IMPACT PROTECTION DEVICE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Embodiments of the innovation relate to an impact protection device, comprising: a first shell configured to be disposed on a body portion of a user; a second shell spaced at a distance from the first shell; an elastomeric member spanning the distance between the first shell and the second shell; and an elastomer attachment system configured to secure the elastomeric member between the first shell and the second shell. The elastomer attachment system comprises: a first elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the first shell, a first portion of the elastomeric member disposed between the first elastomer attachment mechanism and an outer wall of the first shell, and a second elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the second shell, a second portion of elastomeric member disposed between the second elastomer attachment mechanism and an inner wall of the second shell.

Description

BACKGROUND

Helmets, shoulder pads, thigh pads, and other impact protection devices are used by people in various situations to help protect the body from injury due to impact. For example, in contact sports such as football, hockey, and lacrosse, impacts to the head can cause adverse effects to the player. As such, impact protection devices, such as helmets, can be used to mitigate the occurrence or severity of head injury, such as concussions.

SUMMARY

Conventional protective gear is configured to absorb impact energy through the use of compressive pads. Such pads do absorb some energy, but can suffer from a variety of deficiencies. For example, following the impact pads can become fully compressed, thereby reaching their compression limit and losing effectiveness. Further, in response to compressive loading, only the portion of the pad directly under the impact location and areas of the pad close to the impact location, are compressed. This limits the pad volume involved in energy absorption which, in turn, reduces the pad's effectiveness.

Elastomeric coupling between inner and outer shells of a helmet can be utilized to overcome the deficiencies associated with compressive pads. However, assembly of helmets having elastomeric couplings can be time consuming and labor intensive. Further, the hardware utilized for the assembly of conventional helmets having elastomeric couplings can add to the helmet's overall weight.

By contrast to conventional protective gear, embodiments of the present innovation relate to an impact protection device and method of assembly. In one arrangement, the impact protection device can include an elastomer attachment system configured to secure elastomeric members to first and second shells of the device. For example, the elastomer attachment system can include a first elastomer attachment mechanism configured to capture and secure a first portion of an elastomeric band relative to an outer surface of a first shell of the impact protection device. Further, the elastomer attachment system can include a second elastomer attachment mechanism configured to secure a second portion of the elastomeric band relative to an inner surface of the second shell of the impact protection device. In use, the elastomer attachment system allows a manufacturer to assemble the impact protection device in a relatively non-labor intensive manner with a relatively low manufacturing cost.

Embodiments of the innovation relate to an impact protection device, comprising: a first shell configured to be disposed on a body portion of a user; a second shell spaced at a distance from the first shell; an elastomeric member spanning the distance between the first shell and the second shell; and an elastomer attachment system configured to secure the elastomeric member between the first shell and the second shell. The elastomer attachment system comprises: a first elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the first shell, a first portion of the elastomeric member disposed between the first elastomer attachment mechanism and an outer wall of the first shell, and a second elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the second shell, a second portion of elastomeric member disposed between the second elastomer attachment mechanism and an inner wall of the second shell.

