helmet

Abstract

A cheek pad for a helmet, the cheek pad (20) comprising: an outer layer (30); an inner layer (40); and a sliding interface between the outer layer and the inner layer; wherein the outer layer and the inner layer are configured to slide relative to each other at the sliding interface in response to an impact to the helmet, and the inner layer is configured to contact the side of the wearer's face when the cheek pad is arranged in the helmet and the helmet is worn.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to helmets. In particular, the present disclosure relates to helmets including cheek pads, and the cheek pads themselves. Background Art

[0002] Helmets are known to be used for various activities. These activities include combat and industrial purposes, such as protective helmets for soldiers and hard hats or helmets used, for example, by builders, miners, or operators of industrial machinery. Helmets are also common in sports activities. For example, protective helmets can be used for ice hockey, bicycle, motorcycle or motor vehicle racing, skiing, snowboarding, skating, skateboarding, equestrian activities, American football, baseball, rugby, cricket, lacrosse, mountaineering, golf, airsoft and paintball.

[0003] Helmets can be fixed size or adjustable to accommodate heads of different sizes and shapes. In some types of helmets, such as usually in ice hockey helmets, adjustability can be provided by moving parts of the helmet to change the outer and inner dimensions of the helmet. This can be achieved by having two or more parts that can move relative to each other. In other cases, such as usually in bicycle helmets, the helmet is provided with an attachment device (or interface layer) for connecting to the wearer's head, and it is an attachment device that can be changed in size to fit the user's head while the main body or shell of the helmet keeps the same size. In some cases, the comfort pad in the helmet can serve as an attachment device. The attachment device can also be provided as a plurality of physically separated parts, such as a plurality of non-interconnected comfort pads. This attachment device for fixing the helmet on the user's head can be used with other straps (such as chin straps) to further fix the helmet in place. Combinations of these adjustment mechanisms are also possible.

[0004] Helmets usually consist of an outer shell, which is usually hard and made of plastic or composite materials, and an energy absorbing layer, known as a liner. Today, protective helmets must be designed to meet specific statutory requirements, which in particular relate to the maximum acceleration that may be generated at the center of gravity of the brain under a specific load. Typically, tests are performed in which it is known that a pseudo-skull equipped with a helmet is subjected to radial impacts toward the head. This has resulted in modern helmets having good energy absorption properties in the case of radial impacts toward the skull. Some progress has also been made (e.g., WO2001 / 045526 and WO2011 / 139224, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference): helmets are developed to reduce the energy transmitted from oblique impacts (i.e. combining tangential and radial components) by absorbing or dissipating rotational energy and / or redirecting it as translational energy rather than rotational energy.

[0005] This oblique impact (without protection) causes both translational and angular acceleration of the brain. The angular acceleration causes the brain to rotate within the skull, causing damage to the body tissue connecting the brain to the skull as well as to the brain itself.

[0006] Examples of rotational injuries include concussion; subdural haematoma (SDH), hemorrhage due to vascular rupture, and diffuse axonal injury (DAI), which can be summarized as excessive stretching of nerve fibers due to high shear deformation in brain tissue.

[0007] Depending on the characteristics of the rotational force, such as duration, magnitude, and rate of increase, injuries may be caused by SDH, DAI, or a combination of the two. Generally speaking, SDH occurs when the acceleration is short in duration and large in magnitude, while DAI occurs when the acceleration is longer in duration and more widely distributed.

[0008] Attempts have been made to incorporate systems for resisting rotational forces from impacts into full-face helmets that cover part of the wearer's face. However, the ability of prior art devices to protect against rotational forces is limited due to the shape of the jaws which restrict sliding displacement. The present invention aims to at least partially address this problem. Summary of the invention

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a cheek pad for a helmet, the cheek pad comprising: an outer layer; an inner layer; and a sliding interface between the outer layer and the inner layer; wherein the outer layer and the inner layer are configured to slide relative to each other at the sliding interface in response to an impact on the helmet, and the inner layer is configured to contact the side of the wearer's face when the cheek pad is arranged in the helmet and the helmet is worn.

[0010] Optionally, the outer layer and the inner layer each include a plurality of parts; and the outer layer and the inner layer each have a different surface corresponding to each of the plurality of parts at the sliding interface. Optionally, each part of the outer layer is opposite to a corresponding part of the inner layer at the sliding interface.

[0011] Optionally, at least two of said portions of said outer layer and / or said inner layer have substantially different thicknesses.

[0012] Optionally, the different surfaces of the outer layer and the inner layer at the sliding interface are concave and convex respectively. Optionally, the different surfaces of the outer layer and the inner layer at the sliding interface are substantially spherical surfaces.

