Safety system for a protective helmet and method for securing the wearing of such a helmet

Abstract

The invention relates mainly to a safety system (1) for a protective helmet (2), which helmet (2) comprises a protective shell (3) and a strap (4) having an actuable fastener (5) between an open configuration in which the user is permitted to put on and take off the shell (2), and a closed configuration in which the strap (4) comes into contact with the user's lower jaw to prevent the removal of the shell (3), characterized in that the safety system (1) comprises means for detecting (6) at least the open configuration of the strap (4), means for emitting an alarm signal (8) and means for controlling said detection means and said means for emitting the alarm signal (8) which are configured to control the emission of an alarm signal when the open configuration of the strap (4) is detected.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a safety system for a protective helmet such as a construction site helmet, cyclist helmet or motorcyclist helmet. PRIOR ART AND DISADVANTAGES OF PRIOR ART

[0002] For safety reasons, and often to comply with the law, workers in certain professions, as well as cyclists and motorcyclists, wear protective helmets designed to protect their heads in the event of falling objects or falls to the ground.

[0003] Such a protective helmet typically comprises a rigid protective shell intended to cover at least the user's skull and the inner face of which is covered - most of the time - with a shock-absorbing protective material. Such a helmet also comprises means for attaching the shell to the user's head and preventing the helmet from being removed unintentionally. Typically, these means are formed by a strap comprising a fastener, generally a buckle. Once the shell is placed on the user's head and the strap is attached, the latter comes into contact with the lower jaw of said user, typically under or on the chin. These means for attaching the shell are generally referred to as a chin strap.

[0004] However, user error in handling the helmet may limit the protection it offers. OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome the above disadvantages of known protective helmets. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a safety system for a protective helmet, which helmet comprises a protective shell intended to cover at least the skull of a user and a strap comprising a fastener operable between an open configuration in which the putting on and taking off of the shell by the user is permitted, and a closed configuration in which the strap comes into contact with the lower jaw of the user to prevent the removal of the shell, which safety system comprises means for detecting at least the open configuration of the strap, means for emitting an alarm signal and means for controlling said detection means and said means for emitting the alarm signal which are configured to control the emission of an alarm signal when the open configuration of the strap is detected.

[0007] The security system of the invention may also include the following optional features considered in isolation or in all possible technical combinations: The system comprises second means for detecting the shell pressed onto the user's head connected to the control means, which control means are configured to control the generation of an alarm signal when the shell is pressed onto the user's head. The system comprises a timer connected to the control means, which control means are configured to introduce a determined time delay between the detection of the open configuration of the strap and the emission of the alarm signal. The control means, the means for emitting the alarm signal, the second means for detecting the shell pressed onto the user's head and the timer are integrated in a waterproof housing secured to the shell or the strap. The means for emitting the alarm signal comprise at least one light emitting device and / or one sound emitting device.The means for detecting the open configuration of the strap comprise at least one of a capacitive sensor, an electrical contactor, a verticality detector. The second means for detecting the shell pressed onto the user's head comprise at least one of an electrical contactor or a capacitive sensor.

[0008] The invention also relates to a protective helmet comprising a shell, a strap and a safety system as described previously.

[0009] The invention also relates to a method for securing the wearing of a helmet comprising a shell for protecting the skull of a user, a strap comprising a fastener operable between an open configuration in which the putting on and taking off of the shell by the user is permitted and a closed configuration in which the strap comes into contact with the lower jaw of the user to prevent the removal of the shell, and a safety system comprising at least means for detecting at least the open configuration of the strap, means for emitting an alarm signal and means for controlling said detection means and said means for emitting the alarm signal, which method comprises the successive steps of: Detection of the open configuration of the strap by the control means; Sending a command to transmit an alarm signal by the control means to the means for transmitting said alarm signal, and Transmitting the alarm signal while the strap is in its open configuration.

[0010] The method of the invention may also include the following optional characteristics considered in isolation or in all possible technical combinations: The security system comprises a timer, and the method comprises the following additional steps: Starting a first time delay following detection of the open configuration of the strap and prior to sending a command to transmit an alarm signal; Starting a second time delay concomitantly with the step of sending a command to transmit the alarm signal. Stopping the transmission of the audible signal The security system comprises second means for detecting the shell pressed onto the user's head, and in that the command to transmit the alarm signal is sent if the second detection means detect that the shell is indeed pressed onto the user's head. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0011] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description given below, for information purposes only and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figure: [ Fig. 1] There figure 1 represents a perspective view of a protective helmet according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is first of all specified that the figure essentially represents an embodiment of the subject of the invention but that there may be other embodiments which meet the definition of the invention.

