Sport Headgear Patents (Class 2/425)
  • Patent number: 11911317
    Abstract: A stack of eye shields includes a plurality of eye shields each having a frame with receivers located along the frame and latches located to engage the receivers, and spaced apart elevated support surfaces along and rising above an upper portion of the frame; and a lens installed on the frame and having lens apertures extending through the lens and aligned with the receivers of the frame, with the latches engaged with the receivers securing the lens to the frame. The eye shields are stacked one on top of another with each of the eye shields oriented substantially parallel to one another with each of the elevated surfaces of an overlying one of the frames of the stack being slightly forward of a corresponding one of the elevated surfaces of the underlying frame of the stack, with each frame of each eye shield of the stack having a gap therebetween except at contact surfaces where the elevated support surfaces contact an adjacent lower surface of an overlying eye shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: DeRoyal Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter C. Cowart, Ethan Edward Valentine, Nicholas John Poker, Phillip David Peery
  • Patent number: 11877668
    Abstract: A neck pillow comprising a cylindrical body that can encircle a neck of a human body, wherein the neck pillow is wearable around and detachable from the neck, wherein the cylindrical body has hardness for stably supporting the neck of the wearer and is provided with a fastener that is openable and closable on a front side of a wearer, and wherein degree of opening of the fastener can be adjusted by a millimeter unit from an upper edge of the cylindrical body in accordance with a height of the lower jaw of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: MOGU CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Ishida
  • Patent number: 11871809
    Abstract: A protective helmet to be worn by a player engaged in a sport comprises a flexible outer shell and a multi-layer liner assembly disposed within the outer shell. The multi-layer liner assembly includes an inner-layer, a middle-layer and an outer-layer, and permits relative rotational movement between said layers when the helmet is worn by the player and receives an impact. The inner-layer is made from a first material with a first density and is mechanically coupled to the outer-layer without adhesive. The outer-layer is made from a second material with a second density that is greater than the first density of the inner-layer. The middle-layer is made from a third material that has a third density that is greater than the first density. The outer-layer also has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the inner-layer and varies between a front region of the outer-layer and a crown region of the outer-layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Lowe
  • Patent number: 11812810
    Abstract: A helmet comprising: an inner shell; an outer shell, configured to be able to displace relative to the inner shell in response to an impact; and an impact response adjustment mechanism configured to be adjustable such that the response profile of the relative displacement over time of the outer shell in relation to the inner shell in response to an impact on the helmet varies depending on the setting of the impact response adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: Amy Louise Pomering
  • Patent number: 11627776
    Abstract: A communication-enabled hard hat includes a control panel mounted in one side of the hard hat for establishing a Bluetooth connection with an external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Ronald L. Macferren, III
  • Patent number: 11470905
    Abstract: A protective headgear having a protective outer layer, an inner impact dispersing layer, an opening in the posterior of the helmet to allow hair to exit the protective helmet, and juxtaposed to the posterior opening, a flap that covers a portion of the opening and is selectively attachable to the inner impact attenuating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Hummingbird Sports, LLC
    Inventor: Robert H. Stolker
  • Patent number: 11464269
    Abstract: A garment worn by a wearer has an exterior shell and an interior shell with various impact absorbing material between the exterior shell and the interior shell. The impact absorbing material includes multiple structures, such as rods or filaments, capable of deforming when force is applied then returning to its state prior to application of the force. In various embodiments, a rate sensitive material (RSM) is positioned in one or more locations relative to the exterior shell and the interior shell of the garment to further attenuate impacts to the garment. The RSM changes its resistance to force based on a rate at which the material is loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignees: VICIS IP, LLC, University of Washington
    Inventors: Per Reinhall, Paul C. Leonard, Travis Edward Glover, Andre Hunter Paggao Stone, Anton Perry Alferness, Kurt V. Fischer, Gary S. Kaplan, John T. Dardis, II, Samuel R. Browd
  • Patent number: 11400309
    Abstract: Modulated light therapy devices for treatment of dermatological disorders of the scalp are provided. An exemplary device includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) supporting at least one light emitting device having an emitter height. The FPCB includes multiple interconnected panels and bending regions defined in and between at least some of the interconnected panels as to allow the FPCB to be configured in a concave shape to cover at least a portion of a cranial vertex of the patient. At least one light-transmissive layer proximate to the FPCB is configured to transmit (e.g., incoherent) light emissions generated by at least one light emitting device. At least one standoff is configured to be arranged between the FPCB and the scalp of the patient, wherein the at least one standoff includes a standoff height that exceeds the emitter height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: KNOW Bio, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas William Medendorp, Jr., Gerald H. Negley, Matthew Carl Reynolds, James Michael Lay
