Head and neck restraint system

US4477041A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Michael Dunne · North Vancouver, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 19, 1982
• Grant date: Oct 16, 1984
• Expiry date: Aug 19, 2002

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A42B3/0473
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved ejection seat restraint system for protecting the head and neck and spinal cord from injuries resulting from rapid forward deceleration and ejection from aircraft. The neck of human beings is at risk from lethal spinal cord injury with rupture of the atlanto-occipital membrane which holds the base of the skull to first cervical vertebra. Such lethal injuries according to the invention are prevented by a single inertial reel connection to the helmet of the user, at a point, aligned with or slightly above the superior nuchal line of the skull of the user. The helmet includes forehead padding, a wrap around cup shaped chin strap and an adjustable nape strap. The webbing for the inertial reel connection is preferably medium to soft. The slight forward movement of the head and neck allowed by soft/medium webbing will attenuate the forces applied to the head and neck junction during forward-deceleration or upward vertical ejection-acceleration (from a military high performance fighter/bomber aircraft). Thus, the restraint is along a line passing through a very small zone located at the lower central posterior area of the back of the head.