Cellular energy-absorbing structure fastening device

Abstract

Helmet ( 1 ) comprising: a shell ( 2 ); a head receiving system ( 3 ); at least one cellular energy-absorbing structure ( 4 ) comprising a plurality of interconnected open-cells ( 9 ) configured to absorb energy by deforming during an impact on the shell ( 2 ); at least one clamping device ( 5 ) comprising a base ( 6 ) and a head ( 7 ) connected to each other via an elongated collapsible body ( 8 ) wherein the collapsible body ( 8 ) is sized so as to enter one or more open-cells ( 9 ) of the cellular energy-absorbing structure ( 4 ) and the head ( 7 ) is configured to lock the at least one clamping device ( 5 ) to the cellular energy-absorbing structure ( 4 ), wherein the base ( 6 ) or the head ( 7 ) is attached to an inner surface of the shell ( 2 ).

1 . Helmet comprising:
 a shell;   a head receiving system;   at least one cellular energy-absorbing structure comprising a plurality of interconnected open-cells configured to absorb energy by deforming during an impact on the shell;   at least one clamping device comprising a base and a head connected to each other via an elongated collapsible body wherein the collapsible body is sized so as to enter one or more open-cells of the cellular energy-absorbing structure and the head is configured to lock the at least one clamping device to the cellular energy-absorbing structure; and   
       wherein the base or the head is attached to an inner surface of the shell. 
     
     
         2 . Helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the base or the head is attached to the shell through connecting means. 
     
     
         3 . Helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein said connecting means comprise a Velcro connection, an adhesive layer or snap-fit connector/s. 
     
     
         4 . Helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the cellular energy-absorbing structure comprises an array of energy-absorbing open-cells interconnected via their sidewalls. 
     
     
         5 . Helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the cellular energy-absorbing structure is a lattice structure comprising solid portions and open portions configured to form a network of interconnected open-cells. 
     
     
         6 . Helmet according to  claim 1 , the clamping device is configured so that the compressive force required to collapse the clamping device along a direction is lower than or equal to that required to deform the open-cells of the cellular energy-absorbing structure along the same direction. 
     
     
         7 . Helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises only an outer hard shell. 
     
     
         8 . Helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises a rigid or semi-rigid outer shell and an inner shock absorbing liner connected to each other. 
     
     
         9 . Helmet according to  claim 8 , wherein the inner shock absorbing liner comprises a pocket configured to retain the cellular energy-absorbing structure. 
     
     
         10 . Helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the head receiving system comprises a harness system or a comfort system. 
     
     
         11 . Helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongated collapsible body of the clamping device comprises a stretchable elongated body configured to appreciably and reversibly elongate with respect to its original length. 
     
     
         12 . Helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongated collapsible body of the clamping device is connected to the base and has an outer surface comprising a plurality of spaced teeth and spaced recesses, said head comprises at least one flexible pawl shaped so to fit in one of said recesses. 
     
     
         13 . Helmet according  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a protuberance having a dentition configured to cooperate with a mouth of a hollow body connected to the counter-base, said protuberance and said hollow body forming the collapsible body of the clamping device. 
     
     
         14 . Helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the head is configured to frictionally engage an inner sidewall of the at least one cell through a plurality of spaced flexible gripper elements protruding from the collapsible elongated body. 
     
     
         15 . Helmet according to  claim 1 , comprising a low friction layer arranged on the at least one clamping device. 
     
     
         16 . Helmet according to  claim 4 , wherein each open-cell has an open base facing towards the shell and an opposite open base facing towards the head receiving system. 
     
     
         17 . Helmet according to  claim 5 , wherein the cellular energy-absorbing structure is arranged so that one side of the structure faces towards the shell and an opposite side faces towards the head receiving system. 
     
     
         18 . Helmet according to  claim 10 , wherein the cellular energy-absorbing structure is arranged so that one side of the structure faces towards the shell and an opposite side faces towards the head receiving system. 
     
     
         19 . Helmet according to  claim 12 , wherein the collapsible elongated body is at least partially pleated or coiled, or comprises geometric perturbations to facilitate the collapse of the collapsible body.