Head restraint system for racecar drivers
AssigneeVanderbilt University
InventorsLyman J. Roberts, II, Asif A. Lala, Panasarn Aim Jirut
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A head restraint system is provided for a driver of a racecar. The system includes a helmet for receiving the driver's head, and first and second energy dissipating extendable restraining lanyards for connecting the helmet to a structural member of the racecar. The system preferably includes a quick connect apparatus for allowing the driver to easily escape from the head restraint system. The system preferably includes a rotatable connector which allows the driver to rotate his head left and right so that his lateral vision will not be impeded by the head restraint system.
Claims31
A head restraint apparatus for an occupant of a vehicle, comprising:
- a helmet for receiving the occupant's head;
- at least one energy dissipating, extendable restraining lanyard having a fixed pre-impact length, and having a threshold tension load beyond which the lanyard extends
- a first connector connecting the lanyard to the helmet;
- and
- a second connector operably associated with the lanyard for connecting the lanyard to the vehicle, so that upon impact of the vehicle with an obstacle the lanyard extends and dissipates energy to dampen a deceleration shock transmitted to the occupant's head.
A shock absorbing apparatus, comprising:
- a helmet;
- at least one extendable lanyard connected to the helmet and having an initial length and a final length greater than the initial length;
- and
- a shock absorber connected to the lanyard, and so arranged and constructed as to be operative as the lanyard extends from its initial length to its final length.
A head restraint apparatus for an occupant of a vehicle, comprising:
- a helmet for receiving the occupant's head;
- at least one flexible restraining member extending rearward from the helmet and connected to the vehicle;
- and
- an extendible energy absorbing means, connected to the flexible restraining member, for allowing the flexible restraining member to extend in length thereby allowing the helmet and the occupant's head to move forward relative to the vehicle after a tension load on the flexible restraining member exceeds a first value, and for absorbing kinetic energy from the forwardly moving occupant's head as the occupant's head moves forward relative to the vehicle.
A method of reducing head injuries to an occupant of a vehicle during a crash, comprising:
- (a) providing a head restraint system including a helmet and at least one flexible restraining member connecting the helmet to the vehicle;
- (b) restraining the helmet against forward movement until forward forces on the helmet exceed a first level;
- and
- (c) then extending the restraining member while dissipating energy via the restraining member to dampen forward motion of the occupant's head and the helmet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.