Helmet

Abstract

A helmet comprising a frangible layer corresponding to at least a portion of a user's head configured to fail at a predetermined force with a fracture that allows further movement of the user's head during impact.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A helmet comprising a frangible layer corresponding to at least a portion of a user's head, said frangible layer configured to fail at a generally predetermined force with one or more fractures that reduce impact forces. 
     
     
         2 . The helmet of  claim 1  further comprising a cushioning layer between the user's head and the frangible layer. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet of  claim 2  wherein the cushioning layer further comprises a comfort layer on an interior surface. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet of  claim 3  wherein comfort surface comprises a wicking material. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet of  claim 1  wherein the helmet further comprises an outer layer exterior to the frangible layer. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet of  claim 5  wherein outer layer is a frangible layer. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet of  claim 5  wherein the outer layer is a generally non-frangible layer. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet of  claim 5  comprising a cushioning layer between the frangible layer and the outer layer. 
     
     
         9 . The helmet of  claim 2  wherein the cushioning layer comprises an open cell material, a closed cell material, a combination open cell and closed cell material, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The helmet of  claim 2  wherein cushioning layer comprises a resilient material, a non-resilient material, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet of  claim 1  further comprising a low friction layer. 
     
     
         12 . The helmet of  claim 2  wherein the cushioning layer comprises an open air cell. 
     
     
         13 . The helmet of  claim 1  wherein the frangible layer comprises a tempered or safety glass. 
     
     
         14 . The helmet of  claim 1  wherein the frangible layer comprises a frangible material taken from the group consisting of fiberglass, plastic, polymer, resin, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The helmet of  claim 14  wherein the frangible material comprises failure lines along which the frangible material is configured to fracture. 
     
     
         16 . The helmet of  claim 15  wherein the failure lines are one or more of reduced thickness or score lines along which the frangible material is configured to fracture. 
     
     
         17 . The helmet of  claim 6  wherein the frangible outer layer has a fracture strength that is the same as or greater than a fracture strength of the frangible layer.