IE85767B1 - A helmet - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT An adjustable helmet to be worn on the head ofa user with a first crown part comprising a crown portion for protecting the crown ofthe head; a second forehead pant lt1t\vll'tg a lorehead portion for protecting the forehead of the head; the first part and the second pan being adjustably eonnectable to each other so that the helmet can be ;lLl_iLlSlCLl for height and length within an adjustment range and wherein in at least one position within the adjustment range there is a gap between the crown part and the forehead portion ofthe second; the first and second parts being arranged so that at any relative position within the adjustment range a disk ofat least 99 mm diameter and at least 9.75 mm thickness cannot pass through the gap to make contact with the head. ‘I his ensures that the helmet is adjustable in both length and height but yet does not 1llltl\\ pcnclrzttion of a playing stick through the gap to contact a users head.

Description

Field of the Invention w00H The present invention relates to helmets for protecting the head of a user. Of particular interest are helmets which are worn for sporting activities such as hurling, camogie, cycling, etc.

Background to the Invention

[0002] Many types of helmet are known. Many are fixed in shape and have a protective.shell which protects at least the crown of the head of a user. Other helmets also include sides which protect the sides of the head and often times a rear wall which protects the back of the head.

[0003] Because of constraints of manufacturing, often times helmets are made in a single size or a small number of sizes, for example adult and child, and are provided with adjustable straps, headband etc. which allow adjustment for different sizes of head to a certain extent. However in such helmets, the protective shell remains a fixed size.

When the shell is the wrong size it can be too tight or too loose. It can thus be uncomfortable to wear or it may move about too much and thus reduce the protective effect or be annoying to the user who has to constantly re—adjust its position. It is uncomfortable_also if all of the weight of a helmet is transferred to the head by relatively narrow straps or headbands which concentrate the weight. One example of such a helmet is the fixed shell bicycle helmet with adjustable headband disclosed in International Patent Publication No. wo 2008/011936.

V[000fl Adjustable helmets have also been provided. Such helmets typically comprise closed shells which have a slidable part which allows for adjustment of the size of the protective shell. One example of such a helmet is US Patent Publication No; US 2007/266481 which describes a mechanism to adjust the protective lining of a helmet with adjustment of the protective shell. US Patent Publication No. US 2007/199136 is also an example of an adjustable liner system for a helmet. International Patent Publication NO. W0 2007/013106 describes a system for adjusting a helmet to the shape of a head. US Patent Publication No. US 2005/015857 describes a removable flat flexible disabling insert which allows adjustment of a helmet when in place but which disables adjustment when removed. German Patent Publication No. DE 3228746 describes a helmet made of many parts so that the helmet is adjustable over a wide range of sizes.

HWOS Notwithstanding the foregoing there is still a requirement for alternative adjustable helmets. In particular it is desirable to provide an adjustable helmet which will prevent penetration of an object through the helmet thus preventing any Contact of the object with the head of a user. In particular it is desirable to provide a helmet which is suitable for protecting the head of a player playing a sport involving a striking stick such as a hurling stick.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides an adjustable helmet.

In particular the helmet of the invention is independently adjustable in two directions. Firstly it is adjustable in height. Secondly it is adjustable in length. The internal volume protected by the components of a helmet of the invention is thus adjustable in size. [00WH With the helmet of the present invention it is possible to make independent adjustments in both the height and the length direction. The degree of adjustment in height and length possible with a helmet of the present invention is not possible with a large number of other helmets which only allow a length adjustment for example with a pre—defined sliding adjustment. Such helmets thus only truly fit heads which have a size which fits a size determined by the predefined path. This does not allow great versatility in the size of head to which the helmet can be properly fitted.

HMW8] One of the other issues that arises is that even if a helmet is constructed in two parts, it is difficult to allow relative adjustment independently in both the height and the length directions. This is because typically the protective shell of the helmet is closed so that no part of the head goes unprotected. A closed shell that is adjustable will usually allow substantial adjustment in one direction (e.g. length) but not in the other (e.g. height).

So for example a two—part helmet can allow good length adjustment but may not allow a desired degree of shortening because the overlapping parts limit the available adjustment. This is because the parts of the helmet obstruct each other in at least some positions within an adjustment range.

[0009] In the present invention the first and second parts of the helmet (do not overlap along the gap and thus) do not snag each other through the adjustment range (for example raising and lowering and forward and backward movement). This means that the crown part can project over the forehead part but still allow forward and backward movement (for length adjustment).

