EP2644046B1 - Foldable protective helmet - Google Patents

Description

GENERAL TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the technical field of helmets, and more particularly the helmets for bicycles or motorcycles.

STATE OF THE ART

In the context of many activities, such as cycling or motorcycling, wearing the helmet is mandatory for the user, or if not mandatory, highly recommended.

A conventional protective helmet is shown on the figure 1 .

The helmet 1 presented comprises an outer shell 2, conventionally made by a thin layer of a hard material to withstand shocks.
Inside this outer shell 2 is disposed a layer of material called calotin 2 'for damping shocks.
Preferably, the outer shell 2 is made of polycarbonate, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), polyamide or composite material. As for the cap 2 ', it is generally made of a synthetic foam such as polystyrene, polyurethane, expanded polypropylene, or any other absorbent material. The calotin 2 'may also include several layers of materials.

Conventionally, the protective helmet is provided with a retention system of the jugular type. To adapt to the head of the user, it advantageously comprises an adjustable headband and / or foam pads of different thicknesses fixed on the inner wall of the helmet by means of self-gripping fasteners of Velcro ™ type. These devices are known and have not been shown in the figures.
The helmet can also be equipped with a lighting system, a visor, reflective devices, and decorations. These accessories may be removable, glued or fixed by any appropriate means.
To improve the mechanical strength of the helmet it is possible to insert in the helmet reinforcements, metal or composite for example. These reinforcements are for example overmolded in the outer shell 2 or in the cap 2 '.
The helmet optionally includes vents to improve the cooling of the head. These vents can be masked by plastic or soft material covers to protect the user from rain and cold. These covers are for example clipped, hooked by means of self-gripping fasteners or snaps.

The outer shell 2 and the quill 2 'are represented on the figure 1 , but helmet variants totally or partially out of outer shell 2 or 2 'cap are existing, for example the building helmets which are devoid of calotin 2'.

These helmets must meet demanding safety standards to ensure good user protection.

These constraints lead to bulky helmets, and impractical to use. Indeed, in the case of the bike or motorcycle, it is about means of transport in addition to simple activities; therefore, once the journey is completed, the user must store the helmet. It is therefore desirable that the helmet is a minimum of space, while meeting the security criteria mentioned.

The document WO 2007/068846 has a folding safety helmet. However, the solution presented in this document causes discontinuities in the helmet, and in particular undesirable spaces between the different segments constituting the helmet, which can be a nuisance for the user and make the helmet more vulnerable to shocks.
The document WO 96/21371 presents another foldable protective helmet comprising peripheral segments connected together in pairs by hinge connections whose axes of rotation are substantially perpendicular to the surface of said segments, and central segments.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention proposes to respond to this problem, and proposes a protective helmet comprising a plurality of segments, at least two of said segments being interconnected by means of a sliding connection ensuring a sliding, said segments connected by said link having notches and complementary and substantially parallel projections, characterized in that, for each sliding connection, said projections of at least one of the segments are interconnected by means of a transverse bar.

• les saillies de chacun des segments sont reliées entre elles au moyen d'une barrette transversale, lesdites barrettes transversales étant adaptées pour maintenir une liaison entre les deux segments d'une liaison coulissante, en empêchant tout désemboîtement ;
• un desdits segments comprend au moins un élément de recouvrement qui lie la barrette audit segment et vient se superposer à au moins une des saillies de l'autre segment de ladite liaison coulissante ;
• au moins une des extrémités desdites barrettes transversales s'étend au-delà des saillies, lesdites extrémités des barrettes transversales s'étendant au-delà des saillies sont guidées en déplacement par des éléments de guidage disposés le long des échancrures ;
• au moins une des échancrures est recouverte au moins partiellement par un élément de guidage, ledit élément de guidage étant adapté pour guider le déplacement du segment complémentaire au segment comportant ladite au moins une échancrure ;
• lesdits éléments de guidage ne s'étendent pas sur la totalité de la longueur desdites échancrures ;
• au moins une desdites saillies est munie d'une butée, ladite butée étant adaptée pour bloquer le mouvement desdites barrettes transversales suivant la direction de coulissement ;
• au moins une lamelle recouvre au moins une saillie et/ou une échancrure d'un même segment, définissant un espace interne entre ladite lamelle et le segment, et étant adaptée pour guider le déplacement de la barrette transversale du segment complémentaire ;
• au moins une desdites saillies et/ou échancrures d'un premier segment est recouverte d'une première coquille, ladite première coquille définissant un espace interne entre la première coquille et le premier segment, et étant adaptée pour guider le déplacement de la barrette transversale du second segment associé audit premier segment ;
• au moins une des saillies et/ou échancrures dudit segment associé sont recouvertes par une seconde coquille, ladite seconde coquille définissant un second espace interne entre la seconde coquille et le segment associé, et étant adaptée pour permettre le déplacement de la première coquille et de la barrette transversale du premier segment.

Said helmet may advantageously have one or more of the following characteristics:

• the projections of each of the segments are interconnected by means of a transverse bar, said transverse bars being adapted to maintain a connection between the two segments of a sliding connection, preventing any disengagement;
• one of said segments comprises at least one covering element which links the strip to said segment and is superimposed on at least one of the projections of the other segment of said sliding connection;
• at least one of the ends of said transverse bars extends beyond the projections, said ends of the transverse bars extending beyond the projections are guided in displacement by guide elements arranged along the notches;
• at least one of the indentations is at least partially covered by a guide element, said guide element being adapted to guiding the displacement of the segment complementary to the segment comprising the said at least one notch;
• said guide elements do not extend over the entire length of said indentations;
• at least one of said projections is provided with a stop, said stop being adapted to block the movement of said transverse bars in the direction of sliding;
• at least one lamella covers at least one projection and / or indentation of the same segment, defining an internal space between said lamella and the segment, and being adapted to guide the displacement of the transverse bar of the complementary segment;
• at least one of said projections and / or indentations of a first segment is covered with a first shell, said first shell defining an internal space between the first shell and the first segment, and being adapted to guide the displacement of the transverse bar of the first second segment associated with said first segment;
• at least one of the projections and / or indentations of said associated segment are covered by a second shell, said second shell defining a second internal space between the second shell and the associated segment, and being adapted to allow the displacement of the first shell and the transverse bar of the first segment.

PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

• La figure 1 présente une vue d'ensemble d'un casque de protection, comme déjà détaillé précédemment.
• Les figures 2, 3 et 4 présentent une liaison charnière tangente à la surface du casque.
• Les figures 5 à 13 présentent d'autres modes de réalisation de liaison charnière tangente à la surface du casque.
• Les figures 14, 15 et 16 présentent le casque de protection comprenant une liaison coulissante.
• Les figures 17 à 32 présentent d'autres modes de réalisation de liaison coulissante pour casque de protection.
• Les figures 33 et 34 présentent un dispositif d'ancrage du calotin et de la coque externe.
• Les figures 35 à 43 présentent d'autres modes de réalisation de dispositifs d'ancrage du calotin et de la coque externe.
• Les figures 44, 45, 46, 47 et 48 présentent un dispositif de verrouillage pouvant être mise en oeuvre notamment dans un casque de protection.
• Les figures 49 à 95 présentent d'autres modes de réalisation de dispositif de verrouillage.
• Les figures 47, 52, 57, 62, 67, 72, 76, 80, 84, 86, 89 et 94 sont des vues de dessus en coupe de différents modes de réalisation du dispositif de verrouillage en position verrouillée.
• Les figures 48, 53, 58, 63, 68, 73, 77, 81, 85, 87 et 95 sont des vues de dessus en coupe de différents modes de réalisation du dispositif de verrouillage en position déverrouillée.
• Les figures 96 à 99 représentent un casque de protection pliable.
• Les figures 100 à 149 présentent d'autres modes de réalisation de casque de protection pliable.
• Les figures 96, 97, 100, 102, 104, 105, 108, 109, 112, 113, 116, 117, 120, 121, 123, 124, 126, 127, 129, 130, 132, 133, 136, 137, 140, 141, 144, 145, 147 et 148 présentent des variantes de casque en position déployée.
• Les figures 98, 99, 101, 103, 106, 107, 110, 111, 114, 115, 118, 119, 122, 125, 128, 131, 134, 135, 138, 139, 142, 143, 146 et 149 présentent des variantes de casque en position repliée.
• Les figures 150 à 152 présentent une variante particulière de casque.

Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and nonlimiting, and which should be read with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• The figure 1 presents an overview of a helmet, as already detailed previously.
• The Figures 2, 3 and 4 have a tangent hinge tangent to the surface of the helmet.
• The Figures 5 to 13 show other embodiments of tangent hinge tangent to the surface of the helmet.
• The Figures 14, 15 and 16 present the protective helmet including a sliding connection.
• The Figures 17 to 32 show other embodiments of sliding connection for protective helmet.
• The Figures 33 and 34 have a device for anchoring the cap and the outer shell.
• The Figures 35 to 43 show other embodiments of anchoring devices of the cap and the outer shell.
• The Figures 44, 45, 46, 47 and 48 have a locking device that can be implemented in particular in a protective helmet.
• The Figures 49 to 95 show other embodiments of locking device.
• The figures 47 , 52 , 57 , 62 , 67 , 72 , 76 , 80 , 84 , 86 , 89 and 94 are top views in section of different embodiments of the locking device in the locked position.
• The figures 48 , 53 , 58 , 63 , 68 , 73 , 77 , 81 , 85 , 87 and 95 are sectional top views of various embodiments of the locking device in the unlocked position.
• The Figures 96 to 99 represent a foldable protective helmet.
• The Figures 100 to 149 show other embodiments of foldable protective helmet.
• The Figures 96, 97, 100 , 102, 104, 105 , 108, 109, 112, 113 , 116, 117 , 120, 121, 123, 124 , 126, 127, 129, 130 , 132, 133, 136, 137 , 140, 141 , 144, 145, 147 and 148 present variants of helmet in the deployed position.
• The Figures 98, 99, 101 , 103, 106, 107 , 110, 111 , 114, 115, 118, 119 , 122, 125 , 128, 131 , 134, 135 , 138, 139, 142, 143 , 146 and 149 present variants of helmet in the folded position.
• The Figures 150 to 152 present a particular variant of helmet.

In all the figures, similar elements bear identical reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

We will present several aspects that can be applied to a helmet according to the invention. These aspects can be advantageous in themselves, independently of each other. Any number of these aspects can also be combined to combine the advantages. Some combinations also offer synergies that will be reported.

In the figures showing the hinge connections, the sliding connections and the locking devices, segments 3 and 4 of a protective helmet are represented, these segments 3 and 4 being connected by various connecting or locking means.

As mentioned above, the helmet 1 comprises an outer shell 2 and / or a quill 2 '.
In the embodiments shown, the helmet 1 is composed of several segments, each of these segments consisting of an outer shell segment 2 and a quilting segment 2 '.
It will be understood that these embodiments are adaptable to cases where at least one segment is wholly or partially devoid of outer shell 2 or quilting 2 '.
In addition, the outer shell 2 and / or the cap 2 'of a segment may consist of several parts.

link hinge:

The Figures 2, 3 and 4 have a hinge connection tangent to the surface of the helmet.
The figure 2 shows a portion of the outer surface of the helmet 1 in the deployed position, with a slight perspective.
The view presented at 3 is a sectional view along a plane comprising the axis of the hinge connection and perpendicular to the surface of the helmet 1.
The protective helmet 1 comprises a plurality of segments, here the segments 3 and 4, these segments 3 and 4 being hinged together by a hinge connection 30.
The figure 4 represents segments 3 and 4 in their folded position.
In the embodiment shown on the Figures 2 to 4 , said segments 3 and 4 comprise notches 5 and complementary projections 6, at the ends of which is located a hinge 30 composed of knuckles 7 and 8, in which is located the axis of rotation 9 of said hinge connection 30, here consisting of 'a screw.
The knuckles 7 and 8, respectively disposed on the segments 3 and 4, may be located behind the ends of the projections 6.
The indentations 5 also allow a displacement of the segments 3 and 4 taking into account their thickness and their curvature, namely a rotation of the segments which is not obstructed due to the positioning of the axis of rotation 9 of the hinge connection 30; the depth of the notches 5 is preferably at least equal to the total thickness of the segments 3 and 4 to allow the rotation of the segments.
In the case where the pivoting of the hinge connection 30 is limited, the indentations 5 may be shallower on all or part of the thickness of the segments 3 and 4.
In the particular embodiment where the pivoting of the segments 3 and 4 is only towards the outside of the helmet 1, the segments 3 and 4 can be devoid of notches 5 therethrough, and then comprise only areas of lesser thickness. in front of the projections 6.
The number of knuckles, their geometry and their dimensions can of course vary, the illustrated embodiment being only an example.
The knuckles 7 and 8 serve to guide the axis 9 of the hinge connection 30, and to block the segments 3 and 4 between them to prevent any relative movement of these segments along the direction of the axis 9.
The knuckles 7 and 8 may be an integral part of the segments 3 and 4, or may be attached parts attached to the segments 3 and 4 by screwing, crimping, riveting, gluing, welding, overmolding or any other suitable means of assembly. They can be arranged outside the surface of the helmet 1, or embedded in the segments 3 and 4 as shown in the Figures 2 and 3 .
The axis of rotation 9 of the hinge 30 is tangent or substantially tangential to the surface of the segments 3 and 4 of the helmet 1. A tangency in all points of the axis is however not possible due to the rounded geometry of the segments 3 and 4 of the helmet 1, for reasons of aesthetics, dynamism and comfort of the user. The axis 9 is tangent to the surface at a point, and its rectilinear configuration makes it slightly deviate from this surface on either side of the point of tangency.
The axis of rotation 9 of the hinge 30 may for example be screwed, crimped, riveted or glued to one of the segments 3 or 4.
The axis of rotation 9 here consisting of a screw is located in a channel through the knuckles 7 and 8, and may or may not open at each end of said knuckles 7 and 8.
Several other variants are possible; the axis of rotation 9 may for example be constituted by a rivet, or be force-fitted into one of the two segments, which makes it possible to prevent the cavity housing the axis of rotation 9 in the knuckles at both ends of the hinge 30, a single end then being open, through which is forced in force the axis of rotation 9, thus having an aesthetic advantage over the embodiments having two open ends.
The Figures 6 and 7 show such an embodiment comprising only one open end.
According to another possible embodiment, an elastic ring is housed in a groove situated in the axis of rotation, said elastic ring being held between the knuckles 7 and 8, which makes it possible to axially lock the axis of rotation 9.
Another possible axial locking mode could consist of a tongue of the axis of rotation 9 elastically deformable during the assembly of the hinge connection 30, which would be housed in an opening in one of the knuckles 7 or 8, and which would result in an axial locking of the axis of rotation 9.
This particular embodiment comprising such an axial locking is represented on the figure 5 ; the axis of rotation 9 comprises a tongue 9 'which is housed in an opening 8' situated in one of the knuckles 8.
It may also be advantageous that the knuckles 7 and 8 comprise openings alternately disposed on each side of the outer surface of the segments 3 and 4, to simplify the manufacture of these parts in the case where they are molded.
According to the variant illustrated by the Figures 6 to 9 the knuckles 8 secured to the segment 4 are provided with openings 26 along their entire length. They are guided by the outer shell 2 of the segment 3 and the axis 9 of the hinge link 30. This embodiment simplifies the manufacture of the outer shell of the segment 4. The segments 3 and 4 are shown in the deployed position on the figure 6 and in the folded position on the figure 9 . The figure 7 is a sectional view of the figure 6 . The figure 8 is a view from inside the helmet, in the deployed position. The axis 9 can be an integral part of the segment 3, in this case the opening 26 located on the knuckles 8 serves for the passage of the axis 9 at the time of assembly of the hinge connection 30.
The axis of rotation 9 may also consist of several elements; for example two screws 27, each being fixed at one end of the axis of rotation 9. It may then be advantageous for these two screws 27 not to meet at the center of the axis, so as not to affect the thickness segments. The Figures 10 and 11 illustrate such an embodiment.
According to another embodiment shown on the Figures 12 and 13 , the axis of the hinge connection 30 is set back with respect to the ends of the projections 6. Transverse webs 23 and 24 are then fixed, respectively, on the segments 3 and 4, between the ends of the projections and the knuckles 7 and 8 These transverse bars 23 and 24 which connect the projections of the same segment to limit the rotation of the hinge link 30. Alternatively, only one segment may be provided with a transverse bar. If each of the two segments 3 and 4 has a transverse bar 23 and 24, it is preferable that at least one of the two bars 23 and / or 24 is attached fixedly at the time of assembly of the hinge connection 30 .

