Device for Absorbing, Dissipating and Deflecting Impact Energy

Abstract

A structure, or series of structures, for absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting impact energy that can be used in a helmet, car bumper, footwear, or other situation where impact energy needs to be absorbed. The structure, or series of securities, consisting of geometrical designs such as interlaced leaf spring pairs or helical ribbons made from materials such as a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, (ABS), Poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide, (PPTA, also known as Kevlar), or other polymers or elastomers, carbon fiber composite, metal, ceramic, or any combination thereof, (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer).

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to protective equipment for use in potentially dangerous activities. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a shock reducing helmet. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a sports helmet worn on an athlete's head to reduce the impact and shock experienced by the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For more than forty years, football helmets have retained a basic design of a plastic outer shell, interior padding, and metal bars that extend from the outer shell. Recently, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, (NOCSAE), recognized that current helmet designs fail to account for significant rotational forces football players routinely encounter. Accordingly, effective in 2018, football helmets approved by NOCSAE will have to meet increased rotational safety standards.

Originally, helmets were made of leather and then transitioned to a hard outer plastic layer with minimal interior padding, which protected against skull fractures, but not concussions or other internal head trauma. This problem has been partially solved by increased padding to minimize the force of impact by decreasing the acceleration, but this increased padding does not adequately protect against linear and/or rotational impact. An improved helmet is needed to protect against repeated, higher load, linear and/or rotational impacts, as the brain and other elements of the central nervous system can be traumatized by impact collisions resulting in temporary or permanent damage that undermines the quality of life and related activities. Components of the brain like the brain stem, for example, can twist during rotational collisions, causing damage to nerves.

Another problem with current helmet designs is the existence of a metal face guard that can be pulled or knocked by other players leading to linear and/or rotational injuries. The metal bars can also interfere with visual fields. An improved face guard design is needed to eliminate linear and/or rotational injuries caused by the current design and improve visibility.

In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide a shock reducing sports helmet made from improved materials for the outer shell and liner core of the helmet to increase stability upon linear and rotational impact and thereby minimize head injuries.

It would be further advantageous to provide a shock reducing sports helmet designed to reduce and if possible eliminate linear and/or rotational injuries and visibility interference created by the metal bars of the face guard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a shock reducing helmet having a rigid shell that encloses a shock-absorbing chamber. The rigid shell has an exterior, or “outer shell,” and an interior, or “inner shell,” with the chamber sandwiched between and enclosed by the outer shell and the inner shell. The chamber provides a shock-absorbing capability through compressible truss elements, openings, material properties and geometry variations, springs, a viscous filling, an elastic and/or viscous material, or any combination thereof. The “core,” or the chamber with any filling material and shock absorbing elements, is less rigid than the shell.

In a preferred embodiment, the core has a viscoelastic composite structure with at least two subcomponents. One embodiment of the composite structure has one elastic subcomponent and one viscous subcomponent. Another embodiment has two viscoelastic elements, and yet another has more than two viscoelastic elements. This structure mimics a human or animal skull in that the outer external, or exposed, structure is more rigid than the internal, or porous trabecular core, structure. Both the outer and internal structure may provide a degree of viscosity and/or elasticity, but the inner structure is less rigid and more viscous and/or elastic.

A preferred embodiment of the shell has multiple perforations through which a fluid or gas may pass.

A preferred embodiment of the shock reducing helmet device includes a football helmet with a lightweight metal, polymer, (such as polycarbonate), and/or composite shell, a viscoelastic core with varying density as a function of placement along the skull, and a clear, polymer or polycarbonate face shield and/or visor that connects flush to the outer shell and will enclose the helmet.

The shell is formed from the strongest and lightest weight materials, such as polycarbonate, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, (ABS), Poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide, (PPTA, also known as Kevlar), or other polymers or elastomers, carbon fiber composite, metal, ceramic, or any combination thereof, (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer), to provide a high strength to weight ratio and to minimize fracture and/or accommodate viscous and/or elastic performance. On either side of the shell there are ear openings extending from the outer shell through the inner shell to allow for transmission of sound and/or accommodate audio equipment. On the back of the shell there is a flap attached with hook-and-loop fasteners, (such as those sold under the brand name VELCRO), and/or quick release couplings so it can be easily removed in the event of a neck injury and/or to insert cooling pads and/or sensing equipment including but not limited to accelerometers and/or diagnostic devices.

The core may include viscous, elastic, and/or visco-elastic compressible spring or other structural elements or features to absorb shock and may include a viscous layer filling the open chambers around the compressible spring or other structural elements to slow, decelerate, and/or dampen recoil of the compressible spring or other structural elements after compression. This design dissipates impact energy and/or increases stability upon linear and rotational impact, thereby minimizing head injuries.

The face shield is preferably made of a clear polymer, (such as polycarbonate, also known as Lexan), that connects flush with the outer shell of the helmet body to eliminate visibility interference, linear and/or rotational injuries caused by knocking or pulling the metal bars of face shields used in prior art. The face shield is either integrated into the outer shell or connected to the outer shell via fasteners on the face shield that mate with connection points on the outer shell and may include a rotating flange feature, or lip, and hook-and-loop fasteners. Vents are located at the front of the face shield to allow for air flow.

In an alternative embodiment, the core includes steel springs with perforated chambers between the springs that mimic trabeculae of spongy bone to allow for gas exchange to dampen the spring load upon impact.

In an alternative embodiment, the core is formed from a thin, super elastic alloy to absorb shock and a viscous layer to dampen the force of impact.

