CZ283823B6 - Crash-helm, particularly for cyclists and process for producing thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The helmet (1), in particular the helmet for cyclists, consists of an outer wall (2) and an inner wall (3) in the form of a shell and individual passages (30, 31) connecting the two walls (2, 3). The helmet (1) consists of blown plastic. The outer wall (2), the inner wall (3) and the passages (30, 31) are formed in one piece and the distance of the side walls (34, 35) of the passages (30, 31) - in cross section - from the outer wall (2) to the inner wall (3) decreases at least for a distance from the outer wall (2) to the inner wall (3) and then increases again. The method of production is carried out by blowing the helmet (1) out of the plastic bag (13) inside the mold (11) so that the plastic bag (13) is formed inside the cavity (12) of the mold (11) into a double wall (2, 3 , 5) forming a helmet (1). The helmet (1) may form a helmets for motorcyclists with an outer shell.

Description

Helmet, especially for cyclists, and method of its production

Technical field

The invention relates to a helmet, in particular for cyclists or motorcyclists, with an improved cushioning effect, and to a method for its manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,786 discloses a one-piece, low-weight protective helmet consisting of an outer wall, an inner wall and passages connecting the outer and inner walls. These passages are arranged perpendicular to the respective wall or are arranged at least in part obliquely at an angle of 45 ° to 90 ° to the upper as well as the lower wall.

US-A-4 075 717 further discloses a helmet which is produced by molding from foam. In the manufacture of this helmet, the space between the two shells is simultaneously foamed during the forming of the outer and inner shells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a new helmet with improved impact cushioning performance and a method for manufacturing the helmet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This task is accomplished by a helmet, in particular a bicycle helmet, with an outer wall and an inner wall in the form of a shell and with individual passages connecting the two walls, with side walls connecting the outer wall and the inner wall to each other. the inner wall and the passageways are formed as one piece according to the invention, the essence of which is that the distance of the side walls of the passages - in cross section - from the outer wall to the inner wall decreases and then increases again at least part of the distance from the outer wall to the inner wall.

The side walls of the passages thus formed reinforce the walls of the helmet, while at the same time maintaining the elasticity due to the shape of the helmet and, consequently, the optimum ability of the helmet to absorb impacts. At the same time, this embodiment has the advantage that it provides the possibility of forming passages when blowing a one-piece helmet or at least pre-preparing them. Advantageously, the two walls of the helmet can be made integrally and subsequently cut in the region of the passages, thereby forming the respective passages. In addition to the reinforcing effect, the passages have the additional advantage of improving air circulation on the inside of the helmet.

According to a preferred embodiment, several of these passages are provided and have a longitudinal shape and are oriented in the longitudinal direction of the helmet for better air guidance.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the passages are offset from each other in terms of their longitudinal dimension, which further increases the shock absorption capacity.

Furthermore, ribs may be advantageously arranged on the outer and / or inner wall of the helmet to further increase the rigidity of the helmet.

These advantages are further synergistic due to the existence of a double wall of blown plastic. This, on the one hand, greatly reduces production costs, since the helmet can be manufactured in a single molding process, and on the other hand, although the blown plastic is flexible but has a certain hardness, it is particularly suitable for making helmets, for example for cyclists. And finally he can

The blown plastic has a relatively small wall thickness, which greatly contributes to the desired reduction in the weight of the helmet. In contrast to foamed helmets, such as styropor, in the case of permanent deformation, the helmet of the present invention can be simply restored to its initial shape by heating the deformed area with hot water or hot air from the hair dryer. As a result, the recessed deformed point is again aligned to its original shape. In addition, there is the option of coloring the helmet according to the customer's wishes, which was not possible with styropor. Aromatic substances can even be added to the plastic to promote the advertising effect or the sale of such helmets, for example special helmets for children.

The one-piece design of the helmet has the advantage that the complete helmet shell can be manufactured in a single manufacturing operation, so that assembly or adhesive operations are no longer required. Also, there is no longer a danger that the bonding points become loose when the helmet is subjected to mechanical or thermal stress.

