Patent Application
20200221804
The invention generally relates to protective headwear and gear, such as padding, body armor, etc.
Various activities, such as non-contact sports, and in particular the sports of soccer, rugby, and basketball, etc., do not require the use of helmets, and yet incur concussive forces relating to impacts with other players, heading the soccer ball, impacts with elbows, knees, the ground and so forth and recent attempts to protect participants from impact injuries to their heads and necks, etc. due to the repetitive and severe impacts forces that may be sustained during such activities. Accordingly, a need exists for a solution in safety headwear that helps solve the problems discussed above.
Various improvements over the recent years have been made to the assorted components of headwear including headbands and skull caps, however, in general, the impact dissipation and energy attenuation is solely addressed by material science only.
Since a player wears headwear, i.e. a headband for a considerable period of time during practices and games, it would be desirable to minimize the weight of the headband or skull cap, while not sacrificing sufficient protection. It would be desirable if the size and thickness profile of the headband or skull cap could be reduced, thereby reducing the overall profile and weight of the headband or skull cap, plus improve the energy attenuation with these and other limitations that are overcome by the current invention.
Protective headwear, including headbands and skull caps are used and have primarily one element for function, or one function, which is for protecting the wearer from impacts from players, balls, the ground or other objects, etc. Manufacturers' headbands typically cover some portion, or the entire forehead, and skull caps cover all of the crown of the head down to covering all or a major portion of the forehead. Current headbands in use today cover the majority of the forehead in soccer.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an article of headwear that includes at least a first bladder member that defines a bladder interior that includes a non-Newtonian fluid disposed therein, and a fabric member that surrounds the first bladder member. The fabric member includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer is configured to be positioned adjacent a wearer's head when the article of headwear is worn. In a preferred embodiment, the bladder member includes a plurality of cells defined therein, and each cell includes the non-Newtonian fluid disposed therein. Preferably, each cell has a honeycomb shape. However, the cells can be columnar or other shape as well. In a preferred embodiment, each cell defines a cell axis that is oriented generally perpendicular to the inner surface. In other words, the cell axis is perpendicular when the article of headwear is laid our flat and there are no wrinkles or other variations in the fabric or bladder member.
In a preferred embodiment, the article of headwear is a cylindrical headband. In another embodiment the article of headwear is a skull cap. In a preferred embodiment, the article of headwear includes a plurality of bladder members that are enclosed in a plurality of pockets. The pockets can be defined by securing the inner and outer layers of the fabric member together or the pockets can be formed by separate fabric members that are secured together to form the article of headwear. In an embodiment, the article of headwear can include a coil system or a plurality of coil members that are disposed in the bladder interior and within the non-Newtonian fluid or separate from the non-Newtonian fluid, but in addition to the non-Newtonian fluid. For example, the non-Newtonian fluid can be in a bladder and the coils can be in a separate portion of the article of headwear.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided an article of headwear that includes at least a first bladder member that defines a bladder interior, a fabric member and a foam layer or member. The bladder is made of a polymer and includes a plurality of cells defined therein. A non-Newtonian fluid is disposed in each of the cells and each cell has a honeycomb shape and defines a cell axis. The fabric member surrounds the first bladder member (defines a fabric member interior) and includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer is configured to be positioned adjacent a wearer's head when the article of headwear is worn. The inner layer of the fabric layer defines an inner surface, and the cell axes are oriented generally perpendicular to the inner surface. The foam layer is positioned between the outer layer of the fabric member and the bladder member.
The current invention is an advanced sports safety headwear technology system and apparatus that is designed to protect the head from injury resulting from sports and other impacts. The current invention is designed to dissipate and energy attenuate impact energy force in which linear and rotational acceleration result from the impact force.
The current invention, as a protective sports safety headband and skull cap, may include a force attenuating reinforcement layer or layers, or matrix of honeycomb or in any combination or layers as needed in the protective headband or skull cap suspended in a non-Newtonian fluid contained within the headband having an outer surface, an inner surface, a front region, a rear region, and two side regions, and with the skull cap force attenuating reinforcement matrix of honeycomb in any combination or layers suspended in a non-Newtonian fluid contained within the skull cap having an outer surface, an inner surface, a front region, a rear region, two side regions, and a crown or top region.
The current invention further comprises an improved reinforcement force attenuating non-Newtonian fluid for use in a variety of advanced sports safety headbands or skull caps. In one embodiment, the present invention encompasses a wide variety of force attenuating fluid(s) as stated herein that are articulated so that the displacement of impacts results in a force component outside the impact axis of the impact of the advanced sports safety headwear or skull cap. In another embodiment, the present invention encompasses a matrix of honeycomb suspended in a non-Newtonian fluid, which encompasses a wide variety of force attenuating fluid(s) as stated herein that are articulated so that the displacement of impacts results in a force component outside the impact axis of the impact of the advanced sports safety headwear or skull cap. The impact force attenuating matrix of honeycomb suspended in non-Newtonian fluid, or non-Newtonian fluid can be incorporated into a wide variety of advanced sports safety headbands or skull caps of a variety of sizes and configurations to produce impact reduction and/or other advantages.
