HELMET

Abstract

A helmet having a semi-soft outer shell adjacent to a web and spaced apart from a tight fitting inner shell. The semi-soft outer shell is made from a high absorbent material. The web is made of a plurality of strips that compress on impact and become more rigid the more they are compressed. An air space separates the web from the inner shell. The inner shell is also made of the soft and highly absorbent material that the outer shell is made from. The inner shell is configured to be tightly fitting.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims priority and benefit to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/420,115 filed on Nov. 10, 2016.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to helmets. More specifically, the present specification relates to a helmet having improved energy absorption qualities.

BACKGROUND

Helmets for use in a variety of different sporting events, as well as for a variety of different recreational activities or non-recreational activities, are well known. The primary purpose of these helmets is to protect a wearer's head from injury. Accordingly, it is the function of helmets, particularly helmets for sporting events, is safety.

Helmets used by those engaged in certain sports typically have a hard outer shell that covers some type of energy-absorbing material, such as a foam. The hard outer shell of most sport helmets is typically comprised of a plastic material. The outer shell typically covers an expanded inner layer that lies between the outer shell and the wearer's head. The inner layer is intended to absorb energy in the event it becomes necessary in order to minimize the energy transmitted to a wearer's head.

For non-recreational activities, the composition of the outer shell may vary. For example, the composition of the outer shell, when used for military purposes, is typically formed of polymeric or metallic material that is capable of resisting any type of ordnance, including ammunition for weapons as well as explosives or similar items.

Regardless of the intended use, it is generally well known that current protective helmets do not provide a high degree of comfort. Furthermore, current protective helmets are bulky. This is primarily because the helmet itself and the inner lining are designed principally for safety purposes and not for comfort. As such they can be relatively heavy and cumbersome.

Accordingly, a need exists for alternative helmet assembly providing both comfort and safety to the user.

SUMMARY

The present specification generally discloses a helmet having a semi-soft outer shell adjacent to a web and spaced apart from a tight fitting inner shell. The semi-soft outer shell is made from a high absorbent material. The web is made of a plurality of strips that compress on impact and become more rigid the more they are compressed. An air space separates the web from the inner shell. The inner shell is also made of the soft and highly absorbent material that the outer shell is made from. The inner shell is configured to be tightly fitting around the cranium of the user.

More specifically, in some embodiments, a helmet is provided configured to protect the skull of a user having a semi-soft outer shell, a resilient web positioned internally with respect to the outer shell, an inner shell configured to fit tightly around the head of the user and an air gap positioned between the inner shell and the resilient web to aid in protecting the skull of the user when the helmet is in use. In some embodiments, protrusions extending from the web wherein the protrusions are configured to further protect the skull of the user. The web may be generally rectangular in configuration or angled. The protrusions may be square, rectangular, rounded, triangular or any other suitable geometrical configuration. The web is configured to become more rigid as pressure is applied to the surface. The inner shell may include a plurality of outwardly facing protrusions extending away from the skull of the user where the protrusions extend into the air gap. The protrusion of the web, additionally, extend from the web away from the skull of the user. In this embodiment, the protrusions directly abut an inner surface of the semi-soft outer shell.

In other embodiments, the helmet includes a semi-soft outer shell positioned adjacent to a rigid middle web and a soft inner shall spaced apart from the rigid middle web, the soft inner shell configured to form for the users cranium wherein the semi-soft outer shell, the rigid middle web and the soft inner shell are configured to have a modular and replaceable configuration wherein each or all of the semi-soft outer shell, the rigid middle web or the soft inner shell may be replaced at any time to provide for adjustability and longevity of the helmet. In some embodiments, protrusions extending from the web wherein the protrusions are configured to further protect the skull of the user. The web may be generally rectangular in configuration or angled. The protrusions may be square, rectangular, rounded, triangular or any other suitable geometrical configuration. The web is configured to become more rigid as pressure is applied to the surface. The inner shell may include a plurality of outwardly facing protrusions extending away from the skull of the user where the protrusions extend into the air gap. The protrusion of the web, additionally, extend from the web away from the skull of the user. In this embodiment, the protrusions directly abut an inner surface of the semi-soft outer shell.

In yet another embodiment, a helmet is provided for wear on the skull of a user, the helmet includes a semi-soft outer shell positioned directly adjacent to a rigid web, a soft inner shell, the soft inner shell positioned directly adjacent to the user's skull so as to tightly fit the user's skull, and an air gap positioned between the soft inner shell and the rigid web. As in the previously listed embodiments, the web includes a first set of outwardly facing protrusions, wherein said protrusions abut the semi-soft outer shell. In some embodiments, the soft inner shell includes a second set of outwardly facing protrusions extending into the air gap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the helmet of the present specification according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a side cross-sectional view being worn by a user of the helmet according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 depicts a side partial cross-sectional view of the web of the helmet according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a partial cutaway top view of the web of the helmet according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts a detail view of the web of the helmet according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the web of the helmet as shown in FIG. 5 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7 depicts an alternative detail view of the web of the helmet according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 8 depicts the alternative web in side view of the web of the helmet as shown in FIG. 7 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

