| WO/2005/102090 | HORSE RIDING HELMET |
| WO/2003/096832 | PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR FOR WHITEWATER USE |
| WO/2012/051588 | MATERIAL FOR MITIGATING IMPACT FORCES WITH COLLISION DURATIONS IN NANOSECONDS TO MILLISECONDS RANGE |
LEE, Dae Hoon (Parkview 611-901, Jeongja-dong Bundang-g, Seongnam-si Gyeonggi-do 463-010, KR)
KANG, Tae Hong (222 Onam-ri, Dongbu Apt.Onam-eu, Namyangju-si Gyeonggi-do 472-883, 106-1603, KR)
MA, Dae Chon (Insu Vila 101, 546-4Suyu 6-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul 142-887, KR)
YOON, Han Na (Dongmin Vila 301, 419-15Bupyeong 4-dong, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon 403-826, KR)
CHUNG, Gi Soo (Hugok Maeul 1504-302, 1077Ilsan 3-dong, IlsanSeo-g, Goyang-si Gyeonggi-do 411-736, KR)
AN, Jae Sang (Yeonggot Maeul Byeoksan Apt. 424-901, Jeongja-dong Jangan-g, Suwon-si Gyeonggi-do 440-300, KR)
LEE, Dae Hoon (Parkview 611-901, Jeongja-dong Bundang-g, Seongnam-si Gyeonggi-do 463-010, KR)
KANG, Tae Hong (222 Onam-ri, Dongbu Apt.Onam-eu, Namyangju-si Gyeonggi-do 472-883, 106-1603, KR)
MA, Dae Chon (Insu Vila 101, 546-4Suyu 6-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul 142-887, KR)
YOON, Han Na (Dongmin Vila 301, 419-15Bupyeong 4-dong, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon 403-826, KR)
CHUNG, Gi Soo (Hugok Maeul 1504-302, 1077Ilsan 3-dong, IlsanSeo-g, Goyang-si Gyeonggi-do 411-736, KR)
Claims
[1] A percussion absorbing pad formed as a percussion absorbing elastic member of a three-dimensional elastic fiber in a hemispheric shape, and comprising a percussion absorbing bonded portion formed on at least two symmetrically opposed locations of the percussion absorbing pad.
[2] The percussion absorbing pad of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a three- dimensional structure comprising: an upper layer and a lower layer in netting configurations; and a middle layer with a spring configuration interposed between the upper layer and the lower layer. [3] The percussion absorbing pad of claim 2, wherein the upper layer and the lower layer are formed of a polyester material, and the middle layer is formed of a nylon material. [4] The percussion absorbing pad of claim 1, further comprising a supporting member for maintaining a shape of a hat and absorbing percussions. [5] The percussion absorbing pad of claim 1, wherein the percussion absorbing bonded portion is ultrasonically bonded. [6] The percussion absorbing pad of claim 1, wherein the percussion absorbing bonded portion is formed separated at 90°angles. [7] The percussion absorbing pad of claim 2, wherein the percussion absorbing bonded portion and the supporting member are disposed in mutual alternation. [8] A helmet comprising: a cap for wearing on a head; and a hood connected to the cap, and defining a facial opening, wherein the percussion absorbing pad of any one of claims 1 to 5 is built into the cap. [9] The helmet of claim 8, wherein the facial opening comprises: an open portion for exposing a facial region; and a coupling portion formed at a lower part of the open portion, and coupling through a Velcro member. [10] A method of manufacturing a hat-shaped percussion absorbing pad formed as a three-dimensional elastic member, the method comprising: cutting the elastic member into a round shape; cutting at least two mutually symmetrical and opposed triangles out from the roundly-cut elastic member; overlapping adjacent pairs of cut edges; and bonding the overlapped pairs of cut edges. [11] The method of claim 10, wherein the cutting out of the triangles comprises: positioning regions of the elastic member to be cut between an ultrasound generator and a roller; generating ultrasound from the ultrasound generator; and cutting fabric forming the elastic member with oscillation-induced frictional heat generated through an oscillation frequency difference between the ultrasound generator and the roller. [12] The method of claim 10, wherein the bonding of the overlapping pairs of cut edges comprises: positioning the overlapped cut edges between an ultrasound generator and a roller; generating ultrasound from the ultrasound generator; and bonding the overlapped cut edges with oscillation-induced frictional heat generated through an oscillation frequency difference between the ultrasound generator and the roller. |
Description
PAD FOR ABSORBING PERCUSSION AND HELMET USING
THEREOF
Technical Field
[1] The present disclosure relates to a percussion absorbing pad and a helmet using the same that are capable of absorbing externally-incurred percussions, and more particularly, to a pad for hats that is formed of an elastic material that is light with good moisture permeability and is manufactured using ultrasonic bonding technology, and to a helmet using the pad. Background Art
[2] Generally, in semiconductor manufacturing factories and other facilities emphasizing sanitary conditions, workers wear work apparel suitable for preventing dust or other impurities disengaging from their bodies and entering the sanitary environment.
