EP0072767B1 - Headgear for a motor cyclist, provided with a strapless attachment flange - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a motorcycle protective helmet equipped with a retention device making it possible to improve its positioning and its retention on its user.

The usual device for securing helmets consists of a simple chin strap made up of two textile ribbons, or leather straps, each secured by one of their ends to the base of the helmet shell at two lateral and opposite points thereof. Their free ends are connected together, under the chin of the user, by a loop or other suitable member. Apart from the fact that such a helmet does not offer protection of the lower part of the chin, this uncomfortable device is all the more so since it is tight enough to ensure effective support. However even in this case, the anchor points of the chin strap to the shell of the helmet being clearly offset relative to the transverse median plane of the skull of the user, the helmet will tend, during an impact, to tilt from back to front in a rotational movement around an axis passing roughly through the ears of the helmet wearer. Such a device cannot therefore prevent the helmet from leaving the head during a simple shock or followed by twists and turns. Furthermore, in the case where the helmet is subjected to a tearing force directed from the base towards its top, this force is fully transmitted to the lower part of the user's chin, in the form of a pressure which can be dangerous. because of the small surface of the chin strap by which it is applied. This device, as uncomfortable as it is dangerous, has already been improved by the adoption of a device for securing helmets essentially consisting of a rigid skirt extending the base of the helmet shell and formed of two articulated parts, one at the front, the other at the rear of the hull, locked by their movable ends in the lateral zones of this same hull. However, this device is not without drawbacks. Thus, the members enabling the locking device to be actuated are easily accessible from outside the helmet and can come into contact with an asperity of the ground during an impact, hence unlocking and therefore possible opening of at least one part of each half-skirt. Furthermore, the introduction and removal of the helmet - mainly if the user is warmly dressed in a sweater or high collar jacket, which is common for a motorcyclist - is difficult because of the range of movement described by the ends of each half-skirt when they are opened or closed. The presence of small tabs, fitted with a hook, integral with each of the ends of the rear half-skirt, makes the operation even more delicate, since it is common to tear a garment - mainly a knitted fabric - by inadvertently engaging the 'one of these hooks in a mesh of said garment. Finally, the use of a rigid skirt makes it necessary to provide protection of the user's neck against contact with the edge of this skirt by a shock absorbing system and a thick padding of flexible foam inserted between it and the wearer's neck. helmet. Therefore, the perimeter of the cutout drawn by the edge of the skirt itself is much greater than the perimeter of the neck that it is supposed to surround. The retention is therefore effectively ensured - mainly at the front of the helmet - only by the padding of flexible foam pressing its upper face against the lower face of the user's chin. The slightest shock subjecting the helmet to a torque is enough to deform this padding so that the user can see his helmet, if not detach from his head, at least rock back and forth until the retention system come and lean against the underside of his nose. From where a situation at the very least uncomfortable and dangerous, mainly if the interested person wears a pair of glasses, the upper part of it then coming to crash against his browbones ...

In addition, helmets of this type cannot benefit from the anti-theft systems adopted today by all manufacturers of modern motorcycles and consisting simply of an anti-theft hook secured to the machine and provided so that the buckle can be hung there. metal fitted to the chin strap of all ordinary protective helmets. This system is not a foolproof efficiency, since it is easy, for a possible thief, to cut said chin strap in order to appropriate the helmet. However, this device makes it possible to reduce to a certain extent the risk of theft and above all has the advantage of having been adopted unanimously by all manufacturers of motorcycles without this imposing on helmet manufacturers having to modify their productions. It can therefore be seen that any owner of a helmet fitted with a securing device without chin strap - therefore without attachment loop - cannot use the anti-theft hook with which his motorcycle is nevertheless fitted, and must purchase a additional anti-theft accessory, expensive, heavy and bulky, generally consisting of a large chain or metal loop passing on the one hand around the chin part of the helmet to be protected and on the other hand around a fixed part of the motorcycle. However, these helmets are already among the most expensive on the market, the prospect of having to add to their price that of such an anti-theft accessory, or, failing having to walk around with their helmet during each stop, encourages a fairly large number of potential customers to opt for a classic helmet despite the preferential choice they wear on a helmet with a securing device without chinstrap. Finally it is known from document FR-A-2 371 894 (LITTLER) a protective helmet provided with a collar for protection against accidents, this collar however being intended to be used in association with the retention systems generally adopted on helmets and not to replace them.

The helmet, object of the invention, has an improved securing device which, according to the variant envisaged, makes it possible to avoid all or part of the faults inherent in the prior techniques and ensures that it can fully fulfill its protective role of the cranial box. , whatever the stresses it may undergo during a single shock or followed by twists and turns, especially during a fall.

According to a preferred variant, this device is characterized in that it essentially consists of a substantially toroidal bead, concentric with the opening delimited by the lower edge of the helmet shell, this when the helmet is closed. This bead is linked to the base of this shell by means of one or more flexible elements. The bead consists of one or more sections which come together end to end when the helmet is closed and thus form a kind of collar around the user's neck. The base of the face and the skull of the latter then being in abutment against the upper face of this necklace. The helmet being locked in the closed position, the perimeter of the bead is invariable. Each of the parts making up the whole bead may be rigid or made of a flexible material - at least in the plane parallel to that of the base of the shell - but not extensible, or flexible and elastic but armed with a flexible core - at least in the plane parallel to that of the base of the helmet - but not extendable. In all cases, the bead is covered with a certain thickness of padding - an element of comfort and security - at least in the areas of its external surface liable to come into contact with the user. If the bead is formed of two or more sections, each of them can be articulated (in particular if the bead is rigid) by one of its ends at the end of the neighboring section, one end of at least one section being separable (unlocking) of the end of the section against which it bears during locking (this in order to allow the opening of the collar that constitutes the closed bead). If the bead is made up of two or more sections, the two ends of each section can also be kept in contact, helmet closed and locked, against the neighboring section or sections, and completely dissociate from it (no articulations) to allow opening the helmet. In the case where the bead is in one piece and split at a single point (flexible bead), the two ends determined by this break come to bear one against the other and are held there by a locking system (closure of the collar) and - after being unlocked - can be moved away from each other (opening of the collar) thanks to the elastic deformation which is imposed on the bead in order to be able to remove the helmet.

