Concussion reduction shoulder pad vest article

Abstract

The invention is a novel shoulder pad/vest article providing a unique method to link with commercially available helmets to reduce concussion potential. A shoulder pad/vest article which creates a gap the user can close to take a protective posture and brace the helmet within the shoulder pad/vest article. Through lowering their chin and hunching their shoulders the user may close the gap and seat the helmet within the socket/pocket and create a friction/pressure/abutted connection between the helmet and the shoulder pad/vest article limiting: head acceleration, whiplash, and cervical compression while promoting energy transfer. A shoulder pad/vest article with unique socket/pocket/collar connection types for body-contact sports also having utility for military ground-based personnel where blunt force trauma injury to the head and neck are apt to occur. The invention has multiple embodiments.

1 . A protective shoulder pad/vest article having an axial rotation control collar bracing system created by a friction/pressure/abutted connective collar connection having the appearance of an upturned collar made to receive and join with the bottom and sides of a helmet, the collar bracing system being dimensioned and configured to create a Free-Movement Safety Gap allowing uninhibited movement of the helmet in all anatomical axes during neutral head posture to permit athletic movement during play, a Free-Movement Safety Gap dimensioned to limit displacement of excessive movement, while restricting extremes of motion beyond predetermined safety limits and further configured to permit the user to take a protective posture (brace) and engage, consciously or unconsciously (reflexively), the friction/pressure/abutted collar connection by seating the lower edge and sides of the helmet into the collar to establish a rigid connection, the collar structure extending upward from the shoulder pad base and defining an open neck region sized to receive a helmet, the collar structure being positioned to engage the lower peripheral edge and to laterally support the lower sides of a helmet for restricting movement in multiple axes and transferring at least a portion of impact forces from the helmet to the shoulder pad/vest article, the collar structure being formed of rigid or semi-rigid material, permanently non-flexible and rigidly affixed to the shoulder pad/vest article, sufficient to maintain the friction/pressure/abutted collar connection to link the helmet to the collar creating mass linking, transfer of impact energy, and energy dissipation, the collar structure being dimensioned and shaped for multi-directional engagement including forward tilt, lateral tilt, and rearward tilt, and being compatible with existing helmet designs without requiring modification, the rigid connection functioning to relocate the load-bearing function from the cervical spine to the collar system, linking the mass of the helmet and the collar portion of the shoulder pad/vest article for mass linking, enhanced energy transfer, energy dissipation, and reduction of linear and axial rotation, head acceleration, neck hyperextension, and cervical compression, comprising:
 a collar bracing system configured for multi-directional engagement with a helmet, including forward tilt, lateral tilt, and rearward tilt, the collar being permanently affixed to the shoulder pad/vest base and formed as an upturned collar extending vertically from the shoulders to provide rigid axial rotation control without external tethers or rigid bars; 
 a collar bracing system dimensioned and shaped for compatibility with existing helmet designs without requiring modification, the geometry of the collar configured to receive and laterally support the lower sides of the helmet; 
 a Free-Movement Safety Gap or clearance gap created between the lower edge of the helmet and the top of the axial rotation control collar bracing system dimensioned to limit displacement of excessive movement, while restricting extremes of motion beyond predetermined safety limits in all axis but allows the user unencumbered limited free movement of the helmet within the clearance gap; 
 a Free-Movement Safety Gap further configured for conscious, reflexive or unconscious closure during impact, the closure structurally producing a rigid helmet-to-collar engagement that supports mass linking, energy transfer, and energy dissipation; 
 a Free-Movement Safety Gap configured to be selectively closed by the user through upward shoulder force and/or downward chin force, the closure seating the helmet's lower edge and sides into the collar structure to create a friction/pressure/abutted connection, the rigid engagement structurally relocating load-bearing from the cervical spine into the collar and shoulder pad/vest system for enhanced energy transfer and energy dissipation; thereby structurally demonstrating rigid non-flexible load relocation; 
 a collar bracing system being positioned to engage a lower peripheral edge and to laterally support the lower sides of the helmet to restrict movement in multiple axes and transfer at least a portion of impact forces from the helmet to the collar bracing system of the shoulder pad/vest base; thereby the rigid collar's positioning and engagement structurally reinforces the helmet; 
 a axial rotation control collar bracing system which extends vertically from the shoulders and behind the head having the appearance of a turned-up collar made to receive the helmet and support it from the back and both sides having two embodiments, a sectional collar and a continuous collar; 
 a collar bracing system having two embodiments constructed with like components a sectional collar or a continuous collar providing the appearance of an upturned collar; thereby reinforcing the structural definition of the upturned collar system; 
 (A) a sectional collar composed of a minimum of two sections; 
 (B) a continuous collar made of one section which raps about the sides and back of the neck; 
 a collar bracing system having two embodiments constructed with like components a sectional collar or a continuous collar; 
 (A) a collar bracing having an adjustable collar floor component; 
 (B) a collar bracing system not having an adjustable collar floor component; 
 a collar bracing system having an adjustable collar floor component made to receive and join with the lower edge of the helmet to provide bracing ability; 
 a adjustable collar floor component attached within the shoulder pad/vest article with height adjustment ability so proper individual height adjustment can be made; 
 a adjustable collar floor component internal mounting bracket to allow movement of the adjustable collar floor component which is securely attached to the interior of the shoulder pad/vest article through fasteners, bolts, pins or quick adjustment connections providing the ability to adjust the height of the adjustable collar floor component to set the proper user clearance gap; 