Such a hinge connection tangent to the surface of the helmet 1 allows relative rotation of the segments 3 and 4 constituting the helmet 1, and thus to move the helmet 1 from a position of use, ie deployed, to a collapsed position, less bulky, and easier to handle and store.

It will be noted that the different variants of hinge connections shown in the figures are made directly by the structural elements of the helmet 1, and more particularly by the outer shell, thus conferring on this helmet 1 increased strength with respect to connection means which would be reported on the helmet.
It will be understood that other embodiments are possible.

Sliding link:

The Figures 14, 15 and 16 have a portion of the protective helmet 1 comprising a sliding connection 31.
The protective helmet 1 comprises, as before, the segments 3 and 4, these segments being interconnected by a sliding connection 31.
These segments 3 and 4 comprise notches 5 and complementary projections 6, which are located vis-a-vis each of the segments 3 and 4; each protrusion 6 of a segment 3, 4 facing a notch 5 of the other segment 4, 3. Thus, a sliding movement of the segments 3 and 4 with respect to the other will fit the indentations 5 of a segment in the projections 6 of the other segment, and vice versa.
These notches 5 and protrusions 6 typically extend over the entire thickness of the segments 3 and 4, that is to say over the entire thickness of the outer shell segments and / or segments of calotin which are composed segments 3 and 4, so as to constitute openings or vents in the wall of the helmet.
At the end of the projections 6 of each of the segments 3 and 4 are located, respectively, transverse bars 10 and 11 (that is to say mounted transversely to the projection direction of the projections 6, which is also the direction of sliding of the projections 6 in the indentations 5).
The transverse bars 10 and 11 may also be set back from the ends of the projections 6, which affects the sliding distance.
This embodiment shown is however not limiting; it is possible to provide that only the projections 6 of a single segment 3 or 4 are connected by a transverse bar 10 or 11. The projections 6 of the other segment of the sliding connection 31 can then comprise complementary means adapted such that stops or tongues.
The number of notches 5 and protrusions 6, their geometry and their dimensions can of course vary, as the shape of the transverse bars 10 and / or 11.
The transverse bars 10 and / or 11 may form an integral part of the segments 3 and / or 4, or may be fixedly attached, for example screwed, glued, riveted, crimped, clipped, welded, or by any other means of attachment, these strips transverse 10 and / or 11 are typically arranged on the outer face of the shell of the helmet 1. In the case where the two segments 3 and 4 each comprise a transverse bar 10 and 11, it is preferable that one of the two bars 10 or 11 is reported after the interlocking of the two segments 3 and 4.
In the embodiment shown, the transverse bar 10 is an integral part of the segment 3, while the transverse bar 11 is fixed by means of screws 12 to the segment 4. It is noted that the fixing of the transverse bar 11 to the segment 4 is achieved while the projections 6 of the segment 4 are at least partially inserted into the notches 5 of the segment 3. Thus, once the transverse bar 11 screwed to the segment 4, it maintains a connection between the two segments 3 and 4 while preventing any disembedding.
The figure 14 represents the segments 3 and 4 in their deployed position in which the indentations 5 are free and thus constitute openings or vents in the wall of the helmet 1.
The figure 15 presents a sectional view of the figure 14 .
The figure 16 represents the segments 3 and 4 in their folded position in which the indentations 5 are occupied by the projections 6 of the complementary segment. There is then a space saving substantially equal to the length of the projections 6 and notches 5 of the segments 3 and 4.
Each through notch 5 can be replaced by a zone of smaller thickness than the segment. The projection 6 belonging to the complementary segment situated vis-à-vis said notch 5 is then also of lesser thickness.
In the case where each of the two segments 3 and 4 is provided with a bar 10 and 11, the projections 6 may be provided with one or more stops 28 for blocking the movement of said bars 10 and 11 in the direction of sliding, and thus the movement of the segments 3 and 4 in the same direction, in the direction of folding. The interest here is to lock the relative displacement of the segments 3 and 4 when the helmet 1 is in the deployed position. The user will then for example pivot one segment 3 or 4 relative to the other, in order to unlock the sliding.
The Figures 18 and 19 illustrate such an embodiment comprising stops 28.
According to another embodiment, one or both ends of at least one of the transverse bars 10 and 11 protrude from the projections of the segments 3 and 4. According to a particular variant of this embodiment, said ends of the bar or bars ( s) transverse (s) 10 and / or 11 protruding projections can be guided in their movement by guide pieces, said guide pieces being arranged along the notches 5, and may for example be integral with one or the other of segments 3 or 4.
The combination of exceeding the ends of the or bars 10 and / or 11 with the guide pieces allows a limitation of the rotational movement of the connection.
The guide piece (s) may be present on all or part of the length of the notches 5, the fact of not being present (s) throughout the length of the notches 5 allowing pivoting of the link at the end of the race when the end of the transverse bar is not guided by at least one guide piece.
The guide pieces may take the form of protuberances comprising a slot into which the transverse bar 10 and / or 11 is inserted, or bosses parallel to the projections 6 and guiding the movement of the transverse bars 10 and / or 11.
This variant is represented on the figure 17 in the folded position; it shows the transverse bar 11 whose ends 11 'protrude from the projections 6 of the segment 4, as well as guide pieces 25 extending over part of the length of the notches 5 of the segment 3.
If the guide piece or parts 25 at least partially cover the notches 5 along which they are located, the limitation of the rotational movement of the sliding connection 31 can be achieved without the ends of the transverse bars 10 and / or 11 protruding 6. The guide piece 25 then guides either the transverse bar 10 or 11 is directly the projection 6 of the complementary segment. The Figures 20 to 22 illustrate such an embodiment.
Sliding connection 31 can combine one or more guide pieces 25 with one or more stops 28.
According to the variant illustrated by the Figures 20 to 22 a lamella 29, here secured to the transverse bar 11, covers a projection 6 of the segment 4. An internal space is then defined between the lamella 29 and the segment 4 in which translate the transverse bar 10.
More generally, one or both segments 3 and / or 4 connected by the sliding connection 31 may be provided with one or more strips 29, covering or less a notch 5 and / or a projection 6.
The lamellae 29 may be associated with one or more guide pieces 25, as is the case in the embodiment described, thereby improving the guiding of the sliding link 31.
As a variant, only one of the two segments 3 or 4 comprises a transverse bar 10 or 11, the other segment being provided with at least one strip 29.
According to an embodiment illustrated by the Figures 23 to 25 , the projections 6 of the segment 3 are interconnected by a transverse bar 10 while along the projections 6 of the segment 4, the outer shell 2 protrudes from the cap 2 'and is guided by notches arranged in the segment 3. These notches may be located at the transverse bar 10 or along the projections of the segment 3. The ends of the projections 6 of the segment 4 are advantageously provided with stops 32 or interconnected by a transverse bar 11, thus preventing any disengagement of the link sliding 31.
According to another variant illustrated by the Figures 26 to 28 , one or more projections 6 of the segment 4 are provided with a groove 36 in which slides a tenon 35 secured to the segment 3. A stop 32 may be arranged at the end of each projection 6 provided with a groove 36. The other protrusions of the segment 4 are advantageously provided with a tongue 33 which is fitted on the transverse bar 10 in the deployed position.
The number of abutments 32, lamellae 29, tabs 33, or any other suitable means replacing the transverse bar 11 may then vary according to the embodiments.
The Figures 29 to 32 show another variant, wherein two shells 37 and 38 at least partially overlie the projections 6 and the notches 5 of the two segments 3 and 4. The shell 38, here secured to the transverse web 11, covers the segment 4; it defines an internal space between it and the segment 4 which is adapted to guide the displacement of the transverse bar 10. A second shell 37 covers the segment 3; it defines an internal space between the latter and the segment 3, which is adapted to guide the displacement of the assembly consisting of the shell 38 and the transverse bar 11.
The segments 3 and 4 are shown in the deployed position on the figure 29 and in the folded position on the figure 30 . The figure 31 is similar to the view of the figure 29 but the shell 37 is not shown. The figure 32 is similar to the figure 29 but the shells 37 and 38 are not shown.
Alternatively, only one of the two segments 3 or 4 may be provided with a shell 37 or 38.