[0010] The present invention provides an adjustable helmet to be worn on the head of.a user comprising: a first crown part comprising a crown portion for protecting the crown of the head; a second forehead part having a forehead portion for protecting the forehead of the head; the first part and the second part being adjustably connectable to each other so that the helmet can be adjusted for height and length within an adjustment range and wherein in at least one position within the adjustment range there is a gap between the crown part and the forehead portion of the second part; the first and second parts being arranged so that at any relative position within the adjustment range a disk of at least 99 mm diameter and at least 9.75 mm thickness cannot pass through the gap to make contact with the head.

WOIH As discussed above this provides a safe but adjustable helmet.

[0012] It will be appreciated that the gap may be longer than the diameter of the disk and/or the gap may be wider than the thickness of the disk however the helmet is configured so that the disk cannot penetrate into the gap to contact the head of a user. Desirably the helmet comprises at least one constriction (about the gap). This provides a simple construction. For example the constriction may reduce the gap to less than the thickness of the disk at at least one point, or may reduce the gap to less than the diameter of the disk at at least one point or both. As will be seen below from the various embodiments, desirably there are a plurality of constrictions for example by providing a non—linear gap.

[0013] Desirably the helmet comprises at least one constriction which reduces the gap to less than both the thickness and the diameter of the disk. This helps to reduce risk of injury.

[0014] In one simple construction the (or each) constriction is formed on a periphery of either the first crown part or the second forehead part. Suitably the constriction is formed by both a periphery of the first crown part and a periphery of the second forehead part.

[0015] In one arrangement the periphery of the first crown part and the second forehead part have mating profiles. For example the profiles may be of complementary shapes.

[0016] Desirably in at least one relative position within the adjustment range a periphery of the first crown part and a periphery of the second forehead part abut. This will allow for the helmet to be adjusted over a maximised range.

In such a position the gap may be substantially closed.

[0017] In one simple construction the (or each) constriction is formed by at least one turn of the periphery of either the first crown part or the second forehead part and optionally both. This provides a simple yet very safe helmet.

[0018] In one desirable construction the constriction is formed by a sinuous periphery of either of, or both of, the first crown part and the second forehead part. It will be appreciated that in addition to a curved profile such as a a sinuous profile a stepped, chevron or other angular profile or combinations of same may be employed. |00l9] Desirably the first part of the helmet additionally comprises a rear portion for protecting the back of a head.

[0020] Desirably the second part additionally comprises a side portion for extending about and protecting the sides of a head. Such a construction makes the parts easily mateable and adjustable. w02H The first and second parts may be arranged so that at any relative position within the adjustment range a disk of at least 99 mm diameter and at least 9.75 mm thickness cannot pass through the gap to make Contact with the head.

W022] The first and second parts may be arranged so that at any relative position within the adjustment range a disk of at least 100 mm diameter and at least 10 mm thickness cannot pass through the gap to make Contact with the head.

N023] .A further aspect of the present invention provides an adjustable helmet to be worn on the head of a user further comprising: at least two connection points for connecting the first part to the second part; and at a position intermediate to the connection points a reinforcing rib extending from the first part inside the second part.

[0024] It will be appreciated that any combination of features of the invention as described above provides an advantageous helmet.

[0025] The present invention extends to a helmet substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawingg

[0026] Figure 1 is a side View of a two—part helmet of the present invention in a disassembled configuration; WOTH Figure 2 is a side View of a helmet of Figure 1 in an assembled configuration; and I

[0028] Figure 3 is a front View of the helmet of Figure l in an assembled configuration.

W029] Figures 4 — 13 show respective front partial views of alternative embodiments of helmets of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings W030] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated that the embodiments so mentioned are not limiting.

W03H Figure 1 shows a two—part helmet 1, in a disassembled configuration. In particular, the helmet 1 comprises a first crown part 2 having a crown portion 3 for protecting the crown of a head of a user, and a second forehead part 4 having a forehead portion 5 for protecting the forehead of the user. The.crown part 2 and the forehead part 4 are adjustably connectable to each other so that the helmet can be adjusted. In particular, the helmet can be adjusted for both height.of the_head and the length of the head within an adjustment range. In the present invention the crown of the head will be used to refer to the top part of the head.

W03fl As can be seen from both Figure 2, and Figure 3, the first and second parts 2,4 when connected together have a gap 10 formed therebetween (and immediately above the forehead portion 5). Any relative position of the two parts within the adjustment range will be such that a disk of at least 99 mm diameter and at least 9.75 mm thickness cannot pass through the gap 10 to make contact with the head of the user. This means that for example in sports where a stick is used to hit a ball, for example hurling, the stick will not be able to pass through the gap to strike the forehead.

[0033] It will be appreciated that many configurations will achieve this end objective. However, before the present invention, it was not appreciated that a helmet could be made with a gap which allowed relative adjustment of two parts making_up the helmet in both height and length directions.

