EP3434127A1 - Sports helmet with improved ventilation and defogging capabilities - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sports helmet comprising an outer shell (2) and an inner cap (1) characterized in that said shell and said cap delimit between them, on the one hand, a ventilation circuit (A) intended for the evacuation of hot air, delimited between slots (11a, 11b, 21a, 21b) formed, respectively, through the inner cap (1) and the outer shell (2) and on the other hand , a ventilation circuit (V) for defogging an independent vision apparatus (M) delimited between suction mouths (10) on the front part of the helmet and ejection gills (20) provided on the outer shell (2), said helmet further comprising an adjustable shutter (3) for modifying the air flow of the ventilation circuit (A) and the ventilation circuit (V) reversibly.

Description

The invention relates to a sports helmet with enhanced aeration and demisting capabilities.

The invention is more particularly concerned with a helmet for sliding sports and, in particular, winter sports such as downhill or cross-country skiing, cross-country skiing, surfing or sledging.

The helmet of the invention can also be used for cycling, cycling or mountain biking.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

Protective helmets used for the practice of boardsports and, in particular, winter sports, are intended to ensure the protection of the skull of the sportsman in case of fall or shock against obstacles.

Given the relatively low temperatures prevailing in snowy areas and / or at altitude, the helmets also have thermal insulation properties vis-à-vis the cold environment outside.

In order to effectively perform these various functions, traditional helmets include a rigid outer shell enclosing a damping and thermally insulating inner bonnet.

In addition, and in order to avoid overheating of the skull, these helmets are generally provided with means ensuring the escape of the hot air produced at the head because of the physical efforts of the user.

These evacuation means comprise a ventilation circuit opening outwards on the upper face of the helmet via ducts defined between slots formed through the rigid outer shell and the inner cap.

Some helmets are equipped with an adjustable shutter system of the ventilation circuit which allows the user to adjust the temperature inside his helmet according to the circumstances, by displacement, for example by translation, of a shutter.

Such helmets are described, in particular, in patents US 6904618 and US 8683617 . In these patents, the shutter system is constituted by a plate disposed between the inner cap and the outer shell and which can be moved by the user in translation by an actuating pin, accessible from the outside headphones, to close the slots of the ventilation circuit.

Moreover, it is very common for sports helmet users to also wear goggles or a screen mask to avoid the adverse effects of speed, rain, cold, wind and / or the sun on the vision of the athlete. 'environment.

The masks generally have an upper edge which is lined with a porous foam band and / or orifices communicating with the outside in order to limit condensation phenomena inside the mask.

However, the joint use of a helmet and a mask promotes the appearance of steam (water vapor) inside the mask due to, in particular, that the lower edge of the helmet tends to hinder the evacuation of fog. Thus, some helmets are equipped with integrated means facilitating demisting of the mask.

These defogging means comprise a ventilation circuit housed in the helmet and communicating with the interior volume of the mask via the foam strip or the orifices. The communication is established by suction mouths, formed on the lower edge of the inner cap facing the upper edge of the mask and opening outward on the front face of the helmet via channels and ejection gills on his outer shell.

Such helmets are described, in particular, in patents US 2011/0167541 and US 5915537 .

However, the hot air evacuation means and defogging means provided on the existing helmets are generally independent. Indeed, the ventilation circuit of the helmet and the ventilation circuit of the mask are designed so that they are necessarily separate and can only be isolated from each other on the known helmets.

The object of the present invention is to optimize the aeration and defogging capabilities of the helmets by coupling the circuits specific to these functions so that the respective flow rates of the hot air evacuation flow and the ejection of the water vapor are significantly increased by synergistic effect.

