Helmet with an adjustable headband

Abstract

A headband (2) comprises a band (5) forming part of a ring around the user's head. An adjustment device (6) adjusts the circumference of the ring by moving one end of the band (5), which is fixed to an anchor point (9) movable relative to the body. A rotary actuator (10) is functionally linked to the adjustment device (6) by means of a transmission such that the rotation of the rotary actuator (10) causes the anchor point (9) to move. The adjustment device (6) comprises a threaded section (11) and a nut (12). Since the nut (12) and the threaded section (11) form a helical connection, the rotation of the rotary actuator (10) causes the nut (12) to move along the threaded section (11). The nut (12) or the threaded section (11) moves along a longitudinal axis of the threaded section (11) and supports the anchor point (9).

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a helmet equipped with an adjustable headband. State of the art

[0002] In many fields, particularly mountaineering and working at heights, helmet use is common. To improve ergonomics, helmets with an adjustable headband are frequently used. Depending on the model, the headband is adjustable in circumference or shape. The headband is typically a ring whose circumference can be adjusted to fit the user's head size.

[0003] The headband has one or two bands and an adjustment mechanism that allows the overlap between the bands or the end of the band to be modulated. Document EP0558427 describes a helmet with a ring-shaped headband and a ratchet system for adjusting the headband circumference, which is fixed to the shell. The ratchet system allows the headband circumference to be modulated, as well as the frontal and occipital portions of the headband to be moved relative to the shell. This solution is complex to implement and expensive. This embodiment is interesting but requires adjustment via multiple predefined notches. It is possible to adjust the front and rear portions of the headband independently.

[0004] It is also known to provide an adjustment mechanism using a cord attached to the helmet shell. The cord is connected to a clamp, such as a tanka-type clamp, which deforms the neckband portion of the headband to adjust the circumference. Only the rear portion of the headband is adjustable. US patent 2015 / 0327617 discloses a protective helmet equipped with a neckband that deforms to adapt to the size of the head.

[0005] It appears that prior art configurations are not always very practical to use, so it seems necessary to improve the head circumference configuration.

[0006] US patent 2020 / 121014 discloses a helmet with a two-part headband, the neckband section of which is movable relative to the front section to determine the head circumference. The headband adjustment system has two bands, each with a notch that engages with a toothed wheel on a rotary actuator. Rotating the toothed wheel in either direction increases or decreases the head circumference.

[0007] Document KR2001-0096086 discloses a helmet for correcting congenital deformities. The helmet has several air bags arranged on supports that are movable relative to each other. The arrangement of the supports is defined by a threaded rod that connects two adjacent supports.

[0008] Document GB 737,511 describes the preamble of claim 1. It discloses a helmet equipped with a shell and an adjustable headband. The headband has two bands. The first band is shaped like a ring and passes through the front wall of the shell. The first band defines two lateral slides with an occipital portion attached to the occipital portion of the shell. The second band is associated with adjustment means and passes through the two lateral slides to move the occipital portion of the second band and modulate the circumference of the headband.

[0009] US patent documents 3,787,894 and 2,503,432 disclose helmets with adjustable headbands. The headbands have two adjustment mechanisms with threaded sections that act on two occipital ends of the headband to modulate the circumference. US patent 3,787,894 discloses a configuration where the adjustment device is fixed within the shell and fixes the position of the occipital portion of the headband. US patent 2,503,432 discloses the attachment of the headbands to the side walls of the shell. Description of the invention

[0010] One object of the invention is to overcome these disadvantages, and more particularly to provide a helmet whose head circumference is easier to use than prior art configurations and in particular with a better fineness of adjustment.

[0011] These drawbacks are addressed by means of a helmet according to the attached claims. The invention is described in the attached set of claims. Description of the drawings

[0012] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations 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 a helmet; the figure 2 , schematically illustrates a perspective view of a head circumference according to one embodiment; the figure 3 , schematically illustrates a view from below of the head circumference shown in the figure 2 without the rotary actuators; the figure 4 , schematically illustrates a perspective view of the head circumference shown in the figure 2 with both headbands removed from the two adjustment devices; the figure 5, schematically illustrates an exploded view of a head circumference represented at the figure 2 ; there figure 6 , schematically illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a head circumference adjustment device. Detailed description

[0013] There figure 1 represents a protective helmet 1 equipped with a headband 2 that is adjustable in circumference. figures 2 , 3 , 4 And 5 represent a head circumference 2 which has a ring whose circumference is adjustable.

