Padding arrangement for a helmet and relative manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a padding arrangement (1) for a helmet (100). The padding arrangement is adapted to be attached to an inner surface of the protective shell of a helmet and to cover, at least partially, the user's head during the use of said helmet. The padding arrangement comprises a plurality of superimposed layers (11, 12, 13) joined to one another at one or more edges of said padding arrangement. Further aspects of the invention relate to some methods for the industrial manufacturing of the aforesaid padding arrangement.

Description

[0001] PADDING ARRANGEMENT FOR A HELMET

[0002] AND RELATIVE MANUFACTURING METHOD

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a padding arrangement for a helmet and some methods for manufacturing the aforesaid padding arrangement.

[0006] Background of the invention

[0007] As is known, the use of a helmet is required or necessary for carrying out numerous activities in the civil, industrial, military and sporting fields.

[0008] Modern helmets are generally characterized by a good capacity to absorb the energy produced by radial impacts, i.e., impacts in which the impulsive force applied to the helmet is directed substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the helmet itself. In recent years, in order to further improve user protection, helmets have been developed which are capable of effectively absorbing the energy produced by oblique impacts, i.e., impacts in which the impulsive force applied to the helmet has a significant component directed tangentially with respect to the outer surface of the helmet.

[0009] Some known helmets include a protective shell comprising rigid parts capable of moving relatively to each other if the helmet is subjected to tangential impulsive forces. The movement of one part of the protective shell with respect to the other allows the kinetic energy transmitted to the helmet to be partially absorbed in the event of an oblique impact. Other helmets employ completely different types of solutions which essentially consist in applying a padding to the protective shell which is capable of deforming so as to dissipate the kinetic energy transmitted to the helmet in the event of an oblique impact. Examples of such helmets are described in patent documents US2018 / 0303187A1, US10271604B2, EP244082A1 and WO2011 / 139224A1.

[0010] While satisfying the purposes for which they were designed, the helmets of the latter type, currently available, include padding which is structurally complex and / or expensive to industrially manufacture. Furthermore, in many cases, the padding used is not very comfortable for the user and difficult for practical use.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] The main task of the present invention is to provide a padding arrangement for a helmet which allows to resolve the drawbacks of the background art. Within such a task, an object of the present invention is to provide a padding arrangement which allows to significantly improve the user's protection, in particular when the helmet is subject to oblique impacts.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a padding arrangement which ensures a high level of comfort for the user.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement which is simple to assemble and rapid and economical to produce at an industrial level.

[0015] This task and these objects, as well as other objects which will appear evident from the subsequent description and the attached drawings, are achieved, according to the invention, by a padding arrangement for a helmet, according to claim 1, proposed below. The padding arrangement, according to the invention, is adapted to cover, at least partially, the user's head during the use of the helmet.

[0016] The padding arrangement, according to the invention, comprises a plurality of superimposed layers joined to one another, preferably at one or more perimeter edges.

[0017] In particular, the padding arrangement, according to the invention, comprises:

[0018] - a first layer having a first surface adapted to contact the user’s head, during the use of the helmet, and a second surface opposite said first surface;

[0019] - a second layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other. The second layer is superimposed on the first layer and the third surface of the second layer faces the second surface of the first layer;

[0020] - a first elastically deformable structure made of thermoplastic material. This structure is deposited on the second layer and arranged so as to cover, at least partially, at least one surface of the aforesaid second layer;

[0021] - a third layer having a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite to each other. The aforesaid third layer is superimposed on the second layer and the sixth surface of the third layer faces the fourth surface of the second layer;

[0022] - a second elastically deformable structure made of thermoplastic material. This structure is deposited on the third layer and arranged so as to cover, at least partially, at least one surface of the third layer.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the invention, the second elastically deformable structure made of thermoplastic material is placed in contact with the inner surface of the protective shell of the helmet or with the surface of a further cover element of the helmet, when said padding arrangement is placed in its operating position.

[0024] According to other embodiments, the padding arrangement, according to the invention, comprises a fourth layer having a seventh surface adapted to contact the inner surface of the protective shell of the helmet or the surface of a further cover element of the helmet, when said padding arrangement is placed in its operating position, and an eighth surface, opposite to said seventh surface and facing the other layers of the padding arrangement. The fourth layer of the padding arrangement is superimposed on the third layer and the eighth surface of the fourth layer faces the fifth surface of the third layer.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the invention, the padding arrangement comprises a slip element interposed between the fourth surface of the second layer and the sixth surface of the third layer facing each other.

[0026] According to an aspect of the invention, the padding arrangement comprises first attaching means which can be operatively coupled with second attaching means of the protective shell of the helmet to removably attach said padding arrangement to the protective shell of said helmet.

[0027] In a further aspect, the present invention refers to a helmet which comprises at least one padding arrangement, according to the invention, attached to the protective shell of the helmet.

[0028] In a further aspect, the present invention refers to a method for manufacturing a padding arrangement for a helmet, according to claim 7 and the related dependent claims.

[0029] The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0030] - providing a first semi-finished product to form a first layer of the padding arrangement. The aforesaid first layer has a first surface adapted to contact the user's head, during the use of said helmet, and a second surface opposite to said first surface;

[0031] - providing a second semi-finished product to form a second layer of the padding arrangement. The aforesaid second layer has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other;

[0032] - depositing a first thermoplastic material on said second semi-finished product and forming a first elastically deformable structure made of thermoplastic material joined to the second layer and arranged so as to cover, at least partially, at least one surface of the second layer; - providing a third semi-finished product to form a third layer of the padding arrangement. The aforesaid third layer has a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite to each other;

[0033] - depositing a second thermoplastic material on said third semi-finished product and forming a second elastically deformable structure made of thermoplastic material joined to the third layer and arranged so as to cover, at least partially, at least one surface of the third layer;

[0034] - superimposing the second semi-finished product on the first semi-finished product so that the second layer is superimposed on the first layer and the third surface of the second layer faces the second surface of the first layer;

[0035] - superimposing the third semi-finished product on the second semi-finished product so that the third layer is superimposed on the second layer and the sixth surface of the third layer faces the fourth surface of the second layer.

[0036] Preferably, the method according to the invention also comprises the following steps:

[0037] - providing a fourth semi-finished product to form a fourth layer of the padding arrangement. The fourth layer has a seventh surface and an eighth surface, opposite to said seventh surface;

[0038] - superimposing the fourth semi-finished product on the third semi-finished product so that the fourth layer is superimposed on the third layer and so that the eighth surface of the fourth layer faces the fifth surface of the third layer.

