GB2570685A - Improvements in helmets - Google Patents
Improvements in helmets Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2570685A GB2570685A GB1801734.3A GB201801734A GB2570685A GB 2570685 A GB2570685 A GB 2570685A GB 201801734 A GB201801734 A GB 201801734A GB 2570685 A GB2570685 A GB 2570685A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- helmet
- chinstrap
- elastic material
- attached
- user
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/08—Chin straps or similar retention devices
Landscapes
- Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
Abstract
A helmet 1 comprises a recess 2 adapted to house a head of a user and a chinstrap 6, 8 to secure the helmet to the head of a user. The chinstrap 6, 8 is formed of substantially inelastic material and is securable under a user's chin by releasably attaching a first connector 10 to a second connector 11. Each connector 10, 11 is attached to a portion of chinstrap 6, 8 and the portion of each chinstrap is attached to a portion of elastic material 12, 13 such that the portion of chinstrap 6, 8 is extensible under force applied by a user and retractable by contraction of the portion of elastic material. The helmet further comprises a first clamping mechanism 19 and a second clamping mechanism 21 operable by a user to releasably clamp the chinstraps 6, 8 such that a chosen length of the chinstrap extends from the helmet.
Description
The present invention relates to improvements in helmets.
Various types of helmets such as hard hats and bicycle helmets are routinely worn by many people.
In many scenarios a person must wear a helmet for the first time. Such wear is often a oneoff use, for example at a ski slope or when playing paintball.
In such situations a person must ensure that a helmet that they have not worn before is securely fitted or there is a risk that in the event of an accident the helmet will not perform its desired function and injury may occur.
In other scenarios it may be desirable to routinely share a helmet between two or more people and those people may have differently sized heads.
Conventional helmets typically have length-adjustable webbing straps and connecting portions to secure a helmet to a user's head. Unfortunately such straps may be difficult to adjust, particularly if wearing other safety or comfort equipment such as gloves.
This problem has been recognized in the past and various attempts have been made to attempt to address the issue, such as in EP2496102, FR2838611, DE3213886, FR2525084, W02015065902 and DE3302004.
However, the prior art solutions are cumbersome, expensive to manufacture and are potentially dangerous in reducing the structural integrity of the helmet and/or providing extraneous parts that may be hazardous in the event of an accident.
The present invention seeks to provide an alternative and improved solution to these problems.
According to the present invention there is provided a helmet comprising:
first and second sides;
a recess adapted to house a head of a user;
a chinstrap to secure the helmet to the head of a user, the chinstrap being formed of substantially inelastic material and being securable under a user's chin by releasably attaching a first connector to a second connector;
wherein the first connector is attached to a first portion of chinstrap, the first portion of chinstrap being attached a first portion of elastic material such that the first portion of chinstrap is extensible under force applied by a user and retractable by contraction of the first portion of elastic material;
the helmet further comprising a first clamping mechanism operable by a user to releasably clamp the first portion of chinstrap such that a chosen length of the first portion of chinstrap extends from the helmet;
the second connector is attached to a second portion of the chinstrap, the second portion of chinstrap being attached to a portion of elastic material such that the second portion of chinstrap is extensible under force applied by a user and retractable by contraction of the second portion of elastic material;
the helmet further comprising a second clamping mechanism operable by a user to releasably clamp the second portion of chinstrap such that a chosen length of the second portion of chinstrap extends from the helmet.
By providing first and second lengths of chinstrap, each comprising respective connector portions and each independently extensible from a helmet a user is able to adjust each length of chinstrap to a desired length so as to locate chinstrap in a comfortable and secure position around their neck. The user is able to choose the position of the connected connector portions such that it rests in a position most amenable to them.
In some embodiments the first portion of elastic material is housed in a space between an outer shell and an inner wall of the helmet.
In some embodiments the first portion of elastic material is housed in a channel between an outer shell and an inner wall of the helmet.
In some embodiments the first clamping mechanism is located on the first side of the helmet.
In some embodiments the first clamping mechanism is integrated into the first side of the helmet.
By integrating the first clamping mechanism into the first side of the helmet the clamping mechanism may be made extremely robust such that it is less liable to fail and is unable to move such that it is readily locatable by a user.
In some embodiments a second clamping mechanism is located on the second side of the helmet.
In some embodiments the second clamping mechanism is integrated into the second side of the helmet.
By integrating the second clamping mechanism into the second side of the helmet the clamping mechanism may be made extremely robust such that it is less liable to fail and is unable to move such that it is readily locatable by a user.
In some embodiments the second portion of chinstrap is attached to a second portion of elastic material.
In some embodiments the second portion of elastic material is housed in a space between an outer shell and an inner wall of the helmet.
