CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 1 19 to United States Provisional Application No. 61/251 ,862, filed October 15, 2009, entitled "Helmet With Insertable Inflation Apparatus," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to head protective gear. More specifically, the present invention pertains to helmets having an inflation apparatus and to systems and methods for removing a helmet attached to a user's head.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various approaches have been proposed for removing helmets from injured wearers, such as motorcycle riders, football players, hockey players, and others. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,428,845 and 5,566,398 describe the use of an inflatable bladder inside a helmet to remove the helmet from an injury victim. First responders, such as EMT's, can remove a helmet without causing further unwanted movement to a victim's head or neck using a bladder that sits inside the victim's helmet. Following an accident, the bladder can be inflated by first responders using a squeeze bulb or fluid cartridge (e.g., C0 ₂ cartridge), lifting the helmet from the victim's head and thereby reducing risk of further aggravating any potential neck injury.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention relates to helmets having an inflation apparatus, and to systems and methods for removing a helmet attached to a user's head. An illustrative system for removing a helmet from a user's head includes a helmet having an inner liner, an outer shell, and a guide opening. An inflation apparatus configured for insertion through the guide opening includes an insertion tool, an inflatable member, and an inflation mechanism coupled to a fluid source. The inflatable member is actuatable between a collapsed state to facilitate inserting the inflation apparatus through the guide opening and into the user's helmet, and an expanded state for removing the helmet from the user's head.

[0005] A helmet in accordance with an illustrative embodiment comprises an outer shell, an inflatable member disposed adjacent to an interior portion of the outer shell and actuatable between a collapsed state and an expanded state, and an inner liner configured to unfold and expand against a user's head in the expanded state.

[0006] An illustrative method for removing a helmet attached to a user's head comprises inserting the leading end of an insertion tool into a guide opening of a helmet, advancing the insertion tool into an internal guide within the helmet, and inflating an inflatable member coupled to the insertion tool from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The expansion of the inflatable member in the expanded state applies a force on the user's head, forcing the helmet at least partially away from the user's head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an illustrative system for removing a helmet from the head of a user;

[0008] Figures 2A-2B are several perspective views showing the insertion of the inflatable member into the helmet using the insertion tool of Figure 1 ;

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the interior portion of a helmet in accordance with another illustrative embodiment including a guide channel; [0010] Figures 4A-4B are several perspective views showing the insertion of the insertion tool of Figure 1 into the helmet of Figure 3;

[0011] Figures 5A-5B are several perspective views showing an illustrative insertion tool having a number of indexing markers;

[0012] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an illustrative insertion tool including a fluid conduit;

[0013] Figure 7 is another view of the insertion tool of Figure 6;

[0014] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the insertion tool along line 8-8 in Figure 6;

[0015] Figure 9 is another view of the insertion tool of Figure 6, showing the insertion tool in a bent or flexed position;

[0016] Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a helmet in accordance with another illustrative embodiment configured to receive an insertion tool vertically from a position above the helmet;

[0017] Figures 1 1A-1 1 D are several views showing the insertion of an insertion tool into the helmet of Figure 10;

[0018] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a helmet in accordance with another illustrative embodiment having an inner liner configured to expand during inflation of an inflatable member;

[0019] Figure 13A is a perspective view of a helmet in accordance with another illustrative embodiment having an inner liner configured to expand during inflation of an inflatable member; and

[0020] Figure 13B is a another view showing the inner liner of

Figure 13A in an expanded position within the helmet.

[0021] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an illustrative system 10 for removing a helmet 12 from the head of a user. As shown in Figure 1 , the system 10 includes an inflation apparatus 14 configured for insertion within the helmet 12. As discussed further herein, the helmet 12 and inflation apparatus 14 can include number of features that permit the apparatus 14 to be inserted into the helmet 12 while worn on the user's head. In some embodiments, for example, the helmet 12 and inflation apparatus 14 can include an insertion tool that permits a first responder on the scene of a possible injury to insert the apparatus 14 into the user's helmet and then extract the helmet 12 from the user's head by inflation. Although the exemplary helmet 12 shown in Figure 1 comprises a racing helmet that can be used in activities such as motocross, the particular configuration of the helmet 12 may vary from that shown.

[0023] The inflation apparatus 14 includes an inflatable member such as an expandable bladder 16 coupled to or formed integrally with an insertion tool 18 which, as discussed further with respect to Figures 2A- 2B, facilitates insertion of the bladder 16 into the helmet 12. In some embodiments, the insertion tool 18 comprises a thin, rectangular-shaped piece having a first end 20, a second end 22, a first side 24, and a second side 26. The insertion tool 18 can be constructed from a flexible plastic and/or metallic material that allows the insertion tool 18 to bend of flex when inserted into the helmet 12. In use, the insertion tool 18 imparts stiffness to the inflation apparatus 14 to permit a first responder to insert the inflatable bladder 16 into an interior space of the helmet 12 adjacent to the user's head. Once inserted into the helmet 12, the inflatable bladder 16 can then be expanded from a first (i.e., collapsed) state to a second (i.e., expanded) state to facilitate removal of the helmet 12 from the user's head.

