CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 62/609195, filed December 21, 2017; the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Protective equipment, such as a head-protecting device, is frequently regarded as an essential piece of equipment for many sports and activities, such as football, cycling, hockey, and military service. Such protective equipment is often used to protect a wearer's body against injuries caused by forceful contact with other people or objects.

Head-protecting devices that include a faceguard conventionally have a faceguard rigidly attached at a number of points to a portion of the head-protecting device. Upon impact, the head is jolted as it follows the motion of the helmet it is enclosed in, and forces directed to the faceguard are directly transferred from the helmet to the wearer's head.

For some applications, such as football, hockey, lacrosse, military, or industry, a head-protecting device includes an integrated faceguard. Conventional faceguards come in various bar configurations, in some cases designed for a specific sport and player position. Conventional faceguards are typically made of carbon steel, stainless steel, or titanium coated in plastic, making them rigid and often relatively heavy. Such weight and rigidity adds pressure to the wearer's head and neck. A heavy faceguard reduces player agility, mobility, and speed. Reducing the weight of the faceguard would improve a player's performance and safety, lowering the momentum and energy of impact resulting in less severe jolting of the player's head.

Additionally, many head-protecting devices are rigidly secured to the wearer's head via a strap configured to be worn, for example, under or covering the chin. This strap is adjustably attached to the head-protecting device to fit appropriately on the wearer's head. Head-protecting device straps that are attached permanently, such as those on cycling helmets, typically have fasteners. These fasteners frequently include a buckle - a female part at the end of one strap, and a male part at the end of the other strap; the two parts meet and are fastened together under the wearer's chin, and unbuckled with a pinch release. Another type of fastener is a D-ring buckle, including two D- shaped metal rings at the end of one of the two strap ends. This buckle is fastened under the chin by threading the end of the other strap through both rings in such a way that the strap is secured in place. Permanently affixed straps are typically made of either nylon or polypropylene webbing, which will only stretch significantly when acted upon by extreme forces, which occur very infrequently during normal use. Further, such significant stretching only damages the material of the straps, rendering the head-protecting device unsafe to use.

Straps that are detachably secured to a head-protecting device, such as those on football helmets, frequently include a chin cup, which conforms to the wearer's chin, and a number of straps that attach to the head-protecting device on each side of the wearer's head. The working length of the straps is adjustable to fit to the wearer's head, and the straps are fixed to the chin cup - either sewn to the chin cup, threaded through holes at the sides of the chin cup, or other configurations. The straps are frequently made of spun polyester or nylon webbing or vinyl, or elastic (rubber or imitative synthetic material) webbing. The shape of the chin cup can be designed to offer protection from impact forces to the chin, though some designs do not include any impact-absorbing properties. Certain chin straps simply hold the football helmet (or other head-protecting device) in place, with a cup that is made of soft, oftentimes leathery, material, with one or more holes for breathability. Others cups include a hard outer shell, typically made of polycarbonate, configured to deflect some of the forces endured during impact and a soft inner lining, typically made of foam or gel-filled compartments.

Protective equipment rigidly coupling to the body of a wearer, such as helmets including rigidly-coupled faceguards and straps, transmit forces incident on the protective equipment to the body of the wearer. Such transmitted forces have been shown to cause injury, such as concussion, to wearers of protective equipment. Accordingly, improved head-protecting devices would be welcomed by users for their own comfort and safety.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a force- sensitive mechanism for a protective device is provided. The force-sensitive mechanism generally includes a first elongate web; and a second elongate web having a first end coupled to a first location on the first elongate web and a second end coupled to a second location on the first elongate web, the second elongate web configured to elastically extend in reaction to a force greater than or equal to a threshold tensile force applied along the length of the first elongate web, wherein the distance between the first location and the second location along the first elongate web may be greater than a neutral length of the second elongate web.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a force- sensitive mechanism is provided. The force-sensitive mechanism generally includes a casing coupled to a first position of a protective equipment; and a pin slideable within a slot of the casing. The pin includes a first end disposed in the casing and configured to interface a spring positioned to bias the pin toward a first position when a force applied to the force-sensitive mechanism is less than a threshold force; and a second end protruding through the slot of the casing and coupled to a second position of the protective device spaced a distance apart from the first position, wherein the pin may slide within the casing along the slot to a second position when the force applied to the pin is greater than or equal to the threshold force, and wherein the spring may cause the pin to return to the first position when the force applied to the pin is less than the threshold force.