In some embodiments the second portion of elastic material is housed in a channel between an outer shell and an inner wall of the helmet.
In some embodiments the first and second portions of elastic material are housed in adjacent channels that are separated from each other by a barrier layer.
In some embodiments the second portion of elastic material is attached to the helmet.
In some embodiments a second clamping mechanism is located on the second side of the helmet and the second portion of elastic material is attached to the helmet on the first side of the helmet.
In some embodiments the first portion of elastic material is attached to the helmet.
In some embodiments the first clamping mechanism is located on the first side of the helmet and the first portion of elastic material is attached to the helmet on the second side of the helmet.
In some embodiments the first and second portions of chinstrap are connected to each other by at least one portion of elastic material.
In some embodiments the first and second portions of chinstrap are attached to a portion of elastic material that is retained by the helmet.
In some embodiments the portion of elastic material is retained in a space between an outer shell and an inner wall of the helmet.
In some embodiments the portion of elastic material is retained in a channel between an outer shell and an inner wall of the helmet.
In some embodiments the chinstrap is formed of a webbing material.
In order that the present invention may be more fully understood a specific embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
Figure 1 shows a view of a first side of a helmet made in accordance with the present invention with a first length of chinstrap retracted;
Figure 2 shows the helmet of Figure 1 with the first length of chinstrap extended;
Figure 3 shows the helmet of Figure 2 with the first length of chinstrap clamped in an extended position;
Figure 4 shows a view of a second side of the helmet of Figure 1 with a second length of chinstrap retracted;
Figure 5 shows the helmet of Figure 4 with the second length of chinstrap extended;
Figure 6 shows the helmet of Figure 4 with the second length of chinstrap clamped in an extended position;
Figure 7 shows a schematic cross section of the helmet of Figures 1 to 7 with first and second lengths of chinstrap retracted;
Figure 8 shows the helmet of Figure 7 with first and second lengths of chinstrap extended and with connectors of the chinstrap attached to each other;
Figure 9 is a close-up view of a schematic cross-section through a clamping mechanism of the helmet, the clamping mechanism being in an unclamped state;
Figure 10 shows the clamping mechanism of Figure 9 in a clamped state.
Referring to the drawings, a helmet 1 has a recess 2 for housing the head of a user, the recess being largely defined by an inner wall 3 of internal padding 4 formed of expanded polystyrene.
Helmet 1 further comprises an external shell 5 that is substantially impact-resistant. In the present embodiment external shell 5 is formed of a polycarbonate plastics material.
Helmet 1 further comprises a chinstrap that is formed in two parts. First length of chinstrap 6 is extensible from first aperture 17 on a first side 7 of helmet 1 and second length of chinstrap 8 is extensible from second aperture 18 on second side 9 of helmet 1.
In the present embodiment both first and second lengths of chinstrap 6, 8 are formed of a webbing material.
First length of chinstrap 6 has at its free end first connector 10 and second length of chinstrap 8 has at its free end second connector 11. First connector 10 and second connector 11 are able to releasably connect together so as to secure first and second lengths of chinstrap 6, 8 under a user's chin when helmet 1 is in use.
First length of chinstrap 6 is attached to helmet 1 by first length of elastic material 12 illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 as a dashed line. First length of elastic material 12 is attached to helmet 1 at a point 14 that is located on second side 9 of helmet 1 between external shell 5 and internal padding 4.
First length of chinstrap 6 and first length of elastic material 12 are housed within a first channel 16 that is formed inside helmet 1 between external shell 5 and internal padding 4.
Thus a user is able to extend first length of chinstrap 6 from first aperture 17 by applying a pulling force to first connector 10 and thereby stretching first length of elastic material 12. When a pulling force ceases first length of elastic material 12 automatically contracts thereby retracting first length of chinstrap 6 into first channel 16.
First side 7 of helmet 1 further comprises first clamping mechanism 19 that is operable by user to releasably clamp first length of chinstrap 6 at a selected degree of extension so as to prevent length of chinstrap 6 from being retracted by first length of elastic material 12.
Similarly second length of chinstrap 8 is attached to helmet 1 by second length of elastic material 13 illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 as a dashed line. Second length of elastic material 13 is attached to helmet 1 at a point 15 that is located on first side 7 of helmet 1 between external shell 5 and internal padding 4.
Second length of chinstrap 8 and second length of elastic material 13 are housed within a second channel 20 that is formed inside helmet 1 between external shell 5 and internal padding 4.
Thus a user is able to extend second length of chinstrap 8 from second aperture 18 by applying a pulling force to second connector 11 and thereby stretching second length of elastic material 13. When a pulling force ceases second length of elastic material 13 automatically contracts thereby retracting second length of chinstrap 8 into second channel
20.
