The present technology relates to a helmet of a layered and segmented design including impact attenuation structures. The helmet can include a series of layers that individually, or in combination, provide the necessary functions of the helmet. The helmet may feature a layer with a low coefficient of friction to act as a slip layer and slide due to rotational force. The present technology includes impact attenuation structures of predetermined geometries, layers, and materials to allow for an appropriate impact response with a certain degree of control over the buckling process and an adaptive impact response. The present technology of impact attenuation structures may be applicable where impact absorption and controlled buckling is desired, such as bike helmets.

A compressible liner for a helmet or other apparatus subject to shock loading comprises three substantially co-extensive layers mutually engaged by respective cone-like protuberances and cone-like recesses. The intermediate layer is of a different compressibility and provides for de-coupling of the layers in an oblique impact.

A helmet for protecting a head of a wearer, such as a hockey, lacrosse, football or other sports player. The helmet may have various features to protect the wearer's head against impacts, such as linear impacts and rotational impacts. For example, pads of the helmet may be movable relative to one another in response to an impact on the helmet. The helmet may comprise a frame comprising a plurality of frame members carrying respective ones of the pads and configured to move relative to one another in response to the impact to allow relative movement of the pads.

A helmet is disclosed for protection during an impact. An inner liner may slidably couple to the outer liner through at least one return spring. The outer liner includes an interior surface with a shelf extending inward. The shelf includes an arresting surface. The inner liner has an exterior surface, an interior surface and an edge connecting the exterior surface to the interior surface. The edge faces the arresting surface of the shelf. The inner liner is slidably movable relative to the outer liner between a first position in which the edge of the inner liner is separated from the arresting surface of the shelf by a first gap, and an arrested position in which a portion of the edge of the inner liner is in contact with a portion of the arresting surface of the shelf.

A helmet is disclosed for protection during an impact. An inner liner may slidably couple to the outer liner through at least one return spring. The outer liner includes an interior surface with a shelf extending inward. The shelf includes an arresting surface. The inner liner has an exterior surface, an interior surface and an edge connecting the exterior surface to the interior surface. The edge faces the arresting surface of the shelf. The inner liner is slidably movable relative to the outer liner between a first position in which the edge of the inner liner is separated from the arresting surface of the shelf by a first gap, and an arrested position in which a portion of the edge of the inner liner is in contact with a portion of the arresting surface of the shelf.

A head protection device includes a head cradle portion and a force transfer/energy absorbing collar portion. The head cradle portion is spaced from adjacent and out of contact with the collar portion in normal operation and in contact with the collar portion upon impact of predetermined force, transferring the force and associated energy around the head cradle portion and dissipating the energy.

An impact attenuating helmet including an outer liner having an inner mating surface, an inner liner positioned under the outer liner and having an outer mating surface configured to be received by the inner mating surface of the outer liner, the inner liner and the outer liner being configured to move relative to each other along a slip plane between outer mating surface of the inner liner and the inner mating surface of the outer liner, and one or more securing attachments, each securing attachment being coupled to the outer liner and being configured to secure the outer liner to the inner liner, each securing attachment comprising a slack element configured to permit a range of movement between the outer liner and the inner liner.

The present invention provides an apparatus to dissipate and attenuate mechanical waves which travel through a human brain upon blunt trauma. The apparatus comprises a pressurizable and ventable outer balloon shell encasing an inner hard shell. The pressurizable and ventable outer balloon shell is configured to release a pressurized gas to the atmosphere upon an impact to said pressurizable and ventable outer balloon shell. The apparatus is configured to enhance efficiency in reduction of an amplitude of the mechanical waves of the blunt trauma delivered to the human brain and to disrupt doubling-up of mechanical waves in a pressure zone inside the pressurizable and ventable outer balloon shell. The apparatus is configured to ventilate the pressurizable and ventable outer balloon shell and the inner hard shell.

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.

In one embodiment, a zero impact head gear is provided including an outer helmet and an inner helmet. The outer helmet has forward and rear retaining stops protruding from the interior of the outer helmet. The inner helmet has a forward and rear retaining stops protruding from the inner helmet to allow movement of the inner helmet within the outer helmet, but capable of limiting a forward displacement the inner helmet with respect to the outer helmet.