Including Energy-absorbing Means Patents (Class 2/411)
  • Publication number: 20070266480
    Abstract: A helmet which may be rapidly disassembled and removed from a wearer. A flexible cable may engage cable fastening elements located along a helmet split area, thereby forming the outer shell into an integral, rigid unit. When desired, the cable may be quickly withdrawn from the cable fastening elements so that the outer shell may be rapidly disassembled and removed from the wearer. Following disassembly, the helmet may be rapidly reassembled by reengagement with the cable fastening elements. Each end of the cable may be provided with a handle, to facilitate helmet disassembly whether the wearer of the helmet is lying substantially face-down or substantially face-up. A cable release mechanism may be provided to prevent unauthorized or undesired helmet disassembly during play, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: JOSEPH R. TOVO
  • Patent number: 7254843
    Abstract: An impact absorbing, modular helmet that uses impact absorbing layers outside the hard casing of the helmet to prevent and/or reduce injury to the user is described. The protective layers on the outer side of the hard casing increase the time of impact and thereby reduces the intensity of the impact forces to reduce their injury potential. The outermost layer would preferably be made of lightweight yet rigid, durable material made of polymers, composites or metal alloys with a low friction coefficient. Subsequent layers may be made up of a polymer honeycombed structure and a uniformly consistent impact absorbing polymer material. These impact-absorbing layers may also be made and used as an independent, detachable, external protective cover that may be attached universally over hard casing helmets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Srikrishna Talluri
  • Patent number: 7234210
    Abstract: A post attachment device for connecting a helmet to a head and neck support. The device includes a post anchor having a base, a button, a resilient member, a post, a retainer and a catch having a slot with a larger first section connected by a channel to a smaller second section. The button is positioned in an indention in the base with the resilient member positioned therebetween. The post extends through the button, the base and the helmet. The retainer is secured on the post adjacent the inner surface of the helmet. To secure the post attachment device, the catch is orientated over the post. The button is then pressed into the base while the catch is moved backwards to move the post into the second section of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbard/Downing, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Stiles, Alan L. Wilcox, James R. Downing, Samuel Vincent Tidwell, Sr., Steve L. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7231698
    Abstract: A post attachment device for connecting a helmet to a head and neck support. The device includes a post anchor having a base, a button, a resilient member, a post, a retainer and a catch having a slot with a larger first section connected by a channel to a smaller second section. The button is positioned in an indention in the base with the resilient member positioned therebetween. The post extends through the button, the base and the helmet. The retainer is secured on the post adjacent the inner surface of the helmet. To secure the post attachment device, the catch is orientated over the post. The button is then depressed into the base while the catch is moved backwards to move the post into the second section of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbard/Downing, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Downing, Samuel Vincent Tidwell, Sr., Steve L. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7188375
    Abstract: A multi-component and multi-layer infant protective head covering including flexible layers and extensible connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Norman Richard Harrington
  • Patent number: 7120982
    Abstract: A post attachment device for connecting a helmet to a head and neck support. The device includes a post anchor having a base, a button, a resilient member, a post, a retainer and a catch having a slot with a larger first section connected by a channel to a smaller second section. The button is positioned in an indention in the base with the resilient member positioned therebetween. The post extends through the button, the base and the helmet. The retainer is secured on the post adjacent the inner surface of the helmet. To secure the post attachment device, the catch is orientated over the post. The button is then depressed into the base while the catch is moved backwards to move the post into the second section of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hubbard/Downing, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Downing, Samuel Vincent Tidwell, Sr., Steve L. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7114198
    Abstract: A helmet attachment includes a structure representing at least one of an animal feature, an insect feature, a historical helmet feature, mythical creature part, and a vehicle feature. The helmet attachment further includes an attachment mechanism for securing the structure to a surface of a helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventors: Abigail S. Hsieh, Edward S. Lu