In an alternative embodiment, the core includes hollow perforations that mimic trabeculae found in trabecular cancellous bone, also known as spongy bone to allow for gas exchange to dampen the force of impact.

Preferred embodiments of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention include a craniomaxillofacial impaction absorbing system assembly composed of a monolithic anisotropic shell, modular fit liner, integrated shock reducing facemask with modular visor, and modular cervical protector. Air vent features in the shell, liner, facemask, and cervical protector improve ergonomics by reduced weight and increased airflow.

The shell subcomponent has an outer, (superior-lateral), and inner, (inferior-medial), contiguous semi-rigid shell wall enclosing a dampening viscous and/or elastic porous core and elastic compression springs, (where present), which serve to decelerate, dampen, and dissipate impact energy imparted to the user's head which in turn mitigates the occurrence of concussive injury by reducing intracranial motion of the brain and/or trauma to the central nervous system. Viscous and/or elastic materials exhibit rubber like behavior explained by the thermodynamic theory of polymer elasticity. A viscoelastic material has the following properties: hysteresis is seen in the stress-strain curve, and stress relaxation occurs: step constant strain causes decreasing stress.

The modular liner subcomponent is a compressible liner designed to decelerate, dampen, and dissipate impact energy and allow the shell subcomponent to comfortably accommodate the user's head anatomy.

The integrated or modular facemask subcomponent is a semi-rigid, breathable, barrier that assembles flush to the shell subcomponent to prevent facial fractures, decelerate, dampen, and dissipate impact energy, and opponent interference while maximizing visibility. The modular facemask couples to the shell subcomponent via taper locking posts, hook-and-loop and/or other fastener attachments that allow for easy removal and prevent iatrogenic injuries, obviating torsional face mask injuries, that may have an internal safety truss bar and/or more rigid array of impact absorbing structural elements encircling the helmet like a halo for protection from craniomaxillofacial injuries.

The modular cervical protector is a hook-and-loop, rivet, screw, bolt, or other fastened removable hinged component that couples to the shell subcomponent to mitigate spine injuries and can receive modular cooling packs and sensing diagnostic components, for example, accelerometers, etc.

Given the high costs of present football helmets the present invention may incorporate a one size fits all option which also allows the helmet to self-adjust depending on its viscous and/or elastic response to impact energy and secondary to user weight loss fluctuation and/or fluid retention to keep helmet adherence to cranium in such a way it is not excessively constrictive to maximize comfort and minimize concussions. This may obviate the need for player position specific helmet types.

Furthermore, the present invention also addresses the torsional injuries secondary to the facemask bars by eliminating them and incorporating a single integrated or modular unit with integrated or modular visor. This solves the torsional forces generated by players grabbing the facemasks and wrenching opponents to the ground.

Visibility in the present invention is enhanced by incorporating the clear visor instead of the traditional facemask bars which interfere with players visual fields. This feature of the present invention will further enhance the prevention of craniomaxillofacial injuries.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize quick release coupling or hook-and-loop or other fastener closures instead of common snaps and buckles to further reduce potential injuries.

To compensate for the “closed” effect of the shock absorbing facemask with integrated or modular visor, its lower portion, covering the nose and lower face, is widely perforated for air circulation. Between these sections an extra single bar, and/or more rigid array of impact absorbing structural elements is placed within the facemask itself connecting to the helmet in a “halo” fashion, encircling the head and increasing the strength and stability of the helmet further holding the head, face and neck in place during tackles, hits, and multi-player pilings.

Quick release, hook-and-loop, or other fasteners also facilitate rapid removal of the shock absorbing facemask with integrated or modular visor and replacement secondary to unanticipated breakage as well as rapid removal in cases of injury and to prevent iatrogenic injuries. There is no need to have special equipment, i.e. screw drivers, new screws available.

The external plastic surface of the helmet is smooth and continuous with the unitary and integral shock absorbing facemask with integrated or modular visor to reduce the risk of sudden deceleration reducing risk of cervical spine injury or concussion.

Because some studies have shown that there is still an increased possibility of neck injuries, the present invention includes a “break away” panel secured by quick release, hook-and-loop, or other fasteners on the back of the helmet. Inserts on this panel are used for placement of cold packs for player comfort and help limit heat stroke. Also, wireless sensors, accelerometers, EKG monitoring, EEG monitoring, and other apparatuses can be placed here to field real-time information monitoring potential injuries on the field before, during, or after play.

In addition, the present invention incorporates the lighter, more resilient and energy absorbing material, such as polycarbonate, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, (ABS), Poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide, (PPTA, also known as Kevlar), or other polymers or elastomers, carbon fiber composite, metal, ceramic, or any combination thereof, (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer), for the shells without sacrificing strength and stability of the helmet.

The present invention also includes added ventilation over skull bearing areas but not usual impact points of frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital areas for more player comfort.

In an alternative embodiment, the porous core of the helmet has omnidirectionally interwoven honeycomb structures.

In another alternative embodiment, the porous core of the helmet has an omnidirectionally interwoven elliptical leaf spring structure.

In another alternative embodiment, the porous core of the helmet has an omnidirectionally interwoven bridging body, ribbon, cord, strut, tether, band, structural feature consisting of a spline contour and closed profile swept, lofted, or blended shape geometric features, including but not limited to symmetric or asymmetric, fractal, polygonal, circular, elliptical, rectangular, oval, irregular, convex or concave, crescent, star pointed, organic, or any combination thereof.

