CN113365524A

CN113365524A - Connector for a helmet and helmet comprising such a connector

Info

Publication number: CN113365524A
Application number: CN201980084571.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·L·波美林
Original assignee: Mips AB
Current assignee: Mips AB
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-12-20
Publication date: 2021-09-07
Also published as: EP3897264A1; WO2020128052A1; TWI747112B; CA3124197A1; US20220071332A1; TW202031160A; CA3124197C

Abstract

A connector for connecting inner and outer layers of a device, the connector comprising: an anchor point configured to be connected to one of the inner layer and the outer layer; a resilient portion arranged to at least partially surround and connect to the anchor point in the vicinity of a first axis extending in a first direction; a peripheral portion arranged to at least partially surround and connect to the elastic portion near a second axis extending in the first direction and configured to connect to the other of the inner layer and the outer layer; wherein the elastic portion is configured to protrude from the peripheral portion in the first direction in a connected state in which the connector is connected to the inner layer and the outer layer, and to deform to allow the anchor point to move in a direction perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the peripheral portion.

Description

Connector for a helmet and helmet comprising such a connector

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a connector between an inner part and an outer part of a device. In particular, the invention relates to a device, such as a helmet, which may include a sliding interface between two components.

Background

Helmets are well known for use in a variety of activities. These activities include combat and industrial uses such as soldier protective helmets and safety helmets or helmets used by builders, miners or, for example, industrial machine operators. Helmets are also common in sporting activities. For example, protective helmets may be used for hockey, bicycles, motorcycles, racing, skiing, snowboarding, skating, skateboarding, equestrian sports, american football, baseball, rugby, soccer, cricket, lacrosse, mountain climbing, golf, air guns, roller coasters, and paintball shooting.

The helmet may be of fixed size or adjustable to accommodate heads of different sizes and shapes. In certain types of helmets, such as typical in ice hockey helmets, adjustability can be provided by moving parts of the helmet to change the outer and inner dimensions of the helmet. This may be achieved by a helmet having two or more parts that are movable relative to each other. In other cases, such as is common in bicycle helmets, the helmet is provided with attachment means for securing the helmet to the user's head, and the attachment means can be sized to fit the user's head while the main body or outer shell of the helmet remains dimensionally unchanged. In some cases, a comfort pad within the helmet may serve as an attachment means. The attachment means may also be provided in the form of a plurality of physically separate components, for example a plurality of comfort pads which are not interconnected with each other. Such attachment means for securing the helmet on the user's head may be used with additional straps (e.g. chin straps) to further secure the helmet in place. Combinations of these adjustment mechanisms are also possible.

Helmets are typically made of an outer shell, usually hard, made of plastic or composite material, and an energy absorbing layer called padding. In other arrangements, such as a football scrum cap, the helmet may not have a hard outer shell, and the helmet as a whole may be flexible. Today, in any case, the design of protective helmets must meet certain legal requirements which are related in particular to the maximum acceleration that can occur at the centre of gravity of the brain under a specific load. Tests are usually carried out in which a so-called virtual skull equipped with a helmet is subjected to a radial blow towards the head. This results in a modern helmet having good energy absorption capacity in the case of a radial impact on the skull. Advances have also been made in developing helmets to reduce the energy delivered by oblique blows (i.e., combining tangential and radial components) (e.g., WO 2001/045526 and WO 2011/139224, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety) by absorbing or dissipating rotational energy and/or redirecting it into translational energy rather than rotational energy.

Such oblique impacts (without protection) produce translational and angular accelerations of the brain. Angular acceleration causes the brain within the skull to rotate, causing damage to the body parts connecting the brain and skull and the brain itself.

Examples of rotational Injury include Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) (e.g., concussion), as well as Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (STBI) (e.g., subdural haematomas (SDH), hemorrhage due to vascular rupture), and Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) (which can be summarized as nerve fibers overstretching due to high shear deformation in Brain tissue).

Depending on the characteristics of the rotational force, such as the increase in duration, amplitude and rate, concussions, SDH, DAI or a combination of these injuries may occur. In general, SDH occurs when acceleration duration is short and amplitude is large, while DAI occurs when longer, wider range acceleration loads.

In helmets such as those disclosed in WO 2001/045526 and WO 2011/139224, which can reduce rotational energy transferred to the brain caused by a tilt impact, the two parts of the helmet can be configured to slide relative to each other after the tilt impact. Connectors may be provided that allow the components of the helmet to move relative to each other under impact while connecting the components together.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to provide such a helmet, it may be necessary to provide two components that can slide relative to each other, thereby providing a sliding interface. It may also be desirable to be able to provide such a sliding interface without significantly increasing manufacturing costs and/or workload.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector for connecting inner and outer layers of a device, the connector comprising: an anchor point configured to be connected to one of the inner layer and the outer layer; a resilient portion arranged to at least partially surround and connect to the anchor point in the vicinity of a first axis extending in a first direction; a peripheral portion arranged to at least partially surround and connect to the elastic portion near a second axis extending in the first direction and configured to connect to the other of the inner layer and the outer layer; wherein the elastic portion is configured to protrude from the peripheral portion in the first direction in a connected state in which the connector is connected to the inner layer and the outer layer, and to deform to allow the anchor point to move in a direction perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the peripheral portion.

Optionally, in an undeformed state, the resilient portion is substantially flat, and the connected state is a deformed state of the resilient portion. This feature may provide a more compact connector and actively draw the components of the device together to form a more compact device. Alternatively, in an undeformed state, the elastic portion protrudes from the peripheral portion in the first direction. This feature may provide a connector that is relatively easy to install.

Optionally, the resilient portion extends through a central region of the connector surrounded by the peripheral region.

Optionally, the resilient portion covers substantially the entire central region. This may prevent the ingress of unwanted materials (e.g. dust) that may interfere with the performance of the connector. Alternatively, the elastic portion includes a plurality of portions having gaps therebetween. This may reduce the amount of material required for the connector and/or allow for finer control of the elasticity of the connector. Optionally, the plurality of portions extend in a radial direction relative to the first axis.

Optionally, the peripheral portion forms a closed loop. Optionally, the peripheral portion is substantially annular and the second axis passes through the centre of the peripheral portion. This feature improves the stability of the connector.

Optionally, the anchor point is aligned with the first axis.

Optionally, the first axis and the second axis coincide.

Optionally, the resilient portion and the peripheral portion have rotational symmetry about the first and second axes which coincide. This arrangement may ensure that the connectors perform a consistent movement regardless of the direction of the sliding movement.

Optionally, the peripheral portion is formed of a rigid material.

Optionally, the connector further comprises an insert formed of a rigid material, the insert being configured to be inserted into the peripheral portion to prevent deformation of the peripheral portion. This may improve the stability of the connector. Optionally, the peripheral portion is formed from an elastomeric material.

Optionally, the resilient portion and the peripheral portion are integrally formed. This may provide a more robust connector.

