Neck protection collar

Abstract

A neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user has a collar portion that substantially wraps around the neck of a user. A neck protection portion extends up a rearward portion of the collar to protect the neck and part of the cranium. In one embodiment, a chamber is disposed along a portion of the neck protection collar and is filled with an energy absorbing fluid that distributes the force applied during an impact so that injuries are reduced. In another embodiment, a plurality of chambers are filled with the energy absorbing fluid are used to provide the energy absorbing function. The fluid is an energy absorbing gel or liquid. In one embodiment, the chambers are filled with a gas such as air. A fastener is disposed along an upper portion of the neck protection portion to attach to a helmet.

1 . A neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user comprising:
 a collar portion adapted to substantially wrap around a neck of a user;   a neck support portion disposed along a rearward perimeter portion of said collar portion and projecting upward adapted to protect said user's neck and anterior cranium portion;   a connecting means disposed on said neck support portion for attaching said neck protection collar to a helmet;   at least one chamber disposed along a portion of said neck protection collar; and   an energy absorbing fluid disposed within said at least one chamber wherein impact energy is distributed throughout said energy absorbing material to minimize potential injuries.   
   
   
       2 . The neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user according to  claim 1  wherein said energy absorbing material is an energy absorbing gel. 
   
   
       3 . The neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user according to  claim 1  wherein said energy absorbing material is an energy absorbing liquid. 
   
   
       4 . The neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user according to  claim 1  wherein said energy absorbing material is a gas. 
   
   
       5 . The neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user according to  claim 1  wherein said energy absorbing material is a resilient foam. 
   
   
       6 . The neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user according to  claim 1  wherein said connection means is a removable adhesive. 
   
   
       7 . The neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user according to  claim 1  wherein said connection means is a hook and loop fastener. 
   
   
       8 . The neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user according to  claim 1  wherein said connection means is a mechanical fastener. 
   
   
       9 . The neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user according to  claim 1  wherein said neck protection collar is substantially made of flexible fabric. 
   
   
       10 . The neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user according to  claim 1  wherein said neck protection collar is substantially made of flexible plastic. 
   
   
       11 . The neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user according to  claim 1  wherein said neck protection collar is substantially made of flexible foam. 
   
   
       12 . The neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one chamber is disposed along an interior portion of said neck protection collar. 
   
   
       13 . The neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one chamber is disposed along an exterior portion of said neck protection collar. 
   
   
       14 . A neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user comprising:
 a collar portion adapted to substantially wrap around a neck of a user;   a neck support portion disposed along a rearward perimeter portion of said collar portion and projecting upward adapted to protect said user's neck and anterior cranium portion;   a connecting means disposed on said neck support portion for attaching said neck protection collar to a helmet;   a plurality of chambers disposed along a portion of said neck protection collar; and   an energy absorbing fluid disposed within said plurality of chambers wherein impact energy is distributed throughout said energy absorbing fluid to minimize potential injuries.