The present invention relates to a helmet (1) comprising: a first layer (10) forming an outer surface of the helmet (1), a second layer (30), and a reactive layer (20) sandwiched between the first layer (10) and the second layer (30), whereby said reactive layer (20) comprises a plurality of rigid balls (2) allowing the first layer (10) to roll upon the second layer (30) as soon as the helmet (1) undergoes an impact of an intensity greater than a predetermined threshold.

A helmet for rotational energy management can include an outer energy management layer comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface can comprise a first slidable finish comprising a first glaze comprising a thickness less than or equal to 2 millimeters (mm). An inner energy management layer can be disposed within the outer energy management layer and further comprise an outer surface oriented towards the outer energy management layer and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The outer surface can comprise a second slidable finish that directly contacts the first slidable finish. The second slidable finish can comprise a second glaze comprising a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm. A space between the first slidable finish and the second slidable finish can be devoid of a lubricant and devoid of any interstitial slip layer.

A safety helmet includes an outer shell configured for surrounding a head of a user, and an infrared reflective layer disposed in an interior of the outer shell. The infrared reflective layer is configured for reflecting at a least a portion of incident infrared radiation transmitted through the outer shell. The infrared reflective layer has infrared reflectivity of at least 40%. The safety helmet further may have an evaporative cooling pad positioned within a cavity defined by the inner surface of the outer shell. A method of manufacturing a safety helmet is also disclosed.

An illuminable helmet assembly is disclosed. The helmet assembly may include a helmet body having an outer shell, an energy management layer and a fit system. A light diffuser is coupled to an outer surface of the helmet body, the diffuser having an illumination surface with an outer perimeter and defining a footprint of the illumination surface extending inward from the illumination surface to a center of the helmet body. A light source is positioned adjacent to and in some cases outside of the outer perimeter and the footprint of the illumination surface. The light source is positioned to emit light toward the illumination surface at an acute angle to the illumination surface.

A headwear system for protecting a user includes a crown portion and a brim portion. The crown portion has interior and exterior surfaces bound by a perimeter and the crown portion is configured to absorb shock to a head of a wearer in the event of an impact and has a concave surface and a convex surface having an apex. The brim portion is coupled to the crown portion at the perimeter and is configured to shade portions of a user's head, neck and face from sun while shedding water in a directed and/or controlled manner. A method for producing a hat includes forming a crown portion, forming a brim portion coupled to the crown portion and applying a rubber coating to the crown portion and the brim portion.

A lightweight helmet according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a fiber sheet layer formed of a reinforced fiber, and a porous foamed plastic layer thermally bonded and formed on one surface or both surfaces of the fiber sheet layer, and the fiber sheet layer and the porous foamed plastic layer may be alternatingly formed in duplicate or more.

A sports helmet optimizes the full peripheral field of vision of its wearer. The optical properties of the entire protective shell will allow the transmission of light, while reflecting a colored appearance externally, and remaining antireflective from the eye of the wearer. Internal padding and face guard also enhance the transmission of light compared to existing designs. Helmets constructed in accordance with the invention are made with a transparent shell material, with one or more optical layers to achieve an anti-reflective view from the eye side of the helmet and an acceptable appearance on the external surface of the shell. Single or multiple metalized thin films may be used to create a one-way mirror effect. In other embodiments see-through graphics may be used with microdot patterns. In certain embodiments, multiple optical coatings may be used to achieve a desired combination of transparency and light-absorbing properties.

An illuminable helmet assembly is disclosed. The helmet assembly may include a helmet body having an outer shell, an energy management layer and a fit system. A light diffuser is coupled to an outer surface of the helmet body, the diffuser having an illumination surface with an outer perimeter and defining a footprint of the illumination surface extending inward from the illumination surface to a center of the helmet body. A light source is positioned adjacent to and in some cases outside of the outer perimeter and the footprint of the illumination surface. The light source is positioned to emit light toward the illumination surface at an acute angle to the illumination surface.

Various embodiments of helmets and methods of their manufacture are disclosed. In some embodiments, the helmet includes a helmet shell having a helmet shell edge and/or a mounting location for mounting an accessory to the helmet shell. A material that is adherent to the helmet shell may be sprayed onto the helmet shell edge of the helmet shell to form a trim. Alternatively, the material may be sprayed onto a portion of the helmet shell associated with either a mounting location for mounting an accessory or a position for a mounted accessory.

A flocked helmet cover pad (FHCP) attachable add-on to a helmet cover includes a central hub and multiple appendages attached to the central hub. The appendages are shaped and arranged to provide additional impact energy absorption properties for a helmet.