Optionally, the anchor point comprises a snap connector configured to snap together with the inner layer or the outer layer. This may provide a relatively simple connection mechanism, reduced installation time, and/or a relatively robust connection mechanism.

Optionally, the connector further comprises a cover configured to cover a central region of the connector surrounded by the peripheral region to prevent unwanted material from entering the central region.

Optionally, the connector further comprises a protrusion connected to the peripheral portion and configured to anchor the peripheral portion in the inner layer or the outer layer. This may provide a more robust connection between the connector and the device.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: an inner layer; an outer layer; a sliding interface between the inner layer and the outer layer; and a connector according to any preceding claim connected to the inner and outer layers so as to allow relative sliding between the inner and outer layers at the sliding interface in response to an impact on the device.

Optionally, the peripheral portion is arranged on a side of the inner or outer layer to which it is connected opposite the sliding interface, and the resilient portion projects through the inner or outer layer. This may simplify the installation of the connector in the device and/or reduce the space required between the layers, thereby providing a more compact arrangement.

Optionally, the peripheral portion is arranged within a recess in the inner or outer layer to which it is connected. This may provide a relatively compact device.

Optionally, the device is a helmet.

Optionally, the outer layer is a hard shell and the inner layer is an energy absorbing layer. Alternatively, the inner layer is a hard shell and the outer layer comprises one or more plates connected to the hard shell. Alternatively, both the inner layer and the outer layer are energy absorbing layers. Alternatively, the outer layer is an energy absorbing layer and the inner layer is an interface layer configured to connect with a wearer's head. Optionally, the interface layer comprises a comfort liner.

Drawings

The invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

fig. 1 depicts a cross-section through a helmet for providing protection against oblique impacts;

figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the working principle of the helmet of figure 1;

figures 3A, 3B and 3C show a variation of the structure of the helmet of figure 1;

figures 4 and 5 schematically depict another arrangement of a helmet;

fig. 6 to 9 schematically depict other arrangements of the helmet;

fig. 10 schematically depicts another arrangement of a helmet;

fig. 11 schematically depicts another arrangement of a helmet;

fig. 12 schematically depicts another arrangement of a helmet;

FIG. 13 shows a first view of a first example connector;

FIG. 14 illustrates a second view of the first example connector;

FIG. 15 illustrates a third view of the first example connector;

FIG. 16 shows a connection arrangement including a first example connector;

FIG. 17 shows a connection arrangement including a first example connector;

FIG. 18 shows a first view of a second example connector;

FIG. 19 shows a second view of a second example connector;

FIG. 20 shows a first view of a third example connector;

FIG. 21 shows a second view of a third example connector;

FIG. 22 shows a first view of a fourth example connector;

FIG. 23 illustrates a second view of a fourth example connector;

FIG. 24 shows a first view of a fifth example connector;

FIG. 25 illustrates a second view of a fifth example connector;

FIG. 26 illustrates a third view of a fifth example connector;

fig. 27 shows a first view of a seventh example connector;

FIG. 28 shows a connection arrangement including a fifth example connector;

FIG. 29 shows another connection arrangement including a fifth example connector;

FIG. 30 shows a first view of a sixth example connector;

FIG. 31 shows a second view of a sixth example connector;

FIG. 32 illustrates a third view of the sixth example connector;

FIG. 33 shows a first view of an eighth example connector;

FIG. 34 illustrates a second view of the eighth example connector;

FIG. 35 shows a connection arrangement including an eighth example connector;

FIG. 36 shows a first view of a ninth example connector;

FIG. 37 shows a connection arrangement including a ninth example connector;

FIG. 38 shows another connection arrangement including a ninth example connector;

FIG. 39 shows another connection arrangement including a ninth example connector;

FIG. 40 shows a first view of a tenth example connector;

FIG. 41 shows a second view of a tenth example connector;

fig. 42 shows a first view of an eleventh example connector;

FIG. 43 shows a second view of an eleventh example connector;

FIG. 44 illustrates a third view of the eleventh example connector;

FIG. 45 shows a twelfth example connector;

FIG. 46 shows a thirteenth example connector;

FIG. 47 shows a first view of a fourteenth example connector;

FIG. 48 illustrates a second view of the fourteenth example connector;

fig. 49 shows a first view of a fifteenth example connector;

fig. 50 shows a second view of a fifteenth example connector;

fig. 51 shows a first view of a sixteenth example connector;

FIG. 52 illustrates a second view of a sixteenth example connector;

FIG. 53 illustrates a seventeenth example connector;

fig. 54 shows an example helmet shell;

FIG. 55 shows an example helmet;

FIG. 56 shows another example helmet;

fig. 57 shows a connection arrangement within the further example helmet; and

figure 58 shows a basket receiving the bayonet.

Detailed Description

The proportions of the thicknesses of the various layers of the helmet depicted in the figures have been exaggerated in the figures for the sake of clarity, and may of course be adjusted as required and desired.

Fig. 1 depicts a first helmet 1 of the type discussed in WO 01/45526, intended to provide protection against oblique impacts. This type of helmet may be any of the types discussed above.

The protective helmet 1 is constructed with an outer shell 2 and an inner shell 3 arranged inside the outer shell 2, intended to be in contact with the head of the wearer.

Arranged between the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 is a sliding layer 4 (also called a sliding promoting layer or low friction layer) which can effect a displacement between the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3. In particular, the sliding layer 4 or sliding facilitator may be configured such that sliding may occur between the two parts during an impact, as described below. For example, it may be configured to be able to slide under the forces associated with the impact of the helmet 1, which is expected by the wearer of the helmet 1. In some arrangements, it may be desirable to configure the sliding layer 4 such that the coefficient of friction is between 0.001 and 0.3 and/or below 0.15.

In the depiction of fig. 1, arranged in the edge portion of the helmet 1 may be one or more connecting members 5 interconnecting the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3. In some arrangements, the connector may counteract mutual displacement between the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 by absorbing energy. However, this is not essential. Furthermore, even in the presence of this feature, the amount of energy it absorbs during an impact is typically minimal compared to the energy absorbed by the inner shell 3. In other arrangements, the connecting member 5 may not be present at all.

Further, the positions of these connecting members 5 may be changed (for example, positioned at a portion away from the edge portion, and connecting the outer case 2 and the inner case 3 by the sliding layer 4).

The housing 2 is preferably relatively thin and strong to withstand various types of impacts. The housing 2 may be made of a polymer material, such as Polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Advantageously, the polymeric material may be fibre reinforced, using materials such as glass fibre, aramid, texan (Twaron), carbon fibre or Kevlar (Kevlar).

The inner shell 3 is significantly thicker and acts as an energy absorbing layer. Therefore, it can buffer or absorb the impact on the head. It may advantageously be made of a foam material, such as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP), Expanded Polyurethane (EPU), vinyl nitrile foam; or other materials such as forming a honeycomb structure; or strain rate sensitive foams such as those sold under the brands poron (tm) and D3 OTM. The structure may be varied in different ways, as shown below, for example, with a plurality of layers of different materials.

