Blast overpressure mitigation

Abstract

A protective device may include a shield body having a curved profile configured to correspond to a rear contour of a helmet. The shield body may be formed as a single piece of non-ballistic plastic. An interior surface of the shield body may feature a plurality of extending geometric structures. At least two of the structures may include unequal heights relative to the interior surface. The geometric structures may comprise hexagonal prisms that are at least partially hollow. An exterior face of the shield body may include a plurality of dimples. The protective device may include an outward flare at a bottom edge, a bumper near a top edge, and / or an attachment assembly for securing the shield body to the helmet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to and claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 775,011, filed on Mar. 20, 2025; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 885,045, filed on Sep. 19, 2025; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 907,748, filed on Oct. 29, 2025. All referenced applications are incorporated by reference for all purposes.STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.BACKGROUND

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to protective equipment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for blast overpressure mitigation.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] An apparatus for mitigating a blast wave may include a shield body having a curved profile configured to correspond to a rear contour of a protective helmet, wherein the shield body is formed as a single piece of non-ballistic plastic; an interior surface of the shield body comprising a plurality of adjacent geometric structures extending therefrom in a tessellating pattern, wherein at least two of the plurality of structures have unequal heights relative to the interior surface to define a structurally interrupted face arranged to dissipate a blast wave; and an exterior face of the shield body opposite the interior surface, wherein the exterior face has a plurality of dimples formed therein.

[0005] An apparatus for mitigating a blast wave may include a shield body having a curved profile configured to correspond to a rear contour of a protective helmet, and an interior surface of the shield body comprising a plurality of structures extending therefrom, wherein at least two of the plurality of structures have unequal heights relative to the interior surface to define a structurally interrupted face arranged to dissipate a blast wave.

[0006] A method for manufacturing a shield body for mitigating a blast wave may include forming an interior surface having a curved profile configured to correspond to a rear contour of a protective helmet, and forming a plurality of protrusions from the interior surface, wherein at least two of the plurality of protrusions have unequal heights relative to the interior surface to define a structurally interrupted face arranged to dissipate a blast wave.

[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating various embodiments, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for blast overpressure mitigation attached to a helmet, according to at least one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a protective device, according to at least one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a protective device, according to at least one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a protective device, according to at least one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a protective device, according to at least one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of a protective device, according to at least one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a protective device, according to at least one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a protective device, according to at least one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a view of geometric structures on a protective device, according to at least one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a view of geometric structures on a protective device, according to a least one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a close view of geometric structures on a protective device, according to at least one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a protective device attached to a helmet, according to at least one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a view of a mechanism configured to attach a protective device to a helmet, according to at least one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a side view of a protective device attached to a helmet, according to at least one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 15 is an illustration of an environment wherein a modular blast mitigating panel may be utilized, according to at least one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a modular blast mitigating panel, according to at least one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of geometric structures of a modular blast mitigating panel, according to at least one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of geometric structures of a modular blast mitigating panel, according to at least one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a plurality of interlocked modular blast mitigating panels, according to at least one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of process to manufacture a protective device, according to at least one embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The ensuing description provides preferred exemplary embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the preferred exemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment. It is understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope as set forth in the appended claims.

[0029] Military personnel may be exposed to repetitive, low-level blast overpressure during training and combat. For example, some military personnel may fire heavy weapons such as artillery, mortars, and shoulder-fired rockets, or stand nearby a local blast during a breaching operation. In such scenarios, military personnel may turn their heads away from the blast source, a position that may leave the lower back of the head and neck, including the cranio-cervical junction, hindbrain, and base of the skull, in an exposed position that may receive blast waves. Repeated exposure to these blast waves can cause traumatic brain injury.

[0030] Existing protective helmet attachments may be designed for ballistic protection. Accordingly, such attachments may be heavy and not optimized for mitigating blast overpressure. Furthermore, current protective gear may lack adequate shielding for the top of the spine and the base of the skull against blast overpressure. Therefore, a need exists for a lightweight, removable device that may protect the exposed region without significantly increasing helmet weight or impeding movement.

[0031] Solution(s) may include systems and methods for blast overpressure mitigation. An apparatus for mitigating a blast wave may include a shield body having a curved profile configured to correspond to a rear contour of a protective helmet. To deflect, disrupt, and / or dissipate blast waves before they reach vulnerable regions of the neck and brain, the shield body may include an interior surface having a plurality of adjacent geometric structures.

[0032] An apparatus for mitigating a blast wave may include a modular blast panel having a planar profile configured to correspond to an environmental surface. To prevent blast waves from reflecting from an environmental surface to approach a vulnerable region of the next and brain, the modular blast panel may include an interior surface having a plurality of geometric structures.

[0033] A plurality of interior and / or exterior geometric structures may define a structurally interrupted face configured to disturb reflections and airflow of an incident blast wave. When a blast wave contacts the structurally interrupted face, the structures may cause the blast wave to be divided and redirected in multiple directions. A disparate wave divided from the blast wave may reflect away from the user, reflect in a way that is destructive to another wave divided from the blast wave, or multiply reflect against the geometric structures to transfer additional energy to the shield body or panel itself. By fragmenting the blast wave and reducing its kinetic energy, the structurally interrupted face may significantly reduce the strength of the blast wave reflecting toward the user. Consequently, the apparatus may prevent the blast overpressure from translating into harmful mechanical force on the user's posterior skull, hindbrain, cranio-cervical junction, and top of the spine.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system 100 for blast overpressure mitigation attached to a helmet 102, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the helmet 102 including a helmet connection system 108. A blast shield 104 is attached to the helmet 102 by coupling an attachment arm 106 to the blast shield and the helmet connection system 108.

[0035] The helmet 102 may be a protective helmet configured to be worn by a user. For example, the helmet 102 may be a military helmet, such as a United States Department of Defense (DoD) Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) or a Kevlar helmet. The helmet 102 may be utilized by military personnel, law enforcement, or other users exposed to blast overpressure.

[0036] While FIG. 1 illustrates a specific military helmet, the helmet 102 may comprise various shapes, sizes, and protective ratings to suit different operational parameters.

[0037] The helmet connection system 108 may be configured to receive and secure accessories to an exterior of the helmet 102. In some embodiments, the helmet connection system 108 comprises an Accessory Rail Connector (ARC) rail system. The helmet connection system 108 may include standard military arc rail systems, screw-based mounts, or other support beams configured to mechanically couple with an attachment assembly. In some embodiments, the helmet connection system 108 may be omitted entirely, and an attachment mechanism may mount directly to the structural shell of the helmet 102.

