EP2825069B1

EP2825069B1 - Protective helmet and ocular screen

Info

Publication number: EP2825069B1
Application number: EP13708432.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Louis Guay
Original assignee: MSA Production France SAS
Current assignee: MSA Production France SAS
Priority date: 2012-03-15
Filing date: 2013-03-11
Publication date: 2017-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-11
Also published as: WO2013135598A1; FR2987981B1; FR2987981A1; EP2825069A1

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to helmets for use in various situations and environments, and in particular to a protective helmet equipped with a movable ocular screen and an ocular screen.

Description of the Related Art

Certain persons, for example, firemen, need to wear a helmet for protection. A helmet typically includes a shell for protecting the head that has a facial opening opposite the face of the wearer, and an ocular screen that is placed in front of the eyes. The ocular screen is generally movably mounted relative to the shell between a low position, in which the screen extends opposite the facial opening, and a high position, in which the facial opening is substantially clear. Thus, the wearer can place the screen in the high position when the circumstances do not require the protection of the eyes, or when the user would like to remove the helmet. Conversely, the screen can be lowered when the user's eyes should be protected.
In several known helmets, the system for assembling the screen on the shell has disadvantages and requires improvement. In particular, there are certain difficulties during the operations of attaching and detaching the screen, whether on the production line or in service, when the screen must be replaced because it is damaged and/or because the upcoming mission requires another type of screen.
Specifically, these operations of mounting (i.e., attaching) and dismounting (i.e., detaching) the screen most often require tools, time, and a certain experience in this field. In some instances, removing the helmet may even be necessary in order to remove the screen, or replace it with another one. Therefore, these operations, which are carried out in the case of the fireman by the technical department of the fire station, are constraining, in particular in terms of the time. Furthermore, the recourse to tools entails a risk of damaging the removed screen (which may be reusable) and/or damaging the new screen to be put in place. Moreover, many current systems for mounting of the screen generally include many different pieces that can be easily lost during attaching and detaching, which complicates the assembly process and increases the risks of incorrect assembly.
WO 2008/033189 shows a helmet which comprises an outer shell, an impact cap, and a visor equipped with visor connectors that can be received in connectors of a structural mount.
The system described in French Patent No. 2 716 089 facilitates the mounting of an ocular screen on a shell using two lateral plates associated with the screen, which are positioned in lateral slides integral with the shell. The locking of the screen in the assembled position is obtained by the engagement of studs projecting on the plates in a lateral window of the helmet. This existing system leads to various disadvantages. First, the presence of openings in the shell mechanically weakens it, and degrades the quality of the protection conferred on the wearer of the helmet. Furthermore, the studs extend outside of the shell, which is required for allowing a user to unlock and remove the ocular screen. This existing arrangement results in the possibility that the accidental disengagement of the studs outside of the shell openings can occur, especially if an object falls on the helmet and comes to press on a stud.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, provided is a protective helmet and ocular screen that address and/or overcome some or all of the potential drawbacks associated with existing protective helmets utilizing or including ocular screens and similar arrangements.
In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is a protective helmet according to claim 1.
In this manner, this embodiment provides a helmet and system for mounting the screen that is simple and easy to implement without tools, such as through the use of two legs, each one inserted in a housing, which legs are locked to the structure. The locking means or locking arrangement can be unlocked manually by the user when so desired. Still further, a significant advantage of the present invention is that the shell retains its integrity since, in this embodiment, the screen is fixed on the ring of the inner module, as opposed to an opening on the shell itself.
Finally, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the safety of the user is significantly improved by providing a locking arrangement, locking means, and/or locking members on the structure that is integrally situated inside the shell, resulting in the minimization or elimination of the risk of an accidental disengagement or unlocking. In practice, this locking arrangement and/or locking means does not extend past the outside of the shell, such that it is inaccessible from the outside. However, this locking arrangement or locking means can be deactivated in order to allow the screen to be removed. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, each of the two legs includes a locking means or locking arrangement for locking on the structure, where the helmet unit generally presents a longitudinal symmetrical plane.