 a adjustable collar floor component with venting; 
 a adjustable collar floor component optional friction pad which improves friction and joining of the lower edge of the helmet to the adjustable collar floor component thereby structurally enhancing the friction/pressure/abutted connection; 
 a collar bracing system configuration optionally without an adjustable collar floor component but constructed with like components to support the helmet by the collar's connective sidewall to provide bracing and reduce head acceleration in all axes and neck compression; thereby structurally defining alternative rigid configurations; 
 a contoured connective side wall manufactured on the interior of the collar bracing system to contact the outside portion of the helmet perpendicularly to increase surface area contact to structurally improve the ability of the user to create the friction/pressure/abutted connection with adequate height to reduce and or stop head acceleration and whiplash in all axes when the helmet is in the braced position; 
 a connective sidewall further comprising ridges, contours, or textured geometries dimensioned to mechanically interface with corresponding contours on standard helmet shells, thereby structurally reinforcing helmet-to-collar linkage; 
 a chest guard component extending from the chest of the user extending forward or ventrally away from the users chest toward the head with adequate height to protect the chin and neck of the user against the application of strong force allowing adequate space to not interfere with movement of a helmet facemask or lower chin guard in that it does not touch the face mask of the user with rotational movement of the helmet about the Y axis allowing the user free yet limited movement to look left and right, up and down while providing additional protection for the lower edge of the face mask, upper chest, lower neck and chin area when the helmet is in the braced position thereby structurally integrating frontal protection into the rigid system; 
 a front helmet support article made such that when a helmet has a front face mask or chin/face guard to protect the chin of the user the lower front edge of the facemask/guard will be supported by the front helmet support article when the helmet is in the braced position; 
 a front helmet support article allowing adequate space to not interfere with movement of a helmet facemask or lower chin guard in that it does not touch the face mask of the user with rotational movement of the helmet about the Y axis allowing the user free but limited movement to look left and right, up and down and is only engaged when the user braces the helmet; 
 a front helmet support article having two embodiments; 
 a stand-alone front helmet support article that is attached to the outer chest area of the shoulder pad/vest article between the inside throat area of the of the shoulder pad/vest article and the chest guard component and provides support to the face guard when the helmet is in the braced position; 
 (A) a front helmet support article which is attached to the inside of the front chest guard component providing support to the face guard when the helmet is in the braced position; 
 (B) a front helmet support article and the stand-alone front helmet support articles which may be made with a locking component so the lower bar of the face mask can be locked by the user putting pressure on the support article and the lock can be opened by pressing a release on the helmet support article; 
 a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system having three embodiments of closure design; 
 (A) a one-piece slip over the head shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control bracing system having a one-piece construction; 
 (B) a two-piece front/back split design shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control bracing system where the shoulder pad/vest article is made of two haves split along the YZ coronal plane with closure(s) along YZ plane; 
 (C) a bilateral split shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control bracing system that is made of two haves a left and right split along the XZ sagittal plane with closure(s) along the XZ plane; 
 a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system having multiple closure methods such as a tightening belt, strap and buckle, adjustable latch, hook and loop closure, zipper, snaps, lacing, or any combination thereof such that the shoulder pad/vest article can be securely fastened and tightened to the user's torso, remains fixed in its intended structural position to reliably receive and support the helmet; 
 a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system having four embodiments of construction; 
 (A) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system manufactured or constructed with an interior body pad with a hard exterior; 
 (B) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system manufactured or constructed with an interior and exterior padding with a hard interior core between the padding; 
 (C) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system manufactured or constructed of a single material; 
 (D) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system manufactured in any combination of the aforementioned manufacturing configurations also having a built-in pocket(s) to receive ballistic plates, cooling or heating elements, radio equipment, also providing an area for storage, weapons or a combination thereof; 
 a insertable shoulder strike area height adjustment pad which is a separate pad which is affixed to the interior of the shoulder pad/vest article and would sit between the shoulder pad/vest article and the shoulders of the wearer to allow the shoulder pad/vest article height to be increased or decreased relative to the bottom of the helmet based on the thickness of the insertable shoulder strike area height adjustment pad so the gap of limited free movement can be adjusted to fit the user; 
 an axial rotation control collar bracing system attachable cover with or without padding that can be removed for cleaning; 
 a shoulder pad/vest article having venting; 
 a protective shoulder pad/vest article wherein the protective shoulder pad/vest article embodiments are constructed of: steal, a force absorbent polymer, ballistic resistant material, a composite polymer, a foam or multi layered foam with tough foam skin exterior, removable components or a combination thereof designed to transfer, dissipate and distribute or absorb force of impacts thereby reducing the force of direct impact transmitted to the user when the helmet is in the braced position; and 
 a collar structure comprising rigid or semi-rigid material sufficiently rigid to maintain the friction/pressure/abutted connection and to enable energy transfer, mass linking, and energy dissipation; thereby establishing the rigid non-flexible nature of the collar. 
 
