JP2009150043A - Liner (lining) for protective helmet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a helmet including an outer shell, an energy-absorbing layer disposed inside the outer shell, and a liner disposed inside of the energy-absorbing layer. <P>SOLUTION: The helmet includes the outer shell, the energy-absorbing layer disposed inside the outer shell, and the liner disposed inside of the energy-absorbing layer. The liner includes a central portion configured to extend along a longitudinal axis that runs between a front portion of the helmet and a rear portion of the helmet, a first side portion releasably coupled to the central portion, and a second side portion releasably coupled to the central portion. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  This invention claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/008976, filed December 21, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

  The present invention relates to protective helmets such as motorcycle helmets.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a protective helmet with a customizable fit.
US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/008976

  While most protective helmets are currently available in a range of standard sizes to roughly fit the size of the wearer's head, the tight fit in conventional helmets is generally limited to the wearer's head. It cannot be adjusted to fit a particular shape. Furthermore, conventional helmets cannot be the perfect size for a person whose head size is between two standard sizes.

  In one embodiment, the present invention provides a helmet that includes an outer shell, an energy absorbing layer disposed inside the outer shell, and a liner disposed inside the energy absorbing layer. The liner includes a central portion configured to extend along a longitudinal axis passing between a front portion of the helmet and a rear portion of the helmet, a first side releasably coupled to the central portion, and A second side portion is releasably coupled to the central portion.

  In another embodiment, the present invention provides an outer shell, an energy absorbing layer disposed inside the outer shell, and disposed inside the energy absorbing layer, and the helmet is worn by a wearer. And a liner configured to contact the wearer's head. The liner includes a central portion configured to extend along a longitudinal axis passing between a front portion of the helmet and a rear portion of the helmet, and a first side coupled to the central portion and defining a first pocket A portion, a second side portion coupled to the central portion and defining a second pocket, and a pair of inserts. Each of the inserts can be inserted into one of the first pocket and the second pocket. This is to increase the corresponding side thickness to customize the size and fit of the helmet liner on the wearer's head.

  In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for customizing the fit of a wearer's helmet. The outer shell includes an energy absorption layer disposed inside the outer shell. A liner is provided releasably coupled to the energy absorbing layer. The liner is configured to contact the wearer's head when the helmet is worn by the wearer. The liner includes a central portion configured to extend along a longitudinal axis passing between a front portion of the helmet and a rear portion of the helmet. The liner further includes first and second sides that are releasably coupled to the central portion. The thickness of at least a portion of the liner is adjusted to adjust the fit of the helmet to the wearer's head.

  Before any embodiment of the present invention is described in detail, the present invention, in its application, will be described in the following description or the structural details and component arrangements illustrated in the following drawings. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the expressions and terminology used in this document are for purposes of explanation and should not be taken as limiting. The use of “including”, “having” or “having” and variations thereof in this document is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited, the terms “attached”, “connected”, “supported” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used in a broad sense and are direct in attachment, connection, support and coupling. Both indirect and indirect. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a protective helmet 20. In the illustrated structure, the helmet 20 is a motorcycle helmet, in particular, a half-shell or “beanie” type motorcycle helmet. However, the features of helmet 20 and portions thereof may be applied to different styles of helmets used in different activities, as described below. Helmet 20 includes an outer shell 24 made of a generally rigid synthetic material. The energy absorbing layer 28 (FIG. 2) is positioned inside the outer shell 24. The energy absorbing layer 28 may be made of, for example, polystyrene foam, and may be partially covered with a skin (skin) 30 for better appearance and / or comfort. The comfort liner 32 (FIGS. 1 and 3-5) is positioned inside the energy absorbing layer. The liner 32 is close to the head of the wearer of the helmet 20 and provides comfort and a proper fit to the wearer. The retention system 36 provides a means for securing the helmet 20 to the wearer's head. Helmet 20 further includes a visor 38 as shown in FIGS.

