Protective helmet

Abstract

The invention provides a unique construction for a sports helmet, as well as a novel approach to protecting the head of a sports player from head injury. The helmet of this invention is comprised of an outer layer comprised of a flexible material, an inner layer comprised of a flexible material, wherein the outer layer and inner layer define a space layer, wherein the space layer contains a gas, gel or liquid, and wherein the inner layer of the helmet is configured to fit around a human head.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A protective helmet for reducing a risk of concussion, comprising:
 an outer layer comprised of a flexible material adapted to extend on an entire head of a wearer when worn,   an inner layer comprised of a flexible material adapted to extend on an entire head of a wearer when worn,   wherein the outer layer and inner layer define an uninterrupted space layer,   wherein the space layer is a sealed cavity which contains air, and   wherein the helmet has no rigid impact resistant layer.   
     
     
         13 . The helmet according to  claim 12 , wherein the flexible material of the outer layer comprises a high strength synthetic fiber material. 
     
     
         14 . The helmet according to  claim 12 , wherein the space layer contains pressurized air. 
     
     
         15 . The helmet according to  claim 12 , wherein the outer layer and inner layer comprise the same or different flexible materials. 
     
     
         16 . The helmet according to  claim 13 , wherein the high strength synthetic fiber material has a tensile strength of about 3,620 MPa. 
     
     
         17 . The helmet according to  claim 14 , wherein the air pressure is 5 to 150 psi. 
     
     
         18 . The helmet according to  claim 12 , wherein the helmet optionally includes one or more of a valve, port or closure device for filling or releasing the air; a paint, coloring agent, waterproofing agent, wear resistant agent; a team logo; battery, electrical cord; a face bar, chin strap, face shield, cellular telephone components, a speaker, a microphone, wireless internet components, heat pad, cooler, or a radio. 
     
     
         19 . The helmet according to  claim 12 , which covers the wearer's head, excluding the face portion, and which includes openings constructed through helmet to allow for hearing. 
     
     
         20 . The helmet according to  claim 12 , wherein the outer and inner layers are comprised of cotton, wool, nylon, silk, vinyl, polyester, polyurethane, rayon, acrylic, rubber, plastic, resin, foam, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         21 . The helmet according to  claim 12 , wherein the outer and inner layers are elastic. 
     
     
         22 . The helmet according to  claim 12 , which includes a second outer layer and second inner layer defining a second space layer, wherein the second space layer contains pressurized air, and wherein the air pressure is 5 to 150 psi. 
     
     
         23 . The helmet according to  claim 22 , which includes a third outer layer and third inner layer defining a third space layer, wherein the third space layer contains pressurized air, and wherein the air pressure is 5 to 150 psi.