I seem to be stuck in airbag mode because here’s another story about them. This one has to do with a new bicycle helmet made with a cardboard liner instead of EPS foam. The inventor got his inspiration from the woodpecker: “Looking into nature, the woodpecker is one of the only species that experiences severe impact to its head every time it pecks. Its beak and skull are joined together by a corrugated cartilage structure that absorbs each impact.” The Kranium liner is made with honeycomb shaped corrugated cardboard with each cell acting as a mini airbag. His helmet design allows for “flexing at different points which absorbs the peak force of the impact after which the tiny air pockets absorb the remaining energy.” It’s 3 times stronger than regular helmet liners, 15% lighter (90% of the liner is air) and it’s sweat and rain proof. He’s actually having a hard time getting anyone to believe the excellent safety ratings he’s received after all the testing that’s been done in China, UK and Germany. There should be a clear plastic version out soon in Europe with the US seeing its debut sometime next spring. I wonder if the NFL is checking this out?

While you’re wearing your cardboard helmet, why not take a spin on this cardboard bicycle. It’s 95% cardboard and very cheap to make – about $9 in materials. Who knew cardboard was so versatile (I even saw a cardboard wheelchair prototype last week). What’s next, cars?