Patent Publication Number: US-2019166944-A1

Title: Mechanical shock abatement system incorporating sacrificial systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/595,580 filed on Dec. 6, 2017. The contents of the foregoing are hereby incorporated by reference into this application as if set forth herein in full. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Mechanical shock abatement system incorporating sacrificial systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Safety helmets generally reduce effects of impacts to top and/or side of a user&#39;s head. Protective headgear often relies upon a hard outer casing with an impact-energy absorbing padding or a strap based suspension placed between the outer casing and the user&#39;s head. If a user wearing such hard shell helmet suffers a hard blow to the helmet, the impact of the hard shell meeting a hard surface generates a shockwave and a high impact force, that can be absorbed (to a limited extent) by the inner shock-absorbing material, or the straps in a typical suspension inside the hard casing and in contact with the user&#39;s head. 
     Various mechanisms responsible for brain injuries are understood to include focal type injuries that generally result from a direct impact to the head, sometimes resulting in cranial fracture. Other mechanisms include coup injuries that result from impacts to the same side of the head, whereas, contrecoup injuries result from impacts to an opposite side of the head. At least some injuries result from a displacement, e.g., a linear translation, of the brain within the skull. Still other injuries, including Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI), result from a rotational acceleration of the head and/or severe acceleration and/or deceleration that causes traumatic shearing forces, e.g., tissue sliding over tissue. DAI is believed to be one of the most common and devastating types of traumatic brain injury. 
     Some have disclosed protective helmets including a hard shell and an internal suspensions that include flexible cradle systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,870,445, to Fisher, discloses protective headgear and lining suspensions that include cradle straps joined together along an upper portion by an adjustment strap offering a flexible internal surface free of rigid projecting blow transmitting elements to cushion a head of a wearer. U.S. Pat. No. 3,054,111, to Hornickel et al., discloses a shock absorbing helmet that includes a head-receiving cradle formed from straps that may cross each other or be joined at their upper ends by a lace that makes the cradle adjustable. U.S. Pat. No. 2,921,318, to Voss et al. discloses a helmet lining that includes several flexible cradle straps extending up into a crown of a protective helmet from circumferentially spaced points around a lower portion. Each strap includes a strip of woven material that necks down as it stretches in reaction to a blow against the helmet. Other web-like support systems that include strips of flexible material that cross each other are disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2002/0000004 to Wise et al. 
     Others have disclosed protective helmets including a hard shell and external features to reduce head injury risk. For example, U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No. 2015/0157080, to Camarillo et al., U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No. 2011/0185481, to Nagely et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,816, to Davis, disclose wearable devices having force redirecting units connected between an outer surface of a helmet and a shoulder brace for redirecting head impact forces from a wearer&#39;s head to another body part. U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No. 2010/0229287, to Mothaffar, discloses an arrangement of straps extending from a helmet to other parts of a body to limit a range of motion of a wearer&#39;s head and flexure of their neck. 
     Still others have disclosed energy absorbing structures for placement along an interior surface of a helmet. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,316,282, to Harris, discloses energy absorbing, collapsible disk structures that have collapsible arms around a perimeter of two disks sandwiching that cause an elastic material to stretch, storing kinetic energy from a vertical direction as potential energy in a horizontal direction. U.S. Pat. No. 2,879,513, to Hornickel et al., discloses a crushable block of energy absorbing material disposed in each loop between a lace and an inner end of suspension cradle straps. Energy absorbed in crushing the blocks reduces the shock of an impact against a wearer&#39;s head. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2009/0260133, to Del Rosario, discloses an impact absorbing frame and multi-layered structure that includes inner opposite-facing inner panels that undergo elastic deformation and compress and expand to dissipate impact energy. U.S. Pat. No. 9,314,063, to Bologna et al., discloses a protective football helmet having a one-piece molded shell with an impact attenuation member formed by removing material from a front portion of the shell to form a cantilevered segment. 
     Although these and other conventional helmet liners have worked well, they have failed to provide protection against both high and low degrees of impact imparted on a helmet over the extended life of the helmet. The impact force is often so great that the user&#39;s helmet may even initially bounce back upon impact, thrusting the user&#39;s head away from the blow, subjecting the head and neck regions to additional injury causing forces. If the impact is severe enough, it may lead to a concussion (striking of the brain matter to the skull with moderate force) or worse. In some instances, a user can experience a, so called, focal type of injury, e.g., resulting from a lateral movement of head when the shell is impacted, alone or in combination with a rotation of the head, in which the head experiences a rapid acceleration and/or deceleration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a side view of an example helmet-style shock abatement system; 
         FIGS. 1B-1D  depict perspective, side and end schematic diagrams, respectively, of a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a schematic diagram of a pivot anchor of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIGS. 1A-1D ; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a schematic diagram of a lever of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIGS. 1A-1D ; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a schematic diagram of an example deformable member of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIGS. 1A-1D ; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a schematic diagram of an example deformable member of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  depict side, end and perspective schematic diagrams, respectively of a lever portion of an example lever assembly of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  depict side, end and perspective schematic diagrams, respectively of a pivot anchor portion of the example lever assembly of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  depict side, end and perspective schematic diagrams, respectively of a lever portion of another example lever assembly of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIGS. 10A-10C  depict side, end and perspective schematic diagrams, respectively of a pivot anchor portion of the other example lever assembly of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIGS. 11A-11D  depict perspective, top, side and end views, respectively, of another example lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system; 
         FIGS. 12A-12D  depict perspective, top, side and end views, respectively, of an example lever of the example of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system depicted in  FIGS. 11A-11D ; 
         FIG. 13  depicts a schematic view of a first detailed portion of the example lever depicted in  FIGS. 12A-12D ; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a schematic view of a second detailed portion of the example lever depicted in  FIGS. 12A-12D ; 
         FIG. 15A  depicts an exploded view of the example lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system depicted in  FIGS. 11A-11D ; 
         FIG. 15B  depicts a schematic view of a detailed portion of the example lever depicted in  FIGS. 12A-12D and 15A ; 
         FIG. 16  depicts a schematic view of another example lever assembly of the example lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system depicted in  FIGS. 11A-11D ; 
         FIGS. 17A-17B  depict front and side views of an example helmet system including the lever-actuated shock abatement system depicted in  FIGS. 11A through 15B ; 
         FIG. 18  depicts a top cross-sectional view of an example helmet system including another embodiment of a lever-actuated shock abatement system; 
         FIG. 19  depicts a top cross-sectional view of another example helmet system including yet another embodiment of a lever-actuated shock abatement system; 
         FIG. 20  depicts a top cross-sectional view of yet another example helmet system including yet another embodiment of a lever-actuated shock abatement system; 
         FIGS. 21A-21B  depict front and top views of another embodiment of a helmet assembly; 
         FIG. 22  depicts a top cross-sectional view of the helmet assembly depicted in  FIGS. 21A-21B  including an example lever-actuated shock abatement system; 
         FIG. 23  depicts a front cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a lever-actuated shock abatement helmet system; 
         FIGS. 24A-24B  depict side and perspective views of a pivot anchor assembly of the lever-actuated shock abatement helmet system depicted in  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  depicts a side view of yet another example lever-actuated shock abatement helmet system; 
         FIG. 26  depicts a schematic view of a detailed portion of the example lever-actuated shock abatement helmet system depicted in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  depicts a front cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a lever-actuated shock abatement helmet system; 
         FIG. 28  depicts a side view of a pivot anchor assembly of the lever-actuated shock abatement helmet system depicted in  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  depicts a perspective view of an example energy absorbing device (can be designed to absorb energy in the elastic region or plastic region up to the fracture point); 
         FIG. 30  depicts a perspective view of an example sacrificial member; 
         FIGS. 31A-31C  depict perspective, top and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of a deformable member; 
         FIGS. 32A-32C  depict top, sectional-isometric, and sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of a composite deformable member; 
         FIGS. 33A-33C  depict top, sectional-isometric, and sectional views, respectively, of another embodiment of a composite deformable member; 
         FIG. 34A  depicts a top perspective view of a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system during a first phase of operation; 
         FIG. 34B  depicts a more detailed view of a top portion of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIG. 34A ; 
         FIG. 34C  depicts a top perspective view of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIG. 34A  during a second phase of operation; 
         FIG. 34D  depicts a more detailed view of a top portion of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIG. 34C ; 
         FIG. 34E  depicts a top perspective view of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIG. 34A  during a third phase of operation; 
         FIG. 35A  depicts an illustrative stress-strain curve of a material used in a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system; 
         FIG. 35B  depicts tabular information associated with a strain effect of a material used in a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system; 
         FIG. 35C  depicts tabular information associated with a time-temperature equivalence of a material used in a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system; 
         FIG. 35D  depicts tabular information associated with physical properties of a sample configuration of a material used in a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system; 
         FIG. 36  depicts an example force-time curve of a relatively high stiffness material used in a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system; 
         FIG. 37  depicts an example force-displacement curve of the relatively high stiffness material of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  depicts an example force-time curve of a relatively low stiffness material used in a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system; 
         FIG. 39  depicts an example force-displacement curve of the relatively low stiffness material of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIGS. 40A-40B  depict top and side views of an embodiment of a breakable safety strip; 
         FIGS. 41A-41B  depict side and sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of an over-molded foam inclined plane of a lever actuated helmet shock abatement system; 
         FIGS. 42A-42B  depict side and sectional views, respectively, of another embodiment of a lever of a lever actuated helmet shock abatement system adapted for disengagement; 
         FIGS. 43A-43C  depict side, sectional and detail views, respectively, of yet another embodiment of a lever of a lever actuated helmet shock abatement system adapted for disengagement; and 
         FIG. 44A  depicts a top view of a shape memory safety loop; 
         FIGS. 44B-44C  depict side views of the safety loop of  FIG. 44A  according to first and second shapes. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments of devices and processes that abate impact shocks by enacting a machine that actuates a sacrificial system, member or device, sometimes referred to herein as a mechanical fuse, adapted to divert at least a portion of an impact force and/or energy away from a protected body through plastic deformation and/or fracture. Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure. 
     One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a safety device including a shock abatement assembly adapted for placement between a protective shell and a body of a user. The shock abatement assembly includes a number of levers and a number of fulcra that pivotally engage the number of levers. At least one lever of the number of levers rotates about a respective fulcrum of the number of fulcra in response to an impact force of a collision between the protective shell and a foreign object to obtain a lever response. The safety device further includes a sacrificial system including a first deformable member. The sacrificial system is in communication with a group of levers of the number of levers, wherein a first strain is applied to the first deformable member according to the lever response to obtain a first stress response of the first deformable member based on a first stress-strain relationship including a non-linear response. The first stress response of the first deformable member includes the non-linear response, wherein the first stress response reduces a portion of the impact force transmitted to the body of the user. 
     One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a helmet suspension system including a number of levers, wherein a first lever of the number of levers rotates about a fulcrum in response to an impact force of a collision between a helmet shell and a foreign object to obtain a lever response. The system includes a sacrificial assembly including a first deformable member, wherein the sacrificial assembly is in communication with a group of levers of the number of levers. A first strain applied to the first deformable member according to the lever response to obtain a first stress response of the first deformable member based on a first stress-strain relationship including a non-linear response. The first stress response of the first deformable member includes the non-linear response, wherein the first stress response reduces a portion of the impact force transmitted to a body of a user. 
     One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a process for collision protection. The process includes providing an impact protection assembly including a machine and a sacrificial assembly in communication with the machine. The sacrificial assembly includes a deformable member. An impact force is received according to a collision between a protective shell and a foreign object, wherein the impact protection assembly is configured for attachment to the protective shell to facilitate protection of a body of a user from the impact force. The machine is actuated in response to the impact force of the collision, and a strain is applied by the actuating of the machine, to the deformable member to obtain a stress response. The stress response is based on a stress-strain relationship including a non-linear response. The stress response of the deformable member includes the non-linear response, wherein the stress response reduces a portion of the impact force transmitted to the body of the user. 
     As used herein the term machine generally refers to one or more devices that transform energy and use and/or apply power to perform a particular task. A machine can include one or more parts, each with a definite function, that cooperate together and/or with other structures to perform the particular task. In general, machines can transmit and/or modify force and/or motion. The particular tasks can include, without limitation, a redistribution of a collision force, a redistribution of energy or both. The term machine includes one or more elementary mechanisms, such as a lever, a wheel and axle, a pulley, a screw, a wedge, and an inclined plane, generally referred to as simple machines. In at least some applications, the term machine can include complex machines, e.g., including a combination of one or more simple machines. 
     Machines can include, without limitation, devices that can be actuated, e.g., by applied energy and/or power. Actuation of the machine can set one or more parts or components of the machine into motion. The motion can include a controlled movement that can be controlled at least in part in a predetermined manner according to a structure of the machine. For example, controlled movement can allow parts to move in one direction while preventing the parts to move in another direction. Motion can include linear motion, rotational motion, and any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, machines can include one or more elements that result in an irreversible transformation of at least a portion of energy applied to the machine. 
     A collision generally refers to a short-duration interaction between two or more bodies, resulting in a change in motion of the bodies involved due to internal forces acting between them. Collisions can be elastic, inelastic or some combination of both. All collisions conserve momentum. Elastic collisions conserve both momentum and kinetic energy; whereas, inelastic collisions conserve momentum, but not kinetic energy. A coefficient of restitution, e.g., ranging between 0 and 1, provides a measure of a degree to which a collision is elastic, “1”, or inelastic “0”. 