In a further embodiment, the porous core of the helmet has an omnidirectionally interwoven multi-start helical coil structure.

In another embodiment, the porous core of the helmet has a concave tetrahedral lattice.

In further embodiments, the porous core of the helmet has a deltahedral or polyhedral geometry.

The present invention contributes to a significant reduction in headform acceleration, minimizing the energy involved in impacts and collisions and/or the forces applied below those causing concussions.

Although the shock reducing helmet has been described in terms of a football helmet, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that the shock reducing helmet may be adapted for use in other activities and applications, both recreational and labor-related, that would benefit from increased protection from both linear and rotational impacts, vibration, and/or other forms of imparted energy. Other applications include but are not limited to car, vehicle, boat, and aircraft components, (like tires, panels, engine mounts, shock absorbers, and bumpers), industrial machine floor padding, ergonomic tool handles, body or other armor, footwear, mechanical shielding, mattresses, furniture, electronic cases, medical devices, (like cranial or bone plates), commercial or residential structural elements, (like foundation, framing, or roofing), toys, appliances, exercise, construction, manufacturing, and farming equipment. The inventions disclosed herein include shock absorbing technology that can be used in many different applications. The use of a helmet embodiment to describe the shock absorbing technology is not limiting.

In some embodiments the shock absorbing elements are arranged so that when the shock absorbing elements are compressed from an impact, the shock absorbing elements interlace with the immediately surrounding shock absorbing elements.

The shock absorbing structures disclosed herein can also be used for shock absorbing purposes other than helmets. Different activities, sports, and sport positions, require different patterns so the clusters and how they are interlaced, (or not), may utilize a different pattern array throughout the cranioshell. For example, when it's a helmet application vs. footwear, this would also be true as runners would need different than say soccer footwear. The same with car bumpers: a Sport Utility Vehicle, (SUV) or truck would have a different pattern than a sedan. Industrial applications: vibration impaction depends on machine type, its natural frequency, and its proximity to other machines, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, showing the helmet body formed with ear openings and a full face shield flush with the helmet body;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, with the face shield removed;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, as described in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, as described in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, showing the rear region of the outer shell of the helmet with a removable flap;

FIG. 6 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, as taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3, showing the outer shell, the inner shell, an array of springs extending between the outer shell and the inner shell, and an exemplary skeleton as positioned within the shock reducing sports helmet during use;

FIG. 7 is a midsaggital cross-sectional view of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, as taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4, shows the interior of the inner shell as described in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a transverse cross sectional view of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, as taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5, showing the inner shell from a top perspective;

FIG. 9 is an internal view of the inner shell of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, showing the spring assembly;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, showing an alternative embodiment to the helmet described in FIG. 4 having a bar incorporated within the face shield that will circle the entire helmet;

FIG. 11 is a medial cross-sectional view of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, showing an alternative embodiment of FIG. 7 having perforated chambers between the springs;

FIG. 12 is a medial cross-sectional view of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, showing an enlarged view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a medial cross-sectional view of a shock reducing sports helmet of the present invention, showing a further enlarged view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure with honeycomb-shaped shock-absorbing elements;

FIG. 15 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure with hexagonal shock-absorbing elements;

FIG. 17 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure with hexagonal shock-absorbing elements;

FIG. 19 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure with leafspring shock-absorbing elements;

FIG. 21 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure with helical shock-absorbing elements;

FIG. 23 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure with a concave tetrahedral shock-absorbing structures;

FIG. 25 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 26; and

FIG. 28 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a back/posterior view of an embodiment of a shock reducing helmet.

FIG. 30 is a front/anterior view of an embodiment of a shock reducing helmet.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shock reducing helmet.

FIG. 32 is a top/superior view of an embodiment of a shock reducing helmet.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cervical protector.

FIG. 34 is a side/midsagittal sectional diagram view of an embodiment of a shock reducing helmet.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf spring pairs in a compressed state.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structuring comprising leaf spring pairs in a free state.

FIG. 37 is a top view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structuring comprising leaf spring pairs in an interlaced compressed state.

FIG. 38 is a top view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structuring comprising leaf spring pairs in an interlaced compressed state, (with some hidden geometry).

FIG. 39 is a top view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf spring pairs in a free, (unloaded by impact energy or force), state.

FIG. 40 a top view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf spring pairs in a free state.

FIG. 41 is side view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf spring pairs in an interlaced and compressed state, (with some hidden geometry).

FIG. 42 is a side view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf springs in a free state, (with some hidden geometry).

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf spring pairs in an interlaced and compressed state.

FIG. 44 is a side view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf spring pairs in an interlaced and compressed state, (with some hidden geometry).

FIG. 45 is a top view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf spring pairs in an interlaced and compressed state.

FIG. 46 is a top view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf spring pairs in an interlaced and compressed state, (with some hidden geometry).

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf spring pairs in a free state.

FIG. 48 is a side view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf spring pairs in a free state, (with some hidden geometry).

FIG. 49 is a top view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf spring pairs in free state.

FIG. 50 is a top view of an embodiment of a shock absorbing structure comprising leaf spring pairs in free state, (with some hidden geometry).

FIG. 51 is a top free state view of an embodiment of shock absorbing elements arranged in an array of clusters of four.

FIG. 52 is a side free state view of FIG. 51, (with some hidden geometry).

FIG. 53 is an isometric free state view of FIG. 51, (with some hidden geometry).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention is shown and generally designated 10. Helmet 10 includes a body 12 formed with a left ear opening 26, right ear opening 46 (shown in FIG. 2), and a full face shield 14 flush with the helmet body 12.

