Protective helmet with optional cage

Abstract

Protective items such as helmets include an inner shell with an optional liner worn by the user, and an outer shell attached to the top of the inner shell by an elastic connector, which allows the outer shell to move elastically relative to the inner shell in response to impact. The elastic connector is formed integrally with one or both shells by three-dimensional molding. Other features, including strap fasteners, protective members covering vents, and cage attachment points, can also be molded integrally with the shell(s). A cage may be provided separately from or integrally with the outer shell, and the cage may be formed by molding to define intersecting rod-like sections whose shape, size, or angular orientation can change, or to define the outline of transverse members with different directional characteristics along their length. The elastic connector between the cage and the helmet can also be molded integrally with the cage(s) or shell(s).

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a protective article of a type including an inner shell and an outer shell supported to elastically move relative to the inner shell, for example, a helmet. The present invention further relates to a cage for a sports protective helmet worn during sports, which provides protection against the impact of a projectile while allowing the wearer to be visible through the voids of the cage.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a protective helmet of the type worn by a goalkeeper in the sport of hockey typically includes a high-rigidity outer shell having a minimal inner lining made of an elastic material arranged to be directly supported against the user's head. When an impact from a puck or other impact occurs during a hockey game, the impact is transmitted through the minimal inner lining made of an elastic material to the user's head, and the goalkeeper tends to lose their sense of direction and / or potentially suffer a concussion-type injury.

[0003] Also, a helmet worn by a goalkeeper typically includes a cage portion that spans the eye area to protect the user's face, while allowing visibility through the cage. Also, an impact on the cage generally transmits through the cage to the outer shell and may potentially cause a concussion-type injury. ​​​​​​​​​​​An elastic connecting part supports the outer shell on the inner shell such that the outer shell is radially separated from the inner shell, and supports the outer shell so as to elastically move relative to the inner shell in response to an impact on the outer shell. A protective helmet is provided that includes the following features.

[0005] The use of an inner shell and a connecting configuration supporting an outer shell spaced radially outward from the inner shell provides space and accommodation for impact-absorbing features beneath the outer shell to reduce the transmission of impact from the outer shell to the user's head and to reduce rotational and angular forces on the user's brain.

[0006] The elastic joint may be formed integrally with at least one of the inner shell and the outer shell by three-dimensional fabrication. In one embodiment, the inner shell, the outer shell, and the elastic joint are formed integrally with each other as a uniform body by three-dimensional fabrication.

[0007] The elastic joint may include a plurality of first elements integrally formed in three dimensions together with the inner shell, and a plurality of second elements integrally formed in three dimensions together with the outer shell, wherein the first joint elements are selectively connected to the second joint elements to define the elastic joint between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0008] In some embodiments, one of the first and second elements comprises a socket, and the other of the first and second elements comprises projections arranged to be received within the socket, respectively, to define an elastic connection. The projections may be selectively held within the socket by an elastic snap-fit ​​configuration.

[0009] Alternatively, each projection may be linearly slidable within each of the sockets of the plurality of sockets, and each socket further comprises an elastic element that elastically deforms in response to an impact on the outer shell by the sliding movement of the projection within the socket. Preferably, at least some of the plurality of sockets are oriented in a different direction from one or more adjacent sockets of the plurality of sockets.

[0010] The elastic joint may be arranged to provide a gradual increase in resistance to movement between the inner and outer shells in response to an increase in deflection between the inner and outer shells. In this example, the elastic joint may include (i) a plurality of first elastic elements that provide resistance to movement between the inner and outer shells in response to a first amount of deflection, and (ii) a plurality of second elastic elements that provide resistance to movement between the inner and outer shells only in response to a second amount of deflection greater than the first amount of deflection.

[0011] In some cases, the outer shell may comprise multiple shell sections that interlock with each other so that they can move relative to one another, for example, by pivoting or bending. If the shell sections interlock to pivot relative to each other, the shell sections may be provided with claws that engage with each other to limit the relative pivoting movement between the shell sections to a predetermined range of angular deflection.

[0012] The elastic connecting portion may further include a lattice structure formed by three-dimensional molding to fill the gap between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell comprises a first rigid material, the inner shell comprises a second rigid material having lower rigidity than the first rigid material, and the elastic connecting portion comprises a plurality of supports formed of the elastic material.

[0014] The helmet may further include a liner supported along the inside of an inner shell worn on the wearer's head, and the inner shell and liner may be formed by three-dimensional molding from different materials such that the inner shell is more rigid than the liner.

[0015] In this example, an integrated connector may be formed integrally by three-dimensional fabrication together with at least one of the inner shell and the liner, and the integrated connector is positioned to detachably connect the liner to the inner shell.

[0016] The detachable connector may comprise a socket on one of the inner shell and liner, and a projection on the other of the inner shell and liner, the projection being selectively held within the socket by an elastic snap-fit ​​configuration.

[0017] The liner may further include holes for straps formed on its interior by the three-dimensional molding of the liner, which receive helmet straps extending through them.

[0018] The liner may also include holes for electronic devices formed on its interior by the three-dimensional fabrication of the liner, which will accept electronic hardware therein.

[0019] The outer shell includes multiple ventilation holes formed therein, and multiple structural members that traverse the ventilation holes to allow air to pass between them, and the structural members are formed integrally with the outer shell by three-dimensional fabrication.

[0020] The outer shell may include a number of helmet strap connectors mounted on it and arranged to connect helmet straps to the outer shell, the helmet strap connectors being formed integrally with the outer shell by three-dimensional fabrication.

[0021] The outer shell preferably includes a cage supported thereon so as to be disposed to span the user's eye, and the cage is supported on the outer shell by a cage connector, and the cage connector is integrally formed with the outer shell by a three-dimensional shaping.

[0022] The outer shell may include at least one accessory attachment portion disposed to attach a helmet accessory to the outside of the outer shell, and the at least one accessory attachment portion is integrally formed with the outer shell by a three-dimensional shaping.

[0023] The outer shell may include a three-dimensional mark formed thereon, and the mark is integrally formed with the outer shell by a three-dimensional shaping.

[0024] When the outer shell includes a cage supported thereon so as to be disposed to span at least a part of the user's facial area, the cage may be integrally formed with the outer shell by a three-dimensional shaping.

[0025] The cage may include a plurality of rod-shaped portions attached so as to intersect to define the cage, and at least one of the rod-shaped portions changes in shape, cross-sectional size, and / or angular orientation about the longitudinal axis along the length of the rod-shaped portion. More specifically, when one of the rod-shaped portions has an elongated outer shape along the horizontal axis, the horizontal axis changes in orientation about the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped portion along the length of the rod-shaped portion.

[0026] When the rod-shaped portions are attached so as to intersect at respective intersections to define the cage, at least one of the intersections preferably includes two rod-shaped portions intersecting each other in a common plane at the intersection.

[0027] In some cases, some of the rod-shaped portions of the cage may be shaped to define elastic compartments formed therein, the elastic compartments being integrally formed by three-dimensional shaping together with the cage, and the elastic compartments being elastically deformable in response to an impact. When the cage includes a main portion arranged to span the user's eye and a peripheral portion connecting the main portion to an outer shell, the elastic compartments of the cage are preferably located at the peripheral portion of the cage.

[0028] In some cases, some of the rod-shaped portions may be shaped to define the outer shape of a cross-member (beam) that has a greater resistance to bending in a first radial direction than in a second radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer shape of the cross-member. Preferably, the outer shape of the cross-member has a greater resistance to bending in a direction transverse to the plane of the cage than to bending within the plane of the cage.

[0029] Some of the rod-shaped portions of the cage may include hollow frame members.