The shell includes an anchoring device on its inner face and configured for cooperation with the locking arrangement or locking means arranged on the leg, or on each leg. In this manner, the leg is locked on the shell. This embodiment is advantageous in that it facilitates excellent fixation or attachment. Furthermore, securing the leg onto the shell contributes to a better hold of the various components of the helmet between them, and therefore to the overall integrity of the helmet. Furthermore, the locking means comprise an opening arranged on the leg and the anchoring device comprises a pin projecting from a lateral part of the shell toward the interior. Said opening typically opens transversally towards the pin, and can pass transversally through the leg.
In one exemplary embodiment, the opening arranged on the leg comprises a hook, i.e. an opening having an aperture, for example a substantially radial aperture. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the pin includes a shaft and an enlarged head, and the hook includes a zone or area for the reception and retention of the pin. This zone or area may be in the form of an opening that has, at rest, a diameter less than the diameter of the pin shaft, and which can be enlarged by elastic deformation by the action of a user in order to permit the introduction of the pin into the hook, and to prevent the accidental removal or disengagement of the pin from of the hook. Further, in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and in the position of use, the hook is arranged substantially parallel to a lateral part of the shell and is open to the front.
In another exemplary embodiment, the opening arranged on the leg comprises a hole having a closed contour.
According to another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the leg includes a positioning arrangement including at least one positioning member suitable for cooperating by friction with the housing arranged in the ring. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the positioning arrangement has the function of permitting adjustment of the leg in the housing before locking. This temporary retention during the mounting may not be sufficient, itself, during use, such that sufficient locking occurs through use of the shell. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the positioning arrangement does not implement the function of locking.
Further, in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, this positioning arrangement also acts as a guide for the introduction of the leg into the housing. In particular, and in one exemplary embodiment, a positioning member projects from the leg body and is suitable for cooperating with one face of the housing. It can be configured to project substantially radially from the leg body. In this manner, only this positioning member is in contact with the housing, which allows the rubbing surface to be limited, and therefore, the force necessary for the introduction of the leg into the housing. As a variant, the positioning member is formed by the leg body itself. Thus, the entire leg would be in contact with the housing.
According to a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, a wall of the housing (e.g., a lateral wall of the housing) includes a notch with a form complementary to that of the positioning member. Therefore, the positioning member interacts with the notch and cooperates with friction with the edges of the notch. As a result, the positioning member guides the movement and introduction of the leg into the housing, and also ensures a temporary holding of the leg in the housing. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the positioning member forms a localized excess thickness configured for cooperating with an internal face of the housing. The leg body can include a thickness less than the internal dimension of the housing in order to facilitate the insertion of the leg, and the positioning member locally creates a small hard point that generates friction.
In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the housing includes a conduit with a substantially vertical axis that has an open lower end situated in the lower wall of the ring, in order to allow the introduction of the leg from the bottom towards the top, in the position of use.
In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is a protective helmet, including: an outer shell defining a facial opening; an ocular screen removably attached to the outer shell and configured to move between a low position in which the screen extends opposite the facial opening and a high position in which the facial opening is substantially clear, wherein the screen has a central part and two lateral wings; and a leg rotatably mounted on each lateral wing of the screen to facilitate pivoting of the screen between the high position and the low position, wherein each leg is engageable in a corresponding housing for attachment of the screen to the outer shell, and wherein at least one leg includes a locking arrangement configured to be deactivated by a manual action of the user.
In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is a protective helmet, including: a structure including an outer shell defining a facial opening, and an inner module fixed in the outer shell and including a cap and a ring mounted in a lower part of the cap; an ocular screen assembled to the structure in a detachable manner and configured to move between a low position, in which the screen extends opposite the facial opening and a high position, in which the facial opening is substantially clear, wherein the screen includes a central part and two lateral wings; and a leg mounted on each lateral wing of the screen, such that each leg can rotate about a substantially transversal axis in order to permit the pivoting of the screen between its high and low positions, wherein each is engageable in a corresponding housing arranged in the ring for the assembly of the screen to the structure, and at least one leg includes a locking arrangement on the structure and integrally positioned inside the shell, in the position of use, and configured to be deactivated by a manual action of the user.