The inner shell 3 is designed to absorb the energy of an impact. Other elements of the helmet 1 will absorb this energy to a limited extent (e.g. the hard outer shell 2 or a so-called "comfort pad" provided within the inner shell 3), but this is not their primary purpose and their contribution to energy absorption is minimal compared to that of the inner shell 3. Indeed, while some other elements (such as comfort pads) may be made of "compressible" materials, and are otherwise considered "energy absorbing", it is well known in the helmet art that compressible materials are not necessarily "energy absorbing" in the sense of absorbing large amounts of energy during an impact, in order to reduce injury to the helmet wearer.

Many different materials and embodiments may be used as the sliding layer 4 or sliding facilitating member, such as oil, Teflon (Teflon), microspheres, air, rubber, Polycarbonate (PC), textile materials such as felt, etc. Such layers may have a thickness of about 0.1-5 millimeters, although other thicknesses may be used depending on the material selected and the desired properties. The number of sliding layers and their positions may also vary and examples of which are discussed below (see fig. 3 b).

As connecting member 5, it is possible to use, for example, a deformable plastic or metal strip anchored in the outer and inner shells in a suitable manner.

Fig. 2 shows the principle of operation of the protective helmet 1, in which the helmet 1 and the skull 10 of the wearer are assumed to be semi-cylindrical, the skull 10 being mounted on a longitudinal axis 11. When the helmet 1 is subjected to a tilting impact K, torsion and torque are transmitted to the skull 10. The impact force K generates a tangential force KT and a radial force KR on the protective helmet 1. In this particular case, only the helmet rotational tangential force KT and its effect are of interest.

It can be seen that the force K causes a displacement 12 of the outer shell 2 relative to the inner shell 3, the connecting member 5 being deformed. The torsional forces transmitted to the skull 10 can be significantly reduced by this arrangement. A typical reduction may be about 25%, but reductions of up to 90% are possible in some cases. This is a result of the sliding movement between the inner shell 3 and the outer shell 2 reducing the energy converted into radial acceleration.

Although not depicted, the sliding motion may also occur in the circumferential direction of the protective helmet 1. This may be the result of a circumferential angular rotation between the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 (i.e., during an impact, the outer shell 2 may rotate at a circumferential angle relative to the inner shell 3).

Other arrangements of the protective helmet 1 are also possible. Some possible variations are shown in fig. 3. In fig. 3a, the inner shell 3 is composed of a relatively thin outer layer 3 "and a relatively thick inner layer 3'. The outer layer 3 "is preferably stiffer than the inner layer 3' to help facilitate sliding movement relative to the housing 2. In fig. 3b, the inner shell 3 is constructed in the same way as in fig. 3 a. In this case, however, there are two sliding layers 4, between which there is an intermediate shell 6. The two sliding layers 4 can be implemented differently and made of different materials, if desired. For example, one possibility is that the outer sliding layer has a lower friction than the inner sliding layer. In fig. 3c, the embodiment of the housing 2 differs from the previous one. In this case, the harder outer layer 2 "covers the softer inner layer 2'. For example, the inner layer 2' may be of the same material as the inner shell 3.

Fig. 4 depicts a second helmet 1 of the type discussed in WO 2011/139224, which is also intended to provide protection against oblique impacts. This type of helmet may also be any of the types discussed above.

In fig. 4, the helmet 1 comprises an energy absorbing layer 3, similar to the inner shell 3 of the helmet of fig. 1. The outer surface of the energy absorbing layer 3 may be provided by the same material as the energy absorbing layer 3 (i.e. there may be no additional outer shell) or the outer surface may be a rigid outer shell 2 (see figure 5) equivalent to the outer shell 2 of the helmet shown in figure 1. In this case, the rigid housing 2 may be made of a different material than the energy absorbing layer 3. The helmet 1 of fig. 4 has a plurality of ventilation apertures 7, which are optional, extending through both the energy absorbing layer 3 and the outer shell 2, allowing airflow through the helmet 1.

A connecting layer 13 (also referred to as attachment means) is provided to engage with the head of the wearer (and/or to attach the helmet 1 to the head of the wearer). As previously mentioned, this may be desirable when the dimensions of the energy absorbing layer 3 and the rigid shell 2 are not adjustable, as it allows to adapt different sized heads by adjusting the dimensions of the attachment means 13. The attachment means 13 may be made of an elastic or semi-elastic polymer material, such as PC, ABS, PVC or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or a natural fibre material, such as cotton. For example, a textile cap or mesh may form the attachment means 13.

Although the attachment device 13 is shown as including a headband portion having additional strap portions extending from the front, rear, left and right sides, the particular configuration of the attachment device 13 may vary depending on the configuration of the helmet. In some cases, the attachment means may be more like a continuous (shaped) sheet, possibly with holes or gaps, for example corresponding to the positions of the ventilation holes 7, to allow air to flow through the helmet.

Fig. 4 also depicts an optional adjustment device 6 for adjusting the headband diameter of the attachment device 13 for a particular wearer. In other arrangements, the headband may be an elastic headband, in which case the adjustment means 6 may be excluded.

A sliding facilitator 4 is provided radially inside the energy absorbing layer 3. The sliding facilitator 4 is adapted to slide against the energy absorbing layer or against attachment means 13, the attachment means 13 being provided for attaching the helmet to the head of a wearer.

The sliding facilitator 4 is arranged to assist the sliding of the energy absorbing layer 3 relative to the attachment means 13 in the same manner as described above. The sliding facilitator 4 may be a material with a low coefficient of friction, or may be coated with such a material.

Thus, in the helmet of fig. 4, the sliding facilitator 8 may be disposed on the innermost side of the energy absorbing layer 3 facing the attachment means 13 or integrated therewith.

However, it is also conceivable that the sliding facilitator 4 may be provided on or integrated with the outer surface of the attachment means 13 for the same purpose of providing slidability between the energy absorbing layer 3 and the attachment means 13. In a particular arrangement, the attachment means 13 may itself be adapted to function as a sliding facilitator 4, and may comprise a low friction material.

In other words, the sliding facilitating member 4 is disposed radially inward of the energy absorbing layer 3. The sliding facilitator may also be arranged radially outside the attachment means 13.

When the attachment means 13 is formed as a cap or mesh (as described above), the sliding facilitator 4 may be provided as a sheet of low friction material.

The low friction material may be a waxy polymer such as PTFE, ABS, PVC, PC, nylon, meltable Polytetrafluoroethylene (PFA), EEE Ρ, Polyethylene (PE), and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), or a powder material that may be impregnated with a lubricant. The low friction material may be a fabric material. As discussed, such low friction materials may be applied to either or both of the sliding facilitator and the energy absorbing layer.

The attachment means 13 may be fixed to the energy absorbing layer 3 and/or the housing 2 by fixing members 5, for example four fixing

members

5a, 5b, 5c and 5d in fig. 4. These may be adapted to absorb energy by deforming in an elastic, semi-elastic or plastic manner. However, this is not essential. Furthermore, even in the presence of this feature, the amount of energy it absorbs during an impact is typically minimal compared to the energy absorbed by the energy absorbing layer 3.

