POC (we generally spell this company as Poc, the way it is pronounced, or Poc Sweden) and MIPS recently announced a renewed, deeper partnership that will have the companies working closely to develop new rotational-impact brain-protection systems for cycling and snowsports helmets.
In 2009, POC was the first company to integrate MIPS’ technology into its helmets, and the two Swedish companies have since joined forces on multiple helmet safety projects. Years later, POC introduced its proprietary Spin protection, but MIPS complained in 2017 that it had infringed a patent. While the MIPS system uses two low-friction layers to cushion the brain from rotational impacts, the Spin system uses a silicone bladder inside each pad to allow the helmet to move slightly during impact. POC and MIPS settled their dispute in 2018.
Under the new partnership, the companies will be phasing out the Spin system on most helmets and replace it with that of MIPS – starting with a new POCito Crane kids’ helmet, to be released in late summer 2020. Also, the new partnership will consider enhanced rotational protection systems, which will be developed specifically for a number of POC performance helmets to be released in 2021.
As it acquired Fluid Inside of Canada last May, for around $3.3 million, MIPS can also draw on new technologies for head and brain protection as well as the research work of the University of Ottawa. This system uses liquid-filled capsules that mimic the fluid surrounding the brain. Last summer, in a deal worth about $1 million (SGI Vol. 30 n°23+24), MIPS also acquired the GlideWear brand name and its associated patents from Tamarack Habilitation Technologies of Blaine, Minnesota. GlideWear is a two-layer fabric designed to be worn over the skin to reduce friction and shear. With MIPS’ own extensive research and the expertise of its founders – Hans von Holst, a Swedish neurosurgeon and professor emeritus, and Peter Halldin and Svein Kleiven, two scientists at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology – the Swedes now have access to an extensive knowledge pool to help enhance their product.
Now that it has reconnected with MIPS for brain protection, POC can focus on all other aspects of its “Whole Helmet Concept.”
The helmets developed on this holistic safety principle are meant to protect an athlete before, during and after an accident. Their design incorporates better visibility, aramid barriers or integrated NFC (near field communication) medical ID chips.
POC and MIPS are currently industry partners in several Swedish publicly funded projects around helmet safety.
