WO2007112989A1

WO2007112989A1 - Mechanism for assembly of accessories to protective helmets

Info

Publication number: WO2007112989A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/002925
Authority: WO
Inventors: Emiliano Taccioli; Filippo Carlo Ratti
Original assignee: Mat Global Solutions S.L.
Priority date: 2006-04-04
Filing date: 2007-04-02
Publication date: 2007-10-11
Also published as: ITMI20060661A1

Abstract

Mechanism for assembly of accessories to protective helmets including a base (3) component assembled to the Shell of the helmet and another component for closing and fixation assembled to the base (3).

Description

D E S C R I P T I O N

"Mechanism for assembly of accessories to protective helmets"

The present invention concerns a mechanism for assembly of accessories to protective helmets.

As it is known, protective helmets, for example for motorcycles use, are based on a Shell studied to protect the users head from accidental crashes.

Some helmet models do not have a closed structure including a protective area usually named chin area. Therefore, this type of helmets is open on the front part, but ensuring the necessary degree of protection to the user. This type of helmets are usually know as "jet" or "open face" and final users demand an increased helmet versatility compared to other helmet types, since these users demand the possibility to adapt this type of helmets to several conditions. "Several conditions" understood as different uses given by the user, who can for example use the same helmet in city or road driving, or vary the configuration depending on weather conditions.

Typically, in the case of city drive, especially in hot summers, the user appreciates the use of the helmet without Visor that protects user's eyes from dust, insects and/or other particles that might impact users face during normal driving.

This is due to the fact that an open face helmet without visor helps the user to reduce the heat sensation during hot seasons. In this case, users prefer to remove the visor from the Shell instead of driving with the visor in open configuration. Keep the visor in the open position is particularly uncomfortable due to the high pressure arisen from the wind on the Visor area, increasing at the same time the feeling of weight on the neck. This is not the case during normal driving with the Visor closed since this usually this component is design following the aerodynamics of the helmet.

In both of the above described configurations, with or without visor, the light helmets here described usually give the option to assemble another component named "Peak". This Peak is a component assembled to the front part, above the

Visor in case the Visor is also assembled to the helmet together with the Peak. This Peak has several utilities. When driving under rain, protects the face from the water or avoids the water to drop from the Shell into the face or eyes of the user. On the other hand, when driving with sun, the Peak protects the eyes from direct sunshine, similar to baseball cups do. Finally, when designed properly it can improve the helmet aerodynamics.

From the other hand, this type of helmets presents several disadvantages.

Generally, they are sold in a close configuration and can not be disassembled to change configuration.

Another disadvantage in some helmets know in the market is that in case the Visor and Peak can be disassembled, the fixation systems are very complex to manipulate by the user and in some cases not robust and dangerous for its use. For example, there are some known light helmets where the Peak is fixed to the Shell with connection systems that works by pressure, similar to buttons. It's clear that such connection systems do not allow assembling the Visor together with the Peak, because the Peak is a fix component and therefore it will not consent the opening of the Visor.

Generally, the helmets actually known in the market do not consent the possibility of assembly quickly the components from an user friendly point of view: easily and offering to the user the possibility of changing the configuration according to the user needs.

As it comes out from the above discussion on the different user condition needs, the user can have the desire to use a versatile assembly system allowing to use the different components easily in order to modify quickly and efficiently the different helmet configurations.

The objective of the present invention is such of offering to the users a new assembly system that allows to users to assemble to the same Shell several accessories.

Within the field covered by this objective, another target covered by the present invention is to offer an assembly system that allows to users to assemble to the helmet several components at the same time. For example, to assemble the Visor and the Peak simultaneously.

Another target covered by the present invention is to offer an assembly system of accessories that it's user friendly, in a way that the user can easily and quickly change the helmet configuration.