  As will be described in more detail below, the liner 32 is removable, reconfigurable, and replaceable for a variety of wearers having various head sizes and / or shapes. Provide a custom fit for it. Referring to FIG. 3, the liner 32 includes a central portion 40 that extends along the longitudinal direction (front to back) of the helmet 20. The central portion 40 generally extends over the wearer's head from the forehead to the back of the skull, but generally does not cover the side of the wearer's head. Rather, a pair of flaps or sides 44 are coupled to the central portion 40 and positioned to lie against the side of the wearer's head. The side portion 44 is releasably coupled to the central portion 40 adjacent to the front end 40A of the central portion 40 that is also the front end of the liner 32 (FIGS. 3-5).

  The rear end 40B of the central portion 40, which is also the rear end of the liner 32, defines a longitudinal channel 46 for receiving a wearer's hair mass, such as ponytails, blazes, and the like. Channel 46 is intended to accept a collection of hair, if any, to reduce the wearer's pressure point (over pain) or overall discomfort due to hair pinching within the helmet 20. It is configured to extend along the back of the wearer's neck.

  FIG. 3 illustrates both side portions 44 in a first arrangement relative to the central portion 40. In the first arrangement, the side portion 44 extends generally along the central portion 40. FIG. 3 illustrates the liner 32 in a flat state, and when positioned within the helmet 20, the liner 32 has an arch shape such that the side 44 complements the side of the central portion 40. It should be noted that. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, each of the side portions 44 has a curved edge 48 configured to lie adjacent to each of the side portions of the central portion 40 when the liner 32 is positioned within the helmet 20. Have.

  As shown in FIG. 2, helmet 20 includes a pair of front fasteners 52, a pair of rear fasteners 54, and a pair for coupling liner 32 to energy absorbing layer 28 and / or skin 30. Intermediate fastener 56. Still referring to FIG. 5, the liner 32 includes a front fastener 62, a rear fastener 64, and an intermediate fastener 66 corresponding to each of the front fastener 52, the rear fastener 54, and the intermediate fastener 56 on the energy absorbing layer 28. . An intermediate fastener 66 of the liner 32 is formed on the side 44, while a front fastener 62 and a rear fastener 64 of the liner 32 are formed on the central portion 40. As illustrated, the rear fastener 64 of the liner 32 is formed proximate to the rear end 40B of the central portion 40.

  The front fastener 62 on the liner 32 is configured to releasably attach the side portion 44 to the central portion 40 in addition to releasably attaching the front portion of the liner 32 to the energy absorbing layer 28. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, each of the sides 44 includes a flange 70 that includes an opening 72. The opening 72 receives a front fastener 62 on the central portion 40 of the liner 32 (eg, by press fit or snap fit) such that the side portion 44 is releasably coupled to the central portion 40. . The flanges 70 on the side portions 44 allow the side portions 44 to rotate relative to the central portion 40 when the liner 32 is removed from the helmet 20 (FIGS. 4 and 5 show the second arrangement relative to the central portion 40). One of the rotated sides 44 is shown.) Even when attached to the central portion 40, the flange 70 does not interfere with the coupling of the front fastener 62 of the liner 32 to the front fastener 52 of the energy absorbing layer 28. In an alternative construction, the side 44 is coupled to the central portion 40 at another location on the liner 32, away from the front fastener 62 that releasably couples the front of the liner 32 to the energy absorbing layer 28. The

  In the illustrated structure, the front fastener 62, the rear fastener 64, and the intermediate fastener 66 of the liner 32 are snap-type. The front fasteners 52, rear fasteners 54, and intermediate fasteners 56 in the energy absorbing layer 28 are also snapped in the illustrated configuration such that the liner 32 is releasably attached to the energy absorbing layer 28 by snapping. Instead of snapping, another means for releasably attaching the liner 32 to the helmet 20 is provided (eg, screws, buttons, detents, adhesive strips, hook-loop strips, etc.). Also good.

