Bag for helmet

Abstract

A bag (200) for storing a helmet (300) in, the bag comprising: - a front section (202); - a rear section (204); and - a storage space (201) defined between the front section and the rear section, which storage space is designed to accommodate the helmet; wherein the bag further comprises a retention element (220) arranged to restrict movement of a chin strap (302) of a helmet positioned in the storage space relative to the bag.

Description

[0001] Title: Bag for helmet

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The aspects and embodiments thereof relate to securely storing helmets.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Many motorised vehicles require a driver and / or passenger to wear a helmet, for safety reasons. Due to their nature, these helmets are often voluminous. A storage compartment may be comprised by the vehicle in which one or more helmets can be stored.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for an approved manner of storing a helmet when the helmet is not in use by a driver or passenger of a vehicle, in particular a motorised vehicle. Preferably, the helmet is stored in a secure manner to deter thieves.

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a bag for storing a helmet in. The bag comprises a front section, a rear section, and a storage space defined between the front section and the rear section, which storage space is designed to accommodate the helmet. Conceivable, the storage space may even be designed to accommodate two or more helmets.

[0009] Preferably, the bag further comprises a retention element arranged to restrict movement of a chin strap of a helmet positioned in the storage space relative to the bag.

[0010] When movement of the chin strap relative to the bag is restricted by virtue of the retention element, part of the bag can be positioned into a storage compartment of a vehicle together with part of the chin strap, without the user having to move the chin strap itself. For any bag disclosed herein, it is preferred that no components or parts have to be connected to the helmet, in particular to the strap of the helmet, in order to connect the helmet to the bag and / or in order to prevent the helmet from being disconnected and / or removed from a vehicle.

[0011] In an open state of the bag - i.e. a state in which the helmet can be placed in the storage space - a top part of the front section may extend above the rear section. As a further option, the top part can be folded towards the rear section, for example to close the bag. When the top part of the front sections extends above the rear section in the open state, the top part of the front section can become aligned with the rear section of the bag in the closed state. This in turn allows the outer ends of both the front section and the rear section to be positioned in the storage compartment of the vehicle. As such, also an opening into the storage space formed between the outer ends of the front section and the rear section can be positioned entirely in the storage compartment of the vehicle.

[0012] When the opening into the storage spacer of the bag is entirely positioned in the storage compartment of the vehicle, access into the bag can be prevented - thereby deterring thieves.

[0013] As a particular example applicable to any bag disclosed herein, the retention element may comprise a passage for accommodating part of a chin strap of a helmet positioned in the storage space. The passage allows the chin strap to be conveniently slid into place, into the passage.

[0014] When the retention element is connected to the rear section of the bag, and the rear section of the bag is at least partially positioned in the storage compartment of the vehicle, the retention element can be positioned in the storage compartment.

[0015] In any bag disclosed herein, the retention element may comprise an elongated rigid body and a retention body, wherein the retention body is exposed and at least part of the elongated rigid body is covered by the bag. The retention body may as such for example be used to couple the retention element to the bag. Any bag disclosed herein may comprise a coupling element arranged to selectively couple the front section and the rear section. When coupled, the bag can be in a closed state in which a helmet cannot pass out of an opening between the front section and the rear section. Selectively implies that the user can preferably operate the coupling element to either couple the front section and the rear section, or to have the coupling element in a noncoupling state.

[0016] Preferably, but not necessarily, the coupling element is connected to the front section of the bag. Even more preferred is that the coupling element is connected to the top part of the front section of the bag.

[0017] As a further option, the coupling element may be arranged to couple with the retention element, in particular in a closed state of the bag.

[0018] Preferably, but not necessarily, the coupling element is arranged to magnetically couple the front section and the rear section. For example, one or more magnets may be comprised by the coupling element. For any coupling element disclosed herein, the coupling element may be a rigid element.

[0019] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an assembly of a vehicle and helmet. The assembly comprises the vehicle, which vehicle comprises a storage compartment and a covering member for covering an opening into the storage compartment in a closed state and the helmet, comprising a helmet body and a chin strap.