This sliding connection 31 has advantages as regards the application for the protective helmets; it makes it possible in particular to avoid the accidental disconnection of the segments because of the stops, and to achieve a rigid assembly. In addition, it can be used to adapt the size and shape of the helmet to the user's head.

In the same way as for the hinge connections described above, it is noted that the different variants of sliding connections shown are made directly by the structural elements of the helmet 1, and more particularly by the outer shell, thus giving the helmet 1 increased strength. relative to connection means that would be reported on the helmet.

It will be understood that other embodiments are possible.

External shell anchorage :

As mentioned earlier and described on the figure 1 , a protective helmet 1 is usually composed of an outer shell 2 and a quill 2 '.
The outer shell 2 and the quill 2 'can be manufactured separately and then fixed together by gluing or by means of an adhesive.
Another technique called "in-mold" is to make the shell 2 and then place it in a mold to inject a material, typically polystyrene beads, which will form the cap 2 'after expansion and hardening. This method allows the cap 2 'to marry perfectly the shape of the outer shell 2 and ensure better adhesion between the two parts.
In the case of an outer shell 2 made of several segments, the material for producing the quill 2 'is injected individually for each of the segments.

To make the assembly more solid, it may be advantageous to drown parts of the outer shell 2 in the foam of the calotte 2 '.

The Figures 33 to 43 present a detailed view of the outer shell and the quill.
The outer shell 2 has an anchoring element, in the form of a boss or an outgrowth of the outer shell 2 having a fold.
The anchoring element defines an internal volume, adapted to cooperate with the material of the calotin 2 'during the injection.
More specifically, the anchoring element will be embedded in the cap 2 ', thus ensuring the connection between the anchoring element and the cap 2'. Indeed, the "in-mold" technique will make it possible to make a single cap 2 'for each segment of the outer shell 2, these different segments that can then be interconnected by means of links as described in this text.
The Figures 33 and 34 show an embodiment in which a protrusion 40 having a fold at its end and preferably having openings 41 is embedded in the cap 2 '.
The fold and the openings provide the connection between the outer shell 2 and the cap 2 '.
The Figures 35 and 36 show another embodiment, wherein a boss 42 of the outer shell 2 defining an internal space is embedded in the cap 2 '. The boss 42 here comprises two openings 41 ensuring a continuity of the material of the quill 2 '. The outer shell 2 is also provided with an optional orifice 43 located opposite the boss, intended to facilitate the manufacture of the outer shell 2.
The Figures 37 and 38 show another variant in which the boss 42 is provided with more openings 41.
The Figures 39 and 40 present a variant of the embodiment of the figure 35 wherein the boss 42 is connected to the outer shell 2 on the edges.
According to another variant illustrated by the Figures 41 to 43 , the boss 42 is integral with a cap 44 which fits into the orifice formed in the outer shell 2. The boss 42 may be provided with at least one opening 41. figure 43 is a view of the inside of the helmet on which the cap 2 'is not shown.
The cap 44 may be an integral part of the outer shell 2.
The shape of the protuberance or boss can of course vary, as the number of openings 41 provided in these anchoring elements 40, 42.
The advantage of these different embodiments is that despite the presence of protuberance and / or bosses, the outer shell 2 can be manufactured without complex tools.

Locking device:

The Figures 44, 45, 46, 47 and 48 have a locking device 13 which can be implemented in a protective helmet 1.
The figure 44 has the locking device 13 mounted on the segments 3 and 4 of the protective helmet 1, typically on the outer shell 2.
The figure 45 is a sectional view of the figure 44 .
The figure 46 has an exploded view of the same locking device 13.
The Figures 47 and 48 show top views in section of the same locking device 13, respectively in the locked position and in the unlocked position.
The locking device 13 presented is located for example at the junction of two segments 3 and 4 of the protective helmet 1.
The locking device 13 comprises a housing 14, push-buttons 15, a locking tab 16 defining an internal space delimited by the locking tab 16 and the segment 4 of the protective helmet 1, and fastening means 17, which are screw in the embodiment shown.
In the embodiment illustrated by the Figures 44 to 48 , all the elements constituting the locking device 13, with the exception of the locking tab 16, are arranged on a first segment 3, while the locking tab 16 is arranged on a second segment 4. The latter can be an integral part of Segment 4 or be reported.
The fastening means 17 are housed in bosses 18 of the first segment 3, said bosses comprising a central cavity intended to receive the fastening means 17.
The number and arrangement of the fastening means 17 and bosses 18 may of course vary according to the embodiment. Many other variants are possible. The bosses 18 may for example be housed on the housing 14, thus reversing the direction of the fastening means 17. The segment 3 may also be devoid of bosses 18, the housing 14 then being fixed directly on the segment 3. The housing 14 can also be fixed by other means such as crimping, riveting, gluing, latching, welding. In addition, the housing 14 can be fixed on an intermediate cover, thus making the locking device 13 independent of its support (here the segment 3). The junction between the housing 14 and said cover or the segment 3 may be located in another zone, for example on the opposite side to the locking lug 16. Instead of being integral with the segment 3 or 4 to which they are attached, the housing and / or the locking tab may be retained by a flexible material such as strap.
A latch 19 slides inside the housing 14, and comprises a bolt 21, of complementary shape to the internal space defined by the locking tab 16. The elastic arms 20 are provided with pushers 15 and are connected to the body of the latch 19 on the bolt side 21.
According to another variant illustrated by the Figures 49 to 53 , the resilient arms 20 are connected to the body of the latch 19 on the opposite side to the bolt.
In the embodiment illustrated by the Figures 44 to 48 , the latch 19 is guided transversely, that is to say along the Y axis, by two longitudinally disposed guide grooves joining at the center of the latch body 19 on the bolt side and intended to cooperate with the inner wall of the latch. casing 14. The number of grooves may vary; on the figure 51 for example, the latch 19 has only one groove. The grooves may also be located on the housing 14, the segment 3 or the latch at the junction with the segment 3, the piece vis-à-vis then having a complementary shape.
The Figures 47 and 48 show top views in section of the locking device 13, respectively in the locked position in which the segments 3 and 4 are held fixed relative to each other, and in the unlocked position in which the relative movement of the segments 3 and 4 is possible.
In the locked position, the bolt 21 is housed in the internal space defined by the locking tab 16. The pushers 15 are then protruding outside the housing 14, and the resilient arms 20 are at rest, that is to say -say not deformed or slightly constrained, the elastic arms 20 hold the locking device in the locked position, in combination with a suitable form of the housing 14. More specifically, a portion of the outer face of the elastic arm 20, whose surface is perpendicular or oblique at the sliding direction of the latch 19, comes into contact with the edge of the lateral opening formed in the housing 14. To limit the movement of the resilient arm 20 outwards in the locked position, the end thereof may be provided with a lug 45 which comes into contact with the inner face of the wall of the casing 14.
In the embodiment shown on the Figures 44 to 48 , the optional elastic means 22, here a spring, biases the latch 19 in the X direction by applying a return force. So there is only one stable position: the locked position.
The spring may be replaced by a resiliently deforming projection on the latch, housing or segment 3.
In the absence of the optional elastic means 22, the latch 19 has two stable positions, one corresponding to the locked position, and the other corresponding to the unlocked position. It is therefore necessary to slide the latch 19 by means of the two pushers 15 to lock the device.
Such an embodiment is illustrated by the Figures 49 to 53 .
Instead of being parallel to the direction of movement of the latch 19, the inner walls of the housing 14 in contact with the outer face of the elastic arms 20 may be oblique, thus facilitating the translation of the latch 19.
The Figures 86 and 87 show another embodiment not comprising the elastic means 22, wherein the outer faces of the resilient arms 20 cooperate with the housing 14 to maintain the latch 19 in a stable position, the locked position. The locking device 13 may also comprise fingers 51 which, thanks to a suitable shape of the internal face of the elastic arm 20, facilitate the moving the latch 19 in the unlocking direction, when the user presses the pushbuttons 15.
The locking is carried out by the bolt 21, as well as by the casing 14. The casing 14 surrounds the locking lug 16, and thus limit the relative movement of the segments 3 and 4 along the X and Y axes shown on FIG. figure 44 , while the bolt 21 limits the movement along the Z axis defined on the figure 44 .
The bolt 21 and the locking tab 16 may be bevelled or have one or more rounded to facilitate their insertion in respectively the locking tab 16 and the housing 14.
The locking tab 16 is inserted into the housing 14 from the bottom upwards in the Z direction, it can just as well be in the opposite direction.
Other embodiments may provide locking in another direction. Indeed, the proposed embodiment allows to assemble the segments 3 and 4 by a relative movement along the Z axis. Other methods of assembly may however be desirable; for example to allow assembly by relative movement of the segments 3 and 4 along the axis X. The locking tab 16 then takes the form of a hook, defining at least one groove, in which is housed a projection which may for example be disposed at the end of an elastic arm 20, or one or more rigid arms pivotally mounted and provided with elastic means such as springs.
The unlocked position is obtained by exerting a simultaneous pressure on the two pushers 15, then by sliding the latch 19 to disengage the bolt 21 from the internal space defined by the locking tab 16. The two segments 3 and 4 can then The elastic arms 20 are subjected to an elastic deformation, they are limited in bending by the body of the latch 19. The abutment can also be achieved by the housing 14 or segment 3.
The resilient arms 20 may be replaced by rigid arms pivotally mounted on the latch 19 and provided with an elastic member such as a helical or blade spring which keeps said rigid arms outwardly of the casing 14.
Many variants of this locking device 13 are possible; the locking tab 16 may for example take the form of a hook, as shown in the embodiment shown on the Figures 49 to 53 , or define several internal spaces in which will be inserted the bolt 21 of suitable shape, for example having a plurality of complementary projections of said internal spaces.
The embodiment presented on the Figures 54 to 58 is similar to that of Figures 44 to 48 , but the bolt 21, instead of being integral with the latch 19, is likely to move relative to the latch 19. A spring 48 or other resilient means disposed between the latch 19 and the bolt 21 holds in position the latch 19. this. This embodiment has the advantage, by means of a suitable form of the bolt 21 and the locking tab 16, to lock when the locking tab is introduced into the housing, without the need to move the latch 19. Stoppers are arranged between the latch 19 and the bolt 21, so that the bolt 21 follows the movement of the latch 19 when it is moved to unlock the locking device 13. The locking device 13 may be devoid of elastic means 22.
According to another embodiment illustrated by the Figures 59 to 63 , the housing 14 comprises elastically deformable tongues 46 on which the pushers 15 are arranged. The elastic arms 20 are then provided with a ramp 47 designed to interact with the tongues 46 when the user exerts pressure on the push-buttons 15 and thereby cause the latch 19 to move. The latch 19 is held in a stable position by the resilient means 22.
The Figures 69 to 73 illustrate an embodiment in which the ramps 47 are rigidly fixed to the body of the latch 19. The tabs 46 interact with the ramps 47 to cause the displacement of the latch 19 when the user exerts pressure on the latch 19 the pushers 15 disposed on the tongues 46. The resilient means 22 holds the latch 19 in a stable position.
The embodiment presented on the Figures 74 to 77 is similar to that of Figures 69 to 73 but in which the latch 19 is provided with hooks 49 cooperating with the end of the tabs 46, reducing the risk of unlocking when the tabs 46 are left free.
According to another variant illustrated by the Figures 64 to 68 the tongues 46 can be connected to the casing 14 on the opposite side to the bolt 21. Furthermore, this embodiment advantageously has a bolt 21 independent of the latch 19 and held in position by a spring 48.
The tongues 46 elastically deformable may be replaced by rigid tongues pivotally mounted on the housing 14 and provided with an elastic member, preferably a spring.
The Figures 78 to 81 illustrate an embodiment similar to that presented on the Figures 64 to 68 but in which the housing 14 is devoid of tabs 46 and wherein the two pushers 15 are independent of the housing 14; they are capable of sliding transversely that is to say along the Y axis and are held outwardly of the housing 14 via the elastic arms 20. The pushers 15 are designed to interact with the ramps 47 of the elastic arms 20 and thus causing the latch 19 to move when the user exerts pressure on said push-buttons 15. In a variant, the bolt 21 may be secured to the latch 19.
According to another variant illustrated by the Figures 82 to 85 the two pushers 15 are independent; they are capable of sliding transversely, that is to say along the Y axis, relative to the latch 19 and are held outwardly of the housing 14 via an elastic means 50, a spring for example. The pushers 15 hold the locking device 13 in the locked position in combination with a suitable form of the housing 14. This embodiment can be provided with an elastic means 22 and / or a bolt 21 independent of the latch 19 retained by a spring 48, as previously described.
According to another embodiment illustrated by the Figures 91 to 95 , the latch 19 comprises one or more resiliently deformable projections 52, which are housed in notches of the housing 14. The user then makes only a translational movement of the latch 19, the pusher 15 then being adapted for a such movement. This variant has two stable positions corresponding to the locked position and the unlocked position.
The variant illustrated by Figures 88 to 90 is similar to that of Figures 91 to 95 but the elastic projection 52 exerts a return force holding the latch 19 in the locked position. This embodiment has the advantage, with a suitable form of the bolt 21 and the locking lug 16, to lock when the locking tab 16 is inserted into the casing 14, without the user having to move. the latch 19.
The number of elastic projections 52 may vary, they may be an integral part of the housing 14, the segment 3 or they may be replaced by another elastic member, of the spring type for example.
According to another embodiment, the bosses 18 in which are housed the fastening means 17 have their central cavity oblique to the surface of the segment 3, which has advantages in the manufacture of the segments.
For variants of locking device 13 having two pushers 15, it is possible to envisage an embodiment having only one push-button 15, the locking being effected only on one side.