[0030] The elastic movement between the shells preferably includes a rotational movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell, a radial movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell, and / or a translational movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell, about a center of rotation located within the boundary of the inner shell.

[0031] The outer shell may be a three-dimensional shaped structure including an integral structure of an open lattice material.

[0032] The inner shell is preferably formed of a rigid material and is arranged to span at least the user's forehead and / or at least the user's temporal region.

[0033] When the helmet is a helmet for a hockey goalie, the outer shell and the inner shell are preferably each arranged to cover the user's chin and each include a central viewing portion arranged to line up with the user's eyes and remaining open for visibility.

[0034] The outer shell may be supported so as to translate along a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear portions of the helmet.

[0035] The outer shell is preferably biased forward so as it flexes backward relative to the inner shell due to impact, and then returns to a neutral position relative to the inner shell.

[0036] The outer shell may be able to move backward from the neutral position along the longitudinal axis relative to the inner shell by a greater distance than it moves forward.

[0037] The helmet may further include a plurality of track sections fixed on a first shell, one of the inner and outer shells, and a plurality of followers fixed on a second shell, one of the inner and outer shells, the followers being slidably connected to the track sections, respectively, to define the translational movement.

[0038] Each follower may be compressible radially in the direction laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis, such that its elastic movement includes radial movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell.

[0039] Each track section may be provided with a groove, and each follower has a head that fits into the outer shape of the groove to hold its head within the groove, while also having an outer shape that allows the head to slide longitudinally along the groove.

[0040] The inner shell may be positioned to extend over at least a portion of the user's lower jaw.

[0041] Preferably, the inner shell also includes a central opening so as to be aligned with the central viewing portion, and the inner shell extends around the entire periphery of the central opening.

[0042] The elastic connecting structure between the outer shell and the inner shell may be located only at the top and sides of the helmet.

[0043] The elastic connection between the outer shell and the inner shell may be located only posterior to the temporal region of the inner shell.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cage is provided which is arranged to be used with a helmet, and the cage is If the cage is supported on a helmet, it comprises multiple rod-shaped parts that are attached to intersect to define the boundaries of the cage, which are positioned to span at least a portion of the user's facial area, The rod-shaped parts are formed integrally with each other through three-dimensional molding.

[0045] The cage may comprise a plurality of rod-shaped sections mounted intersecting each other to define the cage, at least one of which has a change in shape, cross-sectional size, and / or angular orientation about the longitudinal axis along its length. More specifically, if one of the rod-shaped sections has an elongated shape along its transverse axis, the orientation of the transverse axis changes along its length with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0046] If the rod-shaped sections are mounted so as to define the cage, intersecting at each intersection, then at least one of the intersections preferably includes two rod-shaped sections that intersect each other in a common plane at the intersection.

[0047] In some cases, some of the rod-shaped portions of the cage may be shaped to define elastic compartments formed therein, which are integrally formed with the cage by three-dimensional molding and are elastically deformable in response to impact. If the cage includes a main portion positioned to span the user's eyes and a peripheral portion connecting the main portion to an outer shell, the elastic compartments of the cage are preferably located in the peripheral portion of the cage.

[0048] In some cases, the shape of some of the rod-shaped sections may be determined to define the outer shape of the horizontal member such that the resistance to bending in the first radial direction is greater than the resistance to bending in the second radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the horizontal member's outer shape. Preferably, the outer shape of the horizontal member has greater resistance to bending in the direction lateral to the plane of the cage than to bending in the plane of the cage.

[0049] Some of the rod-shaped parts of the cage may be equipped with hollow frame members.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an article of protective equipment to be worn on a part of the user's body is provided, the article is, An inner shell comprising an inner shell having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface positioned to be worn against a part of the user's body, An outer shell positioned to be attached to the top of the inner shell so as to cover the inner shell, the outer shell having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, An elastic connecting portion, the outer shell is spaced radially outward from the inner shell, and the outer shell is supported by the elastic connecting portion so that it moves elastically relative to the inner shell in response to an impact on the outer shell, the elastic connecting portion extending between the convex outer surface of the inner shell and the concave inner surface of the outer shell It is equipped with.

[0051] Any of the above features relating to the helmet may be applied to the protective item individually or in any combination, at the discretion of the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0052] Next, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0053] [Figure 1] This is a side elevation view of a sports protective helmet according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the inner shell of the helmet, shown with the outer shell removed for illustrative purposes. [Figure 3]This is a side elevation view of the inner shell and rear cap portion of the helmet shown in Figure 1, with the outer shell removed. [Figure 4] This is a front elevation view of the inner shell of the helmet shown in Figure 1, with the outer shell removed. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the connection structure between the inner and outer shells of the helmet. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of the helmet, illustrating the connection configuration in a schematic manner. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a sports helmet according to the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the sports helmet according to the present invention. [Figure 9] The image on the right shows a front view and a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a cage for a sports helmet, compared to a conventional cage on the left. [Figure 10] This is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the elastic connecting portion of a helmet according to the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the elastic connecting portion of the helmet according to the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the elastic connecting portion of the helmet according to the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the elastic connecting portion of the helmet according to the present invention. [Figure 14] A cross-sectional view of two outer shell compartments linked to move relative to each other, according to a further embodiment of the helmet. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of various exemplary features incorporated within the rod-shaped portion of the cage according to various embodiments of the helmet according to the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an integrated connector between the helmet liner and the inner shell according to the present invention. [Figure 17]This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the integral connector between the helmet liner and the inner shell according to the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the integrated connector between the helmet liner and the inner shell according to the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a further embodiment of the helmet according to the present invention, taking the form of an aerodynamic bike helmet.

[0054] In the drawings, similar reference letters indicate corresponding parts in different drawings. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0055] Referring to the attached drawings, the protective equipment article indicated by reference numeral 10 is generally illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective article 10 typically includes a helmet worn on the user's head, but the features of the protective article 10 described herein may also be applicable to various other types of protective equipment that typically incorporate hard shells, such as protective cups or jocks, elbow caps, shoulder caps, and knee caps. The features described herein are particularly well suited for use in various helmets, including, for example, hockey goalkeeper masks, hockey player helmets, lacrosse helmets, baseball batting helmets, ski helmets, bicycle helmets with or without chin guards, football helmets, cricket helmets, military helmets, safety helmets including construction helmets, and automotive helmets used in motor racing, motorcycles, or motocross.

[0056] In a typical embodiment of article 10 described herein, the article generally includes a liner 100 worn on the body or head of a user, the liner being formed of an elastic or semi-rigid material, which may be manufactured, for example, by additive manufacturing or three-dimensional molding of thermoplastic polyurethane material or other elastic moldable plastic and foam material. The article further includes an inner shell 102 that covers the liner at least partially or completely. More specifically, the inner shell 102 is a rigid shell that is more rigid than the liner 100 and has a generally spherical or hemispherical shape, including a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface that is worn on the user. The article also includes an outer shell 104 that completely covers the inner shell 102 and is formed of a rigid material that may be similar to the inner shell, more rigid than the inner shell, or less rigid than the outer shell. The inner and outer shells may each be formed by three-dimensional printing from a suitable formable material, including thermoplastics or various metals, but in some embodiments, only one of the shells is printed, and the other shell is formed by other techniques, including, for example, injection molding or compression molding. If only one of the shells is printed, the following printed features will be integrally incorporated into the printed shell. The outer shell 104 closely conforms to the shape of the inner shell so as to include a concave inner surface facing the inner shell and a convex outer surface that forms the outside of the article. Finally, the article includes an elastic joint 106 that spans the radial gap between the inner and outer shells, connecting the convex exterior of the inner shell 102 and the concave interior of the outer shell 104. The elastic joint is formed from an elastic or semi-rigid three-dimensional printing material. The elastic joint 106 is usually printed seamlessly and integrally with one or both of the inner shell 102 and the outer shell 104.

