WO2009095420A1

WO2009095420A1 - Protection device

Info

Publication number: WO2009095420A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/050965
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrea Lamera
Original assignee: Ci.Erre.E. S.R.L
Priority date: 2008-01-29
Filing date: 2009-01-28
Publication date: 2009-08-06
Also published as: ITBG20080007A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protection device preferably, but not exclusively, for motorcyclists. The helmet according to the invention comprises a protective shell (2) which comprises at least one front opening (6) onto which a movable protection portion (4) faces, connected at opposite points to the shell via a connection mechanism (5). The latter comprises first mechanical means (21) which define a centre of rotation (c) of the movable protection part with respect to the protective shell. The mechanism furthermore comprises second mechanical means (22) operatively connected to said first mechanical (21) means in order to vary the position of said centre of rotation.

Description

"PROTECTION DEVICE"

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a protection device preferably, but not exclusively, for motorcyclists.

The use of protection devices, also called helmets, is known for motorcyclists, the main purpose of which is to protect the head of the motorcyclist from possible head injuries caused by falls. It is also known that helmets are grouped into different types according to their structure.

In the first type of helmet, commonly known as "full face", for example, the structure consists of a first protective part, also called shell, configured so as to protect the user's head except for a front opening which remains free to define the user's field of view. A movable protective part, called visor, is hinged to opposite parts of the shell so that it is positioned frontally with respect to the front opening in a substantially lowered position and can swivel to at least one raised position.

In a second type of helmet, usually called "Jet", the structure of the shell protects the user's head almost completely except the front part. In detail, when the helmet is worn, the front opening extends from the forehead to the neck of the motorcyclist. The front opening is protected solely by a visor when the latter is in the lowered operating position.

A further type of helmet called "flip-up" consists of a shell and a chin bar connected to the shell via a connection mechanism which permits movement of the chin bar with respect to the shell. In detail, the connection mechanism allows the chin bar to set to a first and a second configuration corresponding to helmet closed and helmet open.

Over the last few years the demand for flip-up helmets has increased significantly due to their versatility. When the helmet is closed, the chin bar makes it identical to a full face helmet.

Movement of the chin bar from the closed to the open configuration transforms the helmet from full face to "Jet".

In the majority of cases, the connection mechanism between chin bar and shell comprises a pair of rotation fulcrums around which the chin bar rotates. In the patent application EP

1183957, for example, a flip-up helmet is described which comprises a chin bar hinged to the shell by means of pins provided in the lateral walls of the shell. The pins allow the chin bar to rotate around their axis so that it can swivel from a raised position to a lowered position and vice versa, thus obtaining a full face or open helmet. Although seemingly effective from the functional point of view, due to their simple configuration, the connections with fixed fulcrum have several drawbacks. When the chin bar reaches the raised position, for example, it protrudes with respect to the upper surface of the shell. It has been found that in many cases this protrusion is excessive, generating a "sail effect" on the helmet which tends to raise the latter from the user's head. A further drawback of the traditional flip-up helmets consists in the fact that as the chin bar moves from the lowered to the raised position, it does not reach, with respect to the shell, a position such as to sufficiently shift back the centre of gravity of the helmet. This subjects the user's neck to continuous stress in order to maintain the helmet and head in the erect position. In many cases, furthermore, the position of the chin bar once raised is too far forward, thus considerably limiting the field of view of the user and obliging the latter to tilt his/her head back to compensate for said lack of view.

A further drawback which accompanies a large number of known helmets is the fact that the parts constituting the connection mechanism (for example the rotation pins described in the above-mentioned patent application EP 1183957) are incorporated in the structure of the shell and/or in that of the chin bar. This obviously becomes a problem if, for example, one or more parts of the mechanism have to be replaced to renew the operation of said mechanism. On the basis of these considerations, the main object of the present invention is to provide a helmet which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks and which constitutes a valid alternative to the traditional helmets used.