     
     
         2 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 1 , wherein the collar bracing system is formed integrally with the shoulder pad base as a single molded component, or alternatively as a separate component attached to the shoulder pad base by permanent fasteners, industrial adhesive, or removable quick-release connectors, the integral or attached formation ensuring consistent structural rigidity to maintain the friction/pressure/abutted connection of the collar during use, thereby preserving the Free-Movement Safety Gap in neutral posture and ensuring that the rigid connection can reliably relocate impact loads from the cervical spine to the collar ensuring that the collar structure remains rigidly positioned to maintain the friction/pressure/abutted connection as a stable load-bearing replacement for the neck. 
     
     
         3 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 1 , wherein the collar bracing system comprises either (a) a sectional collar composed of at least two sections, functioning as a collar support article, or (b) a continuous collar formed as a single piece that wraps about the sides and back of the neck, the collar having the visual appearance of an upturned collar, and further including contoured interior sidewalls dimensioned and shaped to conform to the curvature of the helmet's lower edge to improve the friction/pressure/abutted connection and restrict helmet movement in multiple axes, the sectional or continuous construction functioning to provide lateral and rearward bracing support for the helmet, and wherein the collar bracing system is configured for use with helmets selected from the group consisting of football helmets, hockey helmets, lacrosse helmets, and military/tactical helmets, the contoured geometry thereby stabilizing the helmet-to-collar connection for both user-initiated bracing and reflexive impact closure. 
     
     
         4 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 1 , wherein the collar bracing system includes an adjustable collar floor component optionally with an internal mounting bracket attached by fasteners, bolts, pins, or quick-adjustment connectors or insertable height adjustment pad, enabling user-specific clearance gap tuning for optimal performance and comfort, the adjustment capability functioning to maintain the Free-Movement Safety Gap within predetermined safety limits while enabling proper helmet seating under load, the adjustability further enabling the user to deliberately prepare for impact by closing the gap to assume a protective posture. 
     
     
         5 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 1 , wherein the collar bracing system comprises rigid or semi-rigid material, including but not limited to stiff closed-cell foam, viscoelastic foam, elastomeric polymer, metal or composite materials, the material being sufficiently stiff to maintain the friction/pressure/abutted connection and enable controlled energy transfer, effective mass linking, and consistent energy dissipation, and further comprising an optional removable and washable cover with or without padding, and ventilation openings to reduce heat retention during play, and an optional friction pad applied to the collar floor or sidewalls to enhance stability of the friction/pressure/abutted connection, the material rigidity functioning to relocate impact loads from the cervical spine into the torso, and cooperating with the collar geometry to establish a stable pivot point during impact closure opposed to the impact vector the material rigidity further ensuring stability of the friction/pressure/abutted connection when the user seats the helmet into the collar structure. 
     
     
         6 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 1 , wherein the chest guard component is configured in multiple embodiments, including: (a) an extended guard rising from the chest of the user toward the helmet with adequate height to protect the chin and neck without interfering with free movement of the helmet while in the neutral posture, with a bar rest portion wherein the lower bar of the helmet face mask may engage to provide forward stability while providing additional protection when the helmet is in the braced position; (b) a locking or self-locking variation bar rest controlled by the athlete wherein the lower bar of the helmet face mask is engageable to lock with the bar rest portion of the chest guard to provide forward stability or may be consciously or unconsciously locked by the athlete depending on the setting, a bar rest within the chest guard component being releasable by the user; and (c) structural options comprising either a stand-alone guard mounted externally on the shoulder pad/vest between the throat or chest area, or an integrated guard extending from the collar structure to provide frontal support without impeding helmet mobility while in the neutral posture, the chest guard configuration functioning to provide additional frontal stability and distribute forces from the helmet into the torso during impact, thereby reinforcing the collar's role in replacing the neck as the load-bearing structure. 
     
