U.S. patent application number 13/230782 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-05 for helmet system.
Invention is credited to Mary-Ellen Baldackin, Mike Bosley.
Application Number | 20120000008 13/230782 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45398569 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120000008 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baldackin; Mary-Ellen ; et
al. |
January 5, 2012 |
Helmet System
Abstract
A helmet system that employs an outer shell and a unitary inner
shell formed with compatible grooves and ridges respectively. The
outer shell is formed with a switch. The outer shell and inner
shell are further secured together via magnetic force or a system
of springs and levers in conjunction with the switch that allows
for a user of the helmet system to seamlessly remove the outer
shell through either a set amount of breakaway force or by using
the switch.
Inventors: |
Baldackin; Mary-Ellen;
(Parrysound, CA) ; Bosley; Mike; (Parrysound,
CA) |
Family ID: |
45398569 |
Appl. No.: |
13/230782 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12432828 |
Apr 30, 2009 |
8015624 |
|
|
13230782 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/124 20130101;
A42B 3/065 20130101; A42B 3/068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/410 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04 |
Claims
1. A helmet system, comprising: an outer shell configured to hold
to an inner shell and release from said inner shell; said outer
shell configured to fit over said inner shell; wherein said inner
shell is configured to cover the cranial portion of a head; and
wherein said outer shell is more impact resistant than said inner
shell.
2. The helmet system of claim 1, wherein said inner shell is
unitary.
3. The helmet system of claim 1, wherein said outer shell is
unitary.
4. The helmet system of claim 2, wherein said outer shell is
unitary.
5. The helmet system of claim 1, wherein said outer shell is
configured to completely cover said inner shell.
6. A helmet system, comprising: forming an inner shell to fit
snuggly onto a head of a user; forming an outer shell to completely
cover the inner shell; and locking the outer shell to the inner
shell.
7. The helmet system of claim 6, wherein the inner shell is
unitary.
8. The helmet system of claim 6, wherein the outer shell is
unitary.
9. The helmet system of claim 7, wherein the outer shell is
unitary.
10. The helmet system of claim 6, wherein the outer shell is more
impact resistant than the inner shell.
11. The helmet system of claim 6, further comprising releasing the
outer shell from the inner shell with an established amount of
breakaway force.
12. A helmet system, comprising: forming an inner shell to fit
snuggly onto a head of a user, the inner shell being unitary;
placing an outer shell over the inner shell to completely cover the
inner shell; placing a switch on the outer shell; interlocking the
outer shell to the inner shell when the switch is activated; and
releasing the outer shell from the inner shell when the switch is
activated.
Description
CONTINUITY DATA
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser.
No. 12/432,828 filed on May 22, 2009 and issued as U.S. Pat. No.
8,015,624, granted on Sep. 13, 2011.
FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a helmet system that
employs an outer shell and an inner shell formed with compatible
ridges and grooves. The outer shell and inner shell are further
secured together via magnetic force or conventional levers and
springs in conjunction with a switch that allows for a user of the
helmet system to seamlessly remove the outer shell through either a
set amount of breakaway force or by deactivating the switch.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0003] Safety is paramount for many athletes playing in organized
and unorganized sports. As such, protecting the head from injury is
of prime importance. This is evident by the evolution of protective
headgear. For example, the National Hockey League (NHL) did not
officially require the use of helmets until the late 1970s.
However, the first known professional player to wear a hockey
helmet was George Owen in 1928. Hockey helmets among the
professional ranks were considered in the 1930s after a helmetless
"Ace" Bailey was forced to retire due to a head injury suffered
during a game. In fact, the first professional hockey All-Star game
was organized as a benefit to help support Bailey after the
accident. Then in 1968, Minnesota player Bill Masterson, playing
without a helmet, struck his head on the ice during a game against
Oakland and ultimately died. This event caused numerous players to
begin thinking about their physical safety in regard to head
trauma. A few years later, lower levels of hockey began requiring
helmets as the need became more pronounced. Today, the typical
hockey helmet relates to a hard plastic shell that covers the
cranial area of the head along with the ears. A chinstrap attached
to the shell serves to lock the shell into a tight fit of the
player.
[0004] Current helmets do serve as protection from errant pucks and
crashing into the boards, other players or the ice. However, a
problem has arisen when it comes to the removal of a helmet during
the course of a game. For example, many fans and players of hockey
consider fighting an integral part of the game. But the reality is
that during such fights a player will remove his or her helmet.
