Head and neck restraint device with dynamic articulation

A head and neck restraint device, comprising:

• a) a yoke comprising:
• i) a base portion;
• ii) a stand-up collar portion coupled to the base portion;
• iii) a first sidewing coupled to one side of the base portion;
• and
• iv) a second sidewing coupled to an opposing side of the base portion from the first sidewing;
• and
• b) first and second legs, each of the first and second legs comprising:
• i) a proximal portion;
• ii) a distal portion spaced apart from the proximal portion;
• iii) a front surface;
• iv) a rear surface opposite the front surface;
• and
• v) a connector member mounted for rotation relative to one of the first and second sidewings such that each of the first and second legs is capable of limited pivoting articulation relative to the respective first or second sidewing,
• wherein the first and second legs and first and second sidewings are configured to absorb forces as the yoke moves from a first configuration to a second configuration relative to the first and second legs, and the first and second legs are independently pivotable relative to the yoke.

A head and neck restraint device, comprising:

• a) a yoke comprising:
• i) a base portion;
• ii) a stand-up collar portion coupled to the base portion;
• iii) a first sidewing coupled to one side of the base portion;
• and
• iv) a second sidewing coupled to an opposing side of the base portion from the first sidewing;
• b) a tether coupled to the collar portion and adapted to connect with a helmet of a user;
• and
• c) first and second legs, each of the first and second legs comprising:
• i) a proximal portion;
• ii) a distal portion spaced apart from the proximal portion;
• iii) a front surface extending between the proximal and distal portions;
• iv) a rear surface opposite the front surface, the rear surface extending between the proximal and distal portions;
• and
• v) a connector member mounted for rotation relative to one of the first and second sidewings such that each of the first and second legs is capable of limited pivoting articulation relative to the respective first or second sidewing,
• wherein the yoke is configured to extend at least partially around a neck of the user with the first and second sidewings positioned adjacent to the user's shoulders, the rear surfaces of the first and second legs are configured to extend along the user's chest and the front surfaces of the first and second legs are configured to receive a vehicle safety belt thereon, the first and second legs are independently pivotable relative to the yoke, and the first and second sidewings are configured to engage with the vehicle safety belt and to engage with the first and second legs to absorb forces and control movement of the helmet relative to the first and second legs as the yoke moves from a first configuration to a second configuration relative to the first and second legs.