CA2284130A1 - Cyclist helmet with multiple apertures rim - Google Patents
Cyclist helmet with multiple apertures rim Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2284130A1 CA2284130A1 CA002284130A CA2284130A CA2284130A1 CA 2284130 A1 CA2284130 A1 CA 2284130A1 CA 002284130 A CA002284130 A CA 002284130A CA 2284130 A CA2284130 A CA 2284130A CA 2284130 A1 CA2284130 A1 CA 2284130A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- rim
- shell
- helmet
- fingers
- rim part
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910001069 Ti alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 7
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 3
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002390 adhesive tape Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003562 lightweight material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/06—Impact-absorbing shells, e.g. of crash helmets
- A42B3/066—Impact-absorbing shells, e.g. of crash helmets specially adapted for cycling helmets, e.g. for soft shelled helmets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/28—Ventilating arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42C—MANUFACTURING OR TRIMMING HEAD COVERINGS, e.g. HATS
- A42C2/00—Manufacturing helmets by processes not otherwise provided for
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
Abstract
The helmet (20) includes a shell (22), made of polystyrene, and a rim (24), made of polypropylene and integrally connected to the shell (22). Both the shell (22) and the rim (24) have air ventilation apertures (27, 28). Chin straps (26) integrally depend from the internal face of the shell (22). The shell (22) and the rim (24) are interconnected by cross-sectionally L-shape fingers (30), integral to the rim (24), and complementary cavities (32a), made in the shell peripheral edge (32) and engaged by the fingers (30). The rim apertures (28) are obliquely inclined at the lateral sides thereof, to promote air ventilation around the wearer's head. A set of arcuate metallic wires (38), embedded into the helmet (20) and preferably made of titanium, may also integrally interconnect the shell (22) to the rim (24).
Description
., , ' 1 CYCLIST HELMET
FIEhD OF THE INDENTION
This invention relates to lightweight plastic helmets that are attached by straps to the head of cyclists and the like for protecting the head against injuries from accidental falls.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cyclists pedalling on their bicycle will perspirate and thus need good ventilation beneath their helmet if they wish to be comfortable. It is known to provide air ventilation apertures in the upper shell part of the helmet; however, due to constraints related to the required choice of material for the lower rim part of the helmet, it was not possible in the past to provide air ventilation apertures in this rim part, while maintaining a reliable structural resistance in this rim part.
US patent No. 5,450,631 issued in 1995 to R.F.
Egger shows a cyclist helmet which comprises a shell part having a lower peripheral edge portion to which a rim part is attached. Although the lower peripheral edge portion of the shell part of the Egger helmet has a shape complementary to the registering upper edge portion of the rim part, both the shell and rim parts need to be bonded with an adhesive element, since no complementary interlocking members are provided on the shell and rim parts to positively interlock them with each other. Glue or an adhesive tape are suggested in the disclosure of the Egger patent. These adhesive means are unsuitable, since they are prone to allow both the rim and shell parts to mutually disengage each other, under important stresses being applied thereon or under water or other elements, such as fine granular solid elements, seeping in the area between the shell and rim parts to effectively dissolve the adhesive bondage. Thus, although ventilation openings are provided between the attached shell and rim parts of the Egger patent, no secure interlock between the two parts is provided and the attachment is consequently unreliable.
US patent No. 2,688,747 issued in 1954 to E. Marx AMENDED SHEET
'' 2 also shows a helmet comprising shell and rim parts which are glued to each other. Again, since no positive interlock is provided between the shell and rim parts, the attachment is unreliable.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The gist of the invention is therefore to further enhance air ventilation behind the helmet of cyclists when they are in motion, by providing apertures along the rim part of the helmet.
A corollary object of the invention is to provide a method of manufacture of a plastic-based cyclist helmet, made from separate shell and rim parts, in which the shell and rim interlocking will be enhanced by the plastic material shrinkage following molding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly with the object of the invention, there. is disclosed a helmet including a shell, made of polystyrene, and a rim, made of polypropylene and integrally connected to the shell. Both the shell and the rim have air ventilation apertures. Chin straps integrally depend from the inner face of the shell. The shell and the rim are interconnected by cross-sectionally L-shape fingers, integral to the rim, and complementary cavities made in the shell peripheral edge and engaged by the fingers. The rim apertures are obliquely inclined at the lateral sides thereof, to promote air ventilation. A set of arcuate metallic wires, embedded into the helmet and preferably made of titanium, may also integrally interconnect the shell to the rim.
