Bicycle helmet with modular impact absorbing structures

Abstract

A helmet includes an outer shell having an interior and an exterior and an impact absorbing layer positioned on the interior of the outer shell. The impact absorbing layer includes a first impact absorbing structure having a first interface and a second impact absorbing structure having a second interface in lateral compression against the first interface.

1 . A helmet comprising:
 a helmet body including a lower portion that is configured to extend around a user's chin, the helmet body including:   an outer shell having an interior and an exterior; and   an impact absorbing layer positioned on the interior of the outer shell, the impact absorbing layer comprising a first impact absorbing structure having a first interface and a second impact absorbing structure having a second interface in lateral compression against the first interface;   wherein the lower portion includes at least part of the impact absorbing layer.   
     
     
         2 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first impact absorbing structure includes a first engagement portion that engages the outer shell such that the first impact absorbing structure is held in lateral compression between the first interface and the first engagement portion. 
     
     
         3 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the outer shell comprises a vent opening defined by a vent edge, and wherein the first engagement portion engages the vent edge. 
     
     
         4 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the first impact absorbing structure comprises an energy-absorbing layer and an inner shell secured to an outer surface of the energy-absorbing layer, wherein the inner shell includes the first engagement portion. 
     
     
         5 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the inner shell comprises a material having a higher density than the energy-absorbing layer. 
     
     
         6 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the inner shell comprises polycarbonate and the energy-absorbing layer comprises expanded polystyrene. 
     
     
         7 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the outer shell comprises an upper wall, a rear wall, a left wall and a right wall, wherein the first impact absorbing structure comprises an upper impact absorbing structure adjacent the upper wall and the second impact absorbing structure comprises a rear impact absorbing structure adjacent the rear wall. 
     
     
         8 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the impact absorbing layer defines a vent, wherein the helmet further comprises an adjusting assembly for adjustably securing the helmet to a user's head, the adjusting assembly including an adjusting input movable to adjust a size of the helmet, the adjusting input being positioned at least partially in the vent. 
     
     
         9 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the helmet body is adapted to cover at least a portion of a rider's head, wherein the helmet body includes a wall portion that includes the outer shell, wherein the vent extends as a through opening through the wall portion from an exterior of the helmet body to an interior of the helmet body, wherein the exterior of the helmet body is configured to face away from the portion of the rider's head and the interior of the helmet body is configured to face the portion of the rider's head, wherein the wall portion extends entirely around the vent. 
     
     
         10 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the adjusting input is a dial that is rotated about an axis of rotation and includes an outer periphery, wherein a portion of the outer periphery of the dial extends into the through opening. 
     
     
         11 . A helmet comprising:
 an outer shell having a first receiving portion; and   an impact absorbing layer positioned on an interior side of the outer shell, the impact absorbing layer comprising a first impact absorbing structure having a first engagement portion and a second impact absorbing structure having a second engagement portion spaced from the first engagement portion, wherein the first impact absorbing structure is mechanically secured to the outer shell by the first engagement portion engaging the first receiving portion and the second impact absorbing structure is mechanically secured to the outer shell by the second engagement portion engaging a second receiving portion spaced from the first receiving portion;   wherein the first receiving portion comprises a first vent or recess in the outer shell, wherein the second impact absorbing structure includes an inner shell, and wherein the inner shell includes the second engagement portion.   
     
     
         12 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the first receiving portion comprises a first vent edge defining at least a portion of the first vent or recess. 
     
     
         13 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the second receiving portion comprises a recess in the outer shell. 
     
     
         14 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the first receiving portion is along a top of the helmet, and wherein the second receiving portion is along a rear of the helmet. 
     
     
         15 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the second impact absorbing structure comprises an energy-absorbing layer and wherein the inner shell is secured to an outer surface of the energy-absorbing layer. 
     
     
         16 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the inner shell comprises a material having a higher density than the energy-absorbing layer. 
     
     
         17 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 16  wherein the inner shell comprises polycarbonate and the energy-absorbing layer comprises expanded polystyrene. 
     
     
         18 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 11 , further comprising a lower portion that is configured to extend around a user's chin, wherein the lower portion includes at least part of the impact absorbing layer. 
     
     
         19 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the impact absorbing layer defines a second vent, wherein the helmet further comprises an adjusting assembly for adjustably securing the helmet to a user's head, the adjusting assembly including an adjusting input movable to adjust a size of the helmet, the adjusting input being positioned at least partially in the second vent. 
     
     
         20 . A helmet as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the helmet includes a helmet body adapted to cover at least a portion of a rider's head, wherein the helmet body includes a wall portion that includes the outer shell, wherein the second vent extends as a through opening through the wall portion from an exterior of the helmet body to an interior of the helmet body, wherein the exterior of the helmet body is configured to face away from the portion of the rider's head and the interior of the helmet body is configured to face the portion of the rider's head, wherein the wall portion extends entirely around the second vent, wherein the adjusting input is a dial that is rotated about an axis of rotation and includes an outer periphery, wherein a portion of the outer periphery of the dial extends into the through opening.