EP0612483B1 - Helmet, especially protective helmet for cyclist, also method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a helmet, especially a plastic protective helmet for cyclists, and to a method of manufacturing it. To achieve the object of the invention, to provide a plastic helmet which can be produced at a considerably lower manufacturing cost, but with increased resistance to loading, it is proposed to manufacture the helmet in dual-wall (2, 3) construction from blow-moulded plastic. Furthermore, means are to be provided, which bring about a reinforcement of the walls (2, 3) of the helmet (1) relative to one another under compression loading, it being possible for these means to be implemented, preferably, in the form of openings (e.g. 30). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a helmet, in particular a bicycle helmet made of plastic. For this it is known the bicycle helmets either from deep-drawn plastic or from to produce a foamed plastic. In both cases the manufacturing costs are extremely high, what the very desirable and necessary for security reasons Use of such bicycle helmets impaired in practice. Add to that the bike helmets thermoformed plastic the disadvantage that this is relative are heavy. Bicycle helmets made of foamed plastic can only be foamed in certain colors will. Also a complete disposal of the helmets according to the current state of the art is not always guaranteed.

From US 4,845,786 is a generic one of an inner and outer wall existing, one-piece helmet made known with several openings 12, wherein the side walls 15 of the openings 12 run parallel to one another. The Deformation behavior of such an elaborate helmet is in Impaired load is difficult to predict, so that under certain circumstances one Plastic deformation can remain.

EP 0 517 091 A1 describes a two-part safety helmet with openings described, which consists of an assembled inner and outer shell and a has shock-absorbing insert. The proposed safety helmet exists thus consisting of three main components and is relatively complex. The breakthroughs are in each case on appropriately oriented tubular sections of the outer as well as inner helmet shell. The cross-sectional area of the openings decreases from the outside to the inside at a certain depth.

A protective helmet presented in US Pat. No. 4,075,717 is also used for support a pressure-absorbing intermediate layer is used on the outer and inner helmet walls. the helmet presented has no openings and air outlet openings.

US 4 124 904 describes a helmet with a valve element through which shock-absorbing spaces are filled with pressurized air can. This helmet also has no breakthroughs and air outlet openings.

The object of the invention is in contrast first in a helmet, especially plastic create that with much lower manufacturing costs than the known plastic helmets can be manufactured, whereby but the resistance to the stresses e.g. should not be affected in the event of a fall.

The task is carried out with regard to the helmet by the characteristic part of the Claim 1 solved. Advantageous embodiments are in the respective Subclaims realized. With regard to the method, the task is performed by the The object of claim 14 solved.

Appropriate materials for producing the invention Helmets are given in claim 5.

Due to the manufacturing of the helmet in the blowing process the possibility to glow the plastic material with fluorescent dyes and color pigments to provide. With the previous polystyrene helmets, this had to be done each with an additional one to be attached to the styrofoam helmet Foil can be realized. The same applies to the Use of plastic material, which in the case of the invention can even be provided with odorants, whereby children's bike helmets in particular a special one "Marketing Gag" is made possible.

The present invention further relates to a helmet, especially motorcycle helmet, which is characterized is that he has a helmet according to one of claims 1 - 12 has as a base body and this base body on the outside an additional helmet shell in solid Verbund carries. Conventional helmets are made of styrofoam consequently through the new basic body made of plastic and double wall construction replaced.

Finally, the invention relates to a method of manufacture a helmet, especially a bicycle helmet one or more of claims 1-13, which thereby is characterized in that the helmet is made within a shape a plastic hose is blown so that the hose itself within a cavity of the form to the helmet forming double wall. This can be a corresponding Helmet can be manufactured in a particularly simple manner, at the same time all the advantages of this the plastic used to make the helmet can be.

It is particularly advantageous that with the blowing process at the same time the stiffeners in the form of wall areas in the helmet can be brought in mutually touch and then cut out, causing Breakthroughs arise, on the one hand the stiffening and secondly, serve to ventilate the helmet.