     
         7 . A protective shoulder pad/vest article having a unique Axial Rotation Control Collar Bracing System created by a friction/pressure/abutted connective connection having the appearance of an upturned collar incorporating a Free-Movement Safety Gap created between a lower peripheral edge of a helmet and the Axial Rotation Control Collar Bracing System, the Free-Movement Safety Gap being dimensioned and configured to:
 (A) permit unrestricted head movement while limiting displacement in all anatomical axes including forward, lateral, and rearward tilt, thereby allowing athletic mobility while preventing extremes of motion that increase head or neck injury risk;   (B) provide user-controlled timing to assume a protective posture by enabling closure of the Free-Movement Safety Gap through upward shoulder force and/or downward chin force, the athlete thereby able to generate a connective pressure to seat the helmet into the Axial Rotation Control Collar Bracing System and form a friction/pressure/abutted connection;   (C) upon such user-controlled closure, form a rigid friction/pressure/abutted connection that links the mass of the helmet and the mass of the shoulder pad/vest article, thereby relocating the load-bearing function during helmet impact from the cervical spine to the helmet and joined Axial Rotation Control Collar Bracing System of the shoulder pad/vest article acting as a unified body, the rigid connection providing mass linking between the helmet and shoulder pad/vest article and enabling enhanced energy transfer and energy dissipation;   (D) during unanticipated helmet impact, the Free-Movement Safety Gap closes automatically, creating helmet contact with the Axial Rotation Control Collar Bracing System resulting in either full seating of the helmet into the collar or impact contact between the lower edge and sides of the helmet, wherein impact contact established through neck flex brings the lower edge of the helmet into engagement with the contoured sidewall of the Axial Rotation Control Collar Bracing System, thereby initiating energy transfer and establishing a new pivot point, wherein said pivot contact point replaces the neck as a load-bearing structure and redirects impact energy into the Collar Bracing System shoulder pad/vest article;   (E) upon helmet contact with the contoured sidewall of the Axial Rotation Control Collar Bracing System, a load-bearing connective link is established creating a new pivot point between the helmet and the Axial Rotation Control Collar Bracing System that is geometrically opposed to the impact vector, the pivot point functioning as a biomechanical brake that reduces whiplash stroke, limits head acceleration, maximizes resistive force, and transfers impact energy into the Collar Bracing System and shoulder pad/vest article;   (F) a Free-Movement Safety Gap cooperatively dimensioned with the contoured sidewall of the Axial Rotation Control Collar Bracing System to be compatible with standard helmets without modification, thereby allowing broad applicability;   (G) wherein reflexive closure of the Free-Movement Safety Gap establishes a new pivot point replacing the cervical spine as the load-bearing structure, the pivot point being located distally on the torso compared to the central rotational point of the neck therefore establishing a pivot point geometrically apposed from the impact point to maximize the resistive force and biomechanical braking action of the contoured collar upon the impact vector;   (H) wherein automatic engagement or reflexive closure of the helmet with the collar bracing system during impact reduces whiplash stroke, head acceleration, and cervical compression by dissipating impact energy through the collar into the torso;   (I) wherein partial seating of the helmet against the contoured collar sidewall initiates impact transfer and establishes a pivot point even prior to full engagement, thereby ensuring progressive early impact energy management;   (J) wherein the contoured sidewall contact creates a geometrically opposed pivot point relative to the impact vector, functioning as a biomechanical brake and redirecting energy flow;   (K) wherein the Free-Movement Safety Gap is configured with dimensional tolerances that ensure retrofit compatibility with existing commercially available helmets without requiring modification;   (L) wherein the collar structure is formed of rigid or semi-rigid material sufficiently stiff to maintain the Free-Movement Safety Gap when the head is in a neutral posture and to close under user or impact force, thereby seating the helmet into the Axial Rotation Control Collar Bracing System to establish the friction/pressure/abutted connection and transfer energy into the torso, replacing the neck as the load-bearing structure, comprising:   (1) a collar structure including contoured interior portions matching a curvature of the helmet's lower edge to maintain consistent spacing within the Free-Movement Safety Gap, thereby supporting the claim's focus on preserving head mobility in neutral posture while enabling functional engagement of the clearance gap during bracing or impact reflexive closure;   (2) a collar structure comprising rigid or semi-rigid material sufficient to maintain the Free-Movement Safety Gap and form a friction/pressure/abutted connection, ensuring that the gap functions as intended to transition from free movement to a rigid load-bearing pivot point;   (3) a removable or washable collar liner or insert for hygiene, the insert being with or without padding, wherein the liner supports the consistent functional operation of the Free-Movement Safety Gap by preserving uniform helmet-to-collar spacing;   (4) an adjustable collar floor height adjustment component or insertable pad allowing user-specific gap fit for different helmet sizes and body dimensions, thereby ensuring the Free-Movement Safety Gap functions properly across athletes and equipment variations;   (5) an adjustable collar floor component internal mounting bracket to allow movement of the adjustable collar floor component, the bracket securely attached to the interior of the shoulder pad/vest article through fasteners, bolts, pins, or quick adjustment connections, providing the ability to adjust the height of the adjustable collar floor component to set the proper user clearance gap, ensuring that the Free-Movement Safety Gap maintains its intended role of controlled mobility and selective closure;   (6) a collar bracing system further comprising a removable and washable cover with or without padding, wherein the cover protects and maintains the integrity of the Free-Movement Safety Gap during repeated functional use;   (7) a collar bracing system further including ventilation openings to reduce heat retention during play, thereby preserving athlete comfort while ensuring the Free-Movement Safety Gap remains operable and unobstructed;   (8) a collar bracing system including contoured interior sidewalls shaped to conform to the curvature of the helmet's lower edge, thereby ensuring consistent spacing and uniform engagement of the Free-Movement Safety Gap, reinforcing the claim's focus on functional gap control during both neutral and braced positions;   (9) a collar bracing system optionally including a friction pad applied to the collar floor or sidewalls to enhance stability of the friction/pressure/abutted connection when the Free-Movement Safety Gap is closed, functionally improving the pivoting and load-transfer action defined in the claim;   (10) the collar bracing system comprising either (a) a sectional collar composed of at least two sections functioning as a collar support article, or (b) a continuous collar formed as a single piece that wraps about the sides and back of the neck providing the appearance of an upturned collar, both structural embodiments maintaining the Free-Movement Safety Gap in neutral head posture and enabling its functional closure during impact or bracing;   (11) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system, manufactured or constructed with an interior body pad with a hard exterior, supporting the functional stability of the Free-Movement Safety Gap under load-bearing conditions;   (12) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system, manufactured or constructed with an interior and exterior padding with a hard interior core between the padding, further ensuring that the Free-Movement Safety Gap performs consistently under impact and bracing loads;   (13) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system manufactured or constructed of a single material, configured so that the Free-Movement Safety Gap remains consistent in neutral posture and responsive under bracing;   (14) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system manufactured in any combination of the aforementioned configurations, optionally including built-in pocket(s) to receive ballistic plates, cooling or heating elements, radio equipment, storage compartments, or weapons, wherein such variations still preserve the functional purpose of the Free-Movement Safety Gap in controlling head mobility and impact response;   (15) an insertable shoulder strike area height adjustment pad affixed to the interior of the shoulder pad/vest article, the pad configured to sit between the shoulder pad/vest article and the shoulders of the wearer to allow the height of the article to be increased or decreased relative to the bottom of the helmet based on pad thickness, thereby adjusting the Free-Movement Safety Gap to fit the user, ensuring that the clearance gap remains a functional safety feature across users;   (16) a one-piece, slip-over-the-head style shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system having a one-piece construction, such that the Free-Movement Safety Gap functions consistently within this design embodiment;   (17) a two-piece front/back split design shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system where the shoulder pad/vest article is made of two halves split along the YZ coronal plane with closure(s) along the YZ plane, still enabling the Free-Movement Safety Gap to provide functional clearance and pivoting action;   (18) a bilateral split shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system that is made of two halves split along the XZ sagittal plane with closure(s) along the XZ plane, likewise maintaining the Free-Movement Safety Gap as a functional dynamic clearance system;   (19) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system having multiple closure methods such as a tightening belt, strap and buckle, adjustable latch, hook and loop closure, zipper, snaps, lacing, or any combination thereof such that the shoulder pad/vest article can be securely fastened and tightened to the user's torso, while preserving the proper function of the Free-Movement Safety Gap during both neutral play and protective bracing; and   (20) a chest guard component extending from the chest of the user toward the helmet with adequate height to protect the chin and neck against applied force without interfering with helmet mobility in neutral posture, while providing protective support when the helmet reaches the limits of the Free-Movement Safety Gap, the chest guard optionally including a front helmet support article with a bar rest portion to provide forward stability to the helmet and improve head-to-shoulder pad/vest linkage, the support optionally including a locking or self-locking variation controlled by the user, and optionally configured in multiple embodiments, including (a) a stand-alone guard mounted externally on the shoulder pad/vest between the throat area and the chest, or (b) an integrated guard extending from the collar structure to provide frontal support without impeding helmet mobility in neutral posture, wherein the chest guard complements the functional role of the Free-Movement Safety Gap in energy transfer and pivot point control.   
     
