Air filtration and regulation system for helmets, and helmet comprising same

Abstract

Air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets and a helmet comprising: - a chin guard (3) with a hollow area in its front part comprising an inner wall having holes (12) for the passage of air, the chin guard (3) delimiting an inner area in the lower part of the helmet (200), - a filter unit (5) configured to be housed in the recess of the chin guard (3), and - an air distribution element (1), located in the interior area delimited by the chin guard (3), - a front grille (9) configured to be housed in the recess of the chin guard (3), such that the filter unit (5) is located between the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard (3) and the front grille (9), the front grille (9) comprising a selector element (10) coupled on its front face, - an air flow regulating element (2) having holes (12') for the passage of air, located in the inner area of the lower part of the helmet (200) between the air distribution element (1) and the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard (3), and - a blocking element (8) of the front grille (9), located between the front grille (9) and the filter unit (5), configured to engage and disengage from the chin guard (3)

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an air filtration and regulation system for helmets, especially applicable to helmets used by motorcyclists, and to a helmet comprising said air filtration and regulation system.Background of the invention

[0002] Some approaches for helmets equipped with air filtration systems are known, whose fundamental mission is that the air that reaches the helmet wearer is free of impurities, especially due to air pollution and allergy-causing particles. Some of these systems apply to integrated helmets and others to modular helmets.

[0003] ES 2911244 A1 presents a protective helmet for motorcycles or similar with an integrated airbag, which incorporates in the chin pads two spaces intended for the placing of respiratory filters, so that when opening the ventilation inlets the air filters the particles. It allows the protection of the helmet wearer because it can incorporate an FFP2 filter, avoiding harmful and mutagenic particles found in the air.

[0004] EP 2319339 A1 relates to a helmet with a lid-like front element, having a front air intake. There is a grille located between a first frame and a second frame and a filter between the grille and the second frame. The second frame is provided with at least one groove or through hole located next to a complementary seat in order to reach it from the outside and bend the hook fitted in this seat with a finger or tool, thus helping the disengagement of the first frame.

[0005] WO 2019134767 A1 relates to a helmet, especially an integrated helmet, comprising an outer shell, a lower opening in the outer shell, a closable visor, an air inlet opening in the outer shell for the air to be breathed, a receiving space adapted to receive an air filter element within the shell, the air inlet opening allowing air to flow from the exterior of the outer shell into the receiving space, a clean side opening connecting the receiving space with the interior of the helmet to provide filtered air, and a removable air filter element. The air filter element is positioned in the receiving space and the receiving space comprises an access opening to the lower part of the helmet for the maintenance of the filter element.

[0006] All of these prior art helmets incorporate filters that reduce or prevent pollutants or allergens present in the air from being breathed in by the wearer of the helmet.

[0007] However, an air filtration system is necessary that also allows a regulation of the air flow in a simple way, to adapt it to the different situations that may occur when driving.Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an air filtration and regulation system for helmets that enables the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be solved.

[0009] The invention provides an air filtration and regulation system for helmets, comprising: a chin guard with a hollow area in its front that comprises an inner wall having holes for the passage of air, the chin guard delimiting an inner area in the lower part of the helmet, a filter unit configured to be housed in the gap of the chin guard, an air distribution element, located in the interior area delimited by the chin guard, a front grille configured to be housed in the hollow of the chin guard, such that the filter unit is located between the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard and the front grille, the front grille comprising a selector element coupled to its front face, an air flow regulating element having holes for the passage of air, located in the inner area of the lower part of the helmet between the air distribution element and the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard, and a blocking element of the front grille, located between the front grille and the filter unit, configured to engage and disengage from the chin guard such that: the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard, the filter unit and the front grille each have a slot, so that said slots are aligned on an anterior-posterior axis when the air filtration and regulation system for helmets is mounted, and the slot of the front grille guides the blocking element of the front grille, when the air filtration and regulation system for helmets is mounted, the selector element is coupled to the slot of the front grille, so that it can take up various positions on said slot, the blocking element comprises a coupling means capable of coupling with the selector element, and the air flow regulating element comprises coupling means capable of coupling with the blocking element through the slots of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard and of the filter unit, so that when moving the selector element over the slot of the front grille, the blocking element and the air flow regulating element move integrally with the selector element, the holes for the air passage of the air flow regulating element and of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard having a shape and arrangement that allow a greater or lesser overlap according to the positions of the selector element.