In a still further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is an ocular screen for a protective helmet having an outer shell defining a facial opening. The screen includes: a central part and at least one lateral wing; and a leg rotatably mounted on the at least one lateral wing of the screen to facilitate pivoting of the screen between a low position in which the screen extends opposite the facial opening and a high position in which the facial opening is substantially clear, wherein the at least one leg is engageable in a housing for attachment of the screen to the outer shell, and wherein the at least one leg includes a locking arrangement configured to be deactivated by a manual action of the user.
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 side and exploded view of one embodiment of a helmet according to the principles of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of a ring for the helmet of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the ring of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a further perspective view of a portion of the ring of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a member for fixing the ring to the shell of Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view from the inside of the shell of Fig. 1, in which the ring is mounted;
Fig. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of a leg mounting on an ocular screen of the helmet of Fig. 1;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the helmet of Fig. 1, where the screen is mounted on the ring using the leg of Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a side view of the portion of the helmet of Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the interior of the shell of Fig. 1;
Fig. 11 is a further perspective view of the interior of the shell of Fig. 1;
Fig. 12 is a side view of an example of a ring and an ocular screen for the helmet of Fig. 1, in the detached position; said example not being part of the invention;
Fig. 13 is a further side view of the ring and the ocular screen of Fig. 12, in the detached position;
Fig. 14 is another side view of the ring and the ocular screen of Fig. 12, in the mounted or attached position.
Fig. 15 is a side view of another embodiment of a a ring and an ocular screen for the helmet of Fig. 1, in the detached position; and
Fig. 16 is another side view of the ring and the ocular screen of Fig. 15, in the mounted or attached position.

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. 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 protective helmet and ocular screen, as illustrated in certain preferred and non-limiting embodiments in Figs. 1-14.
With reference to the preferred and non-limiting embodiment of Fig. 1, provided is a helmet 1, which includes a structure having a rigid outer shell 2 and an inner module fixed in the shell 2; and an ocular screen 3 for protecting the eyes of the user, which is assembled to the structure in a removable manner. The helmet 1 may also include a face shield (not shown). The shell 2 is intended to surround the head of a user and is constructed, for example, from a composite or thermoplastic material. The shell 2 has a longitudinal plane of symmetry P (X, Z).
Hereinafter, when the helmet 1 is described in a position of use, it refers to the position that it occupies when it is placed on the head of the wearer, who is standing upright. The transversel direction Y is defined as the direction orthogonal to the plane P; therefore, this direction is substantially horizontal. The longitudinal direction X is defined as the direction orthogonal to Y and substantially horizontal, and the direction Z is the vertical direction.
The term "inner" is used to designate an element closer to the head of the wearer, in opposition to the term "outer". The terms "upper", "lower", "top" and "bottom" are used in reference to the direction Z. The terms "front" and "rear' are used in reference to the direction X. The terms "lateral", "left", "right" and "transversal" are used in reference to the direction Y.
In this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the shell 2 has a generally spherical form and has a facial opening 4 for the face of the wearer. The shell 2 includes a front part 5 situated above the facial opening 4, an upper part 6, a rear part 7 extending from the upper part 6 to the nape of the wearer, in such a manner that a lateral left part and a lateral right part 8 each extend from the upper part 6 on each side of the facial opening 4. Each lateral part 8 may include a recess 9 towards the interior. A plate 10 is fixed on each lateral part 8 of the shell 2 in such a manner as to cover at least a part of this recess 9. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the plates 10 are substantially flush with the zones or areas of the helmet 1 situated around the recess 9, such that the shell 2 has in this zone or area an outer surface that is substantially without a discontinuity. The plate 10 can also serve for hooking on a device for connecting a breathing mask.
The inner module includes a cap 11 that allows shocks to be absorbed and which is, for example, constructed from compact foam. The cap 11 preferably includes a curved form and a substantially oval lower part 12. The inner module also includes a ring 15 mounted in the lower part of the cap 11. As Fig. 2 illustrates, the ring 15 has a substantially oval form that is similar to that of the lower part of the cap 11. Further, in this embodiment, the ring 15 includes a section in the form of a "U" in which the lower part 12 of the cap 11 is mounted. The inner module may also include a lining for the comfort of the wearer, an adjustable headband, and a chin strap (not shown), all preferably mounted on the ring 15.