In this context, one object of the present invention is to provide a helmet in which the relative movement of the movable protective part with respect to the shell occurs in an easy and repeatable manner.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a helmet in which the relative movement of the movable protective part with respect to the shell is sufficient to ensure that said movable protective part reaches a position which is far enough back to avoid the above- mentioned "sail effect" and which shifts the centre of gravity of the helmet far enough back to avoid stress on the user's neck.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a helmet in which the movable protective part is connected to the shell by means of a mechanism consisting of a reduced number of components which can be easily assembled.

Last but not least, a further object of the present invention is to provide a helmet which is reliable and relatively easy to produce at competitive costs. These and other objects which will become clear in the course of the description are achieved by means of a motorcycle helmet comprising a protective shell with at least one front opening and a movable protective portion operatively connected at opposite points to the protective shell via at least one connection mechanism. The movable portion faces the front opening in a first operating position. The connection mechanism permits a reversible movement of the movable protective part from the first operating position to a second operating position. The helmet is characterised in that the connection mechanism comprises first mechanical means which define a centre of rotation for the movable protective part with respect to the protective shell and second mechanical means operatively connected to the first mechanical means so as to vary the position of the centre of rotation between a first and a second reference position characteristic of said first and said second operating position respectively of said movable protective part.

For the purposes of the present invention, by the expression "movable protective part" we mean any part of the helmet which provides, in at least said first operating position, a protective function. Therefore if the helmet is "full face" or "Jet", the movable part can consist of a visor connected to the shell at opposite points with respect to the opening. If, on the other hand, the helmet is of the "flip-up" type (as illustrated in the accompanying figures), then the movable protective part could consist of the chin bar or alternatively the visor. The structure of the helmet connection mechanism according to the invention permits effective movement of the movable part, advantageously ensuring that the latter reaches a position far enough back with respect to the protective shell when it moves from the first to the second operating position. This reduces the sail effect and moves the centre of gravity of the helmet back in accordance with the objects of the present invention. Furthermore the above position of the movable part achieved via the connection mechanism advantageously gives the user a complete field of view also in an upward direction. The latter should be considered a peculiarity of the present invention, especially if the helmet is configured according to the flip-up type in which the movable part can consist of the chin bar or alternatively the visor.

Further advantages will become clear in the course of the description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the present invention, illustrated by way of non- limiting examples in the accompanying drawings in which: figure 1 is a first perspective view of an embodiment of a helmet according to the present invention; figure 2 is a detailed view of a connection mechanism of the helmet of figure 1 ; figure 3 is a second perspective view of the helmet of figure 1 relative to a first configuration of the helmet; figure 4 is a lateral view of the helmet of figure 3; figure 5 is a third perspective view of the helmet of figure 1 relative to a second configuration of the helmet; figure 6 is a lateral view of the helmet of figure 5; figure 7 is a third perspective view of the helmet of figure 1 relative to a third configuration of the helmet; figure 8 is a lateral view of the helmet of figure 7; figure 9 is a first exploded view relative to a further embodiment of the helmet according to the invention; figure 10 is a second exploded view relative to the helmet of figure 9.

With reference to the above figures, the motorcycle helmet 1 according to the invention comprises a protective shell 2 constructed to protect the head of a motorcyclist when it is worn. The protective shell 2 is provided with at least one front opening 6 enabling the motorcyclist to see out once the helmet 1 has been put on.

The helmet 1 according to the invention comprises a movable protective part 4 operatively connected at opposite points to the protective shell 2 via a connection mechanism 5. In particular the movable protective part 4 is connected to the shell 2 so that it faces the opening 6 frontally in a first operating position. The connection mechanism 5 connects the two protective parts 2, 4 so as to permit a reversible movement of the movable protective part 4 from the first operating position to at least one second operating position. The expression "reversible movement" is used to indicate that the movable part can move from the first to the second operating position and vice versa.

