CN115720495A

CN115720495A - Helmet

Info

Publication number: CN115720495A
Application number: CN202180045664.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 艾米·路易丝·波默林
Original assignee: Mips AB
Current assignee: Mips AB
Priority date: 2020-06-26
Filing date: 2021-06-25
Publication date: 2023-02-28
Also published as: EP4171305A1; WO2021260187A1; US20230232929A1; AU2021295599A1; GB202009765D0; TW202203796A; JP2023531076A; CA3175158A1; TWI794854B; BR112022026554A2

Abstract

A helmet (1) comprising an outer shell (2); a head mount (20) configured to mount on top of the head of a wearer of the helmet; wherein the head mount is suspended within the outer shell such that, in use, an air gap (21) is provided between the head mount and the outer shell; the helmet further comprises a head-engaging device (40) mounted on a surface of the head mount configured to face the head of a wearer of the helmet such that the head-engaging device is movable relative to the head mount; and a low friction interface is provided between the head mount and the head engaging means.

Description

Helmet

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a helmet.

Background

Helmets are known for use in a variety of activities. These activities include combat and industrial uses, such as protective helmets for soldiers and safety helmets or helmets for use by operators of, for example, construction, miners or industrial machinery. Helmets are also common in athletic activities. For example, protective helmets may be used in hockey, bicycle, motorcycle, motor game, skiing, snowboarding, skating, skateboarding, equestrian sports, american football, baseball, football, soccer, cricket, lacrosse, mountain climbing, golf, soft shot air gun (airsoft), roller skating, and eggbeated shooting.

The helmet may be of fixed size or adjustable to fit different sizes and shapes of heads. In some types of helmets (e.g., as is common in ice hockey helmets), adjustability may be provided by moving portions of the helmet to alter the outer and inner dimensions of the helmet. This may be achieved by providing the helmet with two or more parts that are movable relative to each other. In other cases (e.g. as is common in bicycle helmets), helmets are provided with attachment means for securing the helmet to the user's head, and the attachment means can vary in size to fit the user's head while the body or shell of the helmet remains of a constant size. In some cases, a comfort pad in the helmet may be used as an attachment device. The attachment means may also be provided in physically separate parts, for example a plurality of comfort pads which are not interconnected with each other. Such attachment means for placing 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 typically consist of an outer shell, which is typically rigid and made of plastic or composite material, and an energy absorbing layer, often referred to as a liner. In other arrangements (such as football-shaped football caps), the helmet may not have a hard outer shell, and the helmet as a whole may be flexible. Today, in any case, protective helmets must be designed to 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. Conventionally, tests were carried out in which a so-called dummy skull equipped with a helmet was subjected to a radial blow towards the head. This results in a modern helmet with good energy absorption capability against radial blows to the skull. Development helmets have made progress by absorbing or dissipating rotational energy and/or redirecting it to translational energy rather than rotational energy, thereby reducing the energy delivered by oblique blows (i.e., which combine both tangential and radial components) (e.g., WO 2001/045526 and WO 2011/139224, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference).

This oblique shock (in the absence of protection) causes translational and angular acceleration to the brain. Angular acceleration causes the brain to rotate in the skull, causing damage to the body parts that connect the brain to the skull and also to the brain itself.

Examples of rotational injury include Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI), such as concussion, and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (STBI), such as subdural hematoma (SDH), hemorrhage from vascular rupture, and Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI), which can be generalized as nerve fiber overstretching caused by high shear deformation in brain tissue.

Depending on the characteristics of the rotational force (such as duration, amplitude and increasing rate), concussions, SDH, DAI or a combination of these injuries may be experienced. In general SDH occurs where acceleration duration is short and amplitude is large, whereas DAI occurs where acceleration loading time is long and spread more widely.

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 oblique impacts, the two parts of the helmet can be configured to slide relative to each other at a sliding interface upon receiving an oblique impact.

In some helmets, the head attachment device is suspended within and separate from the hard outer shell. Such a helmet is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and provides adequate protection against radial impact for certain helmet applications. However, it may be desirable to improve the performance of such helmets, for example in the case of a diagonal impact, preferably without significantly increasing the cost and/or effort of manufacture.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a helmet comprising:

an outer housing;

a head mount configured to mount on top of the head of a wearer of the helmet;

wherein the head mount is suspended within the outer housing such that, in use, an air gap is provided between the head mount and the outer housing;

the helmet further comprises a head engagement device mounted on a surface of the head mount configured to face the head of a wearer of the helmet such that the head engagement device is movable relative to the head mount; and is

A low friction interface is provided between the head mount and the head engaging means.

In one arrangement, the head engagement device is connected to the head mount.

In one arrangement, the head mount comprises a plurality of straps configured to extend across the crown of the wearer of the helmet and connect to connection points on the outer shell.

In one arrangement, the head mount comprises a plurality of straps extending between an opposing pair of connection points.

In one arrangement, at least two straps are interconnected.

In one arrangement, the head engagement means is connected to the head mount by at least one connector engaging one strap.

In one arrangement, at least one connector has a first end and a second end, both ends being joined to the head engagement device at respective first and second locations on the head engagement device; and the strap is located between the connector and the head engaging means in a region on the head engaging means between the first position and the second position.

In one arrangement, the strap is not fixedly secured to any portion of the connector such that the strap can slide relative to the connector.

In one arrangement, the connector is formed from an elongate section of material, optionally one of a rope, strap or strip.

In one arrangement, the plurality of connectors are formed from a single piece of said material.