More generally, there is disclosed a protective helmet for use on a cyclist's head, comprising an upper rigid generally convex shell part having a lower peripheral edge portion, and a lower annular rim part having an upper peripheral edge portion, said rim part upper peripheral edge portion engaging said shell part lower peripheral edge portion, said shell part adapted to be attached to the person's head by chin straps, characterized by said rim part being semi-rigid and resilient, and by interlocking means to positively interlock said shell and rim parts.
At~t~JDEG SHEET
. , ~ !a Preferably, said interlocking means consists of a number of elbowed fingers, integrally projecting from said rim part upper peripheral edge portion with a transverse leg of said fingers being directed radially inwardly of said rim, and a number of edgewise cavities, made at said shell part lower peripheral edge portion and shaped complementarily to said fingers, wherein each said finger is frictionally engaged into a corresponding said cavity.
Preferably, said shell part is made from polystyrene, and said rim part is made from polypropylene.
Alternately, said interlocking means consists of a number of rigid arcuate wires embedded into and straddling the shell and rim parts.
Preferably, said wires are made of a titanium alloy.
Preferably, said rim part comprises a number of first air ventilation apertures distributed at its periphery, and said shell part comprising a number of second air ventilation apertures.
Preferably, said helmet defines a front and a rear end and a pair of opposite lateral sides, said first air ventilation apertures being obliquely inclined interiorly and rearwardly along said lateral sides of the helmet, to further enhance circular air ventilation beneath the helmet shell.
Preferably, said rim part apertures include frontwardly and rearwardly located apertures, said frontwardly located apertures being generally ovoidal and smaller than said rearwardly located apertures.
The invention also relates to a method of manufacture of a protective helmet having a shell part and of a rim part with the helmet shell part made from polystyrene and with the rim part made from polypropylene, characterized in that said method comprises the following steps:
(a) molding said rim part with a number of elbowed fingers integrally projecting from said rim part with a transverse leg of the fingers being directed radially inwardly of the AMENDED SHEET
- ' 2b rim part;
(b) leaving the molded rim part to cure;
(c) engaging four inserts on the front, rear and lateral sides of said rim part;
(d) molding said shell part against said rim part with a number of edgewise cavities made at the periphery of said shell part and shaped complementarily to said fingers, wherein each said finger is frictionally engaged into a corresponding said cavity;_and l0 (e) allowing the plastic material from said shell part to cure and to shrink against said rim part, wherein enhanced interlocking action occurs between the interengaged said fingers and corresponding cavities as the fingers are forcibly drawn into the respective cavities due to the plastic shrinkage.
Preferably, the method further includes the additional step of embedding arcuate titanium wires in the body of the shell and rim parts to straddle both shell and rim parts, to further forcibly interconnect same, said additional step occurring between steps (a) and (b).
AMENDED S~fFEi BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR1~WINQB
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of cyclist helmet according to the invention, showing the air ventilation apertures of the shell part thereof;
figure 2 is a side elevational view of the helmet, showing chin straps and the air ventilation apertures of the rim part thereof;
figure 3 is a front elevational view of the helmet, showing the air ventilation apertures of both the shell part and rim part;
figure 4 is a sectional view of the helmet, taken along line 4-4 of figure 1;
figure 5 is a top plan view of the detached helmet rim part, showing the six integral anchor fingers thereof, and also showing in fragmentary view the oblique lateral air ventilation apertures of the rim part;
figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rim part, showing an enlarged cross-sectional view of an anchor finger, taken along line 6-6 of figure 5, and suggesting how the helmet shell edgewise portion - shown in phantom lines - can edgewisely fit against the helmet rim and an associated anchor finger;
figure 7 is an edge view of the detached helmet rim, showing a number of anchor fingers;
ffigure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the helmet taken along line 8-8 of figure 1, and further showing reinforcing titanium wires being embedded into the shell and rim parts;
figure 9 is a schematic isometric view of the helmet outline in phantom lines, showing in full lines the network of reinforcing titanium wires in their operative embedded condition inside the shell and rim parts of the helmet;
figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the ' intersection of two titanium wires from the wire network of f fig 9 ; and ' 35 figure il is a cross-sectional view of a titanium wire from the assembly of figure 10.