In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the second elongate web may be configured to extend in length, when the force applied along the length of the first elongate web is greater than or equal to the threshold tensile force, to at least an extended length equal to the distance between the first location and the second location along the first elongate web.

In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first elongate web may be configured to limit the extension of the second elongate web to the extended length.

In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the second elongate web may be configured to retract in length to less than the extended length when the force applied along the length of the first elongate web is less than the threshold tensile force.

In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the second elongate web may be configured to retract in length to the neutral length when the force applied along the length of the first elongate web is less than the threshold tensile force.

In some embodiments, the protective device includes a force-sensitive mechanism selected from the group consisting of: a spring, an air piston, a dashpot, a rubber damper, a fluid damper, an electromagnetic damper, a telescopic system, wire rope, a hook-and-loop fastener, stitchings, buttons, rivets, and combinations thereof.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a protective device comprising a force-sensitive mechanism integrated therein. As discussed further herein, such integrated force-sensitive mechanisms are configured to absorb forces incident upon the protective equipment through disengaging motion, thereby reducing forces transmitted to wearers and the risk of injury to the wearer.

In an embodiment, the force-sensitive mechanism is configured to disengage beyond a first position and up to a second position when a force is applied to the force-sensitive mechanism above a threshold force. In an embodiment, the force- sensitive mechanism returns to the first position when force applied to the force- sensitive mechanism is below the threshold force.

In an embodiment, the force-sensitive mechanism includes an elastic portion coupled to a strap at two points on the strap, wherein an adjacent strap section between the two points has a length greater than a length of the elastic portion in the first position when the elastic portion is under no tension; wherein the elastic portion is configured to extend up to the length of the adjacent strap section when the force- sensitive mechanism is under tension above a threshold force, and wherein the strap and elastic portion are configured return to the first position when the tension applied to the elastic portion drops below the threshold force.

In an embodiment, the force-sensitive mechanism includes a casing coupled to a first portion of the protective equipment; and a pin including: a first end disposed in the casing and slideably coupled to a spring biased to place the pin in the first position when a force applied to the force-sensitive mechanism is less than the threshold force; and a second end protruding from the casing and coupled to a second portion of the protective device, wherein the pin slides up to an end of the casing at the second position when tension is applied to the pin above the threshold force, and, wherein pin is configured to return to the first position when the tension applied to the pin drops below the threshold force.

In an embodiment, the protective equipment is a head-protecting device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of a head-protecting device having one representative embodiment of an integrated force-sensitive mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, and showing a permanently attached chin strap;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a head-protecting device having one representative embodiment of an integrated force-sensitive mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a temporarily-attached chin strap, and a faceguard;

FIGURE 3 is a front view of a chin strap having one representative embodiment of an integrated force-sensitive mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGURE 4A is a cross-sectional side view of one representative embodiment of a force-sensitive mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; FIGURE 4B is a cross-sectional plan view of the force-sensitive mechanism of FIGURE 4 A;

FIGURE 4C is a plan view of another representative embodiment of a force- sensitive mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, showing the force-sensitive mechanism integrated into a male portion of a release buckle,;

FIGURE 4D is a plan view of another representative embodiment of a force- sensitive mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, shown integrated into a female part of a release buckle;

FIGURE 4E is a side view of the force-sensitive mechanism of FIGURE 4D;

FIGURE 5A is a perspective view of another representative embodiment of a force-sensitive mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGURE 5B is a side view the force-sensitive mechanism of FIGURE 5A, showing a relaxed elastic portion;

FIGURE 5C is a side view the force-sensitive mechanism of FIGURE 5 A, showing an elastic portion under tension;

FIGURE 6 is a front view of a faceguard including representative embodiments of integrated force-sensitive mechanisms in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGURE 7 is a schematic diagram of a dashpot, which includes a damper and a spring;