  • Patent number: 7089602
    Abstract: An impact absorbing, modular helmet that prevents or reduces injury to the user and other parties in a collision is described. The helmet has layers on the outer side of the hard casing that increase the time of impact and thereby reduces the intensity of the impact forces to reduce their injury potential. The layers may be made up of uniformly consistent impact absorbing polymer material, a polymer layer filled with air or a polymer honeycombed structure. These impact-absorbing layers may also be made and used as an independent, detachable, external protective cover that may be attached universally over hard casing helmets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Srikrishna Talluri
  • Patent number: 7076811
    Abstract: A helmet construction for protecting a user's head, and the brain within the cranium from impact forces, includes a shell contoured to the shape of the user's head, with cushioning along at least part of the shell interior and a chinstrap. The shell consists of three (or more) discrete panels that are physically and firmly coupled together providing rigid protection under most circumstances, but upon impact the panels move relative to one another, but not relative to the user's head, thereby permitting impact forces to be dissipated and/or redirected away from the cranium and brain within. Upon impact to the helmet, there are sequential stages of movement of the panels relative to each other, these movements initially being recoverable, but with sufficient vector forces the helmet undergoes structural changes in a pre-determined fashion, so that the recoverable and permanent movements cumulatively provide a protective ‘crumple zone’ or ‘shear zone’.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Ione G. Puchalski
  • Patent number: 7069601
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a system for securing a helmet to the head of a user is provided. The system includes a helmet body, and a roll cage disposed substantially within the helmet body. The system also includes at least a portion of a helmet retention system coupled to the roll cage so that a force applied to the strap is transferred to the roll cage before being transferred to the helmet body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg T. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 7062795
    Abstract: A strong, lightweight, impact resistant helmet system protects the wearer from impact injury and minimizes bodily injury to other players brought into contact therewith during blocking and tackling events. Weight reduction is achieved by reinforcing inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell with long length, high strength fibers. Orientation of the fibers is such that the fiber lengths are aligned generally in the direction of tension and compression forces imposed on the helmet surface during impact. This reinforcement geometry permits use of a thin helmet shell. Efficient impact absorption by the helmet shell is accomplished by limiting the bend curvature produced at the impact location. The bend curvature reduction increases the contact area between the helmet shell and a pliable padded inner helmet made from energy absorbing polymeric foam disposed within the helmet shell in contact with its inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph Skiba, Eric Inselberg
  • Patent number: 7058985
    Abstract: An ear covering is produced by sewing first and second cloth layers together along a first closed loop seam, and forming a hole inside the loop and extending through both layers; turning the sewn first and second layers inside out by passing one layer through the opening; then passing one of the layers through a passage in a flexible insert in the form of a distorted, truncated cone; placing a third cloth layer over one of the first and second layers and sewing the first second and third cloth layers along a second closed-loop seam, thereby enclosing the insert within a toroidal enclosure formed by portions of the first and second layers. Afterwards, the assembly is turned inside out to form a cup-shaped receptacle for receiving an external ear, with the second seam in the interior of the receptacle, and with the first seam within the toroidal enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Metex Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7051379
    Abstract: A protective head gear includes a protective portion for covering at least part of the back of a user's head. A headband strap is included for extending from the protective portion at the back of the user's head to the user's forehead to hold the protective portion in place at the back of the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Leo P. Lambert
  • Patent number: 6996856
