Abstract: A fixing structure for safety helmet fastening strap, including a frame body mounted under a bottom of a helmet shell. The frame body has multiple fixing seats each of which is formed with a passage and an opening through which a fastening strap can pass. The fixing seat has arms extending from the fixing seat. The fixing seats are securely connected with the frame body with better load capability. Accordingly, the fixing seats can bear the extrusion force of the injection molded foam material without deflection or displacement. The helmet shell, the frame body and the fixing seats are bonded with a foam material filler to together form an integrated body. The arms of the fixing seats help the fixing seats and the frame body to hold the foam material filler.

Abstract: A cap-like head backing cover includes a plurality of types of cover components. The plurality of types of cover components include cover main body portions, and connecting means capable of separably connecting and combining the cover main body portions of one of the cover components to and with the cover main body portions of another at least one of the cover components. The cover main body portions of the plurality of types of cover components are connected to and combined with each other by the connecting means, to form the cap-like head backing cover which includes the plurality of types of cover components and is independent. With the helmet having this arrangement, even when a helmet wearer whose head shape is different from that of an average human head is to wear the helmet, the helmet can be matched to the head of the helmet wearer substantially optimally. The helmet size can be not only partially decreased but also partially increased.

Abstract: A body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each cell comprises a tube, and wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which is near or adjacent to the side wall of at least another tube, and wherein substantially each tube is configured such that the orientation of the tube is substantially maintained when a load is applied parallel to the axis of the tube.

Abstract: A protective headgear device including a fabric cap (102) into which a hard shell (120) of reinforced fibers is inserted. A foam liner 140 or foam inserts (1500) are secured to the hard outer shell 120 and serve a shock absorbing function. The foam liner (14) and/or foam inserts (120) include or form grooves and/or channels used to direct hot air towards the top center of the headgear assembly where the hot air can be vented through holes which extend through the cap (102) and hard outer shell (120). The holes may pass through the foam liner 140 or meet up with holes on channels in or between the foam inserts through which air can pass. The hard outer shell maybe thinnest on top and thicker on the left and right sides. The center front and rear may be the same thickness as the top of the hard shell.

Abstract: A restraint system for limiting the range of motion of an individual's head and flexure of their neck includes an arrangement of straps extending from a head engulfing helmet to a two piece arch-shaped shoulder mounted support member. The arch-shaped shoulder mounted support member includes a front portion, a rear portion and a mechanism for adjusting the curvature of the arch to accommodate individuals of different sizes and also to accommodate different seating positions. A pair of upwardly extending restraint members extends upwardly from the rear portion of the shoulder mounted support member. An upper portion of the upwardly extending restraint member extends upwardly behind the helmet and is tethered to the helmet so that the upwardly extending restraint member limits forward and rear movement of the head.

Abstract: A safety helmet comprising an outer shell, an internal headband composed of a neckband at the rear and a securing strap at the front, and an adjustment mechanism of the headband. The adjustment mechanism comprises a double cog-wheel having a first sprocket associated with a first drive rack of the neckband, and a second sprocket associated with a second drive rack of the strap. The two sprockets have different diameters to perform differential driving of the strap and of the neckband.

Abstract: Headgear having a cap portion configured to fit the head of a user and cover a top portion of the user's head, the cap portion including a layer of a fabric material, and at least one piece or layer of impact absorbing material attached to the layer of fabric material, wherein the impact absorbing material provides enhanced protection from impact to the user's head.

Abstract: A low profile protective helmet having an interior surface that is immediately adjacent the top of the wearer's head when the helmet is being worn. The interior surface defines a distal point which represents the furthest distance between the top of the wearer's head and the interior surface when the helmet is being worn. The height of the low profile helmet is approximately 4.7 inches and the distal point is approximately 1.3 inches to the top of the wearer's head which is at least 1 inch closer to the top of the wearer's head than with prior art hard hats. The close fit minimizes the weight of the helmet itself, and provides stability of the helmet on the head. The helmet includes shock absorbing means integral to the outer shell that defines a first extension and a second extension in perpendicular relationship with the first extension such that the outer shell is of a relatively greater depth along the defined extensions.

