Protective helmet with attachment means for at least one accessory

Abstract

A protective helmet (1) adapted to be worn by a user and to protect the head of the user from impacts, the protective helmet (1) comprising: a rigid shell (2) defining an inner space (P) designed to accommodate the head of the user; at least one accessory (10) attached to the housing (2); and attachment means (18) for attaching the at least one accessory (10) to the housing (2). The attachment device (18) is adapted to removably attach at least one accessory (10) to the housing (2) and comprises a plurality of male connectors (20) and a plurality of female connectors (22), each female connector (22) comprising an inner housing (24) for a respective male connector (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective helmet adapted to be worn by a user in order to protect his / her head from impacts. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a motorcycle helmet adapted for use by a motorcycle rider and having attachment means for at least one accessory. Background Art

[0002] As is well known in the art, a motorcycle helmet mainly includes an outer shell made of a synthetic rigid material; the outer shell defines an inner space for accommodating the user's head when the helmet is worn, and communicates with the outside through a front opening and a bottom opening formed in the outer shell.

[0003] As is known, a helmet will be worn in the correct manner by a user when the front opening is positioned on the user's face, thereby allowing him / her to see through the front opening.

[0004] Known motorcycle helmets may also include a hood that is removably coupled to the shell by coupling means and that is movable relative to the shell in order to selectively close the front opening.

[0005] Known motorcycle helmets may also comprise at least one accessory or a plurality of accessories or devices which are attached to the outer shell and which have functions which differ between them.

[0006] For example, the accessories may have an aerodynamic function, ie they are adapted to limit the effect of aerodynamic forces (such as drag) acting on the helmet during riding of a motorcycle.

[0007] In this respect, the aerodynamic attachment may include a rear spoiler and / or a pair of side wings. In fact, the rear spoiler is fixed to the rear of the shell and protrudes therefrom, while the side wings are fixed to the opposite sides of the shell, and they also protrude from the shell.

[0008] In helmets known in the prior art, such aerodynamic attachments or devices are fixed to the outer shell by means of mechanical attachments; thus, such aerodynamic attachments are firmly fixed to the outer shell.

[0009] A first disadvantage of the above-described solution is that, in the event of a collision of the helmet with an obstacle, the aerodynamic appendages (ie the rear spoiler and the side wings) cannot be completely or at least partially detached from the outer shell.

[0010] This disadvantage may lead to a dangerous rotation of the user's head relative to the neck in the event of an impact and / or to an increase in the “leverage effect” of the helmet.

[0011] This "lever effect" may result in a relative displacement between the helmet and the user's head, thereby resulting in high loads on the user's neck.

[0012] A further disadvantage is that, in particular in the case of tangential impacts, the above-mentioned helmets are strongly exposed to high rotational accelerations and speeds.

[0013] Rotational acceleration may cause the user's brain to rotate within the skull. Rotation of the brain may cause injuries such as concussion, diffuse axonal injury (DAI), subdural hematoma, contusion, and intracerebral hematoma.

[0014] Another disadvantage of the above-described solution is that, in the event that the aerodynamic attachment needs to be replaced, it is particularly difficult to remove it, thereby making maintenance operations on the helmet particularly long and complicated.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the known visor of the helmet is also considered to be an accessory attached to the shell. Typically, the visor is positioned close to the front opening and also protrudes from the shell.

[0016] The visor does not have an aerodynamic function (as a rear spoiler or side wings); rather, the function of the visor is to protect the user from flying debris and to reduce sun glare during off-road riding.

[0017] Typically, the mask is coupled at its two sides to the front of the shell by means of mechanical fasteners such as snaps or screws.

[0018] The technical disadvantages associated with the use of such a visor are similar to those indicated above for the rear spoiler and the side wings, namely that the visor cannot be at least partially detached from the outer shell in the event of the helmet impacting an obstacle.

