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    6 views14 pages

    Us 9215903

    Uploaded by

    Mohammed Abdalrhman
    patent

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
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    of 14
    (2) ay amy my ey @y 6s) United States Patent Abbey et al. NECK PROTECTION DEVICE Applicants: Joshua D. Abbey. Vlley Stream, NY (US); Raphael P. Davis, Por eflersoa, NY (US); Craig D. Robertson, Por eevis, NY (U oshua D. Abbey, Valley Stream, NY (US); Raphael P. Davis, Por letiersoo, NY (US); Craig D. Robertson, Por Jervis, NY (US) Inventors Notice: the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 USC. 154(b) by 334 days. Appl. Now 13/904 106 Filed: May 29, 2013 Prioe Publication Data US 201410352039 A1 Dee. 4, 2014 Incl. Adame 0s (2006.01) A228 300 (2008.01) Us.¢ crc A428 3/0473 2013.01) Fleld of Classification Search cre AWDB 3/00; A42B 3/04; AA2B 3008; AAIB 3047S, AGI 71/10; A63B 71/1291: ATH 1/08 US0092159 0382 (10) Patent No. 4s) Date of Patent: US 9,215,903 B2 Dec. 22, 2015 usre 2/415, 410, 411,412, 413, 425, ‘See application fie for complete search history. 66) References Cited US. PATENT DOCUMENTS S205 A+ 1966 Magee 2ais 431930 A ¢ M198 Engr bas aoonon2so77 AL* 1/200) Dudley ea is So1g10380009 Al* 122014 Abbey etal 2421 ao1sooso720 AL* 42015 Abbey ea bait * cited by examiner Primary Examiner (4) Attornes, Agent, or Firm LP Gloria Hale ‘Sorell, Lenna & Schmidt 6 ABSTRACT A dovice for use with a helmet in contact sports, which ‘includes » curved body connected with the helmet and con- figured for disposal along a font part ofa user's neck. The body incldes: G) planar fist and sceond surfaces, the frst surface having @ eved portion to generally conform under the wscr’s chin; and (i) thd surface that is curved along the Front part of the user's neck and configured o be spaced from ‘but does not contact the user's neck. The device i congue to absorb an impact force and resist the user's neck from ‘moving forward during a sports collision, Systems and meth- fds are disclosed, 20 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 1 of 7 US 9,215,903 B2 FIG. 2 U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 2 of 7 US 9,215,903 B2 FIG. 3 FIG. 4 U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 3 of 7 US 9,215,903 B2 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 US 9,215,903 B2 Sheet 4 of 7 Dec. 22, 2015 U.S, Patent FIG. 7 US 9,215,903 B2 Sheet 5 of 7 Dec. 22, 2015 U.S, Patent FIG. 8 U.S, Patent Dec. 22,2015 Sheet 6 of 7 FIG. 9 U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 7 of 7 US 9,215,903 B2 FIG. 10 US 9,215,903 B2 1 NECK PROTECTION DEVICE, ‘TECHNICAL FIELD ‘The present disclosure generally relates to appara. y= tems and methods for neck protection, ancl more particulary, to a device for use with head equipment in aleties andor ‘other types of activities io prevent neck injuries, BACKGROUND Injuries can occur in activites, such as, for example, con- tact sports, snowmobile rid bile racing, go-cart riding, sports, such as football, hockey and lacrosse, player injuries have inereased despite players Wearing protective equipment. JInsomecases, this can be duct limited options of protective ear that provide adequate protection without impacting the Performance ofa player Morcover, efforts in helmet design Jace guards and helmet suspensions have contributed some- ‘what io an increase in nck injuries a result othe transfer ‘of forces applied othe hele directly onto the neck. Player injury has also increased because of player strength develop- ‘ment and as «result, collisions oceur in contact sports with preter impact and consequent danger. Injuries to the neck are more frequently curring in con- tact sports and typically can be serious and result in Tife- threatening andor life-changing consequences, For example, bain and spinal cod damage ean result from hyperflexion and/or hyperextension ofthe neck. These conditions usually ‘occur af a result of a player's head being forced violently backward, forward, downward andor to the side during & collision cr other engagement with a player andlor ground surface. These instances of violent neck movement ean some- Times e fatal and result in paralysis, fainting, weakness inthe ‘extremities, constant and intermittent pain and other physical ‘deformities and/or conditions, In some cases, protective geae ‘options, such a, for example, heavier helmets and neck col- Jars have been used in an attempt prevent such violent neck movement. This disclosure deseribes an improvement over these prior at technologies SUMMARY, [New devices that are inexpensive to manufacture and easy to-use that will absorb an impact force and prevent violent forward and dowsnward neck