Including Energy-absorbing Means Patents (Class 2/411)
  • Publication number: 20140215694
    Abstract: A helmet including a shell, a plurality of panel buttons pivotally attached at their proximal face to the outer surface of the shell, and the panel buttons are made of a flexible or elastic material with a protective outer coating to protect the panel buttons from abrasion. In one embodiment, the panel buttons are pivotally attached to the outer surface of the shell with a living hinge that allows the panel buttons to swivel in multiple planes that are generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Darin Grice
  • Publication number: 20140215695
    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: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Robert E. Cleva
  • Patent number: 8797165
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for monitoring a physiological parameter of players engaged in a sporting activity. The system includes a plurality of reporting units, a controller, and a signaling device. The reporting unit has an arrangement of sensing devices that measure the physiological parameter of an individual player and generate parameter data. The controller receives the parameter data transmitted from each reporting unit and then processes the parameter data to calculate a parameter result. When the parameter result exceeds a predetermined value, the controller communicates with a signaling device that provides an alert to sideline personnel to monitor the player(s) in question. The system also includes a remote storage device for holding historical data collected by the system which permits subsequent analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Riddell, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Greenwald, Jeffrey J. Chu, Joseph J. Crisco, III, Thad M. Ide
  • Patent number: 8782818
    Abstract: A safety helmet structure and a processing method thereof. The safety helmet includes a first section, a second section and an extension section defined between the first and second sections. The first section is sprayed with a figure. A decorative section or a figure layers is adhered to the second section. After a periphery of the decorative section or figure layer partially passes over an edge of the second section, the periphery of the decorative section or figure layer enters the extension section. The first and second sections together form a helmet subassembly. The helmet subassembly is placed in a mold and integrally bonded with a buffer material or foam material filler to form a helmet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Chang-Hsien Ho
  • Patent number: 8782819
    Abstract: A protective component for use within a protective helmet such as a football helmet that includes one or more spider web-like structures formed from a fine but strong polymeric fiber, preferably artificial spider web silk. The one or more spider web layers are spaced apart one from another as well as from any conventional padding foam lining the hard shell of a helmet. The web layer or layers is/are independently attached to the helmet shell, generally by their edges. The innermost web layer surrounds and conforms to a wearer's head. The spider web elements provide excellent protection to the head of a wearer of the protective helmet. The use of the inventive web layers allows the production of fewer helmet sizes while still resulting in a perfect conformal fit to a wide range of head sizes and/or shapes within a particular helmet size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas C. Culpepper
  • Patent number: 8776273
    Abstract: A safety hat for use by construction workers is disclosed. The safety hat is fabricated from a hard plastic type material or other equivalent impact resistant materials. The safety hat is in the general shape of existing baseball type caps. The safety hat has a hollow brim portion to receive the brim of the typical soft baseball cap and thereby secure the safety hat to the baseball cap so that the safety hat fits securely and comfortably on the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Krause
  • Patent number: 8776272
    Abstract: A helmet cover that has an outer skin, an impact absorbing material and at least one vent comprising an aperture through the helmet cover is described. A helmet cover vent may be aligned with a vent in a helmet, thereby providing for improved ventilation and cooling, and may be attached to a helmet. A helmet cover vent may be configured as a tapered or flared vent, and may be an air capture vent. The impact absorbing material may be configured over substantially the entire helmet cover surface, or may cover only a portion of the surface. In one embodiment, the impact absorbing material is configured as a discrete pad that is located where impact is most common, such as on the front, sides, or back of the helmet cover. A discrete pad may be interchangeable, allowing for customizing the type and location of impact absorption on the helmet cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Protective Sports Equipment International Inc.
