EP1536709A2

EP1536709A2 - Protective helmet comprising articulated front shell and rear shell

Info

Publication number: EP1536709A2
Application number: EP03773824A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Claude Office Mediterranéen Brevets MORIN
Original assignee: CBM Distribution EURL
Current assignee: Roof International SAS
Priority date: 2002-08-30
Filing date: 2003-08-04
Publication date: 2005-06-08
Anticipated expiration: 2023-08-04
Also published as: AU2003282204A1; EP1536709B1; ATE432628T1; WO2004019717A2; FR2843855B1; FR2843855A1; WO2004019717A3; DE60327859D1; AU2003282204A8

Abstract

The invention concerns a protective helmet comprising front (1) and rear (2) shells articulated to be mobile between an opening position and a closing position. The invention is characterized in the articulation of the two shells (1, 2) is such that it comprises at least a hinge link (6) pivotably mounted between the two shells (1, 2). Advantageously, the rear shell (2) is controlled in its opening trajectory by a set of lateral levers, and articulated side surfaces. The invention is particularly applicable to helmets for motorcyclists.

Description

"Protective helmet containing an articulated front shell and a rear shell"

The present invention relates to a protective helmet comprising a front shell and an articulated rear shell.

The articulation of the two shells makes it possible to define an open position and a closed position of the helmet.

This helmet will find its application particularly, although it is not limiting, for the realization of helmets for motorcyclists.

In a very classic way, we wear a protective helmet by sliding it over the head from top to bottom, and we secure it by a system of straps and buckles passing under the chin.

If we want the helmet to meet the criteria of holding on the head, comfort and silence, it must be provided in its internal lower part with large, flexible cushions making it very difficult to secure, wearing glasses prohibited during this operation.

Furthermore, when one wishes to remove the helmet, this causes significant tightness of the ears, nose, and hair. In addition, the establishment of the chin strap is tedious, which encourages some users not careful to not fix it.

In addition, in the event of an accident, the chin strap must be cut off and the helmet removed from the head, which is very difficult and can cause increased stress in the spine which can be affected during the accident. . The slowness of operations also often delays the application of an oxygen mask.

In an attempt to overcome these drawbacks, helmets have been proposed which consist of several shell parts articulated by a pivot. In particular, the helmet described in patent application FR-A-2-546-

381 includes an articulated front part and a rear part. The front part has a rigid chin strap and the rear part is movable between an open position in which it releases a sufficient opening to allow the front passage of the head of a user and a closed position in which it delimits with the rear edge of said chin strap a passage just sufficient for the user's neck.

The technique proposed according to this prior art is not entirely satisfactory. In particular, the handling is not very easy to open the helmet before putting it on and requires both hands of the user. In addition, in the event of an accident, a rescuer wishing to remove the helmet, in particular for the fitting of an oxygen mask, is obliged to lift the head, see a part of the body to clear the articulated sector, and open helmet.

We also note that the opening made by the articulation of the rear shell does not completely dodge the rear shell, and can therefore hinder the introduction of the helmet.

In particular, it is necessary to provide a rear shell articulated relatively high with respect to the front part, while it may be advantageous to constitute a main front shell of markedly greater dimension and a rear shell constituting an attached element of smaller dimension and suitable for covering only the back of the head.

The object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of protective helmets known hitherto.

A first advantage of the invention is to make it very easy and comfortable to put on and take off the helmet, even for a spectacle wearer.

In addition, in doing so, new comfort and perfect sealing, including sound, are operated at the bottom of the head.

Preferably, the handling is simplified due to the fact that the mechanism causes a servo guiding the entire movement. Given the configuration of the helmet, it is possible to perfectly adapt its internal walls in contact with the head of the user to improve comfort and position retention. In particular, the part of the head located at the level of the chin is perfectly maintained. From a security point of view, the helmet according to the invention also has the advantage, in a preferred embodiment, of making it impossible to use if it is not locked.

In the event of an accident, the helmet offered here offers great speed and simplicity of removal, without having to move the injured person who can lie on his back.

In a preferred embodiment, the helmet proposed here has suitable means for quick disassembly.