According to the arrangement shown in fig. 4, the four

fixation members

5a, 5b, 5c and 5d are

suspension members

5a, 5b, 5c, 5d having a first portion 8 and a second portion 9, wherein the first portion 8 of the

suspension members

5a, 5b, 5c, 5d is adapted to be fixed to the attachment means 13 and the second portion 9 of the

suspension members

5a, 5b, 5c, 5d is adapted to be fixed to the energy absorbing layer 3.

Figure 5 shows an arrangement where a helmet similar to that of figure 4 is placed on the head of a wearer. The helmet 1 of fig. 5 comprises a hard outer shell 2 made of a different material than the energy absorbing layer 3. In contrast to fig. 4, in fig. 5 the attachment means 13 is fixed to the energy absorbing layer 3 by two fixing

members

5a, 5b adapted to absorb energy and forces elastically, semi-elastically or plastically.

Fig. 5 shows a frontal tilting impact I generating a rotational force to the helmet. The oblique impact I causes the energy absorbing layer 3 to slide relative to the attachment means 13. The attachment means 13 is fixed to the energy absorbing layer 3 by fixing

members

5a, 5 b. Although only two such securing members are shown, in practice many such securing members may be present for clarity. The fixing member 5 may absorb the rotational force by being elastically or semi-elastically deformed. In other arrangements, the deformation may be plastic, even resulting in fracture of one or more fixation members 5. In case of plastic deformation, at least the fixation member 5 needs to be replaced after the impact. In some cases, a combination of plastic and elastic deformation may occur in the fixation members 5, i.e. some fixation members 5 break, absorbing energy plastically, while others deform and absorb force elastically.

Generally, in the helmet of fig. 4 and 5, the energy-absorbing layer 3 acts as an impact absorber by compressing during an impact, in the same way as the inner shell of the helmet of fig. 1. If the outer shell 2 is used, it will help to distribute the impact energy over the energy absorbing layer 3. The sliding facilitator 4 will also allow sliding between the attachment means and the energy absorbing layer. This allows dissipation of energy in a controlled manner that would otherwise be transmitted to the brain as rotational energy. Energy may be dissipated by frictional heat, deformation of the energy absorbing layer, or deformation or displacement of the securing member. The reduced energy transfer results in a reduced rotational acceleration affecting the brain, thereby reducing brain rotation within the skull. Thereby reducing the risk of rotational injury including MTBI and STBI (e.g., subdural hematoma, SDH, vascular rupture, concussion, and DAI).

A connector that can be used within a helmet is described below. It should be understood that these connectors can be used in a variety of environments and are not limited to use within a helmet. For example, they may be used in other devices that provide impact protection, such as body armor or padding for athletic equipment. In the case of use in a helmet, the connector may be used in particular in place of the previously known connecting and/or fixing members of the above-described arrangement.

In one arrangement, the connector may be used with a helmet 1 of the type shown in figure 6. The helmet shown in fig. 6 has a similar construction to that discussed above with respect to fig. 4 and 5. In particular, the helmet has a relatively hard outer shell 2 and an energy absorbing layer 3. The head attachment means is provided in the form of a helmet liner 15. The cushion 15 may comprise a comfort cushion as described above. In general, the cushion 15 and/or any comfort cushion may not absorb a significant proportion of the impact energy as compared to the energy absorbed by the energy absorbing layer 3.

The liner 15 may be removable. This may enable the pad to be cleaned and/or to provide a pad that is modified to suit a particular wearer.

Between the padding 15 and the energy absorbing layer 3, an inner shell 14 is provided, which is formed of a harder material, i.e. a material that is harder than the energy absorbing layer 3. The inner shell 14 may be molded to the energy absorbing layer 3, and the inner shell 14 may be made of any of the materials described above in connection with the formation of the outer shell 2. In an alternative arrangement, inner shell 14 may be formed from a fabric material, optionally coated with a low friction material.

In the arrangement of fig. 6, a low friction interface is provided between inner shell 14 and liner 15. This may be accomplished by appropriate selection of at least one of the material used to form the outer surface of liner 15 or the material used to form inner shell 14. Alternatively or additionally, a low friction coating may be applied to at least one of the opposing surfaces of inner shell 14 and liner 15. Alternatively or additionally, a lubricant may be applied to at least one of the opposing surfaces of inner shell 14 and liner 15.

As shown, the padding 15 may be connected to the rest of the helmet 1 by one or more connectors 20, as will be discussed in further detail below. The choice of the location of the connectors 20 and the number of connectors 20 to be used may depend on the configuration of the rest of the helmet.

In an arrangement such as that shown in fig. 6, at least one connector 20 may be connected to inner housing 14. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the connectors 20 may be connected to another part of the rest of the helmet 1, such as the energy absorbing layer 3 and/or the outer shell 2. The connector 20 may also be connected to two or more parts of the rest of the helmet 1.

Fig. 7 depicts a further alternative arrangement of the helmet 1. As shown, the helmet 1 of this arrangement comprises a plurality of separate comfort pad 16 portions. Each comfort pad 16 portion may be connected to the rest of the helmet by one or more connectors 20.

The comfort pad 16 portion may have a sliding interface disposed between the comfort pad 16 portion and the rest of the helmet 1. In such an arrangement, the comfort pad 16 portion may provide a function similar to that of pad 15 of the arrangement shown in FIG. 6. The options discussed above for providing a sliding interface between the pad and the helmet also apply to a sliding interface between the comfort pad portion and the helmet.

It should also be appreciated that the arrangement of fig. 7, i.e. the plurality of separately mounted comfort pad 16 portions provided with a sliding interface between the comfort pad 16 portion and the remainder of the helmet, may be combined with any form of helmet, including those which also have a sliding interface provided between the other two parts of the helmet as depicted in fig. 1 to 5.

Fig. 8 and 9 show an arrangement equivalent to that of fig. 6 and 7, except that inner shell 14 is applied to either liner 15 (in fig. 8) or comfort liner 16 (in fig. 9). In the case of fig. 9, the inner shell 14 may be only a partial shell or a multi-segment shell, as compared to the substantially complete shell arrangement of fig. 6-8. Indeed, in fig. 8 and 9, inner shell 14 may also be characterized by a relatively hard coating on cushion 15 or comfort cushion 16. As for fig. 6 and 7, the inner shell 14 is formed of a relatively hard material, i.e., a material harder than the energy absorbing layer 3. For example, the material may be TFE, ABS, PVC, PC, nylon, PFA, EEE p, PE, and UHMWPE. The material may be bonded to the outside of the cushion 15 or comfort pad 16 to simplify the manufacturing process. This bonding may be by any means, such as by adhesive or by high frequency welding or stitching. In an alternative arrangement, inner shell 14 may be formed from a fabric material, optionally coated with a low friction material.