N03H As discussed above, the gap may be longer than the diameter of the disk. The gap may also be wider than the thickness of the disk: However, where one or both of these criteria are fulfilled, it is desirable to provide at least one constriction which reduces the gap (at at least one point along the gap) to less than the thickness of the disk or less than the diameter of the disk or both. umsa The first crown part 2, additionally comprises a rear head portion 20 for protecting the rear of the head (including the nape region). Vents 30 are provided in the crown portion 3 and rear portion 20 for ventilation. It will be appreciated that the first crown part provides a protective shell for the top and rear of the head and the protective shell does not extend to the forehead or sides of the head to any substantial extent. It follows a curved profile from the crown to the back of the head.

[0036] The second forehead part 4 further comprises opposing side portions 25 which together with the forehead portion 5 form a protective shell for protecting the forehead and opposing sides of the head. The second portion further includes opposing protective lugs 26 which protect the area in front of each ear at the temple region of the head. Opposing recesses 27 each accommodate an ear while opposing protective lugs 28 protect the area behind the ear. [003fl Two connection points are formed on each side of the helmet. The connection points comprise two spaced apart brackets 22,23 each on the first part 2 of the helmet 1.- At a position intermediate to the connection points a reinforcing rib 24 is provided on each side of the helmet.

As best seen from Figure 2, the rib extends inside the second part 4 of the helmet and provides further impact resistance for the helmet. In particular it provides reinforcement against relative movement of the two parts of the helmet. As is desirable the rib 24 is provided at the corner between the part of the helmet protecting the top of the head and the part of the helmet protecting the back of the head.

[0038] ‘To connect the parts of the helmets together mating holes are provided on each of the two parts of the helmet.

In particular on each side portion 25 a hole 41 is provided. A series of holes 40 are provided on the bracket 22 and a given hole 40 can be selected for aligning with hole 41 and mating thereto for example using a fastener. umsm Similarly a series of holes 45 are provided on bracket 23 and a given hole 45 can be selected for aligning with hole 46 and mating thereto for example using a fastener. In the embodiment there are 6 different relative positions of the two parts of the helmet.

[0040] It will be appreciated therefore that a user can select both a given height and a given length at the same time. {004H As can be seen from the Figures, and is as is desirable in all embodiments, the gap 10 is non—linear, and as is further desirable, it extends across the entire forehead region of the helmet.

[0042] In the embodiment, the gap 10 is defined between a periphery 6 of the second part 4 of the helmet and a periphery 7 of the first part 2 of the helmet. By forming the gap in this way, a playing stick such as a hurley stick (in particular the boss part thereof) cannot penetrate between the parts of the helmet sufficiently to come into contact with the forehead of a wearer of the helmet. This means that the adjustability of the helmet is not compromised and neither is the safety of the user. In particular it will be appreciated that the periphery of the first crown part and the second forehead part have mating profiles. It is possible to adjust the helmet 1 so that the gap 10 is substantially closed with the first part abutting the second part along their respective peripheries.

[0043] In particular the peripheries 6,7 have at least one curve or turn which means that even though the gap 10 may be dimensioned to otherwise allow penetration of a playing stick (for example by running across the entire forehead of the user), the curve or turn forms a constriction which prevents such penetration.

[0044] In the embodiment the peripheries 6,7 form mating sinuous profiles.

[0045] It will be appreciated that all helmets of the present invention can be independently provided with one or more of an internal shock absorbing material, chin straps, face guard, etc. In embodiments where a face guard is provided it is desirable that it comprises a mesh formed by members having angular elements. Such a mesh will be ‘dimensioned so that a playing stick cannot penetrate to contact the face of a user. In particular a hurling stick, and more specifically the boss thereof, cannot penetrate to injure the face of a user.

[0046] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the invention similar to that of Figures 1 to 3. The helmet is a two—part helmet of similar construction showing an alternative arrangement where a gap 410 is provided between respective peripheries 47 and 46. In this case the parts of the helmet define a (gap with a) double curve profile. The gap thus has constrictions against entry of a playing stick such as a hurling stick. w0¢fl Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the invention similar to that of Figures 1 to 4. The helmet is a two—part helmet of similar construction showing an alternative arrangement where a gap 510 is provided between respective peripheries 57 and 56. In this case the parts of the helmet define a (square) stepped profile which forms a plurality of constrictions against entry of a playing stick.

[0048] Figure 6 shows an embodiment very similar to that of Figure 5. In this case the parts of the helmet 66,67 about a gap 610 define an alternative {square) stepped profile which forms a plurality of constrictions against entry of a playing stick.

N049] Figure 7 shows an embodiment similar to that of Figure 3. In this case the parts of the helmet 76,77 about a gap 710 define an alternative angular profile which forms a plurality of constrictions against entry of a playing stick.

