CN117529251A

CN117529251A - Impact absorbing structure

Info

Publication number: CN117529251A
Application number: CN202280043581.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·B·布鲁克纳
Original assignee: C BBulukena
Current assignee: C BBulukena
Priority date: 2021-04-28
Filing date: 2022-04-27
Publication date: 2024-02-06
Also published as: AR125463A1; GB2606179A; GB202106056D0; EP4329552A1; WO2022229630A1

Abstract

A protective helmet impact absorbing structure comprising: at least one elongated tapered member (10) integrally formed of foam, comprising: a base portion; a top portion; and at least one side portion extending in a tapered manner between the base portion and the top portion; wherein the at least one elongate tapered member is arranged for operative positioning between an inner shell (20) and an outer surface (21) of the helmet.

Description

Impact absorbing structure

Technical Field

The present invention relates to development and improvement in the field of protective equipment, and in particular to development and improvement in the field of personal protective equipment.

Background

Impact absorbing structures for containers, tights or helmets have been well developed in the field of protective equipment, in particular personal protective equipment, and many solutions have been found for dissipating high energy impacts to reduce injury to the user.

Such impact absorbing structures typically employ a closed-cell rigid foam (closed-cell rigid foam) structure having an outer rigid layer, such as expanded polystyrene. These structures absorb impact energy by allowing the foam structure to permanently deform or fracture to effectively dissipate incident force above a given threshold. However, such structures often store and subsequently release energy from the impact in the form of a "rebound" or "spring back" action, which can lead to further significant injury.

An example of an alternative method of construction is provided in document US2017196291a, which describes a helmet to be worn by a wearer, the helmet having an outer shell and an inner shell, between which is located impact absorbing material comprising various constructions. When a force is applied to the outer shell, the structure of the impact absorbing material deforms (e.g., compresses), thereby reducing the force received by the inner shell. For example, the impact absorbing material forms a structure such as a plurality of branched "Y" shapes or a plurality of cylindrical rods having a surface in contact with the outer shell and a surface in contact with the inner shell. The interior of the rods and other impact absorbing structures may be filled with a deformable material, such as foam. The impact absorbing material is formed in a jack-like, spherical shape, bristles, cross-arches or other shape between the outer and inner shells. These structures are configured such that the outer elements of each structure are more rigid than the foam they contain and are therefore not considered to dissipate forces that cause the helmet to rotate, such as "glancing" impacts or impacts with non-orthogonal components to the helmet surface. Such forces exerted on the design will transfer considerable forces to the user's head.

Such structures, while effectively configured to dissipate the impact that causes compression of the helmet between the head of the user and the incident object (hereinafter referred to as "compressive" force), do not address the impact that causes rotation of the helmet via an impact that includes a non-orthogonal component of force to the helmet surface, rather than compression of the helmet (e.g., an impact that is substantially perpendicular to the helmet surface). In such an impact, the force cannot be effectively dissipated through the foam being configured to fracture or deform under compressive load, and the helmet tends to rotate, thereby rotating the head of the user. Such abrupt rotation may result in brain damage that is similar or more severe than the equivalent energy delivered in a "compressive" impact.

As a result of recent scientific research, low energy and/or frequent impact on the user's head may lead to changes in white and gray matter of the brain ("risk of brain injury in children after three football games" -Shang M pall ("Brain damage risk for children after three rugby games" -Tom Ball ")," tham report "2020, 19 days 6/month).

To address this drawback of dissipating rotational energy, a well-known solution called MIPS (RTM) has been developed. This solution provides a low friction "liner" between the head of the user and the helmet, allowing the helmet to rotate a small angle independently of the head of the user. In so doing, the helmet is rotated a small angle that may be sufficient to orient the helmet to dissipate the impact as a compressive force rather than a rotational force. However, the low friction liner is constructed of a high density material that is difficult to compress. Thus, the MIPS (RTM) solution does not provide any direct contribution to the additional dissipation of impact forces.