[0057] The connecting elements between the inner and outer shells, which define the elastic joint, are appropriately shaped and configured to allow various relative movements between the outer and inner shells in response to impact. Specifically, the elastic joint allows for the relative rotation of the outer shell with respect to the inner shell, about a center of rotation normally located within the inner boundary of the inner shell. The elastic joint 106 also allows for radial compression when the outer shell is compressed radially inward toward the inner shell. Furthermore, the elastic joint 106 allows for the translational movement of the outer shell with respect to the inner shell along axes extending through the helmet, such as a longitudinal axis extending from the front to the rear of the helmet, a transverse axis extending from left to right across the helmet, or any other axis that may be subjected to impact.

[0058] Many embodiments of the article further relate to a helmet including a cage 108. The cage 108 typically comprises a plurality of rigid rod-shaped portions 110 that are connected to one another so as to intersect to define a boundary surface that spans part or all of the user's facial area, when the cage is supported on a helmet. The cage 108 may be formed integrally with the outer shell of the helmet or may be attached to the helmet afterward. In a preferred embodiment, all the rod-shaped portions 110 of the cage 108 are manufactured together as a single, seamless, integrated, and continuous single unit of the same material throughout, by three-dimensional molding them as a single unit, either by themselves or together with the outer shell of the helmet.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the configuration of each rod-shaped section of the cage 108 varies along the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped section, corresponding to the length of the rod-shaped section. The configuration of the rod-shaped section may vary in various ways to optimize its performance. In some cases, the cross-sectional size of the rod-shaped section may vary so as to increase its thickness when more protection is desired, or so as to decrease its thickness when less protection is required, or when, for example, an improvement in the line of sight aligned with the user's eye area is desired. In other cases, the cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped section may vary along its length for similar reasons, for example, to improve performance or the view through the cage.

[0060] In another example, the cross-sectional shape and size of the rod-shaped section may remain constant, but its angular orientation may vary along the length of the rod-shaped section around the vertical axis. As shown in Figure 9, some of the rod-shaped sections aligned with the user's eye area may have an elongated cross-sectional shape along one horizontal axis, for example, an elongated ellipse along the main horizontal axis. The horizontal axis may be oriented more horizontally than vertically in the eye area to minimize the vertical thickness of the rod-shaped section in the user's line of sight, but the orientation of the horizontal axis may vary toward the periphery of the cage for other performance advantages, or to simplify the mounting configuration, or to simplify the integration of the rod-shaped section with the outer shell of the helmet.

[0061] In other cases, the rod-shaped portion 110 of the cage 108 may be manufactured in a hollow cylindrical shape to reduce weight while optimizing resistance to bending. In yet another embodiment, the cross-sectional shape may be optimized to define the outer shape of the transverse member, which is more resistant to bending in one direction than to bending in another. For example, the cross-sectional shape may define an I-shaped transverse member having parallel flanges and connecting webs between the parallel flanges. If the outer shape of the transverse member is more resistant to bending in the first radial direction than in the second radial direction with respect to the long axis of the outer shape, the outer shape of the transverse member may be specifically oriented so that it is more resistant to bending laterally with respect to the plane or boundary of the cage than to bending of the rod-shaped portion within the boundary or plane of the cage. Thus, the rod-shaped portion is best suited to resist deformation from impacts directed perpendicular to the cage with respect to the plane or boundary of the cage, while maximizing visibility through the cage where less strength is required.

[0062] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, if the rod-shaped sections 110 intersect each other at one or more intersections 112, the rod-shaped sections at each intersection are preferably in a common plane at the intersection, rather than being formed separately and then superimposed on each other in conventional helmet cage construction methods. Forming the rod-shaped sections at each intersection 112 so that they are in a common plane is easily achieved when the cage is manufactured by three-dimensional fabrication.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, some of the rod-shaped sections 110 of the cage may include elastic compartments 114 incorporated therein, which are integrally formed with the rest of the cage by three-dimensional fabrication. In this example, the cage generally includes a main section 116 that spans the central area of ​​the user's face and eyes, and peripheral sections 118 on either side of the main section 116 that serve to connect the main section to the outer shell of the helmet. The elastic compartments 114 are preferably formed in the peripheral sections 118 of the cage near the ends of the rod-shaped sections where the rod-shaped sections connect to the outer shell. In each elastic compartment 114, the rod-shaped section is shaped to be formed from a thin material or from a material formed in a helical or sinusoidal path, defining a spring-like structure in which the rod-shaped section of the cage is more elastic than the rest of the rigid rod-shaped section. Specifically, the elastic section preferably functions as a linear spring aligned along the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped portion when the rod-shaped portion extends primarily in the front-to-back direction relative to the helmet when the cage is attached to the outer shell on both sides of the helmet. In this example, an impact to the front of the cage causes the elastic section 114 to react linearly, and then elastically bounce back after the impact, absorbing part of the impact.

[0064] As further shown in Figure 7, the outer shell may include a cage connector 120 integrally formed on the outer shell of the helmet around the periphery of the viewing area covered by the cage. The cage connector 120 can be formed together with the outer shell during the three-dimensional fabrication of the outer shell so as to be formed seamlessly and from the same material as the rest of the outer shell. In the illustrated embodiment, the cage connector 120 is formed as a socket into which each end of the rod-shaped portion of the cage is received, so that each rod-shaped portion of the cage acts as a hinge pin defining a lateral hinge axis extending across the top of the cage, causing the cage to spring back and pivot around it in response to impact. Thus, the hinged cage connector 120 at the top of the cage cooperates with elastic compartments 114 formed on the sides and bottom of the cage so that as the cage pivots around the hinge axis of the cage connector 120 at the top of the cage, the bottom of the cage recoils backward with compression of the elastic compartments 114.

[0065] Referring to the outer shell 104 illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the outer shell defines the hockey goalkeeper helmet such that the outer shell completely encloses the central viewing area aligned with the user's eyes and face, and a portion of the outer shell provides coverage across the user's jaw area. In each embodiment, the outer shell is provided with a plurality of vents 122, which are surrounded by solid, non-perforated connecting portions of the outer shell between the vents. At each vent, the material of the outer shell is formed into a plurality of structural members 124 that interconnect with each other and span across the vent, so that the vent is completely covered by the structural members 124, which collectively form a woven mesh or open grid structure that provides a rigid structure resistant to impact at the vent while still providing a plurality of holes through which air can ventilate. The structural members 124 provide coverage over each vent 122 and are formed by three-dimensional molding together with the rest of the outer shell.

[0066] The outer shell 104 may also be formed with a strap connector 126 formed on it, suitable for attaching various helmet straps that are mounted on top of it. In one example, the strap connector 126 comprises a male snap connector that forms a snap-mating connection with a corresponding female snap connector on a helmet strap. In another example, the strap connector comprises a appropriately sized slotted opening that receives a strap that is threaded around the periphery of the outer shell. In each example, the configuration of the strap connector 126 is formed integrally with the rest of the outer shell as part of the three-dimensional fabrication process.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, the outer shell may also be formed by three-dimensional molding to integrally include various accessory mounting sections 128 formed therein. The accessory mounting sections may include integrated hooks or openings or eyelets of various shapes that allow accessories such as neck guards suspended from the outer shell to be attached. In other cases, other types of accessory mounting sections 128 may include openings for receiving various electronic hardware, such as cameras. The interior of the outer shell may also be configured to include various holes or pockets that serve to mount other electronic hardware, such as sensors or batteries, therein.