[0038] The blast shield 104 may include a curved profile configured to correspond to a rear contour of the helmet 102. The blast shield 104 may be arranged to deflect, disrupt, and / or dissipate blast waves before they reach vulnerable regions of the user's neck and brain. The attachment arm 106 may comprise an attachment assembly configured to removably secure the blast shield 104 to the helmet connection system 108. To accommodate user movement, the attachment arm 106 may include one or more swivel joints allowing rotational and outward movement of the blast shield 104, including rotating the shield into a stowed position. Further details regarding the interior and exterior structural features of the blast shield 104 are described below with reference to FIGS. 2-11. Further details regarding the components of the attachment arm 106 and its interface with the helmet are described below with reference to FIGS. 12-14.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a protective device 200, according to at least one embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a protective device 300, according to at least one embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a protective device 400 (e.g., a “blast shield” or “shield body”), according to at least one embodiment. The front may correspond to an interior face of a protective device 400 as defined that, when the protective device is worn attached to a helmet and placed in an extended position, the interior face substantially faces a wearer's neck. The protective device 400 may include a top edge 408, lateral edges 402, and a bottom edge 404. In at least one embodiment, the protective device 400 may include a bumper 416. In at least one embodiment, the protective device 400 may include at least one attachment hole 414. In at least one embodiment, the protective device 400 may include one or more geometric structures 410. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the one or more geometric structures 410 may partially define a hollow cavity. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the one or more geometric structures 410 may be filled like geometric structures 412. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the one or more geometric structures 410, or the interior face more generally, may include indicia 418. Indicia 418 may raised or depressed, and indicia may improve the one or more geometric structures' 410 ability to deflect, disrupt, and / or dissipate blast waves.

[0042] The protective device 400 may include a curved profile configured to correspond to a rear contour of a protective helmet. The overall shape of the shield body is defined by a top edge 408, lateral edges 402, and a bottom edge 406. The top edge 408 of the shield body may be curved or straight. A curved top edge 408 may allow the shield body to approximately conform to a spherical, semi-spherical, and / or cylindrical geometry of a helmet. In some embodiments, the top edge 408 spans a lateral distance of approximately nine inches from peak to peak. However, this dimension may range between seven and thirteen inches, or shorter than seven inches or broader than thirteen inches, depending on the specific helmet design, the helmet size, and the desired coverage area.

[0043] The curved profile of the shield body may be curved laterally and / or vertically. To approximately match the complex contour of a protective helmet, the lateral curve may have a different radius of curvature than the vertical curve.

[0044] The lateral edges 402 of the shield body may extend downward from the top edge 408. The lateral edges 402 may comprise tapered lateral sides. These tapered lateral sides may be configured to provide clearance for an ear of a user. By tapering the sides, the shield body may increase blast deflection while permitting freedom of movement and preventing interference with the user's ears or head-mounted communication gear. The taper may be linear, smoothly curved, or stepped to accommodate various helmet rail attachments or headset configurations.

[0045] The lateral edges 402 may terminate at the bottom edge 406. The bottom edge 406 of the shield body can be curved. For example, the bottom edge 406 may curve downward to provide extended coverage over the user's cranio-cervical junction and the top of the spine. Furthermore, the bottom edge 406 of the shield body may comprise an outward flare 406 directed toward the exterior face. This outward flare 406, directed away from the interior surface, may guide a disrupted blast wave away from the user's neck and torso. The outward flare 406 may also prevent the protective device 400 from catching on fabric or equipment, e.g., a wearer's collar. The outward flare may extend along the entirety of the bottom edge 406 or may be localized to a central portion of the bottom edge 406.

[0046] The shield body, including the top edge 408, lateral edges 402, and bottom edge 406, may be formed as a single piece of plastic to provide structural durability and / or simplify manufacturing. For instance, the shield body may be formed as a single piece of non-ballistic plastic utilizing 3D printing or injection molding processes. Other lightweight, blast-resistant materials are contemplated. For example, the shield body may utilize hand-layered carbon fiber. In at least one embodiment, the shield body may be formed from a malleable plate that is subsequently cut and formed to the desired shape.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, the shield body may include a bumper 416 to maintain proper positioning relative to the helmet. The bumper 416 may be disposed adjacent to a top edge 408 of the interior face, or more generally within a top quarter of the interior surface. The bumper is configured to rest against an edge or exterior surface of the helmet. This arrangement may maintain a structural gap between the helmet and the interior surface of the shield body. Maintaining this structural gap may prevent the shield body from transferring direct kinetic impacts to the helmet shell and may provide a channel for air and disrupted blast waves to vent safely.

[0048] The shield body may further include at least one attachment hole 404 configured to receive hardware for an attachment assembly. For example, a nut and bolt may pass through the at least one attachment hole 404 to secure a flexible rubber strap or arm component to the shield body. To assist with securing the device when not actively deployed, a subset of the geometric structures 412 may be filled to provide a smooth surface. In at least one embodiment, this subset of geometric structures 412 may be located near a central region of the interior face. This filled region may be configured to adhere a hook-and-loop fastener material. The hook-and-loop fastener material may be utilized for fastening the shield body directly to the helmet when the shield body is rotated into an upright, stowed position.

[0049] Additionally, the shield body may include indicia 418. Indicia 418 may comprise optional logos or aesthetic features, such as a hexagon-themed logo, integrated directly into the interior or exterior surfaces. In some embodiments, the indicia may be raised or depressed relative to the surrounding structures, which may further contribute to the structurally interrupted face's ability to deflect, disrupt, and / or dissipate incident blast waves.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a protective device 500, according to at least one embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of a protective device 600, according to at least one embodiment. The protective device 600 may include a top edge 608, lateral edges 602, and a bottom edge 604. The bottom edge 604 may include an outward flare 606. The protective device 600 may also include at least one attachment hole 614. In at least one embodiment, the protective device 600 may include one or more geometric structures 610, textures, and / or dimples.

[0052] The protective device 600 may include a curved profile defined by the top edge 608, the lateral edges 602, and the bottom edge 604. The lateral edges 602 may comprise tapered lateral sides configured to provide clearance for an ear of a user. The bottom edge 604 may include the outward flare 606. The outward flare 606 may be directed toward an exterior face of the protective device 600. When a blast wave approaches, the outward flare 606 may guide the disrupted blast wave away from the user's exposed cranio-cervical junction and neck. The outward flare 606 may also prevent the protective device 600 from catching on fabric or equipment, e.g., a wearer's collar.

[0053] The protective device 600 may include at least one attachment hole 614. The attachment hole 614 may be configured to receive hardware, such as a nut and a bolt, a pin, etc., to physically couple the shield body to an attachment arm or a flexible rubber strap.

[0054] The exterior face of the protective device 600 may include a plurality of dimples or textures formed thereon. The textures may comprise a granular or rock-like finish having raised features. In some embodiments, the raised features may be equal to or approximately 0.5 millimeters in height. A textured or dimpled pattern may allow a blast wave to flow around the exterior of the protective device 600, acting similarly to dimples on a golf ball. Consequently, the textured or dimpled pattern may create a rough, non-reflective surface that prevents focused reflection of the blast wave back toward the wearer. Furthermore, this surface may reduce the amount of the blast wave that curls around the lateral edges 602 or bottom edge 604 toward the interior face of the protective device 600.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a protective device 700, according to at least one embodiment. The protective device 700 may include a top edge 708, lateral edges 702, and a bottom edge 704. The bottom edge 704 may include an outward flare 706. In at least one embodiment, the protective device 700 may include one or more geometric structures 610, textures, and / or dimples.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a protective device 800, according to at least one embodiment. The protective device may include a top edge 808, a lateral edge 802, a bottom edge 804. In at least one embodiment, the bottom edge 804 may include an outward flare 806. In at least one embodiment, the protective device 800 may include one or more geometric structures 810. In at least one embodiment, one or more (e.g., each) of the one or more geometric structures 810 may partially define a hollow cavity. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the one or more geometric structures 810 may be filled like geometric structures 812. In at least one embodiment, the protective device 800 may include at least one attachment hole 814. In at least one embodiment, the protective device 800 may include a bumper 816.