    Abstract: A helmet construction for protecting a user's head, and the brain within the cranium from impact forces, includes a shell contoured to the shape of the user's head, with cushioning along at least part of the shell interior and a chinstrap. The shell consists of three (or more) discrete panels that are physically and firmly coupled together providing rigid protection under most circumstances, but upon impact the panels move relative to one another, but not relative to the user's head, thereby permitting impact forces to be dissipated and/or redirected away from the cranium and brain within. Upon impact to the helmet, there are sequential stages of movement of the panels relative to each other, these movements initially being recoverable, but with sufficient vector forces the helmet undergoes structural changes in a pre-determined fashion, so that the recoverable and permanent movements cumulatively provide a protective ‘crumple zone’ or ‘shear zone’.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Ione G. Puchalski
  • Patent number: 6978487
    Abstract: A sweatband designed to be worn on the head of a user under a pre-existing helmet, for usage in a variety of sporting activities. Due to the presence of an additional layer beneath the helmet, it takes additional time for impact forces to reach the user's head, thus providing greater protection. In the preferred mode, the device comprises a generally tubular “horizontal” sweatband portion, much like a typical headband. In an enhanced mode, the horizontal member is affixed to a “vertical” portion that is perpendicular to the horizontal portion, extending from the user's forehead, over the crown of the head, and to the back of the head. In still another embodiment, three such bands are utilized for maximum coverage of critical areas of the head. The sweatband of the present invention comprises inserts for the purpose of protecting the user, which may be permanently placed or removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Carl J. Abraham
  • Patent number: 6971123
    Abstract: A football training aid including a device that detachably connects a football player's helmet to the player's shoulder pads, thereby and reducing the tendency and/or ability of the player to lower his head while wearing said device. The exemplary embodiment of the device provides a substantially “T” shaped piece of vinyl, polyurethane, or other resilient material in a length adequate to connect the rear portion of the helmet to a rear portion of the shoulder pads. The present invention also includes several attachment methods for attaching the training device to the helmet and shoulder pads, including VELCRO® strips and a plurality of snaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Steven D. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6931669
    Abstract: A restraint device for controlling the head of a driver during a high-performance vehicle collision. The device includes a rigid member positioned along the back of the driver, a tether for attaching the member to the driver's helmet, and a strap for anchoring the device. The vehicle's seat belt assembly or the driver's own body, such as his torso, waist or legs, may be used to anchor the device. During a vehicle collision, forces from the head are transferred through the device (i.e. tether, rigid member, and strap) into the anchor in order to resist forward movement and downward rotation of the driver's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Safety Dynamics, LLC
    Inventor: Trevor P. Ashline
  • Patent number: 6931671
    Abstract: A strong, lightweight, impact resistant helmet system protects the wearer from impact injury and minimizes bodily injury to other players brought into contact therewith during blocking and tackling events. Weight reduction is achieved by reinforcing inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell with long length, high strength fibers. Orientation of the fibers is such that the fiber lengths are aligned generally in the direction of tension and compression forces imposed on the helmet surface during impact. This reinforcement geometry permits use of a thin helmet shell. Efficient impact absorption by the helmet shell is accomplished by limiting the bend curvature produced at the impact location. The bend curvature reduction increases the contact area between the helmet shell and a second pliable padded inner helmet made from energy absorbing polymeric foam disposed within the helmet shell in contact with its inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Skiba
  • Patent number: 6871360
    Abstract: A head and neck restraint device for being worn by a driver while operating a high performance vehicle in which the device controls the driver's head from snapping forward and downwards during a frontal vehicular crash. The device includes a pair of anchor straps that are worn along the back of the driver. The straps are adapted for being connected to the driver's helmet and for being anchored to either the vehicle's seat belt assembly and/or to the driver's legs. The restraint device itself does not inhibit the driver from exiting the vehicle as exiting may occur after simply unlatching the vehicle's seat belt assembly. Moreover, since the restraint device is neither rigid nor bulky the driver may quickly exit the vehicle without being restricted by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Safety Solution, Inc.
