Abstract: A ballistic protective helmet including a helmet dome formed from a metal material, wherein the helmet dome has an inside facing the head of the wearer and an opposite outside. The ballistic protective helmet further includes a layer arranged on the outside of the helmet dome, which layer is formed from a fiber composite material.

Abstract: A helmet has an outer shell, an impact absorbing liner inside the outer shell to receive loads from the outer shell and an inner liner disposed inside the impact absorbing liner, with the inner liner configured to slide relative to the impact absorbing liner. The inner liner defines a number of apertures and a deflector inside each aperture. Each deflector has a body that is connectable to the impact absorbing liner; a peripheral border that is connectable to the aperture in which it is received; and a number of deformable spokes extending between the body and the border.

Abstract: A helmet comprising: inner and outer shells configured to slide relative to each other; and a connector connecting the inner and outer shells so as to allow the inner and the outer shells to slide relative to each other, the connector comprising: an attachment part attached to one of the inner shell and the outer shell; wherein: the attachment part comprises one or more protrusions and the inner or outer shell attached to the attachment part comprises one or more channels into which the protrusions extend, the protrusions and channels are configured such that the protrusions can move within the channels in an extension direction of the protrusions, during sliding of the inner and outer shells relative to each other, and the protrusions comprise an abutment member configured to abut an abutment portion of the channel to prevent the protrusion leaving the channel.

Abstract: A helmet having an energy absorbing layer, an outer layer that is harder than the energy absorbing layer and a plurality of outer plates mounted on the outer surface of the outer layer is provided. The outer plates on the outer layer can slide across the outer layer. A low friction interface between the outer surface of the outer layer and at least a part of the outer surface of the outer plates contacts the outer surface of the outer layer under an impact.

Abstract: Described herein are helmets comprising at least one surface reinforcing component. In some embodiments the surface reinforcing component comprises at least one anchoring feature embedded in a structural feature of the helmet, such as a force absorbing element. In other embodiments, the surface reinforcing component comprises fasteners configured to mate with a respective fastener on a shell of the helmet.

Abstract: An impact attenuating helmet including an outer liner having an inner mating surface, an inner liner positioned under the outer liner and having an outer mating surface configured to be received by the inner mating surface of the outer liner, the inner liner and the outer liner being configured to move relative to each other along a slip plane between outer mating surface of the inner liner and the inner mating surface of the outer liner, and one or more securing attachments, each securing attachment being coupled to the outer liner and being configured to secure the outer liner to the inner liner, each securing attachment comprising a slack element configured to permit a range of movement between the outer liner and the inner liner.

Abstract: A helmet includes an outer shell, a securing mechanism (e.g., a strap and belt system) for securing the shell to a user's head, and an impact-absorbing layer (e.g., expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP), or other suitable material) positioned on an inner surface of the outer shell. The impact-absorbing layer includes a resilient material and has an inner surface and a plurality of holes each having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. The hexagonal holes may extend less than all the way through the impact-absorbing layer. A section of the impact-absorbing layer can have holes with a combined cross-sectional area that is at least 50% of a cross-sectional area of the inner surface of the impact-absorbing layer. the plurality of holes can define a honeycomb structure having cell walls having cell wall thicknesses, and the plurality of holes can have major diameters that are larger than the cell wall thickness of the cell walls.

Abstract: A helmet having an outer liner and an inner liner is disclosed. The inner liner is positioned at least partially inside the outer liner. The helmet includes at least one chin strap anchored to the outer liner and passing through an opening in the inner liner. The helmet further includes a plurality of return springs, each having a first end coupled to the outer liner, and a second end distal to the first end and coupled to the inner liner. The return springs bias the inner liner to a first position with respect to the outer liner. The inner liner is slidably coupled to the outer liner through the plurality of return springs and slidably movable relative to the outer liner between the first position and a second position where the inner liner and outer liner are rotated away from the first position.

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.

Abstract: An impact reducing headgear is disclosed which utilizes dynamically responsive materials which undergo physical changes during exposure to impact forces, such that physical changes or phase changes absorb energy. The helmet may be constructed with a dual shell structure and a bladder, where the dynamically responsive materials may be contained. An embodiment for a comfortable fit which remains tight to the wearer's head is disclosed.

Abstract: A helmet including a body, an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of shock absorbers, the shock absorbers being positioned internal of the outer shell. A first set of shock absorbers has a first shock absorption characteristic and a second set of shock absorbers has a second shock absorption characteristic, the second shock absorption characteristic being different than the first shock absorber.