[0039] Preferably, the method according to the invention also comprises the step of interposing a slip element between the aforesaid second and third layers.

[0040] Preferably, the method according to the invention also comprises the step of joining the superimposed semi-finished products at one or more joining regions configured to form one or more edges of the padding arrangement.

[0041] In a further aspect, the present invention refers to a further method for manufacturing a padding arrangement for a helmet, according to claim 12 and the related dependent claims.

[0042] The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0043] - providing a fifth semi-finished product arranged to form a first layer of said padding arrangement: The first layer has a first surface adapted to contact the user's head, during the use of the helmet, and a second surface opposite to the first surface; - providing a sixth semi-finished product having a first portion and a second portion joined and placed side by side. The first portion of the semi-finished product is arranged to form a second layer of the padding arrangement having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other. The second portion of the sixth semi-finished product is arranged to form a third layer of the padding arrangement having a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite to each other;

[0044] - depositing a first thermoplastic material on the first portion of the sixth semi-finished product and forming a first elastically deformable structure made of thermoplastic material joined to the second layer and arranged so as to cover, at least partially, at least one surface of the second layer;

[0045] - depositing a second thermoplastic material on the second portion of the sixth semifinished product and forming a second elastically deformable structure made of thermoplastic material joined to the third layer and arranged so as to cover, at least partially, at least one surface of the third layer;

[0046] - folding the sixth semi-finished product so that the third layer is superimposed on the second layer and the sixth surface of the third layer faces the fourth surface of the second layer;

[0047] - superimposing the sixth folded semi-finished product on the fifth semi-finished product so that the second layer is superimposed on the first layer and the third surface of the second layer faces the second surface of the first layer.

[0048] Preferably, the method according to the invention also comprises the following steps:

[0049] - providing a seventh semi-finished product to form a fourth layer of the padding arrangement. The fourth layer has a seventh surface and an eighth surface, opposite to said seventh surface;

[0050] - superimposing the seventh semi-finished product on the sixth folded semi-finished product so that the fourth layer is superimposed on the third layer and the eighth surface of the fourth layer faces the fifth surface of the third layer.

[0051] Preferably, the method according to the invention also comprises the step of interposing a slip element between the aforesaid second and third layers.

[0052] Preferably, the method according to the invention also comprises the step of joining the superimposed semi-finished products at one or more joining regions configured to form one or more edges of the padding arrangement. Description of the figures

[0053] Further characteristics and advantages of the method, according to the invention, can be better perceived by referring to the description given below and to the attached figures, provided for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, in which:

[0054] - figure 1 schematically illustrates a helmet which includes the padding arrangement, according to the invention;

[0055] - figures 2-7 schematically illustrate some embodiments of the padding arrangement, according to the invention;

[0056] - figures 7a-7e schematically illustrate further embodiments of the padding arrangement, according to the invention;

[0057] - figures 8-9 schematically illustrate some steps of a method for manufacturing the padding arrangement, according to the invention;

[0058] - figures 10-12 schematically illustrate some steps of a further manufacturing method of the padding arrangement, according to the invention.

[0059] Detailed description of the invention

[0060] With reference to the aforementioned figures, the present invention refers to a padding arrangement 1 for a helmet.

[0061] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a helmet 100 comprising the padding arrangement, according to the invention.

[0062] In principle, the helmet 100 can be of any type and have any use in the civil, industrial, military and sporting fields.

[0063] In general terms, the helmet 100 comprises a protective shell having at least one rigid outer layer 101, for example made of ABS, PC, PP or a composite material, and at least one inner cover layer 102 of a relatively flexible, lightweight and resistant material capable of effectively absorbing impact energy, for example EPS or EPP.

[0064] The helmet 100 can also comprise fastening means of a known type (not shown) for fastening the helmet to the user's head.

[0065] The inner cover layer 102 of the protective shell comprises an inner surface 103 intended to face the user's head during the use of the helmet.

[0066] The helmet 100 comprises at least the padding arrangement 1 attached to the aforesaid inner surface 103 of the protective shell. To this end, as better described below, the padding arrangement 1 comprises first attaching means 4 adapted to be operatively coupled with corresponding second attaching means 104 of the inner surface 104 of the protective shell.

[0067] According to some embodiments (not illustrated), the helmet 100 can comprise one or more further cover elements between the padding arrangement 1 and the inner surface 103 of the protective shell.

[0068] The padding arrangement 1 comprises a plurality of superimposed layers joined to one another, preferably at one or more perimeter edges 2 of the padding arrangement (figures 6-7).

[0069] The padding arrangement 1 is adapted to cover, at least partially, the user's head during the use of the helmet. As a whole, it is formed by a multilayer structure which is flexible and soft to the touch and is capable of flexing to follow the profile of the inner surface 103 of the protective shell, when attached to the latter.

[0070] Such a multilayer structure will now be described in detail with particular reference to figures 2-7.

[0071] For obvious reasons of clarity, it is specified that terms such as "superimposed", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer" and any other terms referring to the relative positioning of parts of the padding arrangement are to be understood with reference to the normal position of the latter, when attached to the protective shell, as illustrated in the aforementioned figures.

[0072] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an exploded view of the padding arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0073] The padding arrangement 1 comprises a first layer 11 having a first surface 111 and a second surface 112 opposite to each other.

[0074] The first surface 111 of the first layer 11 is adapted to contact the user's head during the use of the helmet, while the second surface 112 is intended to face the upper layers of the padding arrangement.

[0075] Preferably, the first layer 11 is made of a soft material, for example a material chosen from: a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a polyurethane foam, or a combination of these materials.

[0076] Preferably, the layer 11 is arranged so as to be heat-sealed to another layer of the padding arrangement. In this case, where necessary, it could be covered at least partially (for example at the edges of the padding arrangement) by a heat-sealable material, for example TPU or PVC.

[0077] Preferably, the first layer 11 is made, at least partially, of a breathable material so as to ensure improved comfort for the user.

[0078] The padding arrangement 1 comprises a second layer 12 having a third surface 123 and a fourth surface 124 opposite to each other.

[0079] The second layer 12 is superimposed on the first layer 11 so that the third surface 123 of the second layer 12 faces the second surface 112 of the first layer 11.

[0080] The second layer 12 is intended to act as a support for a thermoplastic material deposited at its lower surface 123. It can therefore be made of a material chosen from: a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a polyurethane foam, or a combination of these materials.

[0081] Preferably, the layer 12 is arranged so as to be heat-sealed to another layer of the padding arrangement. In this case, where necessary, it could be covered at least partially (for example at the edges of the padding arrangement) by a heat-sealable material, for example TPU or PVC.