In fig. 8 and 9, a low friction interface is provided between the inner shell 14 and the energy absorbing layer 3. This can be achieved by appropriately selecting at least one of the material used to form the outer surface of the energy absorbing layer 3 or the material used to form the inner shell 14. Alternatively or additionally, a low friction coating may be applied to at least one of the opposing surfaces of the inner shell 14 and the energy absorbing layer 3. Alternatively or additionally, a lubricant may be applied to at least one of the opposing surfaces of inner shell 14 and energy absorbing layer 3.

In fig. 8 and 9, at least one connector 20 may be connected to inner housing 14. Alternatively or additionally, one or more connectors 20 may be connected to another portion of the remainder of cushion 15 or comfort cushion 16.

In another arrangement, the connector may be used with a helmet 1 of the type shown in figure 10. The helmet shown in fig. 10 has a construction similar to that discussed above with respect to fig. 1, 2, 3A and 3B. In particular, the helmet has a relatively hard outer shell 2 and an energy absorbing layer 3 configured to slide relative to each other. At least one connector 20 may be connected to the housing 2 and the energy absorbing layer 3. Alternatively, the connector may connect one or more intermediate sliding layers associated with one or both of the housing 2 and the energy absorbing layer 2, which provide low friction.

In yet another arrangement, the connector may be used with a helmet 1 of the type shown in figure 11. The helmet shown in fig. 11 has a construction similar to that discussed above with respect to fig. 3B. In particular, the helmet has a relatively hard outer shell 2 and an energy absorbing layer 3, the energy absorbing layer 3 being configured as an outer part 3A and an inner part 3B 3 that slide relative to each other. At least one connector 20 may be connected to the outer portion 3A and the inner portion 3B of the energy absorbing layer 3. Alternatively, the connector may connect one or more intermediate sliding layers associated with one or both of the outer portion 3A and the inner portion 3B of the energy absorbing layer 3, which intermediate sliding layers provide low friction.

Fig. 12 depicts yet another alternative arrangement of the helmet 1. In this arrangement, one or more outer plates 17 may be mounted to a helmet 1, the helmet 1 having at least an energy absorbing layer 3 and a relatively stiff layer 2 formed on the outside of the energy absorbing layer 2. It will be appreciated that such an arrangement of outer plates 17 may be added to any helmet according to any of the arrangements described above, i.e. with a sliding interface between at least two layers of the helmet 1.

The outer plate 17 may be mounted to the relatively stiff layer 2 in the following manner: a low friction interface is provided between the outer surface of the relatively hard layer 2 and at least a portion of the surface of the outer plate 17 in contact with the outer surface of the relatively hard layer 2, at least under impact to the outer plate 17. In some arrangements, an intermediate low friction layer may be provided between the hard layer 2 and the plate 17.

Additionally, the outer plate 17 may be mounted in such a way that the outer plate 17 may slide over the relatively hard layer 2 (or intermediate low friction layer) under impact to the outer plate 17. Each outer plate 17 may be connected to the rest of the helmet 1 by one or more connectors 20.

In such an arrangement, in the event of an impact to the helmet 1, it is expected that the impact will be incident on one or a limited number of the outer plates 17. Thus, by configuring the helmet such that one or more of the outer plates 17 can move relative to the relatively stiff layer 2 and any outer plates 17 that are not subjected to impact. The surface receiving the impact, i.e. one or a limited number of outer plates 17, can be moved relative to the rest of the helmet 1. In the case of a tilt impact or a tangential impact, this may reduce the rotational force transmitted to the rest of the helmet. This, in turn, may reduce rotational acceleration exerted on the brain of the helmet wearer and/or reduce brain damage.

A possible arrangement of the connector 20 will now be described. For convenience, the connector is generally described as connecting the outer shell to the energy absorbing layer of the helmet, as shown in fig. 11. It should be understood, however, that the connector 20 may be used to connect any two portions of a device together, such as any of the layers described above. Further, in the following, the connector 20 is described as having a first part connected to a first portion of the device (e.g., the housing), and a second part connected to a second portion of the device (e.g., the energy absorbing layer), it being understood that this may be reversed with appropriate modifications.

Fig. 13-15 show different views of a first example connector 20 according to the present disclosure. As explained above, the connector 20 is used to connect the inner and outer layers of a device (e.g., a helmet).

The connector 20 generally comprises an anchor point 21 configured to connect to the energy absorbing layer 3 of the helmet and/or the intermediate low friction layer 4 associated with the energy absorbing layer 3. The connector 20 further comprises a resilient portion 22 arranged to at least partly surround the anchor point 21 and connected to the anchor point 21 near a first axis extending in the first direction. The peripheral portion 23 of the connector 20 is arranged to at least partially surround the elastic portion 22 in the vicinity of a second axis extending in the first direction, and is connected to the elastic portion 22. The peripheral portion 23 is also configured to be connected to the outer shell 2 of the helmet. The resilient portion 22 is configured to deform to allow the anchor point 21 to move relative to the peripheral portion 23 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

The anchor points 21 shown in fig. 13 and 14 include through holes for attachment of fasteners such as bayonet, bolts, etc. However, alternative arrangements are possible, for example, the anchor point 21 may instead be connected to the energy absorbing layer 3 by glue, a hook and loop arrangement or a magnet. As shown in fig. 13 and 14, the anchor point 21 may be formed within a portion of the material forming the resilient portion 22. Alternatively, anchor point 21 may be formed of a relatively rigid material that is connected to or integrated with the material forming resilient portion 22 (an example of such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 41 and described further below). It should be understood that the term anchor point generally refers to any structure configured to attach (or anchor) the connector 20 to a portion of the helmet 1. However, in some embodiments, anchor point 21 may be relatively small compared to connector 20 to be located substantially at a point on connector 20, such as a point on first axis a.

The peripheral portion 23 is mainly used for connecting the connector 20 to the housing 2. However, the peripheral portion 23 may also provide strength and stability to the connector 20. Accordingly, the peripheral portion may be formed of a relatively rigid material compared to the material forming the resilient portion 22. The rigid material may be configured to retain its shape under an impact to the helmet 1, while the resilient portion 22 deforms under the same impact. The rigid material may be, for example, TFE, ABS, PVC, PC, nylon, PFA, EE Ρ, PE, UHMWPE and metals.

As shown in fig. 13-15, the peripheral portion 23 may be generally annular in shape. The peripheral portion 23 accordingly defines a central region surrounded by a ring. The ring shape shown in fig. 13 and 14 is an example of the connector 20 in which the peripheral portion 23 forms a closed ring around the central region. However, other examples may have different shapes, such as rectangular, square, triangular, or any other arbitrary shape. Furthermore, in other examples, the peripheral portion 23 may still be closed around the central region but not enclosing the central region. The second axis B may pass through the center of the central region, e.g., the center of the annular peripheral region 23.

As shown in fig. 15, the peripheral portion 23 may be substantially flat. In other words, the peripheral portion 20 may have a relatively small thickness compared to its length and width. The length and width directions may define a plane (horizontal in fig. 15) and the thickness direction (vertical in fig. 15) is perpendicular to the plane. The thickness direction corresponds to the first direction defined above.

