Shock absorption system

Abstract

A shock absorption system embodying a method for reducing the impact on helmets and other shock absorbing barriers is provided. The external retro-fitting system reduces the initial, external impact on pre-existing helmets so as not to be reliant on internal fit or space consumption. The method involves applying a gel type material to the external portion of the helmet/barrier, wherein the gel type material and its operative membrane can be dimensioned and adapted to retro-fit around existing components and holes

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for absorbing impact on a helmet to protect its wearer, comprising:
 a helmet skin comprising a gel-type material contained within a membrane, wherein the helmet skin is dimensioned and adapted to substantially cover an external portion of the helmet; and   an adhesive material sandwiched between the external portion of the helmet and the helmet skin.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of cooperating holes formed through the helmet skin,
 whereby the cooperating holes align with a plurality of helmet holes when the helmet skin sandwiches the adhesive material.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a chamfered edge formed along a portion of a periphery of the helmet skin. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the helmet skin is approximately a quarter inch thick. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the helmet skin is dimensioned and adapted to accommodate at least one component of the helmet. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the helmet skin further comprises at least one separate helmet skin portion dimensioned and adapted to further substantially cover the external portion of the helmet. 
     
     
         7 . A system for absorbing impact on a helmet to protect its wearer, comprising:
 at least one helmet skin portion, each helmet skin portion comprising an approximately quarter inch thick gel-type material contained within a membrane, wherein the at least one helmet skin portion is dimensioned and adapted to substantially cover an external portion of the helmet;   an adhesive material sandwiched between the external portion of the helmet and the at least one helmet skin portion;   a plurality of cooperating holes formed through the at least one helmet skin portion; and   a chamfered edge formed along a portion of a periphery of the at least one helmet skin portion;   wherein the cooperating holes align with a plurality of helmet holes when the at least one helmet skin portion sandwiches the adhesive material, and   wherein the helmet skin is dimensioned and adapted to accommodate at least one component of the helmet.   
     
     
         8 . A method of improving the shock absorption of a helmet, thereby reducing the risk of concussions and brain damage to a wearer, comprising the steps of:
 providing a gel-type material encased in a membrane;   dimensioning the gel-type material to substantially cover an external portion of the helmet; and   affixing the gel-type material to the external portion of the helmet.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising the step of forming at least one cooperating hole within the gel-type material and membrane so that they align with at least one helmet hole formed in the helmet when affixing the gel-type material to the external portion of the helmet. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising the step of forming accommodating at least one component of the helmet when affixing the gel-type material to the external portion of the helmet.