Fluid-Based Exoskeletal Body Armor with Climate Control

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of pending prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/292,354, filed Oct. 13, 2016 by Sports Medicine Sciences, LLC and Andrew Blecher for FLUID-BASED EXOSKELETAL BODY ARMOR WITH CLIMATE CONTROL (Attorney's Docket No. BLECHER-3), which patent application, in turn claims benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/240,613, filed Oct. 13, 2015 by Andrew Blecher for CONCUSSION REDUCTION SYSTEM COMPRISING NOVEL HELMET/FACEMASK AND NOVEL FLUID-BASED EXOSKELETON BODY ARMOR WITH CLIMATE CONTROL (Attorney's Docket No. BLECHER-3 PROV).

The two (2) above-identified patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for protecting the body, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for protecting the brain, neck and torso of a person against injury.

There is growing awareness that injuries pose a serious health risk for athletes engaged in contact sports, e.g., football players. Of particular concern is the growing awareness of the health risk posed by concussive brain injuries. Among other things:

In addition, current equipment inhibits the body's ability to disperse body heat and leads to increased body core temperatures, which lowers athletic performance and risks heat-related illnesses (e.g., hyperthermia and heatstroke). And, while it has been recognized that in certain contexts it may be desirable to effect cooling of the body (e.g., to address hyperthermia, to minimize traumatic brain injury due to concussion, to minimize trauma to the body due to a heart attack, etc.), current equipment does not provide any way to effect cooling of a player wearing the equipment.

Additionally, in certain contexts it may also be desirable to effect rapid immobilization of the neck to protect the athlete with a suspected spine and/or neck injury.

Similar problems exist in non-athletic situations, e.g., with military personnel, police personnel, etc. who are exposed to injuries such as from bomb blasts.

In addition, current equipment does not provide any way of tracking, in real-time, player status with respect to impacts received or other physiologic data (e.g., temperature, pulse, etc.) during use of the equipment.

Thus there is a need for a new and improved system for protecting the body which (i) provides better protection against concussions, (ii) provides better protection against neck injuries, (iii) provides better protection against torso injuries, (iv) protects against hyperthermia (and heatstroke) and hypothermia by facilitating cooling or warming of the body, (iv) maximizes physical performance through optimization of body temperature, (v) provides rapid cooling and/or neck immobilization after injury (or suspected injury), and (vi) allows for real-time wireless tracking of player condition.

These and other objects of the invention are addressed by the provision and use of novel fluid-based exoskeletal body armor with climate control. The novel body armor provides better protection against concussions, provides better protection against neck injuries, provides better protection against torso injuries, protects against hyperthermia (and heatstroke) and hypothermia by facilitating rapid cooling or warming of the body, maximizes physical performance through optimization of body temperature, provides rapid cooling and/or neck immobilization after injury (or suspected injury) and allows for real-time wireless tracking of player condition.

In one preferred form of the invention, there is provided a protective system comprising:

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a helmet comprising:

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a method for protecting an individual, the method comprising:

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a protective system comprising:

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a method for protecting an individual, the method comprising:

The present invention comprises the provision and use of novel fluid-based exoskeletal body armor with climate control. The novel body armor provides better protection against concussions, provides better protection against neck injuries, provides better protection against torso injuries, and protects against hyperthermia (and heatstroke) and hypothermia by facilitating cooling or warming of the body, and maximizes physical performance through optimization of body temperature, provides immediate cooling and/or neck and spine immobilization after injury (or suspected injury) and allows for real-time wireless tracking of player condition.

Looking first at, the present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel systemwhich provides fluid-based exoskeletal body armor with climate control. Systemgenerally comprises (i) a novel helmet, and (ii) a novel protective suit. In addition, systempreferably comprises a temperature conditioning unitwhich provides protective suitwith climate control so as to maintain physiologic body temperature and thereby maximize physical performance and prevent heat-related illnesses.

The present invention comprises a novel helmetfor minimizing head-on, helmet-to-helmet contact. Novel helmethas decreased helmet weight (to reduce injury to others when the novel helmetimpacts another person, and to reduce fatigue of the user) and a decreased head-to-neck mass ratio (to reduce the “bobble-head” effect when the novel helmetis impacted). In one preferred form of the invention, novel helmetcomprises a built-in, soft gel eye socket mask. Novel helmetalso includes at least one indicator lightto show when an impact force threshold has been exceeded (see below) and the user should be evaluated for concussion or other injury.