The helmet 1 according to the invention is characterised in that it comprises first mechanical means 21 operatively connected to the helmet 1 so as to define a centre of rotation C of the movable protective part 4 with respect to the protective shell 2. In particular according to the invention said rotation is performed not around a fixed centre of rotation but with respect to an "instantaneous" centre of rotation, i.e. a centre of rotation with variable position. In other words, considering a reference system fixed to the shell, the centre of rotation C of the movable part 4 assumes a continuously different position during the relative movement. The helmet 1 according to the invention is also characterised in that the connection mechanism 5 comprises second mechanical means 22 operatively connected to the first mechanical means 21 so as to vary in a predefined manner the position of the centre of rotation C between a first and a second reference position characteristic of the first and second operating position respectively of the movable part 4 with respect to the shell 2. In other words, the second mechanical means 22 constrain a relative movement between the two protective parts (movable protective part 4 and shell 2) so that when the centre of rotation C assumes the first reference position, the movable part 4 assumes the first operating position, whereas when the instantaneous centre of rotation C assumes the second reference position, the movable part 4 occupies the second operating position with respect to the shell 2. Consequently when the centre of rotation C assumes an intermediate position between the two reference positions, then the movable part 4 will also assume an intermediate position between the first and the second operating position.

Figure 1 and figure 2 are a perspective view and a lateral view respectively of a possible embodiment of the helmet according to the present invention. In particular the helmet illustrated is of the "flip-up" type and hence provided with a movable protective part 4 (hereinafter indicated also as chin bar 4), which in a first operating position, i.e. when lowered, has the function of protecting the mandibular region of the user's skull. The helmet 1 illustrated also comprises a second movable part 3, called visor, which is made of transparent material and has the function of protecting the user's eyes once it is in the corresponding operating position.

In figures 1 and 2 the helmet is illustrated in a substantially "closed" configuration so that the chin bar 4 and the visor 3 assume the corresponding first operating position indicated below also by the expression "lowered position". The helmet 1 is provided with a connection mechanism 5 which allows reversible movement of the chin bar 4 from the lowered position to a second operating position, hereinafter also indicated by the expression "raised position". For descriptive purposes only, the connection mechanism 5 will be described considering the chin bar 4 as a movable part, the same principles being also applicable to the movement of a visor whether the helmet is of the flip-up, Jet or full face type.

With reference in particular to figure 2, the connection mechanism 5 according to the present invention is provided with first mechanical means 21 comprising a first cogged element 31 integral with the protective shell 2 and a second cogged element 32 integral with the portion of movable protection, i.e. the chin bar 4. Said second cogged element 32 engages the first cogged element 31 so as to permit a rotation of the chin bar 4 with respect to the shell around a centre of rotation C.

The second mechanical means 22 comprise a guide element operatively connected to one of said cogged elements 31, 32 so as to constrain the movement thereof in a pre-established direction 100 thus varying in a corresponding manner the position of the centre of rotation C. Via this solution the centre of rotation C of the chin bar 4 with respect to the shell 2 is a centre of instantaneous rotation for the chin bar. The guide element permits movement of said centre of rotation along a pre-established path between a first and a second reference position characteristic of a lowered position and a raised position respectively of the chin bar 4. With reference again to figure 2, the first cogged element 31 is formed by a rack element integral with the shell 2, while the second cogged element 32 is formed by a sector of cogged wheel integral with the chin bar 4. In further detail, said wheel sector develops around a reference centre T and comprises an end with pin 33 (see figures 9 and 10). The guide element is formed by a cavity 41, defined on a part integral with the shell 2, in which the end with pin 33 of the second cogged element 32 is inserted in a sliding manner. In particular said cavity develops longitudinally in a pre-established direction 100 substantially parallel to the direction in which the rack element develops. In this way the centre of instantaneous rotation is constrained to move in a direction parallel to the cavity or the direction of the rack. As indicated above, figure 2 illustrates the helmet 1 in a closed configuration in which the chin bar 4 assumes a first operating position as defined above, i.e. lowered. In this condition the engagement between the first 31 and second cogged element 32 defines a centre of rotation C of the chin bar 4 with respect to the shell 2 which assumes a first reference position Pl which can be identified, solely for descriptive purposes, also by the position of the reference centre T of the sector of cogged wheel which forms the second cogged element 32. It is clear that the distance between the position of the reference centre T and that of the centre of instantaneous rotation is constant during the relative movement.

