Natural Fiber Helmet

Abstract

A natural fiber helmet capable of protecting a user engaged in a professional, recreational or competitive activity is disclosed. The protective fiber helmet may be constructed of wood, bamboo, or similar material. The outer shell of the helmet may have a decorative finish that emphasizes the natural beauty of the material from which it is constructed. The entire helmet may be constructed of biodegradable materials that include a cork impact attenuation or impact cushioning system and a hemp, leather or cotton strap system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/498,598 filed on Jun. 19, 2011, entitled “Protective Natural Fiber Helmet”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to protective helmets and more particularly to protective helmets constructed partly or entirely of natural fiber materials such as wood or bamboo.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is well known that the survivability of accidents, particularly without serious injury, depends strongly on whether the victim is wearing proper head protection. By way of example, a person with no head protection may well sustain fatal injuries in an accident while a person simply wearing a helmet would not. Head injury is a significant cause of accidental death and disability among children and adults in the United States and other countries, frequently resulting from activities such as bicycling, snow sports, motorcycles and ATVs, watersports including whitewater sports, skateboarding, equestrian activities, climbing sports, baseball, roller-skating, kick scooters, and in-line skating.

In general, head injuries fall into two main categories: focal and diffuse. Focal injuries are limited to the area of impact. They include contusions, hematomas, lacerations and fractures. Diffuse brain injuries involve trauma to the neural and vascular elements of the brain at the microscopic level. The effect of such diffuse damage may vary from a completely reversible injury, such as a mild concussion, to prolonged coma or death. Helmets may easily prevent both types of injury.

Numerous studies have shown the dramatic benefits of wearing a helmet. In 2008 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that of the 714 people killed in bicycle accidents, 86% were not wearing helmets. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission indicates that bicycle helmets reduce the risk of brain injury by as much as 88%.

There are three general categories of protective helmets used by sporting participants found in the prior art.

1. Hard helmets having a hard outer shell, typically made of a thermoplastic material such as polycarbonate or ABS, an inner or energy-absorbing liner made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or expanded polypropylene (EPP), and optionally a comfort liner or comfort pads of flexible foam inside the EPS liner. Hard helmets may also include composite materials such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and alloy metals.

2. Foam helmets made of a thick layer of EPS or EPP with no outer and optionally a comfort liner or comfort pads inside.

3. Microhelmets having a thin outer micro shell (0.2-0.5 mm thick) made of a thermoplastic vacuum-shaped material such as polyethylene over a relatively thicker inner shell or liner of EPS or EPP and an optional comfort liner or comfort pads.

EPS consists of plastic cells that have been bonded together in the shape of a helmet during the molding process. When subjected to an impact, the cells of an EPS helmet will “crush”, or permanently deform, thereby protecting the wearer by attenuating the energy of the impact. However, the EPS helmet liners are rigid, inelastic, with very little flexibility. Because of this, they are “single impact” helmets, and have serious deficiencies in their energy attenuation characteristics.

EPS helmets and microhelmets are also susceptible to damage from ultra-violet rays from sunlight. The tertiary carbon bonds in polystyrene are activated by these UV rays forming free radicals. The free radicals then bond with atmospheric oxygen to create carbonyl groups within the polystyrene matrix, weakening the overall molecular structure. This is often undetected by the user, increasing the risk of head injury in the event of an impact.

A primary reason commonly cited for not wearing a helmet is that they are unattractive. Young riders are often concerned with receiving ridicule from their peers for wearing helmets lacking aesthetic appeal. Because of this concern, and because of the overwhelming health and safety benefits of wearing helmets, there is a need for a new type of helmet that protects the user while offering high aesthetic value. The present invention addresses this need by introducing a hard type of protective helmet made partly or entirely out of an aesthetically pleasing natural-fiber material such as wood. Due to the resilient nature of the fibrous structure, the natural fiber material adds additional safety and support for the internal compressible safety system. The lacquer used to enhance the natural fibers also prevents any and all damage from ultra-violet radiation or water contact, extending the service life of the helmet far beyond the EPS molded counterparts. Furthermore, the present invention offers consumers the opportunity to support goods manufactured from renewable resources. Presently the vast majority of helmet products offer little in the way of sustainability as EPS foam is well known to be particularly difficult to recycle.

