US20140237707A1

US20140237707A1 - Impact diversion system

Info

Publication number: US20140237707A1
Application number: US14/184,975
Authority: US
Inventors: John A. Lane
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-22
Filing date: 2014-02-20
Publication date: 2014-08-28

Abstract

An impact diversion system for diverting the force of an impact away from a user's head, which includes a helmet system to receive an impact and a harness system suitably enabled to stabilize the helmet system. The helmet system includes a helmet comprising an outer shell with a first opening adapted to accept a second helmet mounted on the user's head, a ring configured to fit around the user's neck, and at least one post connected at a first end to the outer shell and removably connected at a second end to the ring. The harness system includes a first half and a second half that fit around the user's torso.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. non-provisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/850,732, filed Feb. 22, 2013 and entitled “SHELMET SYSTEM”, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of the Present Invention
The present invention relates generally to a force diversion system, and in particular, to a head diversion system that diverts impact to the torso.
2. Background
In contact sports protective equipment for an athlete's head is highly desirable. Professional and amateur athletes participating in contact sports, such as football and hockey, are required to wear protective helmets. These protective helmets function to minimize an impact collision force to the head. Although the helmet is protective, players can and do suffer head injuries as a result of force generated by the collision. Forces to the head are thought to cause brain stress that may consequently produce concussions. Recent medical reports have linked concussions to both short and long term traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, current medical literature strongly suggests that repetitive subconcussive head trauma contributes substantially to traumatic brain injury.
Typically, helmets attempt to protect a head by absorbing the force of the collision. Helmets have been made from a wide range of materials, including a combination of materials. Today lightweight plastics are most often incorporated into the helmet to decrease the weight. Some helmets further include other protective elements which may be attached to the surface of a helmet. For example, U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2013/0283504 to Harris, discloses helmet pads removably attached to the outer surface of an existing sport's helmet to absorb impacts that may cause concussive type injuries. While attention has been given to absorbing the force of a collision, no attention has been given to diverting force away from the head.
Accordingly, it is believed that a need exists for a helmet system that diverts the force of an impact away from the head. It is believed that one or more of these needs and other needs are addressed by one or more aspects and features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect is an impact diversion system for diverting the force of an impact away from a user's head, the impact diversion system including a helmet system and a harness system suitably enabled to stabilize the helmet system. The helmet system includes a helmet comprising an outer shell with a first opening adapted to accept a second helmet mounted on the user's head, a ring configured to fit around the user's neck, and at least one rigid post connected at a first end to the outer shell and removably connected at a second end to the ring. The harness system includes a first half and a second half, wherein the first and second half join to fit around the user's torso.
In a feature of this aspect, the helmet further includes a pad removably attached to the inner surface of the outer shell.
In another feature of this aspect, the helmet further includes a second opening to enable the user to see outside of the helmet. In further feature, a facemask covers a portion of the second opening and is adapted to protect the user's eyes and face.
In another feature of this aspect, the ring includes at least one socket capable of receiving the second end of the post. In further feature, the ring further includes an opening permitting the ring to be opened and fitted around the user's neck.
In another feature of this aspect, the post includes a shock absorber suitably enabled to absorb a portion of the force of an impact receive to the outer shell.
In another feature of this aspect, the first and second half of the harness system includes a rigid section extending from the ring and covering at least a portion of the user's torso. In further feature, the first half and second half of the harness system further includes a flexible section extending from the front rigid section and adapted to connect the first half and second half together. The flexible section further includes rigid material extending laterally through the flexible section.
Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is an impact diversion system configured to be worn over a user's torso, the impact diversion system including a helmet system to receive an impact, a harness system to stabilize the helmet system, and a strap system. The helmet system includes a helmet comprising an outer shell with a first opening adapted to accept a second helmet mounted on the user's head, a ring including a rigid first surface and a padded second surface, and said ring including an opening permitting the ring to be opened and fitted around a user's neck, and wherein the padded second surface is fitted to and sits on the user's shoulders when the ring is fitted around a users neck, and a rigid post connected at a first end to the shell and removably connected at a second end to the ring. The harness system includes a first half and a second half, wherein the first and second halves join to fit around the user's torso. The strap system includes an attachment strap connected to the harness system and at a second end to the user's clothing. Where the rigid post supports and restrains the movement of the helmet.
In a feature of this aspect, the rigid first surface of the ring includes at least one socket capable of receiving the second end of the post.
In another feature of this aspect, the first end of the post is removably connected to the helmet. In further features, the post and ring transfers an impact force from the helmet to the harness system and the strap system.
In another feature of this aspect, the strap system is connected to the sides of the harness system by a series of attachment straps. In further features the series of attachment straps join to form a single attachment straps at the second end. In yet a further feature the strap system includes a belt comprising a first connection loop and a second connection loop and configured to be fitted around a user's waist; the second end of the strap system is removably connected to the first and second connection loop; the strap system further includes a first and second leg strap connected to the belt.
Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is an impact diversion system for diverting the force of an impact away from a user's head and to other parts of the user's body, including a harness system comprising two halves forming a vest adapted to be fastened around the user's torso, a helmet including an outer shell with a first opening adapted to surround a portion of the user's head and a group of rigid posts incorporated and extending from the periphery of the first opening. Where the group of rigid posts support and restrain movement of the outer shell. Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an impact diversion system mounted onto a person in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back view of the impact diversion system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of the components of the impact diversion system of FIG. 1 or 2;

