Chicago, IL, United States of America

Thad M Ide

This inventor holds 81 USPTO granted patents and 16 published patent applications, plus 6 CIPO patents, primarily in Protective Sports Helmets (CPC class A42B). Top assignees: Riddell, Inc., Southern Impact Research Center, LLC, Lexington Safety Products, Inc.. Active years: 2001-2026.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Thad M Ide. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/thad-m-ide

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 81 

% Patents Active = 90.1

 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 3.4

ph-index = 30

Forward Citations = 2,769(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 1,914(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:


Location History:

  • Knoxville, TN (US) (2001 - 2002)
  • Chicago, IL (US) (2002 - 2022)
  • Des Plaines, IL (US) (2020 - 2024)

Company Filing History:


Years Active: 2001-2026

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Areas of Expertise:
Protective Sports Helmet
Impact Attenuation
Physiological Monitoring
Additive Manufacturing
Football Helmet
Custom Design
Energy Attenuation System
Bespoke Equipment
Internal Padding Assembly
Quick Release Connector
Visor System
Testing Method
81 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: The Innovative Mind of Thad M. Ide: A Profile of Ingenuity

Introduction: Thad M. Ide, based in Chicago, IL, is a prolific inventor with an impressive portfolio of 66 patents. His work primarily focuses on advancements in protective sports equipment, demonstrating a deep understanding of the unique needs of athletes. Ide’s approach integrates technology with ergonomics, leading to the creation of partially bespoke equipment tailored to individual anatomical features.

Latest Patents: Ide’s latest inventions include a groundbreaking system and method for assembling a protective sports helmet. This innovative design offers a partial bespoke protective equipment system that captures, stores, and processes an athlete's unique anatomical data. The system allows for the manufacture of equipment that closely matches the player's body specifications, enhancing safety and comfort. Additionally, his protective sports helmet features a crown energy attenuation assembly composed of multiple energy attenuation elements arranged within hexagonal housings. This design includes strategically placed gaps to optimize energy absorption during impact, highlighting Ide's dedication to player safety.

Career Highlights: Throughout his career, Thad M. Ide has made significant contributions to the field of sports safety equipment. He has held positions at Riddell, Inc., a leader in sports gear, and the Southern Impact Research Center, LLC, where his innovations in protective equipment have advanced the industry standards. His work has not only focused on inventing new technologies but also on researching and understanding the forces that athletes experience during gameplay.

Collaborations: Ide's achievements have been influenced by collaborations with exceptional professionals in the field. Notable colleagues include Nelson Kraemer and Ralph J. Infusino, who have played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of safety mechanisms in sports equipment. Together, they have advanced research initiatives that underline the importance of tailored protective equipment for athletes.

Conclusion: Thad M. Ide’s commitment to innovation in protective sports equipment is evident through his extensive patent portfolio and collaborative efforts. His inventions are not just technical feats; they represent a profound dedication to athlete safety and performance enhancement. As he continues to develop cutting-edge solutions, Ide remains a key figure in the evolution of sports safety technology.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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