FR2534458A1 - Adjustable helmet acting by absorption of energy for the protection of children inside a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an impact-resistant helmet enabling children to be protected inside a vehicle. The helmet consists of a form made from compressible material 1 (plastic foam, alveolar or non-alveolar chambers of compressed air, etc.) capable of absorbing the energy of an impact. The helmet may be reinforced by ribs 5 placed on the top, front and sides, but not on the rear 6 for better support on the cushions. The headgear is characterised by a system for adjusting the helmet to the size of the child, adjustment being effected by means of a cord or air cushion. Application to the protection of children inside vehicles and during dangerous sports or games.

Description

 The protection of children inside vehicles is currently done by means of complicated devices seats, harnesses, belts, receptacles, which take up a lot of space, take a long time to put in place and force the child into a stationary, inconvenient and quickly unacceptable by the child and the family, for somewhat long journeys. In addition, they are expensive.

 This is why children aged 2 to 3 up to 10 years do not want these devices, for which statistics show that only around 2 to 3% of them are fitted with them. On the other hand, the bodies of young children withstand shocks better than those of adults and only head injuries are the most frequent (65%) and the most dangerous. Finally, in a car, if there are several children, only two can be protected by the current devices.

 The object of the present invention resides in the wearing of energy-absorbing helmets. It makes it possible to protect all the children transported, to allow them to move without hindrance, therefore to make the trip acceptable, and that, for a low price.

 Unlike current helmets for motorcyclists, which are heavy, bulky, rigid and expensive, the anti-shock helmet does not constitute a resistant shield but protects by energy absorption. It is therefore light, easy to wear and to adapt.

 It is obvious that these light helmets could also be used, outside of use in a car, to protect the child on a bicycle, on skis and during violent sports.

 The anti-shock helmet, according to the present invention, consists of a light cap, of compressible material or device, intended by crushing to absorb most of the impact energy, and whose shape allows to comfortably press a child's head on the back of car seats. The energy absorbing materials are formed by plastic foams of appropriate thickness and shore hardness or by cells in elastic fabrics inflated with air on demand.

 The cap, on the other hand, allows adjustment to the size of the head, either by cord or by inflation.

 The different features of the invention are highlighted by the non-mimicking examples given by the figures included herein.

 Fig. 1 represents a helmet made of plastic foam (1) (eg expanded polyurethane), of a Thick-Saur suitable for absorbing impact energy, due to a gap of 3 to 10 years projected onto the interior of the bodywork o'a vehicle at 50 km / hour for example, or any other regulatory requirement.

The cap (2) is here subject to the cap (1) by gluing, the inner part is adjustable by tightening a cord (3).

The chin strap (4) allows attachment to the head.

 Fig. 2 shows the longitudinal section of a helmet with reinforcement (5) in excess thickness.

 Fig. 3 shows the front view of a helmet having safety ribs (5). These are oversized in front, at the top and laterally. The rear part (6) is not ribbed, to allow good stability to the head in its position of support against the seat back.

 Fig. 4 shows the cross section of an inflatable helmet with a double envelope. An outer casing (7) with re-entrant valve (9) and a more flexible inner casing to fit the head. It is also inflatable on demand. The inflatable envelope (7), here, draws, could also represent a plastic foam cap with its inflatable cap 88).

 Fig. 5 shows the cross section of a helmet formed by ribs (10) made of plastic foam and inflatable envelopes (11). All of which can be molded, or assembled by gluing, welding or overmolding.

Fig 6 shows the cross section of a helmet, consisting of two envelopes, inflatable (12)
alveoli glued or welded in (15) with recesses for ears (13) and valve (14).

This same device can be made with a foam cap (12) and obviously for ears.

 Fig. 7 shows the cross section of a helmet on the cap (1) of which is fixed an air chamber (16), which can be more or less inflated according to the child's head, and an adjustable cap (2).

 Fig. a represents the cross section of a helmet, the inflatable chamber (16) of which is both an external protective bead and an internal tightening around the head. The cap (1) can be foam or inflatable.

 In all of these descriptions, it is understood that the term "inflatable envelope" means an inner tube with or without internal cell partitions for the reinforcement of impact resistance.

 We understand that all these devices are light, compact, adjustable to suit all ages and structured so that the support of the helmet on the rear cushions is in a stable position. Their cost price is also relatively low.

Claims (8)

 1. Anti @ ch @@ head protector for children, characterized in that it comprises  - a shape constituting the helmet made of material or device acting under shock as an energy absorber;  - a headpiece adaptable to the size of the head;  - a rear truss with no ribs thus provides stability for pressing on the rear cushions.  2. helmet according to claim (1), characterized in that the whole shape is made of plastic foam of shore hardness and appropriate thickness.  3. helmet according to claim (1), characterized in that the shape is formed. by one or more alveolar envelopes or not inflated with air fitted with valves.  4. helmet according to claim (2), characterized in that the shape consists of ribs of plastic foam and one or more envelopes inflated with intermediate air.  5. helmet according to claims 2,3,4, characterized in that an inner envelope inflated more or less air ensures adaptability to the size of the head.  6. helmet according to claims 2, 3, 4, characterized in that, the shape is on its lower periphery terminated by an envelope in the form of an inflatable ring to subject it to the size of the head.  7. Headset according to claims 2,3,4, charac terized in that the envelope of absorbent material does not continue su drcit ears to allow better listening.  8. helmet according to claim (7), character  ized in that the valve (s) are located in the recesses provided for the ears.