[0082] Preferably, the upper surface 124 of the second layer 12 is covered, at least partially, by an anti -friction material, for example a PTFE or TPU-based lubricating material.

[0083] The padding arrangement 1 comprises a first structure 16 made of thermoplastic material joined to the second layer 12 and arranged so as to at least partially cover the surface 123 of such a layer. The structure 16 made of thermoplastic material faces the underlying layer 11 and is interposed between the lower surface 123 of the second layer 12 and the upper surface 112 of the first layer 11.

[0084] The first structure 16 made of thermoplastic material is elastically deformable following the application of a force even when such force is directed mainly in a parallel direction with respect to the surface of the second layer 12, as can occur if the helmet is subjected to an oblique impact.

[0085] The padding arrangement 1 comprises a third layer 13 having a fifth surface 135 and a sixth surface 136 opposite to each other.

[0086] The third layer 13 is superimposed on the second layer 12 so that its sixth surface 136 faces the fourth surface 124 of the second layer 12.

[0087] The third layer 13 is also intended to act as a support for a thermoplastic material deposited at the corresponding upper surface 135. The third layer 13 can be made of a material chosen from: a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a polyurethane foam, or a combination of these materials.

[0088] Preferably, the layer 13 is arranged so as to be heat-sealed to another layer of the padding arrangement. In this case, where necessary, it could be covered at least partially (for example at the edges of the padding arrangement) by a heat-sealable material, for example TPU or PVC.

[0089] Preferably, the lower surface 136 of the third layer 13 is covered, at least partially, by an anti -friction material, for example a PTFE or TPU-based lubricating material.

[0090] The padding arrangement 1 comprises a second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material joined to the third layer 13 and arranged so as to at least partially cover the upper surface 135 of the third layer 13. The structure 17 made of thermoplastic material is thus oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the first structure 16 made of thermoplastic material. In practice, it faces the inner surface 103 of the protective shell 101, 102 when the padding arrangement is attached to the aforesaid protective shell.

[0091] The second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material is elastically deformable following the application of a force even when such force is directed mainly in a parallel direction with respect to the surface of the third layer 13, as can occur if the helmet is subjected to an oblique impact.

[0092] In principle, the structures 16, 17 made of thermoplastic material can be obtained by depositing a thermoplastic material on the surfaces 123, 135 of the relative support layers 12, 13 using any known industrial process, for example injection moulding, additive printing using a 3D printer, gluing, sewing, heat-sealing, casting, and so on.

[0093] Preferably, the deformable structures 16, 17 are obtained by depositing a thermoplastic material on the surfaces 123, 135 of the relative support layers 12, 13 by injection moulding.

[0094] According to some embodiments, the deformable structures 16, 17 can have a continuous configuration. For example, each structure can be created by depositing a continuous or reticular layer of thermoplastic material on the relative support layer 12, 13.

[0095] According to other embodiments, the deformable structures 16, 17 can have a discrete configuration. In this case, they can comprise a plurality of shaped bearings or shaped elements made of thermoplastic material separated from each other and arranged according to a desired configuration. In particular, according to some embodiments, each structure 16, 17 can consist of a set of shaped elements of thermoplastic material, arranged side by side according to a desired configuration. For example, the structures 16, 17 can be made according to the solutions described in patent application DE102020120936A1.

[0096] According to some embodiments (figures 3-4), the second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material is placed directly in contact with the inner surface 103 of the protective shell 101, 102 or with the surface of a further cover element attached to the protective shell, when the padding arrangement is attached to such a protective shell.

[0097] In this case, one or more surface portions of the second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material can be designed or treated so as to facilitate the grip with the protective shell or with the aforesaid further cover element.

[0098] According to other embodiments (figure 5), the padding arrangement 1 comprises a fourth layer 14 intended to cover the structure 17 made of thermoplastic material at the top.

[0099] The fourth layer 14 has a seventh surface 147 and an eighth surface 148, opposite to said seventh surface 147.

[0100] The fourth layer 14 is superimposed on the third layer 13 so that the seventh surface 107 faces the inner surface 103 of the protective shell and the eighth surface 148 of the fourth layer 14 faces the surface 135 of the third layer 13.

[0101] The seventh surface 107 of the fourth layer is adapted to contact the inner surface 103 of the protective shell or the surface of a further cover element attached to the protective shell, when the padding arrangement is attached to such a protective shell.

[0102] The second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material is thus interposed between the lower surface 148 of the fourth layer 14 and the upper surface 135 of the third layer 13. Preferably, the fourth layer 14 is made of a soft material, for example a material chosen from: a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a polyurethane foam, or a combination of these materials.

[0103] Preferably, the layer 14 is arranged so as to be heat-sealed to another layer of the padding arrangement. In this case, where necessary, it could be covered at least partially (for example at the edges of the padding arrangement) by a heat-sealable material, for example TPU or PVC.

[0104] According to some embodiments of the invention, the padding arrangement 1 comprises a slip element 15 interposed between the second layer 12 and the third layer 13, in particular between the upper surface 124 of the second layer 12 and the lower surface 136 of the third layer 13.

[0105] Preferably, such a slip element is configured so as to be movable, at least partially, with respect to the layers 12, 13 between which it is interposed.

[0106] The slip element 15 can therefore perform at least a partial slipping or roto-translational movement with respect to the layers 12, 13. It is highlighted how the relative motion of the slip element 15 with respect to the layers 12, 13 is favoured by the presence of a lubricating material at the opposite surfaces 124, 134 of the aforesaid layers.

[0107] The slip element 15 contributes to effectively dampen any radial or oblique impacts to which the helmet is subjected. Furthermore, it significantly improves the feeling of comfort for the user.

[0108] Preferably, the slip element 15 comprises a gel or polyurethane foam pad.

[0109] Figures 3, 4 schematically illustrate some possible embodiments, according to which the padding arrangement comprises only the layers 11, 12, 13 and the structures 16, 17 made of thermoplastic material joined to the layers 12, 13.

[0110] According to the embodiments of figures 3-4, the structure 17 made of thermoplastic material is placed directly in contact with the inner surface 103 of the inner cover layer 102, when the padding arrangement is attached to such a protective shell. In the embodiment of figure 3, the opposite surfaces 124, 136 of the layers 12, 13 are directly in contact with each other.

[0111] In the embodiment of figure 4, a slip element 15 is instead interposed between the layers 12, 13.

[0112] Figure 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the padding arrangement according to the invention. In this case, the padding arrangement also comprises an upper layer 14 in addition to the layers 11, 12, 13 mentioned above and to the structures 16, 17 made of thermoplastic material joined to the layers 12, 13.