The current invention further comprises an improved head protection system for use of dilitants, shear thickening fluids (STF) or non-Newtonian fluid(s) used in head and other protection devices, taking into account the content, consistency, and properties of the fluid(s) and use with impact force. The non-Newtonian fluid(s) transition to act, due to the nature and properties of the non-Newtonian Fluid, as a hard helmet shell at the point of impact, otherwise the fluid(s) remain naturally in a suspended or fluid state. Non-Newtonian fluids do not undergo strain rates proportional to the applied shear stress. The rheology of a colloidal PEG-based shear thickening fluid emulsified with silicone oil is one potential option, as taught in US Patent Publication number 2006/0234572 the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, where a shear thickening response is observed in the viscosity-shear rate curves for volume fractions as low as 10% of the STF in the silicone emulsion, which might be one fluid solution.
Dilatancy in a colloid, or its ability to order in the presence of shear forces is dependent on the ratio of interparticle forces. As long as interparticle forces, such as Van der Waals forces dominate, which is the sum of the attractive or repulsive forces between molecules, the suspended particles remain in ordered layers. However, once shear forces dominate, particles enter a state of flocculation and are no longer held in suspension; they begin to behave like a solid. When the shear forces are removed, the particles spread apart and once again form a stable suspension.
In the current invention the fluid flows and their directions, combined with the energy flows coincide due to the nature of fluid flows not being generic in the design of the current invention, in other words not being a straight parallel flow from point A to B, such as in a tube or box with boundaries, but with boundary conditions leading to radial flows. When using the Navier-Stokes equations, the modeling must address multiple distributions, ranging from as simple as the distribution of static pressure to as complicated as multiphase flow driven by surface tension, or in the case of the impact force of the current invention, which could include both parallel linear and radial flows.
Difficulties may arise when the problem becomes slightly more complicated. A seemingly modest twist on the parallel flow discussed above would be the radial flow between parallel plates; this involves convection and thus non-linearity.
The current invention further comprises the energy flows from compression into rarefaction into the non-Newtonian fluid at the point of incident or impact, i.e., at the point of compression. The contact mechanics is contact between two elastic bodies cylindrical and oval shaped, with soft elastic exteriors, and with the flows spreading into the honeycomb at the point of impact and where the non-Newtonian fluid solidifies, or spreads into the non-Newtonian fluid at the point of impact where the non-Newtonian fluid solidifies. The energy flows naturally would radiate outwardly into the headband or skull cap visa vie a radial. The shear thickening fluid forms at the point of impact coupled with the matrix of honeycomb to linearly and non-linearly at least in the tangential or shear direction to mitigate angular acceleration of the head during an impact. It will be appreciated that the term non-Newtonian fluid is used to refer to all the non-Newtonian fluids, shear thickening fluids and dilitants discussed herein.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a method and apparatus, which can inexpensively and efficiently manufacture attenuating reinforcement inside headwear including headbands and skull cap(s) in high volume with a specifiable range of design of reinforcement(s) having enhanced impact control characteristics and stress dissipation as needed. Previously unavailable shock, reduction, displacement, energy attenuation addressing small to great impact forces, which improves overall safety performances for safety helmets and headwear/gear protection in general, and more specifically soccer headbands and skull caps. It may be appreciated that there is less weight/mass, reduction in motion transfer, and improved stress directing and transfer
The coil system encompasses a multidimensional, annular forcement structural ring system that represents many varied and diverse annular components and methods of synergistic reinforcements from a wide variety of helmets composites employing new innovative methods and apparatuses, such as rings, curves, loops, turns, coils, spirals, helices, polyhedrons, grid works, meshes and weaves that provide annular strengthening functions. Tests conclude the system works for g-force reduction, reduction in the Severity Index, or “SI,” as well as reduction in the Head Injury Criterion index, or “HIC” using the NOCSAE Drop System for linear impact/force. U.S. Pat. No. 9,314,060 (the “'060 patent”) is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a non-Newtonian fluid that comprises corn starch and non-toxic antifreeze encased in a plastic sleeve, which is surrounded by lightweight foam and outer fabric (e.g., a wicking material). Any non-toxic antifreeze is within the scope of the present invention. For example, propylene glycol is considerably less toxic than ethylene glycol and may be labeled as “non-toxic antifreeze.” It is used as antifreeze where ethylene glycol may be inappropriate, such as in food-processing systems or in water pipes in homes where incidental ingestion may be possible. For example, the U.S. FDA allows propylene glycol to be added to a large number of processed foods, including ice cream, frozen custard, salad dressings, and baked goods, and it is commonly used as the main ingredient in the “e-liquid” used in electronic cigarettes. Propylene glycol oxidizes to lactic acid.
