EP2775877B1

EP2775877B1 - Helmet-mask adapter locking system

Info

Publication number: EP2775877B1
Application number: EP12783584.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Louis Guay; Christophe Siboulotte
Original assignee: MSA Production France SAS
Current assignee: MSA Production France SAS
Priority date: 2011-11-10
Filing date: 2012-11-06
Publication date: 2017-04-12
Anticipated expiration: 2032-11-06
Also published as: WO2013068343A1; FR2982462A1; FR2982462B1; EP2775877A1

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to breathing masks and helmets for use in various situations and environments, and in particular to a device for fastening a breathing mask on a helmet, a helmet, a breathing mask, and fastening devices, and a helmet-mask adapter locking system.

Description of the Related Art

In certain situations, the protection of an individual, for example a firefighter, involves the latter wearing a helmet and a breathing mask. The mask is mounted on the helmet using a fastening device that makes it possible to keep the mask on the wearer's face with suitable pressure. Traditionally, such fastening devices include a front end portion intended to be mounted on the mask, and a back end portion intended to be mounted on the helmet, with a hook intended to be engaged in a housing formed on the helmet. Such a fastening device is disclosed in DE 10 2007 063 464 B3 .
These existing fastening devices are functional for their intended purpose. However, in such systems and arrangements, the mask is held in place entirely by the pull exerted by the fastening device, which may prove insufficient or excessive under certain circumstances. For example, an unexpected impact on the fastening device caused by a falling object may cause the mask to unhook by making the hook leave or unseat from its housing. This could have serious safety consequences for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, provided is a helmet-mask adapter locking system that addresses and/or overcomes some or all of the potential drawbacks associated with existing helmet-mask fastening systems and arrangements.
To that end, and according to a first preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the invention relates to a device for fastening a breathing mask on a helmet, having a front end portion intended to be mounted on the mask, and a rear end portion intended to be mounted on the helmet and to that end including a hook intended to be engaged in a housing formed on the helmet, the fastening device also including a system for locking on the helmet including a safety member that can move between: a protruding position, in which, in the in-use position, the safety member protrudes toward the helmet and can cooperate with a blocking means or member formed on the helmet, so as to prevent the hook from leaving the housing; and a retracted position allowing the fastening device to be unhooked from the helmet; where the safety member being stressed toward its protruding position by first elastic return means or a first elastic return member and able to be moved toward its retracted position, against said first elastic return means or member, through a manual action by a user.
In this manner, the fastening device can be locked on the mask, which ensures much more effective attachment of the mask than in current systems, particularly in the case of unexpected impact on the fastening device. The wearer's safety is thus significantly improved. In practice, to detach the mask, it is necessary to perform two actions simultaneously, i.e.: (i) the manual action making it possible to move the safety member toward its retracted position, and (ii) moving the fastening device relative to the helmet to make the hook leave the housing.
Furthermore, by providing a system that is intuitive to operate, in which a manual action by the user enables unlocking, while the movement disengaging the hook outside the housing as is traditional in current systems, the mask can be removed very quickly and easily if necessary, which contributes to improved safety. Through the cooperation between the safety member and the blocking member formed on the helmet, the system provides improved positioning of the fastening device and the mask relative to known fastening devices that simply provide a hook engaging in a housing formed on the helmet.
Another advantage of the helmet-mask adapter locking system of the present invention lies in the fact that the mask can remain attached to the helmet when the user removes the helmet. It will also be noted that the helmet-mask adapter locking system makes it possible to obtain the aforementioned effects without using any unattached parts that could easily be lost, which is a great advantage.
In certain preferred and non-limiting embodiments, the housing is open toward the back, the hook being oriented toward the inside and front. The blocking member then preferably forms a stop preventing the fastening device from moving backward. This blocking member can, for example, assume the form of a protruding element, such as a rib, or a hollow element, such as a groove or a hole. In practice, the fastening device can include a housing having an orifice through which the safety member protrudes outside the housing in the protruding position. Furthermore, the fastening device can include a system for adjusting its length, which makes it possible to adjust the pressure of the mask on the user's face, but also to ensure that the safety member is positioned near the blocking member.
