Whether you’re a commuter who doesn’t want to arrive at the office with the ultimate helmet hair, or a cyclist who simply finds a helmet uncomfortable, you might find yourself risking your safety for the sake of not having to don a helmet. For this reason, inventors in Sweden have come up with Hövding–an “invisible” helmet of sorts that acts as an airbag and inflates on impact.
Hövding is a piece of equipment that wraps around its wearer’s neck, resembling the collar of a jacket or even a scarf of sorts. At the sign of impact, sensors trigger its interior nylon airbag, which inflates in less than one second and covers the head entirely; theoretically protecting the skull from any damage.
Currently, the Hövding collars come with two shell styles–Raven Obscure (black) and Creator’s cut (orange-red paisley)–but the company’s website ensures that future styles will include a huge variety of colors and patterns. The shells cover the collar itself, and can be taken off and washed. The collar, which contains the airbag equipment, is waterproof and dirt resistant, but once it’s been inflated, it can’t be used again. Keep in mind that Hövding collars cost a whopping $450, which may be incentive enough to be careful while riding.
The concept of Hövding is twofold; safety and style. And although these don’t traditionally go together hand in hand, Hövding hopes their creation will change that for good. Hövding will go on sale in spring 2011 and are already available for pre-sale in Europe. Check out their website for more info and images.
[Via: Huffington Post]