The current invention further comprises an improved mechanism to protect soccer players using the combination of the matrix of honeycomb suspended in the non-Newtonian fluid(s) in a soft, wicking lightweight advanced sports safety headband or skull cap. A breathable wicking material with an inner layer or closed/sealed tube or bladder made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material to contain and maintain the shear thickening fluid, or STF locked within the inner layer in a permanently enclosed environment. Polyolefins are unsaturated hydrocarbons extracted from petroleum or natural gas. A non-Newtonian shear thickening fluid has a viscosity of a shear thickening fluid, or dilatant fluid that appears to increase when the shear rate or impact force increases. Corn starch dissolved in water (“oobleck”) is a common example: when stirred slowly it looks milky, when stirred vigorously it feels like a very viscous liquid. The shear thickening fluid could alternatively be a surfactant solution, such as Dawn dish soap, which has been shown in the literature to clearly exhibit a shear thickening transition, or any fluid which exhibits an increase in viscosity with increasing applied shear stress or shear rate. In a non-Newtonian fluid, the relation between the shear stress and the shear rate is different and can even be time-dependent (time dependent viscosity). Therefore, a constant coefficient of viscosity cannot be defined.
Since the application of the current invention may not be working with hard exterior materials, but with soft encapsulating materials with which to hold the shear thickening non-Newtonian fluid one key in working with fluid mechanics is the study of fluids (liquids, gases, and plasmas) and the forces on them with the changes that occur with force on non-Newtonian Fluids, or hydrodynamics (the study of liquids in motion), and the physics of continuous materials, which deform when subjected to a force. Fluid statics, the study of fluids at rest; and fluid dynamics, the study of the effect of forces on fluid motion, and the constitution of the shear thickening fluid composite selected may be using corn starch with non-toxic anti-freeze. The current invention shall consider weight of the shear thickening fluids, as well as the composition where the viscosity increases with shear rate, and at high shear rates instantly transforms into a material with solid-like properties and reverses itself just as quickly once the incident of impact force or shear rate is substantially reduced by energy attenuation through the honeycomb, as well as the incident of impact force or shear rate is substantially reduced by energy attenuation through what is naturally inherent in the dilitant fluid already tested, and what is selected.
The current invention may hold a static mass inside as well as outside, or the two masses, the headband or skull cap and the fluid may remain constant. The conservation of mass is in relationship to the hard shell counterparts, and the density of the fluid may remain constant. The current invention may also address the viscosity of the fluid, which is a constant of proportionality between the viscous stress tensor and the velocity gradient, or the viscosity. Non-Newtonian fluids do not undergo strain rates proportional to the applied shear stress, and non-Newtonian fluids viscoelastic, which the current invention addresses.
Viscoelasticity is the property of materials that exhibit both viscous and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation. Viscous materials, like honey, resist shear flow and strain linearly with time when a stress is applied. Elastic materials strain when stretched and quickly return to their original state once the stress is removed. Viscoelastic materials have elements of both of these properties and, as such, exhibit time-dependent strain. Whereas elasticity is usually the result of bond stretching along crystallographic planes in an ordered solid, viscosity is the result of the diffusion of atoms or molecules inside an amorphous material.
Within the scope of this invention, the shear thickening fluid may contain corn starch with a non-toxic antifreeze and/or water, as well as the shear thickening fluid may contain concentrated dispersions of microscopic particulates within a fluid medium that exhibit an increase in viscosity with increasing applied stress. Particles may be of any solid material, including spherical amorphous silica such as that produced via Stober type synthesis, synthetic inorganic particles synthesized via solution precipitation processes such as precipitated calcium carbonate, or synthesized by gel-sol techniques (hematite, TiO2), or fumed silica, or carbon black. Natural inorganic particulates, such as montorillonite and kaolin clays can be dispersed in solvents and have been shown to exhibit shear thickening behavior. Ground mineral powders, such as quartz, calcite, talcs, gypsum, mica can be dispersed in liquid mediums and exhibit shear thickening behavior.
One embodiment of the invention relates to shear thickening fluids incorporated into a second fluid medium exhibit rheological behavior indicating their ability to impart improved energy dissipative capabilities to composites. One embodiment of the invention may include a matrix of honeycomb to the present invention that may support the headwear's ability to dissipate and energy attenuate impact force, which may be suspended in the STF. Honeycomb materials may be fabricated from a number of advanced materials available today.
The following synopsis represents a summary of aspects of the invention to provide a basic understanding of the invention, and the purpose of the invention. This summary is just that to provide an overview of the invention, and is not intended to identify all key critical elements of the invention, or to define/describe the scope, capacity or opportunity of the invention. The summary simply provides some concepts of the invention in a general form, as an introduction to the comprehensive description outlined below.
