GB2451429A

GB2451429A - Protective helmet

Info

Publication number: GB2451429A
Application number: GB0714586A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Gavin
Original assignee: RUROC Ltd
Current assignee: RUROC Ltd
Priority date: 2007-07-26
Filing date: 2007-07-26
Publication date: 2009-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 2027-07-26
Also published as: GB0714586D0; GB2451429B

Abstract

A protective helmet comprises a helmet shell 12a for fitting closely about the top, back, and sides of a user's head; eye protection means 32 for covering the user's eyes; and a protective face mask 58 for covering at least part of the user's face below the eyes. The eye protection means 32 and the protective face mask 58 are separately detachable. The eye protection means 32 and the helmet shell 12a have complimentary geometries and form a seal when fitted together and the protective face mask and the eye protection means also have complimentary geometries which form a seal when they fit together.

Description

I

PROTECTIVE HELMET

This invention relates to a protective helmet. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the invention relates to a protective helmet for use in dangerous sporting activities, such as motor cycling, automobile racing, skiing.

snowboarding and paintball.

BackQround Protective helmets are commonly worn by persons participating in sporting activities and dangerous pastimes such as motor cycling, automobile racing, skiing, snowboarding and paintball.

When wearing such protective helmets, a person can experience uncomfortably hot or cold temperatures about their head depending on factors such as air conditions external and internal to the helmet and the activity of the wearer.

By way of example, consider an alpine skier wearing such a protective helmet.

The skier's head may get very warm when the skier is skiing down a mountain and expending energy, but then get very cold when the skier is sitting still on a long ski lift ride to the top. Further, the air conditions inherent with alpine skiing typically mean that the skier will be exposed to cold air and wind in either or both of the above situations.

To address the problem of maintaining comfortable temperatures about the head of a person wearing a protective helmet, it is known to provide such a helmet with air vents to provide for the ventilation of air from inside the helmet.

Some participants that wear protective helmets may also choose to wear protective eye goggles and/or a snood', which is a roll-neck type fabric tube that is pulled over head and positioned to cover the face below the eye-line.

However, a drawback associated with use of a snood is that the wearer's breath can make the fabric wet, which is uncomfortable and may freeze if the sporting activity is such that the snood is exposed to cold air temperatures.

Furthermore, it is difficult for the wearer to combine the snood and goggles adequately whilst also preventing the lens of the goggles from fogging (which can dramatically reduce visibility).

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a protective helmet comprising: a helmet shell for fitting closely about the top, back, and sides of a user's head; eye protection means for covering the user's eyes; and a protective face mask for covering at least part of the user's face below the eyes, wherein: the eye protection means and the protective face mask are separately detachable; the eye protection means and the helmet shell have complimentary geometries so as to form a seal when fitted together; and the protective face mask and the eye protection means have complimentary geometries so as to form a seal when fitted together.

The helmet may be particularly advantageous for dangerous sporting activities such as alpine skiing and snowboarding where the participant may exert significant energy and perspire whilst also being exposed to cold air.

By having complimentary geometries, the eye protection means and the helmet shell may be fitted closely together, thereby forming a seal which significantly reduces and/or prevents gaps existing between their adjacent edges through which the wearer's forehead and temples would otherwise be directly exposed to external air. The complimentary geometries also enable the eye protection means and the helmet shell to be fitted together correctly and consistently.

Further, adaptation of the protective face mask and the eye protection means to have complimentary geometries means that they can form a sealed connection when fitted together. Such a sealed connection prevents gaps existing between the adjacent peripheral edges of the protective face mask and eye protection means through which the wearer's cheeks and chin would otherwise be directly exposed to external air. Also, the complimentary geometries enable the eye protection means and the protective face mask to be fitted together correctly and consistently with considerable ease, their complimentary geometries facilitating seti-location.

The helmet may be worn in various configurations because the eye protection means and the protective face mask are separately detachable. Thus, a wearer can alter the configuration of the helmet as may be necessary and/or desirable.

