WO1993001732A1 - Systeme de fixation pour casque - Google Patents

Systeme de fixation pour casque Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1993001732A1
WO1993001732A1 PCT/AU1992/000366 AU9200366W WO9301732A1 WO 1993001732 A1 WO1993001732 A1 WO 1993001732A1 AU 9200366 W AU9200366 W AU 9200366W WO 9301732 A1 WO9301732 A1 WO 9301732A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
helmet
retention system
bladder
bladders
elongate
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1992/000366
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Frank Anthony Matich
Original Assignee
Frank Anthony Matich
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Frank Anthony Matich filed Critical Frank Anthony Matich
Publication of WO1993001732A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993001732A1/fr

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
    • A42B3/10—Linings
    • A42B3/12—Cushioning devices
    • A42B3/121—Cushioning devices with at least one layer or pad containing a fluid
    • A42B3/122—Cushioning devices with at least one layer or pad containing a fluid inflatable
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a protective helmet and in particular to a retention system for a protective helmet.
  • the invention has been developed primarily for use as a retention system for a bicycle helmet and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular application and may also be used, for example, with motor cycle or industrial helmets as well as for securing and retaining other wearing apparel to a wearer's head. BACKGROUND ART
  • safety straps or the like. These straps generally extend through the helmet, and in use are looped around a wearer's chin and joined to retain the helmet on the head. When under normal conditions of use, and especially in the event of an impact, these helmet retention straps concentrate the required retaining force to the narrow regions of the wearer's face and chin in contact with the retention straps.
  • the retention strap may have also been restrictive and irritable whereby preventing the wearer from performing normal functions without discomfort, for example swallowing or eating. Further to this, the straps are such that they are exterior to the helmet and available to snag or entangle other objects.
  • Helmets including inflatable shock absorption and fitting systems have been contemplated to reduce the number of helmet sizes required.
  • Such inflatable systems generally include a number of independently or interlinked bladders disposed in spaced apart relation on the inner periphery of the helmet. These bladders are designed to provide substantially all the contact between the wearer's head and the helmet.
  • interlinked bladders As independent bladders are inconvenient to inflate and adjust.
  • interlinked bladders cause undesirable movement of the helmet from the ideal protective location on the wearer's head. This is particularly noticeable where a bladder is positioned to engage the crown of a wearer's head. That is, the helmet will tend to rise from the head as the bladder is inflated which can result in vulnerable areas of the head being exposed. This movement can also cause uneven pressure across the head, or worse, can create gaps between the head and some of the bladders.
  • a retention system for a protective helmet having an interior side and an exterior side both terminating in a peripheral edge
  • the retention system including a selectively inflatable air impermeable elongate bladder extending along a portion of the interior side of the helmet at or adjacent to the peripheral edge, the elongate bladder in the inflated configuration retaining the helmet to a wearer's head.
  • the retention system also includes padding on the interior side of the helmet which extends along at least a portion of the side of the elongate bladder remote from the peripheral edge. More preferably, the padding is enclosed within a secondary air impermeable bladder including a plurality of small bleed holes for substantially maintaining atmospheric pressure within the secondary bladder during normal use. Even more preferably, the bleed holes substantially maintain a predetermined volume of air within the secondary bladder during an impact.
  • the elongate and secondary bladders are maintained within a single helmet liner.
  • the helmet preferably includes a plurality of secondary bladders spaced apart along the length of the elongate bladder and having a surface area substantially less than the area of the interior side of the helmet.
  • the secondary bladders adjust to the particular contour of that head to provide an ideal protective location of the helmet on the head.
  • the elongate bladder is then inflated to "lock" the helmet to the head without causing any further movement of the helmet from this ideal protective location.
  • the elongate bladder includes a semi rigid portion which maintains a predetermined shape during inflation of the bladder and a flexible portion extending therefrom.
  • the rigid portion abuts the interior of the helmet.
  • the retention system includes a pump fixedly attached to the exterior side of the helmet for inflating the elongate bladder. More preferably the pump is hand operable. Furthermore, it is preferred that the retention system includes a valve unit for facilitating both inflating and deflating of the elongate bladder.
  • either the elongate bladder or secondary bladders, or both contain foam or other energy absorbent material for facilitating a baffle effect upon the air in the bladders in the event of an impact.
  • Figure 1 is a rear elevation of a helmet including a retention system according to the invention
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the pump and valve unit.
  • Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Figure 1.
  • the retention system 1 for a protective helmet 2.
  • the helmet has an interior side 3 and an exterior side 4 which both terminate in a lower peripheral edge 5.
  • the retention system 1 includes a selectively inflatable air impermeable elongate bladder 6 extending along the interior side 3 of helmet 2 adjacent edge 5.
  • the bladder 6 extends around substantially three quarters of peripheral edge 5 and in the inflated configuration (as shown) retains the helmet to a wearer's head.
  • Retention system 1 also includes padding in the form of a plurality of secondary bladders 10, 11 and 12 located on interior side 3 of helmet 2 and spaced apart along that side of bladder 6 remote from edge 5.
  • the secondary bladders are air impermeable and each contain a plurality of bleed holes for substantially maintaining atmospheric pressure therein.
  • Bladder 6 is a single continuous flexible length which, when helmet 2 is placed on a wearer's head, extends downwardly from either side of the forehead and then up around the wearer's ears and around the lower portion of the back of the wearer's head.
  • the helmet also includes comfort padding 14 to engage the wearer's forehead.
  • padding 14 is in the form of a further secondary bladder.
  • other small comfort pads are appropriately disposed on the helmet interior.
  • Bladder 6 and bladders 10, 11 and 12 are maintained within a single helmet liner in the form of lycra liner 15.
  • Liner 15 defines a plurality of interconnected chambers 16, 17 and 18 separated by webbed portions 19.
  • Bladder 6 is common to and extends through all chambers while each bladders 10, 11 and 12 are associated only with respective chambers 16, 17 and 18.
  • Both elongate bladder 6 and secondary bladders 10, 11 and 12 are substantially -filled with open matrix foam 20. However, less preferred embodiments include smaller quantities of such foam, and even less preferred embodiments include little or no foam.
  • Foam 20 facilitates a cushioning effect to the head under normal operating conditions while allowing ease of removal when bladder 6 is in the deflated configuration.
  • a preferred foam for bicycle helmets is the open matrix foam having a density to prevent rapid movement of air and thereby ensure a minimum of relative movement between the helmet and head. Different density values may be preferred for different applications, such as for helmets worn on building sites.
  • the foam may also take the form of any other suitable energy absorbent material.
  • Foam 20 has the effect of a baffle within the bladders.
  • a hand operable moulded pump and valve unit 21 is disposed in a recess 22 at the rear of helmet 2 on the exterior side 4.
  • Unit 21 allows selective inflation and deflation of bladder 6.
  • bladder 6 is inflatable by other suitable pumps, either integral with helmet 2 or detectable therefrom. Alternatively, inflation is able to be achieved by the wearer blowing into a simplified valve unit through a suitable length of tubing (not shown).
  • pump unit 21 is formed from an injection moulded housing 25 either being adhered or otherwise fixedly attached to helmet 1.
  • housing 25 is releasably attached to facilitate repair or replacement.
  • Housing 25 is sealingly engaged about its periphery by a pliant pump member 26 to define a pump chamber 27.
  • Housing 25 includes a supply passageway 28 extending from recess 22 through to chamber 27 and an exit passageway 29 leading from chamber 27.
  • Passageways 28 and 29 are selectively sealed for preventing predetermined air flows by a resilient moulded elastomer dual valve 30.
  • Valve 30 includes a base 31 from which extends a flapper valve 32, for lying over passageway 28 and preventing any air flow from chamber 27 through passageway 28.
  • a generally conically shaped reed valve 33 extends from base 31 into passageway 29 for preventing any air flowing to chamber 27 from passageway 29.
  • Passageway 29 is maintained in fluidic communication with both large and small generally parallel cylindrical chambers 35 and 36 which are formed in housing 25 and spaced on opposite sides of passageway 29.
  • Chamber 36 extends to the base 38 of housing 25 and is adapted to receive the end of a length of tubing 39.
  • the other end of tubing 39 is held in fluidic communication with bladder 6 for allowing selective supply and removal of air therefrom.
  • Chamber 35 also terminates at base 38 and defines an opening 40 which is selectively sealingly engaged by a release valve 41. Chamber 35 is brought into fluidic communication with recess 22 on deactivation of valve 41 by finger pressure on button 42. It will be appreciated that recess 22 is maintained at atmospheric pressure. Button 42 is enclosed by a flexible bell shaped shroud 43 to enable a wearer to easily locate the button, while also providing a neat and pleasing appearance. Furthermore, pump member 26 includes a centrally disposed textured oval pad 44 for providing a less deformable region of member 26 against which finger pressure is applied.
  • Liner 12 includes a sufficiently rigid backing material in the form of an elongate cardboard or plastic sheet 50 disposed between the bladders and helmet 2 to maintain the uniformity of the bladder.
  • the surfaces of the bladders abutting sheet 18 are maintained in a fixed or releasably fixed relation thereto either by adhesive or the like.
  • Sheet 50 maintains its shape during inflation and deflation of the bladders and thereby reduces the available shapes to which they can deform. Subsequently, the bladders will consistently take a predetermined shape when inflated and deflated and further prevent any relative movement between the retained helmet and the head.
  • Sheet 50 conforms to the adjacent helmet interior and is held in releasable engagement therewith.