  5, 6, 8, and 9 illustrate a pocket 76 formed in the side 44. FIG. The pocket 76 receives one or more fit customization inserts or pads 80 (FIGS. 7-9). Each of the pads 80 has a given thickness, but alternative pads may have different thicknesses, or additional pads 80 can be obtained by changing the thickness of the liner 32 in the region of the side 44. Various quantities may be provided to change the effective inner size and / or shape of the helmet 20. The pocket 76 makes it possible to quickly and easily improve the helmet 20 to provide a customized fit.

  Furthermore, the fit of the helmet 20 can be customized for a particular individual by replacing the liner 32 or a portion thereof with a similar alternative having alternative sizes, shapes, and / or thicknesses. For example, the side 44 can be replaced with a thicker or thinner side (not shown) attached to the central portion 40 at the front fastener 62 of the central portion 40. An alternative central portion (not shown) having a different thickness than the original central portion 40 may be provided to replace the original central portion 40 to provide the helmet 20 with an alternative fit. It may be.

  10 and 11 illustrate another liner 132 configured to be used as a part of the helmet 20 of FIGS. The liner 132 of FIGS. 10 and 11 is similar in most respects to the liner 32 described above.

  The liner 132 includes a central portion 140 and a pair of side portions 144 that are releasably coupled to the central portion 140 proximate the front end 140A of the central portion 140. Each of the side portions 144 includes a flange 170 having an opening 172 therein for attachment to the front fastener 162 of the liner 132. The front fastener 162 is additionally releasably coupled to the front fastener 52 on the energy absorbing layer 28. The side 144 includes an intermediate fastener 166 that is releasably coupled to the intermediate fastener 56 on the energy absorbing layer 28. A rear fastener 164 is provided proximate to the rear end 140B of the central portion 140 and is releasably coupled to the rear fastener 54 on the energy absorbing layer 28.

  In the illustrated configuration, like the liner 32 of FIGS. 3-9, the side 144 of the liner 132 can be releasable to the front fastener 162 (or another position) near the front end 140A on the central portion 140. It may be attached to. The flanges 170 on the side 144 do not interfere with the releasable coupling of the liner 132 to the energy absorbing layer 28, and further, when the liner 132 is removed from the helmet 20 (bidirectional arrow 182 in FIG. 11). The side 144 can rotate about the front fastener 162 relative to the central portion 140.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the side 144 is generally rectangular or trapezoidal and does not include an arched side edge configured to complement the side of the central portion 140. The size and / or shape of the side 144 may provide an alternative fit to the helmet 20 as compared to the side 44 shown in FIGS. In this way, the sides 44, 144 are single so that the liner 32, 132 can be reconfigured and the fit can be customized for different wearers with different head sizes and / or shapes. May be replaced with each other on the liner central portions 40 and 140.

  Each side 144 includes a pocket 176 that allows the helmet 20 with the liner 132 to be further customized for fit. Each of the pockets 176 is configured to accept one or more fit customization inserts or pads 180 of different thicknesses, or by changing the thickness of the liner 132 in the region of the side 144 and / or the effective inner size of the helmet 20 and / or Or offered in various quantities to change shape. Pocket 176 and replaceable pad 180 allow quick and easy modification of helmet 20 to provide a customized fit.

  The liners 32, 132 described above allow one or more ways to customize the helmet 20 to fit one or more wearer's heads. For example, the liners 32, 132 can be removed from the helmet 20 and the side portions 44, 144 can be removed from the central portion 40, 140 and the side portions 44, 144 having alternative sizes and / or shapes can be released. Customized by installing. For example, the “small”, “medium”, and “large” sides 44, 144 can be replaced to reconfigure the liners 32, 132 to adjust the size of the helmet 20. May be provided. Further, a given liner 32, 132 may be interchangeable between a group of helmets 20 having various sized outer shells 24 and energy absorbing layers 28.