FIGURE 8 is perspective view of another representative embodiment of a force-sensitive mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, showing telescopic construction;

FIGURE 9 is a side view of a head-protecting device including another representative embodiment of a force-sensitive mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, showing the force-sensitive mechanism integrated into a faceguard anchor;

FIGURE 10 is perspective bottom view of a head-protecting device including a suspension system with one representative embodiment of integrated force-sensitive mechanisms in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGURE 11 A is a perspective view of another representative embodiment of a force-sensitive mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; FIGURE 11B is a side view of the force-sensitive mechanism of FIGURE

11 A;

FIGURE 11C is a side view of the force-sensitive mechanism of FIGURE 11 A, showing an extended position having a maximum predetermined length; and FIGURE 11D is a perspective view of another representative embodiment of a force-sensitive mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as precluding other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed.

In the following description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

The present application may include references to directions, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “rear,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” “right hand,”“left hand,”“lateral,”“medial,”“in,”“out,”“ext ended,” "upstream, " "downstream, ¹ etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are only to assist in helping describe and to understand the particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations.

The present application may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term“plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term“plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms “about,”“approximately,”“near,” etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase“at least one of A, B, and C,” for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further possible permutations when greater than three elements are listed.

The following description provides several illustrations of protective equipment including integrated force-sensitive mechanisms. As described further herein, when the protective equipment is impacted by a force, normal, oblique, or some combination thereof, the force-sensitive mechanism is configured to provide controlled disengagement of a portion of the wearer's body from the protective equipment. In this regard, the portion of the wearer's body in contact with the protective equipment does not follow the full resulting motion that the protective equipment undergoes after an impact. Additionally, the force-sensitive mechanism dampens the impact force acting as a suspension system, absorbing some of the kinetic energy that would otherwise be transferred to a portion of the wearer's body.

While the following description includes description of force-sensitive mechanisms integrated into parts of a head-protective device, such as chin straps and faceguards, the force-sensitive mechanisms described herein can be integrated into other protective equipment configured to be worn on, for example, knees, elbows, shoulder, hips, legs, arms, and neck.

Turning to FIGURE 1, a side view of a head-protecting device including an integrated force-sensitive mechanism and permanently-attached chin straps, shown generally as elongate webs, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the head-protecting device 10 includes straps 12A and 12B permanently attached to a body portion 82 of the head-protecting device 10 with fasteners 11A and 11B. The length of the straps 12A and 12B is adjustable with sliders 13A and 13B, respectively. The right side buckle 14A and the left side buckle 14B cooperatively and releaseably fasten together. The strap 12A includes force-sensitive mechanism 16 integrated therein. As discussed further herein with respect to FIGURES 5A, 5B, and 5C, strap 12A including the force-sensitive mechanism 16 is controllably extendable along a length of the strap 12 A. In this regard, when a force above a threshold force is applied to the straps 12A and 12B, the straps 12A and 12B extend by a predetermined length and do not extend significantly thereafter. In some embodiments, the threshold force is applied along the length of the strap in the form of a tensile force. Once the force applied to strap 12A drops below the threshold force, strap 12A returns to an initial length, or neutral length.

Research studies and testing by the authors on the protective equipment disclosed herein have shown that controlled extension of, for example, a chin strap during impact can enhance the impact-mitigation performance of a head-protecting device, especially when used in combination with head-protection technology that mitigates oblique impacts. The chin strap including an integrated force-sensitive mechanism is more effective in reducing the linear and rotational forces transferred to the head, known to contribute to head injury, than a chin strap without this integrated force-sensitive mechanism.

In certain embodiments, force-sensitive mechanisms 16 are integrated into fasteners 11A and 11B configured to anchor straps 12A and 12B to a body portion 82 of the head-protecting device 10 and configured to provide disengagement of the fasteners 11A and 11B away from the head-protecting device 10. In this regard, the fasteners 11A and 11B provide disengagement in an axial direction parallel with the adjacent strap 12A when acted upon by a force above a threshold force. As above, once the force applied to the force-sensitive mechanism 16 integrated into the fasteners 11A and 11B drops below the threshold force, the fasteners 11A and 11B return to their initial states.