In addition, due to the configuration of the helmet, the closing operation makes it possible to tighten the base of the helmet at the level of the neck. By providing a set of flexible cushions sealed at this level, air intake and noise are limited.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, ventilation means are further provided, particularly at the junction between the two front and rear shell parts. Other objects and advantages will appear during the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is not, however, limiting.

The present invention relates to a protective helmet comprising a front shell and a rear shell articulated to be movable between an open position and a closed position. The articulation of the two shells comprises at least one link pivotally mounted between the two shells.

According to advantageous variants, this helmet is such that:

It has two side panels articulated on the rear shell and applicable on the side walls of the front shell,

The side panels are articulated by pivot on the rear shell, It has two levers, each articulated between the side wall of the front shell and a side panel, each lever being capable of be folded down or deployed respectively to close or open the helmet,

The articulation between each side panel and the corresponding lever is removable, for an emergency opening, - It comprises locking means between each side panel and the side wall of the corresponding front shell,

The locking means are located at the front end of the side panels,

The locking means are removable for emergency opening,

It comprises, for each lateral panel, a connecting body mounted integrally with locking means on the lateral panel and on which the articulation is formed between the lateral panel and the corresponding lever, - It comprises means for ventilating the internal volume the helmet located at the junction between the two shells,

The ventilation means present:

- a relief formed on the front hull

- A hollow formed on the rear shell behind the relief and communicating with the internal volume of the helmet, to produce an air movement by creating a depression at the level of the hollow. The attached drawings are given by way of examples and are not limitative of the invention. They represent only one embodiment of the invention and will make it easy to understand it.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of a helmet according to the invention, and Figure 3 is a sectional view, in the closed position. Figure 4 is a side view in the open position, and Figure 5 is a sectional view.

Figure 6 illustrates a more advanced opening phase and Figure 8 is a sectional view. Figure 7 shows a detail of articulation of the invention. Fig. 7 bis is another embodiment.

Figures 9 to 12 illustrate a possibility of removing the helmet, in particular in an emergency, if the user is injured and lying on the ground. Referring to Figure 1, the helmet of the invention comprises a front shell 1 and a rear shell 2, able to substantially cover the head of the user. Conventionally, a visor 3 is advantageously provided in the front part.

As shown more precisely in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3, the articulation between the front shell 1 and the rear shell 2 comprises at least one connecting rod 6 pivotally mounted on each of the two shells 1, 2, by means of pivot connections identified 12 and 13.

We see in Figures 2, 4, and 6, three successive positions of the rear shell 2 relative to the front shell 1. In this context, Figure 2 shows a closed position in which the rear shell 2 is applied to the front shell 1.

Figure 6 shows a situation of complete opening of the helmet, where it is clearly seen that the rear shell 2 is largely retracted so as to provide sufficient opening for the passage of the head. To reach this position, an intermediate position is shown in Figure 4.

As a preference, the helmet comprises two lateral panels 4a, 4b, articulated on either side of the rear shell 2 in particular by an articulation 11a,

11b of the pivot type. In the closed position, the side panels 4a, 4b are able to be applied to the side walls of the front shell 1 on application surfaces 8a, 8b, as shown in FIG. 3.

On the contrary, in the open position, the side panels 4a, 4b are separated from the application surfaces 8a, 8b, of the front shell 1, and allow the combined movement of recoil and rotation of the rear shell 2.

To ensure such a movement in a practical manner, it is preferred to use two levers 7a, 7b, articulated on the one hand to the side wall of the front shell 1, for example by a pivot link 9a, 9b, and on the other leaves at a side panel 4a, 4b at a joint 10a, 10b.

As shown in Figure 3, the lever 7a, 7b is adapted to be folded down on the application surface 8a, 8b in the closed position of the helmet, while in open position it is deployed until it gradually tilts towards the rear of the helmet in Figures 5 and 8.

FIG. 7 shows an example purely indicative of a possibility of forming the connection between each lever 7a, 7b and the corresponding side panel 4a, 4b. In this regard, in the case shown, two freedom of movement in rotation along axes 17, 18 perpendicular, are preserved in order to form the joint 10a. Now, we understand that the joint 10a here has a double freedom of movement (two rotations). In the case of the example, the freedoms of movement are achieved in a very distinct manner without this being limiting by means of hinge systems. The fixing of the lever 7a on the side panel 4a is further preserved by means of a screw 20.

