CELLULAR ENERGY-ABSORBING STRUCTURE FASTENING DEVICE

Abstract

Helmet (1) comprising: a shell (2); a head receiving system (3); at least one cellular energy-absorbing structure (4) comprising a plurality of interconnected open-cells (9) configured to absorb energy by deforming during an impact on the shell (2); at least one clamping device (5) comprising abase (6) and a counter-base (7) connected to each other by means of a stretchable elongated body (8) to forma a single piece sized so as to pass through at least one open-cell (9) of the cellular energy-absorbing structure (4), wherein the stretchable elongated body (8) is configured to appreciably and reversibly elongate with respect to its original length if pulled.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of helmets with cellular energy-absorbing structures. In particular, the present invention relates to the helmets using layered structures with relative movement between layers for reducing translational acceleration and angular acceleration of the brain.

BACKGROUND ART

In the state of the art several types of helmets are known: motorcycle helmets, automotive race helmets, industrial safety helmets, bike helmets, ski helmets, water-sports helmets, equestrian helmets, American football helmets, etc.

Traditional sport, car and motorcycle helmets comprise:

• • an outer shell, preferably a hard shell;
  • a protective liner matching with the shell and arranged inside the shell;
  • a comfort liner for making the helmet much more comfortable when it's worn by the user;
  • a retention system, generally comprising a strap and a quick-release locking system.

Industrial safety helmets normally comprise:

• • a outer hard shell;
  • a harness connected to the hard shell.

The outer shell gives to the helmet a specific appearance and provides a first protection against impacts. In the helmets having a protecting liner, the shell also contains the protective liner. The material of the shell can be a polymer such as PC (polycarbonate), PE (polyethylene), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or a composite material such as glassfibre or carbon fibre. Depending on the material, the shell is generally thermomoulded or thermo-formed, for example in bike helmets, or injection-moulded, for example in ski helmets.

Generally, the protective liner is made of a polymeric foam, like EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) or EPP (Expanded Polypropylene), and is used for absorbing the energy generated during a collision. The EPS liner or layer absorbs the energy of an impact through compression. Currently EPS is the most used material for absorbing the energy of an impact and employed in most of helmets.

Alternatively, high-performance energy-absorbing material are known, such as the energy-absorbing material distributed with brand Koroyd®. This kind of cellular energy-absorbing material absorbs much more energy than traditional EPS/EPP liners when an impact load substantially orthogonal to the shell occurs. This kind of cellular material absorbs energy through a progressive buckling of its cells.

The comfort liner can comprise pillows made of synthetic or natural material, which adheres or is connected to the internal side of the protective liner. In this way, the head of the user is not in direct contact with the protective liner but with the comfort liner that is much more comfortable. Alternatively to the comfort liner, industrial helmets have a harness, consisting of a system of straps made of woven bands or polyethylene. A harness is a cheap solution for combining a system for maintaining the helmet over the head of the wearer and a system for absorbing part of the energy of an impact. The harness absorbs less impact energy than polymeric foam liners.

The retention system is used for maintaining the helmet in position on the head of the user and can comprise a regulation device for regulating the tightening of the helmet on the head.

During an impact, for example due to a fall of a biker, the outer shell can impact against an object, like the ground, in any direction and the impact load has a normal component and/or a tangential component. The tangential component can create a rotation of the skull with respect to the brain, while the normal component can cause the skull fracture leading to death. Both kind of injuries are important and needs to be reduced as much as possible by the helmet.

In order to absorb both normal and tangential components of an impact load, the solutions available in the state of the art employ a device for absorbing the tangential component and a device for absorbing the normal component. In particular, all known solutions do not connect them together.

For example, certain helmets manufactured by the company Smith™ comprise a cellular energy-absorbing pad of the company Koroyd® and a brain protection system developed by the company MIPS®. The cellular energy-absorbing pad efficiently absorbs the normal component of impact load, while the brain protection system efficiently absorbs the tangential component. The cellular energy-absorbing pad fits in an EPS liner and the brain protection system is connected to the same EPS liner, as described by the document EP2440082B1. Said cellular energy-absorbing pad is not connected to said brain protection system and consequently they work like independent devices and not synergically.

Other solutions that solve only one of the problems of absorbing the normal component or absorbing the tangential component of an impact load are available. For example, the helmet described in the document WO2016209740A1 comprises a protective liner split in two parts, an outer liner and an inner liner. The outer liner is connected to the inner liner through an elastic band, which allows relative movements between the inner and outer liners. This feature allows to reduce rotational or translational brain injuries. This document provides a solution for dividing a protective liner in two parts for efficiently absorbing rotational acceleration due to the tangential component of an impact load, but neglects how to efficiently mitigate linear acceleration imparted by the normal impact component.