[0014] The protective helmet 1 includes a shell 3 made of a material that prevents it from folding back on itself. The shell 3 may preferably be made of plastic material, for example injected polycarbonate or ABS, or expanded polystyrene or polypropylene, or any other plastic material, in particular injected plastic, thermoformed plastic, or foam.

[0015] The shell 3 comprises a front portion 3a located at the front, i.e., near the user's forehead, and an occipital portion 3b located at the rear. The front portion 3a is separated from the occipital portion 3b by two lateral portions 3c, right and left respectively. The protective helmet 1 has a headband 2 with a front and a rear portion. The rear portion may be a neck strap 4. The headband 2 is attached to the shell 3 to form a ring designed to go around the user's head.

[0016] The headband 2 has one or more connectors configured to attach the headband 2 to the cap 3. The connection between the headband 2 and the cap 3 can be removable or fixed. The connectors can define rigid or flexible connections between the headband 2 and the cap 3. The attachment of the headband 2 to the cap 3 can be achieved with only rigid connections, only flexible connections, or a combination of one or more rigid and one or more flexible connections.

[0017] The headband 2 has at least one first band 5 and at least one first adjustment device 6. The first band 5 forms at least part of the ring. The first adjustment device 6 is configured to adjust the circumference of the ring. The first band 5 is designed to come into contact with the head to rest on it and support the cap 3.

[0018] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 2 to 6 , the headband 2 has a first band 5 and a second band 7 as well as a first adjustment device 6 and a second adjustment device 8. The first adjustment device 6 and the second adjustment device 8 are configured to adjust the circumference of the ring.

[0019] Depending on the configuration, the first adjustment device 6 and the second adjustment device 8 may operate independently or not. In one configuration, the first adjustment device 6 and the second adjustment device 8 may act on both the front and rear portions of the ring during adjustment. Alternatively, one of the first adjustment device 6 and the second adjustment device 8 may act on the front portion of the ring while the other acts on the rear portion. Depending on the configuration, the first adjustment device 6 and the second adjustment device 8 may operate simultaneously or independently over time.

[0020] In a configuration not forming part of the object for which protection is sought, a single headband is used and goes around the user's head with the first adjustment device 6. The first adjustment device 6 is attached to at least one end of the headband 5. In another configuration according to the invention, several headbands are used, preferably two headbands as illustrated. The first adjustment device 6 moves the first headband 5 and the second headband 7 to modify the circumference of the ring. It is also possible for the ring to be formed partly by the cap 3. In an example not forming part of the object for which protection is sought, the front part of the ring is formed by the cap and the first headband 5 forms the rear part of the ring. The reverse configuration is also possible.

[0021] The first adjustment device 6 is configured to adjust the circumference of the ring by moving one end of the first band 5. The first end of the first band 5 moves relative to the shell 3. The first adjustment device 6 has a first body intended to be fixed to the shell 3 of the protective helmet 1. The first body can be mounted removable or non-removable relative to the shell 3. The first body can be fixedly mounted on the shell 3 or slightly movable relative to the shell.

[0022] The headband 2 has a first anchor point 9 which is mounted movably relative to the first body. The first anchor point 9 is mounted movably relative to the cap 3. The end of the first band 5 is fixed to the first anchor point 9. The end of the first band 5 can be mounted removable or non-removable relative to the first anchor point 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the end of the first band 5 defines a hole, preferably a through hole 5a. The first anchor point 9 is formed by a stud that fits into the hole to fix the first end of the first band 5 to the first anchor point 9. An opposite configuration, with the end of the first band 5 having a stud and a first anchor point 9 defining a hole, is possible. Another system for fixing the end of the first band 5 to the first anchor point 9 is possible.