[0113] In the embodiment of figure 5, a slip element 15 is interposed between the opposite surfaces 124, 136 of the layers 12, 13.

[0114] However, further embodiments of the invention (not illustrated) are possible in which such a slip element is not present and the opposite surfaces 124, 136 of the layers 12, 13 are directly in contact with each other. Advantageously, the padding structure 1 comprises first attaching means which can be coupled with corresponding second attaching means arranged at the inner surface 103 of the protective shell to attach the padding arrangement to the protective shell of the helmet. In the embodiment of figure 4, the structure 17 made of thermoplastic material can advantageously comprise a plurality of relatively rigid attaching elements (not shown) which can be mechanically coupled, for example by snap coupling, with corresponding attaching seats (not shown) obtained at the inner surface 103 of the protective shell Embodiment variants (not illustrated) are obviously possible in which the structure 17 made of thermoplastic material comprises a plurality of attaching seats to which corresponding rigid attaching elements which protrude from the inner surface 103 of the protective shell can be mechanically coupled, for example by snap coupling.

[0115] According to further alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the structure 17 made of thermoplastic material can be made so as to leave some portions of the layer 13 free, at which first attaching means are arranged which can be coupled with corresponding second attaching means arranged at the inner surface 103 of the protective shell for attaching the padding arrangement to the protective shell of the helmet.

[0116] The first attaching means can consist of one or more first Velcro™ elements 4 (or other material with equivalent functionality) attached to the upper surface 135 of the layer 13 and which can be tear-coupled with corresponding second Velcro™ elements 104 (or other material with equivalent functionality) attached to the inner surface 103 of the protective shell (figure 1).

[0117] According to the embodiment of figure 5 (and similar embodiments of the invention), the first attaching means can consist of one or more first Velcro™ elements 4 (or other material with equivalent functionality) attached to the upper surface 147 of the layer 14 and which can be tear-coupled with corresponding second Velcro™ elements 104 (or other material with equivalent functionality) attached to the inner surface 103 of the protective shell (figure 1).

[0118] Figure 6 illustrates a bottom view of the padding arrangement, according to the invention. As can be seen, the padding arrangement can have an articulated shape, designed so as to improve comfort for the user.

[0119] In the view of figure 6 it is possible to distinguish the lower layer 11 intended to be in contact with the user's head during the use of the helmet itself. Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the padding arrangement, according to the invention in the embodiment of figure 6. It is possible to distinguish the upper layer 147 intended to be in contact with the inner surface 103 of the protective shell and the first attaching means 4 (Velcro™ elements or other material with equivalent functionality) arranged at the relative upper surface 147 for attaching the padding arrangement to the protective shell.

[0120] Obviously, as mentioned above, several padding arrangements 1 juxtaposed and having different shapes can be attached to the protective shell of the helmet to cover different areas of the user's head.

[0121] Figure 7a illustrates an alternative structure of the padding arrangement according to further possible embodiments of the invention.

[0122] The structure illustrated in figure 7a is, in many respects, very similar to those illustrated in figures 2-7. In this case, however, the second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material is arranged so as to at least partially cover the lower surface 136 of the third layer 13. The structure 17 made of thermoplastic material is thus oriented in a direction consistent with the first structure 16 made of thermoplastic material. In practice, it is facing the underlying layers 11, 12 of the padding arrangement.

[0123] According to such embodiments of the invention, the upper surface 135 of the third layer 13 can be placed directly in contact with the inner surface 103 of the inner cover layer 102 or with the surface of a further cover element attached to the protective shell, when the padding arrangement is attached to such a protective shell. Alternatively, the padding arrangement 1 can comprise a fourth layer 14 interposed between the layer 13 of the padding arrangement and the inner surface 103 of the protective shell.

[0124] If the surface 135 of the layer 13 is directly in contact with the protective shell, the first attaching means of the padding arrangement can consist of one or more first Velcro™ elements (or other material with equivalent functionality) attached to the upper surface 135 of the layer 13 and can be tear-coupled with corresponding second Velcro™ elements (or other material with equivalent functionality) attached to the inner surface 103 of the protective shell.

[0125] Figure 7b illustrates a further alternative structure for the padding arrangement according to other possible embodiments of the invention. The structure illustrated in figure 7b is, in many respects, very similar to those illustrated in figures 2-7. In this case, however, the first structure 16 made of thermoplastic material is arranged so as to at least partially cover the upper surface 124 of the second layer 12. The structure 16 made of thermoplastic material is thus oriented in a direction consistent with the second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material. In practice, it is facing the overlying layers 13 and, possibly, 14 of the padding arrangement.

[0126] Figure 7c illustrates a further alternative structure for the padding arrangement according to other possible embodiments of the invention.

[0127] The structure of the padding arrangement illustrated in figure 7c is, in many respects, entirely similar to those illustrated in figures 2-7. In this case, however, the first structure 16 made of thermoplastic material is arranged so as to at least partially cover the upper surface 124 of the second layer 12 and the second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material is arranged so as to at least partially cover the lower surface 136 of the third layer 13.

[0128] The structure 16 made of thermoplastic material is thus oriented towards the second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material. In practice, such structures are facing each other. The possible slip element 15 of the padding arrangement is thus interposed between the opposite structures 16, 17 made of thermoplastic material.

[0129] According to such embodiments of the invention, the upper surface 135 of the third layer 13 can be placed directly in contact with the inner surface 103 of the inner cover layer 102 or with the surface of a further cover element attached to the protective shell, when the padding arrangement is attached to such a protective shell. Alternatively, the padding arrangement 1 can comprise a fourth layer 14 interposed between the layer 13 of the padding arrangement and the inner surface 103 of the protective shell or the surface of a further cover element attached to the protective shell.

[0130] If the surface 135 of the layer 13 is directly in contact with the protective shell, the first attaching means of the padding arrangement can consist of one or more first Velcro™ elements (or other material with equivalent functionality) attached to the upper surface 135 of the layer 13 and can be tear-coupled with corresponding second Velcro™ elements (or other material with equivalent functionality) attached to the inner surface 103 of the protective shell. Figures 7d-7e illustrate further variations of the padding arrangement according to other possible embodiments of the invention.

[0131] According to the variant of figure 7d, the first structure 16 made of thermoplastic material is arranged so as to at least partially cover both the lower surface 123 and the upper surface 124 of the second layer 12.

[0132] According to the variant of figure 7e, the second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material is arranged so as to at least partially cover both the lower surface 136 and the upper surface 135 of the third layer 13.

[0133] According to the variants of figures 7a-7e, the other layers of the padding arrangement can be made according to the solutions described above.