The peripheral portion 23 may have a substantially flat lower surface. The surface may be configured to be connected to the housing 3. The planar surface may be in a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

As shown in fig. 13-15, the resilient portion 22 extends through a central region of the connector 20. In other words, the elastic portion 22 extends from one portion of the peripheral portion 23 to another portion. In this example, the elastic portions 22 are provided in a plurality of portions separated by gaps. Specifically, in this example, there are four portions forming an X-shape. The anchor point 21 is located in the centre of the X but this is not essential. More generally, portions of the resilient portion 22 may extend in a radial direction relative to the first axis a surrounded by the resilient portion 22. Furthermore, the elastic portion 22 may have rotational symmetry about the first axis a. Any number of sections may be provided.

In the example shown in fig. 13 to 15, the first axis a passes through the anchor point 21. In the present example, the first axis a coincides with the second axis B. In other words, the two axes are identical. However, this is not essential. In the present example, the peripheral portion 23 and the resilient portion 22 have rotational symmetry about coinciding first and second axes.

In the example shown in fig. 13-15, a portion of the material forming the elastic portion 22 extends over the top of the peripheral portion 23 (i.e., on the side of the housing other than the energy absorbing layer) and another portion surrounds the peripheral portion 23. This helps to provide a secure connection between the resilient portion 22 and the peripheral portion 23. Furthermore, the resilient portion 22 may be integrally formed with the peripheral portion 23, for example by co-molding different materials together.

Fig. 13 to 15 show the example connector 20 when the resilient portion 22 is in an undeformed state. In this undeformed state, the resilient portion 22 is substantially flat. In other words, the elastic portion 22 does not substantially protrude from the peripheral portion 23 in the first (thickness) direction.

Fig. 16 shows the connector 20 of fig. 13-15 when it is connected to the outer shell 2 of the helmet 1 before it is connected to the energy absorbing layer 3. It can be seen that the resilient portion 22 is still in an undeformed state.

As shown in fig. 16, the connector 20 is located outside the housing 2. In other words, the peripheral portion 23 is arranged on the opposite side of the housing 2 from the sliding interface (which is between the housing and the energy absorbing layer). Through holes are provided in the housing 2 to allow connection to the energy absorbing layer 3. As shown in fig. 16, a recess 2A is provided in the housing to accommodate a peripheral portion of the connector. The recess 2A is not necessary, but it prevents lateral movement on the connector 20. Other mechanisms for anchoring the peripheral portion 23 may alternatively or additionally be used (some examples of which are described below). Furthermore, the energy absorbing layer 3 comprises a groove on the side facing the sliding interface. In other arrangements (e.g. with a thicker housing 2) such a groove facing the sliding interface may alternatively or additionally be provided in the housing 2.

Fig. 17 shows the connector 20 of fig. 13 to 15 when it is connected to the outer shell 2 and the energy absorbing layer 3 of the helmet 1 (via the low friction layer 4 associated with the energy absorbing layer 3). When connected, the elastic portion 22 is configured to protrude from the peripheral portion 23 in the first direction, passing through the housing 2.

As can be seen in fig. 17, the resilient portion 22 is in a deformed state when connected. The resilient portion 22 is further deformable to allow the anchor point 21 to move relative to the peripheral portion 23 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

As shown in fig. 17, anchor point 21 includes a fastener 24 in the form of a bayonet. In the example shown, the detents pass through the through holes of the anchor points 21 and snap with corresponding portions associated with the energy absorbing layer 3 (in this case, a portion of the low friction layer 4).

Fig. 18 and 19 show a second example connector 20. The connector 20 is similar in many respects to the first example connector 20. Therefore, the main differences will be described. As shown in fig. 18, the elastic portion 22 of the second example connector has three portions instead of four portions. These three portions form a Y-shape. Furthermore, the material forming the resilient portion 22 extends below the peripheral portion 23 rather than above the top.

Fig. 20 and 21 show a third example connector 20. The connector 20 is similar in many respects to the first example connector 20. Therefore, the main differences will be described. As shown in fig. 19, the elastic portion 22 of the third example connector covers the entire central area. Specifically, the elastic portion 22 is a part rather than a plurality of parts with gaps therebetween. In other words, the elastic portion 22 is substantially disc-shaped. In other examples where the peripheral portion is not annular, the elastic portion 22 may be generally formed as a sheet. Furthermore, although the resilient portion 22 still extends over the top of the peripheral portion 23, it does not also surround the peripheral portion 23. However, in other examples, it may surround the peripheral portion 23.

In the disk shape, the overlap with the top of the peripheral portion 23 is large, thereby sufficiently fixing the elastic portion 22 to the peripheral portion 22. The benefit of this arrangement is that the central area is covered to prevent unwanted material from entering.

Fig. 22 and 23 show a fourth example connector. The connector 20 is similar in many respects to the third example connector 20. Therefore, the main differences will be described. As shown in fig. 22 and 23, the material forming the resilient portion 22 extends below the peripheral portion, rather than above the top portion. Furthermore, the material forming the resilient portion 22 covers the peripheral portion entirely on one side, rather than only partially. This provides a more secure attachment between the resilient portion 22 and the peripheral portion 22.

Fig. 24 to 26 show a fifth example connector 20. The connector is of a different type to that shown in figures 13 to 23. The examples shown in fig. 13 to 23 are of the type in which the elastic portion 22 is substantially flat in the undeformed state, and are not the case with the type shown in fig. 24 to 26. In contrast, the elastic portion 22 of the fifth example connector 20 protrudes from the elastic portion 23 in the first direction in an undeformed state (e.g., when the helmet 1 is not attached).

Nonetheless, the fifth example connector 20 is similar in most respects to the first example connector 20. Therefore, further major differences will be described. As shown in fig. 26, the material forming the resilient portion 22 extends below the peripheral portion 23, rather than above the top.

Fig. 28 and 29 show the connector 20 of fig. 24 to 26 when it is connected to the outer shell 2 and the energy absorbing layer 3 of the helmet 1. Fig. 28 and 29 show essentially the same thing, but the helmet of fig. 28 includes a visible low friction layer 4, whereas there is no visible low friction layer in fig. 29. It should be understood that, in the example of fig. 28, the low friction layer 4 is provided with through holes through which the connectors 20 are directly connected between the outer casing 2 and the inner casing 3.

As with the previous example connector 20, when connected, the resilient portion 22 of this example is configured to protrude from the peripheral portion 23 in a first direction, through the housing 2. The resilient portion 22 substantially maintains its undeformed state when so connected. However, some deformation may occur. The resilient portion 22 is capable of deforming (or further deforming) to allow the anchor point 21 to move relative to the peripheral portion 23 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

The connection arrangement shown in fig. 28 and 29 is similar to that shown in fig. 16 and 17. However, it will be noted that no recess 2A is provided in the present arrangement. Furthermore, the anchor point is connected directly to the energy absorbing layer 3 (by the detents 24) rather than through the low friction layer 4.