v __ DETAILED DEBCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The protective helmet 20 of figures 1-2 is made of two separate parts: a generally convex shell 22, and an annular rim 24. Chin straps 26 are connected to the internal concave wall of the shell 22, for attachment of the helmet to the head of a person. The shape of the outer wall 22a of shell 22 is generally convex (figure 8) , not excluding aerodynamically contoured as illustrated i.e.
being wing-like in lateral edge view (see figure 2). Both the shell and the rim parts should be made from a rigid lightweight material, although the rim should be softer and somewhat resilient.
Preferably, the shell 22 is made from rigid polystyrene, while the rim 24 is made from softer, resilient (shock-absorbing) polypropylene. The selected rim material will not crumble, it will provide a shock absorbing effect, and will be molded independently of the shell part as will be seen later.
The shell 22 includes a number of air ventilation apertures 27, at least some of these apertures, 27', being preferably elongated in a fore and aft direction.
Apertures 27, 27' have a wider mouth at their outer ends (in register with the shell outer wall 22b) than at their inner ends (in register with the shell interior wall 22a), thus forming funnel-shape air channels therethrough, enhancing air ventilation beneath the helmet shell; this also reinforces the helmet structural rigidity.
The annular rim 24 also includes a number, preferably about twelve, of air ventilation apertures 28 along its periphery. Preferably, these apertures 28 are ovoidal, as shown. As suggested in figure 8, the apertures 28' located at the front end of the rim 24 should be smaller than the apertures 28 " (fig 4) at the rear end of the rim part. The rim apertures 28 should have a height not exceeding one third that of the height of the rim body 24, so as not to compromise structural rigidity of the helmet.
As also suggested in figure 5, the apertures 28 " ' on the lateral sides of the rim 24 are preferably AMENDED SHEET
obliquely inclined in a rearwardly interior direction, again to promote enhanced air ventilation along a circular path beneath the helmet shell, by generating a turbulence ef f ect .
' 5 As illustrated in figure 7, the rim 24 tapers in height from a thick rear portion 24' to a thin front portion 24" ; and as illustrated in figure 5, the rim is wider at its rear portion 24' than at its front portion 24 " . Such dimensions are in line with ergonomic considerations.
Because the shell 22 is made from rigid polystyrene, while the rim 24 is made from softer, resilient polypropylene, special interlocking means are required, since these two plastic materials, and particularly polypropylene which does not stick to glue compounds, cannot easily be interconnected by conventional glue compounds or the like. Accordingly, the rim part 24 is made to include a certain number, e.g. six in figure 5, or more, cross-sectionally L-shape integral extension blocks or fingers 30, integrally depending from the top wall 24a of the rim tangentially to the rim radially internal edge. The straight fingers 30 are spaced from one another and should preferably be equidistant with respect to the successive pairs of fingers. Each finger 30 is of a small length relative to the peripheral edge of the rim 24, representing a small fraction thereof to be for example of a length of about 5 cm. Each finger 30 (figs 6-7) includes an upright leg 30a, adjacent the radially interior wall 24b of rim 24, and a radially outturned leg 30b, overhanging a fraction of the top wall 24a of rim 24.
The convex shell 22 further includes along its peripheral edge 32 a corresponding number of spaced cavities 32a, each cavity being of a shape complementary to that of a corresponding finger 30.
The fact that the protective helmet 20 is made from two separate parts, namely, a convex shell 22, and an annular rim 24, facilitates the molding operation. The process of manufacture of the helmet 20 is as follows.
First, it is noted that all plastic materials shrink after molding, due to a known chemical reaction in ambiant air.
