Prior art

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Here's an analysis of the prior art cited in US Patent 9271536:

Most Relevant Prior Art for US9271536

The following patents are cited as prior art in US9271536. The relevance is assessed based on their described mechanisms for impact absorption and protective gear design, particularly in relation to mitigating forces beyond direct impact.

US Pat. No. 7,076,811 to Puchalski

• Full Citation: US 7,076,811 B2
• Publication Date: July 18, 2006 (filed September 9, 2002)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a protective head covering (helmet) featuring an impact-absorbing crumple or shear zone. The shell is composed of three or more discrete panels that are firmly coupled but can move relative to one another upon impact, dissipating and/or redirecting forces away from the cranium and brain. These movements can be initially recoverable, leading to permanent deformation with sufficient force, creating a protective "crumple zone" or "shear zone."
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1, 10, and 18, particularly regarding the concept of using multiple layers/panels that move relative to one another to absorb and dissipate impact and shear forces. The "crumple or shear zone" suggests a mechanism for absorbing energy from forces, including shear, and allowing relative movement between parts of the protective gear.

US Pat. No. 5,815,846 to Calonge

• Full Citation: US 5,815,846 A
• Publication Date: October 6, 1998 (filed November 27, 1996)
• Brief Description: This patent describes an impact-resistant helmet assembly with a first material layer coupled to a second material layer, defining a gas chamber in between for impact dampening. It also includes a containment layer over the second material layer, defining a fluid chamber containing a viscous gel. This gel resists disbursement from an impacted region to non-impacted regions, enhancing impact distribution and dampening.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates elements of Claim 1, 10, and 18, specifically the use of fluid or gel (absorptive/dissipative material) between layers to dampen impact forces and distribute energy. The viscous gel's resistance to disbursement also relates to the concept of absorbing energy from forces.

US Pat. No. 5,956,777 to Popovich

• Full Citation: US 5,956,777 A
• Publication Date: September 28, 1999 (filed July 22, 1998)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a helmet designed to protect the head by laterally displacing impact forces. It comprises a rigid inner shell, a resilient spacing layer outside and in contact with the inner shell, and an articulated shell with discrete rigid segments outside the resilient spacing layer. Resilient members couple adjacent rigid segments.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1, 10, and 18, particularly the use of multiple layers (rigid inner shell, resilient spacing layer, articulated outer shell) and resilient elements that allow for movement or displacement to manage impact forces. The "laterally displacing impact forces" suggests a mechanism for redirecting or transforming forces.

US Pat. No. 6,434,755 to Halstead

• Full Citation: US 6,434,755 B1
• Publication Date: August 20, 2002 (filed June 4, 1999)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a football helmet with liner sections of different thicknesses and densities. Thicker, softer sections handle less intense impacts by crushing down, after which thinner, harder sections take over to prevent bottoming out.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates the concept of using materials with varying properties (different thicknesses and densities of liner sections) to absorb impact forces, which could be considered a type of "absorptive/dissipative material" as broadly claimed in US9271536. It specifically relates to protecting the head (helmet), which is a key application of US9271536.

It is important to note that a full anticipation analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 102 would require a detailed claim-by-claim comparison of all features, including the specific "operable to absorb energy from forces" and "allow to slide relative to" clauses, as well as the nature and arrangement of the absorptive/dissipative materials and mechanisms. The descriptions provided here offer a preliminary assessment of potential relevance.