Protective helmet with movable chin guard

The chin guard locking system with elastically deformable parts addresses the issue of unreliable chin bar locking in modular helmets, ensuring secure and lightweight operation by absorbing impacts and preventing accidental unlocking.

EP4338635B1Active Publication Date: 2025-11-05ROOF INT
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2023197976
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-09-19
Filing Date
2023-09-18
Publication Date
2025-11-05
Estimated Expiration
2043-09-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing modular helmets lack reliable locking mechanisms for the chin bar in the raised position, which are not protected from direct impacts and are not sufficiently resistant to multiple impacts, leading to potential breakage or deformation, and increasing weight and bulk is not feasible.

Method used

A chin guard locking system with elastically deformable connecting parts, featuring a strap made of elastomeric material, allows the chin bar to be securely locked in the raised position, absorbing impacts and preventing accidental unlocking.

Benefits of technology

The system ensures the chin bar remains securely in the raised position, dissipates energy during impacts, and maintains helmet reliability while being lightweight and easy to use.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Protective helmet, comprising: a shell (2); a chin guard (3) movable relative to the shell (2) between a lowered position (A) and a raised position; and at least one locking system (7) for the chin guard in the raised position which has: a first connecting part (8) mounted on the chin guard (3) and a second connecting part (9) mounted on the shell (2), configured so that, in the raised position, the first connecting part (8) is capable of being removably attached to the second connecting part (9); and at least one of the first and second connecting parts (8, 9) comprises a portion (10) configured to deform elastically during an unlocking action so as to detach the first connecting part (8) from the second connecting part (9).
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to protective helmets, in particular helmets equipped with a chin strap capable of being raised backwards, and more particularly helmets for motorcyclists. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Currently, there are helmets, called modular helmets, equipped with a shell and a chin bar that rotates on the shell, allowing the chin bar to be raised towards the rear. When the chin bar is in the raised position, the helmet allows, in particular, riding in hot weather. Conversely, in the lowered position, known as the full-face position, the chin bar provides jaw protection and allows for safe riding equivalent to that offered by a full-face helmet.

[0003] One example is French patent application FR2784553 A1, which discloses a protective helmet. However, this helmet does not allow the chin bar to be held in the raised position to prevent any unwanted rotation. Indeed, it can be advantageous to provide means to keep a helmet's chin bar locked in its various usage configurations, particularly during pre-market testing (radial impacts, rotational impacts, chin bar dislodgement, etc.).

[0004] Furthermore, most modular helmets feature a chin bar locking system in the down position, with the locking mechanism located below an impact zone. This means the locking system is protected from direct impacts. Conversely, the chin bar in the up position is within the defined impact zone, which is why the locking mechanisms in the up position are not protected from direct impacts. Moreover, these locking systems are not sufficiently resistant to multiple direct impacts. Therefore, to withstand (without breakage or deformation) the significant energy stored during an impact, it would be necessary to considerably increase the cross-sectional areas of the components, resulting in increased weight and bulk, which is not feasible for a motorcycle helmet.

[0005] Patent EP2816917 B1 describes the preamble of claim 1. SUMMARY

[0006] One object of the invention is to overcome all or part of these drawbacks, and more particularly to provide a protective helmet adapted to ensure the reliability of locking the rotation movement of the chin guard in the raised position.

[0007] Another objective is to provide a protective helmet that is simple to use and as lightweight as possible.

[0008] The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the examination of the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0009] The invention is described in the attached set of claims.

[0010] A protective helmet is offered, including: a shell; a chin rest; and a chin rest articulation system so as to move the chin rest relative to the shell between a lowered position and a raised position.

[0011] The protective helmet includes at least one chin guard locking system in the raised position which features: a first connecting part mounted on the chin bar and a second connecting part mounted on the shell, configured such that, in the raised position, the first connecting part can be removably attached to the second connecting part by a locking action from an unlocked configuration of the chin bar to achieve a locked configuration of the chin bar, and such that the first connecting part can be detached from the second connecting part by an unlocking action from the locked configuration of the chin bar; at least one of the first connecting part and the second connecting part comprising a portion configured to deform elastically during the unlocking action so as to detach the first connecting part from the second connecting part one of the first and second connecting parts includes a strap of which at least one section corresponding to the portion is made of elastomeric material.

