US20160242486A1 - Impact diverting helmet system - Google Patents

Impact diverting helmet system Download PDF

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Publication number
US20160242486A1
US20160242486A1 US14/628,271 US201514628271A US2016242486A1 US 20160242486 A1 US20160242486 A1 US 20160242486A1 US 201514628271 A US201514628271 A US 201514628271A US 2016242486 A1 US2016242486 A1 US 2016242486A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
impact
helmet
shows
protection
view
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/628,271
Inventor
Maurice Harris
Calvin Millwood
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
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Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US14/628,271 priority Critical patent/US20160242486A1/en
Publication of US20160242486A1 publication Critical patent/US20160242486A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42—HEADWEAR
    • A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
    • A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
    • A42B3/10—Linings
    • A42B3/12—Cushioning devices
    • A42B3/124—Cushioning devices with at least one corrugated or ribbed layer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42—HEADWEAR
    • A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
    • A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
    • A42B3/10—Linings
    • A42B3/14—Suspension devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42—HEADWEAR
    • A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
    • A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
    • A42B3/06—Impact-absorbing shells, e.g. of crash helmets
    • A42B3/062—Impact-absorbing shells, e.g. of crash helmets with reinforcing means
    • A42B3/063—Impact-absorbing shells, e.g. of crash helmets with reinforcing means using layered structures
    • A42B3/064—Impact-absorbing shells, e.g. of crash helmets with reinforcing means using layered structures with relative movement between layers

Definitions

  • the present invention is in the classification of helmets. More specifically it is in the sub-classification of headgear.
  • headgear Several sports involve violent head collisions and these sports require the use of protective head covering devices.
  • the objective of the device is to protect each participant from injury that can occur from any collisions to the head during such activity.
  • these helmets include a hard outer shell that is fastened to a person's head with a chin strap with the option of having a facemask.
  • the present invention is a protective head covering device that is not limited to football, but it can be applied to any sport or activity that can involve violent collisions to the head.
  • the present invention is engineered to divert and absorb the energy that results from collisions and reduce the resulting force of the collisions at the point of impact instead of after the fact.
  • the design of the present invention incorporates eleven levels of protection that work simultaneously while functioning independently of each other to protect the wearer's head from serious injury.
  • FIG. 1 shows the embodiment of a front view of a complete assembly of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of a side view of a complete assembly of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of a bottom view of a complete assembly of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of a front view.
  • FIG. 5 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of a specially designed impact diverter.
  • FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of a side view of a specially designed impact diverter.
  • FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of an array of impact diverters inside the crumple zone around the invention.
  • FIG. 8 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of a specially manufactured elliptical compression spring clip.
  • FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of a side view of an elliptical compression spring clip.
  • FIG. 10 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of the layout of elliptical compression spring clips as they would appear inside the crumple zone at the rear of the invention.
  • FIG. 11 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of the layout of elliptical compression spring clips as they would appear inside the crumple zone at the front of the invention.
  • FIG. 12 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of a rivet that is used to fasten the elliptical compression spring clips to the larger hard polymer outer shell to the smaller polymer inner shell.
  • FIG. 13 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of the inner shell of the invention.
  • FIG. 14 shows the embodiment of a side view of the inner shell of the invention.
  • FIG. 15 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of a specially designed pillow pad.