FIG. 4A is a side view of a helmet system of the impact diversion system of FIG. 2 or 3;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the helmet system of FIG. 4A, shown with a facemask;

FIGS. 4C-4D are front views of the helmet system of FIG. 4S, shown with facemask:

FIGS. 5A and 5B are front views of a second helmet that fits within the helmet system of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C or 4D;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the post of the helmet system of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 7A is a front view of the ring of the impact diversion system of FIG. 2 or 3;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the ring of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the ring of FIG. 7A or 7B;

FIG. 9A and 9B are front views of the harness system of FIG. 2 or 3;

FIG. 10A and 10B are back views of the harness system of FIG. 2 or 3;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the harness system of the FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, or 10B, wherein the front and back are fitted together;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of the strap system of the impact diversion system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the impact diversion system mounted onto a person of FIG. 12A or 12B, showing an expanded strap system;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the impact diversion system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15A is a front perspective view of an alternate expanded strap system for use with the impact diversion system of FIGS. 12A and 12B; and

FIG. 15B is a front view of the alternate expanded strap system of FIG. 15A incorporated into a pair of pants.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.
Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”
When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”
Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
The impact diversion system 10 serves to divert the force of impact away from a person's head to the person's torso. FIG. 1 is a front view and FIG. 2 is a back view of an impact diversion system 10 mounted onto a person or user 12 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. The impact diversion system 10 attaches to the torso of the person 12 to disperse force in situations where the head may be subject to force. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the force diversion system 10 includes a helmet system 100 and a harness system 200. The helmet system 100 includes a helmet 102, at least one post 104, and a ring 106. In an alternative embodiment, the helmet system 100 includes the helmet 102 and the post 104. The harness system 200 includes a front half 202, as shown in FIG. 1, a back half 204, as shown in FIG. 2, and a strap system 214. When the first and second half 202,204 are joined, the harness system 200 further includes a first opening 206 for the user's head and neck to extend through, a second and third opening 208,210 for the user's arms and/or shoulder to extend through, and a fourth opening 212 which fits around the user's waist and/or chest. In an alternative embodiment, the harness system 200 includes a right and left half (not shown). The first and second halves 202,204 are stabilized by the strap system 214. The helmet 102 conventionally may serve to protect the head from force, shock waves, or the like, is connected to the harness system 200 via the post 104 and the ring 106. In some embodiments, helmet 102 is connected to the harness system 200 via the post 104. Although as illustrated, the helmet system 100 is the type used in sports, such as football, the system 10 may be designed and used for any type of protective helmet. As described below, the impact diversion system 10 provides an effective way to transfer the force waves of an impact through the system 10 to the torso.
FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of the components of the impact diversion system 10 of FIG. 1 or 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the components of the impact diversion system 10 include the helmet 102, the post 104, the ring 106, and the harness system 200 which includes the strap system 214. The post 104 and ring 106 extend between and join the helmet 102 and harness system 200. In an alternative embodiment, the post 104 extends between and joins the helmet 102 to the harness system 200.
