Multi-Layered Protective Helmet with Enhanced Absorption of Torsional Impact

Abstract

The present invention relates to protective helmets used in activities where there is significant risk for head injuries. More specifically to helmets enhanced with a chin strap and multiple layers which are connected in such a way that compression and torsion forces applied to the helmet as a result of impact are significantly absorbed, reducing the risk of injury to the wearer's head.

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         6 . A multi-layered protective helmet with enhanced absorption of torsional impact having a left side and a right side further comprising:
 a hard inner shell having an inner surface and an outer surface;   a lining layer attached to said inner surface of said inner shell;   a hard outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface;   an intermediate layer situated between said outer surface of said inner shell and said inner surface of said outer shell, wherein said intermediate layer comprising an elastomeric anisotropic material arranged in a honeycomb structure where the direction in which the honeycomb structure exhibits low resistance to deformation is in line with the direction in which tangential forces are applied;   a left spacer having first end and second end, said left spacer being positioned on said left side of said multi-layered protective helmet with said first end being attached to said inner shell and said second end protruding through said intermediate layer and said outer shell, and ending substantially flush with said outer surface of said outer shell;   a right spacer having first end and second end, said right spacer being positioned on the right side of said multi-layered protective helmet with said first end being attached to said inner shell and said second end protruding through said intermediate layer, and said outer shell, and ending substantially flush with said outer surface of said outer shell; and   a conventional chin strap attached to said second end of said left spacer and to said second end of said right spacer, so that said inner shell remains secured to a wearer's head while said outer shell is displaceable relative to said inner shell in case of torsional impact.   
     
     
         7 . A multi-layered protective helmet of  claim 6  wherein said intermediate layer is attached to said outer surface of said inner shell and said inner surface of said outer shell by a group consisting adhesives, rivets, and bolts. 
     
     
         8 . A multi-layered protective helmet of  claim 6  wherein said elastomeric anisotropic material is selected of a group consisting Teflon, rubber and cellular foam. 
     
     
         9 . A multi-layered protective helmet of  claim 6  wherein said left spacer and said right spacer are rigidly attached to said inner shell. 
     
     
         10 . A multi-layered protective helmet of  claim 6  wherein said left spacer and said right spacer are elastically attached to said inner shell. 
     
     
         11 . A multi-layered protective helmet of  claim 6  wherein said conventional chin strap is attached to said right spacer and said left spacer by group consisting of adhesive, snap, screw, and bolt; and. 
     
     
         12 . A multi-layered protective helmet of  claim 6  further comprising a conventional face mask attached to said outer shell by any attachment means generally known in the art.