Modular sports helmet

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a modular helmet comprising a shell, an energy-absorbing layer, and at least one energy-absorbing panel or other modular element, which is removably attached to the helmet. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an improved football helmet comprises an outer shell with six apertures, an inner, energy-absorbing layer, a face mask, and six modular panels, each of which sits inside an aperture and is releasably attached to the outer shell.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 520,702 entitled “Modular Sports Helmet,” filed on Jun. 15, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to a high-performance helmet incorporating a modular design to potentially achieve improvements in energy absorption and cost efficiencies. The characteristics of the disclosure may be particularly useful in high-impact sports such as football, lacrosse, hockey, baseball, softball, cycling, skating, skiing, polo, and the like.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Many current helmet designs are essentially plastic, formed shells with some variation of energy-absorbing material, such as foams, air pads, or a combination of both, placed inside.[0004]To optimize performance, many helmet designs attempt to balance competing functional features against an overall challenge of cost containment. In th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]For example, in accordance with the present disclosure, one or more panels, or the mechanism attaching the panels to the helmet, may provide additional stages of impact energy absorption and may be adapted to optimize performance for a specific sport or function by varying characteristics such as size, location, weight, material, method

Problems solved by technology

However, such attempts are generally lacking to various degrees.

Replacement may be necessary due to damage, to old age, or to having been refinished too many times.

Therefore, Stage 1 of the energy absorption mechanism is largely ineffective, and the bulk of energy absorption is accomplished by Stage 2 design elements, namely the foams and air pads inside the hard shell.

Images