[0013] Optionally, at least two of the plurality of portions of the outer layer and / or the inner layer have different curvatures at the sliding interface. Optionally, the different surfaces with different curvatures are substantially concentric spherical surfaces.

[0014] Optionally, the plurality of portions of the outer layer and / or the inner layer are formed as a single component. Optionally, the plurality of portions of the outer layer and / or the inner layer are formed as a plurality of corresponding components. Optionally, each of the plurality of corresponding components of the inner layer is configured to slide independently of each other relative to the outer layer.

[0015] Optionally, the cheek pad further comprises an intermediate layer between the outer layer and the inner layer configured to facilitate the sliding between the outer layer and the inner layer. Optionally, the intermediate layer comprises a low friction material layer disposed on, attached to or integrated on one or both of the outer layer and the inner layer.

[0016] Optionally, at least one of the outer layer and the inner layer is an energy absorbing layer configured to absorb a radial energy component of an impact. Optionally, the inner layer is a comfort liner layer configured to provide comfort to the wearer.

[0017] Optionally, the cheek pad further comprises at least one connector connecting the outer layer and the inner layer and is configured to allow the outer layer and the inner layer to slide relative to each other.

[0018] A second aspect of the present invention provides a helmet comprising: an outer shell; an inner shell arranged inside the outer shell to protect the wearer's skull from impact; and the cheek pad of the first aspect arranged inside the outer shell to protect the sides of the wearer's face from impact.

[0019] Optionally, the helmet comprises a further sliding interface between the outer shell and the inner shell, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are configured to slide relative to each other at the further sliding interface in response to an impact to the helmet.

[0020] Optionally, the helmet includes another sliding interface between the exterior of the inner shell and the interior of the inner shell, wherein the exterior of the inner shell and the interior of the inner shell are configured to slide relative to each other at the other sliding interface in response to an impact to the helmet.

[0021] Optionally, a surface of the outer shell and / or the inner shell at the further sliding interface is a substantially spherical surface.

[0022] Optionally, surfaces of the inner and outer layers of the cheek pad at the sliding interface are spherical surfaces substantially concentric with the substantially spherical surface of the shell.

[0023] Optionally, the substantially spherical surfaces of the outer and inner layers of the cheek pad have substantially the same curvature as the substantially spherical surfaces of the outer and inner shells, respectively.

[0024] Optionally, the helmet comprises: an interface layer located between the inner shell and the wearer's head and configured to provide an interface between the helmet and the wearer's head when the helmet is worn; and another sliding interface between the inner shell and the interface layer; wherein the inner shell and the interface layer are configured to slide relative to each other at the another sliding interface in response to an impact to the helmet. Optionally, the interface layer comprises a comfort liner configured to provide comfort to the wearer.

[0025] Optionally, the outer shell is a relatively rigid shell compared to the inner shell.

[0026] Optionally, the inner shell is an energy absorbing shell configured to absorb a radial energy component of an impact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present invention is described below by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a cross section through a helmet for providing protection against oblique impacts;

[0029] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram of how the helmet works;

[0030] Figure 3A , 3B and 3C shows Figure 1 Variations of the structure of the helmet;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another protective helmet;

[0032] Figure 5 Shows the connection Figure 4 Alternative means of attaching the helmet to the device;

[0033] Figure 6 A first example helmet according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 A helmet wherein the outer shell is removed;

[0035] Figure 8 Shows Figure 6 The inner shell of the helmet shown in ;

[0036] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 6 cheek pads for the helmet;

[0037] Fig.10 Shown in more detail Fig. 9 cheek pads;

[0038] Fig.11 An example cheek pad with a spherical surface at the sliding interface is shown;

[0039] Fig.12 An example of an inner helmet shell and an outer layer of a cheek pad are shown, each having a spherical surface at a respective sliding interface;

[0040] Fig.13 A second example helmet according to the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] For the sake of clarity, the proportions of the thickness of the various layers in the helmet shown in the drawings have been exaggerated in the drawings and may of course be adjusted according to needs and requirements.

[0042] Figure 1 A first helmet 1 of the type discussed in WO 01 / 45526 is shown, intended to provide protection against oblique impacts. This type of helmet may be any of the types discussed above.

[0043] The protective helmet 1 is constructed with an outer shell 2 and an inner shell 3, arranged inside the outer shell 2 and intended to be in contact with the wearer's head. Alternatively, a comfort liner layer or a separate attachment device may be additionally provided to contact the wearer's head.