  In addition, the liners 32, 132 (with the sides 44, 144, but without the pad 80) can be used to customize the size of the liners 32, 132 and the fit of the helmet 20 on the wearer's head. The side portions 44, 144 may be removed from the energy absorbing layer 28 by changing one or more pads 80, 180 into the pockets 76, 176 in the portions 44, 144. For a given wearer, the liners 32, 132 are appropriately sized so that the helmet 20 is customized to fit the wearer's head (ie, to provide a painless and comfortable fit). Until then, additional pads 80, 180 may be added (or may be replaced with pads having a greater thickness).

  In this way, the present invention provides, among other things, a customizable helmet having a removable, reconfigurable and replaceable liner and components of that liner that are removable / replaceable.

1 is a bottom view of a protective helmet having a liner embodying the present invention. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the protective helmet of FIG. 1 with the liner removed. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the liner removed from the protective helmet of FIG. 1 showing two side flaps in a first configuration relative to the central portion of the liner. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the liner of FIG. 3 showing one of the side flaps rotated to a second configuration relative to the central portion of the liner. FIG. 4 is a top view of the liner of FIG. 3 showing one of the side flaps removed from the central portion of the liner. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the removed side flap in FIG. 5 illustrating a pocket formed in the side flap. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fit customization pad that can be inserted into one of the side flap pockets of the liner. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the fit customization pad of FIG. 7 partially inserted into the side flap pocket of the liner. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the fit customization pad of FIG. 7 fully inserted into the side flap pocket of the liner. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a liner according to another structure for use with the protective helmet of FIG. FIG. 8 is a top view of the liner of FIG. 7 illustrating a fit customization pad that can be inserted into the side flaps of the liner.

Explanation of symbols

20 Helmet 24 Outer shell 28 Energy absorbing layer 30 Skin 32 Liner 36 Retention system 38 Visor 40 Center part 40A Center part front end 40B Center part rear end 44 Side part 46 Channel 48 Curved edge 52 Front fastener 54 Rear fastener 56 Intermediate fastener 62 front fastener 64 rear fastener 66 intermediate fastener 70 flange 72 opening 76 pocket 80 pad 132 liner 140 central portion 140A central front end 140B central rear end 144 side portion 146 channel 162 front fastener 164 rear fastener 166 intermediate fastener 170 Flange 172 Opening 176 Pocket 180 Pad 182 Bidirectional arrow

Claims (20)