Figures 3 and 4 are a perspective view and a lateral view respectively of the helmet of figures 1 and 2 during a first phase of opening of the helmet. Said opening can be performed, for example, via a direct action on the chin bar 4 in the direction, for example, indicated by the arrow F in figure 2. Alternatively the opening could be the direct consequence of the activation of a spring mechanism provided between the chin bar 4 and the shell 2 so as to generate an opening torque.

From comparison between figure 2 and figure 4 it can be seen that the opening action causes a rotation of the chin bar 4 with respect to the shell 2 due to the cogged coupling between the sector of cogged wheel and the rack. Said rotation is accompanied by a shifting of the end with pin 33 of the sector of cogged wheel which assumes a new position P in the cavity 41 different from the first reference position Pl. In detail, this new position is farther back than the first position Pl with respect to the front opening 6 of the helmet 1. In practical terms, this results in the chin bar 4 moving farther back with respect to the shell 2. Said positioning farther back occurs advantageously during rotation of the chin bar 4 which substantially rotates and translates at the same time with respect to the position illustrated in figures 2 and 3.

Figures 5 and 6 are a perspective view and a lateral view respectively of the helmet 1 of figures 1 and 2 during a second phase of opening of the helmet. As can be seen in figure 6, in this configuration the end with pin 33 assumes a new position P which is farther back than the position of the same end in the configuration of figure 4 (again with respect to the first position Pl). From comparison between figure 2 and figure 4, it furthermore emerges that a greater opening angle α of the helmet (or a greater rotation angle) results in the chin bar moving correspondingly farther back. Said movement farther back of the chin bar 4 is clearly a function of the inclination of the cavity 41, i.e. of the rack on which the sector of cogged wheel engages. Consequently the position reached by the chin bar following the movement can be advantageously defined a priori by varying the inclination of the rack with respect to a horizontal reference plane PO like the one indicated in figure 6.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the helmet of figures 1 and 2 in an open configuration in which the chin bar 4 has reached the second operating position defined above also as raised position. With reference in particular to figure 8, in this open configuration of the helmet 1 the end with pin 33 of the sector of cogged wheel occupies, within the cavity 41, a position substantially opposite to the one illustrated in figure 2. Said position P2 is characteristic of the second reference position assumed by the centre of instantaneous rotation of the chin bar 4. In other words the position P2 constitutes a stroke end point for the relative opening movement between the chin bar 4 and the shell 2. At the same time said second reference position P2 represents the starting point for the relative closing movement between the chin bar 4 and the shell 2.

From comparison between figure 2 and figure 8, it can be seen that the distance between the first and the second reference position constitutes a distance characteristic of the backward movement of the chin bar 4 during opening of the helmet. As the movement is reversible, during closing of the helmet the sector of cogged wheel will rotate on the rack in a direction opposite to the opening direction and at the same time the end with pin 33 will move forward

(with respect to the front opening 6 of the helmet) inside the cavity 41 between the second and first reference position Pl .

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention according to which the first cogged element 31 is integral with the shell 2 via a first connection insert 16, while the second cogged element 32 is integral with the chin bar via a second connection insert 17.

More precisely, the two figures are two exploded views, from different observation points, of the connection mechanism 5 which show a possible embodiment of said connection inserts 16 and 17.

The first connection insert 16 is formed by a first plate 26 which is operatively located in a recess 38 defined on the surface of the shell 2. Said first plate 26 comprises a surface 80 on one first side of which a perimeter edge 81 develops. The first cogged element 31 (i.e. the rack element illustrated in the case in point) is located on one section of the inner side of the perimeter edge 81. Preferably said first element 31 is made in one single piece with the first plate 26, for example by means of known industrial pressing processes.

