Helmet provided with chin bar

Abstract

A helmet (10) comprising an outer shell (11) and a chin bar (14). The chin bar (14) is releasably connectable to the shell (11).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective helmet provided with a chin bar, which can be used in the field of racing and sports vehicles, in particular but not exclusively in the field of rallying. However, the application of the present invention is not excluded in the field of sports motorcycles or other fields in which protective helmets are envisaged. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of racing car competitions, protective helmets are known to be used by the users, such as the driver and / or co-driver navigator.

[0003] Typically, the helmet comprises a protective cap or shell having a lower hole for inserting the head and a front hole adapted to guarantee the field of vision of the user.

[0004] There are so-called monolithic helmets, in which the front hole is in the form of a band in the region around the eyes, the bottom of which is limited by an element protecting the chin, also known as chin bar, in which the chin bar is continuous on one side and the other of the shell and is integral therewith.

[0005] Open helmets or "jet helmets" are also known, in which the chin bar is not generally provided and in which the front and bottom openings constitute a single continuous opening. These helmets have the advantage of offering greater comfort and freedom to the user, but offer less protection than full-face helmets.

[0006] In the field of racing car competitions, in particular in the field of rallying, specific helmets are known in which there is a chin bar formed by a monolithic arm which cantilevered extends from one side of the front hole and ends substantially corresponding to the mouth of the user.

[0007] An important aspect related to helmets provided with a chin bar is related to the lack of safety of the chin bar during the race, especially in the event of an accident.

[0008] For example, in the event of an accident, the chin bar can connect itself to elements present in the passenger compartment, such as the spokes of the steering wheel, belts, arms, roll bars, or even to flying objects moving in the passenger compartment. In this case, the connection of the chin bar causes a torsional impact, even a strong torsion of the entire helmet, which can affect the user's spine.

[0009] It is known that, at the various stages following an accident, the chin bar must be able to be quickly and easily removed from the user's face, or at least to keep a distance from the user's face, so as to move the user's head and neck as little as possible, so as not to aggravate any possible injuries.

[0010] In fact, in order to facilitate breathing or to perform rescue operations, such as the use of an external respirator or an oxygen mask, it can be necessary to remove or move the chin bar.

[0011] In this case, one drawback of the known helmets is that the chin bar represents an obstacle for the rescue personnel to access the user's face.

[0012] Some solutions provide for the use of a chin bar that is movable, for example hinged on a transverse portion of the outer shell and rotatable upwards or downwards.

[0013] A drawback of these solutions is that, in the event of an accident involving an impact or a collision corresponding to the portion of the outer shell on which the chin bar pivots, the rotation can be limited or prevented.

[0014] Other known solutions provide for the chin bar to comprise a yielding portion, for example made of a material that is softer (or more fragile) than the material of the other portions of the helmet and / or comprising a preferential breaking profile.

[0015] In this case, in the event of an accident, the yielding portion of the chin bar can facilitate the detachment of the chin bar, effectively transforming it into a blunt instrument that can cause injuries to the user. On the other hand, if the chin bar is still connected to the helmet, in order to remove it the rescue personnel would have to exert sufficient force to break the yielding portion, which can cause or aggravate any injuries that the user can have suffered.

[0016] These solutions also have the drawback that, after accidental breakage or slight damage to the yielding portion, the helmet can no longer be used.

[0017] Known are also solutions in which the chin bar is connected to the helmet by means of mechanical connection elements. Typically, in these solutions the connection elements are arranged inside the outer shell, or at least covered by a protective element, such as a plastic cap, which is connected to the outer shell, for aesthetic and functional reasons. These solutions are particularly disadvantageous in the event of an accident, since, in order to remove the chin bar, tools are required that are suitable for manipulating the connection elements, such as a screwdriver or a mechanical wrench. These tools can not be immediately available to the rescue personnel, slowing down the rescue operations.

[0018] There is therefore a need to perfect a helmet that is able to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0019] The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a helmet that is safer than the helmets known in the prior art, in particular in the event of an accident.

[0020] In particular, it is an object of the present application to provide a helmet from which the chin bar can be quickly and easily removed from the user's face, in particular in the event of an accident.

[0021] It is a further object of the present application to provide a helmet from which the chin bar can be removed without the use of tools.