This object is achieved, according to the invention, by means of a sports helmet comprising an outer shell and an inner bonnet characterized in that said shell and said bonnet delimit between them, on the one hand, a ventilation circuit for to the evacuation of hot air, delimited between slots provided, respectively, through the inner bonnet and the outer shell and, on the other hand, a ventilation circuit for defogging an independent vision device, delimited between suction mouths provided on the part front of the helmet and ejection openings provided on the outer shell, said helmet further comprising an adjustable shutter for modifying the air flow of the ventilation circuit and the ventilation circuit in a reversible manner.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the shutter connects the ventilation circuit to the ventilation circuit.

According to a first variant, the shutter comprises a longitudinal opening.

According to another characteristic, the shutter comprises a maneuvering nipple which protrudes through the outer shell.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the adjustable shutter comprises an axial tongue provided with a longitudinal opening and connected, on both sides, to two arms, each carrying a valve flap between the ventilation circuit and the ventilation circuit. .

According to a first embodiment, the aeration circuit comprises, on the cap, a central cavity and at least two lateral cavities, said cavities receiving said adjustable shutter and communicating with said slots.

According to another embodiment, the ventilation circuit comprises at least two lateral channels formed on the cap between the suction mouths and said lateral cavities of the aeration circuit with which they communicate via a conduit.

According to another characteristic, the axial tongue slides in the central cavity while the flaps pivot in the lateral cavities by moving the arms under the action of the tongue, between an isolation position of the ventilation and ventilation circuits respectively and a communication position in which the lateral channels of the ventilation circuit open, via the duct, into the lateral cavities of the ventilation circuit.

According to yet another characteristic, the ejection openings of the ventilation circuit communicate with said channels upstream of said duct.

Preferably, the channels of the ventilation circuit have a narrowed section from upstream to downstream.

According to a specific variant, the arms have a curvilinear profile and slide in circular guide grooves formed between the central cavity and the lateral cavities of the cap.

According to another variant, the flaps are made on rods connected to said arms and rotatably fixed in said lateral cavities.

Preferably, the shutter is made in one piece consisting of the tongue, flexible arms and rods carrying the shutters.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aeration circuit comprises, on the one hand, at least one axial slot of the caulk coming opposite at least one axial slot of the shell and, on the other hand, at least two side slots of the cap being extended offset from at least two corresponding slots of the shell.

According to a characteristic of the shutter, the upper face of the rods forms a hatch closing the slots of the hull.

In parallel, the ventilation circuit comprises at least two front suction ports on the cap and at least two corresponding ejection ports on the shell which extend staggered towards the rear of the helmet.

The invention makes it possible to modify and adjust the flow rate of the ventilation and ventilation circuits by means of a single shutter integrated into the helmet.

Thanks to the invention, the flow rates of aeration and ventilation flows are significantly greater, which makes it possible to obtain both a better regulation of the temperature inside the helmet as well as a faster and more efficient defogging. effective mask.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures and detailed below.

The figure 1 represents an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the helmet of the invention in use with a mask.

The figure 2 represents a top view of the inner bonnet used in the embodiment of the helmet of the figure 1 .

The figure 3 represents a view from above of the outer shell used in the embodiment of the helmet of the figure 1 .

The figure 4 represents an exploded perspective view of the shutter and the quill used in the embodiment of the helmet of the figure 1 .

The Figures 5A, 5B represent top views of the embodiment of the figure 1 respectively in the isolation position of the ventilation and ventilation circuits and in the communication position of these two circuits.

For the sake of clarity, identical or similar elements are marked with identical reference signs throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Naturally, the embodiments illustrated by the figures presented above are given by way of non-limiting examples. It is explicitly foreseen that we can combine these different modes and variants to propose others.

The figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a helmet according to the invention for the practice of alpine skiing and used here with a mask M.

This helmet is symmetrical with respect to a median longitudinal axis. However, it would be possible without out of the scope of the invention, to achieve the components of the helmet asymmetrically as, for example, the circuits and vents and ventilation, if only for aesthetic reasons.

This helmet comprises a calotte 1 whose concave inner profile substantially matches the skull and which, for reasons of comfort and safety, is made with a shock-absorbing material (for example, a cellular material of the expanded polystyrene type EPS or expanded polypropylene EPP). The helmet may also include a comfort liner, usually of flexible foam or textile, and positioned between the user's head and the cap.