    Inventors: Albert E Straus, Frank Lytle
  • Publication number: 20140189937
    Abstract: A helmet that can comprise a helmet body comprising an energy absorption layer and an outer shell. A first opening can be formed through the outer shell and extend into the energy absorbing layer, the first opening comprising a perimeter. A first sleeve can be disposed at least partially within the first opening, the first sleeve comprising a first end comprising a first flange coupled to the outer shell and extending beyond the perimeter of the first opening, and a second end opposite the first end comprising a base disposed over the energy absorption layer. A camera can be coupled to the first sleeve and exposed through the first opening. The helmet can further comprise the first sleeve comprising a depth greater than a width or a length. The first flange can be directly coupled to an outer surface or an inner of the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Pietrzak, Scott R. Allen, Joseph D. TOMASCHESKI
  • Patent number: 8763166
    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: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: 2nd Skull, LLC
    Inventor: Federico Olivares Velasco
  • Patent number: 8756719
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for construction of a protective head covering, such as a helmet, to be worn by individuals engaged in activity that may, without the apparatus, cause concussive brain injury. The helmet, which is comparable in weight and envelope to conventional helmets, can be constructed from commercially available materials. The design features a dual shell concept where outer shell deflection under load triggers the primary attenuation mechanism. A second more rigid inner shell defines a space where one or more compartmentalized sealed elastomer energy absorbing cells are located. These cells contain a gas and/or liquid agent designed to adaptively convert potentially injurious normal impact force energy to energy that is channeled between the shells and therefore harmless to the wearer. A portion of this converted energy will be stored and then utilized to automatically re-set the apparatus for the next impact event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Waldemar Veazie
  • Publication number: 20140157495
    Abstract: An integrated impact energy absorption system application for enhanced safety performance of sports related protective head gear. A multiplicity of pattern positioned energy shock absorption impact strips of high performance dual elastomeric polyurethane resin of the invention are selectively secured in a pattern orientation on a sports helmet to protect critical vulnerable locations on the exterior thereof. Preformed impact absorption strips are of a composite construction having internalized compartment energy attenuating cells in a repetitive matrix construction for enhanced forced absorption and deflection to the helmet surface to which they are so secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Steven D. Novicky, Lindsey Erin Frick
  • Publication number: 20140157494
    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: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: 2nd Skull, LLC
    Inventor: Federico Olivares Velasco
  • Patent number: 8739316
    Abstract: An impact-absorbing insert for use in protective headgear includes an exterior surface defining an interior volume. The exterior surface may be formed by a plurality of layers joined together at seams. The interior volume contains a filler material. An impact-absorbing insert assembly includes a plurality of inserts connected together. Protective headgear adapted to protect a user includes a plurality of impact-absorbing inserts received in pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: No Problem, Inc.
    Inventor: John K. Norton
  • Patent number: 8739317
    Abstract: A liner adapted to be interposed between the interior surface of a protective headgear and a wearer's head includes a plurality of networked fluid cells adapted to distribute and dissipate an impact force to the liner, and/or headgear with which the liner is used, across a larger area of the wearer's head as compared with the impact location, and also to dampen the tendency of the wearer's head from rebounding back from the impact location by transferring fluid through the network from fluid cells at the impact location to those in an opposed region. Discrete fluid cells interspersed among the networked fluid cells maintain the liner and/or the headgear in a predetermined orientation on the wearer's head. Fluid flow within the liner may be restricted or directed by configuring the fluid passageways. A liner may further include means for moving fluid into or out of the fluid cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Abernethy
  • Patent number: 8732868
    Abstract: A helmet and/or helmet liner having one or more internal flexibility sipes for controlling and absorbing the impact of torsional or shear forces, including, for example, at least a first bladder, chamber, or compartment having an inner surface; a second bladder, chamber, or compartment having at least one cavity or void that at least partially encloses at least one gas, and an outer surface located in the first bladder, chamber, or compartment, as viewed in a cross-section, and at least one internal sipe, which is defined by a portion of the inner surface of the first bladder, chamber, or compartment and a portion of the outer surface of the second bladder, chamber, or compartment. The surface portions defining the internal sipe oppose each other and are configured to be movable relative to each other in a sliding motion and have at least one centrally located attachment between the surface portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Frampton E. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20140130239