Embodiments of the innovation relate to a method of assembling an impact protection device, comprising: securing a first portion of an elastomeric member to an outer surface of a first shell via a first elastomeric attachment mechanism; coupling a first attachment section of a second elastomeric attachment mechanism to an inner surface of a second shell; inserting a second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism within a second portion of the elastomeric member to dispose the second portion of the elastomeric member between the second elastomeric attachment mechanism and the inner surface of the second shell; and coupling the second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism to the inner surface of the second shell to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member to the inner surface of the second shell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the innovation, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the innovation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an impact protection device, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front sectional view of the impact protection device of FIG. 1 in a non-impacted state, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front sectional view of the impact protection device of FIG. 1 in an impacted state, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side sectional, schematic view of an elastomer attachment system of the impact protection device of FIG. 1, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the first elastomer attachment mechanism of FIG. 1, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an inner shell of the impact protection device of FIG. 1 having a first elastomer attachment mechanism of the elastomer attachment system coupled thereto, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the inner shell of FIG. 5 having the first elastomer attachment mechanism coupled thereto, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a second elastomer attachment mechanism of the elastomer attachment system of FIG. 4, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the second elastomer attachment mechanism of FIG. 7, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the second elastomer attachment mechanism and elastomeric member of the elastomer attachment system of FIG. 4, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example method for manufacturing an impact protection device, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the elastomer attachment system, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the elastomer attachment system, according to one arrangement.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top sectional, schematic view of first and second elastomers of an elastomer attachment system of the impact protection device of FIG. 1 disposed in a non-impacted state, according to one arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present innovation relate to an impact protection device and method of assembly. In one arrangement, the impact protection device can include an elastomer attachment system configured to secure elastomeric members to first and second shells of the device. For example, the elastomer attachment system can include a first elastomer attachment mechanism configured to capture and secure a first portion of an elastomeric band relative to an outer surface of a first shell of the impact protection device. Further, the elastomer attachment system can include a second elastomer attachment mechanism configured to secure a second portion of the elastomeric band relative to an inner surface of the second shell of the impact protection device.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an impact protection device 610, according to one arrangement. As illustrated, the impact protection device 610 is configured as a helmet to be worn on the head 600 of a user to mitigate the effect of impact injury. It should be understood that the impact protection device 610 can be configured to function as an energy absorption device for any user body part (e.g., knee, shoulder, ankle, torso, elbow, etc.) where an impact load to one side of the energy impact device is transferred to an opposing side of the device to absorb energy and to mitigate the effect of the impact on the wearer.

As illustrated, the impact protection device 610 includes an inner or first shell 614, an outer or second shell 612 and a set of one or more elastomeric members 400 coupled to, and extending between, the first and second shells 614, 612 via an elastomer attachment system 700.

The first shell 614 is configured to be disposed on a body portion of a user. For example, in the case where the impact protection device 610 is a helmet, the first shell 614 can be disposed on a user's head 600. The second shell 612 is spaced at a distance d from the first shell 614. While the distance d can include a variety of lengths, in one arrangement, the distance d between the second shell 612 and the first shell 614 is approximately one inch. With such spacing, the second shell 612 is configured to translate and/or rotate relative to the first shell 614 in response to an external load. The first and second shells 614, 612 can be manufactured from a variety of materials. In one arrangement, each of the shells 614, 612 can be manufactured from a relatively rigid material, such as a plastic material (e.g., polycarbonate).

In one arrangement, the impact protection device 610 can include a face mask 620 mechanically coupled to the second shell 612. With such an arrangement, external forces applied to the face mask 620 are transferred to the second shell 612 of the impact protection device 610, thereby creating motion of the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 which results in dispersion of the external forces.

The set of elastomeric members 400 include individual elastomeric members 402 spanning the distance d between the first shell 614 and the second shell 612. Each elastomeric member 402 includes a first end 420 and an opposing second end 422 which are coupled to the respective first and second shells 614, 612.

The set of elastomeric members 400 are configured to absorb a load, such as an impact load, applied to the second shell 612 of the impact protection device 610. For example, each elastomeric member 402 operates mechanically as an extension spring configured to resist a tensile load. As such, and as will be described in detail below, the elastomeric members 402 located opposite to an impact zone on the second shell 612 are configured to stretch as the second shell 612 moves relative to the first shell 614, such as along a direction of a length of the elastomeric member 402. Such stretching can decelerate the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 to absorb at least a portion of the impact energy delivered to the second shell 612.

Further, the set of elastomeric members 400 are configured to mitigate or resist rotational impact loads applied to the second shell 612. For example, as provided above, the elastomeric members 400 space the second shell 612 from the first shell 614 by the distance d. As such, the second shell 612 can rotate relative to the first shell 614 and the elastomeric members 402 located opposite to a rotational impact zone on the second shell 612 can resist such rotational loading. Additionally, in response to rotational impact loads, rotation of the second shell 612 can deflect at least a portion of the rotational impact load away from the impact protection device 610. As such, rotation of the second shell 612 mitigates the absorption of the deflected energy by the impact protection device 610.