[0024] The inflatable bladder 16 can be actuated via an inflation mechanism 28, which in the embodiment of Figure 1 , comprises a tube 30 in fluid communication with an interior chamber 32 of the bladder 16 and a fluid source 34. The fluid source 34 may comprise, for example, an inflator bulb 36 having a port 38 that can be secured to a connector 40 located on one end of the tube 30. Other suitable means for inflating the bladder 16 such as a CO ₂ cartridge 40 or other gas or fluid-filled canister can also be used. In some embodiments, the fluid source 34 can be provided in conjunction with the helmet 12 and/or inflation apparatus 14 as part of a helmet removal kit.

[0025] The inflatable bladder 16 may be folded upon itself one or more times to place the bladder 16 in the collapsed configuration shown in Figure 1. In other embodiments, the inflatable bladder 16 may be pleated or includes one or more other features that allow the bladder 16 to be reduced in size and assume the generally collapsed configuration shown in Figure 1. The inflatable bladder 16 can be either temporarily or permanently attached to the insertion tool 18. In one embodiment, for example, the inflatable bladder 16 can be temporarily attached to the insertion tool 18 via one or more severable joints (e.g., adhesive joints) located between the bladder 16 and the insertion tool 18, allowing the insertion tool 18 to be detached from the bladder 16 once positioned within the helmet 12.

[0026] As further shown in Figure 1 , the helmet 12 includes a hard outer shell 44 sized and shaped to fit about the user's head. An inner liner 46 located adjacent to the hard outer shell 44 is configured to form a snug fit between the helmet 12 and user's head. In some embodiments, the inner liner 46 can include one or more pads 48 that provide additional protection and comfort to the user's head. Each of the pads 48 has an exterior portion 50 and an interior portion 52, and can be constructed from a resilient material such as foam or gel-packs. The exterior portion 50 of each pad 48 can be affixed to the hard outer shell 44. The inner portion 52 of each pad 48, in turn, defines an interior cavity 54 of the helmet 12 that fits snugly about the user's head. A number of additional pads 56,58 may also be placed at other, selective locations within the helmet 12 to provide additional protective support and comfort to the user's head, as desired.

[0027] In some embodiments, the helmet 12 further includes lining 60 disposed adjacent to the exterior portion 50 of the inner liner 46. The lining 60 can comprise, for example, a layer of fabric and/or resilient material (e.g., nylon or polyester). In some embodiments, the lining 60 can be configured to stretch and/or expand when the inflatable bladder 16 is inflated to its expanded state within the helmet 12.

[0028] An internal guide such as a guide channel or sheath disposed within the helmet 12 is configured to slidably receive the insertion tool 18. In some embodiments, for example, the internal guide may permit a first responder such as an EMT to insert the inflatable bladder 16 into the helmet 12 in the interior space between the inner liner 46 and the user's head. In the event of a crash or accident, for example, the internal guide may facilitate insertion of the inflatable bladder 16 into the helmet 12, allowing a first responder to remove the helmet 12 from the wearer's head without having to manually pry the helmet 12 loose. In some cases, the internal guide may permit the first responder to insert the inflatable bladder 16 into the helmet 12 without having to move the user's head or body, as is often necessary when removal of the helmet 12 is accomplished by manually grasping and pulling the helmet 12.

[0029] In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the internal guide comprises a guide channel 62 inset within the exterior portion 50 of the inner liner 46 at or near the front 64 of the helmet 12, and extending lengthwise towards the rear 66 of the helmet 12 along a general longitudinal axis of the helmet 12. The guide channel 62 may be sized and shaped to substantially conform to the size and shape of the inflation apparatus 14 in the collapsed state. In certain embodiments, the depth of the guide channel 62 may be similar to the thickness of the inflation apparatus 14, allowing the apparatus 14 to lie substantially flush with the inner liner 46.

[0030] Figures 2A-2B are several perspective views showing the insertion of the inflatable bladder 16 into the helmet 12 using the insertion tool 18 of Figure 1. As shown in a first view in Figure 2A, the leading end 20 of the insertion tool 18 including the inflatable bladder 16 can be inserted into a guide opening 68 on the underside of the helmet 12 and then advanced along the guide channel 62 in the direction indicated generally by arrow 70. The size of the opening 68 can be sufficient to permit the insertion tool end 20 to be manually inserted into the opening 68 without the need for addition tools. In one embodiment, the opening 68 can be flared slightly to facilitate insertion of the insertion tool end 20 into the opening 68. The insertion tool end 20 can also be tapered to facilitate insertion of the insertion tool 18 into the opening 68.