[0010] The invention also provides a helmet incorporating said air filtration and regulation system for helmets.

[0011] Using this configuration of the air filtration and regulation system for helmets, the integration of the air flow regulation system in a helmet with an air filtration system is achieved. Likewise, it is possible to regulate the amount of air that enters the helmet in a simple way and being able to adapt it to the different situations that may occur when driving.

[0012] Another advantage of the invention is that it does not require any type of electrical or other energy for its operation.

[0013] Another advantage of the invention is that it allows the use of interchangeable filter assemblies, whose insertion and fixing in the system are very simple.

[0014] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are outlined in the dependant claims.Brief description of the figures

[0015] An illustrative embodiment is presented below, which is not limiting in any sense, of the object of this invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a view of a helmet incorporating the air filtration and regulation system of the invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the air filtration and regulation system of the invention. Figure 3 is a sectional view of the air filtration and regulation system of the invention in a first position, suitable for driving at low speeds. Figure 4 is a sectional view of the air filtration and regulation system of the invention in a second position, suitable for driving at high speeds. Figure 5 is a front view of the air filtration and regulation system of the invention, corresponding to the position of figure 3, suitable for driving at low speeds. Figure 6 is a front view of the air filtration and regulation system of the invention, corresponding to an intermediate position, corresponding to driving at medium speeds. Figure 7 is a front view of the air filtration and regulation system of the invention, corresponding to the position of Figure 4, suitable for driving at high speeds. Figure 8 is a view of a filter unit, with its integral elements. Detailed description of the invention

[0016] Figure 1 shows a helmet 200 incorporating the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention in its lower front part, under the visor. In said figure it is observed that one of the elements of the system, the front grille 9, can be opened to allow the extraction of another of the elements of the system, the filter unit 5.

[0017] Figure 2 represents an exploded view of the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention.

[0018] Said elements are aligned on an anterior-posterior axis, the anterior position corresponding to the front end of the helmet 200, and the posterior position with the innermost position within the helmet 200. The following elements of the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention can be seen, from behind (rear position) to the front (anterior position): an air distribution element 1, an air flow regulating element 2 having holes 12' for the passage of air, a chin guard 3 with a hollow area in its front part comprising an inner wall having holes 12, 21 for the passage of air, the chin guard 3 delimiting an inner area in the lower part of the helmet 200, so that the air flow regulating element 2 is located in the inner area of the lower part of the helmet 200 between the air distribution element 1 and the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3, and the air distribution element 1 is located in the inner area delimited by the chin guard 3, a filter unit 5 configured to be housed in the gap of the chin guard 3, a blocking element 8 of the front grille 9, a front grille 9 configured to be housed in the hollow of the chin guard 3, so that the filter unit 5 is located between the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3 and the front grille 9, the front grille 9 comprising a selector element 10 coupled to its front face, and the blocking element 8 of the front grille 9 is located between the front grille 9 and the filter unit 5 and is configured to be coupled to and to be disengaged from the chin guard 3.

[0019] In figure 2 it can be seen that in the chin guard 3 the holes 21 for the passage of air are below the holes 12 for the passage of air. Reference number 4 refers to sealing joints.

[0020] The blocking element 8 can comprise at least one positioning element 7 (see figures 2, 5, 6 and 7, which show two positioning elements 7 on the blocking element 8). The positioning elements 7 can have elasticity to engage grooves made in the front grille 9, specifically in the corresponding contours of its slot 11", in such a way as to allow the blocking element 8 to be positioned in various positions when moving over the slot 11". The inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3, the filter unit 5 and the front grille 9 each have a slot (11, 11' and 11", respectively), so that said slots 11, 11' and 11" are aligned on an anterior-posterior axis when the air filtration and regulation system 100 for helmets is mounted, and the slot 11" in the front grille 9 serves as a guide for the blocking element 8 of the front grille 9.