     A line of impact can be defined as a line drawn between centers of mass of two colliding bodies that passes through a contact point between the bodies. Collisions can be “head on” in which a velocity of each body just before impact is along the line of impact. Alternatively, collisions can be non-head on, also referred to as oblique collisions, e.g., glancing blows, in which the velocity of each body before the impact is not along the line of impact. 
     A magnitude of a relative velocity between two colliding bodies at a time of impact can be referred to as a closing speed. In a collision between two bodies, a change in motion of one of the bodies resulting from a collision with another one of the bodies depends on how the bodies collided, how long it took the bodies to stop or slow, across what distance the collision occurred, and a degree of deformity of one or both of the bodies. 
     Collisions also involve forces related to changes in velocities of the different colliding bodies. Namely, each body involved in a collision experiences a respective impact force. The collision causes a change in acceleration of each body resulting from the collision that occurs over a time interval of the collision. The impact force can be estimated or otherwise approximated as a product of the body&#39;s mass and the acceleration, e.g., a change in velocity with respect to time, resulting from the collision. In some instances the impact force can be represented as an average value, e.g., F=ma, in which the acceleration, a, is an average acceleration based on the collision. In general, it is understood that the acceleration can include one of a linear acceleration, a rotational acceleration, or both. Accelerations can be positive or negative. For example, a body at rest hit by another body, sometimes referred to as a foreign object, will experience an acceleration, whereas, a body moving that hits another body at rest will experience a deceleration. 
     Generally speaking, a foreign object includes any object capable of colliding with the example protective systems disclosed herein. Examples of foreign objects include, without limitation, any movable object, such as a vehicle, a body, a portion of a body, an article, goods, materials, merchandise, and the like, including other protective systems, e.g., other helmets. Alternatively or in addition, the foreign object can include immovable or substantially immovable objects, such as a building, a portion of a building, a wall, a floor, the ground, a tree, a guardrail, and the like. In some scenarios, one of the protective system or the foreign object is stationary just prior to a collision, whereas, the other one is moving. In other scenarios both the protective system and the object are moving, e.g., towards each other, away from each other, according to virtually any relative position, direction, speed, and/or acceleration that results in a collision between the protective system and the foreign object. 
       FIG. 1A  depicts a side view of a helmet-style shock abatement system  150 . The example shock abatement system  150  includes a helmet shell  152  and helmet suspension system  100 . In at least some embodiments, the helmet suspension system  100  can include a lever assembly  100 . The lever assembly  100  is disposed at least partially between the helmet shell  152  and a head and/or neck portion of a user. 
     The protective helmet shell  152  can be molded or otherwise formed from a material, such as a polymer, a composite, e.g., including a resin and a fibrous matrix, a metal, e.g., as used in armor, or any combinations thereof. In at least some embodiments, the helmet shell can be rigid. It is understood that the protective shell, e.g., the helmet, without limitation, can include a single layer of material or multiple layers of material and provides an external surface that is configured to receive a collision force. The multiple layers of material can be of the same or similar materials or different materials. For example, materials with a structural orientation, such as materials including fibers, e.g., woven materials, can be layered having different orientations. 
     The direction, number, and/or magnitude of an applied, e.g., collision, force depends upon an intended application for the helmet. In some instances, it is possible to generally categorize protective gear into at least four general categories, including those intended for: (i) single impact, single direction; (ii) single impact, multiple directions; (iii) multiple impacts, single direction, and (iv) multiple impacts, multiple directions. It should be understood that the shock abatement systems and protective techniques disclosed herein can be applied to one or more of these categories. 
     The lever assembly  100  includes a mechanism that facilitates mitigation of impact forces upon a user. For example, the mechanism can include a force-redirecting mechanism that, when placed between the protective shell and the human body, facilitates redirection of a portion of the collision force transferred to the human body. 
     The example machine  100  can redistribute an impact force of a collision, e.g., to one or more directions that differ from a line of impact of the collision. Alternatively or in addition, the machine  100  can expend at least a portion of kinetic energy associated with the impact to reduce a portion of collision energy transferred to the user&#39;s head. In at least some embodiments, the machine  100  introduces a delay between an instant of the collision and a time at which energy and/or force is transferred to the user&#39;s head. Such expenditures of energy and/or delays in response generally contribute to a reduction in acceleration and/or deceleration experienced by the user&#39;s head in response to the collision. 
       FIGS. 1B-1D  depict perspective, side and end schematic diagrams, respectively, of an example lever assembly  100  portion usable with a helmet-style shock abatement system  150 . The example lever assembly  100  includes a first lever  102   a  and a second lever  102   b , generally  102 . Each lever  102  includes an elongated support arm  103   a ,  103   b  extending between a first, e.g., top, end  105  and a second, e.g., bottom  107  end. Each lever  102  pivotally engages a respective fulcrum  106 . In the illustrative example, the fulcrum  106  is located at a bottom end  107  of the lever  102 . It is understood that in other embodiments, one or more of the fulcra  106  can be located at a position between opposing ends  105 ,  107  of the lever  102 , such that each lever  102  rotates about its fulcrum  106 . Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the fulcra  106  can be located at the top end  105  of the lever  102 . Although the levers are illustrated with a generally vertical orientation, it is understood that the levers and/or pivots can be used alone or in combination with one or more other orientations, such as horizontal levers, angled levers, and so on. 
     The example lever assembly  100  also includes at least one deformable component  108 . The example deformable component includes a resilient component, such as an elastomer, a spring, and the like, extending between the top ends  105  of the first and second levers  102   a ,  102   b . The deformable member  108  is illustrated as being coupled between top ends  105 . In operation, an outward rotation of the levers  102  causes the top ends  105  to separate, thereby deforming the deformable member  108 . For example, outward rotation of the levers results in a stretching of the example elastomer  108 . 
     The example lever assembly  100  further include a pivot anchor  104   a ,  104   b , generally  104 , disposed at bottom end  107  of each of the respective levers  102   a ,  102   b . The pivot anchors  104  are adapted to anchor to a shell portion of the helmet. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a schematic diagram of a pivot anchor  200  of the lever assembly  100  disclosed in  FIGS. 1A-1D . The pivot anchor  200  includes a vertical member  202  extending between a bottom end portion and a top end portion. The pivot anchor  200  includes a pair of pivot extensions  204   a ,  204   b , generally  204 , extending outward and away from the bottom end portion. The pivot extensions  204  define pivot apertures  206   a ,  206   b , generally  206 . The pivot apertures are adapted to accept a pin and or axle about which the lever  102  may rotate. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a schematic diagram of a lever  300  of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system  100  ( FIGS. 1A-C ). The lever  300  includes an elongated member  303 , including a pivot aperture  306  at one end and an anchor channel  302  at an opposite end adapted to retain one end of a deformable member  108  ( FIGS. 1B-C ). In the illustrative example, the elongated member  303  is shaped according to a curve adapted to conform to an adjacent portion of a user&#39;s head and/or neck, when worn. The example anchor channel  302  includes a pair of opposing wall segments  304   a ,  304   b , generally  304 , extending upward and away from a top portion of the elongated member  303 . An open space, e.g., a separation distance between the opposing wall segments  304  is generally fixed to define side edges of the channel  302  together with an adjacent portion of the elongated member  303  disposed between the wall segments  304 . In at least some embodiments, the opposing wall segments  304  include top retaining wall extensions  306   a ,  306   b , generally  306 , extending inward, towards each other and parallel to the top portion of the elongated member  303 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts a schematic diagram of an example deformable member  400  of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system  100  ( FIGS. 1A-D ). The deformable member includes an elongated, rectangular mid-portion  402  extending for a first length L 1  and having a first width W 1 . The deformable member  400  includes a second rectangular portion  404  at each of its opposing ends. The second rectangular portion extends over a limited length and has a second width W 2  that may be greater than, equal to, or less than the first width W 1 . The second width W 2  corresponds to the open space between the opposing wall segments  304 , such that the top retaining wall extensions  306  overlap the second rectangular portion  404 , retaining it in slideable engagement between the opposing wall segments  304 . It is worth noting that the example deformable member  400  is planar, having a thickness, or depth “d” at least in proximity to outer edges of the second rectangular portion  404 . The depth is selected to fit between the top portion of the elongated member  303  and the retaining wall extensions  306 . In at least some embodiments, the deformable member  400  comprises a 3D configuration, e.g., having different thicknesses, shapes, cross sectional shapes apertures, extensions, and the like. 
     In at least some embodiments, the deformable member  400  includes opposing end portions  406 . In the example embodiment, the opposing end portions include a third width W 3 , such that W 3 &gt;W 2 . The differences in widths define a ridge  410  adapted to abut an end of the opposing wall segments  304 , to provide interference to the slideable engagement, such that the opposing end portions  406  retain the deformable member  400  in frictional engagement between opposing levers  102  of the lever assembly  100  ( FIGS. 1A-D ). A second length L 2  is defined between ridges of opposing end portions  406 . In operation, the second width W 2  and/or third width W 3  is selected such that a separation of the levers  102 , e.g., in response to their outward rotations about their respective pivots  106 , facilitates a deformation, e.g., a stretching, of the deformable member  400 . For example, the width W 2  is adapted to fit within a grooves or channels of the opposing wall segments  304 , and to abut against an end portion of the wall segments  304 , e.g., where the grooves or channels terminate along a length of the wall segments  304 . Alternatively or in addition, the width W 3  is adapted to extend beyond a terminal portion of the wall segments  304 . Accordingly, the deformable component  108  slideably engages the levers  102  by way of the channel  302  and/or wall segments  304  during construction and/or during periods of normal operation, i.e., not during a collision event. Beneficially, the deformable component  108  fixedly engages the levers  102  during a collision event through interference between the widths W 2  and/or W 3  and the channel  302  and/or wall segments  304 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a lever-assembly  500 , e.g., for use in a helmet-style shock abatement system. The lever-assembly  500  includes six levers  504  and a deformable member  600 . Each lever includes a deformable member anchor  506  and a pivot anchor  508 . The deformable member anchor  506  is adapted to retain an adjacent portion of the deformable member  600  ( FIG. 6 ). The pivot anchor  508  is adapted to attach to a support structure, such as a support frame and/or to a helmet shell. The pivot anchor  508  provides a pivotal engagement to the lever  504 , allowing the lever  504  to rotate about the pivot. Rotations of one or more of the levers  504  exerts a force(s) upon the deformable member  600 , causing a deformation of the deformable member  600 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a schematic diagram of an example deformable member  600  of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system of  FIG. 5 . The deformable member  600  includes six extension arms  602  disposed about a central section  604 . Each of the extension arms  602  includes an anchoring portion, such as the example aperture  606 . 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  depict side, end and perspective schematic diagrams, respectively of an example lever  700  of a lever assembly of an embodiment of the lever assembly  500  ( FIG. 5 ). The lever includes an elongated member  702  having an anchor  708  at an upper end and a pivot aperture  706  at a lower end  704 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  depict side, end and perspective schematic diagrams, respectively of an example pivot anchor  800  of the lever assembly of the example embodiment of the lever assembly  500  ( FIG. 5 ). The pivot anchor  800  includes a rigid member  808  having two pivot extensions  802   a ,  802   b , generally  802 . The example pivot extensions  802  define apertures  806  adapted to retain an axle and/or pin to facilitate pivoting of the lever  700  about the pivot point. In the illustrative example, the pivot extensions  802  are spaced apart to define an open space  804  therebetween. The open space is configured to accept the lower end  706  of the lever  700 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9C  depict side, end and perspective schematic diagrams, respectively of an example lever  900  of a lever assembly of an embodiment of a lever assembly. The lever includes an elongated member  901  extending between an upper end  902  and a lower end  904 . The lower end  904  defines two pivot apertures  906   a ,  906   b , generally  906 . The lower end  904  also defines a notch  908  between the pivot apertures  906 . 
       FIGS. 10A-10C  depict side, end and perspective schematic diagrams, respectively of another example of a pivot anchor  1000  of the lever assembly. The pivot anchor  1000  includes a rigid member  1008  having a pivot extension  1004 . Opposing ends of the pivot extension  1004  and adjacent lower portions of the rigid member  1008  define recessed areas  1002   a ,  1002   b , generally  1002 . The example pivot extension  1004  defines an apertures  1006  adapted to retain an axle and/or pin to facilitate pivoting of the lever  900  about the pivot point. In the illustrative example, the pivot extension  1004  is adapted to fit within the notch  908 , allowing the notch  908  of the lever  900  to accept the pivot extension  1004 . 
       FIGS. 11A-11D  depict perspective, top, side and end views, respectively, of another example lever assembly  1100  for use in a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system, e.g., placed within a helmet shell  152  ( FIG. 1A ). The lever assembly  1100  includes a pair of opposing levers  1102   a ,  1102   b , generally  1102 . The assembly  1100  also includes a pair of pivotal anchors  1104   a ,  1104   b , generally  1104 . Each of the pivot anchors  1104  pivotally engages a lower end of a respective lever  1102 , to allow a pivoting of the lever  1102  about its respective pivot anchor  1104 . As will be discussed further hereinbelow, the pivot anchors  1104  are adapted for secure attachment to a frame assembly and/or directly to a helmet shell  152 . As in preceding examples, the levers  1102  are shaped, e.g., having a curve, and in some instances a compound curve, to conform to an adjacent portion of a user&#39;s head and/or neck, when worn. 
     The lever assembly  1100  includes at least one deformable member extending between the opposing levers  1102 , and adapted to deform in response to forces exerted upon the deformable member(s) in response to the pivoting action of the levers  1102 . For example, an outward rotation of the levers  1102  results in an increased separation between top ends of the opposing levers  1102 . The increasing separation can induce a force upon the deformable member(s), such as tension, a compression, a bending and/or twisting. 
