Abstract: A helmet includes an outer shell, a securing mechanism (e.g., a strap and belt system) for securing the shell to a user's head, and an impact-absorbing layer (e.g., expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP), or other suitable material) positioned on an inner surface of the outer shell. The impact-absorbing layer includes a resilient material and has an inner surface and a plurality of holes each having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. The hexagonal holes may extend less than all the way through the impact-absorbing layer. A section of the impact-absorbing layer can have holes with a combined cross-sectional area that is at least 50% of a cross-sectional area of the inner surface of the impact-absorbing layer. the plurality of holes can define a honeycomb structure having cell walls having cell wall thicknesses, and the plurality of holes can have major diameters that are larger than the cell wall thickness of the cell walls.

Abstract: A helmet comprises an impact-absorbing shell and a pad assembly secured to an inner surface of the impact-absorbing shell. The pad assembly includes an outer low-friction layer, an inner low-friction layer, and a middle low-friction layer sandwiched between and slidable relative to the inner low friction layer and the outer low-friction layer. The middle low-friction layer is secured (e.g., with a hook-and-loop fastener) to the impact-absorbing shell such that the inner low-friction layer can slide relative to both the middle low-friction layer and the impact-absorbing shell. The outer low-friction layer can comprise an annulus-shaped sheet having a central opening, and the middle low-friction layer can comprises a disk-shaped sheet, such that the disk-shaped sheet is secured to the impact-absorbing shell through the central opening.

Abstract: A helmet comprises an impact-absorbing shell, a band secured to the shell, and a resilient member. The band is secured to the shell at two securing locations such that an intermediate portion of the band between the two securing locations is in spaced relation to the shell. The resilient member is operatively positioned between the securing location and the impact-absorbing shell to facilitate resilient movement of the band relative to the impact-absorbing shell. The band comprises a brow assembly positioned at a front of the impact-absorbing shell and including a brow belt. The brow belt comprises a belt opening, and the resilient member is positioned in the belt opening. A portion of the belt defining the belt opening can be positioned in a groove in the resilient member. A fastener inserted through a fastener opening in the resilient member to secure the resilient member to the impact-absorbing shell.

Abstract: A helmet includes an outer shell, a securing mechanism (e.g., a strap and belt system) for securing the shell to a user's head, and an impact-absorbing layer (e.g., expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP), or other suitable material) positioned on an inner surface of the outer shell. The impact-absorbing layer includes a resilient material and has an inner surface and a plurality of holes each having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. The hexagonal holes may extend less than all the way through the impact-absorbing layer. A section of the impact-absorbing layer can have holes with a combined cross-sectional area that is at least 50% of a cross-sectional area of the inner surface of the impact-absorbing layer. the plurality of holes can define a honeycomb structure having cell walls having cell wall thicknesses, and the plurality of holes can have major diameters that are larger than the cell wall thickness of the cell walls.

Abstract: A helmet comprises an impact-absorbing shell, a band secured to the shell, and a resilient member. The band is secured to the shell at two securing locations such that an intermediate portion of the band between the two securing locations is in spaced relation to the shell. The resilient member is operatively positioned between the securing location and the impact-absorbing shell to facilitate resilient movement of the band relative to the impact-absorbing shell. The band comprises a brow assembly positioned at a front of the impact-absorbing shell and including a brow belt. The brow belt comprises a belt opening, and the resilient member is positioned in the belt opening. A portion of the belt defining the belt opening can be positioned in a groove in the resilient member. A fastener inserted through a fastener opening in the resilient member to secure the resilient member to the impact-absorbing shell.

Abstract: A helmet comprises an impact-absorbing shell and a pad assembly secured to an inner surface of the impact-absorbing shell. The pad assembly includes an outer low-friction layer, an inner low-friction layer, and a middle low-friction layer sandwiched between and slidable relative to the inner low friction layer and the outer low-friction layer. The middle low-friction layer is secured (e.g., with a hook-and-loop fastener) to the impact-absorbing shell such that the inner low-friction layer can slide relative to both the middle low-friction layer and the impact-absorbing shell. The outer low-friction layer can comprise an annulus-shaped sheet having a central opening, and the middle low-friction layer can comprises a disk-shaped sheet, such that the disk-shaped sheet is secured to the impact-absorbing shell through the central opening.

Abstract: Communication connection control systems and methods are disclosed. If a control failure recovery function is to be enabled for a data communication connection established by a communication connection controller by communicating control information with a remote controller, an indication that the control failure recovery function is supported at the controller is included in the control information communicated with the remote controller. Each of the controller and the remote controller may support, for example, either or both of a local control information recovery function or a resynchronization function to reduce the amount of time that the data connection is interrupted during a temporary failure of one of the controllers.

Abstract: Communication connection control systems and methods are disclosed. If a control failure recovery function is to be enabled for a data communication connection established by a communication connection controller by communicating control information with a remote controller, an indication that the control failure recovery function is supported at the controller is included in the control information communicated with the remote controller. Each of the controller and the remote controller may support, for example, either or both of a local control information recovery function or a resynchronization function to reduce the amount of time that the data connection is interrupted during a temporary failure of one of the controllers.