CH709028B1 - Shield element for bicycle helmet. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a screen element (3) for bicycle helmets (1) which is adjustable between an inserted rest position and an operating position extended in the front direction (9) and bicycle helmets (1) with such a screen element (5, 5 ', 5 "). The object of the present invention is to improve the screen element (5, 5 ', 5 ") in such a way that the rain protection function is improved, in particular for spectacle wearers. This is brought about by the fact that the screen element (3) has a surface element (5, 5 ', 5 ") forming the screen surface, wherein at least one subregion of the surface element (5, 5', 5") has a bending elasticity and so on is arranged, that the surface element (5, 5 ', 5 ") in the rest position can form layers to compress the length of the surface element (5, 5', 5").

Description

Description: The invention relates to a screen element as a rain guard for bicycle helmets and bicycle helmets with such a screen element.

Bicycle helmets are intended to increase the safety of cyclists, they are therefore increasingly worn.

A good view is crucial for safety when cycling. The view is obstructed by rain or snow, which is exacerbated by the simultaneous darkness, as reflections of light rays further complicate the view. This is especially true for wearers of glasses, because due to the low driving speed, the rain does not bead off the lenses. Wipers for spectacles are not a viable solution and would also involve the risk of scratching plastic lenses. Wiping the lenses dry while riding with sleeve ends, gloves or special rags is also not a solution as it causes streaks that further worsen the vision. With visors the problem arises equally.

Projecting screen elements in the front region of conventional bicycle helmets in the form of panels, which are only a few cm long for reasons of handiness, safety and an attractive design, can keep slightly wind and rain out of the eye area, as long as the helmet wearer head in ideal orientation to rain, eg when the rain falls ideally vertically or comes from behind. In reality, however, the conditions vary due to the variable orientation to rain and wind direction due to the route traveled, the speed and posture. Therefore, such panels can not protect the eyes from rain, hail or snow. In addition, such panels shorten the visibility when the head is bent forward to protect against the rain that hits the face. The same problem arises when using hoods or caps instead of or as a complement to helmets, with hoods also obstruct the view to the side, as they do not turn with the head.

From DE 10 2008 029 501 A1 a bicycle helmet (FIGS. 3 and 4) is known, in which a second screen element is slidably disposed on a fixed screen element, so that the helmet wearer remove the second screen element as required as glare or rain cover or insert again. This second screen element may be configured in one or more parts (eg, like a blind) and be connected to one another in an articulated or telescopic manner. However, this means that the respective sub-elements must have a certain rigidity in order to be able to interact functionally with articulated or telescopic connections. However, such stiff parts that can only be made of plastic because of the other requirements (impermeability, stability despite lightness, fit), but in case of accidents represent a potential risk of eye injuries, as breaking rigid parts and thus can form dangerous breaklines in a fall face or hurt your face. Also, a screen element made of rigid materials will require more space than it must be stored at rest in the area of the helmet, including the supporting and guiding elements such as rails, joints and the like. Stiff surface elements, which can be pushed over one another in the rest position and pulled apart in the operating position, must have little play to achieve a certain watertightness, for which stable guides are required. Even with articulated (i.e., hinged) rigid panel elements, multi-part guides are required because of their bulky positioning movements and bulkiness to ensure reliable deployment and space-saving compression. To achieve a precise guidance stable guide elements such as joints, rails, locks of injury-resistant materials (rigid plastic, metal, etc.) are required. With a larger screen area achieved in this way, although the protective effect against rain is improved, the more complex such a screen element must be constructed, which in turn increases the design effort, the susceptibility to operation, weight, space requirements and risk of injury.

Furthermore, such a screen can intercept rain and snow only to the extent that it reaches the facial area from above, even with extensive coverage of the facial area. Lateral rain or snow will still get into the eye area and deposit on eyeglass wearers on the lenses and thereby obstruct the view.

From DE 20 2004 004 704 U1 a shield cap is known in which a shield for protection against the sun or rain substantially over the entire length of the shield has a downwardly projecting, removable edge element. Since this edge protrudes into the visual field of the wearer, this leads to the problem already described in connection with spectacle lenses and visors that adhering raindrops complicate the view. This edge element must also be attached for use by means of tabs on the shield and removed after use again. The commissioning of this edge element thus requires both hands, because the element must first be removed from its storage location and then attached to the shield. Such a border element is not very suitable as a rain cover for bicycle helmets.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a screen element for bicycle helmets of the type mentioned, which improves the rain protection function especially for spectacle wearers.