In all cases, the ends of two neighboring sections can also come to bear - or be articulated - on either side of an intermediate rigid part secured either to an extension of the hull, or to a rigid articulated part at the base of the hull, either of a set of several rigid parts hinged together, at least one being articulated at the base of the hull, or of a flexible element linked by its upper end to the base of the hull. The end of each of the sections, if it has no articulation cooperating with the end of another section carries a bolt part cooperating with a complementary part secured to the end of the neighboring section or of the intermediate piece between it and the end of the neighboring section. In the case where each bead section is armed with a flexible and non-extensible core, the bolt part secured to one end of the section can be carried by one end of this flexible core.

According to another variant, a flexible frame can also be secured - generally by its center or its end - to an extension of the shell, or to a rigid part articulated at the base of the shell or to a set of rigid parts hinged together and hinged at the base of the hull, or a flexible piece linked by its upper end to the base of the hull. In this case, the end or ends of this frame are engaged in a tubular conduit formed longitudinally in a portion of bead and opening out at the end thereof, the bead can thus slide around the frame during the opening operations and closing. Each free end of such a frame carries a latch part cooperating with a complementary part, integral with the end of the bead section - or of the intermediate piece - against which the other end of the section which it crosses right through. part, comes to bear when closing.

According to a second variant, each free end of such a frame joins - the helmet being closed - the end of another frame inside the same bead. In this case, each of these frame ends carries an identical bolt part cooperating with a complementary part secured to the bead and allowing the connection between these two ends.

According to a first variant, the lock can be a cylindrical piece, chamfered and carrying a circular groove causing a reduction in its diameter over part of its length. This cylinder, integral with one of the parts to be tied, is introduced when the helmet is closed, in a complementary hollow cylinder formed in the other piece to be linked, the side of this hollow cylinder has a light perpendicular to its axis. , through which a tongue passes - possibly pushed by a spring - whose end directed towards the inside of the cylinder is a semicircular cut whose axis is parallel to that of the cylinder and the diameter roughly equal to that of the part of the full cylinder in the area where it is reduced by the groove. In the locked position, the tongue engages in this groove of the full cylinder, preventing it from coming out of the hollow cylinder. Unlocking is done by an operating member secured to the tongue and allowing it to be removed towards the outside of the cylinder. Each flexible frame, integral with an extension, rigid, articulated or flexible, of the base of the shell and sliding in a part of tubular bead during the opening and closing movements can also be independent of the locking device. Indeed, the importance of such frames, even if they do not carry a lock, is essential for the convenience of use of the helmet according to the invention, their essential function is to allow full and wide opening movements of the collar. , and easy closing of the same collar, since they transmit the movement of the bead to the extension of the shell - and vice versa -, and to ensure centering and coincidence between these same elements when they come into contact with one against each other. According to an alternative embodiment, this flexible frame slides in the tubular bead passing through a latch part, which is also tubular, secured to the bead end and through the complementary latch part, which is also tubular, integral with the same articulated extension of the base of the shell as the frame itself, mounted concentrically with this part of the bolt.

According to a second variant, the flexible frame is secured to one end of the bead, and slides in another part of the bead, the articulated extension of the shell then being eliminated.

According to a third variant, each flexible frame, guide element consists of telescopic strands.

According to an alternative embodiment, if the flexible reinforcement is integral with an extension of the shell consisting of several rigid parts articulated together and articulated at the base and at the front of the helmet shell, and in the event where in the event of a rear impact, the play of the joints does not allow, the various articulated parts being stretched as far as possible towards the inside of the helmet, to have a backward movement of the entire collar formed by the bead sufficient to avoid the danger of rupture of the spine by impact of the nape of the neck against the rear part of this collar, at least one of the articulated parts is formed by two parts or telescopic blades which can stretch by sliding or sliding of one on , or in, the other. A stop device prevents the separation of these two parts which are partially free in translation and a spring makes it possible, apart from any violent tensile force, to keep them in the unstretched rest position.

The connection between the bead and the helmet shell is made by one or more flexible elements.

According to a first variant, this element is a veil, flexible or elastic extending the base of the helmet shell, this veil - which may be solid or perforated - is linked, by its upper part, to the base of the helmet shell either during its molding (for a molded rubber veil) either by stapling or wedging complementary shapes of the hull and the veil, or by pinching two lips of the upper edge of the veil on either side of the lower edge of the hull , kept pressed against it by complementary parts - for example two flexible blades - one exterior, the other interior to the helmet, circulating at the base of the shell along its entire circumference and linked together by rivets passing through the through orifices made in correspondence through the two blades. the two lips of the veil and the rim of the hull, either by any other process capable of providing an effective - removable or permanent - connection and capable of withstanding significant tearing forces. In the case of an elastic veil and a molded elastic bead (rubber, elastomer, etc.), the veil may be a form extending the bead obtained during molding thereof. Otherwise, the connection between the bead and the lower edge of the veil can be carried out by any form and method capable of ensuring an effective - removable or permanent - connection, and capable of withstanding significant tearing forces.

According to a first variant, particularly if the elastic veil is linked to the base of the shell and to the bead over all or a large part of their circumferences, the movement in which the bead and the veil deform elastically in order to allow opening of the helmet is more or less complex. Thus, according to a particular embodiment of the helmet according to the invention, the user having carried out the unlocking, he applies to the bead - or to each portion of the bead - a torque tending to cause its overturning towards the outside of the helmet. During this maneuver the veil generally works in compression in the zone where the force is applied and in extension in the zones distant from this point. These internal forces in the veil allow the bead, from the moment it passes under the shell, outside the helmet, to reach a false equilibrium position by going up outside the helmet to bear against the face external of it. For closing, a force applied to the bead and tending to detach it from the helmet allows it to spontaneously return to its closed position, if this is its true equilibrium position. The true position of equilibrium is the position that the sail-bead assembly adopts outside all constraints, that is to say, for a molded part, the position it has in its manufacturing mold. In this position the internal forces to which the veil and the bead are subjected during their elastic deformations, cancel each other out with a few residual tensions.