Second side 7 of helmet 1 further comprises second clamping mechanism 21 that is operable by user to releasably clamp second length of chinstrap 8 at a selected degree of extension so as to prevent length of chinstrap 8 from being retracted by second length of elastic material
15.
As best illustrated by Figures 1 to 6, the space for first and second channels 16, 20 is provided by the shape of moulded ridge T1 in external shell 5 that runs from first side 7 of helmet 1 over the top of helmet 1 to second side 9 of helmet 1. However, in other embodiments the space might be provided by a recess in the internal padding 4, provided that such a recess did not compromise the protection afforded by the helmet.
First channel 16 and second channel 20 are adjacent each other but separated from each other by a plastic barrier layer 22 so as to prevent extension and retraction of one length of chinstrap interfering with the extension and retraction of the other length of chinstrap, by, for example snagging.
It is to be understood that, albeit a mirror image, first clamping mechanism 19 is substantially identical to second clamping mechanism 21, and for brevity only second clamping mechanism 21 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Both first and second clamping mechanisms 19, 21 are integrated into their respective sides of helmet 1.
Second clamping mechanism 21 comprises a clamping member 23 that is pivotably attached near its middle to second side 7 of helmet 1.
Clamping member 23 has at its lower end a clamping portion 24 comprising a plurality of ridges adapted to contact second length of chinstrap 8 and to clamp it against clamping wall 25, which is constitutes part of second side 9 of helmet 1.
Clamping member 23 is pivotable between a first position illustrated in Figure 9 wherein second length of chinstrap 8 may run freely past clamping portion 24 and clamping wall 25 whilst a user is adjusting the length of chinstrap that extends from second aperture 18, and a second position wherein second length of chinstrap 8 is tightly clamped between clamping portion 24 and clamping wall 25 such that second length of chinstrap 8 cannot be further extended and cannot retract.
Clamping mechanism 21 further comprises locking tab 26, which is slidably attached to second side 7 of helmet 1 and moveable between a first position illustrated in Figure 9 where it does not interfere with the free pivoting of clamping member 23 and a second position illustrated in Figure 10 where it locks clamping member 23 in its second position.
Locking tab 26 is releasably retained in its second position by means of a protrusion (not shown) on locking tab 26 engaging with a recess (not shown) formed on second side 7 of helmet 1.
Thus a user is able to extend first and second lengths of chinstrap 6, 8 to desired lengths and releasably lock them at those desired lengths by means of first and second clamping mechanisms 19, 21 as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6.
It will be apparent that in other embodiments other arrangements of elastically extensible chinstraps might be provided.
For example in other embodiments two lengths of chinstrap might be connected together by a central length of elastic material, the assembly being housed in a channel that extends from a first side of a helmet to a second side of the helmet.
In such embodiments the chinstrap and elastic material assembly may be attached to the helmet or may be clamped to the helmet with a portion of elastic and chinstrap to each side of the clamp. Alternatively the chinstrap and elastic material assembly may be run freely though the channel so as to allow for its ease of replacement.
In other embodiments only a single length of chinstrap may be elastically attached to the helmet. In such embodiments another length of chinstrap of substantially fixed length might be provided, or a connector may be positioned at one side of a helmet in a substantially fixed position.
In the present embodiment a bicycle helmet has been illustrated, but it will be apparent that the present invention might be applied to any type of helmet, such as motorbike, sports, and workplace helmets.
Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as set out in the appended claims.
Claims (21)
1. A helmet comprising:
first and second sides;
a recess adapted to house a head of a user;
a chinstrap to secure the helmet to the head of a user, the chinstrap being formed of substantially inelastic material and being securable under a user's chin by releasably attaching a first connector to a second connector;
wherein the first connector is attached to a first portion of chinstrap, the first portion of chinstrap being attached to a first portion of elastic material such that the first portion of chinstrap is extensible under force applied by a user and retractable by contraction of the first portion of elastic material;
the helmet further comprising a first clamping mechanism operable by a user to releasably clamp the first portion of chinstrap such that a chosen length of the first portion of chinstrap extends from the helmet;
the second connector is attached to a second portion of the chinstrap, the second portion of chinstrap being attached to a portion of elastic material such that the second portion of chinstrap is extensible under force applied by a user and retractable by contraction of the elastic material;
the helmet further comprising a second clamping mechanism operable by a user to releasably clamp the second portion of chinstrap such that a chosen length of the second portion of chinstrap extends from the helmet.
2. The helmet of claim 1 wherein the first portion of elastic material is housed in a space between an outer shell and an inner wall of the helmet.