     
         8 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 7 , wherein the Free-Movement Safety Gap is adjustable in size through a collar floor height adjustment component, insertable height adjustment pad, or internal bracket assembly, the bracket securely attached to the interior of the shoulder pad/vest article through fasteners, bolts, pins, or quick-adjustment connections, thereby allowing precise user-specific gap tuning across different commercially available helmet sizes and body dimensions, the adjustment capability functioning to maintain the Free-Movement Safety Gap within predetermined safety limits while enabling proper helmet seating under load. 
     
     
         9 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 7 , wherein the collar bracing system comprises rigid or semi-rigid material, including but not limited to stiff closed-cell foam, viscoelastic foam, elastomeric polymer, metal, or composite materials, the material being sufficiently stiff to maintain the Free-Movement Safety Gap in neutral head posture and to enable controlled energy transfer, effective mass linking, and consistent energy dissipation when closed, the rigidity of the material enhancing the Free-Movement Safety Gap's ability, upon impact-induced closure, to establish a stable reflex pivot point geometrically opposed to the impact vector that functions as a biomechanical brake to reduce whiplash stroke, replacing the neck as the load bearing structure and upon user-initiated closure (bracing) enhancing the function of the friction/pressure/abutted connection to limit head acceleration and redirect impact energy into the torso when the helmet is in the seated position replacing the neck as the load bearing structure, wherein the collar bracing system is further dimensioned and constructed for use with commercially available football, hockey, lacrosse, and military/tactical helmets. 
     
     
         10 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 7 , wherein the pivot point formed upon impact or reflex closure of the Free-Movement Safety Gap is geometrically opposed to the impact vector, providing maximum resistive pressure thereby functioning as a biomechanical brake to reduce whiplash stroke, limit head acceleration, and establish controlled energy transfer and dissipation while redirecting impact energy into the torso and providing the athlete with an inherent protective posture by automatically replacing the neck as the load-bearing structure removing the cervical spine from the load path and redirecting impact energy into the collar bracing system, thereby reinforcing the role of the Free-Movement Safety Gap as the dynamic feature that joins the helmet to the collar system removing the neck as the pivot point and load-bearing structure and establishing a controlled pathway for energy transfer and dissipation into the torso ensuring that the biomechanical brake created by the reflexive pivot point is uniquely functional to claim seven's focus on gap operation rather than purely structural configuration, the pivot point being a unique structural and functional feature of the Axial Rotation Control Collar Bracing System dependent on the function of the free movement safety gap that directly creates a load-bearing connective link opposed to the impact vector, converting helmet impact into torso-absorbed forces an essential functional innovation provided by the Free-Movement Safety Gap's reflexive operation. 
     
