Protective helmet and method of manufacture thereof

Abstract

A protective helmet according to the invention includes an outer shell and a shock-absorbing cap arranged within the shell, the shell being formed by a thin shell. The shell is covered, at least locally, by a panel made of a flexible material, the panel being stretched against the shell and connected thereto at least one seam line along one of its edges. According to the manufacturing method, the outer shell is made, a panel of flexible material is prepared, the outer shell is then covered with the panel by at least one seam between an edge of the panel and the shell, and the inside of the shell is then fitted with the cap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of French Patent Application No. 06 07572, filed on Aug. 29, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention relates to a protective helmet. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the protective helmet. [0004] 2. Description of Background and Other Information [0005] It is increasingly common to wear a protective helmet during recreational sporting activities, such as inline skating, ice skating, biking, skiing, and the like. As a general rule, helmets of this type have an outer shell made of a thin but rigid material, such as polycarbonate or ABS, and have internally a shock-absorbing cap made of polystyrene, for example. Such helmets are further equipped with a chin strap and, if necessary, a secondary retaining device that extends over the n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a new type of helmet with a thin outer shell and a shock-absorbing cap. The helmet has a better appearance because it does not have any folds. The cap is made by injection inside the shell, which is already covered by a panel of flexible material. The panel is stretched against the shell and connected to it by at least one seam line along one of its edges. The manufacturing method involves making the outer shell, preparing a panel of flexible material, connecting the outer shell to the panel by means of at least one seam line, and fitting the inside of the shell with the cap. The technical effect of this invention is that it provides a helmet with improved appearance and better shock absorption.

Problems solved by technology

In the second case, the shell is constituted by a very thin sheet of a PVC type of material having a thickness such that, when it is bare, the shell is not adequately rigid to provide the protection that could be expected from the finished helmet.

However, their aesthetic effect is not entirely satisfactory because the fastening mechanisms do not allow the envelope to be stretched over the entire covered surface without causing folds to occur.

Furthermore, it can be difficult to position these devices in helmets made using the in-mold technique, because the material that will constitute the outer skin of the helmet, that is, the shell, is relatively fragile when not supported by the cap.

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