Full-Flex Helmet System

Abstract

A protective helmet using sectional parts connected by series of planar springs to disperse applied force and reduce localized impact from contact events. The planar compression springs contract and release when the helmet is struck by an external object. The helmet may improve safety and reduce injury for sporting, industrial, or military wearers.

We claim: 
     
         1 ) A safety helmet having sectional components, segmented for the distribution of force from external impact, said safety helmet comprising:
 sectional parts contoured around the side, back, and top circumference of the wearer's head; and   springs between said sectional parts and oriented planar to the wearer's head.   
     
     
         2 ) A safety helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least three sections form the segmented helmet are connected by planar springs; 
     
     
         3 ) A safety helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising planar springs wrapped around planar bolts connecting said sectional parts; 
     
     
         4 ) A safety helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the springs are aligned in strips running vertically from at or below ear level to the top portion of said helmet; 
     
     
         5 ) A safety helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising one or more planar bolts anchored immovable on one end to a helmet section and by means of movement on the other end towards a neighboring helmet section. 
     
     
         6 ) A safety helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said helmet is a sports helmet. 
     
     
         7 ) A football helmet for distributing outwards and around the helmet an impact force, comprising:
 at least three sections connected by spring surrounding bolts;   wherein said bolts and springs are oriented in a planar manner;   wherein said bolts are anchored immovable on one end to a section;   wherein said bolts are connected to another section on an opposite end and movable towards and away from said opposite section.   
     
     
         8 ) A football helmet as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said planar bolts are movable towards and away from a section opposite its anchored section by means of a double nut stop system. 
     
     
         9 ) A football helmet as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein impact to one section of said helmet causes spring compression and movement of one or more sections towards and away from one another. 
     
     
         10 ) A football helmet as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said bolts are anchored to the underside of said sections by housing strips of pre-drilled holes. 
     
     
         11 ) A football helmet as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said bolts are formed in molds as part of said sections and extending from sections on one end.