     
         11 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 7 , wherein the collar bracing system comprises either (a) a sectional collar composed of at least two sections functioning as a collar support article, or (b) a continuous collar formed as a single piece that wraps about the sides and back of the neck providing a collar appearance, the collar optionally including a friction pad applied to the collar floor or sidewalls to enhance stability of the friction/pressure/abutted connection, the collar bracing system further comprising an optional removable and washable cover with or without padding, and may further include strategically placed ventilation openings to reduce heat retention during play, and contoured interior sidewalls shaped to conform to the curvature of the helmet's lower edge, thereby ensuring consistent spacing and uniform engagement of the Free-Movement Safety Gap that the user controls to take a protective posture and brace the helmet within the collar and create a connective pressure between the friction/pressure/abutted connection allowing the helmet and shoulder pad/vest article to replace the neck as the load bearing structure. 
     
     
         12 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 7 , wherein automatic closure of the Free-Movement Safety Gap during unanticipated impact causes reflexive helmet engagement with the collar to establish a new pivot point distally located on the torso relative to the impact vector, redirecting forces into the torso, thereby replacing the neck as the load-bearing structure, the reflexive closure pivot point further functioning as a biomechanical brake to reduce whiplash stroke and limit rotational acceleration, converting uncontrolled impact forces into a managed, torso-distributed energy pathway to dissipate impact energy through the collar into the torso. 
     
     
         13 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 7 , wherein the chest guard component is configured in multiple embodiments engaged by user initiated or impact initiated free movement gap closure, including:
 (a) an extended guard rising upward from the chest of the user toward the helmet with adequate height to protect the chin and neck without interfering with free movement in neutral posture, while providing protective support when the helmet reaches the limits of the Free-Movement Safety Gap;   (b) a front helmet support article including a bar rest portion to provide forward stability to the helmet and improve head-to-shoulder pad/vest linkage, the support optionally including a locking or self-locking variation wherein the lower bar of the helmet face mask may be consciously locked or set to lock by the athlete, the lock being releasable by the user; and   (c) a structural variation comprising either a stand-alone front helmet support article including a bar rest portion mounted externally on the shoulder pad/vest article between the throat area and the chest, or an integrated front helmet support article extending from the collar structure to provide frontal support without impeding helmet mobility in neutral posture, each chest guard embodiment with or without front helmet support article including a bar rest portion functionally cooperates as a portion of the collar bracing system to reinforce frontal helmet stability and maintain the energy transfer pathway into the torso during impact.   
     