The multi-shell design of the helmet of the invention provides the advantage that the cavity, if necessary, can be filled with a special damping material or specially sized, which may be important for certain applications or for a special damping material that cannot be injected or foamed.

In order to increase the deformation resistance of the helmet according to the invention, in particular for cyclists, means are provided which reinforce the walls of the helmet when subjected to compressive stress but also act against each other when the helmet is twisted. By making the helmet double-walled, it is achieved that the helmet fully complies with the technical requirements in terms of strength and, in addition, substantially exceeds the properties of the prior art helmets, in particular bicycle helmets, made for example of styropor.

The reinforcement is such that when the rider falls and the head protected by the helmet according to the invention hits a hard object such as paving or the like, the helmet according to the invention absorbs more impact energy than a helmet which has no reinforcement. In the event of a crash with such a helmet without stiffening, the two walls of the helmet may touch each other at a low impact, and the impact energy that still exists at that point has an undamped effect on the rider's head.

Advantageously, at least one passage is provided as a means to reinforce the helmet, the side walls of which are closed, i.e. they form a connection between the outer and inner walls of the helmet in the region of the passage. The side walls of the passageway reinforce the helmet walls with respect to each other, thereby increasing the shock absorption capacity. This embodiment also has the potential advantage that it provides the possibility of making the passages already when the one-piece helmet is deflated or at least is pre-prepared.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the advantage is easier to manufacture the helmet and, on the other hand, a certain damping is achieved in the area of the passage because their side walls extend obliquely.

According to other advantageous embodiments increasing the rigidity of the helmet, the legal regulations and standards, both domestic and foreign, are met.

Within the cavity between the two walls of the helmet, the walls may be spaced apart to facilitate the blow molding of the helmet.

The helmet according to the invention can be used as a protective helmet, in particular a motorcycle helmet, which comprises the helmet described above as a base body and this base body carries on its outer side a rigidly attached additional shell. This means that a conventional styrofoam protective helmet is replaced with a new plastic base body and double-walled construction.

Said object furthermore fulfills a method for producing a helmet according to the invention, in particular a bicycle helmet, with an outer wall and an inner wall in the form of a shell and with individual passages connecting the two

The wall, with the side walls connecting the outer wall and the inner wall to each other, wherein the helmet is made of blown plastic, the outer wall, inner wall and passageways are formed as one piece whose nature is that the helmet is blown out of plastic of the bag within the mold such that the plastic bag is formed within the mold cavity into a double wall forming the helmet.

The method of manufacturing a helmet according to the invention is a particularly simple method of manufacturing, while at the same time all the advantages of the plastic used are transferred to this method of manufacturing a helmet.

It is particularly advantageous that reinforcements can also be produced by blow molding in the form of wall portions of the helmet which are in contact with each other and which can then be cut out, thereby providing passages which serve both for reinforcement and for ventilation of the helmet.

Due to the blow molding method of the helmet, it is possible to provide the plastic itself with glowing fluorescent dye substances and colored pigments. In the styropor helmets used hitherto, these colored substances and pigments had to be applied by means of an optional foil placed on the styropor helmet. The same applies to the use of plastic which, in the case of the invention, can be provided with even aromatic substances, thereby achieving a particular 'selling trick', in particular for children's helmets.

Overview of pictures on dawn

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a side view of a bicycle helmet according to the invention; FIG. 2 shows a sectional view along the line II of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a helmet according to the invention for cyclists; FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the line III-III of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a plan view of the front of the helmet of FIG. 4; 7, 8, 9 and 10 always in cross section of the reinforcement of the helmet walls, fig. 11 in cross section of the helmet wall with additional plastic layer, fig. 12 side view of another embodiment of the helmet according to the invention for cyclists, fig. 14, 15 and 16, on a larger scale, a sectional view of a part of a helmet with various reinforcement possibilities, FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of a helmet according to the invention, which is Fig. 18 schematically illustrates a motorcyclist helmet using a helmet according to the invention as a base body.

