Helmet

Abstract

A helmet ( 10 ) is provided, that has a first resilient shell ( 12 ), a support structure ( 16,18 ) inside the first shell to support the first shell on the wearer's head ( 14 ), a chin strap ( 20 ), to hold the helmet in position, a deformable layer ( 24 ) on the outside of the first shell and a tough outer shell ( 26 ) on the outside of the deformable layer. The deformable layer is of a material that absorbs energy when it is deformed and returns slowly to its original shape afterwards. The helmet includes a chin bar ( 34 ) with two opposing ends ( 36 ) that are displaceable relative to the outer shell, immediately inwardly of the outer shell. The outer profile of the helmet has a plurality of generally planar surfaces ( 28 ) and the helmet has a rear strap ( 38 ) that is attachable to the chin strap and that is configured to extend around the back of the wearer's head.

1 . A helmet ( 10 ) comprising:
 a first resilient shell ( 12 ), shaped to extend generally around the head ( 14 ) of a wearer;   a support structure ( 16 , 18 ) disposed inside the first shell and configured to support the first shell on the wearer's head; and   at least one chin strap ( 20 ), attachable to the first shell and configured to extend around the jaw of the wearer, to hold the helmet in position;   characterised in that the helmet includes a deformable component ( 24 ) disposed on the outside of the first shell, said deformable component being of a material that absorbs energy when being deformed.   
     
     
         2 . A helmet ( 10 ) as claimed in  claim 1 , characterised in that said deformable component ( 24 ) is in the form of a layer extending around the first shell ( 12 ), at least in part. 
     
     
         3 . A helmet ( 10 ) as claimed in  claim 1  or  claim 2 , characterised in that said deformable component ( 24 ) is of a material that returns slowly to its original shape after being deformed. 
     
     
         4 . A helmet ( 10 ) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the helmet includes a tough outer shell ( 26 ) on the outside of the deformable component ( 24 ). 
     
     
         5 . A helmet ( 10 ) as claimed in  claim 4 , characterised in that the helmet includes a deformable chin bar ( 34 ) with two opposing ends ( 36 ) that are disposed adjacent the outer shell ( 26 ) at lateral locations, the chin bar being disposed at a position corresponding to the wearer's jaw and the ends of the chin bar being displaceable relative to the outer shell. 
     
     
         6 . A helmet ( 10 ) as claimed in  claim 5 , characterised in that the ends ( 36 ) of the chin bar ( 34 ) are disposed immediately inwardly of the outer shell ( 26 ). 
     
     
         7 . A helmet ( 10 ) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer profile of the helmet defines a plurality of generally planar surfaces ( 28 ). 
     
     
         8 . A helmet ( 10 ) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the helmet includes a rear strap ( 38 ) that is attachable to the chin strap ( 20 ) and that is configured to extend around the head ( 14 ) of the wearer, generally below the posterior occipital protuberance ( 40 ) of the wearer. 
     
     
         9 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 8 , characterised in that the chin strap ( 20 ) and the rear strap ( 38 ) are configured such that tension applied to the chin strap places the rear strap under tension. 
     
     
         10 . A helmet ( 10 ) as claimed in  claim 9 , characterised in that the rear strap ( 38 ) is attachable to the chin strap ( 20 ). 
     
     
         11 . A helmet ( 10 ) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the helmet includes an inflatable neck brace, configured to extend around the neck of the wearer, at least in part.