阅读说明：本技术 用于撞击保护的头盔 (Helmet for impact protection ) 是由 D·佐兹阿斯 F·特苏卡萨 R·布罗库兹恩 F·范达姆 G·德布吕纳 S·范韦斯 于 2019-09-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：根据一个实施例,本发明涉及一种用于保护佩戴者的头部(107)的头盔(100),所述头盔(100)包括：保护层(106),所述保护层(106)被构造成在所述头盔(100)受到力(105)撞击时通过压缩而吸收所述力(105)的法向分量(102)并且在所述力的切向分量(103)超过预定阈值时破裂(211,212,510,601)。(According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a helmet (100) for protecting a head (107) of a wearer, the helmet (100) comprising: a protective layer (106), the protective layer (106) being configured to absorb a normal component (102) of a force (105) by compression when the helmet (100) is struck by the force (105) and to break (211, 212, 510, 601) when a tangential component (103) of the force exceeds a predetermined threshold.)

1. A helmet (100) for protecting a head (107) of a wearer, comprising:

-a protective layer (106), the protective layer (106) being configured to absorb a normal component (102) of a force (105) by compression when the helmet (100) is struck by the force (105) and to break (211, 212, 510, 601) when a tangential component (103) of the force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

2. The helmet (100) of claim 1, wherein the protective layer (106) comprises a closed cell foam configured to perform the absorbing and the rupturing.

3. A helmet (100) according to claim 2, wherein the closed cell foam comprises expanded beads.

4. Helmet (100) according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said protective layer (106) comprises:

-a first layer (200, 500); and

-protrusions (202, 300, 301, 400, 401, 502) extending from the first layer (200, 500); and

wherein the protrusion (202, 300, 301, 400, 401, 502) is configured to rupture (510) from the first layer (200, 500) when the predetermined threshold is exceeded.

5. The helmet (100) of claim 4, wherein the protective layer (106) further comprises:

-a second layer (201) covering the protrusions (202, 300, 301, 400, 401).

6. Helmet (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second layer (201) also comprises protrusions (202, 300, 301, 400, 401), the protrusions (202, 300, 301, 400, 401) of the second layer being configured to rupture (211) from the second layer (201) when the predetermined threshold value is exceeded.

7. Helmet (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the protrusions (202, 300, 301, 400, 401) of the first layer (200) and the protrusions (202, 300, 301, 400, 401) of the second layer (201) face each other.

8. Helmet (100) according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the first layer (200) and the second layer (201) are connected to each other by the protrusions (202, 300, 301, 400, 401).

9. Helmet (100) according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the protrusions (202, 300, 301, 400, 401) of the first layer (200) are interconnected with the protrusions of the second layer (201).

10. Helmet (100) according to anyone of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the protrusion (202, 300, 301, 400, 401, 502) comprises at least one of the group of:

-a tubular protrusion (202);

-a beam-shaped protrusion;

-a conical protrusion (302) having an elliptical or polygonal base (310).

11. A helmet (100) according to any of the preceding claims and claim 3, wherein the protective layer (106) comprises a mixture of the foamed beads and second particles.

12. A helmet (100) according to claim 11, wherein the protective layer (100) is further arranged such that the rupture starts at a boundary between the foamed bead and the second particle.

13. Helmet (100) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the foamed beads and second particles have a diameter of about 0.5mm to about 5mm, preferably of about 1mm to about 3 mm.

14. Helmet (100) according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that said foamed beads have a thickness comprised between 50 and 70m^-3Between kg, preferably 60m^-3A first density of kg; and the particles correspond to particles having a particle size of between 90 and 110m^-3Of kgOf (2), preferably 100m^-3Kg of second beads of a second density.

15. Helmet (100) according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the mixture comprises between 25 and 75% by weight, preferably 50% by weight, of beads having a first density.

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to protective headgear. More particularly, the present invention relates to helmets that protect a wearer's head from impact.