The first plate 26 is inserted in the recess 38 so that said first side of the surface 80 faces the bottom surface 39 of the recess. In this way, once insertion has been completed, a cavity forms between the two parts; said cavity houses the second cogged element 32 (constituted, in the case in point illustrated, by the sector of cogged wheel) so as to engage the first cogged element 31.

The recess 38 is delimited in depth by a bottom surface 39 which defines the rectilinear guide cavity 41 for the end with pin 33 of the second cogged element 32. Once the first plate 26 is inserted in the recess 38, the rack element is operatively positioned in a direction parallel to that in which the rectilinear guide 41 develops.

First connection means are used to ensure stable positioning of the first plate 26 inside the recess 38. In said regard, with reference to figure 10, in the solution illustrated the first plate

26 comprises an operating seat 19 for a connection element, for example a screw or a pin. At the same time the perimeter edge 81 is provided with a coupling tab 85 which fits into a corresponding slot 35 obtained along one edge of the bottom surface 39 of the recess 38. The technical solutions described permit in practice stable positioning of the first plate 26 on the shell 2, but they could be replaced by other functionally equivalent solutions.

The surface 80 of the first plate 26 comprises an opening 87 to allow the passage of a connection end 43 of the second cogged element 32. Said connection end 43 connects integrally with a connection portion 44 integral with the second insert 17. The latter is in turn connected to an inner side 4B of the chin bar 4 as clearly shown in figure 9. The second insert 17 is formed by a second plate 27 from one first side of which the connection portion 44 emerges. Said portion is constructed so as to define a seat 46 for the connection end 43 of the second cogged element 32. In detail, the connection portion 44 comprises a pin 49 with an outer surface provided with a plurality of flat surfaces. Said pin is inserted in a cavity 56 (see figure 9) defined internally at the connection end 43 of the second cogged element 32. The inner surface of said cavity 56 has flat surfaces 57 geometrically corresponding to those defined on the outer surface of the pin 49. This allows mating between said pin 49 and said cavity 56. In practice said coupling has the function of making the second cogged element 32 integral with the second insert 17, substantially avoiding the anti-rotation of one of these elements with respect to the other. In other words, the mating ensures that the second cogged element 32 and the second insert 17 (i.e. the chin bar 4 connected to it) rotate as if they were one single piece.

The connection between the second insert 17 and the second cogged element 32 is completed by second connection means which stably fix the connection end 43 to the connection portion 44. Said second means can comprise for example a connection screw 73 which tightens inside the cavity 56, in practice providing a joint between the latter and the pin 49 emerging from the second plate 27 which defines the second insert 17.

The latter is advantageously provided with further third connection means which permit a stable connection to an inner side 4B of the chin bar 4. In the solution illustrated, said connection is provided by a pair of pins which emerge from the inner side 4B of the chin bar and fit into seats provided on the second plate 27 of the second insert 17. Obviously other functionally equivalent means could be used for the same purposes.

The structure of the connection mechanism 5 described is particularly advantageous also in terms of assembly which is performed substantially as follows. The second cogged element 32 is operatively coupled to the first cogged element 31 so that its connection end 43 comes out of the opening 87 obtained on the first plate 26. The connection end 43 is then fixed to the second insert 17, exploiting the mating and the second connection means. Said second insert 17 is then connected to the inner side 4B of the chin bar 4 via the third connection means indicated above. The chin bar 4 is definitively connected to the shell 2 by insertion of the first plate 27 in the recess 38. Said connection is ensured by the action of the first connection means as specified above. It is understood that the structure of the connection mechanism 5 described and in particular use of the connection inserts 16 and 17 should be considered a possible embodiment of the invention. Alternatively, the second cogged element 32 could for example be made in one single piece with the chin bar 4, while the first cogged element 31 could also be made in one single piece with the shell 2.

The technical solutions adopted for the helmet fully achieve the pre-established aims and objects. In particular the structure of the connection mechanism allows the movable protective part to be positioned farther back during the opening movement of the same. This allows the desired objectives to be achieved including a reduction in the sail effect and moving of the centre of gravity of the helmet farther back. At the same time the helmet is provided with a connection mechanism consisting of a relatively reduced number of components which can be easily assembled and produced by known industrial processes.