FIG. 9 depicts yet another alternative view of the top of the web of the helmet according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures provided herein generally depicts a helmet having a semi-soft outer shell adjacent to a web and spaced apart from a tight fitting inner shell. The semi-soft outer shell is made from a high absorbent material. The web is made of a plurality of strips that compress on impact and become more rigid the more they are compressed. An air space separates the web from the inner shell. The inner shell is also made of the soft and highly absorbent material that the outer shell is made from. The inner shell is configured to be tightly fitting.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a helmet 100 includes a semi-soft outer shell 102 positioned adjacent to a web 106. The semi-soft outer shell 102 and the web 106 is spaced directly adjacent thereto. In other embodiments, an air gap is positioned between the outer shell 102 and the web 106. In this alternative embodiment, the outer shell 102 and the web are positioned directly adjacent to each other.

An inner shell 112 is configured to tightly fit against the user's cranium 110. The inner shell 112 may include a plurality of blisters 114 to further aid in shock absorption. The blisters 114 may also be referred to as protrusions. The blusters extend 114 extend into the air gap 108. The large air gap 108 is positioned between the inner shell 112 and web 106.

The helmet 100 of the present embodiment varies dramatically from traditional helmets in that the outer shell or layer of the helmet is generally less hard than tradition helmets, being semi-soft or partially rigid. Conversely, traditional helmets have a very hard outer shell or layer. The semi-soft outer shell or layer of the present helmet aids in softening impact to the user's cranium.

In the present embodiment, the inner shell 112 and the web 106 are spaced apart a predetermined distance T₁ (the air gap). This thickness T₁, in the present embodiment, ranges between 0.25 inches to 2 inches (6.2 millimeters to 50.8 millimeters). This air gap 108 having a predetermined thickness T₁ is utilized and incorporated to further assist in the shock absorption to the cranium 110. The air gap allows for space of movement of the cranium (skull) to move allowing the velocity of the cranium to lessen as the cranium moves towards the layers of the web 106 and the outer shell 102.

A predetermined thickness T₂ is the thickness of the semi-soft outer shell 102. The semi-soft outer shell 102 is comprised of a material having a high durometer of approximately 50-60. The material comprised of the semi-soft outer shell 102 is resilient. The semi-soft outer shell 102 having the predetermined thickness T₂ acts as the initial shock absorbing layer to the helmet 100. In the present embodiment, the predetermined thickness T₂ ranges between 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters, but may vary depending on the type of material used for the semi-soft outer shell 102.

The web 106 includes a predetermined thickness T₃. While the overall web 106, as show in the subsequent figures, includes a plurality of apertures, the thickness of the physical portions of the web 106 have a predetermined thickness T₃ where T₃ ranges between 1 millimeter and 5 millimeters. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 9, the web 106 may have various configurations and arrangements.

The predetermined overall thickness T₄ includes the entire thickness of the outer shell, the web, the air gap and the inner shell. The overall thickness T₄ ranges between 8.2 millimeters to 65.8 millimeters.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a first embodiment of the web 106. In this embodiment, the web 106 includes a plurality of similar dimensioned strips 188. In the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 4, the strips 118 are interconnected and molded together to form a one piece web material and portion, such as illustrated at 106. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the strips 118 when the web is installed into the helmet configuration. The spacing of the strips 118 may vary depending on testing and the needs of the user. Furthermore, the materials of the strips 118 may also vary depending on the required shock absorption, cost and weight.

Similarly, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a web 206. In this embodiment, the web 206 includes a plurality of strips 218 crossing upon one another in a rectangular configuration. Such as in the prior embodiment, the strips 218 may vary and have different spacing with respect to each other. The material of the strips 218 may also vary depending on the requirements of the user and shock absorption requirements. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the web 206 having the strips 218. In this present alternative embodiment, the strips 218 have a generally triangular cross section which further facilitates shock absorption of the overall helmet 100.

Similarly, FIG. 9 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of a web 306. In this embodiment, the web 306 includes a plurality of strips 318 crossing upon one another in a diagonal configuration. Such as in the prior embodiment, the strips 318 may vary and have different spacing with respect to each other. The material of the strips 318 may also vary depending on the requirements of the user and shock absorption requirements. In this present alternative embodiment, the strips 318 have a generally triangular cross section which further facilitates shock absorption of the overall helmet 100.

FIG. 3 generally illustrates the helmet 100 from a top view having a partial cross sectional view illustrating the cranium 110. FIG. 2 illustrates a top view where the face mask 120 is visible. The web 106 is illustrated in yet another alternative embodiment where webbing is only used in a portion of the helmet.

