US20250221487A1

US20250221487A1 - Foldable helmet

Info

Publication number: US20250221487A1
Application number: US18/850,853
Authority: US
Inventors: Hans Ulrik Nørregård JENSEN; Jan-Daniel Bünger von Wurmb; Wilhelm MARSCHALL
Original assignee: Newton Rider Aps
Current assignee: Newton Rider Aps
Priority date: 2022-04-01
Filing date: 2023-03-30
Publication date: 2025-07-10
Also published as: JP2025510950A; CN119212583A; EP4503997A1; WO2023186236A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a helmet and protector elements for protecting a user's head. The helmet being flexible and/or foldable and comprising a head-fitting element (2), having an outer surface and an inner surface, a plurality of protector elements (3) arranged and attached at preselected positions on the outer surface of the head-fitting element to provide a helmet, which has at least a front portion (11), a middle portion (12) and a back portion (13) that are separated by a gap (4). The protector element when attached to a helmet provides an absorption of a force received during an impact to a level reducing the risk of a trauma of a user.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bicycle helmet and helmet protector elements, more particularly to a flexible and/or foldable helmet having a unique folding, and protector elements having an improved protection for protecting a user's head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Protective headgear and helmets have been used in a wide variety of applications and across a number of industries including sports, athletics, construction, mining, transportation, and others, to prevent damage to a user's head and brain. Damage and injury to a user can be prevented or reduced by helmets that prevent hard objects or sharp objects from directly contacting the user's head. Damage and injury to a user can also be prevented or reduced by helmets that absorb, distribute, or otherwise manage force of an impact.
For a user wearing a helmet, both helmet fit, temperature control and storage possibilities can be important, and improvements can reduce distractions for the user and thereby increase the performance of the helmet without reducing safety.
To ensure that more people wear a helmet, such as when riding a bicycle, the following should be achieved:

- The helmet must protect the head of the user.
- The helmet should be comfortable, fitting the user's head snugly, without any protruding members between the head and helmet, ensuring comfort over prolonged use and while being active, such as when pedalling.
- The helmet should be neither too cool nor too warm to wear.
- The helmet should not accumulate water vapour from neither sweat nor the environment, such as protecting the user's head from rain while also promoting the transport of sweat from the user's head.

The current bicycle helmets are typically comprised of an outer shell, a foam layer and an internal polymer ribbon assembly towards the head of the user, which may be uncomfortable to wear. Further, the fit of the ribbon assembly may have protruding portions chafing the head of the user, which prevents prolonged wear without discomfort. Even further, to ensure proper ventilation, the current helmets often have an open configuration, allowing for e.g. rain and sun to reach the head of the user.
Further disadvantages of common bicycle helmets:

- common helmets are rigid and do not adapt to the head, they have to be adjusted with extra helmet pads;
- common helmets are made of Poly-Styrene which cracks easily. If You drop a bike helmet on a hard surface, such as asphalt or a concrete floor it is usually recommended to discard said helmet, because the helmet structure might be compromised;
- common helmets are made to protect against severe head damage, not against trauma from smaller accidents. Common helmets has a non-linear protection, as e.g. polystyrene only flexes at certain high impact force. As most bike crashes are minor and non-lethal, most bicycle accidents leads to severe concussions because the hard and rigid polystyrene of a common helmet does not absorb low force impacts.

Hence, a protection element and an improved flexible and/or foldable helmet would be advantageous, and in particular a more efficient and/or reliable protection element and a flexible and/or foldable helmet would be advantageous.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible and/or foldable helmet, which has an improved fit for a user's head, is comfortable notwithstanding an external temperature or other aspects of the weather and during the user being active, and an improved safety, while being easier to store.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the above described object and several other objects are intended to be obtained in a first aspect of the invention by providing a flexible bicycle helmet for protecting a user's head along and above a periphery of the skull extending from the frontal bone to the occipital bone, the flexible helmet comprising

- a flexible head-fitting element made from a textile adapted for vapour transportation, the flexible head-fitting element having an outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the flexible head-fitting element is configured to have a shape fitting the user's head;
- a plurality of protector elements arranged and attached at preselected positions on the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element to provide the flexible helmet, the flexible helmet having at least a front portion, a middle portion and a back portion separated by gaps; the protector elements comprising
  - a base having a bottom surface adapted to be attached to the flexible head-fitting element, and
- an outer element arranged on the base opposite to the bottom surface, the outer element made from another material than said base, or the outer element having a higher density than said base.