     The illustrative embodiment  1100  includes multiple deformable members. Namely, a first deformable member includes an elastomer  1108 . The elastomer  1108  is formed in a loop, e.g., according to an O-ring, and/or an elastic or rubber band. The elastomer  1108  is held in place between the levers  1102  by a pair of anchors  1109   a ,  1109   b , generally  1109 . Separation of the levers  1102  results in separation of the pair of anchors  1109 , which, in turn, stretches the elastomer  1108 . 
     The illustrative embodiment  1100  further includes a pair of deformable sacrificial members  1106   a ,  1106   b , generally  1106 . The sacrificial members  1106  are formed as elongated straight segments including enlarged end portions. The sacrificial members  1106  are held in place between the levers  1102  by pairs of mounting slots  1111   a ,  1111   b , generally  1111 . Separation of the levers  1102  results in separation of opposing mounting slots  1111 , which, in turn, stretches the sacrificial members  1106 . The enlarged end portions generally prevent the sacrificial members  1106  from sliding completely through their respective mounting slots  1111 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the sacrificial members  1106  are adapted to plastically deform in response to separation of the levers, up to and including a point of fracture or failure. Failure can include a fracturing and/or severing of the sacrificial member  1106 . In at least some embodiments, the plastic deformation and/or mechanical failure can occur at any point along the sacrificial member. By way of example, a location of a point of plastic deformation and/or failure along a sacrificial member  1106  can be controlled by physical properties of the sacrificial member. Such physical properties can include, without limitation, cross section shapes, cross sectional dimensions, material choice, material density, a presence of apertures or holes, e.g., to concentrate stresses, and the like. In at least some embodiments, the mechanical failure can include failure of the enlarged ends portions and/or failure of the mounting slots  1111 . 
     Although the sacrificial members  1106  are disclosed as elongated straight segments extending between two or more levers  1102 , it is understood that the sacrificial members can include other shapes, such as one or more of bent structures, segmented structures, curved structures, solid structures, enclosed structures, e.g., loops, and so on. Alternatively or in addition, it is understood that the sacrificial members  1106  can include other structures, such as anchors or hooks used to retain the deformable members  1106 . For example, the hooks can be adapted to plastically deform up to and including a point of fracture in response to strains resulting from a collision, before the deformable members  1106  plastically deform and/or fracture. 
     In operation, at least some separation of the levers may be allowed without inducing a plastic deformation of the sacrificial members  1106 , e.g., allowing the sacrificial members  1106  to slide through their respective mounting slots  1111 , without engaging the enlarged end portions. At a separation beyond a first separation threshold, however, the sacrificial members  1106  experience plastic deformation. The plastic deformation can continue up to a second separation threshold, greater than the first, at which point one or more of the sacrificial members  1106  fails. Despite failure of the sacrificial members, the elastomer  1108  remains operable beyond the second separation threshold. It is understood that one or more of plastic deformation and/or failure of the sacrificial member(s)  1106  and/or stretching of the elastomer  1108  transfer kinetic energy of a collision into other forms of energy, thereby reducing another portion of the kinetic energy of the collision to a user of the helmet-style shock-abatement system. 
       FIGS. 12A-12D  depict perspective, top, side and end views, respectively, of an example lever  1200  of the example of the lever-assembly  1100  depicted in  FIG. 11 -D. The lever  1200  includes a top end  1202 , a bottom end  1204  and a mid-section  1206  extending therebetween. The top end  1202  can include lateral extensions  1210   a ,  1210   b , generally  1210 , that extend outward and away from a center line of the lever. The lateral extensions can be sized and/or shaped to facilitate a comfortable, secure and safe fit to adjacent portions of a user&#39;s head and/or neck, when worn. In the illustrative example, the lateral extensions  1210  are curved to conform to the head. In at least some embodiments, the lateral extensions  1210  alone or in combination with the mid-section  1206  facilitate distribution of impact forces over relatively large regions of a user&#39;s head and/or neck 
       FIG. 13  depicts a schematic view of a first detailed portion of the example lever assembly  1200  depicted in  FIGS. 12A-D , highlighting placement and shape of the example anchor  1109 . Likewise,  FIG. 14  depicts a schematic view of a second detailed portion of the example lever depicted in  FIGS. 12A-D , highlighting placement and shape of the example mounting slot or channel  1111 . 
       FIG. 15A  depicts an exploded view  1500  of the example lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system  1100  depicted in  FIGS. 11A-D .  FIG. 15B  depicts a schematic view of a detailed portion of the example lever  1102   b  depicted in  FIG. 15A . In particular, the detail view portrays an end portion of the sacrificial member  1106  disposed within the mounting slot  1111 , including the enlarged end providing an interference fit with the mounting slot  1111 . 
       FIG. 16  depicts a schematic view of another example lever assembly  1600  of the example lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system depicted in  FIGS. 11A-11D . The example lever assembly  1600  includes a lever  1602  and a deformable member  1604 , such as a foam and/or a padding. A static use mode refers to a helmet worn upon a user&#39;s head, without being subject to any substantial external forces, such as impulsive forces as might be experienced when the helmet collides against another structure. The deformable member  1604 , can include one or more pads or similar features to provide comfort to the user&#39;s head during use. It is understood that the pads  1604  can include compressible elements, compressible materials including resilient materials, such as foams, sponges, gels, elastomers, springs and the like to facilitate comfort during static use and/or shock abatement during periods of dynamic use, e.g., during a collision. 
     It is understood that one or more of the pads  1604  can be in contact with the user&#39;s  104  during such static use periods. In the illustrative example, substantially an entire bottom surface of the pad  1604  would be in contact with the user&#39;s head according to the contour of the lever  1602  and the conforming contour of the pad  1604 . 
       FIGS. 17A-17B  depict front and side views of another example helmet-style shock abatement system  1700 . The system  1700  includes a helmet shell  1702  and a helmet suspension assembly  1704 . The helmet suspension assembly  1704  can include any of the various configurations disclose herein, such as the example mechanically fused lever assembly  1100  ( FIGS. 11A-15B ). In at least some embodiments, the system  1700  can include an adjustment band  1708  adapted to facilitate a secure and comfortable fit to a user&#39;s head and/or neck. When the adjustment band  1708  is tightened, it does not interfere with operation of the lever assembly  1704 . Namely, the levers are able to rotate in response to an impact. In the illustrative embodiment, the adjustment band  1708  also has an occipital support with adjustment mechanism of the ratchet kind. However other embodiments can use any of the available adjustment mechanisms and/or occipital supports. 
     The adjustment band  1708  in this embodiment can be made of a flexible material with high tensile resistance like polymers, e.g., polypropylene. This material can be injected, casted, press-cut formed, or the like, using known manufacturing techniques to fully form all the details of the grooves needed for the adjustment mechanism. However, other embodiments that use other adjustment mechanisms can use different means of manufacturing, such as punching. Any flexible material with relatively high tensile strength can be used like other polymers, leather, metals, foils, etc. 
     In operation, a first portion of an impact force and/or kinetic energy of a collision between a lever-actuated helmet system and an external disturbance is redistributed based on the actuating of the levers of any of the various embodiments disclosed herein. Redistribution can include a change in direction. For example, a collision force received along a line of action can produce a change in motion of the collision receiving body, such as a movement of at least the outer portion of the helmet system. A resulting impact force, and/or a relative motion between the outer portion of the helmet system, e.g., resulting from a transfer of energy, can squeeze the machine  100  along a first direction, e.g., generally towards the protected object along the line of action, e.g., along the direction of a collision force F. Actuation of the machine  100 , however, causes movement of one or more portions of the machine  100  that introduces forces upon one or more of the helmet shell and the user&#39;s head. 
     In at least some embodiments, resulting forces act on the user&#39;s head in directions that are orthogonal to the line of action and/or the impact force F acting upon the force processing mechanism. In at least some embodiments, the redistributions or redirection can introduce opposing forces acting upon the user&#39;s head. It is understood that the user&#39;s head can experience a resulting compression, e.g., without a corresponding translation and/or rotation. In at least some embodiments, the resulting forces act on the user&#39;s head in directions that are substantially opposite to the line of action and/or the impact force acting upon the force processing mechanism. 
     In at least some embodiments, a second portion of the impact force and/or kinetic energy of the collision that would otherwise be transferred toward the user&#39;s head is expended, absorbed, and/or otherwise reduced. This expenditure can include one or more of absorbing and/or dissipating energy associated with the collision. The absorbing and/or dissipating energy can occur, at least in part, along a direction other than the line of action. Alternatively or in addition, a reduction of at least a portion of the impact force can include an elastic and/or plastic behavior of materials to transform at least a portion of impact kinetic energy. Namely, impact energy can be absorbed by a break or fracture, a dent, a deformation and/or other temporary and/or permanent alteration of a protective system component. For example, some protection systems, such as motorcycle and/or bicycle helmets that are designed to break, fracture and/or otherwise deform in response to a collision. In at least some embodiments, energy absorption can be accomplished by distortion of a resilient and/or compliant member. Alternatively or in addition, the system can include a sacrificial member adapted to plastically deform up to a point of failure, at which time the sacrificial member breaks. Examples include, without limitation, storing kinetic energy of the collision in mechanical energy, e.g., potential energy of a distorted spring, a compressed resilient pad, and the like. 
     In a dynamic response mode or configuration. The helmet system worn upon the user&#39;s head is subjected to an external force, F, e.g., a vertically downward force. The external force F, e.g., resulting from a collision of the helmet shell with another object, is applied to an exterior surface of the helmet shell. The force F pushes the helmet shell downward with respect to the user&#39;s head. By way of example, and in reference to the helmet system  100  of  FIG. 1 , the fulcra  106  securely engage the helmet shell, e.g., by way of a friction fit between the pivot anchors  104  and an accessory slot of the helmet shell, and move downward in a corresponding manner with respect to the user&#39;s head. A relative movement of the helmet shell, the fulcra  106  and the user&#39;s head decreases the separation distance between the top of the user&#39;s head and the facing portion of an interior surface of the helmet shell to a distance h″, where h″&lt;h′. The relative movement forces the top ends  105  of the levers  102  outward by a relative upward movement of the user&#39;s head within the helmet shell. The user&#39;s head provides a reaction force that results in a rotation of the levers  102  about the respective fulcra  106 , as shown. To the extent the pivot is located between the ends, the resulting rotation would cause bottom portions  107  of the levers  102  to move inward towards the user&#39;s head. 
     Additionally, the rotation of the levers results in a separation of the top ends  105  of the levers  102 , resulting in an increased separation distance L″, where L″&gt;L′. The expansion in the separation distance applies a tension to the deformable member  108  causing a distortion of the deformable member  108 , e.g., and elongation. The elongation of the deformable member  108  results in a conversion of at least a portion of kinetic energy resulting from the collision into potential energy in the form of the distorted spring. 
     Beneficially, rotation of the levers  102  provides several advantages that facilitate an abatement of the collision force acting upon the user&#39;s head and/or other parts of the body, such as the neck, spine and the like. For example, rotations of the levers  102  reconfigured at least a portion of the downward or vertical force F into a different direction, e.g., a horizontal direction, pushing inward on side portions of the user&#39;s head. Thus, at least a portion of the downward force F that would otherwise tend to compress a user&#39;s neck and/or spine is converted to opposing lateral forces that tend to compress the user&#39;s head, without necessarily moving and/or compressing the spine. 
     Moreover, that portion of the kinetic energy that is converted to potential energy in the deformable member  108  is absorbed or otherwise prevented from acting upon the user&#39;s head or body. In the illustrative example, removal of the force F, e.g., after a collision, can result in a subsequent transfer of at least some of the potential energy of the deformable member  108  into kinetic energy of the levers  102  to rotate the levers back towards their original static use positions. Such backward rotation can result in a relative movement of the helmet shell and the user&#39;s head, e.g., to increase the separation distance from h″ back to h′. It is anticipated that such releases of potential energy will not result in forces that would otherwise injure the user. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the levers  1102  ( FIGS. 11A-D ) can be configured to twist. For example, the twisting can be in response to a force applied to one or more elongated extensions at either or both ends of a lever assembly  1100 . In some embodiments, twisting is permitted by one or more of a mechanical configuration or a choice of material. Twisting of one or more of the levers  1102  can contribute to deformation of one or more deformable members  108 , and/or springs, e.g., to convert a kinetic energy to a potential energy based at least in part on the twisting. In at least some embodiments, twisting includes a rotational displacement of one end  1105  of a lever  1102  with respect to an opposing end  1107  of the lever  1102 . 
     In at least some embodiments, one or more of the elongated portion  1103  of the lever  1102  and the ends  1105 ,  1107  are substantially rigid and joined by way of a linkage (not shown) that facilitates a twisting. Alternatively or in addition, a twisting can be facilitated by a pivot about which the lever rotates. For example, the pivot can be flexibly mounted to one of a mounting frame and/or an interior surface of the protective shell or helmet. It is understood that one or more of the levers can include one or more joints, such as ball and socket joints. 
     In some embodiments, the lever assembly can be assembled as a self-contained, wearable unit. For example, a lever assembly can be assembled into a free-standing assembly that can be worn with or without a protective shell. It should be understood that the shock abatement systems disclosed herein can be assembled into free-standing assemblies and used without protective shells. Such free-standing assemblies can be pre-assembled and inserted into or otherwise combined with protective shells. Alternatively or in addition the shock abatement systems can be combined with one or more protective shells and/or assembled in combination with such shells. In some embodiments, one or more components, e.g., the fulcra, can be attached to and/or integrally formed with the protective shell. It is envisioned that in at least some embodiments, one or more cantilevered segments can be formed by removing material from a portion of a shell. At least one of the one or more cantilevered segments can be operatively coupled to one or more of the example levers and/or lever assemblies disclosed herein to redistribute a non-trivial portion of a collision energy that absorbs and/or dissipates energy in directions other than a line of impact of the collision. 