Background

In order to prevent or reduce injury when a person is at risk of a head impact, for example in a sports or industrial environment, helmets are used to absorb energy resulting from the impact, thereby protecting the brain. For example, helmets are commonly used while riding a bicycle, skiing, playing a hockey puck or performing any other activity during which a person may be at risk of falling with his head on the ground and/or being hit by an object such as a hockey puck.

Helmets typically include a shock absorbing material as an inner pad to absorb energy upon impact. Typically, an outer cover or shell covers the inner cushion for additional protection, smooth aerodynamic characteristics, and aesthetic reasons.

The force impacting the housing includes a normal component and a tangential component in a real life environment. The two components will then be transferred to the inner pad. The normal component then produces a linear impact on the wearer's head by pushing against the wearer's head, depending on the linear absorption characteristics of the inner pad and the magnitude of the force. On the other hand, the tangential component causes a rotational movement of the brain within the skull bone, depending on the direction and also on the magnitude.

Since brain injuries caused by rotational impacts are different from those caused by linear impacts and as severe as bridging vein rupture, acute subdural hematoma, and diffuse axonal injury, helmets can be designed so that it reacts differently depending on the magnitude and direction or angle of the impact force on the helmet.

In WO2015089646a1, a helmet is disclosed that comprises an inner pad configured to react differently to normal and tangential components of an impact force. Wherein the inner cushion comprises a complex arrangement of various materials arranged to connect to a shock absorber of a connector array that elastically deforms in response to a tangential component of an impact force. Thus, the outer shell of the helmet may be moved relative to the shock absorber such that the tangential component will be only partially transmitted to the wearer's head, thereby reducing the risk of injury due to rotation of the brain. However, a disadvantage is that the helmet is difficult to assemble due to the complex arrangement.

Another solution is disclosed in US20040168246a1, in which the tangential component of the impact force is absorbed by rigid rupturing means located at a different location of the helmet (e.g. the end of the helmet). The rupturing means rigidly connect the outer shell to the inner shell of the helmet and are configured to rupture when a tangential component of force impacts the outer shell by directing the impact force to these means. However, a disadvantage is that the housing needs to be completely circular to effectively direct the impact force to the device. Furthermore, since the rupturing means fixedly attaches the outer shell to the inner layer, a strong connection is created at these fixing points, reducing the ability to absorb linear impacts, particularly at those connection points.

It is an object of the present invention to alleviate the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide an improved solution to reduce the risk of injury due to rotational acceleration of the brain when the helmet is struck by a force.

Disclosure of Invention

This object is achieved by a helmet for protecting the head of a wearer, comprising:

-a protective layer configured to absorb by compression a normal component of a force when the helmet is struck by the force and to break when a tangential component of the force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

For example, during sporting activities such as cycling, skiing, or ice hockey, the helmet protects the wearer's head while worn. Thus, helmets are protective devices worn by a wearer to protect the head from injury, and more particularly to protect the brain of the wearer.

The helmet further comprises a protective layer. The protective layer covers the head of the wearer and has a certain thickness, which may depend on the type of activity for which the helmet is suitable and the comfort it needs to provide in connection with this type of activity. The protective layer may further comprise a vent without limiting its protective features.

In one aspect, the protective layer is configured to absorb the normal component from an impact force, and thus when the helmet is impacted by a force on its surface. The normal component is the component: this component includes the direction pointing towards the center of gravity of the head at the point of impact on the surface. This force originates, for example, from the wearer falling with his head on the ground, or from an object hitting the helmet, such as a hockey puck. The normal component of the impact force is then absorbed by compression. In other words, the protective layer protects the head of the wearer and thus his brain from the normal component by deforming elastically or plastically depending on the magnitude of the impact force and the modulus of elasticity of the protective layer. In other words, the protective layer does not transmit the tangential component to the wearer's head or to another elastic or plastic layer, but absorbs it by breaking of the protective layer.