[0019] Furthermore, in the event that the mask becomes worn, it is difficult to remove the mask for replacement. Summary of the invention

[0020] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet with attachment means for at least one accessory designed to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0021] More specifically, a main object of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet of the type disclosed above, which allows the accessories to be at least partially detached from the outer shell in the event of an impact to the helmet.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to provide a protective helmet of the type disclosed above, which allows limiting the effects of rotational accelerations and velocities on the user's head, in particular in the event of tangential impacts.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet of the type disclosed above, wherein at least partial detachment of the accessories from the outer shell in the event of an impact does not require intervention by the user.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to provide a protective helmet of the type disclosed above which limits the negative effects of an impact on the user's head and neck, such as rotation of the user's head relative to his neck.

[0025] A further object of the invention is to provide a protective helmet of the type disclosed above, wherein the attachment of at least one accessory to the outer shell is secure and reliable during habitual use of the helmet.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet of the type disclosed above which facilitates the operation of replacing the wear elements.

[0027] The above objects as well as other objects which will better emerge from the following description are achieved by a protective helmet having an attachment device for at least one accessory according to claim 1 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The advantages and characteristic features of the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a protective helmet according to the invention, in which at least one appendage is formed by a rear spoiler;

[0030] Figures 2 to 5 They are Figure 1 a perspective view, a top view, a rear perspective view, and a partially cut-away perspective view of a helmet without a rear spoiler and in which the attachment device is partially visible;

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An exploded side view of a protective helmet;

[0032] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Along the Figure 5 Plane AA shown and a side cross-sectional view taken along a transverse plane;

[0033] Figure 9a and Figure 9b Respectively in Figures 2 to 8 , Figure 12 to Figure 14 and Fig.17 A top view and a perspective view of the components of the attachment device of the protective helmet can also be seen;

[0034] Fig.9c and Figure 9d They are Figures 2 to 8 , Figure 12 to Figure 14 and Fig.17 A side view of the components of the attachment device for the protective helmet can also be seen in FIG. Fig.9c A side view of the device relative to another side view;

[0035] Fig.10 is a side view of a second embodiment of the protective helmet of the present invention, wherein the attachment includes a rear spoiler and side wings;

[0036] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 a side view of a protective helmet without a rear spoiler and in which its attachment means are partially visible;

[0037] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 a side view of a protective helmet without the rear spoiler and the side wings and in which the attachment means thereof are partially visible;

[0038] Fig.13 yes Fig.10 A partially exploded perspective view of a protective helmet;

[0039] Fig.14 yes Fig.10 A side cross-sectional view of a specific portion of a protective helmet, wherein the attachment of a side wing to the shell is shown;

[0040] Fig.15 is a side view of a third embodiment of a protective helmet according to the invention, in which at least one accessory is formed by a visor;

[0041] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A partially exploded perspective view of a protective helmet;

[0042] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 a side view of a protective helmet without the visor and in which its attachment means are partially visible; and

[0043] Fig.18 yes Fig.15 Perspective view of the visor of a protection helmet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The present invention relates to a protective helmet having attachment means for at least one accessory; as is known, the protective helmet is adapted to be worn by a user and to protect the user's head against impacts.

[0045] In particular, the protective helmet of the present invention is a motorcycle helmet suitable for being preferably worn by a motorcycle rider. Specifically, the protective helmet is suitable for being worn by a motorcycle rider.

[0046] In the following and in the drawings, a protective helmet is indicated as a whole with the reference numeral 1 .

[0047] The protective helmet 1 is designed to be attached to the head of the user by means of fixing means not illustrated in the drawings, such as a chin strap.

[0048] As is known, the protective helmet 1 comprises a rigid outer shell 2 , preferably made of composite or thermoplastic material, and delimiting an internal space P designed to house the user's head when the helmet 1 is worn.

[0049] In this respect, the housing 2 is dome-shaped so as to fit over the head of a user (not shown in the drawings) and comprises a side portion 4 and a rear portion 6 .

[0050] The housing 2 further comprises a front opening 8 which is opposite to the rear portion 6 and is adapted to allow the internal space P to communicate with the outside.

