Protective apparatus and method for dissipating force

An apparatus (50) that dissipates a force (44). The apparatus (50) can be implemented in a wearable embodiment (31) such as a helmet (50) as well as non-wearable embodiments (32). As a helmet (50), the apparatus (30) can protect the user (40) from concussions that would otherwise result from an application of force (44) impacting the head (42) of the user (40) by dissipating the impacting force (44). A variety of components of the helmet (50) can assist in the dispersion process, including but not limited to the use of elastic structures (210) within the apparatus (30).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to protective equipment such as helmets, guards, and padding that dissipate force (collectively, the “apparatus”). The apparatus can be implemented in helmet embodiments (the “helmet apparatus” or simply the “helmet”) as well as a variety of non-helmet embodiments such as wearable padding embodiments, equipment embodiments, and structural embodiments.

The issue of concussions is a growing concern for football players at all levels of play. A Google search on the terms “concussion” and “football” generates more than 6.5 million hits. Concerned parents are increasingly reluctant to let their kids play football. On the other end of the continuum, the National Football League (“NFL”) was sued for $2.5 B for allegedly hiding known risks pertaining to concussions and other brain-related injuries. From local pewee football leagues to the economic juggernaut of the NFL, the objective of protecting the heads and brains of the players is a prominent and growing concern.

One fundamental problem with football helmets is that they address the wrong problem. Modern football helmets are designed to prevent skull fractures, not concussions. Thus, there is very little “give” in a modern football helmet. As a result, modern football helmet can actually make it more likely that a player suffers a concussion. This is particularly true when the opposing players use their own helmet as the tip of the spear in a violent hit.

The modern football helmet grew out of the military equipment of World War II. The first plastic helmet was experimented with in 1939. According to the http://www.riddell.com website, General Patton saw the new football helmet design and requested examples of it to evaluate as a possible tanker's helmet.

The tradeoffs between preventing skull fractures and preventing concussions can exist outside the context of football and military helmets. Sports such as hockey, polo, horseback riding, lacrosse, baseball, cricket, cycling, climbing, bobsledding, fencing, and amateur boxing often utilize helmets. Helmets are also often used in the working world by firemen, construction workers, miners, police officers, and other occupations.

Analogous tradeoffs can often be found in the context of non-helmet embodiments such as: (1) other articles of clothing (collectively, “wearable padding embodiments”); (2) industrial, exercise, and other types of equipment (collectively, “equipment embodiments”); and (3) permanent surfaces such as floors, walls, athletic fields, and playground surfaces (collectively, “surface embodiments”).

There are many contexts where force dissipation is desirable. It would be desirable for a helmet as well as other protective apparatuses to be designed to better dissipate the force applied to the external surface of the apparatus. In the context of a helmet, such functionality could help wearers avoid concussions. In the context of non-helmet embodiments, such as other wearable embodiments, human beings can be better protected from non-head injuries. In the context of non-wearable embodiments, people as well as property can be protected by equipment embodiments and surface embodiments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to protective equipment such as helmets, guards, and padding that dissipate force (collectively, the “apparatus”). The apparatus can be implemented in helmet embodiments (the “helmet apparatus” or simply the “helmet”) as well as a variety of non-helmet embodiments such as wearable padding embodiments, equipment embodiments, and structural embodiments.

The apparatus can be implemented in a wide variety of different designs and configurations utilizing a wide variety of component materials, geometries, and dimensions. The apparatus can possess enhanced dissipation, elasticity, and recovery attributes and utilize such attributes for the protection of human beings, property, other animals, and other purposes.

The apparatus can utilize a layer of elastic structures to dissipate the impact of a force hitting the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention relates generally to protective equipment such as helmets, guards, and padding that dissipate force (collectively, the “apparatus”). The apparatus can be implemented in helmet embodiments (the “helmet apparatus” or simply the “helmet”) as well as a variety of non-helmet embodiments such as wearable padding embodiments, equipment embodiments, and structural embodiments.

The protective apparatus can dissipate the impact of a potentially damaging force. The elastic nature of at least some of the components of the apparatus provides the ability to dissipate a potentially damaging blow while quickly recovering so that future blows may be similarly dissipated.

As illustrated inFIG. 1a, the apparatus30that can possess an enhanced elasticity attribute27, an enhanced dissipation attribute28, and/or an enhanced recovery attribute29. These enhancements are relative the prior art. The apparatus30is intended to provide more “give” than comparable protection applications in the prior art. The enhanced elasticity attribute27or “give” of the apparatus30can allow the apparatus30to more effectively dissipate the impact of a force striking the apparatus30. If the apparatus30is to be effective against more than a single impact, the apparatus30can benefit from an enhanced recovery attribute29allowing the apparatus30to quickly recover from a first impact so that the apparatus30can dissipate future impacts.

As illustrated inFIG. 1b, the apparatus30can be implemented as a set of elastic structures210positioned between an interior surface62of the apparatus30and an exterior surface64of the apparatus30. The elastic component of the apparatus30can quickly recover to its original shape, quickly enabling the apparatus30to dissipate subsequent impacts after a short recovery time. The apparatus30can be particularly useful in protecting living beings from the impact of a force, such as blunt force trauma. The apparatus30was originally conceived as a vastly improved form of football helmet that could reduce the frequency, magnitude, and negative ramifications of concussions and other forms of brain injuries. In contrast to rigid (i.e. non-elastic) prior art football helmets, the concepts underlying the function and structure of the apparatus30are to utilize elasticity to dissipate the force of an impact, and to utilize a relatively quick recovery time for the elasticity to rebound to its original state so that the apparatus30can subsequently dissipate future impacts mere microseconds into the future.

A. Alternative Embodiments of the Apparatus

The apparatus30can be implemented in a wide variety of different ways utilizing different components that are comprised of different materials and organized in different configurations. In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles and modes of operation of this apparatus30have been explained and illustrated in a variety of embodiments and configurations. However, it must be understood that this apparatus30may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. The apparatus30and methods for using and making the apparatus30can be implemented in a wide variety of different components, component configurations, and component compositions.