FIG. 4A is a side view of the helmet system 100 of the impact diversion system 10 of FIG. 2 or 3. As shown in FIG. 4A, the helmet 102 includes a headspace 108, and a shell 110. The headspace 108 is such that a second helmet 300 can fit within the helmet 102. In some embodiments, the helmet 102 further includes padding (not shown) to be removably attached to the exterior of the shell 110. The shell 110 is fabricated from a suitable material, such as plastic, for light weight and impact resistance. The shell 110 includes a rounded outer border with a first opening 112 for receiving a second helmet 300 mounted on the person 12 and a second opening 114 for the person 12 to view through. In a further embodiment, the shell 110 includes the post 104 connected to the rounded outer border extending downward to the harness system 200. In yet a further embodiment, the shell 110 further includes a hingedly connected visor which may extend over the second opening 114 (not shown). The helmet 102 may further include padding removably attached to the inner surface of the shell 110. This arrangement permits the shock absorbing portion to be adaptable to provide various thickness of padding or to facilitate the second helmet 300 without modification of the shell 110.
FIG. 4B is a side view and FIGS. 4C-4D are front views of the helmet system of FIG. 4A, shown with a facemask 115. The helmet 102 may further include a facemask 115 to cover a portion of the second opening 114. In this embodiment, the facemask 115 protects the user 12 when the second opening 114 is increased to provide a larger viewing area. As shown in FIG. 4B, the facemask 115 may extend outwardly from the shell 110 of the helmet 102. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D an arrangement of facemasks 115 may cover the second opening 114. The shape of the facemask 115 and helmet 102 may vary to accommodate and enhance the range of motion of the user's 12 head and neck. One such variation includes a facemask 115 protruding outwardly from the second opening 114 such that the user 12 may look downward by bending their head and neck. Additionally or alternatively, variations may include extending the second opening 114 such that the user 12 may look upwardly.
FIG. 5A is a front view of the second helmet 300 that fits within the helmet system 100 of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C or 4D. FIG. 5B is a front view of the second helmet 300 mounted on the person 12 that fits within the helmet system 100 of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C or 4D. The second helmet 300 includes a second helmet shell 302 and fastener assembly 304. The second helmet shell 302 includes a rounded outer boarder with an opening 306 for receiving the person's 12 head. The second helmet shell 302 is fabricated from a suitable material, such as foam, for light weight and impact resistance. The second helmet shell 302 may be comprise of compressible foam that includes holes, grooves, channels that allow the surrounding foam to move to compress or soft, compressible foam to absorb impact forces. The fastener assembly 304 includes a chin strap 308 with fasteners 310 for temporary securing the second helmet 300 onto the user's 12 head. The fasteners 310 usually reside on end portions of the chin strap 308 and include a pair of complementary loop and buckle 312,314. Alternatively or additionally, the fasteners 310 may include any fastener now known or thereafter developed in the art including complementary adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, buttons snaps, zippers, and any other coupling mechanisms. The buttons snaps and complementary adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners exist in a plurality in order to permit adjustment of the chin strap 308. As shown in FIGS. 5A & 5B, the fastener assembly 304 further includes a chin pad 316 to hold the chin strap 308 in place and/or protect the user's 12 chin.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the post 104 of the helmet system 100 of FIG. 4A. The post 104 may include the standard post 104, as illustrated in FIG. 1-4D, or incorporate a shock absorber 116, as shown in FIG. 6. The post 104 includes a first end 118 attached to the shell 110 and a second end 120 removably attachable to the ring 106. In some embodiments, the post 104 is an integrated part of the shell 110. In some embodiments, the second end 120 is removably attached to the harness system 200. The post 104 extends downwardly from the periphery of the edge of the first opening 112 of the shell 110. The post 104 is rigid such that the post 104 sets upright as a support for the helmet 102. Further the post 104 restrains the movement of the helmet 102. As shown in FIGS. 1-4D, a series of six posts 104 are arranged around the periphery