EP1536709B1 - Protective helmet comprising articulated front shell and rear shell - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a protective helmet comprising front (1) and rear (2) shells articulated to be mobile between an opening position and a closing position. The invention is characterized in the articulation of the two shells (1, 2) is such that it comprises at least a hinge link (6) pivotably mounted between the two shells (1, 2). Advantageously, the rear shell (2) is controlled in its opening trajectory by a set of lateral levers, and articulated side surfaces. The invention is particularly applicable to helmets for motorcyclists.

Description

The present invention relates to a protective helmet comprising a front hull and a hinged rear hull.

The articulation of the two shells makes it possible to define an open position and a closed position of the helmet.

This helmet will find particularly its application, although this is not limiting, for the realization of helmets for motorcyclists.

In a very traditional way, we put a protective helmet by sliding it on the head from top to bottom, and it is ensured by a system of straps and loops passing under the chin.

If one wants that the helmet corresponds to the criteria of resistance on the head, of comfort and of silence, this one must be provided in its inner low part of flexible cushions largely dimensioned making very difficult its subjection, the wearing of the glasses being prohibited during this operation.

Moreover, when you want to remove the helmet, it causes significant tugging of the ears, nose, and hair.

In addition, the establishment of the chinstrap is tedious, which encourages some users not cautious not to fix it.

In addition, in the event of an accident, the chin strap must be sliced and the helmet removed from the head, which is very difficult and may cause increased stress in the spine that may be affected during the accident. .

The slowness of operations often delays the application of an oxygen mask.

In an attempt to overcome these disadvantages, helmets consisting of several parts of hulls articulated by a pivot have been proposed.

In particular, the helmet described in the patent application FR-A-2-546-381 comprises an articulated front part and a rear part. The front portion has a rigid chinstrap and the rear portion is movable between an open position in which it releases an opening sufficient to allow the front passage of the head of a user and a closed position in which it delimits with the rear edge of said chinstrap a passage just enough for the neck of the user.

The technique proposed according to this prior art is not entirely satisfactory. In particular, the manipulation is not easy to open the helmet before donning and requires both hands of the user. In addition, in case of an accident, a rescuer wishing to remove the helmet, in particular for the introduction of an oxygen mask to the obligation to lift the head, see a part of the body to clear the articulated sector, and open helmet.

It is also noted that the opening made by the hinge of the rear hull does not completely dodge the rear hull, and can therefore hinder the introduction of the helmet.

In particular, it is necessary to provide a rear hinged hinge relatively high compared to the front part, while it may be advantageous to form a main front hull of significantly larger size and a rear hull constituting a smaller sized insert element and able to cover only the back area of the head.

The object of the invention is to remedy the disadvantages of protective helmet known hitherto.

A first advantage of the invention is to make it very easy and comfortable donning and removing the helmet, even for a wearer of glasses.

In addition, in doing so, a new comfort and a perfect seal, including sound, are operated at the bottom of the head.

In a preferred manner, the manipulation is simplified because the mechanism causes a slaving guiding the entirety of the movements.

Given the configuration of the helmet, it is possible to perfectly adapt its internal walls in contact with the head of the user to improve comfort and holding in position. In particular, the part of the head located at the chin is perfectly maintained.

From the point of view of safety, the helmet according to the invention also has the advantage, in a preferred embodiment, of making it impossible to use it if it is not locked.

In case of accident, the helmet proposed here offers a great speed and simplicity of removal, without the need to move the injured person who can lie on his back.

In a preferred embodiment, the helmet proposed here has means adapted to perform a quick disassembly.

In addition, the configuration of the helmet, the closing operation allows to tighten the base of the helmet at the neck. By providing a set of cushions flexible and sealed at this level, it limits the air intake and noise.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, aeration means are further provided, particularly at the junction between the two front and rear hull parts.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is however not limiting.

The present invention relates to a protective helmet comprising a front hull and a rear hinged hinged to be movable between an open position and a closed position. The articulation of the two shells comprises at least one link pivotally mounted between the two shells.