    Inventor: Trevor P. Ashline
  • Patent number: 6868560
    Abstract: The present specification protective headgear including a unitary shell (1) having a bell shape with a non-uniform thickness, the shell being of sufficient size to enclose at least an upper part of the wearer's skull, the shell having an upper crown portion (6) with a central crown area (2) and a surrounding outer crown area (3), the shell further including a depending circumferential wall which has an upper wall area (4) adjacent to the outer crown area (2) and a lower wall area (5), the lower wall area (5) having a wall thickness generally greater than the wall thickness of said upper wall area (4), and the central crown area (2) having a wall thickness generally greater than the wall thickness of said outer crown area (3), the headgear further including a support system (9) attached to the lower wall area(s) of the shell (1) in a manner whereby no less than 5 mm space is maintained between the wearer's skull and an inside surface of the shell (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Bostock Developments Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Hayden Bostock
  • Publication number: 20040255368
    Abstract: A head stabilizing system is provided. The head stabilizing system is intended to minimize loads on the head and the neck, some of which may be injurious or even fatal, by generating a reaction force that substantially opposes a force acting on the head and generated by rapid deceleration of a vehicle or a crash impact. The head stabilizing system includes a helmet, a connection structure, and at least one resisting member. A mounting element is provided to be mounted onto the helmet to connect to the at least one resisting member. The mounting element is preferably attached to the helmet by an adhesive. The resisting member generates a reaction force that opposes the crash impact force, yielding a reduced net force on the head. This reaction force can be generated as a function of position, velocity or acceleration. The resisting member may include a tether, a dashpot, or a dashpot containing a controllable rheological fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Gregg S. Baker
  • Publication number: 20040255369
    Abstract: A helmet construction for protecting a user's head, and the brain within the cranium from impact forces, includes a shell contoured to the shape of the user's head, with cushioning along at least part of the shell interior and a chinstrap. The shell consists of three (or more) discrete panels that are physically and firmly coupled together providing rigid protection under most circumstances, but upon impact the panels move relative to one another, but not relative to the user's head, thereby permitting impact forces to be dissipated and/or redirected away from the cranium and brain within. Upon impact to the helmet, there are sequential stages of movement of the panels relative to each other, these movements initially being recoverable, but with sufficient vector forces the helmet undergoes structural changes in a pre-determined fashion, so that the recoverable and permanent movements cumulatively provide a protective ‘crumple zone’ or ‘shear zone’.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Ione G. Puchalski
  • Publication number: 20040250340
    Abstract: Protective headguard comprising overlapped inner and outer layers attached so as to permit frictional sliding of at least one area of the outer layer over the inner layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis Piper, William Cleveland, John K. Lampe
  • Publication number: 20040250341
    Abstract: A protective head gear includes a protective portion for covering at least part of the back of a user's head. A headband strap is included for extending from the protective portion at the back of the user's head to the user's forehead to hold the protective portion in place at the back of the user's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Leo P. Lambert
  • Publication number: 20040226077
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an article associated with headgear that keeps the wearer's head both cool and cushioned from the interior harness of the headgear. The article is a system, liner or pad that is inserted into the headgear or coupled to the headgear harness for cooling and comfort, and includes a water absorbent polymer or other material contained within non-impervious pocket partitions attached to a concave disk of mesh fabric. The mesh fabric provides ventilation portions, which allow for the free flow of air and breathing of the wearer's scalp to facilitate the natural evaporation of perspiration. The article provides a cushion to the wearer's scalp from the abrasive effect of the webbing of the headgear harness. As the pocket partitions swell due to absorption of water by the polymer material, the pockets function as gel-like cushions or pads that protect the wearer's scalp. The article is held in place with small straps, Velcro® tabs, or other retention devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory T. Toth
  • Patent number: 6810535
    Abstract: A helmet restraint device for operationally securing a helmet worn by a driver, pilot, or occupant of a high-performance vehicle (such as a racecar, aircraft, or boat) to the vehicle's seat belt assembly. The helmet restraint device reduces potentially injurious forces to the occupant's head and neck during high-deceleration of the vehicle, particularly a frontal collision. The helmet restraint device includes a high strength, lightweight rod disposed behind and below the occupant's neck, just beneath the shoulder harness, and a strap that attaches between the occupant's helmet and the rod. The strap is connected to the helmet via attachments in the helmet and a cable assembly so as to allow the occupant's head to move freely from side to side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Speed Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John Moloney