As described in more detail hereinafter, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the ring 15 supports various components of the helmet 1, and includes or forms the arrangement for fixing the inner module in the shell 2 in a removable manner. In this embodiment, the ring 15 includes an outer wall 16 and an inner wall 17 that are substantially oval, parallel, and connected by a lower wall 18 forming the bottom of the U-shaped section of the ring 15. In this embodiment, the inner wall 17 has an average height that is greater than the average height of the outer wall 16. Openings 19 are arranged in the inner wall 17 for mounting the headband and, in front, a slide 20 that receives a tongue for regulating the position of this headband. Openings 21 can be provided in the inner wall 18 for receiving straps that cross above the head of the wearer.
A housing 25 is provided laterally on each side (left and right) of the ring 15 for receiving a leg 26 located on the ocular screen 3 for mounting the screen 3 on the ring 15. The legs 26 also contribute to the locking of the ring 15 and, therefore, the cap 11 on the shell 2. Furthermore, a cavity 22 is included for receiving a member 23 for fixing the ring 15 on the shell 2. In this embodiment, the outer wall 16 includes, in front of the zone or area of the ring 15 where the cavity 22 and the housing 25 are located, a part 14 that is substantially planar and longitudinal and forms a set-back toward the interior relative to the continuity of the oval form of the rest of this outer wall 16. The cavity 22 is preferably situated behind the housing 25 in order to avoid impeding the pivoting of the screen 3. The cavity 22 is presented, for example, in the form of a conduit extending in the direction Y, open at its outer end, and including lower front and rear returns 27, 28 that facilitate the retention of the fixation member 23.
This fixation member 23, illustrated in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment in Fig. 5, is substantially in the shape of an "L" with a horizontal branch 29 and a vertical branch 30, in the position of use. In order to mount the ring 15 on the shell 2, the branch 29 is engaged in the cavity 22, and a blocking arrangement or member for blocking in position can be provided, such as a notching system. In the mounted position, the branch 30 is oriented downward and substantially parallel to the corresponding lateral part 8 of the shell 2. A hole 31 arranged in the branch 30 is engaged around a substantially cylindrical stud 32 projecting transversally toward the inside of the corresponding lateral part 8 of the shell 2, as Fig. 6 shows. Fixing of the ring 15 in the shell 2 is, for example, implemented through the use of hooks 33 positioned behind the ring 15 and clipped onto rods 34 arranged in the rear part 7 of the shell. It is envisioned that other arrangements can be used to fix the ring 15 on the shell 2.
In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the housing 25 includes a conduit with a substantially vertical axis that includes a transversal section, i.e., in the plane (X, Y), and which is substantially rectangular. This conduit has four lateral walls, including: an outer wall 35 that is substantially planar and merged with the outer wall 16 of the ring 15; an inner wall 36 that is substantially planar and parallel to the outer wall 35, situated between the outer wall 16 and the inner wall 17 of the ring 15; a front wall 37 that is substantially orthogonal to the outer wall 35 and the inner wall 36, and that has an upper part 38 inclined toward the inside of the housing 25, i.e., to the rear; and a rear wall 39 that is substantially orthogonal to the outer wall 35 and to the inner wall 36, and which may also constitute the front wall of the cavity 22. The housing 25 has an open lower end 40 located in the lower wall 18 of the ring 15 and also includes an open upper end 41.
According to a first preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and as illustrated in Figs. 1-11, a notch 42 is arranged in the outer wall 35. In this embodiment, the notch 42 is open downward and has the form of a fork. As a result of this notch 42, the outer wall 35 includes two vertical front and rear bands, and an upper band from which a tongue extends downward between the two tines of the fork. Of course, it is envisioned that this notch could have other shapes, such as a rectangular shape.
With reference to the screen 3 and its assembly to the structure of the helmet 1, in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, this screen 3 has a longitudinal plane of symmetry that is substantially merged with the plane P in the mounted position of the helmet 1. The screen 3 includes a central part 45 through which the wearer can see his or her environment and has two lateral wings 46 that permit the mounting of the screen 3 on the structure. In a second preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and as illustrated in Figs. 12-14, the lateral wings 46 and the central part 45 are formed in one piece, whereas, in the first embodiment (and with specific reference to Figs. 1 and 8-11), each lateral wing 46 is formed in part by a lateral prolongation 47 of the central part 45 and by an intermediate piece 48 articulated on this prolongation 47.