  • a suitable length of the bladders are simply adhered or attached to the interior 3 of helmet 2 to form a substitute for sheet 50.
  • bladder 6 when bladder 6 is neither inflated nor under load it will assume the configuration as shown due to foam 20.
  • helmet 2 is placed on the wearer's head with bladder 6 in the deflated configuration. All the bladders, along with the foam contained therein deform to allow ease of placement while also ensuring a comfortable engagement between liner 12 and the head. Secondary bladders 10, 11 and 12 automatically adjust to conform to the adjacent areas of the head by gradual movement of air through the bleed holes.
  • pump unit 21 is finger actuated to inflate bladder 6 to a selected level and "lock" the helmet on the wearer's head, as will be more fully described in the following text.
  • the protective helmet 2 will thereby be retained upon the wearer's head by contact of the front of the helmet, via comfort padding 14 with the wearer's forehead and the contact of bladder 6 against both bladders 10, 11 and 12 and the adjoining regions of the head.
  • pump unit 21 With bladder 6 in the deflated configuration the pressure in all chambers is essentially one atmosphere. Depression of member 26 by finger pressure on pad 44 reduces the volume of chamber 27 and subsequently raises the air pressure therein. Once a predetermined pressure is reached reed valve 33 will resiliently deform into an open formation and allow the air to flow through passageway 29 and into chambers 35 and 36. Air entering chamber 35 will progress no further due to valve 41 assuming a closed position. However, chamber 36 allows the supply of the pressurised air to move through tubing 39 and into bladder 6. Once the pressure in passageway 29 approaches that in chamber 27 valve 33 will return to its resting form and prevent any backflow into chamber 27.
  • button 42 which is conveniently located below the pump unit 21, but sufficiently concealed to prevent any inadvertent depression, either by the wearer or other objects.
  • the depression of button 42 opens valve 41 to allow air in chamber 35 into recess 22. Consequently, pressurised air in bladder 6 moves sequentially through tubing 39, chamber 36, passageway 29, chamber 35 and then to recess 22. Bladder 6 will thereafter allow deformation such that helmet 2 is able to be removed from the head.
  • bladder 6 When inflated, bladder 6 allows for substantially more secure contact area between helmet 2 and the head than provided by the prior art. Any movement of the outer shell of the helmet is potentially detrimental as it concentrates forces on the wearer's head. In this respect prior art cushioning systems are deficient as they operate on the principle of damped movement of an outer shell toward the head in response to an impact.
  • helmet 2 includes a high density expanded polystyrene layer 45 which is a close fit to the head to ensure that little or no movement is allowed.
  • Bladder 6 forms an adjustable extension of layer 45 which closely conforms to the contour of the wearer's head to ensure adequate retention and a minimum of movement of the helmet during normal use and in the event of an impact.
  • chambers 35 and 36 are shown integrally formed in housing 25, in other embodiments these chambers are formed in a separate housing having a formation for selectively accepting a modified housing 25 and sealingly engaging passageway 29 for allowing fluidic communication between the two housings.
  • helmet 2 on either an exterior side 4 or peripheral edge 5, includes an elongate recess for retaining a length of resiliently deformable tube.
  • the tube includes two valves disposed at respective ends thereof which upon finger actuated collapsing of the tube allows subsequent movement of air from the tubing into chambers 35 and 36 and thereafter into bladder 6.
  • bladder 6 When the tube is relieved of the finger pressure it will deform back to its original shape and simultaneous draw air into itself. After a plurality of such actuations bladder 6 will be sufficiently inflated to retain helmet 2 to the wearer's head.
  • the length of tube or a suitable pump member is disposed on the interior side 3 of helmet 2 and between bladders 6 and 12.
  • the helmet is placed on the head and then reciprocated backward and forward on the head to effect the pump action. The extent of the movement will progressively decrease as bladder 6 is inflated to retain the helmet to the head.
  • Liner 12 is wedge shaped in cross section, with bladder 6 inwardly extending beyond any of bladders 10, 11 and 12 to allow more effective retention by ensuring an uninterrupted abutment with the head by both the helmet and liner.
  • bladders 10, 11 and 12 are thicker at their -edges which are adjacent to bladder 6 to more effectively ensure this continuous abutment with the head.
  • a casing 51 encloses unit 21 and lies flush with peripheral edge 5.
  • the retention system as described reduces the concentration of impact forces on the head.
  • the action of the retention system will be to substantially reduce any relative movement between the helmet and the head by ensuring a close fit of the helmet.
  • the helmet will respond more closely to any head movements. This intimate contact further allows the immediate damping of any force to which the head is subjected.
  • the retention system is small and light weight and as such all the standard strengthening and safety features are able to be included in helmet 2.
  • the retention system is advantageously used in conjunction with a close fitting helmet and more advantageously used with helmets having fractional fittings whereby the interior of each helmet closely conforms to a large number of the different head shapes requiring that helmet size. Satisfactory retention is also achievable with other less ideal helmets.