[0051] The internal space P is also in communication with the outside through a bottom opening 9 of the housing 2 , and a user inserts the head into the internal space P through the bottom opening.

[0052] The front opening 8 of at least the first and second embodiments of the protective helmet 1 disclosed below is designed to be selectively closed by a shield, which is not shown in the drawings.

[0053] Where present, the shield is coupled to the housing 2 by means of a coupling device 12 which allows the shield to be moved about the axis of rotation between an inoperative position and a closed position of the front opening 8. The seat of the coupling device 12 is schematically shown in the attached Figure 1 , 2 , 6 and 10 to 13.

[0054] In a preferred configuration, the protective helmet 1 also comprises at least one accessory 10 and attachment means 18 for attaching the at least one accessory 10 to the outer shell 2 .

[0055] In the context of the present description, the at least one accessory 10 may be an aerodynamic accessory selected from the group consisting of a rear spoiler 102 and side wings 104 ; such an aerodynamic accessory is suitable for reducing the drag acting on the protective helmet 1 .

[0056] At least one accessory 10 may also be a visor 106 of known type; the protective helmet 1 with the visor is suitable for use preferably by a motocross rider.

[0057] like Fig.15 , Fig.16 and Fig.18 As shown, the mask 106 includes an elongated central portion 116 that protrudes outwardly relative to the front opening 8 and a pair of side portions 126 attached to the housing 2 .

[0058] Refer to the attached pictures:

[0059] -exist Figures 1 to 8A first embodiment of a protective helmet 1 comprising only a rear spoiler 102 as an accessory is better shown in FIG.

[0060] -exist Figures 10 to 14 A second embodiment of a protective helmet 1 comprising a rear spoiler 102 and side wings 104 as accessories is better shown in FIG.

[0061] -exist Figures 15 to 18 A third embodiment of a protective helmet 1 comprising a front mask 106 as an accessory is better shown in FIG.

[0062] The rear spoiler 102 is positioned at the rear 6 of the shell 2, the side wings 104 are positioned at the sides 4 of the shell 2, and the visor 106 is positioned at the top of the front opening 8. All of the above-mentioned accessories 10 protrude from the shell 2 in the assembled configuration.

[0063] In particular, the rear spoiler 102 and the mask 106 may be positioned at corresponding recesses 11, 13 formed in the housing 2 and having a shape complementary to the outer contour of the rear spoiler 102 or the mask 106, such as at Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 16 to Figure 17 Better shown in .

[0064] Advantageously, the flanks 104 delimit, together with the surface of the housing 2, at least one duct 114 (see Fig.14 ), which is used to direct the airflow to the rear 6.

[0065] In this respect, the wing 104 is preferably positioned on the side 4 of the shell 2 in the region between the largest cross section and the rear 6 , downstream of the centre line of the body of the shell 2 and arranged along the tilting direction S when the helmet 1 is parallel to the ground.

[0066] According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, the protective helmet 1 may comprise a plurality of accessories 10 attached to the outer shell 2 by means of attachment means 18 , such as a combination of a rear spoiler 102 , side wings 104 and a visor 106 .

[0067] According to the invention, the attachment device 18 is suitable for removably attaching at least one accessory 10 , namely the rear spoiler 102 and / or the side wings 104 and / or the mask 106 , to the shell 2 and comprises a plurality of male connectors 20 and a plurality of female connectors 22 .

[0068] This arrangement, disclosed in detail below, allows to stably keep at least one accessory 10 or a plurality of accessories attached to the shell 2 during daily use of the helmet 1 and to at least partially or completely detach at least one accessory 10 from the shell 2 in case of an impact.

[0069] Removal of at least one accessory 10 from the shell 2 limits the negative effects of an impact on the user's head and neck, such as rotation between the user's head and neck and / or the "leverage effect" of the helmet, and limits the rotational accelerations and speeds to which the helmet is subjected.

[0070] In the context of this specification, the female connector 22 may also be defined as a "receiver" without limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0071] With regard to the embodiments disclosed above, each of the accessories 102 , 104 , 106 is removably attached to the housing 2 by means of an attachment device 18 comprising a male connector 20 and a female connector 22 .