  • Patent number: 6812375
    Abstract: A topographically self-stabilizing, dynamic pressure-evenizing, pressure-applying, anatomical dressing which includes a pressure-applying, acceleration-rate-sensitive, temperature and pressure responsive, cushioning layer which responds during a bandaging situation, both statically and dynamically, to maintain relatively uniform all-over pressure beneath it, and against the surface of a site, such as a surgical wound site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventors: Michael R. Dennis, Michael W. Tucker, Gerhard Paasche
  • Publication number: 20040181854
    Abstract: A protective shell for use within a cap such as a baseball cap and which incorporates elongate slots which open into the back of the shell and extend forwards towards the front of the shell. The presence of the slots, in conjunction with the inherent flexibility of the shell material, enable the lateral sections of the shell to move inwards and outwards to accommodate a range of head sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Scott International Limited
    Inventor: Rohan Primrose
  • Publication number: 20040168246
    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: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth David Phillips
  • Publication number: 20040163162
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cap (120), skullcap (200), hat (270), and hat insert (350) devices comprising a weight-increasing layer, such as an elastomeric weight layer (114, 214, 350, 414, 454, 514). The elastomeric weight layer (114, 214, 350, 414, 454, 514) is comprised of an elastomer and weighted bodies. In some embodiments the weight-increasing layer is shaped to conform to the crown of the head of a person wearing headwear of the present invention. In other embodiments a weighted component fits within a hat. Other forms of the weight-increasing layer include a double-walled bladder structure (700), shaped to conform to a person's head, into which weighted material is added. Exercise with such devices serves to increase the bone strengthening weight stress experienced by the wearer's spinal column and to encourage the wearer to maintain an improved, healthier posture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: John Reed Benziger
  • Patent number: 6766537
    Abstract: Protective helmet comprising a two piece shell, an electric motor and impeller useful for creating a positive pressure environment in the head space, and a filter for removing particulates and other substances. The impeller introduces atmospheric air into an air channel defined by two detachably attached shell pieces. The air is pushed through a particulate filter in the air channel and then through at least one aperture into the head space. A heating element may be used to heat the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Maki, Joshua J. Leonard, Robert E. Mekash
  • Publication number: 20040139531
    Abstract: A helmet that is custom-fitted to a wearer's head, and a method of making the helmet, are provided. The method includes the steps of positioning a shape-forming means over the wearer's head, and hardening the shape-forming means to provide a hardened headform that substantially conforms to the shape of the wearer's head. The shape-forming means can be a stretchable beanie cap that is coated or impregnated with a curable polymeric material, a heat-softenable plastic sheet, or a strip or plurality of strips of curable tape that are wrapped about the wearer's head to provide a headwrap. Once the hardened headform has been made, it can be used to cast a hardened plaster fixture for use as the “male” member in a mold for casting an energy absorbing foam liner for a helmet which has an inner surface substantially conforming to the shape of the wearer's head. Alternatively, the hardened headform can itself be used as the “male” member of the liner casting mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Dan T. Moore, Kathleen M. Novak
  • Publication number: 20040121141
    Abstract: A composite material with high resistance to impact energy, comprising expanded polypropylene, dispersed in a resin chosen among melaminic resin, phenolic resin and polyurethane resin and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Roberto Monaci
  • Publication number: 20040117896
    Abstract: A load-diverting helmet contains an interface layer disposed between inner and outer helmet layers. The inner helmet layer is attached to a helmet retention system that can be used to hold the inner helmet layer to a wearer's head. When a tangential impact force is applied to the outer helmet layer, the interface layer allows the outer helmet layer to displace with respect to the inner helmet layer, thereby absorbing and/or diverting forces that would be transferred in a conventional helmet design to the wearer's head and neck as rotational acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Steven M. Madey, Michael Bottlang
  • Patent number: 6751808
    Abstract: A helmet construction for protecting a user's head, and the brain within the cranium from impact forces, includes a shell contoured to the shape of the user's head, with cushioning along at least part of the shell interior and a chinstrap. The shell consists of three (or more) discrete panels that are physically and firmly coupled together providing rigid protection under most circumstances, but upon impact the panels move relative to one another, but not relative to the user's head, thereby permitting impact forces to be dissipated and/or redirected away from the cranium and brain within. Upon impact to the helmet, there are sequential stages of movement of the panels relative to each other, these movements initially being recoverable, but with sufficient vector forces the helmet undergoes structural changes in a pre-determined fashion, so that the recoverable and permanent movements cumulatively provide a protective ‘crumple zone’ or ‘shear zone’.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Ione G. Puchalski
