A helmet arrangement

Abstract

A helmet insert strip (10) and a helmet (12) having the same, the strip comprising an elongate arcuate body. The strip has a plurality of apertures in the external surface to allow fluid communication between the inside of the strip and the outside thereof.

Description

[0001] A Helmet Arrangement

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to elongate helmet insert strips for ventilation and / or impact protection, the insert strips being for application to the internal surface of a helmet, particularly for a sports helmet.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] Helmets are an important piece of personal protection equipment in various activities, for example, work, particularly construction, and for sporting activities, for example, cycling, cricket, baseball, skiing and skating.

[0006] Oftentimes, helmets are larger than a user’s head and they may be held more securely on a user by inserting foam pads onto the internal surface, which allows the helmet to be more readily fitted to the contours of a user’s head. In addition to foam pads, in more recent times, it has become known to scan a user’s head and to create a three-dimensionally printed shell that fits snuggly to a user’ s head and fits into a helmet, thereby reducing the risk of the helmet moving during use.

[0007] Whilst a comfortable fit of the helmet is an important consideration, foam pads and shells can fill the space between the user’s head and the helmet and reduce the airflow, which can, in turn, make the helmet uncomfortable due to the increased build-up of heat. Foams often do not allow sufficient airflow through the internal structure to provide good ventilation. It has been shown that when a user wears a helmet, a wearer’s ability to perform certain activities can be reduced when heat builds up around the wearer’s head. Conventionally, one would create more air holes in the outer shell of the helmet, but this can reduce the protection afforded by the helmet.

[0008] A further problem associated with the three-dimensional printing of head shells is that they take up a lot of space, particularly during transportation and can be very expensive to produce. Taking into account the space required to transport such shells, the emission produced per kilogram of product can be considerable, because there is a lot of empty space involved.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a helmet insert strip comprising an elongate body.

[0011] Preferably, the elongate helmet insert strip has a plurality of apertures in the external surface to allow fluid communication between the inside of the strip and the outside thereof. The helmet insert strip may be used for ventilation and / or impact protection, which is to say that the strip can absorb impact, thereby reducing the risk of injury to a wearer. Whilst the strip may have a solid external surface, at least one aperture are preferred to allow the flow of air therethrough. The shape of the aperture(s) may vary according to the required airflow and ventilation, for example, one or more slits may be provided and / or various circular or other shaped apertures can be employed.

[0012] Thus, the present invention comprises a substantially elongate section of material having an internal space and an external surface. The internal space of the strip of material is substantially vacant of material internally, which is to say that it has an arrangement to allow the flow of air therein and therethrough. Thus, the internal section of the helmet insert strip has at least one fluid channel to allow the passage of air through the strip, thereby allowing movement of air from one part of the strip to another, thus, assisting with ventilation within the helmet, when worn. The external surface of the strip has a plurality of openings or apertures to allow airflow from outside the strip into the strip and therethrough, passing out of a different aperture in a different part of the strip. Thus, heat can be directed away from one location through the internal section of the strip, whereafter it can be dispersed. The helmet insert strip is constructed or manufactured so that it has an arcuate shape that it retains after manufacture and prior to installation into a helmet. The strip may be provided with a convex arcuate surface for fixing to the internal surface of a helmet, and a concave arcuate surface for receiving a user’ s head, when the strip is within a helmet. This shape can allow the strip to fit readily onto the arcuate internal surface of a helmet as it can be shaped to conform with the internal surface of a helmet without deformation.

[0013] The elongate strip has a width that is significantly less than its length, hence being elongate, and it may have a substantially constant width. For example, the width may be less than a quarter of the length, and, preferably, less than an eighth of the length. Advantageously, the strip has a substantially constant width over the majority of its length. The overall width is, preferably, less than 50mm, and, more preferably, less than 40mm. The widths of the insert strips may be different within a helmet. For example, one or two central strips may be of a first width and the outer strips of a different width. Alternatively, they may all be different widths.

