A strong, lightweight, impact resistant helmet system protects the wearer from
impact injury and minimizes bodily injury to other players brought into contact
therewith during blocking and tackling events. Weight reduction is achieved by
reinforcing inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell with long length, high
strength fibers. Orientation of the fibers is such that the fiber lengths are aligned
generally in the direction of tension and compression forces imposed on the helmet
surface during impact. This reinforcement geometry permits use of a thin helmet
shell. Efficient impact absorption by the helmet shell is accomplished by limiting
the bend curvature produced at the impact location. The bend curvature reduction
increases the contact area between the helmet shell and a second pliable padded
inner helmet made from energy absorbing polymeric foam disposed within the helmet
shell in contact with its inner surface. The second pliable padded inner helmet
rests on the wearer's head, held in place by an attachment mechanism associated
with the helmet shell. Energy is absorbed when the inner surface of the helmet
shell contacts and compresses the inner helmet. The reduced bend curvature of the
helmet shell spreads impact forces over a large area, and the impact load experienced
by the wearer is decreased.