[0022] It is a further object of the present application to achieve the above mentioned objects and others without compromising the safety of the helmet, in particular its impact resistance.

[0023] The Applicant has designed, tested, and implemented the present application to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and to obtain these and other objects and advantages. SUMMARY

[0024] The present application is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features or variants of the main inventive idea.

[0025] According to the above mentioned objects, a helmet provided with a chin bar, hereinafter helmet, is described which overcomes the limitations of the prior art and eliminates the drawbacks present therein.

[0026] According to some embodiments, a helmet is provided which comprises a shell adapted to house the user's head inside it.

[0027] According to an aspect of the present application, the helmet further comprises a chin bar which is selectively connectable to / from the shell by means of an attachment device comprising a coupling portion and a manual drive portion for completely releasing the coupling portion, the manual drive portion being accessible from the outside of the shell and / or of the chin bar. In particular, the chin bar can be connected to / from the shell by the user acting manually on the manual drive portion of the attachment device.

[0028] Since the manual drive portion is arranged outside the shell and does not require the handling of specific tools, the removal of the chin bar is simple and immediate.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the attachment device comprises a first attachment element which is integral with the manual drive portion and is adapted to be coupled with a second attachment element integrated in the shell. Moreover, the chin bar can comprise a through hole which matches the second attachment element, and, in the attachment configuration, the first attachment element passes through the through hole and engages with the second attachment element.

[0030] The first attachment element can also comprise a flange adapted to press the chin bar against the outer shell when the helmet is in the attached configuration, and in a preferred embodiment, the manually driven portion is provided in the vicinity of the flange. In particular, the manually driven portion can comprise a gripping flap which can be manually moved from a passive position in which the gripping flap is substantially parallel to the chin bar, to a driven position in which the gripping flap is substantially perpendicular to the chin bar.

[0031] Preferably, the chin bar can extend in a single body from a free end to an attachment end, and the outer shell can comprise an attachment seat which is at least partially shaped to match the attachment end.

[0032] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the attachment seat comprises an interlocking device adapted to define a coupling of the same shape between the chin bar and the outer shell. In particular, the attachment end of the chin bar can comprise at least one shaped protrusion adapted to be inserted into a suitable hollow comprised in the interlocking device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0034] Figures 1 to 4 is a schematic view of a helmet according to the present application in different operating conditions;

[0035] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a schematic view of a section of a helmet according to the present application in different operating conditions.

[0036] For the purposes of facilitating understanding, the same reference numerals have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It will be appreciated that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined with those of another without further description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] We will now refer in a non-limiting manner to possible embodiments of the present application, one or more embodiments of which are illustrated in the drawings. The language and terminology used here is also intended to provide non-limiting examples.

[0038] With reference to Figures 1-4 , the number 10 indicates a helmet 10 provided with a chin bar 14, hereinafter helmet 10, which meets the above-mentioned purposes.

[0039] The helmet 10 described herein can preferably be used in the field of racing, but can also be used in other fields, for example motorcycling or the practice of winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding or even paragliding or other sports activities that require the use of a protective helmet of this type, whether for civilian or professional use.

[0040] The helmet 10 of the present application comprises a shell 11 adapted to wrap at least part of the skull of the user and a padding 12 arranged inside the shell 11. During use, part of the skull of the user is located inside the shell 11 and adheres to the padding 12.

[0041] The shell 11 can be provided with a pair of lateral extensions 13a, 13b which at least partially wrap the lateral portions of the skull of the user and laterally delimit the front aperture of the helmet 10. The shell 11 and the lateral extensions 13a, 13b can be made in one piece and have a material adapted to provide protection to the user in the event of an accident, for example a polymeric material, a resin, a composite material, carbon fibre or a combination thereof.

[0042] On the other hand, the padding 12 can be made of a material adapted to improve the comfort of the user and partially absorb the vibrations and impacts associated with possible accidents.

[0043] The helmet 10 also comprises a chin bar 14 associated with the shell 11, in particular with one of the lateral extensions 13a, 13b. It is clear that the chin bar 14 can be mounted indifferently on one or the other of the lateral extensions 13a, 13b.