[0021] In the embodiment of figure 2, when the air filtration and regulation system 100 for helmets is mounted, the selector element 10 is coupled in the slot 11" on the front grille 9, so that it can be in several positions on said slot 11", and comprises a rear protruding element 15; the blocking element 8 comprises a front protruding element 16 configured to be coupled to the rear protruding element 15 of the selector element 10; and the air flow regulation element 2 comprises a front protruding element 17 configured to be coupled to the blocking element 8 by passing through the slots 11 and 11' of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3 and of the filter unit 5, respectively, so that by displacing the selector element 10 over the slot 11" of the front grille 9, the blocking element 8 and the air flow regulation element 2 move integrally with the selector element 10.

[0022] The holes 12', 12, 21 for the passage of air through the air flow regulating element 2 and of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3 have a shape and arrangement that allow a greater or lesser overlap according to the positions of the selector element 10. The air flow regulating element 2 covers, to a greater or lesser extent, the air passage holes 12, 21 of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3, according to its height position, which regulates the air flow that can enter the interior of the helmet 200.

[0023] In one embodiment, the front grille 9 is articulated by a hinge axis 14 on its lower part with respect to the chin guard 3 and further comprises closing and opening means 13 on its upper part, to allow the opening of the front grille 9, when the blocking element 8 is not coupled to the chin guard 3, by rotating the front grille 9 around the hinge axis 14.

[0024] In one embodiment, the grooves 11, 11' and 11" of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3, of the filter unit 5 and of the front grille 9 are rectangular in shape, with a height greater than the base.

[0025] The filter unit 5 can comprise a filter element 6 on a rigid structure 19. The filter element can be a multilayer filter comprising a hydrophobic layer, an electrostatically charged polypropylene layer for filtering fine particles, an activated carbon layer for filtering gases, and an outer layer for protecting the activated carbon layer.

[0026] In addition, the chin guard 3 can be of an arched shape that allows it to be integrated into the rest of the helmet 200, with two sides on the lower sides of the helmet 200 and a front part that joins the sides.

[0027] The air distribution element 1 can comprise side holes 20 with a shape and arrangement allowing a greater or lesser overlap with the corresponding holes 12' of the air flow regulating element according to the positions of the selector element 10.

[0028] To better illustrate the invention, in figures 5, 6 and 7 a front view of the air filtration and regulation system 100, subject of the invention, is represented, wherein the front grille 9 is only partially represented to show the elements located behind it.

[0029] In figures 3 and 5 the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention is shown, wherein the selector 10 is in its highest position. This is the position of maximum opening 12' of the air passage holes, which may be suitable, for example, at low speeds. In these figures it can be seen that the holes 12' of the flow regulating element 2 and the holes 12 of the inner wall of the chin guard 3 have a relative position that allows a large passage area. Likewise, the openings 21 are not covered by the flow regulating element 2, so that a large air passage area is also allowed through them.

[0030] Also, the side openings 20 of the air distribution element may have a shape and arrangement that allows a large passage area at this position of the selector 10.

[0031] In figure 3 it can also be seen that the blocking element 8 of the front grille is coupled to the chin guard 3, which prevents the front grille 9 from opening.

[0032] Figures 4 and 7 show the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention wherein the selector 10 is in its lowest position. This is the position of minimum opening of the air passage holes 12', which may be suitable, for example, at high speeds. In these figures it can be seen that the holes 12' of the flow regulating element 2 and the holes 12 of the inner wall of the chin guard 3 have a relative position that allows a small passage area, as there is a significant overlap. The openings 21 are covered by the flow regulating element 2, so that air is not allowed to pass through them.

[0033] Furthermore, the side openings 20 of the air distribution element 1 can have a shape and arrangement that allows a reduced area for the passage of air in this position of the selector 10.