The flexible helmet is particularly advantageous for providing a comfortable helmet, which protects the user's head from impact, while also protecting the user from the environment, such as high/low temperatures, rain, snow, sun etc.
Further, the build-up of the flexible helmet provides a linear impact protection, thus enabling low force impact to be absorbed, preventing a larger range of impact accidents to a user to be deterred/prevented.
Even further, the flexible properties of the flexible helmet enables for continued use, even after a drop of the helmet, due to the elastic properties of the flexible helmet.
Yet another advantage of the flexible helmet is the sheer volume of the helmet being reduced, as the thickness of the helmet is lower than helmets as shown in the prior art.
It is to be understood, that the flexible head-fitting element provides a comfortable inner liner towards the head of the user, accommodating the shape of the user, while providing sufficient temperature and moisture control for the user to be active while wearing said flexible helmet.
In an alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a foldable helmet for protecting a user's head, the helmet comprising a head-fitting element having an outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the head-fitting element is configured to have a shape fitting a user's head; a plurality of protector elements arranged and attached at preselected positions on the outer surface of the head-fitting element to provide a helmet having at least a front portion, a middle portion and a back portion separated by a gap; wherein the inner surface of the head-fitting element in an open configuration is configured to be arranged on a user's head, and wherein the head-fitting element is bendable at least in the gaps to allow the helmet to be folded into a closed configuration, provided by at least the front portion and/or the back portion being folded inwardly towards the middle portion of the helmet.
It is to be understood, that the flexible and the foldable features of the present invention is not mutually exclusive, but instead the flexible features of the flexible helmet further may allow for the flexible helmet to further be foldable.
In the context of the present invention vapour transportation is to be understood as a textiles moisture vapour dissipation properties. Thus the textile is manufactured from a suitable yarn or polyester enabled to remove vapour from the head of a user.
In a preferred embodiment, the flexible head-fitting element is comprised of a plurality of layers, the inner-most layer being made from wool such as merino wool or from polyester, enabling vapour to dissipate faster to other layers of said flexible head-fitting element, away from the head of the user.
In some embodiments the textile fabric is comprised of several layers of fabric, the layers having different denier per filament, enabling one-way transport of vapour away from the head of the user.
The standard enthalpy of evaporation at 25° C. is 44 KJ/mol.
1 mol of water weighs approximately 18 g, 1 g of water can therefore dissipate 2.4 kJ of energy, wherein 1 g of water=2.400 J.
Therefore 0.41 g of water=1.000 J
To get rid of 1.000 W (J/s) of heat during a medium level exercise, such as 20 min of cycling, the fabric may provide an evaporation of up to 1.200 s*0.41 g/s=492 g water.
In a preferred embodiment, the textile may transport vapour at a rate of between 1 to 15 grams of water per minute, in a more preferred embodiment between 5 to 20 grams of water per minute and in an even more preferred embodiment between 10 to 25 grams of water per minute.
In another preferred embodiment, at least some of the flexible head-fitting element is made from 3D microfibers.
Preferably, the inner surface of the flexible head-fitting element is coated with a vapour transporting coating to further facilitate vapour dissipation away from the head of the user.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plurality of protector elements further comprises an intermediate element sandwiched between the base and the outer element. This embodiment may be particularly advantageous for providing protector elements with several impact dissipating features, i.e. such as wherein the outer element is impact resistant and impact dissipating, and the base and/or the intermediate element further dissipates and absorbs the impact by elastic deformation.
In another advantageous embodiment, the base of the protector elements further comprises a cavity adapted to receive an intermediate element and wherein the outer layer covers an outer surface of the base and intermediate layer. It is to be understood, that the cavity of the base may partially or fully embed the intermediate element.
The intermediate element as described above, may further provide an improved resistance and dissipation of shear forces towards the head of the user.
In a preferred embodiment the intermediate element made from a material different from the base or the density of the intermediate layer is different from the base.
In another preferred embodiment, at least some of the plurality of protector elements are of different sizes and/or shapes, depending on their individual position on the flexible head-fitting element.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the cavities of at least some of the bases of the protector elements are of different sizes and/or shapes, and wherein a single size and shape of the intermediate element may substantially fill out said cavities, such as by positioning one, two or more intermediate elements into said cavities.
In another embodiment, at least some of the bases of the plurality of protector elements comprises two or more cavities, and wherein each of the cavity may receive an intermediate element, each of the intermediate element being of a similar size and shape.
These embodiments are particularly advantageous for reducing waste and promoting for fast and easy assembly, as a single size and shape of the intermediate element may be used for various sizes/shapes of cavities of the base.
In the context of the present invention, folding inwardly may be understood as pushing the portions towards the middle portion within the helmet.
The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a helmet that can be stored using a minimum amount of space, as the helmet can be folded to decrease its size.
In one embodiment of the invention, the helmet further comprises a spacing element, the spacing element arranged around the plurality of protector elements, and configured to prevent collapse of the gaps and further configured to be deformed when the helmet is folded.
In another embodiment of the invention, the spacing element may be configured to transport fluid, such as vapour, such as water, such as sweat, and further comprising an outer surface, the outer surface preferably being water-repelling.
In another embodiment of the invention, the head-fitting element may comprise at least two layers of different material. In some embodiments of the invention, the head-fitting element is a liner.
In the context of the present invention, the liner may be understood as textile material, providing a fit for a user's head, while also providing protection to the head.
In another embodiment of the invention, the head-fitting element is made from a material with elastic properties, such as an elastic textile.
In a preferred embodiment, the spacing element may be made from a mesh fabric or foam, such as an Airtex mesh fabric.
In some embodiment, at least the base of the protection element is made from a compression moulded foam, such as EVA or PU.
In some embodiments, the flexible head-fitting element is made from one or more of nylon, polyester, polyurethane or wool. It is to be understood, that the flexible head-fitting element may be made from a plurality of layers, such as layers with different denier per filament and/or wherein the layers are made from one or more of the above materials to increase the rate of vapour dissipation away from the users head.
The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a helmet that can be fitted to a user's head, as the head-fitting element modifiable and thereby can be fitted to various head types, so that the circumference of the helmet can be decreased.
In another embodiment of the invention, the liner may be configured to transport fluid, such as vapour, such as water, such as sweat, and further comprising an outer surface, the outer surface preferably being water-repelling or water-proof. In some embodiments, an outside surface of one or more of the spacing element and the flexible head-fitting element may be coated with or manufactured from a one-way vapour membrane, to transport vapour/moisture from the user's head towards an outside environment.
In the context of the present invention, coatings may be selected from one or more of an oleophobic or hydrophobic coating.
It is further to be understood, that a membrane may be fitted or coated to an inside of the head-fitting element, to propagate vapour transport from the user's head to an outside environment, such as a semi-permeable coating.
In another embodiment of the invention, the head-fitting element may be configured to absorb moisture, such as water, such as sweat, on the inner surface, and/or wherein the flexible head-fitting element may be configured to release moisture, such as water, such as sweat, on the outer surface. In some embodiments, the head-fitting element is made from a textile with cooling properties.
In the context of the present invention, the water-repelling abilities of the flexible head-fitting element and/or the spacing element(s) is to be understood as preventing moisture from entering the inside the helmet but allowing or propagating moisture to exit the helmet.
The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a helmet that can provide a cooling effect for a user wearing the helmet, as sweat or water can be transported away from the skin of the user and be released in the surrounding atmosphere.
In another embodiment of the invention, the helmet further comprising a fastener on each side of helmet, the fastener being attached at one or more preselected position(s) on the head-fitting element and comprising a locking mechanism in the other end, the locking mechanism being configured to be locked around or under the chin of a user.
In another embodiment of the invention, the surface area of the back portion is larger than the surface area of the front portion.
In another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of protector elements may be attached to the head-fitting element using an adhesive, such as a flexible adhesive, such as a polyurethane based adhesive, such as a silicone based adhesive.
In another embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the helmet may be in the range of 10-20 mm, such as 12-20 mm, such as 14-18 mm.
The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a helmet that can be fabricated using less amounts of materials, due to the improved thickness of the helmet.
In another embodiment of the invention, the helmet form a volume inside the helmet in an open configuration, wherein the volume in a closed configuration may be below 70% of the volume in the open configuration, such as below 65% of the volume in the open configuration.
In the context of the present application, the thickness of the helmet may be understood as a thickness of the helmet measured from the inner surface of the head-fitting element to an outer surface of the protector element. The thickness may in some embodiments be an average thickness.
In another embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the head-fitting element may be in the range of 1-7 mm, such as 2-5 mm.
In the context of the present application, the thickness of the head-fitting element may be understood as a thickness of the head-fitting element measured from the inner surface of the head-fitting element to the outer surface of the head-fitting element. The thickness may in some embodiments be an average thickness.
In another embodiment of the invention, the width of the gaps may be in the range of 10-18 mm, such as 12-16 mm.
In another embodiment of the invention, the helmet further comprising an extending element in continuation of the head-fitting element that extends outside the helmet, the extending element provides a light protection for the user.
In another embodiment of the invention, the front portion and/or middle portion and/or the back portion comprises a plurality of protector elements arranged and attached at preselected positions in the portion separated by a longitudinal gap.
In the context of the present application, the longitudinal direction may be understood as the direction going from the back portion of the helmet towards the front portion of the helmet, being the direction going from the back of the helmet towards the front of the helmet.
In one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal gap is perpendicular to the gap.
In another embodiment of the invention, the middle portion may be a protector element.
In another embodiment of the invention, the flexible and/or foldable helmet is a bicycle helmet.
In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a flexible bicycle helmet according to the first aspect, the method comprising:

- determining a head size of the flexible helmet, said head size corresponding to the head size of a user,
- providing a flexible head-fitting element from a vapour transporting textile, the flexible head-fitting element corresponding to said head size,
- determining a layout of gaps and protector elements along an outside area of the flexible head-fitting element,
- fixating a plurality of protector elements to the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element in a pattern based on said layout.

In an advantageous embodiment the method further comprises:

- providing one or more vapour transporting spacing element(s) on the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element corresponding to the layout of the gaps, the vapour transporting elements protruding from the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element defining a pattern,
- arranging the protector elements within the pattern defined by the spacing elements and/or the pattern based on the layout.

In another advantageous embodiment, the method further comprises:

- providing a flexible adhesive for the fixation of the protector elements to the flexible head-fitting element.

In yet another advantageous embodiment, wherein the protector element is comprised of three elements, the method further comprises:

- providing a base having a bottom surface adapted to be fixated to the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element,
- providing an intermediate element on a surface of the base opposite to the bottom surface,
- providing an outer element covering at least the intermediate element.

- providing a base having a bottom surface adapted to be fixated to the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element,
- embedding an intermediate element at least partially within a surface of the base opposite to the bottom surface,
- providing an outer element covering at least the intermediate element.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to a protector element for a flexible and/or foldable helmet, the protector element when attached to a helmet provides an absorption of a force received during an impact to a level reducing the risk of a trauma of a user, the protector element comprising

- a base having a top and a bottom, wherein the bottom is configured to be attached to a head-fitting element of a flexible and/or foldable helmet, and wherein the base further comprising a cavity;
- an outer element arranged and attached on the top of the base and configured to receive an impact having a force, the outer element further configured to disperse the force received by the impact across the surface area of the outer element; and
- an intermediate element arranged in the cavity in the base and having a preselected structure, such as a lattice structure, such as a honeycomb-like structure, configured to be elastic deformable in response to a force received through the outer element during an impact.