Another similar solution is provided in the document US10398187B1 which discloses two liners interconnected from outside through adjustable retainers. Even the document WO2020245609 discloses a helmet wherein the inner energy-absorbing liner is anchored to the outer shell via a connector.

Since the device for absorbing normal impact component does not cooperate with the device for absorbing the tangential impact component, the impact loads are not efficiently absorbed. Moreover, the deformation of the device for absorbing normal impact components can compromise the functionality of the other one, or vice versa. In this way, the devices theoretically work efficiently, but in practice each one affects the functioning of the other.

Furthermore, all the available solutions for sport, motorcycle and car helmets use polymeric foam liners, e.g. EPS or EPP liners, while the international rules are evolving in favour of more environment-friendly solutions, which avoid or reduce these kinds of materials.

None of the available solutions provides helmets able to efficiently absorb all kind of impacts through an integrated solution that results in a cheaper, simpler and more environmentally friendly product.

SUMMARY

Said and other inconvenients of the state of the art are now solved by a helmet comprising: a shell, at least one cellular energy-absorbing structure, at least one clamping device and a head receiving system. Said at least one cellular energy-absorbing structure comprises a plurality of interconnected open-cells configured to absorb energy by deforming during an impact on the shell; said at least one clamping device comprises a base and a counter-base connected to each other via a stretchable elongated body to form a single piece. The stretchable elongated body is configured to pass-through the cellular energy-absorbing structure. Wherein the stretchable elongated body is sized so as to pass through one or more open-cells of the cellular energy-absorbing structure and, optionally, through apertures in the shell and/or in the head receiving system. The stretchable elongated body is configured to reversibly elongate with respect to its original length if tensioned. The one or more clamping devices allow to keep the cellular energy-absorbing structure connected to the shell and/or to the head receiving system. Moreover, the stretchability of the stretchable elongated body allows a relative movement of the cellular energy-absorbing structure with respect to the shell and/or the head receiving system. In particular, the stretchability of the stretchable elongated body allows to both follow the movements of the cellular energy-absorbing structure when it crumples and to compensate lateral movements due to the tangential component of the impact load. The clamping device so conceived can collapse and stretch so as to follow any kind of deformation of the cellular energy-absorbing structure. In particular, the fact of being a single piece allows to guarantee a stable connection between the cellular energy-absorbing structure and the other elements of the helmet and simple and economic solution for achieving this result.

In particular, the stretchable elongated body can be configured to reach a maximum elongation comprised between 150% and 500% of its original length, without breaking. The elongation of the stretchable elongated body is not the elongation that any material can have if pulled, but a significant elongation that allows to pass the clamping device through the cell/s of the cellular energy-absorbing structure and to allow relative movements of the cellular energy-absorbing structure with respect to the shell/head receiving system. The term “original length” means the length of the stretchable elongated body before being elongated, thus without any force applied. The term “maximum elongation” means the elongation at break of the stretchable elongated body in a tensile test.

Moreover, the stretchable elongated body can be at least in part made of an elastic or viscoelastic material. In this way, the elongation/shortening of the stretchable elongated body contributes to absorb the impact energy, in particular that of tangential component.

Preferably, the cellular energy-absorbing structure can be an array of energy-absorbing open-cells interconnected via their sidewalls. This architecture of the cellular energy-absorbing structure is particularly efficient in absorbing axial loads, thus loads substantially parallel to the open-cells longitudinal axis. In particular, each open-cell can have an open base facing the shell and an opposite open base facing the head receiving system. This arrangement of the open-cells allows to absorb more efficiently the axial impact load through the progressive crumpling of the cells.

Alternatively, the cellular energy-absorbing structure can be a lattice structure comprising solid portions and open portions configured to form a network of interconnected open-cells. This architecture of the cellular energy-absorbing structure is particularly efficient in absorbing loads coming from any direction. In particular, the cellular energy-absorbing structure can be arranged so that one side of the structure faces towards the shell and an opposite side faces towards the head receiving system. In this way, the cellular energy-absorbing structure is arranged between the shell and the head receiving system.

Advantageously, the compressive force required to collapse the clamping device along a direction can be lower than or equal to that required to deform the open-cells of the cellular energy-absorbing structure along the same direction. This means that the clamping device does not resist when the cellular energy-absorbing structure is compressed due to an impact load and the cellular energy-absorbing structure can be compressed as if there were no clamping devices.