[0134] As a person skilled in the art can easily understand, further variations in the padding arrangement are possible by appropriately combining the solutions illustrated in figures 2-7, 7a-7e and described previously. Such embodiments of the padding arrangement are not described here in detail for obvious reasons of brevity.

[0135] In a further aspect, the present invention refers to a method 50 for the industrial manufacturing of the padding arrangement 1 (figures 8-9).

[0136] For the sake of simplicity, the method 50 according to the invention will be described here with particular reference to the embodiment of figures 2-7.

[0137] The method 50 comprises the step of providing a first semi-finished product 51 arranged so as to form a first layer 11 of the padding arrangement.

[0138] As mentioned above, the first layer 11 comprises a first surface 111 intended to contact the user's head, during the use of the helmet 100, and a second surface 112 opposite to the first surface 111.

[0139] The semi-finished product 51 preferably consists of a sheet of a soft material, for example chosen from: a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a polyurethane foam, or a combination of these materials.

[0140] Preferably, the semi-finished product 51 comprises one or more portions covered at least partially (for example at the edges of the padding arrangement) by a heat-sealable material, for example TPU or PVC.

[0141] To form the first layer 11, the first semi-finished product 51 can be subjected to preliminary processing of a known type. Such processing is not described here in detail for obvious reasons of brevity. The method 50 comprises the step of providing a second semi-finished product 52 arranged so as to form a second layer 12 of the padding arrangement.

[0142] The second layer 12 has a third surface 123 and a fourth surface 124 opposite to each other and is advantageously intended to act as a support for the deposition of a first thermoplastic material.

[0143] The second semi-finished product 52 preferably consists of a sheet of a material chosen from: a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a polyurethane foam, or a combination of these materials.

[0144] Preferably, the semi-finished product 52 comprises one or more portions covered at least partially (for example at the edges of the padding arrangement) by a heat-sealable material, for example TPU or PVC.

[0145] To form the second layer 12, the second semi-finished product 52 can be subjected to preliminary processing of a known type. Such processing is not described here in detail for obvious reasons of brevity.

[0146] The method 50 comprises the step of depositing a first thermoplastic material on the second semi-finished product 52 so as to form a first elastically deformable structure 16 made of thermoplastic material joined to the second layer 12 and arranged so as to cover, at least partially, a surface of the second layer 12, for example the third surface 123. Preferably, the first thermoplastic material is made of TPE, TPU, PVC, HDPE, LDPE or materials of a similar type.

[0147] Advantageously, the first thermoplastic material can be deposited on the second semifinished product 52 by a process selected from: injection moulding, additive printing, gluing, stitching, heat sealing and casting. Preferably, the first thermoplastic material can be deposited on the second semi-finished product 52 by an injection moulding process. Preferably, the method 50 comprises the step of covering, at least partially, a surface of the second semi-finished product 52 which corresponds to the fourth surface 124 of the second layer 12 with an anti -friction material, for example a PTFE or TPU-based lubricating material.

[0148] The method 50 comprises the step of providing a third semi-finished product 53 arranged so as to form a third layer 13 of the padding arrangement. The third layer 13 has a fifth surface 135 and a sixth surface 135 opposite to each other and is advantageously intended to act as a support for the deposition of a first thermoplastic material.

[0149] The third semi-finished product 53 preferably consists of a sheet of a material chosen from: a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a polyurethane foam, or a combination of these materials.

[0150] Preferably, the semi-finished product 53 comprises one or more portions covered at least partially (for example at the edges of the padding arrangement) by a heat-sealable material, for example TPU or PVC.

[0151] To form the third layer 13, the third semi-finished product 53 can be subjected to preliminary processing of a known type. Such processing is not described here in detail for obvious reasons of brevity.

[0152] The method 50 comprises the step of depositing a second thermoplastic material on the third semi-finished product 53 so as to form a second elastically deformable structure 17 made of thermoplastic material which covers, at least partially, a surface of the third layer 13, for example the fifth surface 135.

[0153] Preferably, the second thermoplastic material is made of TPE, TPU, PVC, HDPE, LDPE or materials of a similar type.

[0154] Advantageously, the second thermoplastic material can be deposited on the third semifinished product 53 by means of a process selected from: injection moulding, additive printing, gluing, stitching, heat sealing and casting. Preferably, the second thermoplastic material can be deposited on the third semi-finished product 53 by an injection moulding process.

[0155] Preferably, the method 50 comprises the step of covering, at least partially, a surface of the third semi-finished product 53 which corresponds to the sixth surface 136 of the third layer 13 with an anti -friction material, for example a PTFE or TPU-based lubricating material.

[0156] The method 50 comprises the step of superimposing the second semi-finished product 52 on the first semi-finished product 51 so that the second layer 12 is superimposed on the first layer 11 and so that the third surface 123 of the second layer 12 faces the second surface 112 of the first layer 11. The method 50 therefore comprises the step of superimposing the third semi-finished product 53 on the second semi-finished product 52 so that the third layer 13 is superimposed on the second layer 12 and so that the sixth surface 136 of the third layer 13 faces the fourth surface 124 of the second layer 12.

[0157] In the example illustrated in figures 8-9, the structure 16 made of thermoplastic material faces the underlying first layer 11 and is thus interposed between the lower surface 123 of the second layer 12 and the upper surface 112 of the first layer 11. The structure 17 made of thermoplastic material instead faces the opposite direction to the structure 16 made of thermoplastic material. Obviously, the structures 16, 17 made of thermoplastic material are oriented differently from what is illustrated in figures 8-9, if they are made according to one of the alternative solutions illustrated in figures 7a-7e.

[0158] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method 50 comprises a step of providing a fourth semi-finished product 54 arranged so as to form a fourth layer 14 of the padding arrangement intended to cover the second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material on top.

[0159] As mentioned above, the fourth layer 14 comprises a seventh surface 147 adapted to contact the inner surface 103 of the protective shell 101, 102 of the helmet 100 or the surface of a further cover element attached to the protective shell, when the padding arrangement is attached to such a protective shell, and an eighth surface 148, opposite to the aforesaid seventh surface 147 of the fourth layer 14.

[0160] The fourth semi-finished product 54 preferably consists of a sheet of a soft material, for example chosen from: a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a polyurethane foam, or a combination of these materials.

[0161] Preferably, the semi-finished product 54 comprises one or more portions covered at least partially (for example at the edges of the padding arrangement) by a heat-sealable material, for example TPU or PVC.

[0162] To form the fourth layer 14, the fourth semi-finished product 54 can be subjected to preliminary processing of a known type. Such processing is not described here in detail for obvious reasons of brevity.