-3GB 283823 B6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The helmet 1, in this case the bicycle helmet, is double-walled as shown in FIG. 2, i.e. it consists of an outer wall 2 and an inner wall 3, which on both sides enclose a closed cavity 4 therebetween. The walls 2, 3 form, with their front edges 5, one part of a suitable plastic, in particular polyethylene, forming the helmet 1.

On the inner surface 3 ' of the inner wall 3, conventional damping belts 6 of foamed plastic or rubber and the usual chin strap 7 can be placed. For this purpose, both walls can be

2, 3 are provided with through recesses (not shown) into which shaped parts 40 carrying the tensioning straps 7 can be inserted, their secure connection being ensured by interference fit, tongue-and-groove connection and the like.

Advantageously, the cavity 4 may be connected to the environment by small outlet openings 8. In addition, or instead of these outlet openings 8, larger openings 8 'may be provided which are closed by a pressure relief valve, preferably a valve in the form of a flexible flap 9 In the event of an impact, the impact force exerts a pressure on both walls 2, 3 in the direction of the cavity 4. This is particularly true of the outer wall 2. By impact, the volume of the cavity 4 is compressed. In order to achieve the desired resilience of the helmet 1, it is advantageous if the air contained in the cavity 4 can escape through the openings 8, 8 'out. It has proven to be advantageous when the air exits with some deceleration. This braking is achieved in the case of the outlet openings 8 by a small diameter design and in the case of the openings 8 'by means of a plastic or rubber foil, which by its own elasticity presses against the openings 8', the elastic force thus generated can be overcome by air flowing out.

A valve in the form of a flexible flap 9 is mounted on the outside of the helmet 1 at the location of line 10. Other suitable arrangements are also contemplated.

In Fig. 3, only the blowing of the helmet 1 by means of a mold U, provided with a cavity 12, the shape of which corresponds to the external dimensions of the helmet 1 to be manufactured, is schematically shown. A bag 13 is inserted into this cavity 12, which is inflated by means of the air duct 14 and cured in the desired manner by heating.

It is also essential that, in this manufacturing process, fastening slots can also be formed in the blown plastic for fastening the straps 7. These fastening slots have a higher tear resistance than slots in helmets made of foamed plastic, such as styropor, or by deep drawing. .

In particular, recyclable plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers or copolymers of polystyrene and acrylic butadiene styrene or ABS, and also polyamide or polycarbonate, can be used for the production of helmet 1. The wall thickness, elasticity and hardness of the plastic can be adjusted as required.

The cavity 4 between the two walls 2, 3 can be filled with foamed plastic. This can be achieved either by foaming or filling the cavity 4 with small spheres of foam plastic.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the helmet 1 according to the invention, which is provided on the upper side with passages 30, 31 which increase stiffness by suppressing both walls 2, 3 by pressure towards each other thereby greatly increasing the energy absorption capacity of the helmet

The individual passages 30, 31 have side walls 34, 35 which connect the outer wall 2 to the inner wall

3, the cavity 4 still being closed.

-4 CZ 283823 B6

As can be seen from FIG. 5, for example, the side walls 34 are such that their distance decreases over a portion of the distance of the outer wall 2 from the inner wall 3 and increases again on the remaining part.

For further reinforcement of the helmet 1, on each side of the helmet 1 a rib 33 extending from the front arcuate to the rear is provided, which further increases the strength of the helmet L

As shown in FIG. 6, the passages 30, 31 have a longitudinal shape and are disposed in the longitudinal direction of the helmet 1. Thus, in addition to the effect of increasing the stiffness of the helmet 1, a particularly good air flow around the head of the rider using the helmet 1 is guaranteed. It follows that the individual passages 30, 31 are offset from one another, whereby the reinforcement profile of the helmet 1 is further improved.

FIG. 6 further shows a rib 33 disposed laterally on the helmet 1 to further increase its stiffness. A further rib 32 arranged on the inner wall 3 is also intended for reinforcement, see FIG. 5.

