Abstract: A helmet includes a frame having a plurality of tubular segments. The frame includes a cap portion and at least one extension portion. The cap portion includes a plurality of main tubular segments extending from a front of the helmet, configured to be positioned over a forehead of the wearer, to a back of the helmet, configured to be positioned over an occipital region of the wearer's head, and at least one tubular cross segment extending between the main segments. The at least one extension portion includes extending tubular segments that extend from the cap portion to a common point that is configured to be positioned below the wearer's ear. The helmet also includes at least one perforated cover plate mounted to the extending tubular segments, which is configured to cover the wearer's ear and squamous temporal bones of the wearer's head.

Abstract: A helmet, such as a football helmet, includes a shell portion, a retention assembly, and a face guard assembly. The shell portion includes: an outer shell; an inner shell spaced apart from the outer shell, the inner shell and the outer shell defining an interior space between the inner shell and the outer shell; at least one fastener assembly extending from the outer shell to the inner shell through the interior space; and at least one inflated bladder positioned in the interior space defined by the inner shell and the outer shell. The shell(s) can be formed from lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber. The retention assembly is connected to the inner shell for securing the helmet to a head of a wearer. The face guard assembly is connected to the outer shell and is positioned to protect at least a portion of a face of the wearer.

Abstract: A helmet includes a frame having a plurality of tubular segments. The frame includes a cap portion and at least one extension portion. The cap portion includes a plurality of main tubular segments extending from a front of the helmet, configured to be positioned over a forehead of the wearer, to a back of the helmet, configured to be positioned over an occipital region of the wearer's head, and at least one tubular cross segment extending between the main segments. The at least one extension portion includes extending tubular segments that extend from the cap portion to a common point that is configured to be positioned below the wearer's ear. The helmet also includes at least one perforated cover plate mounted to the extending tubular segments, which is configured to cover the wearer's ear and squamous temporal bones of the wearer's head.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary methods for reducing or preventing skull injury, the method comprising covering a human skull above all of or a first portion of a squamous temporal bone. Methods may also include covering the human skull with a first layer of material that reduces or prevents the first layer of material from contacting or impacting all of or a first portion of the squamous temporal bone. The first layer of material may be connected to a device or apparatus for supporting the first layer of material above or in close proximity to the all of or the first portion of the squamous temporal bone. Additionally, the method may include comprising covering the human skull above all of or a second portion of a squamous temporal bone.