Bicycle helmet with interchangeable textile cover or system

Abstract

Bicycle Helmet Device with Interchangeable Textile Cover or System. [Fig. 2] The described invention relates to an innovative device for customizing and modifying the design of a bicycle helmet with a textile layer, ensuring safety and comfort. The device comprises two distinct parts: a durable functional part, meeting homologation standards, and an independent textile part. The durable functional part offers a ventilation system, adjustment straps, hook-and-loop fasteners for inserting comfort foams, and a removable occipital adjustment to facilitate the attachment and removal of the textile part. The textile part is interchangeable and available in various shapes, including caps, beanies, hats, bucket hats, berets, trapper hats, and scarves, with a variety of designs, colors, and patterns. It is attached to the durable functional part using an invisible zipper.Openings allow passage of the straps and occipital adjustment.

Description

Title of the invention: Bicycle helmet with interchangeable textile cover or system Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an innovative system for customizing and modifying the removable exterior design of a specially designed bicycle helmet. More specifically, it relates to an interchangeable textile system that adapts to the bicycle helmet while complying with essential safety standards in force. This system offers users the possibility of easily modifying the appearance of their helmet by replacing the textile shell covering it, while maintaining a comfortable and secure fit. State of the prior art

[0002] The invention presented is distinguished by its innovative nature, combining several functionalities of distinct products within a single device. In the field of bicycle helmets and cycling equipment, the needs for customization and modification of the design of helmets have given rise to various attempts. Solutions exist, such as the application of stickers, paints or coatings to adorn the external surface of the helmet. However, these methods have significant limitations. They are often complex to apply, do not guarantee long-term durability, do not allow the helmet to be returned to its initial state and can potentially compromise the safety of the helmet by altering its structure and the mechanical properties of the materials composing it.The present invention is simple to install, durable, made of a user-washable textile, interchangeable and does not cause any negative impact on the safety performance or integrity of the bicycle helmet.

[0003] Previous methods have also addressed customization by using external accessories such as decorative raised pieces attached to the helmet surface, but these approaches have their share of drawbacks. Accessories may disrupt the helmet's ventilation or its proper functioning during an impact, thus affecting the rider's performance and safety. In addition, the addition of external elements may not allow for complete customization of the helmet's design, thus limiting the expression of the user's individuality. Some users are already seeking to overcome the current design limitations of helmets by themselves adding additional headgear above or below their helmet, making the overall system less secure than the helmet alone. In short, existing solutions do not optimally meet the needs of cyclists wishing to personalize customize their helmet while maintaining a high level of safety and comfort. The present invention overcomes these limitations by introducing an innovative interchangeable textile system, specifically designed to fit the bicycle helmet, creating a harmonious and functionally optimal whole. This system offers a complete customization solution that allows users to change the appearance of their helmet by simply replacing the textile shell, while ensuring compliance with essential safety standards. Statement of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome the limitations inherent in traditional methods of customizing bicycle helmets, as well as the growing needs of cyclists in terms of customizing and modifying the design of their helmets. It aims to offer an innovative and integrated solution to meet these needs.

[0005] The invention is suitable for users of all genders and includes adaptation to the size of their head by means of a combination of three distinct sizes and an occipital adjustment. The latter allows the helmet to be precisely adjusted on the head over the junction areas between the three distinct sizes. The total range thus covered makes it possible to guarantee an optimal support solution adapted to any head circumference.

[0006] The device of which the invention is the present subject comprises two distinct parts: a resistant functional part approved as a bicycle helmet and a textile part relating to the external design of the finished product.

[0007] The resistant functional part is composed of a first block of shock-absorbing material, replicating the shape of a standard head and a thin outer coating to prevent sintering of the material and its deterioration in the long term or in the event of a minor impact. The thickness of the set of these two elements is variable so as to optimize the strength / thickness ratio to correspond to the standards described in the approval process and to allow the harmonious integration of the textile layer with a design close to the head. In this case, the thickness varies from a minimum of between 5 and 15 mm on the outer edge of the helmet - above the ear - to a maximum of 10 to 30 mm on the upper part of the helmet, more subject to stress during an impact.

[0008] The durable functional part also features strategically placed vents on its upper part to ensure optimal comfort during long periods of wear.

[0009] The resistant functional part comprises on its right and left sides a total of four opening pockets following the basic plane of the helmet, allowing the passage and the solid integration of the parts making up the straps to allow the user to attach their helmet under their chin.

[0010] Said straps are broken down into four parts, two by two linked together on their respective sides by a secure fastening mechanism, unclippable by the user. In this way, the straps are both fixed two by two on the sides of the head, forming a triangle so as not to bother the user's ear when wearing, then fixed together under the chin by a fastening system commonly used in current bicycle helmets, the subject of which is not part of the present innovation. When completely unclipped, four separate parts of straps are therefore independent and can be passed through the notches in the textile part provided for this purpose.