    Abstract: A headwear device includes an endothermic reactor and a trigger to initiate an endothermic reaction in a reactor while the headwear device is being worn on a wearer's head. The headwear device may preferably be utilized in, or conjunction with, a motorcycle safety helmet or similar crash protection device. The headwear device is intended to prevent or delay the onset of brain damage as a result of serious trauma or head injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Jullian Joshua Preston-Powers
  • Patent number: 8719967
    Abstract: A helmet, especially a cricket or other sports helmet, comprises an outer shell member and, disposed adjacent its inner surface, a layer comprising an inflatable element operatively connected with inflation mechanism. The layer comprising the inflatable element preferably comprises a plurality of individual cells or pockets defined by a fluid-impermeable plastics membrane material, the individual cells or pockets being mutually in communication for pressurization and pressure-release purposes and connected to the inflation mechanism. The cells or pockets may contain impact-absorption or cushioning materials which are preferably porous to allow absorption and desorption of the inflation fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ayrtek (TM) Limited
    Inventor: Tom Milsom
  • Publication number: 20140123372
    Abstract: A shield adapted for use with a baseball cap or caps used in other sports is disclosed to protect a pitcher or fielder from a batted or thrown baseball or softball. A panel is shaped to conform with a front side of a ball cap and is secured with straps or other means on the outer side of the ball cap or, alternatively, on the inner side of the ball cap. The shield is formed of a sheet or panel of impact absorbing plastic that protects the user from trauma in the event of a collision with a traveling ball or other object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Shen
  • Publication number: 20140115759
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided for use in an impact sport head protector. The device includes a tilt sensor that generates at least one output signal representing tilt orientation of the head protector. A processor is configured to sample and process the tilt sensor output signal(s) over a number of successive cycles to determine whether the head protector is in an unsafe position during a given cycle and to generate an alarm signal based on such determination at least for the given cycle. An audio device is configured to produce an audible alarm in response to such alarm signal. The processor is configured to remove the effect of noise components in the tilt sensor output signal(s) in generating the alarm signal. The processor can also be configured to constrain the time delay that the head protector is in an unsafe position before raising the alarm signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Helmet HALO Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome D. Tomlin, Frank D. Sundermeyer
  • Patent number: 8707470
    Abstract: An integrated impact energy absorption system application for enhanced safety performance of sports related protective head gear. A multiplicity of pattern positioned energy shock absorption impact strips of high performance dual elastomeric polyurethane resin of the invention are selectively secured in a pattern orientation on a sports helmet to protect critical vulnerable locations on the exterior thereof. Preformed impact absorption strips are of a composite construction having internalized compartment energy attenuating cells in a repetitive matrix construction for enhanced forced absorption and deflection to the helmet surface to which they are so secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: SK Adventures, LLC
    Inventors: Steven D. Novicky, Lindsey Erin Frick
  • Publication number: 20140109298
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a helmet structure for reducing kinetic energy transmission. The helmet receives contact of an object that transfers kinetic energy to a first layer having material that displaces in response to applied shearing force. The helmet uses a second layer having material that displaces in response to applied shearing force and uses a third layer having material that does not displace in response to applied shearing force to transfer kinetic energy laterally with respect to the skull. Helmet layers can have material with different mechanical responses, including elastic or rubbery elastic. The outer slip layer may also contain reinforcement particles such as metal, glass and ceramic. In one embodiment, each layer in the structure has a different shear modulus and each layer has a higher shear modulus than the immediately preceding layer. The shear modulus of each layer is modified by adding rigid reinforcement to the layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Alan Ira FADEN, Thomas E. TWARDOWSKI, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140109299