  • Publication number: 20040107482
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective hat suitable for every day wear by infants, children, senior citizens or physically disabled individuals. Such hat protects at least the sides, top or rear of the wearer's head from injuries due to falls or bumps against hard objects while conducting routine, daily activities. Generally, the head protector of the present invention may comprise: (1) a cap member: and (2) one or more flexible, resilient shock absorbent pads. The cap member may be constructed so as to fully enclose and/or encapsulate the one or more pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Brooke Picotte
  • Publication number: 20040064873
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight protective helmet having an improved ventilation system therein. The protective helmet comprises an outer shell and an inner liner that are joined together to form a shell/liner composite. The ventilation system interacts with one or more ventilation ports in the protective helmet to control the flow of ambient air in and out of the interior of the protective helmet. The ventilation system may be integrated or encased within the shell/liner composite, or it may be adapted to be used on the exterior of the helmet. In addition, the ventilation system may include one of several types of interchangeable insert members to allow active or passive control of ambient air into the interior of the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: David T. Muskovitz
  • Patent number: 6709062
    Abstract: A head restraint for a passenger of a vehicle including a seat with a seat back, a helmet pivotally secured to the seat back and having an interior for receiving a human head therein, and an inertia harness connected to the helmet for restricting relative movement of the helmet upon application of forces beyond a desired level to the vehicle. A universal joint secures the helmet to the seat back. The helmet includes a rigid outer shell, a resilient member layer affixed to an interior surface of the outer shell, a packing layer affixed to an interior surface of the resilient member layer, and a pliable layer affixed to an interior surface of the packing layer. The resilient member layer includes a plurality of springs. The packing layer includes a bubble wrap material or a plurality of randomly disposed foam elements. The pliable layer includes a layer of silicone material lined around the surface of the packing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Mrugesh K. Shah
  • Patent number: 6704943
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inner cushion for helmets. The inner cushion includes an shock absorbing composite sandwiched between two protecting foils. The composite includes at least one absorbing material for absorbing an impact energy, wherein the at least one absorbing material is structured and arranged to absorb the impact energy by being crushed and collapsed upon exposure to the impact energy and diffusing air through a network of pores in the absorbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Kisiel Technologies, S.L.
    Inventor: Rafael Calonge Clavell
  • Publication number: 20040045078
    Abstract: A helmet construction for protecting a user's head, and the brain within the cranium from impact forces, includes a shell contoured to the shape of the user's head, with cushioning along at least part of the shell interior and a chinstrap. The shell consists of three (or more) discrete panels that are physically and firmly coupled together providing rigid protection under most circumstances, but upon impact the panels move relative to one another, but not relative to the user's head, thereby permitting impact forces to be dissipated and/or redirected away from the cranium and brain within. Upon impact to the helmet, there are sequential stages of movement of the panels relative to each other, these movements initially being recoverable, but with sufficient vector forces the helmet undergoes structural changes in a pre-determined fashion, so that the recoverable and permanent movements cumulatively provide a protective ‘crumple zone’ or ‘shear zone’.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Ione G. Puchalski
  • Publication number: 20040034903
    Abstract: A protective sports hat insert device is disclosed. The device is a moulded compound insert utilizing reinforced fibres as the preferred embodiment as the outer shell or unreinforced fibres as secondary choice (18) (41a) (41b) (48a) (48b) (55a) (55b) with either a flexible inner shell or a rigid inner shell (19) (42a) (42b) (49a) 49b) 56a) (56b) utilizing high-density foam or an air management system with slits or holes (4a) (4b) punctured along the top. The shells are hemispherical and have a removable cloth liner (20) (43a) (43b) (50a) (50b) (57a) (57b) to add comfort. Resilient spacers (7b) provide comfort and a better fit. A retention strap (25a) (32) (33) secures the device to the head. An identification decal (25e) denotes the hat is a safety-approved device and visibly identifies the wearer for safety from oncoming traffic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Mary Lynne Blair
  • Patent number: 6694529