[0012] Thus, elastic deformation is necessary to release the chin bar from the locked position. This only occurs through a deliberate action and prevents accidental unlocking in the event of an impact to the helmet, such as during a fall. The elastically deformable portion absorbs such impacts. This type of locking system is capable of withstanding impacts and deformation while ensuring the chin bar remains securely and permanently in the raised position. The locking system dampens the chin bar's movement during impacts, which significantly dissipates energy.

[0013] Another aspect not part of the subject of the protection sought concerns a method of using the helmet, including locking the chin guard in the raised position and / or unlocking the chin guard in the raised position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: there figure 1 schematically illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a protective helmet where the chin guard is in a lowered position; the figure 2 schematically illustrates a side view of the protective helmet shown in the illustration. figure 1 , where the chin bar is in a raised position; the figure 3schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a locking system where the chin rest is in an unlocked configuration; the figure 4 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of the locking system shown in the figure 3 where the chin rest is in a transitional configuration due to a locking action; the figure 5 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of the locking system shown in the figure 3 where the chin bar is in a locked configuration; the figure 6 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of the locking system shown in the figure 3 where the chin rest is in a transitional configuration due to an unlocking action; the figure 7 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a locking system, where the chin rest is in an unlocked configuration; the figure 8illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of the locking system shown in the figure 7 where the chin rest is in a transitional configuration due to a locking action; the figure 9 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of the locking system shown in the figure 3 where the chin bar is in a locked configuration; the Figure 10 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of the locking system shown in the figure 3 where the chin rest is in a transitional configuration due to an unlocking action; the figures 11 to 14 schematically illustrate top views of different embodiments of a locking system; the figure 15 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view along the cutting plane AA of the figure 14 ; there figure 16 schematically illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a locking system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments and implementations of the invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively are stated below.

[0016] According to one example, the portion is further configured to deform elastically during the locking action.

[0017] According to one example, the other of the first and second connecting parts includes a finger and the strap includes a through hole into which the finger is inserted in the locked configuration.

[0018] According to one example, the finger comprises a trunk and a head situated at a distal end of the trunk, the insertion or withdrawal of the finger relative to the through hole causing an elastic deformation of said at least one section of the strap.

[0019] According to one example, the through hole is able to deform elastically during the insertion or removal of the finger relative to the through hole.

[0020] According to an example, a diameter of the through hole is strictly less than a diameter of the head.

[0021] In one example, a wall of the through-hole surrounds the trunk of the finger in the locked configuration.

[0022] According to one example, the strap belongs to the first connecting part.

[0023] According to one example, in the locked configuration, a longitudinal axis of the strap is located on a tangent to the path of movement of the chin guard relative to the shell between the lowered position and the raised position.

[0024] According to one example, the strap is mounted removably on at least one of the chin strap and the shell.

[0025] In one example, the strap includes a gripping tab at one of its longitudinal edges.

[0026] According to one example, the strap is movably mounted on at least one of the chin guard and the shell, between an inactive position in which the strap is detached from the other of the chin guard and the shell and an active position in which the strap holds the chin guard in the locked configuration.

[0027] According to one example, the strap is configured so that, in the inactive position, the strap is removably attached to at least one of the chin strap and the shell on which the strap is movablely mounted.

[0028] According to one example, the strap is mounted movable around a primary axis, the through hole extends along a secondary axis and the finger extends along a tertiary axis, the strap being configured so that, in the raised position, when the chin strap is in the unlocked configuration, a distance between the primary axis and the secondary axis is strictly less than a distance between the primary axis and the tertiary axis.

[0029] According to one example, the helmet includes two locking systems at two opposite sides of the shell.

[0030] For example, the helmet includes a locking system on one side of the shell. This provides a locking system that can be unlocked with one hand, which is advantageous for a motorcyclist who can keep their other hand on the handlebars.

[0031] According to one example, the helmet includes at least one additional locking system configured to lock the chin guard relative to the shell in an intermediate position between the lowered and raised positions.

[0032] According to one example, the strap includes a reinforcement configured to prevent elastic deformation of the portion from causing an elongation of the strap greater than or equal to a predetermined elongation.

[0033] For example, the determined elongation is strictly less than an elongation that would cause the portion to break.

[0034] According to one example, the strap includes a first mounting area intended to be mounted on one of the shell and the chin strap and a second mounting area intended to be mounted on the other of the shell and the chin strap, the reinforcement forming a closed loop surrounding the first and second mounting areas.