[0057] The protective device 800 may include one or more geometric structures 810. While the geometric structures 810 shown are hexagonal prisms, the structures may include a variety of other shapes or tiles (e.g., shapes that may generate a tessellation) configured to divide and redirect a blast wave. For example, the geometric structures 810 may include regular or irregular polygonal prisms, half-peanuts, free-form ridges, octagons, triangles, squares, circles, cylinders, cubes, cones, regular or irregular polygonal pyramids, or partial cross-sections thereof. Furthermore, the interior surface may comprise textured surfaces, such as patterned waves, repeating dots, partially overlain tori, fractal patterns, or irregular tessellating or non-tessellating patterns.

[0058] Geometric structures 810 may be arranged in a stepped or terraced pattern having intentionally non-uniform heights and depths to effectively disrupt and dissipate blast waves. A multi-step architecture may include a first set of geometric structures 810 projecting to a first plane and a second set of geometric structures 810 projecting to one or more other planes structurally distinct from the first plane. For instance, a first structure having a height ho may abut adjacent structures having heights hi, wherein ho #hi. The geometric structures 810 may similarly feature irregular side lengths and varying wall thicknesses.

[0059] The configuration of the geometric structures 810 may also include nested arrangements. A first structure may be nested within a second structure, such that a wall height or a wall thickness of the second structure is different than the wall height or the wall thickness of the first structure. For example, the exterior faces of the walls of a second prism may be contiguous with the interior walls of a first prism. By utilizing varying heights, depths, and nested geometries, the structures function analogously to breakwater features to fragment and slow incident blast waves.

[0060] Some or all of the one or more geometric structures 810 may define a partial cavity such that the structures are at least partially hollow. The partial cavity may capture or disrupt a blast wave within the structure for a period of time. The cavity may partially contain a material different from the material forming the geometric structure 810 itself. For example, the cavity may be filled with an elastomeric substance, a rubber, a plastic, a gel, a foam, a liquid, a compressible solid, or any other material. In at least one embodiment, a face of the geometric structure furthest from the shield body may comprise a different material than the shield body. For example, an interior face of the hexagonal prism may be rimmed with an elastomeric substance, a rubber, a plastic, a gel, a foam, a liquid, a compressible solid, or any other material.

[0061] The geometric structures extending from the interior surface of the shield body may be sized to optimize blast wave disruption within the spatial constraints of a wearable helmet. In embodiments comprising hexagonal prisms, the prisms may have side lengths of approximately 11.5 millimeters. Furthermore, the heights of these hexagonal prisms may be less than or equal to approximately 10 millimeters.

[0062] At least one of the one or more geometric structures 810 may be filled, as shown by geometric structures 812. A subset of the one or more geometric structures 810 located in a central region of the interior face may be filled like geometric structures 812 to provide a surface to adhere a hook-and-loop fastener material. For example, the subset may be filled with the same material as the shield body. For another example, the subset may be filled with an elastomeric substance, a rubber, a plastic, a gel, a foam, a liquid, a compressible solid, or any other material. For another example, an interior face of the hexagonal prism may be rimmed with a hook-and-loop fastening material without filling any of the one or more geometric structures 810. The hook-and-loop fastener material provides a mechanism for fastening the shield body directly to the helmet when the protective device 800 is moved into an upright, stowed position.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a view of geometric structures on a protective device 900, according to at least one embodiment. The protective device 900 may include more than one orientation of one or more geometric structures (e.g., compared to an embodiment like protective device 800 of FIG. 8 wherein the interior face of each of one or more geometric structures 810 may substantially be directed in a same direction). For example, a first subset of one or more geometric structures on a more central area of the shield body (e.g., at the left of FIG. 9) may be “pointed” (e.g., to have an Attorney interior face be directed in a certain way) in substantially the same direction, but a second subset of the one or more geometric structures on a more lateral area of the shield body (e.g., toward the right of FIG. 9) may be “pointed” in substantially the same direction as each other but in a different direction from the first subset. Geometric structure 902 is an example of the first subset, and geometric structure 904 is an example of the second subset.

[0064] The protective device 900 may provide a structurally interrupted face configured to mitigate blast waves approaching from various acute angles relative to the user by including multiple subsets pointed in different directions. Multiple subsets may allow more lateral geometric structures to have a greater height that may improve the protective device's 900 ability to disrupt, deflect, and / or dissipate blast waves.

[0065] The first subset of geometric structures may include shapes, polygons, tiles, etc. projecting to a first plane, and the second subset of geometric structures may include shapes, polygons, tiles, etc. projecting to one or more other planes structurally distinct and nonparallel from the first plane. The geometric structures may comprise walls extending from the curved profile of the shield body at variable angles to define these distinct orientations. This multi-directional architecture causes an incident blast wave to be multiply directed, dividing and redirecting the wave in multiple directions. Disparate waves divided from the initial blast wave may reflect away from the user's neck, reflect in a way that is destructive to another divided wave, or multiply reflect against the differently oriented structures to transfer additional energy to the shield body itself.

[0066] While the differently oriented structures of the protective device 900 are illustrated as hexagonal prisms, the subsets may comprise a wide variety of shapes, volumes, and configurations. The first subset and the second subset may include other regular or irregular polygonal prisms, regular or irregular polygonal pyramids, cylinders, cubes, cones, or partial cross-sections thereof. Furthermore, to accommodate the multi-planar projections, the differently oriented subsets may be arranged in irregular tessellating patterns, irregular non-tessellating patterns, or fractal patterns to further disturb the reflections and airflow of a blast wave curling around the edges of the shield body.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a view of geometric structures on a protective device 1000, according to a least one embodiment. The protective device 1000 may include additional geometric structures or substructures alike or different from the one or more geometric structures. For example, one or more geometric structures 1002 may substantially include hexagonal prisms. But laterally (or anywhere), the protective device 1000 may include other geometric structures 1004 that may substantially include trapezoids. In this example, the other geometric structures 1004 may be placed to improve a ratio of space on the interior surface including geometric structures over all space of the interior surface, but other examples may place the trapezoids elsewhere without maximizing this ratio.

[0068] For another example, the protective device 1000 might include a prototile set including two shapes that, together, may tile the interior surface of the protective device 1000. For another example, the protective device 1000 might include randomized geometric structures placed sporadically along the interior surface of the protective device 1000.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a close view of geometric structures on a protective device 1100, according to at least one embodiment. The protective device 1100 includes geometric structures defined by a surface plane 1102 and a raised feature 1104. The protective device also includes texturing 1106 on both the surface plane 1102 and the raised feature 1104. In some embodiments, the raised feature 1104 may be considered a depressed feature. For example, as depicted, the raised feature 1104 may be the ‘surface’ of the protective device 1100 and the surface plane 1102 may be the depressed feature.