An intermediate piece 48 includes an arrangement or structure that facilitates an approach to the face of the user when the screen 3 is in the low position. This provides improved protection of the user's face since the space existing between the face and the screen 3 is reduced, which significantly limits the potential entrance of elements underneath the screen 3. Further, if the user is wearing glasses that limit the ability of the screen 3 to approach the user's face, he or she can keep the screen in the position at a distance from their face. Accordingly, the presently-invented helmet 1 can be used by a person wearing such glasses.
In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, a leg 26 is mounted on each lateral wing 46 of the screen 3 and is configured for engagement in the corresponding housing 25 arranged in the ring 15 for the assembly of the screen 3 to the structure. The leg 26 is mounted on the wing 46 in such a manner that it can move in rotation about a substantially transversal axis 44 in the position of use. Accordingly, the screen 3 can pivot relative to the structure of the helmet 1 between a low position, in which the screen 3 extends opposite the facial opening 4 in front of the eyes of the user, and a high position, in which the facial opening 4 is substantially clear. Further, in one embodiment, the screen 3, the leg 26, and/or the ring 15 includes a stop that limits the upward and downward course of pivoting of the screen.
The leg 26 has a body that is generally planar and rectangular, with an upper part having a geometry that allows it to come into engagement in the housing 25 of the ring 15. In this embodiment, the leg 26 is introduced from below upward through the lower open end 40 of the housing 25. Thus, in the position of use, the leg 26 extends substantially in a plane (X, Z).
The leg includes a hole 49 in the leg 26, for example, in the central part of the leg 26. The hole 49 is clipped into a bush 50 projecting from the corresponding lateral wing 46 of the screen 3 radially toward the inside (see, for example, Fig. 11). The bush 50 has, for example, axial slots and a radial end collar, which allows for the mounting and the retention of the leg 26 by elastic deformation of the bush 50, as well as the rotation of the leg 26 about the axis 44 of the bush 50. Various arrangements and structures can be used for providing the rotary mounting of the leg 26 on the screen 3.
In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, at least one leg and, preferably, both legs 26 include a locking arrangement, member, or means for connecting to the structure of the helmet 1. Therefore, the legs 26 facilitate both the mounting of the screen 3 on the structure and locking in the mounted position (where the screen 3 still retains its ability to be raised and lowered). According to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the locking arrangement or connecting member is positioned or situated partially or wholly inside the shell 2 in the position of use, and can be deactivated by a manual action of the user.
According to a first preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and as illustrated in Figs. 1-11, the locking of a leg 26 on the structure occurs at the shell 2. In this embodiment, the leg 26 is inserted into the housing 25, but not locked in it. To this end, the shell 2 includes two pins 51, each projecting from the inner face of a lateral part 8 of the shell 2, preferably substantially transversally toward the inside. The pins 51 form an anchoring device of the legs 26 on shell 2. In this embodiment, each pin 51 includes a shaft and an enlarged head, i.e., extends beyond the shaft in the direction radial to the shaft.
Further, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the leg 26 has a hook 52, for example, at its lower end, which includes or forms a tongue 53. The hook 52 has a zone or area 54 for receiving the pin 51 and retaining the pin 51 when it is put in place in the hook 52. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the reception zone or area 54 includes a dimension between that of the shaft and that of the head of the pin 51. Furthermore, the hook 52 has an opening 55 defined between the tongue 53 and the remainder of the leg 26 through which a user can pass the pin 51 up to the receiving zone or area 54 in order to lock onto the shell 2. The opening 55 has, at rest, a dimension that is less than the diameter of the shaft of the pin 51 in such a manner as to prevent the accidental disengagement or removal of the pin 51 from the hook 52. In this embodiment, the introduction of the pin 51 into the hook 52 is facilitated by the elasticity of the hook 52, and the tongue 53 can deform in order to permit the enlarging of the opening 55. Similarly, the pin 51 can exit through the opening 55 for unlocking under the action of a user. In operation, a pull on the hook 52 is sufficient to enlarge the opening 55 by the passage of the shaft of the pin 51, and, thereby, unlock the leg 26 of the structure in order to be able to remove the screen 3.
