U.S. patent application number 14/184630 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-18 for helmet with external protective scales.
The applicant listed for this patent is J. Stephen West. Invention is credited to J. Stephen West.
Application Number | 20150164174 14/184630 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53366898 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150164174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
West; J. Stephen |
June 18, 2015 |
HELMET WITH EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE SCALES
Abstract
A protective covering for a helmet. The protective covering
includes a cushioning layer with a plurality of scales disposed on
an exterior surface thereof. The covering overlies an outer surface
of a substantially rigid shell of a helmet and provides additional
padding via the cushioning layer to absorb impact forces received
by the helmet. The scales are deflectable relative to one another
to compress the cushioning layer when an impact force is received
and are configured to reduce the coefficient of friction between
the covering and an impacting body to thereby increase deflection
of the impacting force and the impacting body. The protective
covering can be applied to existing helmets or can be integrated
into helmets during manufacture thereof.
Inventors: |
West; J. Stephen; (Kansas
City, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
West; J. Stephen |
Kansas City |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53366898 |
Appl. No.: |
14/184630 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14107319 |
Dec 16, 2013 |
|
|
|
14184630 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/414 ;
2/411 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/069 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/06 20060101
A42B003/06; A42B 3/12 20060101 A42B003/12 |
Claims
1. A protective covering for a helmet comprising: a cushioning
layer configured to cover at least a portion of an exterior surface
of a substantially rigid outer shell of a helmet; and a plurality
of scales overlying the cushioning layer.
2. The protective covering as in claim 1, wherein said scales are
deflectable relative to one another by compressing said cushioning
layer to at least partially absorb an impacting force.
3. The protective covering as in claim 1 wherein at least some of
the scales in said plurality of scales have edge portions which
overlap respective edge portions of adjacent ones of said
scales.
4. The protective covering as in claim 1 wherein said at least some
of the scales in said plurality of scales have edges which are
positioned in closely spaced non-overlapping relation to adjacent
ones of said scales.
5. The protective covering as in claim 1 and further comprising a
jacket extending at least partially over an outer surface of said
cushioning layer.
6. The protective covering as in claim 5, wherein said plurality of
scales is coupled to said jacket.
7. The protective covering as in claim 6, wherein said jacket is
formed of fabric.
8. The protective covering as in claim 6 and further comprising one
or more of a fastener, a clip, a strap, and a glue configured to
secure said jacket to the helmet.
9. The protective covering as in claim 1, wherein one or more of
said scales includes a scale body comprising a head and an
outwardly extending tail.
10. The protective covering as in claim 9, wherein said head of
said scale has a semicircular form extending in a first direction
and said tail has a narrow form and extends in a second direction
opposite said first direction.
11. The protective covering as in claim 9, wherein said head
extends to overlie at least a portion of the tail of an adjacent
scale.
12. The protective covering as in claim 1, wherein one or more of
said scales includes a top surface and a bottom surface, and
wherein at least a portion of a perimeter of said top surface is
sloped toward said bottom surface.
13. The protective covering as in claim 12, wherein at least a
portion of a perimeter of said bottom surface is sloped toward said
top surface.
14. The protective covering as in claim 1, wherein one or more of
said scales includes a scale body with a bottom surface that is at
least partially cupped.
15. A helmet with a protective covering comprising: a substantially
rigid shell having dimensions sufficient to receive a head of a
wearer at least partially therein; an inner cushioning disposed on
an interior surface of said shell and configured to provide padding
between a wearer's head and said shell; an external cushioning
layer disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of said
shell and coupled to said shell; and a plurality of scales
overlying an exterior surface of said cushioning layer.
16. The helmet as in claim 15, wherein said scales are deflectable
relative to one another by at least partially compressing said
external cushioning layer upon receipt of an impact force.
17. The helmet of claim 15, wherein said scales are configured to
provide a lower coefficient of friction than that of a continuous
surface comprised of the same material as said scales.
18. The helmet as in claim 15 and further including a jacket
covering at least a portion of an outer surface of said cushioning
layer, and wherein said plurality of scales are secured to said
jacket.
19. The helmet as in claim 15 wherein at least some of the scales
in said plurality of scales have edge portions which overlap
respective edge portions of adjacent ones of said scales.
20. The helmet as in claim 15 wherein at least some of the scales
in said plurality of scales have edges which are positioned in
closely spaced non-overlapping relation to adjacent ones of said
scales.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 14/107,319 filed Dec. 16, 2013.