[0072] Suitably, the male connector 20 is arranged on at least one accessory 10 or on all accessories provided on the helmet 1 , and the female connector 22 is arranged on the shell 2 .

[0073] The male connector 20 may be integral with the corresponding accessory 10 or may be secured to the accessory 10 at a later time.

[0074] Preferably, if Figure 13 to Figure 14 As better shown in FIG. 1 with reference to one side wing 104 , the male connector 20 is arranged along the entire extension of the rear spoiler 102 or side wing 104 of the first and second embodiments of the helmet.

[0075] In all the embodiments disclosed above, the number of male connectors 20 provided on the accessory 10 corresponds to the number of female connectors 22 provided on the housing 2 .

[0076] For example:

[0077] - For the rear spoiler 102, seven female connectors 22 are provided on the outer shell 2, and the same number of male connectors 20 are provided on the rear spoiler 102; in particular, six such female connectors 22 are arranged along an arc in the upper part of the recess 11, and one female connector 22A is arranged at a central position closer to the bottom opening 9 of the helmet 1 (see Figures 3 to 5 ); therefore, the male connector 20 is arranged on the rear spoiler 102 so as to face the female connector 22 when the rear spoiler 102 is assembled on the housing 2;

[0078] - For each wing 104, four female connectors 22 are provided on the housing 2, and the same number of male connectors 20 are provided on the corresponding wing 104 (see in detail Fig.13 and Fig.14); In this embodiment, the male connector 20 is integrated with the end plate 21 and the intermediate support 23 of the side wing 104, and the intermediate support is combined with the body of the housing 2 and the side wing 104 to define a plurality of ducts 114 for directing airflow to the rear portion 6 (see Fig.14 ); In addition, the female connector 22 is arranged on the housing 2 along a direction corresponding to the tilt direction S of the side wing 104 (see Fig.12 );

[0079] The mask 106 comprises a pair of male connectors 20 arranged on its side portions 126 on the surface facing the housing 2, and a single male connector 20B arranged in the central portion 116 in the inner surface facing the housing 2 (see Fig.16 and Fig.18 ).

[0080] Even according to the present invention, Figure 7 and Fig.14 As better shown in , each female connector 22 includes an inner housing 24 for a corresponding male connector 20 .

[0081] like Figures 9a to 9d As better shown in , for all the embodiments disclosed above, each female connector 22 comprises a body 28 extending along a longitudinal axis L and a transverse plate 30 connected by a connection portion 32 .

[0082] For reasons explained below, the female connectors 22 (ie their bodies 28, plates 30 and connecting portions 32) are preferably made of a resilient material, even more preferably of a soft plastic.

[0083] Preferably, each female connector 22 further includes a slot 26 such as Figures 2 to 7 , Figures 9a to 9c , Fig.12 , Fig.14 and Fig.17 As better shown in FIG. 1 , it is used to allow the corresponding male connector 20 to pass through the inner housing 24 of the corresponding female connector 22 and to be disengaged therefrom in the event of an impact of the helmet 1 .

[0084] Disengagement of the male connector 20 from the female connector 22 results in at least partial removal of the accessory 10 from the housing 2 .

[0085] like Fig.9c As can also be seen in FIG. 1 , each slot 26 extends along the longitudinal axis L and opens on one side of the body 28 , the plate 30 and the connecting portion 32 .

[0086] At the outer surface 34 of the plate 30, an opening 36 is provided for connecting the slot 26 to the outside (see, for example, Figure 9a); the opening 36 preferably includes a first arm 38 and a second arm 39 perpendicular to the first arm, the first arm 38 being open on one side as indicated above for the slot 26.

[0087] This arrangement allows the male connector 20 to be inserted into the inner shell 24 and helps to keep the corresponding male connector 20 stably retained in the inner shell 24, as will be described in detail below; otherwise, in the event that the helmet hits an obstacle, such opening 36 allows the male connector 20 to quickly come out of the inner shell 24.