The impact protection device 610 can be worn by a user on a user's body portion (e.g., head, knee, shoulder, etc.) and be utilized to absorb the energy of an impact. During operation, the set of elastomeric members 400 are configured to stretch between the first shell 614 and the second shell 612 in response to a translation of the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 and at a location that is substantially opposite to an impact receiving location of the second shell 612. For example, as the elastomeric members 402 opposite to the impact location stretch, they absorb momentum of the second shell 612 and the energy of the impact, and thus lowering or eliminating the force of the impact felt by the person wearing the device 610. FIGS. 2-3 illustrate an example of the impact protection device 610 operating when receiving an impact load 650 and indicating that an impact load 650 applied to the second shell 612 passes through expanding, but resistive, elastomeric members 402 before the first shell 614 reaches full velocity caused by the impact load 650.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in a non-impacted state, the impact protection device 610 includes a set of elastomeric members 400 having at least a subset of elastomeric members 402 which are disposed under tension between the first and second shells 614, 612. The elastomeric members 402 space the second shell 612 at a distance d from the first shell 614. At the instant of the application of an impact load 650 at an impact location 652, the second shell 612 begins to move (e.g., translate and/or rotate) relative to the first shell 614 along the direction of the load. It is noted that the movement of the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 mitigates motion of the first shell 614 and user's head 600 from the impact load 650.

As shown in FIG. 3, as a result of the application of the impact load 650 at the impact location 652, the outer shell 612 moves relative to the first shell 614 causing the elastomeric members 402 in proximity to the impact location 652 fold or collapse on each other while the elastomeric members 402 at the location 654 opposite to the impact location 652 stretch resistively to decelerate the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 and to accelerate the inner shell 614 and the user's head. Further, the distance d₁ between the shells 612, 614 in proximity to the impact location 652 decreases while the distance d₂ between the shells 612, 614 at the location 654 increases until the second shell 612 contacts the first shell 614 at the impact location 652.

At this point, the elastomeric members 402 at the opposite location 654 have decelerated the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 and the user's head 600. Further acceleration of the first shell 614 and the user's head 600 can continue if the impact load 650 is still in contact with the second shell 612. However, in this case, the elastomeric members 402 opposite the impact location 652 have reduced the velocity differential between the second shell 612 and the first shell 614 and the user's head which, in turn, can mitigate further acceleration of the user's head 600. For example, movement of the user's head 600 be mitigated until the elastomeric members have overcome the inertia of the user's head 600 and the first shell 614.

With the positioning of the impact protection device 610 shown in FIG. 3 (e.g., maximal stretching of the elastomeric members 402 at the location 654), the velocity of the user's head may equal the velocity of the impact load 650. However, the configuration of the impact protection device 610 with the elastomeric members 402 can delay that occurrence. Such an increase in time for the user's head 600 to reach full velocity can reduce the acceleration of the user's head 600 in proportion to that time.

With reference to FIG. 1, the elastomeric members 402 can be coupled to the first and second shells 614, 612 via an elastomer attachment system 700. The elastomer attachment system 700 is configured to secure the elastomeric members 402 to the first and second shells 614, 612. In use, the elastomer attachment system 700 allows a manufacturer to assemble the impact protection device 610 in a relatively non-labor intensive manner with a relatively low manufacturing cost.

In one arrangement, each elastomeric member 402 of the set of elastomeric members 404 can be coupled to the first and second shells 614, 612 of the impact protection device 610 via a corresponding elastomer attachment system 700. For example, with reference to FIG. 6, the impact protection device 610 can include five elastomer attachment systems 700 corresponding to the five elastomeric members 402 carried by the first shell 614.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example arrangement of an elastomer attachment system 700. Each elastomer attachment system 700 can include a first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 and a second elastomer attachment mechanism 704. Further, each of the elastomeric members 402 of the impact protection device 610 used with the elastomer attachment system 700 can be configured as a closed-loop (e.g., loop-shaped) elastomeric band 710 defining a circular or rectangular cross-sectional shape.

