Patent ID: 9572391
Date: 2017-02-21
CPC Classifications: A42B

Claim:
1. A helmet insert disposable at an inner side of a shell of a helmet, the insert comprising: a first resilient shock absorbing portion comprising material possessing a substantially constant resistive deformation force characteristic whereby the material exhibits a substantially constant resistive deformation force during compression of the material during an impact, the material consisting essentially of open-cell foam, the first shock absorbing portion having an outer side and an inner side; a flexible liner portion, the liner portion being disposed at or proximate the first shock absorbing portion, the liner portion having an outer side and an inner side; and wherein the inner side of the first shock absorbing portion faces the outer side of the flexible liner portion; wherein the helmet insert defines at least one aperture therethrough extending between the inner side of the liner portion and the outer side of the first shock absorbing portion for providing fluid communication between the inner side of the liner portion and the outer side of the first shock absorbing portion; wherein the helmet insert further comprises fluid sealing for preventing the ingress into the first shock absorbing portion of any fluid disposed in or flowing through the at least one aperture; wherein the fluid sealing is in the form of one or more vent shaft walls, each vent shaft wall defining a vent shaft therethrough, and being disposed in a one of at least one aperture in the first shock absorbing portion and extending between the inner side and the outer side of the first shock absorbing portion; and wherein when the insert is disposed in the helmet, the first shock absorbing portion faces an inner surface of the shell, and the liner portion faces a region of the helmet adapted to receive the head of a wearer.