Protective Athletic Helmet to Reduce Linear and Rotational Brain Acceleration

Abstract

A protective helmet includes an upper section and a lower section; each having inner and outer facing surfaces; a gap formed between the upper and lower sections; at least one connection member connecting the upper section to the lower section and maintaining the gap; the upper section being movable with respect to the lower section when an impact force is applied to the outside surface of the upper section; an inner shell securable to the inner facing surface of the lower section; the inner shell being adapted to receive a portion of the helmet user's head, whereby the head of the user will be spaced from the inner facing surface of the upper section when the portion of the user's head is received in the inner shell; and the inner shell substantially preventing the user's head from making contact with the inner facing surface of the upper section.

Description

RELATIONSHIP TO PRIOR APPLICATION[0001]This patent application is a Continuation-In-Part Patent Application relating to and claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14 / 504,670, which relates to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 961,968 filed Oct. 28, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 995,829 filed Apr. 21, 2014.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to protective helmets, in particular, protective helmets used in sporting events. More particularly, this invention relates to football helmets.[0003]It is estimated that there are currently five million football players in the U.S. (200,000 professional, 100,000 college, 1.3 million high school, and 3.5 million youth players). In recent years, it has become quite clear that the most popular sport in America is actually quite dangerous. Estimates vary, but several studies suggest that up to fifteen percent of football players s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent aims to improve athletic helmet design to reduce the risk of concussions, mild traumatic brain injuries, and other head injuries. It focuses on reducing both linear and rotational acceleration of the brain during impact. The helmet meets or exceeds current standards for linear acceleration and is lightweight, soft-surfaced, and has a smaller profile than current helmets. These technical effects would make it safer for players to participate in sports without worrying about head injuries.

Problems solved by technology

In recent years, it has become quite clear that the most popular sport in America is actually quite dangerous.

Additionally, many undiagnosed and unreported concussions are experienced.

While many existing helmets help to attenuate linear acceleration, it is believed that none realistically address reduction of rotational acceleration caused by oblique or angular impacts.

The report concluded that a helmet that lowers head acceleration predicts a lower incidence of concussion, and that helmets which better manage impact energies result in lower head accelerations and thus a lower risk of head injury.

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