Protective helmet

Abstract

In a protective helmet, in particular a sports helmet, on each of two opposite sides of the protective helmet there is a shock-absorbing helmet shell and a goggle forming a coupling portion of the helmet shell and a coupling portion of the goggle, one configured to couple a receptacle and the other configured to couple an extension, and such that the coupling extension is engageable in the coupling receptacle to connect the goggles to the helmet shell. The coupling extension is movable in the coupling receptacle along a displacement path between an initial position and an advanced position, and is pivotable about a pivot axis between an advanced position and an open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a protective helmet, in particular a sports helmet, having a shock-absorbing helmet shell and goggles. Background Art

[0002] A protective helmet may be advantageous for various types of activities in order to protect the head of the respective helmet wearer. In particular, this may involve sports activities, such as cycling. In this case, the protective helmet may be configured as a sports helmet.

[0003] A protective helmet usually comprises a helmet shell which can be placed on the head of a respective helmet wearer and which absorbs shocks, so that impacts can be absorbed by the protective helmet and at least mitigated against impacts to the head. In this way, the risk of injury to the helmet wearer due to such impacts can be reduced. For example, the helmet shell can comprise a thin outer shell made of a hard material and a substantially thicker helmet body which comprises a deformable, in particular foamed, material or is formed from such a material. When the helmet is worn, the helmet shell preferably covers a large part of the head, in particular if the helmet shell extends at least from the forehead to the neck and laterally to the temples and around the ears.

[0004] It may also be desirable to protect the area around the eyes, either mechanically from impacts, from ingress of objects such as dust or pollen, or optically from excessive sunlight. This function cannot usually be achieved by the helmet shell itself, as helmet shells are usually opaque and too thick. However, a protective helmet may include a visor to protect the area around the eyes, which may protect the eyes mechanically as well as optically, for example by appropriate tinting.

[0005] Basically, such visors can be rigidly mounted to the helmet shell. However, it is generally preferred that the visors can be adjusted between a closed position, in which the visors cover the eye region of the head of the respective helmet wearer when the helmet is put on, and an open position, in which the visors are open (usually in front of the forehead upwards, or even further). In addition, it is advantageous if the visors can be completely detached from the helmet shell in a simple manner and can be connected to the helmet shell again in an equally simple manner. In this way, the user of the protective helmet can selectively mount the visors on the helmet shell or not on the helmet shell as desired. However, it should be ensured that the visors are mounted to the helmet shell in such a way that an accidental detachment of the visors can be excluded with sufficient reliability during the respective activity.

[0006] Conventional protective helmets with folding visors usually have relatively large hinge mechanisms. If the visor is provided at all, it can be completely separated from the helmet shell in a simple manner, at least part of the corresponding hinge mechanism usually remains on the helmet shell after separation, then takes up too much space on the helmet shell and is visually perceived as a nuisance. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present application is to provide a protective helmet, in particular a sports helmet, having a visor, wherein the visor is mounted to the helmet shell of the protective helmet by a reliable mechanism, which can be configured in a particularly compact manner and integrated in the protective helmet in a particularly unnoticeable manner, while allowing the visor to be adjusted between an open position and a closed position and, ideally, also allowing the visor to be attached to the helmet shell of the protective helmet in a particularly simple manner or to be completely detached from the helmet shell as required.

[0008] This object is achieved by a protective helmet having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the application can be gathered from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0009] The protective helmet according to the present application comprises a shock-absorbing helmet shell and a visor. In particular, the helmet shell can be configured to be placed on the head of a helmet wearer. For this purpose, the helmet shell can have an at least approximately hemispherical shape. In particular, the visor can be configured to be positioned in front of the eyes of the respective helmet wearer. Preferably, the visor is at least partially transparent.

[0010] The protective helmet may have an upper side and a first side and a second side adjacent to the upper side, a front side, and a rear side, wherein the front side and the rear side are oriented opposite to each other, and wherein the first side and the second side are also oriented opposite to each other and are adjacent to both the front side and the rear side, respectively. The front side may be oriented to at least substantially face the line of sight of the respective helmet wearer and cover the forehead of the respective helmet wearer when the protective helmet is placed on the wearer's head in a manner for this purpose, while the rear side is oriented to face in the opposite direction and cover the back of the helmet wearer's head when the helmet is worn. The first side and the second side may each be oriented to be at least substantially perpendicular to these directions. The helmet shell may also have an upper side, a front side, a rear side, a first side, and a second side, which correspond to the upper side, the front side, the rear side, the first side, and the second side of the protective helmet.

[0011] The visor may be connected to the helmet shell at a first side and a second side of the protective helmet. The visor may at least substantially have the shape of a spherically engraved radially outwardly directed surface (i.e. an elongated curved shape with a width decreasing towards the end of its longitudinal extent, in particular with a tapered end). In the closed position, the visor may extend from the first side to the second side, in particular along the front side of the protective helmet. On the other hand, in the open position, the visor may extend from the first side to the second side, in particular along the transition from the front side to the upper side of the protective helmet or along the upper side of the protective helmet.

[0012] According to the present application, the coupling portion of the helmet shell and the coupling portion of the goggles are formed on each of the two opposite sides of the protective helmet. The two opposite sides of the protective helmet may in particular be the first side and the second side of the protective helmet, the first side and the second side of the protective helmet corresponding to the first side and the second side of the helmet shell, respectively. The goggles may be coupled to the helmet shell by interaction of the corresponding coupling portion of the goggles shell with the corresponding coupling portions of the goggles on both sides of the protective helmet.

[0013] On the two sides of the protective helmet, one of the two coupling portions formed on the corresponding side (i.e., the coupling portion of the helmet shell formed on the corresponding side and the coupling portion of the goggles formed on the corresponding side) is formed as a coupling receptacle, and the other of the two coupling portions is formed as a coupling extension. Preferably, the coupling portions formed on the helmet shell are each configured as a coupling receptacle, and the coupling portion formed on the goggles is configured as a coupling extension. In the case where the corresponding coupling receptacles are formed on the helmet shell, the coupling receptacles are preferably configured as recesses in the helmet body of the helmet shell.

