Thermal Safety Helmet For Treating And Prevention Of Head Injuries

Abstract

A pliable padded thermal safety helmet that conforms to a patient's head. The helmet is fabricated with pockets that hold thermal packs that provide hot or cold depending on the treatment intended for an injury, infection, etc. The thermal packs are removably inserted into pockets inside the thermal safety helmet at predetermined locations to provide heat or cold to specific areas of a patient's head. Optionally, the thermal packs can be an integral part of the thermal safety helmet and non-removable.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates in general to safety devices, and more particularly it relates to protective headgear that is worn to protect an individual's head while a head injury is healing, and to provide thermal control of the helmet to assist healing and recovery while protecting the patient's head from additional injury.

2. Background of the Invention

Padded helmets are commercially available to protect a wearer's head in a variety of situations. They are used by athletics in a variety of sports. These devices, such as football helmets, typically provide impact protection, but do nothing for temperature control. Likewise, padded helmets are available for treatment of a variety of medical conditions, most notably to protect patients with head injuries from inadvertently sustaining subsequent injuries. Medically oriented helmets also fail to provide thermal control mechanisms, especially methods of both cooling and/or warming depending on the needs of the individual patient.

Casual headwear, such as baseball caps, are known to have been used in conjunction with cooling devices for the purpose of keeping an individual cool and participating in outdoor activities. These devices typically use pre-cooled pouches containing ice, cold water, or gel that are positioned at the back of the wearer's head or around but have been. This type of headwear typically does not provide the wearer any protection, except from sunlight.

Some casual headwear even go so far as to provide water filled pouches that allow water to slowly be released on to a wearer's head such that heat from the wearer's body evaporates the water to create a cooling effect. Of these devices, some use a headband and the cap, and others use larger compartments that emit water over the entire wearer's head. These devices can provide relief from heat, but can also be uncomfortable due to the constant release of moisture onto a wearer's head.

Impact resistant headwear, such as sports helmets (e.g., football helmets), and protected medical headwear both provide impact protection. However, neither combine impact protection with thermal control elements that allow an individual's came to be either cooled or warmed at the individual's discretion.

While the prior art has provided basic impact protection, it has failed to provide a protective helmet that also provides therapeutic properties, namely, the application of thermal treatments to selected areas of an individual's head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a pliable padded helmet that conforms to a patient's head. The helmet is fabricated with pockets that hold thermal packs that can be hot or cold depending on the treatment intended for an injury, infection, etc. The pockets can be positioned on the inside or outside of the helmet. Optionally, the thermal packs can be an integral part of the helmet and non-removable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal safety helmet with ventilation apertures on the surface of the helmet.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal safety helmet showing ventilation apertures on the upper surface of the helmet.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal safety helmet showing an ear aperture, a strap attachment aperture, and ventilation apertures on the surface of the helmet.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the preferred embodiment of the thermal safety helmet showing an ear aperture, a strap with optional chin pad, and ventilation apertures on the surface of the helmet.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal safety helmet showing a strap attached to it, and ventilation apertures on the surface of the helmet.

FIG. 6 is an inside plan view of a preferred embodiment of the helmet showing an internal thermal pockets. This figure also illustrates how the inside surface of the thermal safety helmet can be fabricated from a single piece of material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Prior to a discussion of the figures, an overview of the invention will be presented. The invention is an apparatus and method for applying thermal treatments to head injuries or conditions while simultaneously providing impact protection for patients. The invention protects and treats injuries that have already occurred, and also protects the head from subsequent injuries. In some cases, as when children or adults have chronic or pre-existing conditions, the helmet may be worn prior to any actual injuries. The invention uses a pliable padded helmet that conforms to a patient's head such that the patient is protected from impacts. This is especially important for children who may not be as careful about protecting head injuries. The helmet is fabricated with pockets that hold thermal packs that can be hot or cold depending on the treatment intended for an injury, an infection, etc. The pockets can be positioned on the inside or outside of the helmet. The preferred embodiment envisions replaceable internal thermal packs, but optionally, the thermal packs can be an integral part of the helmet and non-removable. The thermal packs can provide heat or cold depending on the condition being treated. The helmet also includes ventilation apertures to provide airflow for the patient's comfort.

The helmet can be fabricated from a variety of materials. The only requirement is that the materials chosen be suitable for the helmet's intended purpose. While a wide variety of materials can be used to fabricate the thermal safety helmet, a preferred combination of suitable materials used in the preferred embodiment of the invention is the use of an external surface of Lycra™ Sport Fabric in combination with an internal surface of Poron™ Plus foam cushioning. These materials provide several advantages. Poron can be stamped as a single piece during manufacture, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Further, it offers high rebound properties that are important in protecting patients from additional injuries when treating a previous injury or condition. It provides an open cell, reasonable structure that allows ventilation. In addition, it has antifungal properties that are important when treating head injuries that may be susceptible to infection. The use of the Lycra Sport Fabric as an outer surface provides protection from unnecessary wear to the internal Poron layer, and provides additional strength and longevity to the thermal safety helmet.

In the preferred embodiment, the inside Poron layer will actually have two layers. The outer layer is envisioned as having a 9.5 mm layer, and a 6 mm inner layer. Two layers are used to provide the ability to form pockets between the inner and outer layers such that thermal packs can be inserted into the pockets. The Poron layers can be stamped from single sheets of material, and bonded together with an adhesive.

Likewise, in the preferred embodiment the outer layer of Lycra Sport Fabric was selected because it is a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable material. Lycra is resistant to sunlight, ultraviolet light, chlorine, and static cling. It provides an effective layer of protection for the inner Poron foam and protects it from the environment. The Lycra can be adhered to the Poron via adhesive. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be implemented with a single outer layer of Lycra. However, in the preferred embodiment, two Lycra layers are used to encapsulate the Poron foam. The use of an additional inner Lycra layer provides improved longevity and comfort.