According to another variant, the movement opening can also, more simply, take place in a single plane, parallel to the base of the shell and passing through the bead, the latter being simply open, and the two branches delimited by this opening kept apart one of the other. This movement can still have as many variants as there are types of possible realizations, its nature, its quality and the planes in which it develops being influenced by the choice of a true position of equilibrium other than that closed, by the flexibility and elasticity of the bead, by the presence of cuts or missing parts at the level of the veil or the bead, etc. In fact, so that the device can be maneuverable without much effort, the veil must be split up and down at least once. It can also be split into two points around its circumference. Each of the slots dividing the veil and the bead can be replaced by the pure and simple removal of a certain portion of the bead alone, of the veil alone, or of the veil and the bead. The elastic veil can also be reinforced punctually, in the areas where it will not have to work in extension, by one or more flexible but non-stretchable elements such as textile ribbons or by inclusion of textile or metallic threads connecting the upper part of the skirt (base of the helmet shell) at its lower part (bead) along a path that cannot be straight or strictly vertical. Furthermore, each interruption of the flexible veil constituting the skirt (contour of any days or of its ends) is reinforced by an increase in its thickness - for example according to the shape of a cylindrical rod -. This thickening, if it does not determine a rectilinear outline, is itself reinforced longitudinally with a wire or a small metallic cable embedded in its center.

In a particular embodiment, the flexible veil, in particular if it is made of rubber, extends outside the shell over the entire surface thereof. The helmet thus produced improves its aesthetic qualities and shock absorption. Thus, the external surface of the hull and the objects which may come into contact with it, in particular the body of the motorcycle - will no longer have to undergo the damage that such contacts generally cause them.

According to a second variant, the connection between the shell of the helmet and the bead is provided by at least two flexible but non-stretchable elements such as textile ribbons or leather straps.

According to a third variant, the connection between the shell of the helmet and the bead is provided jointly by at least one non-stretchy flexible element and, at least along part of their perimeters, by one or more flexible and elastic sails, each of these sails can be reinforced punctually by one or more flexible but not extensible elements.

According to a fourth variant, the height positioning of the bead relative to the base of the shell is adjustable. Thus, in the case of using flexible but not extensible elements, such as textile ribbons, to operate the connection between the bead and the shell, it is easy to equip these elements with metal loops - or other similar adjustment systems. - of the type used on conventional chinstrap.

According to a fifth variant, the perimeter of the bead in its closed and locked position is adjustable so as to be able to adapt to the morphology of each user, this in the case where the external padding of the bead is not sufficient to compensate for these differences in conformation. In all cases, in the event of an impact of the edge of the collar formed by the bead against the user's neck, it is the entire bead which, thanks to the flexibility and possible elasticity of the element or elements which connect to the shell of the helmet can move, thus ceasing to be concentric with the opening delimited by the lower edge of the shell. A damping role, supplemented by the elasticity of the padding of the bead, is thus ensured without the perimeter of the bead and therefore the quality of the retention which it ensures being modified. In the case where the helmet is subjected to a tearing force exerted from the bottom up, the bead, if it is linked to the shell by one or more elastic elements, absorbs, here again, the shock by moving towards the bottom, while continuing to fully ensure the retention of the helmet thanks to its non-extensibility and the constancy of its perimeter. The fact that such an elastic veil is reinforced punctually by one or more flexible but not extensible elements or that the bead is punctually secured by one or more rigid extensions, or rigid articulated or flexible but non-extensible of the shell increases the resistance to such tearing forces and limits the amplitude of elastic deformations. Furthermore, if it is true that the inextensible nature of the bead in the closed position is the guarantee of an optimum quality of the retention of the helmet on its user, the fact remains that the helmet can still be operational, within the limits imposed by the homologation standards, if the bead is extensible, without excess.

Thus, according to a particular embodiment, the bead is made of molded rubber, without inextensible framework.

The problem of ventilation and ventilation of the interior of the helmets could not yet be satisfactorily resolved due to the limitation imposed by the homologation standards on the surface of the cuts made in the helmet shell. This is why, according to an alternative embodiment of the helmet according to the invention, the flexible skirt is extended in each of its two lateral zones - or front lateral zones - beyond the normal contour - marked by the cylindrical rod described above - of one of its days or of its end, by a small flexible veil linked on the one hand to the base of the shell and on the other hand to the bead as well as to the flexible skirt but whose height - more important towards the 'before that backwards is of greater value than that of the rest of the skirt in the area where it is tied to it. So that this veil, while not interfering with the closing and opening movements of the helmet, cannot remain in the exact extension of the skirt but can be pulled towards the outside of the helmet where it finds a position of equilibrium giving it the look and function of an air intake, open on the side of the helmet, towards the outside of the helmet, and roughly affecting the shape of a half-truncated cone whose radius the largest is open towards the front. The air thus captured is engulfed in a fairly large channel formed on the outer surface of the cap used for the internal padding of the helmet and emerging at the base of the helmet in alignment and extension of the air intake. This pipe, moving away from the base of the helmet, is divided into several openings opening into the interior of the helmet. These holes see their diameter increase as they move away from the area where the air intake is located.

