The present disclosure provides a helmet that includes a segmented outer shell comprising a plurality of independently movable segments. The helmet also includes internal layers that comprise flexible bearings and other optional padding to provide mobility to the segmented outer shell and to provide impact protection via force dispersion and compression of the layers of the helmet. In a first embodiment, the bearing is a substantially hemispherically-shaped node. In a second embodiment, the bearing is a substantially torus-shaped pad.

A protective football helmet has a one-piece shell with a continuous lower frontal edge extending between a left and right side portion of the shell. A first impact attenuation member is formed in a front portion of the shell adjacent and above the continuous lower frontal edge, and a second impact attenuation member is formed in a rear portion of the shell adjacent and above a continuous lower rear edge. An extent of the first impact attenuation member is capable of being elastically displaced inward of an extent of the continuous lower frontal edge when an impact force is applied substantially normal to the front portion of the shell. Additionally, an extent of the second impact attenuation member is capable of being elastically displaced inward of an extent of the continuous lower rear edge when an impact force is applied substantially normal to the rear portion of the shell. In an embodiment, the first and second impact attenuation members are cantilevered segments, each having a periphery defined by a continuous gap formed in the shell.

A bicycle helmet that fits over a surface of a head of a user generally includes a segment of flexible cell structures that form a radial honeycomb matrix movable between a folded condition where each side of the segment is disposed generally parallel and an expanded condition where the radial honeycomb matrix of the segment is configured to be expanded at least partially over the head of the user and arranged radially relative to the surface of the head of the user. The bicycle helmet includes a first and second side frame disposed respectively at the first and second ends of the honeycomb matrix. A sliding latch permits selective translation of the first and second side frames.

A football helmet including a one-piece outer shell defining an exterior and an interior. The shell includes a plurality of slots penetrating at least partially through the shell from the exterior to the interior of the shell. Each slot may be disposed adjacent to at least one other slot and each pair of adjacent slots defines an energy absorbing beam portion between the adjacent slots. Each beam portion is configured to deform and absorb energy when the exterior of the shell is impacted from a normal direction.

A cover covering an object includes an inner surface of the cover facing the object and spaced from the object, and an outer surface of the cover opposite the inner surface. A local energy absorber is operatively attached to the inner surface of the cover. The local energy absorber includes an energy absorbing core layer operatively attached to the inner surface of the cover and a frangible face sheet layer attached to the energy absorbing core layer facing the object. The frangible face sheet layer is to initiate fracture of the frangible face sheet layer during an impact applied to the outer surface defining an impact event having a duration of less than 20 milliseconds.

A helmet has inner and outer shells separated by a plurality of interconnected relatively soft columns or posts. The columns each have a middle post or pillar section, a capital that is of larger diameter than the post, and a base also of larger transverse dimension than the post. When an impact above a design threshold occurs on the outer shell, the columns, particularly the post sections thereof, near the impact location compress and buckle, dissipating impact kinetic energy, while columns spaced from the impact zone stretch and support more of the impact force. The applied force is therefore reduced and spread out over a relatively large area, and a resultant wave created within the column manifold disperses additional heat, further reducing the force and torque applied on the outer shell and transmitted to the inner shell and onto the skull of a helmet user. A method and mold for fabricating the column manifold are also disclosed.

An improved cranial protection apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprising a three-panel outer shell having an interlocking ridge system, wherein the three-panel outer shell includes a center shell and a pair of wing shells. The interlocking ridge system including a plurality of ridges configured to provide resistance on the outer shells during impact. The three-panel outer shell is configured to deform and reconstitute its shape via various mechanisms. A stopper is provided to limit the amount of deformation.

A protective football helmet is provided having a one-piece molded shell with an impact attenuation system. This system includes an impact attenuation member formed in an extent of the front shell portion by removing material from the front portion. The impact attenuation member changes how a portion of the shell having the impact attenuation member responds to an impact force having a component applied substantially normal to the impact attenuation member as compared to how the left and right side portions respond to the impact force.

The invention relates to a multi-step method with a number of processes and sub-processes that interact to allow for the selection, design and/or manufacture of a protective sports helmet for a specific player, or a recreational sports helmet for a specific person wearing the helmet. Once the desired protective sports helmet or recreational sports helmet is selected, information is collected from the individual player or wearer regarding the shape of his/her head and information about the impacts he/she has received while participating in the sport or activity. The collected information is processed to develop a bespoke energy attenuation assembly for use in the protective helmet. The energy attenuation assembly includes at least one energy attenuation member with a unique structural makeup and/or chemical composition. The energy attenuation assembly is purposely engineered to improve comfort and fit, as well as how the helmet responds when an impact or series of impacts are received by the helmet.

A liner (10) for fitting within a headcap to provide a degree of impact protection, said liner comprising a generally concave shell for receiving a wearer's head, in use, and having a top section (16), a front section (12) and a rear section (14), and a pair of side panels extending downward from, and integrally formed with, respective side edges of said top section (16), wherein a first slot (14a) is provided on each side of said rear section (14), extending from a side edge thereof to a hinge portion (14b) located between said top portion (16) and said rear section (14), and a second slot (12a) is provided on each side of said front section (12) extending from a side edge thereof to a hinge portion (12b) located between said top portion (16) and said front section (12).