[0014] The coupling receptacle and the coupling extension and their interaction will be described in more detail below. The term coupling receptacle or coupling extension is mainly used in the singular. Since a coupling part configured as a coupling receptacle (of the helmet shell or goggles) and a coupling part configured as a coupling extension (of the respective other part) are provided on the two sides of the protective helmet, the description should not be understood as being limited to one coupling receptacle (on one of the two sides) or one coupling extension despite being in the singular; on the contrary, in each case, both the coupling receptacle on one side of the protective helmet and the coupling receptacle on the other side of the protective helmet, or both the coupling extension on one side of the protective helmet and the coupling extension on the other side of the protective helmet, can be configured in the manner described. Preferably, the two coupling parts on one side of the protective helmet and the two coupling parts on the other side of the protective helmet are configured in a mutually corresponding manner, in particular mirroring each other.

[0015] According to the present application, the coupling receptacle and the coupling extension are configured such that the coupling extension can be engaged in the coupling receptacle in order to couple the goggles to the helmet shell. In other words, the coupling between the goggles and the helmet shell is at least partially achieved by engaging the coupling extension in the coupling receptacle. The direction of engagement, i.e. the direction of engagement of the coupling extension in the coupling receptacle, can in particular be oriented radially (inwards or outwards) relative to a center point of the helmet shell, in particular a center point of the hemispherical shape of the helmet shell. On the one hand, the coupling can be used to mount the goggles on the helmet shell, but can also be used to removably mount the goggles on the helmet shell. In addition, the coupling is preferably reversible (i.e. detachable), so that the goggles can be selectively mounted on the helmet shell, or, if not required, can be omitted.

[0016] In addition, according to the present application, it is provided that the coupling extension in the coupling receptacle, i.e. when the coupling extension is engaged in the coupling receptacle, can be moved along a displacement path between an initial position and an advanced position, and can be pivoted about a pivot axis between the advanced position and an open position. In other words, the coupling receptacle and the coupling extension can be configured relative to each other such that the coupling extension can be moved along a displacement path in the coupling receptacle between an initial position and an advanced position, and can be pivoted about a pivot axis between the advanced position and the open position.

[0017] Thus, the coupling extension can be in the initial position, the advanced position and the open position, so that the coupling extension is located in the coupling receptacle in each of these positions. In addition, the coupling extension can be moved from the initial position along the displacement path to the advanced position and rotated about the pivot axis from the advanced position to the open position, and vice versa, rotated about the pivot axis from the open position to the advanced position and moved from the advanced position along the displacement path to the initial position. During these movements (movement and pivoting), the coupling extension is also located in the corresponding coupling receptacle.

[0018] In particular, the coupling receptacle and the coupling extension may be configured such that the movement of the coupling extension from the initial position to the open position or vice versa inevitably takes place via the advanced position. In addition, it is advantageous if the initial position and the open position are opposite end positions of the movement of the coupling extension in the coupling receptacle, beyond which end position (in a direction away from the respective opposite end position) the coupling extension may not move in the coupling receptacle. However, from the initial position the coupling extension may also be detached from the coupling receptacle (opposite to the described engagement direction).

[0019] The designation of the three positions (initial position, advanced position and open position) serves primarily to conceptually distinguish these positions from one another. Basically, these positions may also be referred to as first position, second position or third position. The coupling extension is conveniently rigidly connected to the visor or the helmet shell (depending on whether the coupling extension is configured at the visor or at the helmet shell) so that the positions correspond to the respective positions of the visor relative to the helmet shell. In particular, the initial position of the coupling extension may correspond to the closed position of the visor and the open position of the coupling extension may correspond to the open position of the visor.

[0020] In some embodiments, the corresponding coupling extension and associated coupling receptacle may be configured such that the coupling extension can only pivot in the advanced position, but not in the initial position or along the displacement path. This simplifies intuitive, tactilely guided operation of the goggles for the user.

[0021] In some embodiments, the corresponding coupling extension and the associated coupling receptacle can be configured such that the coupling extension can only move along the displacement path and not in other directions, starting from an initial position relative to a plane extending transversely to the engagement direction and including the displacement path. This also simplifies intuitive, tactilely guided operation of the goggles by the user.

[0022] The displacement path along which the coupling extension can be moved between the initial position and the advanced position is preferably at least substantially rectilinear. In other words, the movement of the coupling extension along the displacement path in the coupling receptacle is at least substantially a pure translation. It may be useful if, starting from the initial position, the displacement path initially comprises an exactly straight portion (pure translation), which is however followed by a slightly angled and / or slightly curved pre-pivot axis portion extending to the advanced position, or if the displacement path is configured as a slightly curved pre-pivot axis portion as a whole. Such a pre-pivot portion (as a kind of ramp) may support the transition between the displacement of the coupling extension along the displacement path and the pivoting of the coupling extension about the pivot axis in the region of the advanced position and thereby facilitate the transition.

[0023] The rotational component of the movement of the coupling extension along the displacement path caused by such a pre-pivot portion is preferably relatively small compared to the translational component. For example, the movement of the coupling extension along the displacement path may have a rotational component of at most 10°, preferably at most 5°. In contrast, the movement of the coupling extension along the displacement path preferably has a translational component of at least 10 mm, preferably at least 12 mm.

[0024] In addition, it is preferred that the pivot axis about which the coupling extension can be pivoted between the advanced position and the open position is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the displacement path. If the displacement path is not an exact straight line, the pivot axis is preferably oriented perpendicular to the plane in which the displacement path extends. Independently of this, it is substantially preferred that the pivot axis is oriented parallel to the engagement direction in which the coupling extension engages in the coupling receptacle. In this respect, the displacement path or the plane in which it extends is preferably oriented perpendicular to the engagement direction.