Abstract: A method for providing a shock penetration resistant apparatus may include providing an item of protective gear to be positioned proximate to an object to be protected, and disposing a shock penetration resistant material proximate to the item of protective gear to attenuate or redirect shock pulses away from the object to be protected. An apparatus is also provided that may include an item of protective gear and a shock penetration resistant material. The item of protective gear may be configured to be positioned proximate to an object to be protected. The shock penetration resistant material may be disposed proximate to the item of protective gear to attenuate or redirect shock pulses away from the object to be protected.

Abstract: A lightweight combat helmet has a rigid helmet shell with first and second flexible and fluid impermeable receptacles nested within the helmet shell. The first receptacle is filled with structures and substances that alter a trajectory of an incoming projectile. When filled, the second receptacle conforms to a wearer's head.

Abstract: An aerodynamic bicycle helmet for decreasing coefficient of drag when a head of a rider is in a down position is disclosed. The helmet may comprise a cushion with a concave cavity for receiving the head of the rider; a strap attached to the cushion for maintaining the cushion on the head of rider in the event of a crash; an exterior shell disposed over the cushion, the exterior shell having a leading portion with a spherical or a parabolic configuration, the leading portion positioned on a top portion of the head of the rider when the helmet is worn by the rider.

Abstract: A protective headguard comprising a front pad, rear pad and left and right, upper and lower bands. The front pad protectively covers at least a portion of a human forehead. The left and right, upper and lower bands extend in opposite lateral directions from opposite sides of the front pad. The upper and lower bands form first and second tensioned circumferential lines of retention. The upper bands do not cooperatively interact with the lower pair of bands such that the upper and lower pairs of bands are independently adjustable so as to permit the first and second tensioned circumferential lines of retention to be separately and independently fitted to a human head.

Abstract: A helmet grille for a sport helmet having a shell and an inner shock absorbing arrangement, the helmet grille including at least one elongate grille member extending from a rear helmet portion forwardly operatively along a first side of a wearer's face, across a front of the wearer's face, and rearwardly towards the rear helmet portion, substantially to extend at least partially around a wearer's head, and at least one attachment formation attached to at least one end of the at least one elongate grille member and attachable to any one of the shell and the inner shock absorbing arrangement.

Abstract: A versatile protective headgear which is a close replica of a football helmet, fabricated from a lightweight, suitable foam material that is conformable and resilient, capable of absorbing energy and protecting the wearer from lacerations and/or contusions from incidental contact in outdoor sporting activities. The headgear provides warmth and protection from moisture in cold weather, but the internal design also provides sufficient ventilation for year around use. The foam material can be produced in a variety of colors and has a smooth external surface that will accept paint and decals for authentic team identification. The headgear may be held in place by a standard football chin strap and is designed to have a removable face mask. The authentic appearance and cold weather protection it provides makes it an effective and desirable head covering for all cold weather recreational and work activities, including attendance at football games. Its flexibility permits packing for travel and storage.

Abstract: A protective helmet having a layer of foam covering the hard shell of the helmet configured such that the foam absorbs shock from an impact thereby decreasing the amount of force translated to the head, neck, or spine of the wearer. A force-distributing shock absorber coupled to a helmet and facemask to protect the jaw from shock impacts.

Abstract: A helmet is made by the steps of measuring the geometry of human head to map its contour, selecting an appropriately sized unfinished helmet having an oversized thick foam liner with an unfinished interior surface, collapsing selected areas of said foam liner by using an ultrasonic tool to heat said selected areas to provide a finished interior surface having a predetermined shape conforming to said contour of said human head. The helmet comprises a helmet shell with an interior-facing liner having selected areas of collapsed foam which provide an interior facing foam liner surface which conforms to a predetermined geometry of a human head.

Abstract: A pad (10), a plurality of which can be positioned in a helmet (21) or the like for comfort and protection, includes a first generally rectangular fabric material (11) having truncated corners (25). A first generally rectangular foam material (12) having truncated corners (24) includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces (18), the top surface being attached to the first fabric material (11). A second generally rectangular foam material (14) having truncated corners (22) includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces (19) having a scallop (23), the top surface being attached to the bottom surface of the first foam material (14). A second generally rectangular fabric material (16) having truncated corners (22) and sides having a scallop (23) is attached to the bottom surface of the second foam material (14). The side surfaces (18, 19) of the first and second foam materials (12, 14) are exposed.