In some embodiments, the inner shell 112 made be customized to fit the users head to ensure a tighter and better fit. The inner shell 112 may also have some stretch and give to allow the user to have a more snug fit on the cranium 110.

In an assembled position, the various layers of the helmet 100 including the semi-soft outer layer 102, the web 106, and the inner shell 112 are connected to a base portion (not shown) to secure each layer and element together.

The soft configuration of the outer shell 102 decreases the overall weight of the helmet 100, increases comfort to the user, and improves shock absorption upon initial impact. The incorporation of the semi-soft outer layer 102 with the webbing 106 and the inner shell 112 allow for a lighter and more comfortable helmet to be worn by the user.

In some embodiments, the helmet of the present specification may be of a modular configuration. In his situation, the various layers may be replaceable and substitutable with other layers of portions of the helmet. The ability to provide for a modular helmet offers several advantages in that broken parts of layers can be replaced. This may extend the life of the helmet as worn by the user. The modularity is also advantageous in that the helmet may be able to be customized as prescribed by the user. This may include providing softer materials, more resilient materials or materials or layers having different sizing so as to better fit the users head.

The materials used to make the semi-soft outer layer, the web and the inner shell may vary depending on the needs of the specific helmet and based on the needs of the user. In some embodiment, the semi-soft outer shell is a form of a plastic, plastic or similar material having similar properties as plastic such as various polymers, plastic-like materials, polymer-like materials, rubber or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the web is a form of a plastic, plastic or similar material having similar properties as plastic such as various polymers, plastic-like materials, polymer-like materials, rubber or any other suitable material. The soft inner shell, in most embodiments, is a soft cloth like material such as Sorbothane® or having material and energy absorption characteristics similar to Sorbothane®. The inner shell may also be (or have an additional layer) any suitable cloth or cloth like material having elastic properties. The elastic properties ensure a tight and secure fit for the user. Other suitable materials for any of the layers may also be provided so long as they exhibit the resiliency, adsorption properties and elasticity properties required for the helmet and as required by the user or the sport or activity that a theoretical user is participating in.

To promote modularity, the layers are removably connected together by means of a fastener or their clip so as to connect the layers of the helmet together. This clip or fastener is provided at the outer edges of the layers of the helmet as proved above.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination.

It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A helmet configured to protect the skull of a user comprising:

a semi-soft outer shell;

a resilient web positioned internally with respect to the outer shell;

an inner shell configured to fit tightly around the head of the user;

an air gap positioned between the inner shell and the resilient web to aid in protecting the skull of the user when the helmet is in use.

2. The helmet of claim 1 wherein the web includes a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom wherein the protrusions are configured to further protect the skull of the user.

3. The helmet of claim 1 wherein the web is configured in a rectangular configuration.

4. The helmet of claim 1 wherein the web is configured in an angled configuration.

5. The helmet of claim 1 wherein the inner shell includes a plurality of outwardly facing protrusions extending away from the skull of the user.

6. The helmet of claim 5 wherein the protrusions extend into the air gap.

7. The helmet of claim 2 wherein the protrusions extend from the web away from the skull of the user.

8. The helmet of claim 7 wherein the protrusions directly abut an inner surface of the semi-soft outer shell.

9. A helmet comprising:

a semi-soft outer shell positioned adjacent to a rigid middle web; and

a soft inner shall spaced apart from the rigid middle web, the soft inner shell configured to form for the users cranium;

wherein the semi-soft outer shell, the rigid middle web and the soft inner shell are configured to have a modular and replaceable configuration wherein each or all of the semi-soft outer shell, the rigid middle web or the soft inner shell may be replaced at any time to provide for adjustability and longevity of the helmet.

10. The helmet of claim 9 wherein the web includes a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom wherein the protrusions are configured to further protect the skull of the user.

11. The helmet of claim 9 wherein the web is configured in a rectangular configuration.

12. The helmet of claim 9 wherein the web is configured in an angled configuration.

13. The helmet of claim 9 wherein the inner shell includes a plurality of outwardly facing protrusions extending away from the skull of the user.

14. The helmet of claim 13 wherein the protrusions extend into the air gap.

15. The helmet of claim 10 wherein the protrusions extend from the web away from the skull of the user.

16. The helmet of claim 15 wherein the protrusions directly abut an inner surface of the semi-soft outer shell.

17. The helmet of claim 9 wherein the thickness of the semi-soft outer shell is at least double that of the rigid middle layer.

18. A helmet for wear on the skull of a user, the helmet comprising:

a semi-soft outer shell positioned directly adjacent to a rigid web;

a soft inner shell positioned directly adjacent to the user's skull so as to tightly fit the user's skull; and.

an air gap positioned between the soft inner shell and the rigid web.

19. The helmet of claim 18 wherein the web includes a first set of outwardly facing protrusions wherein said protrusions abut the semi-soft outer shell.

20. The helmet of claim 18 wherein the soft inner shell includes a second set of outwardly facing protrusions extending into the air gap.