All these targets and uses of the system as well as others that will be later better described, have been achieved with a device (1 ) for the assembly of one or more accessories (30), (40), (50) to the Shell (10) of a protective helmet. This device (1 ) main characteristics are the base (3) assembled to the helmet Shell (10) and a closing component (2) designed to be assembled to the base (3) together with one or more accessories (30), (40), (50). These accessories connected firmly to the helmet Shell between the base and the closing component.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention are better explained in the following detailed description, presented in a descriptive way and not limitative and illustrated in the annexed figures, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective in a partial explosion of the device for assembly of accessories to the helmet Shell, in the configuration of Peak assembly with the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the device in the configuration of Peak assembly;

Figure 2. a illustrates a transversal section of the device in the configuration shown in Figure 2;

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a helmet with the Visor assembled using the present invention;

Figure 3. a illustrates a transversal section of the device in the helmet configuration shown in figure 3;

Figure 4 illustrates a side view of helmet with the Visor and the Peak assembled using the present invention; Figure 4.a illustrates a transversal section of the device in the helmet configuration shown in figure 4;

Following the chosen device configuration following the present invention described in the above described figures, the device includes a base component, normally indexed with the reference number (3) in the figures, assembled to the helmet Shell (10). Obviously the figure 2, for example, shows a side view of the helmet in which is shown only one device (1 ) following the invention, but it's clear that there is another device (1) exactly equal on the other side of the helmet according to the symmetry plane.

The base component (3) assembled to the Shell (10) includes a first recess (3b) based on a circular geometry. This first recess 3b presents a profile (4) also of circular geometry but with different thickness areas. More in detail, in diametrically opposite points of this profile (4), there are two openings named as (3d) and (3c) that divides in two semi-circular areas the profile (4). At the same time, each of the semi-circular areas is divided in two sectors of a quarter of a circumference long, but of different thickness. With reference to Figure 1 , the two areas 4a and 4d have the same thickness, whereas the areas 4b and 4c have the same thickness but different of 4a and 4d. More in detail, areas 4a and 4d are thinner than areas 4b and 4c.

The device (1) following the present invention includes also a closing component indexed with number (2) in the figure 2. Such closing component (2) includes a central body (2b) basically of cylindrical form and an disk (2a) on the top part for closing.

The disk (2a) includes in its preferred form of the device following the present invention, an ergonomic shape to help users the spinning/rotation manipulation.

The central body (2b) includes also two teeth (2c) and (2d) projected to the outside with respect to the body, in points diametrically opposed and located in the lower border of the body. Such teeth (2c) and (2d) are designed in a way that can be inserted in the opening points (3c) and (3d) in the profile (4) of the base (3). The central body (2b) of the closing component (2) is properly dimensioned to allow easy insertion on the opening (3d) when teeth (2c) and (2d) are aligned with openings (3c) and (3d). Sections of figure 2a, 3a and 4a shows the closing component (2) in this configuration, with teeth (2c) and (2d) aligned with openings (3c) and (3d), inserted in the base (3).

Profile 4, as above described, it's designed with sectors of different thickness. Therefore, changing the alignment between teeth (2c) and (2d) with the openings (3c) and (3d), since the closing component (2) is on a rotation way linked to the base (3), the interference with teeth (2c) and (2d) with the sectors of profile (4) changes.

More in detail, looking to figures 1 and 2, once the closing component (2) has been inserted in the first opening (3b) of the base (3), the closing component can be rotated clockwise. In this case, teeth (2c) and (2d) interfere with sectors (4b) and (4c).

On the other hand, if the closing element (2) is rotated anti-clockwise, teeth (2c) and (2d) interfere with sectors (4d) and (4a) of profile (4).

In both cases, after assembling if the closing component (2) is not rotated again to align the teeth with the opening points, profile (4) blocks the closing component (2) into the recess (3b) of the base (3).

The base (3) is designed in a way that allows the central body (2b) of the closing component (2) to enter completely in the base.

At the same time, the base (3) is designed in way that can be inserted in a recess specially designed in the Shell (10) in such a way that the perimeter face (3e) is aligned with the Shell external surface. Looking in detail in figures 2a, 3a and 4a, it can be noticed that the present invention has been designed in such a way that the perimeter face (3e) allows the insertion of an assembly area of the components. For example, the Visor or the Peak, that must be assembled to the Shell.