[0025] The pivoting of the coupling extension between the advanced position and the open position is preferably purely rotational. However, the pivoting movement can also have a relatively small translational component. Preferably, the translational component is at most 2 mm, in particular at most 1 mm. On the other hand, the rotational component of the pivoting movement between the advanced position and the open position is preferably at least 25°, in particular at least 30°.

[0026] By coupling the visor to the helmet shell by engaging the respective coupling extensions in the respective coupling receptacles on both sides of the protective helmet, the visor can be reliably mounted on the helmet shell and can be adjusted between different positions, in particular between a closed position and an open position. In addition, such a coupling can be configured to be particularly compact and largely unobtrusively integrated in the helmet shell. This applies in particular to the case where the coupling receptacles are each formed in the helmet shell, for example as a recess in the helmet body, in which recess the respective coupling extension formed on the visor engages.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the coupling receptacle comprises a displacement portion which at least substantially has the shape of an elongated hole, and a pivot portion which at least substantially has the shape of a circular sector. The displacement portion can be introduced into the pivot portion. The displacement portion and the pivot portion can also overlap. Preferably, the displacement portion and the pivot portion together form the coupling receptacle. Preferably, during the displacement along the displacement path between the initial position and the advanced position, the coupling extension is at least substantially located in the displacement portion. On the other hand, during the pivoting about the pivot axis between the advanced position and the open position, the coupling extension is preferably at least substantially located in the pivot portion.

[0028] Said shape of the displacement portion and the pivot portion may each particularly relate to a cross section perpendicular to said engagement direction and / or pivot axis.Parallel to the engagement direction or pivot axis, the cross section of the displacement portion or pivot portion is preferably at least substantially constant.

[0029] The displacement portion may have the shape of an elongated hole, in particular it has an elongated shape which extends along the displacement path and has an at least substantially constant width perpendicular to the path of the displacement path (and perpendicular to the engagement direction and / or the pivot axis), i.e. is defined by two edges at a constant distance.

[0030] In particular, the pivoting portion can have the shape of a circular sector, provided that the shape is defined by a circular arc in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis and by a circular radius in the rotational direction about the pivot axis in each case (i.e. in both pivoting directions in which the coupling extension can be pivoted between the advanced position and the open position). One of the two circular radii is preferably oriented at least substantially within the range of one of the edges of the displacement portion, in particular parallel to the edge. However, it can also be configured as an inclined ramp by being slightly curved or slightly inclined relative to the edge. In particular, this can result in the described pre-pivoting portion of the displacement path.

[0031] Depending on the shape of the coupling extension and / or the type of coupling of the coupling extension to the rest of the visor or the rest of the helmet shell, the coupling receptacle may also comprise two pivoting parts, each pivoting part having at least substantially the shape of a circular sector. With respect to the pivot axis, the two pivoting parts may then be arranged diametrically opposite one another, in particular, so that they together form a butterfly shape.

[0032] According to another advantageous embodiment, the coupling extension comprises a base portion having an elongated shape, which in the initial position, the advanced position and the open position extends along the longitudinal axis and is completely accommodated in the coupling receptacle, and comprises a connecting portion extending along a transverse axis oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, and which connects the base portion to the rest of the visor or to the rest of the helmet shell (depending on whether the coupling extension is formed on the visor or the helmet shell). Preferably, the base portion and the connecting portion together form the coupling extension.

[0033] The described shape of the base part may in particular relate to a cross section perpendicular to the joining direction and / or the pivot axis.Preferably, the cross section of the base part parallel to the joining direction or the pivot axis is at least substantially constant.

[0034] In particular, the base portion may comprise an elongated shape, provided that it has a maximum length along the longitudinal axis (at least in cross section) and extends substantially less in a direction perpendicular thereto, in particular at most halfway. For example, the elongated shape in cross section may be formed by two diametrically opposed semicircles spaced apart from each other, which are connected to each other at their ends by two mutually parallel lines.

[0035] In particular, the connecting portion may have a cylindrical shape. The transverse axis of the connecting portion connecting the base portion to the rest of the visor or the rest of the helmet shell may then correspond to the cylindrical axis of this cylinder. In particular, the connecting extension may engage in the connecting receptacle parallel to this transverse axis. In this respect, the transverse axis is then parallel to the engagement direction. The connecting extension may engage in the connecting receptacle so that the base portion is completely accommodated in the connecting receptacle, while the connecting portion (in all three of the positions of the connecting extension, and preferably also in all intermediate positions) extends from the base portion out of the connecting receptacle in a direction opposite to the engagement direction towards the rest of the visor or the rest of the helmet shell.

[0036] Preferably, the base portion is rigidly connected to the connecting portion, and the connecting portion is rigidly connected to the rest of the visor or the rest of the helmet shell, so that the entire coupling extension is rigidly formed at the visor or the helmet shell. As a result, moving or pivoting the coupling extension inevitably corresponds to a corresponding movement or pivoting of the visor or the helmet shell on which the coupling extension is formed.

[0037] The described embodiment of the coupling receptacle and the coupling extension allows in particular that in the initial position of the coupling extension, its base portion, with its longitudinal axis oriented parallel to the displacement path, is arranged at an end of the displacement portion of the coupling receptacle remote from the pivot portion in the coupling receptacle. The coupling extension can then be moved within the displacement portion, at least substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis, along the displacement path and upwards to the opposite end of the displacement portion, where the displacement portion leads into the pivot portion or overlaps the pivot portion, so that the coupling extension is then in the advanced position.

[0038] In the advanced position, the base portion of the coupling extension can then be pivoted in the pivot portion of the coupling receptacle. Preferably, the coupling extension is pivoted about a transverse axis of its connecting portion, which in this respect coincides with the pivot axis. In this case, the base portion can traverse the circular sector shape of the pivot portion from one circular radius to another circular radius, which can limit the pivot portion in the direction of rotation about the pivot axis. Finally, after the pivoting, the coupling extension is in the open position. In the opposite direction, the movement from the open position via the advanced position to the initial position can be performed in the opposite direction.