[3] For example, in a semiconductor manufacturing factory, workers wear dustproof suits and headgear because acute defects can occur when even minute particles are introduced, and sterile headgear and suits are also worn by workers in large beverage processing plants and similar facilities requiring clean environments.
[4] When such apparel is worn while working in facilities such as semiconductor manufacturing factories and beverage processing plants, the possibility of workers sustaining bodily injury (especially to the head) from bumping into installed equipment or installations is increased due to the suits and headgear impairing movement and vision.
[5] However, because such dustproof and sterile headgear are generally made only of cloth, they lack a percussion absorption function. Thus, a percussion from when a worker bumps his/her head into equipment or other installations is transferred directly to the worker's head, thereby presenting the danger of sustaining a major industrial injury.
[6] While percussions can be absorbed to a certain degree by helmets made of hard plastic, such helmets can be difficult to store because of their considerable weight and volume. Also, when such a helmet is partially cracked, the helmet must be replaced, incurring the cost of a new helmet.
[7] To solve such problems, the related art includes helmets for protection against percussion that are manufactured with memory foam or other shock absorbing material included in the helmet. However, conventional shock absorbing materials such as memory foam have unfavorable moisture permeability, so that when conventionally applied as shock absorption liners or sterile headgear, they cannot be worn for
prolonged periods. Further, the bulk of these materials renders them inconducive to applications in which they must be worn for extended durations. Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
[8] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a percussion absorbing pad that is light and has outstanding moisture permeability and sufficient shock absorbing qualities.
[9] Another object of the present invention is to provide a helmet employing the above percussion absorbing pad.
[10] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing the above percussion absorbing pad. Technical Solution
[11] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose(s) of the present invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a percussion absorbing pad in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is formed as a percussion absorbing elastic member of a three-dimensional elastic fiber in a hemispheric shape, and includes a percussion absorbing bonded portion formed on at least two symmetrically opposed locations of the percussion absorbing pad.
[12] The elastic member may be a three-dimensional structure including an upper layer and a lower layer in netting configurations, and a middle layer with a spring configuration interposed between the upper layer and the lower layer.
[13] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose(s) of the present invention, a helmet in accordance with another aspect of the present invention includes a cap for wearing on a head, and a hood connected to the cap, and defining a facial opening, wherein a percussion absorbing pad is built into the cap.
[14] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose(s) of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a hat-shaped percussion absorbing pad formed as a three-dimensional elastic member, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention includes cutting the elastic member into a round shape, cutting at least two mutually symmetrical and opposed triangles out from the roundly-cut elastic member, overlapping adjacent pairs of cut edges, and bonding the overlapped pairs of cut edges.
[15] Here, the cutting out and the bonding may include positioning regions of the elastic member to be cut or bonded between an ultrasound generator and a roller, generating ultrasound from the ultrasound generator, and cutting or bonding fabric forming the elastic member with oscillation-induced frictional heat generated through an oscillation frequency difference between the ultrasound generator and the roller.
Advantageous Effects
[16] The percussion absorbing pad and the helmet using the same according to the present invention have superb moisture permeability and are capable of sufficiently absorbing percussions. [17] Also, by providing a light-weight helmet, a user is not fatigued by wearing the helmet for a prolonged duration, and the dimensions of the helmet can be reduced for storage, due to its flexibility.