[0068] The helmet shown in Figure 8 also illustrates an example of a three-dimensional shape 129 representing various marks formed on the outer surface of the outer shell as part of a three-dimensional structure forming the outer shell. The three-dimensional texture 129 may include debossed marks, embossed marks, or internally textured shapes that are visible from the outside by reducing the thickness of the outer shell material, for example, by generating a visible logo in the litfanning method.

[0069] In further embodiments, the outer shell may be formed of a plurality of shell sections 130 interconnected to form the overall shape of the outer shell. As shown in Figure 14, two adjacent shell sections 130 of the outer shell are connected at their peripheral edges so that each shell section defines a portion of the outer boundary of the outer shell of the assembled helmet. The edges of the shell sections are preferably formed with cooperative shapes 132 that interlock with each other in a manner suitable for defining a hinge-like structure that allows the shell sections to pivot or fold relative to each other. More specifically, in response to an external impact, the shell sections 130 can pivot relative to each other so that the joint between adjacent shell sections flexes inward so that the elastic linkage or compressible layer between the inner and outer shells is compressed. In addition to a first set of interlocking shapes 132 that define the pivot or hinge movement between the shell sections, the boundary edges of the shell sections may be provided with interlocking claws 134 so as to prevent further relative flexing once the shell sections have pivoted or angularly flexed relative to each other by a predetermined amount. Therefore, the claw 134 defines a limited or predetermined range of angular deflection permitted by the interlocking shape between adjacent shell compartments. The relative movement between the interlocking shell compartments serves to redirect the impact from a location on the outside of the helmet to one of the joints between adjacent shell compartments, representing an area of ​​the helmet that is less decisive in trauma or an area of ​​the helmet where greater strength is provided by the elastic joint or inner shell.

[0070] As described above, the elastic connecting portion 106 may allow various relative movements between the outer shell and the inner shell, or it may indicate a direction that primarily directs the relative movement between the outer shell and the inner shell along a predetermined axis, such as a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear parts of the helmet.

[0071] As shown in Figure 12, according to one embodiment, the elastic connector includes a plurality of first connector elements 136 integrally formed with the outer shell by three-dimensional molding, and a plurality of second connector elements 138 integrally formed with the inner shell by three-dimensional molding. In this example, the first elements 136 are elongated and flexible and have a projection or finger-like projection formed at their distal end, which fits into a second element representing a socket that receives the projection or finger-like projection therein. The socket may be sized and shaped to hold the distal end of the projection therein by a friction fit or snap fit arrangement, or by an arrangement of fasteners held on the projection and the respective shoulders or undercut surfaces on the socket.

[0072] The projections or finger-like projections defining the first element 136 are generally shown aligned in a common direction to one another in the illustrated embodiment, but in other embodiments, these elements may be oriented in various lateral directions relative to one another, and directions in which the finger-like projections are inclined relative to one or both of the inner and outer shells may be used to determine the direction of relative movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell in response to impact. If the socket has a hemispherical shape in which it receives the distal end of the projection, it may be sufficient to provide sockets on both sides of the helmet oriented in opposing directions to hold the projection within the socket so as to connect the outer shell to the inner shell. Alternatively, the illustrated elastic connector 106 may be combined with other types of connectors of different configurations that serve to align the inner and outer shells in order to properly align the first element 136 which mates and works in conjunction with the second element 138.

[0073] Referring here to Figure 11, the connecting element may comprise a plurality of three-dimensionally fabricated elastic elements 140 interconnected between the inner shell and the outer shell. Various embodiments of the elastic elements 140 are shown, but the elastic elements may be integrally formed with only one of the inner or outer shells and merely abut against the opposing shell, or they may be integrally formed with both the inner and outer shells if the inner and outer shells and the elastic connecting part are fabricated collectively as a single, integrated structure. In some cases, the elastic elements may be formed as a bow-shaped 140A that can bend and collapse in response to impact. In other cases, the elastic elements may comprise a sinusoidal spring or helical spring 140B that similarly elastically deforms in response to impact. In yet another configuration, the elastic elements may comprise a pile 140C having a weak line formed therein that defines a fold or hinge point, and in response to impact, the elastic element elastically bends and flexes around it and returns to its original shape.

[0074] According to a further embodiment shown in Figure 13, the elastic connection may again be defined by a plurality of first connecting elements 136 formed integrally with the outer shell and a second element 138 formed integrally with the inner shell. In this example, the second element again comprises a socket that receives the distal end of the first element, which is formed as a projection or finger-like projection that is received in the socket. However, the connecting elements of Figure 13 are distinguished in that the first element is a rigid, incompressible element that is instead connected to the socket of the second element 138 and defines a relative linear movement between them similar to that of a piston received in a cylinder. Thus, the first and second elements define a relative linear movement, which may be directed radially perpendicular to the inner and outer shells, or laterally inclined with respect to the shells and the perpendicular direction.

[0075] In this example, the connecting element 106 further includes an elastic element 142 located within the socket chamber between the end of the socket and the projection of the first element 136, so that the first element is slidable within the socket so that impact compresses the elastic element 142 at each connecting portion. The elastic element may be a compressible material such as a gel or fluid, or a fluid that can be directed into an expandable chamber. The elastic element 142 may further comprise an elastic member such as a three-dimensional spring or deformable structure that is three-dimensionally fabricated together with the socket. As shown, some of the first connecting element 136 and the second connecting element 138 may be oriented so that their linear sliding direction is oriented laterally with respect to the other connecting elements. In this example, the projection piston or the first connecting element 136 is each connected to its respective shell and may be capable of some relative pivoting movement by, for example, a fragile line defining a fold, or other suitable structure forming a hinge.

[0076] In a further embodiment of the elastic joint 106 shown in Figure 10, the elastic joint in this example may be configured to provide a gradual increase in resistance to movement of the outer shell due to deflection relative to the inner shell, in response to an increase in the deflection of the outer shell relative to the inner shell. More specifically, the elastic joint is configured to provide a first resistance to deflection until a first deflection is reached, at which point a second, greater resistance force to deflection is initiated. If the deflection continues beyond a second deflection greater than the first deflection, a third, greater resistance force to deflection may be initiated. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic joint includes a plurality of first elastic elements 144, a plurality of second elastic elements 146, and a plurality of third elastic elements 148. Each set of elastic elements 144, 146, and 148 is operated to provide resistance to deflection at different deflection amounts, while simultaneously providing different resistance forces to deflection. In this example, the first elastic element 144 spans the gap between the inner and outer shells over its maximum distance, and as a result, the first element 144 immediately undergoes elastic deformation and provides resistance to deflection as soon as the outer shell deflects to a first deflection amount relative to the inner shell. The remaining elements are shorter than the first element 144 and are not engaged with the inner shell so as not to deflect at all or provide any resistance to deflection until the first deflection amount is reached.

[0077] After the deflection reaches a first deflection and continues to a second deflection, the shorter second element 146 begins to engage with the inner shell, resulting in elastic deformation that provides much greater resistance to deformation than the first element alone. The second elements may also be thicker than the first element, so that each individual second element shares a greater resistance to deformation than the first element.

[0078] Finally, after the deflection reaches a second deflection and continues to a third deflection, the shortest third element 148, shorter than both the first and second elements, begins to engage with the inner shell, resulting in elastic deformation that provides greater resistance to deformation than the first and second elements. The third elements may also be thicker than both the first and second elements, such that each individual third element provides greater resistance to deformation than the individual first or second elements. In further embodiments, further resistance to deformation may be provided by additional elastic elements that engage at further deflection amounts.