This helmet also includes a rigid outer shell 2 made of a material of greater hardness to form a shield against shocks. The material that forms the shell is a thermoplastic material such as PVC, ABS, or polycarbonate, obtained by injection. Optionally, the plastic material forming the shell may be loaded with fibers, for example glass, carbon or Kevlar, or any other type of fiber, possibly natural.

Furthermore, the helmet is provided, in a traditional manner, a set of adjustable links (not shown) ensuring its positioning and its holding on the head of the user.

The helmet may be provided on its front edge with a visor B, as in the embodiment illustrated by the figure 1 .

The inner calotin 1 and the outer shell 2 are secured to one another (for example, by gluing, or any other technique of securing a cap with a shell) delimiting between them, on the one hand, a ventilation circuit A and, on the other hand, a ventilation circuit V.

The ventilation circuit A is intended to improve comfort by ensuring the evacuation of hot air trapped around the skull of the user.

This aeration circuit A comprises two sets of through slots.

A first set of slots consists of at least one upper slot and, here, three upper slots 11a formed through the wall of the cap 1 and facing with at least one upper slot and here three upper slots 21a formed through the outer shell 2, as illustrated by the figures 1 and 3 .

A second set of slots consists of at least two lower slots 11b formed laterally and symmetrically on each side of the helmet, through the wall of the cap 1 and facing with at least two corresponding lower slots 21b formed through the outer shell 2, as illustrated by the figures 1 and 3 .

According to non-represented variants of the invention, the air passages delimited by the slots in the present figures could have different and varied profiles, to take the form of recesses or orifices, for example, with rounded contours or in parallelepiped.

This aeration circuit A further comprises, on the cap 1, an upper central cavity 12 in which open the upper slots 11a, and at least two lower lateral cavities 13 in which open the lower slots 11b.

The functions of the cavities 12, 13 of the cap 1 and their cooperation with other components of the invention will be described in more detail below.

The ventilation circuit V is, meanwhile, for defogging the mask M ensuring the escape of condensed water vapor and trapped in the mask M.

Of course, the ventilation circuit V remains operational and effective if the user wears glasses, sunglasses, or a retractable visor possibly integrated into the helmet or mounted on the outside of the hull.

The ventilation circuit V is delimited between at least one suction mouth and, preferably as in the embodiment shown, two mouths 10 provided on the front edge or, more generally, on the front part of the inner bonnet 1 (under the optional visor B) and at least one, and here two, ejection ears 20 corresponding formed on the outer shell 2 and extending staggered towards the rear of the helmet.

Alternatively, the mouths 10 may be provided on a protective piece attached to the front edge of the cap, or possibly made in the outer shell itself.

The ventilation circuit V further comprises at least two lateral channels 15 formed on the cap 1 between the suction mouths 10 and the lateral cavities. 13 of the ventilation circuit A with which they can be connected and communicate via a duct 16 forming a lock for the passage of air.

The ejection openings 20 of the ventilation circuit V communicate with the channels 15 upstream of the duct 16.

At the installation of the mask M, the suction ports 10 of the helmet are positioned in the immediate vicinity of the upper edge of the mask. This upper edge is, in general, lined with a porous foam (not shown) and, where appropriate, orifices for communicating with the outside intended to dissipate the condensation in the mask and which are then placed opposite the suction vents 10 of the helmet.

Once all the components of the helmet are assembled, the lateral cavities 13 and the channels 15 are covered by the wall of the outer shell 2, as illustrated by FIG. figure 1 .

A variant not shown is to invert this structure by leaving the side cavities and channels in the wall of the shell instead of that of the cap.

Where appropriate, the shell 2 is provided with complementary orifices 22 opposite the mouths 10 of the cap 1 on the lateral flanks of the visor B, when it exists, as illustrated in the variants of FIGS. figures 1 and 3 .