For example, the face mask and/or goggles may be quickly and easily detached/re-attached from/to the helmet shell according to wearer activity and temperature conditions, such as ending/starting participation in an outdoors activity and entenngfleaving a sheltered area.

An example of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 show a front, side and rear view of a helmet according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded diagram of the helmet shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates the eye protection means and the internal foam liner of the helmet shown in Figure 1 in more detail; Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the eye protection means and the internal foam liner of shown in Figure 3; Figures 5a and 5b illustrate the helmet of Figure 1 with the face mask detached and attached, respectively; Figure 6 is a close-up partly-transparent view of the attachment means and receiving means of the helmet shown in Figure 1; and Figure 7 illustrates the direction of air flow through the ventilation system of the helmet in Figure 1.

Specific Description

While specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to figure 1, a protective helmet 10 according to a first embodiment comprises a helmet shell 12, eye protection means 14 and frontal face mask 16. The eye protection means 14 and the frontal face mask 16 are separately detachable from the helmet shell 12. Thus, the eye protection means 14 and/or the front face mask 16 may be attached and detached from the helmet shell as may be necessary.

The eye protection means 14 and the helmet shell 12 have complimentary geometries such that at least a portion of their peripheral shape closely matches. In this way, the matching peripheries of the eye protection means 14 and the helmet shell 12 can be positioned adjacent to each other and form a substantially sealed connection when fitted together.

Further, the frontal face mask 16 and the eye protection means 14 also have complimentary geometries such that at least a portion of their peripheral shape closely matches. The matching peripheries of the frontal face mask 16 and the eye protection means 14 can therefore be positioned adjacent to each other and form a substantially sealed connection when fitted together Reference to a sealed connection should not be taken as meaning a water-tight or air-tight seal between two components. Although it may be preferable to arrange the components so as to provide a water-tight and/or air-tight connection, a sealed connection in the context of this invention is desired to mean a connection which significantly reduces the passage of air and/or water between adjacent edges of the connected components.

It will be appreciated from figure 1 that the helmet shell 12 and the face mask 16 together define a space whose shape corresponds to that of the peripheral shape of the eye protection means 14. The complimentary geometries of the helmet shell 12, eye protection means 14 and the face mask, enable the eye protection means 14 and the frontal face mask 16 to be fitted to the helmet shell 12 correctly and consistently with considerable ease, the complimentary geometries providing a self-locating arrangement.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the geometry of the frontal face mask 16 is such that a portion of its periphery is also complimentary to a portion of that of the helmet shell 12. Thus, when fitted to the helmet shell 12 and/or the eye protection means 14, a substantially sealed connection is formed between the adjacent and matching peripheries of the face mask 16 and the helmet shell 12.

With the helmet shell 12, eye protection means 14 and the face mask 16 all fitted together, as illustrated in Figure 1, the helmet 10 is adapted to completely cover the head and face of a wearer, possibly leaving only a portion of the wearer's neck uncovered by the helmet. Of course, the helmet 10 may preferably be designed so as to also cover as much of the wearer's neck as possible, whilst also enabling a desired degree of freedom or range of motion for the neck and/or head of the wearer.

Referring now to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the embodiment of Figure 1 will now be described in further detail.

The helmet shell 12 comprises first 12a and second 12b helmet shell sections.

Each section is made up of a hard external plastic (ABS) shell, 20a and 20b, and an internal foam liner 22a and 22b moulded in expanded polystyrene (EPS) (the ua and "b" suffix denoting which of the first 12a and second 12b helmet shell sections they are respectively associated with).

The interior of the helmet is lined with a foam padding covered with soft, lightweight fabric. This provides a comfortable fit and increased support to both head and neck of a wearer. The interior of the helmet also houses the chin strap and side release buckle (not shown). The strap is made of 15mm nylon webbing and is fastened by rivets providing strength and durability. The side release buckle is located to one side of the helmet for comfort and easy fastening.

