Helmet Follow-up

Here's an interesting article involving some new helmet technology as a follow up to my previous post on helmets and concussions in the NHL.  The new technology is being implemented into a race car type helmet, a motorcycle helmet and in the future a football helmet.  I will admit that this specific technology is not likely to be implemented to hockey helmets however it is still very interesting.  The concept of this design is rubber, skin-like coating applied to the outer shell of the helmet.  The reason for this is that often times when a helmet hits the ground the friction between the helmet and ground creates a violent torque that can cause damage to the head, neck and brain.  The rubbery coating allows the helmet to slide laterally while minimizing the amount of torque.  Of course in hockey this is achieved by the small coefficient of friction that exists between any material and ice.  Non the less the technology will likely improve safety in sports such as football and racing (car, motorcycle, etc).


Here is the link to the article: http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2010-04/straight-ahead

Sean