The process used to build most helmets, injection molding, leaves no real room for customization of the product. A customizable helmet shell would benefit many users who have head shapes or sizes that fall out of the common spectrum that most helmets are designed for.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The natural fiber helmet described in this brief summary is not limited to the construction or features set forth herein. The teachings of this brief summary are not intended to limit the invention to the mentioned embodiments, but are merely set forth to illustrate how the natural fiber helmet may be used in various settings. It is understood that those skilled in the art may use or construct the natural fiber helmet other than how it is mentioned in this section.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a natural fiber helmet for protecting the head of a user engaged in a professional, recreational or competitive activity.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a natural fiber helmet for protecting users of multiple ages and both sexes.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a natural fiber helmet that may be constructed partially or entirely out of a natural fiber material.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a natural fiber helmet that may convey the appearance of the natural fiber used in its construction.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a natural fiber helmet that may be constructed using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine or, alternatively, by using non-CNC tools such as molds, stamps, chainsaws, grinders, sanders, or hand tools.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a natural fiber helmet that may use a natural fiber insert or cushioning system such as a cork.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a natural fiber helmet that may have decorative finishes intended to enhance the aesthetic value of the natural fiber construction material.

In accordance with the objects of the invention described above, one exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a hard helmet that may use wood or bamboo, including any species thereof, as the outer shell. The outer shell may be designed to emphasize the aesthetic appearance of the material used to in its construction. Emphasis may be accomplished through various construction, polishing, lacquering, waxing, shining, or finishing techniques that are intended to accentuate the natural beauty of the wood or bamboo. The outer shell may be constructed from a single piece of material, or from a plurality of pieces of the same or different type of material that have been formed or laminated together using adhesives. It is important to note that in certain embodiments, the natural fiber materials used in the natural fiber helmet may or may not be composed partly of synthetic materials or may have synthetic materials applied as protectants, sealants, or binders. The use of synthetic materials in the manner set forth in this description does not deviate from the scope of the present invention.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an impact attenuation or cushioning system may be inserted into the outer shell. This system may use synthetic materials such as EPS or EPP foam as the impact attenuation or cushioning material. Alternatively, the impact attenuation or cushioning material may be composed of natural cork bark in an agglomerated or non-agglomerated form.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a helmet webbing system may be connected to the outer shell through a plurality of attachment points. The webbing system may provide straps to secure the helmet to the head of the user or be used to suspend the helmet slightly above the head of the user for a more comfortable fit. The webbing system may be constructed of synthetic material such as polyester or nylon, or may be constructed from natural materials such as cotton, leather or hemp. The webbing system used in this embodiment of the present invention may be biodegradable.

A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary of methods for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is an image of an exemplary natural fiber helmet showing the right side of the helmet as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an image of an exemplary natural fiber helmet showing the front of the helmet as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an image of an exemplary natural fiber helmet showing the left side of the helmet as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an image of an exemplary natural fiber helmet showing the rear of the helmet as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an image of an exemplary natural fiber helmet showing air vent holes in the helmet as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an image of an exemplary natural fiber helmet showing the right side of the helmet as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an image of an exemplary natural fiber helmet showing a natural grain pattern as according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an image of an exemplary natural fiber helmet showing another natural grain pattern as according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is an image of an exemplary natural fiber helmet showing an interior view of the shell with an impact attenuation system as according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, appropriately interpreted, along with the full range of equivalents to which the claims are entitled. In the drawings, like numerals refer to the same or similar functionality throughout the several views.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the terms “embodiment(s) of the invention”, “alternative embodiment(s)”, and “exemplary embodiment(s)” do not require that all embodiments of the method, system, and apparatus include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The following descriptions of the preferred embodiments are merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or use.