According to another embodiment, the pipe emerging at the base of the shell of the helmet is formed on the external surface of the shell, then, crossing the latter, extends towards the top of the helmet by several other pipes formed on the internal surface of the shell or the outer surface of the foam comfort padding covering the shell. In this embodiment, the pipe emerging at the base of the helmet shell can also, according to a third variant, be formed on the internal surface and at the base of the cap to open as close as possible to the air intake concerned. The air, along these channels is thus distributed harmoniously along the entire internal surface of the helmet padding. However, and to keep this helmet the advantage - appreciable in cold weather or at high speed - of a very closed helmet (absence of uncontrolled drafts) it is enough in these circumstances to push each of the two small flexible sails making hitherto office air intakes towards the interior of the helmet where they find a second position of equilibrium, symmetrical with the previous one, to fulfill an inverse role of air deflector and obturator of the pipe formed in the cap. It is remarkable that the aeration device according to the invention (flexible air intake associated with a network of pipes arranged in the shell or the comfort padding) can, without departing from the scope of the invention and with a few adjustments be applied to a chinstrap helmet.

According to an alternative embodiment of the helmet according to the invention, and in order to perfect the airtightness thereof when used in cold weather or at high speed, flaps made of rigid or semi-rigid materials slide between the internal face of the helmet shell and the outer face of the shell and can be lowered below the lower edge of the shell to act as a barrier and air deflector between the base of the helmet shell and the bead in areas where the flexible skirt ensuring the connection between the bead and the base of the helmet shell is perforated or nonexistent.

According to an alternative embodiment of a helmet according to the invention, if it comprises at least one rigid part articulated by a hinge at the base of its shell, it is equipped with a system consisting precisely of a rigid element - generally a metal wire - which, the axis of articulation of this hinge, also forms, extending outside of it a single or double loop capable of coming to hang on the anti-theft systems for helmets of motorcycles. This loop can also pass, independently of the hinge through two holes, or a conduit formed in the shell of the helmet. However, who says hole in the shell of a helmet also says modifications of a very expensive mold, initiation of rupture of the shell thus arranged, and problems of tightness, both in air and in water, of said shell. This is why the preferred embodiment of the anti-theft device which is the subject of the invention is characterized by the fact that it is used to replace an already existing articulation axis, the price of this axis thus saved coming from elsewhere. the price of the anti-theft loop.

According to an alternative embodiment, this anti-theft device is a system of two loops, one of which, also forming a hinge pin, is linked to the other by a swivel. Thus, this second loop, free to rotate, can be attached to the helmet lock provided on any motorcycle, while keeping the helmet the possibility, regardless of the direction of the axis of the motorcycle lock hook, to be oriented. with respect to it so that any rain that occurs during a stop cannot fill it with water, which would be the case if the base of the helmet were turned towards the sky.

In order to improve the aesthetic qualities of the helmet and to prevent the dual system of anti-theft loops from producing an unpleasant rattling noise when using the helmet, an appropriate system allows this set of loops to be immobilized and pressed against the external surface of the helmet when not in use as an anti-theft device. Thus, according to one embodiment, the loop or all of the two anti-theft loops can be clipped onto - or in - an embossed form - or recessed - of the helmet shell or of the rigid part articulated thereto. . The anti-theft device thus produced, not only eliminates the defect of helmets provided with a securing device without chin strap compared to ordinary helmets, but improves the device since the anti-theft loop is not linked to the helmet by an easy chin strap. section.

To reduce manufacturing costs. according to an alternative embodiment, the anti-theft loop system also serving as an articulation axis to a hinge is adapted to the helmet object of the invention in order to fulfill the quadruple function of articulation axis, anti-theft loop, locking system and safety blocking device for said locking.

According to another embodiment, the system anti-theft loop may not fulfill in addition to its initial functions of hinge pin and anti-theft loop that a third function of the locking system, or blocking device of said locking.

With the same aim of reducing the manufacturing cost, the bead, if it is a single piece, tubular and molded in rubber, has its ends treated as a thick rubber bellows. A frame, also tubular, in rilsan or other semi-rigid or flexible material but resistant to tensile and shear forces, is then introduced into this tubular bead, each of its ends, threaded, then receives the bolt parts which serve also longitudinal stops on this frame and which, supported by their rear faces on each end of the rubber bead, allow during their assembly, to compress more or less, depending on the length of the frame on which they are fixed, the bead. In this way, with a single manufacturing mold, it is possible, during assembly, by choosing the length of the frame that it receives, preset the length of the bead for adaptation on a helmet of small, medium or large size .

The fundamental principle of guiding the movable elements allowing the opening of the helmet between them by flexible reinforcements, integral with one of these elements and sliding in the other, can also be used to allow the realization of another type of helmet fitted with a securing device without chin strap.

Thus, according to an alternative embodiment of such a helmet, the shell is extended towards the base and towards the center of the opening determined by this base by a rigid skirt in two parts, at least one of which can slide in a plane parallel to that of the base of the hull, towards the outside thereof. Internally, a sufficiently thick padding covers this skirt in all the areas of its surface liable to come into contact with the user around the neck of which it forms a collar. The connection between each sliding half-skirt and the base of the helmet shell is reinforced, in the closed position, by hooking, along its entire length, the upper edge of these half-skirts to a shape complementary to the lower edge of the shell . In the open position and during the opening and closing movements, the connection and guidance between the base of the shell and each half-skirt are provided by two blades, flexible in the plane parallel to the base of the shell and rigid in the curved plane extending the surface of the shell, roughly parallel to the lower edge of the shell and having no other points of contact with it than the two diametrically opposite point extensions (one for each blade) - substantially vertical - of the base of the shell, by which they are each linked to it by one end. Each blade is thus suspended from the base of the shell. It can have in its equilibrium position a radius of curvature greater than that of the lower edge of the shell, at the limit being rectilinear. The length of each blade is roughly equal to a quarter of the perimeter of the lower edge of the shell, their free ends tend to meet when brought under it. The free end of each of these blades is introduced into a conduit of the same section, with ready functional clearances, formed in the sliding half-skirt and opening at each of its ends. Thus, when this half-skirt is pulled towards the outside of the helmet, it can slide around these flexible blades and clear the opening of the helmet while remaining linked to the shell, by means of these blades. In the closed position, locking can be carried out between the ends of each flexible blade, between the ends of each half-skirt and the extensions of the shell carrying the blades against which they come to rest, between each half-skirt and each flexible blade or between each half-skirt and the base of the shell. An elastic device can make automatic opening of the half-skirt as soon as the unlocking has been actuated.

