Natural Fiber Helmet

Abstract

A natural fiber helmet capable of protecting a user engaged in a professional, recreational or competitive activity is disclosed. The protective fiber helmet may be constructed of wood, bamboo, or similar material. The outer shell of the helmet may have a decorative finish that emphasizes the natural beauty of the material from which it is constructed. The entire helmet may be constructed of biodegradable materials that include a cork impact attenuation or impact cushioning system and a hemp, leather or cotton strap system.

1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a helmet shell constructed from a natural fiber material wherein physical characteristics of the natural fiber material remain visible, an impact attenuation system that resides within the helmet shell, and means for securing the helmet shell and impact attenuation system to a user.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the natural fiber material consists of wood, bamboo, or any species thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the physical characteristics consists of knotholes, grain patterns, colors, or deformations in the natural fiber material. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the impact attenuation system is constructed of cork, expanded polystyrene, or expanded polypropylene. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means for securing the helmet shell and impact attenuation system to a user further comprises straps that are constructed from nylon, cotton, or hemp. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the helmet shell, impact attenuation system, or the means for securing the helmet shell and impact attenuation system to a user is biodegradable. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the helmet shell is manufactured using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, or using non-CNC tools. 
     
     
         8 . A method for protecting a user comprising:
 providing a natural fiber helmet shell where physical characteristics of the natural fiber are visible, providing an impact attenuation system within the natural fiber helmet shell, and securing the helmet shell and impact attenuation system to a user.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the natural fiber material consists of wood, bamboo, or any species thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the physical characteristics consists of knotholes, grain patterns, colors, or deformations in the natural fiber material. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the impact attenuation system is constructed of cork, expanded polystyrene, or expanded polypropylene. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the helmet shell and impact attenuation system is secured to a user by using straps that are constructed from nylon, cotton, or hemp. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the user is protected during recreational or competitive activities. 
     
     
         14 . A helmet comprising:
 an outer shell constructed from a natural fiber material that has visible physical characteristics, an impact attenuation system, and a means for securing the helmet to a user.   
     
     
         15 . The helmet of  claim 14 , wherein the natural fiber material consists of wood, bamboo, or any species thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The helmet of  claim 14 , wherein the physical characteristics consists of knotholes, grain patterns, colors, or deformations in the natural fiber material. 
     
     
         17 . The helmet of  claim 14 , wherein the impact attenuation system is constructed of cork, expanded polystyrene, or expanded polypropylene. 
     
     
         18 . The helmet of  claim 14 , wherein the means for securing the helmet to a user further comprises straps that are constructed from nylon, cotton, or hemp. 
     
     
         19 . The helmet of  claim 14 , wherein the outer shell, impact attenuation system, or the means for securing the helmet to a user is biodegradable. 
     
     
         20 . The helmet of  claim 14 , wherein the outer shell is manufactured using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, or using non-CNC tools.