  • Patent number: 11311068
    Abstract: A helmet defining an opening for a user's head, the helmet including an outer shell providing a wave guide exit operatively associated with an integrated wave guide layer surrounded by the outer shell, the wave guide layer being adapted to direct sonic waves out the wave guide exit, thereby substantially preventing the sonic waves from penetrating through a remainder of the helmet to the opening. The wave guide layer may be a sonic wave transmission medium composed of acoustic metamaterial, wherein the wave guide layer communicates with the wave guide exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: James Bernard Hilliard, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11284662
    Abstract: A force transfer system includes a body and an article. The article includes a first portion forming a first lateral axis and a second portion forming a second lateral axis, the axes being offset. An intermediate member is disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and holds the second portion to the first portion. A stimulus received by the first portion causes a temporary alteration of the intermediate member from an initial condition, the alteration of the intermediate member thereby causing a change in a characteristic of the second portion. The intermediate member subsequently returns to the initial condition, thereby causing a change in a characteristic of the first portion, which is influenced by the change in the characteristic of the second portion. The change in the characteristic of the first and second portions prevents at least a portion of the stimulus from reaching the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Newtonoid Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Fielding B. Staton
  • Patent number: 11089833
    Abstract: A helmet for protecting a head of a wearer, such as a hockey, lacrosse, football or other sports player. The helmet may have various features to protect the wearer's head against impacts, such as linear impacts and rotational impacts. For example, pads of the helmet may be movable relative to one another in response to an impact on the helmet. The helmet may comprise a frame comprising a plurality of frame members carrying respective ones of the pads and configured to move relative to one another in response to the impact to allow relative movement of the pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: BAUER HOCKEY LLC
    Inventor: Jacques Durocher
  • Patent number: 10716352
    Abstract: A helmet detects shear force impacts. Indicator elements in the helmet or protective gear provides a visual indication, an audio indication, or a combination is contained in the surface of the outer shell of the helmet and detects when there is a mechanical force imparted on the helmet. One or more sensors are embedded in the helmet and detect when a shear force is imparted on the helmet. In other embodiments, the sensors can detect that there was a mechanical force on the helmet and also measure the energy of the force. The outer surface of the helmet may have a lining that changes appearance with a shear impact force hits the surface of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Knight
  • Patent number: 10695211
    Abstract: An orthosis (10) for correcting deformities in the head shape of babies and young children includes a mesh layer (20). The mesh layer (30) includes regions of varying stiffness in the mesh layer that are adapted to apply varying pressure to a wearer's head, so as to restrict undesirable growth and allow desired growth to correct the deformities. Accordingly, the mesh layer (30) provides a layer of uniform thickness but variable stiffness, so that a lightweight means of applying appropriate pressure to the wearer's head is provided. The mesh layer (30) can be manufacturer by 3D printing, based on a scan of the wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignees: Technology in Motion Ltd, ING Corporation spol. s.r.o
    Inventors: Stephen Mottram, Jiri Rosicky
  • Patent number: 10645982
    Abstract: A protective helmet is provided having an upper section and a lower section, each having an inside and an outside surface. A gap is formed between the upper section and the lower section. Resilient members in the form of a plurality of spaced apart compression struts are provided for connecting the upper section to the lower section. The upper section is movable with respect to the lower section whereby a portion of the force of an impact to the upper section will be absorbed and will not be transmitted to the lower section. A suspension harness is attached to the inside surface of the lower section. The suspension harness is adapted to receive a portion of the helmet user's head and to keep the helmet user's head from contacting the inside surface of the upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Robert T. Bayer
  • Patent number: 10413009
    Abstract: A helmet for tracking impact including at least one sensor, a processor in communication with the sensor and a storage file in communication with the processor, the at least one sensor measures a force applied to the helmet and sends a signal to the processor indicative of the measured force. The processor receives the signal indicative of the measured force and compares the measured force to a predetermined value, wherein if the measured force exceeds the predetermined value data is sent to the storage file to record the measured force. The helmet can include an alarm system and/or an Injury tracking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Rex Medical, L.P.
