Helmet with visor

Abstract

A helmet, particularly a two-wheeled helmet, can comprise a helmet body and a visor that are coupled to each other on two opposite sides of the helmet by forming a coupling section of the helmet body and a coupling section of the visor on each side, one of which includes a coupling receptacle and the other a coupling projection that engages in the coupling receptacle along a pivot axis. The engagement is such that the visor can pivot relative to the helmet body about the pivot axis.In such a helmet, for automatic and reversible detachment of the visor from the helmet body in the event of excessive torque acting on the visor, it is provided that the coupling section of the helmet body and the coupling section of the visor each have a pushing section and that these pushing sections are designed to act upon each other with respect to the pivot axis in the direction of rotation when the visor is pivoted upwards beyond a limit position of the visor, and thereby force the coupling sections apart axially with respect to the pivot axis, so that the coupling projection is forced out of the coupling receptacle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a helmet, in particular a two-wheel helmet, with a shock-absorbing helmet body and a visor in which the visor is coupled to the helmet body on two opposite sides of the helmet. Such a helmet is known, for example, from DE 34 09 786 A1.

[0002] Such a helmet can be useful for various types of activities to protect the wearer's head. In this sense, the helmet can be considered a protective helmet. These activities can include, in particular, sporting activities such as cycling. Therefore, the helmet can be designed as a sports helmet, specifically a bicycle helmet, for example, a mountain bike helmet.

[0003] A helmet designed for head protection typically comprises a helmet body that can be placed on the wearer's head and is shock-absorbing, allowing the helmet to absorb and at least mitigate impacts to the head. This reduces the risk of injury to the wearer caused by such an impact. For example, the helmet body may consist of a core made of a deformable material, particularly foam, and a thin outer shell made of a hard material that covers the core, at least on one side of the helmet. It is advantageous for the helmet body, when worn, to cover a large portion of the head, extending at least from the forehead to the nape of the neck, laterally to the temples, and around the ears.

[0004] Additionally, it can be useful to equip the helmet with a visor. Two types of visors are common: transparent visors, which can be positioned directly in front of the eyes to protect them, and visors that are typically located on the top or front of the helmet, projecting forward or diagonally, are at least largely opaque, and primarily serve to protect the wearer from being blinded by the sun. In this context, we are particularly concerned with helmets with visors of the latter type. Such visors, also known as peaks, are often found on mountain bike helmets, especially since visors projecting forward from the helmet body can also be useful in protecting the wearer's face from branches that might overhang a mountain bike trail, for example.

[0005] However, visors protruding from the helmet body can also pose safety risks for the wearer. In the event of a fall, the helmet can strike the ground or another solid object visor-first, potentially exerting a strong torque on the helmet. This torque can either be transferred from the helmet to the head or twist the helmet relative to the head, potentially causing the helmet to strike the wearer's neck. Both scenarios can result in injuries. Therefore, the transmission of excessive torque from the visor to the helmet body should be avoided whenever possible.

[0006] For this purpose, the visor can, for example, be coupled to the helmet body in such a way that the coupling breaks under the influence of a strong torque, so that the torque is not transmitted to the helmet body. A disadvantage of this is that the visor and / or the helmet body are subsequently damaged. Preferably, the coupling between the visor and the helmet body is therefore such that the visor detaches from the helmet body under the influence of a strong torque without damage, so that the visor can then be coupled to the helmet body again in the same way as before.

[0007] However, the connection must not be too easy to detach, in order to prevent accidental disconnection or detachment during normal riding situations. Furthermore, it is often desirable for the visor to be adjustable between different pivot positions to allow for a customized fit for the wearer. Therefore, the connection between the helmet body and the visor should be as reliable as possible and allow for maximum flexibility in helmet use.

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a helmet with a helmet body and a visor that avoids the aforementioned disadvantages, in particular enabling automatic and reversible detachment of the visor from the helmet body in the event of excessive torque acting on the visor, while at the same time being safe and flexible in its use.

[0009] The problem is solved by a helmet having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the present description and the figures.

[0010] The helmet according to the invention comprises a shock-absorbing helmet body and a visor, which are coupled to each other on two opposite sides of the helmet. The helmet body can be designed, in particular, to be placed on the head of a helmet wearer. For this purpose, the helmet body can have at least an approximate hemispherical shape. The different areas of the helmet, which, when the helmet is placed (in the usual manner) on the head of a respective helmet wearer, are located in the area of ​​the forehead, the vertex, the left temple, the right temple, and the back of the head, can be distinguished as the front, top, first (left) side, second (right) side, and back of the helmet, respectively.

[0011] In other words, the helmet can have a front, a top, a first side, a second side, and a back, with the front, first side, second side, and back adjoining the top, the front and back being oriented opposite to each other, and the first side and second side also being oriented opposite to each other and each adjoining both the front and the back. The front can be oriented, at least substantially, in the direction of the wearer's gaze and cover the wearer's forehead when the helmet is placed on the wearer's head in the manner intended, while the back is oriented in the opposite direction and, when the helmet is worn, covers the back of the wearer's head.The first side and the second side can each be oriented at least substantially perpendicular to these directions. The helmet body can also have a front, a top, a first side, a second side, and a back, corresponding to the aforementioned front, top, first side, second side, and back of the helmet, respectively.

[0012] As already mentioned, the helmet shell can comprise a core made of a deformable, in particular foam, material and a thin outer shell made of a hard material, which preferably covers the core at least on one outer surface of the helmet that projects radially outwards with respect to the hemispherical shell shape. The helmet shell can have one or more openings that can serve to ventilate the head. Furthermore, the helmet shell can have straps for attaching the helmet to the head and padding on an inner surface of the helmet, facing away from the outside, for a comfortable fit. In all other respects, the helmet shell can be designed in a manner generally known for helmet shells, in particular for two-wheeled vehicles, such as mountain bike helmets.