movement during a sports col- Fision are provided, One embodiment provides for a device Jor use with a helmet comprising a curved body being con- rocted with the helmet and configured for disposal along @ front part ofa user's neck. The body includes: () planar fist ‘and second surfaces, sid fst surface having a curved por- tion; and (i) athird surface that i curved along te font pan ‘ofthe user's neck and configured tobe spaced from the user's neck. The fist surface has a curved portion to generally ‘conform unser the user's chin. The device is configured 10 absorb an impact force andresistthe user’ sneck from moving Torward during a collision, In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided In one embodiment of a device for use with a helmet in ‘contact sports, a device is provided including a curved body being connocted with the Helmet and contigurd for disposal along a front part ofa user's neck, The body includes: () Rat first and second surfaces; (i) a third surface that is curved slong the front pat af the user's neck andl configured to be Sac ear but does not contact the user's neck ding nor 0 o 2 nal use ofthe deviee; i). fourth surface to absorb animpact orce during a sports collision; and Gv) connecting member configured to connect the device tothe user's helmet includ- ing one or more of an adherent material tape, glue and a Velero-type fastener. The first surfice has a curved portion to genemlly conform under the user's chin. The device is con- figured wo absor’ an impact free and restrit the user's neck rom moving forward during a sport collision [A protective apparatus for use in contact sports is also provided. The apparatus includes a helmet with a chin strap ‘and a device including a curved body connected to the chin strap and configured for disposal along. root part ofa user's eck. Te body includes: () planar first and second surfaces (Ga third surfice that is eurved along the front part of the ter's neck and configured to he spaced from but does not ‘contact the user's neck curing normal use ofthe deviees and (ii). fourth suctace to absorb an impact force during sports collisions. The frst surface has a curved portion to generally conform under the user's chin. The protective apparatus pre- vents an injury to the user's head and neck during sports collisions. ‘Additional features and advantages of various embodi- snc willbe set forth in par inthe description that follows, ‘and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be Team by pricice of various embodiments, The objectives and other advantagesof various embodiments willbe realized ‘and stained by means of the elements and combinations particulary pointed out in the description and appended claims, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OP THE DRAWINGS. In part, other aspects, Features, benefits and advantages of the embodiments wil be apparent with regard to he Follow ing deseription, appended claims and accompanying draw- ings where FIG. 1 isaperspective view of component ofoncembodi sent of @ device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is perspective view of the component shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the component shown in FIG.1, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the component shown ia FIG. FIG. § is a perspective view of the component shown in FIG.1, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the component shown in FIG.A FIG.7is.a perspective view of components of oncembodi- ystem a device in accordance withthe principles of closure disposed with a user body’; ‘side perspective view of the device and user body shown in FIG. 7; TFIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the device and user body shown in FIG. 7; and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a component of one embodiment of a device in aecordance with the principles of the present disclosure. isto beunderstood that the figures are not drawn o seal ‘Punter, the relation between objects ina figure may not be to seal and may in faet have a reverse relationship a to size ‘The figures are intended to bring understanding and clarity to the structure of each object shown, and thus, some features a specific Festure of US 9,215,903 B2 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION ‘The exemplary embodiments ofthe present disclosure are liscussed in terms of an apparatus, systems and methods for neck protection and more particularly, in terms of a system, mthod and device for use with head equipment in athletics andor other types of activities to prevent neck injuries. In one embodiment, the system of the present disclosure includes head equipment comprising a device having a pro- tective configuration that avoids injury to