The rim 24 and the shell 22 are molded separately. First, the annular polypropylene rim 24 is molded, with its integral fingers 3o in overhanging condition; a 24-hour curing period is to be expected. Then the polystyrene convex shell 22 is molded over the shaped rim 24 by using four inserts, to bring the L-shape fingers 30 of the rim freely inside the complementary cavities 32a of the shell 22. Then, the molded shell 22 and rim~24 are left to cure for a period of about thirty days corresponding to the curing period of the polystyrene shell 22, wherein plastic shrinkage will occur to interlock the shell 22 and rim 24 by frictionally biasing the fingers 30 still further inside the cavities 32a.
Polypropylene is the choice material for the rim 24, because it provides high resistance to impact blows, is more rubbery and thus comfortable for the wearer, and facilitates manufacture of air ventilation apertures.
The polystyrene shell may be covered by a plastic lining 34 (fig 8) , e.g. made from ABS, polycarbonate, or polyethylene. This plastic lining 34 may be coloured with a specific design layout, so as to provide aesthetic features to the helmet 20, and will also provide resistance against chipping or other damage to the surface of the helmet.
As illustrated in figure 3, the convex shell 22, with or without its polycarbonate lining, defines an annular gap with the laterally outer wall of the annular rim 24. This annular gap can be closed by a flexible sealing strip 36, for aesthetic purposes.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, illustrated in figures 8-11 of the drawings, a set of arcuate rigid metallic wires 38, preferably made of titanium alloy, may also integrally interconnect the shell 22 to the rim 24. Wires 38 are rigid and preferably of oblong shape in cross-section, as illustrated in figure 11.
As shown in figures 9-10, the wires 38 overlap one another in pairs at intersecting areas, with one wire from each pair of wires 38 having a complementary notch 38a to receive and support the registering body section of the other one wire from the same pair.
With the present helmet selected air ventilation apertures both at the shell part 22 and at the rim part 24, a " circular " air ventilation pathway is achieved inside the helmet and around the head, contrary to prior art air ventilation helmet systems air ventilation inside the helmet was limited to "linear" (i.e. fore and aft) air circulation through the helmet.
FIEhD OF THE INDENTION
This invention relates to lightweight plastic helmets that are attached by straps to the head of cyclists and the like for protecting the head against injuries from accidental falls.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cyclists pedalling on their bicycle will perspirate and thus need good ventilation beneath their helmet if they wish to be comfortable. It is known to provide air ventilation apertures in the upper shell part of the helmet; however, due to constraints related to the required choice of material for the lower rim part of the helmet, it was not possible in the past to provide air ventilation apertures in this rim part, while maintaining a reliable structural resistance in this rim part.
US patent No. 5,450,631 issued in 1995 to R.F.
Egger shows a cyclist helmet which comprises a shell part having a lower peripheral edge portion to which a rim part is attached. Although the lower peripheral edge portion of the shell part of the Egger helmet has a shape complementary to the registering upper edge portion of the rim part, both the shell and rim parts need to be bonded with an adhesive element, since no complementary interlocking members are provided on the shell and rim parts to positively interlock them with each other. Glue or an adhesive tape are suggested in the disclosure of the Egger patent. These adhesive means are unsuitable, since they are prone to allow both the rim and shell parts to mutually disengage each other, under important stresses being applied thereon or under water or other elements, such as fine granular solid elements, seeping in the area between the shell and rim parts to effectively dissolve the adhesive bondage. Thus, although ventilation openings are provided between the attached shell and rim parts of the Egger patent, no secure interlock between the two parts is provided and the attachment is consequently unreliable.
US patent No. 2,688,747 issued in 1954 to E. Marx AMENDED SHEET
'' 2 also shows a helmet comprising shell and rim parts which are glued to each other. Again, since no positive interlock is provided between the shell and rim parts, the attachment is unreliable.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The gist of the invention is therefore to further enhance air ventilation behind the helmet of cyclists when they are in motion, by providing apertures along the rim part of the helmet.
A corollary object of the invention is to provide a method of manufacture of a plastic-based cyclist helmet, made from separate shell and rim parts, in which the shell and rim interlocking will be enhanced by the plastic material shrinkage following molding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly with the object of the invention, there. is disclosed a helmet including a shell, made of polystyrene, and a rim, made of polypropylene and integrally connected to the shell. Both the shell and the rim have air ventilation apertures. Chin straps integrally depend from the inner face of the shell. The shell and the rim are interconnected by cross-sectionally L-shape fingers, integral to the rim, and complementary cavities made in the shell peripheral edge and engaged by the fingers. The rim apertures are obliquely inclined at the lateral sides thereof, to promote air ventilation. A set of arcuate metallic wires, embedded into the helmet and preferably made of titanium, may also integrally interconnect the shell to the rim.