Fig. 30 to 32 show a sixth example connector 20. The connector 20 is similar in many respects to the fifth example connector 20. Therefore, the main differences will be described.

As shown in fig. 30 to 32, the outer peripheral portion 23 of the connector 20 of the sixth example includes a projection 23 extending substantially radially with respect to the second axis B.

Further, the connector 20 includes an insert 26 configured to be inserted into the peripheral portion 23. The insert 26 is made of a rigid material (such as those described above with respect to the peripheral portion 23 of the previous example) and is configured to prevent the peripheral portion 23 from deforming and/or becoming dislodged. Thus, the peripheral portion 23 of the present example is formed of an elastic material, such as the elastic material forming the elastic portion 22 of the connector 20. The insert 26 may be configured to be inserted into a protrusion of the peripheral portion 23, as in the illustrated example.

As shown, the insert 26 may include a central portion that substantially corresponds in shape to the central region defined by the peripheral portion 23, and protrusions therefrom that substantially correspond in shape to the protrusions of the peripheral portion 23. This arrangement has the additional benefit that the central region is covered to prevent unwanted material ingress.

Fig. 27 shows a seventh example connector 20. In the example shown, the peripheral portion comprises a snap portion 25 for connection with the housing 2. The catch portion 25 extends in the first direction from below the peripheral portion 23. The snap portion 25 is configured to snap around the edge of the through hole in the housing 2. This is an example of a mechanism for anchoring the peripheral portion 23 in the housing 2.

Fig. 33 and 35 show an eighth example connector 20. In the example described, the peripheral portion 23 comprises a projection 27 (in this case two, but any number is possible) extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (for example a radial direction with respect to the second axis B). As shown in fig. 35, the projection 27 is configured to project below a part of the housing 2. This arrangement may provide a snap connection between the peripheral portion 23 and the housing 2. As shown, the protrusion 27 may protrude below the raised portion of the housing 2. However, this is not essential. This is another example of a mechanism for anchoring the peripheral portion 23 in the housing 2.

Fig. 36 to 39 show a ninth example connector. In the example described, the peripheral portion 23 comprises a projection 28 (in this case two, but any number is possible) extending obliquely with respect to the first direction. As shown, the protrusions 28 may each form a loop.

The protrusion 28 is configured to be embedded in one of the helmet layers for anchoring the peripheral portion 28 to that layer. In this case, the layer is preferably relatively thick, and therefore most likely the energy absorbing layer 3 rather than the housing 2, although this need not be the case. Thus, the anchor point 21 may be connected to the housing 2. Fig. 37 and 38 show cross-sections through this arrangement. Fig. 37 and 38 show essentially the same thing, but the helmet of fig. 38 includes a low friction layer 4, whereas the helmet of fig. 37 does not.

In the example described, the peripheral portion 23 also comprises a projection 28 (in this case two, but any number is possible) extending perpendicularly to the first direction. These may be used to position and align the connector 20 within the energy absorbing layer 3 by engaging with corresponding grooves in the energy absorbing layer, as shown in fig. 39.

Fig. 40 and 41 show a tenth example connector 20. In the example, the connector 20 includes a cover 30 for covering the central area to prevent unwanted material from entering. The cover 30 is connected to the peripheral portion 23 by a hinge 31. The cover further comprises snap connectors 32 configured to engage with corresponding portions 33 of the peripheral portion. The lid 30, hinge 31 and snap connector 32 may be integrally formed with each other and with the peripheral portion 23.

The tenth example connector 20 also includes a protrusion 29 (two in this case, but any number is possible) that extends downward in the first direction (i.e., toward the energy absorbing layer 3). These may be used to position and align the connector 20 within the housing 2 by engaging with corresponding grooves in the housing 2.

Further, the anchor point 21 of the illustrated example includes an integrally formed fastener in the form of a bayonet 24. Bayonet 24 may be formed of a rigid material (e.g., the same material as rigid peripheral portion 23). For example, the material of detent 24 and the material forming resilient portion 22 may be co-molded together.

Fig. 42 to 44 show an eleventh example connector 20. In the example, a cover 30 is again provided. However, the cover 30 is not permanently connected to the peripheral portion by the hinge 31. Instead, the cover 30 is provided as a separate component. In the example described, the peripheral portion 23 comprises snap connectors (in this case two, but any number is possible) configured to engage with corresponding portions 33 of the cover 30.

Fig. 45 and 46 show a twelfth and thirteenth example connector 20 with an alternative arrangement for the anchor points 21. In these examples, anchor point 21 is formed of a relatively hard material, such as the same material used for peripheral portion 23. This may be co-molded with the material forming the resilient portion 22, for example. As shown in fig. 45, anchor point 21 comprises a circular through hole. As shown in fig. 46, the anchor point 21 includes a substantially circular through-hole having additional (e.g., four) cutout portions extending radially from the circular portion (e.g., to form a cross shape). In both cases, the through-hole may be configured to snap with a detent associated with the layer to which it is attached, e.g., the energy absorbing layer 3.

Fig. 47 and 48 show a fourteenth example connector 20. As shown, the connector is similar in its basic structure to the connector shown in fig. 20. As shown in fig. 47, the connector 20 includes a protrusion 27 from the peripheral portion 23 configured to provide a snap-fit connection with the layers of the device to which it is connected.

As shown in the cross-section shown in fig. 47, anchor point 21 of connector 20 includes a bayonet fastener 24 configured to attach to another layer of the device. In the illustrated example, detent 24 includes a collar or flange 24a surrounding detent 24. The flange 24a helps to properly secure the bayonet fastener 24 to the layers of the device.

Fig. 49 and 50 show a fifteenth example connector 20. As shown, the connector 20 is similar in many respects to the connector of fig. 24 to 27. However, as shown in the drawing, the elastic portion 22 of the fifteenth example connector covers the entire central area. Further, the elastic portion 22 is disposed over the top of the peripheral portion 23. Furthermore, anchor point 21 comprises a detent 24.

Fig. 51 and 52 illustrate a sixteenth example connector 20. As shown, the connector is similar in many respects to the example connector shown in fig. 49 and 50. However, the elastic portion 22 is disposed below the peripheral portion 23. In addition, the resilient portion 22 includes a collar or flange portion 22a that surrounds the resilient portion 22. The flange portion 22a defines a gap between itself and the peripheral portion 23. The gap is configured to receive a portion of a layer of the device to which the peripheral portion 23 is connected. This helps to properly secure the connector to the device.

Fig. 53 illustrates a seventeenth example connector. As shown, the anchor point 21 includes two arms 21a extending in different directions from each other. As shown, the arm 21a may extend perpendicular to the first axis a. The arms may be configured to be inserted through holes in the layer to which the anchor points are attached and then extended to prevent the connector 20 from disconnecting from the layer. Thus, the arms may be formed of a resilient material, for example the same material as the resilient portion 22.

