Young kid’s brains are developing and growing every day and it is important to always protect their neck and head. And when these kids play high-impact sports, like football, there is always a risk of serious injury.
This is why HitGard was created. HitGard is a football helmet created by Baytech Products for players aged 5-13 that features a two-piece “soft” shell that is different from the usual heavy, stiff-shelled, one-piece helmet.
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HitGard was developed from the ground up to help reduce the risk of rotational acceleration of the brain, whereas most of the helmets currently on the market were developed to reduce only linear acceleration.
In other words, instead of just protecting players from straight-line impacts that cause the brain to move linearly within the skull, HitGard also protects players from rotational and oblique hits that are a major factor leading to concussion and head injury.
The helmet is also 30% lighter, which reduces the ratio of helmet mass on a young kid’s head, which is important in the development of young brains and necks.
The patent-pending shell is composed of two sections. The upper portion is a “soft” (semi-rigid) shell; the bottom section is made from a traditional hard plastic. These portions are attached together by four “elastic” struts that can move in any direction and return to their original position after impact.
“In our helmet, the upper portions of the head does not directly come in contact with any interior portion of the helmet,” said Bob Bayer, President of Baytech Products, LLC.
The upper section can move independently of the head. The result is that impacts to the upper section will not be fully transmitted to the head since there is an air void surrounding the head.
“Our technology mitigates much of the impact energy before it is fully transferred to the head and brain,” said Bayer.
The semi-rigid nature of the upper shell and its flexibility serves to absorb some of the initial impact energy of a hit that traditional helmets do not do. This helps protect against skull fractures, lacerations and punctures.
Another feature is that the helmet will accommodate different types of “concussion” sensors. Parents and coaches can buy wireless helmet sensors that immediately alert them when a hit is too hard.
All together, HitGard allows for more flexibility, a milder impact and more absorption of a hit, all while being lighter on the player’s head.
Right now, Baytech Products is concentrating on the Youth football helmet market, but has also developed a lightweight face guard.
They are also experimenting with a similar technology for hockey helmets and are working on a soccer headband utilizing a version of their technology.
“Down the road we will also be working on helmets for lacrosse, boxing, skiing, the military, etc.,” said Bayer.