A plurality of recessed pathways or grooves 24 are formed in the upper surface of the internal foam liner 20a, thereby providing channel-like spaces between the external shell 20a and the internal foam liner 22b when they are placed together. The channel-like spaces (hereinafter referred to as exhaust channels 24) between the external shell 20a and the internal foam liner 22a enable air to flow between the external shell 20a and the internal foam liner 22a (as indicated by the arrow labelled "1" in Figure 3).

The internal foam liner 20a is also formed with holes or tunnels 26 through its body. The location of the holes 26 correspond with the grooves 24 so that the tunnels 26 through the body intersect at least of portion of a groove 24 in the upper surface of the internal foam liner 20a. The tunnels 26 enable the passage of air (as indicated by the arrow labelled "2" in Figures 3 and 4) from the space 28 defined by the inner surface of the internal foam liner 20a to the exhaust channels between the external shell 20a and the internal foam liner 22a. Thus, warm air from the head of a wearer may rise up through the tunnels 26 and into the exhaust channels.

To enable air in the exhaust channels to be expelled, holes or apertures 30 are formed in the external shell 20a, the location of these holes 30 being such that they over-lie at least a portion of an exhaust channel. Thus, the passage of air between the exhaust channels and the external environment of the helmet 10 is provided for via the holes 30 in the external shell 20a.

It will be appreciated that the helmet 10 therefore comprises a ventilation system having an arrangement of vents and exhaust channels. The ventilation system enables the passage of air through or inside the internal structure of the helmet shell 12 (as indicated by arrows labelled "1" in Figures 3 and 4) and the passage of air between the internal space 28 of the helmet 10 and the external environment of the helmet 10 (as indicated by arrows labelled "2" in Figure 4).

Air intake holes, vents or apertures 30 are provided in the brow of the eye protection means 14, the eye protection means 14 being goggles 32 in this embodiment. The goggles 32 are adapted to interface with the helmet to prevent driving air passing directly through to the head of the wearer. The helmet shell 12 co-operatively engages with the goggles using a small overhang of EPS liner at the brow of the helmet shell 12 (i.e. at the front of the facial aperture). The goggles 32 are engineered with a corresponding ridge to achieve a coherent locked fit, so as to form a seal when the goggles 32 and the helmet shell 12 are fitted together.

When the goggles 32 are fitted to the helmet shell 12, the air intake holes 30 of the goggles 32 are located such that they adjoin the exhaust channels 24 of the first helmet shell section 12a. Thus, the air intake holes 30 of the goggles 32 interface with the ventilation system of the helmet shell 12 to enable the passage of air between the goggles 32 and the helmet shell 12 via the air intake holes 30. In other words, oncoming air (as indicated by arrows labelled "3" in Figure 3) may enter intake holes 30 of the goggles 32 and be channelled through the goggles into the exhaust channels 24 of the first helmet shell section 12a (as indicated by the arrows labelled Ml" in Figure 3) and/or into the internal space 28 of the helmet shell 12 (as indicated by the arrows labelled M4 in Figure 4).

The intake holes 30 turn wind interference into an advantage creating a controlled level of air flow into the helmet shell 12 and may also enable air flow into the space behind the goggle lens 34 to maintain an anti-fogging process.

In the embodiment shown, the intake holes 30 are located at the bridge between goggles 32 and helmet shell 12. The intake holes 30 provide gaps allowing driving air or wind to pass into the exhaust channels 24 of the first helmet shell section 12a (and then out of the helmet shell section 12a through the holes/vent 26 provided in the helmet shell 12). A source of forced air, which is increased through motion of the helmet 10, provides for the ventilation of air.

During movement the helmet is continually regulated with a fresh supply of vented, turbulent air flow.

