channels 1012. The plurality of channels 1012 are oriented at different angles. The different angles comprise a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees, or 30 to 90 degrees. At least a portion of the external surface or first surface 1008 is coupled to a portion of the internal surface 822 of the shell 800. At least a portion of the of the external surface or first surface 1008 is coupled to a portion of the relief cutout padding layer or a first padding layer 900.
In another embodiment, a chincup comprising: a shell, the shell having comprises a first opening, a second opening, a post and a relief cutout, the post being disposed in each of the first opening and the second opening; the relief cutout positioned on a region of the shell; a relief cutout padding layer, the relief cutout padding layer disposed within the relief cutout; and a inner pad layer, the pad layer being positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the shell. The chincup further comprising a chincup strap, a sliding fastener and a connection mechanism. The chincup strap comprising an elastic material. The shell comprising a polymer material. The inner pad layer or the relief cutout padding layer comprising a foam material. The inner pad layer and the relief cutout padding layer comprising a foam material. The inner pad layer foam material and the relief cut out padding layer foam material comprises different foam materials. The inner pad layer foam material and the relief cut out padding layer foam material comprises the same foam materials. The region comprises a top portion of the shell, and/or the region comprises a bottom portion or side portion.
In another embodiment, a chincup comprising: a shell, the shell comprises a first opening, a second opening, a post and a relief cutout, the post being disposed in each of the first opening and the second opening; the relief cutout positioned on a region of the shell; and a inner pad layer, the pad layer having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being disposed within the relief cutout, the second portion being disposed on an inner surface of the shell. The chincup further comprising a chincup strap, a sliding fastener and a connection mechanism. The chincup strap comprising an elastic material. The shell comprising a polymer material. The first portion or the second portion comprising a foam material. The first portion and the second portion comprising a foam material. The first portion foam material and the second portion foam material comprises different foam materials. The first portion foam material and the second portion foam material comprises the same foam materials. The region comprises a top portion of the shell, and/or the region comprises a bottom portion or a side portion of the shell.
In another embodiment, a protective helmet comprising: an outer shell, the outer shell having an inner surface; an inner shell, the inner shell having an exterior surface, the inner shell positioned adjacent to the outer shell inner surface; an impact mitigation layer between the outer shell inner surface and the inner shell exterior surface; and a chincup assembly; the chincup assembly comprises a chincup body, a chincup padding, a chinstrap, a sliding fastener, and a connection mechanism, the chincup body having a top or bottom portion and at least one cutout, the at least one cutout disposed on a region of the chincup body. The chincup body further comprises a first opening and a second opening. The chincup body further comprises a post, the post positioned within each of the first and second opening. The chincup padding comprises a one or more foam layers. The chincup padding comprises a first portion and a second portion. The chincup padding first portion disposed within the at least one cutout, and the second portion disposed on an inner surface of the chincup body. The region comprises a top portion of the shell. The region comprises a bottom portion or a side portion of the shell.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/916,134 entitled “Advanced Comfort Chincup,” filed Oct. 16, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62916134 | Oct 2019 | US |