# US 9,750,296 B2 · Biomechanics aware headgear > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,750,296 B2 - Document ID: US9750296B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/348,757 - Filed: 2016-11-10 - Published: 2017-03-02 - Granted: 2017-09-05 - Earliest claimed: 2011-07-21 - Assignees: Brainguard Technologies, Inc. - Applicants: Brainguard Technologies, Inc. - Inventors: Robert T. Knight - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9750296B2 ## CPC - A42B 3/064: {with relative movement between layers} - A41D 13/015: with shock-absorbing means (A41D13/05 takes precedence) - A42B 3/04: Parts, details or accessories of helmets - A42B 3/063: {using layered structures} - A42B 3/08: Chin straps or similar retention devices - A42B 3/12: Cushioning devices - A42B 3/121: {with at least one layer or pad containing a fluid} - A42B 3/125: {with a padded structure, e.g. foam} - A42B 3/14: Suspension devices - A42B 3/20: Face guards, e.g. for ice hockey (A42B3/22 takes precedence) - A42B 3/22: Visors - A42C 2/007: {Manufacturing custom-sized helmets} - A42B: HATS; HEAD COVERINGS (headbands A41D20/00; head-scarves A41D23/00) - A41D: OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES - A42C: MANUFACTURING OR TRIMMING HEAD COVERINGS, e.g. HATS ## Abstract Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A helmet comprising: an outer protective layer; an inner protective layer; a first energy transformer layer including a plurality of elastomeric structures residing between the outer protective layer and the inner protective layer, the first energy transformer layer associated with a shear mechanism, wherein the shear mechanism is operable to absorb energy from forces imparted onto the outer protective layer and allows the outer protective layer to slide relative to the inner protective layer; a liner layer connected to the inner protective layer, the liner layer configured to reside between the inner protective layer and a human head; and a chin strap having a plurality of attachment points on the helmet, the plurality of attachment points including at least two attachment points on the inner protective layer, wherein the chin strap attachment points on the inner protective layer are configured to secure the inner protective layer to the human head while the outer protective layer is allowed to slide relative to the inner protective layer. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The helmet of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric structures comprise a plurality of elastomeric trusses. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The helmet of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric structures comprise a first absorptive/dissipative material. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The helmet of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric structures comprise a plurality of structures are maintained in a comb structure. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The helmet of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric structures comprise a plurality of connective structures connecting the outer protective layer to the inner protective layer. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The helmet of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric structures comprise a plurality of elastic bands connecting the outer protective layer from the inner protective layer. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The helmet of claim 1, wherein the helmet comprises a plurality of foam elements between the outer protective layer and the inner protective layer, the plurality of foam elements including a low friction side. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The helmet of claim 1, wherein an accordion element connects the outer protective layer to the inner protective layer. ### Claim 9 Headgear comprising: an outer protective layer; an inner protective layer, wherein the inner protective layer is added to the headgear; a first energy transformer layer including a plurality of elastomeric structures residing between the outer protective layer and the inner protective layer, the first energy transformer lawyer providing a shear mechanism, wherein the shear mechanism is operable to absorb energy from forces imparted onto the outer protective layer and allows the outer protective layer to slide relative to the inner protective layer; a liner layer connected to the inner protective layer, the liner layer configured to reside between the inner protective layer and a human head; and a chin strap having a plurality of attachment points on the headgear, the plurality of attachment points including at least two attachment points on the inner protective layer, wherein the chin strap attachment points on the inner protective layer are configured to secure the inner protective layer to the human head while the outer protective layer is allowed to slide relative to the inner protective layer. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The headgear of claim 9, wherein the elastomeric structures comprise a plurality of elastomeric trusses. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The headgear of claim 9, wherein the elastomeric structures comprise a first absorptive/dissipative material. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The headgear of claim 9, wherein the elastomeric structures comprise a plurality of structures are maintained in a comb structure. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The headgear of claim 9, wherein the elastomeric structures comprise a plurality of connective structures connecting the outer protective layer to the inner protective layer. ### Claim 14 (depends on 9) The headgear of claim 9, wherein the elastomeric structures comprise a plurality of elastic bands connecting the outer protective layer from the inner protective layer. ### Claim 15 (depends on 9) The headgear of claim 9, wherein the headgear comprises a plurality of foam elements between the outer protective layer and the inner protective layer, the plurality of foam elements including a low friction side. ### Claim 16 (depends on 9) The headgear of claim 9, wherein an accordion element connects the outer protective layer to the inner protective layer. ### Claim 17 A method for constructing a helmet, the method comprising: attaching a first energy transformer layer and an inner protective shell to an outer protective shell, the first energy transformer layer associated with a shear mechanism and residing between the outer protective shell and the inner protective shell, wherein the shear mechanism is operable to absorb energy from forces imparted onto the outer protective layer and allows the outer protective layer to slide relative to the inner protective layer; and connecting a chin strap to a plurality of attachment points on the helmet, the plurality of attachment points including at least two attachment points on the inner protective layer, wherein the chin strap attachment points on the inner protective layer are configured to secure the inner protective layer to the human head while the outer protective layer is allowed to slide relative to the inner protective layer. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The method of claim 17, wherein a liner layer is connected to the inner protective layer, the liner layer configured to reside between the inner protective layer and a human head. ### Claim 19 (depends on 17) The method of claim 17, wherein the helmet comprises a plurality of foam elements between the outer protective layer and the inner protective layer, the plurality of foam elements including a low friction side. ### Claim 20 (depends on 17) The method of claim 17, wherein an accordion element connects the outer protective layer to the inner protective layer.