The terms “natural fiber helmet”, “fiber helmet”, “helmet”, “invention” and all other like terms may be used interchangeably herein to refer to the present invention. Although the following description and claims may refer to components of the invention in the singular, it is understood that the references may also include components of the system in the multiple.

Several preferred embodiments of the natural fiber helmet are discussed in this section. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. A natural fiber helmet is any combination of natural fiber materials, and connecting means for connecting natural fiber materials together that provide a natural fiber helmet for use as a protective helmet. The natural fiber helmet is not limited in method of operation, dimensions, attachment means for connecting the natural fiber helmet to other helmet components such as vents, visors, openings, contours, or any other feature appropriate for inclusion as part of a helmet.

As set forth in this description and the attached images, an improved natural fiber helmet has been developed that improves upon conventional helmets. The various embodiments of the improved natural fiber helmet described herein can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, certain embodiments are particularly well-adapted for use as a mountain bike helmet. Other embodiments are particularly well-adapted for use as kayaking helmets. Still other embodiments are particularly well adapted for road cycling helmets. Even other embodiments are particularly well adapted for skating helmets.

The right side of an exemplary embodiment of a natural fiber helmet (100) is illustrated in FIG. 1. The natural fiber helmet (100) may include a single or multiple air vent holes (101) that allow air to circulate within the interior of the helmet (100). The circulation of air may help to keep the helmet user cool and comfortable while using the helmet. The natural fiber helmet (100) may also include unique characteristics (102) such as irregularities in the natural fiber material that was used to form the helmet (100). These irregularities may be such physical characteristics such as knotholes in wood, unique grain patterns, deformations in natural fiber materials, or any other structural or aesthetic feature that creates a unique appearance. The natural fiber helmet (100) may have a visor (103) for deflecting sunlight, rain, or debris from a user's face or eyes. The visor (103) may be constructed as part of the natural fiber helmet (100) or may later be attached to the helmet (100). The visor (103) may be constructed of the same material as the helmet (100) or may be constructed of a different material, including non-natural fiber materials. The natural fiber helmet (100) may have attachment points (104) where an impact attenuation system is attached to the natural fiber helmet (100). The attachment points may be where the internal EPS or EPP foam impact attenuation system is attached by hardware fasteners such as bolts, rivets, screws, or by adhesives, or by any other attachment means appropriate for use with the natural fiber helmet (100).

FIG. 2 shows the front of an exemplary embodiment of a natural fiber helmet (100). This front view shows the visor (103) extending around the entire front portion of the helmet (100). The helmet (100) may have the air vent holes (101) and impact attenuation system attachment points (104) arranged symmetrically along both sides of the helmet (100), or may have an asymmetrical arrangement of the air vent holes (101) or impact attenuation system attachment points (104) as will be seen in later images. Because of the organic nature of natural fiber material, the helmets (100) unique characteristics (102) may be located anywhere in the helmet (100). This embodiment of the natural fiber helmet (100) shows a unique characteristic (102) near the top and center of the helmet (100), but the unique characteristic's position in other embodiments of the present invention is not limited in position or size.

The left side of an exemplary embodiment of a natural fiber helmet (100) is illustrated in FIG. 3. The natural fiber helmet (100) may include a single or multiple air vent holes (101) that allow air to circulate within the interior of the helmet (100). The circulation of air may help to keep the helmet user cool and comfortable while using the helmet shell. The natural fiber helmet (100) may also include unique characteristics (102) such as irregularities in the natural fiber that was used to form the helmet (100). These irregularities may be such physical characteristics such as knotholes in wood shells, unique grain patterns, deformations in natural fiber materials, or any other structural or aesthetic feature that creates a unique appearance. The natural fiber helmet (100) may have a visor (103) for deflecting sunlight, rain, or debris from a user's face or eyes. The visor (103) may be constructed as part of the natural fiber helmet (100) or may be an addition that is later attached to the helmet (100). The visor (103) may be constructed of the same material as the helmet (100) or may be constructed of a different material, including non-natural fiber materials. The natural fiber helmet (100) may have attachment points (104) where an impact attenuation system is attached to the natural fiber helmet (100). The attachment points may be where the internal EPS or EPP foam impact attenuation system is attached to the helmet (100) by hardware fasteners such as bolts, rivets, screws, or by adhesives, or by any other attachment means appropriate for use with the natural fiber helmet (100).

