Non-resiliency body-contact protective helmet interface structure

Abstract

Shock-absorbing, load-cushioning interface structure for use inside, and in operative cooperation with, the shell of a helmet for operative interposition such a shell and the head of a wearer. This structure is characterized with features and performances including (a) compression-deformation-and-slow-return viscoelasticity, (b) non-springy (anti-rebound) during a return from deformation, (c) acceleration-rate(strain-rate)-sensitivity, and (d) a durometer associated with an ILD number which is no less than about 15-ILD.

1 . Shock absorbing structure for use inside the shell of a helmet for operative interposition such a shell and the head of a wearer comprising 
 a load-cushioning instrumentality which is structurally characterized with (a) compression-deformation-and-slow-return viscoelasticity, (b) non-springy (anti-rebound) behavior, (c) acceleration-rate(strain-rate)-sensitivity, and (d) a durometer which is associated with an ILD number of no less than about 15-ILD.    
   
   
       2 . The shock-absorbing structure of  claim 1 , wherein said instrumentality is formed from plural, cooperative bodies of materials each individually characterized as expressed for the instrumentality set forth in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       3 . Helmet structure, in operative condition comprising 
 a shell, and    shock-absorbing structure installed in said shell, disposed therein to act in a condition of operative interposition between said shell and the head of a wearer of the helmet structure, and taking the form of a load-cushioning instrumentality which is structurally characterized with (a) compression-deformation-and-slow-return viscoelasticity, (b) non-springy (anti-rebound) behavior, (c) acceleration-rate(strain-rate)-sensitivity, and (d) a durometer which is associated with an ILD number no less than about 15-ILD.    
   
   
       4 . The helmet structure of  claim 3 , wherein said instrumentality is formed from plural, cooperative bodies of materials each individually characterized as expressed for the instrumentality set forth in  claim 3 .  
   
   
       5 . The helmet structure of  claim 3 , wherein said shock-absorbing structure, within said shell, defines a load-transmission path between said shell and the head of a wearer, in which path compression deformation and return response to a shock load delivered to the shell is solely determined by the characteristics of said shock-absorbing structure.