Helmet

Abstract

The present invention concerns a helmet with reduced weight but improves energy absorbing possibilities and protection against penetration comprising at least a rigi outer shell and an inner portion of energy absorbing material. At least a portion of the rigid outer shell is thin and has a thickness of 0.01-4 mm, preferably 0.1-1.0 mm in order to collapse at a crash and thus absorb energy and that a coated net, coated woven or coated nonwoven material is at least partially provided between the rigid outer shell and the inner portion of energy absorbing material in order to at least compensate for the penetration protection loss due to the thin rigid outer shell.

1 . A helmet comprising:
 at least a rigid outer shell; and   an inner portion of energy absorbing material, wherein a portion of the rigid outer shell has a thickness of 0.01-4 mm in order to collapse at a crash and absorb energy and wherein a coated material is at least partially provided between the rigid outer shell and the inner portion of an energy absorbing material.   
     
     
         2 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the coated net material extends across the full area between the rigid outer shell and the inner portion of the energy absorbing material. 
     
     
         3 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the coated material comprises unlaminated and/or unhardened aramid fibres. 
     
     
         4 . A helmet according to  claim 3 , wherein the coated material is coated with a silicon carbide. 
     
     
         5 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the coated material compensates for the penetration protection loss due to the rigid outer shell, and wherein the coated material is selected from the group consisting of a coated woven material, a coated nonwoven material and a coated net. 
     
     
         10 . A helmet according to  claim 9 , wherein the coated material comprises unlaminated and/or unhardened aramid fibres. 
     
     
         11 . A helmet according to  claim 10 , wherein the coated material is coated with a silicon carbide. 
     
     
         12 . A helmet according to  claim 9 , wherein the coated net is connected at its nodes, and wherein the coated net is provided in a corresponding pattern of grooves at the outside surface of the inner portion of the energy absorbing material. 
     
     
         13 . A helmet according to  claim 9 , wherein the coated woven material, the coated nonwoven material or the coated net is attached to the outside surface of the inner portion of the energy absorbing material. 
     
     
         14 . A helmet according to  claim 9 , wherein the coated woven material, the coated nonwoven material or the coated net is molded between the inside surface of the rigid outer shell and the outside surface of the inner portion of the energy absorbing material. 
     
     
         15 . A helmet according to  claim 2 , wherein the coated material compensates for the penetration protection loss due to the rigid outer shell, and wherein the coated material is selected from the group consisting of a coated woven material, a coated nonwoven material and a coated net. 
     
     
         16 . A helmet according to  claim 15 , wherein the coated material comprises unlaminated and/or unhardened aramid fibres. 
     
     
         17 . A helmet according to  claim 16 , wherein the coated material is coated with a silicon carbide. 
     
     
         18 . A helmet according to  claim 15 , wherein the coated net is connected at its nodes, and wherein the coated net is provided in a corresponding pattern of grooves at the outside surface of the inner portion of the energy absorbing material. 
     
     
         19 . A helmet according to  claim 15 , wherein the coated woven material, the coated nonwoven material or the coated net is attached to the outside surface of the inner portion of the energy absorbing material. 
     
     
         20 . A helmet according to  claim 15 , wherein the coated woven material, the coated nonwoven material or the coated net is molded between the inside surface of the rigid outer shell and the outside surface of the inner portion of the energy absorbing material.