[0013] In reference to the figure 1, the protective helmet 2 comprises a rigid shell 3 - made of metal or plastic - the concave inner face of which is lined with a shock-absorbing material, for example a dense polymeric foam. The protective helmet 2 also comprises a strap 4 secured to the shell 3 and which comprises a mechanical or magnetic fastener 5. The strap 4 may also comprise earpieces for protecting the user's ears. This strap 4 can be actuated by the user between an open configuration in which the user can put on and take off the shell 3, and a closed configuration in which the strap 4 comes into contact with the user's lower jaw to prevent the shell 3 from being removed. Typically, the strap 4 in the closed configuration comes into contact with the lower jaw under or on the user's chin.

[0014] The helmet depicted on the figure 1is a bowl helmet, but the invention also applies, and in a non-limiting manner, to a full-face helmet, a cycling helmet, a construction helmet.

[0015] According to the invention, the helmet 2 comprises a security system 1 which is designed to detect at least the open configuration of the strap 4 of the helmet 2. Thus, the user wearing the helmet 2 without having closed the strap 4 is warned by an alarm generated by said security system 1.

[0016] The security system 1 comprises a waterproof housing 7 in which are integrated means for transmitting at least one alarm signal 8, a timer, means for detecting the shell 3 which is pressed onto the user's head, and control means.

[0017] The control means are typically a programmable electronic card comprising a processor, a memory storage space in which at least one software is installed for managing the different elements of the security system 1.

[0018] The means 8 for transmitting an alarm signal comprise, for example, a buzzer-type loudspeaker or a light-emitting diode connected to the control means and controlled by the latter. Alternatively, when the transmission means 8 comprise a light-emitting diode, the latter is offset from the housing 7 to be arranged on the shell 3 so as to be in the user's field of vision when the latter is wearing the helmet 2.

[0019] The timer, connected and controlled by the control means, makes it possible to generate time delays between two signals, for example between the reception of a signal coming from the means for detecting the shell 3 pressed on the user's head and a command to transmit an alarm signal.

[0020] The means for detecting the shell pressed onto the user's head comprise an electrical contactor of the micro-contactor type, or a magnetic switch of the flexible reed relay type, connected and controlled by the control means. When the user puts on the shell 3, his head comes into contact with the electrical contactor which then sends a signal to the control means. Note that when the box 7 is installed on the strap 4, the means for detecting the shell 3 pressed onto the head are offset inside the shell 3.

[0021] According to an alternative, the means for detecting the shell 3 pressed onto the user's head comprise a capacitive sensor connected and controlled by the control means. When the user puts on the shell 3, a variation in the capacitance of the sensor occurs, which is detected by the control means.

[0022] The security system 1 comprises means 6 for detecting at least the open configuration of the strap 4, and more generally the open configuration and the closed configuration of the strap 4.

[0023] These means 6 for detecting the open or closed configuration of the strap 4 comprise a capacitive sensor 9 connected and controlled by the control means. This capacitive sensor 9 is a conductive wire integrated - for example sewn - into the strap 4. When the user wears the helmet 2 and closes the strap 4, the conductive wire 9 comes into contact with the user's skin, which causes the capacitance of said conductive wire 9 to vary. Thus, the capacitance of the conductive wire 9 is different depending on whether the strap 4 is open or closed. The capacitance value is sent to the control means, which thus detect the configuration of the strap 4.

[0024] Alternatively, the means 6 for detecting the open or closed configuration of the strap 4 comprise a verticality detector, using a ball or mercury. When the user wears the helmet 2 and closes the strap 4, the detector is horizontal, whereas when the strap 4 is open, the detector tends to be vertical. The horizontality or verticality signal is sent to the control means, which thus detect the configuration of the strap 4.

[0025] According to another alternative, the means 6 for detecting the open or closed configuration of the strap 4 comprise an electrical contactor, which sends an electrical signal to the control means when the strap 4 is closed. In particular, this contactor may be a magnetic relay when the attachment 5 of the strap 4 is itself magnetic. The reception or non-reception of the electrical signal by the control means allows them to detect the configuration of the strap 4.

[0026] The safety system 1 also comprises power supply means - typically a rechargeable battery - for powering all the elements of said safety system 1. Finally, the control means are configured to put the system 1 on standby, in particular when the helmet 2 is not being worn, or when the strap 4 is in its closed configuration, so as to save battery charge.

[0027] A method for securing the wearing of the helmet 2 of the invention - that is to say comprising the detection system 1 of the invention - will now be described.

[0028] As long as the helmet 2 is not worn, then the sensor in question does not detect that the shell 3 is pressed onto the user's head. The control means therefore keep the safety system 1 on standby.