[0044] Arranged between the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 is a sliding layer 4 or a slip promoter (also referred to as an intermediate layer), and thus forms a possible displacement at the sliding interface between the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3. Specifically, as discussed below, the sliding layer 4 or the slip promoter can be configured so that sliding can occur between the two components during an impact. For example, the sliding layer 4 or the slip promoter can be configured so that it allows sliding when subjected to forces associated with an impact on the helmet 1, which forces are expected to exist for the wearer of the helmet 1. In some arrangements, it is necessary to configure the sliding layer or the slip promoter so that the friction coefficient is between 0.001 and 0.3 and / or below 0.15.

[0045] exist Figure 1In the depiction of FIG. 1 , arranged in the edge portion of the helmet 1 may be one or more connectors 5 interconnecting the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3. In some arrangements, the connectors may counteract mutual displacement between the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 by absorbing energy. However, this is not necessary. Furthermore, even if this feature is present, the amount of energy absorbed is typically minimal compared to the energy absorbed by the inner shell 3 during an impact. In other arrangements, the connectors 5 may be different, or not present at all.

[0046] Furthermore, the positions of these connecting members 5 may be different (eg, disposed away from the edge portion and connecting the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 via the sliding layer 4).

[0047] The outer shell 2 is preferably relatively thin and strong so as to withstand various types of impacts. The outer shell 2 may be made of a polymer material such as polycarbonate (PC), polyvinylchloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Advantageously, the polymer material may be fiber reinforced, using materials such as glass fiber, Aramid, Twaron, carbon fiber or Kevlar.

[0048] The inner shell 3 is relatively thick and acts as an energy absorbing layer. It is therefore able to dampen or absorb impacts to the head. It may advantageously be made of a foam material, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polyurethane (EPU), vinyl nitrile foam; or other materials, such as forming a honeycomb structure; or strain rate sensitive foams such as sold under the trade names PoronTM and D3OTM. The construction may be varied in different ways, for example appearing in the following as multiple layers of different materials.

[0049] The inner shell 3 is designed to absorb the energy of the impact. Other elements of the helmet 1 will absorb this energy to a limited extent (e.g. the hard outer shell 2 or a so-called "comfort liner" provided within the inner shell 3) but this is not their primary purpose and their contribution to energy absorption is minimal compared to the energy absorption of the inner shell 3. In fact, although some other elements, such as the comfort liner, may be made of "compressible" materials and be considered "energy absorbing" in other contexts, it is well recognized in the helmet art that "compressible" materials are not necessarily "energy absorbing" in terms of absorbing large amounts of energy during an impact, with the goal of reducing injury to the helmet wearer.

[0050] Many different materials and embodiments can be used as the sliding layer 4 or the slip promoter, such as oil, Teflon, microspheres, air, rubber, polycarbonate (PC), gel, fabric materials such as felt, etc. Such a layer can have a thickness of about 0.1-5 mm, but other thicknesses can also be used, depending on the material selected and the desired properties. The number of sliding layers and their positions can also be varied, and this will be described below (see Figure 3B )discuss.

[0051] As connecting element 5 , use is made of, for example, a deformable strip made of plastic (eg elastomer) or metal, which is anchored in a suitable manner in the outer shell and in the inner shell.

[0052] Figure 2 The working principle of the protective helmet 1 is shown, wherein the helmet 1 and the skull 10 of the wearer are assumed to be semi-cylindrical, wherein the skull 10 is mounted on a longitudinal axis 11, and when the helmet 1 is subjected to an oblique impact force K, a torsional force and a torsional moment are transmitted to the skull 10. The impact force K generates a tangential force K against the protective helmet 1 T and radial force K R In this particular case, only the helmet rotation tangential force K T And its role is of concern.

[0053] It can be seen that the force K causes a displacement 12 of the outer shell 2 relative to the inner shell 3, and the connection 5 is deformed. By such an arrangement, a reduction of about 25% in the torsional force transmitted to the skull 10 can be obtained. This is a result of the sliding movement between the inner shell 3 and the outer shell 2 reducing the amount of energy transmitted to the radial acceleration.

[0054] The sliding movement may also occur in the circumferential direction of the protective helmet 1, although this is not shown. This may be the result of a circumferential angular rotation between the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 (i.e., during an impact, the outer shell 2 may rotate relative to the inner shell 3 at a circumferential angle).

[0055] Other arrangements of the protective helmet 1 are also possible. Several possible variations are shown in Figure 3a. In Figure 3a, the inner shell 3 consists of a relatively thin outer layer 3" and a relatively thick inner layer 3'. The outer layer 3' can be harder than the inner layer 3' to help promote sliding relative to the outer shell 2. In Figure 3b, the inner shell 3 is constructed in the same way as in Figure 3a. However, in this case, there are two sliding layers 4, between which there is an intermediate shell 6. If necessary, the two sliding layers 4 can be implemented differently and made of different materials. For example, one possibility is to have lower friction in the outer sliding layer than in the inner sliding layer. In Figure 3c, the inner shell 3 includes an outer part 3' and an inner part 3'. The inner part 3' can have the same material as the outer part 3'. The slip promoter 4 is arranged between the inner part 3' and the outer part 3'.