     
         14 . A protective shoulder pad/vest article having a unique axial rotation control collar bracing system created by a friction/pressure/abutted connective collar connection having the appearance of an upturned collar formed to receive and join with the bottom and sides of a helmet, the collar bracing system being dimensioned and configured to operate primarily in a bracing mode, the collar structure extending upward from the shoulder pad base and defining an open neck region sized to receive the helmet, the collar structure being positioned to engage a lower peripheral edge and to laterally support the lower sides of the helmet when the user deliberately closes the clearance gap by upward shoulder force and/or downward chin force to seat the helmet within the collar friction/pressure/abutted connective connection, allowing the user to brace the helmet within the connective collar to take a protective posture and create a connective pressure between the helmet and the collar bracing system thereby forming a rigid friction/pressure/abutted connection that links the mass of the helmet and the shoulder pad/vest article as a unified body and relocates the load-bearing function from the cervical spine to the helmet and collar system and further, wherein during unanticipated impact the helmet engages the collar reflexively establishing a connection, a pivot point geometrically opposed the point of impact providing a new pivot point replacing the neck as the load bearing structure functioning as a biomechanical break reducing head acceleration and rotation which transfers impact energy from the helmet into the shoulder pad base and torso and dissipates a portion of the transferred energy through the collar's structural and material properties, the collar structure being formed of rigid or semi-rigid material, permanently non-flexible and rigidly affixed to the shoulder pad/vest article, sufficiently stiff to maintain the friction/pressure/abutted connection and to provide mass linking, energy transfer, and energy dissipation, the collar structure being dimensioned and configured to integrate with commercially available helmet designs without requiring modification, ensuring universal application across existing equipment, configured to provide:
 (A) a collar geometry enabling use with existing standard helmet designs without requiring modification, the collar structure being dimensioned and contoured to match the lower edge profile and curvature of commercially available football, hockey, lacrosse, and military/tactical helmets, thereby allowing the helmets to seat and engage within the collar without requiring retrofitting such as cutting, drilling, or structural alteration, the retrofit geometry ensuring broad applicability and immediate compatibility across existing helmet inventories;   (B) a clearance gap controlled by the user who may consciously close the gap between the bottom of the helmet and the axial rotation control collar bracing system to take a protective posture, to seat the bottom edge and sides of the helmet into the collar, allowing the user to create a connective pressure within the friction/pressure/abutted connection, providing rigidity between the helmet and the shoulder pad/vest article, the clearance gap being integral to the collar's bracing function while also dimensioned to operate with standard commercial helmet designs without modification;   (C) a bracing collar friction/pressure/abutted connection arrangement designed to transfer impact forces from the helmet into the shoulder pad/vest article's base structure, thereby reducing linear and axial rotation, head acceleration, neck hyperextension, and cervical compression, the arrangement being configured to achieve this functional energy management with helmets in standard commercial use;   (D) a collar bracing system configured for multi-directional engagement with the helmet, including forward tilt, lateral tilt, and rearward tilt, to provide axial rotation control without the need for external tethers or rigid bars, the multi-directional configuration reinforcing the collar's functional role and its ability to interface with commercially available helmets;   (E) a bracing or collar connective friction/pressure/abutted connection engaged by upward force from the shoulders and/or downward force from the chin, generating friction, pressure, and abutment to hold the helmet in place against the contoured connective sidewall and or optional adjustable collar floor component and transfer forces from the helmet to the collar and into the torso, the connective pressure being central to the collar's protective operation while fully operable with commercial helmets, comprising:   (1) a collar structure comprised of rigid or semi-rigid material being sufficiently stiff to maintain the friction/pressure/abutted connection and dissipate impact forces when the helmet is in the braced position, such as but not limited to closed-cell foam, viscoelastic foam, elastomeric polymer, metal or composite materials, the material composition being critical to the collar's load-bearing functionality while remaining compatible with standard helmet constructions;   (2) a sectional collar composed of a minimum of two sections functioning as a collar article, or a continuous collar made of one section which wraps about the sides and back of the neck providing a collar appearance, to maintain engagement stability in the braced position, the sectional or continuous embodiment preserving collar functionality across a range of commercial helmet shapes;   (3) a contoured connective sidewall manufactured on the interior of the collar bracing system to contact the outside portion of the helmet perpendicularly, thereby increasing surface area contact to improve the ability of the user to create the friction/pressure/abutted connection, the sidewall having adequate height to reduce and/or stop head acceleration and whiplash in all axes when the helmet is in the braced position, the sidewall design being dimensioned to functionally integrate with standard helmet curvatures;   (4) a bracing connection further comprising a contoured connective sidewall shaped to prevent helmet rotation beyond a predetermined maximum angle when the clearance gap is open, the sidewall configuration being designed to control helmet motion for commercially available helmets;   (5) a axial rotation control collar bracing system having an adjustable collar floor component configured to receive and join with the lower edge of the helmet to provide bracing ability, the adjustable collar floor component optionally including an internal mounting bracket assembly securely attached to the interior of the shoulder pad/vest article by fasteners, bolts, pins, or quick-adjustment connections, the adjustable collar floor component or bracket enabling user-specific height adjustment of the collar floor to set and maintain the Free-Movement Safety Gap for optimal fit, performance, and comfort;   (6) a axial rotation control collar bracing system not having an adjustable collar floor component which supports the helmet by the collar's connective sidewall to provide bracing and reduce head acceleration in all axes and neck compression on the Y-axis;   (7) a axial rotation control collar bracing system with a variation of construction not having an adjustable collar floor component but constructed with like components, wherein in such embodiments an insertable shoulder strike area height adjustment pad is affixed to the interior of the shoulder pad/vest article and positioned between the shoulders of the wearer and the shoulder pad/vest article to allow the shoulder pad/vest article height to be increased or decreased to provide user-specific adjustment of the free movement safety gap helmet clearance;   (8) a chest guard component extending from the chest of the user toward the head with adequate height to protect the chin and neck of the user against the application of strong force optionally having a bar rest, allowing adequate space to not interfere with movement of a helmet facemask or lower chin guard, while still providing additional protection for the lower edge of the facemask, upper chest, lower neck, and chin area when the helmet is in the braced position, the chest guard being dimensioned for functional support while accommodating standard facemask geometries;   (9) a chest guard component optionally configured with a locking or self-locking bar rest variation, controlled by the user, wherein the lower bar of the helmet face mask is engageable with the bar rest portion of the chest guard component to provide forward stability to the helmet and improve head-to-shoulder pad/vest linkage, or alternatively may be consciously or set to unconsciously lock by the user into the chest guard component to provide enhanced stability in the braced position, the bar rest lock being releasable by the user, the optional locking variation being compatible with commercially available facemask structures;   (10) a one-piece, slip-over-the-head style shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system having a one-piece construction, the one-piece embodiment preserving collar function while ensuring proper integration with existing helmet models;   (11) a two-piece front/back split design shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system where the shoulder pad/vest article is made of two halves split along the YZ coronal plane with closure(s) along the YZ plane, the two-piece embodiment ensuring functional collar use while supporting a variety of commercial helmets;   (12) a bilateral split shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system that is made of two halves split along the XZ sagittal plane with closure(s) along the XZ plane, the bilateral split maintaining collar protective function while operating with helmets in common use;   (13) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system having multiple closure methods such as a tightening belt, strap and buckle, adjustable latch, hook and loop closure, zipper, snaps, lacing, or any combination thereof such that the shoulder pad/vest article can be securely fastened and tightened to the user's torso, the closure variations supporting collar stability and function regardless of helmet brand or design;   (14) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system manufactured or constructed with an interior body pad with a hard exterior, the construction preserving collar durability and functionality while ensuring compatibility with helmet systems in current use;   (15) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system manufactured or constructed with interior and exterior padding with a hard interior core between the padding, the layered construction enhancing functional energy transfer while accommodating helmet integration without alteration;   (16) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system manufactured or constructed of a single material, the simplified construction ensuring the collar retains its functional bracing role while remaining compatible with standard helmets;   (17) a shoulder pad/vest article with axial rotation control collar bracing system manufactured in any combination of the aforementioned configurations, also having built-in pocket(s) to receive ballistic plates, cooling or heating elements, radio equipment, and providing an area for storage, weapons, or a combination thereof, the multifunctional construction supporting the collar's role without limiting helmet compatibility;   (18) the collar bracing system further comprising ventilation openings to reduce heat retention during use, the ventilation enhancing user comfort without impairing the collar's protective role or helmet engagement;   (19) the collar bracing system optionally including a friction pad applied to the collar floor or sidewalls to enhance stability of the friction/pressure/abutted connection, the friction pad ensuring stable functional connection with commercial helmets; and   (20) a removable and washable collar bracing system liner with or without padding positioned within the collar bracing system for hygiene the cover being designed to preserve hygiene the liner being with or without padding, configured to work without impairing the collar's protective bracing function or helmet compatibility.   
     
