FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to helmets. Particularly, the present
invention relates to trauma resistant helmets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Helmet is a protective gear worn on a head portion of a user to protect it
from injuries. Helmet may be used for various purposes such as recreational activities, sports,
two-wheelers occupant, construction, mining, police and military applications. The Police,
military and other law enforcement agencies personnel wear the helmet to protect their head
from hand held firearms, high velocity fragments, projectiles and the like. It is important that the
helmet should cater to the needs for which it is used.
[0003] Helmets used for Police, military and other law enforcement agencies
should protect their head from trauma that can be caused by various elements such as hand held
firearms, high velocity fragments, projectiles, stones, blow and the likes. Trauma is an important
consideration while designing ballistic protection articles. More the amount of trauma, more are
the charKes of users getting injured. Generally, a head trauma is more fatal than trauma to other
parts of the body.
[0004] Presently, helmets that are used for head protection (particularly, for
Police, military and other law enforcement agencies) are made of different types of ballistic
fabrics such as Kevlar fibers or from Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibers. Further,
shells of helmets are molded under pressure and temperature till it cures and adopts the shape of
mold. Thereafter further operations such as cutting to required shape, fitment of harness
assembly and applying protective paint in the required shade is carried out.
[0005] Although, the currently existing helmets are useful for security forces,
paramilitary forces and other law enforcement agencies, the currently existing helmets have
various limitations. For example, the currently existing helmets are comparatively ineffective in
providing trauma resistance to the operative front portion and the operative rear portion of the
helmet. Further, the currently existing helmets are comparatively ineffective in providing trauma
resistance to head portion of a user from snipers, enemy fire and other harmful projectile.
[0006] Accordingly, based on the foregoing, there exists a need for a helmet that
provides comparatively more protection to an operative front portion and an operative rear
portion of the helmet. Further, there is need of a helmet that is comparatively m6re effective in
providing trauma resistance to a head portion of a user from snipers, enemy fire, projectiles,
stones and the like.
OBJECTS OF INVENTION:
[0007] Some of the objects of the present invention are as follows:
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a trauma resistant helmet
that provides comparatively more protection to an operative front portion and an operative rear
portion of the helmet.
[0009] Further an object of the present invention is to a trauma resistant helmet
that is comparatively more effective in providing trauma resistance to a head portion of a user
from snipers, enemy fire, projectiles, stones and the like.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a trauma resistant
helmet that is cost effective.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a trauma resistant
helmet that is simple in structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the
general purpose of the present invention is to provide a trauma resistant helmet configured to
include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
[0013] Accordingly, the present invention provides a trauma resistant helmet.
The trauma resistant helmet includes a shell, at least one first Back Face Deformation Shield
(BFDS), a ballistic fabric sheet and at least one second Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS).
The shell is composed of a plurality of helmet pre-forms. The at least one first Back Face
Deformation Shield (BFDS) is disposed on at least one of an operative front portion and an
operative rear portion of the shell. The ballistic fabric sheet is disposed over the at least one first
BFDS covering at least a portion the shell. The at least one second Back Face Deformation
Shield (BFDS) is disposed over the ballistic fabric sheet on at least one of the operative fi"ont
portion and the operative rear portion of the shell and aligned with the at least one first Back
Face Deformation Shield (BFDS).
[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one first Back
Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) is disposed on at least one of the operative front portion and
the operative rear portion of the shell along a major £ixis of the helmet.
[0015] Typically, a pair of first Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) is
disposed on the operative front portion and the operative rear portion of an operative inner
surface of said shell.
[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one first Back
face deformation shield (BFDS) is composed of at least one of a light alloy metal, a non metallic
material, a non-metal laminate, a laminated fabric and a ballistic fabric.
[0017] The at least one first Back face deformation shield (BFDS) may be of a
shape selected from the group consisting of rectangular, oval, square, trapezoidal, elliptical,
circular, hexagonal and triangular.
[0018] Further, the at least one first Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) is
disposed on at least one of the operative front portion and the operative rear portion of the shell
by means of an adhesive.
[0019] Typically, the ballistic fabric sheet is an aramid pinwheel.
[0020] The batlistic fabric sheet may be disposed over the at least one first BFDS
covering at least a portion of an operative inner surface of the shell.
[0021 ] In one embodiment, the ballistic fabric sheet is configured in a shape of a
flower.
[0022] Typically, edges of the second Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) is
provided with high density foam beading.
[0023] The at least one second Back face deformation shield (BFDS) is composed
of at least one of a light alloy metal, a non metallic material, a non-metal laminate, a laminated
fabric and a ballisfic fabric.
[0024] The at least one second Back face deformation shield (BFDS) is of a shape
selected from the group of rectangular, oval, square, trapezoidal, elliptical, circular, hexagonal
and triangular.