According to FIG. 6, it is also possible to illustrate the manufacture of the passages 30, 31. The helmet 1 consists of two walls 2, 3 which, as already mentioned, are produced by blowing out of the bag 13. The walls 2, 3, after deflating but before they are removed from the mold 11, are pressed together in sub-regions 22, 23, 24 by suitable tools so that they stick together at these points. Subsequently, the partial regions 22, 23, 24 glued to one another along the dashed lines 10 are cut out to form passages 30, 31.

The edges surrounding these sub-regions 22, 23, 24 then form closely connected parts of the walls 2, 3. This creates passages 30, 31 through which ambient air can penetrate to the surface of the rider's head.

At the same time, the wall parts are 2 ', 3'. 7, since the wall portions 2 ', 3' form an angle with the other " smooth " outer surfaces 8, 9 of the helmet 1 so that they can virtually absorb the impact energy caused by the fall helmet 1 in the direction of the arrows 38, 39, see Fig. 7.

Said angle may vary in size, as shown in other embodiments.

This inclination angle of the wall portions can also vary continuously, see waveforms in Figs. 8, 9, 10.

In the cross-section shown in FIG. 7, it can be seen that each of the wall portions 2 ', 3' converges in the direction of the second wall 2, 3 and then diverges. This results in a honeycomb structure which, however, as shown in FIG. 6, does not extend over the entire area of the helmet 1, but only in the partial areas in which the impact resistance to be clarified must be given.

Fig. 8 shows a wavy shape of the two walls 2, 3 in a section analogous to the section Π-II in Fig. 6, the waves always having the same meaning, or they run "synchronously" with each other. Here again, the contours 16, 17 of the "smooth" outer surfaces of the helmet 1 are again indicated.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-section of the two walls 2, 3, which also have the shape of waves, but the waves of the walls 2, 3 have the opposite meaning or are arranged "non-synchronously". In this case too, the contours 16, 17 of the outer surfaces of the helmet 1 are indicated.

This embodiment according to the invention, that is to say, the walls 2, 3 (FIGS. 7 to 9), or at least the inner wall 3 (FIG. 10) of the helmet 1, always extend to the second wall 2, 3 and back again, If the reinforcement of the helmet 1 has been achieved, it does not need to be provided over the entire area of the helmet 1. It is sufficient to arrange this embodiment on its parts which are most vulnerable to impact in the event of a fall.

-5GB 283823 B6

The embodiment according to FIG. 10 shows that the outer wall 2 is not directed towards the inner wall 3 and back again, but is straight, so that only the inner wall 3 is guided to and from the outer wall 2 for reinforcement as shown by the wall. parts 3 'of the inner wall 3 in FIG. 10.

Because the outer wall 2 in this case is smooth, it gives the helmet 1 a particularly aesthetic appearance, while the inner wall 3 provides the required rigidity and serves to absorb the impact energy during the rider.

8 to 10, the two walls 2, 3 have a certain distance A from each other, thereby facilitating blow molding. It is to be understood, however, that at the side edges or the front edges 5, the walls 2, 3 in the embodiment according to FIG.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, outlet openings 8 may be provided to ensure that the internal air can escape upon impact. As can be seen from FIG. 12, the air outlet opening 8 'may be provided with a valve in the form of a flexible flap 9, which flexible flap 9 imparts some resistance to the air flowing from the opening 8'. In principle, however, other types of valves may also be used. It will be understood that the described air leakage options may be adapted to other embodiments.

FIG. 11 shows that one or more pads 18, which consist of viscoelastic foam, may be provided within the helmet 1 as impact protection. This foam absorbs shocks particularly well. A particular advantage of this foam is that it is resilient and elastic, i.e., it conforms to the internal camber of the helmet 1 and retains this matched shape even when the helmet 1 is removed from the head. This is more advantageous than the inner lining of elastic foam, since in this case it is necessary to offer the rider several helmets with different thickness layers of such elastic foam to choose.

The embodiment of the helmet 1 according to FIGS. 12 and 13 is characterized in that the plastic parts of the helmet 1 forming the walls 2, 3 are manufactured separately and then joined together at their edges 19, preferably welded or glued, so that the cavity 4 is closed again.