[0088] Advantageously, the inner housing 24 of each female connector 22 is formed in the corresponding body 28, and the slot 26 of each female connector 22 has a cavity 42 at the inner housing 24, which preferably has a circular shape (see Figure 7 ).

[0089] Suitably, the housing 2 comprises a plurality of seats 44, and each female connector 22 is positioned in a corresponding seat 44, such as Figures 5 to 8 The female connector 22 of the rear spoiler 102 is shown in FIG.

[0090] like Figure 7 As better shown in the figure, the connection between the housing 2 and each female connector 22 in the corresponding seat 44 is of the mechanical type; that is, the edge 46 of the housing 2 that delimits each seat 44 engages each female connector 22 at its connection portion 32 and is retained between the plate 30 and the body 28 that protrudes radially relative to the connection portion 32.

[0091] Even though the above-mentioned technical features of the female connector 22 have been primarily disclosed and exemplified with reference to the rear spoiler 102 , they are also intended to be referred to as the female connector 22 of the side wings 104 and the visor 106 .

[0092] In addition, with specific reference to the female connector 22 of the rear spoiler 102 as an accessory, at least one seat 44 has a groove 48 at one edge that communicates with the corresponding slot 26 of the female connector 22, which is used for the passage and movement of the male connector 20 (see, for example, Figures 3 to 5 ).

[0093] In particular, the seat 44 accommodating at least four arcuate concave connectors 22 and the concave connector 22A (disclosed above) have such a groove 48 , while the seat 44 accommodating the concave connector 22Z at the end of the arc is not provided with such a groove 48 .

[0094] The groove 48 formed at one edge of the seat 44 is oriented towards the rear 6 of the protective helmet 1 .

[0095] This arrangement allows the male connector 20 to disengage and escape from the corresponding female connector 22 and seat 44 in the event of an impact, thereby causing the central portion of the rear spoiler 102 to be at least partially removed from the housing 2 .

[0096] like Fig.16 and Fig.17 As shown, the seat 44 accommodating the female connector 22 of the third embodiment of the helmet 1 may further be positioned in a hollow space 45 which preferably has a circular shape.

[0097] Suitably, each male connector 20 of all three embodiments is a pin element designed to be inserted into the inner housing 24 of the corresponding female connector 22; in particular, each pin element 20 comprises a bracket 50 fixed to at least one accessory 10 or all accessories, and an end protrusion 52 extending from the corresponding bracket 50 (see Figure 7 , Figure 13 to Figure 14 , Fig.16 and Fig.18 ).

[0098] In a second embodiment of the helmet 1 , the bracket 50 is fixed to the above-mentioned intermediate support 23 of the end plate 21 and the corresponding wing 104 (see Fig.14 ).

[0099] In the third embodiment, the bracket 50 is fixed to the support base 47 of the mask 106, which preferably has a circular shape (see Fig.16 and Fig.18 ), and is designed to be positioned within the hollow space 45 of the shell 2 when the mask 106 is attached to the shell 2.

[0100] Furthermore, the end projections 52 of the pin element 20 preferably have a rounded shape so that the cavity 42 of the female connector 22 can receive and retain them when the transverse plate 30 and the body 28 are deformed. The elastic material from which the female connector 22 is primarily made allows this deformation.

[0101] In the assembly construction (see Figure 7 ), the end protrusion 52 of at least one accessory 10 is inserted into the corresponding cavity 42 of the inner shell, and the corresponding bracket 50 is positioned in the narrow groove 26 and partially protrudes outward, wherein the surface of the outer shell 2 and the inner surface of at least one accessory 10 face therebetween.

[0102] The axis passing through the rounded end protrusion 52 of the pin element 20 is perpendicular to the extension axis of the bracket 50 .

[0103] Thus, when attaching at least one accessory 10 to housing 2 , second arm 39 of opening 36 of female connector 22 allows end protrusion 52 to be inserted into slot 26 , while first arm 38 of opening 36 of female connector 22 allows bracket 50 to be inserted into slot 26 .

