# US 2014/0189945 A1 · Impact diverting mechanism > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0189945 A1 - Document ID: US20140189945A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 14/130,257 - Filed: 2012-06-29 - Published: 2014-07-10 - Earliest claimed: 2011-06-30 - Assignees: Simon Fraser University - Inventors: Farid Golnaraghi; Gaofeng Gary Wang; Iman Ebrahimi; Combiz Jelveh - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140189945A1 ## CPC - A42B 3/064: {with relative movement between layers} - A41D 13/015: with shock-absorbing means (A41D13/05 takes precedence) - F16F 7/12: using plastic deformation of members {(F16F9/30 takes precedence; yieldable means for mounting bumpers on vehicles B60R19/26; yieldable or collapsible steering columns B62D1/192)} - A42B: HATS; HEAD COVERINGS (headbands A41D20/00; head-scarves A41D23/00) - A41D: OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES - F16F: SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION ## Abstract An impact diverting mechanism comprising a top layer and a bottom layer is provided. The two layers are connected such that the top layer is configured to move in relation to the bottom layer when impacted, and therefore is able to divert impact and reduce rotational and linear acceleration on the bottom layer. The impact diverting mechanism may be attached to, or configured to attach to, an object in need of protection, such as a helmet. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An impact diverting mechanism, comprising: a bottom layer; and a top layer, disposed adjacent to and mechanically connected with the bottom layer, the top layer having an impact surface disposed distal to the bottom layer, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer are able to move relative to each other, and wherein the impact surface is either planar or non-planar; wherein the top layer and the bottom layer are configured such that during an oblique impact force acting at an impact point on the impact surface of the top layer, the top layer shifts relative to the bottom layer; wherein the oblique impact force is a vector having a parallel component projected on a plane at the impact point on the impact surface, wherein the plane is either tangential to a non-planar impact surface or coincident with a planar impact surface; and wherein the shift of the top layer relative to the bottom layer diverts and dissipates kinetic energy resulting from the parallel component of the vector of the oblique impact force, thereby reducing rotational acceleration. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 1, wherein there is lubrication between the top layer and the bottom layer selected from the group consisting of self-lubrication on the top layer, self-lubrication on the bottom layer, an independent lubricant between the top layer and the bottom layer, and combinations thereof. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the bottom layer and the top layer are configured such that the top layer shifts substantially laterally relative to the bottom layer as a result of the oblique impact force acting on the top layer. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer are made of elastic or inelastic materials, such as thermosetting plastics, conventional thermoplastics, or thermoset elastomers. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the bottom layer is made of a number of compartments in different shapes and placed in a random or uniform pattern with or without continuity. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 1, wherein both the top layer and the bottom layer comprise composite or laminate materials. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 1, wherein at least one of the top layer and the bottom layer is reinforced. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 1, wherein at least one of the top layer and the bottom layer contains shock absorbing materials, such as shear thickening materials. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the top layer is attached to the bottom layer around the perimeter. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 1, wherein one or more additional layers are added on the top layer, including one or more lubricated layers and reinforced layers free to move relative to each other. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the top layer has a surface selected from the group consisting of smooth, flat, and a texture for a better mechanical grip during the oblique impact force. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the bottom layer is configured to be fixedly attached to the surface of an object, and wherein the impact diverting mechanism is configured to reduce rotational acceleration of the object when exposed to the oblique impact force compared to the rotational acceleration of the object without the impact diverting mechanism when exposed to the oblique impact force. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 12, wherein the bottom layer is attached to the object using an adhesive, co-molding, mechanical means, a peel-and-stick material, or any other method of attachment. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The impact diverting mechanism of claim 12, wherein the bottom layer is attached to the object, and wherein the object is the outer layer of a protective gear or armor, and wherein the attachment is at one or more locations using an adhesive or mechanical means.