[0020] According to the second aspect, the helmet body is positioned outside the storage compartment of the vehicle, and the helmet body is stored in a storage space of a bag, which bag is partially positioned in the storage compartment together with part of the chin strap of the helmet.

[0021] In general, the helmet body is the part of the helmet arranged for protecting the wearer’s head, and will generally be rigid and voluminous, and is for example shaped as a shell. The chin strap refers to those parts of the helmet used to securely fasten the helmet to the wearer’s head, and typically comprises webbing and one or more locking members arranged to couple different sections of webbing. Instead of a chin strap, any other strap of the helmet may be used. It will thus be appreciated that wherever in the present disclosure, the wording “chin strap” is used, also any other strap of the helmet may be implied.

[0022] The bag of the assembly according to second aspect can be any bag according to first aspect with any combination of optional features, or can in general also be any other bag suitable to have a helmet storage in the storage bag and suitable to be partially positioned in the storage compartment of a vehicle together with part of the chin strap of the helmet.

[0023] When the bag comprises a retention element, the retention element of the bag is preferably positioned in the storage compartment of the vehicle.

[0024] When the chin strap of the helmet comprises a locking member, at least part of the locking member is preferably positioned in the storage compartment of the vehicle.

[0025] When the bag comprises a coupling element, the retention element of the bag is preferably positioned in the storage compartment of the vehicle.

[0026] A third aspect provides a method of connecting a helmet to a vehicle, for example using a bag according to the first aspect. Any assembly according to the second aspect may be formed using the method according to the third aspect.

[0027] The method comprises opening a storage compartment of the vehicle and positioning the helmet inside a bag, in any order. The method further comprises positioning part of the bag and at least part of a chin strap of the helmet in the storage compartment, and closing the storage compartment, such that part of the bag and the helmet are positioned outside the storage compartment.

[0028] By virtue of the method, the helmet is securely connected to the vehicle, and furthermore protected by the bag.

[0029] Preferably, the method further comprises connecting the chin strap of the helmet to a retention element of the bag. As such, the chin strap can be moved together with the bag. The retention element may be positioned in the storage compartment prior to closing the storage compartment. In any of the methods disclosed herein, the method may further comprise a step of coupling a front section of the bag with a rear section of the bag prior to closing the storage compartment.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] In the figures,

[0032] Fig. 1 schematically depicts a side view of an assembly of a scooter and a bag;

[0033] Figs. 2A and 2B show schematic rear views of part of the assembly of Fig. 1;

[0034] Fig. 3 shows an isometric rear view of a particular example of a bag for storing a helmet;

[0035] Figs. 4A and 4B respectively show examples of a front panel and a rear panel;

[0036] Figs. 5A and 5B depict in a detailed view two steps in securing a helmet in a bag;

[0037] Fig. 5C shows a particular example of a retention element; and Figs. 6A-6D show an example of a bag.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0039] Fig. 1 schematically depicts a side view of an assembly 100 of a scooter 102 and a bag 200. The scooter 102 is an example of a motorised vehicle on which the driver and / or passenger typically desires to wear a helmet. A scooter 102 typically comprises a frame 104, a front wheel 106, a rear wheel 108, a steering handle 110, and a seat 112 for a driver and / or passenger. A storage compartment may be present under the seat 112.

[0040] It has been observed that the storage compartment underneath the seat 112 may be too small to accommodate one or two helmets, or it is preferred to use the storage compartments to store other items than a helmet. To store one or more helmets, the assembly 100 of Fig. 1 comprises the bag 200. The bag 200 allows one or more helmets to be positioned outside the storage compartment. Because the bag 200 is also partially positioned inside the storage compartment, the bag 200 can be secured in place. In general, the bag may provide a further advantage in protecting the helmet inside the bag from impacts, dirt and / or moisture, and / or to deter thieves.