Because the safety member is part of the fastening device, and not part of the helmet shell, the present invention has additional advantages. For example, the helmet intended to be equipped with a lockable breathing mask can be a conventional helmet, with no specific nor advanced means for locking said breathing mask. Therefore, the helmet can be less expensive, since all the fastening components are part of the fastening device which is an optional element. Additionally, the fastening system can be compatible with conventional helmets that don't have a locking mechanism. It can be mounted on such existing helmets, and does not require to invest in replacing all helmets of a fire brigade, for example. Further, the whole system is more robust, in particular because the active part of the system is fully arranged on the fastening device, while the helmet only has passive parts of the system. Having the safety member arranged on the fastening device results in reduced risks that said safety member could become soiled, seized or even damaged as compared to a safety member which would be arranged on the helmet. Indeed, a helmet is always used, while the breathing mask is only occasionally used. Finally, the helmet can be less cumbersome and lighter in weight because the safety member is not part of the helmet.
According to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the locking system includes an actuating means or actuator cooperating with the safety member, which is stressed by second elastic return means or a second elastic return member toward an inactive position where it allows the safety member to occupy the protruding position, and which is designed to be able to be moved toward an active position, under the user's manual action, against the second elastic return means or member, in which it keeps the safety member in the retracted position. Thus, the unlocking can be done by simple pressure from a finger, for example the thumb, on an actuator that can typically assume the form of a button. Preferably, when a user presses on the actuating means, no obstacle remains to the unlocking. This arrangement is advantageous in that both the safety member and the actuating means or actuator are located on the fastening device.
For example, in another embodiment, the fastening device includes a housing, the actuator (or actuating means) is mounted rotatably mobile around an axis secured to the housing, while the safety member is guided in translation relative to the housing along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuator, and can protrude outside the housing while passing through an orifice formed in the housing. Furthermore, the actuator may be in the form of a ramp on which the safety member is kept bearing, so that the rotation of the actuator causes the safety member to slide on the ramp and the safety member to be translated between its protruding and retracted positions. Such an arrangement is advantageous in that it is compact and does not require a large transversal space to allow the necessary lateral movement of the safety member. It is possible to provide that, in the mounted position, or the in-use position, the axis of rotation of the actuator is substantially horizontal and transverse. Having a safety member in the form of a sliding element results in a robust and reliable system, which, in addition, is very efficient both at high and low temperatures insofar as it preferably does not include elastically deformable elements or exposed elements.
According to one possible embodiment, the actuator can include two ramps and the safety member can include a finger provided with two side wings each able to bear on a ramp of the actuator. Advantageously, the actuator is situated on the lower side of the fastening device in the in-use position, i.e. when the helmet and the mask are fastened to one another and worn by a user. This arrangement prevents untimely unlocking in case of an impact on the fastening device, resulting in a more reliable fastening device. Furthermore, this makes the fastening device more ergonomic, since it is easier to actuate with the thumb.
In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the fastening device includes a housing receiving the safety member and connecting means or a connector for connecting the housing to the mask whereof the effective length can be adjusted in order to make it possible to adjust the pressure of the mask on the user's face, in the in-use position. "Effective length" refers to the distance along the connector between the housing and the mask. The actual length of the connector can remain unchanged.
According to another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the connector includes a rigid bar that is slideably mounted relative to the housing and that is provided with maintenance means or an arrangement for maintaining it in a desired position relative to the housing, this arrangement being able to be deactivated to allow the bar to slide. It is then possible to provide that the housing includes a stop on which a user can bear with at least one finger during adjustment of the effective length of the connector (or connecting means). According to a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the connector can be in the form of a flexible strap.