Although originally inspired as an improvement to prior art football helmets, the apparatus30is not limited helmets, much less football helmets.FIG. 1cis a hierarchy diagram illustrating categories and subcategories of different embodiments of the apparatus30.

1. Wearable Embodiments of the Apparatus

Examples of wearable embodiments31of the apparatus50can include: (1) a wide variety of helmet apparatuses50which can pertain to various types of sports, occupations, medical conditions, and potentially dangerous activities; and (2) a wide variety of padding apparatuses35that are worn on the body of the user but are not worn on the head of the user.

2. Non-Wearable Embodiments of the Apparatus

Examples of non-wearable embodiments32can include: (1) an equipment apparatus34that one might utilize on gym equipment, industrial tools, or other machines; and (2) a structural apparatus33that one might find useful in the context of playing field, playground floor, gym wall, or some similar context.

The original inspiration for the conception of the apparatus30was the growing public concern about brain injuries in the context of the game of football. However, as illustrated inFIG. 1k, there are a wide variety of different embodiments of the apparatus30that can be implemented in the form of a helmet50. Examples of helmets50embodying the apparatus30can include but are not limited to football helmets, miner helmets, construction helmets, bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets, fireman helmets, military helmets, and baseball helmets. Although the apparatus30can be implemented om a wide variety of different ways, including many different types of helmets50, it is anticipated that football helmet50embodiments of the apparatus30will be highly beneficial and well received by players, coaches, trainers, and fans alike.

As illustrated inFIG. 1d, helmets50are worn on a head42of a user40, who is typically a human being. The helmet50serves to protect the head42of the user40from a force44that would otherwise directly strike the head32of the user40. As illustrated inFIG. 1e, the helmet50embodiment of the inventive apparatus30propagates a dissipated force46to the head42of the user40. In contrast, and as illustrated inFIG. 1f, a prior art football helmet49propagates an undissipated force45to the head42of the user40.

Brain injuries are a growing concern to football players at all levels of the game, spanning the entire continuum of football from the elite professional games of the NFL, the college games of the NCAA, the high school games that have a tremendous impact on the social life of high school students and local communities throughout the United States, and the junior leagues of pre-teens and young children.

The prior art helmet49that is the modern football helmet grew out of the military equipment of World War II. The first plastic helmet was experimented with in 1939. According to the http://www.riddell.com website, General Patton saw the new football helmet design and requested examples of it to evaluate as a possible tanker's helmet.

Modern football helmets are designed to prevent skull fractures, not concussions. Such helmets are highly rigid, with very little “give”. As a result, modern football helmets can actually make it more likely that a player suffers a concussion. This is particularly true when players use their own helmets as the tip of the spear in a violent hit.

The apparatus30is not limited to helmets50, but it is believed that helmets50will be a particularly useful category of embodiment of the apparatus30.

The football helmet50embodiment of the apparatus30can provide substantially superior protection to the head42of the user40compared to what is provided by conventional football helmets49or other prior art technologies. These advantages have been confirmed by experimental data.

The enhanced dissipation attribute28of the apparatus30as discussed above and as illustrated inFIGS. 1a, 1e, and 1fhave been confirmed through repeated experimentation. The enhanced attributes of the of the innovative helmet50relative to the conventional football helmet49of the prior art have been proven in the test results illustrated inFIGS. 1g, 1h, 1i, and 1j. Table 1 below summarizes actual test results comparing the innovative helmet50in contrast to the conventional prior art football helmet49.

A description of the swing test and the drop test are provided below in a section titled “VII. TEST RESULTS—OBJECTIVE MEASURE OF INNOVATION”.

C. Advantages of the Apparatus

As discussed above with respect toFIG. 1a, the apparatus50has important advantages over the prior art. The helmet50embodiments of the apparatus30can have important advantages over the conventional football helmet and other prior art helmets49. These advantages can be achieved in helmet50embodiments of the apparatus30as well as other embodiments of the apparatus30.

There is very little “give” in a conventional football helmet49. Prior art football helmets49are intentionally designed to be highly rigid. In contrast, the innovative helmet50embodies the opposite approach. The helmet50, or at least portions of the helmet50, are intentionally designed to be highly elastic. When something is elastic, it is flexible, resilient, and adaptable. In other words, an elastic material has “give” that is missing from a conventional football helmet and other forms of prior art helmets. The helmet50uses a layer of elastic structures to enhance the overall elasticity of the helmet50. The elasticity of the helmet50enhances the ability of the helmet50to dissipate the force44striking the helmet50.

A conventional football helmet does little to prevent concussions because a conventional football helmet does not dissipate the force44striking the helmet. To the contrary, the rigidity of a conventional football helmet49may have the opposite effect, and enhance the focus of the force44striking the head42of the user40.

The innovative helmet50serves to dissipate the impact of the force44striking the helmet50worn by the user40. The elastic structures210in the helmet50can serve as cascading shock absorbers, designed to absorb, dissipate, and disperse the impact of the force44striking the helmet50.

3. Recovery Time

To the extent that the prior art has attempted to address the limitations and failings of conventional football helmets49, such efforts are hampered by unacceptably long recovery times. Five seconds of play on the football field can result in multiple hits from multiple players. The act of being tackled by one or more players and being brought forcefully to the ground can result in multiple blows to the head within the microseconds of each other.

The helmet50can be implemented in such a way such that the elasticity of the helmet50(along with its force dissipating qualities) can quickly recover in time to absorb the next hit. A subsequent impact44is something that can occur mere microseconds after the then current hit. Prior art attempts to address the issue of elasticity appear to typically involve long recovery times make such solutions impractical and unsuitable for use. In some prior art teachings, there is simply no recovery of any kind.