With additional reference to FIGS. 4B, 5, and 6, the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 of the elastomer attachment system 700 is configured to capture and secure a first portion 711 of an elastomeric band 710 relative to an outer surface 706 of the first shell 614. In one arrangement, the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 can be configured as a bracket or plate having a geometry that substantially mirrors the geometry of the outer surface 706 of the first shell 614. As such, when attached to the first shell 614, the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 can compress the first portion 711 of the elastomeric band 710 against the outer surface 706 of the first shell 614 with substantially even pressure, thereby mitigating damage to the band 710. The first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 can be manufactured from a variety of materials. For example, the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 can be manufactured from a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, to limit the overall weight of the impact protection device 610.

The first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 can be secured to the first shell 614 via one or more fasteners 712, such as a rivet (e.g., pop rivet), screw, or other securing mechanism. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 includes a first attachment section 715, a second attachment section 717, and a body section 721 disposed between the first and second attachment sections 715, 717. The first attachment section 715 defines openings 723, 725 configured to receive fasteners 712 to couple the first attachment section 715 to the first shell 614. Further, the second attachment section 717 defines openings 727, 729 configured to receive fasteners 712 to couple the second attachment section 717 to the first shell 614. As such, in one arrangement, as indicated in FIG. 10, four fasteners 712 secure the first and second attachment sections 715, 717 of the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 to the first shell, thereby allowing the body section 721 to capture and secure the first portion 711 of the elastomeric band 710 against the first shell 614. Accordingly, the fasteners 712 generate a relatively strong coupling of the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 to the first shell 614, thereby mitigating motion of the elastomeric band 710 relative to the first shell 614.

Returning to FIG. 4A, the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 of the elastomer attachment system 700 is configured to secure a second portion 713 of the elastomeric band 710 relative to an inner surface 714 of the second shell 612. In one arrangement, the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be configured as a bracket or plate having a geometry that is configured to engage and secure the second portion 713 of the elastomeric band 710 against the second shell 612. For example, with additional reference to FIGS. 7-9, the elastomer attachment mechanism 704 is configured as a plate having a geometry that partially mirrors the geometry of the inner surface 714 of the second shell 612.

As illustrated, the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 includes a body section 724, a first attachment section 722, and a second attachment section 724. The second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 defines a first bend location 720 disposed between the first attachment section 722 and the body section 724 and is configured to orient the first attachment section 722 along a first direction 725 relative to the body section 724 (e.g., away from the second shell 612 and toward the first shell 614). Such orientation of the first attachment section 722 allows the elastomer attachment mechanism 704 to mirror the geometry of the inner surface 714 of the second shell 614. The second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 also defines a second bend location 726 disposed between the second attachment section 728 and the body section 724 and is configured to orient the second attachment section 728 along a second direction 727 relative to body section 724 (e.g., toward the second shell 612 and away from the first shell 614). The second attachment section 728 further defines a curved edge 730. Such orientation and geometry of the second attachment section 728 allows the elastomer attachment mechanism 704 to engage the second portion 713 of the elastomeric band 710 as a manufacturer positions the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 during a manufacturing procedure.

The second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be manufactured from a variety of materials. For example, the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be manufactured from a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, to limit the overall weight of the impact protection device 610. Further, the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be manufactured as having a variety of geometric dimensions. For example, as shown, the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can have a width w₁ of about 1.0 inches with the first attachment section 722 having a length l₁ of about 0.5 inches and the body section 724 and the second attachment section 724 having a length l₂ of about 1.75 inches.

Following placement of the second shell 612 onto the first shell 614 and engagement with the second portion 713 of the elastomeric band 710, the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 can be secured to the second shell 612 via one or more fastener 712, such as a rivet (e.g., pop rivet), screw, or other securing mechanism. In one arrangement, as indicated in FIGS. 4 and 7-9, three fasteners 712 secure the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 and the second portion of the elastomeric band 710 to the second shell 612. As such, the fasteners 712 generate a relatively strong coupling of the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 and the second shell 612, thereby mitigating motion of the elastomeric band 710 relative to the second shell 612.

As provided above, use of the elastomer attachment system 700 allows a manufacturer to assemble the impact protection device 610 in a relatively non-labor intensive manner. FIG. 10 is a flowchart 100 showing an example method for manufacturing an impact protection device, according to one arrangement.

