A helmet for protecting the head of a user may include at least one liner comprising an inner surface and a lower edge surrounding the inner surface at a helmet opening configured to receive a head of a helmet wearer. At least two coupling points may be located on the inner surface proximal to the lower edge. At least one flexible forehead strap may follow the lower edge of the energy management layer and may be inwardly offset from the inner surface. At least two prongs may be coupled to, and slidably extend between, the flexible forehead strap and the at least two coupling points, respectively. A continuous gap between the inner surface and the flexible forehead strap may be provided by an offset created by the at least two prongs, the at least two prongs flexibly maintaining the offset.

An impact absorbing article including an auxetic foam substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a thickness extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The auxetic foam substrate is comprised of a plurality of closed-cells and configured to dissipate forces delivered through the bottom surface associated with localized impacts delivered to the top surface of the auxetic foam substrate. The plurality of closed cells each have a negative Poisson ratio.

An impact absorbing article including an auxetic foam substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a thickness extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The auxetic foam substrate is comprised of a plurality of closed-cells and configured to dissipate forces delivered through the bottom surface associated with localized impacts delivered to the top surface of the auxetic foam substrate. The plurality of closed cells each have a negative Poisson ratio.

Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

The present disclosure relates to a protective device (100) for protecting a head from impact, the device 100 comprising a shell (110) substantially formed in a dome-shape and having a first outer edge (1101); an inner layer (120) substantially formed in the dome-shape disposed within the shell (110), having an second outer edge (1201) and arranged at a gap distance in a direction of in the surface normal of the shell (110), at least one connecting member (130) interconnecting the shell (110) and inner layer (120) by interconnecting the first outer edge (1101) and the second outer edge (1201), an intermediary structure (140) comprising a plurality of deformable elements (1401) arranged in a single layer, wherein each of the deformable elements (1401), in an undeformed state, is arranged in simultaneous contact with the shell (110), the inner layer (120) and at least one other deformable element of the deformable elements (1401).

The present disclosure relates to a protective device (100) for protecting a head from impact, the device 100 comprising a shell (110) substantially formed in a dome-shape and having a first outer edge (1101); an inner layer (120) substantially formed in the dome-shape disposed within the shell (110), having an second outer edge (1201) and arranged at a gap distance in a direction of in the surface normal of the shell (110), at least one connecting member (130) interconnecting the shell (110) and inner layer (120) by interconnecting the first outer edge (1101) and the second outer edge (1201), an intermediary structure (140) comprising a plurality of deformable elements (1401) arranged in a single layer, wherein each of the deformable elements (1401), in an undeformed state, is arranged in simultaneous contact with the shell (110), the inner layer (120) and at least one other deformable element of the deformable elements (1401).

An apparatus comprised of a first portion comprising a generally flexible fabric, and a second portion or layer comprising a gel material formed in a generally planar rectangular shape. Positioned below the second layer is a third portion or a damping layer having a series of dampers positioned thereon, where the dampers are elastomeric flexible and compressible. The three portions are laminated together.

A helmet includes an outer shell and an impact absorbing layer adjacent to the outer shell. The helmet also includes a fit system mounted to the impact absorbing layer. The fit system includes a rear portion that includes a rotational mount having a ball and an extension mounted to the ball. The fit system also includes a rear mount that includes a plurality of grooves. Each groove in the plurality of grooves is configured to receive the rotational mount of the rear portion of the fit system.

A bump cap foam insert for a hat that uses tab and slot structures to form the insert in to a generally conical shape to fit into a hat. The foam insert is constructed by the use of vented radial extensions that extend from a common center and that have a density of about 4 pounds per cubic foot, a thickness of about 0.16″ and a tensile strength of about 90 psi.