In general, the hot air present in the upper part of the helmet is driven outwards by the speed-generated laminar air flows which create, via the slits 21a, 21b, a depression in the internal ventilation circuit A of the helmet, as illustrated by the dashed arrows shown in the drawings.

Likewise, these laminar flows create, at the level of the openings 20, a depression in the ventilation circuit V which allows the extraction of the water vapor of the mask M via the mouths 10 and the openings 20, as illustrated by the arrows solid lines appearing on the drawings.

To optimize this depression effect, the lower slots 21a, 21b and the louvers 20 are oriented on the helmet in the longitudinal direction and have beveled edges, as illustrated by the drawings.

Thus, the respective air exhausts of the ventilation circuit A and of the ventilation circuit V are substantially perpendicular, as visible on the figure 1 .

In parallel, the channels 15 of the ventilation circuit V have a narrowed section from upstream to downstream, as illustrated by the figure 1 , which promotes the aspiration of the air and its acceleration in the channels 15, in order to optimize the extraction rate of the mist of the mask M from the mouths 10.

According to the invention, it is intended to couple the ventilation circuit V with the ventilation circuit A to increase the level of vacuum in the ventilation circuit V and optimize the extraction rate of the steam.

For this purpose, the helmet is provided with an adjustable shutter 3 allowing the user, both reversibly, to modify and adjust the hot air outlet flow rate of the aeration circuit A, and so the temperature inside the helmet, and modify and adjust the air flow in the ventilation circuit V to thereby change the demisting capacity.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the adjustable shutter 3 makes it possible to connect the ventilation circuit A to the ventilation circuit V thus modifying the demisting capacity.

As illustrated by figures 1 and 4 , the adjustable shutter 3 comprises, for this purpose, an axial tongue 31 provided with a longitudinal opening 30 and a maneuvering stud 35 which projects through the outer shell 2.

The opening 30 is likely to come, by translation of the tongue 31, facing the upper slots 11a of the cap 1 and the upper slots 21a of the shell 2 to open the aeration circuit A.

The tongue 31 rests on a longitudinal flat surface 12a forming a slide formed on the edge of the central cavity 12, as illustrated by FIG. figure 2 .

The longitudinal ends of the flat portion 12a of the central cavity 12 form stop stops for the sliding of the tongue 31.

Small studs 31a protruding from the axial tongue 31 engage in corresponding holes around the central upper slot 11a to wedge the tongue 31 in the middle position in the cavity 12.

Alternatively, small pins (not shown) could protrude around the slot upper central 11a and come engage in corresponding holes made on the axial tongue 31 to wedge it in the median position in the cavity 12.

In another variant not shown, the shutter would be supported by the shell in the wall of which would be formed holes cooperating with the pins of the shutter.

The tongue 31 is connected, on both sides, to two flexible arms 32 each carrying a flap 33 forming a valve between the ventilation circuit A and the ventilation circuit V.

The two arms 32 are housed and slidably integrated in two circular guide grooves 14 formed between the central cavity 12 and the lateral cavities 13 of the cap 1, as illustrated by the FIG. Figures 5A, 5B .

According to a variant not shown, the shutter 3 is devoid of axial tab. The side arms 32 actuating the flaps 33 would thus be connected to each other via a connecting element and maneuver or left independent being each provided with their own operating element.

In this variant, the ventilation circuit A does not comprise a central discharge orifice and the exhaust of the hot air is only effected by the lower slots 11b, 21b and the lateral cavities 13.

The lateral cavities 13 have, at their front periphery, a first flat portion 13a on which rests and slides a support tab of the flap 33.

The flaps 33 are made transversely on rods 34 connected to the arms 32 and rotatably fixed in the lateral cavities 13 of the calotin. For this purpose, the end 34a of each link 34 has a curved profile and carries a pin (not shown) forming a pivot which is rotatably engaged in the cap, in a corresponding orifice formed on a second flat surface 13b located at the periphery rear of the lateral cavity 13.