[0035] On the Figures 1 And2 An embodiment of a protective helmet 1, in particular a motorcycle helmet, is shown. The helmet 1 comprises a shell 2, a chin guard 3 mounted on the shell 2, and a chin guard 3 hinge system 4. The helmet 1 may further include a visor 5 located in front of the shell 2. Furthermore, the hinge system 4 is configured to move the chin guard 3 relative to the shell 2 between a lowered position A, illustrated in the figure 1 , and a raised position R, illustrated in the figure 2 Helmet 1 is also described as a modular helmet. In particular, the chin bar 3 is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation 6 between the lowered position A and the raised position R. The chin bar 3 describes a circular trajectory 17, as illustrated in the figure 2Alternatively, the articulation system 4 can be configured to move the chin rest 3 along complex trajectories, for example elliptical, spiral, etc.

[0036] More specifically, the protective helmet 1 includes at least one locking system 7 for the chin guard 3 in the raised position R. On the figures 3 to 10Various embodiments of the locking system 7 have been shown. The locking system 7 is configured to removably attach the chin guard 3 in the raised position R to the shell 2. Thus, in the raised position R, the chin guard 3 can be held attached to the shell 2, i.e., it is immobile and cannot be moved except by intentionally detaching the chin guard 3. Generally, the locking system 7 comprises a first connecting part 8 mounted on the chin guard 3 and a second connecting part 9 mounted on the shell 2. The first and second connecting parts 8 and 9 are configured so that, in the raised position R, the first connecting part 8 can be removably attached to the second connecting part 9. That is to say, the first connecting part 8 can also be detached from the second connecting part 9.Furthermore, the first connecting part 8 is capable of being attached to the second connecting part 9 by a locking action from an unlocked configuration D of the chin rest 3 so as to reach a locked configuration V of the chin rest 3. In other words, when the chin rest 3 is in the raised position R, the chin rest 3 can be in an unlocked configuration D, illustrated in the. figures 3 And 7 , or in a locked V configuration, illustrated in figures 2 , 5 And 9In the unlocked configuration D, the first connecting part 8 is detached from the second connecting part 9, and the chin bar 3 can be moved between the lowered position A and the raised position R. Conversely, in the locked configuration V, the first connecting part 8 is attached to the second connecting part 9, and the chin bar 3 is held in the raised position R. Furthermore, switching from the locked configuration V to the unlocked configuration D is achieved by unlocking the chin bar 3.

[0037] At least one of the first and second connecting parts 8, 9 includes a portion 10 configured to deform elastically during the unlocking action so as to detach the first connecting part 8 from the second connecting part 9. Advantageously, the portion 10 is further configured to deform elastically during the locking action. The elastic deformation of one connecting part 8, 9 allows it to be brought closer to the other connecting part 9, 8 until the two connecting parts 8, 9 are in contact with each other, and more specifically, to attach the first part 8 to the second part 9. Indeed, before the locking action V, the chin strap 3 is either in the lowered position A or in the raised position R and in the unlocked configuration D, such that the first connecting part 8 is away from the second part 9.When the first part 8 is moved away from the second part 9, the two connecting parts 8 and 9 are not in contact with each other. Thus, during the locking action, and because the portion 10 is elastically deformable, the first part 8 can be attached, or conversely detached, with respect to the second part 9.

[0038] For example, the elastically deformable portion 10 includes tensile restoring means. The tensile restoring means may include a tension spring, for example, a metal tension spring.

[0039] One of the first and second connecting parts 8, 9 comprises a strap 11, at least one section 110 of which is made of elastomeric material. In other words, at least one section 110 of the strap 11 corresponds to the elastically deformable portion 10. Generally, at least one section 110 of the strap 11 is elastically deformable. The section 110 may be the entire strap 11, or a portion of the strap 11. The strap 11 may comprise several elastically deformable sections 110. The section 110 may be made of rubber or of a thermoplastic elastomer, for example, a polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer.

[0040] For example, the other of the first and second connecting parts 9, 8 includes a finger 12, and the strap 11 includes a through hole 13 into which the finger 12 is inserted in the locked configuration V. The finger 12 may include a shaft 14 and a head 15 located at a distal end of the shaft 14. In this case, the insertion or removal of the finger 12 relative to the through hole 13 causes an elastic deformation of at least a section 110 of the strap 11.