     
         15 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 14 , wherein the collar bracing system comprises rigid or semi-rigid material, including but not limited to stiff closed-cell foam, viscoelastic foam, elastomeric foam, metal or composite materials, the material being sufficiently stiff to maintain the friction/pressure/abutted connection and to enable controlled energy transfer, effective mass linking, and consistent energy dissipation that is user initiated through bracing allowing the user to take a protective posture and close the free movement safety gap and create a connective pressure when closed, the material rigidity ensuring that the collar resists deformation and preserves the functional integrity of the connection, while the collar's structural features, including its contoured geometry and sidewalls, function to direct and distribute forces to provide stable multi-directional bracing support during both user-initiated and reflexive impact-induced closure, and further provides compatibility across football, hockey, lacrosse, and military/tactical helmets while ensuring reliable load transfer from the helmet to the collar to the shoulder pad/vest article to the torso. 
     
     
         16 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 14 , wherein the collar bracing system further comprises a removable and washable cover with or without padding, ventilation openings to reduce heat retention during play, and contoured interior sidewalls shaped to contact the helmet's lower edge perpendicularly, thereby increasing surface area contact to stabilize the friction/pressure/abutted connection and reduce head acceleration and whiplash stroke in all anatomical axes enhancing the collar bracing system in both impact based closure and user-initiated closure providing the ability to allow the user to take a protective posture, create a connective pressure and link the helmet to the shoulder pad/vest article creating mass linking, energy transfer and dissipation while reducing rotational acceleration through the creation of the rigid friction/pressure/abutted connection, replacing the neck as the load bearing structure which redirects impact energy into the torso, the collar bracing system further functioning to preserve the Free-Movement Safety Gap in neutral posture and to close said gap under user-initiated or impact-induced reflex action, thereby ensuring controlled transition from mobility to protective bracing. 
     
     
         17 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 14 , wherein the collar bracing system is configured as either (a) a sectional collar composed of at least two sections functioning as a collar support article, or (b) a continuous collar formed as a single piece that wraps about the sides and back of the neck providing the appearance of an up turned collar functioning to provide lateral and rearward bracing support providing automatic impact closure where the helmet contact establishes a pivot point distally located on the torso within the collar geometrically opposed from the point of impact providing maximum resistive pressure functioning as a biomechanical break geometrically opposed to the impact vector, the collar optionally including a friction pad applied to the collar floor or sidewalls to enhance helmet stability and improve energy transfer efficiency, and wherein the collar structure is dimensioned and configured for use with commercially available helmets without modification need for external tethers, rigid bars or retrofitting. 
     
     
         18 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 14 , wherein the friction/pressure/abutted connection is formed by the user initiating closure of the free movement safety gap providing a protective posture by generating upward force from the shoulders and/or downward force from the chin, the connection thereby forming a unified load-bearing pressure that links the mass of the helmet and the shoulder pad/vest article and relocates the load-bearing function from the cervical spine to the helmet and collar system, the connection configured for compatibility with commercially available helmets. 
     
     
         19 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 14 , wherein the chest guard component extends upward from the chest of the user toward the helmet with adequate height to protect the chin and neck from applied forces without interfering with helmet mobility in neutral posture, while providing protective support and frontal stability enhancing mass linking, energy transfer and dissipation when the helmet is in the braced position creating a protective posture. 
     
     
         20 . The protective shoulder pad/vest article of  claim 14 , wherein the chest guard component is configured in multiple embodiments, including:
 (a) a front helmet support article with a bar rest portion to provide forward stability to the helmet and improve head-to-shoulder pad/vest linkage, the support optionally including a locking or self-locking variation wherein the lower bar of the helmet face mask may be consciously locked or set to lock by the user ensuring mass linking, the lock being releasable by the user without tools and during gameplay conditions;   (b) a stand-alone chest guard mounted externally on the shoulder pad/vest article between the throat area and the chest; or   (c) an integrated guard extending from the collar structure to provide frontal support without impeding helmet mobility while the head is in the neutral posture, each chest guard embodiment functionally cooperating with the collar bracing system to reinforce frontal helmet stability and maintain the energy transfer pathway into the torso during impact.