The object is achieved with a screen element having a screen surface forming surface element, wherein at least a portion bend-elastic and is arranged so that the surface element can form layers to the surface element when changing from the operating in the At least a portion of the screen surface can be spent without guidance in the rest position and stored there in the smallest space. The bending-elastic portion can thereby form layers, for example by creases, folds or curls, so that the limited space can be used optimally in a simple manner. Due to the functional one-piece design of the shielding element eliminates the need to perform precise and low-friction rigid part past each other in the operating position, so that they ensure both easy operation and safe in the operating position protection against rain. Also, the guide elements can be made less robust and lighter in weight because more play is allowed. This in turn reduces the potential risk of injury in the event of a fall. The inventive solution thus allows a larger screen area in the operating state, since it requires less space at rest and the screen can therefore be easily compressed in the aperture area of the helmet. The smaller space requirement results from the better compressibility of the screen surface and the smaller space requirements of the guide elements required for this purpose. This can be achieved without the known disadvantages for the operating state Schirmausladungen of ten to 20 cm.

The bending-elastic portion may be arranged according to an expedient embodiment as a second partial surface between a first partial surface at the front end of the screen and a third partial surface at the opposite end of the shield member, wherein the first and third partial surface are superimposed in the resting state and the second partial surface between at least one layer, eg by folding, forming. In this case, only the first and the second partial surface must be performed, and the second partial surface can be stored without guide elements in the space between the first and third partial surface.

A particularly advantageous embodiment provides to form the entire surface element flexurally elastic. This minimizes both the weight of the screen element and its space in the idle state. As a result, the risk of injury is also reduced at the same time, since bending-elastic material can not form dangerous breakage edges and thus only harmless material is located in the forehead area.

An expedient embodiment provides to provide a displaceable clamping element, by means of which the surface element is clamped or collapsed including the bending elastic partial surface and moved back and forth between the rest and the operating position. The tensioning element serves both the unfolding or compression of the screen surface and the operation of the screen element.

An advantageous embodiment provides to design the clamping element as a frame with two legs, which are guided telescopically in a guide along the sides of the helmet.

An advantageous development provides to provide side elements that are arranged at rest in the field of bicycle helmet and in the operating state, the screen element laterally down angled supplement or enlarge. As a result, incidental or oblique incident rain or snow can be intercepted, which would otherwise land in the eye or on spectacle lenses. The term "around the bicycle helmet" also includes "in the area of the visor".

A technically simple embodiment provides to provide fasteners with which the side elements are selectively fastened in rest or in the operating position of the shield element. For this purpose, the front end is permanently movably connected to the screen element, while the opposite end has a fastening element which can be connected to corresponding fastening elements on the bicycle helmet in the operating or rest position, so that the side elements either in the rest position in the helmet area (including in the area of the panel) or are arranged in the operating position laterally on the screen element.

A more comfortable embodiment provides for a rail guide instead of the alternative attachment points for the rear end of the side elements, by means of which the side elements are adjustable together with the operation of the screen element between rest and operating position. This allows one-handed operation in just one step.

An expedient embodiment provides to arrange a web element between the guides. This web element connects the guides and stabilizes them during use, in particular against twisting. Further, the web is adapted to provide a connection with a panel which is attachable to the bicycle helmet. This causes the visor, when it is connected to the bicycle helmet, carries the guides of the frame legs.

An expedient embodiment provides to equip bicycle helmets with an inventive screen element, wherein the screen element can be either fixed or releasably connected to the bicycle helmet.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. It shows

1 is a schematic diagram of a bicycle helmet with an inventive screen element in the operating position in an embodiment, with only one side member in a possible embodiment in an oblique plan view.

Fig. 2, the inventive screen element in the embodiment like. Fig. 1 in the rest position with also only one side member in an alternative embodiment also in an oblique plan view;

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the embodiment like. Fig. 1 at rest like. Fig. 2 in side view (detail) and

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment in the operating position.