[0041] According to one embodiment, illustrated in figures 3 to 6The through hole 13 is capable of elastic deformation during the insertion or withdrawal of the finger 12 relative to the through hole 13. In particular, the through hole 13 is formed in at least one section 110 of the strap 11. For example, a diameter of the through hole 13 is strictly smaller than a diameter of the head 15. The diameters are measured along a longitudinal axis X along which the strap 11 extends. Thus, when the chin rest 3 is moved into the raised position R, the chin rest 3 is initially in the unlocked configuration D. Then, the locking action is performed, which consists of bringing the first connecting part 8 towards the second connecting part 9, by inserting the head 15 of the finger into the through hole 13, as illustrated in the figure 4In particular, the head 15 of the finger 12 passes through the through hole 13. For example, an insertion force F1 is applied to the first connecting part 8, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The through hole 13 deforms elastically to allow the passage of the head 15, until the chin rest 3 reaches the locked configuration V, as illustrated in the figure 5After the passage of the head 15, and in the locked configuration V, the through hole 13 returns to its initial shape. For example, a wall 16 of the through hole 13 surrounds the shaft 14 of the finger 12 in the locked configuration V. It can be noted that when the diameter of the head 15 is strictly greater than that of the through hole 13, the head 15 acts as a stop for the first connecting part 8 and to prevent accidental unlocking of the chin strap 3. Thus, unlocking the chin strap 3 requires a deliberate unlocking action by the user. To unlock the chin strap 3, the unlocking action is performed, from the locked configuration V, by detaching the first part 8 from the second connecting part 9, as illustrated in the figure. figure 6For example, a retraction force F2 is applied to the first part 8, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and in the opposite direction to the insertion force F1 applied during the locking action. To facilitate unlocking, the retraction force F2 can be applied to an end portion of the first connecting part 8. During unlocking, the through hole 13 deforms to allow the finger 12 to be withdrawn from the through hole 13. The necessary deformation of the through hole 13 to allow unlocking the chin strap 3 prevents any unintentional detachment of the first connecting part 8 due to shocks, vibrations, etc. For example, the strap 11 may include a gripping tab 18 located at the end portion of the strap 11, as illustrated in the figure 7 Alternatively, the gripping tab 18 can be located at one of the longitudinal edges of the strap 11, as illustrated in Figures 1And 2 .

[0042] Advantageously, a stop can be provided, not illustrated for the sake of simplicity, on the shell 2 and intended to cooperate with the chin rest 3 in the raised position R, in order to stop the movement of the chin rest 3. The stop allows control of the position of the first connecting part 8 with respect to the position of the second connecting part 9, when the chin rest 3 is in the raised position R, in order to facilitate the attachment of the first connecting part 8 to the second connecting part 9.

[0043] Preferably, the strap 11 belongs to the first connecting part 8.

[0044] On the figure 2, we have represented an embodiment in which, in the locked configuration V, the longitudinal axis X of the strap 11 is located on a tangent to the trajectory 17 of movement of the chin rest 3 relative to the shell 2 between the lowered position A and the raised position R. In this case, the strap 11 makes it possible to generate a maximum holding force of the chin rest 3 relative to the shell 2.

[0045] Advantageously, the strap 11 is removably mounted on at least one of the chin strap 3 and the shell 2. In this case, the strap 11 can be removed from the helmet, to be stored when the user wishes to use the chin strap 3 in the lowered configuration A, in particular to lighten the helmet 1.

[0046] According to another embodiment, the strap 11 is movably mounted on at least one of the chin strap 3 and the shell 2. Furthermore, the strap 11 can be both movably and removablely mounted on at least one of the chin strap 3 and the shell 2. The strap 11 can be mounted movably to rotate about a main axis 19. For example, the helmet 1 includes a rivet 30 for mounting the strap 11 on the chin strap 3 and allowing it to rotate about the main axis 19. In particular, the strap 11 is movable between an inactive position S1, illustrated in the figure 1 , and an active position S2, illustrated in the figure 2 . In the inactive position S1, the strap 11 is detached from the other between the first and second connecting parts 9, 8. In the active position S2, the first connecting part 8 is attached to the second connecting part 9 and the strap 11 maintains the chin strap 3 in the locked configuration V.