During an assembly process, as indicated in element 102, the assembler secures a first portion 711 of an elastomeric member 410 to an outer surface 706 of the first shell 614. For example, with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 11, and 12, the assembler identifies the number and locations of the elastomeric band 710 within the impact protection device 610. For each elastomeric band 710, the assembler can utilize the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 as a template to create openings in the first shell 614 for corresponding fasteners 712. For example, with reference to FIG. 11, the assembler can create a set (e.g., four) openings in the first shell 614 corresponding to the locations of the four openings 723, 725, 727, and 729 defined by the corners of the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702.

Next, the assembler can place a first portion 711 of an elastomeric band 710 against an outer surface 706 of the first shell 614 in proximity to the set of openings. For example, the assembler can place top and bottom edges of the elastomeric band 710 between two pairs of the openings defined by the first shell 614. Further, the assembler can align the openings of the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 with the openings formed in the first shell 614 and can dispose the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 against the first portion of elastomeric band 710 and against the outer surface of the first shell 614.

Next, the assembler can insert fasteners 712 into the openings 723, 725, 727, and 729 defined by the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 and the openings formed in the first shell 614 to secure both the elastomeric band 710 and the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 to the first shell 614. For example, the assembler can use rivets as the fasteners 712 to couple the elastomeric band 710 and the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 to the first shell 614.

Returning to FIG. 10, in element 104, the assembler couples a first attachment section 722 of a second elastomeric attachment mechanism 704 to an inner surface 714 of a second shell 612. For example, the assembler can utilize the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 as a template to create holes in a second shell 612 for corresponding fasteners 712. For example, with reference to FIG. 7, the assembler can create three holes in the second shell 612 corresponding to the locations of the three openings 740, 743, 744 defined by the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704. As indicted in FIG. 4A, the assembler can then dispose the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 on the inner surface 714 of the second shell 612 and insert fasteners 712 into the openings 740, 742 defined by the first attachment section 722 and into the corresponding openings formed in the second shell 612. For example, the assembler can use rivets as the fasteners 712 to couple first attachment section 722 of the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 to the second shell 612. With such coupling, the body section 724 and the second attachment section 728 of the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 is disposed at a distance from the inner surface 714 of the second shell 612.

Returning to FIG. 10, in element 106, the assembler inserts a second attachment section 728 of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism 704 within a second portion 713 of the elastomeric member 410 to dispose the second portion 713 of the elastomeric member 410 between the second elastomeric attachment mechanism 704 and the inner surface of the second shell 612. For example, the assembler disposes the second shell 612 onto the first shell 614 while aligning the second attachment section 728 of each second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 within a corresponding elastomeric band 710. For example, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the assembler inserts the curved edge 730 of a second attachment section 728 into a loop defined by the corresponding elastomeric bands 710 to dispose a second portion 713 of corresponding elastomeric band 710 between the body section 724 of the second attachment section 728 and the inner surface 714 of the second shell 612.

Returning to FIG. 10, in element 108, the assembler couples the second attachment section 728 of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism 704 to the inner surface 714 of the second shell 612 to secure the second portion 713 of the elastomeric member 410 to the inner surface 714 of the second shell 612. In one arrangement, the assembler inserts a fastener into an opening 744 defined by the second attachment section 728 of the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 and into a corresponding opening formed in the second shell 612. For example, with reference to FIG. 4A, the assembler can use rivets as the fastener 712 to couple the second attachment section 728 to the second shell 612, thereby securing the second portion of the elastomeric band 710 between the inner wall of the second shell 612 and the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704. Application of the fasteners 712 in such a manner can create torsion on elastomeric band 710 to tighten the elastomeric band 710 within the impact protection device 610. It is noted that FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the elastomeric band 710 extended between the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 and the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 with the second shell 612 being absent. Such illustration is for clarity. It should be understood that at the conclusion of the manufacturing process, the elastomeric band 710 is secured to the second shell 612 via the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704.

The elastomer attachment system 700, therefore, is configured to lock the elastomeric band 710 between the inner and outer shells 614, 612. Further, the elastomer attachment system 700 simplifies manufacturing relative to conventional manufacturing methods with a relatively low manufacturing cost. With such simplified assembly, worn elastomeric bands 710 can be replaced relatively easily. Additionally, the components of the elastomer attachment system 700 are manufactured from relatively strong but lightweight material, resulting in an impact protection device 610 having a relatively low weight.

