Helmet

Abstract

A helmet is comprised of: a stiff outer shell and an inner liner adapted to be fitted to a wearer's head. A shock absorbing layer is located between, and connected to, the stiff outer shell and the fitted inner layer. The shock absorbing layer is adapted to allow the outer shell to flex rotationally relative to the inner layer in order to cushion a rotational force applied to the outer shell. The shock absorbing layer is adapted to allow the outer shell to move linearly relative to the inner liner in order to cushion a linear force applied to the outer shell.

1 . A helmet comprised of:
 a stiff outer shell;   an inner liner adapted to be fitted to a wearer's head;   a shock absorbing layer located between, and connected to, said stiff outer shell and said fitted inner layer;   wherein said shock absorbing layer is adapted to allow said outer shell to flex rotationally relative to said inner layer in order to cushion a rotational force applied to said outer shell, and   wherein said shock absorbing layer is adapted to allow said outer shell to move linearly relative to said inner liner in order to cushion a linear force applied to said outer shell.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein said shock absorbing layer is adapted to return to its original orientation. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein said shock absorbing layer is comprised of a plurality of protruding cylindrical pieces. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein said outer shell is composed of polycarbonate. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein said helmet is a football helmet.