[0041] As a preference, part of a chin strap of the helmet is positioned inside the storage compartment. As such, it can be prevented that the helmet is removed from the assembly 100 without having to physically damage the helmet - in particular without having to physically damage the chin strap of the helmet - and / or without having to physically damage the vehicle.

[0042] In use, the bag can be clamped between an upright wall forming at least part of the storage compartment, and the covering element covering the storage compartment, such as the seat 112.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, part of the bag and / or helmet which is positioned in the storage compartment may have a thickness which is greater than a spacing between the at least part of the upright wall forming at least part of the storage compartment and the covering element covering the storage compartment.

[0044] Part of the helmet, in particular part of the chin strap such as a locking member, which is positioned in the storage compartment may have a thickness which is greater than a spacing between the at least part of the upright wall forming at least part of the storage compartment and the covering element covering the storage compartment. As such, it may be prevented that the chin strap is removed from the storage compartment without having the open the storage compartment.

[0045] Figs. 2A and 2B show schematic rear views of part of the assembly 100 of Fig. 1. In the situation depicted in Fig. 2A, the storage compartment 114 of the scooter is accessible because the seat has been moved out of the way, for example in a hinging movement. Furthermore, the bag 200 is in an open state, allowing access into a storage space 201 of the bag 200. A helmet 300 is schematically depicted positioned inside the storage space 201. As generally depicted in Figs. 2A and 2B, one or more upright walls 115 of the vehicle 102 define the storage compartment 114. It will be understood that in general, the storage compartment may be formed by any part of the vehicle, or the storage compartment may be a separate component connected to the vehicle. A locking mechanism may be present to allow the user to lock the seat 112 relative to the storage compartment 114 to prevent unallowed access into the storage compartment.

[0046] In the situation depicted in Fig. 2B, the storage compartment 114 of the scooter is covered by the seat 112. This situation may correspond for example to a situation where a scooter is parked and not in use. Any other covering element may alternatively be used to cover any storage compartment disclosed herein. Although the storage compartment is in the figures depicted with an opening at a top side, it will be appreciated that for any storage compartment and any vehicle disclosed herein, an opening at a front side, rear side, or any other side is also envisioned.

[0047] It will be understood that when the bag with the helmet inside is connected to the vehicle, the vehicle may also be moving. For example, a second helmet - for example, next to a first helmet worn by the driver of the vehicle - may as such be securely stored in the bag. The second helmet may be used at a later moment in time, or may have been used in an earlier moment in time, for example by a passenger.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 2B, in the assembly 100, part of the bag 200’ is positioned inside the storage compartment 114. This part 200’ can be clamped in-between the seat 112 and the wall 115, and / or the part 200’ is prevented from passing between the seat 112 and the wall 115 by virtue of a thickness of the part 200’ exceeding a thickness of a possible gap between the seat and the wall 115. However, typically, for example by virtue of weather sealing, there will not be a gap between the seat 112 and the wall 115.

[0049] It will be appreciated that for any bag it is preferred that part of both the front section 202, in particular the top part 207, and part of the rear section 204 are positioned in the storage compartment 114. For closing the bag 200, as for example depicted in Figs. 2A-2B, a top part 207 of the front section 202 can be folded over towards the rear section 204. One or more creases 209 may be formed in the bag 200 to facilitate this folding. Preferably, the one or more creases 209 fold inward towards the storage space 201.

[0050] When it is desired that part of the chin strap 302 of the helmet 300 is positioned in the storage compartment 114, this part has to be already positioned in the storage compartment 114 prior to closing of the storage compartment 114, for example prior to hinging the seat 112 downwards towards the storage compartment 114. To facilitate positioning this part of the chin strap 302, the chin strap 302 can be held in place via a retention element 220 of the bag 200. The retention element 220 is preferably connected to the rear section 204 of the bag 200 - i.e. the section closest to the storage compartment 114 in use.