    Abstract: Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple layers including an outer ball bearing layer and/or one or more energy and impact transformer layers. The ball bearing layer exposes multiple ball bearings on the outer surface of the protective gear to deflect and diminish shear forces and other rotational forces imparted onto the outer surface. In many examples, the ball bearings on the outer surface prevent the transfer of shear and rotational forces from the surface of a helmet onto a skull. The energy and impact transformer layers may also include various structures and materials used to dissipate mechanical energy applied to an outer layer or outer shell layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Avery Audrey Kwan, Robert T. Knight
  • Publication number: 20140109304
    Abstract: Protective gear such as a helmet includes an intelligent bracing mechanism such as an intelligent neck bracing mechanism. The intelligent bracing mechanism detects imminent mechanical forces such as impact, shear, and rotational forces and stiffens the bracing mechanism so that forces imparted onto the protective gear can be distributed to one or more other locations. In one example, a sensor detects an imminent mechanical force impact on an outer shell of a helmet and stiffens a neck brace connected to the helmet to distribute some of the energy from the impact onto the shoulders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Avery Audrey Kwan, Robert T. Knight
  • Publication number: 20140109297
    Abstract: A safety helmet has a protective shell, an inner liner with several attachment branches, and at least a first securing clip to fit an accessory on the outer surface of the shell. Each attachment branch of the liner comprises a fixing part inserted and blocked in a slide of the shell by said first securing clip which acts both as latch to attach the liner to the shell and as female loop for clipping of a second securing clip connected to a chinstrap. Application: helmet with removable chinstrap and with a liner secured by latching to the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Raphael LANEZ
  • Publication number: 20140101828
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a protective headgear assembly having a suspension system with user controls for independently adjusting a front loop length and an occipital loop length. In an illustrative example, the front loop length may lie in a substantially horizontal plane, and the occipital loop length may lie substantially in a plane that intersects the front loop length at non-zero angle such that the occipital loop length descends posterior a user ear to cradle a user occipital. In some examples, an intersection of the front loop length and the occipital loop length may fit proximal the user ear after adjusting the frontal loop length and the occipital loop length to circumferentially fit a user head. In some examples, the user control for the front length may provide a macro adjustment and the user control for the occipital length may provide a micro adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Sugerman, Joseph Rodrigues, Jacky Zhu, Oliver Li
  • Publication number: 20140096311
    Abstract: A helmet comprising an energy absorbing layer (2) and a sliding facilitator (5) is provided. The sliding facilitator is provided inside of the energy absorbing layer (2). A method of manufacturing a helmet comprising a sliding facilitator is further provided. The method comprising the steps of: providing an energy absorbing layer in the mould, and providing a sliding facilitator contacting the energy absorbing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: MIPS AB
    Inventor: Peter Halldin
  • Publication number: 20140096310
    Abstract: The present application discloses a helmet, a retention system for a helmet, and a method of adjusting a helmet. In certain embodiments, the helmet comprises a helmet shell and a retention system attached to the helmet shell. The retention system generally comprises a rear portion connected to the rear of the helmet shell, at least one strap extending from the rear portion to a front portion of the helmet shell, and an adjustment device attached to the rear portion and configured to selectively adjust the length of the strap between the rear portion and the front portion of the helmet shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Ron Szalkowski, Bryan Stephen Javorek, Joshua Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140090153
    Abstract: Protective headgear comprising one or more plates and one or more connectors, such as an adjustable strap, connecting the plates to each other and to a user's head. Each plate comprises an inner layer, a trauma plate, and an outer layer, where the trauma plate is located between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer and the outer layer may be foam, while the trauma plate may be a rigid material. The one or more plates may comprise a front plate shaped to conform to the user's forehead; a back plate shaped to conform to the back of the user's head; a right plate shaped to conform to the right side of the user's head, covering the user's right ear; a left plate shaped to conform to the left side of the user's head, covering the user's left ear; and/or a top plate shaped to conform to the top of the user's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: CENTURY, LLC
    Inventors: Tibor Siklosi, Shaw Furukawa, Jeffrey Woodson
  • Patent number: 8683617