[0044] The chin bar 14 can comprise a covering layer, for example made of a polymeric material, a composite material or carbon fibre, and one or more plastic bodies which can be conformed to give the chin bar 14 the appropriate shape and size. Furthermore, the chin bar 14 can comprise a microphone and / or a body or assembly configured to house and / or serve the microphone, for example a filter for reducing background noise during transmission, a device for improving the quality of the audio signal, a power cable, a digital processing device, and so on.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the chin bar 14 is mounted in a cantilevered and releasable manner and projects with respect to the shell 11 and extends from a free end 14a positioned in correspondence with the mouth of the user during use to an attachment end 14b associated with the shell 11.

[0046] According to one aspect of the present application, the chin bar 14 is connectable to / from the shell 11 by means of an attachment device 16 comprising a coupling portion 20 and a manually drivable portion 17. In particular, the manually drivable portion 17 is adapted for the complete release of the coupling portion 20 and can be accessed from the outside of the shell 11 and / or of the chin bar 14.

[0047] Thereby, an attached configuration of the helmet 10, in which the chin bar 14 is connected to the shell 11, and a detached configuration of the helmet 10, in which the chin bar 14 is disconnected from the shell 11, can be defined. In particular, in the attached configuration, the manually drivable portion 17 of the attachment device 16 is outside the shell 11.

[0048] As a non-limiting example, Figure 1 the helmet 10 is shown in the attached configuration, whereas Figure 4 the helmet is shown in the detached configuration.

[0049] In some embodiments, the attachment device 16 can comprise a first attachment element 18 adapted to be coupled to a second attachment element 19 integrated in the shell 11.

[0050] In this specific case, with reference to Figures 5-6 , the first attachment element 18 and the second attachment element 19 comprise, respectively, a threaded shank 20a and a threaded hole 20b constituting the coupling portion 20.

[0051] By way of example only, the second attachment element 19 can be directly laminated into the shell 11 during the manufacturing process thereof, or, alternatively, inserted therein by deformation.

[0052] Furthermore, the chin bar 14 can also comprise a through hole 22 for the first attachment element 18. In particular, in the attached configuration of the helmet 10, the through hole 22 can substantially overlap the second attachment element 19 and be crossed by the first attachment element 18 having the threaded shank 20a engaging the threaded hole 20b of the second attachment element 19.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the first attachment element 18 can comprise a flange 21 substantially opposite the threaded shank 20a. The flange 21 acts on the chin bar 14 by pressing it from the outside towards the shell 11 Figure 5 ), thus stabilizing the connection of the chin bar 14. In other words, in the attached configuration, the chin bar 14 is arranged between the flange 21 and the shell 11.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the manually drivable portion 17 of the attachment device 16 is integral with the first attachment element 18 and is substantially opposite the flange 21.

[0055] This configuration is advantageous because, in the attached configuration of the helmet 10, the manually drivable portion 17 is located outside the outer shell 11, so that the attachment means 16 are immediately accessible. This allows the rescuer to remove the chin bar 14 safely, easily and quickly in the event of an accident, without having to remove the helmet 10 and, therefore, without subjecting the head of the user to a great force that could compromise the health of the user.

[0056] In this particular case, the manually drivable portion 17 can comprise a clamping flap 23 that can be manually moved from a passive position to a driving position. In the passive position, the clamping flap 23 is substantially parallel to the flange 21 Figure 5 ), while, in use, the clamping flap 23 is substantially perpendicular to the flange 21. When the clamping flap 23 is in use, i.e. in the driving position, the manually drivable portion 17, and therefore the first attachment element 18, can be manually manipulated without the need to use a screwdriver or a special tool. This further accelerates any rescue intervention, for example, allowing to reduce the time necessary to clear the airways of the user of the helmet 10.

[0057] In some embodiments, at least one of the lateral extensions 13a, 13b of the outer shell 11 can comprise an attachment seat 15 suitable for housing the attachment end 14b of the chin bar 14. The attachment seat 15 can have a shape that at least partially matches the shape of the attachment end 14b of the chin bar 14. In particular, the attachment seat 15 can be configured as a hollow made in the outer shell 11, the perimeter P of which at least partially follows the perimeter of the attachment end 14b.

[0058] This configuration is advantageous because it allows to facilitate the centering of the through hole 22 with the second attachment element 19 in the process of connecting the chin bar 14 to the outer shell 11.