Aspects of the invention pertain to head members and head full crown receiving devices, such as a headband or skull cap system(s) (i.e. headbands and skull caps already manufactured principally to either provide warmth to the head, some shock resistance, and/or wick moisture away from the wearer for users for athletics, and any other daily use where protection from the weather is required), which includes a headband member, a crown member, which both respectively are complete units, engaged as a single or double layered moisture wicking system where the outer layer may contain a thin layer of foam, and/or honeycomb. The headband or skull cap member(s) may include an enclosed plastic or flexible polymer system with a cavity to house or contain non-Newtonian fluid(s), which may include and house or contain the matrix of honeycomb contained therein. The headband member and skull cap member may also include or define a cavity or void to house or hold the matrix of honeycomb energy dissipation and attenuation device. The headband or skull cap member(s) may also include or define a cavity, void or pocket receiving device to house or hold the matrix of honeycomb where it is attached at certain points while suspended in the non-Newtonian fluid. The matrix of honeycomb may be suspended and floating within the headband or skull cap member(s) in the non-Newtonian fluid without any attachments at certain points. The headband or skull cap may also include coils suspended in the non-Newtonian fluid or just outside.
In accordance with the present invention embodiment, the apparatus comprises head protection in the form of a headband, and the headband comprises a multi-layered sidewall, front-wall, and back-wall, and defines an opening for a head of a wearer. The multi-layered wall(s) of the headband comprise an outer fabric layer that may contain a very thin layer of foam, and/or honeycomb, and an inner layer positioned proximate to the outer fabric layer. The skull cap comprises a multi-layered sidewall, front-wall, back-wall, and also comprises a multi-layered crown, crown area, top wall or panel. The multi-layered sidewall extends from multi-layered top wall or panel as one contiguous unit, and defines an opening for a head of a user or wearer. The headband and the skull cap are stretchable between a relaxed relationship and an expanded relationship when placed upon the head of a wearer.
In accordance with another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a headband having a longitudinal axis. The headband also comprises a sidewall extending circumferentially about the longitudinal axis. The sidewall comprises an outer wicking stretchable fabric layer that may contain a very thin layer of foam, an inner layer that is a closed/sealed tube or bladder made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material attached to the outer stretchable fabric layer, where the inner layer defines a cavity, void or pocket receiving device to house or hold the matrix of honeycomb where it may be attached at certain points while suspended in the non-Newtonian fluid. The matrix of honeycomb may be suspended and floating within the headband or skull cap member(s) in the non-Newtonian fluid without any attachments at certain points, or the non-Newtonian fluid may be suspended and sealed within the honeycomb cavities. The inner layer also comprises a layer positioned within the outer layer, the inner layer having a full circumference surface, where it is circumferentially spaced in relationship to the outer layer. The inner layer has a top edge surface, a bottom edge surface and a circumference sidewall surface to define a cavity, void, pocket there between.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, the apparatus is to be worn by a user independent of a hard surface helmet shell, and the current invention comprises stand-alone head protection headwear in the form of a headband or skull cap to be worn by the users or wearer when participating in sports. The headband or skull cap comprise a wicking stretchable outer fabric layer that may contain a very thin layer of foam, an inner layer where the inner layer defines a cavity, void or pocket receiving device housing the non-Newtonian Fluid and the matrix of honeycomb. The stretchable outer fabric layer is configured to contact and generally conform to a head of a wearer when worn by a user or wearer, in conjunction with the inner layer containing the non-Newtonian fluid and the suspended matrix of honeycomb to dissipate and energy attenuate an impact force as applied to the head protection.
Additional aspects of the invention relate to sample methods for providing body protection using a non-Newtonian fluid with the matrix of honeycomb suspended in the fluid contained within the body protection with designed individual cavities. Such methods may include athletic vests, body armor, body padding, etc., as receiving members.
Aspects of the invention pertain to outer and inner layers or members, non-Newtonian fluid, matrix of honeycomb member, receiving devices, such as a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system/member and apparatus, which may include a headband or skull cap, which includes a headband member with an outer layer member that may contain a very thin layer of foam, and/or honeycomb, an inner layer member, a non-Newtonian fluid, and may contain a matrix of honeycomb member, which are all engaged with each other as one complete unit, engaged as a head protection system.
A disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system and apparatus that is designed to protect the head from injury including a headband or skull cap which includes a force attenuating reinforcement matrix of honeycomb layer or layers or in any combination or layers as needed in the protective headband or skull cap suspended in a non-Newtonian fluid contained within the headband having an outer surface, an inner surface, a front region, a rear region, and two side regions, and with the skull cap force attenuating reinforcement layer or layers from the protective skull cap in a variety of material(s) or in any combination or layers suspended in a non-Newtonian fluid contained within the skull cap having an outer surface, an inner surface, a front region, a rear region, two side regions, and a crown or top region.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a headwear headband protection device comprising: a multi-layered sidewall, frontwall, backwall, the multi-layered wall(s) comprising: a stretchable fabric layer, the stretchable fabric layer comprising an outer fabric layer, which may contain a very thin layer of foam. The inner layer cooperating to define a pocket, and the inner layer cavity or pocket may contain the matrix of honeycomb and the non-Newtonian fluid. Both the inner layer and the outer layers preferably form a substantially cylindrical shape, and the substantially cylindrical shape defines a circular opening for a head of a wearer; and the side layer is substantially rectangular and extends circumferentially about the head, the side layer comprising a first surface, a second side surface, a front surface, and a back surface, and wherein the first side surface and the second side surface are connected by the top surface and the bottom surface. The first surface material extends continuously and circumferentially about the head. The matrix of honeycomb and the non-Newtonian fluid are contained continuously and circumferentially about or around the users or wearers head.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a headwear skull cap protection device comprising: a multi-layered sidewall, frontwall, backwall, top or crown wall or layer, the multi-layered wall(s), a that includes an outer fabric layer that may contain a thin layer of foam, and/or honeycomb. The inner layer cooperating to define a pocket and the inner layer cavity or pocket may contain the matrix of honeycomb and the non-Newtonian fluid. The multi-layers form a substantially cylindrical shape, and the substantially bowl shape defines a circular opening at the base of the side walls for a head of a wearer and the side layer is substantially rectangular and extends circumferentially about the head, the side layer comprising a first surface, a second side surface, a front surface, and a back surface. The first side surface and the second side surface are connected by the bottom surface, and the these side surfaces are connected to the top or crown surface circumferentially around the head. The first surface material extends continuously and circumferentially about the head. The matrix of honeycomb and the non-Newtonian fluid are contained continuously and circumferentially from the crown down to the base of the circumferential side walls about or around the users or wearers head.