[0031] Once inserted into the opening 68, and as further shown in a second view in Figure 2B, the insertion tool 18 can then be further advanced into the helmet 12, forcing the inflatable bladder 16 into the free space between the user's head and the inner liner 46. Once fully inserted into the guide channel 62, the first responder may then connect a fluid source 34 to the connector 40 on the tube 30 and inflate the bladder 16 to its expanded state. During inflation, the bladder 16 is configured in size and shape to substantially fill the interior cavity 54 of the helmet 12. This expansion results in the exertion of a force on the user's head, which displaces the helmet 12 directly away from the head. The helmet 12 can then be removed from the head once the helmet 12 is displaced a sufficient distance to clear the ears and portions of the head that would otherwise impede removal.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a helmet 72 in accordance with another illustrative embodiment having a guide channel 74. The helmet 72 can be configured similar to the helmet 12 of Figure 1 , with like elements labeled in like manner in the drawings. In the embodiment of Figure 3, however, the guide channel 74 terminates at a distal stop 76 located towards the rear 66 of the helmet 72.

[0033] Figures 4A-4B are several perspective views showing the insertion of the insertion tool 18 of Figure 1 into the helmet 72 of Figure 3. As shown in a first view in Figure 4A, the leading end 20 of the insertion tool 18 can be inserted into an opening 78 on the underside of the helmet 72 and then advanced along the guide channel 74 in the direction indicated generally by arrow 80. As can be further seen in a second view in Figure 4B, further insertion of the insertion tool 18 into the guide channel 74 causes the insertion tool end 20 to contact the distal stop 76. At this point, further insertion of the insertion tool 18 into the guide channel 74 is not possible, providing the first responder with tactile feedback that the inflatable bladder 16 is fully inserted into the helmet 72. Once fully inserted therein, the inflatable bladder 16 can then be inflated and the helmet 72 removed in a manner similar to that described, for example, with respect to Figures 2A-2B.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the insertion tool can further include indexing indicia (e.g., distance markers) to permit the first responder to visually gauge the distance the insertion tool is inserted into the helmet. In some embodiments, for example, the indexing indicia can be used in conjunction with the helmet 72 of Figure 3 to further provide the first responder with visual confirmation that the insertion tool 18 has been fully inserted into the helmet 72. The indexing indicia can also be provided in conjunction with the helmet 12 of Figure 1 , or with other helmet configurations.

[0035] Figures 5A-5B are several perspective views showing an illustrative insertion tool 82 having a number of indexing markers 84,86 that can be used to gauge the insertion distance of the member 82 into the helmet 72 of Figure 3. As shown in a first view in Figure 5A, the indexing markers 84,86 are each oriented horizontally across the width of the insertion tool 82, and are spaced apart from each other a distance L along the length of the member 82. The distance L between each of the markers 84,86 may represent, for example, the insertion length or length of travel at which the insertion tool 82 travels through the guide channel 74 until reaching the distal stop 76.

[0036] As can be further seen in a second view in Figure 5B, further insertion of the insertion tool 82 into the guide channel 74 causes the leading end 88 of the insertion tool 82 to contact the distal stop 76. At this point, one of the indexing markers 86 is aligned with the opening 78 of the guide channel 74, providing the first responder with visual confirmation that the insertion tool 82 is fully inserted into the helmet 72. In the event the insertion tool 82 is inserted in a direction opposite to that shown in Figures 5A-5B, a second indexing marker 84 located towards the opposite end of the insertion tool 82 is similarly configured to provide the first responder with visual confirmation that the insertion tool 82 is fully inserted into the helmet 72.

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an illustrative insertion tool 90 including an integral fluid conduit 92 for supplying pressurized fluid or gas to the inflatable bladder 16. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the insertion tool 90 comprises a thin, rectangular-shaped member having a first end 94, a second end 96, a first side 98, and a second side 100. The fluid conduit 92 extends through the interior of the insertion tool 90, and can be fluidly coupled at one end (e.g., end 94) to the inflatable bladder 16 and at another end (e.g., end 96) to a fluid source. In some embodiments, and as further shown in Figures 7 and 8, the fluid conduit 92 comprises a separate tube that is integrally formed with the insertion tool 90 by over-molding or co-extruding the insertion tool material over the tube, or by other suitable technique. In an alternative embodiment, the fluid conduit 92 may be formed as an interior lumen of the insertion tool 90 using a mold or die. In certain embodiments, and as can be further seen in Figure 9, the insertion tool 90 can be configured to bend or flex along its length in the direction indicated generally by arrows 102 to facilitate insertion of the insertion tool 90 into the helmet 72.

