Device for dissipating forces on a helmet

Abstract

A device for dissipating forces on a helmet is described. The device includes first and second dissipation layers, each having a leaf spring. A helmet including such device is further described. A leaf spring for dissipating forces on a curved object is also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A helmet comprising:
 a shell portion configured to receive a user's head;   an outer dissipation layer configured to dissipate forces; and   an inner dissipation layer configured to further dissipate forces;   wherein at least one of the outer dissipation layer and the inner dissipation layer is coupled with the shell portion.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the outer dissipation layer and the inner dissipation layer includes a leaf spring. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer dissipation layer is removably coupled with the shell portion and the inner dissipation layer second dissipation layer is removably coupled with at least one of the shell portion and the outer dissipation layer. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the outer dissipation layer includes an outer leaf spring having a fixed point connected to the shell portion and a free point configured to move relative to the shell portion; and   wherein the inner dissipation layer includes an inner leaf spring having a fixed point connected to at least one of the shell portion and the outer dissipation layer and a free point configured to move relative to the shell portion.   
     
     
         5 . The helmet according to  claim 4 , wherein the outer dissipation layer is removably coupled with the shell portion and the inner dissipation layer is removably coupled with at least one of the shell portion and the outer dissipation layer. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet according to  claim 4 , wherein the inner dissipation layer includes:
 a longitudinal leaf spring with at least two fixed points and a free arm and   a multi-arm leaf spring with at least one fixed point and at least two arms extending from the at least one fixed point.   
     
     
         7 . The helmet according to  claim 6 , wherein the outer dissipation layer includes a shield portion configured to cover a substantial portion of a front area of the shell portion. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner dissipation layer comprises a foam. 
     
     
         9 . The helmet according to  claim 8 , wherein the inner dissipation layer comprises a plurality of foam layers. 
     
     
         10 . The helmet according to  claim 1  comprising at least one strap, wherein at least one of the outer dissipation layer and the inner dissipation layer is attached to the shell by the at least one strap. 
     
     
         11 . A device for dissipating forces on a helmet comprising:
 a first dissipation layer having at least one leaf spring; and   a second dissipation layer functionally coupled with first dissipation layer and having at least another leaf spring.   
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 11 , wherein the first dissipation layer and the second dissipation layer are configured to be selectively coupled with each other. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein the second dissipation layer includes:
 a longitudinal leaf spring with at least two fixed points and   a free arm and a multi-arm leaf spring with at least one fixed point and at least two arms extending from the at least one fixed point.   
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 13 , wherein the first dissipation layer includes a shield portion configured to cover the plurality of leaf springs of the second dissipation layer. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the second dissipation layer includes at least three outer leaf springs each extending from the shield portion. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein the at least one leaf spring of the first dissipation layer is made of metal and the at least another leaf spring of the second dissipation layer is made of a composite material. 
     
     
         17 . A leaf spring for dissipating forces on a curved object comprising:
 an anchor point configured to receive a fastener; and   a free arm having a length and extending away from the anchor point, wherein the free arm includes a plurality of bend portions configured to dissipate forces substantially equally along the length of the free arm.   
     
     
         18 . The leaf spring according to  claim 17 , wherein the at least one of the plurality of bend portions of the free arm have a generally parabolic shape. 
     
     
         19 . The leaf spring according to  claim 17 , wherein the at least two of the plurality of bend portions of the free arm have a generally parabolic shape, with one of the bend portions convex and the other one of the bend portions concave. 
     
     
         20 . The leaf spring according to  claim 17 , wherein the anchor point includes a raised portion adjacent to at least one of the plurality of bend portions.