[0023] To modify the circumference of the ring, the headband 2 has a first rotary actuator 10 functionally linked to the first adjustment device 6 by means of a first transmission, such that the rotation of the first rotary actuator 10 causes the first anchor point 9 to move relative to the first body. The first rotary actuator 10 is actuated by rotation, that is, it rotates around its axis of rotation, and the rotation of the first rotary actuator 10 causes the first anchor point 9 and the end of the first band 5 to move relative to the first body and relative to the cap 3, thus increasing or decreasing the circumference of the ring.

[0024] To provide continuous adjustment of the ring's circumference and thus more easily adapt to the user's precise circumference, the first adjustment device 6 comprises a first main threaded section 11 with a first thread pitch and a first main nut 12. The first main nut 12 and the first main threaded section 11 form a helical connection. Rotation of the first rotary actuator 10 causes the first main nut 12 to move along the first main threaded section 11, or vice versa. At least one of the first main nut 12 and the first main threaded section 11 moves along a longitudinal axis of the first main threaded section 11 and supports the first anchor point 9.

[0025] In the illustrated configuration, the first anchor point 9 is fixedly mounted on the first main nut 12. The rotation of the first rotary actuator 10 causes the rotation of the first main threaded section 11, which in turn causes the first main nut 12 to move relative to the body along the longitudinal axis of the first main threaded section 11. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the first main threaded section 11 moves only in rotation about an axis of rotation that corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the first main threaded section 11. The first band 5 is fixed to the first main nut 12, and the rotation of the first rotary actuator 10 results in a translation of the first anchor point 9.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, the first anchor point 9 is mounted on the first main threaded section 11. The rotation of the first rotary actuator 10 causes the rotation of the first main nut 12, which in turn causes the rotation of the first main threaded section 11. The first band 5 is fixed to the first main threaded section 11. The rotation of the first actuator 10 causes the rotation of the first main nut 12 and the translation of the first threaded section 11. The first threaded section 11 moves relative to the cap 3 by translating along the longitudinal axis of the first threaded section 11.

[0027] Other configurations, more or less complex and with a more or less significant footprint, are possible which use at least the first main threaded section 11 and the first main nut 12 to move the first anchor point 9 when the first rotary actuator 10 rotates.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotary actuator 10 is mounted around a rotating shaft 13, which is fixed to the first body of the first adjusting device 6. In an alternative embodiment, the first rotary actuator 10 is positioned at a distance from the first body. The first rotary actuator 10 is functionally connected to the helical linkage by means of the first transmission, which includes a flexible transmission shaft. The first transmission may also be a cable or any other means of transmitting the rotational torque applied to the first rotary actuator as a force or torque to the first adjusting device 6.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous to use a helical linkage between the first main nut 12 and the first main threaded section 11 to adjust the ring's circumference. This mechanical linkage allows for precise and continuous adjustment of the ring's circumference. The helical linkage allows the first main nut 12 to be moved relative to the first main threaded section 11 and maintains the position of the first main nut 12 relative to the first main threaded section 11 when a force is applied to either the first main nut 12 or the first main threaded section 11. The first rotary actuator 10 allows for adjustment of the ring's circumference, but forces applied to the headband have little or no effect on the displacement of the first main nut 12 relative to the first threaded section 11.The same function is achieved in an adjustable wrench which also uses a helical linkage.

[0030] In an embodiment illustrated on the figures 2 to 5The headband 2 has a second band 7 that forms at least part of the ring. The first adjustment device 6 has a first secondary threaded section 14 with a second thread pitch. A first secondary nut 15 slides along the first secondary threaded section 14. One end of the second band 7 is fixed to a first additional anchor point 16, which is supported by one of the first secondary nut 15 and the first secondary threaded section 14. The first adjustment device 6 has two threaded sections 11 and 14 with two nuts 12 and 15 arranged to define two helical links. The two helical links are connected at two different points on the ring. Preferably, the two helical links allow the circumference of the ring to be modified in its front and rear parts to maintain the centering of the helmet 1 relative to the user's median frontal plane.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous to provide that the first rotary actuator 6 is functionally linked to the first primary helical joint and the first secondary helical joint. The first primary helical joint is formed by the first primary threaded section 11 and the first primary nut 12. The first secondary helical joint is formed by the first secondary threaded section 14 and the first secondary nut 15.

