World's first folding helmet

Is this the best motorcycle helmet invention since the Reevu helmet?

The world's first folding helmet has been illustrated by an Australian design graduate Jessica Dunn, and has been so well received that it is now in the running for a Dyson Award.

Call the Proteus, it is an open-faced helmet with a clear visor whose three major folding elements snap lock into place when being used, and then can be folded away for easy storage in a backpack when not in use.

The design centre around two lockable catches at the rear sides of the helmet, and when unlocked a large rear section of the helmet can be folded inwards, while then allows the two side segments to fold in as well.

See the image for the breakdown.

Dunn came up with the idea of the folding helmet after travelling in Indonesia, where her options were to wear a damaged helmet or nothing at all. And for many travellers, dragging around a full sized helmet that won't be used all the time can be inconvenient at the best of times.

As such Dunn decided to design a helmet that was space efficient, and the resulting folding helmet has merit as a temporary safety device.

The design doesn't appear to have any shock absorbent materials or lining within it, but it could be assumed that this is a removable part of the device.

Shortlisted for the James Dyson Award for Innovation, Dunn will go into the running for a $15,000 (£10,000) prize, of which the awards will be announced on Friday July 22, 2011, in Melbourne.

What do you think of the folding helmet - would you be prepared to wear one?

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