Fig. 1

einen Fahrradsturzhelm nach der Erfindung in der Seitenansicht;

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt gemäß der Linie I-I in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt durch eine Form mit einem eingelegten Schlauch, der zum doppelwandigen Fahrradsturzhelm geblasen werden soll;

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf die Vorderpartie des Helms gemäß des Fahrradsturzhelms gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 - 8

jeweils Schnittdarstellungen von Möglichkeiten der Versteifung der Helmwandungen;

Fig. 9

Schnittdarstellung der Helmwandungen mit zusätzlicher Kunststoffschicht;

Fig. 10

zeigt eine weitere Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Helms, welcher im Bereich der Durchbrüche Lüfterrädchen aufweist, in Querschnittdarstellung des betreffenden Teilbereichs sowie

Fig. 11

eine schematische Darstellung eines Motorradsturzhelms unter Verwendung des erfindungsgemäßen Helms als Grundkörper.

Expedient embodiments of the invention are explained below using the figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

a bicycle helmet according to the invention in side view;

Fig. 2

a section along the line II in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

a section through a form with an inserted tube that is to be blown into a double-walled bicycle helmet;

Fig. 4

a plan view of the front part of the helmet according to the bicycle helmet according to FIG. 1;

5 - 8

sectional views of possibilities for stiffening the helmet walls;

Fig. 9

Sectional view of the helmet walls with an additional plastic layer;

Fig. 10

shows a further embodiment of the helmet according to the invention, which has fan wheels in the area of the openings, in a cross-sectional view of the relevant area and

Fig. 11

is a schematic representation of a motorcycle helmet using the helmet according to the invention as a base body.

The helmet, here bicycle helmet 1, is - as FIG. 2 shows - double-walled, i.e. it consists of an outer wall 2 and one Inner wall 3, which has a closed cavity 4 limit on both sides. At their foreheads 5 go Walls 2, 3 also close the cavity 4 outwards there into each other. The walls 2, 3 with their end faces 5 are therefore a one-piece bike helmet 1 forming part made of a suitable plastic, preferred Polyethylene.

On the surface 3 'of the inner wall 3, usual damping strips can 6 made of foamed plastic or rubber and the usual chin straps 7 may be attached. For this purpose you can (not shown) penetrating the two walls 2, 3 Recesses may be provided in the molded parts 40 that the Chin straps 7 wear, are used, being a safe Connection by clamp seat, tongue and groove connection or the like. he follows.

The cavity 4 can expediently contain the outside air be connected by small air passage openings 8. Complementary in addition to or instead of these openings 8 can also in their diameter larger openings 8 'may be provided closed with a pressure relief valve, preferably with a outside valve 9 are covered. In the event of of an impact, the impact force puts pressure on the two wall parts 2, 3 towards the cavity 4. In particular this applies to the outer wall 2. Hereby the volume of the cavity 4 compressed. To achieve a desired elastic compliance of the helmet it is advantageous if the air in the cavity 4 can penetrate through the openings 8, 8 'to the outside. Here can a certain deceleration of the passage of air than To prove an advantage. This is shown in the example of the openings 8 achieved by a correspondingly small hole diameter and in the example of the openings 8 'by a sheet of plastic or rubber, which with its elastic inherent strength of presses outside against the opening 8 ', this elastic Force can be overcome by the escaping air can.

The sheet 9 is on the section line 10 of the outside of the Helms 1 attached. Other arrangements would be also possible.

Fig. 3 shows purely schematically the blowing of such Helmet with the help of a mold 11 which has a recess 12 according to the external dimensions of the one to be manufactured Helmet has. In this recess 12 or recess a hose 13 is inserted over the air line 14 inflated and heated in the desired Way is cured.

It is also essential that this is advantageous Manufacturing process fastening slots for the chin straps 7 can be incorporated into the blown plastic can. They have a higher pullout strength than Bicycle helmets made of foamed plastic (e.g. Styrofoam) or thermoforming.

To manufacture the bicycle helmet, in particular recyclable plastic such as Polyethylene, polypropylene, Copolymer, polystyrene copolymer, acrylic butatiene styrene, ABS, polyamide or polycarbonate can be used. The Wall thickness, which are elasticity and hardness of the plastic adjustable according to the desired requirements.

