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Invented
Joseph M. Reeves created a protective device for the head for Army-Navy game. Crude leather helmet -
George Barclay
Created a "head harness" to prevent cauliflower ear. Three thick leather straps forming close fit around head -
Additions
Fabricated leather, more padding and flaps, ear holes for on-field communication -
Suspension
Suspension: to "cradle" skull away from leather shell, straps of fabric formed a pattern inside helmet to absorb and distribute impact better, ventilation -
Mid 1930s
rubber-covered wire mask (protection) -
New material
plastic football helmet created by John T. Riddell was stronger, lighter, longer lasting first chin strap to rest on chin instead of neck. -
Shape
Tear drop shape made legal -
BT-5 face mask
Single bar design, single wave radio; improved safety and onfield communication -
Impact absorbing
energy-absorbing, "microfit" helmets, pumped up with fluid or air (called air bladders) for secure fit and to help blunt force hits -
Safety
four-point chin straps held helmet in place (safety) -
Period: to
New material
polycarbonate alloy plastic helmets and vinyl coated steel alloy (durability, long-lasting) -
Design
more spherical design for helmet called Revolution, reduced incidence of concussion 31%