In one arrangement, the plurality of connectors are formed from a single piece of the section of material.

In one arrangement, the head mount comprises at least one strap connected to the front portion of the outer shell, the at least one strap extending in a direction towards the rear of the helmet.

In one arrangement, the head engaging means is provided as a single component.

In one arrangement, the head engaging means is formed from a plurality of separate segments.

In one arrangement, the head mount comprises a headband configured to engage at least a forehead of a wearer of the helmet; and is provided with

The head engagement device includes a crown region configured to be located between a crown of a head of a wearer of the helmet and the head mount, and a forehead region configured to be located adjacent the headband.

In one arrangement, the head engaging device further comprises a medial region connecting the crown region to the forehead region.

In one arrangement, the forehead region of the head engagement device is located between the forehead and the headband of a wearer of the helmet.

In one arrangement, the headband is located between the forehead of the wearer of the helmet and the forehead region of the head engagement device.

In one arrangement, the helmet further comprises a front pad positioned adjacent a forehead of a wearer of the helmet.

In one arrangement, a front cushion is connected to at least one of the headband, the forehead region of the head engaging device and the outer shell.

In one arrangement, the front pads are connected by a resilient connector configured to enable the front pads to move relative to the component to which they are connected.

In one arrangement, the head-engaging means comprises one or more pads provided on a surface of the head-engaging means which faces the head of the wearer of the helmet.

In one arrangement, the head engaging means comprises a sheet of material, optionally shaped to conform to the head of a wearer of the helmet.

In one arrangement, the head engaging means comprises a plurality of apertures which may be configured to provide at least one location for attachment of the connector to the head engaging means and ventilation.

In one arrangement, the low friction interface is provided by a low coefficient of friction between the surfaces of the head mount and the head engagement member.

In one arrangement, the spacing provided by the air gap between the outer shell and the head mount at a location corresponding to the top of the wearer's head in the absence of an impact on the helmet is at least 10mm, optionally at least 15mm, optionally at least 20mm, optionally at least 30mm, optionally at least 40mm.

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;

fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the functional principle of the helmet of fig. 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;

figure 6 schematically depicts a cross-section of another arrangement of a helmet;

fig. 7 depicts the interior of an example of a helmet according to the arrangement depicted in fig. 6;

figures 8, 9 and 10 depict a connector for use in a helmet according to the arrangement depicted in figure 7;

fig. 11 depicts the interior of another example of a helmet;

fig. 12 depicts the interior of another example of a helmet;

fig. 13 depicts the interior of another example of a helmet;

fig. 14 depicts the interior of another example of a helmet; and

fig. 15 depicts the helmet of fig. 14 from the side.

Detailed Description

The proportions of the thicknesses of the layers in the helmet depicted in the drawings are 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 kind described in WO 01/45526, which is intended to provide protection against oblique impacts. This type of helmet may be any of the helmet types described above.

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

Arranged between the outer casing 2 and the inner casing 3 is a sliding layer 4 (also called a sliding facilitator or low friction layer) which may enable displacement between the outer casing 2 and the inner casing 3. In particular, as described below, the sliding layer 4 or sliding facilitator may be configured such that sliding may occur between the two parts during an impact. For example, it may be configured to be able to slide under the action of a force associated with an impact on the helmet 1 that is expected to be immaterial to 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, one or more connecting members 5 interconnecting the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 may be arranged in a rim portion of the helmet 1. In some arrangements, the connector may counteract mutual displacement between the outer housing 2 and the inner housing 3 by absorbing energy. However, this is not essential. Furthermore, even in the presence of this feature, the amount of energy absorbed by the feature is typically minimal compared to the energy absorbed by the inner shell 3 during an impact. 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 away from the edge portions and connecting the outer case 2 and the inner case 3 by the sliding layer 4).

The outer housing 2 is preferably relatively thin and strong in order to withstand various types of impacts. The outer housing 2 may be made of a polymer material, such as, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Advantageously, the polymer material may be fibre reinforced with a material such as glass fibre, aramid, para-aramid (Twaron), carbon fibre or Kevlar.

The inner shell 3 is very thick and acts as an energy absorbing layer. Therefore, it can buffer or absorb the impact on the head. Advantageously, it may be made of foam materials like Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded Polyurethane (EPU), vinyl nitrile foam; or other materials formed into, for example, a honeycomb structure; or strain rate sensitive foams (e.g., in Poron) ^TM And D3O ^TM Sold under the brand). The construction may be varied in different ways (presented below), for example, with many layers of different materials.

The inner housing 3 is designed to absorb the energy of an impact. Other elements of the helmet 1 (e.g. the hard outer shell 2 or so-called "comfort pads" disposed within the inner shell 3) will absorb energy to a limited extent, but this is not their primary use and the other elements contribute minimally to energy absorption compared to that of the inner shell 3. Indeed, while some other elements (such as comfort pads) may be made of "compressible" materials and thus considered "energy absorbing" in other contexts, it is well known in the art of helmets that compressible materials are not necessarily "energy absorbing" in the sense that they absorb a meaningful amount 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), micro balls, air, rubber, polycarbonate (PC), textile materials (such as felt), etc. Such a layer may have a thickness of about 0.1-5mm, but other thicknesses may be used, depending on the material selected and the desired properties. The number of sliding layers and their positioning may also be varied, and examples thereof are explained below (refer to fig. 3B).

As regards the connecting member 5, it can be made using deformable strips, for example of plastic or metal, which are anchored in a suitable manner in the outer and inner housings.