Fig. 1 also shows arranged at the top Breakthroughs 30, 31 which increase the rigidity Cause pressure on the two walls 2, 3 to each other and thereby the ability to absorb impact energy of the bicycle helmet 1 significantly improve.

The individual openings 30, 31 have side walls 34, 35 which connect the outer wall 2 with the inner wall 3, so that the remaining cavity 4 is self-contained remains.

As is clear from Fig. 2, the side walls run e.g. 34 over a portion of the distance from the outside to inner wall 2 or 3 towards each other and only in an inner one Area away from each other again.

To further stiffen the bicycle helmet 1 is one Rib 33 running from the front in an arc shape to the rear provided each side of the bicycle helmet 1, which in addition strengthening effect.

As can be seen from Fig. 4, the breakthroughs are e.g. 30, 31 elongated and in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle helmet 1 arranged. This adds to the rigidity a particularly good flushing effect the head area of the user of such a bicycle helmet 1 guaranteed. 4 further shows that that the individual breakthroughs e.g. 30, 31 against each other are staggered, creating the stiffness profile of the bicycle helmet 1 is still improved.

4 is the one attached to the side in each case Rib 33 can be seen to further increase the stiffening.

Ripping also increases stiffening, compare the rib 32 in FIG. 5, the inner wall 3.

With reference to Fig. 4, the manufacture of the Breakthroughs 30, 31 are explained. The bicycle helmet 1 consists of two walls 2, 3, which - as already mentioned - be made from a hose in a blowing process. Sub-areas 22, 23, 24 are after blowing, however the demolding by tool parts, the hose walls 2, 3 pressed together so that they stick together there. Then are dash-dotted along the drawn cutting lines 10 glued together Areas 22, 23 and 24 cut out.

The edges surrounding these areas 22, 23 and 24, respectively of the two there sealingly sticking together Parts of the walls 2, 3 formed. With that arise there Breakthroughs 30, 31 or air passage openings which brings the outside air to the top of the user's head can reach.

At the same time is hereby through the wall sections formed 2 ', 3' (see FIG. 5) a stiffening of the helmet given as these sections with the course of the rest "Smooth" outer surfaces 8, 9 of the helmet form an angle and hereby the approximately in the direction of arrows 38, 39 (cf. Fig. 5) acting on the helmet 1 in the event of a fall Can largely absorb impact energy.

The aforementioned angle can, like the other exemplary embodiments show be different.

It can also change in the course of the sections (see see the waveforms in Figs. 6-8).

The cross-sectional view in Fig. 5 shows that each of these Wall sections 2 ', 3' towards the other wall 2, 3 runs away from it. This creates a honeycomb structure achieved, but as shown in Fig. 6, not extends over the entire area of the helmet 1, but only over the areas where the impact resistance explained must be given.

Fig. 6 shows the stiffening of the helmet two walls 2, 3 in wave form, the waves being about rectified or in "synchronous" to each other. Again, the contours 16, 17 of the "smooth" outer surfaces of the helmet 1 indicated.

Fig. 9 also shows the two to stiffen the helmet Walls 2, 3 in wave form, but with the waves of the walls 2, 3 directed opposite to one another or are not arranged "synchronously". Here too are the contours indicated with 16, 17.

The teaching of this embodiment of the invention, the walls (see Fig. 7-9) or at least one wall (see Fig. 10) of helmet 1 to the other wall and back again to allow a corresponding stiffening reaching the helmet does not have to cover the entire helmet area to be available. It suffices to do this on those helmet areas to be provided in the event of a fall at all are at risk of collision.

The embodiment of FIG. 8 shows that the outer Wall 2 does not lead back to the other wall 3 every now and then is, but runs smoothly, so that only the preferred inner wall 3 for the purpose of stiffening to the outer wall 2 every now and then is led away from it like this the sections 3 'of the inner wall 3 in Fig. 8 clarify.

The smoothness of the outer wall 2 gives in this embodiment the helmet 1 has a particularly pleasing appearance, while the inner wall 3 for the desired rigidity and absorption of impact energy in the event of a Fall worries.

