Protective pods for helmets and other gear

Abstract

This application deals with protective gear for helmets and other protective gear using preconstructed pods. The pods are comprised of a soft, pliable housing that contains a pad on a bottom of the housing and a pad on top inside surface of the housing with a holder or support between the two pads. There are a number of predetermined through openings in the support or holder that contain a spring or in some devices, two springs, one inside the other.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An impact and energy absorbing product for helmets and protective gear, said product comprising pods that can be positioned in the interior of a helmet and on other gear, said pods comprising:
 (A) a pliable housing comprising an integral top, bottom, and side panels;   (B) a core holder insertable in said housing, said holder having at least one through opening therein;   (C) a support layer located in said bottom of said housing;   (D) a first resilient spring located in said through opening;   (E) a pad cover over said spring.   
     
     
         2 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said spring has a round configuration. 
     
     
         3 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said spring has a square configuration. 
     
     
         4 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein there is a second spring inserted inside of said first spring, said second spring having a resistance greater than about 20% or less of the resistance of said first spring. 
     
     
         5 . In combination, a helmet and at least one pod as claimed in  claim 1 , said pod is attached to an interior of said helmet. 
     
     
         6 . A combination as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the attachment means is an adhesive. 
     
     
         7 . A combination as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the attachment means is hook and loop. 
     
     
         8 . In combination, impact energy gear and at least one pod as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said pod is attached to said impact energy gear. 
     
     
         9 . A pod as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said pod is attached to the interior of a sports helmet. 
     
     
         10 . A pod as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said pod is attached to the interior of a football helmet. 
     
     
         11 . A pod as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said pod is attached to the interior of a military helmet. 
     
     
         12 . A pod as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said pod is attached to the interior of a racing helmet. 
     
     
         13 . A pod as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said pod is attached to the interior of a medical helmet. 
     
     
         14 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each spring has a 40% minimum tensile. 
     
     
         15 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each spring has a predetermined size and length. 
     
     
         16 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each spring has an outer diameter in the range of ¼ to 2 cm, a wire diameter of 0.040 to 0.100 mm, an overall length in inches of 3/4 to 1.0, rate in pounds/inch of travel of 8.00 to 12.00, and a load capability of 10.00 to 16.00 grams. 
     
     
         17 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each spring has an outer diameter of 1.500 cm, a wire diameter of 0.080 mm, an overall length in inches of 0.75, rate in pounds/inch of travel 10.36, and a load capability of 14.10 pounds.