The goggles 32 also have additional intake vents 35a for supplying air to the region behind the lens 34 from below the goggles 32 (as generally illustrated by the arrows labelled U5fl in Figure 3). Exit vents 35b are also provided at the left and right rear-most sides of the goggles to allow air to escape or be expelled from behind the lens 34 (as generally illustrated by the arrows labelled 6" in Figure 3). The goggles 32 are therefore provided with a ventilation system that allows the circulation air in the region between the lens 34 and the wearer's face to reduce or prevent fogging of the lens 34.

The frame 36 of the goggles 32 is formed from polypropylene and adapted to create a sealed marriage with helmet shell 12. As explained above, the goggles also provide vent channels to assist the circulation of air in the ventilation system of the helmet shell 12. The goggles 32 may be flexible, contoured to the shape of a wearer's face and surrounded by soft foam cushioning to provide a comfortable fit. The goggles 32 also house the largest available lens 34 providing improved peripheral vision. The lens 34 is UV400 protected, vacuum sealed and anti-fog coated on its interior.

When fitted to the helmet shell 12, the goggles 32 are held securely in place with an expandable elastic strap (not illustrated) which encircles and grips the helmet shell 12. The length and/or elasticity of the elastic strap may be chosen so the strap can encircle and grip the head of a wearer even when the helmet shell is not present between the head and the strap. This enables the goggles 32 to be worn separately from the helmet 10, as may be desirable.

At the rear of helmet shell 12 (see the rear view in Figure 1) a small flexible clip 38 is provided to secure the elastic goggle strap against the helmet shell 12, enabling the strap to releasably attach to the helmet shell. To provide extra strength to this clip 38, a portion of the clip 38 is sandwiched between the internal foam liner 22a and the first 20a and/or second 20b external shell section, thereby securing the clip 38 in position.

Referring now to Figures 5a, 5b and 6, the mask 16 with the helmet shell 12 S and eye protection means 14 of Figure 1 will now be described in further detail.

In Figure 5a, the face mask 16 is separated from the helmet shell 12 and the eye protection means 14.

The face mask 16 has a geometry that is complimentary to that of a portion of the eye protection means 14 and a portion of the second helmet shell section 12b. In this way, the matching penpheties of the second helmet shell section 12b, the eye protection means 14 and the face mask 16 can be brought together (as indicated by the arrow "F") and positioned adjacent to each other and form a substantialty sealed connection when fitted together.

To releasabty attach the face mask 16 to the second (lower) helmet shell section 12b, the face mask is provided with attachment means 50 which cooperate with receiving means 52 provided on the second (lower) helmet shell section 12b.

The receiving means 52 comprise a tunnel 54 through the second (lower) helmet shell section 12b and a seat 56, the tunnel exit acting as the seat 56.

The attachment means 50 comprise a self-biased flange or projection 50 with an elbow adapted to cooperate with the seat 56 of the receiving means 52. To attach the face mask 16 to the second (lower) helmet shell section 12b, the flange 50 is inserted into and through the tunnel 54 so that the elbow of the flange passes out through the exit of the tunnel and engages with the seat 56 to prevent the flange 50 passing back through the tunnel 54.

The flange 50 is biased outwardly of the side of the second (lower) helmet shell section 12b and adapted so that it must be squeezed or flexed inwardly of the side of the helmet shell to pass into and through the tunnel 54. Upon reaching the exit end of the tunnel 54, the elbow of the flange 50 then springs back into position (i.e. flexes outwardly of the side of the helmet shell) so as to engage with the seat 56 (or exit of the tunnel 54) and prevent the flange 50 passing backwardly through the tunnel 54 (as illustrated in Figure 5b and Figure 6).

It will be understood from Figure 5b that the helmet shell 12 and the face mask 16 define a space whose shape corresponds to that of the peripheral shape of the eye protection means 14. In this way, when a face mask 16 is attached to the helmet shell 12 (as described in the previous paragraph, for example), the eye protection means 14 are captured between the face mask 16 and the helmet shell 12.