The helmet conceived as above is subject to numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore all the details can be replaced by other technical equivalents.

In practice, any materials and contingent dimensions and forms can be adopted according to requirements and the state of the art.

Claims

1. Helmet (1) comprising:

- a protective shell (2) provided with at least one opening (6);

- a movable protection portion (4) operatively connected at opposite points to said protective shell (2) via at least one connection mechanism (5), said movable protection portion (4) facing said opening (6) in a first operating position, said connection mechanism (5) permitting a reversible movement of said movable protection portion (4) from said first operating position to at least one second operating position, characterised in that said connection mechanism (5) comprises:

- first mechanical means (21) which define a centre of rotation (C) of said movable protection part (4) with respect to said protective shell (2);

- second mechanical means (22) operatively connected to said first mechanical means (21) so as to vary the position of said centre of rotation (C) between a first and a second reference position characteristic of said first and said second operating position respectively.

2. Helmet (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said second mechanical means (22) vary the position of said centre of rotation (C) between a first reference position (Pl) and a second reference position (P2) farther back with respect to said first reference position (Pl), said reference positions (P1,P2) being assessed with respect to said front opening (6).

3. Helmet (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said movable protection part (4) is a chin bar or a visor.

4. Helmet (1) as claimed in one or more of the claims from 1 to 3, characterised in that said first mechanical means (21) comprise a first cogged element (31) integral with said protective shell (2) and a second cogged element (32) integral with said movable protection part (4), said cogged elements (31,32) engaging reciprocally and defining said centre of rotation (C), said second mechanical means (22) comprising a guide element (41) operatively connected to one of said cogged elements (31,32) so as to constrain the movement thereof in a pre-established direction (100) thus varying the position of said centre of rotation (C) in a corresponding manner.

5. Helmet (1) as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that said second cogged element (32) comprises a wheel sector integral with said movable protection part (4), said first cogged element (31) comprising a rack integral with said protective shell (2), said first cogged element (31) comprising an end with pin (33) and said guide element (41) comprising a cavity (41) obtained on said protective shell (2) to house said end with pin (33) in a sliding manner.

6. Helmet (1) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterised in that said first cogged element (31) is integral with said first protection portion (2) via a first connection insert (16) operatively positioned between said protection portions (2,4).

7. Helmet (1) as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that said first connection insert (16) comprises a first plate (26) which is operatively positioned in a recess (38) defined on said protective shell (2), said first plate (26) comprising a surface (80) from a first side of which a perimeter edge (81) develops, said first cogged element with rack being defined on an inner section of said perimeter edge (81), said recess (38) being delimited in depth by a bottom surface (39) which defines a rectilinear guide cavity (41) for said end with pin (33) of said second cogged element (32), said second cogged element (32) being operatively positioned between said bottom surface (39) of said recess (38) and said surface (80) of said first plate (26), said surface (80) of said first plate (26) comprising an opening (87) for the passage of a connection end (43) of said second cogged element (32) integral with said movable protection part (4).

8. Helmet (1) as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that it comprises first connection means (19,85) to permit stable positioning of said first plate (26) inside said recess (38).

9. Helmet (1) as claimed in one or more of the claims from 6 to 8, characterised in that said second cogged element (32) is integral with said second protection portion (4) via a second connection insert (17) operatively positioned between said protection portions (2,4).

10. Helmet (1) as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that said second insert (17) comprises a second plate (27) from a first side of which emerges a connection portion (44) which connects to said connection end (43) of said second cogged element (32) via second connection means (73), said second plate (27) connecting to one side (4B) of said protection part (4) via further connection means.

11. Helmet (1) as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that said connection portion (44) comprises a pin (49) having an outer surface provided with a plurality of flat surfaces, said pin (49) fitting into a cavity (56) defined inside said connection end (43) of said second cogged element (32), said cavity (56) having flat surfaces (47) geometrically corresponding to those defined on said pin (49) of said connection portion (45).