Helmet system

Abstract

A helmet system for reducing the occurrence of concussions and/or other head injuries includes an inner cap and a helmet sized to fit onto the inner cap. The inner cap has an inner layer and conforming means for conforming it to a wearer's head. The inner cap also has an outer shell layer that overlies the inner layer, and a chin strap. The inner cap is releasably secured to the helmet. The conforming means and chin strap cooperate to restrain planar and/or rotational movement of the inner cap relative to a wearer's head when the helmet system is secured to the wearer's head. Thus, the helmet and inner cap constitute a functional extension of the wearer's head.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A helmet system, comprising:
 an inner cap having
 an inner layer including a first side, a second side opposite said first side, and conforming means for conforming said inner layer to a wearer's head, 
 an outer shell layer overlying said inner layer and having first fixation means, and 
 a chin strap having first and second ends secured to said first and second sides of said inner layer, respectively, and; 
   a helmet sized to fit onto said inner cap and having an inner surface with second fixation means complimentary to said first fixation means of said outer shell layer such that said inner cap may be releasably secured to said helmet when said first fixation means engages said second fixation means, and   wherein said conforming means and said chin strap cooperate to restrain planar and/or rotational movement of said inner cap relative to a wearer's head when said helmet system is secured to the wearer's head.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet system of  claim 1 , wherein said conforming means includes a wire-like cap tensioner positioned within said inner layer and having opposed ends releaseably attached to each other. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet system of  claim 2 , wherein said inner layer includes a circumferential channel that contains said cap tensioner. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet system of  claim 1 , wherein said first fixation means includes a plurality of tabs disposed on said outer shell layer, and wherein said second fixation means includes a plurality of slots formed in said inner surface of said helmet and configured to fixedly and releasably receive said plurality of tabs therein. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet system of  claim 4 , further comprising a release mechanism including a release member disposed on said outer shell layer and operatively connected to said plurality of tabs, and an aperture formed in said inner surface of said helmet adjacent said plurality of slots, wherein said release member insertably engages said aperture when said inner cap is secured to said helmet, and whereby depression of said release member disengages said plurality of tabs from said plurality of slots. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet system of  claim 1 , further comprising a release mechanism operatively connected to said first fixation means and said second fixation means. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet system of  claim 1 , wherein said helmet includes a soft exterior layer. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet system of  claim 1 , wherein said inner cap includes a plurality of voids. 
     
     
         9 . The helmet system of  claim 1 , wherein said helmet has an outer shell and wherein said outer shell layer of said inner cap and said outer shell of said helmet are made of a similar material. 
     
     
         10 . The helmet system of  claim 1 , wherein said helmet is a football helmet. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet system of  claim 1 , further comprising an intermediate layer overlying said inner layer, wherein said outer shell layer overlies said intermediate layer.