a user by resisting ‘and/or preventing violent forward andor downward neck ‘movement. In one embodiment, the device is eoatigured 10 absorb shock and restrict movement forward and downward ina semi-circular are trajectory toward a player’ oat body surface sch a, for example, a chest, clothing disposed with the chest andor protective gear disposed with te ches, such a, for example, padding ‘In one embodiment, the devie includes a buffering poly oam body configured to prevent forward movement of the chin dtecly toward thechest, Inone embodiment, the deview includesa stopping deviee that absorbs shock and limits range ‘of motion ofthe head and acck during a collision to prevent the neck ffom snapping. In one embodiment, the device includes a body gear attached fash, via tape or Velero secured strapping. to achin strapon both sides ofa chin cup. none embodiment, the deve includes straps that wrap in ‘circumferential manner ound a neck guard, Inne embod ment, the device includes a body that travels with the chin such thatthe body is disposed in position to bull hit that drives the head forwarl/dewnward or laterally forward Ia ‘one embodiment, the body curves in an are undemeath a jawbone for support In one embodiment, the body is dis- posed in positon to absorb a hit oa throat. In some embod ments, the configuration of the device does not obstruct & players field of vision and/or does not restrict a range of athletic mation, In one embodiment, the body fas Matened top surface ‘and a flattened bottoms surface, Ia some embodiments, the Fattened bottom surface is configured to engage a breasiplate ‘of shoulder pads. In some embodiments, the top surface inchides a surfice that defines a recess conforming toa for- ward point ofa chin cup. In some embodiments, the deview is ‘emplayeu with head equipment to reduce heriskandlorresist, ‘and prevent catastrophic injury, In one embodiment the body is fabricated from a closed ‘ell eross-inked polyethylene foam, suchas, for example, an ‘ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, such thatthe Body has 3 smooth surface with an extremely fine ell structure In some ‘embodiments, the body is fabricated from foam having a ‘ough and fim configuration and an elastic characteristic. Tinsome embodiments, the devieeis configured for conec- tion t an existing head equipment, such as, for example, an ‘existing helmet without requiring any change andor modifi. ‘eation in helmet design. TInsome embodiments, the devioe includes a body having 3 point of engagement that is ona breast plateof'a shoulder pad ‘and sich engagement ranges Wider literally along the jaw one's are, to resist violent neck movement, as deseribed herein, over a wider range of engagement and earlier in @ process of a collision. In some embodiments, the device Includes a body having an attachment zone that is connected tha chin eup such thatthe body travels with the trajectory ‘of a chin and is configured to be disposed in position 10 prevent violent neck movement. In some embodinients, the ‘device includes a body having an attachment zone that is 0 o 4 connected with adhesive, such as for example ape ta hi ‘cup and remains connected withthe chin cup during athletic movement, ‘In someembodiments, the devieeinchudes a body disposed ireely under a chin. In some embodiments, the device jncludes a body having a flat bottom that captures a Rat surface of 2 shonlder pad breastplate, which may be covered by clothing, suchas, for example, a jersey, with more surface centaet, and ess neck movement or travel. In some embed meals, the device includes a body having an ac extending along jawbone. In some embodiments, the device includes sabody ergonomically designed for player comfort and aids conte with a player's throat, In some embodiments, the device includes a body configured to provide concussion protection via chin paling. Ths configuration provideson- ‘ussion protectin from hits traveling up the boy toward the head of player when the chin is hit violently from below, andr players contacting the ground, such that the device is isposed in position w absorb shock. ‘The present disclosure may be understood more eadiy by reference tothe following detailed description ofthe disclo- sure taken in connection with the accompanying deawing figures, which forma part of this disclosure, Itisto bender sod that this disclose snot limited to the specifi devices, ‘methods, conditions or parameters deseribed and/or shown Doren, and that the terminology used herein s forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example ‘only and is nt intended co be limiting of the claimed diselo- sure. Albo, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an.” and “the Jnclude the plirl, snd reference to a particular