CA2260549A1 - Protective helmet - Google Patents

Abstract

A protective helmet and protective helmet system include two rigid layers separated by an energy absorbing layer comprising a plurality of springs.

Description

Protective Helmet BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to helmets for protecting the wearer's head from injuries resulting from impacts. The invention is particularly suited for helmets used in sports.
Sports helmets known in the art have associated therewith various deficiencies. For example, most only provide one rigid layer and one energy absorbing layer.
This does not always provide adequate protection for the wearer. Further, the energy absorbing layer is in most cases comprised of an open cell foam which is permanently deformed upon a single impact and cannot be re-used.
The present invention serves to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art helmets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides in one embodirr~ent a helmet having two layers of a rigid material separated by a plurality of springs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective bottom view of the helmet according to one embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective bottom view of the helmet according to another embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 is a side cross sectional view of the helmet of Figure 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As illustrated in Figure 1, one embodiment of the present invention provides a helmet cover generally shown at 10 having an outer shell 12 made of a rigid material such as molded plastic or other materials as known in the art. The outer layer 12 has an inner surface 14 to which are attached a plurality of springs 16. The springs 16 are located in various locations on the inner surface 14 of the outer shell 12.
Attached to the springs 16 are a various rigid pads as follows: side pads 18, 20; front pad 22; rear pad 24; and, top pad 26. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the rigid pads further include additional cushion pads 28 for comfort to the wearer and to provide a cushioning surface when an impact is encountered. The cushion pads can be made of a viscoelastic material or any other material as known in the art.
The helmet shown in Figure 1 therefore provides the following protective layers for the wearer: a cushion layer formed by the cushion pads 28; an inner rigid layer formed by the pads 18 - 26; an energy absorbing layer formed by the sprinl;s 16; and, an outer rigid layer 12.
The advantage of the present invention lies in the provision of two rigid layers which effectively distributes the force of an impact over such layers and absorbs and dissipates the force through the springs.
In Figure 2 there is illustrated another embodiment of the invention wherein no cushion pads are provided. In this figure, the reference numbers are the same as with Figure 1 with the letter "a" added for clarity. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 comprises a helmet cover l0a for use with a regular helmet to form a helmet system. This is further described with reference to Figure 3.
As illustrated in Figure 3, the helmet cover l0a is designed to fit over a regular helmet 30 such as those known in the art. The helmet 30 includes a rigid outer layer 32 and a suitable inner lining or cushion (not shown). As shown, the helmet cover l0a fits over the wearer's regular helmet 30 by a friction fit. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that any suitable retaining means can be used to ensure that the helmet cover and helmet are maintained together when worn.
When combined, the helmet 30 and helmet cover 10 form a mufti-layered helmet system wherein the outer layer of the regular helmet 32 forms an inner rigid layer of the system. In such a manner, the system comprises the following layers taken from the wearer's head: a padded layer in contact with the head (which is part of the regular helmet); a rigid layer (comprising the rigid outer layer 32 of the helmet 30 and the rigid pads 18a - 26a of the helmet cover); an energy absorbing layer comprising the layer of springs 16 attached to the helmet cover 10a; and, a rigid outer layer 12a.

As with the embodiment described above, when impacted, the helmet system provides increased protection for the wearer by providing two rigid layers, separated by springs, for absorbing and spreading the force of the impact.
The use of springs in the present invention offers the advantage that, upon impact, the springs are not permanently deformed. This allows the wearer to continue using the helmet and helmet system after an impact.
As illustrated in the figures, the springs of the invention preferably comprise conical springs for better absorption of impacts. However, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that any type of springs may be used. Further, persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that any similar energy absorbing means carp be substituted for the springs.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims (2)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A protective helmet including two rigid layers separated by a means of absorbing an impact force.

2. The helmet of claim 1 wherein the means of absorbing comprises a plurality of springs.