This makes it easier to participate in the fight but also carries
significant risks. These risks were exacerbated recently when a
21-year old hockey player in Ontario removed his helmet to
participate in a run-of-the-mill hockey fight. The player ended up
striking the ice and ultimately died. Such realities have caused
numerous hockey leagues, to include the NHL, to ban the removal of
a hockey helmet. These rules have created an outcry and caused
significant disdain from fans and players who claim that the spirit
and integral portion of the game is being removed. To this end,
there is a need for a helmet system that can protect a player's
head during a game, but also be easily removable in a manner that
still offers a less-invasive form of head protection.
[0005] In addition, such a need is not limited to hockey. For
example, American football players throughout much of the sport's
history merely wore leather helmets. However, these players now
wear extensive head protection. At the same time, rugby players
continue to wear older-style headgear. A problem often arises in
these sports when the helmet flies off during a hard hit in the
middle of a play. Once the helmet flies off, the play may still be
active which means that the player may intentionally or
inadvertently be involved in ongoing game activity without head
protection. This is dangerous as players in such situations have
been known to crash into the helmets/pads of other players in
addition to the ground and even spikes from cleats as the player
continues without the head protection. Because of this problem,
there remains a need for a system of head protection that maintains
a protective element for the head that offers close and continued
protection even if the main bulk of the helmet is thrust off. In
addition, this need also includes a stronger means of keeping a
helmet secured to ones head during violent game situations.
[0006] The present invention solves these problems by forming an
inner shell formed via relatively soft padding or foam that fits
relatively tightly to the player's head. A chinstrap is secured to
the inner shell. Meanwhile, an outer shell is interlocked to the
inner shell. The outer shell is what spectators and other players
will see and will essentially cover the inner shell. At least one
groove in the outer shell and at least one ridge on the inner shell
fit together as part of a securing mechanism.
[0007] Another need, particularly in regard to hockey, is the fact
that helmets are removed very quickly during various situations to
include fighting. The present invention satisfies this need in its
preferred embodiment by placing a switch on the outer shell. This
switch works in conjunction with the at least one groove and the at
least one ridge as it utilizes ferromagnetic properties to force
the outer shell and the inner shell together in an even closer and
secure manner. In this way, the present invention makes it so that
the only a certain amount of breakaway force or use of the switch
will cause the outer shell and the inner shell to separate.
[0008] Because this need is so pronounced, particularly in regard
to sports fans and commentators, the general idea of using an inner
helmet and an outer shell is known. For example, a column on the
BLEACHER REPORT Web site on Jan. 20, 2009 entitled "The Helmet: A
Simple Solution to NHL Fighting," argued in support of such an idea
to help keep fighting in NHL hockey while still offering
protection. This article suggested that the chinstrap be attached
to the inner helmet. However, articles, comments and other
proposals relating to this at most describe a hard-cushioned back
plate and an inner helmet designed along the lines of boxing
headgear. Unlike the present invention, these ideas do not account
for the stability of the outer shell and how the outer shell will
interlock in a meaningful and tangible manner. The present
invention responds to such important needs through its interlocking
mechanisms and switch.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,840 issued to Arai on Feb. 26, 1997 is a
pad for interior body of helmet and interior body thereof. Arai
includes interior pads that wrap around the persons head via a
band. Unlike the present invention, Arai does not account for the
stability of an outer shell and how any outer shell associated with
Arai will interlock in a meaningful and tangible manner. The same
rationale can go toward U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,271 issued to Ho on
Sep. 10, 2002 because Ho also uses pads for its internal aspect but
does provide for an interlocking mechanism that is as effective as
that of the present invention. The present invention is much
different as it responds to such important needs through its
interlocking mechanisms and switch.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,936 issued to Copeland et al on Mar. 10,
1992 is a protective headgear and detachable face protector.
Copeland uses a rigid outer shell and an inner band of padding.
Unlike the present invention, Copeland connects the inner band of
padding to the rigid outer shell via a sizing harness that can be
tightened or loosened via straps. Similar usage and concept relate
to U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,497 issued to Chartrand on Oct. 9, 2001.
Chartrand is a hockey helmet with self-adjusting pad. In contrast,
the present invention uses the inner shell to thinly and lightly
offer unitary protection to the head while engaging in the
interlocking mechanism of the present invention to secure the inner
shell to the outer shell.