[0047] Advantageously, the strap 11 is configured so that, in the inactive position S1, the strap 11 is removably attached to at least one of the chin rest 3 and the shell 2 on which the strap 11 is movably mounted. Thus, when the strap 11 is in the inactive position S1, for example when the chin rest 3 is in the lowered position A, the strap 11 can be attached to prevent it from being moved, particularly during riding, and from hindering the user. For example, the strap 11 is movably mounted on the chin strap 3, and the gripping tab 18 can have a "U" shape to form a groove configured to receive an edge of the chin strap 3. Thus, in the inactive position S1, the gripping tab 18 forms a clamp which grips the edge of the chin strap 3 and allows the strap 11 to be held attached to the chin strap 3 by pinching.Generally, the strap 11 can be held in the inactive position S1 by removable fastening means. For example, the removable fastening means can be magnetic, pressure-type (such as snap fasteners), or hook-and-loop fasteners (i.e., fasteners comprising first fastening elements with hooks that cooperate with second receiving elements equipped with textile loops). The strap 11 can be moved intentionally between the inactive position S1 and the active position S2, and vice versa.

[0048] According to another embodiment, illustrated in figures 7 to 10The strap 11 is mounted on at least one of the chin strap 3 and the shell 2, at the level of the main axis 19. The through hole 13 extends along a secondary axis 20, and the finger 12 extends along a tertiary axis 21. Advantageously, the strap 11 is movably mounted around the axis of the main axis 19, between the inactive position S1 and the active position S2. "Extends along an axis" means an element whose length extends along that axis. The secondary axis 20 may be an axis of symmetry of the through hole 13. The through hole 13 may be circular, oblong, or elliptical. The tertiary axis 21 can be an axis of symmetry of the finger 12. The strap 11 is further configured so that, in the raised position R, when the chin strap 3 is in the unlocked configuration D, a distance L1 between the main axis 19 and the secondary axis 20 is strictly less than a distance L2 between the main axis 19 and the tertiary axis 21.The distances L1, L2 are measured along the longitudinal axis X. Thus, elastic deformation is required to lock and unlock the chin rest 3. That is to say, when the locking action is performed, the section 110 deforms elastically to bring the through hole 13 to the level of the finger 12 in order to insert the finger 12 into the through hole 13, as illustrated in the figure. figure 8In this case, the through hole 13 is moved so that the secondary axis 20 coincides with the tertiary axis 21. For example, a force F3 is applied along the longitudinal axis X and towards the other connecting part 9, in order to deform section 110 of the strap 11. Section 110 may be the part of the strap 11 on which the through hole 13 is formed. Section 110 may be the part of the strap 11 located between the main axis 19 and the secondary axis 20. Section 110 may also be the entire strap 11. Alternatively, the strap 11 may be fixedly mounted on at least one of the chin strap 3 and the shell 2 at a fixing point through which the main axis 19 passes. For example, the strap 11 may be fixedly mounted using a screw, rivet, snap fastener, hook, etc. The strap 11 can also be mounted on the shell 2 or the chin strap 3, by means of a pivot, sliding pivot, or translationally mobile connection.To unlock the chin guard 3, the unlocking action is performed, from the locked configuration V, by detaching the first part 8 from the second connecting part 9, as illustrated in the . Figure 10For example, another retraction force F4 is applied to the first part 8, directed along the longitudinal axis X and to move it away from the other connecting part 9, in order to deform the section 110 of the strap 11. According to another variant, the strap 11 may include an eyelet 40, made of metal or thermoplastic, placed within the through hole 13. The section 110 is located between the main axis 19 and the eyelet 40. In this case, the through hole 13 corresponds to the orifice of the eyelet 40. Furthermore, the through hole 13 has a diameter strictly larger than the diameter of the head 15 of the finger 12 so as to allow the finger 12 to be inserted into the through hole 13 during the locking action, and the finger 12 to be withdrawn during the unlocking action.