Abstract: A helmet comprises an outer shell, an impact absorbing liner inside the outer shell to receive loads from the outer shell and an inner liner disposed inside the impact absorbing liner, with the inner liner configured to slide relative to the impact absorbing liner. The inner liner defines a number of apertures and a deflector inside each aperture. Each deflector comprises: a body that is connectable to the impact absorbing liner; a peripheral border that is connectable to the aperture in which it is received; and a number of deformable spokes extending between the body and the border.

Abstract: A collapsible helmet may include a number of chassis segments that are mechanically coupled to one another, where at least some of the chassis segments are collapsible into another chassis segment for storage, and where the chassis segments are expandable so that the helmet is suitable for wearing on a user's head for protection thereof. For example, certain aspects include a three-piece collapsible helmet that has interlocking fingers. In this manner, when the helmet is closed, the interlocking fingers allow the helmet to conveniently fold or collapse into a compact form. Moreover, when the helmet is opened, the interlocking fingers may provide a desired head coverage for protection of a wearer.

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms or apparatus for a helmet for reducing concussive injuries and an alarm system providing an indication of potential concussive impacts.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes an inner cap, an outer cap and a decoupling layer capable of allowing the outer cap to rotate relative to the inner cap about any axis of rotation in the event of an impact. At least one spherical surface is completely contained in the decoupling layer. The helmet includes a fastening strap attached at two opposing points of the inner cap without any mechanical connection with the outer cap. The strap is intended to fasten the helmet to the head of the wearer. The helmet includes a fastening frame attached to the inner cap, and the strap is attached to the inner cap by the fastening frame.

Abstract: A helmet comprised of a hard outer shell, a compressible liner in contact with an inner surface of the hard outer shell, and a comfort liner in contact with an inner surface of the compressible liner. The damping hole is defined longitudinally along a longitudinal axis through the hard outer shell, the compressible liner, and the comfort liner. The helmet also includes a pendulum damping system disposed in the damping hole and extending longitudinally from the outer shell to the comfort liner. The pendulum damping system has a pendulum mass that is laterally displaceable within the damping hole.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a selective ventilation helmet of the type having a cap structure provided with a plurality of splits which make ventilation channels passing from the inside to the outside of the helmet, A selector is also provided, which is arranged at the splits and moveable with respect to the cap structure between a closing position of the ventilation channels and a position for at least partly opening the ventilation channels, wherein the selector is moveable on a guide integrated in the said cap at the splits.

Abstract: A helmet includes a shell having an interior surface, a padding disposed along the interior surface of the shell, and a chinbar. The padding defines a first engagement surface positioned at a first lateral side of the padding and a second engagement surface positioned at an opposing second lateral side of the padding. The chinbar includes a cage, a first flange, and a second flange. The cage includes a first end defining a third engagement surface and a second end defining a fourth engagement surface. The third engagement surface interfaces with the first engagement surface and the fourth engagement surface interfaces with the second engagement surface. The first flange extends from the first end of the cage. The second flange extends from the second end of the cage. The first flange and the second flange of the chinbar are embedded within the padding.

Abstract: A connector (50) for connecting an inner shell (3) and an outer shell (2) of a helmet (1) so as to allow the inner shell and the outer shell to slide relative to each other, the connector (50) comprising: a first attachment part (51) for attaching to one of the inner shell and the outer shell; a second attachment part (52) for attaching to the other of the inner shell and the outer shell; and one or more resilient structures (53) extending between the first attachment part and the second attachment part and configured to connect the first attachment part and the second attachment part so as to allow the first attachment part to move relative to the second attachment part as the resilient structures deform; wherein the resilient structures comprise at least one angular portion between the first attachment part and the second attachment part, an angle of said angular portion being configured to change to allow relative movement between the first attachment part and the second attachment part.

Abstract: A composite multi-axial impact protection liner for a helmet is provided that reduces rotational acceleration, rotational strain rate, and rotational strain that cause concussions. In a protective helmet so equipped, one or more layers of fluid polymer, including strain thinning and strain thickening polymers, are positioned between the wearer's head and a hard helmet shell. The liner offers greater injury protection, performance, and personal comfort using the rate dependent and combined effect of strain thinning and strain thickening of fluid polymer layers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a protective helmet includes an outer shell made of a polyethylene material, wherein the shell is locally deformable when impacted with a strong force and an inner liner provided within the outer shell. A protective helmet comprising: an outer shell made of a polyethylene material, wherein the shell is locally deformable when impacted with a strong force; and an inner liner provided within the outer shell.