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a natural fiber helmet (100). The helmet (100) may have the air vent holes (101) arranged symmetrically along both sides of the helmet (100), or may have an asymmetrical arrangement of the air vent holes (101) as will be seen in later images. Because of the organic nature of natural fiber material, the helmets (100) unique characteristics (102) may be located anywhere in the helmet (100). This embodiment of the natural fiber helmet (100) shows a unique characteristic (102) near the top and center of the helmet (100), but the unique characteristic's position in other embodiments of the present invention is not limited in position or size. FIG. 4 also shows a single impact attenuation system attachment point (104) in the lower portion of the helmet (100) roughly along the centerline. Other embodiments of the present invention are not limited in the number or location of the impact attenuation system attachment points (104). Instead, as many impact system attachment points (104) as required to properly attach an impact attenuation system, FIG. 9 (107), to the helmet (100) located in any position or positions may be used.

FIG. 5. Shows a close-up view of the air vent holes (101) in the natural fiber helmet (100). The air vent holes (100) need not be of the same size, shape, or spaced uniformly, or arranged in any particular or set manner. The air vent holes (100) may be integrated into the natural fiber helmet (100) in any size, shape, spacing, or arrangement as is deemed appropriate to improve the aesthetic appearance of the natural fiber helmet (100). The wood fiber helmets are in part a work of art and the artist's discretion may be used when installing the air vent holes (100). Furthermore, in addition to aesthetic concerns, the air vent holes (103) may also be integrated into the helmet (100) where appropriate to maximize ventilation for the user.

Another exemplary embodiment of a natural fiber helmet (100) is illustrated in FIG. 6. The unique characteristics (102) may be a dense grain pattern or discoloration in the grain that increases the helmet's (100) aesthetic appeal. The helmet (100) may also have air vent holes (101) that provide air circulation for the user. A visor (103) may be integrated into the front of the helmet (100) to lessen the amount of sunlight, rain, or debris that reaches the face of the user. Impact attenuation system attachment points (104) may be located in positions appropriate to attach an impact attenuation system, FIG. 9 (107), to the helmet (100).

Yet another exemplary embodiment of a natural fiber helmet (100) is illustrated in FIG. 7. The natural fiber used to make the helmet (100) may have a widely-spaced grain pattern, such as found in certain types of wood, that create esthetic appeal. The helmet (100) may have air vent holes (101) that provide air circulation for the user. A visor (103) may be integrated into the front of the helmet (100) to lessen the amount of sunlight, rain, or debris that reaches the face of the user. Impact attenuation system attachment points (104) may be located in positions appropriate to attach an impact attenuation system, FIG. 9 (107), to the helmet (100).

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a natural fiber helmet (100) as according to the present invention. The helmet (100) may have a single row of air vent holes (101) roughly along the centerline of the helmet (100) that provide air circulation for the user. The natural fiber used to make the helmet (100) may have a uniform, linear grain pattern that gives the helmet (100) an element of aesthetic appeal. A visor (103) may be integrated into the front of the helmet (100) to lessen the amount of sunlight, rain, or debris that reaches the face of a user. Impact attenuation system attachment points (104) may be located in positions appropriate to attach an impact attenuation system, FIG. 9 (107), to the helmet (100).

FIG. 9 illustrates an impact attenuation system (107) attached to the interior of a natural fiber helmet (100). The impact attenuation system (107) may be attached to the helmet (100) by hardware fasteners such as bolts, rivets, screws, or by adhesives, or by any other attachment means appropriate for use with the natural fiber helmet (100). Helmet straps (105) and buckles (106) may be used to secure the helmet (100) and impact attenuation system (107) to the head of a user during recreational or competitive activities. The position of the helmet buckles (106) along the straps (105) may be adjustable so that the helmet may be fitted to a wide variety of head sizes and shapes. The impact attenuation system (107) may be constructed of cork, EPP foam, or EPS foam. A layer of protectant material may be placed just behind the visor (103) so that frontal impacts are absorbed by the attenuation system (107).

