Impact protection systems
Assignee100% Speedlab, LLC
InventorMichael D. Young
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A protective helmet includes a liner configured to absorb energy from an impact, and a plurality of rotation-effects-mitigating pads coupled to an inner wall of the liner, such that the rotation-effects-mitigating pads are configured to contact the head of a user when the helmet is worn. The rotation-effects-mitigating pads are configured to facilitate rotation (e.g., slip) of the helmet relative to a user's head in response to an oblique impact. In some examples, the rotation-effects-mitigating pads comprise gas-filled bladders and/or pellet-containing bladders. In some examples, the-rotation-effects-mitigating pads are vented to atmosphere to facilitate the pads adapting to changes in pressure as a result of changes in altitude.
Claims20
A protective device, comprising:
- a layer of material, the layer having an outer surface and an inner surface configured to be closer to a user when the protective device is worn by the user;
- a liner disposed on the inner surface of the layer, the liner being configured to absorb energy from an impact;
- and
- a bladder comprising a resilient material, wherein the bladder is coupled to an inner wall of the liner, and wherein the bladder comprises:
- a base portion coupled to a domed wall defining an internal cavity of the bladder, wherein the internal cavity contains a plurality of three-dimensional pellets;
- wherein the bladder includes a vent aperture venting the internal cavity of the bladder to atmosphere.
A protective device, comprising:
- a layer of material, the layer having an outer surface and an inner surface configured to be closer to a user when the protective device is worn by the user;
- a liner disposed on the inner surface of the layer, the liner being configured to absorb energy from an impact;
- and
- a bladder coupled to an inner wall of the liner, wherein the bladder comprises:
- a base portion coupled to a domed wall defining an internal cavity of the bladder, wherein the internal cavity contains a plurality of three-dimensional pellets;
- and
- a sealing cap coupled to an opening in the base portion, wherein the sealing cap includes an aperture passing through the sealing cap, such that the aperture is configured to vent the internal cavity of the bladder to atmosphere.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.