Such a locking device 13 has many advantages, including the fact of providing a robust locking segments, according to directions of displacement may vary according to the embodiment chosen. It can be easily handled by the user while ensuring a secure lock since it can be unlocked only by exerting a simultaneous pressure on the two pushers 15 located on each side of the housing 14 in the case where the device comprises two pushers 15 arranged on each side of the housing 14.
In addition, this locking device 13 can be applied to other areas such as sports articles, bags, luggage, childcare accessories, capital goods.
In particular, the various embodiments of the locking device 13 can be combined with the various types of connections (hinge connection 30 and sliding link 31) described above.

Protective helmet with the elements previously described:

A protective helmet 1 provided with the various elements described above, namely at least one hinge connection 30 and / or at least one sliding connection 31, and advantageously at least one locking device 13 would then have advantages in terms of space requirement without use .
Indeed, during use, the protective helmet 1 has a conventional shape; the different segments constituting the helmet being held fixed relative to each other by the combination of sliding connections 31 and / or hinges 30, and locking devices 13.
The specific arrangement of the segments and the hinge and / or sliding connections 31 will thus lead to a specific kinematics for folding the helmet 1, and thus reduce its bulk.

The Figures 96 to 99 represent an example of a protective helmet 1 provided with hinge connections 30, sliding connections 31 and locking devices 13 as described above.
The protective helmet 1 is represented on the Figures 96 and 97 in the position of use, or deployed position, and in the folded position on the Figures 98 and 99 .
The helmet 1 is composed of the segments 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 and 107. The peripheral segments 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 are connected together in pairs by means of a hinge connection 30. More specifically, a hinge connection 30 interconnects the segments 100 and 101, the segments 101 and 103, the segments 103 and 105, the segments 105 and 104, the segments 104 and 102, the segments 102 and 100. The central segments 106 and 107 are connected to each other by a sliding connection 31. The segment 106 is connected to the segment 100 by means of a pivot connection 90 consisting of two points. articulation located on both sides of the helmet 1.
In the deployed position, the segments are held fixed relative to one another by three locking devices 13 connecting the segments 106 and 103, the segments 106 and 104, the segments 107 and 105. It can be seen that a reduced number of locking 13 makes it possible to maintain all the fixed segments; the number of locking devices 13 and their position may however vary to improve for example the strength of the helmet 1 or ergonomics. The locking devices 13 connecting the segment 106 to the segments 103 and 104 may for example be moved to connect the segment 106 to the segments 101 and 102.
Out of use, the user can unlock the locking devices 13, and thus allow movement of the different segments. The segment 107 is engaged in the segment 106 via the sliding connection 31 between these two segments 106 and 107 and via the openings in these segments formed by the notches and projections therein. The segments 101, 102, 103, 104 can then be folded inside the helmet 1 via the hinge connections 30 connecting the peripheral segments to each other, so that the segment 105 approaches the segment 100. The assembly consisting of the segments 106 and 107 can then pivot about the segment 100 via the pivot connection 90, thus covering the segment 105.
The deployment operation is in the reverse order. The order in which these operations are carried out, however, may vary.
The helmet 1 and folded is represented on the Figures 98 and 99 ; there is a reduced footprint, the interior space of the helmet 1 corresponding to the location for the user's head in the deployed position being greatly reduced here.
In addition, because of the synergy between the locking devices 13, the hinge connections 30 and the sliding connections 31, the user has only a reduced number of operations to perform to move from the deployed position to the position folded, and vice versa.
Such a protective helmet 1 can find application in various fields, especially for bicycle helmets, or motorcycle helmets.

According to another variant represented on the Figures 100 and 101 , the helmet 1 is composed of the peripheral segments 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and the central segments 116, 117. The peripheral segments are connected together in pairs via a hinge connection 30. The segments 110 and 116 are connected by a sliding connection 31, as well as the segments 115 and 117. The segments 116 and 117 are interconnected by means of a pivot connection 90. The helmet also comprises two locking devices 13 connecting the segment 117 to the segments 113 and 114.
According to another variant represented on the Figures 102 and 103 , the helmet 1 is composed of the peripheral segments 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 and the central segments 126, 127, 128. The peripheral segments are connected together in pairs via a hinge connection 30. The segments 120 and 126 are connected by a sliding connection 31, as well as the segments 127 and 128. The segments 126 and 127 are interconnected by means of a pivot connection 90. The helmet 1 also comprises three locking devices 13 connecting, d ' segment 127 to segments 121 and 122, and segment 128 to segment 125.
According to another variant represented on the Figures 104 to 107 , the helmet 1 is composed of the peripheral segments 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136 and a central segment 137. The peripheral segments are connected together in pairs via a hinge link 30. The The central segment 137 is connected to the segment 130 by means of a pivot connection 90. The helmet 1 also comprises three locking devices 13 connecting the segment 137 to the segments 133, 134 and 136.
According to another variant represented on the Figures 108 to 111 , the helmet 1 is composed of the peripheral segments 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147 and the central segment 148. The segment 148 is connected to the segments 140 and 147 by a sliding connection 31. A hinge connection 30 connects in pairs the peripheral segments, i.e. the segments 140 and 141, 140 and 142, 147 and 145, 147 and 146, 143 and 141, 143 and 145, 144 and 142, 144 and 146. headset 1 also includes two locking devices 13 connecting the segment 148 to the segments 143 and 144. The segments 141 and 145 are thin in thickness, so that they partially cover the segment 143, likewise for the segments 142 and 146 which cover partially segment 144. The segments 141, 142, 145 and 146 may not be thin, in this case they do not cover the segments 143 and 144. When the two locking devices 13 are unlocked, the two segments 143 and 144 can move, via hinges 30 rel the outer segments, towards the inside of the helmet 1 to be housed below the segment 148. During this time, the segments 140 and 147 fit into the segment 148 via the sliding connections 31. The helmet 1 and folded is represented on the Figures 110 and 111 .