     In some embodiments, lever rotation can occur within a plane. Consider a hinge-type pivot in which rotation is substantially constrained to a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the pivot. Alternatively or in addition, rotation can occur more freely, e.g., within three dimensions. Consider a point fulcrum in which the lever  102  can rotate in three dimensions. By way of non-limiting arrangements, a pivot can include a ball-and-socket style joint or coupling. Such an engagement can include a partially spherical protrusion, e.g., a ball or a partially spherical cavity, e.g., a socket positioned at a pivot location along the lever  504  and a corresponding socket or ball positioned at an adjacent fulcrum. The ball-and-socket joint generally allows for multidirectional movement and rotation. 
     In some embodiments, the shock abatement system also includes a mounting structure, e.g., a mounting frame, bracket or ring (not shown) to which the levers of the lever array are pivotally attached. The mounting frame can include an enclosed ring, e.g., a circle or an oval, e.g., an ellipse or egg shape. The mounting frame can include a fulcrum for each of the levers. 
     One or more of the deformable members can include a spring, a, a resilient material, a compliant material, a conformable material, or any combination thereof. Deformable materials can include, without limitation, elastomers, foams, rubbers, polymers, gels, composites and the like. It is understood that one or more of the deformable members can be in contact with a portion of a body, such as a human head, face and/or neck. One or more of the deformable members can be configured to touch the body during normal wear, e.g., static use, during periods of reaction to external forces including impulsive or impact forces as might be experienced during a collision, and/or subsequent to any such collisions. 
       FIG. 18  depicts a top cross-sectional view of another example helmet-style shock abatement system  1800  including a helmet shell  1802  and a lever assembly  1803 . The lever assembly  1803  includes two pairs of opposing levers  1804 , each pair rotationally displaced from the other by about 90 degrees with respect to a central body axis. Each lever  1804  is pivotally joined to the helmet shell  1802 , e.g., at a base portion of the lever, e.g., at a respective pivot anchor  1806 . Consequently, each lever  1804  is adapted to pivot or rotate about its respective pivot anchor  1806 . 
       FIG. 19  depicts a top cross-sectional view of another example helmet-style shock abatement system  1900  including a helmet shell  1902  and a lever assembly  1903 . The lever assembly  1903  includes two pairs of opposing levers  1904 , each pair rotationally displaced from the other by about 90 degrees with respect to a central body axis. Each lever  1904  is pivotally joined to the helmet shell  1902 , e.g., at a base portion of the lever, e.g., at a respective pivot anchor  1906 . Consequently, each lever  1904  is adapted to pivot or rotate about its respective pivot anchor  1906 . 
     The lever assembly  1903  further includes a pair of sacrificial members  1907 . Each sacrificial member  1907  of the pair is in communication with top portions of an opposing lever pair  1904 . The example configuration includes a loop configuration, e.g., circular and/or rectangular loop, in which ends of the loop are wrapped around top portions of the levers  1904 , such that a separation of the top portions of the levers  1904 , e.g., as induced by their pivoting about respective pivots  1906 , causes a plastic deformation of the sacrificial member and/or fracture  1907 . At a sufficiently large separation distance the sacrificial member  1907  can experience mechanical failure, e.g., breaking. 
     Alternatively or in addition, the lever assembly  1903  further includes a pair of elastomeric members  1908 . Each elastomeric member  1908  of the pair is in communication with top portions of an opposing lever pair  1904 . The example configuration includes a loop configuration, e.g., circular and/or rectangular loop, in which ends of the loop are wrapped around top portions of the levers  1904 , such that a separation of the top portions of the levers  1904 , e.g., as induced by their pivoting about respective pivots  1906 , causes an elastic and/or plastic expansion of the elastomeric member  1908 . In at least some embodiments, one or more of the elastomeric members  1908  remains engaged and in elastic expansion after failure of any and/or all of the sacrificial members  1907 , when present. 
     Although single sacrificial member loops  1907  and elastomeric loops  1908  are shown between opposing pairs of levers, it is understood that other configurations are possible. For example, multiple sacrificial member loops  1907  and/or elastomeric loops  1908  can be used for a single pair of levers. Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the sacrificial member loops  1907  and/or elastomeric loops  1908  can engage any number of levers, including more than a single pair, and in some instances, up to all of the levers. Likewise, although four vertically aligned levers  1904  arranged in opposing pairs are shown, it us understood that a greater number and/or fewer number of levers  1904  can be used. The levers can include vertically aligned levers, horizontally aligned levers, and/or any other conceivable alignment and/or orientation, without restriction. 
       FIG. 20  depicts a top cross-sectional view of another example helmet-style shock abatement system  2000  including a helmet shell  2002  and a lever assembly  2003 . The lever assembly  2003  includes two pairs of opposing levers  2004 , each pair rotationally displaced from the other by about 90 degrees with respect to a central body axis. Each lever  2004  is pivotally joined to the helmet shell  2002 , e.g., at a base portion of the lever, e.g., at a respective pivot anchor  2006 . Consequently, each lever  2004  is adapted to pivot or rotate about its respective pivot anchor  2006 . 
     The lever assembly  2003  further includes at least one elastomeric member  2008 . The elastomeric member  2008  is in communication with top portions of multiple levers  1904 , and in the illustrative example, in communication with top portions of all of the levers  1904 . For example, the elastomeric member  2008  includes apertures adapted to engage protruding hooks or posts of the levers. The example configuration includes a “star” shaped elastomer  2008  including extensions or arms that engage respective levers  1904 . Physical separation of top portions of the levers  2004 , e.g., as induced by their pivoting about respective pivots  2006 , causes an elastic expansion of the elastomeric member  2008 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the lever assembly can include one or more sacrificial members  1907  ( FIG. 19 ). The sacrificial member(s)  1907 , when provided, can operate as defined herein. In at least some embodiments, the elastomeric member  2008  remains engaged and in elastic expansion after failure of any and/or all of the sacrificial members as may be present. 
       FIGS. 21A-21B  depict front and top views of another embodiment of a helmet assembly  2100 . The helmet assembly  2100  includes a shell  2102  and a number of pivot anchors. As placement of pivot anchors may require more space within the helmet than available, at least some of the pivot anchors can be positioned at least partially external to the shell  2102 . In the illustrative example, the shell  2102  includes four apertures, each sized, shaped and positioned to accommodate a portion of a respective pivot anchor  2104 . The pivot anchors  2104  can include an outer portion that resides external to the shell  2102  and an internal portion adapted to pivotally engage a respective lever. Such external placement of at least portions of the pivot anchors outside the helmet shell  2102  gains space to place a machine, e.g., levers, elastomers and/or sacrificial members, inside the helmet shell  2102 . In small shells  2102  and with shock abatement systems that incorporate front and back levers, space can be gained by incorporating a housing that permits to locate the lever pivots outside the shell  2102 . 
       FIG. 22  depicts a top cross-sectional view of another example helmet-style shock abatement system  2200  including a helmet shell  2202  and a lever assembly  2203 . The lever assembly  2203  includes two pairs of opposing levers  2204 , each pair rotationally displaced from the other by about 90 degrees with respect to a central body axis. Each lever  2204  is pivotally joined to the helmet shell  2202 , e.g., at a base portion of the lever, e.g., at a respective pivot anchor  2206 . Consequently, each lever  2204  is adapted to pivot or rotate about its respective pivot anchor  2206 . 
     The illustrative embodiment of the lever assembly  2203  includes a “star” shaped elastomeric member  2210 , e.g., similar to the star shaped elastomeric member  2008  ( FIG. 10 ). The star shaped elastomeric member  2210  engages some or all of the levers  2204 , such that rotation of the levers induces an expansion of the elastomeric member  2210 . Likewise, the illustrative embodiment of the lever assembly  2203  includes a pair of sacrificial members  2208   a ,  2208   b , generally  2208 . The example sacrificial members  2208  includes loop configurations, e.g., circular and/or rectangular loops. Each sacrificial member  2208  of the pair is in communication with top portions of an opposing lever pair  2204 . Instead of being wrapped around the levers  2204 , however, the loops of the sacrificial members  2208  engage hooks and/or latches provided at the ends of the levers  2204 . Once again, separation of the top portions of the levers  2204 , e.g., as induced by their pivoting about respective pivots  2206 , causes a plastic deformation of the sacrificial member  2208 . At a sufficiently large separation distance the sacrificial member  2208  can experience mechanical failure, e.g., breaking. In at least some embodiments, one or more of the elastomeric members  2210  remains engaged and in elastic expansion after failure of any and/or all of the sacrificial members  2208 , when present. 
       FIG. 23  depicts a front cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a lever-actuated shock abatement helmet system  2300 . The system  2300  includes a protective shell  2302  and a lever assembly  2303 . The lever assembly  2303  includes one or more levers  2304  that are pivotally attached to respective pivot anchors  2306 . The pivot anchors  2306  are adapted to frictionally engage a lower rim of the protective shell  2302 , such that the pivot anchors are fixedly attached to the shell  2302  and substantially stationary during a collision event. 
       FIGS. 24A-B  depict side and perspective views of the example pivot anchor  2306  depicted in  FIG. 23 . In particular, the pivot anchor  2306  includes a rigid segment  2312  extending between a lower end and an upper end. The lower end includes a slot  2315 , e.g., defined between the lower end of the rigid segment  2312  and an opposing wall segment  2314 . In some embodiments the opposing wall segment can include an extension, e.g., a blade, a plug, or the like, adapted to frictionally engage, e.g., plug into, an accessory attachment accommodation  2305 . In at least some embodiments, e.g., those in which a helmet shell may not include an specific attachment accommodation, the slot  2315  provides interference fit between the pivot anchor  2306  and the helmet shell  2302 , e.g., along a bottom rim of the helmet shell  2302 . In the illustrative example the pivot anchor  2306  includes an upper extension that defines a pivot aperture  2318 . The pivot aperture  2318  is adapted to engage a pin and/or axle to facilitate an axial rotation or pivoting of the lever  2304  about the pivot anchor  2306 . 
       FIG. 25  depicts a side view of yet another example lever-actuated shock abatement helmet system  2500 . The system  200  includes a protective shell  2502  including a lever assembly having at least one lever  2504 . The at least one lever  2504  is in communication with a sacrificial member  2506 . The sacrificial member  2506  is adapted to undergo a plastic deformation in response to rotation of the at least one lever  2504  to facilitate a transformation of at least a portion of kinetic energy of a collision strain energy, in the plastic region of the material. Beneficially, the energy expended in any of the plastic deformations disclosed herein is not transferred back to the system  2500  and/or user of the system  2500 . 
       FIG. 26  depicts a schematic view of a detailed portion  2600  of the example lever-actuated shock abatement helmet system  2500  depicted in  FIG. 25 , highlighting details of the sacrificial member  2506 . The sacrificial member  2506  includes a solid structure that includes one or more foldable and/or collapsible portions. When subjected to a force of a collision, a rotation of the lever folds and/or collapses the foldable and/or collapsible portions of the sacrificial member  2506 . In at least some embodiments, the folding and/or collapsing includes plastic deformation of the solid material. By way of illustration, the solid material includes apertures, e.g., in the form of a honeycomb. An outward rotation of the lever  2504  towards the shell  2505  entraps the sacrificial member  2506 , exerting a compressive force. The compressive force induces a folding and/or collapse of one or more of the apertures, according to a plastic deformation. 
       FIG. 27  depicts a front cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a lever-actuated shock abatement helmet system  2700 . The system  2700  includes a protective shell  2702  and a lever assembly  2703 . The lever assembly  2703  includes one or more levers  2704  that are pivotally attached to respective pivot anchors  2706 . The pivot anchors  2706  are adapted to frictionally engage a lower rim of the protective shell  2702 , such that the pivot anchors are fixedly attached to the shell  2302  and substantially stationary during a collision event. 
       FIG. 28  depicts a side view of the example pivot anchor  2706  depicted in  FIG. 27 . In particular, an upper portion of the pivot anchor  2706  includes an upper extension including a cantilevered segment  2716  and defining a pivot location  2718 . The pivot location  2718  is adapted to engage a pin and/or axle to facilitate an axial rotation or pivoting of the lever  2704  about the pivot anchor  2706 . The illustrative embodiment includes one or more sacrificial elements  2708  positioned in proximity to the pivot location  2318 . The sacrificial elements  2708  are adapted to transform kinetic energy of a collision to strain energy, in the plastic region of the material, by shearing forces. For example, the sacrificial elements  2708  can include an array of cylindrical stubs  2708  that extend outward away from the lever. For example, the cylindrical stubs  2708  can be aligned with a pivot axis. The cylindrical stubs  2708  are rotated into the cantilevered segment  2716  of the pivot anchor  2706 . In response to encountering the cantilevered segment  2716 , each of the sacrificial elements  2708 , in turn, are deformed plastically by shearing forces provided by contact with the cantilevered segment  2716 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the pivot anchor  2706 , the lever  2704  and/or the sacrificial element  2708  can include a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism can include a resilient member, such as a spring, that stores energy during rotation of the lever  2704 . The ratchet mechanism selectively engages during rotation in a first direction, e.g., counter clockwise, and is prevented from releasing stored energy by its preventing rotation in a second direction, e.g., clockwise. 