Furthermore, depending on the angle at which the force strikes the curved surface, the impact force may also include a tangential component and transfer it to the protective layer. Thus, the tangential component is the tangential component at the point of impact that is perpendicular to the normal component. Thus, in another aspect, the protective layer is configured to break when the tangential component of the force exceeds a predetermined threshold. In other words, the protective layer breaks or fractures when the tangential component of the force exceeds the predetermined threshold. Thus, the protective layer absorbs the tangential component by cracking rather than compressing. Expressed in a different way, energy originating from the tangential component of the impact force ruptures the protective layer. Thus, during oblique impacts, the effect of the tangential component is mitigated by cracking under the load distribution produced by the tangential component.

The advantage is that there are no hard nodes, since the protective layer absorbs the normal component of the impact force by reducing the pressure over its volume. Such hard nodes are detrimental to the wearer's head when forces impinge upon such nodes. The wearer's head is thus protected because it is the protective layer that is compressed, thereby limiting the transmission of the normal component of the impact force to the wearer's brain.

Furthermore, since the transmission of said tangential component is hindered by the absorption of said component by the fracture, rotational movements of the brain within the skull are also prevented. Moreover, since the protective layer may crack, its ability to absorb tangential components is higher compared to elastic or even plastic deformation. In this way, when the wearer falls on the ground or is hit by an object, the rotational movement or acceleration of the skull is prevented. Moreover, the tangential component can be absorbed over the entire volume of the helmet layer and does not have to be directed first to any other device that can absorb this component.

In addition, the rupture has the further advantage that it can be easily seen that the helmet is not suitable for further use. In this way, the wearer is prevented from continuing to wear the helmet when the protective features of the helmet are significantly reduced or even absent. Expressed differently, the continuous elastic or plastic deformation, as a reaction to the tangential component of the impact force, causes a reduction in the protective characteristics of the helmet, especially when the material is frequently bent or sheared and thus undergoes degradation inside the material with the passage of time, but this remains invisible to the wearer and therefore does not prevent further inappropriate use. On the other hand, the rupture is not only immediately visible, but also ensures that the helmet will not be used further when its protective capabilities may no longer be ensured.

According to one embodiment, the protective layer comprises a closed cell foam configured to perform the absorbing and the rupturing.

Therefore, the protective layer is a light material having a solid structure, such as polyethylene foam or polystyrene foam, which is effective in absorbing linear impact. Furthermore, by using a closed cell foam, the protective layer can be easily shaped into the desired form in an efficient and economical manner. In addition, with closed cell foams, clean cuts or sharp edges will not occur when broken due to the tangential component of the impact force. In other words, the protective layer will break without causing harmful or dangerous spots.

The closed cell foam further allows for the provision of vents in addition to the desired shape. Finally, the protective layer may be produced using only one material, which reduces the possibility of manufacturing errors during the manufacturing process.

According to one embodiment, the closed cell foam comprises expanded beads.

Thus, the protective layer is, for example, in-mold (in-mold) expanded polystyrene comprising expanded beads that can be compressed and fused. The protective layer may then be fabricated using a mixture of beads having different characteristics to achieve the anisotropic strength characteristics of the protective layer. Then, the rupture may start at a bead having a smaller density than the other beads. In this way, the area of the protective layer that is more prone to rupture than the other areas may be selected so that the helmet may be adapted to the type of activity for which the helmet will be used primarily. Additionally or simultaneously, beads having a particular color, or even a mixture of colors, may be used for aesthetic reasons or other reasons, such as when it is desired to differentiate athletes based on the color of the helmet (such as in team sports). In this way, the protective layer does not need to be further sprayed in the desired color, but can be produced directly in the color.

According to one embodiment, the protective layer comprises:

-a first layer; and

-a protrusion extending from the first layer; and

wherein the protrusion is configured to rupture from the first layer when the predetermined threshold is exceeded.

In other words, the first layer and the protrusions extending from the first layer form the protective layer, wherein the protrusions are constructed and designed to rupture to protect the wearer's brain from rotational motion or acceleration when the tangential component of the impact force exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the cracking may be controlled, as the cracking will occur or start at the transition between the layer and the protrusion. In this way, good control of the rupture characteristics is achieved by the size and number of the protrusions.