As provided above, each elastomer attachment system 700 is configured to secure a corresponding elastomeric band 710 to the first and second shells 614, 612 of the impact protection device 610. In one arrangement, with reference to FIG. 13, the impact protection device 610 can include first and second elastomeric devices 750, 752 which are configured to mitigate expansion of the second shell 612 relative to the first shell 614 over a relatively wide range of impact forces.

As illustrated, the first elastomeric device 750 can be nested within the second elastomeric device 752 such that a first portion of each of the first and second elastomeric devices 750, 752 are secured between the first elastomer attachment mechanism 702 and the inner shell 614 and such that a second portion of each of the first and second elastomeric devices 750, 752 are secured between the second elastomer attachment mechanism 704 and the outer shell 612.

Each of the first and second elastomeric devices 750, 752 can be manufactured from the same elastomeric material but configured with different elastic moduli. For example, the first elastomeric device 750 can be configured with a relatively thinner wall relative to the second elastomeric device 752 and, as such, can have a first, relatively lower elastic modulus compared to a second, relatively higher elastic modulus of the second elastomeric device 752. Further, it is noted that the second elastomeric device 752 is relatively longer than the first elastomeric device 750, which provides an additional length to stretch following impact.

The first and second elastomeric devices 750, 752 can be paired to mitigate different types of impact forces based upon the use of impact protection device 610. For example, an impact protection device 610 used for nonprofessional football players aged 5-7 can include first and second elastomeric devices 750, 752 which can absorb a relatively lower range of impact forces while an impact protection device 610 used for professional football players aged 20-30 can include first and second elastomeric devices 750, 752 which can absorb a relatively higher range of impact forces.

During operation, following application of an impact load to the outer shell 612, as the outer shell 612 travels away from the inner shell 614 at a location opposite to the impact location, the first elastomeric device 750 stretches to decelerate the outer shell 612 relative to the inner shell 614. For relatively large impact loads, as the first elastomeric device 750 reaches the maximum amount of deceleration, the second elastomeric device 752 takes over and stretches between the outer and inner shells 612, 614 to further decelerate the outer shell 612 relative to the inner shell 614.

While various embodiments of the innovation have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the innovation as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An impact protection device, comprising: a first shell configured to be disposed on a body portion of a user;a second shell spaced at a distance from the first shell;an elastomeric member spanning the distance between the first shell and the second shell; andan elastomer attachment system configured to secure the elastomeric member between the first shell and the second shell, the elastomer attachment system comprising: a first elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the first shell, a first portion of the elastomeric member disposed between the first elastomer attachment mechanism and an outer wall of the first shell, anda second elastomer attachment mechanism coupled to the second shell, a second portion of the elastomeric member disposed between the second elastomer attachment mechanism and an inner wall of the second shell.

2. The impact protection device of claim 1, wherein the first elastomer attachment mechanism comprises: a first attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the first attachment section to the first shell;a second attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the second attachment section to the first shell; anda body section disposed between the first attachment section and the second attachment section, the second attachment section configured to secure the first portion of the elastomeric member against the first shell.

3. The impact protection device of claim 1, wherein the second elastomer attachment mechanism comprises: a first attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the first attachment section to the second shell;a second attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the second attachment section to the second shell; anda body section disposed between the first attachment section and the second attachment section, the second attachment section configured to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member against the second shell.

4. The impact protection device of claim 3, wherein the second elastomer attachment mechanism comprises a first bend location disposed between the first attachment section and the body section, the first bend location configured to orient the first attachment section along a first direction relative to the body section.

5. The impact protection device of claim 3, wherein the second elastomer attachment mechanism comprises a second bend location disposed between the second attachment section and the body section and is configured to orient the second attachment section along a second direction relative to body section.

6. The impact protection device of claim 3, wherein second attachment section defines a curved edge configured to engage a portion of the elastomeric member.

7. The impact protection device of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric member comprises a loop-shaped elastomeric band.