       FIG. 29  depicts a perspective view of a sacrificial member  2900 . The sacrificial member includes a rectangular loop formed in a planar fashion, e.g., cross section of the loop reveals rectangular cross sections of the loop segments. It is understood that other configurations are possible, such as linear members, and/or enclosed loop members including any shape, such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, etc. Although the loop is substantially planar, it is understood that other non-planar configurations are possible, including three dimensional shapes. The sacrificial member material and/or methods of fabricating the same can include, without limitation, any of the various materials and techniques disclosed herein. Material combinations and sacrificial member or fuse design permit to have spring arrangements in parallel and/or series. In  FIG. 2900 , the rectangular design of the sacrificial member is intended to work as two springs in parallel. Sacrificial member materials can be thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, metals or any combination thereof (for example, tires combine different elastomers with an array of metal wires). 
       FIG. 30  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a sacrificial member  3000 . The sacrificial member  3000  includes a pair of loops  3004   a ,  3004   b , generally  3004 , formed at respective end portions  3002   a ,  3002   b . The loops  3004  are joined together by a mid-section  3006 . It is understood that the entire sacrificial member can be formed form the same material or combination of materials. Alternatively, the sacrificial member  3000  can be formed from different materials, e.g., different materials for the loop ends  3002  and the mid-section  3006 . Selection of materials and/or material configurations, e.g., size, width, depth, cross section, and the like, can be adapted to facilitate a controlled sacrificial member, e.g., fuse, performance. Once again, a cross section of the sacrificial member  3000  reveals rectangular cross sections of the loop end segments  3002  and/or mid-section  3006 . It is understood that other configurations are possible, such as linear members, and/or enclosed loop members including any shape, such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, etc. Although the loop is substantially planar, it is understood that other non-planar configurations are possible, including three dimensional shapes. The sacrificial member material and/or methods of fabricating the same can include, without limitation, any of the various materials and techniques disclosed herein. 
       FIGS. 31A-31C  depict perspective, top and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of a deformable member  3100 . The deformable member  3100  can include one or more sacrificial member segments  3105 ,  3106 ,  3108 , e.g., extending between opposing ends  3102   a ,  3102   b , generally  3102 . The sacrificial member segments  3105 ,  3106 ,  3108  can be adapted to plastically deform and/or fail according to different tensions. For example, a first sacrificial member segment  3105  can be designed to plastically deform and/or fail before any of the other sacrificial member segments  3106 ,  3108  fail. Likewise, a second sacrificial member segment  3106  can be designed to plastically deform and fail after the first sacrificial member segment  3105  has failed, but before a third sacrificial member segment  3108  fails. Similarly, the third sacrificial member segment  3108  can be designed to plastically deform and fail only after both the first and second sacrificial member segments  3105 ,  3106  have failed. In this manner, the sacrificial member segments operate according to respective thresholds. Control of plastic deformation and/or failure performance can be accomplished according to any of the techniques disclosed herein or otherwise generally known to those skilled in the art. In the illustrative example, the sacrificial member segments  3105 ,  3106 ,  3108  can be fabricated having different thicknesses and/or widths. Alternatively or in addition, the sacrificial member segments  3105 ,  3106 ,  3108  can be fabricated having different degrees of bend, warp or wave. For example, the greater the extent of the wave portions, the higher the threshold of plastic deformation and/or failure. One or more of the end portions  3102  can include an aperture  3105 , adapted to engage an anchor on one or more of a lever, a pivotal anchor, and/or a helmet shell. 
       FIGS. 32A-32C  depict top, sectional-isometric, and sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of a compound deformable member  3200 . The compound deformable member  3200  includes a first material  3202  forming a matrix that retains a second material  3204 . In the illustrative example, the first material includes an elastomer  3202 , whereas the second material includes a sacrificial member  3204 . The elastomer  3202  can be formed as an elongated rectangle, including at least two apertures  3206   a ,  3206   b , generally  3206 , adapted to anchor the compound deformable member  3200  within a lever-actuated shock abatement system. Without limitation, the apertures  3206  can anchor the compound deformable member  3200  between levers, e.g., between opposing levers, and/or between levers and one or more of anchor pivots or protective shells. 
     In more detail, the sacrificial member  3204  is formed as an internal loop suspended within the elastomer  3202 . In at least some embodiments, the loop is sized, shaped and/or positioned to include the at least two apertures, such that expansion of deformable member  3200  by way of the apertures  3206  provides a plastic deformation of the sacrificial member up to and including failure. After such plastic deformation and/or failure, the elastomer  3202  remains operable to store energy in response to further expansion/deformation. It is understood that in at least some embodiments, the roles and/or configuration of the sacrificial member and elastomer can be switched, such that the elastomer is embedded within a sacrificial member. 
       FIGS. 33A-33C  depict top, sectional-isometric, and sectional views, respectively, of another embodiment of a compound deformable member  3300 . The deformable member  3300  includes a first material, e.g., an elastomer  3302 , formed in a cross, or star shape, e.g., to accommodate attachment to two opposing pairs of levers. Once again, the elastomer  3302  includes apertures  3308  to engage anchors on the levers. Likewise, the elastomer  3302  includes one or more pairs of sacrificial members  3304 ,  3306  suspended therewithin. The sacrificial members  3304 ,  3306  can include loop configurations that extend between opposing apertures and operate as described hereinabove. It is understood that multiple sacrificial members can be applied between the same opposing pair of levers, e.g., operating in a parallel fashion. In such configurations, it is understood that mechanical properties of the parallel sacrificial members  3304 ,  3306  can be the same or different. Consider at least one example, in which a first sacrificial member  3304  is adapted to operate at a lower threshold of lever separation; whereas, a second sacrificial member  3306  is adapted to operate at a higher threshold of lever separation. With such configurations, it is possible to tailor a performance, e.g., an energy absorption, dissipation and/or redirection according to properties of the parallel sacrificial members  3304 ,  3306 . 
     Once again, it is understood that in at least some embodiments, the roles and/or configuration of the sacrificial members and elastomer can be switched, such that the elastomer is embedded within a sacrificial member. 
     In some embodiments, the various shock abatement systems disclosed herein can include one or more springs that absorb and/or store energy in response to movement of the levers. The spring members can include a spring and/or an elastomeric material, such as an elastic band, a rubber band, or a resilient O-ring. Although the illustrative examples portray an enclosed elastomeric loop, it is understood that any deformable material and/or configuration can be used. For example, a top portion of one of the levers can be attached to a top portion of one or more of the other levers by one or more springs. For example, springs can be used between adjacent levers, and/or between non-adjacent levers, e.g., between opposing levers. According to any of the example configurations, an impact or collision force induces a rotation of one or more of the levers, which results in a deformation of the one or more spring members and/or operation of the sacrificial members to absorb, and/or store, and/or dissipate kinetic energy of the impact/collision. It is understood that deformations of any of the various devices and/or materials disclosed herein can include one of plastic deformations, elastic deformations, or any combination thereof. 
       FIG. 34A  depicts a top perspective view of another embodiment of a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system  3400 ′. In particular, the system  3400 ′ is depicted in a first phase of operation referred to as pre-impact. The system  3400 ′ includes a lever assembly  3410  and a helmet shell  3402 , adapted to be worn upon a head  3401  of a user. In the illustrative example, the lever assembly  3410  is adapted to abut at least a top portion of the user&#39;s head  3401  by resting upon the user&#39;s head  3401  providing a suspension for the helmet shell  3402 . In a suspension role, the lever assembly  3410  preserves a separation distance d 1  between a top of the user&#39;s head  3401  and/or the top of the lever assembly  3410  and an inner surface of the helmet shell  3402 . The separation distance d 1  offers advantages that include, without limitation, comfort, ventilation, and/or void to allow room for a translation of the helmet shell  3402  and/or a deformation of the helmet shell  3402 . In at least some embodiments, the separation distance d 1  allows for a deformation and/or actuation of the suspension system. Distance d 1  can be referred to as impact stopping distance as it establish a limit for a minimum force required to stop the impact mass (e.g., according to an ideal spring behavior). For example, an impact on an external surface of the helmet shell  3402  may result in an inward deflection, bend and/or buckle. It is understood that such deformation of the helmet shell  3402  can absorb and/or deflect at least a portion of an impact force, while the preserved open space ensures that any such deformation occurs without touching the user&#39;s head  3401  and/or a top portion of the lever assembly  3410 . 
     In more detail, the example lever assembly  3410  includes a pair of opposing levers  3404   a ,  3404   b , generally  3404 . It is understood that some embodiments can include more than two levers. Each lever  3404  also includes a helmet attachment portion, e.g., a pivot insert  3408 , adapted to secure the lever assembly  3410  with respect to the helmet shell  3402 . For example, the pivot insert  3408  includes a pivot portion that attaches to the lever  3404 . The pivot portion can include a pivot joint  3406 , such as an axle, one or more axle extensions, one or more axle accepting apertures, and the like. In at least some embodiments, the pivot insert  3408  includes a lever mounting portion. According to the illustrative embodiment, the lever mounting portion defines an open channel or slot  3407  sized and shaped to accept a lever-assembly mounting portion of the helmet shell  3402 . The lever-assembly mounting portion can include, without limitation, a lower rim of the helmet shell  3402 , an accessory mounting portion, a lever mounting portion and the like. According to the illustrative embodiment, the slot  3407  includes a lower wall portion  3409 . The example lever-assembly mounting portion can be mounted to the helmet shell  3402  according to a frictional fit, a snap fit, an adhesive, a weld, a mechanical fastener, such as a snap, a screw, a staple, a rivet, hook-and-loop fasteners, and any combination thereof. 
     In the illustrative example, the pivot insert is provided at a lower end of each lever  3404 . Each lever  3404  engages its respective pivot insert  3408  using a movable joint, such as a pivot joint  3406 . The pivot joint  3406  allows for a pivoting motion of the lever  3404  about the pivot joint  3406 . The pivot insert  3408  is adapted for secure attachment to a frame assembly and/or directly to the helmet shell  3402 . As in preceding examples, the levers  3404  are shaped, e.g., having a curve, and in some instances a compound curve, to conform to an adjacent portion of a user&#39;s head and/or neck, when worn. Such contours offer comfort when worn and protection during an impact by providing a relative large contact area with the user&#39;s head  3401 . 
     The example lever assembly  3410  includes at least a first member  3412  and a second member  3420  extending between the opposing levers  3404 , and adapted to deform in response to forces exerted upon the deformable member(s) in response to the pivoting action of the levers  3404 . It is understood that other configurations with a single member, either the first member  3412 , the second member  3420 , or other combinations of greater or fewer numbers of the two members  3412 ,  3420  are possible. According to the illustrative example, an outward rotation of the top ends of the opposing levers  3404  results in an increased separation between the top ends. The increasing separation can induce a force upon the deformable member(s), such as tension. Other forces can be induced, such as a compression, a bending and/or twisting. 
     It is further understood that the first and second members  3412 ,  3420  can have similar and/or identical shapes, e.g., both are loops, or both are strips. Alternative or in addition, the first and second members  3412 ,  3420  can have different shapes. Whether the shapes are the same, similar or different, the sizes of the first and second members  3412 ,  3420  can be similar, identical and/or different, e.g., some being relatively short in comparison to others. Shapes can differ in profile and/or cross section. For example, some of the first and second members  3412 ,  3420  can have a round or elliptical cross sectional profile, while others can have a triangular, rectangular, or more generally a polygonal profile. 
     In some embodiments, the second deformable member  3420  includes an elastic material, e.g., an elastomeric member  3420 . As discussed further, hereinbelow, it is understood that the material properties of any of the first and second members  3412 ,  3420 , and for that matter, any of the materials disclosed herein, may vary according to temperature. According to the illustrative embodiment, the first members  3412  are safety strips  3412  and the second member  3420  is an elastomeric loop  3420 . Namely, a material described as an elastomer at one temperature range, may be characterized as having plastic, rigid and/or glassy properties at other temperature ranges. As anticipated operating temperature ranges of any of the disclosed embodiments can extend over a wide range, e.g., according to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014: American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection: room temperature at 23° C.±3° C. (73.4° F.±5.4° F.); hot temperature at 49° C.±2° C. (120° F.±3.6° F.); higher temperature (Optional) at 60° C.±2° C. (140° F.±3.6° F.); cold temperature at −18° C.±2° C. (0° F.±3.6° F.); and lower temperature (Optional) at −30° C.±2° C. (−22° F.±3.6° F.). Other operating temperature ranges can include, without limitation, according to NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment): Standard Performance Specification for Newly Manufactured Football Helmets: hot temperature at 46° C.±3° C. (115° F.±5° F.). Although some example temperature ranges are provided, it is understood that the techniques disclosed herein can be applied to any temperature range. 
     The example elastomeric member  3420  is formed according to an enclosed structure, such as a loop, a flattened loop, an O-ring, and/or an elastic or rubber band, or more generally, any contoured shape and/or perimeter. Although enclosed loops are disclosed, other shapes are possible, e.g., lines, X&#39;s, stars, solids, strips and the like, The elastomeric loop  3420  is held in place between the levers  3404  by a pair of anchors, in this example, hooks  3414   a ,  3414   b  generally  3414 . The loop  3420  is engaged at a beginning of a collision event by the hooks  3414  of the lever  3404 . The example hooks  3414  include an elongated member attached at one end to the lever  3404  and extending away from the point of attachment. The example hooks  3414  further include an enlarged free end, e.g., having lateral protrusions adapted to facilitate retaining the elastomeric loop  3420  when positioned between the hooks  3414 . Separation of the levers  3404  results in separation of the pair of hooks  3414 , which, in turn, can stretch the elastomeric loop  3420 . Stiffness profiles of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system  3400  can vary according to material properties, shapes, e.g., profiles, thicknesses, cross-sectional profiles, configurations, and so on. It understood that in at least some embodiments, one or more of the elastomeric loop  3420  and/or the hooks  3414  are adapted to fail or otherwise fracture or break under a predetermined stress. It is further understood that the range and/or point of failure can vary depending upon temperature conditions. In a stress range, the elastomeric loop  3420  may stretch to a point of failure, e.g., fracture or breakage. It is understood that failure and/or fracture at stresses beyond a threshold stress can be controlled by one or more of material selection, cross sectional shape, dimensions, e.g., thickness, stress concentration, and the like. In another configuration, the elastomeric loop  3420  may remain relatively rigid at cold temperatures, thereby deforming the hook, e.g., plastically, to a point of failure, e.g., fracture or breakage. 
