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. 
     
     
         2 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic material comprises one or more discrete magnets disposed at select locations on the helmet, and 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. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet of  claim 2 , 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 2 , wherein the magnetic material comprises neodymium. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic material comprises one or more discrete magnets disposed at select locations on the helmet, and 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 towards the wearer's head. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet of  claim 5 , 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. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet of  claim 5 , wherein the magnetic material comprises neodymium. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic material is a coating disposed on the surface of the helmet. 
     
     
         9 . The helmet of  claim 8 , wherein the magnetic material comprises neodymium. 
     
     
         10 . The helmet of  claim 1 , further comprising a shell lining and wherein the magnetic material is disposed in the shell lining. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet of  claim 10 , wherein the magnetic material comprises neodymium. 
     
     
         12 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic material is embedded in the outer shell of the helmet. 
     
     
         13 . The helmet of  claim 12 , wherein the magnetic material comprises neodymium. 
     
     
         14 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic materials have a force pull between about 1 lb to about 250 lbs. 
     
     
         15 . The helmet of  claim 12 , wherein the magnetic materials have a force pull about 5 lbs. 
     
     
         16 . The helmet of  claim 12 , wherein the magnetic materials have a force pull about 10 lbs. 
     
     
         17 . The helmet of  claim 12 , wherein the magnetic materials have a force pull about 30 lbs. 
     
     
         18 . The helmet of  claim 12 , wherein the magnetic materials have a force pull about 60 lbs. 
     
     
         19 . The helmet of  claim 12 , wherein the magnetic materials have a force pull about 80 lbs. 
     
     
         20 . The helmet of  claim 12 , wherein the magnetic materials have a force pull more than about 80 lbs.