[0034] Figure 4 also shows that the blocking element 8 of the front grille 9 is disengaged from the chin guard 3, which makes it possible for the front grille 9 to be opened by the closing and opening means 13. Figure 1 illustrates this situation, wherein the front grille 9 has rotated forward with respect to its lower articulation axis 14, so that it is possible to remove the filter unit 5 and proceed with its change.

[0035] The air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention is shown in Figure 6 wherein the selector 10 is in an intermediate position corresponding to driving at medium speeds. In this figure it can be seen that the holes 12' of the flow regulating element 2 and the holes 12 of the inner wall of the chin guard 3 have a relative position that allows a mid-sized area for the passage of air (greater than that of figure 7 and less than that of figure 5). The holes 21 are partially covered by the flow regulating element 2, so that there is a medium area for the passage of air through them.

[0036] Also, the side openings 20 of the air distribution element 1 can have a shape and arrangement that allows a large passage area at this position of the selector 10.

[0037] Figure 2 also shows that the air distribution element 1 can further comprise a series of striations 22 that delimit grooves for guiding the air towards the visor area of the helmet 200. Thus, when the selector 10 is in its upper position (figures 3 and 5) the air flow that is redirected to the visor area, guided by said grooves, is maximum. On the other hand, when the selector 10 is in its lower position (figures 4 and 7) the air flow that is redirected to the visor area, guided by said grooves, is reduced.

[0038] The air filtration and regulation system 100 for helmets can further comprise a protective layer of expanded polystyrene (commonly referred to as an EPS layer), located behind the air distribution element 1, which comprises air passage holes aligned with the holes 20 of the air distribution element 1, such that when the holes 20 are sealed, no air enters the helmet 200 through the holes of the expanded polystyrene layer.

[0039] Although some embodiments of the invention have been described and represented, it is clear that modifications may be introduced to them within the scope of the same, and that this should not be considered limited to these embodiments, but only to the content of the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Figure 1 shows a helmet 200 incorporating the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention in its lower front part, under the visor. In said figure it is observed that one of the elements of the system, the front grille 9, can be opened to allow the extraction of another of the elements of the system, the filter unit 5.

[0017]Figure 2 represents an exploded view of the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention.

[0018]Said elements are aligned on an anterior-posterior axis, the anterior position corresponding to the front end of the helmet 200, and the posterior position with the innermost position within the helmet 200. The following elements of the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention can be seen, from behind (rear position) to the front (anterior position):

an air distribution element 1, an air flow regulating element 2 having holes 12' for the passage of air, a chin guard 3 with a hollow area in its front part comprising an i...

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an air filtration and regulation system for helmets, especially applicable to helmets used by motorcyclists, and to a helmet comprising said air filtration and regulation system.Background of the invention

[0002] Some approaches for helmets equipped with air filtration systems are known, whose fundamental mission is that the air that reaches the helmet wearer is free of impurities, especially due to air pollution and allergy-causing particles. Some of these systems apply to integrated helmets and others to modular helmets.

[0003] ES 2911244 A1 presents a protective helmet for motorcycles or similar with an integrated airbag, which incorporates in the chin pads two spaces intended for the placing of respiratory filters, so that when opening the ventilation inlets the air filters the particles. It allows the protection of the helmet wearer because it can incorporate an FFP2 filter, avoiding harmful and mutagenic particles found in the air.

[0004] EP 2319339 A1 relates to a helmet with a lid-like front element, having a front air intake. There is a grille located between a first frame and a second frame and a filter between the grille and the second frame. The second frame is provided with at least one groove or through hole located next to a complementary seat in order to reach it from the outside and bend the hook fitted in this seat with a finger or tool, thus helping the disengagement of the first frame.

[0005] WO 2019134767 A1 relates to a helmet, especially an integrated helmet, comprising an outer shell, a lower opening in the outer shell, a closable visor, an air inlet opening in the outer shell for the air to be breathed, a receiving space adapted to receive an air filter element within the shell, the air inlet opening allowing air to flow from the exterior of the outer shell into the receiving space, a clean side opening connecting the receiving space with the interior of the helmet to provide filtered air, and a removable air filter element. The air filter element is positioned in the receiving space and the receiving space comprises an access opening to the lower part of the helmet for the maintenance of the filter element.

