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An energy absorbing liner system and method of making it, preferably by thermoforming. A helmet has an energy absorbing inner system positioned inside the shell. The liner has thermoformed interconnected energy absorbing modules that non-destructively rebound after one or more impacts. At least some

An energy absorbing liner system and method of making it, preferably by thermoforming. A helmet has an energy absorbing inner system positioned inside the shell. The liner has thermoformed interconnected energy absorbing modules that non-destructively rebound after one or more impacts. At least some of the modules in the layer have a basal portion with upper and lower sections when viewed in relation to the wearer's head. The upper section has one or more energy absorbing units. At least some of the units are provided with a wall with a domed cap that faces the outer shell. The units at least partially cushion the blow by absorbing energy imparted by an object that impacts the outer shell. The lower comfort section has a tiered arrangement of layers. The layers are relatively compliant and thus provide a comfortable yet firm fit of the helmet upon the wearer.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A helmet with an outer shell; andan energy absorbing layer positioned inside the outer shell, the layer having one or more energy absorbing modules, at least some of the modules having the characteristic of reversion after impact to or towards an un-deflected configuration, one or more of the ene

1. A helmet with an outer shell; andan energy absorbing layer positioned inside the outer shell, the layer having one or more energy absorbing modules, at least some of the modules having the characteristic of reversion after impact to or towards an un-deflected configuration, one or more of the energy absorbing modules havingan upper energy absorbing section having an upper basal layerone or more energy absorbing units that extend from the upper basal layer, at least some of the one or more energy absorbing units being provided witha flexible wall that extends from the upper basal layer, the one or more energy absorbing units at least partially absorbing energy generated by an impacting object by the flexible wall bending inwardly or outwardly without rupture; anda lower compliant section havinga lower basal layer that interfaces with the upper basal layer of the upper energy absorbing section a tiered arrangement of layers extending from the lower basal layer, the arrangement includinga radially outermost layer that cooperates with and lies inside a perimeter of the lower basal layer,one or more radially intermediate layers extending from and within the outermost layer anda radially innermost layer that extends from and within an intermediate layer, the layers in the tiered arrangement being relatively compliant and cooperating at least partially in a telescoping manner in response to a force transmitted across the lower compliant section, thereby providing a comfortable yet firm fit of the energy absorbing modules to a mass to be protected from at least some of the impacting force. 2. The liner system of claim 1, further including a living hinge that joins at least some adjacent modules in the energy absorbing layer. 3. The liner system of claim 1, wherein one of the energy absorbing modules comprises a dome module that lies atop the head of a wearer. 4. The liner system of claim 3, further including at least one satellite module grouping that connects with and extends from the dome module. 5. The liner system of claim 1, further including attachment holes defined in the upper base layer, the lower base layer or in the upper and lower base layers for attaching the liner system to the outer shell that meets an impacting object. 6. The liner system of claim 1, wherein the tiered arrangement of layers in the lower section includes comfort clusters, at least some of the clusters each having: an outer stepped region;a floor upon which the outer stepped region terminates; andan inner region that extends from the floor. 7. The helmet of claim 1, further including one or more supplemental layers of comfort padding between the lower section and the head of the wearer. 8. The liner system of claim 1, wherein the upper section is inverted so that the upper basal layer is oriented towards the outer shell and the one or more energy absorbing units extend toward the lower section. 9. The liner system of claim 1, wherein the liner system is attached to the outer shell by means for attaching, including but not limited to, rivets, coined snaps, add-on fasteners, tape, Velcro®, hook and loop materials, adhesive, and glue.