[0079] As described herein, the liner 100 is preferably formed as a three-dimensional structure together with the shell, or as a separate component that is attached to the shell after manufacturing. If manufactured separately, the liner 100 and the inner shell 102 are preferably provided with a detachable connector, as shown in Figures 16 to 18, for fixing and detachably attaching the liner 100 to the inner shell without requiring, for example, further mounting hardware or adhesive. In each of the illustrated examples, a protruding connector 150 is provided on the inner shell so as to protrude inward to mate with a corresponding socket 152 integrally formed on the liner. In further embodiments, the protrusion 150 may instead be formed on the liner, and the socket may be formed on the inner shell.

[0080] In each of the illustrated embodiments, the protrusion engages with the corresponding socket using an elastic fastener 154 held on the corresponding retaining surface within the socket. In the embodiment of Figure 16, the fasteners are mounted on a pair of spring-like arms 156 that are biased outward to engage with the fasteners on their respective retaining surfaces. When sufficient force is applied to separate the detachable connector, the arms 156 elastically flex inward relative to each other, releasing the fasteners from the corresponding retaining surfaces.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the fastener may be formed on radially opposing ribs extending outward from the projection, so as to selectively engage with the retaining surfaces formed on the opposing boundary walls of the socket 152. By pulling the connector apart, the material of the projection or socket is elastically compressed, and the fastener is fully released from the retaining surfaces.

[0082] As shown in Figure 18, the projection in this example may be equipped with a mushroom-head connector having undercut surfaces on both sides thereof. The fastener in this example is formed on the elastic arm 158 such that the fastener is biased to extend inward toward each other so as to be held on the opposing undercut surfaces of the mushroom head.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, detachable connectors integrally formed on the liner 100 and inner shell 102 may cooperate by friction mating, or they may cooperate using hook-type and loop-type fasteners integrally formed on the liner and inner shell as part of a three-dimensional fabrication process.

[0084] As shown in Figure 20, the liner 100 to be received within the shell may have one or more holes integrally formed therein as part of the three-dimensional fabrication process, which may be completely recessed into the interior of the liner, spaced apart from either the interior or exterior boundary of the liner. The holes may include strap holes 160 in the form of elongated passages that extend entirely through the liner, through which helmet straps, which serve to secure the helmet to the user's head with straps, are received. In another example, the holes may include hardware holes 162 appropriately positioned to receive various electronic hardware, such as a camera component, various types of impact sensors for monitoring impacts, or a battery associated with any of the electronic equipment.

[0085] Furthermore, the liner 100 may be integrally formed by three-dimensional fabrication together with one or more lattice structures 164 that occupy any irregularly shaped gaps between the liner and the shell layer.

[0086] Referring here to Figure 19, an aerodynamic motorcycle helmet is shown in a longitudinal section, which is shown to include an inner shell 102 made of a rigid foam material that is worn on the user's head without the need for additional liners in some cases, and an outer shell 104 that forms a smooth, continuous outer boundary of the helmet, defining the aerodynamic shape of the helmet. The large gap defined between the inner protective shell 102 and the outer aerodynamic shell 104 in this example is occupied by a three-dimensional lattice structure 166. The lattice structure can be formed integrally with either the inner shell 102 or the outer shell 104 in a single manufacturing process using the same material. The lattice structure provides an elastically deformable crumple zone centered on the inner shell 102, again allowing some elastic movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell.

[0087] Referring more specifically to Figures 1 to 6, here another embodiment of the protective article 10 is described in further detail, here again, the article is a sports helmet particularly suitable for being worn by a goalkeeper in the sport of hockey.

[0088] The helmet 10 in this example includes an inner shell 12 positioned to be worn on the user's head, an outer shell 14 positioned to at least partially surround the inner shell on the user's head, and a connecting configuration between the inner shell 12 and the outer shell 14, which allows some relative elastic movement between the shells so that the outer shell can flex relative to the inner shell from a neutral position to a flexed position, while being biased to return to the neutral position. The connecting configuration further allows one or more movements of the outer shell relative to the inner shell, including translational movement, rotational movement with an internal center of rotation of the inner shell, and radial movement inward and outward with respect to the substantially spherical center of the helmet.

[0089] The inner shell 12 is a rigid, one-piece structure. A further layer of elastic or compressible lining material may be attached as a liner to the inner surface of the rigid body forming the inner shell. Since the inner shell 12 is intended to be worn to fit snugly around the user's face and part of their head, it may be desirable that the inner shell 12 be manufactured in multiple different sizes and shapes to best fit the user's head. In some cases, the inner shell may be custom-fitted or custom-manufactured to match the shape of the user's head. In further cases, the inner shell may be molded to the user's head after it has been manufactured, for example, by using a thermoforming technique to make the inner shell malleable under the application of heat to take the shape of the user's head, and then cooling the inner shell to form a rigid molded shape that fits snugly to the user's head. In another case, the inner shell may be custom-manufactured using 3D printing techniques according to a design instruction, which may be modified to take into account custom measurements taken from the user's head to ensure that the inner shell's structure fits snugly to the user's head.

[0090] The inner shell 12 has a shape that substantially forms part of a spherical shape, while being sized to cover various parts of the user's head. More specifically, the inner shell includes (i) a vertex section 16 spanning the top of the user's head; (ii) a pair of lateral sections 18 extending downward from both sides of the vertex section while substantially above the user's ears; (iii) a temporal section 20 extending forward from the lateral section 18 so as to extend across the user's temporal region, and downward from the front of the ears to below the bottom edge of the lateral section 18; (iv) a forehead section 22 extending downward and forward from the anterior edge of the upper section so as to connect across the user's forehead between the temporal sections 20; (v) two mandibular sections 24 extending downward from the temporal region 20 along each portion of the user's mandible; and (vi) a central apical section 26 connected between the mandibular sections 24 so as to partially engage with the tip of the user's chin.

[0091] In this way, the forehead compartment 22, temporal compartment 20, mandibular compartment 24, and chin-tip compartment 26 collectively extend around the entire periphery of the central opening 28 of the medial shell, aligned with the user's mouth, nose, and eyes. The medial shell is otherwise continuous and uninterrupted across its width and height between opposing peripheral edges. The medial shell 12 remains open at the rear and bottom by a posterior bottom opening 30 that accepts the user's head and neck as it is inserted, while the medial shell is attached to the user's head.

[0092] The helmet 10 further includes a rear shell 32, which is also formed as a rigid, one-piece structure. The rear shell 32 forms part of a spherical shape and is sized to fit closely to the peripheral edges of the inner shell around the rear opening 30 behind the top section 16 and behind the side sections 18. The rear shell 32 may also be provided with an elastic or compressible lining on its inner surface to allow the rear shell to fit comfortably behind the wearer's head.

[0093] The rear shell 32, when stretched, is connected to the inner shell 12 by a set of straps made of elastic or stretchable material, which connect between the rear shell and each portion of the inner shell 12. The straps include a number of upper straps 34 that connect between the rear shell and their respective attachment points on the top section 16 and side section 18 of the inner shell, at circumferentially spaced positions around the top and side sections of the inner shell. A set of lower straps 36 connects to their respective attachment points on the mandibular section 24 of the inner shell, on laterally opposing sides of the rear shell adjacent to their bottoms. In this way, the lower straps 36 extend longitudinally forward from the rear shell to the inner shell at a position below the user's ears.