• Il comporte deux pans latéraux articulés sur la coque arrière et applicables sur les parois latérales de la coque avant,
• Les pans latéraux sont articulés par pivot sur la coque arrière,
• Il comporte deux leviers, chacun articulé entre la paroi latérale de la coque avant et un pan latéral, chaque levier étant apte à être rabattu ou déployé respectivement pour la fermeture ou l'ouverture du casque,
• L'articulation entre chaque pan latéral et le levier correspondant est démontable, pour une ouverture d'urgence,
• Il comporte des moyens de verrouillage entre chaque pan latéral et la paroi latérale de la coque avant correspondante,
• Les moyens de verrouillage sont situés à l'extrémité avant des pans latéraux,
• Les moyens de verrouillage sont démontables pour une ouverture d'urgence,
• Il comporte, pour chaque pan latéral, un corps de liaison monté solidairement des moyens de verrouillage sur le pan latéral et sur lequel est formé l'articulation entre le pan latéral et le levier correspondant,
• Il comporte des moyens d'aération du volume interne du casque situés au niveau de la jonction entre les deux coques,
• Les moyens d'aération présentent :
  • un relief formé sur la coque avant
  • un creux formé sur la coque arrière en arrière du relief et communiquant avec le volume interne du casque, pour produire un mouvement d'air par création d'une dépression au niveau du creux.

According to advantageous variants, this helmet is such that:

• It has two side panels articulated on the rear hull and applicable on the side walls of the front hull,
• The side panels are articulated by pivot on the rear hull,
• It comprises two levers, each articulated between the side wall of the front hull and a side panel, each lever being adapted to be folded down or deployed respectively for closing or opening the helmet,
• The articulation between each side panel and the corresponding lever is removable, for an emergency opening,
• It comprises locking means between each side panel and the side wall of the corresponding front hull,
• The locking means are located at the front end of the side panels,
• The locking means can be dismounted for an emergency opening,
• It comprises, for each side panel, a connecting body integrally mounted locking means on the side panel and on which is formed the articulation between the side panel and the corresponding lever,
• It comprises aeration means of the internal volume of the helmet located at the junction between the two shells,
• The aeration means have:
  • a relief formed on the front hull
  • a hollow formed on the rear shell behind the relief and communicating with the internal volume of the helmet, to produce an air movement by creating a depression at the hollow.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue de côté d'un casque selon l'invention, et la figure 3 en est une vue en coupe, en position fermée.
• La figure 4 est une vue de côté en position d'ouverture, et la figure 5 en est une vue en coupe.
• La figure 6 illustre une phase plus avancée d'ouverture et le figure 8 en est une vue en coupe.
• La figure 7 montre un détail d'articulation de l'invention. La figue 7 bis en est un autre mode de réalisation.
• Les figures 9 à 12 illustrent une possibilité d'enlèvement du casque, en particulier en cas d'urgence, si l'utilisateur est blessé et allongé sur le sol.

The accompanying drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They represent only one embodiment of the invention and will make it easy to understand.

• The figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.
• The figure 2 is a side view of a helmet according to the invention, and the figure 3 is a sectional view, in the closed position.
• The figure 4 is a side view in the open position, and the figure 5 is a sectional view.
• The figure 6 illustrates a more advanced phase of openness and the figure 8 is a sectional view.
• The figure 7 shows a hinge detail of the invention. Fig. 7 bis is another embodiment thereof.
• The Figures 9 to 12 illustrate the possibility of removing the helmet, especially in case of emergency, if the user is injured and lying on the ground.

With reference to the figure 1 , the helmet of the invention comprises a front shell 1 and a rear shell 2, able to substantially cover the head of the user. Conventionally, a visor 3 is advantageously provided in the front part.

As represented more specifically in particular Figures 2 and 3 , the articulation between the front shell 1 and the rear shell 2 comprises at least one rod 6 pivotally mounted on each of the two shells 1, 2, via pivot connections marked 12 and 13.

We visualize to figures 2 , 4 , and 6 , three successive positions of the rear hull 2 relative to the front hull 1. In this context, the figure 2 represents a closed position in which the rear shell 2 is applied to the front shell 1.

The figure 6 shows a situation of complete opening of the helmet, where it is clearly seen that the rear shell 2 is largely retracted so as to provide an opening sufficient for the passage of the head. To achieve this position, an intermediate position is represented in figure 4 .

For preference, the helmet has two side panels 4a, 4b articulated on both sides of the rear shell 2 in particular by a hinge 11a, 11b of the pivot type. In the closed position, the side panels 4a, 4b are able to be applied on the side walls of the front shell 1 on application surfaces 8a, 8b, as is apparent from FIG. figure 3 .

On the contrary, in the open position, the side panels 4a, 4b are spaced from the application surfaces 8a, 8b of the front shell 1, and allow the combined movement of recoil and rotation of the rear shell 2.

To ensure such a movement in a practical way, it is preferred to use two levers 7a, 7b articulated on the one hand to the side wall of the front shell 1, for example by a pivot connection 9a, 9b, and other part to a lateral pan 4a, 4b at a joint 10a, 10b.