Furthermore, the first end portion of the fastening device can include connecting means or a connector for connecting to the mask arranged to allow at least two degrees of rotational freedom between the fastening device and the mask. In practice, this can involve a ball joint. Owing to this feature, the mask can be better adapted to the shape of the user's face as well as to the movements of the head.
According to a further aspect, the helmet-mask adapter locking system relates to an assembly including a helmet having a housing and a blocking member, a breathing mask, and two fastening devices, as previously described. In the mounted position, the fastening devices are positioned laterally on either side of the helmet, extending longitudinally overall, their hook being engaged in the housing and the safety member being situated substantially against or in the immediate vicinity of the blocking member.
According to another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the housing is open toward the back and the blocking member is situated at the front of the edge of the housing, the safety member being positioned, in the mounted position, at the front of the blocking member. The fastening device thus tends to grip the mask against the face, and the blocking member prevents the backward translation of the fastening device. For example, the blocking member comprises a rib formed on a side portion of the helmet, protruding outwardly, and oriented substantially parallel to the edge of the housing. Alternatively, it may involve a groove or a cavity for receiving the safety member.
It is possible to provide that the helmet includes a shell on each side portion of which a side plate is fixed that at least partially forms the housing and includes the blocking member. As a result, the assembly can easily be adapted to the user's morphology only by moving the side plates with respect to the helmet, and using the same fastening device.
Furthermore, the mask can include a peripheral edge intended to be applied against the user's face, the peripheral edge including, on its outer surface, at least one protruding element able to limit the sliding relative to an opposite piece belonging to the helmet.
In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is a device for fastening a breathing mask on a helmet. The device includes: a front end portion configured to be engaged with the mask; a rear end portion configured to be engaged with the helmet; and a locking arrangement including a safety member configured to move between a protruding position that prevents the device from disengaging from the helmet, and a retracted position that allows the device to disengage from the helmet. The safety member is stressed toward the protruding position and configured to be moved toward the retracted position through a manual action by a user.
In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is an assembly, including: a fastening device for fastening a breathing mask on a helmet, the fastening device including: a front end portion configured to be engaged with the mask; a rear end portion configured to be engaged with the helmet; and a locking arrangement including a safety member configured to move between a protruding position that prevents the device from disengaging from the helmet, and a retracted position that allows the device to disengage from the helmet; wherein the safety member is stressed toward the protruding position and configured to be moved toward the retracted position through a manual action by a user; the helmet including a housing configured to interact with at least a portion of the rear end portion of the fastening device; and at least one rib, wherein the safety member is positioned substantially adjacent to or in contact with the at least one rib when the fastening device is engaged between the mask and the helmet.
In a still further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is an assembly, including: a fastening device for fastening a breathing mask on a helmet, the fastening device including: a front end portion configured to be engaged with the mask; a rear end portion configured to be engaged with the helmet; and a locking arrangement including a safety member configured to move between a protruding position that prevents the device from disengaging from the helmet, and a retracted position that allows the device to disengage from the helmet; wherein the safety member is stressed toward the protruding position and configured to be moved toward the retracted position through a manual action by a user; and a mask directly or indirectly engaged with the front end portion of the fastening device.
These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a three-quarters front perspective view of a mask mounted on a helmet using fastening devices according to the principles of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a three-quarters rear perspective view of the helmet and the mask being detached from one another in the arrangement of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fastening device according to the principles of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a further perspective view of the fastening device of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a mask equipped with two fastening devices of Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the fastening device of Fig. 3;
Fig. 7 is an exploded detail view of one embodiment of the actuator and the safety member of a fastening device according to the principles of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the inside of the fastening device of Fig. 3;
Fig. 9 is a further perspective view of the inside of the fastening device of Fig. 3;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the positioning of the fastening device of Fig. 3 on the helmet;
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a fastening device according to the principles of the present invention; and
Fig. 12 is a further perspective view of the fastening device of Fig. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "end", "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
The present invention relates to a helmet-mask adapter locking system, fastening devices, and helmet/mask assemblies as illustrated in certain preferred and non-limiting embodiments in Figs. 1-12.