[0006] All of these prior art helmets incorporate filters that reduce or prevent pollutants or allergens present in the air from being breathed in by the wearer of the helmet.

[0007] However, an air filtration system is necessary that also allows a regulation of the air flow in a simple way, to adapt it to the different situations that may occur when driving.Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an air filtration and regulation system for helmets that enables the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be solved.

[0009] The invention provides an air filtration and regulation system for helmets, comprising: a chin guard with a hollow area in its front that comprises an inner wall having holes for the passage of air, the chin guard delimiting an inner area in the lower part of the helmet, a filter unit configured to be housed in the gap of the chin guard, an air distribution element, located in the interior area delimited by the chin guard, a front grille configured to be housed in the hollow of the chin guard, such that the filter unit is located between the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard and the front grille, the front grille comprising a selector element coupled to its front face, an air flow regulating element having holes for the passage of air, located in the inner area of the lower part of the helmet between the air distribution element and the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard, and a blocking element of the front grille, located between the front grille and the filter unit, configured to engage and disengage from the chin guard such that: the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard, the filter unit and the front grille each have a slot, so that said slots are aligned on an anterior-posterior axis when the air filtration and regulation system for helmets is mounted, and the slot of the front grille guides the blocking element of the front grille, when the air filtration and regulation system for helmets is mounted, the selector element is coupled to the slot of the front grille, so that it can take up various positions on said slot, the blocking element comprises a coupling means capable of coupling with the selector element, and the air flow regulating element comprises coupling means capable of coupling with the blocking element through the slots of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard and of the filter unit, so that when moving the selector element over the slot of the front grille, the blocking element and the air flow regulating element move integrally with the selector element, the holes for the air passage of the air flow regulating element and of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard having a shape and arrangement that allow a greater or lesser overlap according to the positions of the selector element.

[0010] The invention also provides a helmet incorporating said air filtration and regulation system for helmets.

[0011] Using this configuration of the air filtration and regulation system for helmets, the integration of the air flow regulation system in a helmet with an air filtration system is achieved. Likewise, it is possible to regulate the amount of air that enters the helmet in a simple way and being able to adapt it to the different situations that may occur when driving.

[0012] Another advantage of the invention is that it does not require any type of electrical or other energy for its operation.

[0013] Another advantage of the invention is that it allows the use of interchangeable filter assemblies, whose insertion and fixing in the system are very simple.

[0014] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are outlined in the dependant claims.Brief description of the figures

[0015] An illustrative embodiment is presented below, which is not limiting in any sense, of the object of this invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a view of a helmet incorporating the air filtration and regulation system of the invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the air filtration and regulation system of the invention. Figure 3 is a sectional view of the air filtration and regulation system of the invention in a first position, suitable for driving at low speeds. Figure 4 is a sectional view of the air filtration and regulation system of the invention in a second position, suitable for driving at high speeds. Figure 5 is a front view of the air filtration and regulation system of the invention, corresponding to the position of figure 3, suitable for driving at low speeds. Figure 6 is a front view of the air filtration and regulation system of the invention, corresponding to an intermediate position, corresponding to driving at medium speeds. Figure 7 is a front view of the air filtration and regulation system of the invention, corresponding to the position of Figure 4, suitable for driving at high speeds. Figure 8 is a view of a filter unit, with its integral elements. Detailed description of the invention

[0016] Figure 1 shows a helmet 200 incorporating the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention in its lower front part, under the visor. In said figure it is observed that one of the elements of the system, the front grille 9, can be opened to allow the extraction of another of the elements of the system, the filter unit 5.

[0017] Figure 2 represents an exploded view of the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention.