    Inventor: James F. McGuckin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10258100
    Abstract: A football helmet has a rigid plastic football helmet shell with a single raised plateau in the crown portion of the shell extending from the front portion, over the crown portion, toward the back portion. The raised plateau has a left border and a right border. The left border is composed of a plurality of segments and extends continuously from the front portion, over the crown portion, toward the back portion. The segments of the left border including at least a first segment and second segment, which meet to form an angle. A non-circular first ventilation hole through the shell has at least a first side, a second side, and a third side, and is positioned at the angle, such that the first side is adjacent to the first segment and the second side is adjacent to the second segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: KRANOS IP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Erb, Cortney Warmouth, Vincent R. Long, Louis Anthony Vanhoutin
  • Patent number: 10111619
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a smart sports protective apparatus comprises: a base body device for covering at least a part of a user's body to relieve an impact of an external force to at least the part of the user's body when the user is playing sports; a circuit device for collecting user data, including the user's biological data, motion status data, and body gesture data, from the user in real time when the user is playing sports, at least a part of the circuit device being arranged inside the base body device; and a power supply device for supplying an electric power to the circuit device, the power supply device being arranged inside the base body device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventor: Jijun Wang
  • Patent number: 10016006
    Abstract: The invention includes a protective headpiece and components thereof and methods for their use. Preferred examples comprise a helmet component, a plurality of piers joining said helmet component to a shoulder pad component and an inner hat component permitting the wearer the ability to move the head from side to side and/or up and down within the helmet component without moving the helmet component. The helmet component may comprise a plurality of fluid-filled floating plates or floats on the inner surface thereof to cushion the head against impact during activities including, for example, football, race car driving, military activities and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventor: William Popejoy
  • Patent number: 9908027
    Abstract: An article of apparel includes a padding system that dynamically changes configuration in response to an impending impact. The padding system may change from a state that has a high flexibility and offers low protection from impact to a state that has a low flexibility and offers increase protection from impact. The system may use a filament to constrict a plurality of padding elements together in order to increase the overall stiffness of the pad. The filament may be tightened and loosened by a spool. The spool may receive a signal regarding the impending impact from a sensor that is a part of the article of apparel, or a sensor that is separate from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Tiffany A. Beers
  • Patent number: 9568389
    Abstract: A blast pressure recording device and method includes at least one first sensor for measuring a parameter indicative of a blast event, at least one comparator in communication with the at least one first sensor for determining whether said parameter indicative of a blast event exceeds a predetermined threshold, at least one second sensor for measuring blast pressure, a power control means providing power to the at least one second sensor only when the predetermined threshold is exceeded, and a controller for receiving and recording blast pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Med-Eng, LLC
    Inventors: Doug Wong, Aristidis Makris, Gordana Jeftic-Stojanovski
  • Patent number: 9403080
    Abstract: A sport helmet having an outer shell, an inner padding for covering at least partially the wearer's head, an occipital inner pad for facing the occipital region of the wearer's head, a rear support having an upper part hingedly mounted to the helmet and a lower part mounted to the occipital inner pad, and a biasing member having a portion abutting the rear inner surface of the outer shell such that the rear support and occipital inner pad are movable between a first position wherein the rear support is biased to extend inwardly from the rear inner surface, and a second position when the wearer puts on the sport helmet to cause the rear support and occipital inner pad to be deflected towards the rear inner surface while the rear support and occipital inner pad maintain pressure on the occipital region of the wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: BAUER HOCKEY, INC.