In one preferred form of the invention, and looking now at, novel helmetis preferably in the form of a motocross-style shellwith a crown-to-frontal wedge bossingto eliminate head-on, helmet-to-helmet contact from the front or crown. Novel helmetcomprises the aforementioned built-in soft gel eye socket mask. The novel helmetalso includes a bossed face shieldand composite chin protection. A chin strapis provided for keeping novel helmetsecurely on the head of the user during physical activity. It should be appreciated that bossed face shieldand/or composite chin protectionare preferably configured so that the user can selectively pivot bossed face shieldand/or composite chin protectionupward relative to the remainder of novel helmet, whereby to selectively expose the user's face (see). To this end, a buttonmay be provided on helmetwhich unlocks bossed face shieldand/or composite chin protectionwhen buttonis depressed. It should be appreciated that when bossed face shieldand composite chin protectionare locked (i.e., buttonhas not been depressed), bossed face shieldand composite chin protectiondo not pivot, even when an impact occurs to helmetand/or bossed face shieldand/or composite chin protection. Being able to selectively pivot bossed face shieldand/or composite chin protectionupward relative to helmetcan be useful when the user is communicating with someone else (e.g., during a “huddle”, etc.), or while the user is resting, or while the user is drinking, etc.

In one form of the present invention, novel helmethas no padding on the inside of the helmet-the head portion of protective suit(see below) provides protection for the head of the user, with soft gel eye socket maskprotecting the eyes of the user. Note that novel helmetis streamlined so that substantially all blows to the helmet are “glancing blows”.

Looking next at, novel protective suitis preferably in the form of a head/neck/chest/shoulder/back “suit”with a built-in fluid system. More particularly, protective suitcomprises a head portion, a neck portion, a shoulder portion, a chest portionand a back portion. Shoulder portion, chest portionand back portionare sometimes hereinafter referred to collectively as a “vest”, with neck portionand head portionforming an integral extension of the vest (and thereby forming the complete protective suit). In one preferred form of the invention, the chest and back portions have a “short sleeve catcher protection shape” with Velcro closuresunder the arms and on the sides of the torso.

Head portionof protective suithas cutoutsfor the face and ears of the user. Neck portionof protective suithas a cutoutfor the anterior neck of the user. The cutoutfor neck portionof protective suitis preferably covered with an elastic meshto allow for easy pull-over of head portionand neck portionof protective suitand also to enhance breathability for the user.

Head portion, neck portion, shoulder portion, chest portionand back portiontogether constitute protective suit. Head portion, neck portion, shoulder portion, chest portionand back portiontogether comprise a large single-cell bladder covering the head, neck, shoulders, chest and back of the user, and which is filled with a fluid (which may be pressurized) which acts as a large shock-absorber which absorbs the impact of a hard contact so as to provide protection to the user.

More particularly, in one form of the invention, and looking now at, protective suitcomprises an outer wall, an inner walland a fluid reservoirdisposed therebetween, with fluid reservoirbeing filled with a fluid (e.g., a liquid, a combination of liquids, a gas, a combination of gases, a combination of liquids and gases, etc.). In one preferred form of the invention, fluid reservoiris filled with water. Outer wall, inner wall, fluid reservoirand the fluid therein cooperate with one another to essentially act as a shock-absorber to absorb the impact of a hard contact, whereby to provide protection to the user from a force imposed on outer wallof protective suit.

It should be appreciated that outer walland inner wallare formed out of a material or materials capable of withstanding the force of an impact without tearing and/or rupturing.

By way of example but not limitation, where the user receives an impact to their helmet, the fluid in head portionof protective suitis forced downwardly, into neck portion, shoulder portion, chest portion, and back portion. As the fluid in head portionis forced downwardly, the force of the impact is absorbed by the transferring fluid and the head of the user is thereby protected. Note that the neck of the user and the torso of the user are also protected as fluid is forced into shoulder portion, chest portionand back portion, thereby providing support for the anatomy of the user.

By way of further example but not limitation, where the user receives an impact to their torso, the fluid in chest portionand/or back portionis forced upwardly, into shoulder portion, neck portionand head portion. As the fluid in chest portionand/or back portionis forced upwardly, the force of the impact is absorbed by the transferring fluid and the torso of the user is thereby protected. Note that the head of the user and the neck of the user are also protected as fluid is forced into neck portionand head portion, thereby providing support for the anatomy of the user.

As noted above, the front of the neck of protective suitpreferably comprises elastic meshand does not include the aforementioned fluid bladder, so that the neck of protective suitbends easily and so that the front of the neck of protective suitdoes not tighten when fluid is driven into the neck portion of protective suit(which could restrict the breathing of a user).