Figure 7a illustrates another possibility of making the connection between each lever 7a, 7b and the corresponding side panel. The articulation 10a, 10b is here formed on a connecting body secured to the side panel 4a, 4b. The mounting of the connecting body on the side panel 4a, 4b is ensured by means common to the locking means 5a, 5b which will be explained below in more detail. In the example shown, a screw 20 secures both the locking means 5a, 5b and the connecting bodies 21.

By dismantling the screw 20, the connecting body 21 (and therefore the joint 10a, 10b) and the locking means (5a, 5b) are released simultaneously.

This possibility of global disassembly is particularly useful in the event of an emergency opening of the helmet, as will also be presented in the following description.

The freedom of movement thus left between the lever 7a and the side panel 4a allows the combination of movements imparted to the rear shell 2 and which emerge from FIGS. 2 to 8.

To keep the helmet in the closed position, locking means 5a, 5b are present on the side walls to removably secure the front shell 1 and the movable part formed here of the rear shell 2 and side panels 4a assembly, 4b. More particularly, the locking means 5a, 5b may be formed at the front end of the side panels 4a, 4b, for example in the form of mechanical press button systems. The joints between the different parts which have been mentioned above can be produced in different ways and by any common means. In particular, the joints can be made mechanically by hinged systems or exploit the elastic properties of the materials used to form the link 6 and the levers 7a, 7b, and the side panels 4a, 4b. In addition, greater freedom of movement can be granted than a simple pivot connection at the joints, and in particular, ball joints can be formed.

Advantageously, ventilation means are present at the junction 16 between the front shell 1 and the rear shell 2, so as to create communication between the internal volume of the helmet and the ambient air. The formation of a helmet in two shell parts 1, 2 and on this point advantageous since it makes it possible to take advantage of the existing junction 16 to achieve this communication with the internal volume of the helmet, without any other need for drilling the shell .

Preferably, a system exploiting the Venturi effect is implemented for ventilation. For the creation of a depression at the junction 16, one or more reliefs 14 are formed on the front shell 1, for example according to the case of FIG. 1. In correspondence, recesses 15 are produced on the rear shell at level of said junction 16. An air movement is therefore produced at this level by the application of a vacuum.

An example of the operation of the helmet proposed here is given below.

In this context, to remove the helmet from a closed position on the head, it suffices to press with your thumbs at the locking means 5a, 4b, to spread the side panels 4a, 4b, to the right and to left. In doing so, the levers 7a, 7b tilt through the joints 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, forcing the side panels 4a, 4b to move backwards, to deviate as much as possible from the length of the levers 7a, 7b . As soon as said levers 7a, 7b tilt backwards, they tend to tighten while continuing to retreat.

Given the connection existing between the side panels 4a, 4b, and the rear shell, and taking into account the articulation by the link 6, the rotational movement of the link 6 around the articulation axis 12 will transform the translational movement backwards caused by the levers 7a, 7b into a translation and rotation movement combined upwards of the assembly thus formed by the rear shell 2 and the side panels 4a, 4b, so as to ensure maximum ascent. In the same movement, or successively, the helmet is released from the head forward by tilting it around the chin.

To put on the helmet, the movements are reversed. The rear shell 2 naturally returns to reposition itself at the rear of the front shell 1 in a movement guided by that of the link 6.

During this return, the side panels 4a, 4b move apart, then, on a simple lateral pressure, they come to lock on the shell by means of the locking means 5a, 5b. This return movement for application to the application surfaces of the side wall of the front shell is provided by means of guidance by the levers 7a, 7b.

It is easy to understand that, given the combination of movements, the helmet opening and closing phases are particularly practical.

Given the presence of the link 6 and by adapting its length, its tilting provides the rear shell 2, a movement of sufficient amplitude to disengage so as to allow the release or insertion of the head. In doing so, however, it is possible to install damping elements lining the inner wall of the rear shell of sufficient thickness for cushioning, comfort and support of the head.