More generally, there is disclosed a protective helmet for use on a cyclist's head, comprising an upper rigid generally convex shell part having a lower peripheral edge portion, and a lower annular rim part having an upper peripheral edge portion, said rim part upper peripheral edge portion engaging said shell part lower peripheral edge portion, said shell part adapted to be attached to the person's head by chin straps, characterized by said rim part being semi-rigid and resilient, and by interlocking means to positively interlock said shell and rim parts.
At~t~JDEG SHEET
. , ~ !a Preferably, said interlocking means consists of a number of elbowed fingers, integrally projecting from said rim part upper peripheral edge portion with a transverse leg of said fingers being directed radially inwardly of said rim, and a number of edgewise cavities, made at said shell part lower peripheral edge portion and shaped complementarily to said fingers, wherein each said finger is frictionally engaged into a corresponding said cavity.
Preferably, said shell part is made from polystyrene, and said rim part is made from polypropylene.
Alternately, said interlocking means consists of a number of rigid arcuate wires embedded into and straddling the shell and rim parts.
Preferably, said wires are made of a titanium alloy.
Preferably, said rim part comprises a number of first air ventilation apertures distributed at its periphery, and said shell part comprising a number of second air ventilation apertures.
Preferably, said helmet defines a front and a rear end and a pair of opposite lateral sides, said first air ventilation apertures being obliquely inclined interiorly and rearwardly along said lateral sides of the helmet, to further enhance circular air ventilation beneath the helmet shell.
Preferably, said rim part apertures include frontwardly and rearwardly located apertures, said frontwardly located apertures being generally ovoidal and smaller than said rearwardly located apertures.
The invention also relates to a method of manufacture of a protective helmet having a shell part and of a rim part with the helmet shell part made from polystyrene and with the rim part made from polypropylene, characterized in that said method comprises the following steps:
(a) molding said rim part with a number of elbowed fingers integrally projecting from said rim part with a transverse leg of the fingers being directed radially inwardly of the AMENDED SHEET
- ' 2b rim part;
(b) leaving the molded rim part to cure;
(c) engaging four inserts on the front, rear and lateral sides of said rim part;
(d) molding said shell part against said rim part with a number of edgewise cavities made at the periphery of said shell part and shaped complementarily to said fingers, wherein each said finger is frictionally engaged into a corresponding said cavity;_and l0 (e) allowing the plastic material from said shell part to cure and to shrink against said rim part, wherein enhanced interlocking action occurs between the interengaged said fingers and corresponding cavities as the fingers are forcibly drawn into the respective cavities due to the plastic shrinkage.
Preferably, the method further includes the additional step of embedding arcuate titanium wires in the body of the shell and rim parts to straddle both shell and rim parts, to further forcibly interconnect same, said additional step occurring between steps (a) and (b).
AMENDED S~fFEi BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR1~WINQB
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of cyclist helmet according to the invention, showing the air ventilation apertures of the shell part thereof;
figure 2 is a side elevational view of the helmet, showing chin straps and the air ventilation apertures of the rim part thereof;
figure 3 is a front elevational view of the helmet, showing the air ventilation apertures of both the shell part and rim part;
figure 4 is a sectional view of the helmet, taken along line 4-4 of figure 1;
figure 5 is a top plan view of the detached helmet rim part, showing the six integral anchor fingers thereof, and also showing in fragmentary view the oblique lateral air ventilation apertures of the rim part;
figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rim part, showing an enlarged cross-sectional view of an anchor finger, taken along line 6-6 of figure 5, and suggesting how the helmet shell edgewise portion - shown in phantom lines - can edgewisely fit against the helmet rim and an associated anchor finger;
figure 7 is an edge view of the detached helmet rim, showing a number of anchor fingers;
ffigure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the helmet taken along line 8-8 of figure 1, and further showing reinforcing titanium wires being embedded into the shell and rim parts;
figure 9 is a schematic isometric view of the helmet outline in phantom lines, showing in full lines the network of reinforcing titanium wires in their operative embedded condition inside the shell and rim parts of the helmet;
figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the ' intersection of two titanium wires from the wire network of f fig 9 ; and ' 35 figure il is a cross-sectional view of a titanium wire from the assembly of figure 10.