[0032] In a particular configuration, the first main helical linkage and the first secondary helical linkage are mechanically linked by an additional transmission that allows the first helical links to be actuated simultaneously. In this way, the rotation of the first rotary actuator 10 simultaneously actuates the first main helical linkage and the first secondary helical linkage. Preferably, for a predefined rotation of the first rotary actuator 10, the first main helical linkage generates a first displacement value of the first main anchor point 9 that differs from the displacement value of the first secondary anchor point 16.

[0033] This difference in displacement length can be obtained by a difference in the rotational speed of the first helical joint relative to the rotational speed of the second helical joint. In the embodiment illustrated in the figure 6 The additional transmission can be formed by a set of gears, at least one belt, or any other equivalent device that introduces this difference in rotational speeds. Alternatively or in addition, the first main threaded section 11 has a first thread pitch different from the second thread pitch of the first secondary threaded section 14.

[0034] In another configuration, the first main threaded section 11 and the first secondary threaded section 14 are each independently connected to the first rotary actuator 10.

[0035] The use of two mobile anchor points 9 and 16 which are linked to two bands or to two ends of the band allows better management of the centering of the cap relative to the median frontal plane for different circumferences of the ring.

[0036] It is preferable to have a ratio between the first and second screw threads that keeps the median frontal plane of the head aligned with the median frontal plane of the helmet. It is advantageous to have a first screw thread that is larger than the second thread so that a one-turn rotation of the first rotary actuator has a greater effect on the front portion of the ring than on the rear portion.

[0037] The realization of a first adjustment device 6 having a first main threaded section 11 and a first secondary threaded section 14 can take different forms.

[0038] In one particular embodiment, the first main threaded section 11 belongs to a first threaded rod, and the first secondary threaded section 14 belongs to a second threaded rod. In the illustrated configuration, the first threaded rod and the second threaded rod are functionally linked to the first rotary actuator 10 such that the rotation of the first rotary actuator 10 simultaneously drives the rotation of the first and second threaded rods. The first and second threaded rods can be functionally linked to the first rotary actuator 10 by the first transmission or by the first and a second transmission such that the rotation of the first rotary actuator 10 drives the rotation of the first and second threaded rods.

[0039] As illustrated in the figure 6The first threaded rod can be linked to the second threaded rod by one or more gears, allowing the rotational speed of the first and second threaded rods to be differentiated for a given rotational speed of the first rotary actuator. The gear(s) can be replaced by a belt or any other equivalent transmission system. Alternatively, or in combination, the first rotary actuator 10 is connected to the first threaded rod by a first transmission, and the first rotary actuator 10 is connected to the second threaded rod by a second transmission. The first transmission can be different from the second transmission to modify the rotational speed of the first threaded rod relative to the second threaded rod for a given rotational speed of the first rotary actuator 10.

[0040] In another embodiment, the first main threaded section 11 and the first secondary threaded section 14 belong to the same first threaded rod.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first main threaded section 11 is separated from the first secondary threaded section 14 by a connecting zone 17. The first transmission applies a force to the connecting zone 17 to rotate the first main threaded section 11 and the first secondary threaded section 14. In an advantageous configuration illustrated in the figure 5 The first transmission has a gear that meshes with the first threaded rod.

[0042] When the first rotary actuator 10 is fixed to the first body of the first adjusting device 6, it is advantageous for the first rotary actuator 10 to be in the form of a toothed wheel with grooves running around its periphery. These grooves mesh with other grooves formed on the periphery of the first threaded rod. The rotation of the first rotary actuator 10 causes the rotation of the first threaded rod. The grooves form the connecting area 17.

[0043] More generally, the first rotary actuator 10 is preferentially connected to the first threaded rod on a connection zone 17 which is located between the first main threaded section 11 and the first secondary threaded section 14. This configuration makes it easier to have a connection zone 17 which is substantially fixed relative to the cap 3, that is to say, it does not move in translation along the longitudinal axis of the threaded rod.