[0056] Figure 4 A second helmet 1 of the category discussed in WO 2011 / 139224 is shown, which is also intended to provide protection against oblique impacts. This type of helmet may also be any of the types discussed above.

[0057] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the helmet 1 comprises an energy absorbing layer 3, similar to Figure 1 The inner shell 3 of the helmet, the outer surface of the energy absorbing layer 3 may be provided by the same material as the energy absorbing layer 3 (i.e., there may be no additional outer shell), or the outer surface may be the same as Figure 1 The outer shell 2 of the helmet shown is a relatively rigid shell 2 (see Figure 5 ). In this case, the rigid shell 2 can be made of a different material from the energy absorbing layer 3. Figure 4 The helmet 1 has a plurality of ventilation holes 7 , which are optional, extending through the energy absorbing layer 3 and the outer shell 2 , thereby allowing airflow through the helmet 1 .

[0058] An attachment device (or interface layer) 13 is provided for attaching the helmet 1 to the wearer's head. The attachment device 13 can be configured to attach to the wearer's head. As previously discussed, this can be desirable when the size of the energy absorbing layer 3 and the rigid shell 2 cannot be adjusted, as it allows different sized heads to be accommodated by adjusting the size of the attachment device 13. The attachment device 13 can be made of an elastic or semi-elastic polymer material, such as PC, ABS, PVC or PTFE, or a natural fiber material, such as cotton. For example, a cap or mesh of fabric can form the attachment device 13. Optionally, the attachment device 13 can include a comfort padding layer.

[0059] Although the attachment device 13 is shown as comprising a headband portion with another band portion extending from the front, back, left and right sides, the specific configuration of the attachment device 13 may vary depending on the configuration of the helmet. In some cases, the attachment device may be more like a continuous (shaped) sheet, possibly with holes or gaps, for example, corresponding to the location of the vents 7, to allow air flow through the helmet.

[0060] Figure 4 Also shown is an optional adjustment device 6 for adjusting the diameter of the headband of the attachment device 13 for a particular wearer. In other arrangements, the headband may be an elastic headband, in which case the adjustment device 6 may not be included. However, the attachment device 13 does not have to be adjustable.

[0061] The slip promoter 4 is arranged radially inside the energy absorbing layer 3, ie closer to the wearer's head. The slip promoter 4 is adapted to slide against the energy absorbing layer or against an attachment device 13 provided for attaching the helmet to the wearer's head.

[0062] The slip promoter 4 is arranged to assist the sliding of the energy absorbing layer 3 relative to the attachment device 13 at the sliding interface in the same manner as described above. The slip promoter 4 may be a material having a low coefficient of friction, or may be coated with such a material.

[0063] Therefore, in Figure 4 In a helmet, the slip promoter may be disposed on or integrated with the innermost side of the energy absorbing layer 3 (ie, the side closest to the wearer's head), facing the attachment device 13.

[0064] However, it is also conceivable that the slip promoter 4 may be disposed on or integrated with the outer surface of the attachment device 13, for the same purpose of providing slidability between the energy absorbing layer 3 and the attachment device 13. That is, in a particular arrangement, the attachment device 13 itself may be adapted to act as a slip promoter 4 and may include a low friction material.

[0065] The slip promoter may be disposed on the energy absorbing layer and the attachment device, or may be integrated with the energy absorbing layer and the attachment device. For example, the slip promoter may be disposed in two parts associated with the energy absorbing layer and the attachment device, respectively. Alternatively, the slip promoter may include a layer of sliding material attached to both the energy absorbing layer and the attachment device, for example, a gel material configured to shear in response to an impact.

[0066] In other words, the slip promoter 4 is arranged radially inside the energy absorbing layer 3. The slip promoter may also be arranged radially outside the attachment device 13.

[0067] When the attachment device 13 is formed as a cap or a web (as described above), the slip promoter 4 may be provided as a sheet of low friction material.

[0068] The low friction material can be a waxy polymer, such as PTFE, ABS, PVC, PC, Nylon, PFA, EEP, PE and UHMWPE, or a powdered material that can be injected with a lubricant. The low friction material can be a fabric material. As discussed, the low friction material can be applied to any one or all of the slip-promoting material and the energy absorbing layer.