In certain embodiments, the force-sensitive mechanism comprises of a mechanical or chemical attachment, attached by means of sewing, riveting, adhering, sealing, fastening, hooking, looping, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, when a force exceeds a threshold, the force-sensitive mechanism 16 may extend by a maximum of a predetermined length. Once the force applied to the force-sensitive mechanism 16 drops below the threshold force, the force-sensitive mechanism may or may not return to its initial positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the force-sensitive mechanism 16 is depicted as a black box. However, the force-sensitive mechanism 16 can be any force-sensitive mechanism described herein, for example the force-sensitive mechanisms described further herein with respect to FIGURES 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, and 5C.

Turning to FIGURE 2, a perspective view of a head-protecting device including an integrated force-sensitive mechanism, a temporarily-attached chin strap, and a faceguard, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, is illustrated. Head-protecting device 17 is shown to include a temporarily attached chin strap 23 and a faceguard 24. The chin strap 23 is attached at strap ends 21A and 21B to a body portion 83 of the head-protecting device 17 at two points on either side of the head- protecting device 17 via clasps 19 and 20. The chin strap 23 also includes chin cup 22 configured to secure the head-protecting device 17 to the wearer's head (not shown). The faceguard 24 is attached to the head-protecting device 17 with fasteners 25, 26A, and 26B. Fasteners 25, 26 A, and 26B, in the illustrated embodiment, include a metal pin inserted into the helmet, surrounded by hard rubber, which wraps around the top most bar and side bars of the faceguard 24 to hold it in place. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGURES 1 and 2, a single force-sensitive mechanism 16 is integrated into the head-protecting devices, for the sake of simplicity and for purposes of illustration. However, one or more of force-sensitive mechanisms 16 can be integrated into any portion of the components that hold the head-protecting device on the wearer's head, such as, the strapping system or the occipital adjustment mechanism.

The force-sensitive mechanism 16, depicted here as a black box, can be integrated into the head-protecting device 17 at one or more points along the chin strap 23, including the clasps 19 and 20, the straps 21 A and 21B, and the chin cup 22. The force-sensitive mechanism 16 can be any force-sensitive mechanism described herein, for example the force-sensitive mechanisms described further herein with respect to FIGURES 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, and 5C.

Integration of the force-sensitive mechanism into a chin strap will now be discussed. In that regard, attention is directed to FIGURE 3 where a front view of a chin strap including an integrated force-sensitive mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, is illustrated. The chin strap 31 is shown to include clasps 27A-27D, straps 28A-28D, and chin strap 31. The clasps 27A-27D are configured to attach to, for example, a head-protecting device as discussed further herein with respect to FIGURE 2.

In an embodiment, a force-sensitive mechanism 16 is integrated into one or more the clasps 27A-27D (not shown). In an embodiment and in this regard, the one or more clasps 27A-27D are configured to allow the chin strap 31 to disengage from the head-protecting device by a predetermined amount in an axial direction parallel to the straps 28A-28D coupled thereto, upon receiving a force above a threshold force. Likewise, once the force applied to the force-sensitive mechanism 16 drops below the threshold force, the one or more clasps 27A-27D and chin strap 31 return to their initial positions. Force-sensitive mechanisms 16 particularly suitable for embedding into a clasp are discussed further herein with respect to FIGURES 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, and 5C. The clasps 27A-27D may also serve to adjust a length of the straps 28A-28D coupled thereto to fit the head-protecting device securely on the wearer's head, by sliding them along the length of the straps 28A-28D.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a chin cup includes a force- sensitive mechanism. Referring still to FIGURE 3, chin cup 29 is shown to include force-sensitive mechanism 16. In an embodiment, the chin cup 29 is made of a flexible material, which conforms to the chin of a wearer, and includes one or more of an inner cushioning lining for comfort and force absorption, a hard outer shell for structural support, adjustable straps 28A-28D with clasps 27A-27D to connect it to the head-protecting device, and ventilation via holes 30A-30D. The force-sensitive mechanism 16 is depicted here in exemplary locations as a black box, but may be any force-sensitive mechanism described herein.