[0070] The texturing 1106 may comprise a granular or rock-like finish, dimples, or any other feature. In some configurations, the texturing 1106 may include raised elements that are no more than equal to, or approximately, 0.5 mm in height. The texturing 1106 may include a variety of surface profiles, such as a dimpled pattern, a stippled pattern, a cross-hatched pattern, a ribbed pattern, a micro-pillar array, or a randomized micro-texture. These textures may be applied uniformly across the entire interior and / or exterior face of the protective device 1100; they may be applied selectively to specific regions, such as only on the raised feature 1104 or only on the surface plane 1102; or they may be applied randomly throughout a surface of the protective device 1100.

[0071] The texturing 1106 may create a rough, non-reflective surface configured to further disrupt incident blast waves. When a blast wave contacts the texturing 1106, the micro-structures may diffract and scatter the wave, thereby preventing focused reflection of the blast wave back toward the wearer. For example, a dimpled pattern may act similar to dimples on a golf ball, altering the aerodynamic boundary layer at the surface of the protective device 1100. This aerodynamic alteration may allow the blast wave to flow around the shield body more efficiently, resulting in less blast curling, or fewer eddies, circling back around the edges toward the interior of the shield.

[0072] By combining macro-level geometric structures (e.g., the surface plane 1102 and the raised feature 1104) with micro-level texturing 1106, the protective device 1100 may subject a blast wave to multiple stages of disruption. The macro-level structures may divide and redirect the primary blast wave into smaller disparate waves in multiple directions, while the micro-level texturing 1106 may independently diffract and scatter those disparate waves along the surfaces of the planes and features. This multi-stage dissipation further reduces the kinetic energy of the blast wave, mitigating the overpressure reaching the user.

[0073] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a protective device 1200 attached to a helmet, according to at least one embodiment. The helmet may include a helmet connection system 1230, hook-and-loop fastener 1232, and a lip 1234. An attachment arm 1226 may connect a connection point 1224 configure to couple to the helmet connection system 1230 with an attachment hole connector 1228. The protective device 1200 may include hook-and-loop fastener corresponding to hook-and-loop fastener 1232 to stow the protective device 1200 in an upright position, e.g., position 1240 (FIG. 14 depicts an example of the protective device stowed in the position 1240). The protective device 1200 may include a bumper that rests on the lip 1234 when the protective device 1200 is used in a lowered position, e.g., position 1242. FIG. 1 shows an example of the protective device in the lowered position.

[0074] The attachment arm 1226 may comprise a flexible member and a rigid casing. For example, the rigid casing may be formed from 3D printed or injection molded plastic to provide structural integrity, while the flexible member may comprise a rubber strap. This combination of a rigid portion and a flexible portion may allow the attachment arm 1226 to engage a standard connection system in place of helmet connection system 1230 (e.g., a military ARC rail system) and maintain flexibility for movement. The connection point 1224 may incorporate a tool-free locking mechanism to facilitate rapid installation and removal from the helmet connection system 1230. Furthermore, at least one of the attachment arm 1226, the connection point 1224, and / or the attachment hole connector 1228 may include one or more swivel joints, including a pin to allow rotational and outward movement of the shield body.

[0075] The swivel joints may enable the protective device 1200 to rotate between a lowered position 1242 and an upright position 1240. When blast mitigation is not actively used, a user may stow the protective device 1200 in the upright position 1240 on the back of the helmet. To secure the protective device 1200 in this stowed position, the interior surface of the protective device 1200 may include a hook-and-loop fastener material corresponding to the hook-and-loop fastener 1232 on the helmet. As previously described, a central portion of the geometric structures on the interior surface may be filled to adhere this hook-and-loop fastener material. In the upright position 1240, the shield body may mostly overlap with the back of the helmet to prevent snagging and accommodate movement without impeding the user.

[0076] While a hook-and-loop fastener 1232 may be utilized to secure the protective device 1200 in the upright position 1240, other fastening mechanisms are contemplated. For example, the protective device 1200 and the helmet may include corresponding magnetic coupling elements configured to securely hold the shield body against the exterior of the helmet. For another example, the attachment assembly may utilize mechanical fasteners, such as snap buttons, interlocking clips, latches, or elastic straps, to maintain the protective device 1200 in the stowed configuration. In at least one embodiment, a friction-based hinge or a detent mechanism integrated directly within the attachment arm 1226 may provide sufficient resistance to hold the shield body upright without using a separate fastener on the helmet shell. Fastening mechanisms may engage the filled central portion of the geometric structures, or they may couple to the top edge or lateral edges of the shield body to secure the apparatus without impeding the user.

[0077] To prepare for a blast-generating event, the user may deploy the protective device 1200 into the lowered position 1242. In the lowered position 1242, the protective device 1200 covers the exposed region of the user's neck and base of the skull. The protective device 1200 may include a bumper disposed adjacent to a top edge of the interior surface. In the lowered position 1242, the bumper rests on the lip 1234 or another edge of the helmet. This contact maintains a structural gap between the helmet and the interior surface of the protective device 1200. The structural gap prevents the geometric structures from directly transferring kinetic energy to the helmet shell and maintains a space for the structurally interrupted face to divide and redirect the blast waves. In the lowered position 1242, a smaller portion of the shield body overlaps with the helmet compared to the stowed configuration, maximizing the deflection area extending below the helmet's bottom edge.

[0078] A bumper may be constructed from a variety of energy-absorbing or dampening materials to prevent damage to the helmet and reduce noise upon impact. For example, the bumper may comprise rubber, silicone, polyurethane, dense foam, or a thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the bumper may be formed of the same plastic material as the shield body. The bumper may be attached to the interior surface of the shield body using chemical adhesives, epoxies, mechanical fasteners such as rivets or screws, or any other substance or device. In at least one embodiment, to simplify manufacturing, the bumper may be co-molded, overmolded, or integrally formed directly with the shield body during a 3D printing or injection molding process.

[0079] As the protective device is deployed into the lowered position, the bumper may rest on the lip of the helmet to maintain a structural gap between the helmet and the interior surface of the shield body. The bumper may comprise a flat or slightly curved pad configured to abut the exterior surface of the helmet just above the lip. In other configurations, the bumper may include a grooved, hooked, or contoured profile specifically configured to seat over and mechanically engage the lip. This contoured engagement may provide lateral stability, preventing the shield body from shifting during user movement or upon experiencing a blast event. The bumper may improve a friction between the helmet and the shield body to reduce lateral (or other) movement that may be uncomfortable to a user. By securely resting on the lip, the bumper ensures the structural gap remains consistent, which prevents the geometric structures from transferring direct mechanical force to the helmet shell and / or preserves a venting channel for disrupted blast waves.