    Inventors: Philippe Jean, Jacques Durocher, Marie-Claude Genereux, Denis Cote
  • Patent number: 9396641
    Abstract: A system for predicting and warning of impacts includes a sensor located remote from a user and configured to acquire user data regarding motion of the user and object data regarding motion of the object; and a processing circuit configured to predict a potential impact between the user and the object based on the user data and the object data; and control operation of a user-wearable warning device to provide a warning output to the user in advance of a predicted time of the potential impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Allen, Philip V. Bayly, David L. Brody, Alistair K. Chan, Jesse R. Cheatham, III, William D. Duncan, Richard G. Ellenbogen, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Tony S. Pan, Robert C. Petroski, Raul Radovitzky, Anthony V. Smith, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Nicholas W. Touran, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20150135413
    Abstract: A multilayer safety helmet assembly is provided comprising a helmet assembly including a helmet outer shell, a helmet inner shell, and an array of vibration dampeners disposed intermediate the outer shell and the inner shell. A resilient face guard/shock absorber assembly is further provided including a face guard and shock absorber assembly extending between the face guard and the helmet assembly. A head motion restraint assembly includes a first portion engaged to the helmet assembly and a second portion engageable to a shoulder pad(s) worn by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Myron Dave Mayerovitch
  • Patent number: 9032557
    Abstract: Various embodiments of protective helmets are disclosed, with a particular focus on rear opening full-face helmets. Embodiments include an emergency release mechanism tor such helmets, which allows the helmet to be separated into a front and rear shell thereby to facilitate removal from a wearer's head with minimal stress to the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Voztec Limited
    Inventors: Mark Bryant, John Vozzo
  • Publication number: 20150121609
    Abstract: A helmet (10) formed of a plurality of layers wherein at least one of the layers comprises a plurality of beads (16) encased within a liner (28), and a second liner selected from the group consisting of a hard layer (36) and a soft layer (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Brome Bird Care Inc.
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • Patent number: 9026396
    Abstract: An impact sensing device including a plurality of accelerometers orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and attachable at a body location, each capable of producing a signal indicative of an impact. An integrated circuit is configured to determine the magnitude and direction of the impact based on the signals and operative to activate an indicator when the magnitude exceeds a selected threshold based on the direction of the impact. A head injury coefficient is determined based on the magnitude and a duration of the impact, and the threshold level of acceleration is expressed in terms of a head injury coefficient value. The head injury coefficient value is determined by empirically correlating a head injury coefficient measured at the body location and a head injury coefficient measured at the center of mass of a human head resulting from an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Battle Sports Sicence, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Evans, Christopher W. Circo
  • Patent number: 9005120
    Abstract: A vital signs monitor system is integrated with personal protective equipment (“PPE”) so that upon wearing the PPE, the monitor is placed in an operational position to monitor a vital sign. In one embodiment, the vital signs sensor comprises a thermal sensor located at a mouth guard to automatically make operational contact with tissue under the tongue when the mouth guard is worn. A second vital signs monitor comprising reflective pulse oximetry devices senses oxygen saturation and heart rate. Vital signs data are communicated to an RF module located in an associated helmet for transmission to a remote location. A gateway at that remote location receives the transmitted vital signs data and forwards that data to a data collection, organization, and access system that is programmed to make the vital signs data available over the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Richard H. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9004801
    Abstract: A face shield, such as a visor, mounts to a protective helmet using a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly has a base, a spacer assembly, and a pair of posts. The base is disposed on the interior of the helmet. The posts are connected to the base and extend outwardly into the holes that are formed in the side of the helmet. The posts may or may not extend completely through the holes formed in the helmet. The spacer assembly engages the first and second posts such that the helmet is disposed between the base and the spacer assembly. The spacer assembly receives corresponding fasteners that attach the face shield to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Wally Wayne Tatomir
  • Patent number: 8997265
    Abstract: A head guard is provided which has a fabric layer and a padding layer. The head guard is stretchable between a relaxed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expanding configuration has a convex shape such that it can conform to a head of a wearer. The head guard can be worn by a wearer in combination with a helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: 2nd Skull, LLC
    Inventor: Federico Olivares Velasco
  • Patent number: 8997266