[0094] The outer shell 14 is also provided as a single, integrated structure made of a rigid material. The outer shell is generally sized and constructed in relation to the inner shell so that it can be attached to completely cover the inner shell while remaining radially outwardly spaced from the center of the helmet relative to the inner shell.

[0095] The outer shell 14 is formed to include (i) a top section 38 for covering the top section 16 of the inner shell, (ii) a forehead section 40 for covering the forehead section 22 of the inner shell, (iii) two side sections 42 extending downward from both sides of the top section 38 to completely cover the side sections 18 of the inner shell and further extending downward to completely span the user's ears and upper neck on both sides of the head, and (vi) a lower section 44 extending across the front of the helmet between the two side sections 42 of the outer shell to completely span and conceal the lower jaw section 24 and chin tip section 26 of the inner shell. The lower section 44 may also taper downward in front of the user's neck in the same manner as conventional hockey goalkeeper masks.

[0096] The central front region of the mask includes a viewing section 46 formed in the outer shell in the form of a central opening completely enclosed by an upper forehead section 40, lateral sections 42 opposite to it laterally, and a lower section 44 below it. A set of rod-shaped sections 48 extend across the central opening and are interconnected to form a cage extending across the central opening 46, thereby dividing the central opening into smaller openings of appropriate dimensions, preventing packs from passing through the opening and entering the inside of the helmet. The viewing section 46 is aligned with a central opening 28 formed in the inner shell to provide the helmet wearer with a full field of view. To maximize the field of view over the outer shell, even though the outer shell is positioned forward and backward from the inner shell 12 relative to the wearer's head, the total area of ​​the viewing section 46 is typically larger than the central opening 28 in the inner shell.

[0097] The rear edges of the top compartment 38 and the side compartments 42 are positioned near or behind the rearmost portion of the rear shell 32 at the mounting position on the user's head. More specifically, the top compartment 38 and the side compartments 42 protrude further rearward than the corresponding rear edges of the side compartments 18 and top compartment 16 of the inner shell, which form the strap connections to the rear shell 32. In this way, the upper and lower straps are hidden beneath the outer shell at the sides and top of the helmet.

[0098] The outer shell is larger than the inner shell, and gaps are provided in all directions between the inner and outer shells to create play between them, allowing the outer shell to flex in many different directions, including the relative translational, rotational, and radial directions, from its suspended neutral position on the inner shell.

[0099] The connecting configuration includes connections between the apex section 16 of the inner shell and the apex section 38 of the outer shell, and between the lateral section 18 of the inner shell and the corresponding lateral section 42 of the outer shell, such that all of the connecting parts of the connecting configuration are located substantially above the height of the user's ears and generally behind the user's temporal region. The outer shell remains spaced radially outward from the inner shell along the forehead section 40, and along the entire lower section 44 relative to the corresponding forehead section, mandibular section, and chin tip section of the inner shell. Thus, at the front of the helmet, the outer shell is completely spaced outward from the inner shell relative to the user's face or head, and is further separated from the inner shell and supported by a gap of play.

[0100] More specifically, the coupling configuration generally includes a plurality of raceway sections 50 mounted on the inner surface of the outer shell 14 and a plurality of corresponding drivers 52 mounted so as to protrude from the outer surface of the inner shell 12. One or more of the drivers 52 are coupled in a mating connection with each raceway section 50 such that the drivers 52 are slidably movable along each raceway section 50. In the illustrated embodiment, all of the raceway sections 50 extend in a common longitudinal direction of a longitudinal axis that extends from the rear central position of the helmet to the front central position of the helmet. The longitudinal axis on which the raceway sections extend defines the translational movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell, as the drivers are moved longitudinally forward and backward within each raceway section 50.

[0101] Each follower 52 is a pin having an enlarged head 54 that forms a handle 56, with a diameter decreasing at its inner end. Below the laterally opposing sides of the enlarged head 54, where the dimensions of the pin gradually increase inward on the opposing sides, two shoulder surfaces 58 are defined so that the follower is roughly T-shaped.

[0102] Each raceway section 50 includes a groove formed within a protruding channel mounted on the inner surface of the outer shell. The grooves of the raceway sections 50 have a generally T-shaped outline to accommodate the shape of the drive 52 that will be received therein. Thus, the internal grooves defining each raceway section include a central main guideway 60, which is sized to receive the enlarged head 54 of each drive that is longitudinally slidable therein, and to receive two undercut surfaces 62 below the laterally opposed flanges at the groove opening. The undercut surfaces 62 are aligned with and engage with the shoulder surface 58 of the drive that is received therein, so that when the drive is fitted within its respective raceway section, the drive remains freely slidable longitudinally along the length of the raceway section, while radial removal is restricted.

[0103] Each drive element 52 is radially compressible from a neutral position, where the outer shell is balanced outwardly separated from the inner shell, to a retracted position, which corresponds to the length of the drive element being radially compressed. When each drive element 52 flexes inward to the retracted position, it is biased to return to the neutral position. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive elements 52 are retractable by forming the head 54 of each drive element as an expandable member, and an internal spring mounted therein biases the head so that its dimensions expand radially. In the neutral position, the head occupies the entire depth of the groove of the corresponding raceway 50, but a radially inward impact in the area of ​​the drive element causes the head 54 to be radially compressed, and then the outer shell 14 can flex radially inward toward the inner shell 12. The internal spring in the head 54 immediately biases the drive element back to the extended neutral position, and then returns the outer shell to the neutral position relative to the inner shell 12.

[0104] In further embodiments, the shank 54 of each follower may be essentially radially compressible or expandable so that the outer shell can similarly bend radially inward relative to the inner shell, and then be returned to a neutral position by an outward bias.

[0105] Each track section 50 is also provided with a plurality of longitudinal springs 64 to longitudinally bias each driveer back to an intermediate neutral position corresponding to the neutral position of the outer shell relative to the inner shell. In the neutral position, the driveers are generally positioned near the front end of the track section such that the outer shell can bend backward from the neutral position relative to the inner shell by a distance longer than the distance the outer shell can bend forward from the neutral position relative to the inner shell. In each case, the longitudinal springs bias the driveers back to their respective neutral positions and then reposition the outer shell to the neutral position relative to the inner shell.

[0106] The combination of longitudinally extending, generally rearward-facing raceways, each capable of radial compression of the drive, generates a combination of translational and radial movement between the outer and inner shells, which may result in a rotational movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell within a controllable range. By controlling the force required to radially compress the drive, as well as the force required to flex the outer shell backward relative to the inner shell due to the translational movement of any of the drive within the raceways, it is possible to absorb different degrees of force between the outer and inner shells.

[0107] The usual position of the connecting configuration extending from the top and sides of the helmet towards the rear of the helmet provides support for freely suspending the front of the mask in a forward position or for detaching it from the front of the inner shell. This detachment between the front of the outer shell and the front of the inner shell minimizes the transmission of concussive vibrations that could cause a concussion due to impacts at the front of the outer shell on the user's face and skull.

[0108] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, the outer shell 14 is entirely formed as a single, monolithic structure manufactured as a three-dimensional fabricated structure. The single three-dimensional fabricated structure is formed from a uniform material throughout, including a top section 38, a forehead section 40, side sections 42, a bottom section 44, and a rod-shaped section 48 extending across the viewing section 46. The single body formed by the three-dimensional fabricated structure may also include channels forming a track section 50 integrally formed on the inner surface of the outer shell. The majority of the outer shell forming the top section 38, the forehead section 40, the side sections 42, and the bottom section 44 may be manufactured as a three-dimensional lattice consisting of individual posts connected at each node so as to be oriented relative to each other in three dimensions. The three-dimensional fabricated structure is preferably formed from metal and fabricated as an open-frame lattice, remaining open and porous to allow ventilation through the shell. The fabricated lattice structure is strong and lightweight, but the lattice can be fabricated with different densities in different areas of the helmet, ensuring that the outer shell is either completely rigid or has a controlled degree of elasticity and shock absorption in specific areas.

