US 9060561

US patent 9060561, titled "Biomechanics aware helmet," was issued to inventor Robert T. Knight and assigned to Brainguard Technologies Inc. The application for this patent was filed on September 15, 2014, and the patent was granted on June 23, 2015. The patent is currently active.

Abstract:
The patent describes protective gear, such as a helmet, comprising an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer via an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is further connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. These transformer layers are designed to flexibly connect the shell layers, allowing them to move and slide relative to each other to absorb various forces, including impact, rotational, and shear forces. The transformer layers can be made from materials like gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, or magneto-rheological elements. The protective gear aims to shield users not only from direct impact and penetrative forces but also from rotational and shear forces.

Independent Claims Overview:

• Claim 1 (Helmet with Three Shell Layers): This claim describes a helmet featuring three shell layers: a first, a second, and a third. The first shell layer is connected to the second via a first energy transformer layer. This first transformer layer contains a material (first absorptive/dissipative material) that absorbs energy from forces on the first shell and allows the first shell to slide relative to the second. The third shell layer is connected to the second shell layer through a second energy transformer layer, which includes a second absorptive/dissipative material. This second transformer layer is designed to absorb energy from forces transmitted through the first shell and the first transformer layer to the second shell.

• Claim 10 (Helmet with Two Shell Layers and a Lining): This claim outlines a helmet with a first shell layer and a second shell layer. Similar to Claim 1, the first shell is connected to the second via a first energy transformer layer, which contains an absorptive/dissipative material allowing the first shell to slide relative to the second, thereby absorbing energy from imparted forces. Additionally, a lining layer is connected to the second shell layer, and this lining is designed to conform to a human head.

• Claim 18 (Protective Gear with Three Shell Layers): This claim is broader than Claim 1, covering "protective gear" generally, rather than specifically a helmet. It comprises a first shell layer, a second shell layer connected to the first through a first energy transformer layer (with first absorptive/dissipative means for relative sliding and energy absorption), and a third shell layer connected to the second through a second energy transformer layer (with second absorptive/dissipative means for absorbing energy transmitted from the outer layers).

Legal Status and Litigation:
The patent US9060561B2 is active and is associated with litigation. A PTAB case, IPR2025-01030, was filed but not instituted procedurally. Additionally, a U.S. case (8:24-cv-02652) was filed in the California Central District Court, and worldwide family litigation has also been initiated.