As the exemplary embodiments of a stiffener according to FIGS. 6-8 have the two walls 2, 3 still a distance A from each other, whereby the production in the blowing process is facilitated. It but it goes without saying that on the side edges or front ends 5 the walls 2, 3 as shown in the example of FIG Fig. 8 merge.

How the holes 8 in the example of FIG. 7 illustrate should, can also in these embodiments of the invention to ensure that in the event of an impact air inside can escape. You can too as shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 8 an air outlet opening with a valve of an elastic Cover flap 9, so that the flap 9 through the Opening 8 'exiting air provides some resistance. In principle, other valves would also be usable. It is understood that the aforementioned air outlet options also in the other exemplary embodiments can be provided.

Fig. 9 shows that as an impact protection inside the helmet or several pads 18 can be provided, which consists of a viscoelastic foam. A such foam has a particularly shock-absorbing effect. The special one The advantage of this foam is that it is tough and elastic is, i.e. according to the inner curvature of the helmet 1 Can adapt head shape and then this adapted shape maintains when the helmet is removed from the head. This is cheaper than an inner lining made of an elastic one Foam, since in the latter case the user several helmets, each with different thicknesses Layers of such an elastic foam Selection must offer.

In addition, there is the option of either manufacturing or preferably via a valve within these cavities of the Helmets to create an air pressure. Hereby in particular with a plastic material used for the walls 2, 3 greater elasticity through appropriate height of the overpressure the desired resistance to impact energy and above all for catching them Impact energy created.

If the material of the walls 2, 3 is very hard, a possible one Overpressure in the cavities can be lower than at a plastic material that is a little more compliant. Here is a requirement that there are none in the walls 2, 3 There are air outlet openings or bores.

However, the invention can also have air outlet openings be realized. This can also, in addition to Absorption or damping of the impact energy through the breakthroughs 30, 31 air damping happen in the way that preferred in one of the plastic helmet parts outer wall 2 air outlet openings 8 are provided, which due to the compression of the two walls 2, 3 an impact, the air in the cavity 4 escape leave, but still a certain amount of air outlet Oppose resistance. This resistance can still be done be increased if there is an appropriate air outlet 8 'additionally the resistance of one on the outside opposed lying flap 9 made of an elastic material, which are bent outwards through the air outlet becomes. Alternatively, a valve can of course also be provided be.

However, it should be emphasized that the introduction of an overpressure as well as the provision of outlet openings not necessarily is necessary, but only a special additional Represents design.

10 shows the arrangement of a fan wheel 25 in the upper one Area of the opening 30, which has lateral wave approaches 26, 27 rotatable in the side walls 34, 35 of the Breakthrough 30 is stored. This will help you while driving a suction effect on the inside of the opening 30 prevailing, warming air guaranteed.

The fan wheel can expediently also be provided by a corresponding motor unit (not shown) are driven by a likewise (not shown) solar cell is operated. The solar cell is conveniently attached to the side of the helmet.

Fig. 11 shows a motorcycle helmet 50, which instead a standard polystyrene base body a base body 53 in the form of a helmet of the type mentioned above includes. The basic body 53 is expediently included the appropriate stiffening features.

On the outside of the base body 53 is in a firm bond to this a helmet shell 51 in FIG. 11 as an integral helmet intended. The helmet shell consists of an impact and Shockproof plastic e.g. a polycarbonate. At the The front of the helmet shell 51 is in the usual way Swing visor 52 is provided.

An advantage is that the two walls 2, 3 of such Helmets made of the same, recyclable plastic such as Polystyrene, ABS, polyamide or polycarbonate can exist. After removing the damping strips (Foam elements) 6 and the straps 7 can be one Bicycle helmet as a whole to be disposed of.

Polyethylene is preferred as the material for producing the helmet. But it could also be used: polypropylene, copolymer, Polystyrene copolymer, acrylic butatiene styrene, ABS, Polyamide, polycarbonate and PET.

The blown plastic material can be coated with noctilucent, fluorescent dyes, color pigments. This gives the helmet as soon as it is exposed to light was, lights off, so that the driver recognized better in the dark can be. It is also possible to use the plastic material for the helmet with special scents to thus a special sales gag for children's bicycle helmets or the like. To ensure.