Turning to FIGURES 4A and 4B, a recoiling-pin construction of a force- sensitive mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, is shown. FIGURE 4A is a cross-sectional side view of the force-sensitive mechanism 84 and FIGURE 4B is a cross-sectional plan view of the force-sensitive mechanism 84 of FIGURE 4A. Strap 34 is secured by the pin 32, which rests partially inside and partially protrudes from casing 35. Strap 34 is held in place by a spring 33. In this regard, the pin 32 includes a first end disposed in casing 35 and slideably coupled to spring 33 biased to place the pin in the first position, shown here, when a force applied to the force-sensitive mechanism 84 is less than a threshold force; and a second end protruding from the casing 35 and coupled to another portion of the protective device, shown here coupled to the strap 34. When tension is applied to the pin 32 above the threshold force, the pin 32 slides up to an end of the casing 35 at the second position. Alternatively, when the tension drops below the threshold force, pin 32 is configured to return to the first position. In this regard, the recoiling-pin construction of the force-sensitive mechanism 84 is configured to provide disengaging motion to the protective equipment when a force above the threshold force impacts the protective equipment, thereby compressing the spring 33.

The distance that the pin 32 slides depends, in part, on a force applied to the spring 33, a length of the casing 35, and a size and stiffness of the spring 33. The sliding distance of the pin 32, and accordingly the casing 35 length and spring 33 size and stiffness may be selected on the basis of a sliding distance that provides disengaging motion appropriate for a given application.

In some embodiments, the spring 33 may include an air piston, a fluid damper, electromagnet, or other dampening/recoil system.

In an embodiment, the pin 32 includes one solid piece of material. In another embodiment, the pin 32 is modular and includes two or more interconnected pieces. In some embodiments, the casing 35 is configured to replace a clasp of an existing helmet, such as clasps 54A and 54B shown in FIGURE 9, and is configured to be anchored to a body portion 81 of a helmet with an anchor, such as a screw or bolt to the head-protecting device 50. In an embodiment, a force-sensitive mechanism 16 is integrated into the helmet and replaces an anchor at each anchoring point. In an embodiment, the casing 35 is configured to freely rotate about an anchoring point. In this embodiment, the protruding portion of the pin 32 has the same or a similar shape to clasps 54A and 54B, as shown in FIGURE 9. Because the casing 35 is anchored in place, when a force above a certain threshold pulls on the strap 34 from the right-hand side - a direction only specific to FIGURES 4A and 4B - the pin 32 slides in the same direction, compressing the spring 33 until the spring 33 can no longer compress significantly. When the pulling force drops below the threshold, the spring 33 will recoil, causing the pin 32 to return to its initial position. FIGURE 4C depicts a top view of a male part of a release buckle including an integrated force-sensitive mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Such a male release buckle 60 is configured to extend to a predetermined length when acted upon by a force exceeding a threshold force. Male part 61 of the male release buckle 60 is connected to a T-shaped extension 62 and configured to cooperatively couple with a female portion of a female release buckle, such as a female portion 71 of female release buckle 70 discussed further herein with respect to FIGURE 4D. Spring 63 is disposed between the head of the T-shaped extension 62 and the casing of the buckle 64. A strap (not shown) is configured to be threaded through the casing of the buckle 64 at point 65. Such a release buckle 60 is configured to provide disengaging motion to a strap connected thereto through the compression of spring 63.

FIGURE 4D is a top view of a female release buckle in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure that is equipped with a force-sensitive mechanism. Female part 71 of the female release buckle 70 is configured to cooperatively couple with a male part of a male buckle, such as the male part 61 illustrated in FIGURE 4C. Casing 74, with spring 73 and strap holder 75, is attached adjacent to the release buckle 70. When a force on the strap holder 75 exceeds a threshold force, strap is configured to move to a predetermined maximum length by compressing the spring 73. FIGURE 4E shows a side view of the female release buckle 70 illustrated in FIGURE 4D, which shows the groove 72 configured to guide the strap-holder 75 through its disengaging motion. Such a female release buckle 70 is configured to provide disengaging motion to a strap connected thereto through the compression of spring 73.