The helmet body 12 has a crown region 20, front region 18, rear region 22, left side region 24, and right side region 54 (shown in FIG. 4). The helmet body 12 is made of an outer shell 16 and an inner shell 38.

The face shield 14 is preferably made of a clear transparent polycarbonate, such as Lexan, and attaches flush with the outer shell 16 of the helmet body 12 to eliminate visibility interference and rotational injuries caused by knocking or pulling the metal bars of face shields used in prior art.

The face shield 14 attaches to the helmet body 12 by hinges 42 (shown in FIG. 2) on the right side of the face shield 32 and fasteners 36 on the left side of the face shield 34. Alternatively, the location of the hinges 42 and fasteners 36 may reverse sides. The front of the face shield 30 has vents 28 to allow for ventilation and verbal communication.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, with the face shield 14 removed. This exploded perspective shows the helmet 10 as described in FIG. 1 with additional features, including a view of the interior of the helmet 47, the relative thickness between the outer shell and inner shell 48, and the inner wall 19 and outer wall 17 of the outer shell 16. The outer shell 16 is preferably made of the strongest and lightest weight materials, such as polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber composite, metal, or any combination thereof (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer), to provide a high strength to weight ratio and to minimize fracture. Alternatively, a metal alloy may be used for the outer shell.

FIG. 2 also shows the right ear opening 46, of the helmet body 12. The ear openings 26 and 46 are situated on the helmet body 12 to be generally in line with the ears of the user of the helmet to allow for transmission of sound.

Additionally, FIG. 2 shows the hinges 42 mentioned above that attach the face shield 14 to the helmet body 12 via hinge attachment points 44 on the right side region 54 (shown in FIG. 4) of the helmet body 12. The fasteners 36 on the left side of the face shield 34 connect to the left side region 22 of the helmet body 12 via fastener connection points 40. As previously mentioned, the location of the hinges 42 and fasteners 36 and their associated connection points may reverse sides.

Finally, FIG. 2 shows a chin strap 50 with chin strap fasteners 52 that attach to one or more chin strap connection points (not shown on figures) on the helmet body 12. The chin strap 50 fits snugly around the chin of user and connects to both sides of the helmet body 12 to prevent the helmet 10 from falling off user's head.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a left side view of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing helmet 10 as described in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a front side view of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing helmet 10 as described in FIGS. 1 and 2, and additionally showing the right side region 54 of the helmet body 12.

As seen in FIG. 4, vents 28 are orifices in the face shield 14 that allow for airflow in and out of the helmet 10. In a preferred embodiment, vents 28 are hexagon-shaped in order to allow for an optimal balance between airflow and strength. However, the appropriate balance may vary between different types of activity and from individual to individual. Some embodiments use slots instead of hexagons for vents 28 in order to increase airflow. Other embodiments include helmets 10 with triangle-shaped vents 28, helmets 10 with circular vents 28, helmets 10 with other shapes of vents 28, and helmets 10 with mixed shapes of vents 28.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a rear view of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing helmet 10 as described in FIG. 4, and additionally showing a modular cervical protector 55, which is connected to the helmet body 12 by hook-and-loop fasteners so it may be easily opened in the event of a neck injury to insert cooling pads or accelerometers. Other monitoring devices such as, for example, EEG electrodes, may also be inserted through the opening. In one embodiment, the hook-and-loop fasteners of modular cervical protector 55 hold the modular cervical protector 55 closed, and may be disengaged in order to open modular cervical protector 55 like a flap. In another embodiment, the hook-and-loop fasteners are disengaged in order to remove the modular cervical protector 55 entirely.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a lateral cross-sectional view of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, as taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3, showing the outer shell 16, the inner shell 38, an array of springs 56 extending between the outer shell 16 and the inner shell 38, and an exemplary skeleton 66 as positioned within the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet during use.

The inner shell 38 includes springs 56, spring gaps 62 (as shown in FIG. 9), chambers 58, and side chambers 60, which are distributed in a manner to maximize shock absorption upon linear and rotational impact. Springs 56 are coil springs in some preferred embodiments, and cylindrical wave springs in other preferred embodiments. Other springs or spring-like elements exhibiting appropriate compression characteristics may be used for springs 56. Chambers 58 between the springs 56 and side chambers 60 may be filled with a viscous polymer or gas to dampen recoil of the springs 56 and vary in density as a function of placement along the skull 64. Chambers 58 between the springs 56 and chambers 60 also have, in some embodiments, an inner core that is porous, trabecular, or honeycomb, or any combination thereof, in geometric structure. Some embodiments of the trabecular structure are symmetrical, and other embodiments are asymmetrical and irregular. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical trabeculae are used in some embodiments of the shock reducing helmet.