The projection may face towards the head of the wearer when the helmet is worn. In this way, the head is in contact with the protective layer at these protrusions and at the same time air is allowed to flow between the protrusions, so that the head remains cool during intensive physical activity and at the same time protection against rotational movements or accelerations is ensured.

The protrusions may also face away from the head of the wearer such that the head is in direct contact with the first layer. This may also be beneficial, for example, when the helmet is shaped by the first layer such that it covers the head in a comfortable and safe manner, while the protrusions at the outer side likewise ensure protection against rotational movements or accelerations.

According to one embodiment, the protective layer further comprises a second layer covering the protrusion.

The second layer may cover the protrusions on the outside when the protrusions face away from the wearer's head, or on the inside when the protrusions face toward the wearer's head. In the first configuration, the protrusion is protected from external conditions, such as rain and/or dust. Similarly, when the second layer covers the head of the wearer when the helmet is worn, the second layer may be adapted to absorb perspiration during the sporting activity and may then be easily replaced, thereby keeping the protrusions of the first layer clean.

According to one embodiment, the second layer also comprises a protrusion configured to break from the second layer when a predetermined threshold is exceeded.

In other words, by the protrusions of the first and second layer, a double protection against rotational movements or accelerations is provided.

According to one embodiment, the protrusions of the first layer and the protrusions of the second layer face each other.

The first or second layer covers the wearer's head and the other layer (and thus the layer not covering the wearer's head) is located on the outside of the helmet. Between the two layers there are protrusions, one extending from the first layer and one extending from the second layer. The protrusions of the first and second layers protect the wearer's brain from rotational motion or acceleration. In addition, in this way, the first and second layers may be further moved relative to each other, which also provides additional protection against rotational movement or acceleration. Furthermore, in this way, the protective layer is easy to produce, since the first layer with the protrusions can be placed on the second layer with the protrusions in a direct manner.

According to one embodiment, the first and second layers are connected to each other by the protrusions.

In other words, the protrusions extending from two layers facing each other may correspond to each other in form or shape and be arranged on their respective layers in such a way that they can be fastened with the opposite protrusions, thereby connecting the first layer with the second layer.

Advantageously, the helmet may be assembled from two parts, namely a first layer with projections and a second layer also with projections, one of which is considered the outer layer, which faces the outside, and one as the inner layer, which is the layer covering the head of the wearer. Thus, the inner layer may be the same for all types of helmets and may therefore be economically produced, while the outer layer may be adapted to the type of activity for which it is to be used and subsequently fastened to the inner layer.

According to one embodiment, the protrusions of the first layer are interconnected with the protrusions of the second layer.

Preferably, the first and second layers are interconnected or connected by the protrusion. The protective layer then comprises one whole comprising the first and second layers joined or interconnected by the protrusions. Between the protrusions and thus between the first and second layer, air or another gas may be present, thereby obtaining a lightweight protective layer providing protection against linear and rotational impacts. In this way, the protective layer and hence the helmet is suitable for athletic activities where a lightweight helmet is beneficial for delivering performance, for example during a time course. Also, the thickness of the protective layer may be reduced by, for example, reducing the space between the protrusions to a minimum. Furthermore, the protective layer can be easily assembled, since the protrusions of the first layer can be caught in the protrusions of the second layer in a direct manner.

Another advantage is that by interconnecting the two layers, a fixed connection is ensured, so that the two layers remain connected when the helmet is used, for example during dynamic and intensive movements such as during activities (e.g. ice hockey).

According to one embodiment, the protrusion comprises at least one of the group of:

-a tubular protrusion;

-a beam-shaped protrusion;

-a conical protrusion with an elliptical or polygonal base.