Preferably, the shell can comprise only a hard shell or, alternatively, a rigid or semi-rigid outer shell and an inner shock absorbing liner connected to each other. In the former case, the shell is constituted by a hard shell, as in the case of industrial helmets. In the latter case, the shell comprises an outer shell and an inner shock absorbing liner, as in the case of sport helmets. The inner shock absorbing liner is preferably made of a polymeric foam and can comprise a pocket wherein the cellular energy-absorbing structure is arranged. This pocket is configured to retain the cellular energy-absorbing structure without using additional retaining devices. In this way, the cellular energy-absorbing structure and the shell remain connected despite of the clamping devices/s.

Preferably, the head receiving system can be a harness system or a comfort system. Preferably said harness system or a comfort system can be connected to the counter-base or base of the at least one clamping device. In this way, a correct positioning of the head of the wearer with respect to the helmet is guaranteed.

Preferably, the base or counter-base can be connected to the shell or to the head receiving system through connecting means. In this way, the clamping devices are attached to the shell and the cellular energy-absorbing structure is attached to the shell via the clamping devices. This arrangement applies both in the case of a shell comprising only a hard shell, and in the case of an outer shell with an inner shock absorbing liner.

Preferably, the connecting means can comprise a Velcro layer, an adhesive layer or snap-fit connector/s for simplifying the interconnection between the clamping device and the shell or the head receiving system.

Alternatively, the stretchable elongated body of the clamping device/s can be inserted in a hole of the shell and the base or counter-base can abut against the external face of the shell. In this way, the base or counter-base leans on the external surface of the shell and the rest of the clamping device clamps the cellular energy-absorbing structure to the shell.

Advantageously, the base can comprise a low friction layer arranged on the outer surface of the base or counter-base. In this way, the clamping device can slide over the outer shell or the inner shock absorbing liner when the cellular energy-absorbing structure compresses along an in-plane direction.

Preferably, the clamping device can comprise an exceeding portion connected to the counter-base for pulling the stretchable elongated body through the at least one open-cell. This feature allows to pull the clamping device and to force the passage of the stretchable elongated body and the counter-base through the at least one open-cell in order to bring the counter-base on the opposite side of the cellular energy-absorbing structure with respect to the base.

Advantageously, the thickness of the cellular energy-absorbing structure can be longer than the original length of the stretchable elongated body of the clamping device. This means that the clamping device is tensioned when the counter-base and the base are disposed on opposite sides of the cellular energy-absorbing structure. This characteristic allows to exercise a soft compression on the cellular energy-absorbing structure that guarantee a firm connection of the cellular energy-absorbing structure to the shell and/or head receiving system.

Preferably, the base can be rigid or semi-rigid in order to guarantee a strong anchoring to the cellular energy-absorbing structure if the counter-base is pulled. More preferably said rigid or semi-rigid base is co-molded with the stretchable elongated body. This kind of interconnection makes the clamping device a single piece despite its different materials.

These and other advantages will be better understood thanks to the following description of different embodiments of said invention given as non-limitative examples thereof, making reference to the annexed drawings.

DRAWINGS DESCRIPTION

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A shows a schematic view of a cross-sectioned helmet according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B shows a schematic view of a cross-sectioned helmet according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C shows a schematic view of a cross-sectioned helmet according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1D shows a schematic view of a cross-sectioned helmet according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show a schematic view of a cellular energy-absorbing structure and a clamping device respectively during the assembling phase, before being compressed, after a compression due to a normal load and after a compression due to an inclined load;

FIG. 3A shows the helmet of FIG. 1A when an inclined impact load hits the shell of the helmet;

FIG. 3B shows the helmet of FIG. 1B when an inclined impact load hits the shell of the helmet;

FIG. 3C shows the helmet of FIG. 1C when an inclined impact load hits the shell of the helmet;

FIG. 3D shows the helmet of FIG. 1D when an inclined impact load hits the shell of the helmet;

FIG. 4A shows an axonometric view of said second type of clamping device;

FIG. 4B shows an axonometric view of the clamping device of FIG. 4A connected to an outer shell;

FIG. 4C shows an axonometric view of the clamping device and the outer shell of FIG. 4B wherein the clamping device is inserted in a cell of the cellular energy-absorbing structure;

FIG. 4D shows an axonometric view of the clamping device, the outer shell and the cellular energy-absorbing structure of FIG. 4C wherein the clamping device clamps the cellular energy-absorbing structure to the outer shell;

FIG. 5A shows a side view of a clamping device shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5B shows a cross-section of the clamping device of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C shows a top view of the clamping device of FIG. 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention is referred to the annexed drawings. The same reference numbers indicate equal or similar parts. The object of the protection is defined by the annexed claims. Technical details, structures or characteristics of the solutions here-below described can be combined with each other in any suitable way.