[0018] Said elements are aligned on an anterior-posterior axis, the anterior position corresponding to the front end of the helmet 200, and the posterior position with the innermost position within the helmet 200. The following elements of the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention can be seen, from behind (rear position) to the front (anterior position): an air distribution element 1, an air flow regulating element 2 having holes 12' for the passage of air, a chin guard 3 with a hollow area in its front part comprising an inner wall having holes 12, 21 for the passage of air, the chin guard 3 delimiting an inner area in the lower part of the helmet 200, so that the air flow regulating element 2 is located in the inner area of the lower part of the helmet 200 between the air distribution element 1 and the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3, and the air distribution element 1 is located in the inner area delimited by the chin guard 3, a filter unit 5 configured to be housed in the gap of the chin guard 3, a blocking element 8 of the front grille 9, a front grille 9 configured to be housed in the hollow of the chin guard 3, so that the filter unit 5 is located between the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3 and the front grille 9, the front grille 9 comprising a selector element 10 coupled to its front face, and the blocking element 8 of the front grille 9 is located between the front grille 9 and the filter unit 5 and is configured to be coupled to and to be disengaged from the chin guard 3.

[0019] In figure 2 it can be seen that in the chin guard 3 the holes 21 for the passage of air are below the holes 12 for the passage of air. Reference number 4 refers to sealing joints.

[0020] The blocking element 8 can comprise at least one positioning element 7 (see figures 2, 5, 6 and 7, which show two positioning elements 7 on the blocking element 8). The positioning elements 7 can have elasticity to engage grooves made in the front grille 9, specifically in the corresponding contours of its slot 11", in such a way as to allow the blocking element 8 to be positioned in various positions when moving over the slot 11". The inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3, the filter unit 5 and the front grille 9 each have a slot (11, 11' and 11", respectively), so that said slots 11, 11' and 11" are aligned on an anterior-posterior axis when the air filtration and regulation system 100 for helmets is mounted, and the slot 11" in the front grille 9 serves as a guide for the blocking element 8 of the front grille 9.

[0021] In the embodiment of figure 2, when the air filtration and regulation system 100 for helmets is mounted, the selector element 10 is coupled in the slot 11" on the front grille 9, so that it can be in several positions on said slot 11", and comprises a rear protruding element 15; the blocking element 8 comprises a front protruding element 16 configured to be coupled to the rear protruding element 15 of the selector element 10; and the air flow regulation element 2 comprises a front protruding element 17 configured to be coupled to the blocking element 8 by passing through the slots 11 and 11' of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3 and of the filter unit 5, respectively, so that by displacing the selector element 10 over the slot 11" of the front grille 9, the blocking element 8 and the air flow regulation element 2 move integrally with the selector element 10.

[0022] The holes 12', 12, 21 for the passage of air through the air flow regulating element 2 and of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3 have a shape and arrangement that allow a greater or lesser overlap according to the positions of the selector element 10. The air flow regulating element 2 covers, to a greater or lesser extent, the air passage holes 12, 21 of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3, according to its height position, which regulates the air flow that can enter the interior of the helmet 200.

[0023] In one embodiment, the front grille 9 is articulated by a hinge axis 14 on its lower part with respect to the chin guard 3 and further comprises closing and opening means 13 on its upper part, to allow the opening of the front grille 9, when the blocking element 8 is not coupled to the chin guard 3, by rotating the front grille 9 around the hinge axis 14.

[0024] In one embodiment, the grooves 11, 11' and 11" of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard 3, of the filter unit 5 and of the front grille 9 are rectangular in shape, with a height greater than the base.

[0025] The filter unit 5 can comprise a filter element 6 on a rigid structure 19. The filter element can be a multilayer filter comprising a hydrophobic layer, an electrostatically charged polypropylene layer for filtering fine particles, an activated carbon layer for filtering gases, and an outer layer for protecting the activated carbon layer.

[0026] In addition, the chin guard 3 can be of an arched shape that allows it to be integrated into the rest of the helmet 200, with two sides on the lower sides of the helmet 200 and a front part that joins the sides.

[0027] The air distribution element 1 can comprise side holes 20 with a shape and arrangement allowing a greater or lesser overlap with the corresponding holes 12' of the air flow regulating element according to the positions of the selector element 10.