  • FIG. 16 shows the embodiment of a side view of a pillow pad.
  • FIG. 17 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of an array of pillow pads as they would appear inside of the inner core of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 represents a method and an apparatus to help protect the wearer's from any force that results from single or repetitive collisions to the head.
  • the first level of protection is a hard polymer shell that can be formed by using injection molding to manufacture the helmet's outer shell.
  • the outer shell is used as the base for the helmet.
  • the outer shell is molded wider to the left and right sides 20 close to 22 the ear holes.
  • the wider design adds more distance between the wearer's head and any side impact collisions.
  • the wider helmet design adds a second level of protection.
  • the outer shell is molded with added space towards the back of the helmet, 23 extending it rearward and downward to add more distance between the wearer's head and the ground to protect the wearer from any collision that can occur from falling backwards.
  • the extended shape of the helmet adds a third level of protection that can help to protect the wearer from any possible head to ground collisions.
  • a specialty design impact diverter FIG. 6 is molded out of sheet metal and having a spring like embodiment with one fixed end 24 that is attached to the inner core of the outer shell by inserting 24 into a predrilled hole and then glued in place.
  • the two free moving ends 26 of the impact diverter moves freely outwardly or horizontally across the outer surface of the inner core when any vertical force acts upon the fixed end 24 of the impact diverter
  • a fourth level of protection is added when a series of strategically placed impact diverters FIG. 7 are attached to the inner core of the outer shell by inserting 24 into a predrilled hole and then glued in place.
  • This array is used to help support the larger hard polymer outer shell 27 .
  • the unattached free ends of the impact diverters 26 moves freely across the outer surface of smaller inner shell 36 when any external force collides with the helmet. This movement helps to change the direct force from the impact to a more glancing blow.
  • a specially manufactured elliptical compression spring clip FIG. 8 is molded out of sheet metal and having a spring like embodiment with four predrilled holes 30 , that are used to join the inside of the larger hard polymer outer shell 27 to the outside perimeter of the smaller hard polymer inner shell 31 .
  • One side 29 of the elliptical compression spring clip is fastened to the inside perimeter of the hard polymer outer shell 27 with two rivets FIG. 12 .
  • the elliptical compression spring clip compresses downward when any vertical force is exerted on it, and moves laterally when a shearing force is exerted on it.
  • a fifth level of protection is created by adding a smaller hard polymer inner shell FIG. 13 whose embodiment can be manufactured using injection molding methods.
  • the perimeter of smaller hard polymer inner shell is attached to the larger polymer outer shell by fastening it with rivets FIG. 12 through the opposite rivet holes 32 in the elliptical compression spring clip.
  • the gap between the larger and smaller hard polymer shells creates a crumple zone 33 .
  • the added distance between the wearer's head and the point of impact creates a sixth level of protection.
  • the crumple zone 33 houses the array impact diverters FIG. 7 thereby adding a seventh level of protection.
  • FIG. 15 is made having the embodiment of a soft rubbery exterior and semi-filled non-rechargeable air sac.
  • the air sac is partially filled to keep the pillow pad soft and the air is not released nor is it expelled from the pillow pad on impact.
  • One-side of the pillow pads 36 is glued inside the inner core of the helmet.
  • the pillow pad reacts like a balloon and expands laterally from the compression to absorb the energy form the impact. After the force of the impact dissipates the pillow padding returns to its original shape.
  • An array of pillow pads surrounds and cushions the wearer's head FIG. 17 thereby adding an eight level of protection.
  • a layer of soft shock absorbing foam 34 is permanently affixed over the hard polymer outer shell of the helmet for added cushioning and shock absorbing at the point of impact. This adds a ninth level of protection to the helmet.
  • a tenth level of protection is added by permanently affixing a soft shock absorbing rubbery padding 35 over the foam layer 34 to add more shock absorption padding to reduce the transfer of any force that results from collisions at the point of impact.
  • an eleventh layer of protection is created as the outer perimeter of the helmet moves on impact to divert the energy that results from a collision. This movement creates a more glancing blow instead of a direct blow to the head.