of the first opening 112. A greater or lesser number of posts 104, than six, may be arranged around the periphery of the first opening 112. The downwardly extending post 104 may be straight or angled from the first opening 112, as shown in FIG. 4A. In some embodiments, the extending post 104 may arch between the first and second end 118,120. The first end 118 of the posts 104 is attached to the shell 110 by any of many known conventional coupling means. In a further embodiment, the posts 104 is an extension of the shell. In some embodiments, the post 104 is removably attached to the shell 110. In this embodiment, the post 104 may be replaced by various lengths of post and/or by type such that some or all of the post 104 incorporate the shock absorber 116. In further embodiments, the length of the post 104 may be adjusted to fit the user 12. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the second end 120 of the post 104 is removably attached to the ring 106 by extending the second end 120 through at least a portion of the ring 106, as further explained below. In some embodiments, the second end 120 includes a snap hook to removably attach the post 104 to the ring 103. In a further embodiment, the second end 120 is attached to the ring 106 by any of many known conventional coupling means.
The post 104 functions as a pathway to divert the force waves of an impact away from the head to the torso. The post 104 is fabricated from a suitable material, capable of transferring impact force and stabilizing the shell 104. In some embodiments, the post 104 is fabricated from solid rubber or metal. The use of the shock absorber 116 further facilitates the function of the post 104 by absorbing a portion of the force waves of an impact. The shock absorber 116 includes a chamber 122 and an internal damper system (not shown) such as a spring, compression fluid chamber or compression air chamber. The shock absorber 116 further includes a lock-out to control the internal damper system. For example, the lock-out control would substantially prevent the compression of the spring or the compression of the fluid or air. In some embodiments, the post 104 is covered by any suitable cushion material to protect the user or an individual that may contact the post 104.
FIG. 7A is a front view and FIG. 7B is a side view of the ring 106 of the impact diversion system 10 of FIG. 2 or 3. As shown in FIG. 7A and 7B, the ring 106 includes a rigid first surface 124 for engagement with the post 104, and a padded or soft second surface 126. The first surface 124 includes at least one socket 128 capable of receiving the second end 120 of the post 104. As shown in FIG. 7B, the first and second surface 124,126 further includes a first and second curve 130,132 to fit the neck or shoulder configuration of a user. In some embodiments, the curves 130,132 are fitted to the contracted muscles of the user's neck or shoulders. In further embodiments, the ring 106 is malleable to as to adjust the curves 130,132 or add additional curves.
The ring 106 is attachable to the periphery of the edge of the first opening 206 of the harness system 200. The ring 106 may be secured to the surface or partially incorporated into the harness system 200. The ring 106 secured to the surface may be adhesively or mechanically attached. Mechanically attachments may include any fastener now known or thereafter developed in the art including complementary adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, buttons snaps, zippers, and any other coupling mechanisms.
FIG. 8 is a top view of the ring 106 of FIGS. 7A or 7B. As shown in FIG. 8, the ring 106 further includes a break or hinged opening 125 permitting the ring 106 to be opened and fitted around the user's 12 neck. In a further embodiment, the ring 106 further includes a second break such that two halves of ring 12 may be fitted together. As further shown in FIG. 8, the sockets 128 are transverse slot spaced along the first surface 124 to fit and secure the second end 120 of the posts 104. In some embodiments, the sockets 128 include a snap hook to removably attach to the post 104. In a further embodiment, the second end 120 of the post 104 is attached into the socket 128 by any known conventional coupling means. In yet a further embodiment, ring 106 further includes a quick release feature to concurrently release all of post 104 contained within the sockets 128.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are front views and FIGS. 10A and 10B are back views of the harness system 200 of FIG. 2 or 3. As described above, when the first and second half 202,204 are joined, the first opening 206 for a user's head and neck to extend through, the second and third opening 208,210 for a user's arms and/or shoulders to extend through, and the fourth opening 212 which fits around a user's waist and/or chest are formed. The front and back harness system 202,204 of FIGS. 9A through 10B are laid out on a flat surface for illustration purposes.