Figs. 1 and 2 show one preferred and non-limiting embodiment of an assembly including a helmet 1, a breathing mask 2 and two fastening devices 3 for fastening the mask 2 on the helmet 1 (a single fastening device 3 being visible in these figures). The helmet 1 includes a rigid shell 4 that is intended to fit the wearer's head, and which is, for example, made from a composite or thermoplastic material. The helmet 1 can also include a hinged visor 5 that can be lowered in front of the user's face.
The shell 4 has a longitudinal plane of symmetry P, as illustrated in Fig. 1. The helmet 1 is described in the position it occupies when it is placed on the wearer's head standing upright and straight, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The transverse direction Y is defined as the direction orthogonal to plane P, that direction therefore being substantially horizontal. The longitudinal direction X is defined as the direction orthogonal to Y and substantially horizontal, and direction Z is the vertical direction. The term "inner" is used to designate an element closer to the wearer's head, as opposed to "outer." The terms "upper," "lower," "above" and "below" are used in reference to direction Z. The terms "front" and "back" are used in reference to direction X.
The shell 4 has a generally spherical shape and has a face opening 6 for the wearer's face. The shell 4 includes: a front portion 7, situated above the face opening 6, an upper portion 8, a rear portion 9 extending from the upper portion 8 to the nape of the wearer's neck, as well as a left side portion and a right side portion 10 each extending from the upper portion 8 on either side of the face opening 6. In each of the side portions 10 of the helmet 1, a housing 11 is formed that extends generally longitudinally and is open toward the back.
In the illustrated embodiment, each side portion 10 has a recess 12 extending generally longitudinally. Furthermore, a side plate 13 is fixed on each side portion 10 of the shell 4 so as to partially cover that recess 12, while leaving the back part of the recess 12 exposed. Thus, in each of the side portions 10 of the helmet 1, the housing 11 is formed between the lower wall 14 of the recess 12 and the side plate 13. The housing 11 has a back outer edge 15 that is substantially rectilinear here. The edge 15 is oriented generally vertically, and can be slightly inclined toward the front from bottom to top.
Each side plate 13 also includes a blocking member that is situated at the front of the edge 15 of the housing 11 and preferably in the immediate vicinity thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the blocking member includes a rib 16 that protrudes outwardly, which is oriented substantially parallel to the edge 15 of the housing 11 and is adjacent to said edge 15. As shown in Fig. 10, the rib 16 includes an inclined rear surface 17 forming a ramp and a front surface 18 substantially perpendicular to the corresponding side plate 13.
Furthermore, each side plate 13 includes ribs 19 substantially parallel to the rib 16 and situated in front of it, in a spaced apart manner. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the ribs 19 have a smaller height than the rib 16 serving as a blocking member. The role of these ribs 19 will be explained below. Advantageously, it is possible to provide that the side plates 13 are substantially flush with the side portions 10 of the helmet 1 situated around the recess 12, so that the shell 14 has an outer surface substantially without discontinuities in that area. The mask 2 includes a substantially transparent wall 21 through which the wearer can see his surroundings, surrounded by a frame 22 on which a system 23 for processing the air breathed by the wearer is mounted. Furthermore, the mask 2 includes a peripheral edge 24 intended to be pressed against the user's face.
As illustrated in Fig. 5, the peripheral edge 24 includes, on the outer surface thereof, at least one protruding element 25 that can limit the sliding of the mask 2 relative to an opposite piece belonging to the helmet 1. This piece is, for example, an adjustable headband mounted inside the shell 4, so as to allow a satisfactory adjustment of the helmet 1 on the wearer's head. The element 25 can typically be formed in a single piece with the peripheral edge 24, and in particular can be made from an elastomer. It may, for example, be a spur having a pointed shape or a horizontal rib. In the in-use position, element 25 tends to be elastically crushed and create an additional area for maintaining the mask 2 relative to the helmet 1, in addition to the two fastening devices 3 positioned laterally, which allows effective maintenance of the mask 2 in three places.