In the present description, for the sake of conciseness, the term “cellular energy-absorbing structure 4” is sometime abbreviated as “cellular structure 4”, as well as the term “inner shock absorbing liner 2B” is abbreviated as “inner liner 2B” and the term “stretchable elongated body 8” is abbreviated “body 8”. Other similar abbreviations can be present in the following description.

FIGS. 1 represent some embodiments of the helmet 1 according to the present invention. This helmet 1 comprises a shell 2, at least one cellular energy-absorbing structure 4, a head receiving system 3 and one or more clamping devices 5.

As described in detail in the following, the clamping devices 5 are employed to allow a relative movement between two parts of the helmet 1 and contribute to absorb the energy related to this movement.

In particular, in the embodiment of FIG. 1A the clamping devices 5 connect the cellular structure 4 to the shell 2. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1B, and 1D, the clamping devices 5 connect the cellular structure 4 both to the shell 2 and to the head receiving system 3. In the embodiment of FIG. 1C, the clamping devices 5 connect the cellular structure 4 to the head receiving system 3 but not to the shell 2.

The clamping device 5 is configured to pass-through the thickness of the cellular structure 4, from side to side. The clamping device 5 comprises a base 6, a counter-base 7 and a stretchable elongated body 8 that connects them to each other. The base 6 and the counter-base 7 are opposite to each other with respect to the cellular structure 4. The stretchable elongated body 8 is sized so as to pass through one open-cell 9 of the cellular structure 4, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1D, or through a plurality of open-cells 9, as shown in FIG. 1C. The stretchable elongated body 8 cross-section is thus smaller than the open-cell 9 cross-section.

The base 6, the stretchable elongated body 8 and the counter-base 7 are monolithically connected or joined so as to form a single piece.

Preferably, the stretchable elongated body 8 is made of an elastic material, for example rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), silicone or another elastomeric material. These materials allow an elongation of the body 8.

As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1D, the cellular structure 4 comprises an array of energy-absorbing open-cells 9. These open-cells 9 are connected to each other via their sidewalls 10.

The open-cells 9 are open at their ends so that each open-cell 9 realizes a tube through which the air can flow. The open-cell 9 has a circular cross-section as represented in FIGS. 4. Alternatively, the cross-section of the open-cells 9 can be a square, a hexagon, a non-uniform hexagon, a re-entrant hexagon, a chiral truss, a diamond, a triangle or an arrowhead.

The open-cells 9 of said array can be welded to each other via their sidewalls 10. Alternatively, the tubes can be bonded by means of adhesive layers interposed between adjacent sidewalls 10. This kind of adhesive can be a thermo-adhesive material, thus an adhesive that at room temperature is solid and becomes liquid e.g. above 80-100° C. Otherwise, the adhesive could also be a reactive adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive.

When the open-cells 9 have a circular cross-section, the outer diameter of the circular cross-section can range between 2,5 and 8 mm, and the wall thickness of said open-cells 9 can range between 0,05 and 0,2 mm.

The array of energy-absorbing open-cells 9 can be configured to absorb the energy through a plastic deformation of the sidewalls 10 of the open-cells 9, wherein “plastic deformation” means that the sidewalls 10 crumple irreversibly, or through an elastic deformation of the sidewalls 10 of the open-cells 9. In the latter case, the deformation is almost completely reversible and the sidewalls 10 come back a shape equal to the original one.

Alternatively, the open-cells 9 can be the cells of a lattice structure, as schematically shown in FIG. 1C. In this case, the open-cells 9 are constituted by hollow portions defined by the solid portions 12 of the lattice structure. Substantially, the three-dimensional grid of solid portions 12 of the lattice structure defines a network of interconnected open-cells 9 (i.e. the hollow portions of the lattice structure), through which the air can flow. These open portions 13 of the lattice structure realize said open-cells 9. The lattice structure 4 can be configured to absorb the energy through a plastic or elastic deformation of the solid portions 12.

It's useful to clarify that a cellular structure 4 normally has not wide cells, otherwise the energy-absorption is compromised and the cellular structure 4 becomes too soft for absorbing compressive loads. Consequently, the clamping devices 5 comprise slender bodies 8 for allowing the insertion into said openings 11 and the passage through the open-cell/s 9. If the energy-absorbing structure would be made of an expandable foam, like in the prior art solutions, the hole for receiving the plug could be sized at will. Vice versa, in the present solutions, the cellular structure 4 imposes the dimension of the connecting device 5 and not conversely.