In regard to the chinstrap, a preferred embodiment envisions the use of a nylon strap that was chosen due to its strength and durability properties. Likewise, the straps are commercially available and can be manufactured with integral hook and loop attachment surfaces. In addition, an optional cushioned sleeve can be provided such that, when the strap is secured to the patient, the chinstrap will be covered by the cushioned sleeve for the patient's comfort.

The shape of the helmet can also vary depending on the size of the patient as well as the type of affliction the helmet is intended to treat. Further, the optional chinstrap, as illustrated in FIG. 4, can be used to secure the helmet to the patient.

Having discussed the invention in general, we turn now to a detailed discussion of the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal safety helmet 1 with ventilation apertures 2 on the surface of the thermal safety helmet 1. Also shown is a portion of the optional chinstrap 3 extending from the thermal safety helmet 1. In operation, the chinstrap 3 is inserted through chinstrap aperture 5 (shown in FIG. 3) and then preferably secured by integral hook and loop material 8 (shown in FIG. 5) on chinstrap 3. Any suitable method of securing the chinstrap 3 may be used, but hook and loop material 8 is preferred since it is inexpensive and easy to use. Optional side panels 4 are also shown, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the actual shape of the helmet 1 will vary based on the intended use and the patient's needs. As a result the side panels 4 may not be necessary in a given situation. Likewise, the number and shape of the external (or internal) pockets 3 (shown in FIG. 6) can vary. Of course, the chinstrap 3 can be attached to either side of the thermal safety helmet 1.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal safety helmet 1 showing ventilation apertures 2 on the upper surface of the thermal safety helmet 1.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal safety helmet 1 showing an ear aperture 6, a strap attachment aperture 5, and ventilation apertures 2 on the surface of the helmet.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the preferred embodiment of the thermal safety helmet 1 showing an ear aperture 6, a chinstrap 3 with optional chin pad sleeve 7, and ventilation apertures 2 on the surface of the thermal safety helmet 1. Optional chinstrap sleeve 7 provides a soft and comfortable cushion for the patient's chin. Once the chinstrap 3 is inserted into strap aperture 5 and secured via hook and loop material 8, the chinstrap sleeve 7 is slidably moved over the chinstrap 3 such that the hook and loop material 8 is covered up.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal safety helmet 1 showing a chinstrap 3 attached to it, and ventilation apertures 2 on the surface of the thermal safety helmet 1. Also shown in this figure is the hook and loop material 8 on chinstrap 3.

FIG. 6 is an inside plan view that illustrates how both the Poron layers and the Lycra Sports Fabric can be stamped from single sheets of material. In addition, this figure also illustrates the thermal pack apertures 9. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal pack apertures 9 were formed in the inside Poron layer and the inside Lycra Sports Fabric layer such that thermal packs can be inserted into the thermal safety helmet 1 to either heat or cool the affected areas of the patient's head asked the patient's needs dictate. Also illustrated in this figure are the chinstrap aperture 5, the ear apertures 6, and the ventilation apertures 2. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the thermal safety helmet 1 can be structured such that the thermal packs can be inserted from the exterior of the thermal safety on 1. However, in the preferred embodiment the thermal packs are inserted on the inside in order to maintain the desired temperature for as long as possible.

In the event that the thermal packs are inserted into pockets 3 on the external side of the thermal safety helmet 1, each external pocket 3 may use an access flap that seals the external pocket once the thermal pack is installed. While the access flap can use any suitable means to secure the thermal pack, the preferred embodiment envisions hook and loop material as the sealing means.

The thermal packs can be fabricated from any suitable material. They can be commercially available “blue ice” packs, they can be chemical packs, etc. Further, the thermal packs can provide heat or cold thermal effects, as needed. In the preferred embodiment, the thermal pack is a non-toxic gel pack.

While specific embodiments have been discussed to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations in the embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the materials used to fabricate the helmet can vary, the number and location of the thermal packs can vary, the method of securing the helmet to the patient's head can vary, etc. Therefore, the invention shall be limited solely to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal impact resistant helmet for treating head conditions, comprising: an interior helmet cushion, further comprising; at least one thermal pocket; andat least one thermal pack aperture suitably sized to accept a thermal pack;an exterior layer of material secured to the interior helmet cushion such that the exterior layer provides protection from the external environment for the interior helmet cushion;whereby, the interior helmet cushion provides impact protection to a patient and provides pockets to accept thermal packets for the application of heat or cold to specific areas of a patient's head.

2. A helmet, as in claim 1, further comprising: a releasable chinstrap secured to the thermal safety helmet at its proximal end; andthe distal end of the releasable chinstrap having connection means to secure the distal end of the releasable chinstrap to the thermal safety helmet.

3. A helmet, as in claim 2, wherein: the connection means is full and loop material.

4. A helmet, as in claim 3, further comprising: a chinstrap aperture in the helmet sized such that a releasable chinstrap fits through the chin strap aperture.

5. A helmet, as in claim 1, wherein: the Interior helmet cushion is fabricated from foam material.

6. A helmet, as in claim 5, wherein: the foam material is Poron.

7. A helmet, as in claim 5, wherein: the foam material is further comprised of inside and outside layers of foam material, sealed together at predetermined points, and having pockets for retaining thermal packs.

8. A helmet, as in claim 1, wherein: the exterior layer is fabricated from client material and secured to the interior cushion on the outer surface of the thermal safety helmet.

9. A helmet, as in claim 8, wherein: the exterior layer is fabricated from pliant material and secured to the interior cushion.

10. A helmet, as in claim 9, wherein: the exterior layer a second layer of pliant material that is secured to the inside surface of the interior cushion.