[0049] According to other embodiments, illustrated in figures 11 to 16The strap 11 may include a reinforcement 200. For example, the reinforcement 200 is integrated into the core of the strap 11, i.e., knotted within the strap 11. The purpose of the reinforcement 200 is to limit the extension of the elastomer portion 10 of the strap 11. Generally, the reinforcement 200 is configured to prevent the elastic deformation of portion 10 from causing the strap 11 to elongate by more than a predetermined amount. For example, the predetermined elongation is strictly less than the elongation that would cause portion 10 to break. One purpose of the reinforcement 200 is to prevent portion 10 from breaking when the chin strap 3 is in the raised position R and in the locked configuration V during impacts, particularly during impacts on the chin strap 3 due to an accident, such as a fall.Indeed, during impacts when the chin bar is in the raised position (R) and locked (V), the stress and elongation of the strap 11 are significantly greater, which can lead to the rupture of the elastomer portion 10 of the strap 11. The reinforcement aims to limit this elongation during impacts. In other words, the elastomer portion 10 of the strap 11 can stretch to a sufficient extent to cause partial or total rupture of the strap 11. To limit the elongation of the elastomer portion 10 of the strap 11 to a controlled extension, preferably below the material's breaking point, the reinforcement 200 ensures a stop at a predetermined maximum elongation.Furthermore, the elongation of the elastomer portion 10 ensures proper functioning of the locking system 7, and also dampens the forces applied to the chin strap 3 during impacts, particularly by absorbing energy during rotational impacts, namely by allowing one connecting part 8, 9 to move closer to the other connecting part 8, 9. Thus, the reinforcement 200 is configured so as not to lock the strap 11 in its rest position, but to act as a lock after a given elongation distance. This elongation distance can vary depending on the material and cross-section of the elastomer. The reinforcement 200 therefore allows the elastomer portion 10 of the strap 11 to extend to allow the connecting parts 8, 9 to come together, then the reinforcement 200 acts to suddenly block the strap 11 from the locking system 7 and thus stop the elongation of the strap 11, in particular the elongation of the portion 10.Preferably, the reinforcement 200 is sufficiently rigid to prevent breakage upon impact. Alternatively, however, the reinforcement 200 may possess elastic properties and also have elongation, preferably with an elongation strictly less than that of portion 10. Advantageously, the strap 11 comprises a first mounting zone 201 for mounting on one of the shell 2 and the chin strap 3, and a second mounting zone 202 for mounting on the other of the shell 2 and the chin strap 3. The reinforcement 200 forms a closed loop surrounding the first and second mounting zones 201 and 202. The mounting zones 201 and 202 are also referred to as attachment points. Thus, during the locking action, the strap 11 is attached to the shell 2 and the chin strap 3 via these two respective attachment points.In this case, the reinforcement 200 forms a closed loop around the two attachment points, the one on the chin guard 3 and the one on the shell 2. The reinforcement 200 can be made of metal, plastic, composite, elastomer, fabric or fiber... For example, as illustrated in the . figures 11 to 15 The reinforcement 200 is made using braided plastic or composite material (e.g., polyester braid, polyester / carbon braid, polyethylene fiber braid, nylon braid, etc.). Reinforcement 200 can therefore be created by overlocking the reinforcement 200 onto the webbing 11 using a braided plastic fiber. For example, the braid passes through holes 203, as illustrated in the diagrams. Figures 11 and 12 , or 204 housing units, as illustrated on the figure 13 , provided in strap 11, and closes into a loop by knots or any other means of joining the ends of the braid. For example, the closed loop is formed by a loop having two crossed strands, as illustrated in the figure 12 According to another example, illustrated in the figure 16 The strap 11 has two guides 207 and the closed loop is formed by a loop having two strands in contact respectively with the two guides 207 so as to hold the two strands in a central part of the strap 11. According to another example, illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 A groove 205 is provided on a contour of the strap 11, and the reinforcement 200 is housed within the groove 205 so that the reinforcement 200 forms a closed loop passing around the mounting areas 201, 202. According to another variant illustrated in the figure 13The strap 11 has a through-hole 206, and the reinforcement 200 passes through a first slot 204, exits the first slot 204 to open into the through-hole 206, and passes through a second slot 204, then exits the second slot 204 outside the strap 11. Thus, the reinforcement 200 can pass through each slot 204 and alternately through the through-hole 206 and outside the strap 11 after each passage through a slot 204. The helmet 1 may include two locking systems 7 located respectively at two opposite sides 41, 42 of the shell 2. Preferably, the helmet 1 includes a single locking system 7 at one side 41, 42 of the shell 2.