[0029] As soon as a user puts the helmet 2 on his head, the sensor in question detects that the shell 3 is pressed onto the head of said user and sends this information to the control means: the security system 1 then exits standby mode.

[0030] The control means then interrogate the state of the detection sensor 6 of the configuration of the strap 4. If this sensor 6 returns a signal associated with the closed configuration of the strap 4, then the control means put the security system 1 on standby.

[0031] If, on the contrary, the sensor considered 6 returns a signal associated with the open configuration of the strap 4, then the control means controls the timer which starts a first time delay corresponding to a determined time interval between the reception of the signal indicating the open configuration of the strap 4 and the emission of a control signal intended for the means for emitting an alarm signal 8. For example and in a non-limiting manner, this time interval is 30 seconds.

[0032] At the end of this first time delay, if the configuration of the strap 4 is still open, then the control means send a control signal to the alarm signal transmission means 8, and said means 8 then transmit an audible signal and / or a light signal. This alarm signal is interrupted by the control means if the latter receive, before the end of the time delay, a signal coming from the sensor in question 6 and indicating the closed configuration of the strap 4.

[0033] At the same time as sending the control signal to the alarm signal transmission means 8, the control means control the timer which starts a second time delay corresponding to a determined time interval between sending the signal to the alarm signal transmission means 8 and putting the security system 1 into standby. In other words, if at the end of the time delay established by the second time delay the strap 4 is still in the open configuration, the security system 1 nevertheless goes into standby to save battery power, and the alarm signal will no longer be transmitted by the transmission means 8. For example and in a non-limiting manner, the time delay is 60 seconds.

[0034] The invention therefore makes it possible to secure the wearing of the helmet 2 for the user, and to prevent the latter from losing his helmet 2 in the event of an accident.

Claims

1. Safety system (1) for a protective helmet (2), which helmet (2) comprises a protective shell (3) intended to cover at least the skull of a user and a strap (4) comprising a fastener (5) operable between an open configuration in which the putting on and taking off of the shell (2) by the user is permitted, and a closed configuration in which the strap (4) comes into contact against the lower jaw of the user to prevent the removal of the shell (3), characterized in that the security system (1) comprises means (6) for detecting at least the open configuration of the strap (4), means for emitting an alarm signal (8) and means for controlling said means for detecting and said means for emitting the alarm signal (8) which are configured to control the emission of an alarm signal when the open configuration of the strap (4) is detected.

2. System (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises second means for detecting the shell pressed onto the user's head connected to the control means, which control means are configured to control the generation of an alarm signal when the shell (3) is pressed onto the user's head.

3. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a timer connected to the control means, which control means are configured to introduce a determined time delay between the detection of the open configuration of the strap (4) and the emission of the alarm signal.

4. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe control means, the means for transmitting the alarm signal (8), the second means for detecting the shell (3) pressed onto the user's head and the timer are integrated into a waterproof housing (7) secured to the shell (3) or the strap (4).

5. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for emitting the alarm signal (8) comprise at least one light emitting device and / or one sound emitting device.

6. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (6) for detecting the open configuration of the strap (4) comprise at least one of a capacitive sensor (9), an electrical contactor, a verticality detector.

7. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe second means for detecting the shell (3) pressed onto the user's head comprise at least one of an electrical contactor or a capacitive sensor.

8. Protective helmet (2) comprising a shell (3), a strap (4) and a safety system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Method for securing the wearing of a helmet (2) comprising a protective shell (3) for the skull of a user, a strap (4) comprising a fastener (5) operable between an open configuration in which the putting on and taking off of the shell (3) by the user is permitted and a closed configuration in which the strap (4) comes into contact against the lower jaw of the user to prevent the removal of the shell (3), and a safety system (1) comprising at least means for detecting (6) at least the open configuration of the strap (4), means for transmitting an alarm signal (8) and means for controlling said detection means and said means for transmitting the alarm signal (8), which method comprises the successive steps of: • Detection of the open configuration of the strap (4) by the control means;• Sending a command to transmit an alarm signal by the control means to the means for transmitting said alarm signal (8), and • Transmitting the alarm signal while the strap (4) is in its open configuration.; 10. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the security system (1) includes a timer, and in that the method comprises the following additional steps: • Launching a first time delay following detection of the open configuration of the strap (4) and prior to sending a command to transmit an alarm signal; • Launching a second time delay concomitantly with the step of sending a command to transmit the alarm signal. • Stopping the transmission of the audible signal.

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the safety system (1) comprises second means for detecting the shell (3) pressed onto the user's head, and in thatthe alarm signal emission command is sent if the second detection means detect that the shell (3) is firmly pressed onto the user's head.

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