The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a protector element that can absorb equal amount of force, which a typical bicycle helmet can absorb throughout the protective portion of the helmet.
In another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element and/or the base may be made from a material that is elastic deformable when the surrounding temperature is in the range of −20 to 50 degrees Celsius, such as in the range of −20 to 40 degrees Celsius, such as in the range of −10 to 30 degrees Celsius, such as in the range of −5 to 25 degrees Celsius.
In another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element may be made from a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), such as thermoplastic vulcanisates (TPV), and preferably comprising a non-Newtonian additive, such as a shear-thinning additive, such as a shear-thickening additive.
In another embodiment of the invention, the stiffness of the outer element may be larger than the stiffness of the intermediate element, and wherein the stiffness of intermediate element may be larger than the stiffness of the base.
In another embodiment of the invention, the outer element may be made from a thermoplastic polymer material, such as polycarbonate material, and wherein the base preferably is made from a low-density material, such as polyurethane (PU).
In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for folding a foldable helmet, the method comprises:

- providing a foldable helmet comprising a head-fitting element having an outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the head-fitting element is configured to have a shape fitting a user's head, a plurality of protector elements, arranged and attached at preselected positions on the outer surface of the head-fitting element to provide a helmet having at least a front portion, a middle portion and a back portion separated by a gap;
- exerting a force on a front portion and/or a back portion, said front and/or back portion comprising a plurality of protector elements arranged and attached at preselected positions on the outer surface of the head-fitting element of the helmet; and
- folding the front portion inwardly using the exerted force.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises:

- folding the back portion inwardly using the exerted force.

The first, second, third and fourth aspect of the present invention may each be combined with any of the other aspects. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The helmet and the protector element according to the invention will now be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and is not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

FIG. 1 is a trimetric view of a helmet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial view of a protector element, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a helmet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a trimetric view of a spacing element, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a helmet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a helmet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a foldable helmet in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded trimetric view of a protector element, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a skull, illustrating the area covered by the flexible helmet.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a method embodiment according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIG. 1 , a trimetric view of a helmet according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The helmet illustrated is a flexible and/or foldable helmet for protecting a user's head, comprising a head-fitting element 2, which is not illustrated in the figure, having an outer surface and an inner surface. The flexible and/or foldable helmet further comprises a plurality of protector elements 3 arranged and attached at preselected positions on the outer surface of the head-fitting element 2 to provide a helmet 1, which has at least a front portion 11, a middle portion 12 and a back portion 13 that are separated by gaps 4. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is an open configuration of the helmet, wherein the inner surface of the head-fitting element 2 is configured to be arranged on a user's head, and wherein the head-fitting element 2 is bendable at least in the gaps 4 to allow the helmet 1 to be folded into a closed configuration. One embodiment of a closed configuration is illustrated in FIG. 7 . The closed configuration can be provided by the front portion and the back portion being folded inwardly towards the middle portion of the helmet 1. In some embodiments, either the front portion or the back portion is folded inwardly towards the middle portion of the helmet 1. The helmet further comprises an extending element 14 in continuation of the head-fitting element that extends outside the helmet. The extending element 14 may be made of the same material as the head-fitting element and provides a light protection for the user.
In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 1 , the front portion 11 and middle portion 12 comprises a plurality of protector elements 3 arranged and attached at preselected positions in the portions 11, 12. The arranged protector elements in a portion are separated by a longitudinal gap 10. The protector elements can be attached to the head-fitting element using a flexible adhesive, preferably a polyurethane based or silicone based.
In other embodiments, the middle portion 12 is a protector element 3.
With reference to FIG. 2 , a trimetric view of protector elements (outer portion 8 is not illustrated) according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The protector elements provides an absorption of a force received during an impact. The protector elements 3 comprising a base 6, the base comprising a cavity configured to receive an intermediate element, an outer element 8 arranged and attached on the top of the base 6 and an intermediate element 7, wherein the intermediate element 7 is arranged within the cavity 9 in the base 6. The outer element 8 and the intermediate element 7 is typically glued together with the base using a flexible adhesive.
In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 2 , the intermediate element 7 has a lattice structure, which is configured to be elastic deformable in response to a force received through the outer element 8 during an impact, which may occur if a user falls on a bike when wearing the helmet. In other embodiments, the structure of the intermediate element may be a honeycomb-like structure. The intermediate element can be made of a material that is elastic deformable when the surrounding temperature is in the range of −20 to 40 degrees Celsius, such as in the range of −10 to 30 degrees Celsius, such as in the range of −5 to 25 degrees Celsius. Typically, the intermediate element 7 is made from a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as a thermoplastic vulcanisates (TPV). The intermediate element may in some embodiments further comprise a non-Newtonian additive, such as a shear-thinning additive, such as a shear-thickening additive, which may improve the absorption of a force in some scenarios.
Typically, the outer element 8 is made from a thermoplastic polymer material, such as a polycarbonate. The base is typically made from a low-density material, such as polyurethane (PU).
Preferably, the shape and/or structure of the intermediate element is optimized by an impact versus weight ratio, while being able to fit the cavity of the base. The optimization of the shape and structure based on impact requirements and weight requirements, makes it possible to modify the helmet based on the intended use.
In one embodiment, the stiffness of the material of the outer element 8 is larger than the stiffness of the material of the intermediate element 7, and wherein the stiffness of the material of the intermediate element 7 is larger than the stiffness of the material of the base 6. The stiffness can be determined using Young's modulus (E) using the formula:
$E = \frac{σ}{ε}$

- wherein E is Young's modulus, σ is stress measured as force per unit area and E is strain.

With reference to FIG. 3 , a bottom view of a flexible and/or foldable helmet according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The head-fitting element is typically made from a textile material, which is configured to have a shape fitting a user's head. In the illustrated embodiment, an extending element 14 is arranged in the front part of the head-fitting element 2, which extending element 14 extends outside the helmet, to provide light protection for a user. The extending element may further provide rain protection for the eyes of the user, which can improve the safety of the helmet.
The head-fitting element is typically made from a textile material, and may be referred to as a liner. The material may be selected based on fluid transport properties, so that sweat or water inside the helmet can be transported away from a user's head, and be released in the surrounding atmosphere. In some embodiments, the head-fitting element 2 comprises multiple layers, wherein each layer is made from a different material, such as one material being water repelling on a surface.
The thickness of the head-fitting element 2 is typically in the range of 1-7 mm. In some embodiments, it may even be within a range of 2-5 mm.
With reference to FIG. 4 , a trimetric view of a spacing element, according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The spacing element 4 illustrated is in this embodiment made in one piece, such as fabricated using a 3D printer with a preselected polymer, preferably with elastic properties. In other embodiments, the spacing element 5 is made in multiple pieces. In some embodiments, the spacing element 4 is made using a foam, such as Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), such as PU.
The illustrated embodiment in FIG. 4 is typically arranged around the plurality of protector elements 3, to among others prevent collapse of the gaps 4, while being deformable when the helmet is folded into a closed configuration. The spacing element may be made from an elastomeric polymer material, preferably a foam, such as polyurethane (PU), such as EVA, and the material may be selected based on fluid transport properties, so that fluid, such as sweat, can be transported effectively from the helmet to the surrounding atmosphere.
With reference to FIG. 5 , an exploded view of a helmet, according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. FIG. 5 illustrates an assembled flexible and/or foldable helmet 1 comprising a head-fitting element, a plurality of protector elements 3. The protector elements illustrated illustrates the base 6 comprising a cavity 9, the intermediate element 7 and the outer element 8, and their preselected arrangement (as marked squares on the outer surface of the head-fitting element) on the outer surface of the head-fitting element 2.
With reference to FIG. 6 , a partial cross-sectional view of a helmet according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The flexible and/or foldable helmet illustrated comprises a head-fitting element 2, an outer element 8 of the protector element, an intermediate element 7 of the protector element, a base 6 of the protector element, a gap 4 and a spacing element 5 arranged in the gap 4. The helmet preferably further comprises a fastener (not illustrated) on each side of helmet. The fastener is in one end typically attached at one or more preselected positions on the outer surface of the head-fitting element (2) but underneath the protector elements 3. The fastener can be provided with a locking mechanism in the other end, where the locking mechanism is configured to be locked around or under the chin of a user.
Preferably, is the gap 4 extending in a transversal direction of the helmet, the transversal direction, being the direction, going from one side of the helmet to the opposite side of the helmet. More preferably, is the gap 4 perpendicular to the longitudinal gap 10.
The flexible and/or foldable helmet will typically have a thickness in the range of 10-20 mm, such as 12-20 mm, such as 14-18 mm. The thickness can be measured as the distance from the inner surface of the head-fitting element 2 to the outer surface of the outer element 8. In some embodiments, the thickness may be a median thickness determined based on a plurality of measurements at different positions on the helmet.
The width of the gaps 4 will typically be in the range of 10-18 mm, such as 12-16 mm, measured as the distance from one end of a protector element 3 to another end of a protector element 3 separated by a gap 4.
With reference to FIG. 7 , a side view of a foldable helmet in a closed configuration according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The foldable helmet in the closed configuration illustrated comprises a front portion, a middle portion and back portion. The gaps provided between the portions allows the helmet to be folded using force exerted by a human, such as by pushing the front portion and/or the back portion towards the middle portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the thumb is placed on the back portion, while the remaining fingers are placed on the middle portion. The back portion is in the illustrated embodiment larger than the front portion.
With reference to FIG. 8 , an exploded trimetric view of a protector element 3, according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The protector element 3 is comprised of an outer element 8, a base 6 comprising six cavities, each of the cavities 9 accommodating an intermediate element 7. It is to be understood, that the protector element 3 is not limited to sustaining e.g. six, more or less intermediate elements 7 but merely is presented herein to illustrate the principles of the protector element 3. Further, in some embodiments a single cavity 9 with a shape different from that of the intermediate element 7 may fit two or more intermediate elements 7, ensuring that the cavity 9 is substantially packed with intermediate elements 7.
With reference to FIG. 9 , a side view of a skull, illustrating the area covered by the flexible helmet is illustrated. A helmet line H_L is shown, extending in an arc from the occipital bone O_B at the back of the skull, towards the frontal bone F_B at the front of the skull. The flexible helmet is adapted to substantially cover the area of the skull at and above the helmet line H_L, towards and including the top of the user's head. In a preferred embodiment, the arc of the helmet line H_L extends so as to free the ears (not shown) of a user from the helmet. It is further to be understood, that the helmet line H_L may deviate slightly, such as +/−4 cm, depending on size, fit and shape of the user's head, but should always cover at least the peripheral area extending from a portion of the occipital bone O_B to the frontal bone F_B.
With reference to FIG. 10 , a flowchart of a method embodiment of manufacturing a flexible bicycle helmet is illustrated, the method comprising the following steps:

- S1—determining a head size of the flexible helmet, said head size corresponding to the head size of a user,
- S2—providing a flexible head-fitting element from a vapour transporting textile, the flexible head-fitting element corresponding to said head size,
- S3—determining a layout of gaps and protector elements along an outside area of the flexible head-fitting element,
- S4—fixating a plurality of protector elements to the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element in a pattern based on said layout.

In some embodiments, the middle portion unfolds at least partially, when the front portion and/or the back portion in folded inwardly.
The following Items is a list of embodiments, according to the invention:
Item 1. A foldable helmet 1 for protecting a user's head, the helmet comprising

- a head-fitting element 2 having an outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the head-fitting element 2 is configured to have a shape fitting a user's head;
- a plurality of protector elements 3 arranged and attached at preselected positions on the outer surface of the head-fitting element 2 to provide a helmet 1 having at least a front portion 11, a middle portion 12 and a back portion 13 separated by a gap 4;
  wherein the inner surface of the head-fitting element 2 in an open configuration is configured to be arranged on a user's head, and wherein the head-fitting element 2 is bendable at least in the gaps 4 to allow the helmet 1 to be folded into a closed configuration, provided by at least the front portion and/or the back portion being folded inwardly towards the middle portion of the helmet 1.

Item 2. A foldable helmet according to Item 1, further comprising a spacing element 5, the spacing element 5 arranged around the plurality of protector elements 3 and configured to prevent collapse of the gaps 4, the spacing element further configured to be deformed when the helmet 1 is folded.
Item 3. A foldable helmet according to Item 2, wherein the spacing element 5 is 5 configured to transport fluid, such as vapour, such as water, such as sweat, and further comprising an outer surface, the outer surface preferably being water-repelling.
Item 4. A foldable helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the head-fitting element 2 comprises at least two layers of different material.
Item 5. A foldable helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the head-fitting element 2 is configured to absorb moisture, such as water, such as sweat, on the inner surface, and/or wherein the head-fitting element 2 is configured to release moisture, such as water, such as sweat, on the outer surface.
Item 6. A foldable helmet according to any of the preceding Items, further comprising a fastener on each side of helmet, the fastener being attached at one or more preselected position(s) on the head-fitting element 2 and comprising a locking mechanism in the other end, the locking mechanism being configured to be locked around or under the chin of a user.
Item 7. A foldable helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the plurality of protector elements 3 is attached to the head-fitting element 2 using a flexible adhesive.
Item 8. A foldable helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the thickness of the helmet 1 is in the range of 10-20 mm, such as 12-20 mm, such as 14-18 mm.
Item 9. A foldable helmet according to any of the preceding Items, further comprising an extending element 14 in continuation of the head-fitting element that extends outside the helmet, the extending element providing a light protection for the user, such as from sun light.
Item 10. A foldable helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the front portion 11 and/or middle portion 12 and/or the back portion 13 comprises a plurality of protector elements 3 arranged and attached at preselected positions in the portion 11, 12, 13 separated by a longitudinal gap 10.
Item 11. A foldable helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the middle portion 12 is a protector element 3.
Item 12. A protector element 3 for a foldable helmet 1, the protector element 3 when attached to a helmet 1 provides an absorption of a force received during an impact to a level reducing the risk of a trauma of a user, the protector element 3 comprising

- a base 6 having a top and a bottom, wherein the bottom is configured to be attached to a head-fitting element 2 of a foldable helmet 1, such as a head-fitting element 2 as disclosed in any of Items 1-11, and wherein the base 6 further comprises a cavity 9;
- an outer element 8 arranged and attached on the top of the base 6 and configured to receive an impact having a force, the outer element 8 further configured to disperse the force received by the impact across the surface area of the outer element 8; and
- an intermediate element 7 arranged in the cavity 9 in the base 6 and having a preselected structure, such as a lattice structure, such as a honeycomb-like structure, configured to be elastic deformable in response to a force received through the outer element 8 during an impact.