Landscapes

  • Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)

Abstract

The Impact Diverting Helmet System is a redesign of the conventional football helmet that is in use today. It is a protective head covering device that is designed to absorb and divert the majority of force that results from a collision starting at the point of impact. This design offers the wearer elevens levels of protection and it can be easily manufactured with lightweight materials so it can be similar in weight to conventional helmets in use today.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • Not Applicable
    • STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
  • Not Applicable
    • MICROFICHE APPENDIX
  • Not Applicable
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is in the classification of helmets. More specifically it is in the sub-classification of headgear. Several sports involve violent head collisions and these sports require the use of protective head covering devices. The objective of the device is to protect each participant from injury that can occur from any collisions to the head during such activity.
  • There have been numerous redesigns of the helmet but none have been able to make a significant reduction in head injury. Generally these helmets include a hard outer shell that is fastened to a person's head with a chin strap with the option of having a facemask.
    • BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is a protective head covering device that is not limited to football, but it can be applied to any sport or activity that can involve violent collisions to the head. The present invention is engineered to divert and absorb the energy that results from collisions and reduce the resulting force of the collisions at the point of impact instead of after the fact. The design of the present invention incorporates eleven levels of protection that work simultaneously while functioning independently of each other to protect the wearer's head from serious injury.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 shows the embodiment of a front view of a complete assembly of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of a side view of a complete assembly of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of a bottom view of a complete assembly of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of a front view.
  • FIG. 5 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of a specially designed impact diverter.
  • FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of a side view of a specially designed impact diverter.
  • FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of an array of impact diverters inside the crumple zone around the invention.
  • FIG. 8 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of a specially manufactured elliptical compression spring clip.
  • FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of a side view of an elliptical compression spring clip.
  • FIG. 10 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of the layout of elliptical compression spring clips as they would appear inside the crumple zone at the rear of the invention.
  • FIG. 11 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of the layout of elliptical compression spring clips as they would appear inside the crumple zone at the front of the invention.
  • FIG. 12 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of a rivet that is used to fasten the elliptical compression spring clips to the larger hard polymer outer shell to the smaller polymer inner shell.
  • FIG. 13 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of the inner shell of the invention.
  • FIG. 14 shows the embodiment of a side view of the inner shell of the invention.
  • FIG. 15 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of a specially designed pillow pad.
  • FIG. 16 shows the embodiment of a side view of a pillow pad.
  • FIG. 17 shows the embodiment of a perspective view of an array of pillow pads as they would appear inside of the inner core of the invention.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION AND MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION
  • The present invention FIG. 1 represents a method and an apparatus to help protect the wearer's from any force that results from single or repetitive collisions to the head.
  • The first level of protection is a hard polymer shell that can be formed by using injection molding to manufacture the helmet's outer shell. The outer shell is used as the base for the helmet.
  • The outer shell is molded wider to the left and right sides 20 close to 22 the ear holes. The wider design adds more distance between the wearer's head and any side impact collisions. The wider helmet design adds a second level of protection.
  • The outer shell is molded with added space towards the back of the helmet, 23 extending it rearward and downward to add more distance between the wearer's head and the ground to protect the wearer from any collision that can occur from falling backwards. The extended shape of the helmet adds a third level of protection that can help to protect the wearer from any possible head to ground collisions.
  • A specialty design impact diverter FIG. 6 is molded out of sheet metal and having a spring like embodiment with one fixed end 24 that is attached to the inner core of the outer shell by inserting 24 into a predrilled hole and then glued in place.
  • The two free moving ends 26 of the impact diverter moves freely outwardly or horizontally across the outer surface of the inner core when any vertical force acts upon the fixed end 24 of the impact diverter
  • A fourth level of protection is added when a series of strategically placed impact diverters FIG. 7 are attached to the inner core of the outer shell by inserting 24 into a predrilled hole and then glued in place.
  • This array is used to help support the larger hard polymer outer shell 27. The unattached free ends of the impact diverters 26 moves freely across the outer surface of smaller inner shell 36 when any external force collides with the helmet. This movement helps to change the direct force from the impact to a more glancing blow.
  • A specially manufactured elliptical compression spring clip FIG. 8 is molded out of sheet metal and having a spring like embodiment with four predrilled holes 30, that are used to join the inside of the larger hard polymer outer shell 27 to the outside perimeter of the smaller hard polymer inner shell 31.
  • One side 29 of the elliptical compression spring clip is fastened to the inside perimeter of the hard polymer outer shell 27 with two rivets FIG. 12. The elliptical compression spring clip compresses downward when any vertical force is exerted on it, and moves laterally when a shearing force is exerted on it.
  • A fifth level of protection is created by adding a smaller hard polymer inner shell FIG. 13 whose embodiment can be manufactured using injection molding methods.
  • The perimeter of smaller hard polymer inner shell is attached to the larger polymer outer shell by fastening it with rivets FIG. 12 through the opposite rivet holes 32 in the elliptical compression spring clip.
  • By fastening the larger hard polymer outer and smaller hard polymer inner shells together, the gap between the larger and smaller hard polymer shells creates a crumple zone 33. The added distance between the wearer's head and the point of impact creates a sixth level of protection.
  • The crumple zone 33 houses the array impact diverters FIG. 7 thereby adding a seventh level of protection.
  • A specially manufactured soft pillow pad FIG. 15 is made having the embodiment of a soft rubbery exterior and semi-filled non-rechargeable air sac. The air sac is partially filled to keep the pillow pad soft and the air is not released nor is it expelled from the pillow pad on impact.
  • One-side of the pillow pads 36 is glued inside the inner core of the helmet. When any external force acts upon the helmet. The pillow pad reacts like a balloon and expands laterally from the compression to absorb the energy form the impact. After the force of the impact dissipates the pillow padding returns to its original shape.
  • An array of pillow pads surrounds and cushions the wearer's head FIG. 17 thereby adding an eight level of protection.
  • A layer of soft shock absorbing foam 34 is permanently affixed over the hard polymer outer shell of the helmet for added cushioning and shock absorbing at the point of impact. This adds a ninth level of protection to the helmet.
  • A tenth level of protection is added by permanently affixing a soft shock absorbing rubbery padding 35 over the foam layer 34 to add more shock absorption padding to reduce the transfer of any force that results from collisions at the point of impact.
  • After assembled, an eleventh layer of protection is created as the outer perimeter of the helmet moves on impact to divert the energy that results from a collision. This movement creates a more glancing blow instead of a direct blow to the head.