[0163] Preferably, the method 50 comprises the step of superimposing the fourth semi-finished product 54 on the third semi-finished product 53 so that the fourth layer 14 of the padding arrangement is superimposed on the third layer 13 of the padding arrangement and so that the eighth surface 148 of the fourth layer 14 faces the fifth surface 135 of the fourth layer 14.

[0164] In the example illustrated in figures 8-9, the structure 17 made of thermoplastic material faces the overlying layer 14 interposed between the lower surface 148 of the fourth layer 14 and the upper surface 135 of the third layer 13. Obviously, the structure 17 made of thermoplastic material is oriented differently from that illustrated in figures 8-9, if they are made according to one of the alternative solutions illustrated in figures 7a-7e.

[0165] Preferably, the method 50 comprises the step of interposing a slip element 15 between the superimposed layers 12, 13.

[0166] Preferably, such a slip element is arranged so as to be movable, at least partially, with respect to the layers 12, 13 between which it is interposed. To this end, it can be sewn or glued to one of the layers 12, 13 at one end or one side.

[0167] Preferably, the slip element 15 comprises a gel or polyurethane foam pad.

[0168] Preferably, the method 50 comprises the step of joining the multilayer structure obtained by superimposing the semi-finished products 51, 52, 53, and possibly 54, at one or more joining regions 2 adapted to form one or more edges of the padding arrangement. To this end, a gluing, stitching or heat-sealing process can be advantageously used.

[0169] Preferably, the method 50 comprises the step of cutting out the assembly of semi-finished superimposed products 51, 52, 53, 54 joined at the joining regions 2 adapted to form the edges of the padding arrangement. Such a step can be carried out at an industrial level using cutting procedures of a known type, possibly simultaneously with the joining step previously described.

[0170] As a person skilled in the art can easily understand, the method 50 according to the invention can be subject to some variations if it is intended to make a padding arrangement made according to one of the variations illustrated in 7a-7e.

[0171] The method 50, according to the invention, can therefore comprise the step of depositing a first thermoplastic material on the second semi-finished product 52 so as to form a first elastically deformable structure 16 made of thermoplastic material which at least partially covers the fourth surface 124 of the second layer 12 or both surfaces 123, 124 of the second layer.

[0172] Similarly, the method 50, according to the invention, can comprise the step of depositing a second thermoplastic material on the third semi-finished product 53 so as to form a second elastically deformable structure 17 made of thermoplastic material which at least partially covers the sixth surface 136 of the third layer 13 or both surfaces 135, 136 of the third layer 13.

[0173] Further embodiments of the method according to the invention are possible by appropriately combining the embodiments illustrated above. Such embodiments of the method according to the invention are not illustrated here in detail for obvious reasons of brevity.

[0174] In a further aspect, the present invention refers to a further method 60 for the industrial manufacturing of the padding arrangement 1, described above (figures 10-12).

[0175] For the sake of simplicity, the method 60 according to the invention will be described here with particular reference to the embodiment of figures 2-7.

[0176] The method 60 comprises the step of providing a fifth semi-finished product 61 arranged so as to form a first layer 11 of the padding arrangement.

[0177] As mentioned above, the first layer 11 comprises a first surface 111 intended to contact the user's head, during the use of the helmet 100, and a second surface 112 opposite to the first surface 111.

[0178] The fifth semi-finished product 61 preferably consists of a sheet of a soft material, for example chosen from: a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a polyurethane foam, or a combination of these materials.

[0179] Preferably, the semi-finished product 61 comprises one or more portions covered at least partially (for example at the edges of the padding arrangement) by a heat-sealable material, for example TPU or PVC.

[0180] To form the first layer 11, the fifth semi-finished product 61 can be subjected to preliminary processing of a known type which are not described here in detail for obvious reasons of brevity.

[0181] The method 60 comprises the step of providing a sixth semi-finished product 62 arranged so as to form a second layer 12 and a third layer 13 of the padding arrangement.

[0182] The sixth semi-finished product 62 includes a first portion 621 and a second portion 622 joined to one another, placed side by side and arranged to form the second layer 12 and the third layer 13 of the padding arrangement. The second layer 12 has a third surface 123 and a fourth surface 124 opposite to each other and is advantageously intended to act as a support for the deposition of a first thermoplastic material.

[0183] The third layer 13 has a fifth surface 135 and a sixth surface 136 opposite to each other and is advantageously intended to act as a support for the deposition of a second thermoplastic material.

[0184] The sixth semi-finished product 62 preferably consists of a sheet of a material chosen from: a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a polyurethane foam, or a combination of these materials.

[0185] Preferably, the semi-finished product 62 comprises one or more portions covered at least partially (for example at the edges of the padding arrangement) by a heat-sealable material, for example TPU or PVC.

[0186] To form the aforesaid layers 12, 13, the sixth semi-finished product 62 can be subjected to preliminary processing of a known type which are not described here in detail for obvious reasons of brevity.

[0187] The method 60 comprises the step of depositing a first thermoplastic material on the first portion 621 so as to form a first elastically deformable structure 16 made of thermoplastic material joined to the relative support layer 12 and arranged so as to at least partially cover a surface of such a support layer, for example the third surface 123.

[0188] Preferably, the first thermoplastic material is made of TPE, TPU, PVC, HDPE, LDPE or materials of a similar type.

[0189] Advantageously, the first thermoplastic material can be deposited by a process selected from: injection moulding, additive printing, gluing, stitching, heat sealing and casting.

[0190] Preferably, the first thermoplastic material can be deposited on the first portion 621 of the sixth semi-finished product 62 by an injection moulding process.

[0191] The method 60 comprises the step of depositing a second thermoplastic material on the second portion 622 so as to form a second elastically deformable structure 17 made of thermoplastic material joined to the relative support layer 13 and arranged so as to at least partially cover a surface of such a support layer, for example the fifth surface 135.

[0192] Preferably, the second thermoplastic material is made of TPE, TPU, PVC, HDPE, LDPE or materials of a similar type. Advantageously, the second thermoplastic material can be deposited by a process selected from: injection moulding, additive printing, gluing, stitching, heat sealing and casting. Preferably, the second thermoplastic material can be deposited on the second portion 622 of the sixth semi-finished product 62 by an injection moulding process.

[0193] Preferably, the method 60 comprises the step of covering, at least partially, a surface of the second portion 622 of the sixth semi-finished product 62 which corresponds to the sixth surface 136 of the third layer 13 with an anti -friction material, for example a lubricating material based on PTFE or TPU.