[0080] FIG. 13 is a view of a mechanism 1300 configured to attach a protective device 1310 to a helmet 1310, according to at least one embodiment. The mechanism 1300 may include a connection point 1304 configured to couple to a helmet connection system 1302. The connection point 1304 may attach to an attachment arm. The attachment arm may include a rigid portion 1306 attached to the hinge and a flexible portion 1308 attached to an attachment hole connector 1312 of the protective device 1310.

[0081] The connection point 1304 and the rigid portion 1306 may connect at a hinge, such as a swivel joint. Connecting these components at a hinge may allow for rotational and outward movement of the protective device. For example, this hinge or secondary swivel may enable the attachment arm to move between at least two positions, e.g., a stowed position and a lowered position.

[0082] The flexible portion 1308 and the attachment hole connector 1312 may connect in a rotatable way, for instance, utilizing a common pin or support pin. This rotatable connection may provide an additional degree of articulation between the shield body and the attachment arm and / or ensure the shield can properly align with the helmet's rear contour or rest securely on the helmet's lip. The inclusion of a support pin may provide stability to the joint and / or prevent unwanted wobbling of the shield body during movement or upon exposure to a blast wave.

[0083] Various material embodiments may be utilized for the structures of the mechanism 1300. The rigid portion 1306 and the connection point 1304 may comprise 3D printed or injection molded components, which may include an upper and lower casing. The plastic utilized for these rigid arm components may be harder and / or denser than the plastic utilized for the shield body to ensure adequate structural integrity for the support pin, attachment screws, and the locking mechanism. The flexible portion 1308 may comprise a flexible rubber strap, which may be similar in flexibility to a cargo strap. The material flexibility of the flexible portion 1308, such as its durometer value, may be adjusted to balance structural durability with the freedom of movement by the user.

[0084] FIG. 14 is a side view of a protective device 1404 attached to a helmet in a stowed position 1400, according to at least one embodiment. In the stowed position, a connection point 1402 that includes a swivel joint may be rotated, and a hook-and-loop fastener attached to an interior face (e.g., adhered to a filled-in subset of geometric structures on the interior face) may be fastened to a corresponding hook-and-loop fastener attached to an exterior of the helmet (like, e.g., 1232 of FIG. 12).

[0085] A user may transition the protective device 1404 from a lowered position to the stowed position 1400 when blast mitigation is not actively desired. To initiate this motion, the user may apply an outward and upward force to the protective device 1404. This force causes the connection point 1402, which includes a swivel joint, to rotate. The attachment assembly may incorporate multiple swivel joints and / or hinges, including, e.g., pin allowing rotational and outward movement. These joints allow the rigid and flexible portions of the attachment arm to articulate, enabling the shield body to swing upward and over the rear contour of the protective helmet.

[0086] As the protective device 1404 reaches the stowed position 1400, the interior face of the shield body approaches the exterior shell of the helmet. In this upright position, the shield body may mostly overlap with the back of the helmet. For example, greater than 50% of the area of the shield body may overlap with the helmet when stowed. Any percentage is contemplated. The percentage may be adjusted by locating the hook-and-loop fastener or other fastener on the exterior of the helmet and / or the interior of the protective device 1404.

[0087] FIG. 15 is an illustration of an environment wherein a modular blast mitigating panel may be utilized, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 15 includes an environmental surface 1502, a blast wave-generating event 1504, and a wave direction 1506.

[0088] As illustrated, military personnel may be exposed to repetitive, low-level blast overpressure during training and combat. For example, some military personnel may be near a blast wave-generating event 1504 like a mortar. In confined environments, such as within a trench or a military vehicle, a resulting blast wave may travel along the wave direction 1506 and reflect from the environmental surface 1502 (e.g., a wall of the trench or a door of the vehicle) before being directed toward the personnel.

[0089] In such scenarios, military personnel may turn their heads away from the blast source, a position that may leave the lower back of the head and neck, including the cranio-cervical junction, hindbrain, and base of the skull, in an exposed position that may receive these reflected blast waves. Repeated exposure to these blast waves can cause traumatic brain injury. To prevent blast waves from reflecting from an environmental surface 1502 to approach a vulnerable region of the neck and brain, an apparatus for mitigating a blast wave may include a modular blast panel having a planar profile configured to correspond to the environmental surface 1502. To deflect, disrupt, and / or dissipate blast waves before they reach the user, the modular blast panel may include an interior surface having a plurality of geometric structures. These structures may define a structurally interrupted face configured to disturb reflections and airflow of the incident blast wave along the environmental surface 1502. The modular blast panel may be adhered, affixed, fastened, etc. to the environmental surface 1502. The modular blast panel may be utilized simultaneously to a wearable protective device that also includes one or more geometric structures.

[0090] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a modular blast mitigating panel 1600, according to at least one embodiment. The modular blast mitigating panel 1600 may include a plurality of geometric structures 1602. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of geometric structures 1602 may define a partial cavity 1604 filled with air or any other material. At least one of the plurality of geometric structures 1602 may include a thickness 1606. At least one of the plurality of geometric structures may include a height 1608. One geometric structure may have a different height and / or thickness from another geometric structure. The modular blast mitigating panel 1600 may also include some pattern 1610 on a rear surface configured to improve an ability for the modular blast mitigating panel 1600 to be placed on an environmental surface.

[0091] The modular blast mitigating panel 1600 may be applied to an environment to further reduce a blast wave or noise. For example, the modular blast mitigating panel 1600 may be used as wall paneling for the inside of shooting ranges or in armored vehicles. Personnel may place the modular blast mitigating panel 1600 on the walls of a trench, on the doors of a military vehicle, or within a sound studio before a planned blast generating event. By placing the panel on these environmental surfaces, a resulting blast wave may be disturbed during reflection from those surfaces before being directed toward the personnel.

[0092] The modular blast mitigating panel 1600 may include a plurality of geometric structures 1602. The plurality of geometric structures 1602 may extend outwardly from a base surface to define a structurally interrupted face. While the plurality of geometric structures 1602 may comprise hexagonal prisms, the structures may comprise a variety of shapes. For instance, such shapes may include volumes like other regular or irregular polygonal prisms, regular or irregular polygonal pyramids, cylinders, cubes, cones, or partial cross-sections thereof.

[0093] In at least one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of geometric structures 1602 may define a partial cavity 1604 such that the structures are at least partially hollow. The partial cavity 1604 may be filled with air or partially contain a material different from the material that comprises the geometric structure 1602. At least one of the plurality of geometric structures 1602 may include a thickness 1606 corresponding to a distance between an interior and an exterior of the geometric structure. Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of geometric structures may include a height 1608 corresponding to the distance between the geometric base and an outermost face.

[0094] One geometric structure may have a different height 1608 and / or thickness 1606 from another adjacent geometric structure. For example, a single hexagonal prism having a regular thickness may abut six hexagonal prisms of varying, unequal thicknesses. Similarly, the height 1608 of a first polygonal prism may be unequal to the height of at least one adjacent polygonal prism. The strategy behind utilizing these unequal heights and thicknesses is to create an intentionally non-uniform, terraced pattern. This interrupted surface causes an incident blast wave to be divided and redirected in multiple directions. A disparate wave divided from the primary blast wave may reflect away from the user, destructively interfere with another disparate wave, or multiply reflect against the structures to transfer additional kinetic energy to the panel itself. Consequently, this multi-step architecture may reduce the energy of the blast wave that reflects toward the user.