Other buckle designs, fasteners, connectors, attachments, and accessories for joining straps can also include a force-sensitive mechanism integrated therein, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment, a force- sensitive mechanism is integrated into a D-ring buckle, ring, slide, or hook so that the force-sensitive mechanism is configured to elongate up to a predetermined length when acted upon by a force that exceeds a threshold force. In one embodiment, a force-sensitive mechanism includes a spring-loaded hinge and configured to open up to a predetermined length when acted upon by a force that exceeds a threshold force. In one embodiment, a force-sensitive mechanism is integrated into a rectangular buckle including slider configured to slide thereby increasing an effective length of the strap by a predetermined length when acted upon by a force that exceeds a threshold force.

It will be appreciated that any elastic object that stores and/or dampens mechanical energy can be used in the force-sensitive mechanism of the aforementioned embodiments depicted in FIGURES 4C, 4D, and 4E in place of the illustrated coil springs 63 and 73. A coil spring is just one example of how to provide a predefined elongation of the strap once the force exceeds a threshold force and the ability to go back to its initial state when the force lowers.

In an embodiment, the force-sensitive mechanism includes an elastic portion coupled to a strap. In that regard, attention is directed to FIGURES 5A, 5B, and 5C, where force-sensitive mechanisms in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated. FIGURE 5A is perspective view of a force-sensitive mechanism 80, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIGURE 5B is a side view of the force-sensitive mechanism 80 of FIGURE 5A with a relaxed elastic portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, an elastic portion 37 is attached by mechanical or chemical means, such as sewing, riveting, adhering, sealing, and fusing, at two different and physically-separated points 38A and 38B to a strap 36. As shown, strap 36 includes an adjacent portion 86 disposed between the two points 38A and 38B flanked by strap portions 85 and 87. As illustrated in FIGURES 5 A and 5B, the adjacent portion 86 has a length greater than a length of the elastic portion 37 when the elastic portion 37 is under no tension or has a force applied to it less than a threshold force required to stretch the elastic portion 37.

FIGURE 5C is a side view of the force-sensitive mechanism 80 of FIGURE 5a with an elastic portion 37 under tension above the threshold force, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 36 is under tension above a certain threshold force. Accordingly, the elastic portion 37 stretches up to the length of the adjacent portion 86 of the strap 36. Thus, the strap 36 elongates by the difference in length between the relaxed elastic portion 37 and the adjacent portion 86 of the strap 36. When the tension drops below the threshold force, the strap 36 and elastic portion 37 return to their initial positions, or neutral length, illustrated in FIGURES 5A and 5B. Such a force-sensitive mechanism provides disengaging motion through the extension of elastic portion 37.

In an embodiment, the material used in the force-sensitive mechanism can be chosen from a range of high elasticity materials, such as silicon rubber, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyurethane (PU), latex, leather, or low elasticity materials, such as thermosetting plastics, polycarbonate, plastic polymers, thermoplastics, carbon fiber composites, KEVLAR® composites, thermoset elastomers, Celstran, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), glass reinforced plastics, Zytel, fabric, nylon or polyester webbing, and metal, and a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the force-sensitive mechanism is a single-use mechanism that includes a mechanical or chemical attachment coupled to a strap. In that regard, attention is directed to FIGURES 11 A, 11B, 11C, and 11D, where the force-sensitive mechanisms in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated. FIGURES 11A and 11D are perspective views of a force-sensitive mechanism 90, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIGURE 11B is a side view of the force-sensitive mechanism 90 of FIGURE 11A with the attachment coupled, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment 91 is attached by means of sewing, riveting, adhering, sealing, fastening, buttoning, hooking, looping, or a combination thereof, at two different and physically separated points 41A and 41B to a strap 36.