In the embodiments illustrated by the Figures 96 to 111 each peripheral segment is connected to the adjacent peripheral segment by means of a hinge link 30. The number of peripheral segments may vary. It may be advantageous if either all or one or more groups of hinge connections connecting the peripheral segments have their axes parallel or concurrent with each other.
The number of central segments may also vary. The connecting and locking means connecting the central segments to each other and to peripheral segments, may vary in number and be combined differently.

According to another variant represented on the Figures 112 to 115 , the helmet 1 is composed of the peripheral segments 150, 151, 152, 153 and a central segment 154. The segment 150 is connected to the segments 151 and 152 by a hinge link 30. The segment 153 is connected to the segments 151 and 152 by a sliding connection 31. The segment 154 is connected to the segment 150 by a sliding connection 31 and the segment 153 by a pivot connection 90.
According to another variant represented on the Figures 116 to 119 , the helmet 1 is composed of the peripheral segments 160, 161, 162 and the central segment 163. The segment 160 is connected to the segments 161 and 162 by a hinge connection 30. The segments 161 and 162 are connected by a sliding connection 31. The Segment 163 is connected to segment 160 by a sliding link 31. Segment 163 is connected in pairs to segments 161 and 162 by an annular linear connection 91, providing translation guidance between the two associated segments.
According to another variant represented on the Figures 120 to 122 , the helmet 1 is composed of the peripheral segments 170, 171, 172, 173 and the central segment 174. The segment 170 is connected to the segments 171 and 172 by a hinge connection 30. The segments 170 and 174 are connected by a sliding connection 31 The segment 174 is connected in pairs to the segments 171 and 172 by an annular linear connection 91. The segment 173 is connected to the segments 171 and 172 by a sliding connection 31. The notches 5 of the two sliding links of the segment 173 meet at center of the segment, the projections 6 are then connected to each other only by the transverse bars. Alternatively, the notches 5 may not meet in the center.
According to another variant represented on the Figures 123 to 125 , the helmet 1 is composed of the peripheral segments 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185 and the central segment 186. The segment 180 is connected to the segments 181 and 182 by a hinge link 30. The segment 185 is connected to the segments 183 and 184 by a hinge connection 30. The segments 181 and 183 are connected by a sliding connection 31, as well as the segments 182 and 184. The segment 186 is connected, on the one hand to the segment 180 by a connection slider 31, and secondly to the segment 185 by a pivot connection 90.
According to another variant represented on the Figures 126 to 128 , the helmet 1 is similar to the helmet of the figure 96 but the hinge connections 30 connecting the segment 105 to the segments 103 and 104 are replaced by sliding connections 31.

In Embodiments 112 to 128, each peripheral segment is connected to the adjacent peripheral segment by means of a hinge link 30 or a sliding link 31. The number of peripheral segments and the arrangement of the hinge and slide links may of course vary.
Each segment connected by a sliding connection 31 may be provided with at least one guide piece 25 and / or at least one strip 29 described above.
The number of central segments may also vary. The connecting and locking means connecting the central segments to each other and to the peripheral segments may vary in number and be combined differently.
In these embodiments, the locking systems of the helmet 1 have not been shown. They can of course take the form of the locking devices 13 described above but to adapt the size and shape of the helmet 1 to the head of the user it may be advantageous to provide the helmet 1 with at least one system maintaining the links sliding 31 in an intermediate position between the fully deployed where the notches 5 are free and the folded where the notches 5 are occupied by the projections 6 of the complementary segment. This system for holding sliding connections 31 in an intermediate position may consist of a system with teeth and ratchet or a rack and pinion system. This The system may be fixed directly to the segments, the rack or teeth being for example located on the projections 6 of a segment and the ratchet or wheel system on the transverse bar secured to the complementary segment. This holding system can also be connected to the segments by means of a strap or a headband such as the headband headband generally used on bicycle helmets. In this configuration, said straps or bands are not necessarily attached to adjacent segments.

According to another variant represented on the Figures 129 to 131 , the helmet 1 is composed of the segments 200, 201, 202 and 203. The segment 200 is connected to the segments 201 and 202 by a pivot connection 90. The segment 200 is connected to the segment 203 by a hinge connection 30. The helmet 1 comprises two locking devices 13, connecting the segment 203 to the segments 201 and 202.
According to another variant represented on the Figures 132 to 135 , the helmet 1 is composed of the peripheral segments 210, 211, 212, 213 and central segments 214, 215. The segments 210 and 214 are connected by a sliding connection 31. The segment 215 is connected to the segments 211, 212, 213 and 214 by means of a hinge connection 30. The helmet 1 also comprises four locking devices 13 connecting on the one hand the segment 210 to the segments 211 and 212, and on the other hand the segment 213 to the segments 211 and 212.
The sliding connection 31 connecting the segments 210 and 214 may be replaced by a hinge connection 30. The hinge connection 30 connecting the segments 213 and 215 may be replaced by a sliding connection 31.
According to another variant represented on the Figures 136 to 139 , the helmet 1 is composed of the peripheral segments 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225 and the central segment 226. A sliding link 31 connects the segments 221 and 223, as well as the segments 222 and 224. A sliding connection 31 also connects segment 226 to segments 220 and 225. An articulation point 92 connects segment 220 to segments 221 and 222, but also segment 225 to segments 223 and 224.
According to another variant represented on the Figures 140 to 143 , the helmet 1 is composed of the segments 230, 231, 232, 233, 234. A sliding link 31 connects the segment 230 to the segments 231 and 232. An optional hinge point 92 also connects the segment 230 to the segments 231 and 232. A pivot link 90 connects the segment 233 to the segments 230 and 234. A rod 93, integral with the segment 234, limits the rotational movement between the segments 233 and 234 via the pivot connection 90. The helmet 1 also comprises two locking devices 13 connecting the segment 234 to the segments 231 and 232.
The helmet 1 may be devoid of segment 233, the segment 234 is then directly connected to the segment 230 via a pivot connection 90 for example.
According to another variant represented on the Figures 144 to 146 , the helmet 1 is composed of the segments 230, 231, 232, 243, 244 and 245. The segment 230 is connected to the segments 231 and 232 in a manner similar to the embodiment of the helmet shown in FIGS. Figures 140 to 143 . The segments 231 and 243 are connected by an articulation point 92, as well as the segments 232 and 244. The segment 245 is connected to the segments 243 and 244 via a sliding connection 31. These two sliding connections 31 may comprise a system tenon 35 and groove 36 similar to that illustrated by the Figures 26 to 28 . The two smaller zones 94 of the segment 245 can replace the notches 5 through the sliding connections 31. The helmet 1 also comprises a locking device 13 connecting the segments 230 and 245. When moving into the folded position, the segment 245 is position under segment 230.
According to another variant represented on the Figures 147 to 149 , the helmet 1 is composed of the segments 250, 251, 252, a chin strap 253 and a visor 254. The segment 251 is connected to the segments 250 and 252 by a sliding connection 31. The segments 250 and 252 are connected by a pivot connection 90. The chin strap 253 secured to the visor 254, is movable via a pivot connection 90 connecting for example to the segment 252. The chinrest 253 and the visor 254 can of course be movable relative to each other. The helmet 1 may be devoid of the chin strap 253 and / or the visor 254. The pivot connection 90 connecting the segments 250 and 252 may be replaced by two pivot links 90 connecting the segment 251 to the segments 250 and 252. The figure 148 represents the helmet 1 in the deployed position, with the chin strap 253 raised.