As illustrated inFIG. 1band discussed above, the most generic or broadly applicable configuration of the apparatus30will involve a variety of elastic structures210to provide the elasticity27, dissipation28, and recovery29attributes that are discussed above. Helmet50embodiments of the apparatus30can include these components in a configuration that will from the outside appear very much like a conventional prior art helmet49.

The different components that may be utilized in the configurations discussed below in section “II. Helmet Configurations”, section “III. Surfaces and Layers”, and section “IV. Detailed Description of Components”.

FIG. 2aprovides an illustration that is similar toFIG. 1bexcept thatFIG. 2ais specific to helmets50whileFIG. 1bis more generally applicable to different categories of embodiments of the apparatus30. Elastic structures210are positioned between the exterior surface64and interior surface62of the helmet50.

FIG. 2bprovides an illustration that is similar toFIG. 2aexcept that the elastic structures210are organized into an elastic layer200that is contained within the space between the exterior surface64and the interior surface62.

FIG. 2cprovides an illustration that is similar toFIG. 2bexcept that the elastic layer200is positioned between an exterior layer100and an interior layer300. All three layers are described in detail below in section “III. Helmet Components”.

FIG. 2dprovides an illustration that is similar toFIG. 2cexcept that there are additional layers80and/or surfaces60positioned to the exterior of the exterior layer100, in between the exterior layer100and the elastic layer200, in between the elastic layer200and the interior layer300, and to the interior of the interior layer300. In other words, the helmet50and other embodiments of the apparatus30can include additional layers, surfaces, structures, etc. while still functioning at the helmet50or other embodiment of the apparatus30.

As illustrated inFIG. 2d, layers80, surfaces60, and other structures can be positioned to the exterior of the exterior surface64and to the interior of the interior surface62as the references to exterior surface64and interior surface62are relative to each other and the other key components. This nomenclature is used and supported so that the apparatus30or helmet50does not cease being the apparatus30or helmet50merely because something was added to the apparatus30or helmet50.

FIG. 2eprovides an illustration that is similar toFIG. 2cexcept that the elastic layer200is embedded within the interior layer300.

FIG. 2fprovides an illustration that is similar toFIG. 2cexcept that the elastic layer200is embedded within the exterior layer100.

FIG. 2gillustrates an example of a helmet50that is comprised of elastic structures210positioned between a shell310and a strip305. The exterior surface64of the helmet50is the exterior surface of the shell310and the interior surface62of the helmet50is the interior surface of the strip305.

FIG. 2hillustrates an example of a helmet50that is comprised of elastic structures210positioned within a sleeve310that is located to the interior of the shell110. The exterior surface64of the helmet50is the exterior surface of the shell110. The interior surface62of the helmet is a bottom sleeve surface314. A top sleeve surface312is positioned to the interior of the shell110. The top sleeve surface312can be attached to the interior surface of the shell110in a wide variety of different ways.

III. Surfaces and Layers

The helmet50and other embodiments of the apparatus30can be comprised of a variety of different components comprised of a wide variety of different materials and implemented in a wide variety of different shapes. Many of the components of the apparatus30can be characterized as either a layer80or a surface60.

FIG. 2iis a block diagram illustrating an example of different component and component categories that can be incorporated into the helmet50. The helmet50can possess an interior surface62and an exterior surface64. Many embodiments of the apparatus30can include an elastic layer200(i.e. middle layer200) sandwiched between an exterior layer100(i.e. first layer100) and an interior layer300(i.e. a third payer300).

A surface60is a face or boundary. Examples of surfaces60include an interior surface62of the helmet and an external surface64of the helmet50.

1. Interior Surface

A surface of the helmet50that is closest to the head42of the user40relative to the other components of the helmet50described in this glossary/index. The interior surface62can be comprised of a wide variety of different materials in a wide variety of different geometric shapes. For example, the interior surface62can be comprised of plastic, rubber, nylon, cloth, and other substances. Different interior surfaces62can have different characteristics in terms of gas permeability and liquid permeability. For example, the interior surface62can be comprised of a cloth material that provides for the carrying away of moisture from the user40. The interior surface62is typically either one or more strips305, or one or more sleeve bottom surfaces314. As indicated inFIGS. 2i, 2j, 2k, and2l, the interior surface62of the apparatus30as a whole is typically the bottom surface of a sleeve310or strip305that forms the interior constraint for the position of the elastic structures210. The shell110, exterior surface64, or other manifestation of an exterior layer100comprises the other half of the constraint on the position and motion of the elastic structures210.

2. Exterior Surface

A surface of the helmet50that is further away from the head42of the user40relative to the other components of the helmet50. It is the exterior surface64that provides for receiving the impact of force44from the outside world that can then be dispersed for the safety of the user40. The exterior surface64can be comprised of a wide variety of different materials, including rigid materials, semi-elastic materials, substantially elastic materials, or even fully elastic materials. The exterior surface64can be non-homogeneous, semi-homogeneous, substantially homogeneous, or fully homogeneous. The exterior surface64can be fully continuous, substantially continuous, or merely semi-continuous in terms of possessing gaps in the surface. Different levels of liquid and gas permeability can be incorporated into the exterior surface. As illustrated inFIGS. 2i, 2j, 2k, and 2l, the exterior surface64of the apparatus30as a whole is typically the outer surface of the shell110or other manifestation of the exterior shell100.

3. Other Surfaces

Every layer80or other component of the helmet50can possess a variety of surfaces60. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2l, the sleeves310that can make up the interior surface62and interior layer100of the apparatus100can possess both a top sleeve surface312(typically positioned to the immediate interior of the exterior layer100or shell110) and a bottom sleeve surface314which serves as the interior surface62for the apparatus30as a whole.