     According to the illustrative embodiment of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system  3400 ′ the first pair of members  3412  are deformable sacrificial members. The safety strips  3412  are formed as elongated straight segments including enlarged end portions  3415   a ,  3415   b , generally  3415 . The safety strips  3412  are held in place between the levers  3404  by pairs of mounting slots  3413   a ,  3413   b , generally  3413 . Separation of the levers  3404  results in separation of opposing mounting slots  3413 , which, in turn, stretches the safety strips  3412 . The enlarged end portions  3415  generally prevent ends of the safety strips  3412  from sliding completely through their respective mounting slots  3413 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the safety strips  3412  are sacrificial members  3412  that are adapted to plastically deform in response to separation of the levers  3404 , up to and including a point of failure. Failure can include a fracturing and/or severing of the sacrificial member  3412 . In at least some embodiments, the plastic deformation and/or mechanical failure can occur at any point along the sacrificial member. By way of example, a location of a point of plastic deformation and/or failure along a sacrificial member  3412  can be controlled by physical properties of the sacrificial member. Such physical properties can include, without limitation, cross section shapes, cross sectional dimensions, material choice, material density, a presence of apertures or holes, e.g., to concentrate stresses, and the like. In at least some embodiments, the mechanical failure can include failure of the enlarged ends portions and/or failure of the mounting slots  3413 . 
     In operation, at least some separation of the levers  3404  may be allowed without inducing a plastic deformation of the safety strips  3412 , e.g., sacrificial members  3412 , e.g., allowing the sacrificial members  3412  to slide through their respective mounting slots  3413 , without the enlarged end portions  3415  abutting ends of the mounting slots  3413 . When ends of the safety strips abut their respective mounting slots  3413 , the safety strips  3412  are subject to a strain. An illustrative stress-strain curve for a material, such as the material of the safety strips  3412 , is provided and discussed below in reference to  FIG. 35A . 
     In at least some embodiments, both the elastomeric loop  3420  and the safety strips  3412  act simultaneously. If the system provides a relatively soft, e.g., low stiffness response, through an impact event, allowing the head  3401  to travel with respect to the helmet shell  3402 , an impact stopping distance, e.g., d 1 , is reduced and/or lost altogether. According to such soft responsiveness, the shock abatement system  3400  would not able to sufficiently absorb the impact energy, allowing the helmet shell to contact the head  3401 . 
     At a separation beyond a first separation threshold, one or more of the sacrificial members  3412  experiences a plastic deformation, e.g., according to the plastic region  3506 , the plastic deformation can continue up to a second separation threshold, greater than the first, at which point one or more of the sacrificial members  3412  fractures, breaks and/or otherwise fails. In at least some operating temperature ranges, despite failure of the sacrificial members  3412 , the elastomeric loop  3420  can remain operable beyond the second separation threshold. It is understood that one or more of plastic deformation and/or failure of the sacrificial member(s)  3412  and/or stretching of the elastomeric loop  3420  transfer kinetic energy of a collision into other forms of energy, thereby reducing another portion of the kinetic energy of the collision to a user of the helmet-style shock-abatement system. In at least some embodiments, selection of materials used and configurations are adapted, such that a limited amount of plastic deformation of the helmet shell  3402  occurs before, after or during operation of the lever assembly  3410 . For example, one or more of a length, an overall shape, a cross section, a longitudinal cross-section profile, and the like, of a system component can be selected to promote operation of the system component in one or more of the elastic or the plastic regions under anticipated collision forces and/or operating temperatures. It is understood that such techniques can be applied to one or more of the different system components, such as the energy absorbing elements e.g., the elastomeric loop(s), the safety strip(s), to produce system components that have different elastic and/or the plastic response regions under anticipated collision forces and/or operating temperatures. 
       FIG. 34B  depicts a more detailed view of the top portion of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system  3400 ′ of  FIG. 34A . Each anchor of the pair of hooks  3414  is attached at one end to a top portion of the respective lever  3404 . In at least some embodiments, one or more of the hooks  3414  are adapted to fail, e.g., including one or more geometric features that promote a mechanical disengagement of the hook and the loop under certain conditions, e.g., according to a predetermined force threshold. The anchors can be identical, similar or different in one or more of size, shape, attachment location, and the like. In the illustrative example, the hooks  3414  are similar, each having an elongated portion attached to the lever  3404  at a distal end. A proximal end of the hook is free, in that it is not attached to the lever  3404  and includes an enlarged feature to facilitate retaining or anchoring of the elastomeric member  3420 . It is understood that in some embodiments, the anchor  3414  can be integrally formed with the lever, e.g., by molding, 3D printing, machining or the like. Alternatively or in addition, the anchor can be a separate member that is attachable to the lever. Any suitable means of attachment can be used, such as interference fit, snap fit, screw engagement, adhesives, welding, and so on. It is further understood that although the hooks  3414  is illustrated as being attached at one end and free at another end, some anchors can be attached at more than one location, e.g., forming a loop, a channel, an aperture, and the like. 
     Although the illustrative example includes two hooks  3414  for the two lever system  3400 ′, it is understood that a greater or fewer number of anchors can be provided. For example, one lever  3404  can be configured with an anchor having one or more of the various anchor properties disclosed herein. Another lever of the system can be configured without an anchor, per se, having the deformable loop attached in any suitable manner, e.g., including welding, adhesives, integrally formed as part of the lever, and so on. In any of the foregoing embodiments, separation of the levers  3404  results in separation of the pair of hooks  3414 , which, in turn, stretches the elastomeric loop  3420 . When a single hook  3414  is provided, separation of the levers results in a separation of the single hooks  3414  at one lever from another lever of the system between which the elastomeric loop  3420  is positioned. 
       FIG. 34C  depicts a top perspective view of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system  3400 ″ of  FIG. 34A  during a second phase of operation that occurs during the course of an impact. During the second phase, the hook fails, fractures or breaks after a force applied by the loop  3420  reaches a force threshold. Upon breaking, the loop  3420  disengages the hook  3414 . Namely, a force is applied to an outer surface of the helmet shell  3402 . The force urges the helmet shell  3402  towards an opposing surface of the user&#39;s head  3401 . The lever assembly  3410  is positioned between the helmet shell  3402  and the user&#39;s head  3401 . In at least some instances, a separation distance d 2  between the top of the user&#39;s head  3401  and/or the top of the lever assembly  3410  is reduced from the pre-collision distance. Namely, d 2 &lt;d 1 . Preferably, the separation distance d 2  offers advantages that also allow for a deformation of the helmet shell  3402 , e.g., during the collision, without necessarily allowing any portion of the deformed helmet shell  3402  to touch the user&#39;s head  3401 . It is understood that a threshold force at which the hook fractures or breaks can vary with temperature in a predetermined manner. Accordingly, a decoupling of the loop  3420  and the hook  3414  can be designed to occur during operation within a particular temperature range. 
     A head reaction force applied to the lever assembly  3410  induces a rotation or pivoting of the levers  3404  about their respective pivot joints  3406 . In the example configuration, rotation of the levers  3404  results in an increased separation between top ends of the opposing levers  3404 . In at least some embodiments, the increased lever separation distance pulls the ends of the first loop member  3420  into the hooks  3414 . One or more of the anchors  3414  are adapted to fail under predetermined stress and/or strain conditions, e.g., at a certain force threshold, induced by a pulling action of the first loop member  3420 . The hook  3414  can be adapted to mechanically fracture or fail, thereby disengaging the first loop member  3420  from the lever  3404 . In at least some instances, the force causes one or both of the hooks  3414  to plastically deform. In at least some instances, the first loop member  3420  exerts a sufficient force on one or more of the hooks  3414  to plastically deform one or more of the hooks  3414  to a point of fracture. 
       FIG. 34D  depicts a more detailed view of a top portion of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system  3400 ″ of  FIG. 34C . The hook  3414  breaks after reaching a force threshold. The breakage disengages the first loop member  3420 . The force threshold can vary with temperature, such that a decoupling of the first loop member  3420  from the lever  3404  can be designed for specific temperature conditions. Accordingly, the force threshold can be used to provide different system configurations at different temperatures. Consider a relatively warm temperature range at which the first loop member  3420  has primarily elastic properties. In such instances, a length of the first loop member  3420  can be stretched between the levers  3404  to a relatively large separation distance, without breaking. According to the elastic properties, the first loop member  3420  is adapted to absorb a substantial portion of a kinetic energy of the collision, converting it to potential energy stored in the stretched first loop member  3420 . Consequently, a force, stress and/or strain on the hook  3414  is relatively low and below a threshold for plastic deformation and/or breakage of the anchor. 
     In some operating scenarios, the first loop member  3420 , the first sacrificial member  3412   a  and the second sacrificial member  3412   b  contribute to the lever response of the system  3400 . Operating scenarios can be determined at least in part by one or more of an operating temperature range, a magnitude and/or direction of an impact force. In other operating scenarios, only some, but not all of the first loop member  3420 , the first sacrificial member  3412   a  and the second sacrificial member  3412   b  contribute to the lever response of the system  3400 . Whether any of the first loop member  3420 , the first sacrificial member  3412   a  and the second sacrificial member  3412   b  contribute to the lever response of the system  3400  can be predetermined, e.g., according to a design of the system. For example, dimensions, e.g., lengths, of one or more of the first loop member  3420 , the first sacrificial member  3412   a  and the second sacrificial member  3412   b  can be determined or otherwise established to allow for selective engagement and/or selective disengagement with one or more of the levers  3404 . For example, a length can be established to allow for slippage at a contact point between the sacrificial member  3412  and the lever  3404  allowing for an unconstrained rotation of the levers  3404  as the levers  3404  rotate over a first angular range. As the rotation continues beyond a threshold angle, one or more of the loop  3420  and/or members  3412  engage so as to prohibit further slippage. Alternatively or in addition, material properties are determined or otherwise selected to establish a predetermined range of a linear region  3502  and or non-linear region  3506  ( FIG. 35 ) under the same and/or different operating temperature ranges. 
     It is understood that in at least some scenarios, e.g., in a relatively warm temperature range, the first loop member  3420  stretches sufficiently to allow the enlarged end portions  3415  of the second sacrificial members  3412  to engage their respective channels  3413 . Accordingly, the first loop member  3420  and the sacrificial members  3412  can contribute simultaneously to the lever response. Depending upon the temperature range and force of the impact, the lever separation distance can increase to a point at which the second sacrificial members  3412  plastically deform and/or break, without experiencing deformation and/or breakage of the first loop member  3420  and/or the mounting hook  3414 . Accordingly, the first loop member  3420  remains engaged, further contributing to the lever response, while the sacrificial member  3412  are disengaged. A similar response can be accomplished according to the various techniques disclosed herein, by having the first loop member  3420  disengage, while one or more of the sacrificial members  3412  remain engaged. 
       FIG. 34E  depicts a top perspective view of the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system  3400 ′″ of  FIG. 34A  during a third phase of operation, post disengagement of the first loop member  3420  from the lever  3404 . It is further understood that one or more elements of the same system  3400 ″, e.g., the loop  3420 , the sacrificial members  3412 , the anchors  3414 , the levers  3404 , and the helmet shell  3402 , exposed to a relatively cold temperature range can provide a significantly different individual responses. Beneficially, however, such individually different responses over extended temperature ranges can contribute to stability of an overall response of the shock abatement system  3400 . Such configurations, material selections and the like, e.g., including selective disengagement of one or more of the first loop  3420  and the sacrificial member  3412 , contribute to stability of the shock abatement system  3400  between cold conditions versus hot conditions. Namely, under cold conditions, the first loop member  3420  is less elastic. The first loop member  3420  and/or the hooks  3414  can fracture or break before the second sacrificial members  3412  plastically deform and/or break. Again, depending on the impact conditions, the second sacrificial members  3412  can continue to deform after the first loop member  3420  and/or hooks  3414  break to provide a multi-stage protection. Under cold conditions, the first loop member  3420 , while engaging the hooks  3414 , can provide a first stiffness profile, e.g., relatively stiff, relative to separation of the levers  3404 . After the first loop member  3420  is disengaged from at least one of the levers  3404 , the system  3400 ′″ provides a second stiffness profile, e.g., less stiff. Accordingly, the system offers less rigidity after disengagement of the first loop member  3420  from the hook  3414 . The reduced rigidity can result in a further reduced separation distance between the helmet shell  3402  and the top of the user&#39;s head  3401 . Namely, a separation distance d 3 , such that d 3 &lt;d 2 &lt;d 1 . 
       FIG. 35A  depicts various characteristics of physical properties of a material  3500 , such an illustrative stress-strain curve  3501 . By way of general information, stress is related to deformation (strain). Likewise, a strength is related to stress. Resilience relates to an ability of a material to absorb energy when it is deformed and release that energy upon unloading. This can be referred to as an elastic region of the response. A toughness relates to an ability of a material to absorb energy and plastically deform without fracturing. 