The complimentary geometries of the helmet shell 12, eye protection means 14 and the face mask 16, enable the face mask 16 to be fitted to the helmet shell 12 correctly and consistently with considerable ease, the complimentary geometries providing a setf-Iocating arrangement. To further aid correct location of the face mask 16 when attaching it to the helmet shell 12, a locator tab (not visible) is provided at the nasal bridge part of mask which engages with a locator bar 57 (see Figure 2) provided on the lower edge of the goggles.

The releasable attachment arrangement for the face mask 16 provides a secure but flexible fit with a simple attach and detach mechanism which a user can operate easily without the need for an tools, even when gloved. The flange of the attachment means slides into a tubular receiving channel 54 located on the helmet shell 12 and snaps into position to positively engage with the helmet shell. By simply pushing the flange towards to the helmet shell, the flange is disengaged from the shell and can be removed through the channel, therefore enabling the face mask 16 to be detached quickly (i.e. in a few seconds).

In the example shown, the outer shell of the mask 16 is made of a rigid but partly flexible plastic material, such as Polypropylene, and the mask 16 comprises attachment means 50 on both the left and right hand sides of the mask (the left and right sides being defined relative to looking front on to the forehead/brow region of the helmet shell). Of course, one or more cooperating sets of attachment means 50 and receiving means 52 may be provided to releasably attach the face mask 16 to the helmet shell 12.

The face mask 16 also has air vents 58 in the region covering the nose and/or mouth over a wearer. These air vents are buffeted by foam inserts provided on the inwardly facing side of the mask to reduce or prevent driving air to the face of the wearer whilst also allowing warmed air/exhaled air to be expelled. Air may also be expelled from the region between the face mask and the wearer via the goggle vent channels 35a, and also via the tunnel 54 of the receiving means 52 (which is situated alongside the cheek of a person wearing the helmet).

When fitted to the helmet shell 12, the face mask 16 preferably sits off the face of a wearer. The face mask 16 prevents direct driving air to the face, whilst providing an effective windbreaker for keeping the face warm. Being easily detachable from the helmet shell 12, the face mask 16 may be quickly removed when required, for example, when the wearer becomes too hot, wants a drink, or simply wishes to remove part or alt of the helmet.

The helmet 10 also has apertures which are positioned adjacent to the ears of a wearer in order to maintain protection whilst also enabling good sound penetration into the helmet 10.

All openings may be covered with a fabric selected for suitable permeability, weight and breathe-ability.

Referring now to Figure 7, it will be appreciated that a helmet according to the invention provides improved coverage and protection of a wearer's head compared to conventional helmets, whilst also providing a ventilation system.

Since the eye protection means 14 may be connected to the helmet shell 12 at three of its side edges (the top "brow" edge, and the left and right upwardly inclined edges) and connected to the face mask 16 at its lower edge (the edge of the eye protection means below the eyes of a wearer), the helmet 10 provides a special ventilation arrangement.

The eye protection means 14 are vented on all four sides (from above, below and to the sides), so that air can both enter and escape the eye protection means 14. Apertures are also positioned to the side of the lens for evacuating air from the sides of the helmet (see arrow labelled "50").

Forward (oncoming) air (see arrows labelled "200") is driven into foam lined narrow venting gaps between the mask 16 and the eye protection means 14.

Oncoming air (see arrow labelled "100") is also driven into a foam lined venting gap in the front/centre of the face mask 16. This air is forced up into the eye protection means 14 from underneath (see arrow labelled "250") and also out of the tunnel at either side of the helmet (see arrow labelled "300").