[0013] The visor may, in particular, be a visor designed to protect against glare. For this reason, the visor is preferably at least substantially opaque. The visor may also be designed, at least to a large extent, in a manner generally known for such a helmet visor, especially for a two-wheeled helmet, such as a mountain bike helmet. For example, the visor may essentially have a flat shape that is curved or, in particular, angled in two directions. The visor may be arranged such that it projects from the top or front of the helmet, at least substantially forward (i.e., in the direction in which the front of the helmet faces). It may also project obliquely downwards or obliquely upwards. In particular, the precise orientation of the visor may be adjustable between different such positions, as will be explained further below.

[0014] According to the invention, the helmet body and the visor are coupled to each other on two opposite sides of the helmet. These sides can be, in particular, the aforementioned first (left) and second (right) sides of the helmet. The coupling can thus take place, in particular, in the area of ​​the temples of the respective helmet wearer.

[0015] The helmet body and the visor are designed as separate components, manufactured separately, which are connected by the aforementioned coupling. Advantageously, this coupling is reversible, meaning the helmet body and the visor can be separated again without damaging either the helmet body or the visor. The coupling on opposite sides of the helmet need not be the only connection between the helmet body and the visor. It is therefore possible that the visor is also coupled to the helmet body at one or more other points, preferably in such a way that each of these couplings is also reversible.

[0016] According to the invention, the visor and the helmet are coupled to each other (at least among other things) on the two opposite sides of the helmet by the provision of a coupling section of the helmet body and a coupling section of the visor on each side, one of which comprises a coupling receptacle and the other a coupling projection that engages in the coupling receptacle along a pivot axis. In total, therefore, (at least) four such coupling sections are provided, namely, on each of the aforementioned two sides of the helmet, in particular in the area of ​​the temples of the respective helmet wearer, one coupling section of the helmet body and one coupling section of the visor.

[0017] The coupling sections of the helmet body on both sides of the helmet are preferably designed at least substantially identically, and the coupling sections of the visor on both sides of the helmet are also preferably designed at least substantially identically. Therefore, when the singular is used below in the explanation of features or possible designs of the coupling section of the helmet body or the coupling section of the visor (or of structures or sections thereof), this is not to be understood as referring only to one of the two sides of the helmet mentioned, but rather as meaning that the corresponding elements on the other side of the helmet can be designed in a corresponding manner, and preferably are. In particular, the helmet as a whole can be designed with mirror symmetry.

[0018] The coupling sections of the helmet body can each be located in a central area of ​​the respective (first or second) side of the helmet body – for example, above a cutout for each ear of the helmet wearer. The coupling sections of the visor, on the other hand, can correspond to end sections of the visor, with the visor extending along the aforementioned outer surface of the helmet body from one end section to the other. The visor can, in particular, run along a transition area between the top and the front of the helmet body.

[0019] As already mentioned, according to the invention, one of the two coupling sections (formed on the same respective side of the helmet) comprises a coupling receptacle, while the other comprises a coupling projection. The coupling projection is preferably formed on the visor, while the coupling receptacle is formed on the helmet body. However, it can also be the other way around, namely that the coupling projection is formed on the helmet body, while the coupling receptacle is formed on the visor.

[0020] The coupling receptacle can, for example, include or be designed as an opening, particularly one that is at least substantially circular, within the respective coupling section, with a receiving space behind the opening that can be closed all around and at its bottom, like a blind hole, or open on certain sides or completely. Alternatively, the coupling receptacle can, for example, be ring-shaped, such as an annular groove, or have another form. Preferably, the form is at least substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to the aforementioned pivot axis.

[0021] The coupling projection can, for example, have at least a substantially pin- or bolt-like shape. Such a shape can be particularly advantageous if the coupling receptacle includes an at least substantially circular opening whose diameter corresponds at least approximately to the diameter of the coupling projection. The coupling projection can also be designed like a mushroom-headed pin, i.e., it can have a diameter widening whose diameter is at least slightly larger than the diameter of the opening of the coupling receptacle, so that the coupling projection can snap into the coupling receptacle, as will be explained further below.

[0022] Preferably, the coupling receptacle and the coupling projection are designed to be at least substantially complementary to each other. Furthermore, it is preferred (regardless of whether they are complementary to each other) that the coupling receptacle and the coupling projection each have the shape of a body of revolution with respect to the pivot axis.

[0023] As explained above, the coupling of the helmet body and the visor is achieved in particular by the coupling section of the helmet body and the coupling section of the visor on each of the two sides (the aforementioned first side and the aforementioned second side) of the helmet being coupled together, specifically by the coupling projection of one coupling section engaging with the coupling receptacle of the other coupling section. This engagement occurs along the aforementioned pivot axis.

[0024] Preferably, the engagement occurs on both sides of the helmet along the same pivot axis, which consequently extends from one of the two aforementioned sides of the helmet to the opposite side. The engagement therefore occurs, at least substantially, in a radial direction with respect to the hemispherical shape of the helmet body, namely radially inwards or radially outwards, depending on whether the coupling projection is formed on the visor or on the helmet body. With respect to a mirror plane perpendicular to the pivot axis, the helmet as a whole can be mirror-symmetrical.

[0025] According to the invention, the engagement of the coupling projection in the coupling receptacle (each) is such that the visor can pivot relative to the helmet body about the pivot axis. The coupling is therefore an articulated coupling by which the visor is mounted on the helmet body in a way that allows the visor to pivot about the pivot axis. This is achieved through the design of the two coupling sections and, in particular, through the design of the coupling projection and the coupling receptacle. In other words, the coupling projection and the coupling receptacle are specifically designed such that the coupling projection engages in the coupling receptacle along the pivot axis in such a way that the visor can pivot relative to the helmet body about the pivot axis.