In an alternative embodiment, chambers 58 between the springs 56 are empty, and perforations in the outer shell 16 allow gas exchange to dampen the spring load upon impact force, while chambers 60 are filled with a porous honeycomb or trabecular structure.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a medial cross-sectional view of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, as taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4, showing the interior of the inner shell 38 as described in FIG. 6. A compressible foam liner lines inner shell 38 for fit in some embodiments; alternatively, a head sock may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a lateral-cross sectional view of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, as taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5, showing the inner shell 38 as described in FIG. 6 from a top perspective.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an internal view of the inner shell 38 of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing the spring assembly as described in FIG. 6, and additionally showing spring gaps 62 to demonstrate variable spacing of the springs 56 as a function of placement along the skull 64.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a front view of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing an alternative embodiment to the helmet 10 described in FIG. 4 with a “bar,” or circumferential structural supporting rib 68 incorporated within the face shield that encircles the helmet body 12 to further reinforce stability of the helmet 10.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a medial cross-sectional view of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing an alternative embodiment to the helmet 10 described in FIG. 7 with perforations 70 in the chambers between the springs that mimic trabeculae found in trabecular cancellous bone, also known as spongy bone to allow for gas exchange to dampen the spring load upon impact.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a medial cross-sectional view of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing an enlarged view of FIG. 11. Chambers 58 are filled with a porous plastic or metal material that matches the outer shell 16 and inner shell 38 in material properties, but has a porous structure resulting in perforations 70.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a medial cross-sectional view of the Shock Reducing Sports Helmet of the present invention, showing a further enlarged view of FIG. 11. The perforations 70 are arranged in a pattern in some embodiments, and in other embodiments are arranged irregularly.

FIGS. 14-25 illustrate shock-absorbing structures used to absorb impact energy in various embodiments of the shock reducing helmet described herein. The shock-absorbing structures are placed in the core of the helmet, usually extending from the outer shell (e.g. outer shell 16) to the inner shell (e.g. inner shell 38), and filling at least a portion, but in some embodiments all, of the core of the helmet. The helmet thus has a trabecular core region composed of one or more of the below-described shock-absorbing structures. The shock-absorbing structures absorb impact energy by a resilient, elastic, viscoelastic, or frangible dynamic response to compression. Moreover, the shock-absorbing structures have a nonuniform density, anisotropic configuration, or both in some embodiments.

In order to make some embodiments of a shock reducing helmet, 3D printing is used to create shock-absorbing structures that were previously not available with manufacturing processes such as casting or extrusion.

Some preferred embodiments of the shock-absorbing structures are made from a shape-memory alloy, which allows portions of the helmet to be deformed during impact and later returned to their original shape. Some embodiments use superelastic alloys, such as a nickel titanium shape-memory alloy, allowing the helmet to recover its original shape on its own after impact, without the need for a temperature change.

Referring now to FIG. 14-19, the shock absorbing device may comprise shock absorbing elements made up of polygonal structures arranged in pairs having a first polygon structure in a first orientation and a second polygonal structure in a second orientation. When the polygonal structures are compressed, the polygonal structures will interlace with the neighboring polygonal structures.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the shock absorbing elements are made up of polygonal honeycomb-shaped shock-absorbing structures 120. Each structure 120 is a chain of hexagonal elements extending from the outer shell 16 to the inner shell 38. Each hexagonal element has a wall 122 and an aperture 124 extending from one end of the hexagonal element to the other. The walls 122 increase in thickness and the apertures 124 decrease in cross-sectional area along the length of the structure 120 as it extends toward the inner shell 38. As shown, the shock-absorbing structures 120 are placed in alternating orientations. Moreover, in some embodiments the shock absorbing structures 120 vary in density of their placement throughout the helmet, providing varying stiffness between regions of the helmet.

Structures 120 act as compression springs, absorbing the energy of impacts against the helmet. Due to the increasing thickness of walls 122, the structures 120 exhibit greater stiffness, or resistance to deflection nearer the inner shell 38.

In a preferred embodiment, shock-absorbing structures 120 are placed in regions of the helmet that do not have springs 56. In another embodiment, shock absorbing structures 120 are used throughout the helmet instead of springs 56.

The polygonal structures 120 are arranged in pairs with a first polygonal structure 208 in a first orientation and a second polygonal structure 209 in a second orientation. Upon impact and compression, the polygonal structures in a first orientation 208 interlace with polygonal structures in the second orientation 209.

Referring to FIG. 15, a side cutaway view of the alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 14 is illustrated. As seen, the shock-absorbing structures 120 alternate in orientation, both from left to right and front to back.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet shows the rigid shell and a chamber 58 filled with a cage structure or, more particularly, hexagonal shock-absorbing structures 130. Most of the top and bottom side of each hexagon are provided by the outer shell 16 and the inner shell 38 of the helmet. Shock-absorbing structures 130 may be made from a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber composite, metal, or any combination thereof (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer), which allows portions of the helmet to be deformed during impact and later returned to their original shape.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a cutaway side view of the alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 16 is shown. As seen, the shock-absorbing structures 130 alternate in orientation, both from left to right and front to back. In a preferred embodiment, shock-absorbing structures 130 are placed in regions of the helmet that do not have springs 56. In another embodiment, shock absorbing structures 130 are used throughout the helmet instead of springs 56.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet shows the rigid shell and a chamber 58 filled with hexagonal shock-absorbing structures 135. Most of the top and bottom side of each hexagon are provided by the outer shell 16 and the inner shell 38 of the helmet. Shock-absorbing structures 135 may be made from steel in a preferred embodiment, but may be made from other materials such as a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber composite, metal, or any combination thereof (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer), ceramics, polymers, and/or elastomers.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a cutaway side view of the alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 18 is shown. As seen, the shock-absorbing structures 135 alternate in orientation, both from left to right and front to back. In a preferred embodiment, shock-absorbing structures 135 are placed in regions of the helmet that do not have springs 56. In another embodiment, shock absorbing structures 135 are used throughout the helmet instead of springs 56.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet shows the rigid shell and a chamber 58 filled with beam structures. More particularly, chamber 58 is filled with leafspring shock-absorbing structures 140. Shock-absorbing structures 140 may be made from a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber composite, metal, or any combination thereof (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer), which allows portions of the helmet to be deformed during impact and later returned to their original shape.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a cutaway side view of the alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 20 is shown. As seen, the shock-absorbing structures 140 are placed in sets of two opposing leafspring structures, and the sets alternate in orientation, both from left to right and front to back. In a preferred embodiment, shock-absorbing structures 140 are placed in regions of the helmet that do not have springs 56. In another embodiment, shock absorbing structures 140 are used throughout the helmet instead of spring 56.