Claims (2)

1. The outer core of the helmet is designed to move on impact.
2. When the outer core of the helmet moves on impact, it will cause the energy from the collision to become more of a glancing blow instead of a more direct blow.
US14/628,271 2015-02-22 2015-02-22 Impact diverting helmet system Abandoned US20160242486A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/628,271 US20160242486A1 (en) 2015-02-22 2015-02-22 Impact diverting helmet system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/628,271 US20160242486A1 (en) 2015-02-22 2015-02-22 Impact diverting helmet system

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US20160242486A1 true US20160242486A1 (en) 2016-08-25

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10624406B2 (en) 2016-09-15 2020-04-21 Richard Todaro Protective sports helmet
USD927084S1 (en) 2018-11-22 2021-08-03 Riddell, Inc. Pad member of an internal padding assembly of a protective sports helmet
US11167198B2 (en) 2018-11-21 2021-11-09 Riddell, Inc. Football helmet with components additively manufactured to manage impact forces
US11399589B2 (en) 2018-08-16 2022-08-02 Riddell, Inc. System and method for designing and manufacturing a protective helmet tailored to a selected group of helmet wearers
US12564777B2 (en) 2016-07-20 2026-03-03 Riddell, Inc. System and method of assembling a protective sports helmet

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4290149A (en) * 1978-05-12 1981-09-22 Gentex Corporation Method of making an individually fitted helmet
US4307471A (en) * 1976-12-20 1981-12-29 Du Pont Canada Inc. Protective helmet
US4642814A (en) * 1985-11-01 1987-02-17 Godfrey Jerry W Athletic padding
US5204998A (en) * 1992-05-20 1993-04-27 Liu Huei Yu Safety helmet with bellows cushioning device
US5950244A (en) * 1998-01-23 1999-09-14 Sport Maska Inc. Protective device for impact management
US7676854B2 (en) * 2004-04-07 2010-03-16 Crescendo As Helmet, helmet liner and method for manufacturing the same
US7802320B2 (en) * 2005-06-30 2010-09-28 Morgan Don E Helmet padding
US8955169B2 (en) * 2011-02-09 2015-02-17 6D Helmets, Llc Helmet omnidirectional energy management systems

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4307471A (en) * 1976-12-20 1981-12-29 Du Pont Canada Inc. Protective helmet
US4290149A (en) * 1978-05-12 1981-09-22 Gentex Corporation Method of making an individually fitted helmet
US4642814A (en) * 1985-11-01 1987-02-17 Godfrey Jerry W Athletic padding
US5204998A (en) * 1992-05-20 1993-04-27 Liu Huei Yu Safety helmet with bellows cushioning device
US5950244A (en) * 1998-01-23 1999-09-14 Sport Maska Inc. Protective device for impact management
US7676854B2 (en) * 2004-04-07 2010-03-16 Crescendo As Helmet, helmet liner and method for manufacturing the same
US7802320B2 (en) * 2005-06-30 2010-09-28 Morgan Don E Helmet padding
US8955169B2 (en) * 2011-02-09 2015-02-17 6D Helmets, Llc Helmet omnidirectional energy management systems

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US12564777B2 (en) 2016-07-20 2026-03-03 Riddell, Inc. System and method of assembling a protective sports helmet
US10624406B2 (en) 2016-09-15 2020-04-21 Richard Todaro Protective sports helmet
US11399589B2 (en) 2018-08-16 2022-08-02 Riddell, Inc. System and method for designing and manufacturing a protective helmet tailored to a selected group of helmet wearers
US12059051B2 (en) 2018-08-16 2024-08-13 Riddell, Inc. System and method for designing and manufacturing a protective sports helmet
US12268270B2 (en) 2018-08-16 2025-04-08 Riddell, Inc. Position specific protective sports helmet
US12478126B2 (en) 2018-08-16 2025-11-25 Riddell, Inc. System and method for testing a football helmet
US11167198B2 (en) 2018-11-21 2021-11-09 Riddell, Inc. Football helmet with components additively manufactured to manage impact forces
US12303766B2 (en) 2018-11-21 2025-05-20 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet with additively manufactured components
USD927084S1 (en) 2018-11-22 2021-08-03 Riddell, Inc. Pad member of an internal padding assembly of a protective sports helmet

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