Fig. 2 shows the functional principle of the protective helmet 1, wherein the helmet 1 and the skull 10 of the wearer are assumed to be semi-cylindrical, wherein the skull 10 is positioned on the longitudinal axis 11. When the helmet 1 is subjected to a diagonal impact K, torsional forces and torques are transmitted to the skull 10. The impact force K generates a tangential force K on the protective helmet 1 _T And radial force K _R . In this particular context, only the helmet rotational tangential force K _T And their effects are of concern.

As can be seen, the force K produces a displacement 12 of the outer housing 2 relative to the inner housing 3, the connecting member 5 being deformed. With this arrangement a significant reduction in the torsional forces transmitted to the skull 10 can be achieved. A typical reduction may be about 25%, but in some cases may be as high as 90%. This is a result of the sliding movement between the inner housing 3 and the outer housing 2, thereby reducing the amount of energy converted to radial acceleration.

The sliding movement can also take place in the circumferential direction of the protective helmet 1, although this is not shown. This may be the result of a circumferential angular rotation between the outer housing 2 and the inner housing 3 (i.e. the outer housing 2 may rotate relative to the inner housing 3 by a circumferential angle during impact).

Other arrangements of the protective helmet 1 are also possible. Several possible variations are shown in fig. 3. In fig. 3A, the inner housing 3 is constructed from 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 relative to the outer housing 2. In fig. 3B, the inner housing 3 is configured in the same manner as in fig. 3A. However, in this example, there are two sliding layers 4, with an intermediate housing 6 between them. The two sliding layers 4 can be implemented differently and made of different materials, if desired. For example, one possibility is to have a lower friction in the outer sliding layer than in the inner sliding layer. In fig. 3C, the outer housing 2 is embodied differently from the above. In this example, the harder outer layer 2 "covers the softer inner layer 2'. The inner layer 2' may for example be of the same material as the inner housing 3.

Fig. 4 depicts a second helmet 1 of the kind described in WO 2011/139224, which is also intended to provide protection against oblique impacts. This type of helmet may also be any of the helmet types described 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 shell 2 (see fig. 5) equivalent to the outer shell 2 of the helmet shown in fig. 1. In this example, the rigid housing 2 may be made of a different material than the energy absorbing layer 3. The helmet 1 of figure 4 has a plurality of ventilation apertures 7 (which are optional) extending through the energy absorbing layer 3 and the outer shell 2, thereby allowing airflow through the helmet 1.

An interface layer 13 (also referred to as attachment means) is provided to interface with the wearer's head (and/or to attach the helmet 1 to the wearer's head). As mentioned above, this may be desirable when the energy absorbing layer 3 and the rigid shell 2 cannot be resized, as it allows for different sized heads to be accommodated by adjusting the size 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 PTFE, or a natural fibre material (such as cotton cloth). For example, a woven cap or mesh may form the attachment means 13.

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

Fig. 4 also depicts an optional adjustment device 6 for adjusting the diameter of the headband of the attachment device 13 for a particular wearer. In other arrangements, the headband may be an elastic headband, in which case the adjustment device 6 may not be included.

The sliding facilitating member 4 is disposed radially inward from the energy absorbing layer 3. The sliding facilitator 4 is adapted to slide against the energy absorbing layer or against attachment means 13 provided for attaching the helmet to the head of a wearer.

The sliding facilitator 4 is provided 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 provided on or integral with the innermost side of the energy absorbing layer 3 facing the attachment means 13.

However, it is also conceivable that the sliding facilitator 4 may be provided on or integral 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. That is, in certain arrangements, the attachment device 13 itself may be adapted to function as a sliding facilitator 4 and may comprise a low friction material.

In other words, the sliding facilitator 4 is disposed radially inward from the energy absorbing layer 3. The slide facilitator may also be disposed radially outward from 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 patch of low friction material.

The low friction material may be a waxy polymer (such as PTFE, ABS, PVC, PC, nylon, PFA, EEP, PE, and UHMWPE) or may be a powdered material impregnated with a lubricant. The low friction material may be a fabric material. As described, such low friction materials may be applied on one 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 outer shell 2 by means of fixing members 5, such as four fixing members 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d in fig. 4. These fixation members 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 absorbed by the feature is typically minimal compared to the energy absorbed by the energy absorbing layer 3 during an impact.

According to the arrangement shown in fig. 4, the four fixation members 5a, 5b, 5c, 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 of a helmet similar to that of figure 4 when placed on the head of a wearer. The helmet 1 of figure 5 comprises a hard outer shell 2 made of a different material to 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 means of two fixing members 5a, 5b, which are adapted to absorb energy and force in an elastic, semi-elastic or plastic manner.

A front oblique impact I for generating a rotational force to the helmet is shown in fig. 5. 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 means of fixing members 5a, 5 b. Although only two such securing members are shown for clarity, in practice a plurality of such securing members may be present. 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 the case of plastic deformation, at least the fixing member 5 needs to be replaced after the impact. In some cases, a combination of plastic and elastic deformation in the fixation members 5 may occur, i.e. some fixation members 5 break, absorbing energy plastically, while others deform elastically and absorb force.

Generally, in the helmet of fig. 4 and 5, during an impact, the energy absorbing layer 3 acts as an impact absorber by compression in the same way as the inner shell of the helmet of fig. 1. If an 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 a controlled way to dissipate the energy that would otherwise be transferred to the brain as rotational energy. Energy may be dissipated by frictional heating, deformation of the energy absorbing layer, or deformation or displacement of the securing member. The reduced energy transfer causes a reduction in the rotational acceleration affecting the brain, thus reducing the rotation of the brain within the skull. Thereby reducing the risk of rotational damage including MTBI and STBI (such as sub-meningeal hematoma, SDH, vascular rupture, concussion, and DAI).