[0026] The engagement of the coupling projection with the coupling receptacle enables the aforementioned swiveling capability in principle, but this does not necessarily mean unrestricted swiveling. For example, the swiveling capability may be limited by other interactions between the visor and the helmet body, such as a locking section of the helmet body and a locking section of the visor interacting to restrict the visor's swiveling to a few defined positions, as explained further below. It is also conceivable that the visor could be held in only a single defined swiveling position.Such restrictions on the swiveling of the visor to specific positions apply only to normal conditions, in which no excessive torque is exerted on the visor, and can be overcome (for example, in the event of an impact) by sufficiently high torque without necessarily damaging the coupling sections of the visor and the helmet body. This is because the aforementioned coupling sections, and preferably also the helmet body and the visor as a whole, are advantageously designed to allow swiveling of the visor, at least under sufficiently high torque, and possibly even beyond predetermined positions.

[0027] According to the invention, the coupling section of the helmet body and the coupling section of the visor each have a pushing section, wherein these pushing sections (i.e., the pushing section of the coupling section of the helmet body and the pushing section of the coupling section of the visor) are designed to act upon each other with respect to the pivot axis in the direction of rotation (i.e., in a direction of rotation around the pivot axis) when the visor (within the scope of its said pivotability) is pivoted in an upward direction beyond a limit position of the visor, and thereby (by said acting upon it) force the coupling sections axially apart with respect to the pivot axis, so that the coupling projection is forced out of the coupling receptacle.

[0028] The visor can be pivoted around its axis in two opposing directions. For conceptual clarity, one of these directions is referred to here as the upward tilt direction, while the opposite direction is called the downward tilt direction. The upward tilt direction can, in particular, correspond to the pivot direction that moves the visor further from the front towards the top of the helmet.

[0029] The coupling sections of the helmet body and the visor comprise not only the aforementioned coupling receptacle or coupling projection, which are located in the area of ​​the pivot axis, but also a compression section in each case. The compression sections can thus be formed, in particular, in the periphery of the coupling receptacle or coupling projection. The compression section of the helmet body coupling section and the compression section of the visor coupling section are arranged such that they act upon each other in the direction of rotation around the pivot axis, i.e., exert a force on each other when the visor is pivoted beyond the aforementioned limit position in the upward tilting direction.

[0030] In the limit position and / or in any other adjustable pivot positions of the visor relative to the helmet body, where the visor is pivoted against the upward direction compared to the limit position, the pressure sections may be spaced apart from each other or already in contact, but preferably do not yet exert any force on each other. However, if the visor is pivoted beyond the limit position in the upward direction, the pivoting movement forces the pressure sections against each other circumferentially around the pivot axis, so that they exert a torque on each other.

[0031] The impact sections are designed, particularly with regard to their shape, such that this impact is redirected into a force that is at least substantially axial with respect to the pivot axis. For this purpose, at least one of the impact sections can have a surface against which the other impact section is pressed and which is inclined both with respect to the direction of rotation and with respect to the pivot axis. However, many different shapes are possible for both impact sections. The essential point is that the shapes are such that when the impact sections impact each other due to the pivoting of the sight around the pivot axis, they redirect this force in such a way that the impact sections not only rotate around the pivot axis relative to each other, but also offset each other parallel to the pivot axis.In other words, the pressure sections are designed in such a way that the impact in the direction of rotation is deflected into an axial offset, which is superimposed on the pivoting movement.

[0032] Since the displacement sections are each part of one of the two coupling sections (the coupling section of the helmet body or the coupling section of the visor), the displacement sections also cause the coupling sections to be axially displaced relative to each other with respect to the pivot axis, i.e., forced apart. This then results in the coupling projection of one coupling section and the coupling receptacle of the other coupling section also being axially displaced relative to each other, and thus the coupling projection is forced out of the coupling receptacle.

[0033] For this purpose, it is advantageous if the coupling section of the helmet body and the coupling section of the visor are each designed to be at least essentially rigid, in particular such that the pushing section of the coupling section is arranged at least essentially rigidly relative to the coupling projection or to the coupling receptacle of this coupling section.

[0034] Preferably, the visor can be pivoted relative to the helmet body beyond its limit position until the coupling projection, due to the described interaction of the pushing sections, has been forced out of the coupling receptacle to such an extent that it has completely left the receptacle, i.e., to such an extent that the engagement of the coupling projection in the coupling receptacle is ultimately released. The coupling between the coupling section of the helmet body and the coupling section of the visor is thereby released, preferably occurring on both sides of the helmet at at least substantially the same pivot angle and thus at least substantially simultaneously. As a result, the visor can completely detach from the helmet body.

[0035] Due to the described design of the helmet according to the invention, the visor can advantageously detach automatically from the helmet body when, due to an impact, such as a fall, a torque acts on the visor, causing it to pivot beyond its limit position into the flip-up position relative to the helmet body. The visor does not detach from the helmet body uncontrollably through the destruction of the coupling between the visor and the helmet body as a result of excessive force, but rather in a defined manner guided by the described interaction of the compression sections. Advantageously, the visor can thus detach from the helmet body without damaging either the visor or the helmet body, so that the visor can later be reattached to the helmet body, particularly by simply reversing the sequence of movements.

[0036] When coupled to the helmet body, the visor is reliably attached to the helmet body on both sides by the engagement of the coupling projection in the coupling receptacle. This type of coupling also allows the visor to be adjusted between different defined pivot positions, enabling the helmet to be flexibly adapted to various situations.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment, the visor has an elasticity that biases the coupling projection in the direction of engagement with the coupling receptacle. In other words, a force resulting from the elasticity of the visor acts on the coupling projection in the direction of engagement with the coupling receptacle, at least as long as it is not already fully engaged with the coupling receptacle, but possibly also then.