Outer shell;
An energy absorbing layer disposed inside the outer shell; and a liner disposed inside the energy absorbing layer along a longitudinal axis passing between a front portion of the helmet and a rear portion of the helmet. A liner including a central portion configured to extend, a first side releasably coupled to the central portion, and a second side releasably coupled to the central portion;
Helmet with. A plurality of fasteners on the energy absorbing layer;
The liner has a plurality of fasteners corresponding to the plurality of fasteners on the energy absorbing layer to releasably attach the liner to the energy absorbing layer;
The helmet of claim 1. The plurality of fasteners of the liner includes a pair of front fasteners proximate a front end of a central portion of the liner;
The pair of front fasteners are configured to attach to a pair of complementary fasteners on the energy absorbing layer;
The first side and the second side are releasably coupled to the central portion at the pair of front fasteners,
The helmet according to claim 2. The liner is an alternative central portion, and a plurality of fasteners corresponding to the plurality of fasteners on the energy absorbing layer are releasably attached to the energy absorbing layer instead of the original central portion. Including an alternative central portion having
The alternative central portion has at least one of different sizes and different shapes compared to the original central portion to customize the liner and fit of the helmet on the wearer's head,
The first side and the second side are configured to be releasably attached to the alternative central portion;
The helmet according to claim 2. The first side and the second side are pivotally coupled to the central portion;
The helmet of claim 1. Each of the first side and the second side includes a pocket,
The helmet further has a pair of inserts,
Each insert in the pair of inserts is configured to increase the thickness of each of the first side and the second side to customize the size and fit of the liner of the helmet on the wearer's head. Insertable into each pocket of the first side and the second side,
The helmet of claim 1. It further has a third side and a fourth side,
The third side and the fourth side can be replaced with the first side and the second side, and to customize the liner and fit of the helmet on the wearer's head Having at least one of different sizes and shapes of
The helmet of claim 1. Outer shell;
An energy absorbing layer disposed inside the outer shell; and a liner disposed inside the energy absorbing layer, configured to contact the wearer's head when the helmet is worn by the wearer. Liner,
A central portion configured to extend along a longitudinal axis passing between the front of the helmet and the rear of the helmet;
A first side coupled to the central portion and defining a first pocket;
A second side portion coupled to the central portion and defining a second pocket; and a pair of inserts, each of the pair of inserts being the size and fit of the liner of the helmet on the wearer's head A liner including a pair of inserts that can be inserted into one of the first pocket and the second pocket to increase the thickness of the corresponding side;
Helmet with. A plurality of fasteners on the energy absorbing layer;
The liner has a plurality of fasteners corresponding to the plurality of fasteners on the energy absorbing layer for releasably attaching the liner to the energy absorbing layer.
The helmet according to claim 8. The plurality of fasteners of the liner includes a pair of front fasteners proximate to a front end of the central portion of the liner;
The pair of front fasteners are configured to be attached to a pair of complementary fasteners on the energy absorbing layer;
The first side and the second side are releasably coupled to the central portion at the pair of front fasteners,
The helmet of claim 9. The liner is an alternative central portion, and a plurality of fasteners corresponding to the plurality of fasteners on the energy absorbing layer are releasably attached to the energy absorbing layer instead of the original central portion. Including an alternative central portion having
The alternative central portion has at least one of different sizes and different shapes compared to the original central portion to customize the liner and fit of the helmet on the wearer's head,
The first side and the second side are configured to be releasably attached to the alternative central portion;
The helmet of claim 9. The first side and the second side are pivotally coupled to the central portion;
The helmet according to claim 8. Further comprising a second insert pair;
Each insert of the second insert pair has a greater thickness than each insert of the first insert pair,
The second insert pair replaces the first insert to provide a corresponding side having a greater thickness than that provided by the first insert pair, the first pocket and the second pocket. Can be inserted into the
The helmet according to claim 8. It further has a third side and a fourth side,
The third side and the fourth side can be replaced with the first side and the second side, and to customize the liner and fit of the helmet on the wearer's head Having at least one of different sizes and shapes of
Each of the pair of inserts is further to increase the thickness of the third side and the fourth side to further customize the size and fit of the liner of the helmet on the wearer's head , Can be inserted into the respective pockets of the third side portion and the fourth side portion,
The helmet according to claim 8. A way to customize the fit of a helmet for a specific wearer:
Providing an outer shell;
Providing an energy absorbing layer disposed inside the outer shell;
Providing a liner releasably coupled to the energy absorbing layer, wherein the helmet is configured to contact the wearer's head when worn by the wearer, the front of the helmet and the helmet A liner including a central portion configured to extend along a longitudinal axis passing between the rear portion of the helmet and further including a first side and a second side releasably coupled to the central portion is provided. Adjusting the thickness of at least a portion of the liner to adjust the fit of the helmet to the wearer's head;
Having a method. The step of adjusting the thickness of at least a part of the liner includes removing the first side portion and the second side portion from the central portion, and releasing the third side portion and the fourth side portion to the central portion. The third side portion and the fourth side portion have different thicknesses than the first side portion and the second side portion.
The method of claim 15. The step of adjusting the thickness of at least a portion of the liner includes increasing the thickness of the first side and the second side, respectively, in each of the first side and the second side. Including the step of positioning the insert in
The method of claim 15. The helmet comprises removable inserts in the first side and second side pockets,
Adjusting the thickness of at least a portion of the liner includes removing the insert from the pocket to reduce the thickness of the first side and the second side.
The method of claim 15. Adjusting the thickness of at least a portion of the liner includes removing the central portion from the energy absorbing layer and releasably coupling an alternative central portion to the energy absorbing layer, the alternative central portion Has a different thickness than the original central part,
The method of claim 15. Adjusting the thickness of at least a portion of the liner further includes adjusting the thickness of the first side and the second side.
The method of claim 19.

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