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Michael Princip's football helmet re-design

By Rain Noe - January 13, 2011

in Object Culture

We like this ESPN story about designer Michael Princip and his self-started project to redesign football helmets, because it shows Princip thinking not only about the design, but the business side of the project as well.

First, the design. The innovation of Princip's Bulwark design is to segment portions of the helmet in order to dissipate concussion-giving shocks:

Inspired by the vintage MacGregor E & H model helmet form lines, and modern day rugby helmets, the Bulwark helmet is the result of an idea where seam lines, or, a multiple sectioned helmet could be brought back to the modern day and utilize the best in anti-concussion helmet technology. The central focus of this football helmet is a multi-component anti-shock helmet design that has a single shell at the base, then a layer of energy absorbing material (air cells/gel) followed by another layer of multiple, or single hard shell(s).

As for the business side, Princip knows that helmet companies are well-established (Riddell and Schutt are the big dogs) and that he can't beat 'em, but would instead have to join 'em. As ESPN reports, "Princip doesn't want to compete with them -- he hopes to sell or lease the Bulwark concept to one of the established helmet brands and then be part of the development team that brings it to market." A smart way to go, particularly since business concussions are even worse than head concussions.

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terry l graves

11 years ago

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I would also like to help find a way to stop these concussions.i think if we could form a team and look at everybody's design and ideas before anyone spends a dime.i think smaller panels,air filled bladders on the inside,i just know if there is a will there is a way.let me know if I can do something.
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REG ROBINSON

12 years ago

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Over the past 3 months I've been formulating an alternative protective head gear. You've got some great features incor- porated into your helmet; mine is comprised of 4 segments with a similar system of dampening devices designed to syste- matically reduce the concussive force of impact. I'm glad to
see that someone such as yourself has stepped up to address this serious and timely issue. For me I immediately thought
of those small developing brains and began working on sketches, materials,etc. with the rule of kiss in mind, not with- standing the never changing laws of physics. At present I'm dismantling a helmet and refitting it with my own set of modi- fications using a 5 pronged approach. When you consider what is at stake here; continued neurological health throughout the balance of ones life, your effort is surely a noble one. Full speed ahead- I know I wont stop until I've proved out my own theories and arrived at a helmet that truly works.
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brandon

13 years ago

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that helmet looks cool. i want it. WOOOOO
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unknown

13 years ago

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Frangible..... i.e. motorcycle clothing armor.... frangible shell encased in kevlar fabric...... your welcome.
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Fix The Sky

13 years ago

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There's something fundementally cool about the aesthetics of a football helmet. - I think this is a nice evolution.
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Wilson Davalos

13 years ago

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I agree that Princip is going at it the right way, in term of Business Development. Being able to license this design will give the company much needed traction. I hope that the exposure from ESPN will lead to a much needed look into players safety.
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