[0038] The aforementioned elasticity can consist, in particular, of the coupling sections of the visor maintaining a certain distance from each other in a rest position (i.e., an equilibrium position of elasticity in which no elastic forces act) and being able to move towards or, in particular, away from each other against a restoring force, with the restoring force increasing with increasing deviation from the rest position. For example, since the visor extends (at least) from its coupling section on one side of the helmet to its coupling section on the other side of the helmet, it can have at least substantially an arc shape, with the coupling sections being formed by opposing end sections of the arc shape.Due to the elasticity of the sight, the coupling sections of the sight can then be deflected away from each other against a restoring force, widening the arc shape and pushing the coupling sections back towards the rest position.

[0039] Preferably, the distance between the coupling sections of the visor when the coupling projection engages in the coupling receptacle on both sides of the helmet corresponds at least to the distance between the coupling sections in the visor's rest position with respect to its elasticity. Consequently, when the coupling projections engage in their respective coupling receptacles on both sides, either no forces caused by the visor's elasticity act on the visor's coupling sections, or the visor's coupling sections are already biased towards each other and thus biased against the coupling sections of the helmet body. In both cases, the visor's coupling sections are biased against the helmet body's coupling sections whenever the coupling projections do not engage, or do not fully engage, in their respective coupling receptacles.This inevitably means that the coupling projection on both sides of the helmet is also pre-tensioned into the coupling receptacle, regardless of whether the coupling projection is formed on the visor or on the helmet body, since it is pre-tensioned into the coupling receptacle in any case when viewed relative to it.

[0040] The elasticity and the resulting preload mean that the visor must be deformed against a restoring force to release the coupling with the helmet body. In this way, the elasticity ensures that the coupling protrusion engages in the coupling receptacle. This contributes to a particularly reliable coupling of the visor to the helmet body.

[0041] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the coupling receptacle and the coupling projection are designed such that the coupling projection snaps into place when engaged in the coupling receptacle. For this purpose, the coupling projection can, for example (as already mentioned), have a diameter widening in the manner of a mushroom-headed pin, the diameter of which is at least slightly larger than the diameter of an opening in the coupling receptacle.

[0042] The locking mechanism advantageously secures the coupling protrusion in the coupling receptacle by positive locking, preventing it from disengaging. This positive locking can be overcome without damaging the structures involved, particularly the coupling protrusion and the coupling receptacle, if sufficient force is applied. The coupling protrusion can therefore also be disengaged from the coupling receptacle. This locking mechanism (alternatively or additionally to the aforementioned elasticity) can contribute to a particularly reliable coupling of the visor to the helmet body.

[0043] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the pushing sections are designed such that, when the visor is pivoted 45° or more beyond the limit position (in the flip-up direction), the coupling sections (i.e., the coupling section of the helmet body and the coupling section of the visor on the same respective side of the helmet) are forced axially apart to such an extent that the coupling projection of one coupling section leaves the coupling receptacle of the other coupling section. Preferably, the pushing sections are designed such that, when the visor is pivoted 30° or more beyond the limit position (in the flip-up direction), the coupling sections (i.e.,(the coupling section of the helmet body and the coupling section of the visor on the same respective side of the helmet) are pushed axially apart to such an extent that the coupling projection of one coupling section leaves the coupling receptacle of the other coupling section.

[0044] The angle relative to the limit position, up to which the coupling projection still engages at least partially in the coupling receptacle, and from which the coupling projection is completely disengaged from the coupling receptacle, is therefore at most 45°, preferably at most 30°. This angle, which can also be referred to as the release angle, can in particular be approximately 25°. Preferably, the release angle for the coupling sections on both sides of the helmet is at least substantially the same, so that upon reaching the release angle on both sides, the coupling projection leaves the respective coupling receptacle. In particular, this allows the visor to be completely detached from the helmet body, so that it is no longer coupled to the helmet body.

[0045] A release angle of at most 45°, preferably at most 30°, and particularly around 25°, has the advantage that even relatively small swivel movements beyond the limit position lead to a complete decoupling of the visor from the helmet body, so that further torque forces on the visor (for example, as a result of an impact) are not transmitted to the helmet body. Preferably, however, the release angle is at least 15°, and particularly at least 20°, to ensure that the visor does not detach from the helmet body even with very small swivel movements.

[0046] According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the two pushing sections has a ramp against which a contact section of the other pushing section is pushed when the sight is pivoted in the upward tilting direction beyond the limit position, wherein the contact section is guided by this pushing along the ramp along a path which corresponds at least substantially to a section of a helix around the pivot axis.

[0047] The contact section in question can be a contact point, a contact line, or a contact surface, with which the other propelling section, when it impacts the first propelling section as a result of the sight's pivoting motion, comes into contact with the first propelling section, specifically with the approach ramp of the first propelling section. Through this impact, the contact section is not only in contact with the approach ramp but is also (corresponding to the impact) forced against the approach ramp with respect to the pivoting axis in the direction of rotation.

[0048] The ramp is designed – in particular, shaped, arranged, and oriented – such that the contact section, which is actually forced against the ramp in the direction of rotation, is guided along a path on the ramp. This path, with respect to the pivot axis, exhibits directional components not only in the direction of rotation but also in the axial direction. For this purpose, the ramp can be inclined both with respect to the direction of rotation and with respect to the pivot axis. As a result, the path corresponds, at least substantially, to a segment of a helix around the pivot axis.

[0049] The helix need not be a precise helix, but can, for example, also have directional components radial to the pivot axis. Furthermore, the directional components in the rotational and axial directions need not necessarily be linear to each other, but preferably they are at least monotonic. The length of the helix segment can correspond to the aforementioned separation angle or be greater than it. For example, with a separation angle of 30°, the path can correspond to at least one-twelfth turn of a helix around the pivot axis.