Abstract

Système de fixation (1) pour casque de protection (2) ayant une face interieure (3) et une face extérieure (4), les deux faces se terminant dans le bord inférieur périphérique (5). Le système de fixation (1) comprend une poche allongée (6) imperméable et gonflable à l'air de manière selective, s'étendant le long de la face intérieure (3) du bord adjacent (5) du casque (2). La poche (6) s'étend substantiellement le long des trois-quarts du bord périphérique (5) et dans la configuration gonflée, elle retient le casque sur la tête du porteur. Le système de fixation (1) comprend aussi des rembourrages sous la forme de plusieurs poche secondaires (10, 11, 12) situées sur la face intérieure (3) du casque (2) et espacées le long du côté de la poche (6) éloigné du bord (5). Les poches secondaires sont imperméables à l'air et chacune contient plusieurs trous de purge pour y maintenir la pression atmosphérique.
PCT/AU1992/000366 1991-07-19 1992-07-17 Systeme de fixation pour casque WO1993001732A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPK731891 1991-07-19
AUPK7318 1991-07-19
AUPL235792 1992-05-11
AUPL2357 1992-05-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993001732A1 true WO1993001732A1 (fr) 1993-02-04

Family

ID=25644079

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU1992/000366 WO1993001732A1 (fr) 1991-07-19 1992-07-17 Systeme de fixation pour casque