BACKGROUND
[0002] For centuries, people engaged in sporting events, combat,
and other physical endeavors have used helmets and other protective
head coverings to protect against head injuries. Such injuries
might result from contact with sharp or blunt objects, weapons,
projectiles, or the heads or bodies of other participants or
combatants. The potential injuries range from external cuts and
bruises to internal injuries to the brain as found in
concussion-related injuries.
[0003] Concussions and related head injuries and their effects on
the injured person, especially those associated with players of
American football and related sports, have received close scrutiny
in recent times. Many attempts have been made to produce improved
helmets that absorb and/or disperse forces associated with
collisions between a player's helmet with other players' helmets
and bodies and with the ground or other obstacles. Generally these
"improved" helmets are configured to slow the rate of deceleration
of the player's head during a collision by absorbing and/or
deflecting at least a portion of the energy associated with the
collision and/or by deflecting the colliding bodies away from
direct, head-on contact. For example, Michael Princip of Silver
Spring, Md. has developed the BULWARK helmet which begins with a
standard helmet and adds a layer of shock absorbing material over
the standard helmet's hard shell. The shock absorbing material is
covered by an outer shell formed of four abutting sections. The
sections of the outer shell are designed to flex on impact in order
to partially absorb collision impacts.
[0004] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 7,254,843 to Talluri describes a
helmet having a rigid shell covered by a honeycomb layer, which is
in turn covered by a hard outer layer with minimal sliding
friction.
[0005] And U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,777 to Popovich, teaches a helmet
wherein the hard shell of the helmet is covered first by a
resilient spacing layer. The resilient spacing layer is covered by
an articulated shell layer formed of rigid segments connected by
resilient members, such as elastic bands. The articulated shell
layer is covered by a resilient outer shell covering.
[0006] There remains a need for a helmet that sufficiently absorbs
and deflects impact forces and deflects the impacting bodies to
protect the wearer thereof from concussions and other head
injuries. There also remains a need for a product that can be
applied to existing helmets to provide additional impact
protection.
SUMMARY
[0007] Embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims
below, not this summary. A high-level overview of various aspects
of the invention are provided here for that reason, to provide an
overview of the disclosure, and to introduce a selection of
concepts that are further described in the Detailed-Description
section below. This summary is not intended to identify key
features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor
is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of
the claimed subject matter. In brief, this disclosure describes,
among other things, a protective covering for helmets and a helmet
with integral protective covering.
[0008] The protective covering includes a cushioning layer that is
covered by a layer of overlapping or tightly configured scales. The
cushioning layer may comprise or be encapsulated in a jacket to
which the scales are attached. As such, the covering can be applied
to an existing helmet in a manner similar to that of a swimmer
donning a swim cap and can be fastened to the helmet to retain the
covering in place. Helmets can also be constructed with the
covering integrated therein.
[0009] The cushioning layer of the covering comprises one or more
resilient foam-like or similar padding materials. The cushioning is
configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact forces
encountered by the wearer of the helmet. The cushioning can be of
uniform thickness throughout the covering or might be sculpted to
provide additional thickness and protection in desired areas.
[0010] The scales applied to the exterior of the covering may be
configured similarly to scales found in nature in, for example,
fish scales which are generally overlapping or reptile scales which
are tightly configured but not overlapping. The shape may vary from
scales found in nature, but the result should provide a nearly
continuous armor plating that will deflect impacts. The form and
nature of the scales aid to disperse and deflect the impact forces
into the cushioning layer by moving or pivoting relative to one
another. The scales also aid deflection of contact between the
covering and the impacting object. The scales are constructed from
a rigid or resilient material having a low coefficient of friction,
which more readily enables sliding of the impacting object along
the covering. The form of each of the scales may also be configured
to increase the energy absorption thereof and to aid sliding of the
impacting object relative to the covering.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in
detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, and
wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an American football helmet
fitted with a protective covering depicted in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a protective covering for a
helmet depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a helmet with a
protective covering depicted in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a graphical illustration showing overlapping
scales on a protective covering for a helmet depicted in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an impact between
two helmets with protective coverings depicted in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention having overlapping scales;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a scale of a protective
covering for a helmet depicted in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention having overlapping scales;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the scale of FIG. 6;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the scale of FIG. 6
showing the scale coupled to a jacket on a surface of a protective
covering in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is an end elevational view of the scale of FIG. 6
showing the scale coupled to a cushioning layer of a protective
covering in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIGS. 10A-E are top plan views of exemplary scale
configurations useable with a protective covering for a helmet in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 is cross-sectional side view of a scale coupled to a
multi-layered protective covering for a helmet in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing non-overlapping
scales on a protective covering for a helmet depicted in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention; and
[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an impact between
two helmets with protective coverings depicted in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention having non-overlapping scales.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The subject matter of select embodiments of the invention is
described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements,
however the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit
the scope of claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be
embodied in other ways to include different components, steps, or
combinations thereof similar to the ones described in this
document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.
Terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order
among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except
when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.
[0026] With reference to the drawings, a protective covering 10 for
a helmet 12 is described in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. The protective covering 10 and helmet 12 are shown and
described herein with respect to an American football helmet.
However, such is not intended to limit embodiments of the invention
to any particular helmet style, type, or use or to limit
embodiments to helmets alone. Embodiments of the invention might be
employed for helmets used in other sports like cycling or hockey or
in other endeavors like combat helmets. Embodiments might also be
employed in other protective garments, such as shoulder pads, shin
guards, elbow- and kneepads, or the like.
[0027] The helmet 12 is any available helmet or protective garment.
The helmet 12 preferably includes a substantially rigid outer shell
14 and an inner padding layer 16. The helmet 12 may include a
facemask 18 or any other desired features, as depicted in FIG. 3.
As known in the art, the outer shell 14 is typically formed from a
plastic or similar material that has sufficient rigidity to resist
deformation upon impact with an object and sufficient resilience to
resist breakage. Such materials include, for example,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate
plastics.
[0028] The padding layer 16 is configured to cushion the wearer's
head from impacts striking the outer shell 14. The padding layer 16
might be comprised of one or more air bladders or padding layers
formed from materials like urethane foams or vinyl nitrile foams,
among others. The outer shell 14 and the padding layer 16 can take
any desired form and configuration.
[0029] The protective covering 10 comprises a cushioning layer 20
with a plurality of scales 22 disposed to overlie at least a
portion of an outer surface thereof. The cushioning layer 20
includes one or more layers of cushioning materials or padding. The
cushioning materials can be comprised of one or more foams,
rubbers, plastics, fibers, jute, or elastomeric materials, among
others, which can be employed alone or in combination. Preferably,
the cushioning layer 20 includes a layer of urethane foam.
[0030] The cushioning layer 20 can be provided in a single
thickness throughout the protective covering 10 or the thickness of
the layer 20 might be varied to provide desired protective and/or
aesthetic qualities. The thickness of the cushioning layer 20 is
preferably less than about 2.0 inches or between about 1.0 and 2.0
inches. The thickness of the cushioning layer 20 might be increased
in areas of the helmet 12 having a high propensity or probability
for receiving an impact or in which an impact may be more
detrimental to the wearer. For instance, as depicted in FIG. 3, a
protective covering 10 designed for use by a football quarterback
can include a cushioning layer 20 having a greater thickness along
the backside of the helmet 12 in an area associated with the back
of the head of the wearer to provide additional protection against
blindside hits and impacts with the ground. Similarly, a protective
covering 10 designed for use by a football running back might have
a cushioning layer 20 with greater thickness near the crown of the
wearer's head to provide additional protection against head-on
collisions that are common for players in that position.
Alternatively, the thickness of the cushioning layer 20 can be
sculpted or tailored to provide an aesthetic appearance, e.g. the
cushioning layer 20 might be sculpted to provide the appearance of
a gladiator's or a Viking's helmet.
[0031] As best depicted in FIG. 11, multiple layers 24, 26, 28 of
cushioning materials can also be employed in the cushioning layer
20. Each of the multiple layers 24, 26, 28 can extend across the
entirety of the cushioning layer 20 or one or more of the layers
24, 26, 28 might be present only in select portions of the
cushioning layer 20. Such selective placement may enable further
tailoring of the amount of padding and protection provided in
various regions of the protective covering 10. Further, the
cushioning layer 20 and any of the layers 24, 26, 28 that make up
the cushioning layer 20 can be selected to provide a desired
density and/or durometer to meet the protective requirements of a
particular embodiment. The density and durometer of the materials
making up the cushioning layer 20 can be uniform or variable across
the protective covering 10 and/or the thickness thereof. As shown
in FIG. 11, the layers 24, 26, 28 can be comprised of foam
materials of increasing density, e.g. a low-density foam layer 24,
an intermediate-density foam layer 26, and a high-density foam
layer 28. It is also foreseen that the cushioning layer 20 could
comprise one or more air bladders either used alone or in
combination with other cushioning materials.