sumerical value includes at leas that particular vale, unless the context clearly dictates othervise. Ranges may be expressed hercinas {rom “about” or “approximately” one particular value andor to “about” or “approximately” another particular value, ‘When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value andor to the other particular value, Similarly, when values are expressed as Approximations, by use of the antecedent “about.” it wll be ‘understood that the particular value forms another embod ‘ment, Itisalso understood that al spatial references, such as, {or example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, Jeft snd right, ae for illustrative purposes only and ean be varied within the scope of the diselosure. For example, the references “upper” aad “Tower” are relative and sed only in the context tothe other, and arenot nocessarly “superior” and “inferior”. For example, reference to “a device” can inelude ‘one, 60, thre or more devices. ‘Notwithstanding thatthe merical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the present disclosure are ‘approximations, the numerical valves st forth inthe specific ‘examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain eros necessarily resulting from te standard deviation ound in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein fare to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, range of" to 10” includes any and ll subranges between (and including) the mininam Value of [and the maxi valve of 10, hat is, any and ll subranges having minimum value of equal to or greater than {anda maximum value of equal oor les than 10,e., 5.510 10. ‘The following discussion includes a description ofa sys- tem, method and deviee for use with protective gear and head equipment in athletics and/or other types of activites to pre- vent neck injuries in accondance with the principles of the present disclosure. Alternate embodiments arealso disclose US 9,215,903 B2 5 Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary ‘embodiments ofthe present disclosure, which ae illustrated in the accompanying figuees. Turing to FIGS. 16, there are ithastated components ofa neck protection system compris- Inga protective neck device 10, While the present disclosure Jsdeseribed in conjunction with he illustrated embodiments ‘it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present disclosureto those embodiments, On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended t cover all alternatives, mo fications and equivalents which may be inckuded within the present disclose as defined by the appended clans "The components of the neck protection system can be {abecated from materials suitable for use with head equip- ‘ment in athletics andor other types of setivities to prevent neck injuries, inehuding metals, synthetic polymers, ceram- ies, and/or their composites. For example, the componens of the neck protection system, individually or collectively, can be fabricated from materials such as stainless stel alloys, titanium alloys, cobalt-chrome alloys, superelastic metalic alloys g.-Nitinol, super elasto-plastic metals, suchas GUM. METAL manufactured by Toyota Material Incorporated of Japan), theemoplasties such as polyaryletherketone (PAFK) Jnchiding polyetherethercetone (PEEK) polyetherketoncke- tone (PEKK) and polyetherketone (PEK), carbon-PEEK ‘composites, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), fabric, si ‘cone, polyurethane silcone-polyutethane copolymers, poly meric rubbers, polyolefin rubbers, semicrigid and rigid mate- rials, elstomers, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset ‘elastomers, elastomerie composites, rigid polymers includ ing polyphenylene, polyamie, polyimide, polyetherimido, polyethylene, epoxy, and their combinations. Variows com ponents of the neck protection system may have material ‘composites, including the above material, to achieve various ‘desired characteristics such as strength, rigidity, elasticity, ‘compliance, and durability. The components ofthe neck pro- ‘ection syste, individually or collectively, may'also be fab- rieated froma heterogeneous material suchas a combination ‘of two oF more of the above-described materials, The com= nents the neck protection system may be monolithically ormed, integrally connected or include fastening elements andlor instruments, as described herein The neck protection system includes head equipment, such 2, for example, a football helmet, as described herein. The Jootball helmet has chin eup that is eonneeted with device 10 ina protective configuration that avoid injury toa user by resisting and/or preventing violet forwant andor downward neck movement ofa user wearing the helmet between a fist, rnon-collison orientation, 