In the open position, a stop device limits the amplitude of the stroke of each half-skirt and avoids the separation of the half-skirt and the flexible blades which carry it.

According to an alternative embodiment, the helmet according to the invention is equipped with two sliding half-skirts each occupying, in the closed position, substantially half a circumference of the base of the shell. In this case, the two diametrically opposite vertical extensions of the base of the hull each carry a flexible blade which is linked to them by its central zone, the total length of which is roughly equal to the half-perimeter of the base of the hull. and each free end of which is inserted into one of the half-skirts. In the closed position, the half-skirts have their ends approached two by two, and coming to bear on either side of each extension of the hull.

According to another variant, the helmet according to the invention is equipped with a single sliding half-skirt occupying approximately in the closed position, a half-circumference of the base of the shell. This half-skirt is then associated with a fixed half-skirt, an extension of the shell, of the shell and of the comfort padding, or of the shell and of the comfort padding alone. It can also be associated with one of the other devices described in this patent and occupying the other half-circumference of the base of the shell (part of flexible or rigid bead, etc.).

According to an alternative embodiment, each flexible blade is replaced by telescopic elements.

The hull assembly, extension of the hull, flexible blade can be as well monobloc and of the same material as consisting of parts assembled together and made of different materials.

A particular embodiment is that where the entire chin portion (maxillary protection) of the helmet is a half-skirt with grout health. In this case (as in that where one of the half-skirts is fixed) the flexible blades integral with the sliding half-skirt are movable and slide in conduits formed in the shell of the helmet, which is then also a fixed half-skirt.

According to a particular embodiment variant of a helmet fitted with sliding half-skirts, the connection between the base of the shell and each half-skirt is carried out by systems of links articulated by one end to one of the elements to be linked and capable of sliding, by the other end in a suitable groove or opening or around an axis formed in the other element. This system complements or replaces the flexible blade system.

Other guidance systems can be imagined without departing from the scope of the invention any helmet equipped with a securing device comprising at least one sliding half-skirt at the base of the helmet shell according to a plane to roughly parallel to this base.

• Figure 1 est une vue de côté d'un casque équipé d'un dispositif d'assujettissement habituel par jugulaire.
• Figure 2 est une vue de côté d'un casque équipé d'un dispositif d'assujettissement de type connu.
• Figure 3 est une vue de côté d'un exemple de réalisation de casque équipé d'un dispositif d'assujettissement amélioré selon la présente invention. Ce casque est représenté en position fermée.
• Figure 4 est une vue de côté du casque illustré fig. 3 représenté en position ouverte.
• Figure 5 est une vue de dessous du casque illustré fig. 3.
• Figure 6 est une vue de dessous du casque illustré fig. 4.
• Figure 7 est une vue en coupe selon un plan médian d'une extrémité de bourrelet du casque illustré.
• Figure 8 est une vue de dessous à échelle agrandie de la pièce articulée au casque illustré et portant une partie du dispositif de verrouillage ainsi que l'armature flexible, élément de guidage. Cette pièce est représentée seule.
• Figure 9 est une vue de dessous du système de boucles antivol équipant le casque illustré et servant aussi d'axe d'articulation, d'organe de verrouillage et de blocage de sûreté de ce verrouillage.
• Figure 10 est une vue de dessous, à échelle agrandie de la pièce articulée à la pièce illustrée fig. 7 d'une part et à la base de la coque du casque illustré, d'autre part.
• Figure 11 est une vue en section partielle suivant AA de la pièce illustrée fig. 8.
• Figure 12 est une vue en section partielle suivant BB de la pièce illustrée fig. 13.
• Figure 13 est une vue de dessus comportant une section partielle suivant CC de la pièce illustrée fig. 8.
• Figure 14 est une vue de côté du système de boucles illustré fig. 9.
• Figure 15 est une vue de dessus de la zone centrale de l'armature flexible, élément de guidage équipant le casque illustré.

The list of variants set out above cannot in any case be considered exhaustive and capable of limiting the scope of this patent. The same applies to the example embodiment of the helmet which is the subject of this patent described below by way of illustration and in no way limitative with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a side view of a helmet equipped with a usual fastening device by chin strap.
• Figure 2 is a side view of a helmet equipped with a securing device of known type.
• Figure 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a helmet equipped with an improved securing device according to the present invention. This helmet is shown in the closed position.
• Figure 4 is a side view of the helmet illustrated in fig. 3 shown in the open position.
• Figure 5 is a bottom view of the helmet illustrated in fig. 3.
• Figure 6 is a bottom view of the helmet illustrated in fig. 4.
• Figure 7 is a sectional view along a median plane of a bead end of the helmet illustrated.
• Figure 8 is a bottom view on an enlarged scale of the part articulated to the illustrated helmet and carrying a part of the locking device as well as the flexible frame, guide element. This piece is shown alone.
• Figure 9 is a bottom view of the anti-theft loop system fitted to the helmet illustrated and also serving as a hinge pin, locking member and safety blocking of this locking.
• Figure 10 is a bottom view, on an enlarged scale of the part articulated to the part illustrated in fig. 7 on the one hand and at the base of the shell of the helmet illustrated, on the other hand.
• Figure 11 is a partial sectional view along AA of the part illustrated in fig. 8.
• Figure 12 is a partial sectional view along BB of the part illustrated in fig. 13.
• Figure 13 is a top view comprising a partial section along CC of the part illustrated in fig. 8.
• Figure 14 is a side view of the loop system illustrated in fig. 9.
• Figure 15 is a top view of the central area of the flexible frame, guide element fitted to the helmet illustrated.

FIG. 1 represents a helmet 40 with a conventional chin strap 42 and closure loop 43. With such a device the chin strap 42 exerts, at point 41 of its anchoring, a force F clearly offset from the plane UU. This force F gives rise to a torque tending during an impact to tip the helmet in the direction of the arrow M, which can cause the helmet to tear off.