In a preferred embodiment, the inner layer may contain one or more matrix of honeycomb designed to dissipate and energy attenuate impact force at the point of compression in the headwear member and/or a dilitant, shear thickening fluid, or non-Newtonian fluid taking into account the content, consistency, and properties of the fluid(s) and use with impact force. The non-Newtonian fluid(s) transition to act, due to the nature and properties of the non-Newtonian Fluid, as a hard helmet shell at the point of impact, otherwise the fluid(s) remain naturally in a suspended or fluid state.
In a preferred embodiment, the matrix of honeycomb may be suspended within the non-Newtonian fluid contained in the inner layer, and there may be periodic attachments to the inner layer of the coils. Preferably, the coils are suspended and the energy transfer occurs at the point of compression, or impact, and where the STF whose viscosity increases with shear rate, including discontinuous STF's where at high shear rates transform into a material with solid-like properties, wherein the energy is transferred into the non-Newtonian fluid.
In a preferred embodiment, the headwear in the headband and the skull cap are stretchable between a relaxed relationship and an expanded relationship upon placement on a head of a wearer, and the stretchable outer fabric layer delivers a stretch and relax compressive and expansive force to maintain placement and removal from the head of the wearer. Preferably, both the headband and the skull cap may include a thin layer of foam, a bladder containing the non-Newtonian fluid and/or honeycomb that may be attached to the outer wicking layer comprising a top wicking and padding layer with a possible thin layer of foam, and/or honeycomb. At least a portion of the outer layer sidewall of the headband may contain the foam, bladder with non-Newtonian fluid and/or honeycomb, and at least a portion of the outer layer sidewall extending up to the crown of the skull cap contains the foam. The outer layer may contain a thin layer of foam. Preferably, the crown of the skull cap is relaxed like soft material when the headwear is not worn, and is convex-shaped when the skull cap is placed on the wearer's head. Preferably, at least a portion of the headwear uses material such as a breathable, wicking and non-stick or slippery material.
In a preferred embodiment, the outer layer, the inner layer, and the foam, a bladder containing the non-Newtonian fluid, and/or honeycomb that may be attached to the outer layer are stitched or sewn at the outer edges of the sidewalls, and wherein at least a portion of the crown may be stitched, glued, heat sealed, or sewn to at least a portion of the sidewall. Preferably, the inner and outer layers are attached via stitched, glued, heat sealed, sewn, or using some other method of attachment.
Additional aspects of the invention relate to sample methods for providing body protection using an outer layer member, and inner layer member, a non-Newtonian fluid, and may contain a matrix of honeycomb. Such methods may include athletic vests, other protective wear, etc., as receiving members.
The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.
It may be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.
Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, may control.
It may be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” “aft,” “forward,” “inboard,” “outboard” and “below” used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.
The invention generally relates to safety headwear, such as for activities and sports including, but not limited to soccer, rugby, and basketball, and further includes, other sports requiring some form of head protection, but not with a hard or solid helmet shell comprised of materials science such as Polycarbonate, ABS, Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass, and more. The invention also generally relates to protective gear, such as padding, body armor, etc. This invention relates generally to a disposable headwear protection system designed to protect the human head from injury resulting from sports impacts where helmets are not typically worn. Soccer and basketball are two non-contact sports that do suffer from concussions, in which acceleration, angular, rotational, linear with possible extension or flexion motion resulting from an impact force that calls for or requires protection for the head.