[0095] When utilized as an enlarged version for an environmental surface, the geometric structures of the modular blast mitigating panel may include larger dimensions to accommodate the scale of the environment. For example, the plurality of geometric structures may comprise hexagonal prisms having side lengths of approximately 25 millimeters. These environmental hexagonal prisms may include heights between approximately 30 millimeters and 50 millimeters, and may have a wall thickness of approximately 4 millimeters. Larger and smaller sizes are contemplated. For example, an environmental surface near other blast wave-generating locations (e.g., a cannon on a battleship, a missile silo, a bomb shelter, a testing range, etc.) may use side lengths of approximately 25 centimeters, 25 decimeters, or 25 meters; heights of approximately 30-50 centimeters, 30-50 decimeters, or 30-50 meters; and thickness of approximately 4 centimeters, 4 decimeters, or 4 meters.

[0096] The modular blast mitigating panel 1600 may also include some pattern 1610 on a rear surface configured to improve an ability for the modular blast mitigating panel 1600 to be placed on an environmental surface. The pattern 1610 may comprise a hatch texturing configured to receive an adhesive.

[0097] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of geometric structures of a modular blast mitigating panel 1700, according to at least one embodiment. The modular blast mitigating panel 1700 may include a base 1702 and / or a pattern 1708. One or more geometric structure of the modular blast mitigating panel 1700 may include a surface plane 1704 near the base 1702 and a height. The modular blast mitigating panel 1700 is depicted as comprising four heights: first 1710, second height 1712, third height 1714, and fourth height 1716.

[0098] As illustrated by the first height 1710, the second height 1712, the third height 1714, and the fourth height 1716, the heights of the geometric structures may be unequal throughout the modular blast mitigating panel 1700. For example, a first polygonal prism may abut a plurality of adjacent polygonal prisms, wherein the prism height of the first polygonal prism is unequal to the prism height of at least one adjacent polygonal prism. For another example, a first polygonal prism may abut a plurality of adjacent polygonal prisms, wherein the prism height of the first polygonal prism is unequal to the prism height of all of the other adjacent polygonal prisms. By utilizing non-uniform depths and varying heights across the structurally interrupted face, the modular blast mitigating panel 1700 may disrupt and dissipate incident blast waves more effectively than a uniform surface. In some configurations, a single geometric structure, such as a hexagonal prism, may itself have an irregular height throughout.

[0099] The geometric structures may be further defined by a geometric base or surface plane 1704 having a cross-sectional area (or, e.g., for embodiments wherein a geometric structure includes a regular shape prism, a side length). In some embodiments, the area of the surface plane 1704 for each geometric structure may be substantially equal throughout the modular blast mitigating panel 1700, despite the structures possessing unequal heights. Conversely, the area of the surface plane 1704 may be unequal across different geometric structures, even in embodiments where the structures share an equal height. For example, the side length may be irregular such that a first hexagonal prism having a side length a0 may abut six adjacent hexagonal prisms having side lengths ai, wherein a0≠ai. By varying the heights, the surface areas, or a combination of both, the structurally interrupted face may be tailored to optimize the disruption of blast waves or profiles specific to a certain type of blast.

[0100] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of geometric structures of a modular blast mitigating panel 1800, according to at least one embodiment. Each of the geometric structures may include an exterior surface 1804. In at least one embodiment, each of the geometric structures may include an interior surface 1802 defining an interior cavity 1806.

[0101] A thickness of the geometric structures may correspond to a distance between the exterior surface 1804 and the interior surface 1802. In some embodiments, the thickness may be irregular. For example, one hexagonal prism having a thickness s0 may abut six adjacent hexagonal prisms having thicknesses si, wherein s0≠si. In other embodiments, a subset of the geometric structures may have approximately equal thicknesses, such as a regular thickness of approximately 2 mm, or ranging from 0.5 mm to 10 mm. Furthermore, a single geometric structure may have an irregular thickness throughout its own perimeter.

[0102] The interior surface 1802 may define a partial cavity 1806 such that the geometric structures are at least partially hollow. The partial cavity 1806 may be configured to capture or disrupt a blast wave within the geometric structure for a period of time, thereby fragmenting the wave and dissipating its kinetic energy. Forming the geometric structures as at least partially hollow structures also reduces a weight of the modular blast mitigating panel 1800. In at least one embodiment, the partial cavity 1806 may partially contain a material different from the material that comprises the geometric structures.

[0103] To maximize blast wave dissipation and acoustic dampening, this different material may comprise a variety of energy-absorbing, phase-changing, or impedance-mismatching substances. For example, the different material may include cellular solids, such as open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, polyurethane foam, syntactic foam, or metallic foam. In some embodiments, the different material may comprise elastomers or viscoelastic polymers, including silicone, soft rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). The partial cavity may contain particulate or granular materials, such as sand, silica aerogel, ceramic powder, glass beads, or polymer pellets. The partial cavity may also contain fluids or semi-fluids, including shear-thickening fluids (STFs), acoustic dampening gels, or inert gases. Additionally, the different material may comprise woven or non-woven fibers, such as aramid fibers or carbon fiber meshes.

[0104] To contain some materials (e.g., particulate materials and / or fluids), in at least one embodiment, a membrane or other surface may be placed on top of the height-defining walls of the panel 1800.

[0105] The geometric structures may be arranged in a tessellating pattern across the modular blast mitigating panel 1800. For example, the plurality of polygonal prisms may comprise hexagonal prisms arranged to form a continuous honeycomb surface. A tessellating surface may be advantageous because it provides structural stability and allows the geometric structures to efficiently tile the planar profile of the panel without unintended gaps. While a regular tessellating pattern of hexagonal prisms is depicted, irregular tessellating patterns, irregular non-tessellating patterns, and other polygon shapes may also be utilized to define the structurally interrupted face and, e.g., change the disruptive pattern of the panel.

[0106] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a plurality of interlocked modular blast mitigating panels 1900, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 19 shows a central panel 1902 being connected to a north panel 1904, an east panel 1908, a south panel 1910, and a west panel 1906. These directions are defined relative to the “FIG. 19” title of FIG. 19 and do not necessarily relate to any directionality of the interlocked modular blast mitigating panels 1900 relative to an environment in which the interlocked modular blast mitigating panels 1900 are placed.

[0107] A perimeter of the central panel 1902 may be defined by a tessellating edge of polygonal prisms at complementary edges of the panel. The perimeter of the central panel 1902 in an orientation may be configured to form an interlocking puzzle-piece fit with an adjacent modular blast mitigating panel, such as the north panel 1904, the east panel 1908, the south panel 1910, or the west panel 1906, in the orientation. For example, the tessellating edge may include two polygonal prisms extending a first edge of the panel and one polygonal prism extending a complementary edge of the panel. This interlocking puzzle-piece fit may leave space to capture adjacent panels without allowing much movement parallel to the border between the adjacent panels. By restricting parallel movement, the interlocked panels may maintain a continuous structurally interrupted face across a larger environmental surface without separating during a blast wave-generating event.