[0069] The attachment device 13 can be attached by means of a fixing member 5 such as Figure 4 The four fixings 5a, 5a, 5c and 5d in the embodiment of the present invention are fixed to the energy absorbing layer 3 and / or the outer shell 2. It can be adapted to absorb energy by deforming in an elastic, semi-elastic or plastic manner. However, this is not necessary. Moreover, during an impact, even in the presence of this feature, the amount of energy absorbed is generally minimal compared to the amount of energy absorbed by the energy absorbing layer 3.

[0070] according to Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the four fixing members 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d are suspension members 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d having a first and a second part 8, 9, wherein the first part 8 of the suspension members 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d is suitable for fixing to the attachment device 13, and the second part 9 of the suspension members 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d is suitable for fixing to the energy absorbing layer 3.

[0071] Figure 5 The helmet is shown similar to Figure 4 An embodiment of a helmet in. Figure 5 The helmet 1 comprises a rigid outer shell 2 made of a different material than the energy absorbing layer 3. Figure 4 In comparison, Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the attachment device 13 is fixed to the energy absorbing layer 3 by means of two fixings 5a, 5b, which are adapted to absorb energy and forces elastically, semi-elastically or plastically.

[0072] exist Figure 5The rotational force generated by a frontal oblique impact I on the helmet is shown in FIG. The oblique impact I causes the energy absorbing layer 3 to slide relative to the attachment device 13. The attachment device 13 is fixed to the energy absorbing layer 3 by means of fixings 5a, 5b. Although only two such fixings are shown for clarity, in practice, there may be many such fixings. The fixing 5 can absorb the rotational force by elastically or semi-elastically deforming. In other arrangements, the deformation may be plastic, even resulting in the severance of one or more fixings 5. In the case of plastic deformation, at least the fixing 5 will need to be replaced after the impact. In some cases, a combination of plastic and elastic deformations in the fixings 5 ​​may occur, i.e., some fixings 5 ​​break (plastically absorb energy) while other fixings deform elastically and absorb force.

[0073] Usually, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the helmet, during the impact, the energy absorbing layer 3 is Figure 1 The inner shell of the helmet is compressed in the same way as an impact absorber. If an outer shell 2 is used, this will help to spread the impact energy to the energy absorbing layer 3. The slip promoter 4 will also allow sliding between the attachment device and the energy absorbing layer. This allows the energy that would otherwise be transmitted to the brain as rotational energy to be dissipated in a controlled manner. The energy can be dissipated through frictional heat, deformation of the energy absorbing layer, or deformation or displacement of the fixing. Reduced energy transmission leads to reduced rotational acceleration acting on the brain, thereby reducing the rotation of the brain within the skull. The risk of rotational injuries such as subdural hematoma (SDH), ruptured blood vessels, concussions and DAI is thereby reduced.

[0074] Figure 6 is an orthogonal view of a helmet 1 according to the present disclosure. The helmet 1 may be, at least in part, Figures 1 to 5 Any of the example helmets described are constructed in a similar manner. However, in Figure 6 In the example helmet 1, the outer shell 2 covers the sides of the wearer's face and / or jaw. Figure 6 Helmets of the type 1 are sometimes referred to as full face helmets. Figure 6 The helmet 1 in FIG. 1 includes cheek pads 20 that are configured to contact the sides of the wearer's face when the helmet is worn. In some examples, the cheek pads 20 may not contact the sides of the wearer's face during normal use (but only when the helmet receives an impact). However, in most examples, the cheek pads 20 are configured to contact the sides of the wearer's face during normal use. Optionally, a brim may be provided to cover the wearer's eye area.

[0075] The outer shell 2 may be a relatively hard outer shell, compared to, for example, the inner shell 3. The outer shell 2 may be combined with Figures 1 to 5The outer shell 2 of the helmet described in the example helmet shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same. In addition, at least one connector that connects the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 and is configured to allow the outer shell 2 and the inner and outer shell 3 to slide relative to each other may be provided. The connector may be combined with the above Figures 1 to 5 The connectors described in the example helmet shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same.

[0076] Figure 7 The outer housing 2 is shown Figure 6 The inner shell 3 and the cheek pads 20 are thus visible. The inner shell 3 is arranged inside the outer shell 2 to protect the wearer's skull from impact. The inner shell 3 may be configured to substantially cover the forehead, top of the head, back of the head and / or temples of the wearer. The inner shell 3 may substantially cover the wearer's skull. The inner shell 3 may be an energy absorbing shell configured to absorb the radial energy component of an impact. For example, the inner shell 3 may be combined with the above Figures 1 to 5 The inner shell 3 described in the example helmet shown in FIG.

[0077] The cheek pads 20 may be provided on any side (i.e., left and right) of the helmet 1. The cheek pads 20 may be provided within the outer shell 2 of the helmet 1 to protect the sides of the wearer's face from impact. Thus, the cheek pads 20 may be provided to substantially cover the cheeks and / or chin of the wearer. The cheek pads may be configured to substantially cover the mandible of the wearer.