Fig. 1 shows a bicycle helmet 1 with a panel 2 and the inventive screen element 3 in the extended operating position. Two partial surfaces 5 'and 5 "(each with different hatchings) can be seen from the surface element 5, which protrude beyond the diaphragm 3 in the front direction 9. The surface element 5 is clamped by means of a frame 4 having a first 4a and a second leg 4b , in which the shielding surface 5 is partially clamped, here in the region of the first partial surface 5 'The flexurally flexible partial surface 5 ", however, is not clamped in the frame 4 and can therefore be compressed during insertion of the frame 4 without effort and without guidance.

The frame legs 4a, b are guided in a guide 6 along the sides of the helmet, which is shown here as a tube, within which the frame legs 4a, b back and forth. At the same time, this double-sided guidance also ensures a uniform distribution of load, which is better stabilized against the action of force from the outside than attachment to the front of the helmet alone. The frame may be made of slightly elastic plastic rods of e.g. 4-5 mm thickness are formed. In this design, a two part frame construction, i. that the frame 4 is guided in a guide 6. Thinner plastic rods or other less stable designs may require a multi-stage telescope construction.

The frame legs 4a, b have a step 10, which serves as a stop for the guide 6 and at the same time causes an offset for the surface element 5 in the region of the first partial surface 5 'in the idle state. The frame 4 is conveniently elastic, but at the same time stable enough that it can give wind gusts without kinking or breaking. The frame may also have other elements for stabilization, e.g. Bracings. The surface element 5 is expediently designed to be transparent or at least substantially transparent in order to allow a view when the head posture is bent or even when it is folded over. An integration of glare protection is possible in order to reduce the increased risk of dazzling in rain night driving by oncoming traffic.

Of the side elements 7, only one in a possible embodiment is shown here for the sake of simplicity. In this case, the side member 7 is fixed at its front end 7a with a movable connection 11 on the screen element 3, whereby the positioning of the side member 7 is fixed in its position within the longitudinal alignment on the frame legs 4a for the operating position. In the simplest way this can, as indicated here, be effected by a flexible loop, but other movable connections are possible. At the rear end 7b of the side part 7, a fastening element 8a is arranged, with which this can be detachably connected to the corresponding fastening elements 8b, c on the bicycle helmet 1 in two different positions. For fastening in the operating position (indicated by the dashed arrow) serves fastener 8c. In this case, the lower edge 7d of the side member 7 down. Fastener 8b is used for fixing in the rest position. These fastening elements 8a, b, c may be formed, for example, as Velcro, pressure or magnetic closures. Other closure systems are of course conceivable. The fastening elements 8a, b, c can be arranged such that the lower edge 7d also points downwards in the rest position, but also so that the lower edge 7d is aligned with the upper edge of the bicycle helmet 1 in the rest position, thus the side element 7 when changing in the rest position with its lower edge 7d performs a pivoting movement upwards.

Fig. 2 shows a bicycle helmet 1 with the inventive screen element 3 in the rest position, i. E. with inserted screen element 3 and a side member 7 in another embodiment. Here, in the rest position, the lower edge 7d of the side member 7 is oriented upward, i. when changing from the operating to the rest position, the side member 7 is folded by a pivoting movement. For this purpose, the side member may have a curvature (not shown) between the front end 7a and rear end 7b, which points outwardly in the rest position and thus corresponds to the rounding of the outer surface of the bicycle helmet 1, so that the side member can rest well on the surface of the bicycle helmet 1. As an alternative to the rest position shown along the sides of the helmet, a rest position along the panel 2 would also be possible, in which case the side elements 7 need not have any curvature. At rest, the bulge (not shown) points outwards, while facing inward in the operating position. As an alternative to the curvature of the side elements 7, the side elements 7 can also be flexibly configured, so that they can adapt to the helmet curvature.

In the embodiment variant shown here, the side member 7 instead of the two alternative fastening elements 8b, c on the bicycle helmet 1, a guide 8e and guide member 8d in the guide 8a between the operating and the rest position in the guide 8e back and is feasible. In the example shown here shows in the rest position, the lower edge 7d of the side member 7 to the upper edge of the bicycle helmet 1 and must be pivoted when changing to the operating position down. Guide element 8d and guide 8e must be designed in this case so that in addition to the movement in the direction 12 (and back) and at the same time this pivotal movement is possible. Here, a variant is indicated, is formed in the guide element 8d as engaging in a rail 8e guide pin, which due to its shape (here is the simplest variant, a rounding indicated in the engagement area) simultaneously allowed radial degrees of freedom. During the reciprocating motion in the guide, the pivoting movement is carried out during the adjustment movement.