[0194] The method 60 comprises the step of folding the sixth semi-finished product 62 so that the third layer 13 is superimposed on the second layer 12 and the sixth surface 136 of the third layer 13 faces the fourth surface 124 of the second layer 12.

[0195] Advantageously, the folding of the sixth semi-finished product 62 is carried out along a folding axis in an intermediate position between the side-by-side portions 621, 622 of the sixth semi-finished product 62.

[0196] The method 60 comprises the step of superimposing the sixth semi-finished product 62, thus folded, on the first semi-finished product 51 so that the second layer 12 is superimposed on the first layer 11 and the third surface 123 of the second layer 12 faces the second surface 112 of the first layer 11.

[0197] In the example of figures 10-12, the structure 16 made of thermoplastic material faces the underlying first layer 11 and is interposed between the lower surface 123 of the second layer 12 and the upper surface 112 of the first layer 11. The structure 17 made of thermoplastic material is instead oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the first structure 16 made of thermoplastic material. Obviously, the structures 16, 17 made of thermoplastic material are oriented differently from what is illustrated in figures 10-12, if they are made according to one of the alternative solutions illustrated in figures 7a-7e. According to some embodiments of the invention, the method 60 comprises a step of providing a seventh semi-finished product 63 arranged so as to form a fourth layer 14 of the padding arrangement intended to cover the second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material on top.

[0198] The fourth layer 14 comprises a seventh surface 147 adapted to contact the inner surface 103 of the protective shell 101, 102 of the helmet 100 or the surface of a further cover element attached to the protective shell, when the padding arrangement is attached to such a protective shell, and an eighth surface 148, opposite to the aforesaid seventh surface 147 of the fourth layer 14.

[0199] The seventh semi-finished product 63 preferably consists of a sheet of a soft material, for example chosen from: a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a polyurethane foam, or a combination of these materials.

[0200] Preferably, the semi-finished product 63 comprises one or more portions covered at least partially (for example at the edges of the padding arrangement) by a heat-sealable material, for example TPU or PVC.

[0201] To form the fourth layer 14, the seventh semi-finished product 63 can be subjected to preliminary processing of a known type which are not described here in detail for obvious reasons of brevity.

[0202] Preferably, the method 60 comprises the step of superimposing the seventh semi-finished product 63 on the sixth semi-finished product 62, folded as indicated above, so that the fourth layer 14 of the padding arrangement is superimposed on the third layer 13 and the eighth surface 148 of the fourth layer 14 faces the fifth surface 135 of the fourth layer 14. In the example of figures 10-12, the second structure 17 made of thermoplastic material faces the overlying layer 14 and is interposed between the eighth surface 148 of the fourth layer 14 and the fifth surface 135 of the third layer 13. Obviously, the structure 17 made of thermoplastic material is oriented differently from that illustrated in figures 10-12, if they are made according to one of the alternative solutions illustrated in figures 7a-7e.

[0203] Preferably, the method 60 comprises the step of interposing a slip element 15 between the superimposed layers 12, 13.

[0204] Such a step can be carried out at the same time as the folding step of the sixth semifinished product 62 or subsequently thereto.

[0205] Preferably, the slip element 15 is arranged so as to be movable, at least partially, with respect to the layers 12, 13 between which it is interposed. To this end, it can be sewn or glued to one of the layers 12, 13 at one end or one side.

[0206] Preferably, the slip element 15 comprises a gel or polyurethane foam pad.

[0207] Preferably, the method 60 comprises the step of joining the multilayer structure obtained by superimposing the semi-finished products 61, 62, and possibly 63, at one or more joining regions 2 adapted to form one or more edges of the padding arrangement. To this end, a gluing, stitching or heat-sealing process can be advantageously used. Preferably, the method 60 comprises the step of cutting out the assembly of semi-finished superimposed products at the joining regions 2 adapted to form the edges of the padding arrangement. Such a step can be carried out at an industrial level using cutting procedures of a known type, possibly simultaneously with the previous joining step.

[0208] As a person skilled in the art can easily understand, the method 60 according to the invention can be subject to some variations if it is intended to make a padding arrangement according to one of the variations illustrated in 7a-7e.

[0209] The method 60, according to the invention, can therefore comprise the step of depositing a first thermoplastic material on the first portion 621 of the sixth semi-finished product 52 so as to form a first elastically deformable structure 16 made of thermoplastic material which at least partially covers the fourth surface 124 of the second layer 12 or both surfaces 123, 124 of the second layer.

[0210] Similarly, the method 60 according to the invention can comprise the step of depositing a second thermoplastic material on the second portion 622 of the sixth semi-finished product 62 so as to form a second elastically deformable structure 17 made of thermoplastic material which at least partially covers the sixth surface 136 of the third layer 13 or both surfaces 135, 136 of the third layer 13.

[0211] Further embodiments of the method according to the invention are possible by appropriately combining the embodiments illustrated above. Such embodiments of the method according to the invention are not illustrated here in detail for obvious reasons of brevity.

[0212] The padding arrangement according to the invention has notable advantages with respect to the prior art.

[0213] The padding arrangement is made so that its layers, in particular the intermediate layers 12, 13, can move smoothly with respect to one another when the helmet is subjected to an oblique impact. This allows the kinetic energy transmitted to the helmet during the impact to be partially dissipated and to reduce the impulsive forces to which the user's head is subjected.

[0214] The padding arrangement includes a pair of structures 16, 17 made of thermoplastic material, which are elastically deformable in both a direction perpendicular and in a direction parallel to the respective support layers 12, 13. The structures 16, 17 made of thermoplastic material can therefore provide an effective damping effect if the helmet is subjected to radial impacts. At the same time, being elastically deformable in a tangential direction to the respective support layers 12, 13, such structures allow the user's impulsive forces to be further reduced during the impact. The structures 16, 17 made of thermoplastic material can be easily designed so as to optimize the aforementioned damping and / or dissipation effects of the kinetic energy transmitted to the helmet. For example, they can be made so as to comprise regions having different stiffness or density so as to improve their performance with regard to the protection of the user's head.