v __ DETAILED DEBCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The protective helmet 20 of figures 1-2 is made of two separate parts: a generally convex shell 22, and an annular rim 24. Chin straps 26 are connected to the internal concave wall of the shell 22, for attachment of the helmet to the head of a person. The shape of the outer wall 22a of shell 22 is generally convex (figure 8) , not excluding aerodynamically contoured as illustrated i.e.
being wing-like in lateral edge view (see figure 2). Both the shell and the rim parts should be made from a rigid lightweight material, although the rim should be softer and somewhat resilient.
Preferably, the shell 22 is made from rigid polystyrene, while the rim 24 is made from softer, resilient (shock-absorbing) polypropylene. The selected rim material will not crumble, it will provide a shock absorbing effect, and will be molded independently of the shell part as will be seen later.
The shell 22 includes a number of air ventilation apertures 27, at least some of these apertures, 27', being preferably elongated in a fore and aft direction.
Apertures 27, 27' have a wider mouth at their outer ends (in register with the shell outer wall 22b) than at their inner ends (in register with the shell interior wall 22a), thus forming funnel-shape air channels therethrough, enhancing air ventilation beneath the helmet shell; this also reinforces the helmet structural rigidity.
The annular rim 24 also includes a number, preferably about twelve, of air ventilation apertures 28 along its periphery. Preferably, these apertures 28 are ovoidal, as shown. As suggested in figure 8, the apertures 28' located at the front end of the rim 24 should be smaller than the apertures 28 " (fig 4) at the rear end of the rim part. The rim apertures 28 should have a height not exceeding one third that of the height of the rim body 24, so as not to compromise structural rigidity of the helmet.
As also suggested in figure 5, the apertures 28 " ' on the lateral sides of the rim 24 are preferably AMENDED SHEET
obliquely inclined in a rearwardly interior direction, again to promote enhanced air ventilation along a circular path beneath the helmet shell, by generating a turbulence ef f ect .
' 5 As illustrated in figure 7, the rim 24 tapers in height from a thick rear portion 24' to a thin front portion 24" ; and as illustrated in figure 5, the rim is wider at its rear portion 24' than at its front portion 24 " . Such dimensions are in line with ergonomic considerations.
Because the shell 22 is made from rigid polystyrene, while the rim 24 is made from softer, resilient polypropylene, special interlocking means are required, since these two plastic materials, and particularly polypropylene which does not stick to glue compounds, cannot easily be interconnected by conventional glue compounds or the like. Accordingly, the rim part 24 is made to include a certain number, e.g. six in figure 5, or more, cross-sectionally L-shape integral extension blocks or fingers 30, integrally depending from the top wall 24a of the rim tangentially to the rim radially internal edge. The straight fingers 30 are spaced from one another and should preferably be equidistant with respect to the successive pairs of fingers. Each finger 30 is of a small length relative to the peripheral edge of the rim 24, representing a small fraction thereof to be for example of a length of about 5 cm. Each finger 30 (figs 6-7) includes an upright leg 30a, adjacent the radially interior wall 24b of rim 24, and a radially outturned leg 30b, overhanging a fraction of the top wall 24a of rim 24.
The convex shell 22 further includes along its peripheral edge 32 a corresponding number of spaced cavities 32a, each cavity being of a shape complementary to that of a corresponding finger 30.
The fact that the protective helmet 20 is made from two separate parts, namely, a convex shell 22, and an annular rim 24, facilitates the molding operation. The process of manufacture of the helmet 20 is as follows.
First, it is noted that all plastic materials shrink after molding, due to a known chemical reaction in ambiant air.
