Inflatable helmet

Abstract

A helmet ( 10 ) which has a plurality of substantially longitudinal members ( 20 ) arranged side-by-side, the longitudinal members ( 20 ) being in fluid communication with each other. It has a first inflated state in which the longitudinal members ( 20 ) are distributed to form a substantially concave shape, and a second compressed state in which the longitudinal members ( 20 ) lie flat and substantially coincident against each other. Each longitudinal member ( 20 ) is separated from neighbouring longitudinal members ( 20 ) by a tubular connecting member ( 30 ) in a lattice configuration. The helmet ( 10 ) may be made of HDPE or nylon.

1 . A helmet, comprising:
 having a plurality of substantially longitudinal members arranged side-by-side, the longitudinal members being in fluid communication with each other;   having a first inflated state in which the longitudinal members are distributed to form a substantially concave or dome shape;   having a second compressed state in which the longitudinal members lie flat and substantially coincident against each other.   
     
     
         2 . A helmet according to  claim 1  wherein each longitudinal member is separated from neighbouring longitudinal members by a connecting member in a lattice-like or a restricted configuration. 
     
     
         3 . A helmet according to  claim 2  wherein the connecting members include a flat rib or fin extending from the surface of the connecting member. 
     
     
         4 . A helmet according to  claim 2  wherein the connecting members have an elliptical section. 
     
     
         5 . A helmet according to any of  claims 2  to  4  wherein the intersection between connecting members on a longitudinal member are non-coincident when considered from the side. 
     
     
         6 . A helmet according to  claim 2  wherein the intersection between connecting members on adjacent longitudinal members are non-coincident when considered from the side. 
     
     
         7 . A helmet according to  claim 2  wherein the connecting members lie substantially parallel to the longitudinal members in the compressed state, but form an angle with the longitudinal members in the inflated state. 
     
     
         8 . A helmet according to  claim 7  wherein the angle the inflated state does not exceed 60 degrees. 
     
     
         9 . A helmet according to  claim 8  wherein the angle the inflated state does not exceed 45 degrees. 
     
     
         10 . A helmet according to  claim 1  wherein the longitudinal members and/or the connecting members have a generally elliptical, lenticular or rhombic shape that can folded flat in the compressed state. 
     
     
         11 . A helmet according to  claim 1  wherein the helmet is made of HDPE or nylon. 
     
     
         12 . A helmet according to  claim 1  wherein the helmet is fabricated using a 3D printing technique. 
     
     
         13 . A helmet according to  claim 12  wherein the 3D printing technique is fused deposition. 
     
     
         14 . A helmet according to  claim 12  wherein the 3D printing technique is selective laser sintering. 
     
     
         15 . A helmet according to  claim 12  wherein the 3D printing technique is stereo lithography. 
     
     
         16 . A helmet according to  claim 1  wherein the helmet includes an indicator showing the user when the helmet has been inflated to the correct pressure. 
     
     
         17 . A helmet according to  claim 1  wherein the helmet includes an indicator showing the user when the helmet is unsafe due to the pressure having been exceeded.