28 shown in FIG. 8, anda second, ‘collision oriesttion, as shown in FIG. 9. Device 10 comprises a body LL having a curved shape ‘configured far disposal along i front part ofa user's neck, Device 10 includes a planar or flat upper surface 12 having & ‘curved portion 16 to generally conform device 10 to the tunderside of @ user's chin during use, Surface 12 has a bev= celed portion 13 ateachofitsends to fielitate conformance of body 11 with a users jaw In some embodiments, all orony ‘a portion of body 11 may have altemate axial andlor ross section configurations, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, iregulae, uniform, non-unic Jom, offset, staggered, undulating, arcuate, variable andor tapered. In someembodiments, all oroaly a portion surface 12 may have alternate surface configurations such as, for ‘example, rough, arcuate, undulating, mesh, porous, semi Poros, dimpled and/or textured Device 10 includes a lower surface 14, which substantially ‘contacts a user's chest area, which may include clothing and/or padding during a sports collision, Lower surface 14 of 0 o 6 evive 10 is substantially planar or flat. In some embod ‘meals, all or only a portion of surface 14 may have altemate steface configurations to enhance engagement, fixation and fr capturing ofthe user's ehost area, such as, for example, rough, arate, undulating, mesh, porous,” semi-porous, imple andor textured. In some embodiments, during use of device 10 and during collision, surfoce 14 substantially contactsa user sshoulder protective gear and resists and/or prevents a user's neck from ‘moving forward andlor downward during the collision. la sonte embodiments, surface 14 has a zone of engagement engageable with a breast plate of shoulder pad and suck ‘engagement ranges wider Iaterally along the ast bone'sare to resist violent neck movement, as described herein, over @ ‘wider range of engagement and earlier in a process of 2 collision, This configuration of body H1 such that surface 14 engages the breastplate includes a stopping configuration that absorbs shock and limits range of motion ofthe head and neck during collision, Device 10 includes third or inner surface 18 thats curved and configuredto be spaced from butdoes not contact a user's neck during normal use. Device 10 has a fourth or outer surface 19. In some embodiments all or only a portion of surfaces 18, 19 may have alternate surface configurations, such as, for example, rough, arcuate, undulating, mesh, porous, Semi-porous, dimpled andior textured. In one embexliment, as shown in FIGS. 7-, the nock pro- ‘ection sysiem comprises device 10, similar to the systems, {devices and methods deseribed above with regand to FIGS. 16, which includes body 11 connected to ead equipment, such as for example, chin cup 24 connected via chin straps 26 oa football helmet 20 adjacent a front portion of surface 12, ody 11 is directly connected solely andor exclusively chin cup 24 along an attechment zone such that body 11 travels with the tesjectory ofa chin and is configured to be isposed in positon to prevent violent neck movement. In some embodiments, body 11 is not directly connected t0 helmet 20 andor straps 26 10 avoid undesired movement of device 10 corresponding to motion of helmet 20. In some embodiments, body 11 is monolithically formed with chin cup 24. Insome embodiments, chin cup 24 may heattacbedt0 surface 12 via a connecting member (not shown). In some ‘embodiments, the connecting member may include adhesive ‘ape, Tlmet 20 has chia cup 24 connected with body 11 in a protective configuration that avoids injury toa user by resist ing andlor preventing violet forward andlor downward neck movement ofa user wearing helmet 24 between a fist, non- collision orientation, as shown in FIG. 8, and a second, cl- Jision orientation, as shossn in FIG. 9. In the non-colision orientation, surface 14 of body 11 is spaced apart from a breastplate 30 of shoulder pads 32 wom by the Use. Tn collision ofthe user during @ sports activity, body 11 rotates about the users body ina semicircular are trajectory toward a player's front body surface and breast plate 30 such that body 11 travels withthe chin such that body 11 is posed in a positon to buffer a hit that drives the user's head Torwardidownward andor laterally forward. Device 10 is configured to absorb shock and resist and/or prevent neck ‘movement forward and downward. Inthe collision orienta ‘ion, surfiee 14 engges breast plate 30 in a stopping contigu- ration to absorb shock and limit range of motion of the head and neck during the collision, Tn some embodiments, device 10 can he used with various types of helmets, such as, for example, hockey helmets, lacrosse helmets, baseball helmets, equestrian helmets; occ pational