[0059] In other embodiments, the attachment seat 15 can comprise an interlocking device 24 suitable for defining the same shape as the coupling with the attachment end 14b of the chin bar 14. In fact, the attachment end 14b can comprise one or more protruding portions 25, the shape of which matches the interlocking device 24. In particular, with reference to Figures 5-6 , the protruding portions 25 can be inserted into suitable hollows 26 comprised in the interlocking device 24.

[0060] This configuration allows to define a preliminary alignment coupling between the chin bar 14 and the outer shell 11, facilitating the subsequent insertion of the first attachment element 18 into the through hole 22 and the second attachment element 19.

[0061] Once inserted, the first attachment element 18 can be manually manipulated by means of the manual driving portion 17, in particular the gripping flap 23, so as to engage the threaded hole 20b of the second attachment element 19 with the threaded shank 20a.

[0062] For example, the first attachment element 18 can be manually tightened by action of the gripping flap 23. Once the coupling between the first attachment element 18 and the second attachment element 19 is established, the gripping flap 23 can be moved from the driving position to the passive position.

[0063] On the other hand, in order to disconnect the half chin bar 14, the user can manually move the gripping flap 23 from the passive position to the driving position and manually manipulate the first attachment element 18 by means of the same gripping flap 23 so as to disengage it from the second attachment element 19.

[0064] For example, the first attachment element 18 can be manually loosened by action of the gripping flap 23. Once disengaged from the second attachment element 19, the first attachment element 18 can be extracted from the through hole 22 and the half chin bar 14 can be disconnected from the outer shell 11.

[0065] The skilled person will readily understand that the half chin bar 14 can be connected / disconnected several times from the outer shell 11 without compromising the solidity and resistance characteristics of the helmet 10. This allows to replace the half chin bar 14 when necessary, for example, for slight damage, or depending on the various occasions of use of the helmet 10.

[0066] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts to the helmet 10 as described above can be made without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0067] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in parentheses is to facilitate reading and they must not be considered as limiting factors of the field claimed in the specific claims.

Claims

1. A helmet (10) comprising an outer shell (11) and a chin bar (14) releasably connected to the outer shell (11), characterized in that, Said chin bar (14) is selectively connected to / from said shell (11) by means of an attachment device (16) comprising a coupling portion (20) and a manual actuation portion (17) for completely releasing said coupling portion (20), said manual actuation portion (17) being accessible from the outside of said shell (11) and / or of said chin bar (14); wherein said chin bar (14) develops from a free end (14a) to an attachment end (14b), said shell (11) comprising an attachment seat (15) shaped at least partially matching the shape of said attachment end (14b); wherein a second attachment element (19) is provided in said attachment seat (15), said attachment seat (15) comprising interlocking means (24) coupling said shell (11) to said attachment end (14b) of said chin bar (14); and wherein said attachment end (14b) comprises at least one shaped protruding portion (25) suitable to be inserted in a suitable hollow (26) comprised in said interlocking means (24), wherein, upon release of said coupling portion (20) of said attachment device (16), said chin bar (14) is configured for being disconnected from said shell (11) by withdrawing said at least one shaped protruding portion (25) from said suitable hollow (26).

2. A helmet (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that Said attachment device (16) comprises a first attachment element (18) suitable to be coupled with said second attachment element (19) integrated in said shell (11) and said manual actuation portion (17) is integral with said first attachment element (18).

3. The helmet (10) according to claim 2, said helmet (10) being able to assume an attachment configuration, in which said chin bar (14) is connected to said outer shell (11), characterized in that, Said chin bar (14) comprises a through hole (22) matching said second attachment element (19) and said first attachment element (18) engages said second attachment element (19) through said through hole (22).

4. A helmet (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that Said first attachment element (18) comprises a flange (21) suitable to press said chin bar (14) towards said shell (11) when said helmet (10) is in said attachment configuration.

5. The helmet (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that Said manual actuation portion (17) comprises a gripping flap (23) manually movable from a position substantially parallel to the flange (21) to a position substantially perpendicular to said flange (21).

6. A helmet (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that Said manual actuation portion (17) is provided in proximity of said flange (21).

7. The helmet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, Said shell (11) comprises two lateral extensions (13a, 13b) laterally defining an anterior aperture of said helmet (10), characterized in that said attachment seat (15) is provided on one of said two lateral extensions (13a, 13b) and is configured as a hollow having a perimeter (P) at least partially matching the perimeter of said attachment end (14b).

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