[0014] Advantageously, the elongate strip is provided with a lattice, truss or scaffold. This lattice structure may be designed to crush when the strip is subjected a force greater than a predetermined amount. Thus, helmet insert strips can be created so that upon being subjected to a force, the insert strips will crush or fracture to disperse the force. The internal element acts as a crush zone to cushion impact, thereby reducing the risk of injury to a user. Such a helmet insert strip can be created using a three-dimensional printing method. The strip may be created from a plastics material printed wire, thereby creating a wire frame allowing the flow of air therethrough, but also providing a gap or space between the user’s head and the helmet. Preferably, at least the internal structure of the elongate helmet insert strip is constructed from a resilient plastics material lattice structure, which, more preferably, comprises a hydrophobic material. In a preferred construction, the wire frame structure is internal to the outer surface and it may be integrate therewith, which is to say that the strip is constructed as whole unit, rather than being a plurality of parts connected to one another. The wire frame structure may connect opposing surfaces of the strip. In a different arrangement, an internal section may be provided to which the wire frame is connected, with the wire frame then attaching to opposing sides. It will be appreciated that more than one internal section can be provided, with the wire frame connecting thereto in order to provide the necessary rigidity.

[0015] Thus, the invention may be in the form of helmet insert strip having an integral internal resilient plastics material printed wire frame scaffold or lattice structure, and the insert being constructed with an arcuate fixing surface to allow the elongate strip to be affixed to the internal surface of a helmet whilst substantially maintaining its shape.

[0016] The helmet insert strips may be resiliently compressible, which is to say that once compressed, or squashed, they will return to their original shape. Thus, they may compress so a third, half, two-thirds or three-quarters of their ‘rest’ thickness before resiliently returning to their original shape. Alternatively, the strips may be substantially rigid.

[0017] The strip, preferably, comprises a section of hydrophobic material, which is, more preferably, in the form of a lattice structure. The hydrophobic material provides impact protection, and it may be in the form of a shaped foam element. Therefore, the helmet insert strip of the present invention has a layer of hydrophobic material. It will be appreciated that an open cell structure may be preferable, in order to allow the flow of air through the strip. Whilst a very open cell foam might be used in the present invention; however, a structure that is created with a clear and / or predetermined airflow channel is preferred. For example, a plastics material structure can allow a predictable and known amount of airflow. In some arrangements, the structure is printed, although it could be cast or extruded. Thus, compared with an open cell foam, the airflow through a ventilation strip of the present invention has a high degree of airflow. For comfort, the insert strips may be provided with a cushioning material on their concave surface and / or a moisture wicking material.

[0018] It is envisaged that foams, including closed cell foams, could be used in the manufacture of the helmet insert strips. In one arrangement, the insert strips comprise a resilient plastics material. Such a material will allow the insert strip to flex, which can provide some degree of cushioning within the strips, thereby providing a level of impact protection in addition to the improved airflow.

[0019] The helmet insert strips may be provided with a surface coating on one or more surfaces thereof. For example, a softer, cushioning material may be applied to the surface that will, in use, contact the wearer’s head. Similarly, an adhesive or part of a hook-and-eye arrangement may be provided on the surface that, in use, contacts the internal surface of the helmet. Further materials, such as a soft breathable material or a sweat-absorbing material may be applied to the strips.

[0020] The helmet insert strips allow a space or gap to be created between the internal surface of the helmet in which they are installed and a user’s head. This gap allows for increased airflow and the insert strips can provide some cushioning and impact protection.

[0021] The invention extends to a helmet, preferably a sports helmet, comprising: an outer protective shell with an arcuate internal surface; and a plurality of helmet insert strips as described herein; wherein the helmet insert strips are arranged on the internal surface of the helmet.

[0022] In such an arrangement, a standard helmet can be adapted to fit a user more comfortably. The helmet may have an internal expanded polystyrene surface onto which the strips can be affixed. The helmet inserts provide cushioning and ventilation to a user in addition to the elongate strips providing further impact protection, beyond the helmet alone. The use of a plurality of elongate strips, rather than a full internal shall allows the helmet to be adapted to the user quickly and comfortably. Spaces between the helmet insert strips allow for increased air flow between the user’s head and the internal surface of the helmet. Furthermore, it is easier to transport the helmet insert strips, thereby reducing the carbon footprint, compared with a full internal head shell. Additionally, the strips can be replaced when required, rather than requiring a whole new head shell, thereby reducing plastics waste. It will also be appreciated that, in some circumstances, a user may move the helmet insert strips between helmets, for example, when the external surface of the helmet becomes damaged, thereby further reducing waste.

[0023] As the helmet insert strips have an arcuate shape, they do not require significant bending, flexing or otherwise deforming in order to conform to the internal surface of the helmet. Thus, there are reduced stresses within the insert strips once installed.