helmets suet as hard hats, eit helmets, military US 9,215,903 B2 1 helmets; and recreational helmets, such as climbing helmets, bike helmets, ski helmets, motoreyele helmets andr racing helmets In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the neck prote- tion system comprises device 10, similar to the systems, devices and methods described above with regard to FIGS. 1-6, which include a body 111 configured for connection 10 head equipment similar to that described herein. Body 111 has a eylindrcal emoss section configuration and extends between an end 120 and anend 122. End 120 sa planar face ‘and end 122 has a planar face. Body 111 includes an arcuate Jnermediate portion 124 such that body 111 extends in @ linear configuration to ends 120, 122, respectively ‘Body 111 includes an outer surface that defines atop sur {ace 126 connected with achin cup ofahelmet, similar to that ‘deseribed leein, se that body LLL travels withthe trajee= tory ofa chin and is configured to be disposed in positon t0 prevent violent neck movement. Body’ 111 includes an outer surface that defines a bottom surface 128 that is engageable With a chest surface, similar to that described here, in & sopping configuration to absorb shock and limit range of ‘motion of the head and neck during the collision. As such, body 111 is disposable in a protective configuration that voids injury toa use by resisting andor preventing violent Torward andlor downward neck movement ofa user Wearing sahelmet between a fist, non-cllision orientation and a sec- ‘ond, collision orientatoa, as described herein, Tnsome embodiments, the eonnecting member can include ‘one oF more of an adherent material, tape, glue andor 9 \eleto-type fistener. The adherent material can include one ‘or more of cellophane, vinyl, acetate, polyethylene acrylic, butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, natural rubber, anti silicone rubber, a styrene block copolymer, a vinyl ether andor tackfir. The adherent material can fer include ‘an antimicrobial andr antiseptic material. Antiseptic mate- rials that ean be use include but are not limited ta alcohols such as ethanol, [propanol and 2-propanaisopropanol oF mixtures of these alcohols: sodium hicarbonate; hydrogen peroxide; benzalkonium chloride; chlorhexidine; hexachlo- Fophene; iodine compounds and combinations therof. Ati ‘microbial materials that can be used include but are not i= ited to: betwactam antibiotics (Guch as penicillins, ‘cephalosporins); protein synthesis inhibitors (such a ami noglycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol polypeptides); sulphonamides; cotrimoxazole; quinolones: ‘otiviral agents; anti-fungal agents anticancer dees; eat ‘malarial drugs; ant-tuberculosis drugs; antileprotic drugs; ‘anti-protozoal drugs; and combinations thereo The helmet of theuser in various embodiments can inelude sachin trap andthe connecting member attaches the device to 4 part ofthe chin strap that is shaped and configured to fit ‘around the users chin This part ofthe chin strap can have the shape ofa cup fiting around the users hin. In some emboxt ‘ments, the chin stp i adjustable such thatthe length ofthe strap can be changed depending on the needs ofthe wer. In ‘one embodiment, the connecting. member ineludes straps ‘with Valeo fasteners at each end and the steaps are wrapped ircwnferentially around the device and the eup part of the chin strap. In one embodiment, the connecting member Includes tape that securely attaches device 10 10 the outer surface ofthe cup part of the chin step. In some embodiments, the helmet of the user inches 9 face mask and a connecting member that attaches the device tothe face mask. Inone embodiment, the connecting member inchides straps sith Velew fasteners at each end and the straps wrap circumferentally around the device anda portion 0 o 8 of face mis. In one embodiment, the connecting meer {includes pe that securely allache the device a portion of the face mak Tn various embodiments, the connecting member tat con- nose the deve to a user's helmet inelides strap Hots ‘thin cavity formed within and through the curved body of the device. The eaity ean alo be formed slong the fist trace ofthe device. The strap can include fstener bath ofits ends andthe strap ean be secured ce attached around 3 clin stp or face mask of hele! using the fasteners, In Sone embodiments, the Fasteners ean inlude hook/oop clo- Sues, grommets buon vets tacks, apes, sere, buck des, tab snap/snap receptacles anor cis. In some embod sens, the connecting menber that connects the device 9 fs ele incudes two or more taps howsed within one Crore cavities formed within and trough the curved body ofthe deve The devices in various embodiments can be re-ssed as ooded The