The apparatus30can be described in terms of layers80.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3aand 3b, a layer80of elastic structures210, the elastic layer200, provides the primary mechanism by which the apparatus30can dissipate the force44striking the apparatus30. In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus30, the elastic layer200is comprised of hollow elastic structures230that have holes232in them to permit the passage of air234out of the hollow elastic structures230. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic structures210are at least substantially spherical in shape, comprised of an elastic plastic, and hollow. The hollow elastic structures232compress as a result of the impact44. Air234passes out of the hollow elastic structures230, dissipating the force44striking the apparatus30. The hollow elastic structures230can then quickly re-inflate in mere milliseconds to dissipate subsequent additional impacts44.

FIG. 3aillustrates an example of an elastic layer200positioned between an exterior layer100and an interior layer300.FIG. 3ais a more detailed illustration ofFIG. 2c.FIG. 3billustrates an example of an elastic layer300positioned within an interior layer300such as one or more hollow sleeves310.FIG. 3bis a more detailed illustration ofFIG. 2e.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3aand 3b, the exterior layer100is exterior to the elastic layer200and to the interior layer300, and thus the exterior layer100is closer to the point of impact44than the other layers80of the apparatus30. As illustrated inFIG. 2d, the exterior layer100may have additional components and layers80that are to the exterior of the exterior layer100. The term “exterior” within exterior layer100is a relative term used with respect to the elastic layer200and the internal layer300. As illustrated IFIG. 2d, the exterior layer100is not necessarily the most exterior component of the apparatus30. Adding additional components to the exterior of the apparatus30does not cause the apparatus30to cease being the apparatus30.

The exterior layer100is described in greater detail below. In addition to being the first line of defense relative to the elastic layer200and interior layer300with respect to receiving the impact44, the exterior layer100serves to constrain the position/movement of the elastic structures210making up the elastic layer200. In some embodiments, the exterior layer100can itself add some additional magnitude of elasticity to the apparatus30by utilizing elastic materials to add to the aggregate “give” in the apparatus30.

3. Interior Layer

The interior layer100often but not always provides for the interior surface62of the apparatus30as a whole. Thus the interior layer100is often the interface between the user40and the apparatus30. In addition to often serving as the interface between user40and apparatus30, the interior layer100often serves to constrain the position/motion of the elastic structures210comprising the elastic layer200. As illustrated inFIG. 3a, the elastic layer200can be sandwiched between the interior layer300and the exterior layer100in some embodiments of the apparatus30. In other embodiments, such as the illustration ofFIG. 3b, the elastic layer200is positioned within the interior layer300. In still other embodiments, such as the illustration ofFIG. 2f, the elastic layer200can be positioned within the exterior layer100.

The different embodiments and components of the interior layer100are discussed in greater detail below.

IV. Detailed Description of Components

The helmet50and other embodiments of the apparatus30can be implemented in a wide variety of different configurations using a wide variety of different components and materials.

FIG. 4ais a block diagram illustrating various potential features of the exterior layer100. The exterior layer100is typically embodied as some type of a shell110. In a preferred embodiment, the shell110is an elastic shell112that can add some elasticity to the apparatus30. For example, an elastic shell112could be comprised of a rubber (a rubber shell120such as a silicon rubber shell122), plastic, or similar material. The apparatus30does not require the use of an elastic exterior layer100. A non-elastic shell114can be desired in certain embodiments.

The shell110can be a homogeneous shell130with uniform attributes such as density throughout the shell110. In other embodiments, the shell110can be a non-homogeneous shell132with varying density and other properties design to enhance the dissipation process. For example, going from higher density to lower density from the exterior towards to the interior of the shell110may be desirable in terms of dissipating the force44.

The shell110can be a continuous shell140without gaps or holes or a non-continuous shell142that includes gaps or holes for the purposes of air flow, sweat dissipation, or other reasons.

The shell110can be implemented as an integral shell144with no removable parts of assemblies. The shell110can also be implemented as a non-integral shell146designed to be capable of disassembly and reassembly by user40.

As illustrated inFIG. 4b, the shape of the shell110is often going to determine the shape of the helmet50or other embodiment of the apparatus30.

As illustrated inFIG. 4c, the shell110can include attachment components150for additional items such as a facemask170of a chin guard160.

FIG. 5ais a block diagram illustrating a variety of different attributes that can be configured into the elastic structures210that make up the elastic layer200.

Elastic structures210are at least substantially elastic. Different embodiments of the apparatus30can include different numbers, shapes, and sizes of elastic structures210. In many embodiments, the elastic structures210will be at least substantially ellipsoid in shape (i.e. elastic ellipsoids222) or even substantially spherical in shape (i.e. elastic orbs220). Other shapes are possible, such as polygons (i.e. elastic polygons224) or even non-symmetrical and irregular shapes (i.e. elastic irregular shape226).

In many embodiments, the elastic structures210will be hollow elastic structures230with holes232to permit air234to flow in and out of the elastic structures210. Air flows out the hole232when a force44strikes the apparatus30because the elastic structures210compress. Air234flows back in mere milliseconds later when the elastic structures210recover and expand from their compressed state. The act of compressing/deflating and expanding/inflating can be an effective way to implemented enhanced elasticity, dissipation, and recovery into the apparatus30.

Elastic structures210can be implemented using a wide variety of different materials, with varying degrees of elasticity. Plastic materials, such as a polyvinylchloride structure240can be particularly desirable.

FIG. 5billustrates some but not all of the different shapes of elastic structures210that can be utilized by the apparatus30. Different shapes can be incorporated into the same embodiment of the apparatus30.

FIG. 5cillustrates an example of a hollow elastic structure230with air234in the middle.FIG. 5dillustrates an example of a hollow elastic structure230with a hole232.