[0039] Due to the described embodiments of the base part and the connecting part, the base part can be radially oriented relative to the transverse axis, along which the connecting part extends. Depending on the position along the longitudinal axis of the base part at which the connecting part is coupled to the base part, the base part can extend from the transverse axis of the connecting part in only one radial direction, or in two opposite radial directions.

[0040] For example, the connecting portion may be coupled to the base portion at one end of the extension of the base portion along the longitudinal axis (i.e. at one of the two ends of the base portion extending along the longitudinal axis). Preferably, the connecting portion is coupled to the base portion only at this one end. Alternatively, however, the connecting portion may also be connected to the base portion in a central region of the extension of the base portion along the longitudinal axis, in particular exactly in the middle of this longitudinal extension.

[0041] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the coupling extension is actively guided when moving between the initial position and the advanced position and / or when pivoting between the advanced position and the open position. In particular, this may mean that the corresponding movement of the coupling extension within the coupling receptacle has only one degree of freedom. The limitation to one degree of freedom may in particular be caused by a direct, preferably at least partially guided interaction between the coupling extension and the coupling receptacle.

[0042] According to another advantageous embodiment, a guiding structure is formed at the coupling receptacle, which guiding structure interacts with a guiding structure formed at the coupling extension and in such a way that the coupling extension is guided along the displacement path when the coupling extension moves between the initial position and the advanced position. The guidance of the coupling extension can in particular be caused by the fact that the guiding structures slide on each other, thereby guiding the movement of the coupling extension along a specific path, in particular a displacement path.

[0043] For reliable guidance, the guiding structures can advantageously interlock. For example, the guiding structures can be configured in the form of a tongue-and-groove connection, i.e. they can have at least one groove and at least one tongue (in the sense of a ridge) on the one hand, which engages in a groove on the other. The guidance then results in particular from the sliding of the tongue in the groove.

[0044] The guide structure of the coupling extension can be formed in particular at a base portion of the coupling extension, preferably at at least one edge of the base portion, the edge pointing in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. Preferably, respective parts of the guide structure are formed at two opposite such edges of the base portion.

[0045] The guide structure of the coupling receptacle can be formed in particular at a displacement portion of the coupling receptacle, preferably at least one edge of the displacement portion, which limits the coupling receptacle transversely to the engagement direction. Preferably, respective parts of the guide structure are formed at two opposite such edges of the displacement portion.

[0046] In addition, it is preferred that the guide structure formed at the coupling receptacle and the guide structure formed at the coupling extension each comprise a guide strip, and that the guide strip of the coupling extension engages behind the guide strip of the coupling receptacle, so that the coupling extension is actively secured against leaving the coupling receptacle along the displacement path (i.e. against movement away from the coupling receptacle, in particular against the engagement direction). The guide strips can each be formed by a freely protruding strip or also by the edge of a groove. In particular, it is important for the active securing that an undercut is formed by the guide strip formed at the coupling receptacle, which undercut can be engaged from behind by the guide strip formed at the coupling extension.

[0047] According to another advantageous embodiment, once the coupling extension has been moved along the displacement path from the initial position, the coupling extension can be fixed in the coupling receptacle against leaving the coupling receptacle by a positive fit, in particular by engaging at the rear of the coupling receptacle, against the engagement direction. This enables a particularly reliable fixing of the visor to the helmet shell once the user has moved the visor out of the initial position. In some embodiments, in the initial position, the visor can be fixed by other measures to prevent the visor from accidentally moving the coupling receptacle against the engagement direction, for example by a magnetic fit or a mechanical fit, in particular by a latch.

[0048] In particular, the coupling extension can be actively secured against leaving the coupling receptacle in the advanced position, in the open position, along the displacement path and between the advanced position and the open position (the latter being all positions passed through when pivoting between the advanced position and the open position). In particular, it is preferred that the coupling extension retains the coupling receptacle at least substantially exclusively in the initial position. In all other positions within the coupling receptacle, the coupling extension is preferably securely secured against leaving the coupling receptacle.

[0049] For example, along the displacement path, the coupling extension can be securely fixed in the coupling receptacle by the guide strip. Additionally and / or at other locations, the coupling extension can be securely fixed in the coupling receptacle, for example by a shell of the helmet shell or a cover shell arranged thereon, which at least partially extends over the coupling receptacle, for example at least part of the base part engages behind an edge of this shell or cover shell.

[0050] In order to be able to simply remove the visor from the helmet shell, it is advantageous if the coupling extension can essentially leave the coupling receptacle in the initial position, in particular by simply being able to be pulled out of the coupling receptacle against the engagement direction in the initial position. Conversely, in order to easily couple the visor to the helmet shell, it is useful if the coupling extension can simply be inserted into the coupling receptacle in the engagement direction so that it then takes up the initial position. In order to reliably couple the visor to the helmet shell, it is important that the coupling extension is also fixed in the initial position in the coupling receptacle so that, if possible, the coupling extension only leaves the coupling receptacle when intentionally released.

[0051] For example, due to the inherent elasticity of the visor, the coupling extension can be pretensioned in the coupling receptacle. This inherent elasticity can, for example, pretension the end of the visor on the helmet shell from the outside. In the initial position, the coupling extension can then be fixed in the coupling receptacle due to the pretensioning force, but can still be easily removed from the coupling receptacle, in particular by simply pulling in the opposite direction to overcome the pretensioning force.

[0052] In order to couple the visor particularly securely to the helmet shell, the coupling extension in the initial position can be fixed in the coupling receptacle by magnetic means as an alternative to or (preferably) in addition to the pretensioning.

[0053] According to another advantageous embodiment, the coupling receptacle and the coupling extension each comprise a magnetic element, wherein the magnetic elements, i.e. the magnetic element of the coupling receptacle and the magnetic element of the coupling extension, are arranged such that the coupling extension is held in the initial position by magnetic force cooperation, i.e. the attractive force acting between the two magnetic elements. In other words, this magnetic force cooperation must be overcome in order to move the coupling extension out of the initial position, in particular to move it so far that it cannot be pulled back into the initial position again by magnetic attraction.

