I looked up thermocole and it appears that we call that stuff 'Styrofoam.'

It's the main shock-absorber in bicycling helmets here, and it is also used in 'plastic' motorcycle helmets, both polycarbonate and others.

So it's a good idea, its just already used.

And, yes, as with any helmet, if it is 'used' (you fall-off and bonk your head), you're supposed to throw it away. But with this kind of helmet, since it doesn't 'shatter' like a fiberglass helmet would, people often just keep using them. Probably not the best idea.

I am talking about Thermocole helmets - Helmets made wholly of Thermocoleand not about Therocole insulation used in Bicyle helmets. Thermocole isalso called Styrofoam which was pioneered by BASF. It should protectyou from Head Injuries if properly designed. The foam itself takes theImpact it need not break to give you full protection. We have trieda few Prototypes and speak out of experience

I think a helmet completely made of styrofoam (Thermocole to you) would have some drawbacks that I wouldn't like.

First off, it would be easily marked or damaged. Crumbles into those little balls.

Second, it would still need some structure to attach the fastening straps to--you could use something like packing tape? So it can't be 'all' styrofoam'.

Third, I'm not really pleased with the whole single-use throw-away thing. I know it can be recycled, but we seldom reclaim plastics here in the USA. More often, I keep patching and reusing the things I should replace. We keep reusing those plastic wine glasses too, even though I know I'm supposed to throw them away. I still have a fiberglass motorcycle helmet with a shatter-dent in it. I know, I was supposed to throw it away...what a way to treat the helmet after it saved you.

I fully agree that this material is an excellent impact absorber for a helmet.

Anyway, you mentioned prototype. Sounds like you're already working on this. It seems like a low-investment sort of invention--I hope it can work out for you.

If you survive a motorcycle accident, take it as a message from Providence that it is time to find a different mode of transportation.

WHY THERMOCOLE HELMETS? THESE ARE VERY LIGHT - IF WELL DESIGNED THEYWILL PROTECT YOUR VERY WELL - THE NORMAL FIBRE GLASS HELMETS ARE VERYHEAVY AND I HAVE SEEN PEOPLE ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WEARING HEAVY HELMENTS.A PROVISION TO HAVE A FEW HOLES NEAR THE EARS WOULD ENABLE THEM TO HEARTHE NOISE OF THE VEHICLES COMMING FROM BEHIND -IN A NORMAL FIBRE GLASSHELMENT YOU ARE TOTALLY INSULATED FROM THE SOUND OF THE VEHICLES COMMINGFROM BEHIND

Belmont, I neglected to mention that my dented helmet is a Dirt Bike helmet. I don't know about you, but in my dirt-bike days, I wrecked about every time I went out, in some way or other.

And I don't know anyone in Rhode Island. (humor)