[0024] It is preferable that the strips extend from the front of the helmet to the rear of the helmet internally of the outer shell. It is envisaged that the insert strips are best arranged in an orientation that runs from the front of the helmet to the rear, or substantially in the sagittal plane. Whilst the strips may run transversely or in another orientation, the flow of air and the user comfort are improved by having the strips passing front-to-back, rather than side- to-side. The strip may be manufactured to have an arcuate shape, pre-installation, to allow it to fit into the helmet and / or to fit the user’s head more easily. The strips may be arranged to extend from a focal point in the crown outwards towards the rim of the helmet. Preferably, the insert strips extend, either individually or as a group, through the crown or apex of the internal surface of the helmet. Thus, whilst some arrangements may extend around in the internal circumference of the helmet, adjacent the rim, other, more advantageous arrangements the insert arrangement extend between opposing sides, thereby raising the crown or apex of the internal surface of the helmet away from the user’s head, which can create a gap between the user’s head and the internal surface of the helmet.

[0025] Preferably, a least one of the plurality of strips is shaped to align adjacent another of the strips. To allow for improved airflow, the strips will, ideally, extend from one side of the helmet to the opposing side, running along the inner concave surface of the helmet. Therefore, it is preferred the strips converge towards a position on the medial plane of the helmet at the rear of the helmet and / or at the front of the helmet. Thus, at least one end of the elongate strip may be shaped to decrease in cross-sectional area, and, advantageously, both ends are provided with the decreasing cross-section area. It will be appreciated that the elongate helmet insert strip has a longitudinal axis along its length and the cross- sectional area can be taken as transverse, or lateral, to that axial direction. To that end, at least one of the strips may have an angled, curved, tapered or chamfered section to allow it to fit closely to an adjacent strip and / or straight edges can be employed to ensure the best fit with adjacent strips. This increases the airflow by enlarging the conduit through a first and into, and out of, an adjacent strip. Additionally, by fitting against an adjacent strip, the overall comfort to the user is improved as a more consistent fit is achieved, rather than having gaps between the strips. The shape of at least one end of the strip allows the elongate strips to fit together with minimal spaces between the adjacent ends; however, the strips can diverge along their length to create a gap therebetween. Similarly, at the other end, the strips may converge again to fit snugly together. The use of straight edges on the helmet insert strips can also assist in reducing waste during the manufacturing process and allows the strips to be packaged together neatly for transport.

[0026] Advantageously, the internal surface of the helmet is provided with recesses for receiving the strips. Recesses, or depressions, in the internal surface of the helmet that are adapted to receive the strips, allow for correct alignment and / or positioning of the strips. Thus, where the strips are created to fit a particular contour of user’s head, the recesses can ensure that the strip is placed in the correct location in the helmet so that it is arrange against the correct section of the user’s head. This can be particularly beneficial because if the is arranged to fit a particular line along a user’s head and it is positioned in the wrong place within the concave internal surface of the helmet, the user will find the helmet to be uncomfortable. It will be appreciated that the different strips may fit into different recesses in the helmet. Similarly, one or more sweat absorbing, or hydrophilic layers, may be applied to the helmet in addition to the helmet insert strip. A connection layer may also be provided that can allow the helmet insert strip to be more readily applied to the internal surface of a helmet. The connection layer may comprise adhesive or one part of a hook-and-eye arrangement. Alternatively, or additionally, the external surface of the helmet insert strip may be provided with a push-fit arrangement to allow the strip to be ‘snapped’ into an appropriate recess in the internal surface of the helmet.

[0027] In some arrangements, the helmet insert strips may pass through, or in close proximity to, the crown of the internal section of the helmet. This is to say that the insert strip is arranged to pass through, or closely adjacent to, the vertex of the internal surface, or the point at which the user’s crown of their head would be positioned. The insert strips may pass from the frontal region of the helmet, through the crown region to the rear region, which may be considered ‘front-to-back’, or it may be arranged to pass through the midscalp region, which may be considered ‘side-to-side’. It will be appreciated that smaller strips or pads can be positioned within the helmet, rather than a single strip extending the length of the helmet; however, it is preferable that each strip reaches at least half of the internal length or width of the helmet.

[0028] The invention further extends to a method of providing helmet insert strips for use in a helmet as set out herein, the method comprising the steps of: scanning the contours of an intended user’ s head; using the scanned contour information to create a model of the user’s head; assessing where on the user’s head a helmet will be positioned; and producing a plurality of three-dimensional inserts for insertion into the internal surface of a helmet, the inserts being sized to correspond to the contours of a user’s head.