FIGS. 35-50 show a leaf spring shock absorbing structure 200 in greater detail, including how the leaf spring shock absorbing structure 200 is configured so that upon compressing the leaf springs interlace with surrounding leaf springs. The compressing and interlacing showing with regard to leaf springs in FIGS. 35-50 is representative of how the other shock absorbing elements will compress upon impact and interlace with surrounding shock absorbing elements.

The leaf springs shock absorbing elements 200 may be arranged in pairs 203 with a first leaf spring 201 of the pair 203 in a first orientation and the second leaf spring 202 of the 203 pair in a second orientation. The second orientation interlacing with the first orientation. More specifically, when the shock absorbing element 200 is compressed (See FIG. 35), a portion of leaf spring 201 is pushed into inner space of leaf spring 202. The compression cause the top and bottom ends of the leaf springs to move closer together, pushing out the sides of the leaf spring and creating room for a portion of the neighboring leaf springs to move into.

In other embodiments, the leaf springs can be interlaced in a variety of ways such as radial orthogonal interlaced but purely radial interlacing could also be used wherein rings pattern array of leaf springs could essentially interlace with adjacent inner or outer rings. The leaf springs may be in an elliptical ring array. Circular leaf spring arrays may form vent holes in a helmet. The leaf springs may be more circular or crescent shape than a traditional elliptical leaf springs. Leaf spring pairs could also be symmetrically arrayed in a mirror pattern or even an irregular pattern wherein a leaf spring may be by itself and not even paired but will still connect the outer and inner walls.

In some embodiments, the shock absorbing structures are more akin to ribbons than leaf springs. The ribbon material connects inner and out walls. The ribbon could be of infinite patterns and shapes combinations and/or configurations, it could look like wool, and be highly irregular or it could a very engineered geometry this could be for design, applicant, or manufacturing reasons among others. With regard to wool, the shock absorbing elements could be a tuft of wool or similar clump of fibers or filaments.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet shows the rigid shell and a chamber 58 filled with polygonal ribbon structures 150. Polygonal ribbon structures 150 may be made from a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, from a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber composite, metal, or any combination thereof (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer), which allows portions of the helmet to be deformed during impact and later returned to their original shape. Each polygonal ribbon structure 150 has between one and five congruent intertwined nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber composite, metal, or any combination thereof (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer) material helices or resilient members. In one embodiment, shock-absorbing structures 150 may be wire structures, much like helical springs. In a preferred embodiment, structure 150 is a triple helix. In some embodiments, the polygonal ribbons 150 are helical ribbons.

The polygon ribbon structures 150 may be arranged in pairs comprising a first polygonal ribbon structure 204 in a first orientation and a second polygonal ribbon structure in a second orientation 205. When compressed, the polygonal ribbon structures interlace with neighboring polygonal ribbon structures.

In some embodiments, the polygonal ribbons have a first end 206 and a second end 207, and a stiffness differential between the first end 206 and the second end 207. Meaning, the polygonal ribbons are stiffer on one end than the other end. It is noted that the other shock absorbing elements described herein (leaf springs, polygonal structures, trabecular, etc. may also have a stiffness differential as described herein with reference to a polygonal ribbon).

Referring now to FIG. 23, a cutaway side view of the alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 23 is shown. In a preferred embodiment, shock-absorbing structures 150 are placed in regions of the helmet that do not have springs 56. In another embodiment, shock absorbing structures 150 are used throughout the helmet instead of springs 56.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a shock reducing helmet shows the rigid shell and a chamber 58 filled with a truss structure. More particularly, the truss 58 is a lattice of polyhedron structures 160. As illustrated, in some embodiments the lattice of polyhedron structures 160 may have concave rather than straight edges. Other embodiments may have convex, spline, and/or compound curvilinear edges. In a preferred embodiment, the lattice is made up of two layers of tetrahedron-shaped elements between the outer shell 16 and the inner shell 38 of the helmet. Shock-absorbing structures 160 are made from a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber composite, metal, or any combination thereof (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer), which allows portions of the helmet to be deformed during impact and later returned to their original shape.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a cutaway side view of the alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 24 is shown. As seen, the lattice of shock-absorbing structures 160 is made up of two layers of tetrahedron-shaped elements. In a preferred embodiment, shock-absorbing structures 160 are placed in regions of the helmet that do not have springs 56. In another embodiment, shock absorbing structures 160 are used throughout the helmet instead of springs 56.

Referring now to FIG. 26, a shock reducing helmet 200 is illustrated. Shock reducing helmet 200 is substantially similar to helmet 10 in materials, structure, and use, with the primary exceptions of the face mask 14 and the flap 55, which differences are discussed below. In all other respects, it is fully contemplated that for each component, the materials and structure of the corresponding structure of other embodiments described herein may also be used with helmet 200.