FIG. 2 represents a helmet 45 fitted with a securing device of known type, consisting essentially of a rigid skirt extending the base of its shell 44 and formed of two half-skirts 49 and 50 articulated to the shell by hinges 47 and 52. We can see the importance of the displacement along x and y of the ends of these two half-skirts, as well as one of the tongues 48 provided with a hook and secured to one of the ends of 49. We also note only in the case where the helmet is subjected to a breakout force F1. the bead of flexible foam 51 secured to the half-skirt 50 can only be deformed under the action of force, reaction of F1. that exerts on him the chin of the user, where an imperfect retention and a tilting of the helmet in the direction of arrow M1.

Figures 3 to 6, which show an embodiment of the helmet according to the invention, allow to understand the nature of the opening movement of the collar formed by a bead 1, one piece and ensuring retention. This movement develops here in a plane substantially parallel to that of the base of the hull. The user, having actuated a locking device 26, can then move the two ends of the bead away from the articulated extension of the shell (parts 2 and 3) against which they are supported when the helmet is closed. Thanks to a flexible frame 4 linked, by its center, at least in translation, to an articulated extension 2 and capable of sliding in the tubular bead, the opening movement can be total, since transmitted to the articulated extension 2 and 3 of the hull or vice versa, by the flexible frame 4. Similarly, when closing, the frame 4 being mounted concentrically with locking parts 28 (fig. 11), which it crosses longitudinally, and 35 (fig. 7) , in which it slides, the coincidence between these cooperating lock parts 28 and 35 is best ensured.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates how the ventilation of the helmet is ensured. The air, captured by an air intake 8 then rushes into a pipe 9, formed at the outer surface of the shell 10 contained in the shell 11. This pipe opens at the base of the shell, in alignment with the air intake 8, the shell 10 protruding here, in the rear part of the helmet, from the lower rim of the shell 11. The air is then distributed between several pipes 12, of smaller section, and ends up inside the helmet by means of orifices 13 formed from these pipes 12 in the thickness of the shell 10.

Figure 5 shows how each air intake 8 and 8 ', small flexible veil extending a flexible and elastic skirt, 18 can be used on the contrary as a deflector and air barrier 8' by pushing it towards the inside of the helmet . Flaps 14 and 14 ', pressed against the internal face of the shell 11 and sliding between it and the external surface of the cap can be lowered (see 14'). In this case, they serve as a deflector and an air barrier between the base of the shell and the bead in the areas where the skirt 18 does not exist. In the case shown, these flaps - in addition to the fact that they slide between the shell 11 and the cap 10 inside the chin guard and each pass through a slot 19 or 19 'formed through a rim of the base of the shell of the helmet roughly perpendicular to the surface thereof and turned towards the inside of the helmet - are also guided by bosses 15 and 16 formed on the internal surface of the shell and between which they slide. The upper part of each flap being widened - up to a value greater than that of the length of the slot 19 or 19 '- it abuts against the upper face of the rim of the shell, thus limiting the value of the displacement of each flap and avoiding its untimely withdrawal. Likewise, this movement is limited upwards by a rim of the lower part of the flap. This rim also plays the role of operating device and deflector. Each flap 14 and 14 'is made of a rigid or semi-rigid synthetic material.

Figure 4, where the flexible skirt 18, made here of molded rubber (bead assembly 1, skirt 18) is supposed to be transparent, makes it possible to see the metal wires 17 which arm it over its entire height and are wound around the part bead. These threads draw in the plane of the skirt rounded, they could also for example, draw "S but, to keep the elasticity of the skirt, should not be straight. They are embedded, during molding, in the thickness of the skirt, they could also be laminated on its internal surface. The articulated extension 2 is made of a rigid, molded synthetic material; its face turned towards the outside of the helmet and represented in FIG. 8 is hollowed out with semi-cylindrical grooves 20 making it possible to house, partially, the metal strands constituting the loop 26 serving as a locking device and represented in FIG. 9. A boss 21 forms a sort hook in which can be accommodated a corresponding part of a metal loop 22. In fact, the assembly of the parts, shown here isolated being done, the straight part of the locking loop 26 (Figure 9) is the axis d 'articulation allowing the connection between the articulated extensions 2 and 3 each carrying a complementary hinge part 23 and 23'. Two small hairpin springs - not shown -, mounted around this axis at each of its ends and bearing on the one hand on the two main branches of the locking loop 26 and on the other hand against the articulated extension 2 hold all of the loops 22 and 26 pressed against the extension 2. A spring 30, shown in thin lines in Figure 9 and not shown in Figure 14 keeps the metal loop 22 in abutment against the locking loop 26. The metal loop 22 therefore comes abut on the top of the boss 21, thus preventing the locking loop 26 from coming into full support in grooves 20 provided for this purpose on the extension 2. This is why we must pull the metal loop 22 by compressing the spring 30 to that, the boss 21 then being in the middle of the metal loop 22, it does not obstruct the movement of the locking loop 26. Two wings, formed by the metal loop 22 on either side of its axis 39 are bent so as to form two bosses 31 and 31 '(Figures 9 and 14) which, sliding while being elastically deformed on two branches of the locking loop 26, allow, when the metal loop 22 is pulled and that its bosses are located outside the locking loop 26 to form obstacles which, opposing the force of the spring 30, prevent the return of the metal loop 22 against the locking loop 26. In this position, the locking loop 26 can bear against the extension 2, two tabs 27 and 27 'formed by this loop then pass through slots 32 and 32' and thus ensure the locking of the helmet in the closed position by being housed in grooves 34 and 34 'of the parts of locks 35 and 35' integral with each of the bead ends 1, when they are introduced into female cylinders 28 and 28 '- reinforced by metal inserts 38 and 38' - of the extension 2. The verro uillage having been carried out, the user can pull the metal loop 22 towards the locking loop 26. The two bosses 31 and 31 'pass back inside the locking loop 26, and the metal loop 22 engages in the hook formed by the boss 21, the spring 30 preventing it from coming out without the intervention of the user. In this way, the metal loop 22 being integral with the locking loop 26, it becomes impossible to move the latter away from the extension 2, and, by the same token, to proceed to unlocking making it possible to open the helmet. To open his helmet, the user must therefore pull the metal loop 22 until it comes out of the hook 21 and the bosses 31 and 31 'pass again outside the locking loop 26, then exert on the locking loop 26 an effort tending to move it away from the extension 2.