Air behind the eye protection means 14 is evacuated upwardly through vents in the brow of the eye protection means 14, and this evacuation of air is aided by air entering the brow of the eye protection means (see arrows labelled "400") and flowing up into the ventilation system of the helmet shell 12. In other words, oncoming air is driven into the intakes of the eye protection means and upwardly into the exhaust channels 24 of the helmet shell 12 (from which it is then expelled though vents in the first outer shell section 20a -see arrow labelled "500"), thereby causing a vacuum which sucks air into the ventilation system of the helmet shell 12 (from both head of the wearer and the region between the front of the helmet 10 and the face of the wearer). Thus, the ventilation system perpetually circulates and replaces air within the helmet to minimizing fogging and sweat inside the helmet when it is being worn.

Claims

Claims 1. A protective helmet comprising: a helmet shell for fitting closely about the top, back, and sides of a users head; eye protection means for covering the user's eyes; and a protective face mask for covering at least part of the user's face below the eyes, wherein: the eye protection means and the protective face mask are separately detachable; the eye protection means and the helmet shell have complimentary geometries so as to form a seal when fitted together; and the protective face mask and the eye protection means have complimentary geometries so as to form a seal when fitted together.
2. A helmet according to claim I wherein, together, the helmet shell and the protective face mask define a space whose shape corresponds to that of the peripheral shape of the eye protection means.
3. A helmet according to claim I, wherein the eye protection means comprise goggles having an strap that is adapted to fit around the helmet shell.
4. A helmet according to claim 3, wherein the helmet comprises securement means for refeasably attaching the strap to the helmet.
5. A helmet according to any preceding claim, wherein the geometry of the protective face mask is also complimentary to that of the helmet shell so as to form a seal when fitted to the helmet shell.
6. A helmet according to any preceding claim comprising a ventilation system adapted to allow the passage of air through the helmet shell.
7. A helmet according to claim 7, wherein the eye protection means comprise at least one air intake aperture formed in its body, and wherein the air intake aperture is adapted to adjoin a ventilation channel of the ventilation system when the eye protection means are attached to the helmet shell, thereby enabling the passage of air through the eye protection means into the ventilation system of the helmet.
8. A helmet according to any preceding claims, wherein the protective face mask comprises attachment means adapted to be passed through an aperture formed in the helmet shell and engage with a seat formed in the helmet shell so as to attach the protective face mask to the helmet shell.
9. A helmet according to claim 8, wherein the attachment means of the protective face mask comprise a biased flange having an elbow section adapted to engage the seat of the helmet shell when the protective face mask is attached to the helmet shell.
10. Eye protection means adapted to releasably attach to a protective helmet according to any preceding claim, the eye protection means having at least one air intake aperture formed in its body, wherein the air intake aperture is adapted to adjoin a ventilation system of the helmet when the eye protection means are attached to the helmet shell, thereby enabling the passage of air through the eye protection means into the ventilation system of the helmet.
11. Eye protection means according to claim 10, wherein the eye protection means and the helmet shell have complimentary geometries so as to form a seal when fitted together.
12. Eye protection means according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the eye protection means comprise goggles having a strap adapted to fit around the helmet shell.
13. A protective face mask adapted to reieasably attach to a protective helmet according to any of claims I to 9, the protective face mask having attachment means adapted to be passed through an aperture formed in the helmet shell and engage with a seat formed in the helmet shell so as to attach the protective face mask to the helmet shell.
14. A protective face mask according to claim 13, wherein the protective face mask and the eye protection means have complimentary geometries so as to form a seal when fitted together.
15. A protective face mask according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the attachment means comprise a biased flange having an elbow section adapted to engage the seat of the helmet shell when the protective face mask is attached to the helmet shell.
16. A protective helmet comprising: a helmet shell for fitting closely about the top, back, and sides of a user's IS head; and eye protection means for covering the user's eyes, wherein the eye protection means are adapted to releasably attach to the helmet shell and have at least one air intake aperture formed in its body, the air intake aperture being adapted to adjoin a ventilation system of the helmet when the eye protection means are attached to the helmet shell, thereby enabling the passage of air through the eye protection means into the ventilation system of the helmet.