    Abstract: A head gear assembly that includes a shell; a facial protector connectively attached to the shell that further includes a first element; a second element positioned approximately parallel to the first element; a third and fourth element positioned approximately perpendicular to one or both of the first element and the second element; a gap further comprising a gap size defined by the position of a combination of at least two of the first element, the second element, the third element, and the fourth element, wherein the gap size is adjustable between a plurality of gap sizes, wherein the first element is movingly engaged with the second element, and wherein the first element moves freely from the second element as the gap size is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: John DeBoer
  • Patent number: 8984670
    Abstract: Provided is a protective insert to be received into a pocket of a protective athletic headwear. The protective insert includes a hard outer layer, at least one pliable middle layer, and a pliable inner layer. The hard outer layer includes an arrangement of first openings to enable flexing of the hard outer layer to decelerate an impact to the at least one protective insert. The at least one pliable middle layer includes at least one arrangement of second openings. The pliable inner layer provides cushioning. The hard outer layer, the at least one pliable middle layer, and the pliable inner layer are sealed such that the second openings form sealed air pockets to absorb and distribute the impact to the outer layer about the at least one protective insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Robert E. Cleva
  • Patent number: 8981952
    Abstract: A sensor includes a housing and a mass, suspended in the housing. The motion of the mass emulates dynamic behavior of a brain of the wearer along a plurality of axes. At least one sensing element is coupled to generate sensor data based on the motion of the mass, in response to an impact to a protective helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: THL Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Howard, Richard Cutler
  • Patent number: 8973173
    Abstract: The environmental system for motorsports helmets includes a helmet and backpack containing various components of the system. The helmet includes an inlet and air passages for forced air ventilation, a tube conducting drinking water from a helmet inlet to the mouth of the helmet wearer, and a radio communications headset. The helmet is a full-face helmet having an openable transparent face shield and visor formed with the face shield as a unit. A backpack is provided with the helmet, the backpack containing a motor driven fan to supply air to the helmet. The air is filtered through an external filter on the pack, before entering the fan and ventilation system. A water tank is also included in the backpack, allowing the helmet wearer to draw water from the supply. A conventional communications transceiver is also provided with the backpack, the transceiver connecting to the headset within the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Todd E. Elam, Renee J. Elam
  • Patent number: 8966670
    Abstract: A safety helmet having an outer shell formed from a polycarbonate crown and an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene skirt, and an inner shell formed from expanded polystyrene. The inner shell is co-moulded with the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Strategic Sports Limited
    Inventor: Norman Tien-Hou Cheng
  • Patent number: 8959668
    Abstract: A device includes a chinstrap with two or four-point attachment which also incorporates jaw protection and inertia displacement. The chin protection consists of a padded chin cup with interior webbing to align the chin cup on the user's chin. To either side of the chin cup, jaw protecting portions laterally emanate to either side of the chin along the jaw line of the user/wearer. These jaw protecting structures are as wide as the chin cup at their attachments to the chin cup and may taper to a thinner configuration as they extend away from the chin cup. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, two opposed straps emanate laterally to either side of the chin cup and two other straps emanate laterally from respective ones of the jaw protecting structures. An alternate embodiment with only two attachment points is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew S. Ganes, Paul M. Jepsen
  • Patent number: 8955169
    Abstract: An embodiment of a safety helmet for protecting the human head against repetitive impacts, moderate impacts and severe impacts so as to significantly reduce the likelihood of both translational and rotational brain injury and concussions includes a outer shell, an outer liner disposed within and coupled to the outer shell, and an inner liner disposed within and coupled in spaced opposition to the outer liner by a plurality of isolation dampers for omnidirectional movement of the inner liner relative to the outer liner and the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: 6D Helmets, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Weber, Robert Daniel Reisinger
  • Patent number: 8938818
    Abstract: A football helmet includes a plastic shell having an offset band extending around a rear region of the shell and above the lower edge surface of the shell. The offset band includes an offset band wall having an inner band surface offset from an inner shell wall surface, and an outer band surface offset from and outer shell wall surface. A pair of angled transition walls extends between the offset band wall and a rear region of the shell. The shell also includes a raised central band integrally formed as part of the shell and extending across the crown region to the rear region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Riddell, Inc.
