Modular sports helmet

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a modular helmet comprising a shell, an energy-absorbing layer, and at least one energy-absorbing panel or other modular element, which is removably attached to the helmet. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an improved football helmet comprises an outer shell with six apertures, an inner, energy-absorbing layer, a face mask, and six modular panels, each of which sits inside an aperture and is releasably attached to the outer shell.

1 . A helmet for as user's head, comprising:
 a shell that at least partially surrounds the user's head,   an energy-absorbing layer, and   at least one energy-absorbing panel, wherein the panel is removably attached to the helmet.   
     
     
         2 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , further comprising a panel attachment mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . A helmet according to  claim 2 , wherein the panel attachment mechanism comprises semi-rigid channel supports. 
     
     
         4 . A helmet according to  claim 3 , wherein the channel supports are located on the shell. 
     
     
         5 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the panel is frangible. 
     
     
         6 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , further comprising a face mask. 
     
     
         7 . A helmet according to  claim 6 , wherein the face mask is frangible. 
     
     
         8 . A helmet according to  claim 7 , wherein the face mask is removably attached to the helmet. 
     
     
         9 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , further comprising a chin strap. 
     
     
         10 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell has at least one aperture. 
     
     
         11 . A helmet according to  claim 10 , wherein the aperture is adapted to receive and releasably hold the panel in the aperture, and wherein the aperture has substantially the same profile as the panel. 
     
     
         12 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the panel has at least one aperture. 
     
     
         13 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell has at least one depression adapted to receive and releasably hold the panel in the depression. 
     
     
         14 . A helmet according to  claim 13 , wherein the depression has substantially the same profile as the panel. 
     
     
         15 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the layer comprises foam, and wherein the foam is contiguous with the inner surface of the shell. 
     
     
         16 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the layer comprises air pads, and wherein the air pads are contiguous with the inner surface of the shell. 
     
     
         17 . A football helmet for a user's head, comprising
 a shell that at least partially surrounds the user's head,   an energy-absorbing layer contiguous with the inner surface of the shell,   a face mask attached to the helmet, and   and at least six energy-absorbing, removable panels.   
     
     
         18 . A football helmet according to  claim 17 , wherein one panel is located on the anterior face of the shell, one panel is located on the posterior face of the shell, and two panels are located on each lateral face of the shell, wherein one lateral panel is superficial to the other on each lateral face. 
     
     
         19 . A helmet for a user's head, comprising
 a shell that at least partially surrounds the user's head,   an energy-absorbing layer,   and a face mask, wherein the face mask is frangible and removably attached to the helmet.