The accessories to be assembled to the Shell, for example the Peaks (30) and (50) or the Visor (40) will be designed with and assembly area. The assembly area is supported and assembled to the base (3). The closing component (2) with a stable closing of the accessory towards the base ensures a firm assembly to the helmet Shell.

More in detail, in the examples illustrated in the annexed figures, the accessories presents an area design with a hole. When the accessories are positioned for assembly to the Shell the hole is located and supported on the base (3) on the perimeter face (3e).

The helmet in Figure 2 shows a Shell (10) and a Peak (30) assembled with the device designed according to the present invention.

In the section of figure 2a, it can be seen that the assembly area of the Peak (30) is located and supported on the perimeter face (3e) of the base (3), in such a way that does not interfere with the recess (3b) for the closing component (2).

After positioning the peak (30), the closing component (2) is inserted in the recess (3b) of the base (3), with teeth (2c) and (2d) aligned with openings (3c) and (3d), and rotated clockwise. The rotation clockwise defines the interference of teeth (2c) and (2d) with the corresponding circular areas of profile (4), defining the support of the closing component (2) which on itself keeps in position and attached the Peak (30).

With the same system the device is adapted, as shown in figure 3 and in section 3a, to connect the Visor (40) to the Shell. Starting on the configuration shown in figure 2, the user can rotate anti-clockwise the closing element (2) to place the teeth (2c) and (2d) aligned with the openings (3c) and (3d), remove the closing component (2) from the recess (3b) of the base (3) and finally remove the Peak (30).

At this point, the user can place the Visor (40) replacing the Peak (30). The Visor will also have a whole area similar to that described for the Peak (30), adapted to be located and supported on the perimeter face (3e) of the base (3), as shown in figure

3a.

The relocation of the closing component (2) in the recess (3b) of the base (3) allows once again fixing the Visor to the Shell. More in detail, with a rotation again clockwise of the closing component (2), this operation ensures a stable fixation of the Visor to the Shell. Obviously, in this case the assembly of the Visor to the base

(3) and this to the helmet Shell is designed in a way that allows the Visor opening.

The latest example is shown in figure 4 and in section 4a, the Visor (40) and the Peak (50) are contemporarily assembled to the Shell. The Peak (50) is designed in this case in such a way that does not interfere with the Visor opening. As it can be seen in figure 4a, the assembly of both components, Visor and Peak, present the technical problem of closing a thicker section of material between the closing component (2) and the based (3) compared to the other examples already exemplify. More in detail, the Visor (40) in the example of figure 4a is again placed on surface (3e) of the bas (3). The second accessory, the Peak (50) in this example, is also located on the base (3) but inwards, in an added recess in a way that Peak and Visor do not interfere. This concept ensures that the system closing do not affects the Visor movement during opening and closing.

Once inserted both accessories, the device is closed by inserting the closing element (2) in the recess (3b) of the base (3), and then closing by rotating element (2).

In this case, once the closing element (2) ahs been inserted with teeth (2c) and (2d) aligned with openings (3c) and (3d), the device is closed by rotating the element (2) anti-clockwise. In this way, in fact, teeth (2c) and (2d) interfere with areas (4a) and (4d) of reduced thickness, to close the device even if in this example both accessories together are thicker than only one accessory.

It has already been verified that the present device complies with the targets and scope defined. More in detail, it has been illustrated how this device to assemble accessories to the shell developed following the present invention allows the replacement operation of accessories such Peak or Visor, quickly and efficiently.

In addition, this device developed following the present invention allows changing helmet configuration by assembling one accessory to the shell, two accessories at the same time or even without accessories.

Another advantage found with this device that the Visor movement is not interfered when the Peak (50) is contemporarily assembled with the Visor.

Another advantage achieved with this device designed following the present invention is that the device is protected by itself of external bodies such dust. Therefore, it offers a robust and durable solution.

A large number of modifications and versions can be developed by sector experts but within the protection of the present invention.

Therefore, the protection scope of claims can not be limited by the illustrations or by the preferred developments shown in the descriptions in its form of examples. The claims must include all innovative characteristics that can be patented, derived from the present invention, including all characteristics that can be considered similar by sector experts and technicians.