[0032] The outer surface of the cushioning layer 20 is at least
partially covered by the scales 22, which may be affixed to a
jacket 30 comprised of one or more fabrics or woven materials such
as carbon fiber, polyester, nylon, or the like. Such materials are
selectable to provide desired elasticity, resilience, and
frictional properties, among other characteristics. The materials
comprising the jacket 30 can be selected to provide a low
coefficient of friction for any areas of the jacket 30 that are
exposed or not covered by the scales 22 or to provide a high
coefficient of friction in areas that contact the cushioning layer
20 or outer shell 14 of the helmet 12 to resist relative movement
therebetween.
[0033] In alternative embodiments, the jacket 30 could also
comprise the same material as the cushioning materials; for
example, the jacket 30 can be provided by heating the outer surface
of the cushioning materials to form a continuous skin thereon. The
jacket 30 covers all or part of the outer surface of the cushioning
layer 20. The jacket 30 might also be provided on an inner surface
of the cushioning layer 20, between the cushioning layer 20 and the
shell 14 of the helmet 12, to fully or partially enclose the
cushioning materials of the cushioning layer 20. The jacket 30 can
be formed in situ, bonded to, or applied over an outermost layer of
the cushioning layer 20.
[0034] The jacket 30 without elasticity or slightly elastic to
enable stretching of the jacket 30 over the helmet 12, but not so
elastic that the scales 22 attached thereto will become displaced
from their desired positions by deformation of the jacket 30. It is
not required that the jacket 30 be significantly elastic as the
jacket can be sized to fit tightly over the cushioning layer 20
without stretching. In one embodiment, the cushioning layer 20 is
coupled or adhered to the outer shell 14 of the helmet 12 and the
jacket 30 installed thereover. Alternatively, the cushioning layer
20 can be coupled to or adhered to the jacket 30 along all or a
portion of their opposing surfaces such that the jacket 30 can be
allowed to move relative to the cushioning layer 20. The cushioning
layer 20 might also be comprised of a plurality of independent
sections (not shown) to enable each of the sections to move with
the jacket 30, e.g. each of the sections is coupled to the jacket
30 and moves slightly away from the other sections when the jacket
30 is stretched. If the cushioning layer 20 includes one or more
air bladders, those air bladders can be inflated after installation
of the jacket 30 in order to tension the jacket 30 for a tight fit
around the helmet 12 without any need for the jacket 30 to be
elastic.
[0035] The scales 22 are disposed on the outer surface of the
jacket 30 so as to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of
the jacket 30. Preferably, the scales 22 cover substantially the
entire outer surface of the jacket 30, but they might be arranged
to cover only selected areas or portions of the cushioning layer
20, e.g. areas with the highest propensity for receiving impacts.
The scales 22 can be arranged in any desired manner. In one
embodiment, the scales 22 are generally aligned in rows that are
laterally offset from adjacent rows such that each scale 22 of a
first row overlaps two scales 22 of a second row, as depicted in
FIG. 4.
[0036] The scales 22 are preferably comprised of a substantially
rigid material of sufficient strength and durability to endure
repeated impacts of objects with the protective covering 10. Such
materials include plastics like ABS or polycarbonate plastics,
metals like titanium, ceramic materials, and composite materials,
among others. The materials can be further selected to provide a
low coefficient of friction or can be coated or treated with
additional materials to provide a surface with a low coefficient of
friction. Preferably, the coefficient of friction of the scales 22
is less than that of the outer shell 14 of the helmet 12. The
materials for the scales 22 might also be configured to provide a
desired degree of resiliency to allow the scales 22 to flex or bend
when receiving an impact force.
[0037] As depicted in FIGS. 6-9, the scales 22 are adapted to
partially overlap each other and include a shovel-shaped body 31
having a head end 32 and a tail end 34. The head end 32 has an
arcuate leading edge and forms a semi-circular body while the tail
end 34 is narrower than the head end 32 and terminates in a point
directed away from the head end 32. The perimeter of a top surface
36 of the scale 22 is pitched downwardly toward a bottom surface 38
of the scale 22. Similarly, the perimeter of the bottom surface 38
is pitched upward toward the top surface 36 to form a sharp edge
around the scale 22. The upward and downward angles of the top and
bottom surfaces 36, 28 of the scales 22 may provide mating contact
surfaces between the scales 22 when overlapping. The body 31 of the
scale 22 can also be at least partially arced or cupped to provide
a convex form that is adaptable to a curved surface, e.g. the
curved form of the helmet 14. The size and form of the scales 22 is
preferably continuous across the protective covering 10 but can be
varied. For example, smaller scales 22 might be provided around the
periphery of the protective covering 10 associated with areas of
the helmet 12 that receive the most impacts while larger scales
might be provided in areas associated with the top of the helmet 12
that receive fewer impacts.