As described above, provided is a device 3 for fastening the mask 2 on the helmet 1. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the fastening device 3 includes a rigid housing 30, generally with an elongate shape, and, for example, substantially parallelepiped. The housing 30 is, for example, made from a plastic, by assembling an inner base 38 and an outer lid 39. The housing 30 includes (in the in-use position) an inner surface 31, facing the wearer's face, an outer surface 32, a lower surface 33, an upper surface 34, a back surface 35 and a front surface 36.
The fastening device 3 is provided with a system for adjusting its length. In practice, the fastening device 3 includes a connector for connecting the housing 30 to the mask 2 whereof the effective, or visible, length can be adjusted so as to make it possible to adjust the pressure of the mask 2 on the user's face, in the in-use position. The back end portion of the fastening device 3 (on the back surface 35 side of the housing 30) is intended to be mounted on the helmet 1, removably as will be described later. The front end portion of the fastening device 3, i.e. the front end portion of the connector, is intended to be mounted on the mask 2, and possibly to be fixed to the mask 2 by fastening members requiring a tool to be disassembled (such as screws, for example).
A hook 37 protrudes from the inner surface 31 of the housing 30, at the back end portion of the housing 30. The hook 37 is oriented toward the inside and front and is arranged to be able to be inserted into the housing 11 formed in the shell 4 of the helmet 1. Thus, in the mounted position, the two fastening devices 3 are positioned laterally on either side of the helmet 1, their hook 37 being engaged in the corresponding housing 11. The fastening devices 3 then extend generally longitudinally, and can be slightly inclined toward the bottom from back to front.
In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the fastening device 3 also includes a locking system on the helmet 1. This locking system first includes a safety member 40 that is at least partially housed in the housing 30. As shown in particular in Figs. 6 and 7, the safety member 40 includes a finger 41 provided with two side wings 42 that are situated at the outer end of the member 40, in the mounted position. The finger 41 has an inclined front surface 43 forming a ramp and a straight back surface 44 substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 31 of the housing 30.
The safety member 40 is mounted in the housing 30 translationally along an axis 45 that is substantially orthogonal to the inner surface 31 of the housing 30, i.e. substantially horizontal and transverse in the in-use position. The safety member 40 can protrude outside the housing 30 while passing through an orifice 46 with axis 45, formed in the inner surface 31 of the housing 30. The safety member 40 then protrudes toward the helmet 1, in the in-use position. Advantageously, the orifice 46 can be surrounded by a pathway 47 ensuring the translational guiding of the safety member 40. The safety member 40 is stressed toward its protruding position by first elastic return member, such as a spring 48 housed in the housing 30 and bearing against the outer surface 32 of the housing 30.
A manual action by a user makes it possible to move the safety member 40 along the axis 45, toward the outer surface 32 of the housing 30, against the spring 48. The safety member 40 is then in a retracted position where it does not protrude outside the housing 30, or at least where it is protruding little enough to allow the fastening device 3 to be detached from the helmet 1, as will be seen later.
The locking system also includes an actuator 50 that is mounted in the housing 30 so as to be rotatable around an axis 51 substantially parallel to the translation axis 45 of the safety member 40. The actuator 50 is situated on the lower side of the fastening device 3 in the in-use position, and partially protrudes outside the housing 30 through an opening 52 formed in the lower surface 33 of the housing 30. The actuator 50 includes a button 53 on which the wearer of the helmet 1 can press substantially from bottom to top, and two ramps 54 that are secured to the button 53 and extend to the inside of the housing 30. The two ramps 54 are arcs of circle centered on the axis 51 and are arranged on either side of the orifice 45. The spring 48 keeps each of the wings 42 of the safety member 40 bearing against one of the ramps 54 of the actuator 50.