    Abstract: A helmet structure includes a cap body and a setoff element. A plurality of slots is distributed on an interior surface of the cap body. A rubber strip fills each of the slots. The protruding ribs are distributed on an external surface of the setoff element in a manner to match respectively with the slots of the cap body. Since the soft rubber has a high frictional contact, the U-shaped rubber strips not only fit the slots but also tightly attaches to the protruding ribs. Therefore, the cap body is firmly attached the setoff element. However, when the helmet is to be cleaned; the setoff element and the cap body are easily dismounted by pulling the protruding ribs out of the slots without the need of any tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Tzu Tao Chiu
  • Publication number: 20040025231
    Abstract: A new football helmet includes: a jaw flap attached to the ear flap of the helmet, and the jaw flap overlies the sides of the lower jaw of football player; and a face guard connector which includes a shock absorbing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Thad M. Ide, Ralph J. Infusino, Nelson Kraemer, Christopher R.P. Withnall, Timothy D. Bayne
  • Patent number: 6681408
    Abstract: A safety helmet comprises an impact-resistant structure which is fastened to the inner surface of a shell of the safety helmet and is formed of an impermeable fabric, a plurality of foam bodies enclosed by the impermeable fabric, and an air valve fastened to the impermeable fabric such that the air valve is in communication with the foam bodies via a plurality of air ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Tun-Jen Ku
  • Patent number: 6675395
    Abstract: A sweatband designed to be worn on the head of a user engaged in activities such as soccer. Specifically, in the preferred mode, the device comprises a “horizontal” sweatband portion, much like a typical headband. In an enhanced mode, the horizontal member is affixed to a “vertical” portion that is perpendicular to the horizontal portion, extending from the user's forehead, over the crown of the head, and to the back of the head. In either instance, the sweatband of the present invention comprises inserts for the purpose of protecting the user, which may be permanently placed or removable. In the preferred mode, the inserts are polymeric and function to absorb and dissipate impact forces with which the user's head comes in contact. Importantly, the inserts may be strategically placed within the sweatband, such as in the areas most vulnerable to concussion or injury upon impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Carl J. Abraham
  • Patent number: 6671889
    Abstract: A multilayer helmet shell wherein inner and outer, structural, load-bearing semi-rigid layers, each formed from an affinity-bonded agglomeration of mechanically interactive, spray-deposited particles, jacket a viscoelastic, acceleration-rate-sensitive, microcellular foam core layer. The mechanical interfaces between the inner and outer jacketing, and the intermediate core, materials take the form of regions of inter-material suffusement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Michael R. Dennis, Russell A. Monk
  • Publication number: 20030196254
    Abstract: A protective vest includes a cooling system including an elongated housing generally disposed inside the protective vest. At least one fan powered by an electric motor is supported at the upper end of the elongated housing proximate the neck opening of the protective vest for drawing fresh air into the upper end of the elongated housing. The elongated housing includes a retractable extension for varying the length thereof. Ventilation holes are formed in the elongated housing to discharge fresh air between the protective vest and the user's body. Electrical wires extend from the motor to a battery worn by the user, or to a vehicle cigarette lighter, to supply power to the motor. The electrical wires incorporate a quick-disconnect coupling and a switch/dimmer control to control the speed of the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Paul A. Forgach
  • Patent number: 6625820
    Abstract: Protective headguards comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a means for releasably connecting the lateral ends of the front and rear panels. At least one and preferably both of the front and rear panels comprise layers of at least a shell, a shock absorbing liner and a comfort liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Affinity Soccer, Inc
    Inventor: John K. Lampe
  • Patent number: 6619751
    Abstract: A head restraint for a passenger of a vehicle including a seat having a seat back, a helmet pivotally secured to the seat back, and an inertia harness mechanism connected to the helmet. The helmet has an interior suitable for receiving a human head therein. In particular, the helmet has a plurality of bar members extending in transverse relationship to each other and have a curvature generally conforming to a curvature of a portion of the human head. The inertia harness mechanism is suitable for restricting relative movement of the helmet upon application of forces beyond a desired level to the vehicle. Pad members are secured to the ends of the each of the bar members so as to generally face the human head received within the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Mrugesh K. Shah
  • Patent number: 6604246
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cranio-cerebral protective helmet adapted to the anatomy of the head and to the neurosurgical knowledge. The helmet is adapted to the resistance of different regions of the skull vault thereby reducing cranio-cerebral lesions and post traumatic neurological disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Catalin Obreja