[0078] As mentioned above, the helmet 1 can be combined with Figures 1 to 5 The example helmets described are constructed in substantially the same manner. Figure 8 In the example helmet shown, a sliding interface may be provided between the outer portion 3" of the inner shell 3 and the inner portion 3' of the inner shell 3. Thus, the outer portion 3" of the inner shell 3 and the inner portion 3' of the inner shell 3 are configured to slide relative to each other at the sliding interface in response to an impact to the helmet. This arrangement is similar to Figure 3C The arrangement shown in Figure 8 In the example of FIG. 5 , the surfaces of the outer part 3 ″ and the inner part 3 ′ at the sliding interface are spherical surfaces. The sphere corresponding to the surface is Figure 8 Shown in for reference.

[0079] Optionally, a sliding interface may be provided between the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 such that the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 are configured to slide relative to each other at the sliding interface in response to an impact to the helmet. Figure 1 , 2 , 3A and 3B. The surfaces of the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 at the sliding interface may be substantially spherical surfaces.

[0080] Optionally, the helmet may include an interface layer (or attachment device) between the inner shell 3 and the wearer's head, and the interface layer (or attachment device) is configured to provide an interface between the helmet 1 and the wearer's head when the helmet is worn. A sliding interface may be provided between the inner shell 3 and the interface layer, such that the inner shell 3 and the interface layer are configured to slide relative to each other at the sliding interface in response to an impact to the helmet. Such an arrangement is similar to Figure 4 and 5 The arrangement of the example helmet shown in . The interface layer may include a comfort liner configured to provide comfort to the wearer.

[0081] In each of the above cases, a slip enhancer (or intermediate layer) may be provided at the sliding interface between the helmet shell or parts thereof. Figures 1 to 5 The slide promoters described in the example helmet shown in are substantially the same. In addition, in each of the above cases, sliding can occur in any direction.

[0082] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A first embodiment of a cheek pad 20 according to the present disclosure is shown. Fig. 9 As shown, the cheek pad 20 includes an outer layer 30 and an inner layer 40. A sliding interface is provided between the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40, so that the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40 are configured to slide relative to each other at the sliding interface in response to an impact on the helmet. Fig. 9 As shown, when the cheek pads 20 are arranged in the helmet 1 and the helmet 1 is worn, the inner layer 30 is configured to contact the sides of the wearer's face.

[0083] In this embodiment, the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40 each include a plurality of parts (parts 30A, 30B and 40A, 40B, respectively). The outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40 each have different surfaces at the sliding interface corresponding to each of the plurality of parts (surfaces 31A, 31B and 41A, 41B, respectively). Fig.10 As shown, at the sliding interface, each portion 30A, 30B of the outer layer 30 is opposite to a corresponding portion 40A, 40B of the inner layer 40. Different surfaces of the outer layer and the inner layer can be opposite to each other. The different surfaces can be sliding surfaces configured to slide against the opposite surface.

[0084] Although Fig.10Each of the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40 shown in the figure comprises two parts, but any number of multiple parts can be provided. At least two of the multiple parts of the outer layer 30 and / or the inner layer 40 can have significantly different thicknesses. In other words, the distances of the surfaces at the sliding interfaces of the multiple opposing parts (parts 30A, 40A and 30B, 40B, respectively) from the outer surface of the helmet (i.e., the outer shell) and / or from the sides of the wearer's face, respectively, can be very different.

[0085] like Fig.10 As shown, the cheek side portion 40A of the inner layer 40 is thinner than the jaw side portion 40B of the inner layer 40. Conversely, the cheek side portion 30A of the outer layer 30 is thicker than the jaw side portion 30B of the outer layer 30. In the example shown, the total thickness of the cheek pad 20 is substantially the same between the two combined parts 30A, 40A and 30B, 40B. This may be because the outer shell 2 of the helmet 1 is shaped to substantially correspond to the shape of the cheek and jaw of the wearer. However, this shape may not be ideal for sliding. Therefore, the respective thicknesses of the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40 may be different in order to improve sliding.

[0086] The cheeks and jaws (mandible) are relatively non-spherical (e.g., compared to the skull), having an elongated shape at the point where they enter the jaw. In contrast, the ideal shape for sliding movement is a spherical shape, as no geometric locking occurs when the components move relative to each other. Thus, improved sliding can be obtained when the surfaces of the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40 at the sliding interface are more spherical than the natural shape of the cheeks and jaws. A perfectly spherical shape may not be necessary, as only a relatively small amount of sliding movement may be required. Thus, even non-spherical surfaces can work in a similar manner to spherical surfaces.

