Abstract: The present invention relates to an inner cushion for helmets. The inner cushion includes an shock absorbing composite sandwiched between two protecting foils. The composite includes at least one absorbing material for absorbing an impact energy, wherein the at least one absorbing material is structured and arranged to absorb the impact energy by being crushed and collapsed upon exposure to the impact energy and diffusing air through a network of pores in the absorbing material.

Abstract: For the present we register a hybrid Inner Cushion for Helmets based on a Composite Foam sandwiched between two foils. The cushions or paddings used in the last century by helmets manufacturers (mainly made with expanded polystyrene, EPS or expanded polypropylene, EPP) absorb impacts by elastic deformation of the material, producing a significant bounce back after being compressed. The composite foams of the present invention avoid the ‘bounce back on head’ effect by converting a large fraction of the incoming kinetic energy in plastic deformation of the material. Thus, the ‘bounce effect’ or ‘counter-coup lesions’, which largely enhance the first impact brain damage, can be greatly reduced. Two covering foils, either made by a metal (i.e. aluminum) or a combination of a metal and a polymer (i.e. mylar), protect the cushion material against environment and other eventual damaging agents.