[0108] The plurality of interlocked modular blast mitigating panels 1900 may connect to neighboring panels by utilizing various mechanisms. In at least one embodiment, the adjacent panels may simply be affixed to the nearby environment independently, relying on the interlocking puzzle-piece fit to provide alignment and continuous coverage. In at least one embodiment, the panels may include friction-fit features disposed directly on the exterior perimeter to physically couple the panels together. In at least one embodiment, the connection may be facilitated by separate friction fit clips configured to insert into neighboring geometric structures or partial cavities across the border between adjacent panels or pins configured to insert from one partial cavity, through exterior walls of one panel and a neighboring panel, and into another partial cavity. In at least one embodiment, connections between adjacent panels may include hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, adhesives, interlocking tabs, or snap-fit connectors. These connections may improve a joining security and alignment of panels when subjected to kinetic energy from a blast wave.

[0109] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a process 2000 to manufacture a protective device (e.g., a shield body, a blast shield, or panel). The process 2000 may be utilized to produce a lightweight, removable apparatus configured to protect the cranio-cervical junction and / or posterior skull of a user from blast overpressure.

[0110] At step 2002, an interior surface of a shield body is formed. Forming the interior surface comprises forming a curved profile configured to correspond to a rear contour of a protective helmet, such as a military helmet.

[0111] The forming step 2002 may further include forming integrated structural features to manage airflow, positioning, and / or use. For example, the process may include forming an outward flare at a bottom edge of the shield body, wherein the flare is directed away from the interior surface to not as easily catch on clothing or other equipment of the user and / or for guiding disrupted blast waves away from a user's neck. Additionally, step 2002 may comprise forming a bumper within a top quarter of the interior surface. The bumper is arranged to rest against an exterior surface or lip of the helmet to maintain a structural gap between the helmet and the interior surface of the shield body, thereby providing a venting channel and / or preventing the direct transfer of kinetic energy to the helmet shell.

[0112] While forming the interior surface, the process 2000 may also include forming an exterior face of the shield body opposite the interior surface. This exterior face may be formed with a plurality of dimples and / or granular textures to increase airflow around the exterior face of the shield body.

[0113] At step 2004, a plurality of protrusions are formed from the interior surface. To define a structurally interrupted face arranged to dissipate a blast wave, at least two of the plurality of protrusions are formed to have unequal heights relative to the interior surface. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions comprises geometric structures arranged in a tessellating pattern across the interior surface. These geometric structures may include hexagonal prisms or other polygonal shapes configured to disrupt a blast wave.

[0114] Forming the protrusions at step 2004 may further include forming at least a portion of the geometric prisms as at least partially hollow structures. These partially hollow structures define partial cavities configured to capture, fragment, and / or disrupt the airflow of a blast wave, effectively reducing its kinetic energy before it reaches the wearer. These partially hollow structures may define partial cavities configured to capture or disrupt a blast wave while reducing the overall weight of the manufactured shield body.

[0115] In some configurations, the forming of the interior surface at step 2002 and forming the protrusions at step 2004 comprises 3D printing or injection molding the shield body as a single, solid piece of plastic (e.g., non-ballistic). This manufacturing approach can provide structural durability while maintaining a lightweight profile for mounting to a helmet.

[0116] Additional embodiment examples:

[0117] 1. A system, apparatus, or method, or portion thereof, as described in the written description, appendix, and / or drawings.

[0118] 2. A blast mitigating protective device for mounting to the rear portion of a military helmet, comprising:

[0119] a shield having a curved body configured to conform to the outer contour of the helmet;

[0120] an interior surface of the shield featuring a terraced pattern, arranged in varied heights to disrupt and dissipate blast waves; and

[0121] an exterior surface of the shield having a textured or dimpled pattern.

[0122] 3. A blast mitigating protective device for mounting to the rear portion of a military helmet, comprising:

[0123] shield having a curved body configured to conform to the outer contour of the helmet;

[0124] an interior surface of the shield featuring a terraced polygonal pattern, arranged in stepped and varied heights and depths to disrupt and dissipate blast waves;

[0125] an exterior surface of the shield having a textured or dimpled pattern;

[0126] the shield being formed of a lightweight, durable, non-ballistic material; and

[0127] at least one attachment arm configured to removably secure the shield to the helmet, the arm comprising a flexible member and a rigid casing, and including a swivel joint allowing rotational and outward movement of the shield.

[0128] 4. The device of embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the polygonal pattern comprises hexagons of varying heights and depths across the curve of the shield.

[0129] 5. The device of embodiment 3, wherein the attachment arm is compatible with standard arc rail systems of military helmets and includes a tool-free locking mechanism.

[0130] 6. The device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the shield is produced by at least one of 3D printing or injection molding to create a single solid piece of plastic.

[0131] 7. The device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the shield dimensions from peak to peak range between seven and thirteen inches.

[0132] 8. The device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the exterior texture comprises a granular or rock-like finish.

[0133] 9. The device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the attachment arm includes a swivel joint enabling stowage of the shield in an upright position.

[0134] 10. The device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the shield is non-ballistic and does not meet military ballistic standards.

[0135] 11. The device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the shield and arm materials are commercially available.

[0136] 12. The device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polygonal pattern may comprise octagons, triangles, squares, hexagons, and / or other polygons.

[0137] 13. A panel that can be applied or affixed to a surface, the panel having features like the interior of the shield configured to disrupt and / or dissipate blast waves that can be applied or affixed to a surface.

[0138] 14. The panel of embodiment 13, wherein the features include hollow polygon prisms of varying heights.

[0139] 15. A method of applying the panel of embodiment 13 to a surface comprising manufacturing the method and affixing or removably attaching the panel to the surface.

[0140] 16. A protective device for mounting to a helmet, comprising:

[0141] a rigid shield body comprising a laterally curved profile and a vertically curved profile configured to correspond to an exterior rear contour of the helmet; and

[0142] an interior face of the rigid shield body comprising a plurality of interconnected polygonal structures, wherein the plurality of interconnected polygonal structures includes a first set of polygons projecting to a first plane and a second set of polygons projecting to one or more other planes structurally distinct from the first plane.

[0143] 17. The protective device of embodiment 16, further comprising:

[0144] an exterior face of the rigid shield body opposite the interior face, wherein the exterior face comprises a structural texture comprising a plurality of raised features.

[0145] 18. The protective device of embodiment 16, wherein the rigid shield body is formed as a single solid piece of non-ballistic plastic.

[0146] 19. The protective device of embodiment 16, wherein a bottom edge of the rigid shield body comprises an outward flare directed toward the exterior face.

[0147] 20. The protective device of embodiment 16, further comprising a bumper disposed adjacent to a top edge of the interior face, wherein the bumper is configured to rest against an edge of the helmet to maintain a structural gap between the helmet and the interior face of the rigid shield body.

[0148] 21. The protective device of embodiment 16, wherein a subset of the plurality of interconnected polygonal structures located in a central region of the interior face is filled to adhere a hook-and-loop fastener material.