The rods 34 have an upper face 34b which extends under the shell 2 by marrying its inner wall, and away from the bottom of the lateral cavities 13.

The flaps 33 extend, for their part, transversely to the outer wall of the cap 1 and to the inner wall of the shell 2 and thus substantially perpendicular to the upper face 34b of the rods 34.

In order to obtain optimum compactness as well as good cohesion between the inner bonnet 1 and the outer shell 2, the shutter 3 is integrated and wedged vertically between the shell 2 and the bonnet 1 during assembly of the helmet. It is thus expected that its general envelope matches the outer profile of the cap without presenting extra thickness, with the exception of the pin 35 for actuating the shutter 3.

More specifically, the axial tongue 31 is housed entirely in the central cavity 12 and the flaps 33 are integrated in the two lateral cavities 13 of the cap 1. The assembly of the cap bearing the shutter with the shell is thus facilitated.

The two arms 32 providing the connection between the tongue 31 and the flaps 33 are symmetrical and have a curvilinear profile curved forward. They are made here with a small thickness of material and therefore have a capacity for elastic deformation.

The shutter is preferably made by molding a single piece of plastic material. This material may, for example, be a thermoplastic material such as a polyamide or a polyurethane. Alternatively, the shutter material could be a fiber filled plastic, or possibly a metallic material.

The axial tongue 31 is slidable back and forth in the central cavity 12 of the cap 1 between its two longitudinal ends. The translation of the axial tongue 31 causes the curvilinear sliding of the arms 32 in the grooves 14 and the pivoting of the rods 34 and, consequently, that of the flaps 33 in the lateral cavities 13.

The displacement of the tongue 31 forwards pushes the arms 32 in the grooves 14 and causes the closure of the two ducts 16 by the flaps 33. Conversely, the movement of the tongue 31 towards the rear, causes the opening of the ducts 16.

Thus, the flaps 33 are pivoted between an isolation position of the two circuits, respectively, ventilation A and ventilation V, and a communication position between these circuits.

However, the stroke of the central tongue 31 allows the positioning of the shutter in any intermediate opening position.

In the isolation position of circuits A, V, ( Figure 5A ), the two ducts 16 are closed by the flaps 33.

In this position, the upper face 34b of the rods 34 which forms a trap is positioned under the lower slots 21b of the shell 2 to close them and the hot air around the head of the user is then retained inside. helmet. This position therefore corresponds to the total closure of the aeration circuit A.

The displacement of the flaps 33 in the cavity 13 is accompanied by a tangential displacement of the upper face 34b of the rods 34.

In a variant not shown, the upper face 34b of the rods 34 has an orifice capable of coming opposite the slots 21b of the shell 2 to allow a limited escape of the hot air trapped in the upper part of the helmet and therefore a minimum opening of the aeration circuit A.

In the communication position between the two circuits ( Figure 5B ), the lateral channels 15 of the ventilation circuit V then open, via the ducts 16, into the lateral cavities 13 of the ventilation circuit A. The channels 15 then communicate with the outside both via the openings 20 and the slots 21b.

The extreme communication position ( Figure 5B ) also corresponds to the maximum opening of the aeration circuit A since the upper slots 11a, 21a and the lower slots 11b, 21b of the cap and the shell open out.

However, it is possible to place the shutter 3 in any intermediate adjustment position where the tongue 31 is disposed between the longitudinal ends of the central cavity 12. intermediate position, the ventilation circuit V remains open but the upper slots 11a of the ventilation circuit A are then partially closed.

According to a variant not shown, the ventilation circuits V and ventilation A may be independent and isolated from each other, for example, by a transverse wall formed in the lateral cavity 13 or carried by the shutter 3. The air arriving from the ventilation circuit V can then escape through the slots 21b which would also serve to exhaust the ventilation circuit A.