It should be noted that the helmet is not just a bicycle helmet is to be used, but very different areas of application is accessible.

The wall thickness, elasticity and hardness of the plastic are adjustable according to the desired requirements.

All features shown and described as well as their Combinations with each other are essential to the invention are one of the embodiments shown features analogously in one of the other exemplary embodiments applicable.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

1

Bicycle helmet

2nd

wall

3rd

wall

4th

cavity

5

Forehead

6

Damping strips

7

Chin strap

8th

opening

8th'

opening

9

Valve

10th

Cutting line

11

shape

12th

Recess

13

tube

14

Air duct

15

Forehead

16

contour

17th

contour

18th

pad

19th

edge

20th

The End

25th

Fan wheel

26

Axis approach

27

Axis approach

32

rib

33

rib

34

Wall

35

Wall

50

Motorcycle helmet

51

Helmet shell

52

Visor

53

Basic body

Claims (15)

1. Helmet, in particular a cyclist's helmet having a shell-like outer wall (2) and an inner wall (3) and individual apertures (30, 31) which interconnect the two walls and have walls (34, 35) which connect the outer wall (2) and inner wall (3) to one another, the entire helmet shell, comprising the outer wall (2), inner wall (3) and walls (34, 35), being integrally formed, characterized in that the space between the walls (34, 35) of the apertures (30, 31), viewed in cross-section, tapers from the outer wall (2) to the inner wall (3) over a partial region of the space between the outer wall (2) and the inner wall (3), and then widens again towards the inner wall (3), and additional reinforcing ribs (32, 33), which do not lie in a line with the apertures (30, 31) and are formed in the outer (2) and/or inner wall (3), are provided in the lateral region of the helmet.
2. Helmet according to Claim 1, characterized in that the apertures (30, 31) are formed in elongate manner, and are oriented in the longitudinal direction of the helmet (1).
3. Helmet according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the apertures (30, 31) are disposed offset relative to each other with respect to their longitudinal alignment.
4. Helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer and inner walls (2, 3) comprise ribs (32, 33).
5. Helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the helmet can be made from a recyclable material such as polyethylene, polypropylene copolymer, polystyrene copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyamide or polycarbonate.
6. Helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plastics material which is provided with phosphorogen fluorescent dyes or colouring pigments.
7. Helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plastics material which is provided with odorous substances.
8. Helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or a plurality of air outlet openings (8, 8') are provided in one of the walls, preferably the outer wall (2).
9. Helmet according to Claim 8, characterized in that the air outlet openings (8) have such a narrow cross-section that it retards the emergence of air and/or the air outlet openings are equipped with a valve which likewise retards the emergence of air.
10. Helmet according to Claim 9, characterized in that the valve takes the form of a flat, resilient blade (9), is mounted on the external face of the wall in question and covers the respective opening (8').
11. Helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that ventilator wheels (38) are provided in the region of the apertures (30, 31).
12. Helmet according to Claim 11, characterized in that the ventilator wheels (38) are driven by the head wind or by a solar cell.
13. Crash helmet, in particular a motor cyclist's crash helmet, characterized in that the crash helmet (50) comprises a helmet (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 12 as the basic member (53), and the basic member (53) bears on its outer side an additional helmet shell (51) connected in a fixed manner.
14. Method of producing a helmet, in particular a cyclist's crash helmet according to one or more of the preceding claims, the helmet being produced by the blow-moulding process, characterized in that the helmet is blow-moulded inside a mould (11) from a plastics tube (13) such that the tube is shaped in a cavity (12) in the mould (11) to form a double wall (2, 3, 5) forming the helmet, and partial regions (22, 23, 24) of the walls (2, 3) are pressed against one another after the blow-moulding step but before removal from the mould, such that they are interconnected, preferably bonded to one another, there; and in that subsequently the partial regions (22 - 24) are cut out, so producing apertures (30, 31) provided with side walls (34, 35).
15. Method according to Claim 14, characterized in that by choosing a tube of corresponding thickness, the thickness of each of the walls (2, 3) can be set at a desired value.

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