In addition, if the case is not used,

that, we can move all of the loops 22 and 26 away from the extension 2 and pass the metal loop 22 through the anti-theft hook with which all modern motorcycles are fitted, so as not to have to carry the helmet with you.

The flexible frame 4 partially shown (Figure 15) is here an elastic metal element of the piano wire type; its central, rectilinear zone is introduced into a conduit 33 of the extension 2. On either side of this rectilinear part the two branches of the frame are bent then, over a length equal to the length of the cylinders 28 and 28 ' of the housing 2, are still rectilinear so as to confuse their axes with those of these cylinders in the areas where they pass through them. Beyond these lengths, the two branches of the frame 4 are bent according to a radius of curvature approximately equal to that of the bead in its open position, this so that, the unlocking of the bead having been actuated, they tend to automatically open said bead. The total length of the frame is slightly less than the perimeter of the closed bead, its section is constant, its ends are only rounded to facilitate their sliding inside the bead. The bead 1, made of molded rubber with the skirt 18 is, at its outlet from the mold, of single length for all sizes of helmets. By cons, the bead has a rilsan frame 36 having a different length according to each size of helmet. Indeed, the manufacturer, at the time of assembly chooses the rilsan frame 36 of adequate length, introduces it into the bead 1 and fixes at each of its ends the bolt part 35, which part, tubular and whose central duct has a diameter equal to that of the rilsan frame, by screwing onto the rilsan frame 36 compresses the bead 1 which, thanks to its ends treated in thick rubber bellows, can undergo this compression without damage until reaching the chosen length, the latch parts 35 being screwed in fully. These lock parts are then blocked by hot pressing the ends of the rilsan frame 36 into grooves 37 provided for this purpose in part 35.

The sail-bead assembly thus completed is then mounted on the hull. Then each of the ends of the flexible frame 4, already mounted in the extension 2, itself already connected to the other extension 3, is engaged in each of the latch parts 35 situated at the ends of the bead. We then proceed to connect the extension 3 and the base of the helmet by introducing a cylindrical hinge pin. The helmet is then ready to operate.

In all the figures cited in reference, and for greater clarity of the drawings, the upholstery parts covering the entire inner surface of the bead are not shown. Likewise, the interior surfaces of the articulated extensions 2 and 3 are each covered with a part of padding 3 ′ and 2 ′ visible only in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6.

According to another embodiment, but not shown, in the variant of a retention system consisting of a single sliding rigid half-skirt mounted at the rear part of the base of the shell, the rigid, sliding half-skirt, extends - in the closed position - the base of the helmet shell about half of its perimeter; this half-skirt allows the helmet to open by sliding in a translational movement in a plane roughly parallel to that of the base of the shell, in a direction going towards the outside of the helmet; during opening, a stop device limits the amplitude of this movement in translation; when the helmet is closed, the upper edge of the sliding half-skirt is hooked, thanks to a complementary shape, to the lower edge of the shell; the areas of the surface of such a half-skirt capable of coming into contact with the neck or the base of the user's face are covered with padding.

Finally, a system of flexible blades each linked at one point to an extension of the base of the shell and capable of sliding inside a duct formed in each half-skirt provides the connection and the guiding between each sliding half-skirt. and the shell of the helmet or, conversely, a system of flexible blades integral with each sliding half-skirt ensures its connection and its guidance with the shell by sliding in conduits formed therein; a system of links articulated to one of the elements to be linked, for example the half-skirt, and sliding relative to the other element, namely the shell, to which they are linked, reinforces the connection between each half-skirt sliding and hull.

It should be emphasized that the scope of the invention should in no way be limited to the embodiment described above for purely illustrative purposes.

Claims (21)

1. Protective helmet for motocyclists equipped with a retention device allowing to improve its position on the user's head and its holding in place, the characteristic features of the said retention device being :

a non-extensible, flexible, semi-rigid or rigid padded collar (1) roughly concentric with the opening at the base of the shell (11), hung on the base of this shell ; this collar, whose perimeter is invariable when the helmet is locked in a closed position, can be opened in at least one point of its circumference for putting on and taking off the helmet,

and one or more flexible elements (18), (2) and (3) extending in particular points or over the whole circumference the base of the helmet shell ; these flexible elements, connected on one hand to the helmet shell (11) and on the other hand to the collar (1) provide the connection between these two elements and, in the case of the edge of the collar (1) coming into contact with the user's neck, act as a damper by authorizing a relative displacement of the whole collar (1) in relation to the helmet shell (11).

2. Protective helmet for motocyclists equipped with a retention device having the following characteristics : it consists of at least one sliding rigid half-skirt that extends, in closed position, the base of the helmet shell over approximately half of its perimeter ; this half-skirt allows the opening of the helmet by sliding in a translation movement in a plane roughly parallel to that of the base of the shell, towards the outside of the helmet ; when opening, a stop device limits the amplitude of this translation movement ; when the helmet is closed, the upper edge of each sliding half-skirt fastens, thanks to the complementarity of their shapes, into the lower edge of the shell ; the areas of the surface of such a half-skirt likely to come into contact with the user's neck or the lower part of the face are padded.

3. Protective helmet according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the whole of the helmet's chin piece consists of a half sliding skirt (maxillary protection).