As shown in Figure 1, the front shell 1, the rear shell 2 and the side walls 4a, 4b have a base adapted to be applied on the periphery of the neck of the user to maintain and seal . These four elements therefore participate in combination, in the correct positioning of the helmet and in the comfort of the user.

Still preferably, the part of the front shell 1 returning under the chin of the user, which here provides most of the retention effect of the helmet, is lined inside a self-forming material of gel type, allowing all users, whatever the morphology of their chin, to make room for their personal shape without the need to intervene to exchange a part. A more detailed description is given below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12 of an example of opening the helmet of the invention in an emergency situation, with an injured user, positioned in a substantially elongated position on the back. In this context, we seek to minimize the movements to be imposed on the user, and preferably not to change the position of the head.

In this context, the connection between the levers 7a, 7b and the side walls 4a, 4b, are designed to be removable from the outside, for example by means of screws 20 as shown in FIG. 7.

We can for example use quick pitch screws at this level. The helmet being closed on the head as presented in FIG. 9, it suffices to remove the screws 20 to release the side walls 4a, 4b from the levers 7a, 7b. Said levers 7a, 7b remain integral with the front shell 1, by the bodies 21a, 21b and the locking systems 5a, 5b.

By this release effect, the tilting of the front shell 1 is possible upwards by eliminating any movement and enslavement effect caused by the levers 7a, 7b in normal use. The front shell 1 rotates freely around the axis 12 and the link 6 continues to produce its effect giving great ease in the deployment of the front shell 1 around the head. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, a complete release of the face and the head of the user is achieved, the front shell 1 resting on the ground after its opening movement, thus facilitating access to the tracks. respiratory and transport, the helmet remaining naturally on the ground.

REFERENCES

1. Front hull

2. Back cover 3. Visor

4a, 4b. Side panels

5a, 5b. Locking systems

6. Rod

7a, 7b. Levers 8a, 8b. Application area

9a, 8b. Joint

10a, 10b. Joint

11 a, 11 b. Joint

12. Articulation 13. Articulation

14. Relief

15. Hollow

16. Junction 17.Pivot axis 18. Pivot axis

19. Head

20. Screw

21. Connection body

Claims

1. Protective helmet comprising a front shell (1) and a rear shell (2) articulated to be movable between an open position and a closed position, characterized in that the articulation of the two shells (1, 2 ) comprises at least one link (6) pivotally mounted between the two shells (1, 2) and that it comprises two lateral panels (4a, 4b) articulated on the rear shell (2) and applicable on the lateral walls of the shell before (1).

2. A helmet according to claim 1,

Characterized by the fact that the side panels (4a, 4b) are articulated by pivot on the rear shell

(2).

3. Helmet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

It comprises two levers (7a, 7b), each articulated between the side wall of the front shell and a side panel (4a, 4b), each lever (7a, 7b) being able to be folded down or deployed respectively for closing or l helmet opening.

4. A helmet according to claim 3,

Characterized by the fact that

The articulation between each side panel (4a, 4b) and the corresponding lever (7a, 7b) is removable, for emergency opening.

5. Helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

It comprises locking means (5a, 5b) between each side panel (4a, 4b) and the side wall of the corresponding front shell (1).

6. A helmet according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking means (5a, 5b) are located at the front end of the side panels (4a, 4b).

7. Helmet according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that The locking means (5a, 5b) are removable for emergency opening.

8. A helmet according to claim 7 in combination with claim 4, characterized in that

It comprises, for each side panel (4a, 4b), a connecting body (21) mounted integrally with locking means (5a, 5b) on the side panel (4a, 4b) and on which the articulation (10a) is formed. , 10b) between the side panel (4a, 4b) and the corresponding lever (7a, 7b).

9. A helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

Characterized by the fact that

It includes means for ventilating the internal volume of the helmet located at the junction (16) between the two shells (1, 2).

10. Helmet according to claim 9, characterized in that

The ventilation means present:

- a relief (14) formed on the front shell (1)

- A recess (15) formed on the rear shell (2) behind the relief (14) and communicating with the internal volume of the helmet, to produce an air movement by creating a depression at the level of the recess (15) .