Fig. 6 schematically depicts a cross-section of a different type of helmet than that depicted in fig. 1-5. In a helmet 1 such as depicted in fig. 6, the head mount 20 is suspended within the outer shell 2, thereby providing an air gap 21 between the outer shell 2 and the head mount 20. The head mount 20 may be connected to the outer housing 2 by a connector 25. Helmets of this type are commonly used for industrial purposes, such as by construction workers, miners or operators of industrial machinery. However, helmets based on this arrangement may be used for other purposes. In some uses, the outer housing 2 may be a rigid housing made of, for example, a polymeric material such as Polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high Density Polyethylene (HDPE), or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Advantageously, the polymer material may be fibre reinforced with a material such as glass fibre, aramid, para-aramid, carbon fibre or kevlar.

Although the following disclosure refers to an example of a helmet 1 in which the outer shell 2 is formed by a hard shell only, it will be appreciated that the disclosed arrangement may be applied to other helmet configurations. For example, the outer shell may alternatively or additionally include a layer of energy absorbing material. Such energy absorbing materials may be made of, for example, foam materials like Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded Polyurethane (EPU), vinyl nitrile foam; or other materials formed into, for example, a honeycomb structure; or strain rate sensitive foams (e.g., in Poron) ^TM And D3O ^TM Sold under the brand).

Where used, the layer of energy absorbing material may be provided as a shell on substantially all of the surface of the rigid shell facing the wearer's head, although ventilation holes may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, a localized region of energy absorbing material may be provided between the hard shell and the head mount. For example, a band of energy-absorbing material may be disposed around the lower edge of the hard shell, and/or a section of energy-absorbing material may be disposed over the top of the wearer's head.

In a helmet such as that shown in figure 6, the provision of an air gap 21 between the inner surface of the outer shell 2 and the head mount 20 is intended to ensure that the load generated by an impact on the outer shell 2 is distributed over the wearer's head. In particular, the load is not concentrated on a point on the wearer's head adjacent to the point of impact on the helmet 1. Instead, the load is distributed over the outer housing 2 and subsequently over the head mount 20 and hence over the skull of the wearer.

During such an impact, the energy of the impact may be absorbed by deformation of portions of the helmet (such as the head mount), thereby reducing the size of the air gap. Thus, the size of the air gap 21 between the outer shell 2 and the head mount 20 may be selected to ensure that the helmet is designed such that when subjected to an impact to the helmet, the head mount 20 does not contact the outer shell 2, i.e. the air gap 21 is not completely eliminated, so that the impact may be transmitted directly from the hard shell to the head mount.

In one arrangement, the helmet 1 may be configured such that the separation between the outer shell 2 and the head mount 20 at a location corresponding to the top of the wearer's head is at least 10mm, optionally at least 15mm, optionally at least 20mm, optionally at least 30mm, optionally at least 40mm in the absence of an impact on the helmet. The size of the impact that the helmet 1 is designed to withstand, and therefore the size of the air gap 21, may depend on the intended use of the helmet 1. It will be appreciated that the size of the air gap 21 may be different at different locations depending on the intended use of the helmet. For example, the air gap 21 may be smaller at the front, rear or side of the helmet than at a location corresponding to the top of the wearer's head.

In helmet arrangements that include an energy absorbing material, the energy absorbing material can contribute to the ability of the helmet to withstand radial impacts. Especially in arrangements where the energy absorbing material is located in an air gap between the outer shell 2 and the head mount 20 at a location corresponding to the top of the wearer's head, it will be appreciated that the gap between the head mount and the surface of the energy absorbing layer will be less than the gap between the outer shell and the head mount and may be eliminated altogether. Furthermore, due to the contribution of the energy absorbing material in the event of a radial impact, a smaller gap between the outer housing and the head mount may be required than would be the case without the energy absorbing material.

The head mount 20 may be provided in any form which can conform to the head of the wearer, or at least to the crown thereof, and which can mount the helmet to the head of the wearer or which can act to assist in mounting the helmet to the head of the wearer. In some configurations, the head mount may assist in securing the helmet 1 to the head of a wearer, but this is not required. In some arrangements, the head mount 20 may comprise a headband or headband that at least partially surrounds the head of the wearer. Alternatively or additionally, the head mount 20 may comprise one or more straps extending across the top of the wearer's head. Alternatively or additionally, the head mount 20 may comprise a cap or shell that wraps around an upper portion of the wearer's head. The straps or bands forming part of the head mount may be made of nylon. Alternatively or additionally, other materials may be used.

Fig. 7 depicts an arrangement in which a helmet of the type depicted schematically in fig. 6 has features in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown, the head mount comprises a plurality of straps 20 which extend across the top of the head of the wearer of the helmet. The strap 20 may be connected to the outer shell 2 at a connection point by any of a variety of known methods. For example, the outer housing 2 may be molded to include a socket into which the connector 25 may be inserted.

In the arrangement depicted in fig. 7, the head mount is formed from two straps 20, each extending between a pair of connectors 25 positioned such that the straps 20 extend across the head of the wearer of the helmet. For example, the first strip 20 may extend from a rear left position to a front right position, and the second strip 20 may extend from a rear right position to a front left position. However, it should be understood that many other arrangements may be used. For example, additional straps may be provided, for example, such that three, four, or more straps extend across the top of the wearer's head. Similarly, the location of the connection points of the straps 20 to the rest of the helmet 1 may be different from the location shown in fig. 7.