As shown in figure 3 , the lever 7a, 7b is adapted to be folded over the application surface 8a, 8b in the closed position of the helmet, while opening position it is deployed until tilting towards the back of the helmet gradually on the figures 5 and 8 .

The figure 7 shows a purely illustrative example of a possibility of forming the connection between each lever 7a, 7b and the corresponding lateral pan 4a, 4b. In this regard, in the case shown, two freedom of movement in rotation along perpendicular axes 17, 18 are preserved in order to form the articulation 10a. However, it is understood that the articulation 10a here has a double freedom of movement (two rotations). In the case of the example, the freedoms of movement are carried out in a distinct manner without this being limited by means of hinge systems. The fixing of the lever 7a on the side panel 4a is further preserved by means of a screw 20.

The figure 7 bis illustrates another possible embodiment of the connection between each lever 7a, 7b and the corresponding lateral pan. The articulation 10a, 10b is here formed on a connecting body secured to the side panel 4a, 4b.

The mounting of the connecting body on the side panel 4a, 4b is provided by means common to the locking means 5a, 5b which will be described below in more detail. In the example shown, a screw 20 secures both locking means 5a, 5b and connecting bodies 21.

By dismounting the screw 20, the connecting body 21 (and hence the articulation 10a, 10b) and the locking means (5a, 5b) are released simultaneously.

This possibility of global disassembly is particularly useful in case of need for emergency opening of the helmet, as will also be presented in the following description.

The freedom of movement thus left between the lever 7a and the lateral pan 4a allows the combination of movements imparted to the rear shell 2 and which emerge from the Figures 2 to 8 .

To keep the helmet in the closed position, locking means 5a, 5b are present on the side walls to removably fasten the front shell 1 and the movable part constituted here of the rear shell assembly 2 and side panels 4a, 4b. More particularly, it will be possible to form the locking means 5a, 5b at the front end of the side panels 4a, 4b, for example in the form of mechanical snap systems.

The joints between the various parts that have been mentioned above can be realized in different ways and by any common means. In particular, the joints can be made mechanically by hinge systems or exploit the elastic properties of the materials used to form the link 6 and the levers 7a, 7b, and the side panels 4a, 4b. In addition, greater freedom of movement can be granted than a single pivot connection at the joints, and in particular, the ball joints can be formed.

Advantageously, aeration means are present at the junction 16 between the front shell 1 and the rear shell 2, so as to create a communication between the internal volume of the helmet and the ambient air. The formation of a helmet in two shell parts 1, 2 and on this advantageous point since it allows to take advantage of the existing junction 16 to achieve this communication with the internal volume of the helmet, without further need for piercing the hull .

Preferably, a system exploiting the Venturi effect is used for aeration. For the creation of a depression at the junction 16, one or more reliefs 14 are formed on the front shell 1, for example according to the case of the figure 1 . In correspondence, depressions 15 are made on the rear shell at the level of said junction 16. A movement of air is thus produced at this level by the application of a vacuum.

Here is an example of operation of the helmet proposed here.

In this context, to remove the helmet from a closed position on the head, simply press with the thumbs at the locking means 5a, 4b, to separate the side panels 4a, 4b, right and left. left. In doing so, the levers 7a, 7b swing through the articulations 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, forcing the side panels 4a, 4b to move backwards, to deviate at most from the length of the levers 7a, 7b . As soon as said levers 7a, 7b swing backward, they tend to tighten while continuing to back.

Given the connection existing between the side panels 4a, 4b, and the rear shell, and taking into account the articulation by the rod 6, the rotational movement of the rod 6 about the hinge axis 12 will transform the translation movement towards the rear caused by the levers 7a, 7b into one combined translation and rotation movement towards the top of the assembly thus formed by the rear shell 2 and the side panels 4a, 4b, so as to ensure maximum recovery. In the same movement, or successively, the helmet is released from the head forward by tilting it around the chin.

To thread the helmet, the movements are reversed. The rear hull 2 naturally returns to repositioning at the rear of the front hull 1 in a movement guided by that of the rod 6.

During this return, the side panels 4a, 4b deviate, then, on a simple lateral pressure, they are locked on the shell by means of the locking means 5a, 5b. This return movement for application to the application surfaces of the side wall of the front hull is provided by means of a guide by the levers 7a, 7b.

It is understandable that given the combination of movements, the opening and closing phases of the helmet are particularly practical.