The interior layer300typically provides for the interior surface62. The interior layer300(which can also be referred to as a third layer300) typically serves two purposes: (1) it constrains the position and motion of the elastic structures210between the exterior surface64and the interior surface of the apparatus30; and (2) it is the interface between the person or object being protected and the apparatus30itself. In the context of a helmet50, the interior layer300is an interface between the helmet50and the head42of the user40. As illustrated byFIG. 6a, a third layer300can be implemented using a wide variety of different sleeves comprised of wide variety of different materials, possessing a wide variety of different shapes, and being implemented in a wide variety of different configurations. As illustrated inFIG. 6a, the interior layer300can be implemented with hollow sleeves310or non-hollow sleeves305(i.e. strips305), single sleeves330or multiple sleeves340, cloth sleeves350or non-cloth sleeves360, etc.

The apparatus30can use hollow sleeves as well as non-hollow sleeves (i.e. strips) as the interior layer300.

FIG. 6billustrates an example of a hollow sleeve310with an enclosure311.FIG. 6cillustrates an example of that same hollow sleeve310fromFIG. 6b, with an enclosure311populated with elastic structures210.FIGS. 2e, 2h, 2l, and 3billustrate similar configurations of elastic structures210positioned within the enclosure311of a hollow sleeve310. A hollow sleeve310can include a relatively exterior top sleeve surface312and a relatively exterior bottom sleeve surface314. The internal enclosure311of the hollow sleeve310can be comprised of one or more internal surfaces390.

In contrast toFIGS. 6band 6c,FIG. 6dillustrates an example of a non-hollow sleeve305(i.e. a strip305). A strip305has no enclosure311within it. The strip305can be used to secure the position of elastic structures210between the strip(s)305and the exterior layer100.FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2g, 2i, 2j, 2k, 3aand 2gare similar examples of such a configuration.

2. Single Sleeve Vs. Multiple Sleeves

Regardless of whether the interior layer300involves hollow or non-hollow sleeves, the interior layer300can be implemented as a single sleeve330or as multiple sleeves340.

In the context of a helmet50, the use of cloth sleeves350can be desirable to better allow the dissipation of sweat from the head42of the user40. The apparatus30can utilize either cloth sleeves350or non-cloth sleeves360. A wide variety of cloth and non-cloth materials can be utilized in the interior layer300.

V. Method of Using

The apparatus30can dissipate the force44of an impact, protecting the person or property that the apparatus30that different embodiments of the apparatus30can be configured to protect. The “give” in the apparatus30can involve the deformation of elastic structures210which may for example, temporarily compress in response to the impact of the force44impacting the apparatus30. In some embodiments of the inventive method, the elastic structures210are substantially spherical in shape, comprised of polyvinylchloride, hollow, and possessing a hole in the elastic structure210. Such a configuration utilizes the air within the elastic structures210and within the apparatus30generally, to dissipate the force44of the impact striking the apparatus30. As discussed above, there are a wide variety of different embodiments of the apparatus30that can be used to perform a method of dissipating the force of a flow, which is a method of using the apparatus30.

FIG. 7ais flow chart diagram illustrating a method400of dissipating force44using the apparatus30. The method400inFIG. 7acan be performed using a wide variety of different components as discussed above and below.

At402, the impact of the force44is received by the apparatus30. In the context of a football helmet50, the source of the blow could originate from a wide variety of sources, including but not limited to the helmet of another player, the body of another player, or the act of hitting the ground.

At404, the impact of the force44received by the apparatus30at402is dissipated through the enhanced elasticity attribute27of the apparatus30, i.e. the elastic structures210within the apparatus30that deform in response to the force44. The original force44impacting the apparatus30at402is reduced to a dissipated force46as a result of the elastic structures210within the apparatus30.

At406, the dissipate force46is conveyed to user40of the protective apparatus30. In the context of a football helmet50, there are good reasons to conclude that the dissipated force46will be less dangerous to the user40of the helmet50than the undissipated force45transmitted by a prior art helmet49.

Recovery Included

FIG. 7bis a flow chart diagram illustrating a different example of the force dissipation method400. The functionality at402,404, and406is identical to what is discussed above and what is also illustrated inFIG. 7a. The process ofFIG. 7bincludes a manifestation of the enhanced recovery attribute29that is not illustrated inFIG. 7a.

At408, the elasticity of the elastic structures210is refreshed so that future impacts of force44can also be dispersed. To the extent that the prior art includes examples of helmets with more “give” in them than a convention football helmet, it is believed that such approaches involve less than desired recovery attributes. In other words, such approaches do not involve quick and robust recoveries to enable the protection of a football player who can receive multiple blows to the head in a very short period of time.

VI. Method of Making

The apparatus30can be implemented in a wide variety of different ways using a wide variety of different processes.FIG. 8is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a process500for making the apparatus30in the context of a football helmet50with hollow sleeves310filed with elastic structures210.

At502, the elastic structures210are inserted into the enclosures311(or openings311) of the sleeves310. A wide variety of different technologies could be used to either permanently or merely temporarily secure the elastic structures210within the enclosures311of the sleeves310.

At504, the sleeves310are secured within the shell110or other similar manifestation of the exterior layer100. A wide variety of different technologies could be used to either permanently or merely temporarily secure the sleeves310to the shell110or other similar manifestation of the exterior layer100.

VII. Test Results—Objective Measure of Innovation

As discussed in the Overview section above, test data supports the conclusion that the helmet50has better elasticity, dissipation, and recovery attributes in comparison to a conventional prior art football helmet49.

All of the test results discussed above and below involve the use a 16 pound bowling ball, a mannequin, and an accelerometer in the head of the mannequin to measure G forces resulting from the impact of the bowling ball.

Both the inventive helmet apparatus50and a conventional football helmet49were subjected to a “swing test”. The swing test involved swinging a bowling ball into a helmet-wearing mannequin. The head of the mannequin included an accelerometer for measuring the resulting G forces over time experience by the head of the mannequin underneath the respective innovative helmet50and prior art helmet49.

First, a rope/chord/chain is attached to the bowling ball. Second, the bowling ball is suspended at the same height as the helmet on the mannequin. Third, the bowling ball is pulled back a distance six feet. Fourth, the bowling ball is released, swinging the bowling ball into the head of the mannequin. An accelerometer in the head of the mannequin captures the G forces over time that the head of the mannequin is subjected to.