     The example, e.g., ideal, stress-strain curve  3501  illustrates variations in stress according an applied strain. The curve  3501  includes a first region, referred to as an elastic region  3502  in which the stress is proportional to the strain. The elastic region  3502  exists from a non-stress state up until some maximum strain, e.g., a proportional limit  3504 , beyond which the material undergoes a plastic deformation. The first region  3502  is sometimes referred to as a linear region  3502 . The curve  3501  includes a second region, referred to as a plastic region  3506 , extending from the proportional limit  3504  up until fracture  3508 . The second region  3506  is sometimes referred to as a nonlinear region. This curve  3501  illustrates a general shape of a stress-strain response of a material, such as one or more of the materials used in a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system  3400  disclosed herein. Also depicted are changes of a material under cold versus hot conditions. It is generally understood that the physical properties of a material can vary according to temperature. As the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system  3400  can operate over a relatively large temperature range, changes of physical properties, e.g., the proportional limit  3504 , the fracture  3508  are expected to change. One or more of the different configurations alone or on combination with selections of different materials are selected to provide a safety response, e.g., preventing the helmet shell  3402  from contacting a user&#39;s head  3401  directly, during an impact, collision, shock or blow, or more generally to divert at least a portion of an impact force and/or energy away from a protected body. 
     A proportional limit refers to a linear relation between stress and strain: σ=Eε. According to this relationship, the value σ refers to stress, e.g., a value measured in pressure units, such as MPa or psi. The value E refers to strain, e.g., a dimensionless value, and the value E refers to a material&#39;s stiffness, e.g., Young Modulus, also measured in pressure units, such as MPa or psi. A strain rate relates to a change in strain of a material with respect to time, e.g., deformation speed. A corresponding relationship can be determined as: 
     
       
         
           
             
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     Physical properties of a material can be characterized according to a glass transition temperature. It is generally understood that under relatively cold conditions, at least some materials, including materials of one or more components of the suspension system disclosed herein, can be characterized as being in a glassy state. Namely, the material(s) may be hard and relatively brittle when operated in a cold environment. Similarly, it is generally understood that under relatively warm or hot conditions, the same material(s), can be characterized as being in a viscous or rubbery state. Namely, the material(s) may be relatively soft and flexible when operated in a warm environment. 
       FIG. 35B  depicts tabular information associated with a stress effect of a material.  FIG. 35C  depicts tabular information  3510  associated with a material behavior at high strain rates, as may be experienced during impact events. It should be understood that any of the tabular information disclosed herein is general in nature and not necessarily related to any component used in the example a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement systems. The time—temperature equivalence, relates material behavior at different temperatures to speed of deformation or strain rate. According to time—temperature equivalence, a sample material, polypropylene in this example, exhibits different properties at a relative low temperature, e.g., 20 deg. C. versus a relatively high temperature, e.g., 60 deg. C. In particular, the material exhibits a strain of 0.25% at 20 deg. C. versus a strain of 0.5% at 60 deg. C. It is understood that a material&#39;s physical response at relatively high deformation speeds (high strain rates) can simulate the material&#39;s response under cold operating conditions. Likewise, the material&#39;s physical response at relatively low deformation speeds can simulate the material&#39;s response under relatively hot operating conditions. It is generally understood that a mechanical response of polymers is time dependent. A creep phenomenon is due to a viscoelastic behavior of polymeric materials. It is also understood that in relation to spring energy absorption, kinetic energy of the collision is transformed into potential strain energy. 
       FIG. 35D  depicts tabular information associated with physical properties  3520  of a sample configuration of a material used in a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system according to the shock abatement assemblies  3400  illustrated in  FIGS. 34A-34E , in which a spring rate of an elastomer, e.g., the first loop  3420 , is determined according to a cross-sectional area, A, a length, L, and a material stiffness, E. Namely, the spring constant k=AE/L. Helmet systems including shock abatement assemblies  3400  can be tested using a common or test impact energy, e.g., applied to an external surface of the helmet shell  3402 . Example tests include, without limitation, a force transmission test and/or an impact energy attenuation test. Such tests can measure a force resulting from the impact energy that is transmitted to a head  3401  of the user. At relatively cold operating conditions, due to material behavior, at least some materials become relatively stiff. Under relatively cold conditions, the system deforms over a shorter distance to absorb energy, because the system is more rigid. According to a response under cold conditions with the suspension system exhibiting a relatively rigid characteristic, the force transmitted to the user&#39;s head  3401  can be relatively high. At relatively warm or hot operating conditions, due to material behavior, at least some materials show an opposite behavior, e.g., becoming relatively less stiff. Under such relatively warm or less stiff conditions, the system uses a relatively greater distance to absorb energy, however, the force transmitted to the user&#39;s head  3401  is relatively low. 
     As an analogy, consider a bungee jump with a jumper attached to a metal, e.g., steel, cable verses an elastomer cable. With the steel cable (similar to cold conditions), a stopping distance of the jumper will be relatively short, as the metal cable stretches very little, and the jumper will suffer a substantially higher stopping force. With the elastomer cable (similar to hot conditions), the stopping distance of the jumper will be relatively long, as the elastomer stretches significantly more than the metal cable, and the stopping force the jumper will experience is smaller. Higher stiffness, e.g., greater rigidity during cold conditions, offers a lesser impact stopping distance, while a lower stiffness, e.g., lesser rigidity during warm conditions, offers a greater stopping distance under the same impact conditions. It is understood that design tradeoffs include available impact stopping distance—separation between helmet shell and user&#39;s head. 
       FIG. 36  depicts an example force versus time curve  3600  of a relatively high stiffness material used in a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system. 
       FIG. 37  depicts an example force-displacement curve  3700  of the relatively high stiffness material of  FIG. 36 . 
       FIG. 38  depicts an example force-time curve  3800  of a relatively low stiffness material used in a lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system. At least one tradeoff with a relatively low-stiffness system is that an impact stopping distance, e.g., a distance d 1  between an interior surface of a helmet  3402  and an opposing surface of a user&#39;s head  3401  ( FIG. 34A ), can be consumed before all of the energy of a collision is absorbed by the suspension system. Consumption of the entire impact stopping distance before all of the energy of a collision is absorbed would result in an undesirable collision of the impact mass with a user&#39;s head  3401  (or a headform in a test configuration), thus producing a sudden peak force, e.g., peak force  3802 . 
       FIG. 39  depicts an example force-displacement curve  3900  of the relatively low stiffness material of  FIG. 38 . 
     In some embodiments, the lever-actuated helmet shock abatement system takes advantage of a nonlinear spring response, e.g., operating in a nonlinear region of the stress-strain response curve  3500  ( FIG. 35A ). Materials of one or more of the components of a lever-actuated shock abatement system are combined according to their respective stress-strain behavior. Components selected according to their stress-strain performance can include, without limitation, one or more of anchors or hooks, safety loop, safety strip, the levers, the helmet shell. In at least some embodiments, materials are selected to provide a predetermined variability of their respective stress-strain response between different temperatures of an operational temperature range, which promotes stability of a safety response within a predetermined variability. In general, the safety response diverts at least a portion of one of the impact force, an impact energy of the collision or both away from the body of the user. Materials can include, without limitation, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), polymers, composites, metals, non-ferrous metals, specialty alloys. 
       FIGS. 40A-40B  depict top and side views of an embodiment of a breakable safety strip or band  4000 . The safety strip  4000  can be positioned between the top ends of the opposing levers. In some embodiments, the safety strip  4000  is configured to be placed within the mounting slots  3413  between opposing levers  3404 . The safety strip  4000  includes at least one relatively thin section adapted to yield, deform and/or otherwise fracture or fail by shear stress. Alternatively or in addition, the safety strip  4000  includes a pair of opposing ends  4002   a ,  4002   b , generally  4002 , having features adapted to yield, deform and/or otherwise fracture or fail according to shear stress. Each end  4002  of the illustrative example safety strip includes a loop  4003  defining an open interior region coupled or otherwise joined to an elongated strap portion  4007 . The loop  4003  is joined to an end of the elongated strap portion at a pair of junctures  4005   a ,  4005   b , generally  4005 . (This can be contrasted to the safety straps  3412  illustrated in  FIGS. 34A   34 D, having solid heads, or end portions  3415 ). 
     A shear stress, e.g., induced by separation of the levers responsive to a collision, can cause one or both of the opposing ends  4002  to deform, e.g., whereby the loop  4003  folds or collapses inward. After the loop  4003  fractures, bends or collapses inwards, the safety strip  4000  can slip in its corresponding mounting slot  3412 , thereby disengaging from the lever. In at least some embodiments, such deformation of the loop  4003  is accompanied by a hinged action or pivoting of one or more of the junctures  4005  allowing the loop  4003  to collapse sufficiently for the end  4002  to slide within its mounting slot or channel. Alternatively or in addition, the junctures  4005  can be sized and/or otherwise shaped to promote disengagement of one or both ends of the loop  4003  at the juncture(s)  4005  responsive to shear stresses resulting from a collision, once again, to allow the end  4002  to slide within its mounting slot or channel. 
     The illustrative example further includes at least one reinforced region  4006 . The reinforced region  4006  is positioned at an end of the safety strip  4000 , along a perimeter of the open region defined by at least a portion of the loop  4003 . In the illustrative example, the reinforced region is adjacent to the junctures  4005 . Namely, a portion of the reinforced region  4006  is positioned between a pair of junctures  4005   a ,  4005   b . In operation, the reinforced region  4006  can promote a location at which plastic deformation and/or fracture occurs. According to the illustrative example, the reinforced region  4006  promotes a localization of a plastic deformation and/or fracture, such that deformation and/or fracture occurs, if at all, at one or more of the pair of junctures  4005   a ,  4005   b.    
     In at least some embodiment, the open area defined by the loop  4003  can engage one or more hooks or anchors. Accordingly, the safety strip  4000  can be used as a loop structure between two or more anchors or hooks. It is understood that in at least some applications, the safety strip  4000  can be used as both a safety strip and an elastomeric loop. 
     The example safety strip  4000  is placed within the mounting slots  3413  of opposing levers  3404  with each end  4002  extending beyond an open end of a respective mounting slot  3413 . Under some operating conditions the ends  4002  prevent the safety strip  4000  from sliding out of the slot, such that an increasing separation distance between the levers applies a strain to the safety strip  4000 . As long as the safety strip  4000  is retained between the levers  3404 , it can absorb at least a portion of an impact energy induced by a relative separation of the levers  3404 . Under certain conditions, however, e.g., operating temperature and/or the applied stress, one or more of the loops  4003  can deform, e.g., collapse, allowing at least one end of the lever to slide through the respective mounting slot  3413 . Once at least one end of the safety strip  4000  has slid through the respective mounting slot  3413 , the safety strip does not absorb any further portion of the impact energy. 
     The example safety strip  4000  also includes an elongated portion or slim section  4004 . In the illustrative embodiment the elongated portion  4004  extends between the pair of ends  4002 . The safety strip  4000  can be formed of a homogeneous material having one or more regions configured to fracture during impact. For example, the loop  4002  can have a relatively thin profile, such that the loop fractures allowing it to disengage from at least one of the levers. Alternatively or in addition, the safety strip  4000  includes one or more regions, such as a slim section  4004 , e.g., at a central region, having a relatively narrow or thin profile in comparison to other portions of the safety strip. When subjected to tension from an impact above a threshold value, the relatively narrow or thin profile region  4004  is adapted to fracture, again allowing it to effectively disengage from the levers. 
       FIGS. 41A-41B  depict back and sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of lever  4100  of a lever actuated helmet shock abatement system including an over-molded foam inclined plane. The lever  4100  includes an anchor or hook portion  4104  adapted to engage a safety strip  4000  ( FIG. 40A-40B ) and/or a first loop member  3420  ( FIGS. 34A-34E ). The anchor  4104  includes an inclined plane  4102  along its free end. The inclined plane  4102  is formed from a different material from the other portions of the anchor  4104 . In particular, the different material is selected to exhibit different properties according to different operational temperature ranges. In some embodiments, the different material includes a urethane foam. In a relatively warm temperature range, the urethane foam deforms easily and promotes engagement of the safety strip  4000  or loop member  3420  ( FIGS. 34A-34E ). However, in a relatively cold temperature range, the urethane foam solidifies and functions as an inclined plane to promote disengagement of the safety strip  4000 . Accordingly, the safety loop can selectively disengage from one or more of the levers during an impact, responsive to an operating temperature and without fracture. 
       FIGS. 42A-42B  depict back and sectional views, respectively, of another embodiment of a lever assembly  4200  of a lever actuated helmet shock abatement system, wherein the levers are adapted for selective disengagement. The lever assembly  4200  includes a pivoting anchor or hook  4202 . The pivoting hook  4202  is assembled to a lever body  4206  via a rotary joint, such as an axle or shaft  4204 . There exists an interference fit between the shaft  4204  and the lever body  4206  and between the shaft  4204  and the pivot hook  4202 . Under pre-collision conditions, the pivot hook  4202  remains in a fixed or secure position with respect to the lever body  4206 . According to the pre-collision configuration, the pivot hook  4202  is adapted or otherwise positioned to retain one or more of a first loop member  3420  ( FIG. 34A-34E ) or safety strip  4000  ( FIGS. 40A-40B ). 
     It is understood that during impact, separation of the upper portions of the levers  4200  stretches the first loop member  3420  and/or safety strip  4000  engaging more than one of the levers  4200 . A reaction force of the elastomeric material of the loop  3420  and/or strip  4000  induced by the lever separation applies a force to the pivot hook  4202  that produces a torque. In at least some embodiments, a frictional engagement or interference fit between one or more of the shaft  4204  and the lever body  4206  and between the shaft  4204  and the pivot hook  4202  can be overcome when a torque above a threshold torque value is applied to the pivot hook  4202 . 