[0011] While the idea of an internal helmet and external helmet
exists, none solve the need for a system that allows a player to
seamlessly remove an interlocked outer shell while maintaining the
protection of the protective inner shell. The present invention
satisfies this need by forming a unitary inner shell to cover the
cranial areas of the head. In addition, the interlocking mechanisms
of the present invention provide additional stability and security
between the inner shell and the outer shell. This means that the
player can better be in control of the helmet during fights or even
during a hard and violent hit that otherwise might knock the helmet
loose. As such, the present invention is a novel helmet system that
offers increased protection while also engaging in a system of
quick removal or interlocking between the inner shell and outer
shell.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is a helmet system relating to the
formation and connection of an outer shell and an inner shell. The
function of the present invention is such that users wearing the
outer shell and inner shell in a hockey context can quickly and
seamlessly remove the outer shell when engaged in a fight. This
means that the softer inner shell will remain secured to the user's
head for protection of both the user and the hands of a combatant.
In addition, the outer shell, based on the connection aspects of
the present invention, will remain secured to the inner shell in a
manner that will maintain the stability and intended utility of the
outer shell until a set or angled force or switch causes the outer
shell to be removed.
[0013] The outer shell is formed via conventional means of a hard
outer material to protect the user's head. The interior of the
outer shell is preferably grooved or otherwise ridged so it can be
interlocked with the inner shell. The inner shell is formed with
complimentary ridges or grooves so that the inner shell and the
outer shell can interlock. The inner shell is formed of
conventional soft protective material such as foam. The inner shell
directly touches the head of the user. It also should be noted that
the system of the present invention places a chinstrap on the inner
shell, facilitating secure placement of the present invention on
the head of the user.
[0014] The preferred embodiment of the present invention places at
least one magnetic strip on the outer shell, and a compatible
polarity magnetic strip on the inner shell. A switch or knob is
formed into the outer shell and is preferably connected to a track
within the outer shell. The track is where the at least one
magnetic strip is located. The switch is conventional and when
activated by the user, the magnetic properties of the magnetic
strip in the outer shell will be attracted to the magnetic
properties of the magnetic strip in the inner shell. In the
preferred embodiment, a breakaway force is set via conventional
means so that enough force of pulling the outer shell away from the
inner shell will break the magnetic attraction, allowing the outer
shell to be removed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a view of an embodiment of the inner shell of the
present invention
[0016] FIG. 2 is a view of an embodiment of the outer shell of the
present invention
[0017] FIG. 3 is a view of the interlocking nature of the present
invention
[0018] FIG. 4 is a view of an additional embodiment of the present
invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0019] The present invention relates to an outer shell (20) and an
inner shell (10) that interlock. FIG. 1 is a view of the inner
shell (10) of the present invention. The present invention in the
preferred embodiment envisions a system for hockey headgear due to
its practical nature pertaining to that sport. In the example of
hockey, a player can quickly actuate a switch (80) to release the
interlocked outer shell (20) from the inner shell (10) and
seamlessly remove the outer shell (20). In this way, the player can
engage in fighting or any other activity while continuing to have
the physical protection offered by the inner shell (10). However,
the present invention can be used with virtually any type of
helmet, particularly in sports such as biking, American football,
rugby, lacrosse, equestrian, etc.
[0020] The inner shell (10) is formed of soft material such as foam
and is unitary. The conventional material has a thickness to absorb
direct blows derived from punches, the ground, boards, skates,
shoes, other helmets, and errant projectiles such as balls or pucks
that strike the inner shell (10). The inner shell (10) is formed to
fit snuggly onto the head of a user. A conventional chinstrap (30)
is attached to the inner shell (10) for additional balance and
securing of the inner shell (10).
[0021] The top of the inner shell (10) has grooves or ridges in the
preferred embodiment. At least one ridge (40) is seen in FIG. 1
that protrudes outward from the surface of the inner shell (10).
The preferred embodiment places the at least one ridge (40) at
strategic locations of the inner shell (10) such as the top, left
and right sides. The at least one ridge (40) is configured to be
inserted into at least one corresponding groove (50) that dips
inward from the interior surface of the outer shell (20) at a depth
and conventional makeup to permit a secure interlocking fit.
[0022] The inner shell (10) also is formed in the preferred
embodiment with at least one inner magnetic strip (60). The at
least one inner magnetic strip (60), also referred to as at least
one lower magnet (60), is lined along the top surface of the inner
shell (10). In an additional embodiment, the at least one inner
magnetic strip (60) is secured to the at least one ridge (40) of
the inner shell (10). The at least one lower magnet (60) is
stationary in a fixed mounted position so that an upper magnet (70)
comes to it.