The cellular structure 4, both in the version having an array of energy-absorbing open-cells 9 and in the lattice structure, comprises a surface facing towards the shell 2 and a surface facing towards the head receiving system 3, as shown in FIGS. 1. These surfaces comprise a plurality of openings 11 of said open-cells 9. In any one of these openings 11, the connecting devices 5 can be inserted.

With reference to FIG. 1A, it's represented an industrial safety helmet 1 comprising only an outer shell 2A. This outer shell 2A is a hard shell, thus a shell made of a rigid plastic so to resist impacts. A plurality of clamping devices 5 are connected through connecting means 15 to the inner surface of the outer shell 2A. These connecting means 15 can be an adhesive layer attached to the outer surface of the base 6 of the clamping device 5 and to the inner surface of the outer shell 2A. Each clamping device 5 crosses the cellular structure 4 with its stretchable elongated body 8. The stretchable elongated body 8 passes through one open-cell 9 of the cellular structure 4. The bases 6 of the clamping devices 5 lie on the outer face of the cellular structure 4, while the counter-bases 7 of the clamping devices 5 lie on the inner face of the cellular structure 4. In this way, the cellular structure 4 is connected to the outer shell 2A, but relative lateral movements between them are allowed, as shown in FIG. 3A. The helmet 1 also comprises a head receiving system 3, that in this case is a harness system 3A. This harness system 3A is connected directly to the outer shell 2A, as in the traditional industrial safety helmets, and guarantees a space between the head 25 of the wearer and the cellular structure 4. Despite this embodiment refers to an industrial safety helmet, the same features can be used for realizing a different type of helmet.

With reference to FIG. 1B, it is represented a helmet 1 comprising an outer shell 2A and head receiving system 3 connected to each other through clamping devices 5. The cellular structure 4 is clamped between the outer shell 2A and the head receiving system 3 by means of the clamping devices 5. The clamping devices 5 are configured to pass with their stretchable elongated bodies 8 through respective holes 23 in the outer shell 2A and penetrate respective open-cells 9 of the cellular structure 4. The clamping devices 5 are also configured to pass through passages of the head receiving system 3 so as that counter-bases 7 of clamping devices 5 are arranged over the inner side of the head receiving system 3. In this way, the head receiving system 3 remains clamped between the counter-bases 7 and the cellular structure 4, and the shell 2 remains clamped between the base 6 and the cellular structure 4. In order to pass from an outer side of the helmet 1 (the outer face of the shell 2) to an inner side of the helmet 1 (the inner face of the head receiving system 3), the clamping device 5 is stretched and its body 8 elongates. This elongation allows to create a preload acting on the shell 2 and on the head receiving system 3, thus compressing the cellular energy-absorbing structure 4 in-between them. This kind of helmet 1 allows relative movements of the head receiving system 3 with respect to the outer shell 2A and with respect to the cellular structure 4, as shown in FIG. 3B.

With reference to FIG. 1C and 1D, it's represented a helmet 1 comprising a shell 2 composed by an outer shell 2A and an inner shock absorbing liner 2B. Vice versa, the embodiment of FIG. 1B, like that of FIG. 1A, has a shell 2 only consisting of only an outer shell 2A. From a structural point of view, since the embodiments of FIGS. 1A, 1B are better for industrial safety helmets, the outer shell 2A is thicker than that of the other embodiments. Since the helmets of the embodiments of FIGS. 1C and 1D are suitable for sport helmets, the outer shell 2A can be rigid, like in the motorcycle or automotive helmets, or semi-rigid, like in the bike or ski helmets.

The inner shock absorbing liner 2B is preferably made of an expanded foam polymer, like EPS or EPP.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1C, the inner liner 2B comprises a pocket 14 in which the cellular structure 4 is arranged. The pocket 14 is a recess of the inner surface of the inner liner 2B. This pocket 14 is shaped so as to be substantially complementary to the cellular structure 4. In this way, the cellular structure 4 is retained in the pocket 14 without additional connecting means. The pocket 14 has inner mouth that is smaller than its bottom surface, consequently once the cellular structure 4 is arranged in this pocket 14, it cannot come out. The outer shell 2A and the inner liner 2B comprise a plurality of vents 28. A vent 28 is an opening that allows an air transit from the external environment to the head 25 of the wearer. The vent 28 crosses the outer shell 2A and inner liner 2B up to the bottom of the pocket 14. From here, the air can reach the head 25. The helmet 1 is thus permeable. The vents 28 are arranged not in correspondence of the cellular structure 4, but in a further embodiment (not shown) they can be arranged in correspondence of the cellular structure 4 so that an airflow cross all the elements of the helmet 1. In this embodiment, the cellular structure 4 is a lattice structure, as described above. The stretchable elongated bodies 8 of the clamping devices 5 pass-through a plurality of open-cells 9 in order to come over from the opposite side of the cellular structure 4. The bases 6 of these clamping devices 5 stay on the outer side of the cellular structure 4 and lie on it, while the counter-bases 7 are arranged over the inner surface of the head receiving system 3. Substantially, the stretchable elongated bodies 8 cross the open-cells 9 and the head receiving system 3. In this way, the counter-bases 7 lie on the inner surface of the head receiving system 3, as shown in FIG. 1C. In this version of the helmet 1, the clamping devices 5 clamp the head receiving system 3 and the cellular structure 4 together. Furthermore, the clamping devices 5 comprise respective low friction layers 26 arranged on the outer surfaces of the bases 6.