Abstract: A protective football helmet is provided having a one-piece molded shell with an impact attenuation system. This system includes an impact attenuation member formed in an extent of the front shell portion by removing material from the front portion. The impact attenuation member changes how a portion of the shell having the impact attenuation member responds to an impact force having a component applied substantially normal to the impact attenuation member as compared to how the left and right side portions respond to the impact force.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective headgear having a multi-layered shell to attenuate amplitude of mechanical waves of a blunt trauma to a human head by phase reversal of the mechanical waves at a boundary established between two adjacent layers of the multi-layered shell.

Abstract: A helmet that includes an outer shell having at least a first outer magnetic member, an inner shell having at least a first inner magnetic member, and padding secured inside the inner shell. The first inner magnetic member is spaced from and opposed to the first outer magnetic member, such that the first inner magnetic member repels the first outer magnetic member. The outer shell is connected to the inner shell.

Abstract: A helmet cover includes a cover configured to extend over a helmet and at least one mount attached to the cover. In one embodiment, a backing plate is coupled to the at least one mount and the cover is sandwiched between the backing plate and the at least one mount.

Abstract: The present helmet invention combines lightweight, impact absorption materials, force distribution structures, and means for affixing a facemask and straps to the helmet for reducing the risk of head injury. The internal construction of the helmet uses the combination of three or more elliptically shaped rings, each referred to as a “halo ring.” The halo rings are rigidly affixed to u-shaped torsion bars, and together form a cage. The cage covers areas of the head and skull vulnerable to injury, operating to disperse and thereby dissipate external impacts at any point where forces on the helmet's external surface are transferred to the ovoid-like cage.

Abstract: A hat, headband or helmet formed from a material (10) comprising first and second layers (11, 12) of material and a low friction interface (13) arranged between the layers to enable sliding of the first layer of material (11) relative to the second layer of material (12).

Abstract: A protective football helmet is provided having a two-piece mold shell diminution shell system. The helmet is comprised of a nine-piece part outer shell, a solid rim outer shell to deflect direct impact from the nine piece part outer shell, an inner liner helmet, compression springs as shocks, and a spin dial to control and restrict the movement of the compression springs and nine piece part outer shell. The nine piece part is a special designed helmet to absorb impact on contact from the crown of the helmet, all four sides and all angles in between to protect the players' head from direct contact at any angle. The outer shell diminution system is piece parted to absorb the impact energy individually by the outer shell protection. Each outer shell piece parted section takes on the impact of energy with an oval shape to deflect and transfer contact impact energy from one piece part to another, thereby dispersing the energy throughout the outer shell of the helmet.

Abstract: A fit system for a helmet can include an adjuster including a width adjustment track, and first and second pods moveably coupled to the width adjustment track with a first and second support arm, the second pod comprising a lateral offset from the first pod. The fit system can further include a dial moveably coupled to the adjustor, such that movement of the dial changes a size of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The fit system can further include a hanger flexibly coupled to both the first pod and the second pod and adapted to allow for adjustment of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The hanger can further be adapted to allow for movement of the first pod and the second pod in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral offset without movement of the dial.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective helmet having multiple zones of protection suitable for use in construction work, athletic endeavors, and similar activities. The helmet includes a hard outer protective shell, an inner shell and an elastomeric zone with the outer shell suspended over the inner shell. A plurality of sinusoidal springs are positioned within the elastomeric zone. In one embodiment, force indicators may be displayed that indicate the amount of force impacting a helmet. The force indicators may indicate impact force form both direct and rotational directions.

Abstract: A protective helmet, including a hard outer shell, a hard inner shell slidingly connected to, and spaced apart from, the outer shell, and a leaf spring including a center portion, a first end, and a second end, the leaf spring anchored only at the center portion onto the hard outer shell, the first end unattached to, and in sliding contact with the hard inner shell, and the second end unattached to, and in sliding contact with the hard inner shell. In a neutral position, the first end is spaced from the second end by a first distance, and when a force strikes the helmet, the first end is spaced from the second end by a second distance, the second distance being different from the first distance.

Abstract: A protective headgear and headgear adjustment system is described. An example protective headgear may comprise a front section comprising padding configured to conform to a shape of a head of a wearer, a back section attached to the front section. The back section may comprise one or more adjustment members adjacent an opening in the back section. The protective headgear may comprise one or more pads configured to removeably attach to the adjustment member to define a horizontal adjustment and a vertical adjustment of the back section and at least partially cover the opening in the back section.