[0023] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the outer shell (20). The
outer shell (20) interlocks over the inner shell (10). FIG. 2 shows
the example of an outer shell (20) to be used in hockey. However,
it should be noted that the elements of the present invention can
apply to other types of headgear and purposes as well.
[0024] The outer shell (20) is formed of hard material that
conventionally is used for the respective sport or activity being
used. The interior of the outer shell is formed to fit over and
around the inner shell (10). At least one groove (50) is depressed
inward into the interior of the outer shell (20). The at least one
groove (50) is formed to correspond and receive the at least one
ridge (40) protruding from the inner shell (10). It also should be
noted that in an additional embodiment, the at least one groove
(50) is formed from the inner shell (10) and the at least one ridge
(40) is formed from the outer shell (20).
[0025] Once the at least one ridge (40) is fitted into the at least
one groove (50), the at least one ridge (40) will be interlocked
within the at least one groove (50). In the preferred embodiment,
at least one outer shell magnetic strip (70), also referred to as
at least one upper magnet (70) is lined within the interior of the
outer shell (20). When activated, the at least one upper magnet
(70) will be of such polarity via conventional means that it will
attract and therefore lock with the corresponding at least one
lower magnet (60). In the preferred embodiment, the at least one
outer shell magnetic strip (70) is lined between a ferromagnetic
track (90) that is surrounded by soft, protective material formed
within the interior of the outer shell (20). The at least one upper
magnet (70) is variable in that is can rotate within the
ferromagnetic track (80). The at least one upper magnet (70) is
formed with notches on the sides of the at least one upper magnet
that communicate with at least one arm (100).
[0026] The at least one upper magnet (70) is in communication with
a switch (80) via the at least one arm (100). The switch (80) in
the preferred embodiment is a small knob located on an accessible
outer portion of the outer shell (20). The switch (80) also may be
a lever. The preferred embodiment places the switch (80) at the top
of the outer shell (20), although the switch (80) also may be
located in the back or on the sides of the outer shell (20). The
switch (80), when turned by a user, moves the at least one arm
(100). The at least one arm (100) is positioned via conventional
means to be received in a downward motion by the notches of the at
least one upper magnet (70). Turning the switch (80) therefore
causes the at least one arm (100) to rotate the at least one magnet
(70) to correspond with the movement of the switch (80). Once the
poles of the at least one upper magnet (70) are parallel or close
to being parallel to the opposite polarity poles of the at least
one lower magnet (60), the at least one upper magnet (70) and the
at least one lower magnet (60) will interlock.
[0027] The interlocking capability of the magnets can be
deactivated by moving the switch (80). This process will ultimately
move or rotate the at least one upper magnet (70) so that its polar
attributes no longer attract with the polar attributes of the at
least one lower magnet (60). In addition to the switch (80),
breakaway force also can be used to remove the outer shell (20)
from the inner shell (10). The size, makeup and other conventional
properties of the at least one upper magnet (70) and at least one
lower magnet (60) will determine the breakaway force needed to
separate the magnets.
[0028] FIG. 3 presents a view of the present invention when the
outer shell (20) is interlocked with the inner shell (10). As we
see, the outer shell (20) is configured to fit over the inner shell
(10). The inner shell (10) is configured to be worn or otherwise
encompass the cranial area of a person's head. Once the at least
one ridge (40) is placed into the at least one groove (50), the
outer shell (20) and the inner shell (10) will be connected to each
other. In the preferred embodiment, the switch (80) is located on
the outer shell (20).
[0029] In an additional embodiment, the at least one groove (50)
and the at least one ridge (40) are at such angles and formed in
such a manner that the at least one ridge (40) can only be placed
into the at least one groove (50) if inserted at a specific angle.
For example, the at least one ridge (40) may only fit tightly into
the at least one groove (50) at a 45-degree or 90-degree angle. In
this regard, the outer shell (20) can only be removed from its
connection with the inner shell (10) if the outer shell (20) is
removed at the same 45-degree or 90-degree angle.