[0149] 22. The protective device of embodiment 16, wherein the plurality of interconnected polygonal structures comprises a plurality of hexagonal prisms.

[0150] 23. The protective device of embodiment 16, wherein the rigid shield body comprises tapered lateral sides configured to provide ear clearance for a user.

[0151] 24. The protective device of embodiment 16, further comprising at least one attachment arm coupled to the rigid shield body, the at least one attachment arm configured to removably engage an ARC rail system of the helmet.

[0152] 25. A modular blast mitigating panel, comprising:

[0153] a base surface; and

[0154] a plurality of polygonal prisms extending outwardly from the base surface to define a structurally interrupted face;

[0155] wherein each polygonal prism of the plurality of polygonal prisms comprises a geometric base and a plurality of walls extending from the geometric base to define a prism height;

[0156] wherein a first polygonal prism of the plurality of polygonal prisms abuts a plurality of adjacent polygonal prisms; and

[0157] wherein the prism height of the first polygonal prism is unequal to the prism height of at least one polygonal prism of the plurality of adjacent polygonal prisms.

[0158] 26. The modular blast mitigating panel of embodiment 25, wherein the plurality of polygonal prisms comprise hexagonal prisms.

[0159] 27. The modular blast mitigating panel of embodiment 25, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of polygonal prisms defines a partial cavity such that the polygonal prisms are at least partially hollow.

[0160] 28. The modular blast mitigating panel of embodiment 32, wherein a first polygonal prism of the plurality of polygonal prisms is nested within a second polygonal prism of the plurality of polygonal prisms.

[0161] 29. The modular blast mitigating panel of embodiment 25, wherein a perimeter of the panel is defined by a tessellating edge of polygonal prisms at complementary edges of the panel, such that the perimeter of the panel in an orientation is configured to form an interlocking puzzle-piece fit with an adjacent modular blast mitigating panel in the orientation.

[0162] 30. The modular blast mitigating panel of embodiment 29, wherein the tessellating edge includes two polygonal prisms extending a first edge of the panel and one polygonal prism extending a complementary edge of the panel.

[0163] 31. A protective helmet attachment system, comprising:

[0164] a curved shield body comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface comprises a honeycomb structure formed by a plurality of adjacent geometric cavities having non-uniform depths; and

[0165] an attachment assembly coupled to the curved shield body, the attachment assembly comprising at least one arm structure configured to interface with a helmet mounting rail.

[0166] 32. The protective helmet attachment system of embodiment 31, wherein the at least one arm structure comprises a rigid casing and a flexible strap physically coupled to the rigid casing.

[0167] 33. The protective helmet attachment system of embodiment 31, further comprising a bumper disposed at a top edge of the interior surface, wherein the bumper is configured to rest against the helmet to maintain a gap between the helmet and the honeycomb structure of the curved shield body.

[0168] 34. The protective helmet attachment system of embodiment 31, wherein a central portion of the adjacent geometric cavities of the honeycomb structure are filled to adhere a hook-and-loop fastener material.

[0169] 35. The protective helmet attachment system of embodiment 31, wherein a bottom edge of the curved shield body comprises an outward flare directed toward the exterior face.

[0170] While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatus and methods, it is to be understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain principles and practical applications to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications, as are suited to a particular use contemplated. It will be appreciated that the description is intended to cover modifications and equivalents.

[0171] Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not included in the figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc.

[0172] A recitation of “a”, “an”, or “the” is intended to mean “one or more” unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Patents, patent applications, publications, and descriptions mentioned here are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. None is admitted to be prior art.

[0173] The specific details of particular embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the invention. However, other embodiments of the invention may be directed to specific embodiments relating to each individual aspect, or specific combinations of these individual aspects.

[0174] The above description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. An apparatus for mitigating a blast wave comprising:a shield body having a curved profile configured to correspond to a rear contour of a helmet, wherein the shield body is formed as a single piece of non-ballistic plastic;an interior surface of the shield body comprising a plurality of adjacent geometric structures extending therefrom in a tessellating pattern, wherein at least two of the plurality of adjacent geometric structures have unequal heights relative to the interior surface to define a structurally interrupted face arranged to dissipate a blast wave; andan exterior face of the shield body opposite the interior surface, wherein the exterior face has a plurality of dimples formed therein.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:the plurality of adjacent geometric structures comprises hexagonal prisms; andat least a portion of the hexagonal prisms define a partial cavity such that they are at least partially hollow.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, the shield body further comprising:an outward flare directed toward the exterior face at a bottom edge of the shield body;a bumper disposed within a top quarter of the interior surface and arranged to rest against the helmet to maintain a structural gap between the helmet and the interior surface; anda hook-and-loop fastener material for fastening the shield body to the helmet in a stowed position.

4. An apparatus for mitigating a blast wave comprising:a shield body having a curved profile configured to correspond to a rear contour of a helmet; andan interior surface of the shield body comprising a plurality of structures extending therefrom, wherein at least two of the plurality of structures have unequal heights relative to the interior surface to define a structurally interrupted face arranged to dissipate a blast wave.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plurality of structures comprises geometric structures.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the geometric structures are arranged in a tessellating pattern.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the geometric structures are hexagonal prisms.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the hexagonal prisms are at least partially hollow.

9. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising an exterior face of the shield body opposite the interior surface, wherein the exterior face has a plurality of dimples formed within the exterior face.

10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the shield body is formed as a single piece of plastic.

11. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein a bottom edge of the shield body comprises an outward flare directed away from the interior surface.

12. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a bumper disposed within a top quarter of the interior surface, wherein the bumper is arranged to rest against the helmet to maintain a structural gap between the helmet and the interior surface of the shield body.

13. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a hook-and-loop fastener material for fastening the shield body to the helmet in a stowed position.

14. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the shield body comprises tapered lateral sides configured to provide clearance for an ear of a user.

15. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising an attachment assembly coupled with the shield body and configured to removably secure the shield body to the helmet.

16. A method for manufacturing a shield body for mitigating a blast wave comprising:forming an interior surface having a curved profile configured to correspond to a rear contour of a helmet; andforming a plurality of protrusions from the interior surface, wherein at least two of the plurality of protrusions have unequal heights relative to the interior surface to define a structurally interrupted face arranged to dissipate a blast wave.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the forming of the interior surface and the forming of the plurality of protrusions comprises 3D printing the shield body as a single piece of non-ballistic plastic.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein:the plurality of protrusions comprises geometric structures arranged in a tessellating pattern; andthe method further comprises forming an exterior face of the shield body opposite the interior surface, the exterior face having a plurality of dimples formed therein.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein:the plurality of protrusions comprises geometric prisms; andforming the geometric prisms comprises forming at least a portion of the geometric prisms as at least partially hollow structures.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:forming an outward flare directed away from the interior surface at a bottom edge of the shield body; andforming a bumper within a top quarter of the interior surface, wherein the bumper is arranged to rest against the helmet to maintain a structural gap between the helmet and the interior surface of the shield body.

Images