This low friction layer 26 can be made of nylon, polycarbonate or PTFE for reducing the friction between the bases 6 and the bottom of the pocket 14. In this way, the cellular structure 4 can slide over the inner liner 2B. The head receiving system 3 of this embodiment is a comfort system 3B of a different type with respect to that of FIG. 1B.

With reference to FIG. 1D, it's represented a helmet 1 comprising a shell 2 having an outer shell 2A and an inner liner 2B, as described above. Some vents 28 cross the outer shell 2A and the inner liner 2B. The bases 6 of the clamping devices 5 are embedded in the inner liner 2B, while the stretchable elongated bodies 8 protrude outside the inner surface of the inner liner 2B towards the inner of the helmet 1. The clamping devices 5 comprise counter-base 7 shaped so as to cross slots of the head receiving system 3 and expand once on the other side. The connection of the clamping devices 5 with the head receiving system 3 of this embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 1B.

The embodiment of FIG. 1D also comprises a spacer 27 for each clamping device 5. The spacer 27 is a ring of nylon or PTFE. The stretchable elongated body 8 of the clamping device 5 passes through the central hole of the spacer 27. The spacers 27 are arranged so as to stay between the inner surface of the inner liner 2B and the outer face of the cellular structure 4. In this way, the spacers 27 act as cushions between the inner liner 2B and the cellular structure 4, allowing a relative sliding. In this embodiment, the head receiving system 3 can move with respect to the cellular structure 4 and, together, they can move relative to the inner liner 2B. Alternatively, instead of the spacers 27, the inner liner 2B of the embodiment of FIG. 1F can comprise a low friction coating arranged so as to face the cellular structure 4 for reducing the friction between these two elements of the helmet 1.

In the FIGS. 2 is shown a clamping device according to the present invention and how it interacts with the cellular structure 4.

The clamping device 5 of FIGS. 2 comprises a stretchable elongated body 8 that is attached to the base 6. Said stretchable elongated body 8 comprises a counter-base 7 which acts as a retaining portion. The stretchable elongated body 8 is made of an elastic material so that the stretchable elongated body 8 can get longer. The counter-base 7 is spaced from the base 6 and their distance corresponds to the length of the stretchable elongated body 8. This length is shorter than the thickness of the cellular energy-absorbing structure 4, therefore, the clamping device 5 has to be pulled as shown in FIG. 2A. The stretchable elongated body 8A comprises an exceeding portion 22 which extends beyond the counter-base 7. In order to let pass the stretchable elongated body 8 through one open-cell 9, the exceeding portion 22 is inserted in the open base 11 of said one open-cell 9 and once, it comes over the opposite side of the cellular structure 4, the exceeding portion 22 is pulled as shown in FIG. 2A, until the counter-base 7, passing through the open-cell 9, comes out from said opposite side. The elasticity of counter-base 7 allows the passage through one open-cell 9 of the clamping device 5. At this point, the exceeding portion 22 is released and the elasticity of the stretchable elongated body 8 spreads the counter-base 7 over said opposite side of the cellular structure 4. In this way, the clamping device 5 exerts a force that attracts the counter-base 7 and the base 6 towards each other. After the positioning phase described above and schematically represented in FIG. 2A, the exceeding portion 22 is cut, e.g. with scissors, and the clamping device 5 looks as in FIG. 2B. This kind of clamping device 5 can change its shape and follow the deformations of the cellular structure 4. For example, in FIG. 2C a force F is applied orthogonally to the cellular structure 4 and the open-cells 9 axially crumple. In this case, the stretchable elongated body 8 relaxes, getting shorter. If the impact force F is angled, as shown in FIG. 2D, the cellular structure 4 also translates and slightly bends laterally. In this case, the clamping device 5 deforms, allowing this translation/deformation of the cellular structure 4.