[0051] By virtue of the strap being held in place by the retention element 220, the strap can be moved together with the retention element 220, and thus together with the bag. The bag 200 can now be positioned with the retention element 220 - and the part of the strap 204 - relative to the storage compartment 114.

[0052] Preferably, but not necessarily, a coupling element 250 may be comprised by the bag 200, which is arranged to couple the front section 202 and the rear section 204 of the bag 200 when the coupling element 250 is connected to or at least positioned at the front section 202 of the bag. In particular, the coupling element 250 is connected to the top part 207 of the front section 202, preferably at or near an outer end of the top part 207.

[0053] Preferably, the coupling element 250 is arranged to couple with the retention element 220. As such, when the bag 200 is closed, a force is required to decouple the coupling element 250 from the retention element 220. Although a magnetic coupling between the coupling element 250 and the retention element 220 is preferred, any of a clamped connection, hook-and- loop connection, snap-fit connection, or any other type of connection may alternatively or additionally be used.

[0054] Because of the force required to decouple the coupling element 250 from the retention element 220, the bag 200 can remain closed with less effort while the storage compartment 114 of the vehicle 102 is closed. Additionally, the weight of the coupling element 250 and / or the retention element 220 may cause the part of the bag 200’ inside the storage compartment 114 to fold downward, over the wall 115.

[0055] Fig. 3 shows an isometric rear view of a particular example of a bag 200 for storing a helmet. The bag 200 in this example comprises a front section 202, a rear section 204, and two side sections 206 positioned inbetween the front section 202 and the rear section 204. In use, typically, the rear section 204 will be oriented closer to the scooter than the front section 202. The bag 200 may be used in any assembly disclosed herein, for example in conjunction with Figs. 1-2B.

[0056] It will be appreciated that for any bag 200 disclosed herein, the front section, rear section, and side sections may be formed by one or more connected panels, in any combination thereof. Figs. 4A and 4B respectively show examples of a front panel 202 and a rear panel 204, which can be connected to form a bag 200, for example by stitching, welding, or gluing. A bottom panel may be optionally further required to form a bag with this front panel and rear panel.

[0057] As other options, the entire bag may be formed from a single panel. Alternatively, the rear section, front section, and side section or side sections may all be formed by separate panel or panels, in any combination thereof. In any option, a separate bottom panel may be used, or the bottom of the bag may be formed by any one or more of the other panels. The terms front section, rear section, and side section thus do not necessarily do a particular panel or component, but rather to the position of said section relative to the other sections of the bag. As a particular option, for example depicted in Fig. 3, the side sections 206 may be provided with one or more creases 209 - which may also be referred to as fold lines - which allow the side sections 206 to be folded inwards.

[0058] In general, any embodiment of the bag 200 disclosed herein may comprise one or more handles which may facilitate handling and carrying of the bag. Preferably, the one or more handles are connected to an inner surface of the bag 200. As such, the handles can be essentially entirely positioned in the storage space of the bag 200 when the bag is closed.

[0059] In the figures, merely as optional examples, the bag 200 can comprise a front handle 212 connected to an inner surface of the frond section 202 of the bad, and a rear handle 213 connected to an inner surface of the rear section 204.

[0060] Fig. 3 furthermore indicates a preferred location for the coupling element 250 arranged to couple the front section and the rear section, and the preferred location for the retention element 220. To close the bag 200, the coupling element 250 can be moved towards the retention element 220.

[0061] Fig. 5C shows a particular example of a retention element 220, which can be used in any bag disclosed herein. The retention element 220 optionally comprises a rigid body 224, which is preferably but not necessarily elongated in shape. The retention element 220 further comprises a retention body 221, also when the retention element 220 does not comprise the rigid body 224.

[0062] When the retention element 220 comprises the rigid body 224, as for example depicted in Figs. 5A and 5B, the retention element 220 may be partially covered by the bag, for example when the rigid body 224 is positioned in a tunnel formed by the rear section 204. The retention body 221 is preferably exposed at least with its passage 222, to allow the chin strap 302 to be positioned in the passage 222.