The method of the present invention embodies an inherent system contained in a breathable wicking material with an inner layer, or closed/sealed tube made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material to contain and maintain the shear thickening fluid locked within the inner layer in a permanently enclosed environment. The present invention may also include and contained within the closed/sealed tube with the non-Newtonian fluid the matrix of honeycomb that dissipates and energy attenuates impact force from an impact or contact of the headband or skull cap using the non-Newtonian fluid as an energy attenuation mechanism, as well as the non-Newtonian combined with the matrix of honeycomb to dissipate and energy attenuate impact force. The present invention also includes the coil system matrix and/or honeycomb that is contained/enclosed within the interior closed/sealed tube made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material to contain and maintain the shear thickening fluid along with the matrix of honeycomb, which is suspended in the STF of the headwear or skull cap resulting in energy attenuation of the impact force of the protective headwear/headband or skull cap. The present invention also includes in the headband or skull cap system breathable double fabric knit as the exterior/outer layer that also may include a very thin layer of foam (e.g., a high density open cell urethane foam, a microcellular ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polyethylene foam, etc.), and/or honeycomb, of the headband or skull cap. The matrix of honeycomb specific energy dissipating and energy attenuating characteristics addresses impact points on the head, whereby the non-Newtonian fluid thickening properties at impact, or point of compression allows the soft materials and fluids to behave like a hard helmet shell, and the transfer of impact force at the point of compression into the non-Newtonian fluids, and the combination of the non-Newtonian fluids with the matrix of honeycomb through rarefaction is enabled by the headband or skull cap(s) to act as properties as a hard exterior/outer shell. The STF fluid may also return to its fluid or liquid state post the impact, and may act or behave the same with each repeated impact. The present invention is a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system and apparatus that is designed to protect the head from injury resulting from sports and other impacts using an outer layer of wicking material that may contain a very thin layer of foam, a bladder containing the non-Newtonian fluid, and/or honeycomb, with an inner layer using a polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material to contain and maintain the shear thickening fluid, or STF, a matrix of honeycomb contained within/suspended in the STF to dissipate and energy attenuate the impact force resulting from contact at the point of compression in a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system.
The method embodies a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system that is activated by the impact force on the a bladder containing the non-Newtonian fluid, and/or the matrix of honeycomb suspended in the non-Newtonian or STF fluid, or the non-Newtonian fluid is suspended within each honeycomb cell/cavity contained within the inner layer of the headband or skull cap system resulting in dissipation and energy attenuation of the impact force at the point of impact, or compression.
The present invention looks at a head protective device for protection from impact-based injuries, especially relating to sports activities, is provided by a fabric or wicking outer material/element/member, or garment, with an inner enclosed plastic or flexible polymer system with a cavity to house or contain non-Newtonian fluid(s), which may include and house or contain the matrix of honeycomb contained therein. The matrix of honeycomb is suspended in the non-Newtonian fluid or shear thickening fluid, which is strategically provided in the entire headband or skull cap member(s) within the inner layer of the headband outer material/element/member or garment worn for protecting the human head from injuries related to impact during sports or athletic activities.
The matrix of honeycomb may be continuously linked as a contiguous one-piece, which are designed to transfer and dissipate the impact energy waveforms from small to significant impacts, utilizing significantly lighter and stronger materials.
The present inventions “matrix of honeycomb” and its ability to dissipate and energy attenuate impact force whether it is resulting from linear acceleration, angular acceleration, or rotational acceleration coupled with the characteristics of non-Newtonian or shear thickening fluid to harden at the moment and point of impact may apply to, but not be limited to: headbands/headwear including skull caps worn by human wearers, contact with other humans not wearing headwear, and impact with other parts of the human body, such as, but not limited to: legs, shoulders, elbows, hands, wrists, knees, feet, ankles, shoes worn by the human, hips, and other body parts and the like, plus the impact force may be sensed from contact whether it is from a contact surface, such as, but not limited to: the ground consisting of grass, dirt, man-made turf, such as astro turf, or synthetic turf used instead of grass, snow, ice, asphalt, clay, concrete, other surfaces including the ball, and the like.
The disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system/member and apparatus that is designed to protect the head from injury resulting from sports and other impacts may exhibit a layered configuration that includes a soft comfortable exterior layer of wicking material that may contain a very thin layer of foam, and/or honeycomb, a strong, pliable and inner layer with durable enclosed system (formed out of some polymer, such as flexible plastic, including, but not limited to polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material), where the present invention may also/may also include and contain within the closed/sealed tube the non-Newtonian fluid along with the matrix of honeycomb. In another embodiment, coils, similar to those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 9,314,060 can be used in place of or in conjunction with the matrix of honeycomb.