[0087] Preferably, different surfaces at the sliding interface of the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40 may be concave and convex, respectively. The curvatures of different relative portions (portions 30A, 40A and 30B, 40B, respectively) may be different from each other. For example, the surfaces (the surfaces further away from the outer surface of the helmet and / or closer to the sides of the wearer's face) may be more curved than the surfaces closer to the outer surface of the helmet and / or further away from the sides of the wearer's face.

[0088] exist Fig. 9 and 10 In the example helmet 1 shown, the surfaces of the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40 at the sliding interface are substantially spherical surfaces. The different surfaces of the outer layer 30 and / or the inner layer 40 at the sliding interface have different curvatures from each other in the example with more than two parts. This is due to Fig.11 The reference sphere shown is shown. In this example helmet 1, the cheek side portions 30A, 40A are Fig.11On the other hand, the mandibular side portions 30B and 40B have a spherical surface at the sliding interface corresponding to the inner sphere. Fig.11 The sliding interface corresponding to the external ball in the embodiment has a spherical surface. In other words, the surface of the cheek side portion 30A, 40A is more curved than the surface of the mandibular side portion 30B, 40B. Fig.11 As shown, the surfaces with different curvatures are substantially concentric spherical surfaces, ie, the spherical surfaces are surfaces of concentric spheres. A plurality of spherical surfaces with different curvatures can allow spherical sliding in a non-spherical helmet.

[0089] Fig.12 Shows Fig.11 The mandibular side portion 30B of the outer layer 30 and the external reference sphere, and Figure 8 The inner shell 3 of the helmet. Fig.12 As shown, the substantially spherical surface at the sliding interface of the outer layer 40 and the inner layer 30 of the cheek pad 20 may have substantially the same curvature as the substantially spherical surface at the sliding interface of the outer and / or inner shells 2, 3. Specifically, the surface of the mandibular side portion 30B at the sliding interface may have the same curvature as the surface at the sliding interface of the outer portion 3" of the inner shell 3, and similarly, the surface of the mandibular side portion 40B of the inner layer 40 at the sliding interface may have the same curvature as the surface at the sliding interface of the inner portion 3' of the inner shell 3. In addition, the surfaces of the inner layer 30 and the outer layer 40 of the cheek pad 20 at the sliding interface may be substantially spherical surfaces concentric with the substantially spherical surfaces of the outer shell 2 and / or the inner shell 3.

[0090] In combination Figures 6 to 12 In the first embodiment described, the multiple parts of the outer layer 30 and / or the inner layer 40 (parts 30A, 30B and 40A, 40B, respectively) can be formed as a single component. Alternatively, the multiple parts of the outer layer 30 and / or the inner layer 40 can be formed as a plurality of corresponding parts. In the case where the parts of the inner layer 40 are formed by a plurality of corresponding parts, these parts can be configured to slide independently of each other relative to the outer layer 30.

[0091] Fig.13 A second embodiment of a cheek pad 20 according to the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the outer layer 30 of the cheek pad 20 is not formed of multiple parts, but is formed of a single part. Therefore, a single different surface 31 at the sliding interface is provided in the single part. The inner layer 40 of the cheek pad 20 may include a single part that opposes the single part of the outer layer 30 at the sliding interface. Alternatively, the inner layer 40 may include multiple parts, each of the multiple parts having a different surface corresponding to each of the multiple parts at the sliding interface. In this case, each part of the inner layer 40 may oppose the single part of the outer layer 30 at the sliding interface.

[0092] As described above in conjunction with the first embodiment, the surface at the sliding interface of the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40 at the sliding interface can be concave and convex respectively. In a specific example, the surface can be a substantially spherical surface, as described above in conjunction with the first embodiment.

[0093] In the two embodiments and their variations, as described above, the cheek pad 20 may further include an intermediate layer between the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40, the intermediate layer being configured to facilitate sliding between the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40. The intermediate layer may be substantially combined with the above Figures 1 to 5 The example helmet shown in Figure 1 is the same as the slip-promoting material 4 described in the example helmet. For example, the middle layer may include a low-friction material layer disposed on, attached to, or integrated into one or all of the outer layer and the inner layer. In addition, in each of the described embodiments, sliding can occur in any direction.

[0094] At least one of the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 40 may be an energy absorbing layer configured to absorb the radial energy component of the impact. The energy absorbing layer may be formed, for example, in combination with Figures 1 to 5 The energy absorbing layer of the example helmet shown in FIG. 4 is formed of the same materials as described. Inner layer 40 may be a comfort liner layer configured to provide comfort to the wearer.

[0095] Furthermore, the cheek pad may be provided with at least one connector connecting the outer layer and the inner layer and configured to allow the outer layer and the inner layer to slide relative to each other. Figures 1 to 5 The connectors described in the example helmet shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same.