dimensions of devices ean vary depending onthe ze the wer. Genealy, devices wll have dimensions to onform to the size of neck of youth and sultan wl provide maximum protetion 1 the wer without adversely Tbtrfering wih the performance ofthe user, With respect fo thelength of the devon varios embodiment, the devices havea Tenth inthe range of fom about Tach Yo about 12 inches. Insome embodiment, the Jviceshavea engin the ‘ange of from about 4 inches to about aches "with respect to the diameter or perimeter aerost the devices, the dimensions will vary depending pon the neck Size ofthe tangted ser. In varons embodiment, the dan: ters inthe range of fom about Io about inches. In some embodiments, the diameter the range of fom about 10 shout 2 laches. In various enhodimens the device can be manufactured wsing any ofa varity of suitable processes, Including single shat injection molding, mulipe shot injec tion molding and thermofoeming. Tnsome embodiments, device 10 can be coatedor spayed with an antimicrobial andor aniseptic material. Anisepic Ioaeras that ean be ted include bat are not lied to alecols seh as thao}, propanol and 2-propanolispeo- Patol or mixtures of these ales; sodium bicarbonate hydrogen peroxide; benzalkonium chloride; chlorhexidine; hexachlorophene; iodine compounds and combinations ‘hereof, Antmrobal materi hat ean be wsedinlude but ono linited to: bet lata abiotic uch as penis, cephalosporins); protein synthesis inhibitors (snc 98 am foplycosdes, macrolides, tetracyclines, chloampbenicl Polypeptides); sphonemides, eoimorazole, uinekones: Evin agents antifungal agents; antncance drugs an ‘alarat dros: ant-tubereulosis dogs; anieproie drs; ii-prloaoa drgs and combinations threo. some embeimens, devise 10 includes resilient mate- fal, such for example, tne resilient material examples described sbove, to absorb the impact of free daring 2 Sort cllsion a Tint turn os norinal condition, The ‘len msterial selected sould havea sufcient density and resleney to adequately perform in is oe of potting the heck. In some embodiments, the msteia! muy be elastic compressible or ore rai, depending onthe desired cha fctersts. In various enbodimens, the resilent materil Jncludes one or more ofa polytiylee fou, rubber, ers Tink polyettylene foam Polypropylene foam, synthetic rubber polyurethane, @ polyirethaneToam, «polystyrene foam, a gel-foam polyurahane and siicone. Polyurethane fem nay be rom a reaction between po ctber ora polyester, and # sale aromatic diisocyanate Such as 44" dptenymethane disoeyanate (wld by Mobay US 9,215,903 B2 9 ‘Chemial Corp, under the tradename Moadue CD), A poy’ ‘ether canbe used to form a polyurethane foam since itis less hygroscopic and it does not require the use of elevated tem- peratures suchas may be necessary to process polyesters. One ‘example of polyether is sold by Mobay Chemical Corp. $ under the trade designation NB 3372308 (¢ypical spec ‘molecular wt. 4000; Hyedroxil No. 28; Acid No. 1: Free foam density 0.2; Stoichimetrc ratio OH-1 NCO. 1: Actual Ratio ‘OFF NCO 1.1), Crosslinked polyethylene foam isavailable ‘rom multiple companies inchiding UFP Technologies, Ine, 172 E Main Street, Georgetown, Mass. 01833 and Foam Factory, 22800 Hall Road, Clinton Township, Mich. 48036, In some embodiments, the resilient material cam include ‘oneor both ofthe closed cell erosslinked polyetylene foams known as BV.20 and EV-30. FV-20 (density of 2, compres- son stength st 25% psi of4.and S0% psiof 9, tensile stength ‘of 40 psi and tear esistance of Ibslinch) and EV'30 (density ‘0f3, compression strength a 25% ps ofS and 50% psi of 12, tensile strength of 70 psi and tear resistance of 8 Ibsiinch) are both available from Zoteloams ple, 675 Miteham Road, ‘Croydon, Surrey CR9 3AL England, "In some embodiments, the resilient ma ‘include an antimicrobial andor antiseptic material. Antisep- tie materials that can he used include but are not limited to: alcohols ste as ethanol, L-propanol and 2-propanoVisopro- ppanol or mixtures of these alcohols; sodium bicarbonate: hydrogen peroxide, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine: hexachlorophene: iodine compounds and combinations thereof: Antimicrobial materials that can he used include but not limited to: beta-lactam antibiotics (sch as penicillins, ‘cephalosporins); protein synthesis inhibitors (such as ami glycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, polypeptides}; sulphonamides; eotrimoxazole; quinolones: anti-viral agents; anti-fungal agents, anti-cancer drugs; ant ‘malacal drugs: ant-tuberculosis drugs: anti-leprotic drugs: nt-protozoal drugs and combinations thereof. Tn some embodiments, deviee 10 can include covering to provide additional strength tothe device. The covering ean be ‘made