Document GB249257a describes such a solution, which describes a liner assembly for a helmet, comprising an energy dispersive liner comprising thermosetting polymer sheets adapted to be received in the helmet shell. The liner assembly further includes a cushion layer that is capable of being connected between the thermosetting polymer sheet and the helmet shell. The polyurethane energy dispersive liner comprises deformable protrusions, preferably in the form of "pyramids", which are used as a "suspension" system. These deformable pyramids are provided on the liner, wherein an air gap will exist between the liner component and the shell of the helmet containing the liner component. Such a solution partially addresses compression shocks and shocks that cause the helmet to rotate, but with a limited range of motion.

Another solution is proposed in document US2013340150a, which discloses a plurality of balloon-type structures mounted on the inside of the outer surface of the helmet. Each balloon-type structure accommodates a formed polyurethane mass and has a plurality of air escape openings 18, 20 and 21 sized to meter air released upon impact with the helmet shell. Each layer requires a predetermined pressure that is different for each balloon layer. Such a design allows for compression of the helmet but does not take into account rotational displacement of the outer shell.

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been devised in view of the foregoing.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment of the present invention, a protective helmet impact absorbing structure is provided that includes at least one elongated tapered member (elongate tapering member) integrally (unitarily) formed of foam. The elongate tapered member includes: a base portion (bottom portion); a top portion; and at least one side portion extending between the base portion and the top portion in a tapered manner. The at least one elongate tapered member is arranged for operative positioning between an inner shell and an outer surface of the helmet.

The elongate tapered member is capable of flexing laterally (without compression or compression). This can be achieved by making the composition of the elongate tapered member a composition of one foam part. By having a tapered profile, the member is free to flex laterally in response to relative translation of the top and bottom portions (base portions) without impeding the degrees of freedom of adjacent elongate tapered members, either compressed or uncompressed. Thereby providing a structure capable of absorbing both torsional and compressive impacts.

Because the elongate member has a unitary composition, the narrow end of the elongate member is more easily compressible than the wide end. Thus, the elongate member is more easily compressed by deformation of the narrow end, enabling less force to be dissipated. As discussed above and in the cited publication "risk of brain injury in children after three football games", it is necessary to dissipate this small force to prevent brain injury. It is an object of the present invention to make such small shocks easy to dissipate.

In some embodiments, the protective helmet impact absorbing structure may further comprise an inner shell. The provision of the inner shell enables a secure engagement between the elongate tapered member and the head of the user.

In some embodiments, the protective helmet impact absorbing structure may further comprise an outer surface. The outer surface enables the distribution of forces incident on the helmet impact absorbing structure between the one or more elongated tapered members. Through the interaction of the outer surface, the inner surface, and the elongate tapered member, the inner shell may rotationally and linearly translate relative to the outer surface, thereby dissipating energy in the elongate tapered member.

In some embodiments, the at least one elongate tapered member may be attached to the inner shell at the base portion or at the top portion. By attaching the elongate tapered member to the inner shell, a stronger structure is provided.

In some embodiments, at least one elongate member may be attached to the outer surface at the bottom portion or the top portion such that another respective portion is attached to the inner shell. By attaching the outer surface to an elongated member that is itself attached to the inner shell, a maximum limit of relative translation of the inner shell and the outer surface is established.

In some embodiments, the base portion of the elongate tapered member may include or contain a recess, which in some embodiments may be a blind hole in the center of the base portion. By reducing the volume of foam of the tapered member, the mass of the impact absorbing structure is reduced, thereby reducing stress on the user.

In some embodiments, the elongate tapered member may be formed of a closed or open cell memory foam or a low resilience foam. Such foam can be compressed from a low density to a high density without permanently changing the structure of the foam, thereby enabling the foam to be reversibly compressed. By using such foam in the construction of an elongate tapered member, the member is enabled to undergo a wide range of reversible deformation. Such foams are also capable of dissipating high energy impacts via compression of the foam, rather than transmitting forces through the foam.