[0109] In further embodiments, the outer shell may be formed from various composite materials, fiberglass, plastic materials, or any combination thereof, and may still be supported to move elastically relative to the inner shell, as described above.

[0110] As described above in this specification, various modifications can be made to this specification, and many obviously broadly different embodiments can be made; therefore, everything contained in the appended specification is intended to be construed as illustrative only and not limiting.

Claims

1. It is a protective helmet, An inner shell positioned to be worn on the user's head, An outer shell is positioned to be attached to the upper part of the inner shell so as to cover the top of the user's head, forehead, and the sides of the head facing each other laterally, An elastic connecting portion supports the outer shell on the inner shell such that the outer shell is spaced radially outward from the inner shell, and supports the outer shell so as to move elastically relative to the inner shell in response to an impact on the outer shell. A protective helmet equipped with [features / equipment].

2. The protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the elastic connecting portion is integrally formed in three dimensions together with at least one of the inner shell and the outer shell.

3. The protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the inner shell, the outer shell, and the elastic connecting portion are integrally formed together as a uniform body by three-dimensional molding.

4. The protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the elastic connecting portion includes a plurality of first elements integrally formed in three dimensions together with the inner shell and a plurality of second elements integrally formed in three dimensions together with the outer shell, and the first connecting elements are selectively connected to the second connecting elements to define the elastic connecting portion between the inner shell and the outer shell.

5. The protective helmet according to claim 4, wherein one of the first element and the second element comprises a socket, and the other of the first element and the second element comprises projections arranged to be received in the socket, respectively, to define the elastic connecting portion.

6. The protective helmet according to claim 5, wherein the protruding portion is selectively held within the socket by an elastic snap fitting configuration.

7. The protective helmet according to claim 5, wherein each projection is linearly slidable within each of the sockets of a plurality of sockets, and each socket further comprises an elastic element therein that elastically deforms as a result of the sliding movement of the projection within the socket in response to an impact on the outer shell.

8. The protective helmet according to claim 7, wherein at least some of the plurality of sockets are oriented in a different direction from one or more adjacent sockets among the plurality of sockets.

9. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the elastic connecting portion is arranged to provide a gradual increase in resistance to movement between the inner shell and the outer shell in response to an increase in deflection between the inner shell and the outer shell.

10. The protective helmet according to claim 9, wherein the elastic connecting portion includes (i) a plurality of first elastic elements that provide resistance to movement between the inner shell and the outer shell in accordance with a first amount of deflection, and (ii) a plurality of second elastic elements that provide resistance to movement between the inner shell and the outer shell only in accordance with a second amount of deflection greater than the first amount of deflection.

11. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outer shell comprises a plurality of shell compartments that are interlocked with each other so as to be movable relative to each other.

12. The protective helmet according to claim 11, wherein the shell sections are linked to pivot to each other, and the claws on the shell sections engage with each other to limit the relative pivoting movement between the shell sections to a predetermined range of angular deflection.

13. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the elastic connecting portion comprises a lattice structure formed by three-dimensional molding and occupying the gap between the inner shell and the outer shell.

14. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the outer shell comprises a first rigid material, the inner shell comprises a second rigid material having lower rigidity than the first rigid material, and the elastic connecting portion comprises a plurality of supports formed of an elastic material.

15. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a liner supported along the interior of the inner shell so as to be worn on the head of the user, wherein the inner shell and the liner are formed by three-dimensional molding from dissimilar materials such that the inner shell is more rigid than the liner.

16. The protective helmet according to claim 15, further comprising an integral connector formed integrally by three-dimensional molding together with at least one of the inner shell and the liner, wherein the integral connector is arranged to detachably connect the liner to the inner shell.

17. The protective helmet according to claim 16, wherein the detachable connector comprises a socket on one of the inner shell and the liner and a projection on the other of the inner shell and the liner, the projection being selectively held within the socket by an elastic snap-fit ​​configuration.

18. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the liner includes holes for straps formed on the inside thereof by three-dimensional molding of the liner, and the holes for straps receive helmet straps extending through them.

19. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the liner includes a hole for electronic equipment formed on the inside by three-dimensional molding of the liner, and the hole for electronic equipment receives electronic hardware therein.

20. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the outer shell includes a plurality of ventilation holes formed therein and a plurality of structural members spanning across the ventilation holes so that air can pass between the structural members, and the structural members are integrally formed together with the outer shell by three-dimensional molding.

21. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the outer shell includes a plurality of helmet strap connectors mounted thereon and arranged to connect helmet straps to the outer shell, the helmet strap connectors being integrally formed together with the outer shell by three-dimensional molding.

22. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the outer shell includes a cage supported thereon so as to be positioned to span the user's eyes, the cage being supported on the outer shell by cage connectors, the cage connectors being integrally formed with the outer shell by three-dimensional molding.

23. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the outer shell includes at least one accessory attachment portion disposed on the outside of the outer shell for attaching helmet accessories, and the at least one accessory attachment portion is integrally formed with the outer shell by three-dimensional molding.

24. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the outer shell includes a three-dimensional mark formed thereon, the mark being integrally formed with the outer shell by three-dimensional molding.

25. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the outer shell includes a cage supported thereon so as to be positioned to span at least a portion of the user's facial area, and the cage is integrally formed together with the outer shell by three-dimensional molding.

26. The protective helmet according to claim 25, wherein the cage comprises a plurality of rod-shaped portions attached so as to intersect the cage, and at least one of the rod-shaped portions has a shape that changes along the length of the rod-shaped portion.

27. The protective helmet according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the cage comprises a plurality of rod-shaped portions attached so as to intersect the cage, and at least one of the rod-shaped portions has a cross-sectional size that changes along the length of the rod-shaped portion.

28. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the cage comprises a plurality of rod-shaped portions attached so as to intersect the cage, at least one of the rod-shaped portions having an elongated outer shape along a horizontal axis, and the orientation of the horizontal axis changes along the length of the rod-shaped portion, with respect to the vertical axis of the rod-shaped portion.

29. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the cage comprises a plurality of rod-shaped portions attached so as to intersect at each of its intersections, and at least one of the intersections comprises two rod-shaped portions that intersect each other in a common plane at the intersection.

30. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the cage comprises a plurality of rod-shaped portions attached so as to intersect at their respective intersections to define the cage, at least some of the rod-shaped portions are shaped to define elastic compartments formed therein, the elastic compartments are formed integrally with the cage by three-dimensional molding, and the elastic compartments are elastically deformable in response to impact.

31. The protective helmet according to claim 30, wherein the cage includes a main portion positioned to span the user's eyes and a peripheral portion connecting the main portion to the outer shell, and the elastic compartment of the cage is located in the peripheral portion of the cage.

32. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein the cage comprises a plurality of rod-shaped portions attached so as to intersect at each intersection so as to define the cage, and at least some of the rod-shaped portions are shaped to define the outer shape of the horizontal member such that the resistance to bending in the first radial direction is greater than the resistance in the second radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer shape of the horizontal member.

33. The protective helmet according to claim 32, wherein the outer shape of the horizontal member has greater resistance to bending in the direction laterally relative to the plane of the cage than to bending within the plane of the cage.

34. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein the cage comprises a plurality of rod-shaped portions attached so as to intersect at their respective intersections to define the cage, and at least some of the rod-shaped portions comprises a hollow frame member.

35. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the elastic movement includes rotational movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell, with respect to a center of rotation located within the boundary of the inner shell.

36. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the elastic movement includes radial movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell.

37. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the elastic movement includes the translational movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell.

38. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are rigid.

39. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the inner shell is positioned to extend at least over the user's forehead.

40. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the inner shell is positioned to extend at least over the temporal region of the user.

41. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the outer shell is a three-dimensional fabricated structure including an integral structure of an open lattice material.

42. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the helmet is a helmet for a hockey goalkeeper, and the outer shell includes a central viewing portion positioned to be aligned with the user's eyes, which is positioned to cover the user's lower jaw and remains open for visibility.

43. The protective helmet according to claim 42, wherein the outer shell is supported to translate along a longitudinal axis extending between the front part of the helmet and the rear part opposite it.

44. The protective helmet according to claim 43, wherein the outer shell is biased forward to return to a neutral position relative to the inner shell in response to the outer shell bending backward relative to the inner shell due to an impact.

45. The protective helmet according to claim 44, wherein the outer shell is movable backward from the neutral position relative to the inner shell by a greater distance than forward along the longitudinal axis.

46. A protective helmet according to any one of claims 43 to 45, further comprising: a plurality of track sections fixed on the first shell of the inner shell and the outer shell; and a plurality of followers fixed on the second shell of the inner shell and the outer shell, wherein the followers are slidably connected to the track sections to define translational movement.

47. The protective helmet according to claim 46, wherein each follower is compressible radially in the direction laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis such that the elastic movement includes radial movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell.

48. The protective helmet according to claim 46 or 47, wherein each track section is provided with a groove, and each follower has a head that fits into the outer shape of the groove to hold its head within the groove, while having an outer shape that allows the head to slide longitudinally along the groove.

49. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 42 to 48, wherein the inner shell is positioned to extend over at least a portion of the user's lower jaw.

50. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 42 to 49, wherein the inner shell includes a central opening so as to be aligned with the central viewing portion, and the inner shell extends around the entire periphery of the central opening.

51. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 42 to 50, wherein the connecting structure between the outer shell and the inner shell is located only at the top and sides of the helmet.

52. The protective helmet according to any one of claims 42 to 51, wherein the connecting structure between the outer shell and the inner shell is located only at the rear of the temporal region of the inner shell.

53. A cage arranged for use with a helmet, wherein the cage is If the cage is supported on the helmet, it comprises a plurality of rod-shaped parts that are attached to intersect to define the boundary of the cage, which is positioned to span at least a portion of the user's facial area, The aforementioned rod-shaped parts form a cage that is integrally created together with each other through three-dimensional molding.

54. The cage according to claim 53, wherein at least one of the rod-shaped portions has a shape that changes along the length of the rod-shaped portion.

55. The cage according to claim 53 or claim 54, wherein at least one of the rod-shaped portions has a cross-sectional size that changes along the length of the rod-shaped portion.

56. The cage according to any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein at least one of the rod-shaped portions has an elongated outer shape along the horizontal axis, and the orientation of the horizontal axis changes along the length of the rod-shaped portion, with respect to the vertical axis of the rod-shaped portion.

57. The cage according to any one of claims 53 to 56, wherein at least one of the intersections comprises two rod-shaped portions that intersect each other in a common plane at the intersection.

58. The cage according to any one of claims 53 to 57, wherein at least some of the rod-shaped portions are shaped to define elastic compartments formed therein, the elastic compartments are formed integrally with the cage by three-dimensional molding, and the elastic compartments are elastically deformable in response to impact.

59. The cage according to any one of claims 53 to 58, comprising a main portion positioned to span the user's eyes and a peripheral portion connecting the main portion to an outer shell, wherein the elastic compartment of the cage is located in the peripheral portion of the cage.

60. The cage according to any one of claims 53 to 59, wherein at least some of the rod-shaped portions are shaped to determine the outer shape of a horizontal member such that, within the plane of the cage, the resistance to bending of the rod-shaped portions in the first radial direction is greater in the direction lateral to the plane of the cage than in the second radial direction of the rod-shaped portions.

61. The cage according to any one of claims 53 to 60, wherein at least some of the rod-shaped portions are provided with hollow frame members.

62. Articles of protective equipment worn on a part of the user's body, said articles are, An inner shell comprising an inner shell having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface positioned to be worn against the body part of the user, An outer shell disposed to be attached to the upper part of the inner shell so as to cover the inner shell, the outer shell having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, An elastic connecting portion, wherein the outer shell is spaced radially outward from the inner shell, and the elastic connecting portion extends between the convex outer surface of the inner shell and the concave inner surface of the outer shell, such that the outer shell is supported by the elastic connecting portion so as to move elastically relative to the inner shell in response to an impact on the outer shell. An article that is equipped with [something].

63. The article according to claim 62, wherein the elastic connecting portion is integrally formed in three dimensions together with at least one of the inner shell and the outer shell.

64. The article according to claim 62, wherein the inner shell, the outer shell, and the elastic connecting portion are integrally formed together as a uniform body by three-dimensional molding.

65. The article according to claim 62, wherein the elastic connecting portion includes a plurality of first elements integrally formed in three dimensions together with the inner shell and a plurality of second elements integrally formed in three dimensions together with the outer shell, and the first connecting elements are selectively connected to the second connecting elements to define the elastic connecting portion between the inner shell and the outer shell.

66. The article according to claim 65, wherein one of the first element and the second element comprises a socket, and the other of the first element and the second element comprises projections arranged to be received in the socket, respectively, to define the elastic coupling.

67. The article according to claim 66, wherein the protruding portion is selectively held within the socket by an elastic snap fitting configuration.

68. The article according to claim 66, wherein each projection is linearly slidable within each of the sockets of a plurality of sockets, and each socket further comprises an elastic element therein that elastically deforms in response to an impact on the outer shell by the sliding movement of the projection within the socket.

69. The article according to claim 68, wherein at least some of the plurality of sockets are oriented in a different direction from one or more adjacent sockets among the plurality of sockets.

70. The article according to any one of claims 62 to 69, wherein the elastic connecting portion is arranged to produce a gradual increase in resistance to movement between the inner shell and the outer shell in response to an increase in deflection between the inner shell and the outer shell.

71. The article according to claim 70, wherein the elastic connecting portion includes (i) a plurality of first elastic elements that provide resistance to movement between the inner shell and the outer shell in accordance with a first amount of deflection, and (ii) a plurality of second elastic elements that provide resistance to movement between the inner shell and the outer shell only in accordance with a second amount of deflection greater than the first amount of deflection.

72. The article according to any one of claims 62 to 71, wherein the outer shell comprises a plurality of shell compartments that are interlocked with each other so as to be movable relative to each other.

73. The article according to claim 72, wherein the shell compartments are linked to pivot to each other, and the claws on the shell compartments engage with each other to limit the relative pivoting movement between the shell compartments to a predetermined range of angular deflection.

74. The article according to any one of claims 62 to 73, wherein the elastic connecting portion comprises a lattice structure formed by three-dimensional molding and occupying the gap between the inner shell and the outer shell.

75. The article according to any one of claims 62 to 74, wherein the outer shell comprises a first rigid material, the inner shell comprises a second rigid material having lower rigidity than the first rigid material, and the elastic connecting portion comprises a plurality of supports formed of an elastic material.

76. The article according to any one of claims 62 to 75, further comprising a liner supported along the interior of the inner shell so as to be worn on the head of the user, wherein the inner shell and the liner are formed by three-dimensional molding from dissimilar materials such that the inner shell is more rigid than the liner.

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