[0029] Thus, a person’s head may be scanned to obtain a three-dimensional model of the contours of the head upon which a helmet is to be worn. Once the model has been created, the simulation of where a helmet will best fit the person can be calculated. The simulation can then be used to determine where insert strips are best applied to the user’s head and the contours along that section of the three-dimensional model can be used to product a plurality of helmet insert strips that can be applied to the inside of a helmet to make the wearing of the helmet more comfortable for the user. The strips will have a known surface for attachment to the inside of the helmet and a varying surface to fit the contours of the head upon which they are to be applied.

[0030] Once the desired shape of the strips has been determined, the strips can then be produced. The production step is, preferably, undertaken using three-dimensional printing. This may be through deposition printing, for examiner, fused deposition modelling, or through powder fusion. This can result in a custom-fit helmet insert strip.

[0031] Once the helmet insert strips have been created, they can be sent to a user for insertion into the user’s helmet. Thus, the present invention may further comprise the step of applying the inserts the internal surface of a helmet. Where the insert strips are to be transported to a user, the space required to transport them is considerably less than transporting a full-head shell or a helmet with the strips therein. This results in a smaller carbon footprint and less energy involved in transporting the strips when compared to transporting a head-shell, thereby making the present invention more environmentally friendly than existing methods. Having the strips conforming to the contours of the wearer’s head allows the helmet to be more securely and more comfortably worn by the wearer, whilst potentially offering better impact protection. Thus, the helmet is less likely to slip or move when worn.

[0032] Once the user’s three-dimensional model is stored, further strips may be produced quickly when required. This may be important in situations where a helmet may become damaged and require replacement, for example in cycling after a crash. Thus, the user can have a comfortably fitting replacement helmet relatively quickly.

[0033] In another arrangement, once the scanning step has been undertaken, the helmet insert strip can be manufactured in a different manner. For example, a piece of foam may be heat cut or laser cut to conform to the required contours. Alternatively, the foam may be moulded to the required shape.

[0034] It will be appreciated that the helmet can be used in many activities, including construction, and for sporting activities, such as fencing, cycling, cricket, baseball and skiing, climbing, motorsports, motorcycling or skating. The strips can increase the airflow within the helmet by creating a gap between the user and the internal surface of the helmet. This can have the additional advantage of providing some impact protection by cushioning any impact and spreading the load over a larger area.

[0035] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is an image showing an elongate helmet insert strip in accordance with the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a plurality of strips of the present invention; Figure 3 is another view of the arrangement of Figure 2;

[0039] Figure 4 is a further view of the arrangement of Figures 2 and 3;

[0040] Figure 5 is helmet in accordance with the present invention with the strip arrangement contained therein;

[0041] Figure 6 is a further view of a helmet according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 is another view of a helmet according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 8 is a view of the strips of the present invention when adjacent a user’s head;

[0044] Figure 9 is a section view of a helmet according to the present invention when worn by a user;

[0045] Figures 10 to 14 show various arrangements in accordance with the present invention; and Figures 15 and 16 show further arrangements in accordance with the present invention.

[0046] Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0047] Figures 1 to 9 show a plurality of helmet insert strips 10 and a helmet 12 in accordance with the present invention.

[0048] The strip 10 is in the form of an elongate and substantially arcuate body that has a generally rectangular cross-section along the majority of its length. It will be appreciated that the cross-section of the strips may be adjusted according to the intended shape and purpose of the strip 10. The strip 10 is created with a wire frame structure, as shown in Figure 1 and it is formed with a convex arcuate surface for affixing the strip 10 to the inside surface of a helmet 12.

[0049] The strip 10 has an open structure to allow the ingress of air into the interior of the strip and to allow the egress of air therefrom. Thus, the outer surface is provided with a plurality of apertures 14 so air can pass through the strip 10 to allow the movement of heated air through the strip and away from the user’s head 15. As shown in Figure 1, the structure may be in the form of a printed wire structure 16. The convex exterior surface 18 of the strip 10 can be provided with a smoother surface 20 to allow adhesion to the internal surface of a helmet 12. The concave internal surface 21 may, similarly, be provided with a smoother finish to provide a more comfortable surface 21 for contacting a user’s head. Additionally, or alternatively, the concave surface 21 may be provided with a coating in the form of a fabric or plastics polymer material, with may be hydrophilic to absorb water.

[0050] The strips 10 may provide some protection from impact due to the internal structure of filaments that can be used to form a resilient scaffold or truss, thereby providing a structure than can dissipate impact over the whole structure. Preferably, the central lattice structure is integral to the surfaces so as to dissipate forces throughout the whole strip 10.