Abstract: Helmet Liner Pro system comprises a protective helmet having at least one inner liner for absorbing mechanical energy; and an attachable/attached outer liner comprising shock absorbing material. The attachable outer liner is appliable to an external portion of the protective helmet to provide a shock absorption system whereby a user and others are suitably protected from external impact forces. The shape of the liner may vary depending on whether or not it is covering the entire helmet or just specific areas/portions.

Abstract: Described herein are helmets comprising at least one surface reinforcing component. In some embodiments the surface reinforcing component comprises at least one anchoring feature embedded in a structural feature of the helmet, such as a force absorbing element. In other embodiments, the surface reinforcing component comprises fasteners configured to mate with a respective fastener on a shell of the helmet.

Abstract: The invention further provides a device to protect the neck and the base of the skull of a person, the device comprises an impact-resistant substrate and a helmet. The impact-resistant pliable substrate is adapted to encircle an extended portion of the person's neck and lower cranium. The helmet is configured to cover the skull of the person, except for the occipital region of the skull. The helmet is adapted to receive the first impact-resistant pliable substrate such that the substrate substantially covers the occipital region of the skull and cervical vertebra of wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a cap includes a rigid liner that is secured to an interior or exterior of the cap to provide impact protection over a portion of the forehead region, crown and temple area. An absorbent liner is preferably included if the cap does not include an interior liner. The absorbent liner absorbs perspiration from the brow of the wearer. An optional energy attenuating liner can also be included as an inner layer that is disposed adjacent to the rigid liner and intermediate the head of the wearer to more safely distribute kinetic energy. The energy attenuating liner can include a material that provides single-use only or multiple-use capability. The rigid liner and other components are either permanently attached to the cap or they may be detachably-attachable with respect to the cap or with respect to a remainder of the apparatus and replaced, as desired. Any preferred material may be used for any component part of the protective shield for a cap.

Abstract: This protective helmet comprises a rigid or semi-rigid external shell comprising a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid flaps joined together and a compressively deformable internal liner acting as a shock absorber, the latter also comprising several elements associated with said flaps. At least some of the flaps that constitute the external shell are capable of moving relative to each other at their respective means of connection and the elements that constitute the internal liner associated with the flaps in question are designed so that they retract inside the volume defined by the helmet during relative displacement of the corresponding flaps.

Abstract: Headgear of the type having an outer layer and a relatively flexible inner layer includes a belt which extends around the inner layer within the outer layer, and a tensioning device which can tension the belt causing the belt to urge the inner layer inward away from the outer layer and against the helmet wearer's head. Preferably, the tensioning device includes a chinstrap assembly releasably fastened to the front of the helmet.

Abstract: A swimming/sports head protection device for protecting a user's head from an impact. The head protection device is made of a rigid and resilient material.

Abstract: An impact resistant composite article has at least two or more fibrous fabric layers and a polymeric layer disposed between at least some of the fabric layers. The peel strength measured at 20° C. between the fabric layer an adjacent polymeric layer after pressing for 30 minutes at 500 psi and 160° C. is less than 1 kg/cm, and where the weight % of polymeric resin relative to the resin plus fabric is greater than 5%.

Abstract: A compressible liner for impact protection, which may be installed in a helmet worn by a person. The compressible liner may also be applied to other impact protection situations, for example to baby capsules and child safety seats, as well as offering customised zones of impact protection. The compressible liner may have a relatively low density foam inner layer fused to a relatively high density foam outer layer. The inner layer may have many cone shaped protuberances which project into matching recesses of the outer layer. The compressible liner provides an initial low resistance to the impact for a desired part of the human body. As the impact progresses the level of resistance provided by the compressible liner increases in a controlled manner so that controlled deceleration of the part of the body is occurring throughout the impact for a desired impact protection zone of the compressible liner.

