Helmet

About

A helmet is a form of protective gear worn to protect the head. More specifically, a helmet complements the skull in protecting the human brain. The word helmet is derived from helm, an Old English word for a protective head covering. While some ceremonial or symbolic helmets, such as a policeman's helmet in the United Kingdom, are worn without protective function, most helmets serve practical purposes. Soldiers wear combat helmets, often made from Kevlar or other lightweight synthetic fibers. Helmets are used for numerous sports including those involving jockeys, American football, ice hockey, cricket, baseball, skiing, hurling, and rock climbing. They are also essential for dangerous work activities such as construction, mining, riot police work, and military aviation, as well as in transportation applications like motorcycle and bicycle use. Since the 1990s, most helmets are made from resin or plastic, which may be reinforced with fibers such as aramids.