[0051] In a preferred arrangement, four strips 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd are provided for use in a helmet. The strips 10a to lOd are shaped align along the internal part of a helmet 12, in order to provide comfort and to a wearer. Thus, the strips 10a to lOd can be shaped and arranged to converge upon a predetermined location, for example, the median plane of a helmet. It will be appreciated that the internal surface and the external surface of each of the plurality of strips are not identical.

[0052] In order to fit the converging strips 10a to lOd within the helmet, the lead edge 22 and tail edge 24 can be shaped so that the respective strips can fit closely together. Thus, the lead edge 22 and the tail edge 24 can be tapered or chamfered so that an angle is provided on the end of the strip. As shown in Figures 2 to 8, this allows the strips 10a to lOd to be arranged so that they fit together to provide comfort and protection to the user’s head, whilst maintaining an airflow gap 26 between the strips. The lead edges 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d are shaped to fit around one another, thereby providing a surface at the front internal surface of the helmet 12, which will correspond to the location of the user’s forehead.

[0053] The helmet 12 can be provided with recesses 28 so that the strips 10 can be positioned accurately with the helmet 12. The recesses 28 may be provided with a profile that allow for the snap-fitting of the strips 10 within the helmet, or they may be shaped to allow for adhesive to hold the strips 10 in place. It will be appreciated that other fixing arrangements may be employed, for example, hook-and-eye fastening or other fixings. The helmet 12 may have holes 30 within its structure to allow the movement of air from within the helmet 12 to the outside. Figure 10 shows a further configuration of helmet insert strips 10 within a helmet 12. A first pair of insert strips 10a extend front-to-back with the helmet and a second pair of insert strips 10b extend side-to-side. The ends of the insert strips 10a and 10b are positioned on opposing sides of the helmet 12 and the ends are positioned adjacent the internal rim of the helmet 12.

[0054] Figure 11 shows an arrangement in which the helmet insert strips 10 are arranged in a spoke fashion within a helmet 12. The eight insert strips 10 are arranged with their first ends positioned adjacent the periphery, or rim, of the internal surface of the helmet, and their second ends converging to a point C at the apex, or crown, of the helmet. The converging ends are shaped to allow the strips to sit aside one another around that central point C. It will be appreciated that as the crown of the helmet 12 is not equidistnat from all points on the periphery of the rim, the insert strips are shaped differently to accommodate the different lengths required and the angles for each end of the respective strips 10, although the structure of the insert strips is the same.

[0055] Figure 12 shows a different arrangement, in which two strips 10 are provided, each strip 10 having a two arms 10V with an obtuse angle. Each of the two arms 10V of each strip are provided with a respective finger 10W extending therefrom and directed towards the perimeter of the helmet. Thus, the insert 10 comprises four elongate extensions 10W / 10V. The two strips 10 converge so that the respective external apexes of the obtuse angle meet at the crown C of the helmet. The resulting arrangement is similar to the spoked arrangement of Figure 11 in that elongate portions extend from the crown C.

[0056] Figures 13 and 14 show another arrangement of helmet insert strips 10, wherein four insert strips 10X make up a central “X” shape around the crown C, with the arms of the X-shape extending front-to-back, and four further strips 10Y fit around the first four strips 10X to create arms extending side-to-side.

[0057] Figures 15 and 16 show a helmet arrangement 12 comprising a plurality of lateral strips 10 that extend side-to-side across the helmet 12. Thus, the lateral strips 10 extend from one side of the helmet 12 to an opposing side, rather than extending front-to-back. The insert strips 10 are shaped to have protrusions 10P that can be received within a helmet lining, which may be made from expanded polystyrene. The protrusions 10P are received into the helmet lining by way of push-fit arrangements or they can be fixed using adhesive of other fixing mechanisms. Thus, the fixing points are shown by dots on one of the images.

[0058] The number of strips, four in Figure 15 and six in Figure 16, may depend upon the size of the user’s head, the helmet size and the desired resulting characteristics of the helmet insert arrangement. For example, there may be fewer strips to increase airflow or more strips to increase comfort and impact protection.

[0059] Where the exemplary embodiments show a particular number of insert strips, it will be appreciated that the number may vary. For example, whilst four strips might be shown in a figure, and number between three and ten strips may be arranged to fit within the helmet.

