Full-Flex Helmet System

Abstract

A multi-sectional helmet for reducing the impact of force sustained in sporting, construction, military, motorized vehicle, and other activities where the impact of force applied to the head must be mitigated. Planar compression springs between helmet sections generate gaps between sections for distribution of force from external impact as springs compress and bend radially, permitting movement of sectional parts toward and away from one another. The number of springs and spring parameters as well as the number and arrangement of helmet sections may be modulated to optimize the distribution of force. The ends of compression springs are anchored to adjacent helmet sections, and material extending from one helmet section and overlapping the adjacent helmet section prevents exposure of the interior of the helmet to the elements.

1 . A safety helmet having sectional components, segmented for the distribution of force from external impact, said safety helmet comprising:
 a plurality of sectional parts contoured beside the side, back, and top circumference of the wearer's head when it is worn; and   a plurality of springs between said sectional parts and oriented planar to the wearer's head when it is worn;   wherein said sectional parts are spaced away from each other by said springs, generating gaps between sectional parts that are adjacent to each other.   
     
     
         2 . The safety helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said sectional parts comprise at least four sections; and wherein said springs bridge the gaps between sectional parts that are adjacent to each other; wherein springs comprise at least three springs. 
     
     
         3 . The safety helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of springs and the spring parameters of said springs are modulated to optimize said distribution of force. 
     
     
         4 . The safety helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sectional parts and the arrangement of sectional parts are modulated to optimize said distribution of force. 
     
     
         5 . The safety helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said gaps between sectional parts that are adjacent to each other are covered by material extending from one sectional part and overlapping the adjacent sectional part. 
     
     
         6 . The safety helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , including end caps affixed to both ends of said springs and anchoring springs immovably to sectional parts that are adjacent to each other. 
     
     
         7 . The safety helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said springs are anchored immovable at their ends to sectional parts that are adjacent to each other. 
     
     
         8 . The safety helmet as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein adhesive anchors said springs. 
     
     
         9 . The safety helmet as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said adhesive anchors said springs to radial fasteners penetrating said sectional parts radial to the wearer's head when it is worn. 
     
     
         10 . The safety helmet as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said adhesive anchors said springs to planar fasteners in plane with the wearer's head when it is worn. 
     
     
         11 . The safety helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said safety helmet is a sports helmet. 
     
     
         12 . A football helmet for distributing outwards and around the helmet an impact force, comprising:
 at least four sectional parts contoured beside the side, back, and top circumference of the wearer's head when it is worn;   wherein said sectional parts that are adjacent to each other are connected by at least three springs;   wherein said springs are oriented-planar to the wearer's head when it is worn;   wherein said springs are anchored immovable at their ends to sectional parts that are adjacent to each other; and   wherein said sectional parts are spaced away from each other by said springs, generating gaps between sectional parts that are adjacent to each other.   
     
     
         13 . The football helmet as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of springs and the spring parameters of said springs are modulated to optimize said distribution of force. 
     
     
         14 . The football helmet as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of sectional parts and the arrangement of sectional parts are modulated to optimize said distribution of force. 
     
     
         15 . The football helmet as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said gaps between sectional parts that are adjacent to each other are covered by material extending from one sectional part and overlapping the adjacent sectional part. 
     
     
         16 . The football helmet as claimed in  claim 12 , including end caps affixed to both ends of said springs and affixed to sectional parts that are adjacent to each other. 
     
     
         17 . The football helmet as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein adhesive anchors said springs. 
     
     
         18 . The football helmet as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said adhesive anchors said springs to radial fasteners penetrating said sectional parts radial to the wearer's head when it is worn. 
     
     
         19 . The football helmet as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said adhesive anchors said springs to planar fasteners in plane with the wearer's head when it is worn. 
     
     
         20 . The football helmet as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said sectional parts are spaced away from each other such that impact to one sectional part of said helmet causes spring compression, spring bending radially toward the center of the helmet, and movement of one or more sectional parts toward and away from one another.