The protrusions may have different shapes, such as tubes, beam-like shapes or bars, and cones or pyramids. In this way, the characteristics of the protrusions with respect to their ability to rupture when a tangential component is exceeded can be adjusted. For example, a tapered protrusion includes a base and an apex, whereby, by a tapered or conical configuration from its base to its apex, the feature changes in the longitudinal direction through its varying cross-section. Thus, the apex will be more prone to rupture before the base ruptures. In this way, a dedicated spot in the protective layer may be selected that ruptures more rapidly than other spots. Further, the base may be oval or may comprise a circle, triangle, rectangle, or any other polygon. At other points, equal strength in the longitudinal direction may be preferred, whereby tubular or beam-shaped protrusions are used. An alternating pattern of protrusions may thus occur and be configured such that stresses originating from the tangential component are concentrated in dedicated locations of the protective layer.

According to another preferred embodiment, the protective layer comprises a mixture of beads and second particles.

Alternatively, the protective layer may comprise second particles in addition to the mixture of beads. The second particles have a different composition than the beads and are disposed within the protective layer. The particles may also be arranged within the protective layer as clusters of a predetermined shape.

According to one embodiment, the protective layer is further arranged such that the rupture starts at the boundary between the bead and the particle.

By using the particles, the fracture may start at the boundary of the particles, thus at the interface between the bead and the particle. In this way, a dedicated point of the protective layer may be selected, wherein the particles are arranged within the protective layer such that at these boundaries or interfaces the fracture starts when the tangential component exceeds the predetermined threshold. In addition, in this way, a better control of the point at which the rupture preferably starts is obtained.

According to one embodiment, the beads and particles have a diameter of about 0.5mm to about 5mm, preferably about 1mm to about 3 mm.

In other words, the beads and particles may have the same diameter, so that the protective layer may be economically produced by compressing and fusing the beads and particles. Furthermore, since the particles are of equal diameter, the beads will not be damaged by the particles when compressed and fused.

According to one embodiment, the beads have a diameter between 50 and 70m^-3Between kg, preferably 60m^-3A first density of kg; and the particles correspond to particles having a particle size of between 90 and 110m^-3Between kg, preferably 100m^-3Kg of second beads of a second density.

Expressed in a different way, it is also possible to use a composition having a different density (i.e. preferably 60 m)^-3A first density of kg and preferably 100m^-3Kg second density) of beads. The mixture of beads is then compressed and fused, thereby shaping the protective layer.

According to one embodiment, the mixture comprises between 25 and 75 wt.%, preferably 50 wt.%, of beads having the first density.

The weight percent of beads having the second density is then determined by the weight percent of beads having the first density.

Drawings

Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1A shows a helmet according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 1B illustrates the helmet of FIG. 1A in a cross-sectional view; and

FIG. 2A shows a protective layer according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the protective layer comprising first and second layers and protrusions; and

FIG. 2B shows the protective layer of FIG. 2A including broken protrusions; and

FIG. 3A shows a protective layer according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the protective layer comprising first and second layers and protrusions; and

FIG. 3B shows a protective layer similar to the exemplary illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3A, including oppositely oriented protrusions; and

FIG. 4A shows a protective layer including first and second layers and protrusions according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4B shows a protective layer including first and second layers and protrusions according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

fig. 5A shows a protective layer according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention, the protective layer comprising a first layer and protrusions; and

FIG. 5B shows the protective layer of FIG. 5A including broken protrusions; and

fig. 6 shows a protective layer according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A shows a helmet according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, and fig. 1B shows the same helmet in cross-section. The helmet 100 is suitable for wearing during a sporting activity such as cycling or skiing. While wearing the helmet 100, the head of the wearer is in position 107.

The helmet 100 may include a buckle or buckle 110, and when worn, the buckle or buckle 110 may encircle the chin of the wearer to ensure that the helmet 100 is worn safely on the head during activities. Helmet 100 may further comprise an outer shell 101 and vents 111. The enclosure 101 may act as a protective layer against external conditions such as wind or rain, and the vent holes may be used to manage thermal regulation of the wearer's head, and/or for aerodynamic and/or aesthetic reasons. It should further be understood that these functions 110 and 111 are illustrative and may vary depending on the type of activity for which the helmet is designed, or may even be absent.