As shown in FIG. 9A, the front of the harness system 202 includes a front rigid section 216 and a front flexible section 218. The front rigid section 216 includes a top edge 220, a bottom edge 221, a first side edge 224, a second side edge 226, an inner surface 228, and an outer surface 230. The front rigid section 216 is fabricated from a suitable material, such as impact resistant plastic or metal, for light weight and impact resistance. The front flexible section 218 includes a top edge 232, a bottom edge 234, a first side edge 236, a second side edge 238, an inner surface 240, and an outer surface 242. The front flexible section 218 is fabricated from a suitable material, such as moisture-wicking synthetic fabric or cotton. The first and second side edges 236, 238 include a closure assembly 244. The top edge 220 of the front rigid section 216 attaches to the ring 106 and extends vertically downward to cover a portion of the person's 12 chest. The top edge 232 of the front flexible section 218 extends from the bottom, first and second edge 221,224,226 of the front rigid section 216 and forms the front of the cummerbund like waist strap that extends around the user's 12 sides and connects to the back half of the harness system 204. As shown in FIG. 9B, in some further embodiments, the front of the harness system 202 further includes rigid material 246 extending through the front flexible section 218. The rigid material 246 includes a lateral extension. Lateral extent of the rigid material 246, as shown in FIG. 9B, may be included in the front of the harness system 202. Increasing the lateral extent of the rigid material 246 will increase stability in the coronal plane of the person 12.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the back of the harness system 204 includes a back rigid section 248 and a back flexible section 250. The back rigid section 248 includes a top edge 252, a bottom edge 254, a first side edge 256, a second side edge 258, an inner surface 260, and an outer surface 262. The back rigid section 248 is fabricated from a suitable material, such as impact resistant plastic or metal, for light weight and impact resistance. The back flexible section 250 includes a top edge 264, a bottom edge 266, a first side edge 268, a second side edge 270, an inner surface 272, and an outer surface 274. The back flexible section 250 is fabricated from a suitable material, such as moisture-wicking synthetic fabric or cotton. The first and second side edges 268,270 include the closure assembly 244. The top edge 252 of the back rigid section 248 extends vertically from the ring 106 to the fourth opening 212 of the harness system 200. The top edge 264 of the back flexible section 250 extends perpendicular from the first and second 256,258 sides of the back rigid section 248 and forms the back of the cummerbund like waist strap that extends around the user's 12 sides and connects to the front half 202 of the harness system 200. As shown in FIG. 10B, in some further embodiments, back of the harness system 204 further includes rigid material 246 extends laterally through the back flexible section 250. Lateral extent of rigid material 246, as shown in FIG. 10B, may be included in the back of the harness system 204. Increasing the lateral extent of the rigid material 246 will increase stability in the coronal plane of the person 12.
FIG. 11 is a side view of the harness system 200 of the FIGS. 9A through and 10B, wherein the front and back 202,204 are fitted together by the closure assembly 244. The harness system further includes a tie system 278 and openings 280 located on the front and back flexible section 218,250 and below the second and third opening 208,210. The ring 106 and/or harness system 200 are worn under protective equipment or padding and around the user's 12 torso. The ring 106 and/or harness system 200 may further incorporate attachment sites for traditional shoulder pads (not shown). The closure assembly 244 allows the harness system 200 to be worn snugly. The tie system 278 weaves between the front and back flexible sections 202, 204 of through the openings 280. Alternatively or additionally, the fastener assembly 244 may include any fastener now known or thereafter developed in the art including complementary adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, buttons snaps, zippers, and any other coupling mechanisms to fit the front and the back 202,204 together.
