Inflatable helmet

Abstract

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

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A helmet comprising:
 an inflatable protective shell including (i) a plurality of longitudinal members arranged side-by-side, the longitudinal members being in fluid communication with each other, the helmet having a first state wherein the helmet is inflated such that the longitudinal members are distributed to form a concave shape for positioning on the head of a person, having a second state wherein the helmet is uninflated and compressed, wherein each longitudinal member is separated from neighbouring longitudinal members by a plurality of inflatable connecting struts, the neighboring walls of longitudinal members and connecting struts forming an acute angle therebetween in the first state, the plurality of inflatable connecting struts provide structural support to the longitudinal members, and wherein the neighbouring walls of the longitudinal members and the connecting struts lie against each other in the second state.   
     
     
         3 . A helmet according to  claim 2 , wherein the connecting members include a rib extending from the surface of the connecting member 
     
     
         4 . A helmet according to  claim 2 , wherein the connecting members have an elliptical cross-section. 
     
     
         5 . A helmet according to  claim 2 , wherein the intersection between connecting members on adjacent longitudinal members are non-coincident when viewed from the side. 
     
     
         6 . A helmet according to  claim 2 , wherein the connecting members lie parallel to the longitudinal members in the compressed state, but form an angle relative to the longitudinal members in the inflated state. 
     
     
         7 . A helmet according to  claim 6 , wherein the angle in the inflated state does not exceed 60 degrees. 
     
     
         8 . A helmet according to  claim 7 , wherein the angle in the inflated state does not exceed 45 degrees. 
     
     
         9 . A helmet according to  claim 2 , 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. 
     
     
         10 . A helmet according to  claim 2 , wherein the helmet is made of HDPE or nylon. 
     
     
         11 . A helmet according to  claim 2 , wherein the helmet is fabricated using a 3D printing technique. 
     
     
         12 . A helmet according to  claim 11 , wherein the 3D printing technique is fused deposition. 
     
     
         13 . A helmet according to  claim 11 , wherein the 3D printing technique is selective laser sintering. 
     
     
         14 . A helmet according to  claim 11 , wherein the 3D printing technique is stereo lithography. 
     
     
         15 . A helmet according to  claim 2 , wherein the helmet includes an indicator showing the user when the helmet has been inflated to the correct pressure. 
     
     
         16 . A helmet according to  claim 2 , wherein the helmet includes an indicator showing the user when the helmet is unsafe due to the pressure having been exceeded.