Alternatively, the stretchable elongated body 8 of the clamping device 5 is made at least in part of a viscoelastic polymer. In particular, the stretchable elongated body 8 can be entirely made of a viscoelastic polymer or can comprise an outer elastic portion inside which is arranged a viscoelastic material, for example a viscoelastic foam.

Advantageously, the stretchable elongated body 8 of the clamping device 5 is configured to not impede the collapsing of the cellular structure 4. In particular, the compressive force required to collapse the clamping device 5 along a direction X, as shown in FIGS. 2C, is lower than or equal to the compressive force required to deform the open-cells 9 of the cellular energy-absorbing structure 4 along the same direction X.

In the FIGS. 3, the helmets 1 of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 are represented during an impact with an inclined force F hitting the outer shell 2A.

In particular, in FIG. 3A is represented the helmet 1 of the embodiment of FIG. 1A during an impact. The impact is represented through an inclined force F which causes a rotation R of the outer shell 2A with respect to the head 25 of the wearer. A first portion of the impact force F is absorbed by the harness system 3A which deforms prior that the head 25 reaches the cellular structure 4. Once the head 25 enters in contact with the cellular structure 4, the open-cells 9 crumple absorbing the normal component Fn of the force F. In the FIGS. 3 the crumpling of the open cells 9 is represented through a reduction of the thickness of the cellular structure 4. Concurrently, the clamping devices 5 laterally stretch allowing a relative movement of the cellular structure 4 with respect to the outer shell 2A. The deformation (elongation) of the clamping devices 5 allows to absorb the tangential component Ft of the impact force F.

FIG. 3B shows the helmet 1 of the embodiment of FIG. 1B during an angled impact with a force F which causes a rotation R of the outer shell 2A with respect to the head 25 of the wearer. The deformation of the cellular structure 4 and of the clamping devices 5 is similar to that described for FIG. 3A. The open-cells 9 of the cellular structure 4 axially progressive buckle absorbing the normal component Fn of the force F and, in the same time, the clamping devices 5 bend and stretch absorbing the tangential component Ft of the force F. The clamping devices 5 hold the cellular structure 4 by means of the elongation of the elongated body 8.

FIG. 3C shows the helmet 1 of the embodiment of FIG. 1C during an angled impact with a force F, which causes a rotation R of the shell 2 with respect to the head 25 of the wearer. In this case, the lattice structure 4 slides over the bottom of the pocket 14 by means of low friction layers 26 arranged over the outer surfaces of the bases 6. Therefore, the cellular structure 4 deforms along both in-plane and out-of-plane directions. The cellular structure 4 hits against the sidewall of the pocket 14 and it compresses. The lattice structure slides in the pocket 14 deforming the solid portions 12 and absorbing a great part of the tangential component Ft of the force F. Concurrently, the top-down crumpling of the open-cells 9 absorbs the normal component Fn of the force F. Moreover, the clamping devices 5 bend contributing to absorb the tangential component Ft of the force F during the lattice structure deformation.

FIG. 3D shows the helmet 1 of the embodiment of FIG. 1D during an angled impact with a force F which causes a rotation R of the shell 2 with respect to the head 25 of the wearer. The deformation of the clamping devices 5 together with the bending of the cellular structure 4 absorb the tangential component Ft of the impact force F, while the normal component Fn of the impact force F is absorbed by the axial progressive buckling of the open-cells 9 of the cellular structure 4.

In particular, in FIGS. 4 is represented an exemplary embodiment of the clamping device 5 of FIGS. 3. The clamping device 5 comprises a base 6 monolithically connected to the stretchable elongated body 8, which in turn is a single piece with the counter base 7. This version of the clamping device 5 is represented in detail in the FIGS. 5. In particular, from FIG. 5C appears immediately clear that the base 6 is wider than the counter-base 7. Indeed, the base 6 is often used as interface for connecting other elements of the helmet 1, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C. In FIG. 5A, it's perceivable that the base 6 is slightly curved both on the inner and outer faces. This shape allows a better fitting with the cellular structure 4 and with the shell 2. Moreover, the base 6 can be made of a different material with respect to the elastic material of the stretchable elongated body 8, as shown in FIG. 5B. In particular, the base 6 can be made of a rigid plastic, like nylon, polycarbonate or ABS that is co-molded with the elastic material of the stretchable elongated body 8.