[0028] To better illustrate the invention, in figures 5, 6 and 7 a front view of the air filtration and regulation system 100, subject of the invention, is represented, wherein the front grille 9 is only partially represented to show the elements located behind it.

[0029] In figures 3 and 5 the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention is shown, wherein the selector 10 is in its highest position. This is the position of maximum opening 12' of the air passage holes, which may be suitable, for example, at low speeds. In these figures it can be seen that the holes 12' of the flow regulating element 2 and the holes 12 of the inner wall of the chin guard 3 have a relative position that allows a large passage area. Likewise, the openings 21 are not covered by the flow regulating element 2, so that a large air passage area is also allowed through them.

[0030] Also, the side openings 20 of the air distribution element may have a shape and arrangement that allows a large passage area at this position of the selector 10.

[0031] In figure 3 it can also be seen that the blocking element 8 of the front grille is coupled to the chin guard 3, which prevents the front grille 9 from opening.

[0032] Figures 4 and 7 show the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention wherein the selector 10 is in its lowest position. This is the position of minimum opening of the air passage holes 12', which may be suitable, for example, at high speeds. In these figures it can be seen that the holes 12' of the flow regulating element 2 and the holes 12 of the inner wall of the chin guard 3 have a relative position that allows a small passage area, as there is a significant overlap. The openings 21 are covered by the flow regulating element 2, so that air is not allowed to pass through them.

[0033] Furthermore, the side openings 20 of the air distribution element 1 can have a shape and arrangement that allows a reduced area for the passage of air in this position of the selector 10.

[0034] Figure 4 also shows that the blocking element 8 of the front grille 9 is disengaged from the chin guard 3, which makes it possible for the front grille 9 to be opened by the closing and opening means 13. Figure 1 illustrates this situation, wherein the front grille 9 has rotated forward with respect to its lower articulation axis 14, so that it is possible to remove the filter unit 5 and proceed with its change.

[0035] The air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention is shown in Figure 6 wherein the selector 10 is in an intermediate position corresponding to driving at medium speeds. In this figure it can be seen that the holes 12' of the flow regulating element 2 and the holes 12 of the inner wall of the chin guard 3 have a relative position that allows a mid-sized area for the passage of air (greater than that of figure 7 and less than that of figure 5). The holes 21 are partially covered by the flow regulating element 2, so that there is a medium area for the passage of air through them.

[0036] Also, the side openings 20 of the air distribution element 1 can have a shape and arrangement that allows a large passage area at this position of the selector 10.

[0037] Figure 2 also shows that the air distribution element 1 can further comprise a series of striations 22 that delimit grooves for guiding the air towards the visor area of the helmet 200. Thus, when the selector 10 is in its upper position (figures 3 and 5) the air flow that is redirected to the visor area, guided by said grooves, is maximum. On the other hand, when the selector 10 is in its lower position (figures 4 and 7) the air flow that is redirected to the visor area, guided by said grooves, is reduced.

[0038] The air filtration and regulation system 100 for helmets can further comprise a protective layer of expanded polystyrene (commonly referred to as an EPS layer), located behind the air distribution element 1, which comprises air passage holes aligned with the holes 20 of the air distribution element 1, such that when the holes 20 are sealed, no air enters the helmet 200 through the holes of the expanded polystyrene layer.

[0039] Although some embodiments of the invention have been described and represented, it is clear that modifications may be introduced to them within the scope of the same, and that this should not be considered limited to these embodiments, but only to the content of the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Figure 1 shows a helmet 200 incorporating the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention in its lower front part, under the visor. In said figure it is observed that one of the elements of the system, the front grille 9, can be opened to allow the extraction of another of the elements of the system, the filter unit 5.

[0017]Figure 2 represents an exploded view of the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention.

[0018]Said elements are aligned on an anterior-posterior axis, the anterior position corresponding to the front end of the helmet 200, and the posterior position with the innermost position within the helmet 200. The following elements of the air filtration and regulation system 100 of the invention can be seen, from behind (rear position) to the front (anterior position):

an air distribution element 1, an air flow regulating element 2 having holes 12' for the passage of air, a chin guard 3 with a hollow area in its front part comprising an i...