FIGURE 11 C is a side view of the force-sensitive mechanism 90 of FIGURE 11 A when a force is above the threshold force, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 36 is under tension above a certain threshold force. Accordingly, the attachment on the strap decouples, and the strap extends to a maximum predetermined length. When the tension drops below the threshold force, the strap 36 and the attachment 91 does not return to their initial positions. The force-sensitive mechanism provides disengaging motion through the decoupling of the attachment 91. Turning to FIGURE 6, a front view of a faceguard including integrated force- sensitive mechanisms, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, is illustrated. Faceguard 39 is shown to include bars 40 and force-sensitive mechanisms 16. Faceguard 39 is configured to be coupled to a body portion of a head-protecting device, such as a helmet (not shown). In an embodiment, faceguard 39 includes one or more force-sensitive mechanisms 16. In certain embodiments, force-sensitive mechanism 16 is integrated into the bars 40 of the faceguard 39 so that they are retractable by a predetermined amount. In other embodiments, the force-sensitive mechanism 16 is integrated into the bars 40 of the faceguard 39 so that they contort in such a way that the working length of the tubes or bars 40 shortens or lengthens by a predetermined amount.

The force-sensitive mechanism 16 may be any force-sensitive mechanism described herein. In an embodiment, the force-sensitive mechanism 16 includes a damping mechanism, such as damping mechanism 42, as shown in FIGURE 7. In an embodiment, the force-sensitive mechanism 16 includes a telescopic recoil mechanism, such as telescopic recoil mechanism 45 shown in FIGURE 8. In an embodiment, faceguard 39 is configured to retract, compress, or contort as the force- sensitive mechanism 16 disengages. In this regard, the faceguard 39 takes part in mitigating an impact force on the head of a wearer.

In an embodiment, the faceguard 39 includes two or more bars disposed in a grid conformation, as illustrated in FIGURE 6. In an embodiment, the one or more bars 40 include bars chosen from solid bars, hollow tubes, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the one or more bars 40 include materials selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel, plastic, rubber, and titanium, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the faceguard 39 is constructed from hollow tubes 40 of one or more materials, which may enclose reinforcing material such as KEVLAR®, rubber, metal wire, or titanium. In other embodiments, the faceguard 39 is constructed from solid bars 40 of one or more materials. In certain embodiments, the force-sensitive mechanism comprises wire rope.

In some embodiments, the protective device includes a force-sensitive mechanism selected from the group consisting of: a spring, an air piston, a dashpot, a rubber damper, a fluid damper, an electromagnetic damper, a telescopic system, wire rope, a hook-and-loop fastener, stitchings, buttons, rivets, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the faceguard 39 includes fasteners configured to couple the faceguard 39 to a body portion of the head-protecting device. In this regard, the faceguard is configured to couple with a head-protecting device, such as faceguard 24 of FIGURE 2 and faceguard 52 of FIGURE 9. In an embodiment, the force-sensitive mechanism 16 is integrated into fasteners 25 and 26, as shown in FIGURE 2, using parts of the conventional fastener, or using entirely new fastening pieces, which can be coupled to the faceguard 39 of FIGURE 6 and to the head-protecting device. The force-sensitive mechanism may be similar to the force-sensitive mechanisms shown in FIGURES 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, and 5C, allowing the entire faceguard, or a portion of it, to move closer to the wearer' s face.

Turning to FIGURE 7, a schematic diagram of a dashpot 42, which includes a damper 43 and a return mechanism 44, is shown. In an embodiment, the force- sensitive mechanism 16, shown in FIGURE 6, includes only the damper 43, only the return mechanism 44, or both, arranged as a dashpot 42. The damper 43 resists motion through fluid friction, electromagnets, or other methods. The return mechanism 44 may be a spring, air piston, or other mechanisms.