[0050] Figure 8 shows an embodiment similar to that of Figures 5 and 6. In this case the parts of the helmet 86,87 about a gap 810 define an angular stepped profile which forms a plurality of constrictions against entry of a playing stick.

WOSH Figure 9 shows an embodiment similar to that of other embodiments. In this case the parts of the helmet 96,97 about a gap 910 define a chevron profile which forms a plurality of constrictions against entry of a playing stick.

N052] Figure 10 shows an embodiment similar to that of Figure 9. In this case the parts of the helmet 106,107 about a gap 1010 again define a chevron profile (with fewer repeats) which forms a plurality of constrictions against entry of a playing stick.

W053] Figure 11 shows an embodiment similar to that of Figure 3. In this case the parts of the helmet 116,117 about a gap 1110 again define a sinusoidal profile (with more repeats) which forms-a plurality of constrictions against entry of a playing stick.

NOSH Figure 12 shows an embodiment similar to that of other embodiments. In this case the parts of the helmet 126,127 about a gap 1210 define a V-shaped (in particular an inverted V-shaped) profile which forms a plurality of constrictions against entry of-a playing stick.

W055] Figure 13 shows an embodiment similar to that of Figure 12. In this case the.parts of the helmet 136,137 about a gap 1310 define a V-shaped profile which forms a constriction against entry of a playing stick.

W056] It will be appreciated that any of the profiles described with reference to Figures 4 to 13 can be applied to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3. It will be appreciated that any combination of profiles may be used. As above it is desirable that there is a plurality of constrictions, for example at least three. [005H All of the features described herein can be applied independently to a helmet according to the appended claims.

[0058] The words “comprises/comprising" and the words “having/including” when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0059] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims (19)

Claims

1. An adjustable helmet to be worn on the head of a user comprising: a first crown part comprising a crown portion for protecting the crown of the head; a second forehead part having a forehead portion for protecting the forehead of the head; the first part and the second part being adjustably connectable to each other so that the helmet can be adjusted for height and length within an adjustment range and wherein in at least one position within the adjustment range there is a gap between the crown part and the forehead portion of the second part; the first and second parts being arranged so that at any relative position within the adjustment range a disk of at least 99 mm diameter and at least 9.75 mm thickness cannot pass through the gap to make contact with the head.

2. .An adjustable helmet according to Claim 1 wherein the gap is longer than the diameter of the disk.

3. An adjustable helmet according to Claim l wherein the gap is wider than the thickness of the disk.

4. .An adjustable helmet according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the helmet comprises at least one constriction which reduces the gap to less than the thickness of the disk.

5. An adjustable helmet according to any preceding claim wherein the helmet comprises at least one constriction which reduces the gap to less than the diameter of the disk.

6. An adjustable helmet according to any preceding claim wherein the helmet comprises at least one constriction which reduces the gap to less than both the thickness and the diameter of the disk.

7. An adjustable helmet according to any one of Claims 4 to 6 wherein the constriction is formed on a periphery of either the first crown part or the second forehead part.

8. An adjustable helmet according to any one of Claims 4 to 7 wherein a constriction is formed by both a periphery of the first crown part and a periphery of the second forehead part.

9. An adjustable helmet according to any one of Claims 4 to 8 wherein the periphery of the first crown part and the second forehead part have mating profiles.

10. An adjustable helmet according to any preceding claim wherein in at least one relative position within the adjustment range a periphery of the first crown part and a periphery of the second forehead part abut.

11. An adjustable helmet according to Claim 10 wherein the gap is substantially closed in said position.

12. An adjustable helmet according to any one of Claims 4 to 11 wherein the constriction is formed by at least one turn of a periphery of either the first crown part or the second forehead part.

13. An adjustable helmet according to any one of Claims 4 to 12 wherein the constriction is formed by at least one turn of both a periphery of the first crown part and a periphery of the second forehead part.

14. An adjustable helmet according to any one of Claims 4 to 13 wherein the constriction is formed by a sinuous periphery of either of, or both of, the first crown part and the second forehead part. 16

15. An adjustable helmet according to any preceding claim wherein the first part additionally comprises a rear portion for protecting the back of a head.

16. An adjustable helmet according to any preceding claim wherein the second part additionally comprises a side portion for extending about and protecting the sides of a head.

17. An adjustable helmet according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second parts are arranged so that at any relative position within the adjustment range a disk of at least 100 mm diameter and at least 10 mm thickness cannot pass through the gap to make contact with the head.

18. An adjustable helmet according to any preceding claim furthercomprising: at least two connection points for connecting the first part to the second part; and at a position intermediate the connection points a reinforcing rib extending from the first part inside the second part.

19. A helmet substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.