In some embodiments, the memory foam may exhibit a low rebound rate. Such a feature imparts the benefit that the elongate tapered member, although reversibly deformable, will not quickly return to its uncompressed shape, thereby minimizing any rapid relative translation of the inner and outer surfaces after impact or compression.

In some embodiments, the at least one elongate tapered member may be generally frustoconical in shape. Such a shape provides equal resistance to translation of the top and bottom portions in each direction orthogonal to the length of the elongate tapered member. That is, any direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational symmetry axis of the elongate member, or simply "side-to-side".

In some embodiments, the at least one elongate tapered member may be generally pyramidal in shape. Such a shape provides non-uniform resistance to translation of the top and bottom portions in each direction orthogonal to the length of the elongate tapered member.

In some embodiments, the impact absorbing structure may include at least two elongated tapered members. Providing at least two elongated tapered members allows controlling the properties of the impact absorbing structure by the placement of the elongated tapered members.

In some embodiments, the structure may include at least one elongate tapered member having a generally frustoconical shape and at least one elongate tapered member having a generally pyramidal shape. This makes it possible to leave different areas of the helmet unbiased in a given direction, or biased against deformation, as required.

In some embodiments, the spacing between the elongated members may be uniform to ensure uniform dissipation of incident impact energy.

In some embodiments, the spacing between the elongate members may be varied to increase or decrease the local resistance to deformation of the elongate members in response to incident forces. Thus, the impact absorbing structure according to the present invention may be configured to provide more protection against impacts from desired directions and less protection against impacts in other directions.

In some embodiments, the inner shell may be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material. The inner shell thus provides an additional protective layer to resist any penetrating objects during impact or crushing forces (crushing forces).

In some embodiments, the outer surface is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material. The outer surface thus provides an additional layer or protection against sharp objects hitting the impact. In some embodiments, a helmet comprising an impact absorbing structure according to the present invention is provided. The inclusion of the impact absorbing structure of the present invention in a helmet may provide enhanced impact protection for the user.

Drawings

The invention is further described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an elongate tapered member.

FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary embodiment of an elongate tapered member integrally formed of foam including a top portion and a base portion, the elongate tapered member being at a low compressive load F _Y And shear load F _X And (3) downwards.

FIG. 2B depicts an exemplary embodiment of an elongate tapered member integrally formed of foam, the elongate tapered member being at a higher compressive load F _Y1 And shear load F _X1 And (3) downwards.

Fig. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an impact absorbing structure according to the present invention, wherein the inner shell and the outer surface are subjected to a linear compressive force and deformation of a plurality of elongated tapered members is shown.

Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a helmet comprising an impact absorbing structure according to the present invention, the impact absorbing structure comprising an outer surface, an inner shell and an elongated member.

FIG. 5A depicts a load F with a vertical load _v Exemplary embodiments of a helmet with a lower deformable elastically deformable outer surface.

FIG. 5B depicts a radial load F _r Exemplary embodiments of a helmet with a lower deformable elastically deformable outer surface.

FIG. 6 depicts an ingressJet force F _v Which results in a relative rotation R of the inner shell with respect to the outer surface under compression.

Fig. 7A depicts an exemplary embodiment further including additional impact absorbing layers and an outer surface.

FIG. 7B depicts an exemplary embodiment further including a supplemental impact absorbing layer and an inner shell.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the elongate tapered member 10 integrally formed of foam can be elastically deformed in a plurality of directions at the same time. A feature of the present invention is that the design of the elongate tapered member is such that it is responsive to a force F _Y While also allowing for response to force F _X Is a variant of (a). This deformation allows energy to be dissipated by relative translation of each end of the elongate member in any direction. Another feature of the elongate member is that, upon compression F _Y Lower, the member expands horizontally beyond its widest point of uncompressed minimization. This is achieved by the tapered shape of the member. Thus, an elongate member is provided which is not only deformable in multiple directions, but wherein in response to a force F _Y1 Deformation in one direction (vertical direction in fig. 2B) does not limit the response of the same member to force F _X1 Deformation in the second direction (horizontal direction in fig. 2B). By attaching or placing the outer surface 21 on/at one end and the inner shell 20 on/at the other end, a protective impact absorbing structure is provided. In some embodiments, the elongate member tapers, for example, at a gradient of 0.1% -10%, 10.1% -20% or 20.1% -30% depending on the desired force. These gradients are merely examples, and it is contemplated that other gradients may be selected to accommodate the forces expected in each use case.