[0054] In particular, the magnetic fit must be overcome in order to remove the coupling extension from the coupling receptacle relative to the engagement direction (in order to remove the visor from the helmet shell). However, it may also be necessary to overcome the magnetic fit in order to move the coupling extension from the initial position to the advanced position. The magnetic elements may be configured (in particular, arranged relative to each other) in such a way that, relative to the engagement direction, a greater force must be applied to overcome the magnetic fit than in the direction of the displacement path towards the advanced position.

[0055] For example, the base portion of the coupling extension or the coupling extension as a whole may be ferromagnetic, thereby forming a magnetic element. Alternatively, a ferromagnetic element or a permanent magnet may be arranged in or at the coupling extension, in particular in or at the base portion of the coupling extension. In a corresponding manner, a ferromagnetic element or a permanent magnet may be arranged at the coupling receptacle, in particular in the vicinity of the region of the coupling receptacle in which the coupling extension is located in its initial position.

[0056] According to another advantageous embodiment, a supporting recess is formed at one edge of the coupling receptacle for supporting the coupling extension when pivoting between the advanced position and the open position. In particular, the supporting recess can (also) be formed in a guide strip formed at the edge. When pivoting, the coupling extension can be supported at the supporting recess, in particular with the base part, preferably with the end of the extension of the base part along its longitudinal axis, in particular with the end connecting the connecting part to the base part. When pivoting between the advanced position and the open position and sliding along it, the coupling extension can be supported in the supporting recess as long as it is at least partially engaged in the supporting recess (in particular, it must be engaged in the supporting recess).

[0057] According to another advantageous embodiment, the coupling receptacle and the coupling extension are configured such that the coupling extension is secured in the open position by latching. In other words, when pivoting from the advanced position to the open position, the coupling extension latches in place in the open position. In order to leave the open position, i.e. to pivot from the open position to the advanced position, this latching connection must be overcome again by an appropriate force. In this way, the visor remains in its open position and is thus secured against closing itself.

[0058] According to another advantageous embodiment, the coupling receptacle comprises a resilient latching projection, which the coupling extension passes through when the coupling extension is pivoted between the advanced position and the open position, and which is temporarily pushed back by the coupling extension (when passing through). The latching can only be performed by this interaction of the coupling extension with the latching projection. In particular, the latching projection can only be passed by the coupling extension if the latching projection is pushed back by the coupling extension. Thus, the force required to push it back corresponds to the force required to overcome the latching connection.

[0059] For example, the latching projection can be arranged in such a way that it can be pushed back by the base part of the coupling extension, in particular by the end of the extension part of the base part along the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being oriented to point radially away from the transverse axis. The latching projection can for example be formed at the edge of the coupling receptacle, in particular integrally with the edge. Preferably, the latching projection is formed in the pivot part, in particular at the arc of the circular sector of the pivot part.

[0060] Alternatively or in addition to being fixed by a latch, the coupling extension may also be fixed magnetically in the open position.For this purpose, the coupling receptacle and the coupling extension may each comprise a magnetic element, which is arranged in a suitable manner.

[0061] According to another advantageous embodiment, the helmet shell comprises a shield which, when the coupling extension is in its initial position, is adjacent to the visor in the direction of rotation relative to the pivot axis and protrudes radially beyond the visor (i.e. in a direction at least substantially radial relative to the pivot axis and thus transversely to, but not necessarily exactly perpendicular to, the direction of rotation about the pivot axis).

[0062] When the coupling extension is in its initial position, the visor is in its closed position. Due to the fact that the shield protrudes beyond the shield in the described manner when the visor is closed, the shield in the closed position may not simply open directly around the pivot axis and pass the shield (if the coupling receptacle and the coupling extension fundamentally allow this). Instead, the visor must first be moved at least substantially in the direction of the shield protrusion so that the visor can be opened by the shield.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is also provided that the visor is arranged radially beyond the shield and away from the pivot axis when the coupling extension is in the advanced position, the open position or between the advanced position and the open position (and the visor is thus offset in the described manner). In particular, this may mean that the visor is further away from any point in the radial direction of the pivot axis than the visor. In this offset position, the visor can then be pivoted around the pivot axis around the direction of rotation past the shield into its open position. In this way, the possibility of selectively mounting the visor to the helmet shell and providing the visor on the helmet shell are not mutually exclusive, despite the visor being mounted relatively tightly to the helmet shell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The present application will be further explained below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Figures 1 to 4 An embodiment of a protective helmet according to the present application is shown at four different visor positions of the protective helmet.

[0066] Figures 5 to 9 The coupling part of the helmet shell of the protective helmet and the coupling part of the visor interacting therewith are shown in detail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] In the drawings, embodiments of a protective helmet 11 according to the present application are shown in simplified form. Figures 1 to 4 In each of the embodiments, the protective helmet 11 is fully shown from one viewing direction, namely from the side. Figures 5 to 9 Only parts of the protective helmet 11 are shown, respectively from several different viewing directions.

[0068] The protective helmet 11 shown is a sports helmet, i.e. a bicycle helmet. The protective helmet 11 comprises a shock-absorbing helmet shell 13 having at least a substantially hemispherical shape, a helmet body 15 and a thin shell 17. The helmet body 15 may comprise, for example, foamed polystyrene as a material, and the shell 17 may comprise, for example, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer as a material. The protective helmet 11 also comprises goggles 19 having an elongated curved shape having at least substantially conical ends. The goggles 19 are at least partially formed of a transparent material.

[0069] In the protective helmet 11 facing Figures 1 to 4 On the side of the observer in the figure, a coupling portion 21 is formed at the helmet shell 13. Another similar coupling portion 21 is also formed on the opposite side of the protective helmet 11 away from the observer on the helmet shell 13, and is therefore not visible in the figure. In addition, the goggles 19 also include a coupling portion 21 at each of its two opposite ends, wherein only the coupling portion 21 formed at the end facing the observer is shown in the figure due to the viewing direction. The coupling portion 21 is shown by a dotted line because it is formed on the inner side of the goggles 19 facing away from the observer.