The strap system 214 extending downwardly from attachment points 282 located on the harness system 200 to the user's 12 pants or jock strap. The strap system 214 helps to provide stability and divert side impact force received by the user. FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of the strap system 214 of the impact diversion system 10 of FIG. 11. The strap system 214 includes a series of attachment straps 284 that join to form a single strap 286. The series of attachment straps 284 have a first end 286, that attach to the attachment points located on the harness system 200, and a second end 288, that attaches to the single strap 286. The single strap 286 has a first end 290, where the series of attachment straps 284 join to form the single strap 286, and a second end 292 that attaches to the user's 12 pants or jock strap. As shown in FIG. 12A, the series of attachment straps 284 may include two attachment straps. In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12B, the series of attachment straps 284 may includes three attachment straps. The attachment straps 214 include any fastener now known or thereafter developed in the art including complementary adhesive hook, magnets, buttons snaps, and any other coupling mechanisms to attach the first end 286 of the series of attachment straps 284 to the attachment points 282 located on the harness system 200. In a further embodiment, the strap system 214 may incorporate adjusters to allow the person 12 to create a snug fit onto their body.
FIG. 13 is a front view and FIG. 14 is a side view of the impact diversion system 10 mounted onto the person 12 of FIG. 12A or 12B, showing an expanded strap system 400. The expanded strap system includes the series of attachment straps 284 that join to form the single strap 286 (as described above and shown in FIG. 12A & 12B), a waste strap 402, and a first and second leg straps 404,406. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the waste strap 402, first and second leg strap 404,406 attach to the single strap 286 to help provide stability and divert side impact force received by a user.
FIG. 15A is a front perspective view of an alternate expanded strap system 500 for use with the impact diversion system 10 of FIGS. 12A and 12B. The alternative expanded strap system 500 includes the series of attachment straps 284 that join to form the single strap 256 (as described above and shown in FIG. 12A & 12B) and a belt 502 to be fitted around the persons' 12 torso. The belt 502 further includes a first end 504, a second end 506, a first strap connection 508, a second strap connection 510, and a buckle 512 to join and separate the first and second end 504,506. The first and second strap connections 508,510 include a loop 514 for securing the second end 292 of the single strap 286. The second end 292 of the single strap 286 include any fastener now known or thereafter developed in the art including complementary adhesive hook, snaps, and any other coupling mechanisms to attach to the loop 514. In a further embodiment, second end 292 of the single strap 286 is secured to the alternate expanded strap system 500 by pulling the second end 292 through the loop 514.
FIG. 15B is a front view of the alternate expanded strap system 500 of FIG. 15A incorporated into a pair of pants 516. The belt 502 is fabricated from a suitable material, such as semi-rigid metal that is capable of stabilizing the harness system 200 and helmet system 100. As shown in FIG. 15 b, the alternate expanded strap system 500 is capable of being incorporated into the pair of pants 516. The first or second end 504,506 is woven through the belt loops of a pair of pants. In turn, the first and second ends 504,506 are joined by the buckle 512 to secure the alternate expanded strap system 500 to the person's 12 torso. When the alternate expanded strap system 500 is secured onto the person, the first and second strap connection 510,508 extend upward from the person's 12 sides to receive the second end 292 of the single strap 286. The loop 514 may be further secured by including reinforcement support within the pair of pants 516. For example, a strip of leather connected from the loop 514 and incorporated within the pants 516 may be used to reinforce the loop 514.
Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An impact diversion system for diverting the force of an impact away from a user's head, comprising:

