Helmet

Abstract

Helmet ( 1 ) comprising: a shell ( 2 ): one or more inserts ( 3 ) of a cellular energy-absorbing material: one or more retainers ( 4 ) crossing the one or more inserts ( 3 ) from side to side and fixed to the shell ( 2 ) at opposing sides of each insert ( 3 ) for constraining it to the shell ( 2 ), the one or more retainers ( 4 ) are shaped so laterally and inwardly trap the one or more inserts ( 3 ).

1 . A helmet comprising:
 a shell;   one or more inserts of a cellular energy-absorbing material; and   one or more retainers crossing the one or more inserts from side to side and fixed to the shell at opposing sides of each insert for constraining it to the shell, the one or more retainers are shaped so as to laterally and inwardly trap the one or more inserts.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more inserts have a curved shape. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises at least one vent. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet according to  claim 3 , wherein the one or more inserts are arranged inside the shell so as to leave said at least one vent free. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet according to  claim 3 , wherein one or more retainers are fixed to the shell so as to not span across said at least one vent. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more retainers comprise a plurality of first connectors configured to reversibly engage with respective second connectors attached to the shell. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the cellular energy absorbing material of the one or more inserts comprises a plurality of interconnected open cells configured to absorb energy by plastic deformation in response to a longitudinal compressive load applied to said cells. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet according to  claim 7 , wherein at least part of the longitudinal axes of the cells are normal to an inner surface of the shell on which the one or more inserts are arranged. 
     
     
         9 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , also comprising a low frictional layer arranged over the shell in correspondence to the one or more inserts. 
     
     
         10 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more retaining elements support one or more connecting means, like Velcro coins, for connecting a comfort liner to the rest of the helmet. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more retainers are deformable and exhibit a bending stiffness that is comparable to or less than the compressive stiffness of the insert/s. 
     
     
         12 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises a plurality of shoulders defining one or more places wherein respective one or more inserts are accommodated to prevent a global lateral displacement of the respective insert. 
     
     
         13 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the inserts are three or more and extend in a front-back direction; at least one insert is arranged on a left-side of the shell, at least one insert is arranged on a right-side of the shell and at least one insert is arranged on a top-side of the shell. 
     
     
         14 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell is a deformable shell made of a foam material or comprising a lattice structure. 
     
     
         15 . The helmet according to  claim 14 , wherein the shell comprises longitudinal and transverse ribs arranged to form vents. 
     
     
         16 . The helmet according to  claim 14 , also comprising an upper skin configured to cover at least in part an upper and outer surface of the shell, and/or a lower skin configured to cover at least in part a lower and outer surface of the shell. 
     
     
         17 . The helmet according to  claim 14 , wherein the shell comprises one or more recesses shaped for accommodating additional insert/s. 
     
     
         18 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell is a hard shell. 
     
     
         19 . The helmet according to  claim 18 , wherein the shell comprises multi-purpose connectors to which at least one retainer is configured to reversibly connect. 
     
     
         20 . The helmet according to  claim 18 , wherein a side retainer is substantially ring-shaped so as to wrap at least a part of a wearer's head and to laterally and inwardly trap one or more corresponding lateral inserts. 
     
     
         21 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein a top retainer is substantially dome-shaped so as to fit with an apex of the wearer's head and to laterally and inwardly trap one corresponding top insert. 
     
     
         22 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is only one and is configured to trap one or more inserts. 
     
     
         23 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a fixed part connected to the shell and a moveable part coupled to the fixed part through deformable means.