Item 13. A protector element 3 according to Item 12, wherein the intermediate element 7 is made from a material that is elastic deformable when the surrounding temperature is in the range of −20 to 40 degrees Celsius, such as in the range of −10 to 30 degrees Celsius, such as in the range of −5 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Item 14. A protector element according to any of Items 12 or 13, wherein the intermediate element 7 is made from a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as TPE, such as TPV, and preferably comprising a non-Newtonian additive, such as a shear-thinning additive, such as a shear-thickening additive.
Item 15. A protector element according to any of Items 12-14, wherein the stiffness of the outer element 8 is larger than the stiffness of the intermediate element 7, and wherein the stiffness of said intermediate element 7 is greater/higher than the stiffness of the base 6.
Item 16. A protector element according to any of Items 12-15, wherein the outer element 8 is made from a thermoplastic polymer material, such as polycarbonate material, and wherein the base 6 preferably is made from a low-density material, such as PU.
Item 17. A foldable helmet according to any of Items 1-11 comprising a protector element according to any of Items 12-16.
Item 18. A method for folding a foldable helmet, the method comprising

- providing a foldable helmet comprising a head-fitting element having an outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the head-fitting element is configured to have a shape fitting a user's head, a plurality of protector elements, such as a protector element according to any of Items 12-16, arranged and attached at preselected positions on the outer surface of the head-fitting element to provide a helmet having at least a front portion, a middle portion and a back portion separated by a gap, such as a foldable helmet 1 according to any of Items 1-11;
- exerting a force on a front portion and/or a back portion, said front and/or back portion comprising a plurality of protector elements arranged and attached at preselected positions on the outer surface of the head-fitting element of the helmet; and
- folding the front portion inwardly using the exerted force.

Item 19. A method for folding a foldable helmet according to Item 18, the method further comprising folding the back portion inwardly using the exerted force.
Item 1.1. A flexible bicycle helmet 1 for protecting a user's head along and above a periphery of the skull extending from the frontal bone to the occipital bone, the flexible helmet comprising

Item 1.2. The flexible helmet according to Item 1.1 further comprising one or more vapour transporting spacing elements, the spacing element(s) arranged and fluidically connected to at least the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element, the spacing elements protruding from the outer surface of the flexible head fitting element and abutting side surfaces of at least the base of the plurality of protector elements, the spacing elements configured to prevent collapse of the gaps.
Item 1.3. The flexible helmet according to Item 1.2, wherein an outer surface of the spacing element is water-repelling.
Item 1.4. The flexible helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the plurality of protector elements 3 is attached to the head-fitting element 2 using a flexible adhesive.
Item 1.5. The flexible helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the thickness of the flexible helmet 1 is in the range of 10-20 mm, such as 12-20 mm, such as 14-18 mm.
Item 1.6. The flexible helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the front portion 11 and/or middle portion 12 and/or the back portion 13 comprises a plurality of protector elements 3 arranged and attached at preselected positions in the portion 11, 12, 13 separated by a longitudinal gap 10.
Item 1.7. The flexible helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the middle portion 12 is a protector element 3.
Item 1.8. The flexible helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the plurality of protector elements further comprises an intermediate element sandwiched between the base and the outer element.
Item 1.9. The flexible helmet according to any of Items 1.1 to 1.7, wherein the base of the protector elements further comprises a cavity adapted to receive an intermediate element and wherein the outer layer covers an outer surface of the base and intermediate layer.
Item 1.10. The flexible helmet according to Item 1.8 or 1.9, wherein the intermediate element made from a material different from the base or the density of the intermediate layer is different from the base.
Item 1.11. The flexible helmet according to any of Items 1.8 to 1.10, wherein the intermediate element has a preselected structure, such as a lattice structure, such as a honeycomb-like structure, configured to be elastic deformable in response to a force received through the outer element (8) during an impact.
Item 1.12. The flexible helmet according to any of Items 1.8 to 1.11, wherein the intermediate element 7 is made from a material that is elastic deformable when the surrounding temperature is in the range of −20 to 40 degrees Celsius, such as in the range of −10 to 30 degrees Celsius, such as in the range of −5 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Item 1.13. The flexible helmet according to any of Items 1.8 to 1.12, wherein the intermediate element 7 is made from a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as TPE, such as TPV, and preferably comprising a non-Newtonian additive, such as a shear-thinning additive, such as a shear-thickening additive.
Item 1.14. The flexible helmet according to any of Items 1.8 to 1.13, wherein a stiffness of the outer element 8 is higher than a stiffness of the intermediate element 7, and wherein the stiffness of the intermediate element 7 is higher than a stiffness of the base 6.
Item 1.15. The flexible helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the outer element 8 is made from a thermoplastic polymer material, such as polycarbonate material, and wherein the base 6 preferably is made from a low-density material, such as PU.
Items 1.16. The flexible helmet according to any of the preceding Items, wherein the flexible helmet is a foldable helmet adapted to be folded to a closed configuration by folding along one or more of the gaps 4.
Item 1.17. The flexible helmet according to Item 1.16, wherein the helmet is foldable to a closed configuration by at least the front portion and/or the back portion being folded inwardly towards the middle portion of the helmet 1.
Item 1.18. The flexible helmet according to Item 1.16 or 1.17 wherein the spacing element 5 is configured to be elastically deformed when the helmet 1 is folded.
Item 1.19. A method of manufacturing a flexible bicycle helmet according to Item 1, the method comprising:

Item 1.20. The method according to Item 1.19, the method further comprising:

Item 1.21. The method according to Item 1.19 or 1.20, the method further comprising:

Item 1.22. The method according to any of Items 1.19 to 1.21 wherein the protector element is comprised of three elements, the method further comprising:

Item 1.23. The method according to any of Items 1.19 to 1.21 wherein the protector element is comprised of three elements, the method further comprising:

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms “comprising” or “comprises” do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as “a” or “an” etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS USED

- 1 Helmet
- 2 head-fitting element
- 3 protector element
- 4 gap
- 5 spacing element
- 6 base
- 7 intermediate element
- 8 outer element
- 9 cavity
- 10 longitudinal gap
- 11 front portion
- 12 middle portion
- 13 back portion
- 14 extending element

Claims

1-23. (canceled)

24. A flexible helmet for protecting a user's head along and above a periphery of the user's skull extending from the frontal bone of the user's skull to the occipital bone of the user's skull, the flexible helmet comprising:

a flexible head-fitting element made from a textile adapted for vapour transportation, the flexible head-fitting element having an outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the flexible head-fitting element is configured to have a shape fitting the user's head;

a plurality of protector elements arranged and attached at preselected positions on the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element to provide the flexible helmet, the flexible helmet having at least a front portion, a middle portion and a back portion separated by gaps; a protector element of the plurality of protector elements comprising

a base having a bottom surface adapted to be attached to the flexible head-fitting element, and

an outer element having an outer surface and being arranged on the base opposite to the bottom surface, the outer element made from another material than said base, or the outer element having a higher density than said base.

25. The flexible helmet according to claim 24, further comprising one or more vapour transporting spacing elements, the one or more vapour transporting spacing elements arranged and fluidically connected to at least the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element, the one or more vapour transporting spacing elements protruding from the outer surface of the flexible head fitting element and abutting side surfaces of at least the base of the plurality of protector elements, wherein the one or more vapour transporting spacing elements are configured to prevent collapse of the gaps.

26. The flexible helmet according to claim 25, wherein an outer surface of the one or more vapour transporting spacing elements are water-repelling.

27. The flexible helmet according to claim 24, wherein the flexible helmet has a thickness in the range of 10-20 mm.

28. The flexible helmet according to claim 24, wherein at least one of the front portion, the middle portion, and the back portion comprises a plurality of protector elements arranged and attached at preselected positions separated by a longitudinal gap.

29. The flexible helmet according to claim 24, wherein the base of the plurality of protector elements further comprises a cavity adapted to receive an intermediate element.

30. The flexible helmet according to claim 24, wherein the plurality of protector elements further comprises an intermediate element sandwiched between the base and the outer element, and optionally wherein the outer element covers an outer surface of the intermediate element.

31. The flexible helmet according to claim 30, wherein (i) the intermediate element comprises a material different from the base or (ii) the density of the intermediate element is different from the density of the base.

32. The flexible helmet according to claim 30, wherein the intermediate element has a preselected structure configured to be elastic deformable in response to a force received through the outer element during an impact, and wherein the preselected structure is one of a lattice structure or a honeycomb-like structure.

33. The flexible helmet according to claim 30, wherein the intermediate element is made from a thermoplastic elastomer material, the intermediate element optionally comprising a non-Newtonian additive.

34. The flexible helmet according to claim 30, wherein a stiffness of the outer element is higher than a stiffness of the intermediate element, and wherein the stiffness of the intermediate element is higher than a stiffness of the base.

35. The flexible helmet according to claim 24, wherein the outer element is made from a thermoplastic polymer material.

36. The flexible helmet according to claim 24, wherein the flexible helmet is a foldable helmet adapted to be folded to a closed configuration by folding along one or more of the gaps.

37. The flexible helmet according to claim 24, wherein the helmet is foldable to a closed configuration by at least the front portion and/or the back portion being folded inwardly towards the middle portion of the helmet.

38. The flexible helmet according to claim 25, wherein the spacing element is configured to be elastically deformed when the helmet is in a closed configuration.

39. A method of manufacturing a flexible helmet, the method comprising:

determining a head size of the flexible helmet, said head size corresponding to the head size of a user,

providing a flexible head-fitting element from a vapour transporting textile, the flexible head-fitting element corresponding to said head size,

determining a layout of gaps and a plurality of protector elements along an outside area of the flexible head-fitting element,

fixating the plurality of protector elements to an outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element in a pattern based on said layout.

40. The method according to claim 39, the method further comprising:

providing one or more vapour transporting spacing elements on the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element corresponding to the layout of the gaps, the vapour transporting elements protruding from the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element defining a pattern; and

arranging a plurality of protector elements within the pattern defined by the one or more vapour transporting spacing elements and/or the pattern based on the layout.

41. The method according to claim 39, the method further comprising:

providing a flexible adhesive for the fixation of the plurality of protector elements to the flexible head-fitting element.

42. The method according to claim 39, wherein a protector element is comprised of three elements, and wherein the method further comprises

providing a base having a bottom surface adapted to be fixated to the outer surface of the flexible head-fitting element,

providing an intermediate element on a surface of the base opposite to the bottom surface,

providing an outer element covering at least the intermediate element.

43. The method according to claim 39, wherein a protector element is comprised of three elements, and wherein the method further comprises:

embedding an intermediate element at least partially within a surface of the base opposite to the bottom surface,

providing an outer element covering at least the intermediate element.