Abstract: A protective football helmet is provided having a face guard mounting system with at least one pair of opposed recessed mounting regions that ensure a low-profile mounting arrangement for a face guard to the helmet. The recessed mounting regions are formed in both the inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell along a frontal opening in the shell. As a result of the streamlined frontal appearance provided by the face guard mounting system, the width of the face guard closely corresponds to the width of the helmet at the recessed mounting regions.

Abstract: A helmet includes a shell, a brim, ridges, and multiple flexible structures. The shell is shaped to receive a user's head. The brim covers the user's forehead and areas above the temples and ears and protrudes from the outer surface of the shell. The ridges are located along the back and top of the helmet and also protrude from the outer surface of the shell. The flexible structures, which are made of a material that is more flexible than the shell, the brim, and the ridges, are positioned in separation gaps between the shell and the brim and ridges. The shell, brim, ridges, and flexible structures are fused together as a single unibody. When the helmet is subjected to an impact on the brim or the ridges, the corresponding flexible structure deforms so that the brim or ridge moves relative to the shell. The deformation of the flexible structure attenuates the force of the impact, which improves the helmet's ability to protect the user from impacts.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprises a shell made of plastic and having a raised central region oriented from a front of the shell towards a rear of the shell, a first vent opening adjacent to the raised central region on a left side of the raised central region, a second vent opening adjacent to the raised central region on a right side of the raised central region, a pressable front section created by a non-linear slit through the shell, which does not extend to an edge of the shell, ear holes formed in the shell; and an energy absorbing layer protected by the shell and having an outer surface.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprises a shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a shell segment movable relative to the shell; an energy absorbing layer having an inner surface, and an outer surface which contacts the inner surface of the shell; and internal padding operably coupled to the inner surface of the energy absorbing layer. The shell has a perimeter and the shell segment is formed by at least one slot channel in the shell which does not extend to the perimeter of the shell. The shell segment moves relative to the shell upon the helmet receiving an impact force. The slot channel is generally U-shaped.

Abstract: A protective football helmet is provided having a one-piece molded shell with an impact attenuation system. This system includes an impact attenuation member formed in an extent of the front shell portion by removing material from the front portion. The impact attenuation member changes how a portion of the shell having the impact attenuation member responds to an impact force having a component applied substantially normal to the impact attenuation member as compared to how the left and right side portions respond to the impact force.

Abstract: This invention relates to a headgear component as a part of a headgear. The component comprising a backstrap, a first ear loop extending from one end of the backstrap, the first ear loop following a path defining a first ear opening, and a second ear loop extending from another end of the backstrap, the second ear loop following a path defining a second ear opening. A first pair of connection zones is on the first ear loop, each connection zone spaced an equal distance from the backstrap and spaced from each other, and a second pair of connection zones on the second ear loop, each connection zone spaced an equal distance apart from the backstrap and spaced from each other. A connection zone of the first pair and a connection zone of the second pair are on a first side of the backstrap, and a connection zone of the first pair and a connection zone of the second pair are on a second (other) side of the backstrap, wherein the headgear component is substantially of a symmetrical shape.

Abstract: A helmet for rotational energy management can include an outer energy management layer comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface can comprise a first slidable finish comprising a first glaze comprising a thickness less than or equal to 2 millimeters (mm). An inner energy management layer can be disposed within the outer energy management layer and further comprise an outer surface oriented towards the outer energy management layer and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The outer surface can comprise a second slidable finish that directly contacts the first slidable finish. The second slidable finish can comprise a second glaze comprising a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm. A space between the first slidable finish and the second slidable finish can be devoid of a lubricant and devoid of any interstitial slip layer.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprises a shell comprising a non-linear slit at least partially surrounding and defining a flexible section movable relative to the shell. The helmet further comprises an energy absorbing layer contacting an inner surface of the shell and an inner surface of the flexible section. Internal padding is operably coupled to the energy absorbing layer. The shell has a perimeter, and the non-linear slit does not extend to the perimeter of the shell. The flexible section moves relative to the shell upon the helmet receiving an impact energy to dampen the impact energy.

Abstract: A helmet body with an outer shell and at least two energy management liners may include an elastomeric shaft, a fixed retainer, and an adjustable retainer. The elastomeric shaft has a head, a tail, and a plurality of frustoconical ridges disposed along the elastomeric shaft between the head and the tail, the elastomeric shaft being narrower at the tail than at the head. The fixed retainer has first opening large enough to receive both the head, but a second opening is smaller than a size of the head. The adjustable retainer may have an aperture sized to receive the tail and part of the elastomeric shaft. The inner liner and the outer liner are coupled together with the fixed retainer on one side, the elastomeric shaft extending through the fixed retainer, the inner liner, and the outer liner and the adjustable retainer around the elastomeric shaft on the other side.