Brief Description of the Drawings [18] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a percussion absorbing helmet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[19] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the helmet in Fig. 1.
[20] FIG. 3 is diagram illustrating a percussion absorbing pad according to another embodiment of the present invention. [21] FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating the material for a percussion absorbing pad according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [22] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing process and manufacturing equipment for a percussion absorbing pad according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [23] FIGS. 7 through 11 are diagrams illustrating various configurations of percussion absorbing pads according to further embodiments of the present invention.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [24] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements. [25] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a helmet including a percussion absorbing pad according to an embodiment of the present invention. [26] Referring to FIG. 1, a protective helmet 100 is configured extending from the head region to the jugular region in order to be used as a dustproof or sterile helmet that exposes only a portion of the face. [27] The helmet 100 is configured with a cap portion at the top for enclosing the head, and a hood portion for enclosing the chin and neck while exposing a portion of the face through an open front portion at the front. A percussion absorbing pad 200 according to the present invention is disposed at the upper cap portion to protect the head. [28] The helmet 100 has an open portion at the front for exposing the face, and a coupling portion formed of a Velcro member at the bottom of the open portion to couple and expose only the facial portion when the helmet 100 is fully worn, so that the parts of the head and hood portion with the exception of the open portion cover the user.
[29] While the pad 200 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 as a percussion absorbing helmet or a sterile helmet for work wear headgear applications, the percussion absorbing pad 200 may also be built into a sportswear cap and other gear for protecting the head of a user.
[30] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the helmet 100 in Fig. 1, clearly illustrating the configuration of the percussion absorbing pad 200.
[31] Referring to FIG. 2, the percussion absorbing pad 200 is formed of an elastic member
220, and may also include a supporting member 230, and an upper member 210 and a lower member 240 enclosing the elastic member 220 and/or the supporting member 230.
[32] In order to ensure moisture permeability, percussion absorption, light weight, and storability, the elastic member 220 may be made of a three-dimensional elastic material, formed of layers of fibers arranged to form a mesh and spring structure that is light and three-dimensional. The structure of the elastic member 220 will be described in detail below.
[33] A percussion absorbing pad according to one embodiment of the present layer is an elastic member 220 of a hemispheric shape that is built into a hat to form a protective helmet.
[34] According to another embodiment, a hemispheric percussion absorbing pad 200 may be formed with an upper cover 210 and a lower cover 240 covering the latter. In this case, the percussion absorbing pad 200 may be used as a separate helmet in itself, or used to supplement protection provided by another hat when used together with various other kinds of hats, such as percussion absorbing hats, sterile hats, etc.
[35] The supporting member 230 maintains the shape of a hat to absorb shocks, and may be included together with the percussion absorbing pad 200 or may be built into a protective helmet together with the percussion absorbing pad 200.
[36] For example, the hat 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is integrally formed with the percussion absorbing pad provided with only the elastic member 220, built into the hat 100. In a different example, a separate percussion absorbing pad 200, with an upper cover 210 and lower cover 240 covering an elastic member 200 and including a supporting member 230, may be used together with a related art percussion absorbing/sterile hat made of cloth, to supplement the protection provided by the hat.
[37] FIG. 3 is diagram illustrating the process of forming a hemispheric elastic member
220 according to another embodiment of the present invention. After a circular three- dimensional elastic member 220 is prepared, at least two mutually opposing triangles are cut out.
[38] Next, both ends that have been cut are overlapped to form an overall rounded shape.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, portions opposite one another at four positions may be cut out,
after which adjacent cut portions may be overlapped to form an approximately hemispheric shape.
[39] As described above, the elastic member 220 by itself, or together with the upper cover 210 and the lower cover 240, forms the percussion absorbing pad 200 in a three- dimensional regular shape, in order to provide sufficient percussion absorption and high moisture permeability.
[40] FIGS. 4 and 5 are a cutaway perspective view and a sectional view, respectively, of an elastic member 220 according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
[41] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, an elastic member 220 includes an upper layer, a middle layer 223, and a lower layer 224. The upper layer 222 and lower layer 224 maintain the shape of the elastic member 220 and prevent it from being damaged by being formed of polyester configured as thick netting, and the middle layer 223 is formed in a spring shape from a nylon material to impart elasticity.