The rim 24 and the shell 22 are molded separately. First, the annular polypropylene rim 24 is molded, with its integral fingers 3o in overhanging condition; a 24-hour curing period is to be expected. Then the polystyrene convex shell 22 is molded over the shaped rim 24 by using four inserts, to bring the L-shape fingers 30 of the rim freely inside the complementary cavities 32a of the shell 22. Then, the molded shell 22 and rim~24 are left to cure for a period of about thirty days corresponding to the curing period of the polystyrene shell 22, wherein plastic shrinkage will occur to interlock the shell 22 and rim 24 by frictionally biasing the fingers 30 still further inside the cavities 32a.
Polypropylene is the choice material for the rim 24, because it provides high resistance to impact blows, is more rubbery and thus comfortable for the wearer, and facilitates manufacture of air ventilation apertures.
The polystyrene shell may be covered by a plastic lining 34 (fig 8) , e.g. made from ABS, polycarbonate, or polyethylene. This plastic lining 34 may be coloured with a specific design layout, so as to provide aesthetic features to the helmet 20, and will also provide resistance against chipping or other damage to the surface of the helmet.
As illustrated in figure 3, the convex shell 22, with or without its polycarbonate lining, defines an annular gap with the laterally outer wall of the annular rim 24. This annular gap can be closed by a flexible sealing strip 36, for aesthetic purposes.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, illustrated in figures 8-11 of the drawings, a set of arcuate rigid metallic wires 38, preferably made of titanium alloy, may also integrally interconnect the shell 22 to the rim 24. Wires 38 are rigid and preferably of oblong shape in cross-section, as illustrated in figure 11.
As shown in figures 9-10, the wires 38 overlap one another in pairs at intersecting areas, with one wire from each pair of wires 38 having a complementary notch 38a to receive and support the registering body section of the other one wire from the same pair.
With the present helmet selected air ventilation apertures both at the shell part 22 and at the rim part 24, a " circular " air ventilation pathway is achieved inside the helmet and around the head, contrary to prior art air ventilation helmet systems air ventilation inside the helmet was limited to "linear" (i.e. fore and aft) air circulation through the helmet.
Claims (10)
1. A protective helmet for use on a cyclist's head, comprising an upper rigid generally convex shell part having a lower peripheral edge portion, and a lower annular rim part having an upper peripheral edge portion, said rim part upper peripheral edge portion engaging said shell part lower peripheral edge portion, said shell part adapted to be attached to the person's head by chin straps, characterized by said rim part being semi-rigid and resilient, and by interlocking means to positively interlock said shell and rim parts.
2. A protective helmet as defined in claim 1, wherein said interlocking means consists of a number of elbowed fingers, integrally projecting from said rim part upper peripheral edge portion with a transverse leg of said fingers being directed radially inwardly of said rim, and a number of edgewise cavities, made at said shell part lower peripheral edge portion and shaped complementarily to said fingers, wherein each said finger is frictionally engaged into a corresponding said cavity.
3. A protective headgear as defined in claim 2, wherein said shell part is made from polystyrene, and said rim part is made from polypropylene.
4. A protective helmet as defined in claim 1, wherein said interlocking means consists of a number of rigid arcuate wires embedded into and straddling the shell and rim parts.
5. A protective headgear as defined in claim 4, wherein said wires are made of a titanium alloy.
6. A protective helmet as defined in claim 1, wherein said rim part comprises a number of first air ventilation apertures distributed at its periphery, and said shell part comprising a number of second air ~
ventilation apertures.
ventilation apertures.
7. A protective headgear as defined in claim 6, wherein said helmet defines a front and a rear end and a pair of opposite lateral sides, said first air ventilation apertures being obliquely inclined interiorly and rearwardly along said lateral sides of the helmet, to further enhance circular air ventilation beneath the helmet shell.
8. A protective helmet as defined in claim 7, wherein said rim part apertures include frontwardly and rearwardly located apertures, said frontwardly located apertures being generally ovoidal and smaller than said rearwardly located apertures.
9. A method of manufacture of a protective helmet having a shell part and a rim part with the helmet shell part made from polystyrene and with the rim part made from polypropylene, characterized in that said method comprises the following steps:
(a) molding said rim part with a number of elbowed fingers integrally projecting from said rim part with a transverse leg of the fingers being directed radially inwardly of the rim part;
(b) leaving the molded rim part to cure;
(c) engaging four inserts on the front, rear and lateral sides of said rim part;
(d) molding said shell part against said rim part with a number of edgewise cavities made at the periphery of said shell part and shaped complementarily to said fingers, wherein each said finger is fractionally engaged into a corresponding said cavity; and (e) allowing the plastic material from said shell part to cure and to shrink against said rim part, wherein enhanced interlocking action occurs between the interengaged said fingers and corresponding cavities as the fingers are forcibly drawn into the respective cavities due to the plastic shrinkage.