[0038] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a helmet 104 in accordance with another illustrative embodiment configured to receive an insertion tool 18 vertically from a position at or above the helmet 104. As shown in Figure 10, a guide channel 106 extending through the hard outer shell 40 of the helmet 104 is configured to receive the insertion tool 1 14 (see Figures 1 1A-1 1 D) from a position above and slightly rearward on the helmet 104. The guide channel 106 extends from a first opening 1 10 in the outer shell 44 to a second opening 1 12 located in the inner liner 46. In the embodiment of Figure 10, the guide channel 106 extends entirely through the outer shell 44 and the inner liner 46, allowing the insertion of the insertion tool 1 14 into the interior space between the inner liner 46 and the lining 60. In other embodiments, the guide channel 106 extends entirely through the outer shell 44 and only a portion of the inner liner 46. In one embodiment, for example, the inner liner 46 includes a recessed portion configured in size and shape to receive the insertion tool 1 14. Other configurations are also possible.

[0039] Figures 1 1A-1 1 D are several views showing the insertion of a insertion tool 1 14 into the helmet 104 of Figure 10. As shown in a first view in Figure 1 1 A, a first end 1 16 of the insertion tool 1 14 removably coupled to an inflatable bladder 1 18 can be inserted into the opening 1 10 located on the top of the helmet 104 and advanced into the guide channel 106 in the direction indicated generally by arrow 120. Once inserted into the guide channel 106, and as further shown in a second position in Figure 1 1 B, continued advancement in the direction indicated by arrow 120 causes the insertion tool end 1 16 to pass through the hard outer shell 44 and the inner liner 46 and enter into an interior space 122 within the helmet 104 located adjacent to the inner liner 46. Due to the slight rearward orientation of the guide channel 106 and the flexibility of the insertion tool 1 14, the tool 1 14 enters into the interior space 122 from a position substantially parallel to the user's head. Once inserted fully into the interior space 122, and as further shown in another view in Figure 1 1 C, continued insertion of the insertion tool 1 14 into the helmet 104 is prevented by a distal stop 124, which provides the first responder with tactile feedback that the insertion tool 1 14 is fully inserted into the helmet 104. If desired, indexing indicia such as the indexing markers described herein with respect to Figures 5A-5B can also be used to provide the first responder with visual confirmation that the insertion tool 1 14 is fully inserted into the helmet 104.

[0040] Once inserted fully into the helmet 104, and as further shown in another view in Figure 1 1 D, the insertion tool 1 14 can then be withdrawn from the helmet 104 in the direction indicated generally by arrow 125, causing the insertion tool 1 14 to detach from the inflatable bladder 1 18, as shown. With the inflatable bladder 1 18 positioned within the interior space 120, the first responder may then connect a fluid source 36, 42 to the bladder 1 18 and inflate the bladder 1 18 within the helmet 104. The helmet 104 can then be removed in a manner similar to that described, for example, with respect to Figures 2A-2B.

[0041] Although Figures 1 1 A-11 D show the insertion of the insertion tool 1 14 from a position above and rearward on the helmet 104, in other embodiments the insertion tool 1 14 can be inserted from other positions on the helmet 104. For example, the insertion tool 1 14 can be inserted from a position on either of the sides of the helmet 104, or from a position above and forward on the helmet 104.

[0042] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a helmet 126 in accordance with another illustrative embodiment having an inner liner 128 configured to expand during inflation of an inflatable member. In the embodiment of Figure 12, the inner liner 128 includes a number of rectangular-shaped sections 130,132,134 each oriented lengthwise along the longitudinal axis of the helmet 126, as shown. A middle section 130 of the inner liner 128 is folded upon itself via a number of folds or pleats, and is configured to unfold and expand in a direction towards the user's head during inflation of an inflatable member such as an expandable bladder inserted into the helmet 126 adjacent to the liner 128. A number of lateral sections 132,134 of the inner liner 128 each include a number of folds or pleats, and are similarly configured to unfold and expand in a direction towards the user's head during inflation of the inflatable member.

[0043] Figure 13A is a perspective view of a helmet 136 in accordance with another illustrative embodiment having an inner liner 138 configured to expand during inflation of an inflatable member. In the embodiment of Figure 13A, the inner liner 138 comprises a number of leaflets 140,142 each configured to unfold and expand in a direction towards the user's head during inflation of an inflatable member inserted into the helmet 136 adjacent to the liner 138. As indicated generally by arrows 144 and 146, each leaflet 140,142 can be configured to laterally expand towards the front, rear, and sides of the helmet 136. Continued inflation of the inflatable member causes the liner 138 to further expand outwardly in a direction towards the user's head, as further shown, for example, in Figure 13B.

[0044] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.