The helmet body 212 of helmet 200 covers the lower portion of a wearer's face, including the maxilla and mandible, thus requiring only a visor 214 smaller than the face shield 14 of helmet 10. In a preferred embodiment, visor 214 is made of a scratch-resistant, transparent polycarbonate. The body 212 of helmet 200 is made with an outer shell 216 and an inner shell 238 (shown in FIG. 28), creating a chamber 258. The body 212 has a left ear opening 226 and a right ear opening.

In an alternative embodiment, helmet 200 has a facemask 14 (shown in FIGS. 1-4) of which visor 214 forms a part.

Instead of modular cervical protector 55, helmet 200 has a removable cervical protector 255 attached to the rear portion of the base of helmet body 212. Removable cervical protector 255 may be easily removed in the event of a neck injury to insert cooling pads or an instrumentation pack that acquires, stores, and transmits data, such as an instrumentation pack containing accelerometers and other diagnostic instrumentation.

A circumferential structural supporting rib or halo 268, analogous to rib 68 shown in FIG. 10, is present in some preferred embodiments, and, for aesthetic purposes, integrated into the helmet shell rather than visibly present outside the helmet 200. In some embodiments, multiple halos 268 are present.

Referring now to FIG. 27, a side view of helmet 200 is illustrated, showing the position of visor 214 and removable cervical protector 255. As shown, visor 214 sits flush with the body 212 of helmet 200, making it difficult for another player to grab, thus avoiding torsional injuries generated by players grabbing the face masks and wrenching opponents to the ground.

Some embodiments of the removable cervical protector 255 extend up to the bottom of the halo 268, as illustrated by broken line 255A. Moreover, some preferred embodiments of the cervical protector 255, intended for use in environments where blows to the back of the head and neck are likely, have the same internal shock absorbing structures as the body 212 of helmet 200.

Referring now to FIG. 28, the chambers 258 between the outer shell 216 and the inner shell 238 are filled with one or more of the shock absorbing structures described in conjunction with FIGS. 14 through 25. In a preferred embodiment, the shock absorbing structures are used throughout the chambers 258 instead of the springs 56 used in several preferred embodiments of helmet 10, resulting in a modular core region at least partially, and in some embodiments completely, composed of the shock absorbing structures. In some embodiments, the shock absorbing structures are placed throughout the helmet 200 with a nonuniform density, while in other embodiments a uniform density is used.

The shock absorbing structures form a trabecular core region, and vary between embodiments in interlaced, independently aligned, patterned, and pseudo-randomly oriented. The shock absorbing structures absorb impact energy by a resilient, elastic, viscoelastic, or frangible dynamic response to compression.

Helmet 200 includes, in some embodiments, modular fasteners 274 for ancillary device compatibility. Fasteners 274 vary in number and position among embodiments, and may be found on the outside of helmet 200, on the inside of helmet 200, or both on the outside and on the inside of helmet 200. Fasteners 274 may be screws, bolts, flaps, cables, epoxy, straps, or any combination thereof. It is fully contemplated that the other embodiments of the shock reducing helmet described herein may also be equipped with fasteners such as fasteners 274.

As with helmet 10, a compressible foam liner lines inner shell 238 of helmet 200 for fit in some embodiments; alternatively, a head sock may be used.

Referring to FIG. 34, a sectional diagram of an embodiment of the shock reducing helmet is shown. The embodiment comprises a zero profile cranioshell, a zero-profile visor, a craniocore, an internal chin capture restraint, and a cervical neck protector with integrated cooling cell pocket, (also shown in FIG. 33). It should be noted that the cooling pack that fits within the cooling cell pocket is not shown either FIGS. 33 and 34. The cranioshell, (outermost component), has an integrated impact absorbing, zero-profile, (flush fitting with no protrusions), maxilla, mandibular, and midface protection. Prior art helmets have modular high profile protruding grills, which are clunky unaligned metal rod cages that are bolted onto the conventional outer shell. The prior art grills are a safety hazard because the grill can get caught on other players and/or the ground and cause torsion to the player's neck or other trauma. The craniocore may be made of a softer material than the cranioshell such as an elastomer or foam designed for impact absorption and anatomically fitting to a head which has an irregular flesh shape outside of and around the skull. The internal chin capture restraint eliminated the need for an external snap-on chin strap.

Referring to FIGS. 51-53, an embodiment of the shock absorbing structure comprises an array 210 of shock absorbing element clusters 211. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 51-53, the shock absorbing element clusters are clusters of four elliptical leaf spring pairs. Other types of shock absorbing elements could be used in the clusters, and the clusters consist of more or less shock absorbing elements. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 51-53, the array comprises a center cluster and two concentric circular arrays of clusters 211. Other array designs could be implemented depending on the particular needs of an application.

The shock absorbing elements within the shock absorbing element cluster 211 are configured to interlace when the device compresses, as described supra. The array of shock absorbing element clusters 211 are also configured to interlace with the neighboring shock absorbing element clusters 211. The dual interlacing, (both the individual shock absorbing elements within a cluster 211 and the shock absorbing element clusters 211 within the array pattern), increase the ability of the shock absorbing structure to absorb, dissipate, and deflect impact energy by increasing cluster 211 quantity and therein array density to reduce structural stress for higher impact loads and more stable impact absorption.

Additional embodiments of arrays of shock absorbing element clusters 211 are shown as part of a helmet in FIGS. 29-32. In the FIGS. only a single shock absorbing cluster 211 is identified our of the several that are present in the design. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the drawing is intended to show the interior of the helmet and that the clusters 211 are inside, inter alia, an outer wall.