In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and in the position of use, the hook 52 is arranged substantially parallel to a lateral part 8 of the shell 2 and is open to the front. To the extent that, before locking, the leg 26 could exit from the housing 25 under the action of gravity, in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the leg 26 is provided with a positioning member for cooperating, by friction, with the housing 25 in order to permit a temporary holding of the leg 26 in the housing.
In the preferred and non-limiting embodiment of Fig. 7, the leg 26 includes a positioning arrangement including a first positioning member 56 and, optionally, a second positioning member 57. The first positioning member 56 that projects from the body of the leg 26 toward the outside above the hole 49. This first positioning member 56 has a shape complementary to that of the notch 42, such that, in this embodiment, two fingers are illustrated. However, it is envisioned that other shapes can be utilized, such as a substantially rectangular shape. Further, providing a notch shape that is different on the left and on the right can serve as a means of avoiding a mistake in order to avoid an erroneous mounting.
In this embodiment, the first positioning member 56 facilitates the guidance for introduction of the leg 26 into the housing 25. Furthermore, due to its geometry (i.e., a shape slightly widened upward and/or other specifically-configured dimensions), the first positioning member 56 cooperates, by friction, with the edges of the notch 42, thereby ensuring a certain adjustment and a certain temporary retention of the leg 26 in the ring 15, minimizing or eliminating the possibility that the leg 26 falls out before or during the operation of locking.
In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, a second positioning member 57 is provided in the form of a small tooth projecting toward the inside and/or toward the outside of the body of the leg 26. This tooth 57 forms a localized excess thickness suitable for operating with an inner face of the housing 25. Therefore, as opposed to facilitating the locking of the leg 26 in the housing 25, this second positioning member provides for certain adjustability. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tooth 57 need not extend above the housing 25 in order to find support on the upper edge thereof. Still further, the body of the leg 26, itself, can be configured to the inner shape and dimensions of the housing 25. Therefore, the front edge 58 and the rear edge 59 of the leg 26 can come in direct or indirect contact against the front wall 37 and rear wall 39 of the housing 25. It is also envisioned that an upper end part 60 of the leg 26 is provided and substantially triangular in shape, so as to be adapted to the upper inclined part 38 of the front wall 37 of the housing 25. In the illustrated and non-limiting embodiment, the leg 26 extends above the housing 25 in the mounted position.
According to an example which is not part of the invention, and as illustrated in Figs. 12-14, locking a leg 26 to the structure occurs at the ring 15 and, more specifically, in the housing 25. In this example, no additional locking is provided, for example, on the shell 2, which renders the system simple and compact. In this example, the leg 26 includes a catch 61 that permits clipping of the leg 26 on the ring 15. In this illustrated example, the catch 61 projects from the body of the leg 26 toward the inside. Therefore, the catch 61 is not a simple positioning member, but also facilitates locking. In this example, and in opposition to the tooth 57 described above in the first embodiment, the catch 61 has a more significant radial dimension, which permits a clipping (as opposed to an adjustment by friction). Therefore, in this example, a user should pull more strongly on the leg 26 in order to remove it from the housing 25, whereas in the first embodiment, the force of traction must occur at the level of the hook 52 (and not at the level of the tooth 57).
With continued reference to this example, the housing 25 has an opening 62 arranged in its inner wall 36, which opening 62 can open towards the top. The catch 61 is designed to be able to be placed in the opening 62, and therefore is positioned or located above a substantially horizontal wall 63 in such a manner as to ensure the locking of the leg 26. According to this example, it is not necessary to provide a positioning member on the leg since the locking takes place at the end of the insertion movement of the leg 26 into the housing 25. Therefore, the housing 25 does not require the notch described above in connection with the first embodiment.
A second preferred and non-limiting embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 15-16. Similarly to
the first embodiment, the shell 2 comprises an anchoring device on its inner face, which can be for example a pin 51 projecting from a lateral part 8 of the shell 2 toward the interior, as shown in Fig. 6. This anchoring device is intended for cooperating with the locking means or locking arrangement of the leg 26, which comprises a hole 70 having a closed contour. For locking the screen, the pin 51 has to be clipped into the hole 70, for example by pushing the corresponding leg 26 transversally towards the lateral part 8 of the shell 2.