[0044] To make adjusting the circumference of the ring easier, it is advantageous to use a first adjustment device 6 and a second adjustment device 8. The use of two adjustment devices makes it possible to increase, preferably double, the adjustment range of the circumference of the ring.

[0045] Preferably, a second adjustment device 8 is used, which is identical or substantially identical to the first adjustment device 6. The second adjustment device can have one of the multiple configurations defined above. The configuration of the second adjustment device 8 is independent of that of the first adjustment device 6.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, a second rotary actuator 18 is used which is connected to the second adjusting device 8 by means of a second transmission.

[0047] The second adjusting device 8 is configured to adjust the circumference of the ring. The second adjusting device 8 is provided with a second main threaded section 19 with a first thread pitch and a second main nut 20. The second main nut 20 and the second main threaded section 19 form a helical connection. At least one of the second main nut 20 and the second main threaded section 19 moves along a longitudinal axis of the second main threaded section 19 and supports a second main anchor point. The second main anchor point is mounted to move relative to the second body of the second adjusting device 8. The second main anchor point is fixed to another end of the first band 5 or to another band 7. The second adjusting device 8 is connected to the first rotary actuator 10 or to a second rotary actuator 18 by a second transmission.The rotation of the first or second rotary actuator causes the second main nut 20 to move along the second main threaded section 19.

[0048] It is advantageous that the second adjusting device 8 has a second secondary threaded section 22 which cooperates with a second secondary nut 23 to form a second secondary helical linkage. The operation of the helical linkage is identical to that described previously for the first adjusting device 6.

[0049] The second adjusting device 8 may have one or two threaded rods. The first band 5 is fixed to the main anchor points and the second band 7 is fixed to the secondary anchor points. In the illustrated embodiment, the second anchor points are formed by the two nuts 20 and 23.

[0050] It is advantageous to install the first adjustment device 6 and the second adjustment device 8 as a right and a left adjustment device, respectively. Using two adjustment devices, 6 and 8, increases the range of circumference adjustment and / or reduces the size of each adjustment device. It is then easier to integrate the adjustment device within the volume defined by the shell 3. It is also easier to install the adjustment device within the thickness of the foam that is positioned between the shell 3 and the user's head.

[0051] Preferably, the first thread value of the first adjustment means 6 is identical to the first thread value of the second adjustment means 8. The same is preferably true for the value of the second threads.

[0052] In the second adjustment device, the second main threaded section 19 is separated from the second secondary threaded section 22 of the second threaded rod by a linkage area 17 which is functionally connected with the second transmission in order to be actuated by the second rotary actuator 18.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiments, the first rotary actuator 10 is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the wall of the shell 3 at its anchor point. This configuration makes it easier to integrate the first rotary actuator 10 within the internal volume of the helmet, delimited by the shell 3. This configuration also makes it easier to adjust the head circumference when the helmet is worn without having to change the configuration of the shell 3.

[0054] In another embodiment, the first rotary actuator 10 is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation that is parallel or substantially parallel to the wall of the dome 3 at its anchoring point. It is advantageous to create an opening in the dome 3 to access and rotate the first rotary actuator 10.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiments, each adjustment device 6 and 8 is fixed directly to the cap 3 and each adjustment device 6 and 8 defines a rotation axis 13 which is fixedly arranged for the rotation of the rotary actuator 10 and 18.

[0056] In a particular embodiment, the first rotary actuator 10 is connected to the first adjusting device 6 by a first transmission and to the second adjusting device 8 by a second transmission. The first and second transmissions allow the rotational torque from the first rotary actuator 10 to the first adjusting device 6 and to the second adjusting actuator 8 to be transmitted.

[0057] In one particular embodiment, the first rotary actuator 10 is mounted on the rear portion of the cap 3 and is connected to the first adjusting device 6 and the second adjusting device 8 mounted on the right and left sides of the cap 3 by a first transmission and a second transmission. In an alternative embodiment, the first rotary actuator 10 is mounted on a different portion of the cap 3.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiments, the first body of the first adjusting device 6 and the second body of the second adjusting device 8 are formed by two shells 6a or 8a which enclose the threaded rod(s).