Fig. 54 shows an example shell 2 of a helmet configured for use with any of the connectors 20 described above. The housing 2 includes a recess 2A for receiving a connector as described above. In the example, the groove 2A is at least partially defined by a peripheral ridge 2B. The recess 2A further comprises a hole 2C for passing the connector 20 for connection to another layer of the device. Although fig. 54 shows the housing 2 as a single part, in other examples the housing may be divided into a plurality of parts, each part being configured to slide independently of the other. Thus, one or more connectors 20 will be provided to each section.

Fig. 55 shows an example helmet comprising the outer shell 2 shown in fig. 54 with a plurality of connectors 20 connecting the outer shell 2 to an inner layer of the helmet. As shown, different types of connectors 20 may be used at different locations on the helmet. In some examples, the inner surface of the outer shell 2 and the outer surface of the inner layer of the helmet may each have a substantially spherical surface to improve sliding between the layers.

Fig. 56 shows another example helmet 1 that includes a connector 20. In this example, the helmet 1 has a similar configuration to that shown in fig. 11. That is, the helmet 1 comprises an outer shell and an energy absorbing layer formed in two portions (outer and inner) 3A and 3B configured to slide relative to each other. The inner part 3B of the energy absorbing layer comprises a (low friction) sliding layer 4 on its outer surface. In the example helmet, the connector 20 connects the two

parts

3A, 3B to allow sliding.

Fig. 57 shows a general overview of the connection arrangement of the helmet 1 of fig. 56. A recess 3C is provided in the portion 3B for accommodating the connector 20, in particular a peripheral portion 23 of the connector 20. A through hole is provided in the groove 3C to allow the attachment of the anchor point 21 of the connector 20 to the portion 3A. The width of the through hole is smaller than the width of the groove 3C so that the connector 20 is supported within the groove 3C by the material surrounding the through hole. In the example, the material is part of the sliding layer 4. However, in other examples, the energy absorbing material may perform the described function.

In the above example, anchor point 21 comprises detent 24. As shown in fig. 57, the portion 3A includes a member 40, specifically a snap basket, for engaging with the bayonet 24. The card basket 40 is shown in greater detail in fig. 58. The card basket 40 generally includes a body 41 and an aperture 42. The aperture 42 may be formed such that the shape of the aperture 42 can be changed to snap around the bayonet 26 upon insertion. As shown, the body 3 may be flat or concave. As shown, the card basket 40 may also include one or more protrusions 43 from the body 41 configured to nest with the portion 3A to anchor the card basket in place. As shown, the protrusions 43 may be interconnected to form a single structure.

In general, the above-described connector 20 may be configured such that the peripheral portion lies substantially in a plane parallel to the layer to which it is attached, i.e. a plane substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the helmet. The first axis and/or the second axis as described above may be configured to extend substantially in a radial direction of the helmet. The connector 20 may allow relative movement between the layers substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the helmet.

Various arrangements for anchoring the peripheral portion 23 in the housing 2 are described above. However, alternatively, the peripheral portion 23 may be a part of the housing 2 or integrally formed with the housing 2. For example, the central region may be formed by a through hole in the housing 2 so that an edge of the through hole may be regarded as the peripheral portion 23. The resilient member 22 may be attached to the housing 2 or formed integrally with the housing 2 (e.g., co-molded therewith). In another example, the housing 2 may be molded around the connector 20 or co-molded with the connector 20 such that the connector 20 is embedded therein.

It should be understood that the features of each of the examples described above may be combined. For example, any of the above examples may be modified to include features described with respect to any of the other examples. For example, any of the different arrangements of the peripheral portion 23 and/or the resilient portion 22 may be interchanged. Furthermore, any one arrangement for aligning or anchoring the peripheral portion in the housing 2 may be used with any of the described connectors 20 and in combination with other arrangements. Further, any connector may be modified to include any type of cover 30. Furthermore, any type of fastening means can be used to connect the anchoring point 21 of any of the above-mentioned connectors to the helmet 1.

Claims

1. A connector for connecting inner and outer layers of a device, the connector comprising:

an anchor point configured to be connected to one of the inner layer and the outer layer;

a resilient portion arranged to at least partially surround and connect to the anchor point in the vicinity of a first axis extending in a first direction;

a peripheral portion arranged to at least partially surround and connect to the elastic portion near a second axis extending in the first direction and configured to connect to the other of the inner layer and the outer layer;

wherein the elastic portion is configured to protrude from the peripheral portion in the first direction in a connected state in which the connector is connected to the inner layer and the outer layer, and to deform to allow the anchor point to move in a direction perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the peripheral portion.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein in an undeformed state, the resilient portion is substantially flat, and the connected state is a deformed state of the resilient portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein in an undeformed state, the elastic portion protrudes from the peripheral portion in the first direction.

4. A connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the resilient portion extends through a central region of the connector surrounded by the peripheral region.

5. The connector of claim 4, wherein the resilient portion covers substantially the entire central area.

6. The connector of claim 4, wherein the resilient portion comprises a plurality of portions with gaps therebetween.

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein the plurality of portions extend in a radial direction relative to the first axis.

8. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral portion forms a closed loop.

9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the peripheral portion is substantially annular and the second axis passes through the center of the peripheral portion.

10. The connector of claim 9, wherein the anchor point is aligned with the first axis.

11. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second axes are coincident.

12. The connector of claim 11, wherein the resilient portion and the peripheral portion have rotational symmetry about the first and second axes that coincide.

13. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral portion is formed from a rigid material.

14. A connector according to any preceding claim, further comprising an insert formed of a rigid material, the insert being configured to be inserted into the peripheral portion to prevent deformation of the peripheral portion.

15. The connector of claim 14, wherein the peripheral portion is formed of an elastic material.

16. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient portion and the peripheral portion are integrally formed.

17. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the anchor point comprises a snap connector configured to snap together with the inner layer or the outer layer.

18. A connector according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cover configured to cover a central region of the connector surrounded by the peripheral region to prevent unwanted material from entering the central region.

19. A connector according to any preceding claim, further comprising a protrusion connected to the peripheral portion and configured to anchor the peripheral portion in the inner or outer layer.

20. An apparatus, comprising:

an inner layer;

an outer layer;

a sliding interface between the inner layer and the outer layer; and

a connector according to any preceding claim, connected to the inner and outer layers so as to allow relative sliding between the inner and outer layers at the sliding interface in response to an impact on the device.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein the peripheral portion is disposed on an opposite side of the inner or outer layer to which it is connected from the sliding interface, and the resilient portion protrudes through the inner or outer layer.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the peripheral portion is disposed within a groove in the inner layer or the outer layer to which it is connected.

23. The device of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the device is a helmet.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein the outer layer is a hard shell and the inner layer is an energy absorbing layer.

25. The device of claim 23, wherein the inner layer is a hard shell and the outer layer comprises one or more plates connected to the hard shell.

26. The device of claim 23, wherein the inner layer and the outer layer are both energy absorbing layers.

27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the outer layer is an energy absorbing layer and the inner layer is an interface layer configured to interface with a wearer's head.

28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the interface layer comprises a comfort pad.