Protective Helmet System and Method

Abstract

An inflatable component for a protective headgear according to various embodiments can include an inner surface facing an outer shell of the protective headgear. One or more inflatable structures may be provided between the inner surface and an outer surface of the inflatable component. A structure of the inflatable structure is designed having a pre-determined cross-sectional profile. The pre-determined cross-sectional profile of the inflatable structure is configured based on a head injury criteria. In various embodiments, the system and method can include an energy absorption component. In other embodiments, the system and method can include a reactive component.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 483,300 filed on Apr. 7, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present teachings relate generally to a protective helmet and, more particularly to a protective helmet comprised of at least one or more inflatable energy absorbing components, reactive components, or both.BACKGROUND[0003]The number of athletes participating in collision sports is constantly growing. Contact sports provide many opportunities for an athlete's head to experience one or more violent impacts during a collision. In contact sports, head-to-head collisions can lead to concussions, which pose serious health risks to players. Concussions are formally referred to as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).[0004]Current studies indicate that there is an increased risk of TBI among persons that have had at least one previous...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a helmet that can absorb energy or a system that helps reduce head injury during impacts or collisions. This technology can be used to make a safer environment for sports equipment and protect operators from injury.

Problems solved by technology

In contact sports, head-to-head collisions can lead to concussions, which pose serious health risks to players.

Current studies indicate that there is an increased risk of TBI among persons that have had at least one previous traumatic brain injury.

It is known that the effects of repeated MTBI can have cumulative, long-lasting effects on cognitive function and can also expose an athlete to a period of greater risk of severe injury or death from a second or subsequent episode.

Some traditional protective helmets having only internal compression padding lessen the force of impact, but they do a poor job of mitigating kinetic energy that a blow to the head sends through the skull.

Thus, traditional protective helmets are not sufficient to protect against concussions.

Some traditional helmets also fail to provide protection against multiple impacts or collisions.

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