FIG. 1gshows the results of the swing test on the innovative helmet50.FIG. 1hshows the results of the swing test on the conventional prior art football helmet49. The prior art helmet49wearer experienced 6 times the G forces (43 vs. 7) that were experienced by the wearer of the innovative helmet50. The innovative helmet50also took less than ⅓ the time to recover from the heightened G forces. The test results below are summarized above in Table 1.

The innovative helmet50and the conventional prior art football helmet49were also subjected to a drop test” in which the same 16 pound bowling ball was dropped on the head of the mannequin from a height 3 feet and 6 inches above the head of the mannequin.

FIG. 1ishows the results of the drop test on the innovative helmet50.FIG. 1jshows the results of the drop test on the conventional prior art football helmet49. The prior art helmet49wearer experienced more than double the G forces (70 vs. 29) that were experienced by the wearer of the innovative helmet50. The innovative helmet50also took substantially less time to recover from the heightened G forces. The test results below are summarized above in Table 1.

As discussed above, the apparatus30can be implemented in a wide variety of different ways for a wide variety of different purposes. The original motivation behind the development of the apparatus30was a football helmet50that would better protect the players from head injuries such as concussions.

In developing the initial football helmet50, it was determined that dissipating the impacting force44impacting the helmet50(i.e. the G forces resulting from a blow to the head42of the user40) can be an effective way to protect football players from injury. Force44that is dissipated elsewhere is force44that will not be applied to the brain of the user40of the helmet50. The use of elastic structures210within the helmet50can collapse and expel air upon impact, and then mere milliseconds later, return to their original shape while inhaling air to refill the elastic structures210with air234. To facilitate this functionality, it can be preferable to utilize hollow elastic structures230with holes232that provide for the movement of air234out of and then back into the elastic structures210.

It will often be desirable to position a shell110to the exterior of the elastic structures210that is an elastic shell112. To the interior of the elastic structures210, in can be desirable to utilize sleeves such as hollow sleeves310or non-hollow sleeves305(i.e. strips305) to constrain the motion and position of the elastic structures210with respect to the shell210.

As discussed above, the concepts in the football helmet50are applicable to other types of helmets50as well as to other embodiments of wearable embodiments31such as padding embodiments35as well as to non-wearable embodiments32such as equipment embodiments34and structural embodiments33. The terms used throughout the text of this text of this application, including but not limited to the claims, are defined in the Table 2. Unless otherwise specified in Table 2 below, terminology is not limited to or specific to helmet50embodiments of the apparatus30.