[0025] Typically, the pair of second Back face defonnation shield (BFDS) is
disposed over the ballistic fabric sheet on the operative front portion and the operative rear
portion of said shell and aligned with the pair of first Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS).
[0026] These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the
various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better
understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained
by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in
which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better
understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in
which:
[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a trauma resistant helmet,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom view of a shell of the trauma resistant helmet
of Figure 1 depicting a major axis of the shell, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a first set of Back Face Deformation
Shield (BFDS), according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031 ] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of a second set of Back Face Deformation
Shield (BFDS), according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of a ballistic fabric sheet, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 6 illustrates a bottom view depicting positioning of the first set of
Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) on an operative front portion and an operative rear
portion of the shell of Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] Figure 7 illustrates a bottom view depicting positioning of a ballistic fabric
sheet over the first set of the BFDS covering entire inner portion of the shell of the helmet,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 8 illustrates a bottom view depicting positioning of the second set
of Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) on the operative front portion and the operative rear
portion of the shell of the helmet along the major axis of the helmet and aligned with the first set
of Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS), according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] Figure 9 illustrates a bottom view of the shell of the helmet including the
first set of Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) and the second set of Back Face Deformation
Shield (BFDS), according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0037] Figure 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the trauma resistant
helmet of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative
purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized,
however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular trauma resistant helmet, as
shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are
contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover
the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the
present invention.
[0040] The terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order,
quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the
terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence
of at least one of the referenced item.
[0041] The present invention provides a trauma resistant helmet for protecting a
head portion of a user from injuries. Generally, during testing procedure of a helmet, it was
found that an operative front portion and an operative rear portion of the helmet are
comparatively more prone to trauma than any other portion of the helmet. Accordingly, the
trauma resistant helmet of the present disclosure provides comparatively improved protection to
the operative front portion and the operative rear portion of the shell of the helmet. Further, the
trauma resistant helmet of the present disclosure is comparatively more effective in providing
trauma resistance to a head portion of a user from snipers, enemy fire, projectiles, stones and
other harmful projectiles.
[0042] Referring to Figures 1 to 10, a trauma resistant helmet 100 is illustrated.
The trauma resistant helmet 100 includes a shell 102, a first set of Back Face Deformation Shield
(BFDS) 104 (illustrated in Figures 3 and 6), a ballistic fabric sheet 106 (illustrated in Figures 5,
7, 8 and 9), a second set of Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) 108 (illustrated in Figures 4,
8 and 9).
8
[0043] The shell 102 of the helmet 100 is composed of a plurality of helmet preforms.
Each of the plurality of helmet pre-forms may be configured to have a variety of shapes
based on the user requirement. The plurality of helmet pre-forms may be composed from various
materials known for making fragment resistant/ trauma resistant/ bullet proof helmets. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of helmet pre-forms may be composed of a
composite fabric material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of
helmet pre-forms may be composed of an Aramid or a para-Aramid fabric. In another
embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of helmet pre-forms may be composed of an
ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fabric. Further, in one embodiment, the shell 102 is
composed by molding together a plurality of layers of different type of ballistic fabric preforms/
prepreg (resin coated fabric). Further, in one embodiment, coating is generally configured
in different proportion on the ballistic fabric/ prepreg which helps in providing desired shape to
the plurality of layers to form the shell 102. In one embodiment, the shell 102 may be fiirther
processed by cutting its periphery to give the required shape like ACH/PASGT and the like. The
shell 102 has a major axis 110 (illustrated in Figures 2 and 6).
[0044] The first set of Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) 104a and 104b is
disposed on an operative inner surface 112 (illustrated in Figures 2 and 6) of the operative front
portion 114 (illustrated in Figures 2, 6 and 8) and the operative rear portion 116 (illustrated in
Figures 2, 6 and 8) respectively of the shell 102 of the helmet 100 along the major axis 110 of
the helmet 100. The first BFDS sheet 104a and a second BFDS sheet 104b is a piece of Back
Face Deformation Shield dimensioned to be suited for protecting particular front portion and rear
portion of the helmet 100. The "particular portion" is the area of the operative front portion 114
and the operative rear portion 116 of the helmet 100 which is found comparatively less trauma
resistant than other parts of the helmet 100. In one embodiment, the "particular portion" includes
at least a portion along the major axis 110 of the helmet 100. Although, in the present
embodiment, the first set of the Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) includes a pair of the
Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) 104a and 104b, the present invention is not limited to the
plurality of Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS). In another embodiment, at least one first
Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS), such as 104a and 104b, is disposed on one of the
operative front portion 114 and. the operative rear portion 116 of the shell 102 based on the user
requirement. Also, in yet another embodiment, at least one first Back Face Deformation Shield
(BFDS), such as 104a and 104b, is disposed on an operative outer surface of one of the operative
front portion 114 and the operative rear portion 116 of the shell 102 based on the user
requirement.