[0030] In an additional embodiment as seen in FIG. 4, the at least
one groove (50) and the at least one ridge (40) are positioned in
strategic locations along the inner shell (10) and outer shell (20)
to include top, sides, front and rear areas of the outer shell (20)
interior and inner shell (10) exterior respectively. Thin and
pliable springs are in communication with the switch (80). The
springs also are in communication with thin and pliable levers that
are interwoven into either the at least one ridge (40) or the at
least one groove (50). In this embodiment, the at least one ridge
(40) is pushed into the at least one groove (50), which is slightly
pliable and thinner than the at least one ridge (40) at its top,
until the at least one ridge (40) is inserted and the at least one
groove (50) snaps via conventional connection means via the force
of the at least one ridge (40) insertion. The switch (80) when
activated compresses the springs so that the levers slightly widen
the at least one groove (50) at its top. This activation and
widening movement will allow the at least one ridge (40) to be
removed from the at least one groove (50) and consequently, the
outer shell (20) can be released from the inner shell (10).
[0031] It also should be noted that an alternative version of this
embodiment of the present invention entails actuating the switch
(80) before interconnecting the inner shell (10) and the outer
shell (20). In this embodiment, the switch (80) will actuate the
springs which in turn will widen the at least one groove (50) so
that the at least one ridge (40) can be inserted. When the switch
(80) is released, the springs and levers also release their hold on
the at least one groove (50) so that it tightens and consequently
locks around the at least one ridge (40).
[0032] This release aspect of the present invention in terms of the
switch (80) also applies to the preferred embodiment relating to
the at least one upper magnet (70) and at least one lower magnet
(60). This means that once the switch is actuated, the interlocking
connection between the outer shell (20) and the inner shell (10)
will be released and/or connected either via embodiments featuring
magnetic force or conventional snapping into place. In an
additional embodiment, conventional connecting material such as
VELCRO in relation to the outer shell and the inner shell also
envisioned.
[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, it is
envisioned that the inner shell (10) could function as an
independent, albeit weaker, level of protection for the user's
head, as rather than simply a mounting platform for the outer shell
(20). In this manner, the present invention could be applicable to
multiple sports without excessive modification. For example, a user
would preferably employ the helmet system of the present invention
in its entirety--namely with the inner shell (10) firmly affixed to
the outer shell (20) for an intense contact sport such as hockey,
whereas public skating on a skating rink could only require users
to wear the inner shell (10) of the present invention. Other
sports, such as sledding would also preferably only require the
inner shell (10) of the present invention. It is envisioned that
the present invention could potentially be used for a wide variety
of sports, including bicycling, horse riding, motor-cross racing,
skateboarding, etc.
[0034] Similarly, it is noted that the inner shell (10) of the
present invention could be envisioned as being easily
interchangeable with a wide assortment of other liners, acting as
alternate inner shells (10) to the present invention. For example,
a lighter, more breathable inner shell (10) could be used for
summer activities such as skateboarding, and a heavier, warmer
inner shell (10) could be use for winter sports, such as
snowboarding or skiing. Alternately, it is envisioned that the
inner shell (10) of the present invention could be composed of
Kevlar for army or other law enforcement uses.
[0035] The system of the present invention could also feasibly be
used for racecar driver helmets, such as those used by stock car
and Indy-car drivers. Current standard driver helmets employ a
tether that connects the driver's helmet to the seat, ensuring that
the driver's head remains stable during a crash. However, sometimes
this safety feature can increase the time required to escape the
vehicle after a crash, which can be especially dangerous if the car
is on fire. The system of the present invention could allow the
driver to quickly remove the outer shell (20), which would
preferably remain attached to the seat, and escape the vehicle
while wearing only the inner shell (20) of the helmet, which would
preferably be composed of a flame retardant material in order to
protect the driver. This implementation of the system of the
present invention could instantly decrease the amount of time
required to escape a crashed race vehicle.
[0036] Similarly, it can be envisioned that, in alternate
embodiments of the present invention, the switch (80) could be
fashioned similar to a conventional automotive seat belt switch,
removing the need for a magnet and groove system. This could also
be employed as a supplement to the magnet and groove system, rather
than a substitution. Other embodiments may employ other various
types of switches, used in conjunction with a latching system, in
order to keep the outer shell (20) temporarily secured to the inner
shell (10) of the present invention. Alternatively, a spring-loaded
quick release could be implemented into the present invention, in
order to facilitate the rapid removal of the outer shell (20). This
could include a simple handle on a small string, designed to be
easily pulled when the user desires.