In one preferred form of the invention, the sides and rear of neck portioncomprise horizontal maze passageways (or channels)and posterior vertical maze passageways (or channels)which communicate with one another, and with the fluid reservoir of head portionand shoulder portion, whereby to enable fluid flow between head portionand shoulder portion. Horizontal maze passagewaysand posterior vertical maze passagewayshave a reduced cross-sectional area which absorbs energy as fluid from head portionor shoulder portionis forced through the reduced cross-sectional areas in neck portion. Furthermore, the reduced cross-sectional areas of horizontal maze passagewaysand posterior vertical maze passagewaysbecome stiffer when fluid from head portionor shoulder portionis forced into the reduced cross-sectional areas in neck portion. This increased stiffness of horizontal maze passagewaysand posterior vertical maze passageways, combined with the orientation of the passageways, supports the user's neck against translational and rotational forces imparted to the user while still allowing the user's neck to bend. In one preferred form of the invention, horizontal maze passagewaysand posterior vertical maze passagewaysare formed by sealing together outer walland inner wallat selected locations (e.g., by stitching, glueing, melting, etc.), whereby to form the fluid-directing passagewaysand.

Protective suitpreferably includes at least one valve, with the at least one valvebeing set so that if the pressure imposed on the valve exceeds a threshold, the valve “pops”, indicating that the user needs to be examined for concussion or other injury. More particularly, when outer wallof protective suitreceives a force which is greater than a selected magnitude (e.g., from an impact of excessive force), the fluid contained within fluid reservoirexerts a force against the at least one valvewhich “pops” the valve, thereby indicating that the user needs to be examined for concussion or other injury.

If desired, valvemay be set to “pop” at a “standard” trigger point (i.e., the same trigger point for all users), or valvemay be configured so it will “pop” at a personalized trigger point for an individual user (e.g., based on the user's height, weight, concussive history, etc.). The ability to set personalized trigger points for individual users can be highly beneficial for a user who has had multiple previous concussive injuries to the head and therefore might want or need valveto “pop” at a lower selected magnitude of force upon an impact to the head. In one preferred form of the invention, when the at least one one-way valve “pops”, indicator lighton helmetis lit, thereby alerting surrounding individuals that the user needs to be examined for concussion or other injury.

Temperature conditioning unithelps regulate the user's body temperature.

In addition, temperature conditioning unitcan be used to intentionally cool the user's body, and particularly the user's head, when the user has received an impact of significant force (e.g., a force large enough to “pop” the at least one valveand light up indicator light) and serious injury may have occurred (e.g., a concussion may have been received).

More particularly, temperature conditioning unitis connected to the fluid bladder of protective suit, e.g., by tubingwhich attaches to at least fluid connector, such that fluid from the fluid bladder can be passed through temperature conditioning unitwhere the fluid is temperature-regulated. Temperature conditioning unitcomprises a motorized fluid pump, and cooling and/or heating apparatus to cool and/or heat the fluid within the fluid bladder of protective suit. Temperature conditioning unitalso comprises flow and temperature controls. Thus, temperature conditioning unitessentially comprises an external fluid management system which regulates the temperature of the fluid in the bladder of protective suitto the appropriate temperature so as to help temperature-regulate the user's body temperature and/or to provide body cooling in the event that there is fear that a serious injury may have occurred.

By way of example but not limitation, temperature conditioning unitmay be configured so as to adjust the temperature of protective suitin an effort to maintain the user at a desired “set” temperature so as to prevent heat illness or cold illness and/or to maximize the athletic performance of a user.

By way of further example but not limitation, temperature conditioning unitcan be configured to rapidly chill the user where there is a fear that the user may have undergone a serious injury. Such rapid cooling may help mitigate an injury (e.g., such as is the case of a concussion).

Temperature conditioning unitmay also be used to set the initial pressure of the fluid within the fluid bladder. More particularly, in one form of the invention, temperature conditioning unitmay be connected to the fluid bladder and fluid either flowed into the fluid bladder (i.e., to increase the pressure in the fluid bladder) or pulled out of the fluid bladder (i.e., to decrease the pressure in the fluid bladder).

And in one preferred form of the invention, temperature conditioning unitis configured to adjust the fluid pressure in the fluid bladder to a particular pressure in order to personalize the protection of a user based on a user's height, weight, concussive history or other parameters.

