US 9271536

US Patent 9271536, titled "Biomechanics aware protective gear," was issued to Brainguard Technologies Inc. on March 1, 2016, with Robert T. Knight listed as the inventor. The patent application was filed on May 15, 2015.

Abstract:
The patent describes protective gear featuring 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 energy and impact transformer layers are designed to flexibly connect the shell layers, enabling them to absorb various forces, including impact, rotational, and shear forces, and allowing relative movement and sliding between the layers. The transformer layers can be made from materials such as gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, or magneto-rheological elements. This protective gear, which can be in the form of helmets or body protection, aims to shield users from impact and penetrative forces, as well as rotational and shear forces.

Independent Claims Overview:

• Claim 1 (Protective Gear with Three Layers and Two Energy Transformers): This claim describes protective gear consisting of a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer is connected to the second layer by a "first energy transformer" which contains an absorptive/dissipative material. This transformer is designed to absorb energy from forces on the first layer and allows the first layer to slide relative to the second. Similarly, the second layer is connected to the third layer by a "second energy transformer," also containing an absorptive/dissipative material. This second transformer absorbs energy from forces transmitted through the first layer and the first energy transformer to the second layer.

• Claim 10 (Protective Gear with Two Layers, One Energy Transformer, and a Lining): This claim details protective gear comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a lining layer. The first layer is connected to the second layer via a "first energy transformer" that includes an absorptive/dissipative material. This transformer is configured to absorb energy from forces on the first layer and facilitates the sliding of the first layer relative to the second. A lining layer, designed to conform to a part of the human body, is connected to the second layer.

• Claim 18 (Helmet with Three Layers and Two Energy Transformers): This claim defines a helmet that includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer is connected to the second layer through a "first energy transformer," which contains a first absorptive/dissipative mechanism. This mechanism allows the first layer to slide relative to the second layer and absorbs energy from forces exerted on the first layer. The second layer is connected to the third layer by a "second energy transformer," which includes a second absorptive/dissipative mechanism. This second mechanism is operable to absorb energy from forces transferred to the second layer through the first layer and the first energy transformer.

USPTO and CAFC Docket Search Results:

As of April 26, 2026:

• The legal status of US9271536B2 is listed as "Active" with an anticipated expiration date of 2034-07-20.
• There is a PTAB case IPR2025-01031 filed (Not Instituted - Procedural) related to this patent.
• A US case was filed in the California Central District Court: case 8:24-cv-02652.
• The first worldwide family litigation has been filed.