[0037] Alternative iterations of he present invention could employ
at least one switch (80) that functioned similarly to the
conventional interlocking plastic switch commonly found on
rechargeable battery packs for cordless power drills or other
similar plastic connectors. In this likeness, the switch (80) would
be composed of a conventional male member with a tip protruding
perpendicularly from the plane of the member, and is fashioned to
interlock within a gapped confine of a proportionally larger size,
in order to accommodate the member, preferably attached to the
outer shell (20).
[0038] Another embodiment of the present invention could feature an
alternate track system designed to maintain the alignment of the
inner shell (10) and the outer shell (20) when in use. In this
embodiment, a preferably plastic or metal track would be
implemented into the outer shell (20) and inner shell (10),
fashioned to interlock in a conventional fashion.
[0039] Likewise, it is envisioned that the system of the present
invention could exhibit or feature at least one collapsible sack,
similar to a small pouch, preferably located between the inner
shell (10) and the outer shell (20). This at least one collapsible
sack is designed to be imperceptible to the user when the present
invention is in use. The intent of the collapsible sack is to
indicate if the helmet has sustained a severe enough impact to
cause structural damage to the helmet, such that it would no longer
be fit to safely secure the user's cranium under the duress of a
subsequent impact. The collapsible sack is preferably colored, such
that it is easy to determine if the helmet is still safe for use.
For example, after sustaining an impact, the user would examine the
interior of the outer shell (20), where the collapsible sack is
preferably located. If the collapsible sack is green, the helmet is
still safe to wear; however a red, collapsed sack would indicate
helmet replacement is necessary. Any other color variations could
be used in a likewise fashion, as long as two or more distinct
colors are employed. The pressure or intensity by which the
collapsible sack is triggered to collapse will preferably be
determined through experimental testing, to evaluate the estimated
sustainable impact the helmet of the present invention, depending
upon the material composition and density of the outer shell (20).
It is envisioned that at least one collapsible sack may be placed
in multiple locations, such as the temples, and the rear and front
of the present invention, in order to best gauge the integrity of
the present invention.
[0040] Additional features of the present invention could
preferably be designed to facilitate comfort for all users of the
present invention. These features could include, but are not
limited to, adjustable liner padding, adjustable straps, adjustable
vents designed to cool the user, and other adjustable components.
An air-adjustment system could be implemented with a variable,
incremental switch, conventionally designed to increase or decrease
the extent of ventilation within the present invention. The user
would preferably separate the inner shell (10) from the other shell
(20) of the present invention in the event the helmet system of the
present invention becomes wet. Removing the outer shell (20)
facilitates rapid drying of the present invention as well, helping
to prevent mold from forming between the inner shell (10) and the
outer shell (20).
[0041] Other embodiments of the present invention could feature
readily interchangeable graphic inserts or paintings for color in
order to differentiate each helmet from another. `Skins` could
alternately be employed to make each helmet unique, similar to
those found on conventional cell phones or computer covers. These
cosmetic changes would not affect the safety of the helmet
system.
[0042] It is to be understood that the present invention is a
helmet system, comprised of an outer shell (20) configured to hold
on to an inner shell (10), and release from said inner shell (10).
The outer shell (20) is configured to fit and preferably completely
cover the inner shell (10). The inner shell (10) is configured to
cover the cranial portion of a head. The outer shell (20) of the
present invention is more impact resistant than the inner shell
(10). The inner shell (10) is preferably unitary. Similarly, the
outer shell (20) is preferably unitary.
[0043] Likewise, it is to be understood that the present invention
is a helmet system comprising forming an inner shell (10) to fit
snuggly onto a head of a user, forming an outer shell (20) to
completely cover the inner shell (10); and locking the outer shell
(20) to the inner shell (10). The outer shell (20) is said to be
more impact resistant than the inner shell (10). The helmet system
also being capable of releasing the outer shell (20) from the inner
shell (10) via an established amount of breakaway force, such as in
a fight or emergency situation.
[0044] Alternately, the present invention may be considered a
helmet system created by forming an inner shell (10) to fit snuggly
onto a head of a user and the inner shell (10) being unitary, then
placing an outer shell (20) over the inner shell (10) to completely
cover the inner shell (10). Additionally, a switch is preferably
placed on the outer shell (20). The outer shell is said to be
interlocking to the inner shell (10) when the switch is activated,
and releasing the outer shell (20) from the inner shell when the
switch is activated.
[0045] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments
above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the
scope of this application.
* * * * *