The locking system also includes a second elastic return member, here a spring 55 mounted around the axis 51 and housed in the housing 30. The actuator 50 is stressed by the spring 55 toward an inactive position where the button 53 protrudes outside the housing 30. A pad 56 formed on the button 53 can bear against the housing 30 to limit the action of the spring 55 and maintain the actuator 50 partially in the housing 30. In this inactive position (Fig. 8), the wings 42 of the safety member 40 bear against the thinner end 59 of the ramps 54, and the finger 41 therefore protrudes through the orifice 45 of the housing 30.
When a user pushes on the button 53, the actuator 50 pivots around the axis 51, against the spring 55, toward an active position (Fig. 9). During the passage to this active position, the wings 42 of the safety member 40 slide on the pivoting ramps 54, ultimately bearing on a thicker end 60 of the ramps 54. This amounts to the translation of the safety member 40 along the axis 45 from its protruding position toward its retracted position. Thus, when the actuator 50 is in the active pushed-in position, it keeps the safety member 40 in the retracted position.
It is possible to provide, in particular for esthetic, bulk and/or comfort reasons, that the inner surface 31 of the housing 30 is slightly curved to follow the roundness of the side portions 10 of the helmet 1 at the wearer's cheeks. In that case, curved ramps 57 can be formed on the inner surface 31, inside the housing 30, to cooperate with the inner surface 58 of the ramps 54 of the actuator 50 and offset the straight shape of said surfaces 58 during pivoting of the actuator 50 around the axis 51 (see Figs. 6-9).
It will be noted that the outer surface 32 of the housing 30 can include a boss 61 near the safety member 40 and the actuator 50. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and in that area, the housing 30 includes a relatively significant thickness to house those various pieces, while the thickness can be smaller for the rest of the housing 30, thereby limiting the bulk of the fastening device 3. Furthermore, on the outer surface 32 of the housing 30, and preferably at the front end portion of the housing 30, a protruding stop 62 is formed, the role of which will be explained later.
Two preferred and non-limiting embodiments of the arrangement for connecting the housing 30 to the mask 2 are discussed hereinafter. According to a first preferred and non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-10, the fastening device 3 is made up solely of rigid parts, which procures a robust and esthetic appearance. In this embodiment, the connector or connection arrangement is in the form of a rigid bar 70 slidingly mounted relative to the housing 30. The bar 70 includes a longitudinal channel 71 open at both ends and emerging on the inner side via a longitudinal slot 72. The back end portion is provided with a pin 73 oriented outwardly, while the front end portion forms an inner return 74 provided with a hemispherical cup 75 open toward the inside.
Two teeth 76 are pivotably mounted on the pin 73 and are arranged in a "V". A spring 77 keeps the teeth 76 in a spaced apart position where they each engage in the notches of a rack 78 inside the housing 30, formed one against the inner surface 33 and the other against the upper surface 34 of the housing 30. Thus, the bar 70 is kept in the desired position relative to the housing 30. Alternatively, it is possible to provide only a single tooth 76.
The connector also includes a lifting strap 79 mounted in the channel 71 of the bar 70. A button 80, situated on the inner side of the bar 70, is fixed to the lifting strap 79 by a screw 81, or an equivalent, passing through the slot 72 and, therefore, makes it possible to slide the lifting strap 79 longitudinally relative to the bar 70. An elastic member maintains the lifting strap 79 in the back position, in which a back indentation 82 of the lifting strap 79 abuts against the pin 73. Furthermore, the lifting strap 79 is provided with two back pads 83 oriented toward the inside, on either side of the indentation 82. In the back position of the lifting strap 79, the pads 83 are each situated behind a tooth 76, the teeth 76 remaining engaged in the racks 78.
When a user wishes to shorten the connector, to better tighten the mask 2 against his face, he can bear with the thumb, for example, on the stop 62 of the housing 30 and slide the bar 70 backward relative to the housing 30. The teeth 76 pass the various notches of the racks 78 to be housed in the notches corresponding to the desired adjustment. The cooperation between the teeth 76 and the racks 78 prevents the bar 70 from sliding forward relative to the housing 30.