[0050] The contact section can be very similar to the chamfer, and in particular, can itself be designed in the manner of a chamfer. For example, the contact section and the chamfer can each be designed in the manner of a screw thread. The contact section and the chamfer then bear against each other, at least substantially, over a surface area and slide along each other over a surface area when the sight is pivoted beyond its limit position. The design as a screw thread can be limited to an angular range around the pivot axis for both the contact section and the chamfer, which is less than a full turn, but preferably corresponds at least to the aforementioned release angle or is greater than the release angle.

[0051] The contact section mentioned above preferably projects radially outwards from the pivot axis (relative to the rest of the coupling section). In particular, the contact section extends further away from the pivot axis in the radial direction than the entire rest of the coupling section, which includes the thrust section and the contact section. This allows the contact section, which interacts with the ramp, to be structurally precisely defined. Furthermore, this means that the contact section covers a comparatively long circumferential path even at small pivot angles, so that the ramp does not need to be particularly steep in the axial direction, thus avoiding excessive friction between the contact section and the ramp. Relative to an orientation perpendicular to the pivot axis, the maximum slope of the aforementioned path in the axial direction is, for example, at most 45°, preferably at most 40°, and particularly at most 30°.

[0052] Preferably, the contact section is formed on the coupling section that also includes the coupling projection, while the chamfer is formed on the coupling section that also includes the coupling receptacle. However, the reverse is also possible.

[0053] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the visor extends along an outer surface of the helmet body between two opposite ends of the visor, with the impact section of the coupling section of the visor being formed by one of these two ends. Accordingly, the other impact section (i.e., the impact section of the other contact section of the visor, formed on the opposite side of the helmet) can be formed by the other end. As mentioned above, the visor can have at least substantially an arc shape, in particular to allow it to lie at least largely against the outer surface of the helmet body from one of the two aforementioned ends to the other. These ends limit the extension of the visor from one of the two aforementioned sides of the helmet to the other, opposite side of the helmet.In other words, the visor does not extend beyond the respective end and therefore not beyond the respective section of the crowd.

[0054] Provided that the aforementioned contact section is provided and the pressure section is formed with the contact section on the visor, the contact section can in particular be formed by the respective end of the visor.

[0055] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the coupling section of the helmet body is arranged in an outer recess of the helmet body, wherein the compression section of the coupling section is formed by a portion of the edge of the recess. With such an embodiment, structures already provided on the helmet body (namely the recess and, in particular, its edge) can advantageously contribute to the visor automatically detaching from the helmet body in the manner described, in the event of a torque that pivots the visor beyond its limit position.

[0056] Preferably, the recess is a through-opening, for example a ventilation opening, in the helmet body, so that the recess has no bottom but rather a passage to the inside of the helmet body. However, the recess can also be closed, in particular shaped like a trough, and have a bottom. The edge can thus form a transition between the outside of the helmet body and the bottom of the recess or the passage to the inside, wherein the edge (relative to a radial and tangential orientation with respect to the hemispherical shell shape) is preferably rounded or chamfered. In particular, the aforementioned chamfer can be formed by a section of this edge.

[0057] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the coupling section of the helmet body and the coupling section of the visor are designed such that the coupling projection remains in the coupling receptacle when the visor (within its pivoting range) is pivoted relative to the helmet body from its limit position against the direction of upward tilting about the pivot axis. In other words, the coupling sections are designed such that the visor can be pivoted relative to the helmet body at least within a certain range of pivoting angles without the coupling projection being forced out of the coupling receptacle, but rather that the engagement of the coupling projection in the coupling receptacle is maintained, preferably continuously, and in particular unchanged (apart from the relative rotational position of the coupling projection to the coupling receptacle).In this way, the visor can be reliably coupled to the helmet body and at the same time be adjustable in terms of its orientation relative to the helmet body.

[0058] The fact that the coupling projection remains in the coupling receptacle when the sight is pivoted from the limit position against the direction of upward tilt can be achieved, for example, by arranging the thrust sections in such a way that they do not interfere with each other when the sight is pivoted from the limit position against the direction of upward tilt, and in particular, are not in contact with each other at all.

[0059] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the helmet body and the visor each have a detent section, wherein in two or more different detent positions of the visor, one of these detent sections (i.e., the detent section of the helmet body and the detent section of the visor) engages with the other to hold the visor in the respective detent position. The detent sections are thus designed to interact in such a way that the visor is held in the respective detent position by this engagement.

[0060] The locking positions are defined pivoting positions of the visor relative to the helmet body. Preferably, the aforementioned limit position corresponds to one of these locking positions; in the other locking positions, the visor is pivoted relative to the limit position, preferably in the opposite direction to the upward tilting direction.

[0061] By providing the aforementioned detent sections, certain pivot positions can be defined within the scope of the visor's pivoting relative to the helmet body. The visor can be adjusted between these positions, but it locks into place, ensuring it is reliably held in the respective pivot position, as the detent must first be overcome by applying a certain force to adjust the visor.

[0062] According to an advantageous further development of the foregoing embodiment, the locking section of the helmet body can include a guide slot extending circumferentially around the pivot axis, and the locking section of the visor can include a locking projection that engages in the guide slot in the locking positions and when adjusting between the locking positions. Thus, when the visor is pivoted between the various locking positions, the locking projection moves within the guide slot along its longitudinal extent.

[0063] To achieve the detent effect, the guide slot can, for example, have a varying width (perpendicular to the aforementioned extent in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis). In particular, the guide slot can have several detent sections, each corresponding to one of the detent positions and separated from one another by narrowing sections, wherein the width of the guide slot is greater in the detent sections than in the narrowing sections. Specifically, the width of the guide slot in the detent sections can be at least substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the detent projection, while in the narrowing sections it is smaller than the diameter of the detent projection. In the narrowing sections, the edges of the guide slot are advantageously designed to be spring-loaded in order to allow passage of the detent projection despite the narrowing.