[0070] The coupling portions 21 formed on the helmet shell 13 are each configured as a coupling receptacle 23 in the form of a recess formed in the helmet body 15. On the other hand, the coupling portion 21 formed at the visor 19 is formed as a coupling extension 25 protruding from the remaining visor 19.

[0071] exist Figure 1 , the visor 19 is shown in a state separated from the helmet shell 13. However, the visor 19 can be coupled to the helmet shell 13 as required by inserting the coupling extension 25 formed at the visor 19 into the coupling receptacle 23 formed at the helmet shell 13 on both sides of the helmet 11. Therefore, in each case, the coupling extension 25 engages in the coupling receptacle 23 in an engagement direction that is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the outside of the helmet shell 13 in the region of the corresponding coupling receptacle 23, or is oriented at least substantially facing the center point of the hemispherical helmet shell 13.

[0072] Fundamentally, another approach is also possible, in which the coupling portions 21 formed on the helmet shell 13 are each configured as coupling receptacles 23, and the coupling portions 21 formed on the visor 19 are each configured as coupling extensions 25, whereby the engagement directions will be oriented in opposite directions.

[0073] In order to attach the visor 19, it may be necessary to unfold the visor 19 against its inherent elasticity, i.e., to deviate its ends from each other in a direction opposite to said inherent elasticity of the visor 19. The restoring force generated by the inherent elasticity then pre-tensions the coupling extension 25 into the corresponding coupling receptacle 23, thereby supporting the engagement of the coupling extension 25 in the coupling receptacle 23, and then retaining the coupling extension 25 in the corresponding coupling receptacle 23 by pre-tensioning. The coupling extension 25 may also be magnetically fixed in the coupling receptacle 23, as will be explained further below.

[0074] In the respective coupling receptacle 23, the respective coupling extension 25 can be in different positions, ie in particular Figure 2 The initial position shown, Figure 3 The forward position shown and Figure 4 The coupling receptacle 23 and the coupling extension 25 are arranged relative to each other so that the coupling extension 25 can move from an initial position along an at least substantially straight displacement path V (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) is displaced to an advanced position and can move about a direction perpendicular to the displacement path V (see Figure 3 and 4 ) pivot axis S pivots, and pivots away from the advanced position to enter the open position. Conversely, it can be pivoted from the open position to the advanced position around the pivot axis S, and can move from the advanced position along the displacement path V to enter the initial position.

[0075] The mobility of the coupling extension 25 in the coupling receptacle 23 from the initial position via the advanced position into the open position and from the open position via the advanced position back to the initial position is at least substantially positively guided, i.e. restricted to a single degree of freedom. In other words, the coupling extension 25 can be moved at least substantially completely along the sliding path V between the initial position and the advanced position and can be pivoted at least substantially completely around the pivot axis S between the advanced position and the open position. In addition, the coupling receptacle 23 and the coupling extension 25 are configured relative to each other in such a way that, from the position, the coupling extension 25 must first be in the initial position when inserted into the coupling receptacle 23 and, conversely, can also be removed from the coupling receptacle 23 at least substantially exclusively in the initial position.

[0076] Since the coupling extension 25 is rigidly connected to the rest of the visor 19, the visor 19 is in a position relative to the helmet shell 13 that corresponds to the corresponding position of the coupling extension 25 in the corresponding coupling receptacle 23. When the coupling extension 25 is in the initial position, the visor 19 is in Figure 2 When the connecting extension 25 is moved to the forward position, the goggles 19 are moved accordingly Figure 3 When the connecting extension 25 is in the open position, the goggles 19 are in Figure 4 Shown in open position.

[0077] In the embodiment shown, the protective helmet 11 comprises a shield 27 arranged at the helmet shell 13 and protruding from the helmet shell 13 at the front side of the protective helmet 11. The visor 19 in the rotational direction about the pivot axis S abuts the shield 27 in its closed position. On the other hand, if the visor 19 is pushed forward, the visor 19 is further away from the pivot axis S than the shield 27, so that the visor 19 can be moved away from the front side of the protective helmet 11. Figure 3 The position shown is pivoted past the shield 27 into Figure 4 This type of adjustment of the visor 19 thus makes it possible to provide both the shield 27 and the visor 19 on the protective helmet 11 and to make the protective helmet 11 still compact.

[0078] The adjustability of the visor 19 is based on the movability of the coupling extension 25 in the coupling receptacle 23, which is produced in particular by the corresponding shape of these coupling parts 21. The specific design of the coupling receptacle 23 and the coupling extension 25 can be obtained in particular from Figures 5 to 9 In understanding, Figures 5 to 9 The details include Figure 1 One of the coupling receptacles 23 in the marked area of ​​? is also shown, and a coupling extension 25 ( Figure 5 except).

[0079] The coupling receptacle 23 comprises a displacement portion 29 and a pivot portion 31, the displacement portion 29 having at least substantially the shape of an elongated hole, into which the displacement portion 29 is introduced, and the pivot portion 31 having at least substantially the shape of a circular sector (see in particular Figure 5 The coupling extension 25 comprises a base portion 33 having an elongated shape and extending along a longitudinal axis L and a connecting portion 35 having a cylindrical shape and extending along a transverse axis Q oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis L (see in particular Fig. 9 ). The connecting portion 35 is connected to the base portion 33 along the longitudinal axis L at one end of an extension of the base portion 33 .

[0080] In the initial position, in the advanced position and during the movement along the displacement path, the coupling extension 25 is oriented with the longitudinal axis L of its base portion 33 at least substantially parallel to the displacement path V. The cylindrical axis of the cylindrical shape of the connecting portion 35 coincides with the pivot axis S in the advanced position and the open position and in the intermediate position of the coupling extension 25, and the coupling extension 25 can be pivoted about the pivot axis S between the advanced position and the open position.