When the user wishes to elongate the connector, he moves the button 80 forward. This causes the lifting strap 79 to move forward, the pads 83 tightening the teeth 76 against the spring 77 and, thereby, releasing them outside the notches of the racks 38. The arrangement for maintaining the bar, including the teeth 76, then being deactivated, the bar 70 can slide forward relative to the housing 30. One advantage of this rack system is that it is very compact.
In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, a cup 75 is part of the connector or connection arrangement and connects to the mask 2 and is arranged to allow three degrees of rotational freedom between the fastening device 3 and the mask 2. Thus, it is possible to provide for fastening a hemispherical dome 84 on each side area of the frame 22 of the mask 2, the dome 84 being engaged in the cup 75 to form a ball joint, with friction. However, two degrees of freedom may be sufficient to procure satisfactory comfort and maintenance of the mask 2 when the wearer moves his head.
According to a second preferred and non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, the connector is in the form of a flexible strap 85, for example, an elastic strap. The strap 85 is folded on itself or passes into a loop, so that its effective length can be adjusted. In practice, when a user wearing the helmet 1 wants to place the mask 2 provided with two fastening devices 3 on his face, he inserts the hooks 37 into the housings 12 from the back, while moving the fastening devices 3 forward. During that movement, the safety member 40 passes above the rib 16. This is facilitated by the inclined surfaces 17 and 43 and the possible movement of said member 40 toward its retracted position. Then, the safety member 40 is positioned substantially against or in the immediate vicinity of the rib 16, in front of the rib 16.
Then, if necessary, the user adjusts the length of the fastening devices 3 so as to adjust the tension of the mask 2 on his face. Thus, in the mounted position, the bottom 26 of the hook 37, which is preferably substantially flat, is kept bearing against the edge 15 of the housing 11 by the traction exerted by the mask 2. Furthermore, the surface 18 of the rib 16 forms a stop for the surface 44 of the safety member 40, preventing the fastening device 3 from moving backward. Thus, the hook 37 cannot leave the housing 11. Owing to this locking of the mask 2 on the helmet 1, the wearer's safety is improved.
The ribs 19 provided on the side plates 13 of the helmet 1 make it possible to ensure temporary maintenance of the mask 2 on the helmet when the user is adjusting the tension of the mask, in particular in the case where the mask is provided with flexible adjustment straps. In particular, one or more protrusions provided on each of the fastening devices 3 (and facing the inside) cooperate with the ribs 19, at least during the tension adjustment phase, so as to prevent the hook 37 from leaving the housing 11 since the locking in the mounted position has not yet been done.
The distance between the edge 15 of the housing 11 and the blocking member 16 should be sized according to the distance between the bottom 26 of the hook 37, which bears against the edge 15 of the housing 11 when the mask 2 is pressed against the wearer's face, and the safety member 40. This distance must be such that the hook 37 can be inserted into the housing 11, but also the untimely disengagement of the hook 37 outside the housing 11 is prevented. To remove the mask 2, the wearer must press on the actuator 50 and, at the same time, move the hook 37 backward, which is possible because the safety member 40 has been retracted by pressing on the actuator 50. Beforehand, the wearer has the possibility of elongating the fastening devices 3 if necessary. It is also possible to remove the assembly including the mask 2, the helmet 1 and the fastening devices 3, these parts remaining fastened to the helmet 1.
Aside from the safety, compactness and robustness, the invention is advantageous in that it provides a system with great compatibility. In particular, the fastening device 3 according to the invention can be used with existing helmets having a housing for receiving the hook but provided without a blocking member able to cooperate with a safety member. Furthermore, the presence of a blocking member on the helmet does not prevent it from being used with existing fastening devices that are provided with a hook but without a locking system.