Fig. 3 shows the inventive screen element 3 schematically with a three-piece surface element 5 in the resting state below the panel 2 of the bicycle helmet 1. Here, the second partial surface 5 "due to their bending elasticity in each case to the first partial surface 5 'and the third partial surface. 5 At its resting state, frame leg 4a is largely pushed into the guide 6 at rest, the step 10 determining the end position as a stop, as the material for the bending-elastic partial surface 5 ". In addition to film-like plastics and water-repellent textiles or rubber surfaces in question. It is only important that they are water-repellent and compressible by folding, rolling or cuddly and the like. In the rest position, the bending elastic partial surface 5 "can either be compressed freely into the existing cavity, or it can also be provided a receiving element that supports the compression and the clamping, for example by a defined shape and suitable inner surfaces and thus unnecessary Avoid friction or unwanted hooking.

Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment according to the invention. It is between the guides on the bicycle helmet 1 releasably attachable panel 2 arranged so that it can be fastened together with the screen element 3 on the bicycle helmet 1 and both together again from the bicycle helmet 1 are detachable, so that the guides 6 in use by the on the bicycle helmet. 1 attached aperture 2 are kept. The panel 2 serves here as a web element 2a, which stabilizes the guides 6. In this way, the entire device (screen element 3) in a simple manner with the bicycle helmet or with the head (not shown here) connectable and detachable again. The panel 2 is configured in the example shown as detachable from the bicycle helmet 1 element. In this case, the panel 2 is configured as a non-elastic-elastic part of the screen element 3. This corresponds to the partial surface 5 "'in FIG. 3. However, the diaphragm could also be made detachably connectable to the web element 2a as a separate element.

In this embodiment, the guides 6 are also additionally attached to a holding means 13 on the bicycle helmet 1, which is guided around as a holding strap 13 to the bicycle helmet 1. In this way, the connection of the shield member 3 is stabilized with the bicycle helmet 1 by another connection point, which is an easy to manufacture and operable fastening solution. As a holding means 13, for example, elastic band-shaped material that allows easy production and easy attachment to the bicycle helmet 1 is suitable. But other mounting options are conceivable as Anklipsen, snapping, pinching, Velcro and the like.

Fastening means 14 on the integrated panel 2 allow the connection of a rain cover (not shown) with the bicycle helmet, 1, which is normally by coating under tension on the panel 2 or, if this is not present, on the front edge of the bicycle helmet 1, can be attached to the bicycle helmet 1. These fastening means 14 can be designed as terminals, rings, projections and the like one or more parts. It is essential that they allow a sufficient connection of rainfall over the bicycle helmet 1.

These figures are intended to explain the concept of the invention only in principle with reference to embodiments that are not intended to limit the inventive idea. The bending elastic partial surface can be arranged not only in between, but also terminally towards the front end 9 or toward the bicycle helmet 1. It is essential that the bend-elastic portion 5 "in the rest position in the helmet or visor area is compressible.Also by folding this can also be done by rolling.Also a umbrella-like clamping device for the surface element 5 for the change of the shielding element 3 between operating position and rest position In this case, the entire surface element 5 must be designed to be flexible and elastic This design simplifies the integration of the side elements 7, since they can already be connected to the screen element 3 in its end position on the screen element 3 in the rest position and during the However, it is also possible in the case of the illustrated frame 4 as a tensioning element to form the surface element 5 in a completely flexurally elastic manner.

The guides 6 for the frame legs 4a, b can be arranged along or in the helmet wall. In order to prevent breakage of the frame legs 4a, b in the event of a shock and thus reduce the risk of injury, they may have predetermined bending points for the operating and / or rest position at the level of the helmet leading edge. With stabilizing elements, such as sliding sleeves or bars, these predetermined kinks can be inactivated to allow the kinking only in the desired position. The predetermined breaking points must be defined so that they prevent excessive force on the extended shield element 3 by external forces, such as gusts of wind or falls. For this purpose, the predetermined breaking points can also be designed so that they allow complete demolition under extreme load.