As already mentioned, the shell plastic parts of the helmet 1 forming the outer wall 2 and the inner wall 3 can be made of deep drawn or injection molded plastic. The walls 2, 3 are manufactured separately and then joined together, for example as already mentioned.

Between the walls 2, 3 there are provided reinforcements 26a which can be made in one piece with at least one of the walls 2, 3, see Fig. 15.

Alternatively, the reinforcements 26a of FIG. 14 may be manufactured separately and joined to the wall 2, 3 for example, glued together. It is recommended that these reinforcements 26a are also made of plastic. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, these reinforcements 26a with helmet walls 2, 3 form a honeycomb pattern.

14 to 16 are preferably provided on the entire helmet 1, but at least on that part of the helmet 1 which can be most impacted by the impact energy, at least as indicated. 13 in the arrow C.

As can be seen from the figure, the reinforcements 26a extend from one wall 2, 3 in the direction of the other wall 3, 2. They can be arranged either at an acute angle with respect to said walls 2, 3, see FIG. see Figures 14 to 16.

By joining, for example, welding or gluing the two walls 2, 3 of the helmet 1 at its edges 19, the cavity 4 between these walls 2, 3 is airtight. This cavity 4 has a slider in the event of a fall

After impacting the helmet 1 as a result of compressed air in this cavity 4, the additional damping effect is absorbed and the corresponding impact energy is absorbed.

In addition, an overpressure of air could be generated either during manufacture or preferably by means of a valve within this cavity 4 of helmet 1. In this way, a suitable overpressure would, in particular for the plastic material used for the walls 2, 3, which has greater flexibility, achieve the desired impact energy resistance and, in particular, to absorb the impact energy.

If the wall material 2, 3 is very hard, the possible overpressure in the cavity 4 may be less than that of the plastic which is compliant. It is assumed that no ventilation or other openings are provided in the walls 2, 3 of the helmet 1.

However, the invention can also be implemented with ventilation openings. Again in this case, in addition to absorbing or damping the impact energy by the reinforcements 26a, 26b, air damping can be achieved by arranging outlet openings 8 to allow the exit of air located in one plastic part of the helmet 1, preferably in the outer wall 2. in the cavity 4 when the two walls 2, 3 are pressed together due to the impact, but giving some resistance to the outgoing air. This resistance can be increased even further by providing the respective outlet openings 8 'on the outside with a flexible flap 9 which increases this resistance and which avoids the outgoing air. Alternatively, a valve may be provided.

It should be emphasized, however, that the creation of an overpressure as well as the arrangement of the outlet openings is not absolutely necessary, these measures being a special additional design.

FIG. 13 further shows a damping strip 6 arranged on the inside.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment with reinforcements 26a that are formed in one piece, for example with the outer wall 2 of helmet 1. In this embodiment, a not too large distance A is arranged between the ends of the reinforcement 26a and the inner surface 3 'of the inner wall 3 of helmet 1.

In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the reinforcements 26a of the outer wall 2 engage in a comb-like manner with the reinforcements 26b of the inner wall 3.1, in this case spacing A may be provided if necessary.

Fig. 17 shows an embodiment with a fan propeller 25 arranged in the upper part of the passage 30, which is rotatably mounted in the side walls 34, 35 of the passage 30 by side shaft extensions 26, 27. Passage 30.

Advantageously, the fan rotor 25 may be driven by a drive unit (not shown), which may also be a solar cell, also not shown. This solar cell is preferably placed on the side 1 of the helmet.

Referring to FIG. 18, a motorcycle protective helmet 50 is provided with a base body 53 in the form of a helmet 1, as described above, in place of the conventional styropore base body. The base body 53 is preferably provided with suitable reinforcements.

A shell 51 is fixedly attached to the outside of the base body 53, thereby forming an integral helmet in the embodiment of FIG. The shell 51 is made of impact resistant plastic, such as carbonate poles. On the front side of the shell 51, a pivotable transparent cover 52 is arranged in a conventional manner.

An advantage of embodiments of the invention is that the two walls 2, 3 of the helmet 1 can be made of the same recyclable plastic, for example polystyrene, ABS, polyamide or polycarbonate.