[0038] FIGS. 10A-E depict a non-exhaustive selection of exemplary
alternative forms of the scales 22. As depicted in FIG. 10A, the
scales 22A can include a raised ridge 40 among other surface
features. The raised ridge 40 may aid to strengthen the scale
and/or modify frictional characteristics of the scale 22A. Scales
22B and 22C depict various shapes that might be used for the head
ends 32B, 32C thereof and a blunted tail end 34B, 34C, as shown in
FIGS. 10B and 10C. A scale 22D depicts a tail end 34D with features
configured to receive a strand, thread, or similar element for
coupling to the cushioning layer 20. And the scale 22E depicts a
scale with a polygonal shape.
[0039] With continued reference to FIGS. 8-9, the scales 22 may
include a leg 42 extending from the bottom surface 38 thereof and a
foot 44 disposed at the distal end of the leg 42. As shown in FIG.
8, the leg 42 may penetrate through an opening in the jacket 30 and
the foot 44 may be disposed between the jacket 30 and the
cushioning layer 20. The leg 42 is provided with an asymmetrical
cross-sectional shape to resist rotation of the scale 22 about an
axis aligned along the length of the leg 42. The foot 44 has larger
dimensions than that of the hole through which the leg 42 is
inserted and thus resists withdrawal of the foot 44 and leg 42 from
the jacket 30. The scales 22 are thus coupled to the jacket 30 by
inserting the foot 44 through a respective aperture in the jacket
30 in a manner similar to a button.
[0040] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the leg 42 and foot 44
can be configured to couple the scale 22 with the cushioning layer
20. The leg 42 penetrates through the cushioning layer 20 to the
foot 44, which is disposed on an opposite side of the cushioning
layer 20 from the scale body 31. Again, the foot 44 has larger
dimensions than that of the hole through which the leg 42 is
inserted and thus resists withdrawal of the foot 44 and leg 42 from
the cushioning layer 20. The scales 22 may be coupled to the
cushioning layer 20 by inserting the foot 44 through a respective
aperture in the cushioning layer 20 in a manner similar to a button
or the leg 42 can be passed through a respective aperture in in the
cushioning layer 20 and the foot 44 coupled to the distal end of
the leg 42 from an opposite side of the cushioning layer 20.
[0041] In other embodiments, the scales 22 can be coupled to the
jacket 30 or cushioning layer 20 by one or more means including
glues, sewing, stitching, riveting, welding, or the like. For
example, a scale 46 is coupled to the jacket 30 by stitching using
one or more threads 48 inserted through the tail end of the scale
46, as depicted in FIG. 11.
[0042] The protective covering 10 also includes one or more
attachment or retention elements configured to enable coupling of
the protective covering 10 with the helmet 12. As depicted in FIG.
2, a substantially rigid insert 50 is provided along a front edge
of the jacket 30 of the protective covering 10. The insert 50
provides a coupling location through which one or more fasteners 52
may be inserted to engage receptacles associated with the helmet
12. For example, fasteners 52 associated with mounting the facemask
18 on the helmet 12 might also be employed to couple the insert 50
to the helmet 12. The insert 50 may also reinforce or retain the
shape and positioning of the protective covering 10 on the helmet
12. The protective covering 10 may include one or more clips 54,
straps, or similar elements to engage the helmet 12 and retain the
protective covering 10 in place, particularly on the rear edge of
the helmet 12 opposite the insert 50. In another embodiment, the
protective covering 10 is adhered or glued to the shell 14 of the
helmet 12 or employs elasticity in the cushioning layer 20 to
provide a friction fit on the helmet 12.
[0043] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, application of the
protective covering 10 to the helmet 12 and use thereof is
described in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The
protective covering 10, as depicted in FIG. 2, is installed onto
the outer shell 14 of the helmet 12 (FIG. 1), and may be applied to
an existing helmet 12 as a retrofit thereof or may be applied to a
new helmet 12 during its manufacture. In one embodiment, the
cushioning layer 20 is installed over the outer shell 14 of the
helmet 12 and may be secured thereto using adhesive, fasteners or
the like. The jacket 30, with the scales 22 attached thereto is
then installed over the cushioning layer 20 and coupled to the
helmet 12 by inserting the fasteners 52 associated with the
facemask 18 through the insert 50. Clips 54 disposed along edges of
the jacket 30 are also engaged with at least the rearward edge of
the helmet 12.