The present invention preferably has an outer layer attached to the inner layer at the top and bottom of the headband, which may be constructed using stitching or sewing, sealants or adhesives, heat sealing, cements, glues, fusing techniques, and other materials or techniques not listed, or a combination thereof, and potentially throughout the headband with the non-Newtonian or STF fluid system contained and sealed therein and contained within the inner layer or bladder system. The matrix of honeycomb is preferably sealed in the inner layer, and suspended in the non-Newtonian fluid, or the non-Newtonian fluid is suspended within each of the honeycomb cells/cavities and sealed. The matrix of honeycomb or bladder system may be attached at certain points of the top and bottom of the headband using stitching or sewing, sealants or adhesives, heat sealing, cements, glues, fusing techniques, and other materials or techniques not listed. Suitable flexible yet resilient plastics used for the inner sealed layer system using polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material polyethylene, and review of use of polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polytetrafluoroethylene that is flexible, but durable for holding shape under impact conditions, excessive heat conditions, not losing its strength or shape with impact force. The non-Newtonian Fluid or STF can be comprised of corn starch and non-toxic anti-freeze, or a simple dilitant, such as cornstarch in water, or non-Newtonian fluids that exhibit viscoelatic properties, so long as the capacity of materials exhibit preferably both viscous and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation under the resultant of pound force of compressive pressure from impact force to the human head. The exterior or outer layer that may contain a very thin layer of foam, and/or honeycomb, an inner durable plastic layer, non-Newtonian fluid, matrix of honeycomb may be joined to one another in various different methods, such as mechanical connectors, stitching or sewing, adhesives, cements, glues, fusing techniques, and other materials or techniques not listed.
The following description includes various examples of the invention, which are referenced and reference is made to the associated drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration example systems. Also, the following description includes various examples of the invention, which are referenced and reference is made to the associated drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration example environments and usage the invention may be employed. It is to be stated that other configurations, usages, aspects of use, parts, portions, example systems may be used and structural and functional modifications or alterations may be made without taking leave from the scope of the present invention. Terms, such as “around,” “through,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “above,” “below,” “underneath,” “over,” “clear,” “transparent,” “inner,” “outer,” “matrix,” “fluids,” “soft,” “wicking,” “single,” “double,” “viscosity,” “dissipate,” “energy attenuate,” “force,” “impact,” “linear,” “rotational,” “angular,” “acceleration,” “honeycomb,” “cells,” etc. may be used to describe the invention, and the various examples, and example aspects, facets, features, elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of descriptors and for practicality and expediency based upon the example orientations as shown in the illustrations. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention.
General Description of the disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system/member and apparatus receiving devices including: A disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system/member and apparatus designed to protect the human head from injury resulting from sports impacts with a non-Newtonian fluid or STF also with a bladder system and/or with a matrix of honeycomb in which linear acceleration, angular, and/or rotational acceleration, deceleration or velocity resulting from an impact force requires deployment of an apparatus protection device at the point of impact or compression. The method embodies a non-Newtonian fluid containing the matrix of honeycomb that is deployed or engaged with resulting impact force on the headwear including, but not limited to a headband, or skull cap using the dilitant capabilities of a non-Newtonian fluid coupled with the matrix of honeycomb resulting in dissipation and energy attenuation via the non-Newtonian fluid with or without the matrix of honeycomb of the impact force incurred at the point of compression using the protective capability of matrix of honeycomb contained in the non-Newtonian fluid. The non-Newtonian fluid acts as fluid dilitant that is lightweight, but has the properties to immediately convert to a solid substance at the point of impact resulting from the impact force. The dilitant fluid immediately relaxes once the pressure is released with the transfer of the impact energy force into the matrix of honeycomb. The properties of the non-Newtonian fluid of the present invention also address outside air temperature fluctuations and may accommodate temperature ranges below freezing and above 100°.
Some aspects of the present invention relate generally to headwear systems, to non-Newtonian properties, to protective equipment for safety in sports, and other uses. Preferably, the advanced sports safety technology headwear system fits on the wearer's head. The non-Newtonian fluid may occupy one or more placements within the headband portion of the disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system. The matrix of honeycomb may occupy one or more placements within the headband portion of the disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system. The suspended matrix of honeycomb may occupy one or more placements within the headband or skull cap portion of the headwear system. The inner layer, or closed/sealed tube made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material may occupy one or more placements within the outer breathable and stretchable wicking material layer, which may contain a thin layer of foam, of the headband or skull cap system.
The disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system may be formed from a variety of comfortable wicking materials and may be formed with a variety of characteristics in the prior art. The inner layer, or closed/sealed tube made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material plastic system may be formed from a variety of materials and may be formed with a variety of characteristics. The inherent non-Newtonian fluid, dilitant or shear thickening fluid may be formed from a variety of materials and may be formed with a variety of characteristics.
The matrix of honeycomb may be formed from a variety of materials and may be formed with a variety of characteristics, as well as may be formed from materials used in the tested coil technology discussed herein.
Aspects of the invention relate to safety systems in sports and relates to a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system or a disposable advanced sports safety headband or skull cap technology system means any device that a user places on or over some portion of the human body. The advanced sports safety headwear technology system receiving device, (i.e., a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system designed to protect the users head area), which is a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system and apparatus including a headwear system with an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner and outer layers including at least a headband or skull cap member, at least one member of the headwear member including a dilitant, shear thickening fluid, or non-Newtonian fluid, and at least one member of the headwear member including a matrix of honeycomb.
The inner layer or member portion of the advanced sports safety headwear technology system contains the matrix of honeycomb, including one or more honeycomb cells structured and distributed throughout the headwear portion of the advanced sports safety technology system and are suspended or some form of minimal contact to maintain positioning in the non-Newtonian fluid suspended, or the non-Newtonian fluid suspended within each honeycomb cell/cavity in the inner layer of the headwear.