TABLE 2below provides a glossary of element numbers, element names, andelement descriptions.ElementNumberElement NameElement Description27“Enhanced ElasticityElasticity means flexibility, resilience, andAttribute”adaptability. Elastic substances can have theirshape changed by application of a load or force, andthen return to their original form upon removal of theload or force. The apparatus 30 can includecomponents with an enhanced elasticity attribute 27in relation to comparable prior art applications. Theoriginal inspiration for the conception of theapparatus 30 was a helmet 50 that has an enhancedelasticity attribute 27 in comparison to a prior arthelmet 49. In contrast, a conventional prior artfootball helmet 49 is purposely rigid, the opposite ofelastic.28“EnhancedDissipation means a process my which energy isDissipationdispersed or scattered. The function of theAttribute”apparatus 30 is to dissipate force 44 as a means ofprotection. The apparatus 30 can includecomponents with an enhanced dissipation attribute28 in relation to comparable prior art applications.The original inspiration for the apparatus 50 was ahelmet 50 that could protect the head 42 of a user40. By dissipating the force 44 away from the head42 of the user 40, the user 40 can be protected fromconcussions and other negative ramifications of ablow to the head 42.29“EnhancedRecovery is an attribute of elasticity, and it canRecovery Attribute”pertain to magnitude (i.e. how far can somethingelastic can bend without breaking) and/or time (i.e.how quickly the elastic substance can resume itsoriginal form after the load or force is removed). Inthe context of a helmet 50 such as a football helmet50, the user 40 can be hit multiple times in a shortperiod of time. Thus an apparatus 30 with anenhanced recovery attribute 29 is superior to a one-and-done approach which fails to protect the user 40after the initial blow. To the extent that some priorart helmets 49 involve greater elasticity than aconventional football helmet, the inventive apparatus30 can possess an enhanced recovery attribute 29with respect to such approaches.30“Apparatus”A device, assembly, or structure that utilizes anarrangement of elastic structures 210 in between anexterior surface 64 and an interior surface 62. Theapparatus 30 can be implemented in a wide varietyof embodiments, including wearable embodiments31 such as a helmet 50 that can be worn on the head42 of the user 40 as well as non-wearableembodiments 32. Elastic structures 210 positionedin the space between the interior surface 62 and theexterior surface 64 enable the apparatus 30 todissipate the impact of a force 44 striking theapparatus 30.31“WearableAn embodiment of the apparatus 30 that is worn byEmbodiment”a user 40. Examples of wearable embodiments 31include helmet embodiments 50 (which can also bereferred to as helmets 50) and padding embodiments35 (which can also be referred to as padding 35).32“Non-WearableAn embodiment of the apparatus 30 that is not wornEmbodiment”by a user 40. Non-wearable embodiments 32 caninclude embodiments of the apparatus 30 that areused in conjunction with movable equipment (anequipment embodiment 34) and embodiments of theapparatus 30 that are used in conjunction with fixedstructures (a structural embodiment 33).33“StructuralAn embodiment of the apparatus 30 that is used inEmbodiment”the context of a playing field, playground floor, gymwall, a shop floor, or some similar surface or context.34“EquipmentAn embodiment of the apparatus 30 that is used inEmbodiment”the context of equipment, rather than a human user40. Examples of equipment embodiments caninclude industrial equipment, exercise equipment,recreational equipment, and other types ofequipment.35“PaddingAn embodiment of the apparatus 30 that is worn byEmbodiment”a user 40 but is not worn on the head 42 of the user40. Padding 35 can be worn on the arms, legs,hands, feet, torso, or anywhere else on the user 40except for the head 42.40“User”A living organism possessing a head 42 that wearsthe helmet apparatus 50. The user 40 is typically ahuman being, but other animals could potentiallybenefit from the helmet apparatus 50 in certaincontexts.42“Head”The upper part of the body of a user 40 that isattached to the rest of the body of the user 40through a neck.44“Force”An impact striking the helmet apparatus 50. Thepurpose of the helmet apparatus 50 is to protect theuser 40 from the impact of a force 44 by dispersingthat force 44 through the various components of thehelmet 50. The helmet 50 can be described as amethod of dispersing the impact of a force 44 strikingthe helmet 50. Force (F) is equal to mass (m) timesacceleration (a), and can be express in the equationF = ma.45“UndissipatedForce 44 impacting a prior art helmet 49 that is notForce”dissipated by the prior art helmet 49.46“Dissipated Force”Force 44 impacting a prior helmet 49 that isdissipated by the helmet 50.49“Prior Art Helmet”Any helmet technology that predates the invention ofthe helmet 50. The original inspiration for theconception of the helmet 50 came in the context offootball helmets.50“Helmet Apparatus”A protective device worn on the head 42 of a user 40orthat protects the head 42 of the user 40 from an“Helmet”impacting force 44. The force 44 that wouldotherwise strike the head 42 of the user 40 can bedispersed by the helmet 50, protecting the user 40from concussions and other undesirable results. Thehelmet 50 can be implemented in a wide variety ofdifferent ways for a wide variety of different contexts.The original inspiration for the apparatus 30 was foruse as a football helmet 50 to prevent concussions,but the helmet 50 can be implemented as a widevariety of different sport helmets, industrial helmets,and other types of helmets.60“Surface”A face or boundary. The helmet 50 and otherembodiments of the apparatus 30 can include avariety of different surfaces 60, including but notlimited to an interior surface 62 and an exteriorsurface 64.62“Interior Surface”A surface 60 closest to what is being protected bythe apparatus 30 and furthest from the impact of theforce 44 striking the apparatus 30. In the context ofa helmet 50, the interior surface 62 is closest to thehead 42 of the user 40 relative to the othercomponents of the helmet 50 described in thisglossary/index. The interior surface 62 can becomprised of a wide variety of different materials in awide variety of different geometric shapes. Forexample, the interior surface 62 can be comprised ofplastic, rubber, nylon, cloth, and other substances.Different interior surfaces 62 can have differentcharacteristics in terms of gas permeability and liquidpermeability. For example, the interior surface 62can be comprised of a cloth material that provides forthe carrying away of moisture from the user 40. Theinterior surface 62 is typically either one or morestrips 305, or one or more sleeve bottom surfaces314.64“Exterior Surface”A surface 60 closest to the force 44 striking theapparatus 30 and further from what is beingprotected by the apparatus 30. In the context of ahelmet 50, the exterior surface 64 is further awayfrom the head 42 of the user 40 relative to the othercomponents of the helmet 50. It is the exteriorsurface 64 that provides for receiving the impact offorce 44 from the outside world that can then bedispersed for the safety of the user 40. The exteriorsurface 64 can be comprised of a wide variety ofdifferent materials, including rigid materials, semi-elastic materials, substantially elastic materials, oreven fully elastic materials. The exterior surface 64can be non-homogeneous, semi-homogeneous,substantially homogeneous, or fully homogeneous.The exterior surface 64 can be fully continuous,substantially continuous, or merely semi-continuousin terms of possessing gaps in the surface. Differentlevels of liquid and gas permeability can beincorporated into the exterior surface. The exteriorsurface 64 is typically the outer surface of the shell110.80“Layer”A level of material. The helmet 50 can beimplemented in a wide variety of differentembodiments and configurations. The terms“exterior”, “middle”, and “interior” in exterior layer100, middle