[0081] Transversely to the displacement path V, the displacement portion 29 of the coupling receptacle 23 is defined by two parallel edges opposite to one another, one of which transitions to an edge of the pivot portion 31 in a straight range and which limits the pivot portion 31 in the direction of rotation about the pivot axis S and is therefore oriented at least substantially radially to the pivot axis S. This edge of the pivot portion 31 is slightly curved towards the opposite edge of the pivot portion 31 as the distance from the pivot axis S increases, thereby forming an inclined ramp 37 (see FIG. Figure 5 ). As a result, when moving along the displacement path V, the coupling extension 25 has already slightly pivoted in the direction of the open position shortly before reaching the advanced position. Therefore, the displacement path V is not exactly straight, but due to the inclined ramp 37 has a pre-pivot portion, which supports the transition between the movement along the displacement path V and the pivoting about the pivot axis S.

[0082] At said edge of the coupling receptacle 23, a corresponding guide structure 39 is provided, which is configured as a guide strip 41, which protrudes from the corresponding edge into the coupling receptacle 23 and extends parallel to the displacement path V. At mutually opposite edges of the base part 33, corresponding guide structures 39 configured as guide grooves are also provided, wherein the mutually opposite edges limit the base part 33 transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the base part 33 and during displacement along the displacement path V, the mutually opposite edges slide along said edge of the coupling receptacle 23.

[0083] When the coupling extension 25 moves along the displacement path V, the guide strip 41 of the guide structure 39 formed on the coupling receptacle 23 engages with the corresponding guide groove formed on the corresponding edge of the base portion 33 of the coupling extension 25 in a tongue-and-groove connection and slides along it. As a result, the coupling extension 25 is guided along the displacement path V when moving between the initial position and the advanced position.

[0084] The edge of the corresponding guide groove farthest from the connecting portion 35 can also be considered as a guide strip 41. When the connecting extension 25 is displaced along the displacement path V, the guide strip 41 engages behind the corresponding guide strip 41 formed on the connecting receptacle 23 relative to the engagement direction, so that during the displacement along the displacement path V, the connecting extension 25 is actively fixed to prevent it from leaving the connecting receptacle 23 opposite to the engagement direction, and is preferably also in the advanced position due to this rear engagement.

[0085] Likewise, when the coupling extension 25 is pivoted about the pivot axis S, when the guide strips 41 no longer engage one another front to back, the coupling extension 25 is securely fixed against leaving the coupling receptacle 23 in the direction opposite to the engagement direction. This is because the base portion 33 of the coupling extension 25 engages with the rear face of the shell 17 of the helmet shell 13 of the protective helmet 11 (see FIG. Figure 6 ).

[0086] At one edge of the coupling receptacle 23, namely, at an edge formed by the edges of the displacement portion 29 and the pivot portion 31 of the coupling receptacle 23 transitioning to each other in a straight range, a bearing recess 43 is formed in a portion closest to the pivot axis S (see in particular Figure 8 ). The supporting recess 43 is formed in the edge as an elongated recess parallel to the pivot axis S. Since one of the guide strips 41 is also formed on this edge, the supporting recess 43 also extends through this guide strip 41. In other words, part of the supporting recess 43 is formed in this guide strip 41. The supporting recess 43 is arranged so that when pivoting about the pivot axis S, the end of the longitudinal extension of the base part 33 of the coupling extension 25 is supported at the supporting recess 43, through which end the pivot axis S extends (because the connecting part 35 connects the base part 33 to the rest of the shield 19 at this end).

[0087] An elastic latching projection 45 is formed at the other edge of the coupling receptacle 23, which limits the pivoting portion 31 of the coupling receptacle 23 in a radial direction relative to the pivot axis S. The latching projection 45 is arranged so that the coupling extension 25 passes through the latching projection, i.e., through the radial end of the longitudinal extension of the base portion 33 of the coupling extension 25 pointing away from the pivot axis S. Shortly before reaching the open position, the latching projection is temporarily pushed back, i.e., elastically deflected. After passing, the latching projection returns due to its elasticity. As a result, the coupling extension 25 engages in the open position and is then held in the open position due to the latch. However, the coupling extension 25 can also be pivoted backward from the open position in the opposite direction, passing the latching projection 45 and returning to the advanced position by applying a sufficiently high relative force to push the latching projection 45 backward again. The described locking of the coupling extension 25 to the open position fixes the goggles 19 as a whole to prevent inadvertent displacement outside the open position.

[0088] In the example shown, the latching projection 45 is formed by a portion of the edge of the pivoting portion 31, which has a reduced radius relative to the pivot axis S, and a space is provided behind the portion so that the portion is thin-walled and can be elastically pushed back into the space. However, basically, the elastic latching projection 45 can also be configured in a variety of different ways, such as being configured as a latching tongue or a latching spring protruding from the edge. The latching projection 45 can also be formed separately from the edge and installed at a suitable position in the coupling receptacle 23. In addition, the latching projection 45 does not have to be arranged at the edge, but can also be arranged at, for example, the base portion of the coupling receptacle 23.

[0089] The base portion 33 of the coupling extension 25 comprises a ferromagnetic material and thus a magnetic element 47. At the end of the longitudinal extent of the displacement portion 29 of the coupling receptacle 23, remote from the pivot portion 31, the coupling receptacle 23 also comprises a magnetic element 47 in the form of a permanent magnet embedded in the helmet body 15 (see Figure 8 , the figure shows the Figure 1 1 ). A magnetic attraction is generated between these magnetic elements 47, which depends on their distance from each other. If this distance is small enough, this leads to a magnetic force fit which pulls the coupling extension 25 into the initial position or holds it in the initial position.

[0090] In this way, the coupling extensions 25 are fixed in the respective coupling receptacles 23 not only due to the inherent elasticity of the visors 19, but also by magnetic engagement when the coupling extensions 25 are in their initial position, in which they are substantially removable from the respective coupling receptacles 23. Nevertheless, the visors 19 can be intentionally detached from the helmet shell 13 in an easy manner by pulling the respective coupling extensions 25 out of the coupling receptacles 23 with sufficient force to overcome the magnetic engagement and counteract the pretensioning force due to the inherent elasticity of the visors 19.

