Patent ID: 6378140
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: A42B

Abstract:
An impact and energy absorbing assembly for helmets and protective gear comprising:at least one spring (12), which comprises a spring first end (12A) and spring second end (12B); a first flared insert (14) affixed to spring (12) at the spring first end (12A), the flared insert (14) generally conical in configuration, tapered such that an outer edge of the first flared insert (14) is of a greater diameter than an inner edge of the first flared insert (14) which comes in contact with the spring first end (12A); a second flared insert (16) affixed to spring (12) at the spring second end (12B), the flared insert (16) generally conical in configuration, tapered such that an outer edge of the second flared insert (16) is of a greater diameter than an inner edge of the second flared insert (16) which comes in contact with the spring second end (12B); a receiving member (18), comprising a top surface (18A), bottom surface (18B), and molded female slot (20), molded female slot (20) in the form of a tapered, generally conical aperture, functioning to slidingly receive first flared insert (14) therein; receiving member (18) rigidly affixed to a previously determined item of protective equipment, functioning to allow the spring to receive primary forces, with the item of protective equipment receiving secondary forces, previously existing protective equipment padding receiving additional forces, with only remaining dissipated forces distributed to a user's body.