[0059] There figure 6 illustrates an embodiment with two threaded rods that are mechanically connected to each other by two gears so that the two threaded rods rotate simultaneously. The embodiment of the figure 6 also illustrates the actuation of the two threaded rods by a gear system 24.

[0060] Preferably, the headband 2 is equipped with a neck strap 4, that is, a rear portion of the ring which is mounted to rotate relative to the front portion of the ring. It is advantageous for the rotation shafts of the neck strap to be formed by the anchor points so that the rotation shafts are movable and moved by the first rotary actuator 10.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiments, each adjustment device has a body which is fixedly mounted to the cap 3 by means of a connector defining a rigid connection.

Claims

1. Protection helmet (1) provided with a crown (3) and a headband (2) attached to the crown (3), the headband (2) comprising: - a ring designed to pass round a user's head; - at least a first strip (5) and a second strip (7) forming at least a part of the ring; - at least a first attachment point (9), the end of the first strip (5) being fixed to the first attachment point (9), the first attachment point (9) being movable to define the circumference of the ring, - a first adjustment device (6) having a first body fixed to the crown (3), the first adjustment device (6) being configured to adjust a circumference of the ring by moving the first attachment point (9) and the end of the first strip (5) with respect to the first body, the first adjustment device (6) comprising a main first threaded section (11) with a first thread and a main first nut (12), the main first nut (12) and the main first threaded section (11) forming a helical link, rotation of a first rotary actuator (10) causing movement of the main first nut (12) along the main first threaded section (11), at least one of the main first nut (12) and the main first threaded section (11) moving along a longitudinal axis of the main first threaded section (11) and supporting the first attachment point (9), the first attachment point (9) and the end of the first strip moving the longitudinal axis of the main first threaded section (11) and comprising a secondary first threaded section (14) with a second thread, a secondary first nut (15) sliding along the secondary first threaded section (14), the secondary first nut (15) and the secondary first threaded section (14) forming a helical link, - the first rotary actuator (10) functionally connected to the first adjustment device (6) by means of a first transmission so that rotation of the first rotary actuator (10) results in movement of the first attachment point (9) with respect to the first body; characterised in that one end of the second strip (7) is attached to a first additional attachment point (16) supported by one of the secondary first nut (15) and the secondary first threaded section (14); in that the two helical links of the main first threaded section (11) and the secondary first threaded section (14) adjust the circumference of a front part and a rear part of the ring to maintain a centering of the helmet (1) relative to a median frontal plane of the user; and in that the first adjustment device (6) is attached to a lateral portion of the crown (3).

2. Protection helmet (1) according to claim 1 wherein the value of the first thread is different from the value of the second thread.

3. Protection helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the main first threaded section (11) belongs to a first threaded rod and the secondary first threaded section (14) belongs to a second threaded rod, the first threaded rod and the second threaded rod being functionally connected to the first rotary actuator (10) by the first transmission or by the first transmission and a second transmission so that rotation of the first rotary actuator (10) causes rotation of the first threaded rod and the second threaded rod.

4. Protection helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the main first threaded section (11) and the secondary first threaded section (14) belong to a same first threaded rod.

5. Protection helmet (1) according to claim 4, wherein the main first threaded section (11) is separated from the secondary first threaded section (14) by a connecting area (17), the first transmission applying a force to the connecting area (17) to rotate the first threaded rod.

6. Protection helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a second adjustment device (8) configured to adjust the circumference of the ring, the second adjustment device (8) being provided with a main second threaded section (19) with a first thread pitch and a main second nut (20), the main second nut (20) and the main second threaded section (19) forming a helical link, at least one of the main second nut (20) and the main second threaded section (19) moving along a longitudinal axis of the main second threaded section (19) and supporting a second attachment point, the second attachment point being mounted movably relative to the second body of the second adjustment device (8), the second attachment point being attached to another end of the first strip (5) or to another strip (7), the second adjustment device (8) being connected to the first rotary actuator (6) or to a second rotary actuator (10) by a second transmission, the rotation of the second rotary actuator (18) causing the main second nut (20) to move along the main second threaded section (19).

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