The clamping device 5 of FIG. 4A is firstly attached to the shell 2, for example with an adhesive layer (connecting means 15), as shown in FIG. 4B. Secondly, the cellular structure 4 is arranged over the outer shell 2A so that the stretchable elongated body 8 passes-through an open-cell 9 and the exceeding portion 22 comes over the cellular structure 4, as shown in FIG. 4C. Thirdly, the exceeding portion 22 is pulled so that the counter-base 7 comes out the cellular structure 4. Once the exceeding portion 22 is released, the counter-base 7 pushes the cellular structure 4 towards the outer shell 2A, as shown in FIG. 4D. Finally, the exceeding portion 22 is cut and the connection between the outer shell 2A and the cellular structure 4 is realized in a quick and cheap manner. The arrangement of FIGS. 4 corresponds to that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 3A.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4, the cellular structure 4 is an array of energy-absorbing open-cells 9, but the same applies in case of a lattice structure.

All the features described for the embodiments of FIGS. 1, can be mixed to obtain further embodiments not represented but included in the present invention.

Concluding, the invention so conceived is susceptible to many modifications and variations all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept, furthermore all features can be substituted to technically equivalent alternatives. Practically, the quantities can be varied depending on the specific technical requirements. Finally, all features of previously described embodiments can be combined in any way, so to obtain other embodiments that are not herein described for reasons of practicality and clarity.

LEGEND OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• 1 helmet
• 2 shell
• 2A outer shell
• 2B inner shock absorbing liner
• 3 head receiving system
• 3A harness system
• 3B comfort system
• 4 cellular energy-absorbing structure
• 5 clamping device
• 6 base
• 7 counter-base
• 8 stretchable elongated body
• 9 open-cell
• 10 sidewalls
• 11 open base of the open-cell
• 12 solid portion of the lattice structure
• 13 open portion of the lattice structure
• 14 pocket
• 15 connecting means
• 22 exceeding portion
• 23 hole in the shell
• 25 head of the wearer
• 26 low friction layer
• 27 spacer
• 28 vent
• F force
• Fn normal component of the force
• Ft tangential component of the force
• R relative rotation

Claims

1. Helmet comprising:

a shell;

a head receiving system;

at least one cellular energy-absorbing structure comprising a plurality of interconnected open-cells configured to absorb energy by deforming during an impact on the shell;

at least one clamping device comprising a base and a counter-base connected to each other via a stretchable elongated body to form a single piece sized so as to pass through at least one open-cell of the cellular energy-absorbing structure; wherein the stretchable elongated body is configured to appreciably and reversibly elongate with respect to its original length if pulled.

2. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the stretchable elongated body is configured to reach a maximum elongation comprised between 150% and 500% of its original length.

3. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the stretchable elongated body is least in part made of an elastic or viscoelastic material.

4. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the cellular energy-absorbing structure comprises an array of energy-absorbing open-cells interconnected via their sidewalls.

5. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the cellular energy-absorbing structure is a lattice structure comprising solid portions and open portions configured to form a network of interconnected open-cells.

6. Helmet according to claim 1, the clamping device is configured so that the compressive force required to collapse the clamping device along a direction is lower than or equal to that required to deform the open-cells of the cellular energy-absorbing structure along the same direction.

7. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the shell comprises only an outer hard shell.

8. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the shell comprises a rigid or semi-rigid outer shell and an inner shock absorbing liner connected to each other.

9. Helmet according to claim 8, wherein the inner shock absorbing liner comprises a pocket configured to retain the cellular energy-absorbing structure.

10. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the head receiving system comprises a harness system or a comfort system.

11. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the base or counter-base is connected to the shell or to the head receiving system through connecting means.

12. Helmet according to claim 11, wherein the connecting means comprise a Velcro connection, an adhesive layer or snap-fit connector/s.

13. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the stretchable elongated body is inserted in a hole of the shell and the base or counter-base abuts against the shell.

14. Helmet according to claim 1, comprising a low friction layer arranged on the base or counter-base of the at least one clamping device.

15. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the clamping device comprises an exceeding portion connected to the counter-base for pulling the stretchable elongated body through the at least one open-cell.

16. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the cellular energy-absorbing structure is longer than the original length of the stretchable elongated body of the clamping device.

17. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein said base is rigid or semi-rigid.

18. Helmet according to claim 4, wherein each open-cell has an open base facing towards the shell and an opposite open base facing towards the head receiving system.

19. Helmet according to claim 5, wherein the cellular energy-absorbing structure is arranged so that one side of the structure faces towards the shell and an opposite side faces towards the head receiving system.

20. Helmet according to claim 10, wherein said harness system or a comfort system being connected to the counter-base or base of the at least one clamping device.