    Abstract: Helmets and methods for manufacturing a helmet are described. An example helmet includes an upper helmet component having a shell and a shock absorbing liner and further having a lower helmet component having a shell and a shock absorbing liner. The shock absorbing liner of the lower helmet component has an angled interface portion to which the upper helmet component is attached. A vent sill is attached to the shock absorbing liner of the upper helmet component and a vent shutter is slidably attached to the vent sill. An example method include forming a first in-mold component having a shell and shock absorbing liner and forming a second in-mold component having a shell and shock absorbing liner, the shock absorbing liner having a seamless headform. After a vent shutter assembly is attached to the first in-mold component the second in-mold component is attached to the first in-mold component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Smith Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Chilson, Hans Lindauer
  • Publication number: 20140075652
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for use in reducing the impact to the head during sporting activities. The present disclosure provides a helmet cap that covers an underlying hard shell helmet. The helmet cap has a durable, energy absorbing outer shell, which lessens the initial impact to the helmet. The outer shell is formed into segments of padded material that may deform on impact. The outer shell has an inner surface that allows the outer shell to slide over the surface of a helmet thereby reducing forces applied to a wearer. The helmet cap may be securely attached to helmets without modification of the helmets. The helmet cap may include an adjustable fastener that allows the helmet cap to be securely attached to helmets of varying dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: POC Ventures
    Inventors: Erin Linn Hanson, Wallace Lee Hanson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140068840
    Abstract: A double-shell helmet is disclosed. The double-shell helmet includes an outer shell, an impact absorbing material layer affixed to the outer shell on a first side of the impact absorbing material layer, an inner shell affixed to the impact absorbing material layer on a second side of the impact absorbing material layer opposite the first side of the impact absorbing material layer, and a foam layer affixed to the inner shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Eric Nauman, Evan Louis Breedlove, Anne Dye Zakrajsek, Thomas Michael Talavage
  • Patent number: 8667618
    Abstract: A helmet (1, 100, 200) for protecting a user's head (90), comprising a cap (2) for protecting the user's cranium (92) and a chin guard (3) for protecting the user's chin (93), wherein the chin guard (3) is adapted to move between a first protecting position (31) and a second protecting position (32) under the action of a force (50) acting in the direction of the chin (93) of a user wearing on said helmet (1), the chin guard (3) in said second protecting position (32) being nearer to the user's chin (93) with respect to the chin guard (3) in said first protecting position (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignees: Dainese S.p.A., Universita' Degli Studi di Firenze
    Inventors: Marco Pierini, Niccolò Baldanzini, Antonio Scippa, Francesco Lorenzi, Roberto Parissenti
  • Publication number: 20140053323
    Abstract: Presently disclosed is a protective helmet, which may include a shell defining a shell exterior and a shell interior, and being configured to receive a wearer's head and extend to protectively cover the head circumferentially and vertically over the top of a wearer's skull; a first cushioning member disposed within the shell interior and configured for cushioning the skull; and a plurality of columnar cushioning members configured for supporting the shell on the skull and being configured for bending to allow rotational movement of the shell with respect to the skull, the columnar cushioning members having inner surfaces disposed further inwardly with respect to the shell than the first cushioning member surface to position the columnar member inner surfaces for resting against the skull and leaving a space between the first cushioning member inner surfaces and the skull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: ProStar Athletics LLC
    Inventors: James Marzec, Charles Monchik
  • Publication number: 20140047621
    Abstract: An apparatus for aiding an athlete with heading a ball while protecting the head of the user participating in an athletic activity and in particular soccer players. Designed to resemble the surface of a player's head in structure and smoothness so as not to affect the trajectory of the ball during a header while at the same time absorbing the force from the impact to prevent or minimize concussions in players, especially younger athletes. This present invention is designed with the intention to overcome the rigid guidelines of youth soccer leagues and organizations, and be approved for use in games. Its design does not provide an advantage or disadvantage to the user as it is constructed to replicate a player's unaided head. The objective is that it feels like “second skin” so it will not affect the quality of movement or play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Rowena H. Toney, Brendon G. Toney, Kylie J. Toney
  • Publication number: 20140033401
    Abstract: To mould light, impact cushioning and multi-impact objects a material is disclosed composed in weight of 20-50% of expanded particles and 80-50% of binding component, the particles being in plastic material, of closed shape, hollow and filled with gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: TRYONIC LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrea Del Guasta, Giuseppe Paronetto, Andrea Antichi