Abstract: A cap (10) is provided with a plurality of pockets (29) formed between a plurality of panels (13-18) and fabric materials (25) attached to each of the panels (13-18). The pockets (29) have an open end which is covered by a headband (23). A protection segment (30) is positioned in each pocket (29) and includes a plastic protective panel (31) and an energy absorbing foam layer (32). The segments (30) are curved in both the longitudinal and lateral directions, but not all of the segments (30) have the same radii of curvature in those directions.

Abstract: A protective helmet is described comprising: an outer layer (1); an inner layer (5) for contact with a head of a wearer; and an intermediate layer (3, 4) comprising an anisotropic cellular material comprising cells having cell walls, the anisotropic cellular material having a relatively low resistance against deformation resulting from tangential forces on the helmet. The anisotropic material can be a foam or honeycomb material. The foam is preferably a closed cell foam. The helmet allows tangential impacts to the helmet which cause less rotational acceleration or deceleration of the head of the wearer compared to helmets using isotropic foams while still absorbing a significant amount of rotational energy.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a mount plate and at least one noise reduction element connected the mount plate. An article of head wear comprising: a shell having an upper portion and a lower open portion, at least one aperture located near the lower portion, and a noise reduction plate obstructing the at least one aperture. An article of head wear comprising: a shell having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a noise reduction element connected to the shell. A noise reduction element comprising: a frame having a framework, and a soundproofing element covering the framework. An apparatus comprising: a mount plate, and at least one aperture in the mount plate, wherein the aperture is formed to accommodate a noise reduction element.

Abstract: A helmet includes a shell having a lower edge, and an edge support extending around the lower edge of the shell. The edge support has a greater structural rigidity than the shell. The helmet can further include a retention strap system, and the edge support can include at least one attachment to attach the retention strap system to the helmet. The attachment can, for example, include a seating, and the helmet can, for example, further include an abutment member removably seatable within the seating. The abutment member can be attachable to a strap of the retention strap system.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet has a body with a concave inner surface configured to permit the helmet to fit a user's head. The body has a first section with a first density and a second section with a second density different from the first density. A reinforcement structure is disposed in the body, wherein the reinforcement structure engages the first and second portions of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides pads and padding systems for use in protective helmets, and particularly ballistic helmets. Generally, the pad includes a first, outer layer which provides substantial impact resistance and a second, inner layer which provides cushioning and comfort. The pad does not require the use of a moisture-proof, non-perforated, encapsulating layer since both layers provide little resistance to fluid flow. The pad may also include a cover made of moisture-wicking material.

Abstract: A protective helmet having a hard helmet cap (1) and a shock-absorbing inner fitment in the form of a grille-like basket (3) fastened to the hard helmet cap (1), which basket is provided with bosses (5, 9) which point to the inner wall (10) of the helmet cap (1) and which are configured to exercise a shock-absorbing function on the basis of their plastic deformation under the influence of an impact of predetermined minimum intensity onto the hard helmet cap (1) allows the basket (3) to be fastened to the helmet cap (1) with a shock-absorbing effect even directly at the fastening point, by virtue of the fact that, for the fastening of the basket (3) to the helmet cap (1), a hollow configured fastening boss (9) of the basket (3) is provided with an end face (11), having a through opening (14), for firm contact against the helmet cap (1), that the helmet cap (1) has a through opening (15) aligned with the through opening (14) in the end face (11), and that bolt-shaped fastening means abut against the outer side

Abstract: A chin pad assembly and method of construction thereof provides an outer shell of plastics material having straps attached thereto and an inner cushion member attached to the shell independently of the straps. The shell has an outer surface and an inner surface providing a pocket with a pair of openings formed in the shell between the outer and inner surfaces. The inner cushion member is received in the pocket of the shell and provides a pocket to receive a wearer's chin. An attachment mechanism has a pair of elongate members extending from an outer surface of the cushion member. Each of the elongate members is received through a separate one of the openings in the shell and coupled outwardly from the outer surface of the shell to releasably attach the cushion member to the shell independently of the straps.

Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus adds support on sporting equipment, such as hockey skates, to protect the user from injury. The energy absorbing apparatus for hockey skates may protect the user's foot and ankle from injury. The energy absorbing apparatus may include a shock absorbing urethane foam member that may be formed integrally in a hockey skate. In an alternate embodiment, the energy absorbing material may be disposed in an adjunct adapted to be attached to a conventional hockey skate. The energy absorbing apparatus and the alternate embodiment are both light weight and flexible. The energy absorbing material may be used in helmets, baseball jerseys and other items where absorbing energy from external forces may protect the wearer.