Claims

C L A I M S

1.- Device (1) for assembly of one or more accessories (30, 40, 50) to the protective helmet Shell (10), with following essential characteristics: base component (3) linked to the helmet Shell (10) and a closing component design to be linked to the base (3), being the accessories (30, 40, 50) firmly connected to the helmet Shell after closing the closing component into the base component (3).

2.- Device (1 ) following claim 1 , characterized by the fact that one or more accessories (30, 40, 50) are assembled between the base component (3) and the closing component (2).

3.- Device (1 ) following claims 1 and 2, characterized by the fact that the base component (3) is basically of circular geometry with a first recess (3b) designed to the rotational insertion of the main body (2b) of such closing component (2). This main body (2b) is presented basically in a cylindrical form.

4.- Device (1) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that such main body (2b) of such closing component (2) is presented basically in a cylindrical form.

5.- Device (1 ) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that such base component (3) includes also a profile (4) presented basically in a circular form that encloses, in the closing configuration, the external perimeter of such main body (2b) of such closing component (2).

6.- Device (1) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that such main body (2b) of such closing component (2) includes also at least two teeth (2c, 2d) protruding outwards and developed to slide around the inner surface of such profile (4).

7.- Device (1 ) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that such teeth (2c, 2d) are positioned in opposite diametric points in the lower edge of such main body (2b).

8.- Device (1 ) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that such profile (4) of such base component (3) includes at least two openings (3c, 3d) located in opposite diametric points of such first recess (3b) and designed for the insertion of such teeth (2c, 2d) of such main body (2b).

9.- Device (1) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that such profile (4) of such base component (3) includes sectors (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of different thickness.

10.- Device (1) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that such sectors (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) are distributed in a way that each individual sector limits with another sector of different thickness.

11.- Device (1) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that such closing component (2) includes also a top closing part (2a).

12.- Device (1) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that such top closing part (2a) is presented basically in disk form.

13.- Device (1 ) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that, when one or more of the accessories (30, 40, 50) have been located for assembling, they are packed between such base component (3) and such top closing part (2a) of the closing component (2).

14.- Device (1 ) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that such closing component (2) includes also, on the external surface of such top closing part oriented outwards, external projections designed to allow the rotational operation by users.

15.- Device (1 ) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that such external projections are developed in one or more relieves on the external face of such closing component (2).

16.- Device (1) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that, after the insertion of such closing component (2) into such first recess

(3b), the accessories assembly to the Shell is created by the rotation that creates interferences between such teeth (2c, 2d) with the sectors (4c, 4b) of lower thickness.

17.- Device (1 ) following one or more of the above claims, characterized by the fact that after the insertion of such closing component (2) into the first recess

(3b), a simple rotation that creates interference between such teeth (2c, 2d) with the thicker sectors (4a, 4d), allows the contemporarily assembly of more than one accessory to the Shell.

18.- Protective helmet including the device (1 ) following one or more of the above claims.

19.- Protective helmet including one or more of the above claims in which one ore more accessories include a Peak (30, 50).

20.- Protective helmet following one or more of the above claims in which one or more accessories includes a Visor (40).

21.- Accessories (30, 40, 50) for helmets developed to be assembled with the device (1) including any of the claims from 1 to 17.

22.- Accessories (30, 40, 50) for helmets following claim 21 , characterized by the fact that includes the extremes developed in a way that allows to be located on the perimetrical surface (3e) of such base component (3), with such extremes developed in a way that allows the insertion of such closing component (2) into such base component (3).

23.- Peak (30, 50) for helmet developed to be assembled to the assembling device including any of the claims from 1 to 17.

24.- Peak (30, 50) for helmet following claim 23, characterized by the fact that the extremes are developed in a way that allows the Peak to be located on the perimetrical surface (3e) of such base component (3), with such extremes developed in a way that allows the insertion of such closing component (2) into such base component (3).

25.- Visor (40) for helmet developed to be assembled to the assembling device including any of the claims from 1 to 17.

26.- Visor (40) for helmet following claim 25, characterized by the fact that the extremes are developed in a way that allows the Peak to be located on the perimetrical surface (3e) of such base component (3), with such extremes developed in a way that allows the insertion of such closing component (2) into such base component (3).