8. The impact protection device of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric member comprises a first elastomeric device and a second elastomeric device, the first elastomeric device having a first elastic modulus and the second elastomeric device having a second elastic modulus, the first elastic modulus being distinct from the second elastic modulus.

9. The impact protection device of claim 1, wherein each of the first elastomeric device and the second elastomeric device configured as a loop-shaped elastomeric band, the first elastomeric device nested within the second elastomeric device.

10. A method of assembling an impact protection device, comprising: securing a first portion of an elastomeric member to an outer surface of a first shell via a first elastomeric attachment mechanism;coupling a first attachment section of a second elastomeric attachment mechanism to an inner surface of a second shell;inserting a second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism within a second portion of the elastomeric member to dispose the second portion of the elastomeric member between the second elastomeric attachment mechanism and the inner surface of the second shell; andcoupling the second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism to the inner surface of the second shell to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member to the inner surface of the second shell.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein securing the first portion of the elastomeric member to the outer surface of the first shell via the first elastomeric attachment mechanism comprises: creating a set of openings in the first shell corresponding to the locations of the openings defined by the first elastomer attachment mechanism;placing the first portion of the elastomeric member against the outer surface of the first shell in proximity to the set of openings;disposing the first elastomer attachment mechanism against the first portion of elastomeric band and against the outer surface of the first shell; andinserting fasteners into the openings defined by the first elastomer attachment mechanism and the set of openings formed in the first shell to secure the elastomeric member and the first elastomer attachment mechanism to the first shell.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein coupling the first attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism to the inner surface of the second shell comprises: creating a set of openings in the second shell corresponding to the locations of the openings defined by the second elastomer attachment mechanism;disposing the second elastomer attachment mechanism on the inner surface of the second shell; andinserting fasteners into the openings defined by the first attachment section of the second elastomer attachment mechanism and into the set of openings formed in the second shell.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein inserting the second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism within the second portion of the elastomeric member to dispose the second portion of the elastomeric member between the second elastomeric attachment mechanism and the inner surface of the second shell comprises: inserting a curved edge of the second attachment section into a loop defined by the elastomeric member to dispose the second portion of the elastomeric member between the body section of the second attachment section and the inner surface of the second shell.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein coupling the second attachment section of the second elastomeric attachment mechanism to the inner surface of the second shell to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member to the inner surface of the second shell comprises: inserting fasteners into the openings defined by the second attachment section of the second elastomer attachment mechanism and into the corresponding openings formed in the second shell to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member between the inner wall of the second shell and the second elastomer attachment mechanism.

15. An elastomer attachment system, comprising: an elastomeric member;a first elastomer attachment mechanism configured to capture a first portion of the elastomeric member between the first elastomer attachment mechanism and an outer wall of a first shell of an impact protection device; anda second elastomer attachment mechanism configured to capture a second portion of the elastomeric member between the second elastomer attachment mechanism and an inner wall of a second shell of the impact protection device.

16. The elastomer attachment system of claim 15, wherein the first elastomer attachment mechanism comprises: a first attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the first attachment section to the first shell;a second attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the second attachment section to the first shell; anda body section disposed between the first attachment section and the second attachment section, the second attachment section configured to secure the first portion of the elastomeric member against the first shell.

17. The elastomer attachment system of claim 15, wherein the second elastomer attachment mechanism comprises: a first attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the first attachment section to the second shell;a second attachment section defining at least one opening configured to receive at least one fastener to couple the second attachment section to the second shell; anda body section disposed between the first attachment section and the second attachment section, the second attachment section configured to secure the second portion of the elastomeric member against the second shell.

18. The elastomer attachment system of claim 17, wherein the second elastomer attachment mechanism comprises a first bend location disposed between the first attachment section and the body section, the first bend location configured to orient the first attachment section along a first direction relative to the body section.

19. The elastomer attachment system of claim 17, wherein the second elastomer attachment mechanism comprises a second bend location disposed between the second attachment section and the body section and is configured to orient the second attachment section along a second direction relative to body section.

20. The elastomer attachment system of claim 17, wherein second attachment section defines a curved edge configured to engage a portion of the elastomeric member.