[0064] Preferably, the adjustability of the visor is limited by the length of the guide slot (with respect to the aforementioned circumferential extent around the pivot axis) as long as the detent engages in the guide slot. In other words, the length of the guide slot can define a pivot angle range within which the visor can be pivoted relative to the helmet body, particularly to adjust the visor's orientation relative to the helmet body.

[0065] This limitation is advantageously achieved by the engagement of the detent projection in the guide slot, so that the guide slot can define not only the various detent positions but also (surmountable) limits to the swiveling of the sight. The limitation can result, for example, from the detent projection abutting an end face of the guide slot at each end, thus at least hindering further movement of the detent projection in the respective swiveling direction.

[0066] In at least one pivoting direction, namely the upward flipping direction, the aforementioned limit, which can correspond in particular to the limit position, can be overcome. For example, one of the aforementioned end faces, namely the end face pointing in the upward flipping direction, can be designed, in particular shaped and oriented, such that the locking projection (radially outwards with respect to the aforementioned hemispherical shell shape of the helmet body) is forced out of the guide slot by the end face and consequently no longer engages in the guide slot when it contacts the end face with sufficient force during a pivoting of the visor in the upward flipping direction. However, the guide slot can also be designed in another way so that the locking projection leaves the guide slot, for example, springs out of the guide slot, when the visor is pivoted with sufficient force in the upward flipping direction.

[0067] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the detent projection and the guide slot are designed such that the detent projection releases from the guide slot (without damaging either the detent projection or the guide slot) when a torque is applied to the visor in the upward tilting direction in the limit position. This torque is greater than, preferably at least twice, the minimum torque required for adjustment between the detent positions. This allows the visor to be adjusted between the various detent positions by applying relatively small torques, for example by hand, but not beyond the limit position. However, it also allows it to be adjusted beyond the limit position by relatively large torques, such as those that can act on the visor as a result of a fall or other impact, so that it automatically detaches from the helmet body.

[0068] The invention will be further explained below with reference to the drawings, purely by way of example. Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a helmet according to the invention in a side view, wherein the visor of the helmet is in a first locking position. Fig. Figure 2 shows the same embodiment in the first locking position of the visor in a view obliquely from the front. Fig. 3 shows the one in Fig. 2 marked section of the same embodiment in the first locking position of the visor in a sectional view along the in Fig. 1 marked cutting plane. Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 correspond to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3, with the visor in a second locking position. Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 correspond to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3, with the visor in a third locking position. Fig. Figure 10 shows the same embodiment in a view obliquely from the front, with the visor detached from the helmet body. Fig. 11 shows the one in Fig. 10 marked sections of the same embodiment. Fig. 12, Fig. 13 to Fig. 14 show the Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9 corresponding sectional views in further swivel positions of the sight.

[0069] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13 to Fig. Figure 14 shows the same embodiment of a helmet 11 according to the invention, which can be used as a two-wheeled bicycle helmet, in particular a mountain bike helmet, and comprises a shock-absorbing helmet body 13 and a visor 15. In the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 7 shows the helmet 11 in a view perpendicular to a first side of the helmet 11. The opposite, second side of the helmet 11 is not shown, but is formed in the same way as the first side. In particular, the helmet 11 is shown as a whole in a mirror plane, which is in the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 7 is aligned parallel to the plane of the drawing, and is mirror-symmetrical. A front, a top, and a back of the helmet 11 have in the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 7 to the left, up or right.

[0070] The helmet body 13 is designed to be placed on the head of a helmet wearer and, for this purpose, has at least an approximate hemispherical shape. The surface of the helmet body 13 that extends radially outwards with respect to this hemispherical shape forms the outer surface of the helmet body 13. The visor 15 serves, in particular, to protect the helmet wearer from glare from the sun. For this purpose, the visor 15 is opaque, has at least a substantially curved, planar shape, and extends along the outer surface of the helmet body from the first side to the second side of the helmet 11, projecting from the top of the helmet 11.

[0071] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. Each section line shown in section 7 is shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 8, in which the helmet 11 is shown in a slanted frontal view, each shows a section of the illustration outlined. This section is in the Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9 shown separately and enlarged, and also cut along the aforementioned cutting line.

[0072] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the helmet 11 in a first locking position, which Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 in a second locking position and the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 in a third locking position of the visor 15. These locking positions are defined pivot positions of the visor 15 relative to the helmet body 13, between which the visor 15 can pivot about a pivot axis S, which is located in the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 7 is aligned perpendicular to the drawing plane. In the first locking position, the sight 15 is aligned at least substantially horizontally; in the second locking position, the sight 15 is tilted by approximately 8° and in the third locking position by approximately 16° relative to the first locking position in an upward tilting direction H (cf. Fig. 1) shifted.

[0073] The pivotability of the visor 15 relative to the helmet shell 13 results from the fact that the visor 15 is pivotably mounted to the helmet shell 13 on both sides (i.e., on the aforementioned first side and the aforementioned second side) of the helmet 11 by the interaction of a coupling section 17 of the helmet body 13 and a coupling section 19 of the visor 15. This pivotable mounting is essentially based on the fact that on each side of the helmet 11, one of the two coupling sections 17, 19 (namely, in the illustrated embodiment, the coupling section 17 of the helmet body 13) comprises a coupling receptacle 21, and the other (namely, in the illustrated embodiment, the coupling section 19 of the visor 15) comprises a coupling projection 23 that engages in the coupling receptacle 21 along the pivot axis S.

[0074] The coupling receptacle 21 and the coupling projection 23 are shown in the sectional views of the Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling receptacle 21 is designed as a pot-shaped recess in the helmet body 13, while the coupling projection 23 has a bolt shape. The coupling receptacle 21 and the coupling projection 23 are both bodies of revolution about the pivot axis S.