Abstract: A helmet with large vent openings includes a vent shield to prevent the penetration of foreign objects and a vent airflow regulator positioned over the vent shield so as to regulate the amount of airflow allowed within the interior of the helmet. The vent shield is attached to the foam liner during the in-mold process, while the vent airflow regulator is positioned behind the vent shield after the in-mold process in a post-applied manner. A foam insert is positioned behind the vent airflow regulator and also has vent openings.

Abstract: A helmet which may be rapidly disassembled and removed from a wearer. A flexible cable may engage cable fastening elements located along a helmet split area, thereby forming the outer shell into an integral, rigid unit. When desired, the cable may be quickly withdrawn from the cable fastening elements so that the outer shell may be rapidly disassembled and removed from the wearer. Following disassembly, the helmet may be rapidly reassembled by reengagement with the cable fastening elements. Each end of the cable may be provided with a handle, to facilitate helmet disassembly whether the wearer of the helmet is lying substantially face-down or substantially face-up. A cable release mechanism may be provided to prevent unauthorized or undesired helmet disassembly during play, for example.

Abstract: A safety helmet structure and a processing method thereof. The safety helmet includes a first section, a second section and an extension section defined between the first and second sections. The first section is sprayed with a figure. A decorative section or a figure layers is adhered to the second section. After a periphery of the decorative section or figure layer partially passes over an edge of the second section, the periphery of the decorative section or figure layer enters the extension section. The first and second sections together form a helmet subassembly. The helmet subassembly is placed in a mold and integrally bonded with a buffer material or foam material filler to form a helmet assembly.

Abstract: The protective helmet includes a rigid outer shell where the shell includes an undulating cross-sectional profile. A layer of impact-energy-absorbing material is positioned adjacent to the shell. The undulating profile of the shell can be any type of load spreading undulating profile, such as that of a sinusoidal or triangular wave configuration. The undulating load-spreading profile can be on the inner surface of the shell, on the outer surface of the shell or the entire cross-section of the shell may be undulating. The unique undulating profile makes the shell more rigid and spreads the impact load across the surface of the shell to thereby spread the deformation of the padding layer to prevent the shell from bottoming out of the impact-energy-absorbing material during an impact. As a result, a safer and more effective protective helmet is provided.

Abstract: A fixing structure for safety helmet fastening strap, including a frame body mounted under a bottom of a helmet shell. The frame body has multiple fixing seats each of which is formed with a passage and an opening through which a fastening strap can pass. The fixing seat has arms extending from the fixing seat. The fixing seats are securely connected with the frame body with better load capability. Accordingly, the fixing seats can bear the extrusion force of the injection molded foam material without deflection or displacement. The helmet shell, the frame body and the fixing seats are bonded with a foam material filler to together form an integrated body. The arms of the fixing seats help the fixing seats and the frame body to hold the foam material filler.

Abstract: A helmet (12) includes a thermoelectric heat pump (14) mounted onto a rear surface of the helmet shell (12) for delivering temperature conditioned air to the interior of the helmet shell. A multi-layer structure (48) on the helmet shell interior distributes conditioned air across the scalp and directly onto the face. An optional scoop (38) directs ambient air to the heat pump (14). Another version locates the heat pump (68, 84) remotely and conditioned air is transmitted to the helmet apparatus (70, 78) via a flexible conduit (72, 85).

Abstract: A helmet system that employs an outer shell and a unitary inner shell formed with compatible grooves and ridges respectively. The outer shell is formed with a switch. The outer shell and inner shell are further secured together via magnetic force or a system of springs and levers in conjunction with the switch that allows for a user of the helmet system to seamlessly remove the outer shell through either a set amount of breakaway force or by using the switch.