(a) molding said rim part with a number of elbowed fingers integrally projecting from said rim part with a transverse leg of the fingers being directed radially inwardly of the rim part;
(b) leaving the molded rim part to cure;
(c) engaging four inserts on the front, rear and lateral sides of said rim part;
(d) molding said shell part against said rim part with a number of edgewise cavities made at the periphery of said shell part and shaped complementarily to said fingers, wherein each said finger is fractionally engaged into a corresponding said cavity; and (e) allowing the plastic material from said shell part to cure and to shrink against said rim part, wherein enhanced interlocking action occurs between the interengaged said fingers and corresponding cavities as the fingers are forcibly drawn into the respective cavities due to the plastic shrinkage.
10. A method of manufacture of a protective helmet as in claim 9, further including the additional step of embedding arcuate titanium wires in the body of the shell and rim parts to straddle both shell and rim parts, to further forcibly interconnect same, said additional step occurring between steps (a) and (b).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CA1997/000248 WO1998046098A1 (en) | 1997-04-14 | 1997-04-14 | Cyclist helmet with multiple apertures rim |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2284130A1 true CA2284130A1 (en) | 1998-10-22 |
Family
ID=4173209
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002284130A Abandoned CA2284130A1 (en) | 1997-04-14 | 1997-04-14 | Cyclist helmet with multiple apertures rim |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0975241A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2612597A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2284130A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1998046098A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2000035307A1 (en) * | 1998-12-11 | 2000-06-22 | Cunningham, Gary, Richard | Head wear and method of forming same |
| FR2891705B1 (en) * | 2005-10-12 | 2008-04-11 | Hp Creations Sarl | SAFETY HELMET. |
| ES2319492B1 (en) * | 2007-10-10 | 2010-01-22 | Catlike Sport Components, S.L. | HELMET WITH REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE. |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2688747A (en) * | 1952-05-26 | 1954-09-14 | B F Mcdonald Company | Plastic helmet |
| FR2473855A1 (en) * | 1980-01-18 | 1981-07-24 | Gallet Adrien | Safety helmet for motorcyclist - has outer rigid cap and inner cap moulded with gutter to hold intermediate padding |
| US4903350A (en) * | 1988-06-28 | 1990-02-27 | Giro Sport Design, Inc. | Aerodynamically streamlined bicycle racing helmet |
| US5119516A (en) * | 1988-11-21 | 1992-06-09 | Bell Sports, Inc. | Reinforced expanded plastic helmet construction |
| US5481762A (en) * | 1989-01-25 | 1996-01-09 | Giro Sport Design, Inc. | Helmet having a planar-molded infrastructure |
| US4996724A (en) * | 1989-10-20 | 1991-03-05 | Innova-Dex Sports, Inc. | Protective rim configuration for hard-shelled safety helmet |
| US5177815A (en) * | 1990-04-09 | 1993-01-12 | Andujar Edward M | Protective headgear |
| DE69218661T2 (en) * | 1991-05-31 | 1997-10-02 | 9001 6262 Quebec Inc | Protective headgear |
| US5450631A (en) * | 1993-09-17 | 1995-09-19 | Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. | Bicycle helmet |
| US5619756A (en) * | 1996-03-29 | 1997-04-15 | 9001 6262 Quebec Inc. | Cyclist helmet with multiple apertures rim |
-
1997
- 1997-04-14 CA CA002284130A patent/CA2284130A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-04-14 EP EP97915239A patent/EP0975241A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-04-14 WO PCT/CA1997/000248 patent/WO1998046098A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-04-14 AU AU26125/97A patent/AU2612597A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0975241A1 (en) | 2000-02-02 |
| AU2612597A (en) | 1998-11-11 |
| WO1998046098A1 (en) | 1998-10-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20060418 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20060418 |