The helmet 100 includes a protective layer 106, which is shown in cross-section 120 in fig. 1B. The protective layer 106 has a curved surface 112 on the outside and it may be further covered by the housing 101. Alternatively, the curved surface 112 of the protective layer 106 may itself comprise the outer layer of the helmet 100, meaning that the outer shell 101 is not present.

During activity, the helmet 100 may be impacted by a force shown by impact force 105. This force may for example originate from falling on the ground or from an impact by an object. The magnitude and direction of the impact force 105 is unknown a priori, but may be represented by a vector 105 including a normal component 102 and a tangential component 103. The vector 105 further points to a point 104 representing the point of impact. However, it should be further understood that the impact point may also include an impact zone or area, depending on the shape and size of the surface upon which the wearer of the helmet 100 falls or the object impacting the helmet 100.

The impact force 105 is further illustrated in fig. 2A, which illustrates a protective layer 106 comprising a first or outer layer 200 and a second or inner layer 201. Protective layer 106 in this first exemplary embodiment further includes protrusions 202 that extend from both layers 200 and 201 and connect layers 200 and 201 to each other.

The force 105 strikes the protective layer 106 outside the protective layer 106, thus at the curved surface 112, and its tangential component 103 is transferred to other areas of the protective layer 106. Likewise, the normal component 102 is also transferred to other areas of the protective layer 106.

Alternatively, when the helmet 100 includes the shell 101, the impact force 105 first impacts the shell 101, and then the force 105 is transferred to the protective layer 106.

The normal component 102 is absorbed by the protective layer 106 through compression. In other words, protective layer 106 compresses to bring outer layer 200, protrusion 202, and inner layer 201 closer together during compression, and then, when impact force 105 is no longer present, layers 200 and 201 and protrusion 202 may return to their original shapes or may plastically deform according to the magnitude of normal component 102 relative to the elastic modulus of protective layer 106 without breaking or cracking.

The tangential component 103 is transferred to the body of the protective layer 106 as indicated by arrow 210. Arrow 210 thus shows that relative movement of the outer layer 200 relative to the protrusion 202 and/or the inner layer 201 occurs due to the tangential component 103 of the impact force 105.

The protrusion 202 of the protective layer 106 is configured to break when the tangential component 103 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Thus, the rupture is initiated by the tangential component 103 of the impact force 105 and depends on the angle at which the impact force 105 strikes 104 the protective layer 106 and its magnitude.

The breaking of the protrusion 202 is illustrated by the breaking portion 211 and the breaking portion 212. In this first exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 202 comprises a tubular or beam-shaped protrusion. Thus, the strength characteristics of the protrusions remain equal over their respective longitudinal directions. This means that the protrusion will break at a point where its cross-section no longer resists the predetermined threshold. This may be, for example, at the middle of the protrusion, as shown by the break 211, or at the end, as shown by the break 212. Thus, the location will be determined by the location 104 of the impact force 105 and the manner in which it is transmitted 210 to the protrusion 202. Depending on the magnitude and direction of the impact force 105, rupture may also occur at the layer 200, as shown by rupture 213.

As a result of the rupture, the outer layer 200 separates 203 from the inner layer 201. It is further possible that only a portion of the protrusions are broken. In other words, the rotational impact or acceleration resulting from the impact force 105 and more particularly the tangential component 103 thereof is subsequently absorbed by the rupture of a portion of the protuberance, while the other protuberances remain intact.

The protrusions may also comprise other shapes than tubular or beam-shaped shapes. In fig. 3A and 3B, a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, which includes a tapered protrusion 300, such as a cone 302. It should further be understood that a cone is a three-dimensional geometric shape that tapers smoothly from a base to a vertex, where the base and vertex may be circular, but may also include any other polygonal shape. The protrusions 300 may thus also for example comprise a pyramidal shape.