Given the presence of the rod 6 and adjusting its length, its tilt ensures the rear shell 2, a movement of sufficient amplitude to disengage so as to allow the release or insertion of the head. In doing so, however, it allows the establishment of damping elements lining the inner wall of the rear shell of sufficient thickness to the damping, comfort and maintenance of the head.

As is apparent from the figure 1 , the front shell 1, the rear shell 2 and the side walls 4a, 4b have a base adapted to be applied on the periphery of the neck of the user to ensure the maintenance and sealing. These four elements therefore participate in combination, the correct positioning of the helmet and the comfort of the user.

Still preferably, the part of the front shell 1 coming back under the chin of the user who here ensures most of the retention effect of the helmet is lined inside a self-forming gel material, allowing all users regardless of the morphology of his chin, to arrange a place to his personal form without the need to intervene to exchange a room.

Hereinafter is described more specifically with reference to Figures 9 to 12 an example of opening the helmet of the invention in an emergency situation, with an injured user, positioned substantially extended on the back. In this context, it seeks to minimize the movements to impose on the user, and preferably not to change the position of the head.

In this context, the connection between the levers 7a, 7b and the side walls 4a, 4b are designed to be disassembled from the outside, for example by means of screws 20 as shown in FIG. figure 7 .

For example, it is possible to use screws with a fast pitch at this level.

The helmet being closed on the head as presented in figure 9 it is sufficient to remove the screws 20 to release the side walls 4a, 4b of the levers 7a, 7b. Said levers 7a, 7b remain attached to the front shell 1 by the bodies 21a, 21b and the locking systems 5a, 5b.

By this release effect, the tilting of the front shell 1 is possible upwardly eliminating any effect of movement and control caused by the levers 7a, 7b in normal use. The front hull 1 rotates freely about the axis 12 and the link 6 continues to produce its effect making it easy to deploy the front shell 1 around the head. As is shown in Figures 10 to 12 , at a total release of the face and the head of the user, the front shell 1 resting on the ground after its opening movement, thus facilitating access to the airways and transport, the helmet naturally remaining on the ground .

REFERENCES

1.

Front hull

2.

Back cover

3.

Visor

4a, 4b.

Side panels

5a,

5b. Locking systems

6.

rod

7a, 7b.

Lifts

8a,

8b. Application area

9a,

8b. Joint

10a,

10b. Joint

11a, 11b.

Joint

12.

Joint

13.

Joint

14.

Relief

15.

Hollow

16.

Junction

17

Pivot shaft

18.

Pivot shaft

19.

Head

20.

Screw

21.

Binding body

Claims (10)

1. Protective helmet comprising a front shell (1) and a rear shell (2) hinged so as to be mobile between an open position and a closed position, characterised in that
   the two shells (1, 2) comprises at least one connecting rod (6) fitted so as to pivot between the two shells (1, 2) and comprising two side panels (4a, 4b) hinged on rear shell (2) and bearing on the sides of the front shell (1).
2. Helmet according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   side panels (4a, 4b) are hinged to pivot on rear shell (2).
3. Helmet according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that,
   it comprises two levers (7a, 7b), each one hinged between the side wall of the front shell and one side panel (4a, 4b), each lever (7a, 7b) capable of being folded back or deployed to close or open the helmet respectively.
4. Helmet according to claim 3,
   characterised in that
   the hinge between each side panel (4a, 4b) and corresponding lever (7a, 7b) is dismountable allow so that it can be opened in an emergency.
5. Helmet according to any of claims 1 to 4,
   characterised in that
   it comprises locking means (5a, 5b) between each side panel (4a, 4b) and the side of the corresponding front shell (1).
6. Helmet according to claim 5,
   characterised in that
   locking means (5a, 5b) are located at the front end of side panels (4a, 4b).
7. Helmet according to any of claims 5 or 6,
   characterised in that
   locking means (5a, 5b) are dismountable so that it can be opened in an emergency.
8. Helmet according to claim 7 in combination with claim 4,
   characterised in that
   each side panel (4a, 4b) comprises a connecting body (21) assembled jointly with locking means (5a, 5b) on side panel (4a, 4b) and on which hinge (10a, 10b) is formed between side panel (4a, 4b) and corresponding lever (7a, 7b).
9. Helmet according to any of claims 1 to 8,
   characterised in that
   it comprises means for venting the inner volume of the helmet at joining (16) between two shells (1, 2).
10. Helmet according to claim 9,
    characterised in that
    the ventilation means consist of:

    - a relief (14) formed on front shell (1)

    - a hollow (15) formed on rear shell (2) behind relief (14) and communicating with the inner volume of the helmet so that a current of air is created by a depression formed in hollow (15).

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