layer 200, and interior layer 300 arereferences to relative positions with respect to eachother and do not necessarily represent absolutepositions on the helmet 50. For example, additionalcomponents could be added to the interior of any ofthe three layers 80, to the exterior of any of the threelayers 80, or in between any of the three layers 80.100“First Layer”A layer 80 of the helmet that is exterior to a secondorlayer 200 and a third layer 300. The first layer 100“Exterior Layer”will often include the exterior surface 64.110“Exterior Shell”A component of the helmet 50 that is a protectiveorouter covering. The first layer 100 is often comprised“Shell”of an exterior shell 110 that is often at least semi-elastic and semi-homogeneous. To aid in thedispersion process, the exterior shell 110 can beincrementally less dense in the interior/inwarddirection. The exterior shell 110 can be comprisedof a wide variety of different materials and differentmaterial configurations. The shell 110 can be elasticor non-elastic, homogeneous or non-homogeneous,continuous or non-continuous, an integrated wholeor a configuration of parts, etc. The shell 110 can bemade up of rubber, including but not limited to asilicone rubber, as well as a wide variety of differentmaterials. The shell 110 can be implemented in awide variety of different shapes.112“Elastic Shell”A shell 110 that is comprised of an at least semi-elastic material. The apparatus 30 utilizes elasticstructures 210 beneath the shell 110 as a primarysource of the enhanced elasticity attribute 27, but insome contexts it is also beneficial to have asomewhat elastic or even substantially elastic shell110.114“Non-Elastic Shell”The apparatus 30 can utilize a shell 110 that is rigid.or “Rigid Shell”For example, in the context of a helmet 114, theinnovative elastic structures 210 can be positionedunder rigid shell 110 that is indistinguishable from aconventional prior art football helmet 49. Such anembodiment may not be optimal, but such a helmet50 can still be superior to a conventional prior artfootball helmet 49.120“Rubber Shell”A shell 110 comprised at least in part by a rubber.122“Silicone RubberA rubber shell 120 that is comprised at least in part with aExterior Shell”silicone rubber.130“HomogeneousA shell 110 that is at least substantially uniform in structureShell”and composition.132“Non-HomogeneousA shell 110 that is not a homogeneous shell 130.Shell”140“Continuous Shell”A shell 110 that is without gaps or holes.142“Non-ContinuousA shell 110 that is not a continuous shell 140.Shell”144“Integral Shell”A shell 110 that is an integrated whole without componentsintended to be removable.146“Non-Integral Shell”A shell 110 that is not an integral shell 144.150“AttachmentIn some embodiments of the helmet 50, it will beMechanism”desirable to attach additional components to thehelmet 50. For example, in the context of a footballhelmet, a chin guard/strap 160 and a facemask 170are often desired. By way of further example, in thecontext of a miner, it may be desirable to attach alight source to the exterior of the helmet 50. Anattachment mechanism 150 is a component that isattached to the helmet 50 that provides for theattachment of such additional components.160“Chin Guard” orA component of a helmet 50 that protects the chin of the user 40.“Chin Strap”170“Face Mask”A component of a helmet 50 that protects the face of the user 40.200“Second Layer” orA layer 80 of the helmet that is relatively positioned“Middle Layer”between the exterior layer 100 and the interior layer300. The second layer 200 is populated with elasticstructures 210 for the purposes of dispersing theforce 44 impacting the helmet 50.210“Elastic Structure”An item that is at least semi-elastic and often at leastsubstantially elastic or even fully elastic. Elasticstructures 210 help disperse the impact of a force 44striking the helmet 50. The apparatus 30 can includea wide variety of different numbers and types ofelastic structures 210. Elastic structures 210 can becomprised in wide variety of different shapes andmade of a wide variety of materials. In manyembodiments, elastic structures 210 will be freemoving, i.e. not attached to any other elasticstructure 210 and not attached to any othercomponent of the helmet 50.220“Elastic Orb”An elastic structure 210 that is at least substantiallyspherical in shape.222“Elastic Ellipsoid”An elastic structure 210 that is at least substantiallyellipsoid in shape.224“Elastic Polygon”An elastic structure 210 that is at least substantiallyin the shape of a polygon.226“Elastic IrregularAn elastic structure 210 that is embodied in a non-Shape”symmetrical and otherwise irregular shape.230“Hollow ElasticAn elastic structure 210 that is at least substantiallyStructure”hollow.232“Hole”An opening. Many embodiments of the elasticstructures 210 that are hollow elastic structures 230will include one or more holes 232 in the outersurface. Such embodiments can be particularlyeffective in the process of dispersing force 44.234“Air”A mix of gasses that is at least substantially similarto the mixture encountered on the earth at groundlevel. Many embodiments of hollow elasticstructures 230 can have air 234 within them.240“Polyvinyl chlorideAn elastic structure 210 comprised of a water-structure”insoluble thermoplastic resin that is derived from thepolymerization of vinyl chloride.300“Third Layer” orA layer 80 of the helmet that is relatively positioned“Interior Layer”so that the interior-most surface 80 of the interiorlayer 300 is interior relative to the first layer 100 andsecond layer 200. The third layer 300 is typicallycomprised of one or more strips 305 or one or moresleeves 310.305“Strip” or a “Non-A relatively thin piece of material that does notHollow Sleeve”include a space within itself for the purposes ofholding any other component. A strip 305 can bereferred to as a sleeve 310 without an enclosure 311.A strip 305 is a type of sleeve 310 that does notinclude an enclosure 311. Thus, an interior surface62 that is not a bottom sleeve surface 314 is a strip305. Strips 305 can be made up of any material thatcan be used within the interior surface 62, includingbut not limited to cloth material which provides fordrawing away moisture from the user 40. Unlike asleeve 310, a strip 305 does not include a spacewithin it for holding elastic structures 210. Strips 305constrain the movement of elastic structures 210between the one or more strips 305 and the shell 110or other structure of the first layer 100.310“Sleeve”A sleeve 310 is similar to strip 305, except that asleeve 310 includes a space 311 within itself forholding the elastic structures 210. A sleeve 310 canthus also be referred to as a sheath or a hollowsleeve 310. A sleeve 310 can be constructed bycombining two strips 305 together such that thereremains an enclosure 311 between them capable ofholding the elastic structures 210.311“Opening” orSpace between the top sleeve surface 312 and the“Enclosure”bottom sleeve surface 314.312“Top SleeveThe exterior facing surface of the sleeve 310.Surface” or“Sleeve TopSurface”314“Bottom SleeveThe interior facing surface of the sleeve 310. This isSurface” or “Sleevetypically the interior surface 62 of the helmetBottom Surface”apparatus 50 as a whole.330“Single Sleeve”A sleeve 310 that is not one of multiple sleeves 340.Both hollow sleeves 310 and non-hollow sleeves 305can be implemented in single sleeve 330embodiments. A non-hollow sleeve 305 (a strip 305)in a single sleeve 330 embodiment can be referredto as a “sheet”.340“Multiple Sleeve”A sleeve 310 that is one of many sleeves 310. Manyembodiments of the apparatus 30 will includemultiple sleeves 340. Both hollow sleeves 310 andnon-hollow sleeves 305 can be implemented inmultiple-sleeve 340 embodiments350“Cloth Sleeve”A sleeve 310 comprised of a cloth material. Bothhollow sleeves 310 and non-hollow sleeves 305 canbe comprised of cloth material.360“Non-Cloth Sleeve”A sleeve 310 that is not a cloth sleeve 350.400“Force DissipationA method for distributing force 44 over a wider areaMethod”of space for the purposes of dissipating the impact ofthat force 44 on the apparatus 30.