[42] When the cutting and bonding of such a multi-layered elastic member 220 is performed using related art methods such as cutting with a knife and joining through stitching, a considerable amount of small fragments is produced to contaminate a working environment and continually deposit small fragments on a user.
[43] Accordingly, the cutting and bonding of the elastic member 220 may be performed employing ultrasonic cutting and bonding techniques.
[44] In ultrasonic cutting and bonding, an object for cutting or bonding is placed between an ultrasound generator and a roller opposite the generator. After the ultrasound generator and the roller are positioned in proximity, ultrasound is generated by the ultrasound generator to induce oscillations. Oscillation-induced frictional heat is generated by the difference in the oscillation frequencies of the ultrasound generator and the roller, and the heat is conducted to the object to cut or fuse and bond the object.
[45] That is, in ultrasonic cutting, bonded structures of molecules are broken at an atomic level by means of oscillation-induced frictional heat, and the cut edges are thermally fused during the cutting process, so that no tiny particles are generated.
[46] In ultrasonic bonding, ultrasonic energy spontaneously applies frictional heat to thermally plastic material such as the elastic member 220 of the present invention, performing strong molecular bonding between overlapping parts of an elastic member.
[47] Here, the roller induces oscillation-induced friction, and also applies an adequate amount of pressure for cutting or bonding.
[48] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating two cut surfaces of an elastic member 220 being bonded using an ultrasonic bonder.
[49] Specifically, an elastic member 220 that is to be bonded is disposed in an overlapping state between an ultrasound generator 310 and a roller 320, and the roller 320 applies an adequate amount of pressure as ultrasound is generated, thereby fusing
the overlapped portions of the elastic member 220 together through a difference in oscillation frequencies.
[50] While the leading end of the roller 320 is illustrated as a pin in FIG. 6, it is but one example, and a variety of rollers with different widths may be used according to their suitability for different shapes and materials of objects for cutting or bonding.
[51] When bonding through fusing is performed, bonded regions of thermally plastic materials such as the elastic member 220 of the present invention are given strong molecular bonds that diminish elasticity while providing a high degree of strength.
[52] Therefore, in the case of the elastic member 220 of the present invention that is formed into a hemispheric shape suitable for use as a helmet, the bonded portions are positioned to help maintain the hemispheric shape, and to also absorb shocks inflicted from the outside.
[53] FIGS. 7 through 11 are diagrams illustrating different positions of bonded portions
221 on the elastic member according to several embodiments of the present invention.
[54] The bonded portions 221 in FIG. 7 are positioned at the front, rear, and sides of the percussion absorbing pad 200, where percussions are most likely to occur. Here, the supporting member 230 is disposed in alternation with the bonded portions 221 to aid in maintaining the shape of the percussion absorbing pad 200 and absorbing shocks.
[55] While the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is similar to that in FIG. 7, the former has been rotated by 45° about the center, so that the supporting members 230 are disposed at the front and rear of the left and right sides of the percussion absorbing pad 200', and the bonded portions 221 are disposed in alternation with the supporting member 230.
[56] Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the bonded portions 221 are formed in
8 locations, and the supporting member 230 is disposed to form percussion absorbing pads 220" and 220'".
[57] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the bonding portions 221 maintain the shape of the percussion absorbing pad 220"" and absorb shock by themselves, without the supporting members 230.
[58] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims. Industrial Applicability
[59] A percussion absorbing pad and a helmet using the same according to the present invention form a lightweight helmet that has superb moisture permeability and sufficient shock absorption capability, so that prolonged wear does not induce fatigue in a user. Also, because the helmet is flexible, it occupies less storage space. Accordingly, it is suitable for use in many areas, including safety helmets used at construction sites and other hazardous places, helmets worn by athletes of sports with high accident incidence, and helmets worn by motorcycle riders.
[60]
Next Patent: HYPERBRANCHED ORGANIC MODIFIER, METHOD OF PREPARING THEREOF AND ORGANO-MODIFIED CLAY USING THE SAME