[0096] Variations of the above embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. It should be appreciated that the invention may be practiced and specifically described herein in other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A helmet, comprising: External housing; an inner shell disposed within the outer shell to protect the wearer's skull from impact; a first sliding interface between the outer shell and the inner shell, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are configured to slide relative to each other at the first sliding interface in response to an oblique impact to the helmet, wherein the sliding occurs at least in a circumferential direction of the helmet due to circumferential angular rotation between the outer shell and the inner shell; and A cheek pad disposed within the outer shell to protect the sides of the wearer's face from impact, the cheek pad comprising: Outer layer; Inner layer; and a second sliding interface between the outer layer and the inner layer; wherein, in response to an oblique impact to the helmet causing the outer shell and the inner shell to slide relative to each other, the outer layer and the inner layer are configured to also slide relative to each other at the second sliding interface, and The inner layer is configured to contact the sides of the wearer's face when the cheek pads are arranged in the helmet and the helmet is worn; and The inner layer includes a plurality of portions, each of the plurality of portions having a different surface corresponding to each of the plurality of portions at the second sliding interface, wherein at least two of the plurality of portions of the inner layer have different thicknesses.

2. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein: The outer layer includes a plurality of parts; and the outer layer has a different surface corresponding to each of the plurality of parts at the second sliding interface.

3. The helmet according to claim 2, wherein: Each portion of the outer layer is opposed to a corresponding portion of the inner layer at the second sliding interface.

4. The helmet according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: At least two of the plurality of portions of the outer layer have different thicknesses.

5. A helmet according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein: Different surfaces of the outer layer and the inner layer at the second sliding interface are concave and convex, respectively.

6. The helmet according to claim 5, wherein: The different surfaces of the outer layer and the inner layer at the second sliding interface are spherical surfaces.

7. A helmet according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein: The different surfaces of at least two of the plurality of portions of the outer layer and / or the inner layer at the second sliding interface have curvatures different from each other.

8. The helmet according to claim 7, wherein: The different surfaces having different curvatures are concentric spherical surfaces.

9. A helmet according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein: The portions of the outer layer and / or the inner layer are formed as a single component.

10. A helmet according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein: The portions of the outer layer and / or the inner layer are formed as a plurality of respective parts.

11. The helmet according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the plurality of corresponding components of the inner layer are configured to slide independently of each other relative to the outer layer.

12. A helmet according to any preceding claim, further comprising: An intermediate layer between the outer layer and the inner layer is configured to facilitate the sliding between the outer layer and the inner layer.

13. The helmet according to claim 12, wherein: The intermediate layer includes a layer of low friction material disposed on one or both of the outer layer and the inner layer.

14. A helmet according to any preceding claim, wherein: At least one of the outer layer and the inner layer is an energy absorbing layer configured to absorb a radial energy component of an impact.

15. A helmet according to any preceding claim, wherein: The inner layer is a comfort liner layer configured to provide comfort to the wearer.

16. A helmet according to any preceding claim, further comprising: At least one connector connects the outer layer and the inner layer and is configured to allow the outer layer and the inner layer to slide relative to each other.

17. A helmet according to any preceding claim, comprising a further sliding interface between the exterior of the inner shell and the interior of the inner shell, wherein: The inner shell exterior and the inner shell interior are configured to slide relative to each other at the other sliding interface in response to an impact to the helmet.

18. The helmet according to claim 17, wherein: The surface of the outer shell and / or the inner shell at the further sliding interface is a spherical surface.

19. The helmet according to claim 18, wherein: The surfaces of the inner layer and the outer layer of the cheek pad at the second sliding interface are spherical surfaces that are concentric with the spherical surfaces of the outer shell and / or the inner shell.

20. The helmet of claim 19, wherein: The spherical surfaces of the outer layer and the inner layer of the cheek pad have the same curvature as the spherical surfaces of the outer shell and the inner shell, respectively.

21. A helmet according to any preceding claim, further comprising: an interface layer located between the inner shell and the wearer's head and configured to provide an interface between the helmet and the wearer's head when the helmet is worn; as well as another sliding interface between the inner shell and the interface layer; Wherein the inner shell and the interface layer are configured to slide relative to each other at the further sliding interface in response to an impact to the helmet.

22. The helmet according to claim 21, wherein The interface layer includes a comfort liner configured to provide comfort to the wearer.

23. A helmet according to any preceding claim, wherein: The outer shell is a relatively rigid shell compared to the inner shell.

24. A helmet according to any preceding claim, wherein: The inner shell is an energy absorbing shell configured to absorb the radial energy component of an impact.

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