    Inventors: Thad M. Ide, Ralph J. Infusino, Nelson Kraemer, Christopher R. P. Withnall, Timothy D. Bayne
  • Patent number: 8925118
    Abstract: A concussion indicator that may easily be applied to a helmet is provided. The concussion indicator may visually or audibly provide indicators relating to impacts creating accelerations of the helmet that likely cause a concussion. In some embodiments, three separate indicators may be used within a single base; each indicator is configured to indicate at impacts relating to different concussion grades. A rear of the base is attachable to a surface such as an interior or exterior of a helmet. Upon a concussion triggering acceleration, the concussion indicator will indicate that a concussion is likely. This display may be seen or heard by observers if the indicator is on an exterior of the helmet, and by the user or someone who removes the user's helmet if it is on the inside of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Antonio Pietrantonio
  • Patent number: 8927088
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite structure for deflecting and spreading kinetic energy transmission after various types of impacts utilizing foam structures having graded properties. The structure has a first composite layer, composed of a discrete reinforcement and a continuous binder. The helmet receives contact of an object that transfers kinetic energy to a first composite layer. The helmet uses a second composite layer adjacent to the first composite layer designed such that the second composite layer compresses and expands into an expansion zone in the second composite layer. The second composite layer has expansion structures with a graded modulus such that the material at the tip of an expansion structure has a low modulus and the modulus in the expansion structure increases as it moves from the tip to the base of the expansion structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: KineticShield, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Ira Faden, Thomas E. Twardowski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8930144
    Abstract: An apparatus as provided for measuring acceleration of a person's head or other object. The apparatus comprises a sensor for sensing acceleration and a controller for controlling recording of data resulting from the sensed acceleration due to an explosive force. The controller is adapted to determine whether or not to enable recording of the data based on the sensed acceleration. A data receiver is provided to receive the sensed acceleration data from the sensing means, and requires electrical power to enable data to be received thereby. The controller controls electrical power to the receiver so that if the sensed acceleration reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, electrical power to the data receiver is enabled. The recorded acceleration data may be used for injury analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Med-Eng, LLC
    Inventors: Graham Hubler, Jeffrey Byers, Brian Houston, Robert Corsaro, Phil Frank, Jason Kost, Kenny Opachko, Alain Berdoz, Peter Herdic, Lock-Sui Chin, Jeffrey Levine, Jean-Philippe Dionne, Doug Wong, Daniel Crossman
  • Patent number: 8918918
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing neck injury, spinal cord injury and concussion is disclosed. The apparatus includes a helmet, a body harness and a plurality of anchor assemblies connecting the helmet to the body harness. The anchor assemblies are adjustable to limit the cervical rotation, lateral bending, flexion and extension ranges of motion of a wearer to a predetermined set point, each anchor assembly including a plurality of guide cords extending from the helmet to an anchor of the anchor assembly, the plurality of guide cords being attached to, but individually adjustable with respect to, the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Kevin J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8914916
    Abstract: Provided is a helmet suspension system which is configured to mitigate rapid movements, i.e., acceleration and deceleration, of a user's head. The helmet suspension system connects to a base and a helmet worn by a wearer and allows for slow, safe movements of the helmet relative to the base, but restricts rapid and generally unsafe movements of the helmet relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: James D. Castillo
  • Patent number: 8898819
    Abstract: Provided are a protective headwear and method of manufacturing the headwear. The headwear includes a body, band and plurality of protective inserts. The body has an opening and a crown, and is configured to fit a head of a person. The band extends from and about the opening of the body to the interior of the body and partially toward the crown. The band is free floating with respect to the body and configured to fit the head of the person. The band includes a plurality of pockets disposed about a base stitching that secures the band to the body. The protective inserts are configured to be received into the pockets to provide a protective function to the head of the person. The protective inserts are disposed adjacently to one another about the band and extend from the base stitching of the band to the crown of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Robert E. Cleva
  • Patent number: 8896457
    Abstract: A wireless device includes a sensor module that generates sensor data in response to an impact to the protective headgear. A device processing module generates event data in response to the sensor data, wherein the device processing module includes an event detection module that analyzes the sensor data and triggers the generating of the event data in response to detection of an event in the sensor data. A short-range wireless transmitter transmits a wireless signal that includes the event data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: THL Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Howard, Richard Cutler
  • Patent number: 8881315
    Abstract: A helmet, which includes an injection molded shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, the injection molded shell including a first main body portion and a second main body portion, wherein the first and second main body portions are formed of a first material; and a first molded hinge portion formed intermediate the first and second main body portions, the molded hinge portion adapted to allow the first main body portion and the second main body portion to move relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sport Maska Inc.