In an arrangement in which different straps 20 are close to each other, for example at the top of the wearer's head, the straps 20 may not be connected to each other to allow some movement of one strap relative to the other. In other arrangements, the strips may be connected to each other where they cross. In another arrangement, the head mount may comprise one or more straps which extend from a point of connection with the remainder of the helmet 1 to a point of connection with other straps, for example at a location corresponding to the top of the head of the wearer of the helmet. Finally, as mentioned above, in other arrangements the head mount may be formed from a component other than a strap, for example a cap or shell which may be mounted to the crown of the wearer of the helmet 1.

As shown in fig. 7, the helmet 1 further comprises a head engaging means 40. The head engagement means 40 is mounted on a surface of the head mount (i.e. the strap 20 in the arrangement depicted in figure 7) which faces the head of the wearer when the helmet 1 is worn by the wearer. In other words, the head engaging device 40 is provided on the side of the head mount 20 opposite to the air gap existing between the head mount 20 and the outer case 2.

As discussed in further detail below, the head engaging means 40 is mounted such that the head engaging means 40 can move relative to the head mount 20. In other words, the head engaging means 40 and the head mount 20 are not rigidly connected to each other. Head engaging means 40 may function in the same or similar manner as the interface layers described above. The ability of the head engagement arrangement 40 to move relative to the head mount 20 enables the helmet 1 to move, such as rotate, relative to the head of the wearer in the event of a tilt impact to the helmet 1 when worn by the wearer. This may provide the above benefits, such as reducing injury to the wearer of the helmet from such impacts.

A low friction interface may be provided between the head mount 20 and the head engaging means 40. This may facilitate movement of the head engagement means 40 relative to the head mount 20 when the helmet 1 is impacted.

The low friction interface between the head mount 20 and the head engagement device 40 may be achieved by any method corresponding to those discussed above for other helmet arrangements. For example, the head engaging means 40 may be formed of a material that provides a sufficiently low coefficient of friction between the head engaging means and the head mount 20. For example, the head engaging means may be formed of polypropylene (PP), nylon, polycarbonate (PC), polyketone or any other low friction material, such as those discussed above. By selecting appropriate materials to form one or both of the head mount and the head engaging means, a low friction interface may be provided without the need to provide additional components and/or surface treatments.

In other arrangements, one or both of the surfaces of the head mount 20 and head engagement device 40 may be provided with a separate slip promoting member (such as a patch of low friction material or a coating of another material) where they contact, which may be another polymer or a length of woven material or felt having a low coefficient of friction, or may have a lubricant applied thereto.

The head engagement device 40 may be connected to the helmet 1 in any suitable manner that allows the head engagement device 40 to move relative to the head mount 20. For example, the head engaging means 40 may be connected to the outer housing 2, for example by a connector allowing the head engaging means 40 to move relative to the outer housing 2. Such a connector may include a resilient member that may stretch when movement of the head engaging means 40 relative to the outer housing 2 is required.

In arrangements such as that depicted in fig. 7, the head engaging means 40 may be connected to the head mount, for example to one or more straps 20 that are part of the head mount.

Where the head engagement device 40 is connected to a head mount, a connector 45 may be used which allows some movement of the head engagement device 40 relative to the part of the head mount to which it is connected.

In one arrangement, the connector 45 may have a first end 46 and a second end 47 that are joined to the head engagement device 40 at respective first and second locations on the head engagement device 40 and are positioned such that the strap 20 of the head mount is located between the connector 45 and the head engagement device 40 in a region between the first and second locations on the head engagement device 40. In this arrangement, the strap 20 may be non-fixedly secured to any portion of the connector 45 such that the strap may slide relative to the connector 45 in a longitudinal direction and/or laterally thereof. However, the head engaging means 40 is restricted from being completely removed from the strap 20.

In such an arrangement, the connector 45 may be formed of, or covered by, a material that provides a sufficiently low coefficient of friction between the connector and the strap 20 so that movement of the head engaging means relative to the head mount is not significantly reduced and therefore does not significantly hinder the function of the helmet 1. Alternatively or additionally, the connector 45 may be formed of an elastic material such that to the extent that a portion of the connector 45 does not slide relative to the strap 20, the strap may move relative to the first and

second portions

46, 47 of the connector 45 coupled to the head engagement device 40, for example by stretching the connector, to allow for desired movement of the head engagement device relative to the head mount.

In the arrangement shown in fig. 7, the connector 45 may be formed from an elongate section of material. For example, the connector 45 may be formed from a section of rope, belt or strip-shaped material. For example, the cross-section of such a material may be substantially circular or rectangular. The connector may be formed from an elastic material, which facilitates the function of the connector when the helmet 1 is impacted as described above, and/or facilitates assembly of the helmet 1. In one arrangement, the connector 45 may be formed from an elastic material coated with a fabric layer. Alternatively or additionally, the connector 45 may be formed from silicone, rubber or other resilient plastics material.

A connector such as described above may be coupled to the head engaging device 40 in the first and second positions by any suitable method, including, for example, adhesive or mechanical methods (such as a snap-fit connection). Alternatively, both ends of the elongate material may be tied to each other and/or at least one end may be tied to a portion of the helmet 1 in order to secure it.

