Helmet

Abstract

A helmet, comprising an outer shell; a head mount, configured to be mounted on the top of the head of a wearer of the helmet; wherein the head mount is suspended within the outer shell such that, in use, an air gap is provided between head mount and the outer shell; the helmet further comprises a head engagement device that is mounted on a surface of the head mount, that is configured to face the head of a wearer of the helmet, such that the head engagement device can move relative to the head mount; and a low friction interface is provided between the head mount and the head engagement device.

1 . A helmet, comprising:
 an outer shell;   a head mount, configured to be mounted on the top of the head of a wearer of the helmet;   wherein the head mount is suspended within the outer shell such that, in use, an air gap is provided between head mount and the outer shell;   the helmet further comprises a head engagement device that is mounted on a surface of the head mount, that is configured to face the head of a wearer of the helmet, such that the head engagement device can move relative to the head mount; and   a low friction interface is provided between the head mount and the head engagement device.   
     
     
         2 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the head engagement device is connected to the head mount. 
     
     
         3 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the head mount comprises a plurality of straps that are configured to extend across the top of the head of a wearer of the helmet and are connected to connection points on the outer shell. 
     
     
         4 . A helmet according to  claim 3 , wherein the head mount comprises a plurality of straps that extend between an opposing pair of connection points. 
     
     
         5 . A helmet according to  claim 3 , wherein at least two straps are connected to each other. 
     
     
         6 . A helmet according to  claim 3 , wherein the head engagement device is connected to the head mount by at least one connector that engages with one of the straps. 
     
     
         7 . A helmet according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one connector has a first end and a second end that are both joined to the head engagement device at respective first and second locations on the head engagement device; and a strap is located between the connector and the head engagement device in a region between the first and second locations on the head engagement device. 
     
     
         8 . A helmet according to  claim 6 , wherein the strap is not fixedly secured to any part of the connector such that the strap can slide relative to the connector. 
     
     
         9 . A helmet according to  claim 7 , wherein the connector is formed from an elongate section of material, optionally one of a cord, band or a tape. 
     
     
         10 . A helmet according to  claim 9 , wherein plural connectors are formed from separate pieces of said material. 
     
     
         11 . A helmet according to  claim 9 , wherein plural connectors are formed from sections of a single piece of said material. 
     
     
         12 . A helmet according to  claim 3 , wherein the head mount comprises at least one strap connected to the front of the outer shell extending in a direction towards the rear of the helmet. 
     
     
         13 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the head engagement device is provided as a single component. 
     
     
         14 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the head engagement device is formed from plural separate sections. 
     
     
         15 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the head mount comprises a head ring that is configured to engage at least the forehead of a wearer of the helmet; and
 the head engagement device comprises a crown region that is configured to be located between the top of the head of a wearer of the helmet and the head mount, and a frontal region that is configured to be located adjacent the head ring.   
     
     
         16 . A helmet according to  claim 15 , wherein the head engagement device further comprises an intermediate region that connects the crown region to the frontal region. 
     
     
         17 . A helmet according to  claim 15 , wherein the frontal regional of the head engagement device is located between the forehead of the wearer of the helmet and the head ring. 
     
     
         18 . A helmet according to  claim 15 , wherein the head ring is located between the forehead of the wearer of the helmet and the frontal regional of the head engagement device. 
     
     
         19 . A helmet according to  claim 15 , further comprising a front pad positioned to be adjacent the forehead of the wearer of the helmet. 
     
     
         20 . A helmet according to  claim 19 , wherein the front pad is connected to at least one of the head ring, the frontal region of the head engagement device and the outer shell. 
     
     
         21 . A helmet according to  claim 20 , wherein the front pad is connected by elastic connectors that are configured to enable the front pad to move relative to the component to which it is connected. 
     
     
         22 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the head engagement device comprises one or more pads provided on a surface of the head engagement device facing the head of a wearer of the helmet. 
     
     
         23 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the head engagement device comprises a plate of material, optionally shaped to conform to the head of a wearer of the helmet. 
     
     
         24 . A helmet according to  claim 23 , wherein the head engagement device comprises a plurality of holes that may be configured to provide at least one of a location for a connector to join to the head engagement device and ventilation. 
     
     
         25 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the low friction interface is provided by a low coefficient of friction between the surfaces of the head mount and the head engagement. 
     
     
         26 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein, in the absence of an impact on the helmet, the separation between the outer shell and the head mount at a location corresponding to the top of the head of a wearer provided by the air gap is at least 10 mm, optionally at least 15 mm, optionally at least 20 mm, optionally at least 30 mm, optionally at least 40 mm.