Abstract: An impact sensor includes a hollow container having a plurality of walls, a first magnetic member attached to one of the plurality of walls, and a second magnetic member magnetically attracted to the first magnetic member. A marking device is disposed on the second magnetic member. When a force applied to the sensor exceeds a first predetermined value, the marking device engages one of the plurality of walls and wherein the marking device marks the one of the plurality of walls.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet for protecting the head of a wearer includes an outer shell and an energy dissipating inner layer coupled to the outer shell. The inner layer defines an inner surface, and front attachment locations are inwardly offset from the inner surface substantially at a frontal portion of the helmet. Rear attachment locations are inwardly offset from the inner surface substantially at a rear portion of the helmet. An internal ventilation system is supported by the front attachment locations and the rear attachment locations. The internal ventilation system is configured for direct engagement with the head of the wearer for supporting the helmet upon the head of the wearer. The internal ventilation system provides a gap between the head of the wearer and the inner surface. The gap allows ventilating air to flow over a substantial extent of the wearer's head and within the helmet.

Abstract: A protective football helmet is provided having a one-piece molded shell with an impact attenuation system. This system includes an impact attenuation member formed in an extent of the front shell portion by removing material from the front portion. The impact attenuation member changes how a portion of the shell having the impact attenuation member responds to an impact force having a component applied substantially normal to the impact attenuation member as compared to how the left and right side portions respond to the impact force.

Abstract: A helmet having an inner shell with a first projection and a second projection, an outer shell, and at least one shock absorption system. Each shock absorption system comprises a first recess disposed in the first projection, a second recess disposed in the second projection, and a leaf spring having a first leg, a second leg, and a curved middle portion. The first leg is received by the first recess and the second leg is received by the second recess. The leaf spring is adapted to flex and extend into the first and second recesses in response to an external impact to the helmet. The inner shell and outer shell may be composed of a synthetic fiber. The shock absorption system may also include a compression spring disposed between a flange of the leaf spring and the second projection of the inner shell.

Abstract: Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple shell layers connected using one or more concertinaed structures. The concertinaed structures allow the shell layers greater flexibility to move relative to each other when mechanical forces are imparted onto the outer shell layer. When energy and impact transformer layers are disposed between the shell layers, the concertinaed structures may also allow improvement function of the energy and impact transformer layers.

Abstract: A sports helmet for protecting a head of a wearer, that comprises: an outer shell comprising an external surface of the sports helmet; inner padding disposed between the outer shell and the wearer's head; an adjustment mechanism operable by the wearer to vary an internal volume of the cavity to adjust a fit of the sports helmet on the wearer's head; and a rotational impact protection device disposed between the external surface of the sports helmet and the wearer's head when the sports helmet is worn, the rotational impact protection device comprising a surface movable relative to the external surface of the sports helmet in response to a rotational impact on the outer shell to absorb rotational energy from the rotational impact, the surface of the rotational impact protection device undergoing displacement when the adjustment mechanism is operated by the wearer to vary the internal volume of the cavity.

Abstract: A personal impact protection device (10) with a first mechanical member (12) that may be a shell, ring or housing, and a second mechanical member (14) that may also be a shell, ring or housing. The two mechanical members (12, 14) are nested and spaced from one another. One or more elastomeric energy-absorption members (16) are mechanically coupled to and span the distance between both of the mechanical members (12, 14) to absorb energy from impacts to the outer mechanical member (12) that displace the outer member (12) relative to the inner member (14).

Abstract: A shock absorbing helmet includes an outer shell, an inner shock absorbing liner attached to the outer shell, and multiple compressible balls coupled with the outer shell and/or the shock absorbing liner in such a way that the compressible balls are free to move, relative to the outer shell and the shock absorbing liner, when the helmet is impacted by an object. A method of manufacturing a shock absorbing helmet involves forming an outer shell of the helmet, forming a shock absorbing liner of the helmet, attaching multiple compressible balls to the outer shell and/or the shock absorbing liner in such a way that the compressible balls are free to move, relative to the outer shell and the shock absorbing liner, when the helmet is impacted by an object, and attaching the outer shell to the shock absorbing liner.

Abstract: Described herein are helmets comprising at least one surface reinforcing component. In some embodiments the surface reinforcing component comprises at least one anchoring feature embedded in a structural feature of the helmet, such as a force absorbing element. In other embodiments, the surface reinforcing component comprises fasteners configured to mate with a respective fastener on a shell of the helmet.