-7EN 283823 B6

After removing the cushioning strips 6 formed by the foam elements and the tensioning straps 7, the helmet 1 as a whole can be discarded.

In particular, polyethylene is used as the material for the production of helmet 1. However, it is also possible to use polypropylene, further copolymers such as copolymers of polystyrene and acrylic butadiene styrene or ABS, as well as polyamide or polycarbonate and PET.

The blown plastic material may be provided with luminous or fluorescent colored substances or colored pigments. In this embodiment, the illuminated helmet then lights up so that the rider is more easily recognizable in the dark. It is also possible to provide the helmet plastic material with special flavorings in order to increase the marketability of the helmet, especially for children.

It should be pointed out that the helmet according to the invention may be used not only as a helmet for cyclists, but also for quite different purposes.

The wall thickness, the elasticity and the hardness of the plastic are chosen as required.

All features shown and described, as well as combinations thereof, are essential to the invention. The features contained in one of the exemplary embodiments may be used equally well in other exemplary embodiments.

Claims (16)

PATENT CLAIMS A helmet, in particular a bicycle helmet, with an outer wall (2) and an inner wall (3) in the form of a shell and with individual passages (30, 31) connecting the two walls (2, 3) to the side walls (34, 35) connecting the outer wall (2) and the inner wall (3) to each other, the helmet (1) consisting of blown plastic, the outer wall (2), the inner wall (3) and the passages (30, 31) being formed as one piece, characterized in that the distance of the side walls (34, 35) of the passages (30, 31) from the outer wall (2) to the inner wall (3), at least part of the distance from the outer wall (2) to the inner wall (3), shrinks and then grows again. Helmet according to claim 1, characterized in that the passages (30, 31) have a longitudinal shape and are oriented in the longitudinal direction of the helmet (1). Helmet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the passages (30, 31) are offset from one another in their longitudinal direction. Helmet according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the outer wall (2) and / or the inner wall (3) is provided with ribs (32, 33). Helmet according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the outer wall (2), the inner wall (3) and the passages (30, 31) are made of recyclable material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers such as polystyrene copolymer and acrylic butadiene styrene or ABS; and polyamide or polycarbonate. Helmet according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the wall thickness (2, 3) is 1.5 to 2 mm. -8EN 283823 B6 Helmet according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the plastic is provided with luminous fluorescent dye substances or colored pigments. Helmet according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the plastic is provided with aromatic substances. Helmet according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one air outlet opening (8, 8 ') is arranged in one of the walls (2, 3), in particular in the outer wall (2). Helmet according to claim 9, characterized in that the outlet opening (8) is of such a small diameter that the outgoing air is inhibited and / or the outlet openings are provided with a valve which also inhibits the outgoing air. Helmet according to claim 10, characterized in that the valve is designed as a flat flexible flap (9) and is located on the outer surface of the respective wall (2, 3) and covers the respective opening (8 '). Helmet according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it forms a base body (53) and the base body (53) carries on its outer side a rigidly attached additional shell (51). Method of manufacturing a helmet according to one of claims 1 to 12, in particular a cyclist helmet, with an outer wall and an inner wall in the form of a shell and with individual passages connecting both walls, with side walls which connect the outer wall and the inner wall to each other. The outer wall, the inner wall and the passageways are formed as one piece, characterized in that the helmet (1) is blown out of the plastic bag (13) inside the mold (11), the plastic bag (13) inside. molds the cavities (12) of the mold (11) into the double wall (2, 3, 5) forming the helmet (1). Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the thickness adjustment of the walls (2, 3) is always carried out to a desired value, for example in the range from 0.5 to 1 mm. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the adjustment of the wall thickness (2, 3) is carried out by selecting a bag (13) with a corresponding thickness. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the walls (2, 3) are pressed together and joined together, in particular glued together, with the partial regions (22, 23, 24) after deflation but before being removed from the mold (11). whereupon these sub-regions (22, 23, 24) are cut to form passages (30, 31) with side walls (34, 35).