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1993001732A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995025446A1 (fr) * 1994-03-22 1995-09-28 Sq Services Ag Casque de protection
EP1321054A2 (fr) * 2001-12-21 2003-06-25 Bauer Nike Hockey Inc. Casque de hockey muni d'une poche gonflable
DE102004062883A1 (de) * 2004-12-27 2006-07-13 Herbert Weber Größen-anpassbarer Helm
FR2888729A1 (fr) * 2005-02-04 2007-01-26 Skimeter Sarl Module de rembourrage amovible pour casque de protection et casque equipe d'un tel module de rembourrage
US9629410B2 (en) 2011-08-16 2017-04-25 Trek Bicycle Corporation Anti-pinch apparel closure
WO2023283221A1 (fr) * 2021-07-06 2023-01-12 Rpb Safety, Llc Vessie gonflable pour casque à régulation climatique

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2078797A5 (fr) * 1970-02-19 1971-11-05 Conroy Robert
AU4994485A (en) * 1984-01-20 1987-05-21 Matrix Technologies Corporation Inflatable baffled liner for protective headgear and other protective equipment
WO1990004932A1 (fr) * 1988-11-04 1990-05-17 Atys S.A. Dispositif d'assujettissement pour casque de protection
EP0393238A1 (fr) * 1989-09-12 1990-10-24 Scheuring, Uwe Casque de protection destiné à l'usage de motocyclistes ou similaires
EP0423711A1 (fr) * 1989-10-20 1991-04-24 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Casque
WO1991008682A1 (fr) * 1989-12-19 1991-06-27 Vela S.R.L. Casque protecteur avec tampon gonflable
US5083320A (en) * 1990-12-24 1992-01-28 Athletic Helmet, Inc. Protective helmet with self-contained air pump
DE4024957A1 (de) * 1990-08-07 1992-02-13 Willy Bauer Passformhelm durch hohlraumausgleich

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2078797A5 (fr) * 1970-02-19 1971-11-05 Conroy Robert
AU4994485A (en) * 1984-01-20 1987-05-21 Matrix Technologies Corporation Inflatable baffled liner for protective headgear and other protective equipment
WO1990004932A1 (fr) * 1988-11-04 1990-05-17 Atys S.A. Dispositif d'assujettissement pour casque de protection
EP0393238A1 (fr) * 1989-09-12 1990-10-24 Scheuring, Uwe Casque de protection destiné à l'usage de motocyclistes ou similaires
EP0423711A1 (fr) * 1989-10-20 1991-04-24 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Casque
WO1991008682A1 (fr) * 1989-12-19 1991-06-27 Vela S.R.L. Casque protecteur avec tampon gonflable
DE4024957A1 (de) * 1990-08-07 1992-02-13 Willy Bauer Passformhelm durch hohlraumausgleich
US5083320A (en) * 1990-12-24 1992-01-28 Athletic Helmet, Inc. Protective helmet with self-contained air pump

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995025446A1 (fr) * 1994-03-22 1995-09-28 Sq Services Ag Casque de protection
US5913412A (en) * 1994-03-22 1999-06-22 So Services Ag Protective helmet
EP1321054A2 (fr) * 2001-12-21 2003-06-25 Bauer Nike Hockey Inc. Casque de hockey muni d'une poche gonflable
EP1321054A3 (fr) * 2001-12-21 2004-05-26 Bauer Nike Hockey Inc. Casque de hockey muni d'une poche gonflable
DE102004062883A1 (de) * 2004-12-27 2006-07-13 Herbert Weber Größen-anpassbarer Helm
FR2888729A1 (fr) * 2005-02-04 2007-01-26 Skimeter Sarl Module de rembourrage amovible pour casque de protection et casque equipe d'un tel module de rembourrage
US9629410B2 (en) 2011-08-16 2017-04-25 Trek Bicycle Corporation Anti-pinch apparel closure
WO2023283221A1 (fr) * 2021-07-06 2023-01-12 Rpb Safety, Llc Vessie gonflable pour casque à régulation climatique

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