In one embodiment, an impact absorbing structure is provided that includes an inner shell 20, a plurality of elongated tapered members, and an outer surface 21. The elongate members are attached to the inner shell 20 at the top portion 11 and are evenly spaced apart. The bottom portion 12 of each elongate member is attached to the inside of the outer surface 21. The elongate members are attached at each end thereof using a strong glue, such as a contact adhesive. Preferably, the widest point of each elongate member is positioned according to the expected force. For example, it may be desirable in one use case to position the widest points of each elongate member to be spaced apart by a minimum of 1mm-10mm, or in another use case to be spaced apart by a (minimum) of 1cm-10 cm.

The inner shell 20 is configured to be placed around the head of a user and is optionally fitted with a fabric or soft foam member for comfort to the user. The impact absorbing structure is further provided with means for securing the impact absorbing structure to the head of a user. This may be achieved, for example, using a textile belt.

The elongated tapered foam member is formed of a so-called "memory foam" which is a closed or open cell foam having a low resilience. Such foam is capable of being reversibly compressed to a high degree and is therefore capable of returning to its original form after high compression. The foam is able to compress resistively to ensure proper dissipation of energy through deformation of the foam member. Another advantage obtained with a foam having a low resilience is that any impact of torque causing brain damage is not exacerbated by the foam exerting a strong "restoring" force. For example, if a simple "spring" is used, the brain will be injured by the initial torque that rotates the user's head, and then the spring will accelerate the user's head back in the opposite direction. If the spring is strong enough, this may result in a second subsequent torque sufficient to cause brain damage. It is known that small shocks and small torques may cause significant brain damage, so the simple "springs" of the above examples need not be particularly strong and would cause damage when "rebounded".

By using a plurality of members, the resistance of the impact absorbing structure to deformation is increased and thus the rigidity of the impact absorbing structure is increased. Preferably, the dimensions and spacing of the elongate foam members are selected such that the resistance to deformation of the impact absorbing structure is optimized for its intended appropriate activity. For example, for low energy impacts, it is preferable that the impact absorbing structure be less rigid so that energy is more easily dissipated through deformation of the foam member. In contrast, for high energy impacts, such a configuration may be unsuitable because the foam member may be too easily deformed. In this case, if fewer elongated members are used (thus reducing the average density of the impact absorbing structure), the maximum possible dissipated energy is reduced. To adjust for this, more elongate members may be used, larger elongate members may be used, and/or more rigid foam may be selected.

By varying the width of the elongate member, the resistance to "shearing" forces (i.e., forces that cause the outer surface to rotate relative to the inner shell) is varied. In some embodiments it may be advantageous to reduce the resistance to rotational forces by implementing narrower elongate members while maintaining the resistance to compressive forces by increasing the number of elongate members used. In a preferred embodiment, the maximum width of the elongate member is selected in accordance with the expected impact force. For example, the maximum width of each elongate member may be between 0.5cm and 1.5cm, 1.6cm and 2.5cm, or 2.6cm and 3.5cm, as desired for the application.

Different spacing or widths/lengths of the elongate members may be selected for placement at various locations in the impact absorbing structure to alter the characteristics of the structure as desired. For example, a structure may be configured such that when used in a helmet, there is greater resistance to deformation at the temple than at the top of the head in an environment where the impact is more likely to come from the side than from above.

It is an object of the present invention that the shape of the elongated member allows relative rotation of the outer surface with respect to the inner shell while dissipating rotational energy applied to the outer surface. This is achieved by: the elongate members are shaped to taper away from each other according to the length of the elongate members so that under compression the bodies of the members do not collide with each other. Thus, when the inner and outer surfaces are displaced relative to each other, the members are able to flex, compress and extend as needed to allow this movement, but will dissipate energy as they do so. Such relative displacement, such as translation or rotation, can be seen in fig. 3. In fig. 3, the undisturbed or "neutral" placement of the inner shell and the elongated member is shown by dashed lines. Compression is applied to the inner shell and the outer surface such that the inner shell moves toward the outer surface as shown. Deformation of the elongate member is observed, shown as a black and white member. As shown, the elongate members are arranged together at close intervals, but their shape results in minimal outward expansion when compressed. Thus, when the elongate members are forced to "bend" by shear forces, they do not limit compression or deformation of their adjacent members. This is achieved by not occupying the space into which each member must expand under compression.

When the deformable cylinder is axially compressed and undergoes a relative radial translation of the top and bottom of the cylinder, a point will occur where the top has translated sufficiently, i.e. the vector representing the average position and direction of the axial load no longer passes through the "base" of the cylinder, thus "buckling" or "moving away" as a deformable cylinder. This "buckling" causes some sections or portions of the length of the cylinder to shift such that the vector no longer travels along its length, resulting in a substantial reduction in resistance to deformation of the cylinder in the axial direction. Such buckling is avoided by using tapered members. In FIG. 6, the inner shell 20 and the outer surface 21 are responsive to an impact F _v The relative rotational translation R, wherein the dashed line represents the undisturbed placement of the elongated member and the inner housing. The same buckling effect is characteristic of impact absorbing structures formed from non-deformable media, as these structures are configured to dissipate energy by buckling in an irreversible manner.

The tapered elongate member is further enhanced in that such radial deformation (in response to relative translation of the top and bottom portions of the member corresponding to relative rotation of the inner and outer surfaces) can be performed without "buckling" of the member, because when sufficiently tapered, the thinner of the base or top of the member cannot translate sufficiently out of the "footprint" of the thicker of the base or top such that vectors representing the average position and direction of the axial load are positioned to produce a "buckling" effect.

Furthermore, the resistance to rotation is reduced due to the tapered shape of the elongate member. In some embodiments, the elongate members are configured in a pyramid shape such that the thickness of a given elongate member in the axial direction is non-uniform. This results in a greater resistance to translational deformation or bending in some directions than in other directions.

Such a configuration means that the impact absorbing member can be used to dissipate more rotational energy in some directions than in other directions. For example, when a helmet incorporating impact absorbing structures rotates in accordance with "nodding" and "headshaking" movements, it may be advantageous to increase the energy required to displace the outer surface and inner structure in order to avoid unwanted movement of the helmet during normal use. However, such a configuration will keep the energy threshold low for deformations on other axes of rotation.

The tapered shape of the elongate member results in a resistance to axial deformation that varies non-linearly with the extension or compression of the member. That is, hooke's law does not apply over the entire compression range of the elongate member due to the tapering of the member. This is because the narrow ends of the member will compress more easily than the wider ends when the member is compressed. As this compression continues, as the top or bottom portion encroaches on to the middle of the member, more "width" of the member will be recruited to resist compression. This non-linear resistance to compression enables the impact absorbing structure to dissipate both small and large impacts, as opposed to existing methods (which are configured to dissipate one or the other) that have a uniform or linear response to compression.

In some embodiments, the outer surface may be semi-rigid or elastically deformable, as shown in fig. 5A and 5B. Providing such an outer surface may allow for the impact F from a "slap" impact _v And radial impact F _r More of the energy of both dissipates and the "slapping" impact causes rotation R of the outer surface 21 relative to the inner shell 20. In this figure, the broken lines show the undisturbed placement of the elongated member and the outer surface.

By taking into account the impact absorption of a plurality of smaller impacts in a larger impact, a distinct advantage over the prior art can be determined. Typical impact absorbing helmets are configured to dissipate the impact of a single large event, such as the impact of a user's head on the ground after falling from a height. The present invention considers not only a single large impact, but also multiple smaller and larger impacts and the dissipation of the energy of these impacts via both rotational deformation and linear (compressive) deformation. For example, if a user equipped with a helmet incorporating an impact absorbing structure according to the present invention falls and their helmet impacts multiple objects/surfaces during the fall, the helmet will be able to dissipate energy from these impacts without sacrificing the ability to dissipate energy from a large impact striking the ground, due to the technical benefits described above. Such a situation may occur, for example, when riding a horse.

The impact absorbing layer according to the present invention is capable of dissipating small impacts via deformation of the tip (i.e., the narrow end) of the elongated member, which is more easily deformed due to its small cross section. This is in contrast to existing solutions in the art that are configured to move apart under heavy impact.

When compared to the existing solutions of the helmet "liner", it is evident that when the liner reaches the retaining structure (retaining structure, stopping structure), the helmet has a maximum limit reached "suddenly" with respect to the maximum rotation of the head of the user. When the helmet stops rotating, this abrupt transition of the rotation maximum is converted into a secondary "shock" that can be transmitted to the user, and the rotational energy is suddenly transmitted to the user's head. This is not only the result of implementing a rotation limiting factor, but also the way rotational energy is dissipated by a "lining" solution.

In liner-based solutions, rotational energy is dissipated by friction between the helmet and the liner. Thus, once the helmet begins to rotate around the head of the user, the energy dissipation is at a maximum. Another purpose of the lining scheme is simply to rotate the helmet so that the incident force no longer causes rotation, rather than dissipating the rotational energy itself.

In contrast, the solution of the present application dissipates rotational energy through deformation of the elongated members of the impact absorbing structure, and also dissipates rotational energy in a manner that is free of "abrupt" elements. The compressibility and extensibility of the foam used to construct the impact absorbing structure has the benefit of introducing progressively increasing resistance to rotation of the outer surface relative to the inner shell. Thus, a sudden "shock" to the user's head is avoided.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongate tapered member is oriented such that the widest point of the elongate member is the base portion and is attached to the outer surface, and the top portion abuts the inner shell but is not secured to the inner shell. Such an orientation provides a synergistic benefit associated with the shape of the elongate member because relative rotation of the outer surface and the inner shell produces a greater torque at the tip of the elongate member, which tip is closer to the head of the user. The body of the elongate member nearer the top end of the elongate member is more susceptible to deformation due to relative rotation of the inner and outer surfaces due to its narrowed shape. Thus, "more rigid" or more resilient foam may be used in the construction of the elongate member without compromising the ability of the impact absorbing structure to dissipate rotational energy. This may be advantageous in providing a helmet that is more resilient to "compressive" forces. Another benefit of this configuration is that the mass of the elongated member is distributed further away from the inner shell, thereby increasing the energy required to cause the outer surface to rotate and further reducing the energy transferred to the inner shell from the impact that causes the outer surface to rotate.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 7A, another outer surface 21A is provided that is supported by the outer surface 21 by another impact absorbing layer 70. The shock absorbing layer 70 may be formed of a similar material to the elongated member, while it should be appreciated that in a given embodiment, the material used for the other shock absorbing layer 70 and the material used for the elongated member 10 may not be the same material. In some embodiments, the further impact absorbing layer is formed from an elastically and/or reversibly deformable material. In some embodiments, the other impact absorbing layer is formed of a closed cell or open cell foam. In some embodiments, the other impact absorbing layer is formed of a flexible plastic.

The other outer surface 21A may be formed of a similar or substantially identical material as the outer surface 21.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 7B, the supplemental shock absorbing layer 71 is maintained between the inner shell 20 and the supplemental inner shell 20A. In some embodiments, the supplemental impact layer is formed from a similar material as the elongate member 10, while it should be appreciated that in a given embodiment, the supplemental impact-absorbing layer 20A and the elongate member 10 may not be the same material as each other. In some embodiments, the supplemental shock absorbing layer 20A is formed of a material that is elastically and/or reversibly deformable. In some embodiments, the supplemental impact-absorbing layer is formed of a closed cell or open cell foam. In some embodiments, the supplemental shock absorbing layer is formed from a flexible plastic.