For applications where the user must walk or run about (e.g., most sports applications, military field deployments, etc.), it is anticipated that one temperature conditioning unitwould be provided for every 10-20 protective suits, since temperature conditioning unitis generally only used when the user is stationary (e.g., where a player has left the playing field, where a soldier has come in from the field, etc.). However, for other applications where the user does not need to walk about (e.g., motor sports where the user is seated, military applications where the soldier is riding in a vehicle, etc.), one temperature conditioning unitcould be provided for each protective suit.

It is anticipated that in one preferred form of the invention, temperature conditioning unitwill most often be used to lower a user's body temperature (i.e., to cool the user).

In another preferred form of the invention, and looking next at, one or more thermoelectric heat pumps, and a power supply (e.g., a battery pack), are incorporated in protective suit. More particularly, thermoelectric heat pumps are solid-state active heat pumps which transfer heat from one side of the heat pump to the other side of the heat pump, consuming electrical energy. The direction of heat flow depends on the direction of the electric current. In the present invention, one or more thermoelectric heat pumpsare incorporated into protective suitby positioning the heat pumps within fluid reservoir, or within or against outer walland/or inner wall.

In one preferred form of the present invention, thermoelectric heat pumpsare positioned within inner wall, with one side of the thermoelectric heat pumpin contact with the skin of the user and the opposite side of the thermoelectric heat pump in contact with the fluid in fluid reservoir. In one form of the invention, the thermoelectric heat pumps transfer heat from the skin of the user to the fluid in the fluid reservoir, whereby to lower the body temperature of the user. The heated fluid is then passed through temperature conditioning unitwhere the fluid is temperature-regulated, e.g., cooled. Of course, if it should be desired to provide heat to the user, the direction of the electrical current supplied to thermoelectric heat pumpsis reversed, so that heat is directed into the skin of the user by thermoelectric heat pumps. In this case, temperature conditioning unitmay be used to supply heat to the fluid in the fluid reservoir.

Preferably thermoelectric heat pumpsare incorporated in each of head portion, neck portion, shoulder portion, chest portionand back portion, although they may be omitted from one or more of these portions if desired.

In one form of the invention, temperature controls (not shown) for thermoelectric heat pumpsmay be provided on protective suitor on power supply, with appropriate wiring (not shown) extending between the temperature controls (not shown) and thermoelectric heat pumps.

In another form of the invention, temperature controls (not shown) for thermoelectric heat pumpsmay be provided on temperature conditioning unit, with appropriate wiring (not shown) extending between the temperature controls (not shown) and thermoelectric heat pumps.

In another form of the invention, and looking now at, the fluid reservoir in head portion, shoulder portion, chest portionand back portionis subdivided into passageways (or channels)which communicate with one another, and with horizontal maze passagewaysand posterior vertical maze passagewaysof neck portion. In other words, the fluid reservoir in head portion, shoulder portion, chest portionand back portionis subdivided into passageways (or channels) in a manner similar to the way in which the fluid reservoir in neck portionis subdivided into horizontal maze passagewaysand posterior vertical maze passageways. The aforementioned at least one fluid connectoris connected to passageways, e.g., in chest portion. It should be appreciated that in this form of the invention, passagewayseffectively form one continuous “tube” of fluid running through protective suit.

Passagewayshave a reduced cross-sectional area which absorbs energy as fluid from an impacted portion of protective suitis forced into another portion of the protective suit. Furthermore, the reduced cross-sectional areas of passagewaysbecome stiffer when fluid from an impacted portion of the protective suitis forced into another portion of the protective suit. This increased stiffness of passageways, combined with the orientation of the passageways, supports the user's body against translational and rotational forces imparted to the user while still allowing the user's body to bend. It will be appreciated that passagewaysmay have a particular configuration in each of head portion, shoulder portion, chest portionand back portionso as to provide maximum protection and support for the particular anatomy adjacent to a given portion of protective suit.

In one preferred form of the invention, passagewaysare formed by sealing together outer walland inner wallat selected locations (e.g., by stitching, glueing, melting, etc.), whereby to form the fluid-directing passageways.

In one preferred form of the invention, elastic mesh (similar to elastic meshof neck portion) may be provided in the space between the passagewaysformed in head portion, shoulder portion, chest portionand back portion, whereby to lighten those portions and whereby to increase the “breathability” of those portions.

In the foregoing constructions, the fluid reservoir of protective suitcomprises a single reservoir, in the sense that the fluid in any one of head portion, neck portion, shoulder portion, chest portionand back portioncommunicates with the fluid in any other one of head portion, neck portion, shoulder portion, chest portionand back portion.