[0104] In the table below, a comparison is reported between a helmet A with a rear spoiler mechanically attached to the shell and a helmet B with a rear spoiler removably attached to the shell by means of the attachment means of the invention, with specific reference to the linear acceleration (PLA), the rotational acceleration (PRA) and the rotational speed (ω) to which the user's head is subjected with both helmets.

[0105]

[0106] The test for measuring the linear acceleration (PLA), rotational acceleration (PRA) and rotational velocity (ω) to which the user's head is subjected follows the requirements of Reg. ECE 22 06, clause 7.13, for 180° oblique impacts behind the point.

[0107] As can be seen from the table, the use of a removable rear spoiler allows for a 23.65% reduction in rotational acceleration relative to a helmet with a mechanically attached rear spoiler, and a 5.59% reduction in rotational velocity relative to a helmet with a mechanically attached rear spoiler.

[0108] It is now clear how the invention allows the intended objects to be achieved.

[0109] The use of an attachment arrangement comprising a male connector and a female connector of the type described above allows the accessory to be at least partially detached from the outer shell of the helmet while keeping the accessory stably attached to the outer shell during regular use.

[0110] With regard to the above-described embodiments of the protective helmet, in order to meet specific requirements, those skilled in the art may modify the described elements and / or replace the described elements with equivalent elements without thereby departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protective helmet (1) suitable for being worn by a user and protecting the user's head from impact, the protective helmet (1) comprising: - a rigid shell (2) delimiting an internal space (P) designed to accommodate the head of the user, the shell (2) comprising a front opening (8); - at least one accessory (10) attached to the housing (2); - attachment means (18) for attaching the at least one accessory (10) to the housing (2); Characterized in that the attachment device (18) is suitable for removably attaching the at least one accessory (10) to the housing (2) and comprises a plurality of male connectors (20) and a plurality of female connectors (22), each of the female connectors (22) comprising an inner housing (24) for the corresponding male connector (20).

2. A protective helmet (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that Each female connector (22) comprises a slot (26) for passing and disengaging the corresponding male connector (20) from the corresponding female connector (22) in the event of an impact.

3. A protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The at least one attachment (10) is an aerodynamic attachment selected from the group consisting of a rear spoiler (102) and a side wing (104).

4. The protective helmet (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that The at least one accessory (10) is a mask (106).

5. The protective helmet (1) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that The protective helmet comprises a plurality of accessories (10) selected from the group consisting of a rear spoiler (102), side wings (104) and a visor (106), each of the accessories (10) being removably attached to the shell (2) by means of the attachment means (18) comprising the male connector (20) and the female connector (22).

6. A protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The male connector (20) is arranged on the at least one accessory (10), and the female connector (22) is arranged on the housing (2).

7. A protective helmet (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that Each female connector (22) comprises a body (28) and a transverse plate (30) extending along a longitudinal axis (L), the slot (26) opening at one side of the body (28) and the plate (30), and a corresponding inner housing (24) is formed in the body (28).

8. A protective helmet (1) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterised in that Each of the male connectors (20) is a pin element designed to be inserted into a corresponding inner housing (24).

9. A protective helmet (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that Each pin element (20) includes a bracket (50) fixed to the at least one accessory (10) and an end protrusion (52) extending from the corresponding bracket (50).

10. A protective helmet (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that Each slot (26) of the female connector (22) has a cavity (42) at the inner housing (24) for receiving a corresponding end protrusion (52) of a corresponding pin element (20).

11. The protective helmet (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that The male connector (20) is arranged along the entire extension of the rear spoiler (102) or the side wing (104).

12. A protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The housing (2) includes a plurality of seats (44), each of the female connectors (22) being positioned in a corresponding seat (44).

13. A protective helmet (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that When the at least one accessory (10) is a rear spoiler (102), at least one of the seats (44) has a groove (48) at one edge facing the slot (26) of the corresponding female connector (22) for passage and disengagement of the male connector (20).

14. A protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The female connector (22) is made of elastic material.

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