In one arrangement, as shown schematically in fig. 8-10, the length of material 50 used to form the connector 45 may terminate in a component, such as a relatively short rod 51. The rod 51 is connected to the elongated material 50 such that the length of the rod 51 is at an angle, optionally perpendicular, to the elongated length of the material. As shown in fig. 9, during assembly, the rod 51 may be passed lengthwise through the hole 41 in the head engaging device 40. However, as shown in fig. 9, the rod 51 will then naturally position itself against the surface facing the head engaging means 40 such that the rod 51 cannot pass back through the aperture. It will be appreciated that in such an arrangement, the bore 41 in the head engaging means 40 may be configured to be larger than the cross-section of the stem 51, but smaller than the length of the stem 51.

In the arrangement shown in fig. 7, the strap 20 is connected to the head engagement device 40 such that the strap 20 is located on the opposite side of the head engagement device 40 to the head of the wearer of the helmet. Thus, the connector 45 is also located primarily on the side of the head engagement means 40 opposite the head of the wearer of the helmet. In the connector arrangement described above and shown in fig. 8 to 10, the connector 45 may be configured such that the length of material forming the connector 45 extends from the side of the strap 20 in abutting contact through the aperture 41 in the head engagement means 40, so that the rod 51 is positioned on the surface of the head engagement means 40 facing the head of the wearer of the helmet.

If this is undesirable, for example if it affects the comfort of the wearer of the helmet, or if it is desired to conceal the rod 51 for aesthetic reasons or to reduce the risk of damage and/or tampering of the connector 45, a second aperture 41 may be provided at each location in the head engaging means 40 for securing the connector. In this arrangement, the length of material may pass from the region where the connector engages the strap through one aperture, through the section of the head engaging means 40 between the two apertures 41, and then through the second aperture. In this arrangement, the rod 51 remains on the same side of the strap 20 of the head engaging means 40, i.e. on the side of the head engaging means 40 opposite the head of the wearer.

In one arrangement, each connector 45 may be formed from its own separate section of elongate material. Alternatively, one or more of the connectors 45 may be formed from a single piece of section of elongate material. For example, a plurality of connectors 45 may be formed in a manner corresponding to that described above, but instead of a rod 51 at the location where the connector 45 joins the head engaging means 40, the elongated material may extend to another connector 45. In one arrangement, all of the connectors 45 for connecting the head engagement device 40 to the head mount may be formed from a single length of elongate material.

As shown in fig. 7, in an arrangement in which the head mount comprises straps 20 extending across the head of the wearer of the helmet between two connection points on the outer shell 2, a pair of connectors 45 may be provided for each strap 20 on opposite sides of the head engagement means 40. Similarly, at least one connector 45, optionally a pair of connectors 45, may be provided for each strap 20. However, this is not essential. For example, as shown in fig. 11, fewer connectors may be provided between the head engaging means 40 and the head mount (such as strap 20). For example, in the arrangement shown in figure 11, the connector 45 may be provided only at the rear of the helmet 1.

Fig. 12 depicts another arrangement for connecting the head engaging means 40. As shown, the head engaging means 40 may include a hole 60 through which the strap 20 as part of the head mount may pass.

As noted above, other arrangements for connecting the head engaging means 40 may alternatively or additionally be used. For example, an elastically deformable connector may be provided between the head mount and the head engaging means 40 such that a first portion of the connector is secured to a portion of the head mount (such as strap 20) and a second portion of the connector is secured to a portion of the head engaging means 40. Movement of the head engaging means relative to the head mount may be achieved by stretching and/or other deformation of the connector. Such connectors may be secured to one or both surfaces of the head mount and head engaging device that face each other. The connector may be secured to one or both of the head mount and the head engaging means by any suitable means, including for example by means of hook and loop material and/or by adhesive.

As with the arrangements shown in fig. 7, 11 and 12, the head engaging means 40 may be provided as a single component, such as a single layer of material. However, this is not the case. For example, the head engaging means may be formed from a plurality of separate sections. The individual segments may be kept spaced apart and connected, for example, individually to the head mount and/or other parts of the helmet 1. Alternatively, two or more sections may be connected during assembly of the helmet. In one arrangement, separate sections of the head engagement means may be connected to each strap 20 or subset of straps forming or being part of the head mount.

In one arrangement, the head engaging means or one or more portions thereof may be formed by injection moulding or vacuum moulding. Thus, the head engagement means may be formed to have a shape which conforms to the shape of the head of the wearer of the helmet.

In an arrangement of the helmet 1 such as that shown in fig. 7, the head mount may include a headband 30 that engages at least the forehead of the wearer of the helmet and may substantially encircle the head of the wearer. It will be appreciated that such a headband 30 may be attached to the helmet 1 separately from the rest of the head mount (such as the strap 20). Alternatively, the head-ring 30 may be connected to the helmet 1 by means of straps 20. As a further alternative, the strap 20 may be connected to the rest of the helmet 1 by means of a headband 30.

In arrangements in which the helmet 1 includes a head-band 30, the head engaging means 40 may comprise a crown region 43 configured to be located between the crown of the wearer of the helmet and the head mount (such as the straps 20), and a forehead region 44 configured to be located adjacent the head-band 30, at least in the region of the forehead of the wearer of the helmet. The brow region 44 of the head engaging means may be arranged such that it is slidable relative to the portion of the headband adjacent thereto, in the same manner as other sections of the head engaging means 40 are arranged to be movable relative to other sections of the head mount (such as the strap 20 in use).