FIG. 10 illustrates a natural fiber helmet (100) with multiple grain types and a lacquer coating. Wood, or other natural fiber material, with a first appearance and a first grain pattern (109) may be used to form part of the natural fiber helmet's (100) outer shell. Wood, or other natural fiber material, with a second appearance and a second grain pattern (110) may be used to form the remainder of the natural fiber helmet's (100) outer shell. Although two natural fiber materials are used to form the natural fiber helmet's (100) shell in this particular embodiment, other embodiments of the present invention may use any plurality of natural fiber materials in any configuration to form the natural fiber helmet's (100) outer shell. FIG. 10 also illustrates reflections (108) in the natural fiber helmet's (100) due to a lacquer coating. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, synthetic materials such as lacquer, binders, adhesives, protectants, fillers, or preservatives may be used without deviating from the scope of the invention.

A natural fiber helmet (100) may consist of natural fibers such as wood, bamboo or any species thereof. Wood includes, but is not limited to, all materials that are commonly described as being structural material derived from a tree of any species. Wood further includes, but is not limited to, all materials commonly described as wood, wooden, wood products, lumber, and timber. A wood helmet describes a product made from a solid or uniform piece of wood or several pieces of wood of the same or different species that have been formed or laminated together using adhesives. In certain embodiments, the natural fiber materials used in the natural fiber helmet may or may not be composed partly of synthetic materials. By way of example, agglomerated cork products used in a natural fiber impact attenuation system may or may not use urethane to bind the cork. By way of a further example, epoxy may be used to seal a natural fiber helmet's outer shell and linear polyurethane may be used to provide the epoxy with ultraviolet protection and to provide the helmet shell with abrasion resistance. Adhesives may be used to laminate large components or mold small fibers together to create a shell that is primarily composed of natural material. It should be noted that the use of synthetic materials such as binders, adhesives, sealants, protectants, or other additives do not deviate from the scope of the present invention. Instead, the use of synthetic materials in combination with natural fiber materials is consistent with embodiments of the present invention.

The natural fiber helmet (100) may be used in, but is not limited to use in the following applications: bicycling, snow sports, motorcycles and ATVs, watersports including whitewater sports, skateboarding, equestrian activities, climbing sports, baseball, roller-skating, kick scooters, bungee jumping, skydiving, hang-gliding, parasailing, team sports, in-line skating and professional applications such as tree trimming, construction, factory work and rescue work.

The natural fiber helmet (100) may be constructed from the following, non-limiting, methods or processes of manufacture: the use of CNC machines including CNC software; the use of chainsaws, grinders, and sanders; the use of adhesives to attach helmet impact attenuation or cushioning systems to the natural fiber outer shell; the use of a lathe and steam bending to create wood helmet shells; the use of molds to form/glue separate fibers into a helmet; and the development and use of specialized woodworking equipment for building wood helmet shells. Specialized woodworking equipment may include, but is not limited to, custom or specially designed hand tools, machines, machine tools, CNC devices or attachment, CNC software, routers, millers, bits, or any other piece of equipment intended for use in manufacturing a natural fiber helmet (100).

The natural fiber helmet (100) may have an integrated brim or visor (103), a detachably attached brim or visor (103), air vent holes (101), inlays, and decorative finishes. The natural fiber helmet (100) may contain themes that could be transferred or extended, for purposes of design continuity and aesthetic appeal, to wood carabineers, wood brake levers for bicycles, wood water bottles, wood steering wheels, or any other product intended to look or feel similar to the natural fiber helmet (100).