[0045] Accordingly, the first set of the Back face deformation shield (BFDS)
104a and 104b is made of a suitable size and thickness. Further, the first set of the Back face
deformation shield (BFDS) 104a and 104b may be of any light alloy metal plates, any other
suitable non metallic material, laminated fabric, ballistic fabric, any other fabric or any other
suitable compound. Further, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first set of the
Back face deformation shield (BFDS) 104 may be of any combination of material such as light
alloy metal, non-metal laminate, laminated fabric, ballistic fabric and the like. However, the
present invention is not limited to any particular material used for composing the first set of the
Back face deformation shield (BFDS) 104a and 104b. The shape of the first BFDS may be
rectangular, oval, square, trapezoidal, elliptical, circular, hexagonal, triangular and the like.
However, the present invention is not limited to any particular shape of the first set of BFDS
104a and 104b. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first set of the BFDS 104a and
104b is affixed on the operative front portion 114 and the operative rear portion 116 of the
helmet 100 along the major axis 110. In one embodiment, the set of BFDS 104a and 104b is
affixed on the inner surface 112 on the operative front portion 114 and the operative rear portion
116 of the shell 102 by application of suitable adhesive. However, the present invention is not
limited to, any particular method or any particular device used for disposing the first set of BFDS
104a and 104b on the front 114 and the rear 116 inner surface 112 of the shell 102.
[0046] Further, the ballistic fabric sheet 106 is disposed over the first set of the
BFDS 104a and 104b covering at least a portion of the shell 102. In one embodiment, the
ballistic fabric sheet 106 is an aramid pinwheel. More specifically, in one embodiment, the
ballistic fabric sheet 106 is disposed over the first set of the BFDS 104a and 104b covering entire
operative inner surface 112 of the shell 102 of the helmet 100. Alternatively, in another
embodiment, the ballistic fabric sheet 106 is disposed over the first set of the BFDS 104a and
104b covering entire operative outer surface of the shell 102 of the helmet 100. In one
10
embodiment, the ballistic fabric sheet 106 is of aramid fabric. However, the present invention is
not limited to any particular material used for composing the ballistic fabric sheet 106. In one
embodiment, the ballistic fabric sheet 106 is cut in the shape of flower. However, the present
invention is not limited to any particular shape of the ballistic fabric sheet 106. In one
embodiment, the ballistic fabric sheet 106 is disposed on the shell 102 over the first set of the
BFDS 104a and 104b by means of adhesive. However, the present invention is not limited to any
particular method or device used for disposing the ballistic fabric sheet 106 on the shell 102 over
the first set of the BFDS 104a and 104b. Further, in one embodiment, resin is used to cover the
first set of BFDS 104a and 104b.
[0047] The second set of Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) 108a, 108b is
disposed respectively on the operative fi-ont portion 114 and the operative rear portion 116 of the
shell 102 over the ballistic fabric sheet 106 and aligned/ disposed respectively over the first set of
Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) 104a and 104b. More specifically, the second set of Back
Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) 108a, 108b is disposed respectively on the operative front
portion 114 and the operative rear portion 116 over the ballistic fabric sheet 106 along the major
axis 110 and aligned/ disposed respectively over the first set of Back Face Deformation Shield
(BFDS) 104a and 104b. In one embodiment, the edges of each of the second set of the BFDS
108a and 108b is lined/ disposed with high density foam beading 118 (illustrated in Figure 4). In
one embodiment, the edges of each of the second set of the BFDS 108a and 108b are lined/
disposed with high density foam beading by means of adhesive. However, the present invention
is not limited to any particular means used for disposing the high density foam beading to the
edges of the second set of the BFDS 108a and 108b.
[0048] In one embodiment, the shape of the second set of BFDS 108a and 108b
may be rectangular, oval, square, trapezoidal, circular, elliptical, hexagonal, triangular and the
like. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular shape of the second set
BFDS 108a and 108b. The second set of Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) 108a and 108b
is disposed (affixed) over the ballistic fabric sheet 106 by ensuring that positioning is fully
aligned respectively with the first set of BFDS 104a and 104b already affixed/placed below the
ballistic fabric sheet 106. The second set of Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) 108a and
11
108b is disposed respectively over the location that is fiilly aligned with the first set of the back
face deformation shield (BFDS) 104a and 104b and above the ballistic fabric sheet 106. Further,
in one embodiment, the second set of the Back face deformation shield (BFDS) 108a and 108b
may be of any light alloy metal plates, any other suitable non metallic material, laminated fabric,
ballistic fabric, any other fabric or any other suitable compound. Further, in another embodiment
of the present invention, the second set of the Back face deformation shield (BFDS) 108a and
108b may be of any combination of material such as light alloy metal, non-metal laminate,
laminated fabric, ballistic fabric and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to any
particular material used for composing the second set of the Back face deformation shield
(BFDS) 108a and 108b.