[0050] The helmet 1 may further include at least one additional locking system 43 configured to lock the chin guard 3 relative to the shell 2 in an intermediate position, not shown for the sake of simplicity, between the lowered position A and the raised position R. More particularly, the additional locking system 43 includes a third connecting part 44 mounted on the shell 2 and configured to cooperate with the first connecting part 8 mounted on the chin guard 3.

[0051] The helmet just described is simple to use, particularly lightweight, and allows for safe riding regardless of the different positions of the chin guard.

Claims

1. Safety helmet, comprising: - a shell (2); - a chin guard (3); - an articulation system (4) for the chin guard so as to move the chin guard (3) relative to the shell (2) between a lowered position (A) and a raised position (R); and - at least one system (7) for locking the chin guard in the raised position (R) which has: o a first connecting part (8) mounted on the chin guard (3) and a second connecting part (9) mounted on the shell (2), configured so that, in the raised position (R), the first connecting part (8) is capable of being removably attached to the second connecting part (9) by a locking action from an unlocked configuration (D) of the chin guard so as to achieve a locked configuration (V) of the chin guard, and so that the first connecting part (8) is able to be detached from the second connecting part (9) by an unlocking action from the locked configuration (V) the chin guard; o at least one of the first connecting part (8) and the second connecting part (9) comprising a portion (10) configured to deform elastically during the unlocking action so as to detach the first connecting part (8) from the second connecting part (9); characterised in that one of the first and second connecting parts (8, 9) comprises a strap (11) at least one section (110) of which corresponding to the portion (10) is made of elastomer material.

2. Helmet according to the preceding claim, wherein the portion (10) is further configured to deform elastically during the locking action.

3. Helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the other of the first and second connecting portions (9, 8) comprises a finger (12), and the strap (11) comprises a through hole (13) into which the finger (12) is inserted in the locked configuration (V).

4. Helmet according to the preceding claim, wherein the finger (12) comprises a trunk (14) and a head (15) located at a distal end of the trunk (14), the insertion or withdrawal of the finger (12) relative to the through hole (13) causing an elastic deformation of said at least one section (110) of the strap (11).

5. Helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the strap (11) belongs to the first connecting part (8).

6. Helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in the locked configuration (V), a longitudinal axis (X) of the strap (11) is located on a tangent to the path (17) of movement of the chin guard (3) relative to the shell (2) between the lowered position (A) and the raised position (R).

7. Helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the strap (11) is removably mounted on at least one of the chin guard (3) and the shell (2).

8. Helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the strap (11) comprises a grip tab (18) at one of its longitudinal edges.

9. Helmet according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the strap (11) is movably mounted on at least one of the chin guard (3) and the shell (2), between an inactive position (S1) wherein the strap (11) is detached from the other of the chin guard (3) and the shell (2) and an active position (S2) wherein the strap (11) holds the chin guard (3) in the locked configuration (V).

10. Helmet according to the preceding claim, wherein the strap (11) is configured so that, in the inactive position (S1), the strap (11) is removably attached to at least one of the chin guard (3) and the shell (2) on which the strap (11) is movably mounted.

11. Helmet according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the strap (11) is mounted movable about a main axis (19), the through hole (13) extends along a secondary axis (20) and the finger (12) extends along a tertiary axis (21), the strap (11) being configured so that, in the raised position (R), when the chin guard (3) is in the unlocked configuration (D), a distance (L1) between the main axis (19) and the secondary axis (20) is strictly less than a distance (L2) between the main axis (19) and the tertiary axis (21).

12. Helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one additional locking system (43) configured to lock the chin guard (3) relative to the shell (2) in an intermediate position between the lowered position (A) and the raised position (R).

13. Helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strap (11) comprises a reinforcement (200) configured to prevent the elastic deformation of the portion (10) causing an elongation of the strap (11) greater than or equal to a determined elongation.

14. Helmet according to the preceding claim, wherein the determined elongation is strictly less than an elongation causing the portion (10) to break.

15. Helmet according to the preceding claim, wherein the strap (11) comprises a first mounting area (201) intended to be mounted on one of the shell (2) and the chin guard (3) and a second mounting area (202) intended to be mounted on the other of the shell (2) and the chin guard (3), the reinforcement (200) forming a closed loop surrounding the first and second mounting areas (201, 202).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Protective helmet

    FR2784553A1

  • Helmet with removable chin guard

    EP2816917B1

  • Helmet

    US6834398B1