    Inventors: André Desjardins, Philippe Martin, Ryan Crelinsten
  • Patent number: 8832870
    Abstract: An adjustable hockey helmet includes a front shell that is longitudinally movable relative to a rear shell to adjust the length of the helmet. One or more substantially rigid straps or similar elements are attached to the front shell and extend to the interior of the rear shell. A cam mechanism or similar device is included on the rear shell for securing the straps directly or indirectly against the interior of the rear shell to prevent longitudinal movement of the front shell relative to the rear shell once the helmet is adjusted to a desired length. Alternatively, the one or more straps may be attached to the rear shell and the cam mechanism may be included on the front shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Easton Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Guillaume Belanger, Jean-Francois Beland
  • Patent number: 8819871
    Abstract: A helmet has a shell with a front opening covered by a faceguard of elongated wire segments. Loopstraps engage around wire segments at sides and a crown of the shell and fasteners connect the loopstraps to the shell. The fasteners each have a nut extending from an inside of the helmet shell out into a hole of the shell and an aperture of the loopstrap, and a stud removably connected to the nut by pushing and turning the stud by about a quarter turn to lock the stud to the nut. A tension spring between a head of the stud and the loopstrap urges the stud away from the nut when the stud is rotated to unlock the stud for facilitating a quick removal of the stud from the nut and a quick disconnection of the loopstrap and faceguard from the helmet shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Kranos IP Corporation
    Inventors: Larry E. Maddux, Raymond J. Drake, Jr., Louis Anthony VanHoutin, Vincent R. Long, Cortney Warmouth
  • Patent number: 8813270
    Abstract: A safety helmet includes a shield movable relative to a shell from an open to a closed position, and vice-versa through operation of a shield actuation system. When in the closed position, the shield actuation system permits the shield to be aligned substantially flush with the shell. Further, the shield actuation system allows the shield to be opened through a manual process that includes pushing on a lever or button to initially release the shield and then rotate the shield into the open position. The shield actuation system includes a number of plates with at least two of the plates in kinematic cooperation for allowing the shield to pop out and then rotate relative to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Vladimiro Pizzi
  • Patent number: 8813269
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved sports helmet including a quick release connector assembly for the faceguard that allows for rapid disconnection of the faceguard from the helmet shell. The connector includes a bracket, and a coupler mechanism featuring an elongated pin, a head component, a spring, a retractable engaging element and a washer. The connector assembly is moveable between a use position wherein the faceguard is secured to the shell by the bracket and the coupler mechanism, and a released position wherein the bracket and the faceguard are disconnected from the shell. An inwardly directed actuation force that lacks a rotational component is applied to the elongated pin to move from the use position to the released position. In addition, the sports helmet includes an adjustable pad assembly comprised of an inflatable bladder and a pad member, wherein the bladder displaces the pad member towards the center of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Riddell, Inc.
    Inventors: Vittorio Bologna, Thad M. Ide, Nelson Kraemer, Ralph J. Infusino
  • Patent number: 8793816
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protective headpiece for an athlete of a game using a projectile to protect at least a portion of the brow, temple and jaw of the athlete's head against impacts by the projectile. The protective head piece is releasably securable to the athlete's head and includes a mask portion comprising an impact resistant material. The mask portion includes a brow portion adapted to substantially shield the athlete's brow area and having opposed sides. A temple portion is positioned at each side of the brow portion and adapted to substantially shield the athlete's temple areas. The mask portion also includes a jaw portion extending from each of the temple portions and adapted to substantially shield at least the athlete's lower jaw. The jaw portion includes a front portion which defines an opening sized to permit frontal viewing of the athlete's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Hoplite Armour LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Emrich, John Larkin, Frederick Mariani, William Rempe