[0091] Due to the magnetic interaction of the magnetic element 47, the corresponding coupling extension 25 is not only secured against disengagement from the coupling receptacle 23, but is also advantageously secured against unintentional movement into the advanced position or against any slipping. Thus, the magnetic element 47 also secures the visor 19 in its closed position. By providing a further magnetic element 47 in the region of the latching projection 45 (in addition to or instead of it), the latching of the coupling extension 25 in the open position can also be performed by magnetic cooperation, so that the visor 19 is also magnetically secured in its open position.

[0092] The described way of coupling the visor 19 to the helmet shell 13 allows the visor 19 to be easily coupled to the helmet shell 13 or detached as required, and when coupled to the helmet shell 13, the visor can also be adjusted between a closed position and an open position without any great effort while being securely fixed to the helmet shell 13. The structures provided for coupling the visor 19 to the helmet shell 13, i.e. the coupling extension 25 and the coupling receptacle 23, take up relatively little space, so that despite these advantageous functions, the protective helmet 11 can have a relatively thin design.

[0093] Description of Reference Numerals

[0094] 11. Protective helmet

[0095] 13 Helmet shell

[0096] 15 Helmet body

[0097] 17 External housing

[0098] 19 Goggles

[0099] 21 Connection part

[0100] 23 Connection receptacle

[0101] 25 Connection extension

[0102] 27 Shield

[0103] 29 Displacement section

[0104] 31 Pivot part

[0105] 33 base part

[0106] 35 Connection part

[0107] 37 Inclined Ramp

[0108] 39 Boot structure

[0109] 41 Guide bar

[0110] 43 Support recess

[0111] 45 Latch protrusion

[0112] 47 Magnetic components

[0113] L longitudinal axis

[0114] Q Horizontal axis

[0115] S pivot axis

[0116] V displacement path

Claims

1. A protective helmet (11) having a shock-absorbing helmet shell (13) and goggles (19), in, On each of two opposite sides of the protective helmet (11), a coupling portion (21) of the helmet shell (13) and a coupling portion (21) of the goggles (19) are formed, wherein one of the coupling portion (21) of the helmet shell (13) and the coupling portion (21) of the goggles (19) is configured as a coupling receptacle (23), and the other of the coupling portion (21) of the helmet shell (13) and the coupling portion (21) of the goggles (19) is configured as a coupling extension (25), and the coupling extension (25) can be engaged in the coupling receptacle (23) so as to connect the goggles (19) to the helmet shell (13), The coupling extension (25) is movable along a displacement path (V) in the coupling receptacle (23) between an initial position and an advanced position, and is pivotable about a pivot axis (S) between the advanced position and an open position.

2. The protective helmet according to claim 1, in, The displacement path (V) is at least substantially rectilinear.

3. The protective helmet according to claim 1, in, The pivot axis (S) is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the displacement path (V).

4. The protective helmet according to claim 1, in, The coupling receptacle (23) comprises a displacement portion (29) and a pivot portion (31), the displacement portion (29) at least substantially having an elongated hole shape, and the pivot portion (31) at least substantially having a circular sector shape.

5. The protective helmet according to claim 1, in, The coupling extension (25) comprises a base portion (33) having an elongated shape extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and being completely accommodated in the coupling receptacle (23) in the initial position, the advanced position and the open position, and a connecting portion (35) extending along a transverse axis (Q) oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) and connecting the base portion (33) to the rest of the goggles (19) or to the rest of the helmet shell (13).

6. The protective helmet according to claim 5, in, The connecting portion (35) is connected to the base portion (33) at one end of the extension of the base portion (33) along the longitudinal axis (L).

7. The protective helmet according to claim 1, in, The coupling extension (25) is actively guided during the displacement between the initial position and the advanced position and / or during the pivoting between the advanced position and the open position.

8. The protective helmet according to claim 1, in, A guiding structure (39) is formed at the coupling receptacle (23), which interacts with a guiding structure (39) formed at the coupling extension (25) so that the coupling extension (25) is guided along the displacement path (V) during displacement between the initial position and the advanced position.

9. The protective helmet according to claim 8, in, The guide structure (39) formed at the connection receptacle (23) and the guide structure (39) formed at the connection extension (25) both include a guide strip (41), and the guide strip (41) of the connection extension (25) is engaged behind the guide strip (41) of the connection receptacle (23), so that the connection extension (25) is actively fixed along the displacement path (V) to prevent it from leaving the connection receptacle (23).

10. The protective helmet according to claim 1, in, The coupling extension (25) is actively secured against leaving the coupling receptacle (23) in the advanced position, the open position, along the displacement path (V), and between the advanced position and the open position.

11. The protective helmet according to claim 1, in, The coupling receptacle (23) and the coupling extension (25) each comprise a magnetic element (47), and the magnetic element (47) is arranged such that the coupling extension (25) is held in the initial position by magnetic force engagement.

12. The protective helmet according to claim 1, in, A supporting recess (43) is formed at one edge of the coupling receptacle (23), and the coupling extension (25) is supported at the supporting recess during pivoting between the advanced position and the open position.

13. The protective helmet according to claim 1, in, The coupling receptacle (23) and the coupling extension (25) are configured such that the coupling extension (25) is secured in the open position by a latch.

14. The protective helmet according to claim 1, in, The coupling receptacle (23) comprises a resilient latching projection (45) through which the coupling extension (25) passes when the coupling extension (25) pivots between the advanced position and the open position and is temporarily pushed back in this case.

15. The protective helmet according to claim 1, in, The helmet shell (13) comprises a shield (27) which, when the coupling extension (25) is in the initial position, abuts the visor (19) in the rotational direction relative to the pivot axis (S) and protrudes radially beyond the visor (19), Wherein, when the coupling extension (25) is in the advanced position, the open position, or between the advanced position and the open position, the goggles (19) are arranged to be radially away from the pivot axis (S) beyond the shielding member (27).

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