4. Protective helmet according to claim (2) or (3), characterized by a system of flexible blades, each connected in a point to an extension of the base of the shell and able to slide inside a special conduit made in each half-skirt, assuring the connection and the guiding between each sliding half-skirt and the helmet shell or, on the contrary, by a system of flexible blades attached to each sliding half-skirt, assuring its connection and its guiding with the shell by sliding in conduits made in it and by a system of rods articulated to one of the elements to be connected, e.g. the half-skirt, and sliding in relation with the other elements, i.e. the shell to which they are connected, reinforcing the connection between each sliding half-skirt and the shell.

5. Protective helmet according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the collar (1) is realized with a flexible, elastic material reinforced with a flexible and resistant core (36) and that it has thick rubber concertina ends.

6. Protective helmet according to one of the claims (1) or (5), characterized by the fact that it is equipped with at least one flexible reinforcement (4) allowing the total and easy opening and closing of the whole collar by sliding inside part of the collar (1) to transmit its movement to another element (2) composing the collar, to which it is connected and vice-versa ; and that the composing element (2) of the collar to which this reinforcement is connected, at least in translation, is a collar end or a flexible, elastic extension at one point at the base of the shell or an articulated rigid extension at one point of the base of the shell, formed with one or several parts (2) and (3) articulated between themselves.

7. Protective helmet according to one of the claims 1, 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that an articulated rigid extension at one point (2) and (3) at the base of the shell has one of its parts formed by two telescopic elements that can be pulled out by sliding one on the other or one in the other ; a stop device prevents their separation and a spring keeps them in the non pulled out rest position.

8. Protective helmet according to one of the claims 1, 5 to 7 characterized by the fact that the collar consists of several sections resting end too end, one against the other, or on either side of the flexible or articulated rigid extensions on one point of the shell to make up the collar when the helmet is closed and that can separate to allow the opening of the collar, when the helmet is put on or taken off.

9. Protective helmet according to one of the claims 1, 5 to 8, characterized by the fact that one part of each locking system is born by one end of collar section and cooperates with the complementary part born by another collar section end or by a flexible reinforcement end (4) or by an extension (2, 3) at one point, whether articulated or flexible, of the shell.

10. Protective helmet according to one of the claims 1, 5 to 9, characterized by the fact that one part of each locking system is born by one end of the flexible reinforcement (4) and cooperates with the complementary part born by another reinforcement end or by a collar section or by a flexible or articulated extension at one point (2, 3) of the shell.

11. Protective helmet according to one of the claims 1, 5 to 10, characterized by the fact that a part of each locking system is a male cylinder (35), chamfered and bored with a circular groove (34) ; this grooved cylinder cooperates with a female cylinder (28) joined to the other part to be connected and including a traverse hole (32) through which a tongue (27) may pass, possibly pushed by a spring and which, coming to lodge itself in the groove (34) of the male cylinder (35) placed in the other cylinder (28), prevents it from coming out until, by operating a working element (26) connected to the tongue, that can be reached from the outside, it can be freed by pulling the tongue out of the groove.

12. Protective helmet according to one of the previous claims, characterized by the fact that the collar, which is monobloc or reinforced with a flexible core (36), as well as the various parts of the lock (35, 38) are tubular, the flexible reinforcement (4) passing through them.

13. Protective helmet according to one of the claims 1, 5 to 12, characterized by the fact that the connection between the base of the helmet shell and the collar (1) is realized by an elastic or flexible membrane (18), extending the base of the helmet shell ; this membrane can be solid or holed, monobloc or not, and by the fact that this membrane is reinforced at various points by one or several resistant flexible elements such as textile ribbon or, over its whole length, by resistant or flexible elements such as metal wire (17), connecting the base of the helmet to the collar following a non rectilinear path.

14. Protective helmet according to one of the claims 1, 5 to 13, characterized by the fact that the flexible membrane (18) is extended outside the shell all over its external surface.

15. Protective helmet according to one of the claims 1, 5 to 14, characterized by the fact that the connections between the collar (1) and the base of the shell is realized by one or several flexible elements at various points, such as textile ribbon or a set of rigid parts (2)-(3) articulated between each other, and articulated at the base of the shell.

16. Protective helmet according to one of the claims 1, 5 to 15, characterized by the fact that the height positioning of the collar (1) in relation to the base of the shell can be adjusted by operating the element(s) realizing the connection between the collar (1) and the base of the shell.

17. Protective helmet according to one of the claims 1, 5 to 16, characterized by the fact that the perimeter of the roughly circular shape formed by the collar (1) in closed position is adjustable for the best adaptation to the particular morphology of each user.

18. Protective helmet according to one of the previous claims characterized by the fact that it is equipped with at least one air-intake (8) formed by a small flexible membrane, opened towards the front of the helmet on the outside and which can be used, when pushed inwards, to act on the contrary as a deflector and air-stop (8') ; and by the fact that a network of canalizations (9) and (12) bored in the outer or inner surface of the cap (10) or of the comfort padding, come out in the extension of such an air-intake (8).

19. Protective helmet according to one of the claims 1, 5 to 18, characterized by the fact that at least one rigid or semi-rigid shutter (14) slides between the inner surface of the shell (11) and the outer surface of the cap (10) and is correctly guided in translation so as to be lowered by a known value below the inside edge of the shell (11) in the area where there is no membrane (18) ; its profile, especially at its lower edge level, is studied as best as possible so that the shutter can be seized when it is folded inside the helmet and to reinforce its deflecting and air stopping role (14) when it is lowered.

20. Protective helmet according to one of the claims 1, 5 to 19, equipped with an anti-theft device, simply consisting of a system which includes a single of double metal buckle or two metal buckles (22) and (26) connected together by a sprocket, characterized by the fact that a rectilinear part of metal wire forming the buckle (26) is also the articulation axis of a hinge (23) and (23') existing on the helmet.

21. Protective helmet according to the claim 20, equipped with a system of anti-theft buckle(s)-articulation axis (22) and (26), characterized by the fact that the metal wire forming this system is often folded or arranged in such a way that this (or these) anti-theft buckles may also act as locking system (21) and/or as blocking system of the locking (22) and (21).

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