Magnetic helmet

Abstract

The invention provides a magnetic helmet with a detectable magnetic field effective to repel a substantially similar helmet in close proximity. A helmet of the invention can be used to redirect an impending head collision, reduce the force of impact upon a head collision or prevent a head collision among wearers of the helmet thereby reducing injuries.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A helmet comprising a magnetic material that generates a detectable magnetic field when a substantially similar helmet is brought in proximity, wherein the magnetic field is detectable through a repulsive force between the two helmets, and wherein the magnetic material comprises one or more discrete magnets detachably secured to select locations on the helmet. 
     
     
         2 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more discrete magnets are secured using an adhesive, hook and loop fastener or snapfit mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more discrete magnets are disposed at one or more sections of the helmet that engage the top, crown, side, temple occipital bone, nape, parietal ridge or any combination thereof of the wearer's head. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the north pole of each of the discrete magnets is oriented outwardly from the helmet such that the south poles are oriented into the cavity of the helmet towards the wearer's head. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet of any one of  claims 4 , wherein the magnetic material comprises an alnico or ferrite composite. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet of any one of  claims 4 , wherein the magnetic material comprises a rare earth element. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet of any one of  claims 4 , wherein the magnetic material comprises samarium-cobalt or neodymium-iron-boron. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the south pole of each of the discrete magnets is oriented outwardly from the helmet such that the north poles are oriented into the cavity of the helmet twards the wearer's head. 
     
     
         9 . The helmet of any one of  claims 8 , wherein the magnetic material comprises an alnico or ferrite composite. 
     
     
         10 . The helmet of any one of  claims 8 , wherein the magnetic material comprises a rare earth element. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet of any one of  claims 8 , wherein the magnetic material comprises samarium-cobalt or neodymium-iron-boron. 
     
     
         12 . A helmet comprising a magnetic material that generates a detectable magnetic field when a substantially similar helmet is brought in proximity, wherein the magnetic field is detectable through a repulsive force between the two helmets, and wherein the magnetic material is a coating disposed on the exterior surface of the helmet, and wherein the magnetic coating comprises about 70% to about 95% by weight of a magnetic particle and about 5% to about 20% by weight of a polymeric binder. 
     
     
         13 . The helmet of any one of  claims 12 , wherein the magnetic particle comprises an alnico or ferrite composite. 
     
     
         14 . The helmet of any one of  claims 12 , wherein the magnetic particle comprises a rare earth element. 
     
     
         15 . The helmet of  claim 12 , wherein the magnetic particle comprises samarium-cobalt, neodymium-iron-boron, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The helmet of  claim 12 , wherein the polymeric binder is a thermoplastic material. 
     
     
         17 . A helmet comprising a magnetic material that generates a detectable magnetic field when a substantially similar helmet is brought in proximity, wherein the magnetic field is detectable through a repulsive force between the two helmets, and wherein the magnetic material is embedded in the outer shell of the helmet, and wherein the magnetic material comprises samarium-cobalt, neodymium-iron-boron, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The helmet of  claim 17 , wherein the magnetic material is further embedded or coated on the facemask of the helmet. 
     
     
         19 . The helmet of  claim 17 , wherein the magnetic materials generate a magnetic field substantially uniform across the surface of the helmet. 
     
     
         20 . The helmet of  claim 17 , wherein the magnetic materials generate a magnetic field of about 1 tesla to about 15 tesla.