Protective helmet
OwnerEmerson Spalding Phipps, Charles Edward Phippsinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A protective member such as a helmet includes an outer layer and an inner layer interconnected by multiple connectors, such as extension springs, under tension along their longitudinal axis. The connectors absorb energy from an impact force by resisting further tension along their longitudinal axis and allow the outer layer and inner layer to move relative to each other. In the helmet application, the head of a user experiences less impact force, reduced change in momentum or position of the head and neck, reduced head and neck loads and reduced amounts of linear and rotational acceleration. The protective member can be used in numerous applications and environments, including for participants in sports, in applications including bumpers, passenger cabins, car seats and beds.
Claims15
A protective helmet for protecting the head of a user comprising:
- an outer layer;
- an inner layer connected to said outer layer by multiple connectors wherein each said connector has a longitudinal axis;
- each of said connectors comprising an extension spring being under tension along said longitudinal axis;
- wherein at least one said extension spring is connected to said outer layer and said inner layer such that the amount of tension exceeds an initial load tension but is less than a force required to exceed the maximum load sustainable by said spring;
- wherein said extension springs absorb energy from an impact force by resisting further tension along said longitudinal axis;
- and
- wherein said connectors allow said outer layer and said inner layer to move relative to each other and reduce the amount of force from said impact that is transferred to the head of a user.
A protective helmet for protecting the head of a user comprising:
- an outer layer;
- an inner layer connected to said outer layer by multiple connectors wherein each said connector has a longitudinal axis;
- each of said connectors comprising an extension spring being under tension along said longitudinal axis;
- wherein each of said extension springs is connected to said outer layer and said inner layer such that the amount of tension exceeds an initial load tension but is less than a force required to exceed the maximum load sustainable by said spring;
- wherein said extension springs absorb energy from an impact force by resisting further tension along said longitudinal axis;
- and
- wherein said connectors allow said outer layer and said inner layer to move relative to each other and reduce the amount of force from said impact that is transferred to the head of a user.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.