As a convenient embodiment, the operability of the screen element can be automated so that the user only has to press a button or a lever that triggers the clamping and / or the compression process. This can be done by appropriate suitable compression and / or tensioning systems, e.g. with the help of springs.

Also, it is conceivable to connect the screen element with a panel which is worn directly on the head or over a hood, as some cyclists like to sell the bicycle helmet 1, for example, in sweaty mountain climbs.

Claims (11)

Umbrella element for bicycle helmet DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCES [0034] 1 bicycle helmet 2 visor 2a web element 3 shield element 4 frame 4a, b first and second frame leg 5 surface element 5, 5 ", 5" part surfaces 6 guide 7 side element 7a front end (side element) 7b rear end (side element) 7c upper edge (side element) 7d lower edge (side element) 8a, b, c fastening elements (detachable) 8d, e guide elements 9 arrow: pull-out direction, front direction 10 step as stop 11 connection 12 arrow: direction of movement (from rest position to operating position) 13 holding means 14 Fastener claims 1. screen element (3) for bicycle helmets (1) which is adjustable between an inserted rest position and a front direction (9) extended operating position, characterized in that the shield element (3) is a screen surface forming surface element (5, 5 ", 5 , "5" '), wherein at least a portion of the surface element (5, 5 ", 5", 5 "') formed bending-elastic and arranged so that the surface element (5, 5", 5 ", 5 "') at rest forms layers, in particular by creases, folds or curls, to compress the length of the surface element (5, 5", 5 ", 5"'). Second shielding element (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one bend-elastic portion as a second partial surface (5 ") between a first partial surface (5") at the front end (9) of the shielding element (3) and a third partial surface (5 "') at the opposite end of the shielding element (3) is arranged, wherein the first partial surface (5") and the third partial surface (5 "') are designed so that it substantially both in the idle and in the operating state Form level and wherein at rest, the first and third part surface (5 ", 5" ') can be arranged one above the other and the bending elastic partial surface (5 ") at least one layer between the first partial surface (5") and the third partial surface (5 "). ') forms. Third shield element (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the entire surface element (5, 5 ", 5", 5 "') is formed bending-elastic. 4. screen element (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a clamping element (4, 4a, 4b) is provided, in which the surface element (5, 5 ', 5 ", 5") is at least partially attached and the between the rest position and the operating position is adjustable, wherein the surface element (5, 5 ', 5 ", 5") unfolds its maximum area in the operating position. 5. screen element (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that the clamping element (4) as a frame (4) with a first leg (4a) and a second leg (4b) in a bicycle helmet (1) can be arranged guide (6) is guided. Screen element (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that elongated side elements (7) are provided with a front end (7a), a rear end (7b), an upper (7c) and a lower edge (7d), which can be arranged in the region of the bicycle helmet (1) when the umbrella element (3) is in the rest position and can be arranged in the front direction (9) together with the shield element (3) when changing into the operating position, and can be arranged in the operating position along the sides of the shield element (3), in that the upper edge (7a) extends along the screen element (3) and the lower edge (7b) is substantially oriented away from the upper edge of the bicycle helmet (1) such that the side elements (7) form lateral edge surfaces of the screen element (3). 7. screen element (3) according to claim 6, characterized in that the side elements (7) at the front end (7a) are permanently movable with the screen element (3) and at the rear end (7b) releasable fastening elements (8a), depending after position in rest or operating position with corresponding fasteners (8b) on the bicycle helmet (1) are detachably connectable. 8. screen element (3) according to claim 7, characterized in that the side elements (7) at the front end (7a) by means of a movable connection (11) are permanently connected to the screen element (3) and guide elements (8d, e) for the rear End (7b) are provided, through which the side elements (7) between the rest and the operating position of the shield element (3) can be guided. 9. screen element (3) for bicycle helmets (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that a web element (2a) between the guides (6) is arranged to stabilize the guides (6). 10. Screen element according to claim 9, characterized in that a diaphragm (2) on the web element (2a) can be arranged. 11. bicycle helmet (1) with a shield element (3) according to one of the preceding claims.