The forehead region 44 of the head engaging device may be connected to the headband and/or the outer shell 2, for example by a connector configured to allow movement of one part relative to the other so that the forehead region 44 of the head engaging device 40 can move relative to the headband 30. Alternatively or additionally, the forehead region 44 of the head engaging means 40 may be connected to the helmet 1 by an intermediate region 48 of the head engaging means 40. In particular, the medial region 48 of the head engaging device 40 may connect the brow region 44 to the crown region 43. In one arrangement, the crown region 43, the mid region 48 and the forehead region 44 of the head engaging device may be integrally formed from a single sheet of material.

As shown in fig. 7, in one arrangement, the brow region 44 of the head engaging means 40 may extend along the head loop 30, for example in the form of an arm 49. Thus, each arm 49 of the head engaging means may be adjacent to, but not bonded to, a side of the crown region 43 of the head engaging means. In an alternative arrangement, one or more stiffeners may be provided between one or each arm 49 of the head engaging device 40 and an adjacent portion of the crown region 43 of the head engaging device. This may be provided to reduce the extent to which the gap between the crown region 43 and the arms 49 of the head engaging means 40 increases when the helmet is impacted.

The reinforcement between the crown region 43 and the arms 49 of the head engaging device 40 may be integrally formed with the rest of the head engaging device. Alternatively or additionally, the stiffeners may be provided in the form of a sheet of material, for example formed of any of the materials described above for forming the head engaging means, attached at the respective ends to the crown region 43 and arms 49 of the head engaging means 40. The sheet of material may be attached to the crown region 43 and arms 49 of the head engaging means 40 by any convenient means including, for example, hook and loop attachment, snap attachment and/or adhesive. The connector may be adjustable so that the sheet of material may be used as a reinforcement for helmets of different sizes.

The middle region 48 of the head engaging means may be configured such that it performs an additional function other than connecting the crown region 43 to the forehead region 44. In particular, in the event of an impact towards the front of the helmet 1, the intermediate region 48 may help to prevent the forehead of the wearer of the helmet from contacting the frontal region of the outer shell 2. For example, this may reduce the tendency of the front of the wearer's head to pass between the two straps 20, such as in the arrangement shown in fig. 7.

It should be understood that such an arrangement is not necessary. The straps 20 used to form the head mount may be positioned to avoid this potential problem in any event. This problem may be avoided or minimized, for example, by using a sufficient number of strips 20 and/or a sufficiently wide strip. Alternatively or additionally, a strap 20 may be provided extending from the front of the helmet.

Alternatively or additionally, additional support for the head engaging means may be provided, which may improve any tendency of the wearer's head and hence the head engaging means to pass through the gap between the two straps and/or the headband. Such a support may be provided in the form of a sheet of material, for example formed from any of the materials described above for forming the head engaging means. The support may be connected to the headband at a location between the two straps. For example, such supports may be provided at one or more of the sides of the helmet, the front of the helmet and the rear of the helmet. The support may be attached to the head loop by any convenient means, including, for example, a hook and loop connection, a snap connection, and/or an adhesive.

As shown in fig. 13, in one arrangement, although the crown region 43 of the head engaging means 40 is provided on the side of the head mount (such as the strap 20) facing the head of the wearer of the helmet 1, the forehead region 48 may be provided on the opposite side of the headband 30. Accordingly, such an arrangement may be configured such that the headband 30 is located between the forehead of the wearer of the helmet and the forehead region 48 of the head engaging device.

Such an arrangement may be beneficial if the headband 30 is relatively soft and/or resilient, at least in the area of the forehead. In this arrangement, the low friction interface between the forehead region 48 of the head engaging device 40 and the portion of the headband 30 adjacent the forehead of the wearer will enable the headband 30, and thus the forehead of the wearer, to move relative to the front region of the outer shell 2. As shown, the brow region 48 of the head engaging means 40 may be connected to the headband 30 by a connector 49. Such a connector may be similar to the connectors discussed above, or another suitable form of connector that allows relative movement between connected components.

As shown in fig. 14 and 15, one or

more pads

66, 67 may be provided on the helmet 1. For example, in a helmet of any of the configurations described above that includes the forehead region 44 of the head engaging device 40, the front pad 66 may be positioned adjacent the forehead of the wearer of the helmet. Depending on the configuration of the helmet 1, a front pad may be connected to one or more of the headband 30, the forehead region 44 of the head engaging device 40 and the outer shell 2.

For example, in an arrangement in which the forehead region 44 of the head engaging device 40 is provided between the headband 30 and the forehead of the wearer of the helmet, the front pad 66 may be connected directly to the forehead region 44 of the head engaging device 40. In this arrangement, the brow region 44 of the head engaging means 40 may include a protrusion or hook 68 that may engage with the front pad 66.

Alternatively or additionally, the front pad 66 may be connected to the headband 30 by a resilient connector 69 that engages a hook or protrusion 70 formed on the headband 30. In this configuration, the elastic connector 69 is configured to be sufficiently stretchable so that the front pad 66 can move relative to the headband 30.

Alternatively or additionally, the front pad 66 may include a section of fabric that is optionally elastically deformable and extends outwardly and around opposite sides of the headband 30. The front pad 66 may then be attached to the headband, such as by hook and loop attachment with sections of hook or loop material, respectively, provided to the fabric extension of the front pad 66 and adhered to the surface of the headband 30. Alternatively, the fabric extension of the front pad 66 may include an elastic connector that engages a hook or protrusion formed on the headband 30.

The arrangement where the fabric extension of the front pad 66 extends to the opposite side of the headband may be preferred because it may have an improved aesthetic appearance and the fabric covering of the edge of the headband and head engaging means may reduce the risk of the edge rubbing against the skin of the wearer of the helmet. Furthermore, when the head engaging means 40 moves relative to the head ring under impact, sections of the head ring 30 may no longer be covered by the head engaging means. However, the fabric can slide relative to the head ring 30 to provide further movement.