The supplemental inner housing 20A may be formed from a similar or substantially identical material as the inner housing 20.

As shown in fig. 7B, some embodiments may include both another impact absorbing layer and a supplemental impact absorbing layer. However, in some embodiments, only the supplemental impact absorbing layer may be provided without providing another impact absorbing layer.

In some embodiments, the impact absorbing structure may be configured to be attached to other structures of the human or animal body.

Although some of the figures depict exemplary embodiments in which the present invention is included in a helmet, the arrangement of the impact absorbing layer in these figures is equally effective in other arrangements for protection of other body parts (i.e., knees, elbows) or for protection of inanimate objects.

The invention as described herein is not limited to use in helmets or indeed personal protective equipment, but may also be used to protect inanimate objects, equipment and devices, for example for storage and transportation of goods and items. The layered structure in the figures and relevant to the invention will then form part of a protective layered structure, for example in a package.

All references herein to orientation (e.g., top, bottom, etc.) are for the purpose of describing the relative spatial arrangement of features and are not intended to be limiting in any sense.

The scope of the present disclosure includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the claimed invention or mitigates any or all of the problems addressed by the present invention. The applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated to such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any such further application derived therefrom. In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the claims.

Claims

1. A protective helmet impact absorbing structure comprising:

at least one elongate tapered member integrally formed from foam, the elongate tapered member comprising:

a base portion;

a top portion; and

at least one side portion extending in a tapered manner between the base portion and the top portion;

wherein the at least one elongate tapered member is arranged for operative positioning between an outer surface of the helmet and an inner shell.

2. The impact-absorbing structure of claim 1, further comprising an inner shell.

3. The impact-absorbing structure of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an outer surface.

4. A shock absorbing structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one elongate tapered member is attached to the inner shell at the base portion.

5. A shock absorbing structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one elongate tapered member is attached to the inner shell at the top portion.

6. The impact absorbing structure of any of claims 3-4, wherein the at least one elongate tapered member is attached to the outer surface at the top portion.

7. The impact-absorbing structure of any of claims 1-3 and/or 5, wherein the at least one elongate tapered member is attached to the outer surface at the base portion.

8. The impact-absorbing structure of claim 5 or 6, wherein the top portion is the narrowest point of the elongate tapered member.

9. The impact absorbing structure of any of the preceding claims, wherein the base portion of the at least one elongate tapered member comprises a recess.

10. The impact absorbing structure of claim 9, wherein the recess comprises a blind hole in a center of the base portion.

11. The impact absorbing structure of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one elongate tapered member is formed of a memory foam.

12. The impact-absorbing structure of claim 11, wherein the memory foam has a slow rebound rate.

13. The impact absorbing structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one elongate tapered member is generally frustoconical in shape.

14. The impact-absorbing structure of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one elongate tapered member is generally pyramidal in shape.

15. The impact absorbing structure of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two elongate tapered members.

16. The impact-absorbing structure of claim 15, wherein the at least one elongated tapered member having a generally frustoconical shape is included, and the at least one elongated tapered member having a generally pyramidal shape is included.

17. The impact-absorbing structure of claim 15 or 16, wherein the spacing between the elongate members is uniform.

18. The impact-absorbing structure of claim 15 or 16, wherein the spacing between the elongate members is varied to increase or decrease the local resistance to deformation of the elongate members in response to an incident force.

19. The impact-absorbing structure of any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein the inner shell is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material.

20. The impact-absorbing structure of any one of claims 3 to 19, wherein the outer surface is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material.

21. The impact-absorbing structure of any one of claims 3 to 20, further comprising another impact-absorbing layer disposed radially outwardly from the outer surface, and another outer surface disposed radially outwardly therefrom.

22. The impact-absorbing structure of any one of claims 2 to 21, further comprising a supplemental impact-absorbing layer disposed radially inward from the inner shell, and a supplemental inner shell disposed radially inward therefrom.

23. A helmet for a user comprising an impact absorbing structure according to any one of the preceding claims.