[0063] For the chin strap 302 to be positioned in the passage 222, preferably an opening 226 into the passage 222 is formed into the retention body 221. A maximum thickness t of the passage 222 is preferably designed such that the locking member 304 cannot be moved through the passage 222 in a direction perpendicular to the retention body 221 - corresponding to a direction into the paper in Fig. 5C.

[0064] A path into the passage 222 from the opening 226 may be at least partially tapered, for example by virtue of part 228 of the retention body 221 protruding into the passage 222. As a further preferred option, the passage 222 has a single entrance 226, which is therefore also used again to move the chin strap out of the passage 222.

[0065] As an option depicted in Fig. 5C, two magnets 229 are connected to the retention element 220. The magnets may be used to magnetically couple the retention element and the coupling element 250. In general, one or more magnets and / or ferromagnetic elements may be comprised by or connected to the retention element and / or the coupling element, in any combination thereof.

[0066] Figs. 5A and 5B depict in a detailed view two steps in securing a helmet in a bag, in particular by connecting the chin strap to a retention element of the bag. In a first step, depicted schematically in Fig. 5A, a chin strap 302 of the helmet is positioned in a passage 222 of a retention element 220 of the bag. Preferably, the helmet has already been positioned inside the storage space of the bag 200. The chin strap 302 comprises a locking member 304 which on its own or in corporation with a further locking member may be used by a user to fix the chin strap when wearing the helmet.

[0067] In Fig. 5B, the front section 202 of the bag has been moved towards the rear section 204, for closing the bag 200 with the helmet inside. As can be seen in Fig. 5B, part of the chin strap 302, and the connector 304, protrude out of the bag. In use, the part of the chin strap 302, and the connector 304 can be positioned in the storage compartment 114 of the scooter 102, for example underneath the seat 112.

[0068] When part of the chin strap is positioned outside the bag, and the bag is connected to the vehicle, cutting through the bag may result in also cutting through the chin strap - rendering the helmet useless. When one would cut through the bag without cutting through the chin strap, the part of the chin strap can remain positioned in the storage compartment and the helmet cannot be removed from the vehicle.

[0069] Figs. 6A-6D show an example of a bag 200, respectively in a front view, rear view, side view, and top view. As for example visible in Figs. 6B and 6C, but as a preferred but not essential feature for any bag 200 disclosed herein, the front section 202 may extend beyond the rear section 204 in the open state of the bag 200. This may allow for more convenient positioning of the bag 200 in the storage compartment of the scooter.

[0070] An option depicted for example in Figs. 6A and 6C is that webbing 260 may be connected to the outside of the bag 200, in particular to the front section 202. The webbing 260 may resemble the webbing of a chin strap of a helmet. The webbing 260 can be used as a handle, such that a user can position the bag, in particular the front section, more in particular the top part of the front section, by manipulating the position of the handle. It will thus be appreciated that the webbing is merely an example of a handle, and that any other type of handle may be used as an alternative or addition to the webbing.

[0071] The handle is preferably connected to the outside of the bag, in particular to the outside of the front section, even more in particular to the top part or near the top part of the front section. As such, the handle remains accessible also when the bag is closed.

[0072] In any method for connecting a helmet to a vehicle, a user may hold the bag at a handle connected to the outside of the front section in order to position part of the bag in the storage compartment of the vehicle. For any handle, preferably, at least part of the handle is positioned at a distance from a top end 262 of the front section. For example, the handle may be positioned near a middle of the front section. Additionally, or alternatively, the handle may be approximately aligned with a top end 264 of the rear section when the bag is in an open state - as is visible in Figs. 6A-6B, or the handle may even be at least partially positioned below the top end 264 of the rear section 204.