The tapered protrusions 300 are connected to the outer layer 200 by their respective apexes, as shown by apex 311, and to the inner layer 201 by their respective bases, such as base 310. The configuration may also be inverted, i.e., the base is connected to the outer layer 200 and the apex is connected to the inner layer 201, as shown by the protrusion 301 of fig. 3B.

Due to the tapered configuration of the protrusions 300 and 301, the strength characteristics vary due to the variation in cross-section. For example, when the tangential component 103 is transferred, the stresses originating therefrom may concentrate at the vertices of the conical projection, so that cracking begins at these vertices. This is illustrated by the break 312 at the outer layer 200 and the break 313 at the inner layer 201. Depending on the magnitude and direction of the impact force 105, rupture may also occur at the outer layer 200, as shown by rupture 314.

In addition to the uniform directional arrangement of the tapered protrusions (such as configuration 300 where the bases are all located at inner layer 201 or configuration 301 where the apexes are all located at inner layer 201), the tapered protrusions may also be arranged in an alternating pattern, as illustrated by protrusions 400 in fig. 4A. In this third exemplary embodiment, the direction of the tapered configuration may be changed, and the embodiment may further include beam-shaped and/or tubular protrusions. In other words, the pattern of the protrusion may be adjusted such that it includes a variety of shapes, cross-sections, and/or arrangements.

A portion of the protrusion 400 may also extend from the outer layer 200 and another portion from the inner layer 201, whereby the outer layer 200 and the inner layer 201 are connected to each other by the protrusion. As shown in fig. 4B, the protrusions of both layers 200 and 201 may also be interconnected by a fourth exemplary illustrative embodiment of protective layer 106. The protrusions 401 are shaped such that they interconnect or snap with opposing protrusions. For example, the protrusions 403 extending from the outer layer 200 fasten with the protrusions 402 extending from the inner layer 201. As a result, the pattern of interconnected protrusions 401 forms the protective layer 106 together with the inner layer 201 and the outer layer 200.

According to a fifth exemplary illustrative embodiment, as shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the protective layer 106 may include one layer having protrusions extending therefrom. The layer 500 from which the protrusions 502 extend may be an outer layer of the helmet 100, or may be an inner layer, i.e. the layer on which the wearer's head 107 is located when worn.

The impact force 105 is then transmitted 503 to the protrusion 502, or the protrusion 502 is directly impacted by the force. The protrusion 502 is also configured to rupture when the tangential component 103 of the impact force 105 exceeds a predetermined threshold. This is illustrated by the rupture 510 in fig. 5B.

According to the sixth embodiment, the protective layer 106 may also comprise an overall shape 600, for example, in-mold expanded polystyrene comprising expanded beads and particles 602. The particle 602 is arranged such that the break-up starts at the boundary of the particle 602 when the tangential component 103 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Then, the crack may cause a crack 601 over the entire length of the protective layer 106.

The protective layer as shown in fig. 6A may also comprise one overall shape without particles 602 but comprising a mixture of beads having different densities. For example, the first mixture of beads has a particle size between 50 and 70m^-3Between kg, preferably 60m^-3Kg, and the second mixture of beads has a density between 90 and 110m^-3Between kg, preferably 100m^-3Density in kg. The two mixtures can then be equally divided, thus each representing 50% by weight, or the first mixture can have a weight between 25 and 75% so that the weight percentage of the second mixture is determined by the weight percentage of the first mixture.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, and that the present invention may be embodied with various changes and modifications without departing from the scope thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. In other words, it is intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the scope of the basic underlying principles and whose essential attributes are claimed in this patent application. Furthermore, readers of the present patent application will understand that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, that the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality, and that a single element, such as a computer system, a processor or another integrated unit may fulfill the functions of several means recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the respective claim concerned. The terms "first," "second," "third," "a," "b," "c," and the like, when used in the specification or claims, are introduced to distinguish between similar elements or steps and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order. Similarly, the terms "top," "bottom," "above," "below," and the like are introduced for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention are capable of operation in other sequences and orientations than described or illustrated above.