The invention is of course not limited to the embodiments described above as examples, but encompasses all technical equivalents and alternatives of the means described as well as combinations thereof. Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

A device for fastening a breathing mask (2) on a helmet (1), having a front end portion intended to be mounted on the mask (2), and a rear end portion intended to be mounted on the helmet (1) and to that end including a hook (37) intended to be engaged in a housing (11) formed on the helmet (1), characterized in that the fastening device (3) also comprises a system for locking on the helmet (1) characterized by including a safety member (40) that can move between:
a protruding position, in which, in the in-use position, the safety member (40) protrudes toward the helmet (1) and can cooperate with a blocking means (16) formed on the helmet (1), so as to prevent the hook (37) from leaving the housing (11); and

a retracted position allowing the fastening device (3) to be unhooked from the helmet (1);

the safety member (40) being stressed toward its protruding position by first elastic return means (48) and able to be moved toward its retracted position, against said first elastic return means (48), through a manual action by a user.
The fastening device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking system comprises an actuating means (50) cooperating with the safety member (40), which is stressed by second elastic return means (55) toward an inactive position where it allows the safety member (40) to occupy the protruding position, and which is designed to be able to be moved toward an active position, under the user's manual action, against the second elastic return means (55), in which it keeps the safety member (40) in the retracted position.
The fastening device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a housing (30), in that the actuating means (50) is mounted rotatably mobile around an axis (51) secured to the housing (30), and in that the safety member (40) is guided in translation relative to the housing (30) along an axis (45) substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (51) of the actuating means (50), the safety member (40) being able to protrude outside the housing (30) while passing through an orifice (46) formed in the housing (30), the actuating means (50) comprising a ramp (54) on which the safety member (40) is kept bearing, so that the rotation of the actuating means (50) causes the safety member (40) to slide on the ramp (54) and the safety member (40) to be translated between its protruding and retracted positions.
The fastening device according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuating means (50) includes two ramps (54) and the safety member (40) includes a finger (41) provided with two side wings (42) each able to bear on a ramp (54) of the actuating means (50).
The fastening device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the actuating means (50) is situated on the lower side of the fastening device (3) in the in-use position.
The fastening device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a housing (30) receiving the safety member (40) and a connecting means for connecting the housing (30) to the mask (2) whereof the effective length can be adjusted in order to make it possible to adjust the pressure of the mask (2) on the user's face, in the in-use position.
The fastening device according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting means comprises a rigid bar (70) that is mounted sliding relative to the housing (30) and that is provided with maintenance means (76) for maintaining it in a desired position relative to the housing (30), said maintenance means being able to be deactivated to allow the bar (70) to slide.
The fastening device according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing (30) comprises a stop (62) on which a user can bear with at least one finger during adjustment of the effective length of the connecting means.
The fastening device according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting means comprises a flexible strap (85).
The fastening device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the front end portion of the fastening device includes connecting means (75) for connecting to the mask (2) to allow at least two degrees of rotational freedom between the fastening device (3) and the mask (2).
An assembly comprising a helmet (1) having a housing (11) and a blocking means (16), a breathing mask (2) and two fastening devices (3) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, in the mounted position, the fastening devices (3) are positioned laterally on either side of the helmet (1), extending longitudinally overall, their hook (37) being engaged in the housing (11) and the safety member (40) being situated substantially against or in the immediate vicinity of the blocking means (16).
The assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the housing (11) is open toward the back and in that the blocking means (16) is situated at the front of the edge (15) of the housing (11), the safety member (40) being positioned, in the mounted position, at the front of the blocking means (16).
The assembly according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the blocking means comprises a rib (16) formed on a side portion (10) of the helmet (1), protruding outwardly, and oriented substantially parallel to the edge (15) of the housing (11).
The assembly according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the helmet (1) includes a shell (4) on each side portion (10) of which a side plate (13) is fixed that at least partially forms the housing (11) and includes the blocking means (16).
The assembly according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the mask (2) includes a peripheral edge (24) intended to be applied against the user's face, the peripheral edge (24) including, on its outer surface, at least one protruding element (25) able to limit the sliding relative to an opposite piece belonging to the helmet (1).