[0075] The coupling receptacle 21 has a constriction at its opening; furthermore, the coupling projection 23 (although this is not clearly visible in the figures) has a diameter widening in the manner of a mushroom-headed pin, the diameter of which is slightly larger than the diameter of the aforementioned constriction, so that the coupling projection 23 snaps into the coupling receptacle 21 when it engages. In this way, the coupling projection 23 is positively secured in the coupling receptacle 21, although the locking mechanism can be released.

[0076] Furthermore, the coupling projection 23 is additionally secured in the coupling receptacle 21 by the fact that, as long as the coupling projection 23 is arranged along the pivot axis S but does not fully engage in the coupling receptacle 21, the sight 15 is bent upwards due to a bending elasticity of the sight 15 against a restoring force, which pre-tensions the coupling projection 23 in the direction of full engagement in the coupling receptacle 21.

[0077] The Fig. Figure 10 shows an additional view of helmet 11 from an oblique front view, with in Fig. Figure 10 shows the helmet body 13 and the visor 15 separately. This reveals a locking section 25 of the helmet body 13 and a locking section 27 of the visor 15, wherein the locking section 25 of the helmet body 13 comprises a guide slot 29 extending circumferentially around the pivot axis S, and the locking section 27 of the visor 15 comprises a locking projection 31 which has a bolt shape similar to the coupling projection 23.

[0078] In the three aforementioned detent positions, as well as during adjustment between the detent positions, the detent projection 31 engages in the guide slot 29. As particularly evident in Fig. 11 can be seen, which is an enlarged representation of the in Fig. As shown in the marked section 10, the guide slot 29 has three detent sections 35 separated from each other by constricting sections 33, in which the width of the guide slot 29 essentially corresponds to the diameter of the detent projection 31, while it is reduced in the constricting sections 33. The constricting sections 33 are formed by resiliently shaped sections of the edges of the guide slot 29, so that the detent projection 31 can pass by the constricting sections 33 and move from one of the detent sections 35 to another.

[0079] Each of the three locking sections 35 corresponds to one of the three locking positions. In the first locking position, the locking projection 31 is located in the locking section 35 furthest forward (towards the front of the helmet 11), in the second locking position in the middle locking section 35, and in the third locking position in the locking section 35 furthest back. Due to the described design of the guide slot 29, the locking projection 31 engages in the guide slot 29, specifically in the respective locking section 35, upon reaching the respective locking position, thereby holding the visor 15 in the respective locking position.

[0080] The length of the guide slot 29 limits the distance along which the detent projection 31 can be displaced in the guide slot 29, and thus also the adjustability of the visor 15 to the aforementioned detent positions. In particular, the guide slot 29 has an end surface 37 at its rearward end (towards the back of the helmet 11; relative to the pivot axis S in the flip-up direction H), against which the detent projection 31 encounters when it is forced further in the flip-up direction H from the third detent position, in which the visor 15 is pivoted furthest in the flip-up direction H relative to the helmet body 13 about the pivot axis S, so that the end surface 37 prevents further pivoting of the visor 15 in the flip-up direction H beyond this detent position. This third detent position, in which the visor 15 is in the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 and Fig. The position shown in 9 is therefore also a limit position of the sight 15.

[0081] However, by applying a sufficiently large torque, greater than the minimum torque required for adjustment between the detent positions, the sight 15 can still be pivoted beyond the limit position in the upward tilting direction H. This is because such a torque forces the detent projection 31, which engages the end surface 37, out of the guide slot 29, allowing the sight 15 to pivot further.

[0082] The coupling section 17 of the helmet body 13 and the coupling section 19 of the visor 15 each have a thrust section 39 and 41, respectively. The thrust sections 39 and 41 are designed to act upon each other with respect to the pivot axis S in the direction of rotation when the visor 15 is pivoted beyond the limit position of the visor 15 in the upward tilting direction H.

[0083] The thrust section 39 of the coupling section 17 of the helmet body 13 has a leading edge 43, which is formed by a section of the rim of an outer recess 45 of the helmet body 13. The recess 45 is a through-opening of the helmet body 13, which primarily serves as a ventilation opening. The coupling section 17 of the helmet body 13 with the coupling receptacle 21 is arranged at least substantially in this recess 45, namely projecting into the through-opening.

[0084] The compression section 41 of the coupling section 19 of the visor 15 is formed by each of the ends 49 of the extension of the visor 15 along the outside of the helmet body 13 from the aforementioned first side of the helmet 11 to the opposite second side of the helmet 11. When the visor 15 is pivoted in the upward flip-up direction H beyond the limit position about the pivot axis S, a contact section 47 of this compression section 41, which projects radially outwards with respect to the pivot axis S, is forced with respect to the pivot axis S in the direction of rotation against the aforementioned ramp 43 of the compression section 39 (cf. Fig. 9, Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14).

[0085] The ramp 43 is inclined in such a way that it partially deflects the force acting in the rotational direction into an axial direction, and the contact section 47 is thereby guided along the ramp 43 along a path that, in addition to directional components in the rotational direction, also has directional components in the axial direction and consequently corresponds to a helix around the pivot axis S. Inevitably, this forces the interacting pushing sections 39, 41 and – due to the largely rigid structure of the coupling sections 17, 19 – also the coupling sections 17, 19 as a whole, apart in the axial direction with respect to the pivot axis S, i.e., displaced from one another, thereby also forcing the coupling projection 23 out of the coupling receptacle 21.

[0086] The Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig. Figure 14 illustrates this process, although most of the reference symbols have been omitted in these figures to allow for closer comparison. However, which elements of helmet 11 are visible in these figures can be clearly seen by comparison with the Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9, since the Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 each the same section in corresponding sectional view as the Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. Show 9.