Turning to FIGURE 8, a perspective view of a telescopic recoil mechanism is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the telescopic recoil mechanism 45 includes inner tube 46 and a spring 47 disposed in an outer tube 48. This telescopic recoil mechanism 45 may be included in the force-sensitive mechanism 16 of FIGURE 6. The end face 49 of the either one of or both the outer tube 48 and inner tube 46 is solid. In certain embodiments, the wall thickness of the inner tube 46 may be so thick that there is no hole in the centre, providing a bar. When a force above a threshold force is applied in the direction normal to the end face 49 of the outer tube 48, the spring 47 compresses and the inner tube 46 slides deeper into the outer tube 48. The spring 47 recoils and the telescopic recoil mechanism 45 returns to an initial state when the applied force drops below the threshold force. A lubricant may be added to the inside of the outer tube 46 so that sliding occurs with less friction. In some embodiments, the spring 47 may be instead a fluid damper, electromagnet, or another dampening system. Turning to FIGURE 9, a side view of a head-protecting device including a force-sensitive mechanism integrated into a faceguard anchor, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, is illustrated. Head-protecting device 50 is shown to include a force-sensitive mechanism 53 integrated into its faceguard 52 at the anchoring clips 51A and 51B. In an embodiment, one or more force-sensitive mechanisms 53 are integrated into one or more respective anchoring clips 51 A and 51B. Such anchoring clips 51A and 51B couple the faceguard 52 to the head- protecting device 50 and provide disengaging motion, as discussed further herein.

In an embodiment, the force-sensitive mechanism 53 includes one or more loops of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, and is integrated into one or more anchoring clips 51A and 51B coupling the faceguard 52 to a body portion 81 of the helmet 50. In this regard, when the faceguard 52 is impacted by a force above a threshold force, in a direction towards the wearer's face (not shown), at least one of the one or more elastomeric loops stretch, allowing at least part of the faceguard 52 to shift closer to the wearer's face. When the applied force drops below a threshold force, the faceguard 52 and anchoring clips 51 A and 51B return to their initial states. Such an elastomeric loop force-sensitive mechanism 53 provides disengaging motion through, for example, the stretching of the one or more elastomeric loops.

In another embodiment, the force-sensitive mechanism 53 integrated into the anchoring clips 51A and 51B includes a force-sensitive mechanism as discussed further herein with respect to FIGURES 4A and 4B. In such an embodiment, the strap 34 of FIGURES 4A and 4B is part of anchoring clip 51. In this regard, pin 32 of FIGURES 4A and 4B slides when the faceguard 52 is impacted by a force above a threshold force, allowing the faceguard 52 to controllably move closer to the wearer's face. When the force drops below the threshold force, the pin 32 and faceguard 52 return to their initial states. The pin 32 may or may not replace the screw or bolt, which secures the anchoring clips 51A and 51B to the head-protecting device 50. It also may or may not be necessary to structurally change the head-protecting device 50 at the location where the anchoring clips 51 are anchored to the head-protecting device 50 in order to integrate the force-sensitive mechanism 53. In some embodiments, the anchoring clips 51 A and 51B including an integrated force- sensitive mechanism 53 replace the conventional anchoring clips 51 A and 51B and couple with the head-protecting device 50 and to the faceguard 52 in a manner identical or analogous to conventional anchoring clips. The movement of the faceguard 52 is configured to mitigate some of an impact force, while still preventing the faceguard 52 from making contact with the wearer's face.

In an embodiment, the protective devices disclosed herein include a head- protecting device including a force-sensitive mechanism integrated into a helmet suspension system. In that regard, attention is directed to FIGURE 10, where perspective bottom view of a head-protecting device including a suspension system with integrated force-sensitive mechanisms, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, is illustrated. Head-protecting device 55 is shown to include suspension system 56. The suspension system 56 allows the head-protecting device 55 to fit suspended above the wearer's head (not shown). The suspension system 56 is anchored to the head-protecting device 55 by anchoring fasteners 57A-57D. In an embodiment, a force-sensitive mechanism is integrated into or replaces anchoring fasteners 57A-57D and is configured to provide controlled movement of the suspension system 56, relative to the head-protecting device 55, by a predetermined amount when a force above a threshold force is applied to the head-protecting device 55. When the force drops below the threshold force, the head-protecting device 55 and suspension system 56 return to their initial states.

In other embodiments, the force-sensitive mechanism is integrated into any other part of the suspension system 56. There may be one or more force-sensitive mechanisms integrated into the head-protecting device 55. A force-sensitive mechanism integrated into or replacing the anchoring fasteners 57A-57D may be a force-sensitive mechanism as discussed further herein, particularly with respect to FIGURES 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C, or 8, or may follow another design. The head- protecting device 55 can be a construction hard hat, military headgear, or other head- protective device equipped with a suspension system.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.