of various materials that absoeb the impact ofa force during a sports collision such as vinyl materials. In one ‘embosiiment, the covering includes a shock-absorbing layer ‘constricted of a material having shock absorbing properties suchas EVA, Insome embodiments, the covering can include ‘an antimicrobial andior antiseptic material eoated or spray ‘ried on its onter surface, In various embodiments, the cov ‘ering can provide protection to the exterior surfiee of the device. In some embodiments, the covering comprises 9 porous woven cloth material that sets as @ pocket for the device to be disposed therein. In some embodiments the ‘woven cloth materia may alteratively be knitled, stitched, or sewed. In various embodiments, the covering comprises fab rics that can be selectively resilient or havea limited capabil- ity tobe stretched so as 10 accommodate conformance ofthe ‘device when the device is compressed or othense deformed ‘during wsage. In some embodiments, the woven cloth mate= rial may be a light weight nylon, polyester, wool, or coon ‘canvas type materia In various embodiments, the covering may be made fom 3 moisture wicking fabric material. The moisture wicking fab- ric material is hydrophobic to repel water from the skin because of water's tondoney toward capillary-action, which ‘draws moisture throvgh openings in miemfibers of said moisture wicking fabric material. Suc fabric material may also be employed to regulate a user's temperature. For ‘example, ifa user stars to sweat, then said moisture wicking Sabre msteral will daw moisture through the fabric material 0 o 10 away from a user's ski, whieh facilitates evaporation ofthe ‘moisture and produces a cooling elfect, Invarious embodiments, device 10 may have a plurality of ‘openings therethrough to help absorb shock from an impact {ore by enhancing the flexibility of device 10, The plurality ‘of openings ean be of varius shapes and sizes. For example the openings can be inform of a square cirele, a rectangle, anova, a polygon, acuta slit, a rectangular slot or the ike ‘Varios shapes an sizes ofthe openings can enable a desied level of lateral andor longitudinal flexibility of device 10 thereby inereasing the ability of deviee 10 to absorb any torgue or fore exerted upon it The openings can be Formed in essentially any known way including but not limited 10 ‘micro-machining,saw-cuting, laser cutting, casting, mold- ‘ng, chemically etching or treating, or other known methods andthe like. In some embodiments, device 10 may include ‘combinations of both complete and patil openings trough the siniture of device 10 Twill be apparent to those skilled inthe art that various modifications and variations can be made o various embodi- ‘ments deseribed herein without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe teachings herein, Thus its intended that various embodiments cover other modifications and variations of various embodiments within the scope of the present teach- ings ‘Wika is elimed is 1A device configured for use with a helmet, the device comprising ‘a curved body configured for connsetion with the helmet ‘and configured for disposal along front part ofa user's noek, said hody comprising: (an upper surfiee and a lower planar surface, said upper surface having planar portion anda curved portion and Gian inwardly eurved surface disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface configured for curved placement along the front part of the user's neck and ‘configured to be spaced from the wser's neck, wherein the device is configured fo absorb an impact force and resist the user's neck from moving during a collision 2, devico as recited in claim 1, wherein the body is configured for tachment with a part of a chin strap cone ‘ected with the helmet 3.A device as recited in claim 2, whercin a partof the chin sap is shaped and configured to fit around the user's ein “4. device as revted in claim 1, further comprising «| cconneeting, member that eonneets the body with the hele, the connecting member comprising one or more of an adber ent material tape, glue and hook Toop closures 5A device as recite in claim 4, Wherein the connecting ‘member comprises the adherent material andl the adherent material comprises one or more of a cellophane, vinyl acetate, polyethylene acrylic, butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, natural rubber, a ntl, silicone rubber, a styrene block copolymer, a vinyl ether and a tackifi. 16. Adevice as recited in claim 1, wherein the ower surface js configured 10 be in contact with shoulder protective gear ‘worn by the user, and during the collision, the lower surface resists andlor prevents the user's neck from moving, forward

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