[0087] However, the visor 15 is located in the Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 unlike in the Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9 is not in any of the locking positions, but is pivoted 10°, 20° or 30° beyond the limit position in the folding direction H. In doing so, in the Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 can be seen as follows: with increasing swivel angle, the contact section 47 is guided along the ramp 43 and thereby also displaced in the axial direction, and as a consequence, the coupling projection 23 moves further and further out of the coupling receptacle 21. When the sight 15 is swivelled in the upward tilting direction H by approximately 30° beyond the limit position, the coupling projection 23 has finally left the coupling receptacle 21 (cf. Fig. 14) namely, due to the aforementioned mirror symmetry on both sides of the helmet 11, at least essentially simultaneously, so that the visor 15 is no longer coupled to the helmet body 13 and can fall off the helmet body 13.

[0088] This detachment of the visor 15 from the helmet body 13 is a direct consequence of a sufficiently large torque acting on the visor 15 in the upward flip-up direction H to exceed the limit position. If this occurs, for example due to a fall or other impact against the visor 15, the visor 15 automatically detaches from the helmet body 13 in a defined manner. Since the coupling sections 17, 19 (as well as the aforementioned locking sections 25, 27) are specially designed for this purpose, the visor 15 is not simply torn off the helmet body 13, and no other damage occurs to the helmet body 13 or the visor 15. Advantageously, the detachment is reversible, meaning the visor 15 can subsequently be reattached to the helmet body 13.Despite the automatic release mechanism, the coupling between the visor 15 and the helmet body 13 is very reliable and, due to the defined adjustability between the locking positions, also comfortable. Reference sign 11 Helmet 13 helmet bodies 15 visor 17 Coupling section of the helmet body 19 Coupling section of the sight 21 Coupling recording 23 coupling advantage 25 Resting section of the helmet body 27 Resting section of the sight 29 guide slots 31 Rastvorsprung 33 Narrowing section 35 Snap-in section 37 End surface 39 Push section of the coupling section of the helmet body 41 Push section of the coupling section of the sight 43 Approach ramp 45 In-depth study 47 Contact section 49 End of the visor's extension H Folding direction S swivel axis

Claims

[1] Helmet (11), in particular a two-wheel helmet, with a shock-absorbing helmet body (13) and a visor (15) which are coupled to each other on two opposite sides of the helmet (11) by forming on each side a coupling section (17) of the helmet body (13) and a coupling section (19) of the visor (15), one of which comprises a coupling receptacle (21) and the other of which comprises a coupling projection (23) which engages in the coupling receptacle (21) along a pivot axis (S), wherein the intervention is such that the visor (15) is pivotable relative to the helmet body (13) about the pivot axis (S), characterized by , that the coupling section (17) of the helmet body (13) and the coupling section (19) of the visor (15) each have a pushing section (39 or 41) and that these pushing sections (39 or 41) are designed to act upon each other with respect to the pivot axis (S) in the direction of rotation when the visor (15) is pivoted in an upward direction (H) beyond a limit position of the visor (15), and thereby force the coupling sections (17, 19) axially apart with respect to the pivot axis (S), so that the coupling projection (23) is forced out of the coupling receptacle (21). [2] Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the visor (15) has an elasticity which pre-tensions the coupling projection (23) in the direction of engagement with the coupling receptacle (21). [3] Helmet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling receptacle (21) and the coupling projection (23) are designed such that the coupling projection (23) engages when engaging the coupling receptacle (21). [4] Helmet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pushing sections (39, 41) are designed such that, when the sight (15) is pivoted by 45° or more beyond the limit position, the coupling sections (17, 19) are forced axially apart to such an extent that the coupling projection (23) leaves the coupling receptacle (21), wherein the pushing sections (39, 41) are preferably designed such that, when the sight (15) is pivoted by 30° or more beyond the limit position, the coupling sections (17, 19) are pushed apart axially to such an extent that the coupling projection (23) leaves the coupling receptacle (21). [5] Helmet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the two pushing sections (39, 41) has a ramp (43) against which a contact section (47) of the other pushing section (39 or 41) is pushed when the visor (15) is pivoted in the flip-up direction (H) beyond the limit position, whereby the contact section (47) is guided along the ramp (43) along a path which corresponds at least substantially to a section of a helix about the pivot axis (S). [6] Helmet according to claim 5, wherein the contact section (47) projects radially outwards with respect to the pivot axis (S). [7] Helmet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the visor (15) extends along an outer surface of the helmet body (13) between two opposite ends (49) of the visor (15) and the pushing section (41) of the coupling section (19) of the visor (15) is formed by one of these two ends (49). [8] Helmet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling section (17) of the helmet body (13) is arranged in an outer recess (45) of the helmet body (13), which is preferably a through-opening of the helmet body (13), and the pushing section (39) of the coupling section (17) is formed by a section of an edge of the recess (45). [9] Helmet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling section (17) of the helmet body (13) and the coupling section (19) of the visor (15) are configured such that the coupling projection (23) remains in the coupling receptacle (21) when the visor (15) is pivoted from the limit position against the direction of upward tilting (H). [10] Helmet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the helmet body (13) and the visor (15) each have a locking section (25 or 27) and in two or more different locking positions of the visor (15), one of which corresponds to the limit position and in the others the visor (15) is pivoted relative to the limit position against the flip-up direction (H), one of these locking sections (25, 27) engages with the other in order to hold the visor (15) in the respective locking position. [11] Helmet according to claim 10, wherein the locking section (25) of the helmet body (13) comprises a guide slot (29) extending circumferentially around the pivot axis (S), and the locking section (27) of the visor (15) comprises a locking projection (31) which engages in the guide slot (29) in the locking positions and when adjusting between the locking positions, and wherein the adjustability of the visor (15) is limited by the length of the guide slot (29) as long as the locking projection (31) engages in the guide slot (29). [12] Helmet according to claim 11, wherein the detent projection (31) and the guide slot (29) are designed such that the detent projection (31) releases from the guide slot (29) when, in the limit position, a torque is applied to the visor (15) in the flip-up direction (H) which is greater than, preferably at least twice as large as, a torque which is at least required for adjustment between the detent positions.

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