(a) a helmet system to receive an impact, including:

(i) a helmet comprising an outer shell with a first opening adapted to accept a second helmet mounted on the user's head;

(ii) a ring configured to fit around the user's neck;

(ii) at least one rigid post connected at a first end to the outer shell and removably connected at a second end to the ring; and

(b) a harness system suitably enabled to stabilize the helmet system, including a first half and a second half, wherein the first and second half join to fit around the user's torso.

2. The impact diversion system of claim 1, wherein the helmet further includes a pad removably attached to the inner surface of the outer shell.

3. The impact diversion system of claim 1, wherein the helmet further includes a second opening to enable the user to see outside of the helmet.

4. The impact diversion system of claim 3, wherein the helmet further includes a facemask covering a portion of the second opening and adapted to protect the user's eyes and face.

5. The impact diversion system of claim 1, wherein the ring includes at least one socket capable of receiving the second end of the post.

6. The impact diversion system of claim 5, wherein the ring further includes an opening permitting the ring to be opened and fitted around the user's neck.

7. The impact diversion system of claim 1, wherein the post includes a shock absorber suitably enabled to absorb a portion of the force of an impact receive to the outer shell.

8. The impact diversion system of claim 1, wherein the first and second half of the harness system includes a rigid section extending from the ring and covering at least a portion of the user's torso.

9. The impact diversion system of claim 8, wherein the first half and second half of the harness system further includes a flexible section extending from the front rigid section and adapted to connect the first half and second half together.

10. The impact diversion system of claim 9, wherein the flexible section further includes rigid material extending laterally through the flexible section.

11. An impact diversion system configured to be worn over a user's torso, comprising:

(a) a helmet system to receive an impact, including:

(ii) a ring including a rigid first surface and a padded second surface, and said ring including an opening permitting the ring to be opened and fitted around a user's neck, and wherein the padded second surface is fitted to and sits on the user's shoulders when the ring is fitted around a users neck;

(ii) a rigid post connected at a first end to the shell and removably connected at a second end to the ring;

(b) a harness system, to stabilize the helmet system, including a first half and a second half, wherein the first and second halves join to fit around the user's torso; and

(c) a strap system including an attachment strap connected to the harness system and at a second end to the user's clothing;

(d) wherein the rigid post supports and restrains the movement of the helmet.

12. The impact diversion system of claim 11, wherein the rigid first surface of the ring includes at least one socket capable of receiving the second end of the post.

13. The impact diversion system of claim 11, wherein the first end of the post is removably connected to the helmet.

14. The impact diversion system of claim 13, wherein the post and ring transfers an impact force from the helmet to the harness system and the strap system.

15. The impact diversion system of claim 11, wherein the strap system is connected to the sides of the harness system by a series of attachment straps.

16. The impact diversion system of claim 15, wherein the series of attachment straps join to form a single attachment straps at the second end.

17. The impact diversion system of claim 16, wherein the strap system further includes a belt comprising a first connection loop and a second connection loop and configured to be fitted around a user's waist.

18. The impact diversion system of claim 17, wherein the second end of the strap system is removably connected to the first and second connection loop.

19. The impact diversion system of claim 18, wherein the strap system further includes a first and second leg strap connected to the belt.

20. An impact diversion system for diverting the force of an impact away from a user's head and to other parts of the user's body, comprising:

(a) a harness system comprising two halves forming a vest adapted to be fastened around the user's torso;

(b) a helmet including:

(i) an outer shell with a first opening adapted to surround a portion of the user's head; and

(ii) a group of rigid posts incorporated and extending from the periphery the first opening;

(c) wherein the group of rigid posts support and restrain movement of the outer shell.