  • Patent number: 8640267
    Abstract: Embodiments of a protective helmet have a shell formed from a cushioning material, a cushioning spacer layer coupled to the shell and only partially covering an inner surface of the shell, a hard inner structure having an outer surface attached to the cushioning spacer layer and an inner surface, and an innermost cushioning pad layer attached to the inner surface of the hard inner structure. A flexible thin cover extending around an outer surface of said shell and with or without graphics may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Yochanan Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140026279
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a spiral shaped element and embedded wavy materials are disclosed for use in a shock mitigating material to dissipate the energy associated with the impact of an object. The shock mitigating material can be used in helmets, bumpers, bullet proof vests, military armor, and other applications. One embodiment, among others, is a shock mitigating material having a plurality of spiral shaped elements, each having a circular cross section, and each being tapered from a large outside end to a small inside end but also having an embedded wavy material that can induce shear waves to mitigate the shock pressure and impulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Mark F. Horstemeyer
  • Publication number: 20140020160
    Abstract: An internally integrated cushioned component that applies to all types of children's legwear; it accomplishes the dual objective of protecting the wearer's knees by providing cushioning against impact to the knee area and prolonging the lifespan of the garment through utilization of tear resistant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Samantha Stevens Ford, Robert Elias Ford, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140020158
    Abstract: Impact attenuating liner for headgear and headgear employing the liner, the liner positionable inside the headgear and comprising a cellular layer having an array of individual impact attenuating cells, each individual impact attenuating cells including an impact attenuating medium. The impact attenuating cells can comprise a gas, liquid, visco-elastic gel, foam, fiber or combinations thereof as well other impact attenuating medium. In another aspect, the impact attenuating liner has at least two layers, a cellular layer of and an impact attenuating layer under the cellular. The liner can include a cover. The liner can be removable from the headgear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: ROHO, INC.
    Inventors: David K. Parsons, Anthony Eric Sprouse, II, Paul A. Rickman
  • Publication number: 20140023805
    Abstract: A shock wave attenuating material (100) includes a substrate layer (104). A plurality (110) of shock attenuating layers is disposed on the substrate layer (104). Each of the plurality (110) of shock attenuating layers includes a gradient nanoparticle layer (114) including a plurality of nanoparticles (120) of different diameters that are arranged in a gradient from smallest diameter to largest diameter and a graphitic layer (118) disposed adjacent to the gradient nanoparticle layer. The graphitic layer (118) includes a plurality of carbon allotrope members (128) suspended in a matrix (124).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: GREENHILL ANTIBALLISTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zachary R. Greenhill, Joseph J. Belbruno
  • Patent number: 8631518
    Abstract: A light weight, shock absorbing, shock dissipating, moisture absorbing, stretchable fabric, head cap designed for receipt under a hard shell helmet and over a head of a helmet user. The head cap includes thin sheets of shock absorbing and shock dissipating foam pads. The foam pads are used to limit a shock load or pressure applied to the head. Also, the foam pads help spread the load over a large surface area of the head, thus reducing a potential head injury or potential concussion to the wearer of the head cap. The foam pads are received between a moisture wicking fabric inner liner and an outer liner. The head cap also includes a moisture absorbing head band and head band ties for securing the head band on the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: William J. Jennings
  • Publication number: 20140013491
    Abstract: Safety head wear for use for example in high risk activities such as sports and industrial purposes where protection from head injuries is required. Components are provided inserted between the liner and outer shell and consists of two parts; a pod and a foam or foam like surrogate or structure. The foam or foam like material is contained in the chamber and is positioned in such a way to create constant force between the surface of the shell and head. The device provides a method of managing compression force characteristics of the helmet around the head designed to decrease brain trauma resulting from high linear acceleration during impacts to the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA
    Inventor: University of Ottawa
  • Publication number: 20140013492