[0049] Although, in the present embodiment, the second set of the Back Face
Deformation Shield (BFDS) includes a pair of second set of the Back Face Deformation Shield
(BFDS) 108a and 108b, the present invention is not limited to the plurality of second Back Face
Deformation Shield (BFDS). In another embodiment, at least one second Back Face Deformation
Shield (BFDS), such as 108a and 108b, is disposed on one of the operative front portion 114 and
the operative rear portion 116 of the shell 102 based on the user requirement. Also, in yet another
embodiment, at least one second Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS), such as 108a and 108b,
is disposed on an operative outer surface of one of the operative fi-ont portion 114 and the
operative rear portion 116 of the shell 102 based on the user requirement.
[0050] Further, referring to Figures 1 and 10, the helmet 100 further includes a
chin cup 120, a rear cushion pad 122, a snap button 124, a side cushion pad 126, a ladder lock
128, a rubber edging 130, a crown pad 132, a front cushion pad 134, a quick release button 136,
a chinstrap 138 and a protective inner liner 140. All these components are provided on the
helmet 100 by means of various methods and systems known in the art.
[0051] Various embodiments of the present invention offer following advantages.
The trauma resistant helmet, as described herein, provides comparatively more protection to the
operative fi-ont portion and operative rear portion of the helmet. Further, the trauma resistant
helmet is comparatively more effective in providing trauma resistance to a head portion of a user
12
from snipers, enemy fire and other harmful projectiles. Furthermore, the trauma resistant helmet
is cost effective. Still further, the trauma resistant helmet is simple m structure.
[0052] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention
have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were
chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its
practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present
invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are
contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and
substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the
spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
13

QV--> : '"
WE CLAIM: K 0
14
A trauma resistant helmet comprising:
o a shell composed of a plurality of helmet pre-forms; and
o at least one first Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) disposed on at least
one of an operative front portion and an operative rear portion of said shell;
o a ballistic fabric sheet disposed over said at least one first BFDS covering at
least a portion said shell; and
o at least one second Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) disposed over said
ballistic resistant sheet on at least one of an operative front portion and an
operative rear portion of said shell and aligned with said at least one first Back
Face Deformation Shield (BFDS).
2. The trauma resistant helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one first
Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) is disposed on at least one of the operative front portion
and the operative rear portion of said shell along a major axis of said helmet.
3. The trauma resistant helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of first Back
Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) is disposed on the operative front portion and the operative
rear portion of an operative inner surface of said shell.
4. The trauma resistant helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one first
Back face deformation shield (BFDS) is composed of at least one of a light alloy metal, a non
metallic material, a non-metal laminate, a laminated fabric and a ballistic fabric.
14
I Bf\ I JL ^"
5. The trauma resistant helmet as claimed in claim l, wherein said at least one first
Back face deformation shield (BFDS) is of a shape selected from the group consisting of
rectangular, oval, square, trapezoidal, elliptical, circular, hexagonal and triangular .
6. The trauma resistant helmet as claimed in claim l, wherein said at least one first
Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) is disposed on at least one of the operative front portion
and the operative rear portion of said shell by means of an adhesive.
7. The trauma resistant helmet as claimed in claim l, wherein said ballistic fabric
sheet is an aramid pinwheel.
8. The trauma resistant helmet as claimed in claim l, wherein said ballistic fabric
sheet is disposed over said at least one first BFDS covering at least a portion of an operative
inner surface of said shell.
9. The trauma resistant helmet as claimed in claim l, wherein said ballistic fabric
sheet is configured in a shape of a flower.
10. The trauma resistant helmet as claimed in claim l, wherein edges of said second
Back Face Deformation Shield (BFDS) is provided with high density foam beading.
11. The trauma resistant helmet as claimed in claim l, wherein said at least one
second Back face deformation shield (BFDS) is composed of at least one of a light alloy metal, a
non metallic material, a laminated fabric, a non-metal laminate and a ballistic fabric.
15
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23 M_ ""?
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13. The trauma resistant helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one
second Back face deformation shield (BFDS) is of a shape selected from the group consisting of
rectangular, oval, square, trapezoidal, elliptical, circular, hexagonal and triangular.
14. The trauma resistant helmet as claimed in claim 3, wherein a pair of second Back
face deformation shield (BFDS) is disposed over said ballistic fabric sheet on the operative front
portion and the operative rear portion of said shell and aligned with said pair of first Back Face
Deformation Shield (BFDS).