[0073] It will be appreciated that wherever in the present disclosure, the term “scooter” is used, this may be substituted by any other vehicle with a storage compartment, such as but not limited to a motor, motor scooter, moped, trike, ATV (all-terrain vehicle), go-kart, snowmobile, or any other vehicle which requires the driver and / or one or more optional passengers to wear a helmet. For any vehicle, the storage compartment may be covered by a seat, a buddy seat, or any other covering panel. It will thus be understood that although in the figures, a seat is shown covering the storage compartment of the vehicle, the seat may be readily substituted by any other covering element.

Claims

Claims1. A bag (200) for storing a helmet (300) in, the bag comprising: a front section (202); a rear section (204); and a storage space (201) defined between the front section and the rear section, which storage space is designed to accommodate the helmet; wherein the bag further comprises a retention element (220) arranged to restrict movement of a chin strap (302) of a helmet positioned in the storage space relative to the bag.

2. Bag according to claim 1, wherein in an open state of the bag, a top part (207) of the front section extends above the rear section.

3. Bag according to claim 2, wherein the top part can be folded towards the rear section.

4. Bag according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retention element comprises a passage (222) for accommodating part of a chin strap of a helmet positioned in the storage space.

5. Bag according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retention element is connected to the rear section of the bag.

6. Bag according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retention element comprises a rigid body (224) and a retention body (221), wherein at least part of the retention body is exposed and at least part of the rigid body is covered by the bag.

7. Bag according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a coupling element (250) arranged to selectively couple the front section and the rear section.

8. Bag according to claim 7, wherein the coupling element is connected to the front section.

9. Bag according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the coupling element is arranged to couple with the retention element.

10. Bag according to any of the claims 7-9, wherein the coupling element is arranged to magnetically couple the front section and the rear section.

11. Bag according to any of the claims 7-10, wherein the coupling element is a rigid element.

12. Bag according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle, for example in the form of webbing (260), connected to an outside of the front section.

13. Bag according to claim 12, wherein in an open state of the bag, the handle (260) is approximately aligned with a top end (264) of the rear section or is approximately positioned below the top end of the rear section.

14. An assembly of a vehicle and helmet, the assembly comprising: the vehicle, which vehicle comprises a storage compartment and a covering member for covering an opening into the storage compartment in a closed state; the helmet, comprising a helmet body and a chin strap;wherein the helmet body is positioned outside the storage compartment of the vehicle; and wherein the helmet body is stored in a storage space of a bag, which bag is partially positioned in the storage compartment together with part of the chin strap of the helmet.

15. Assembly according to claim 14, wherein the bag is a bag according to any of the claims 1-13.

16. Assembly according to claim 15, wherein the retention element of the bag is positioned in the storage compartment of the vehicle.

17. Assembly according to any of the claims 14-16, wherein at least part of a locking member of the chin strap is positioned in the storage compartment of the vehicle.

18. Assembly according to any of the claims 14-17, to the extent dependent on claim 7, wherein the coupling element is positioned in the storage compartment of the vehicle.

19. Assembly according to any of the claims 14-18, wherein the covering member is a seat of the vehicle.

20. Assembly according to any of the claims 14-19, wherein the vehicle is a scooter.

21. Assembly according to any of the claims 14-20, wherein part of the chin strap is positioned outside the bag.

22. Method of connecting a helmet to a vehicle, the method comprising steps of:opening a storage compartment of the vehicle; positioning the helmet inside a bag; positioning part of the bag and at least part of a chin strap of the helmet in the storage compartment; and closing the storage compartment; such that part of the bag and the helmet are positioned outside the storage compartment.

23. Method according to claim 22, further comprising connecting the chin strap to a retention element of the bag.

24. Method according to claim 23, wherein the retention element is positioned in the storage compartment prior to closing the storage compartment.

25. Method according to any of the claims 22-24, further comprising coupling a front section of the bag with a rear section of the bag prior to closing the storage compartment.

26. Method according to any of the claims 22-25, wherein a handle connected to the outside of a front section of the bag is used to position the part of the bag in the storage compartment.

27. Method according to any of the claims 22-26, wherein the bag is a bag according to any of the claims 1-13.

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