3. The helmet of claim 1 or 2 wherein the first portion of elastic material is housed in a channel between an outer shell and an inner wall of the helmet.
4. The helmet of any preceding claim wherein the first clamping mechanism is located on the first side of the helmet.
5. The helmet of any preceding claim wherein the first clamping mechanism is integrated into the first side of the helmet.
6. The helmet of any preceding claim wherein the second clamping mechanism is located on the second side of the helmet.
7. The helmet of any preceding claim wherein the second clamping mechanism is integrated into the second side of the helmet.
8. The helmet of any preceding claim wherein the second portion of chinstrap is attached to a second portion of elastic material.
9. The helmet of claim 8 wherein the second portion of elastic material is housed in a space between an outer shell and an inner wall of the helmet.
10. The helmet of claim 8 or 9 wherein the second portion of elastic material is housed in a channel between an outer shell and an inner wall of the helmet.
11. The helmet of claim 10 wherein the first and second portions of elastic material are housed in adjacent channels that are separated from each other by a barrier layer.
12. The helmet of any of claims 8 to 11 wherein the second portion of elastic material is attached to the helmet.
13. The helmet of any of claims 8 to 12 wherein the second clamping mechanism is located on the second side of the helmet and the second portion of elastic material is attached to the helmet on the first side of the helmet.
14. The helmet of any preceding claim wherein the first portion of elastic material is attached to the helmet.
15. The helmet of any preceding claim wherein the first clamping mechanism is located on the first side of the helmet and the first portion of elastic material is attached to the helmet on the second side of the helmet.
16. The helmet of any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the first and second portions of chinstrap are connected to each other by at least one portion of elastic material.
17. The helmet of any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the first and second portions of chinstrap are attached to a portion of elastic material that is retained by the helmet.
18. The helmet of claim 17 wherein the portion of elastic material is retained in a space between an outer shell and an inner wall of the helmet.
19. The helmet of claim 17 or 18 wherein the portion of elastic material is retained in a channel between an outer shell and an inner wall of the helmet.
20. The helmet of any preceding claim wherein the chinstrap is formed of a webbing material.
21. A helmet substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1801734.3A GB2570685A (en) | 2018-02-02 | 2018-02-02 | Improvements in helmets |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1801734.3A GB2570685A (en) | 2018-02-02 | 2018-02-02 | Improvements in helmets |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201801734D0 GB201801734D0 (en) | 2018-03-21 |
| GB2570685A true GB2570685A (en) | 2019-08-07 |
Family
ID=61730944
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1801734.3A Withdrawn GB2570685A (en) | 2018-02-02 | 2018-02-02 | Improvements in helmets |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2570685A (en) |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1060567A (en) * | 1964-05-27 | 1967-03-08 | Baxter Woodhouse And Taylor Lt | Improvements in or relating to helmets particularly for aviators |
| FR2525084A1 (en) * | 1982-04-15 | 1983-10-21 | Repapress Ag | Crash helmet with adjustable chin strap - fixed to rubber band and locking clip moved by lever and cord at one end |
| DE3213886A1 (en) * | 1982-04-15 | 1983-10-27 | Repapress AG, 8590 Romanshorn | Protective helmet |
| EP0832572A2 (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 1998-04-01 | Camau System di Casale & C. s.n.c. | A device for adjusting and securing a helmet to the head of a user |
| US20070044210A1 (en) * | 2005-08-31 | 2007-03-01 | Bell Sports, Inc. | Integrated fit and retention system |
| WO2015065902A1 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2015-05-07 | Intellectual Property Holdings, Llc | Helmet retention system |
-
2018
- 2018-02-02 GB GB1801734.3A patent/GB2570685A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1060567A (en) * | 1964-05-27 | 1967-03-08 | Baxter Woodhouse And Taylor Lt | Improvements in or relating to helmets particularly for aviators |
| FR2525084A1 (en) * | 1982-04-15 | 1983-10-21 | Repapress Ag | Crash helmet with adjustable chin strap - fixed to rubber band and locking clip moved by lever and cord at one end |
| DE3213886A1 (en) * | 1982-04-15 | 1983-10-27 | Repapress AG, 8590 Romanshorn | Protective helmet |
| EP0832572A2 (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 1998-04-01 | Camau System di Casale & C. s.n.c. | A device for adjusting and securing a helmet to the head of a user |
| US20070044210A1 (en) * | 2005-08-31 | 2007-03-01 | Bell Sports, Inc. | Integrated fit and retention system |
| WO2015065902A1 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2015-05-07 | Intellectual Property Holdings, Llc | Helmet retention system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201801734D0 (en) | 2018-03-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |