A helmet (10) which has a plurality of substantially longitudinal members (20) arranged side-by-side, the longitudinal members (20) being in fluid communication with each other. It has a first inflated state in which the longitudinal members (20) are distributed to form a substantially concave shape, and a second compressed state in which the longitudinal members (20) lie flat and substantially coincident against each other. Each longitudinal member (20) is separated from neighbouring longitudinal members (20) by a tubular connecting member (30) in a lattice configuration. The helmet (10) may be made of HDPE or nylon.

A collapsible helmet may include a number of chassis segments that are mechanically coupled to one another, where at least some of the chassis segments are collapsible into another chassis segment for storage, and where the chassis segments are expandable so that the helmet is suitable for wearing on a user's head for protection thereof. For example, certain aspects include a three-piece collapsible helmet that has interlocking fingers. In this manner, when the helmet is closed, the interlocking fingers allow the helmet to conveniently fold or collapse into a compact form. Moreover, when the helmet is opened, the interlocking fingers may provide a desired head coverage for protection of a wearer.

A collapsible helmet may include a number of chassis segments that are mechanically coupled to one another, where at least some of the chassis segments are collapsible into another chassis segment for storage, and where the chassis segments are expandable so that the helmet is suitable for wearing on a user's head for protection thereof. For example, certain aspects include a three-piece collapsible helmet that has interlocking fingers. In this manner, when the helmet is closed, the interlocking fingers allow the helmet to conveniently fold or collapse into a compact form. Moreover, when the helmet is opened, the interlocking fingers may provide a desired head coverage for protection of a wearer.

An inflatable helmet comprising a plurality of elongate members, each elongate member comprising at least one chamber wall defining an inflatable chamber; wherein at least two adjacent elongate members are in fluid communication with each other; and wherein the plurality of elongate members is inflatable so as to adjust the inflatable helmet from a collapsed state to an inflated state in which at least one pair of adjacent elongate members abut one other along at least a portion of their respective chamber walls.

Single-use, disposable helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies are disclosed. Methods of making and using single-use, disposable helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies are also disclosed.

A bicycle helmet that fits over a surface of a head of a user generally includes a segment of flexible cell structures that form a radial honeycomb matrix movable between a folded condition where each side of the segment is disposed generally parallel and an expanded condition where the radial honeycomb matrix of the segment is configured to be expanded at least partially over the head of the user and arranged radially relative to the surface of the head of the user. The bicycle helmet includes a first and second side frame disposed respectively at the first and second ends of the honeycomb matrix.

A head covering to reduce the force from an external surface on the head of an individual. The head covering is formed from thin polymeric tubes that are inflated by blowing via lung exhalation. The head covering is light weight and can be folded into a small in volume such that it is easily carried in a shirt or pant pocket.

A helmet/hood assembly includes a housing, a headband support assembly configured to hold the assembly on a human head, a face shield, and a flexible hood attached to the housing and to the face shield, with the assembly being received, stored, used, and disposed as a single unit. The headband support assembly pivots on the housing between a configuration suitable for shipping and storing the assembly and a configuration in which the assembly is worn. An accessory light powered by a battery may be held in place on the housing by magnetic attraction through the hood.

A surgical protection system to define a barrier between the user and the external environment. The surgical protection system comprising a helmet assembly, a hood and a transparent face shield. The helmet including a shell, a face frame coupled to the shell, a static tab, a first fastener disposed on the face frame; and a fan mounted to the shell and configured to circulate air about the user. The hood may include a first material defining an opening. The shield may be formed from flexible material and disposed within the opening of the hood. The shield may further include a tab extending from a top portion of the shield and define an opening configured to receive the static tab of the helmet to align the shield to the helmet. The first fastener disposed on the face frame may be configured to facilitate removable attachment of the shield to the helmet.

A head covering to reduce the force from an external surface on the head of an individual. The head covering is formed from thin polymeric tubes that are inflated by blowing via lung exhalation. The head covering is light weight and can be folded into a small in volume such that it is easily carried in a shirt or pant pocket.