Claims

1. Air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets, comprising: - a chin guard (3) with a hollow area in its front that comprises an inner wall that has holes (12, 21) for the passage of air, the chin guard (3) delimiting an inner area at the bottom of the helmet (200), - a filter unit (5) configured to be housed in the recess of the chin guard (3), and - an air distribution element (1), located in the interior area delimited by the chin guard (3), characterised in that it further comprises: - a front grille (9) configured to be housed in the recess of the chin guard (3), such that the filter unit (5) is located between the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard (3) and the front grille (9), the front grille (9) comprising a selector element (10) coupled on its front face, - an air flow regulating element (2) having holes (12') for the passage of air, located in the inner area of the lower part of the helmet (200) between the air distribution element (1) and the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard (3), and - a blocking element (8) of the front grille (9), located between the front grille (9) and the filter unit (5), configured to engage and disengage from the chin guard (3), such that: - the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard (3), the filter unit (5) and the front grille (9) each have a slot (11, 11', 11"), so that said slots (11, 11', 11") are aligned on an anterior-posterior axis when the air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets is mounted, and the slot (11") on the front grille (9) guides the blocking element (8) of the front grille (9), - when the air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets is mounted, the selector element (10) is coupled to the slot (11") of the front grille (9), so that it can take up several positions on said slot (11"), - the blocking element (8) comprises a means of coupling capable of coupling with the selector element (10), and the air flow regulating element (2) comprises a means of coupling capable of coupling with the blocking element (8) through the slots (11, 11') of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard (3) and of the filter unit (5), so that by moving the selector element (10) over the slot (11") of the front grille (9), the blocking element (8) and the air flow regulating element (2) move integrally with the selector element (10), - the holes (12', 12, 21) for the passage of air in the air flow regulating element (2) and the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard (3) having a shape and arrangement that allow a greater or lesser overlap according to the positions of the selector element (10).

2. Air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets according to claim 1, wherein the front grille (9) is hinged by means of an articulating axis (14) at its lower part with respect to the chin guard (3) and further comprises closing and opening means (13) on its upper part, to allow the opening of the front grille (9) when the blocking element (8) is not coupled to the chin guard (3) when the front grille (9) rotates around the articulating axis (14).

3. Air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means of coupling of the blocking element (8) with the selector element (10) is a projection (16), capable of coupling with a rear projection element (15) of the selector element (10), and wherein the means of coupling of the air flow regulation element (2) with the blocking element (8) is a projection (17).

4. Air filtration and air regulation system (100) for helmets according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking element (8) comprises at least one positioning element (7), capable of engaging grooves made in the contour of the slot (11") of the front grille (9), in such a way as to allow the blocking element (8) to be positioned in various positions when moving over the slot (11").

5. Air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the grooves (11, 11', 11") of the inner wall of the hollow area of the chin guard (3), of the filter unit (5) and of the front grille (9) are rectangular in shape, of greater height than the base.

6. Air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter unit (5) comprises a filtering element on a rigid structure.

7. Air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets according to claim 6, wherein the filtering element is a multilayer filter comprising a hydrophobic layer, an electrostatically charged polypropylene layer for filtering fine particles, an activated carbon layer for filtering gases and an outer layer for protecting the activated carbon layer.

8. Air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chin guard (3) has an arched shape, with two sides on the lower sides of the helmet (200) and a front part that joins the sides.

9. Air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the air distribution element (1) comprises side holes (20) with a shape and arrangement that allow a greater or lesser overlap with the corresponding holes (12') of the air flow regulating element (2) according to the positions of the selector element (10).

10. Air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the air distribution element (1) further comprises a series of striations (22) that delimit grooves to guide the air towards the visor area of the helmet (200).

11. Air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an expanded polystyrene layer, located behind the air distribution element (1), comprising air passage holes aligned with the holes (20) of the air distribution element (1).

12. Helmet (200) comprising an air filtration and regulation system (100) for helmets according to any of claims 1 to 11.

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