The matrix of honeycomb is preferably distributed throughout the headband or skull cap member portion of the headwear system, e.g., at least over 95%, or at least over 99%, or at least 100% of the headwear member area (or anywhere between 1% and 95%). Additionally, the headwear member includes a dilitant, shear thickening or non-Newtonian fluid. When the matrix of honeycomb along with non-Newtonian fluid are inserted in the inner layer or member or cavity between the outer layer of wicking material in the headwear member, there are preferably no protrusions and the matrix of honeycomb is preferably flat, lightweight and may extend vertically and laterally and/or upward or downward within the inner layer member.
The non-Newtonian fluid of an example embodiment of the invention may occupy a significant portion of the entire inner layer member system, e.g., at least 99%, or at least 100% of the headwear system member of the headwear system and region or area (or anywhere between 1% and 99%). The matrix of honeycomb when inserted in the inner layer member or cavity or void designed in the headwear system, specifically in the full headband or in the full skull cap respective member of the headwear system, preferably does not have any protrusions, and the matrix of honeycomb may extend laterally and vertically, may have depth, may have height, and may be in three dimensional form.
Also as noted, as an example of the embodiment of the invention, may include a matrix of honeycomb and non-Newtonian fluid oriented in the inner closed/sealed tube made of polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material that is contained inside of the outer or exterior layer member comprised of a breathable wicking material. While not visible, the matrix of honeycomb will be noted due to the honeycombs extending vertically and/or horizontally, having depth, having height and being in three dimensional form.
The inner closed/sealed tube system may be formed of a variety of materials and/or include a variety of features or element to alter or adjust characteristics of the receiving device. For example, the pliable and durable inner closed/sealed tube may be formed out of some polymer, such as flexible plastic, including, but not limited to thermoplastics including polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material, not excluding polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polytetrafluoroethylene.
The matrix of honeycomb may be formed of a variety of materials and/or include a variety of features or element to alter or adjust characteristics of the receiving device.
Additional aspects of the invention include methods of providing and methods of using headwear systems. For example, to insert the matrix of honeycomb where the matrix of honeycomb is distributed/situated throughout the headwear member. The matrix of honeycomb member including one or more apertures. The non-Newtonian fluid may be both contained within the inner closed/sealed tube or layer between the outer breathable wicking material layer of material where each of the noted component parts above will be inserted.
To insert the matrix of honeycomb into the headwear system, it may be placed within the inner layer, followed by adding the non-Newtonian fluid then sealing the inner layer, and may be placed within the outer breathable wicking outer layer or member.
The headwear system receiving device when worn independently, including the matrix of honeycomb the non-Newtonian fluid may not present the user or a wearer with an abnormal feeling of fit, comfort, or the like.
Specific examples of the invention and the structures according to the examples of the invention are described in greater detail below. These specific examples and structures are set forth simply to illustrate the invention, and they should not be construed as limiting the invention.
The various figures in the application illustrate examples of a disposable advanced sports safety headwear technology system apparatus and product. The headwear system or article of headwear in the form of a headband or in the form of a skull cap used for other various uses is used as a base shape or design in the examples of the invention.
The various figures in the application illustrate examples of an advanced sports safety headwear technology system apparatus and product. The headwear system in the form of a headband or in the form of a skull cap used for other various uses is used as a base shape or design in the examples of the invention.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same,
As shown in
The bladder member 16 is preferably made of a polymer so that it is malleable and can move when worn and struck. The bladder member 16 can be completely open on the inside thereof (i.e., a single cavity) and have the non-Newtonian fluid 24 distributed throughout. In another embodiment, the bladder member 16 can include a plurality of cells or pockets therein. As shown in
The foam member 22 surrounds the bladder member 16 and provides cushioning and comfort both when the article of headwear 10 is normally worn and when the article of headwear 10 is struck (e.g., by a soccer ball). The foam member can be omitted if desired or it can be made of other soft materials that are not foam. The foam layer is a soft layer. In another embodiment, the foam member can be a single layer that is positioned between the outer layer 21 of the fabric member 20 and the bladder member 16 or between the inner layer 23 of the fabric member 20 and the bladder member 16.
As shown in
There may be many modifications to the specifically described structures, systems, and methods of the invention may take place without departing from this invention. As an example, while the invention has been specifically described with respect to specific examples including preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art may appreciate that there may be numerous variations, combinations, and permutations of the above described systems and methods. Furthermore, various specific structural features included in the examples merely represent examples of structural feathers that may be included in some examples of structure according to the invention. Furthermore, with respect to the methods, many variations in the method steps may take place, the steps may be changed in order, various steps or features may be added changes, or omitted, etc., without departing from the invention. Thus, the reader should understand that the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.
The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art may recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.
The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements can be used. Further, any specific materials noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing materials.
Any patents and/or patent applications and other references are articles noted above or herein, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, charts or figures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.
These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.
Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/790,635, filed Jan. 10, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62790635 | Jan 2019 | US |