[0215] The padding arrangement according to the invention can be easily made on an industrial level, with notable advantages in terms of reducing production times and costs. It is easy to apply to the protective shell of a helmet and ensures a high level of comfort for the user.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Padding arrangement (1) for a helmet, said padding arrangement being adapted to cover, at least partially, the user's head during the use of said helmet, said padding arrangement comprising a plurality of overlapped layers joined one to another, said padding arrangement being characterized in that it comprises:- a first layer (11) having a first surface (111) configured to contact the user’s head, during the use of said helmet, and a second surface (112) opposite said first surface;- a second layer (12) having a third surface (123) and a fourth surface (124) opposite to each other, said second layer being superimposed on said first layer (11) so that the third surface (123) of said second layer (12) faces the second surface (112) of said first layer (11);- a first elastically deformable structure (16) made of thermoplastic material deposited on said second layer (12), said first structure made of thermoplastic material covering, at least partially, at least a surface (123, 124) of said second layer;- a third layer (13) having a fifth surface (135) and a sixth surface (136) opposite to each other, said third layer being superimposed on said second layer (12) so that the sixth surface (136) of said third layer (13) faces the fourth surface (124) of said second layer (12);- a second elastically deformable structure (17) of thermoplastic material deposited on said third layer (13), said second structure of thermoplastic material covering, at least partially, at least a surface (135, 136) of said third layer (13).

2. Padding arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that said second elastically deformable structure (17) made of thermoplastic material is configured to contact the inner surface (103) of the protective shell (101, 102) of said helmet or a surface of a cover element fixed to said protective shell.

3. Padding arrangement, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a fourth layer (14) having a seventh surface (147) and an eighth surface (148), opposite said seventh surface, said fourth layer (14) being superimposed on said third layer (13) so that the eighth surface (148) of said fourth layer (14) faces the fifth surface (135) of said third layer (13).

4. Padding arrangement, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a slip element (15) interposed between said second layer (12) and said third layer (13).

5. Padding arrangement, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises first attaching means (4) operatively coupled with second attaching means (104) of said protective shell (101, 102) for attaching said padding arrangement to said protective shell.

6. Helmet (100) characterized in that it comprises a padding arrangement (1), according to one of the preceding claims.

7. Method (50) for manufacturing a padding arrangement (1) for helmets, said padding arrangement being adapted to cover, at least partially, the user’s head, during the use of said helmet, said method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps:- providing a first semi-finished product (51) arranged to form a first layer (11) of said padding arrangement, said first layer having a first surface (111) configured to contact the user's head, during the use of said helmet, and a second surface (112) opposite said first surface;- providing a second semi-finished product (52) arranged to form a second layer (12) of said padding arrangement, said second layer having a third surface (123) and a fourth surface (124) opposite to each other;- depositing a first thermoplastic material on said second semi-finished product and forming a first elastically deformable structure (16) of thermoplastic material joined to said second layer (12), said first structure of thermoplastic material covering, at least partially, at least a surface (123, 124) of said second layer;- providing a third semi-finished product (53) arranged to form a third layer (13) of said padding arrangement, said third layer having a fifth surface (135) and a sixth surface (136) opposite to each other;- depositing a second thermoplastic material on said third semi-finished product and forming a second elastically deformable structure (17) of thermoplastic material joined to said third layer (13), said second structure of thermoplasticmaterial covering, at least partially, at least a surface (135, 136) of said third layer;- superimposing said second semifinished product (52) on said first semifinished product (51) so that said second layer (12) is superimposed on said first layer (11) and the third surface (123) of said second layer (12) faces the second surface (112) of said first layer (11);- superimposing said third semi-finished product (53) on said second semifinished product (52) so that said third layer (13) is superimposed on said second layer (12) and that the sixth surface (136) of said third layer (13) faces the fourth surface (124) of said second layer (12).

8. Method, according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:- providing a fourth semifinished product (54) arranged to form a fourth layer (14) of said padding arrangement, said fourth layer having a seventh surface (147) and an eighth surface (148) opposite said seventh surface;- superimposing said fourth semi-finished product (54) on said third semi-finished product (53) so that said fourth layer (14) is superimposed on said third layer (13) and the eighth surface (148) of said fourth layer (14) faces the fifth surface (135) of said third layer (13).

9. Method, according to one of claims from 7 to 8, characterized in that it comprises the step of interposing a slip element (15) between said second and third layers (12, 13).

10. Method, according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said first and second thermoplastic materials are deposited by an injection moulding process.

11. Method, according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it comprises the step of joining the superimposed semi-finished products (51, 52, 53, 54) at one or more joining regions (2) configured to form one or more edges of said padding arrangement.

12. Method (60) for manufacturing a padding arrangement for helmets, said padding arrangement being adapted to cover, at least partially, the head of the user, during the use of said helmet, said method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps:- providing a fifth semi-finished product (61) arranged to form a first layer (11) of said padding arrangement, said first layer having a first surface (111) configured to contact the user's head, during the use of said helmet, and a second surface (112) opposite said first surface;- providing a sixth semi-finished product (62) having a first portion (621) and a second portion (622) joined and side by side, the first portion of said semifinished product being arranged to form a second layer (12) of said padding arrangement having a third surface (123) and a fourth surface (124) opposite to each other, the second portion of said semi-finished product being arranged to form a third layer (13) of said padding arrangement having a fifth surface (135) and a sixth surface (136) opposite to each other;- depositing a first thermoplastic material on the first portion (621) of said sixth semi-finished product (62) and forming a first elastically deformable structure (16) in thermoplastic material joined to said second layer (12), said first structure in thermoplastic material covering, at least partially, at least a surface (123, 124) of said second layer;- depositing a second thermoplastic material (17) on the second portion (622) of said sixth semi-finished product (62) and forming a second elastically deformable structure (17) made of thermoplastic material joined to said third layer (13), said second structure made of thermoplastic material covering, at least partially, at least a surface (135, 136) of said third layer;- folding said sixth semi-finished product (62) so that said third layer (13) is superimposed on said second layer (12) and that the sixth surface (136) of said third layer (13) faces the fourth surface (124) of said second layer (12);- superimposing said sixth semi-finished folded product (62) on said fifth semifinished product (61) so that second layer (12) is superimposed on said first layer (11) and so that the third surface (123) of said second layer (12) faces with the second surface (112) of said first layer (11).

13. Method, according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:- providing a seventh semi-finished product (63) arranged to form a fourth layer (14) of said padding arrangement, said fourth layer having a seventh surface (147) and an eighth surface (148) opposite said seventh surface;- superimposing said seventh semi-finished product (63) on said sixth semifinished folded product (62) so that said fourth layer (14) is superimposed on said third layer (13) and the eighth surface (148) of said fourth layer (14) faces the fifth surface (135) of said third layer (13).

14. Method, according to one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that it comprises the step of interposing a slip element (15) between said second and third layers (12, 13).

15. Method, according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that said first and second thermoplastic materials are deposited by an injection moulding process.

16. Method, according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it comprises the step of joining the superimposed semi-finished products (61, 62, 63) at one or more joining regions (2) configured to form one or more edges of said padding arrangement.

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