[0060] Clearly, the shape and arrangement of the strips 10 within the helmet may be adjusted. For example, it may be desirable in some arrangements to have a different number of strips, for example, two, three, four, five or six strips. More strips may provide further comfort to the user and may provide more impact protection. The strips may, in some arrangements, have a triangular or oval shape, or another shape that is, preferably elongate. One or both sides of the strip can, in some circumstances, have a wavy edge; however, the strips may still be substantially the same width along their length, with the peaks being the same width. The resulting insert strip has a substantially consistent width along the majority of its length and / or at the widest parts of any shaped edge, rather than being tapered or bulging in the middle or at the ends.

[0061] The strips could be created to have a hollow internal structure to more readily allow the follow of air therethrough. Whilst this may have advantages in respect of airflow, the lack of an internal structure may make the strip weaker in respect of impact resistance.

[0062] The insert strips may be sectioned so that they have breaks along their length, thereby forming discreet sections that, when applied, have the same effect as a single elongate strip. Whilst this is disadvantageous due to the assembly required, there may be some circumstances in which discreet sections forming a strip is useful. In one arrangement, the sections may be joined by thin connectors. Similarly, whilst an elongate strip is described, the invention may be in the form of shaped sections that can be positioned inside a helmet. To that end, dots, squares, hexagons and / or other shapes may be used that are not ‘elongate’, to line the inside of a helmet in the same manner as set out herein.

[0063] Similarly, the insert strips could be manufactured as a collection of blocks or pads with at least one straight edge.

[0064] The internal surface of the helmet can be segmented into strips with flat edges that are readily printed, moulded, cut or formed. Thus, rather than creating elongate strips, a similar result may be achieved by segmenting the internal dome shape of a helmet into blocks that, preferably, all have at least one straight edge. The blocks can be of varying shapes and sizes; however, they can be arranged to fit to the internal dome shape in order to decrease the need for a fully lined internal surface, which allows more efficient production and transport, especially where three-dimensional printing is used. For example, the arrangement within the helmet may be similar to a chess board, where all the “white” squares are removed, and the “black” squares are pads according to the present invention. It will be appreciated that more complex iterations fall within the scope of the present invention being the same concept, but such blocks and strip can be shaped to give better aesthetics, more comfort and / or better protection to a user. The strips, pads and / or blocks that are used to line the internal surface of the helmet are, preferably, provided with at least one straight edge to improve packing and manufacture, and, advantageously, they are also provided with an arcuate shape and a wire frame structure.

Claims

Claims1. A helmet insert strip comprising an elongate body and comprising a plastics material structure.

2. A helmet insert strip hydrophobic according to claim 1, wherein the insert strip comprises a lattice structure.

3. A helmet insert strip according to claim 2, wherein the lattice structure is integral with at least one surface of the helmet insert strip, and the lattice structure extends internally towards an opposing surface.

4. A helmet insert strip according to claim 3, wherein the lattice structure extends to, and is integral with, an opposing surface.

5. A helmet insert strip according to any preceding claim, wherein the helmet insert strip has a convex surface for affixing the strip to the internal surface of a helmet, and a concave surface for contacting a user’s head, when worn.

6. A helmet insert strip according to claim 5, wherein the insert strip comprises a resilient material so as to hold its shape and return to that shape after being subject to an external force.

7. A helmet insert strip according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the helmet insert strip has a plurality of apertures in the external surface, and at least one internal fluid channel within the outer surface, to allow fluid communication between the inside of the insert strip and the outside thereof.

8. A helmet insert strip according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one end of the elongate strip is shaped to decrease in cross-sectional area, wherein the cross- sectional area decreases by at least half.

9. A helmet comprising:an outer protective shell; and a plurality of insert strips according to any one of claims 1 to 8 arranged internally of the outer shell so that, in use, the insert strips are adjacent the wearer’s head.

10. A helmet according to claim 9, wherein a least one of the plurality of insert strips is shaped to align adjacent another of the insert strips.

11. A helmet according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the internal surface of the helmet is provided with recesses for receiving the insert strips.

12. A method of providing insert strips for use in a helmet according to any of claims 9 to 11, the method comprising the steps of: scanning the contours of an intended user’ s head; using the scanned contour information to create a model of the user’s head; assessing where on the user’s head a helmet will be positioned; and producing a plurality of three-dimensional helmet inserts for insertion into the internal surface of a helmet, the helmet inserts being sized to correspond to the contours of a user’s head.

13. A method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises the step of applying the helmet inserts the internal surface of a helmet.

Images