The leg 26 may further include a second positioning member 57, which, in a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, is in the form of a small tooth projecting toward the inside and/or toward the outside of the body of the leg 26. This tooth 57 forms a localized excess thickness suitable for operating with an inner face of the housing 25. Therefore, as opposed to facilitating the locking of the leg 26 in the housing 25, this second positioning member provides for certain adjustability.
In this manner, the present invention provides a significant improvement over existing systems and arrangement by providing a helmet that allows the ocular screen to be rapidly and easily changed, while ensuring a satisfactory retention and locking of the screen in the mounted position. Furthermore, the screen retains its ability to be raised and lowered and the above advantages do not adversely impact safety, since the helmet confers excellent protection to the head by the integrity of its outer shell. Another significant of the invention is that it provides a compact attaching system, especially in the transverse direction, which frees space for housing various devices inside the shell, such as ear protections.
It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of examples but that it comprises all the technical equivalents and the variants of the means described as well as their combinations. 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 protective helmet comprising:
- a structure comprising an outer shell (2) intended to surround the head of a user and presenting a facial opening (4) and an inner module fixed in the shell (2) and comprising a cap (11) and a ring (15) mounted in the lower part of the cap (11);

- an ocular screen (3) assembled to the structure in a detachable manner and which can move between a low position in which the screen (3) extends opposite the facial opening (4) and a high position in which the facial opening (4) is substantially clear, which screen (3) comprises a central part (45) and two lateral wings (46); and

- a leg (26) mounted on each lateral wing (46) of the screen (3) in such a manner that it can rotate about a substantially transversal axis (44) in order to permit the pivoting of the screen (3) between its high and low positions, whereby each leg (26) is intended to be engaged in a corresponding housing (25) arranged in the ring (15) for the assembly of the screen (3) to the structure, and at least one leg (26) comprises locking means (52, 61, 70) on the structure that can be deactivated by a manual action of the user;
characterized in that the locking means (52, 70) are integrally situated inside the shell (2), in the position of use, and in that the shell (2) comprises an anchoring device (51) on its inner face and intended for cooperating with the locking means (52, 70) arranged on the leg or on each leg (26), wherein the locking means comprise an opening (52, 70) arranged on the leg (26) and that the anchoring device comprises a pin (51) projecting from a lateral part (8) of the shell (2) toward the interior.
The helmet according to Claim 1, characterized in that the opening arranged on the leg (26) comprises a hook (52).
The helmet according to Claim 2, characterized in that the pin (51) comprises a shaft and an enlarged head whereas the hook (52) comprises a zone for the reception (54) of the pin suitable for retaining the pin (51), and comprises an opening (55) that has at rest a diameter less than the diameter of the shaft of the pin (51) and that can be enlarged by elastic deformation by the action of a user in order to permit the introduction of the pin (51) into the hook (52) and to prevent the inopportune exiting of the pin (51) out of the hook (52).
The helmet according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, in the position of use, the hook (52) is arranged substantially parallel to a lateral part (8) of the shell (2) and is open to the front.
The helmet according to Claim 1, characterized in that the opening arranged on the leg (26) comprises a hole having a closed contour (70).
The helmet according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the leg (26) furthermore comprises at least one positioning member (56, 57) suitable for cooperating by friction with the housing (25) arranged in the ring (15).
The helmet according to Claim 6, characterized in that the positioning member (56, 57) projects from the leg (26) body and is suitable for cooperating with a face of the housing (25).
The helmet according to Claim 8, characterized in that a wall of the housing (25) has a notch (42) with a form complementary to that of the positioning member (56).
The helmet according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the positioning member (57) forms a localized excess thickness suitable for cooperating with an inner face of the housing (25).
The helmet according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing (25) comprises a conduit with a substantially vertical axis that has an open lower end (40) situated in the lower wall (18) of the ring (15) in order to allow the introduction of the leg (26) from the bottom towards the top, in the position of use.