For example in the arrangement shown in fig. 13, a portion of the headband 30 is disposed between the forehead of the wearer of the helmet and the forehead region 48 of the head engaging device 40, and the front pad may be directly connected to the headband 30. Alternatively or additionally, the headband may be connected to the outer shell 2 and/or the frontal region 48 of the head engaging device 40 by a resilient connector.

In one arrangement, one or more pads 67 may be provided on other portions of the head engaging device 40, such as on the crown region 43 of the head engaging device 40. Such a pad 67 may have the function of improving the comfort of the wearer of the helmet and/or spacing the head engaging means 40 from the head of the wearer, thereby promoting ventilation. As shown in fig. 14, pads 67 may be positioned such that they do not overlap with the locations where connectors 45 are provided (e.g., to connect head attachment 40 to a head mount). Alternatively or additionally, one or more pads 67 may be positioned to cover the connector 45.

As shown in fig. 14, one or more apertures 43 may be provided in the head engaging means 40. Such apertures may facilitate ventilation between the head of the wearer and the gap 21 between the head mount 20 and the outer shell 2.

As described above, the head engaging means 40 may further comprise one or more holes 41 for engagement with the connector. It will be appreciated that the head engaging means 40 may therefore be provided with apertures which may function to provide ventilation or to engage with a connector. Alternatively, different holes may be provided for specific functions.

It will also be appreciated that where an aperture 41 is provided for engagement with a connector, the head engagement device 40 may be provided with an aperture 41 at a desired location for engagement with a connector to fit the head engagement device 40 within the particular design of the helmet. Alternatively, the head engagement device 40 may be provided with a plurality of apertures 41 positioned to enable the engagement device 40 to be mounted in any one of a variety of helmet designs and/or helmet sizes.

Claims

1. A helmet, comprising:

an outer housing;

a head mount configured to mount on top of the head of a wearer of the helmet;

the helmet further comprises a head-engaging device mounted on a surface of the head mount configured to face the head of a wearer of the helmet such that the head-engaging device is movable relative to the head mount; and

a low friction interface disposed between the head mount and the head engagement device.

2. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the head engagement device is connected to the head mount.

3. A helmet according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the head mount comprises a plurality of straps configured to extend across the crown of the head of a wearer of the helmet and connect to connection points on the outer shell.

4. The helmet of claim 3, wherein the head mount comprises a plurality of straps extending between an opposing pair of connection points.

5. A helmet according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least two straps are interconnected.

6. A helmet according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the head engagement device is connected to the head mount by at least one connector which engages with one of the straps.

7. The helmet of claim 6, wherein the at least one connector has a first end and a second end joined to the head-engaging device at first and second locations, respectively, on the head-engaging device; and a strap is located between the connector and the head engaging means in a region on the head engaging means between the first position and the second position.

8. The helmet of claim 6 or 7, wherein the strap is not fixedly secured to any portion of the connector such that the strap is slidable relative to the connector.

9. A helmet according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the connector is formed from an elongate section of material, optionally one of a cord, strap or strip.

10. The helmet of claim 9, wherein a plurality of connectors are formed from a single piece of the material.

11. A helmet according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the plurality of connectors are formed from a single piece of the material section.

12. A helmet according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the head mount comprises at least one strap connected to a front portion of the outer shell, the at least one strap extending in a direction towards the rear of the helmet.

13. A helmet according to any preceding claim, wherein the head engaging means is provided as a single component.

14. A helmet according to any preceding claim, wherein the head engaging means is formed from a plurality of separate sections.

15. A helmet according to any preceding claim, wherein the head mount comprises a headband configured to engage at least a forehead of a wearer of the helmet; and is

The head engagement device includes a crown region configured to be located between a crown of a head of a wearer of the helmet and the head mount, and a forehead region configured to be positioned adjacent the headband.

16. The helmet of claim 15, wherein the head engagement device further comprises a middle region connecting the crown region to the forehead region.

17. A helmet according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the forehead region of the head engagement device is located between the forehead and the headband of a wearer of the helmet.

18. A helmet according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the headband is located between a forehead of a wearer of the helmet and a forehead region of the head engagement device.

19. The helmet of any of claims 15-18, further comprising a front pad positioned adjacent to a forehead of a wearer of the helmet.

20. The helmet of claim 19, wherein the front pad is connected to at least one of the headband, a forehead region of the head engaging device, and the outer shell.

21. The helmet of claim 20, wherein the front pad is connected by an elastic connector configured to enable the front pad to move relative to a component to which it is connected.

22. A helmet according to any preceding claim, wherein the head engaging means comprises one or more pads provided on a surface of the head engaging means facing the head of a wearer of the helmet.

23. A helmet according to any preceding claim, wherein the head engaging means comprises a sheet of material, optionally shaped to conform to the head of a wearer of the helmet.

24. The helmet of claim 23, wherein the head-engaging device comprises a plurality of apertures configurable to provide at least one position for a connector to couple with and vent the head-engaging device.

25. A helmet according to any preceding claim, wherein the low friction interface is provided by a low coefficient of friction between the head mount and a surface of the head engaging member.

26. A helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation between the outer shell and the head mount provided by the air gap at a location corresponding to the top of the wearer's head in the absence of an impact on the helmet is at least 10mm, optionally at least 15mm, optionally at least 20mm, optionally at least 30mm, optionally at least 40mm.