Abstract: A head and neck restraint device controls the motion of the head and forces exerted upon the neck of a seated occupant in a decelerating vehicle. A body defines a collar, right and left legs, and right and left wings. The collar is tethered to the helmet. Each leg has belt interaction surfaces that provide a friction action on the shoulder straps. Left and right extensions or wings residing under the shoulder strap rearward of the legs provide a restriction of rotation of the body and thus a binding action on the shoulder straps. A cantilever action is induced during forward impact by the tethers pulling on the collar of the body and the binding action on the shoulder straps, thus reducing the forward motion of the body. The present restraint device does not attach to the structure of the vehicle, allows travel thereof with respect to the seated occupant, yet controls the motion of the occupant's head in order to substantially reduce neck loads on the occupant.

Abstract: A neck cover (51) includes a flexible cover member (53) and a to-be-attached portion (52) which serves to attach the flexible cover member (53) to a head protecting body (3) of a full-face-type helmet (1). The flexible cover member (53) comprises a substantially plate-like flexible cushion member (56) and a flexible support member (57) which supports the flexible cushion member (56). The flexible cover member (53) is mainly made of a substantially plate-like foamed synthetic resin, a permeability of which measured by using a Frajour type method based on JIS L 1096 falls within a range of 0.1 to 10 cc/cm2·sec (preferably 0.2 to 5 cc/cm2·sec and more preferably 0.3 to 2 cc/cm2·sec). Therefore, a sound which is generated by a traveling wind as it is caught in a ventilator, stabilizer, or the like is effectively prevented from being heard as loud noise to a helmet wearer.

Abstract: There is provided a protective helmet assembly that includes a shell, a suspension band, and an adjustable headband and a crown pad. The shell is constructed from at least PARA-ARAMID to provide ballistic protection. The adjustable headband and the crown pad each have a plurality of screw less connectors for directly securing the adjustable headband and the crown pad to the suspension band without screws. A nape pad subassembly is adjustably coupled to the shell via rear fasteners. A chin strap subassembly is adjustably coupled between the front fasteners and the nape pad subassembly by a multi-connection point coupling.

Abstract: An improved helmet padding includes a multi-layered liner including an innermost layer consisting of a comfort liner designed to engage the head of the user, and having an outer surface covered by an inner surface of a relatively low density foam layer. The relatively low density foam layer consists of a first region of relatively uniform thickness with an outer area from which a multiplicity of protuberances extend radially outwardly. The radially outward layer of the inventive padding consists of a layer of relatively high density foam. The outer layer includes a plurality of recesses corresponding to the protuberances of the inner layer and sized to snugly receive the conical protuberances therewithin. The outer surface of the outer foam layer is shaped and configured to engage the outer shell of a helmet in which it is installed.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include a unitary or monolithic composite or hybrid cushioning structure(s) and profile(s) comprised of a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The thermoset material may also be provided as cellular foam as well. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the unitary composite cushioning structure is formed from a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The cellular thermoplastic foam provides support characteristics to the unitary composite cushioning structure. The thermoset material provides a resilient structure with cushioning characteristics to the cushioning structure. A stratum is disposed between at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam and at least a portion of the thermoset material to secure the at least a portion of the thermoset material to the at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam to provide a unitary composite cushioning structure.

Abstract: A replacement pad kit for use in an Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) system helmet comprises a plurality of replacement pads for disposition within an ACH helmet. At least one of the replacement pads comprises a fabric layer for contacting the skin of a wearer, an anti-bacterial hydrophilic foam layer, a shock absorption SRF foam layer, and a hook and loop fastener material for engaging some of the plurality of pad receiving hook and loop type fasteners.

Abstract: Supplementary padding (8), for a protective helmet (1) includes a T-shaped envelope (9) designed to be removably affixed inside the helmet. The envelope is made of a flexible material and defines pockets for receiving supplemental padding elements (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), optionally made of synthetic foam. The envelope includes at least one opening for inserting the supplemental padding elements into said envelope and a self-gripping textile (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) for releasably adhering the envelope to lining (7) of the helmet.

Abstract: A protective headgear compression member includes a hollow compression cell having a top wall, a bowed side wall and a bottom wall and a liner element secured to that bottom wall coaxially to said cell. The liner element is composed of a flexible envelope substantially filled with resilient material and the envelope is secured to the bottom wall via an axially flexible connection to prevent the bottoming out of the liner element against the bottom wall of the cell.