According to one variant, the helmet may be manufactured according to an "in-mold" process. This manufacturing process consists of molding the helmet by fusing the outer shell with the inner cap in the same mold. The shell is obtained by injection molding and the cap is overmolded inside the shell. The advantage of this method is to lighten the structure of the helmet while enhancing its shock absorption capacity.

With this method, two embodiments are possible.

In a first mode, the cap is manufactured in two parts to integrate the shutter: a first part of calotin, thin thickness, is molded on the shell. Another part of calotin, made in a second mold and carrying the shutter, can be reported from the inside of the helmet. The shutter then moves between two layers of calotin.

In the second mode, the shell is made in two parts: a first shell part is then molded and the cap is molded over or vice versa. The calotin then carries the lateral cavities and the channels. We then returns the shutter in the recess of the shell and completes the first shell portion by assembly with a second shell part molded separately.

Claims (15)

Sports helmet comprising an outer shell (2) and an inner bonnet (1) characterized in that said shell and said cap delimit between them, on the one hand, a ventilation circuit (A) for the evacuation of the hot air, delimited between slots (11a, 11b, 21a, 21b) formed, respectively, through the inner cap (1) and the outer shell (2) and, on the other hand, a ventilation circuit (V ) for defogging an independent vision apparatus (M) delimited between suction mouths (10) provided on the front part of the helmet and ejection openings (20) provided on the outer shell (2), said helmet further comprising an adjustable shutter (3) for modifying the air flow of the ventilation circuit (A) and the ventilation circuit (V) reversibly. Sports helmet according to claim 1, characterized in that said shutter (3) connects the ventilation circuit (A) to the ventilation circuit (V). Sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shutter (3) comprises a longitudinal opening (30). Sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shutter (3) comprises a maneuvering stud (35) which protrudes through the outer shell (2). Sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said adjustable shutter (3) comprises an axial tongue (31) connected on both sides to two arms (32) each carrying a flap (33) forming a valve between the aeration circuit (A) and the ventilation circuit (V). Sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said ventilation circuit (A) comprises, on the cap (1), a central cavity (12) and at least two lateral cavities (13), said cavities receiving said adjustable shutter (3) and communicating with said slots (11a, 11b, 21a, 21b). Sports helmet according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said ventilation circuit (V) comprises at least two lateral channels (15) formed on the cap (1) between the suction mouths (10) and said lateral cavities (13). ) of the aeration circuit (A) with which they communicate via a conduit (16). Sports helmet according to claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said axial tongue (31) slides in the central cavity (12) while said flaps (33) pivot in the lateral cavities (13) by displacement of said arms (32) under the action of said tongue (31), between an isolation position of the ventilation and ventilation circuits (V) and a communication position in which the lateral channels (15) of the ventilation circuit (V) open through the conduit (16) into the lateral cavities 13) of the aeration circuit (A). Sports helmet according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the ejection openings (20) of the ventilation circuit (V) communicate with said channels (15) upstream of said duct (16). Sports helmet according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said channels (15) of the ventilation circuit (V) have a narrowed section from upstream to downstream. Sports helmet according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that said arms (32) have a curvilinear profile and slide in circular guide grooves (14) formed between the central cavity (12) and the lateral cavities ( 13) of the cap (1). Sports helmet according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that said flaps (33) are formed on rods (34) connected to said arms and rotatably fixed in said lateral cavities (13). Sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aeration circuit (A) comprises, on the one hand, at least one upper slot (11a) of the cap (1) extending next to at least one upper slot (21a) of the shell (2) and, secondly, at least two lateral lower slots (11b) of the cap (1) extending facing at least two corresponding slots (21b) of the hull (2). Sports helmet according to claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the upper face (34b) of the links (34) forms a hatch closing the slots (21b) of the shell (2). Sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation circuit (V) comprises at least two front suction mouths (10) on the cap (1) and at least two louvers (20) of ejection corresponding on the shell (2) which extend staggered towards the rear of the helmet.

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