Folding helmet gets Kickstarted

[Hairy]

http://www.bikeradar.com/commuting/news/article/folding-helmet-gets-kickstarted-38081/

Many inspired designers head to crowd-funding sites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo to look for support from independent investors. Some make it, some don’t. In the case of the folding Closca Helmet, the designers were able to get 434 backers and well surpassed their goal of $45,000 to bring in over $60,000. As a result, the US and EU safety-certified folding helmet will be delivered to backers in October, the designers say.

What makes this helmet a head above others, says Closca Design founder Carlos Ferrando, is that it was designed to be fashionable and compact. While there have been other attempts to create a foldable helmet, Ferrando said he wanted something that didn’t sacrifice safety for fashion but at the same time knew that a helmet that didn’t look good wouldn’t be worn by those looking to take a quick spin around town.

“The Closca Helmet has born with the aim to make easier the decision in using helmet in cities as important safety product, and therefore increase the number of bikes in cities,” Ferrando told BikeRadar. “The Closca collapsible bike helmets merge fashion and safety in one cool bundle, solving the main restrains for urban cyclist in using the helmet.”

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2013/08/07/1375914923848-lb0u4as4sopy-670-70.jpgThe Closca helmet will come in six styles

To this end it addressed the issue of where to put the helmet after one rides the bike to a destination. In this the compact design enables a rider to stash it in a backpack, and Ferrando noted that this could make it perfect for use with bike share programs.

“The helmet has interchangeable covers and an open community to collaborate with users and clothing brands in designing new ones,” Ferrando added. “Of course, safety is a must.”

“Our helmet has passed all safety tests, we have been able to produce a medium size and get certification for the US and EU. In our opinion many people who love our product cannot believe how a collapsible helmet can be safer than a conventional one,” he explained. “For shock absorption, using different parts gives better results. If you compare the front of any car. It is better to absorb the crash with a flexible structure than rebound with a rigid one; small movement between parts allows a ‘team working’ during a crash.”

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2013/08/07/1375914923847-tnesihbj3x96-670-70.jpgThe foldable helmet has a cover that certainly sets it apart from the typical bike helmet

 

 

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The helmet does meet the EU EN1078 safety standards thanks to its EPP polymer inner shell, which offers excellent impact protection characteristics. This material is able absorbs the energy front a hit while dissipating the impact through its plasticity, preventing it from reaching the user’s head.

On the fashion end the manufacturers have created six different covers in two different hat/cap styles including a flatcap and a duckbill version.

With the funding meeting, and even surpassing goals, Closca Design is looking to get in the fold this fall.

“The product is validated and we are working to obtain large and small sizes and prepare also the certification for Canada and Australia,” Ferrando added.

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[CAAD4]

Glad the concept never folded...

[Hairy]

Glad the concept never folded...

[CAAD4]

Looks like your Avatar. Have a good weekend, Hairy...

[Hairy]

Looks like your Avatar. Have a good weekend, Hairy...