In an embodiment of the energy absorbing structure the shock absorbing structures comprises a plurality of polygonal ribbon pairs. Each ribbon pair comprising a first polygonal ribbon in a first orientation and a second polygonal ribbon in second each polygonal ribbon pair comprising a first polygonal ribbon in a first orientation and a second polygonal ribbon in a second orientation, wherein the second orientation is interlaced to the first orientation. Each ribbon may have a first end and a second end and a stiffness differential between the first end and the second end. The polygonal ribbons may be hexagonal ribbons.

In another embodiment, the shock absorbing elements may be polygonal structure pairs with a first polygonal structure in a first orientation and a second polygonal structure in a second orientation wherein the first orientation is interlaced with the second orientation. The polygonal structures may be hexagonal polygons.

In some embodiments, the shock absorbing elements may be helical ribbons.

In some embodiments, the shock absorbing elements may be a lattice of polyhedron structures. The polyhedron structures may have concave or convex edges. The lattice of polyhedron structures may be a deltahedron lattice.

The shock absorbing structure may be configured so that the shock absorbing structure is in an original (free or non-compressed) position prior to impact to the shock absorbing structure, then compresses to a compressed position upon impact to the structure, then returns to the original position after impact. In some embodiments, the rate the shock absorbing structure compresses from the original position to the compressed position is greater than the rate the shock absorbing structure decompresses from the compressed position back to the original position. In other embodiments, the rate the shock absorbing structure compresses from the original position to the compressed position is less than the rate the shock absorbing structure decompresses from the compressed position back to the original position.

The shock absorbing structures may have a stiffness differential between its first and second end.

While there have been shown what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A device configured for absorbing, dissipating and/or deflecting impact energy comprising: an outer shell;an inner shell; andat least one shock absorbing structure between the outer and inner shell comprising shock absorbing elements;the shock absorbing elements compress upon impact to the device;the shock absorbing elements arranged so that when compressed, the shock absorbing elements interlace with the immediately surrounding shock absorbing elements;wherein the outer shell, inner, shell, and shock absorbing structure form a monolithic structure.

2. An energy absorbing, dissipating, and/or deflecting structure comprising: a first wall, a second wall, and at least one shock absorbing element in between the first wall and the second wall.

3. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 2 wherein: said at least one shock absorbing element comprises leaf spring pairs, each leaf spring pair comprising a first leaf spring in a first orientation and a second leaf spring in a second orientation;wherein the leaf spring pairs are configured so that when the leaf spring pairs are compressed, a leaf spring in a first orientation interlaces with a leaf spring in a second orientation.

4. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 2, wherein: said at least one shock absorbing element comprises polygonal ribbon pairs, each polygonal ribbon pair comprising a first polygonal ribbon in a first orientation and a second polygonal ribbon in a second orientation;wherein the polygonal ribbon pairs are configured so that when the polygonal ribbon pairs are compressed, a polygonal ribbon pair in a first orientation interlaces with a polygonal ribbon in a second orientation.

5. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 3 wherein each polygonal ribbon has a first end and a second end and a stiffness differential between the first end and the second end.

6. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 3 wherein the polygonal ribbons are hexagonal ribbons.

7. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 2 wherein: said at least one shock absorbing structure comprises polygonal structure pairs, each polygonal structure pair comprising a first polygonal structure in a first orientation and a second polygonal structure in a second orientation;wherein the polygonal structure pairs are configured so that when the polygonal structure pairs are compress, a polygonal structure in a first orientation interlaces with a polygonal ribbon structure in a second orientation.

8. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 7 wherein the polygonal structures are hexagonal polygons.

9. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 2 wherein: said at least one shock absorbing structure comprises helical ribbons.

10. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 2 wherein: said at least one shock absorbing structure comprises a lattice of polyhedron structures.

11. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 10 wherein the polyhedron structures have concave edges.

12. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 10 wherein the polyhedron structures have convex edges.

13. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 10 wherein the lattice of polyhedron structures is a deltahedron lattice.

14. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 2 wherein: said at least one shock absorbing structure is in an original position prior to impact to the structure, then compressed into a compressed position upon impact to the structure, then returns to the original position after impact to the structure.

15. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 14 wherein the rate the shock absorbing structure compresses from the original position to the compressed position is greater than the rate the shock absorbing structure decompresses from the compressed position back to the original position.

16. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 14 wherein the rate the shock absorbing structure compresses from the original position to the compressed position is less than the rate the shock absorbing structure decompresses from the compressed position back to the original position.

17. The energy absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting structure of claim 2 wherein: said at least one shock absorbing structure has a first end and a second end, and a stiffness differential between the first end and the second end.

18. A method of absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting impact comprising the steps of: a first end of shock absorbing structure receiving an impact, said shock absorbing structure comprising shock absorbing elements extending between the first end of the shock absorbing structure and a second end of the shock absorbing structure;wherein said shock absorbing elements are arranged in pairs with a first shock absorbing element in a first orientation and a second shock absorbing element in a second orientation;wherein upon the shock absorbing structure receiving said impact, the shock absorbing elements compress form an original uncompressed position into a compressed position;wherein as the shock absorbing elements compress, the shock absorbing elements in the first orientation interlace with the shock absorbing elements in the second orientation;wherein the shock absorbing elements return to the original uncompressed position.

19. The method of absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting impact of claim 18 wherein the shock absorbing elements are leaf springs.

20. The method of absorbing, dissipating, and deflecting impact of claim 18 wherein the shock absorbing elements are polygonal ribbons.