     Working with one or more of an elastomer reaction force of the first loop member and/or safety strip and/or a size, shape and/or position of the lever arm, a torque produced during impact can be controlled or otherwise predetermined, such that the torque achieved during impact reaches the torque threshold value, thereby overcoming the interference fit friction force. Once overcome, the pivot hook  4202  rotates and/or twists about the shaft  4204 . It is understood that in at least some embodiments, the rotation allows and/or otherwise induces a disengagement of the first loop member  3420  and/or safety strip  4000  from the pivot hook  4202 . Such controlled disengagement of the first loop  3420  and/or safety strip  4000  can vary a stiffness of a response of the lever actuated shock abatement system. It is understood that the response can vary according to temperature as described herein, such that an impact under cold conditions produces a torque sufficient to rotate the pivot hook  4202  thereby releasing the loop and/or strip  3420 ,  4000 , whereas, the same impact under warmer conditions may not reach the threshold torque. 
       FIGS. 43A-43C  depict back, sectional and detail views, respectively, of yet another embodiment of a lever assembly  4300  of a lever actuated helmet shock abatement system, wherein the levers are adapted for selective disengagement. The lever assembly  4300  includes a snap-fit anchor or hook  4302 . The snap-fit hook  4302  is assembled to a lever body  4306 . The snap fit can be formed by a shaped, e.g., semispherical core  4304  and cavity  4305  adapted to accept the shaped core  4304  in an interference, snap-fit arrangement. Under pre-collision conditions, the snap-fit hook  4302  remains in a fixed or secure position with respect to the lever body  4306 . According to the pre-collision configuration, the snap-fit hook  4302  is adapted or otherwise positioned to retain one or more of a first loop member  3420  ( FIG. 34A-34E ) or safety strip  4000  ( FIGS. 40A-40B ). 
     It is understood that during impact, separation of the upper portions of the levers  4200  stretches the first loop member  3420  and/or safety strip  4000  engaging more than one of the levers  4300 . A reaction force of the elastomeric material of the loop  3420  and/or strip  4000  induced by the lever separation applies a force to the snap-fit hook  4302  that produces a force, e.g., a torque. In at least some embodiments, a frictional, snap-fit engagement or interference fit between one or more of the shaped core  4304  and the cavity  4305 , e.g., formed in the lever body  4306  can be overcome when a force, e.g., a torque, above a threshold value is applied to the snap-fit hook  4302 . 
     Working with one or more of an elastomer reaction force of the first loop member  3420  and/or safety strip  4000  and/or a size, shape and/or position of the lever arm  4302 , a force, e.g., torque, produced during impact can be controlled or otherwise predetermined, such that the force achieved during impact reaches the threshold value, thereby overcoming the interference, snap-fit fit force. Once this force is overcome, the snap-fit hook  4302  is liberated and able to pivot about its axle  4204  from the cavity  4305 . It is understood that in at least some embodiments, the pivoting or rotation of the snap-fit hook  4302  allows and/or otherwise induces a disengagement of the first loop member  3420  and/or safety strip  4000  from the lever body  4306 . Such controlled disengagement of the first loop  3420  and/or safety strip  4000  can vary a stiffness response of the lever actuated shock abatement system. It is understood that the response can vary according to temperature as described herein, such that an impact under cold conditions produces a torque sufficient to separate the snap-fit hook  4302  thereby releasing the loop/strip  3420 ,  4000 , whereas, the same impact under warmer conditions may not reach the threshold torque. 
       FIG. 44A  depicts a top view of a shape memory safety band or loop  4400 . 
       FIGS. 44B-44C  depict side views of the safety loop  4400  of  FIG. 44A  according to first and second shapes. The safety band can be used as the first loop member  3420  ( FIGS. 34A-34E ). At least a portion of the safety loop  4400  can be formed from a shape memory material. Shape memory materials change their geometry when stimulated by an outside source. For example, an elastic loop can be designed to maintain a curved configuration in hot conditions, while becoming planar in cold conditions. A planar configuration can be adapted to disengage the elastomer from an anchor or hook of at least one of the levers. 
     In at least some embodiments, one or more deformable members, such as the example spring members and/or sacrificial members, can be placed between the levers and a protective shell. Accordingly, when the levers move, energy may be absorbed by deformation of the springs. More generally, the deformable members, e.g., spring members, do not have to be limited to contact foams and/or O-rings. More generally, any other kinds of spring can be used. Such springs, in operation, can cooperate with action of the levers. It is understood that such spring members alone or in combination can facilitate a “threshold strategy” in which a type of mechanical response of the protective system can differ based on a magnitude and/or acceleration of a collision. 
     The spring members, without limitation, can include a tension spring having one or more of a coil spring or an elastomeric material, e.g., such as an elastic band. Other embodiments can use any spring or rubber like material that can work under tension that can absorb energy by deformation in a different direction than that of the vector of the original impact. For example, extrusion can be used to create a cylindrical rubber band that is later cut, e.g., at a 45 degree angle in each of its ends, and glued together using an epoxy adhesive to form an enclosed ring of a predetermined size and shape. 
     One or more of the deformable members can remain in tension and/or slack with respect to any and/or all of the levers during normal periods of usage. Periods of use can be described generally as a static storage mode, a static use mode, and a dynamic impact mode. The static storage mode can include periods during which the helmet and/or shock abatement system is not placed on a portion of a body, e.g., during periods of non-use or storage. The static use mode can include periods during which the helmet and/or shock abatement system is placed on a portion of a body, e.g., during periods of usage or wear. The dynamic use mode can include periods during which the helmet and/or shock abatement system is placed on a portion of a body and exposed to external forces, such as exposed to during periods of impacts or collisions of the helmet with another object. 
     By way of example, in response to a vertically applied force, e.g., to a top portion of the helmet or head, the top portions of the levers generally rotate outward, away from the central axis. Such outward rotation of the top portions of the levers generally deforms the deformable member by stretching them. The stretching absorbs and/or otherwise stores kinetic energy of the lever rotation as potential energy by the expansion and/or compression of the resilient material, including plastic deformation up to failure of the sacrificial members. In at least some embodiments, upon a removal of the vertical force, the potential energy stored in at least some of the deformable member, e.g., the elastomers, can be transferred back to the levers to induce a rotation that returns the levers to a pre-stressed configuration. 
     In at least some embodiments, the shock abatement system can be configured with clasps, locks, catches, ratchet mechanisms or the like, to retain the levers in a rotated configuration, thereby preventing a transfer of potential energy stored in the top resilient member back to the levers. Although the illustrative examples include transformations of a kinetic energy associated with a collision into a potential energy, e.g., by deformation of a resilient material, such as a spring, it is understood that other energy absorbing and/or dissipating techniques can be used. For example, energy of a collision force can include transforming a kinetic energy to one of a potential energy, a mechanical energy, a thermal energy, an acoustic energy, an electrical energy, a magnetic energy, or any combination thereof. 
     In the example system, each of the levers is substantially aligned in a plane that contains the central axis. Rotation of each lever can be substantially confined to this plane in a manner that controls positions of the top and/or bottom attachments with respect to a user&#39;s head and/or neck. The pivot portions of the levers and/or the fulcra can be disposed in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. Separations of the top portions of the levers can be controlled by one or more of the sizes of the levers, positions of the pivots, size, shape and/or orientation of the pivot anchors, and/or characteristics, e.g., size, shape, resiliency of the deformable members. 
     The levers of the example shock abatement system are curved to provide a concave surface facing inward towards the central axis. For the example helmet application, the shock abatement system includes an open-ended interior region that is sized and/or otherwise shaped to accommodate at least a top portion of a user&#39;s head. 
     In the illustrative embodiments, the shock abatement systems can include an adjustment band that includes an occipital support with adjustment mechanism of the ratchet kind. However other embodiments can use any of the available adjustment mechanisms and/or occipital supports. Alternatively or in addition, the adjustment band can include one or more other components to facilitate fitting and/or securing the shock abatement system. Examples include, without limitation, a strap, belt or pad(s) that conforms to a portion of the object being protected, such as an adjustable strap that conforms to anatomical portion of the body, e.g., an adjustable nape or chin strap. 
     In some embodiments, a padding size, e.g., thickness, can be varied. Dimensions, shape and/or placement of the various pads used with the levers can be arranged to facilitate movement of the levers. Movement of the levers can include a first rotation in reaction to a downward force, and a second rotation in reaction to a side force. Accordingly, one or more of the lever arrays respond to impact forces from one or more directions. 
     In some instances the levers rotate “down” from the crown of the head toward the sides of the head. Alternatively or in addition the levers can rotate “up” from the side of the head to the crown of the head. The particular rotation, including a combination of down and up rotations, generally depends upon a direction and/or a location of the impact force or forces. By allowing the levers to rotate in more than one direction, the shock abatement system is able to react to one or more forces applied along one or more various directions. 
     It is understood that the shock abatement system  2000  can be placed within a protective shell, such as a helmet shell. Alternatively or in addition, the shock abatement system  2000  can be used without a separate protective shell. In the latter configuration, a collision force would be received directly upon an exterior facing surface of one or more of the levers  2004 ,  2014 . In either configuration, one or more of the levers respond to the collision according to the various response disclosed herein. For example, one or more of the levers  2004 ,  2014  can pivot and/or flex in response to the collision force. 
     It is understood that virtually any material has an elastic region depending upon a magnitude of an applied force. Namely, an elastic deformation is a change in shape and/or size of a material induced by a relatively low stress that is recoverable after the stress is removed. A plastic region of deformation can be achieved in least some materials, by applying a relatively high stress, e.g., above or beyond the elastic region. It should be understood that such terms as used herein presume that the elastic regions of the materials fall within force ranges that allow the materials to be used for their elastic properties without causing damage or injury to a protected item, such as a human head. 
     Any of the deformable members disclosed herein can include a compressible element. The compressible element can include one of an elastic property, an inelastic property, or a combination of elastic and inelastic properties. It is understood that compressibility of the deformable member can result from one of a bulk material property, a geometry or shape, or a combination thereof. The compressible element can include any form of springs and/or shapes, such as corrugated shapes. In at least some embodiments, the compressible element can include a compressible material. Examples of compressible materials include, without limitation, one of a gas, a liquid, a solid, a gel, a foam, and combinations thereof, resilient materials, compliant materials. Alternatively or in addition, the deformable member can include a deformable system or assembly. Examples of deformable systems and/or assemblies can include airbag systems, and the like. 
     Beneficially, the various shock abatement systems disclosed herein facilitate mitigation of impact forces by one or more of deceleration, increasing a reaction distance and/or a extending a reaction time based on an impact force. In at least some embodiments, one or more of the deformable components, the mechanically actuated components contribute to a deceleration of a protective system in reaction to an impact, e.g., a collision force. Reaction distances can include one or more of relative distances between a protected item, e.g., a head, and a protective shell, e.g., a helmet. Alternatively or in addition, reaction distances can include one or more of distances traversed by one or more components of the shock abatement systems. For example, these distances can include displacements based on activation of mechanisms, such as the levers, the pulleys, the screws, the inclined planes, and the like. It is further understood that in at least some embodiments, any of the various configurations of the shock abatement systems disclosed herein can be contained entirely within and/or shielded entirely by the protective shell. Namely, the various shock abatement systems can be entirely housed within a helmet. 
     In at least some embodiments, no portion of a shock abatement system of a protective helmet system extends below a head portion and/or a neck portion of a body when the protective helmet system is work upon the head portion and/or the neck portion of the body. For example, none of the levers, the deformable members of the like, extend below the head and/or neck. It is understood that a lever assembly can be positioned entirely within an interior region of a protective shell. Alternatively or in addition, a portion of the lever assembly can be positioned within the interior region of the protective shell, while another portion of the lever assembly is not positioned within the interior region. In some embodiments, the entire lever assembly can be positioned external to a protective shell. Alternatively or in addition, the lever assembly can serve as a protective shell or cage, without necessarily requiring a separate shell. 
     The helmet system includes a machine that responds to a collision between an external surface of the helmet system and a foreign object, by providing a controlled movement that redistributes energy of the collision. The redistribution of the collision energy results in an absorption and/or dissipation of a non-trivial portion of the collision energy in one or more directions that differ from a direction of the collision, sometimes referred to as a line of impact. The machines can include, without restriction, any of the example arrangements of levers disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the helmet system includes an assembly of a protective shell and a lever system, arranged such that the protective shell forms at least a portion of the external surface of the helmet system exposed to the collision. Alternatively or in addition, the assembly of the protective shell and the lever system can be arranged such that the lever system forms at least a portion of the external surface of the helmet system exposed to the collision. In other embodiments, the helmet system includes a lever system that provides the entire exterior surface exposed to the collision. It is understood that in at least some embodiments, at least a portion of the lever system can serve as at least a portion of a protective shell. Examples of other shock abatement and/or impact protection systems are disclosed in one or more of U.S. Pat. No. 9,750,297, U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 15/669,272 and 15/380,907, and Int&#39;l Pat. App. No. PCT/IB2017/054850. The contents of each of the foregoing patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this application as if set forth herein in full. 
     The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The exemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or steps from multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments described or shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can be combined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or without replacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure can be performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions of the subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from other steps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further, more than or less than all of the features described with respect to an embodiment can also be utilized. 
     Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more of the exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms to describe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second, third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or function unless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, third and so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components, steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, one or more devices or components described with respect to the exemplary embodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating (e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection) can include less than every step needed to perform the function or can include all of the steps needed to perform the function. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.