    Abstract: Embodiments provide protective helmets configured to protect the head from linear and rotational acceleration in an impact. In various embodiments, the helmets may include an outer layer, an inner layer, and at least one intermediate layer coupled to the outer and inner layers by alternate fixation sites, thereby providing a suspension between the outer and inner layers. In various embodiments, the intermediate layer may be made from a honeycomb material, such as an aluminum honeycomb. In use, in-plane deformation of the honeycomb may allow for translation of the outer layer in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner layer, thereby mitigating rotational acceleration imparted by the tangential impact component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Apex Biomedical Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven Madey, Nathan Dau, Kirk Hansen, Ashton Wackym
  • Publication number: 20140007322
    Abstract: The present shock absorbing layer for a helmet includes a base plate and a plurality of spaced apart, independently and elastically collapsible, shock absorbing members. These hollow shock absorbing members define a closed perimeter wall extending upwardly from the base plate to an open top end sized to cause negligible reduction of fluid flow exiting the shock absorbing member. The closed perimeter wall includes a first portion with opposed inner and outer surfaces each having the shape of a frustum, and a second portion with opposed inner and outer surfaces each also having the shape of a frustum. These inner surfaces are interconnected through relatively radially wider ends of their respective frustums to define an inner angle therebetween of less than 180 degrees. These outer surfaces are interconnected through relatively radially wider ends of their respective frustums to define an outer angle therebetween of greater than 180 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: CORTEX ARMOUR INC.
    Inventors: Michael Marz, Jeffrey Dalzell
  • Publication number: 20140007323
    Abstract: Secondary energy absorbing helmet underwear is to be worn by a user under a primary rigid hard hat, sports helmet or military helmet. The helmet underwear includes an integral self elasticized stretchable material that includes a three-dimensional structure that is generally of semi-spherical shape to fit about the users head and that includes an optional peripheral stretchable stretch band that provides a means for retaining the helmet underwear in place on the users head. The stretchable material and core includes front and rear layers that are each formed as a knitted layer and interconnecting yarns that interconnect between the front and rear layers and define a predetermined spacing between the front and rear layers. The interconnecting yarns, in combination with the layers provide a safety barrier between the rigid hat and the user's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Noggin Group
    Inventor: Sonya Abdow Capuano
  • Patent number: 8621673
    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: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Antonio Pietrantonio
  • Patent number: 8615817
    Abstract: The present invention provides protective headgear comprising a shell (26) having an inwardly facing surface which in use faces the head (10) of a user of the headgear and an outwardly facing surface which in use faces away from the head (10) of a user. An outer layer (28) overlies at least a portion of the outwardly facing surface of the shell (26) and rupturing means (30) is provided for fixedly attaching the outer layer (28) to the remainder of the headgear at one or more locations. The rupturing means (30) is configured so as to fail when a force greater than a selected threshold is received on an outer surface (28) of the headgear which acts in an at least part tangential direction to rotate the headgear and the head (10) of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Phillips Helmets Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth David Phillips
  • Publication number: 20130340146
    Abstract: The invention relates to an impact core for insertion inside an outer shell of a helmet. The impact core comprises a shock-proof material and is substantially dome-shaped having cut outs to increase the flexibility of the impact core. The cut out makes the impact core deformable and as a result the impact core can be adjusted according to different head shapes and sizes. The impact core comprises a substantially star-shaped cut out at a top and a plurality of elongated edge cut outs near an edge of said impact core. Further, each of a plurality of arms of said star-shaped cut out extends downward between two neighboring edge cut outs at the edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: EGG International B.V.
    Inventors: Lars Dekker, Rick Adriaan Keijzer
  • Publication number: 20130340147
    Abstract: A reinforced and impact attenuating helmet comprising a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface; a series of linked coils; filler material; wherein the series of linked coils are entirely encased within the filler material to form a reinforcement layer, the reinforcement layer having a first surface and an opposing surface, the first surface of the reinforcement layer generally facing toward the inner surface of the shell, the reinforcement layer being located proximate the inner surface of the shell, forming a basic helmet assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Brian C. GILES
  • Patent number: 8613114
    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: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: 2nd Skull, LLC
    Inventor: Federico Olivares Velasco