The natural fiber helmet (100) may have a helmet webbing or strap system (105) constructed of synthetic or natural fiber materials. Natural fiber webbing or strap materials (105) may include, but are not limited to, hemp, cotton, animal fibers such as horsehair or wool, flax, bamboo fiber, leather and silk. The natural fiber helmet (100) may have a webbing or strap system (105) that is particularly adapted to secure a natural fiber helmet (100) to the user. An adapted webbing or strap system (105) may be necessary because of the weight or aerodynamic properties that are unique to a natural fiber helmet (100). The natural fiber helmet (100) may have attachments for a webbing or strap system (105) that are particularly adapted to secure webbing or straps (105) to the outer (100) of the helmet. Adapted attachments may be necessary because of the weight or aerodynamic properties that are unique to a natural fiber helmet (100).

The natural fiber helmet (100) may be constructed entirely or partly from materials that are considered biodegradable. High density foam such as EPS or EPP foam may be used in the impact attenuation or cushioning system.

A suspension system uniquely adapted for use in a natural fiber helmet (100) may be added to provide helmet/cranium separation. The suspension system suspends the helmet (100) above and away from skull to provide for the spreading of impact forces across a wider area.

The natural fiber helmet (100) may also include the use of expanded vinyl acetate (EVA) foam or expanded polyethylene (EPE) foams. EVA and EPE foams are generally used in multiple impact protection devices.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the natural fiber helmet (100), to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and the manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the natural fiber helmet (100).

Directional terms such as “front”, “back”, “in”, “out”, “downward”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like may have been used in the description. These terms are applicable to the embodiments shown and described in conjunction with the drawings. These terms are merely used for the purpose of description in connection with the drawings and do not necessarily apply to the position in which the natural fiber helmet (100) may be used.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the natural fiber helmet (100). Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the natural fiber helmet (100) to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the natural fiber helmet (100). While the above description describes various embodiments of the present invention, it will be clear that the present invention may be otherwise easily adapted to fit any configuration where a natural fiber protective helmet is desired or required.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the present invention. It is important, therefore, that this description be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a helmet shell constructed from a natural fiber material wherein physical characteristics of the natural fiber material remain visible, an impact attenuation system that resides within the helmet shell, and means for securing the helmet shell and impact attenuation system to a user.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the natural fiber material consists of wood, bamboo, or any species thereof.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the physical characteristics consists of knotholes, grain patterns, colors, or deformations in the natural fiber material.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impact attenuation system is constructed of cork, expanded polystyrene, or expanded polypropylene.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for securing the helmet shell and impact attenuation system to a user further comprises straps that are constructed from nylon, cotton, or hemp.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the helmet shell, impact attenuation system, or the means for securing the helmet shell and impact attenuation system to a user is biodegradable.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the helmet shell is manufactured using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, or using non-CNC tools.

8. A method for protecting a user comprising:

providing a natural fiber helmet shell where physical characteristics of the natural fiber are visible, providing an impact attenuation system within the natural fiber helmet shell, and securing the helmet shell and impact attenuation system to a user.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the natural fiber material consists of wood, bamboo, or any species thereof.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the physical characteristics consists of knotholes, grain patterns, colors, or deformations in the natural fiber material.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the impact attenuation system is constructed of cork, expanded polystyrene, or expanded polypropylene.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the helmet shell and impact attenuation system is secured to a user by using straps that are constructed from nylon, cotton, or hemp.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the user is protected during recreational or competitive activities.

14. A helmet comprising:

an outer shell constructed from a natural fiber material that has visible physical characteristics, an impact attenuation system, and a means for securing the helmet to a user.

15. The helmet of claim 14, wherein the natural fiber material consists of wood, bamboo, or any species thereof.

16. The helmet of claim 14, wherein the physical characteristics consists of knotholes, grain patterns, colors, or deformations in the natural fiber material.

17. The helmet of claim 14, wherein the impact attenuation system is constructed of cork, expanded polystyrene, or expanded polypropylene.

18. The helmet of claim 14, wherein the means for securing the helmet to a user further comprises straps that are constructed from nylon, cotton, or hemp.

19. The helmet of claim 14, wherein the outer shell, impact attenuation system, or the means for securing the helmet to a user is biodegradable.

20. The helmet of claim 14, wherein the outer shell is manufactured using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, or using non-CNC tools.