The number and geometry of notches 5 and projections 6 shown in the figures can of course vary, the various embodiments being only examples.
The locking devices 13 shown in the embodiments may take different forms from those previously described.
In the figures representing the helmet variants 1 in the folded position, the locking device 13 has not been shown for readability reasons.
It is of course possible to envisage other embodiments implementing other combinations of the various means described. In particular, on the helmet variants described, it is possible to position the segments on the helmet differently by exchanging for example the length with the width of the helmet.
In the various embodiments of helmets, the hinge connections 30 may be replaced by conventional pivot links or by flexible or semi-rigid links.
Each connecting and locking means in the described helmet embodiments connects two segments together. Other variants in which these means connect more than two segments at a time can be envisaged.

The Figures 150 to 152 illustrate a variant of the particular embodiment of helmet 1 illustrated on the Figures 96 to 99 ; the figure 150 present the helmet 1 in the deployed position, the figure 151 has the helmet 1 in the intermediate position between the deployed position and the folded position, and the figure 152 is a detailed sectional view of a hinge connection 30 located on the helmet shown in FIGS. Figures 150 and 151 . In the same manner as above, the helmet 1 illustrated in these figures comprises peripheral segments 100, 101, 103, 105, 102 and 104 (the latter two not being visible on the Figures 150 and 151 ), as well as two central segments 106 and 107.

In this variant, some of the hinge connections 30 are provided with at least one mechanism exerting a return force which determines one or more stable positions. In order to facilitate the handling of the helmet 1, the return mechanism may comprise an elastic means of the leaf spring type, spiral spring, helical spring, or an elastic tongue as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 150 to 152 associated with a segment having a non-circular profile, typically a cam profile. In this example, the elastic tongue 98 is integral with a segment 100 of the helmet 1, and cooperates with a segment 101 whose cam profile makes it possible to obtain one or more stable positions. The tongue can also serve as stop stop in rotation of the hinge connection 30.
This mechanism exerting a return force advantageously combines with knuckles constituting the hinge connection 30 which have openings alternately arranged on each side of the outer surface of the helmet 1, as described above.

The variant illustrated on Figures 150 and 151 further comprises at least one cover element 97, integral with both the segment 107 and the strip of the same segment, at least partially covering a projection of the segment 106. This embodiment has the effect of limiting the rotational movement of the sliding connection 31 which connects the segments 106 and 107 by producing a stop, in particular when these segments are in the folded position.

Moreover, in this variant of the helmet, the segment 107 comprises two stops 95 on either side of the helmet 1 which limit, the inward displacement of the helmet 1, respectively, of the segments 101, 103 and segments 102, 104 (not shown in these figures). When the helmet 1, or more precisely the segment 107 is in the deployed position, the stop 95 limits the displacement of the segments 101 and 103 by cooperating with one of the two segments, typically the segment 103 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. Figures 150 and 151 . In the same way, the displacement of the peripheral segments 102 and 104 opposite the segments 101 and 103 is limited by a stop similar to the stop 95.
Once the locking device 13 connects the segments 105 and 107 unlocked, the interlocking of the segment 107 in the segment 106 via the sliding connection 31 makes it possible to fold the segments 101, 102, 103 and 104 inside, thus allowing the Folding of the helmet 1. The segments 101, 102, 103, 104 are preferably limited in displacement towards the outside of the helmet 1 by stops located on the segments 100, 106 or 107. In the variant represented, two stops 96 situated on the segment 106 limit outward displacements, respectively, of segments 101, 103 and segments 102, 104 (not shown in FIGS. Figures 150 and 151 ).
These stops 95 are a substitute for locking devices, and thus reduce the number of locking devices that includes the helmet 1.
As an example, the helmet variant illustrated on the Figures 96 to 99 has a global structure similar to that of the helmet shown on the Figures 150 and 151 , but this first variant comprises three locking devices 13 while the variant illustrated on the Figures 150 and 151 comprises a single locking device 13 in conjunction with two stops 95, this unique locking device 13 for locking the displacement of the segment 107.
According to another embodiment, the helmet 1 is similar to that illustrated on the Figures 150 and 151 but the segments 100 and 106 are integral, forming only one. The pivot link 90 connecting these two segments is then deleted.

Claims (10)

1. Protective helmet (1), characterised in that it comprises a plurality of peripheral segments (100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105; 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136) interconnected in pairs by hinge connections (30) or sliding connections, and a central segment (106, 107; 137) connected to a first of said peripheral segments by a pivot connection (90) and to at least one of said second peripheral segments by a locking device (13), said hinge connections (30) connecting in pairs the peripheral segments having their axis of rotation (9) substantially tangent to the surface of said segments, said helmet being configured so that:

   - when it is locked, said locking device (13) maintains the helmet (1) in a deployed position;

   - when it is unlocked, the locking device (13) makes it possible to displace said peripheral segments in such a way as to convey them to said first peripheral segment, and to fold back the central segment towards said peripheral segments displaced as such in such a way as to pass from the deployed position of the helmet to a folded position wherein the helmet has a reduced encumbrance.
2. Protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein at least one portion of said hinge connections (30) have their axes (9) parallel or concurrent with each other.
3. Protective helmet according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said hinge connections (30) connecting in pairs the peripheral segments have their axes (9) parallel to each other.
4. Protective helmet according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said hinge connections (30) connecting in pairs the peripheral segments have their axes (9) concurrent with each other.
5. Protective helmet according to one of the preceding claims, comprising 5 or 6 or 7 peripheral segments.
6. Protective helmet according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein some of said hinge connections (30) comprise a mechanism (98) exerting a return force in such a way as to determine one or several stable positions.
7. Protective helmet according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the central segment is connected to three peripheral segments by means of three locking devices.
8. Protective helmet according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the central segment comprises two elements (106, 107) mounted sliding with respect to one another by means of a sliding connection (31), with one of said elements being connected to the first peripheral segment by said pivot connection (90), and the other of said elements being connected at least to said second peripheral segment by a locking device (13).
9. Protective helmet according to claim 8, wherein said sliding connection (31) is formed from indentations (5) and from complementary protrusions (6) and substantially parallel arranged in said two elements, and wherein said protrusions of at least one of the elements are interconnected by means of a transverse bar (10, 11).
10. Protective helmet according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first peripheral segment comprises two elements (120, 126) mounted in a sliding manner with respect to one another by means of a sliding connection (31), with one of said elements being connected to the central segment by said pivot connection (90), and the other of said elements being connected to the peripheral segments.

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