[0044] In another embodiment, the cushioning layer 20, jacket 30
and scales 22 are assembled together first to form the protective
covering 10 which is then fastened to the helmet 12 using the
insert 50, fasteners 52 and clips 54 as described above. In yet
another embodiment, a layer of glue or adhesive is disposed on the
outer shell 14 of the helmet 12 prior to placing the protective
covering 10 on the shell 14. The protective covering 10 can thus be
retained on the helmet 12 via the glue. In another embodiment, the
protective covering 10 is maintained on the helmet 12 by
friction-fit. One or more frictional materials or features might be
disposed on an inner surface of the cushioning layer 20 to aid the
friction-fit retention of the protective covering 10 on the helmet
12.
[0045] With reference now to FIG. 5, in use the protective covering
10 provides protection against objects impacting the helmet 12. As
shown in FIG. 5, impact between a first helmet 12a and a second
helmet 12b, each having a protective covering 10a, 10b, causes the
scales 22a, 22b to be deflected relative to one another. The
deflection of the scales 22a, 22b provides a flexible outer surface
to enable at least a portion of the impact forces to be absorbed by
the cushioning layers 20a, 20b. The rigidity of the scales 22a, 22b
may also aid to distribute or deflect the impact forces across a
larger area of the cushioning materials. The scales 22a, 22b are
depressed into their respective cushioning layers 20a, 20b to
compress the cushioning materials. As such, at least a portion of
the forces associated with the impact is absorbed by the cushioning
layers 20a, 20b. The resiliency of the cushioning layers 20a, 20b
returns the scales 22a, 22b to their original positions upon
removal of the impact forces.
[0046] The rigidity and low frictional properties of the scales
22a, 22b aid deflection of the impact between the helmets 12a, 12b.
The selection of materials for the scales 22a, 22b having a low
coefficient of friction enables the scales 22a, 22b of the opposing
helmets 12a, 12b to more easily slide along one another. The
configuration of the scales 22a, 22b, including the dimensions and
surface features like ridges and angled edges may also reduce
frictional forces seen between the protective covering 10 and an
opposing object. For example, the combined surface of the plurality
of scales 22 and any ridges or surface features thereon provides
less contacting surface area between the protective covering 10 and
an impacting object than a smooth or continuous surface; there is
thus less frictional resistance to sliding contact between the
protective covering 10 and the object. Impacts may thus be more
often characterized as glancing-style blows that transfer less
energy from the impact to the head and/or brain of the
participants.
[0047] The scales 22a, 22b might also operate to absorb at least a
portion of the impact forces. The scales 22a, 22b can be configured
to at least partially flex or bend when impacted. Such flexing may
operate to absorb energies from impacts.
[0048] It is to be understood that that the scales 22 need not be
overlapping as previously described, but may instead be
non-overlapping but tightly configured, ie. closely spaced to one
another but not abutting against each other so tightly that
relative movement between the scales 22 is substantially inhibited.
For example, FIGS. 12-13 show a protective covering 10a which
comprises a cushioning layer 20 as previously described with a
plurality of non-overlapping scales 22f disposed to overlie at
least a portion of an outer surface thereof. The scales 22f are
shown as being generally hexagonal in shape, however the shape of
scales 22f is not intended to be limiting as the scales 22f could
be, for example, square, rectangular, diamond shaped, triangular,
or of mixed or irregular shapes that fit together in a generally
uninterrupted pattern. The scales 22f could also be shovel-shaped
similar to the scales 22. The scales 22f each have edges which are
closely spaced to the corresponding edges of the adjacent scales
22f The edges of the scales 22f are shown as tapering downwardly
toward the cushioning layer 20, but may also be rounded. The scales
22f may be attached to the cushioning layer 20 in any of the
manners previously described, including being attached to a jacket
30 which overlies the cushioning layer 20.
[0049] The relative size of the scales 22-22f in relation to the
surface area of the helmet 12 is not considered to be critical to
the invention, however it is to be understood that the size of
scales 22-22f should be selected such that an impact applied to the
helmet is spread over multiple scales. With this objective in mind,
it is preferred that each scale have an area of not more than about
four square inches.
[0050] Many different arrangements of the various components
depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without
departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of the
technology have been described with the intent to be illustrative
rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become
apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of reading
it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned can be
completed without departing from the scope of the claims below.
Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be
employed without reference to other features and subcombinations
and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *