Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Collapsible Protective Helmet Technology

Publication ID: 24-11857020_0007_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Collapsible Protective Helmet Technology,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857020_0007_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857020_0007_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,020.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for a collapsible protective helmet addressed the need for impact protection in various fields, including cycling. However, the design and functionality were limited to specific applications. The present invention expands the core technology to tackle new challenges in industrial and emergency response environments, where head protection is crucial but often hindered by bulky or inflexible equipment.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a significant departure from the original patent by applying the collapsible technology to entirely new industries and use cases, thereby providing a previously unknown level of adaptability and versatility in head protection. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the need for a protective device that can be easily integrated with diverse equipment and accommodate various operational requirements.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include adjustable crown and helmet body components to accommodate different head sizes, additional features for enhanced visibility or communication, or specialized materials for improved durability in harsh environments. Variations of the invention could also involve integrating sensors or other technologies to monitor the wearer's safety or environmental conditions.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The collapsible protective headgear system has vast commercial potential in industries such as construction, manufacturing, emergency response, and more. The market demand for adaptable, high-performance head protection solutions is significant, and this invention is poised to capture a substantial share of that market.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A42 A42B3/322
A A42 A42B3/066

Field of Art

Personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically impact-resistant headgear with modular or collapsible design, involving mechanical engineering and safety equipment design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in safety equipment design, familiar with mechanical coupling mechanisms, protective gear adaptations, and industrial safety requirements, typically holding a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the source patent's collapsible helmet mechanism as a fundamental design principle that could be readily adapted across multiple industrial contexts. The core technical innovation of a movable crown connected via a universal joint represents a transferable mechanical concept applicable to diverse protective equipment scenarios. The PTD's variations demonstrate predictable extensions of the original helmet design by applying the collapsible mechanism to different industrial environments and equipment interfaces.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Universal joint coupling between crown and base body
PTD Variation
Adapting universal joint mechanism for integration with hard hats and industrial headgear
Obviousness Reasoning
Known mechanical technique for creating adjustable protective interfaces, representing a predictable design modification within standard engineering practice
Source Patent Element
Movable crown between protective and stored positions
PTD Variation
Extending collapsible mechanism for emergency response and confined space applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite design solution for creating compact, adaptable protective equipment with minimal structural modifications
Source Patent Element
Impact-resistant base body configured to encircle a wearer's head
PTD Variation
Modifying helmet body to interface with breathing apparatus and gas masks
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable engineering adaptation using known attachment and integration techniques in safety equipment design
Source Patent Element
Helmet with configurable protective positioning
PTD Variation
Creating industry-specific variations for construction, emergency response, and industrial settings
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious design choice leveraging existing mechanical principles to address specific safety requirements across different work environments
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857020's disclosure of a collapsible protective helmet mechanism, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious through predictable mechanical adaptations. The disclosed technical variations represent straightforward extensions of the source patent's core mechanical design principles, applying known coupling and positioning techniques to create industry-specific protective equipment configurations.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,020
TitleCollapsible protective helmet