[0011] The resistant functional part includes in its interior a removable fixing mechanism for occipital adjustment in two or four right and left lateral points. The user can unclip its occipital adjustment to put in place its textile or remove it. Also, this feature makes it possible to effectively manage the end of life of the product by quickly and easily separating the adjustment and the resistant functional part.

[0012] The occipital adjustment is a conventional adjustment mechanism at the back of the head commonly used in current bicycle helmets, the subject of which is not part of the present innovation. The present innovation, however, includes the removable attachment at the ends of the occipital adjustment against the resistant functional part of the helmet at two or four attachment points depending on the size of the helmet in question.

[0013] The resistant functional part comprises in its inner part self-gripping strips allowing the insertion of comfort foams detachable by the user and designed specifically for the helmet in question for the present innovation. Said foams can be sewn to the inner textile part.

[0014] The textile part is a textile envelope into which the bicycle helmet is inserted through an opening that can be closed using an invisible zipper. This invisible zipper is made using a sewing process that completely conceals it once the textile is in place on the resistant functional base.

[0015] The textile part comprises four rectangular openings at the edge of the resistant functional base to allow the passage of the four separate parts of the straps and thus guarantee the stability of the textile on the helmet and the aesthetic finish of the design.

[0016] The textile part includes two circular openings in its inner part to allow the integration of the occipital adjustment against the functional resistant part. A thin layer of foam ensures the comfort of the user on this sensitive mechanical part.

[0017] The textile part is designed in several models which recall designs of Caps, beanies, hats, bucket hats, berets, chapkas, and scarves. These designs blend perfectly with the outer shape of the durable functional part, with a wide selection of colors and patterns. A textile button is located at the top center of the textile. Brief description of the figures

[0018] The attached drawings are schematic and are intended to illustrate the principle of the invention.

[0019] [Fig-1] represents the device according to the invention being installed on the head of the cyclist. All the elements described above are present, including the textile covering. All the cyclist has to do is clip the straps onto the sides of the helmet, then under their chin.

[0020] [Fig.2] represents the device according to the invention when the textile envelope is removed from the resistant functional part.

[0021] [Fig.3] represents the top view of the resistant functional part highlighting an adaptation of ventilations according to the size of the helmet.

[0022] [Fig.4] shows the right side view of the resistant functional part when the occipital adjustment is clipped.

[0023] [Fig.5] shows the rear view of the resistant functional part when the occipital adjustment is clipped.

[0024] [Fig.6] represents the bottom view of the resistant functional part highlighting the self-gripping fixing zones and pockets allowing the straps to pass through.

[0025] [Fig.7] represents the isometric view of the resistant functional part when the 4 individual pieces of straps are fixed integrally to the helmet.

[0026] [Fig.8] represents the isometric view of the resistant functional part when the straps are fixed two by two on their respective side.

[0027] [Fig.9] represents an enlarged view of the part allowing the removable fixing of the occipital adjustment to the resistant functional part.

[0028] [Fig. 10] shows the complete textile part when the zipper is closed.

[0029] [Fig. 11] shows the complete textile part when the zipper is open. Description of the embodiments

[0030] When putting on the textile (3) + (4), the user detaches the straps (7) by unclipping them two by two using the pressure button system or any other secure means (8) (see [Fig.8]) making it possible to guarantee the hold of the straps (7) when the complete device according to the invention is worn. The straps (7) are at this step divided into 4 separate parts (see [Fig.7]), fixed integrally to the functional resistant part (1) + (2) at the locations provided by the opening pockets (6). It is understood that figures [Fig.2], [Fig.3], [Fig.4], [Fig.5], [Fig.6], [Fig.7], [Fig.8] and [Fig.9] represent the device comprising opening pockets so as to achieve the integral attachment of the straps (7) to the functional resistant part (1) + (2) but the claim does not exclude other embodiments. The user unclips the occipital adjustment (9) (see [Fig.9]) by unclipping the four pins (11), or any other means present on the occipital adjustment (9) which comes into contact against the functional resistant part (1) + (2) so that the assembly can be detached by the user, from the notches (10) provided for their maintenance during use. It is understood that figures [Fig.3], [Fig.4], [Fig.6], [Fig.7], [Fig.8] and [Fig.9] represent the device comprising pins (11) inserting into notches (10) embedded in the functional resistance part, but the claim does not exclude other embodiments.

[0031] The user opens the zipper (14) located at the rear of the textile part (see [Fig. 11]), connecting the outer textile envelope part (3) to the inner textile envelope part (4) when the textile is put in place. He then inserts the assembly comprising the functional resistance part (1) + (2) and the other linked elements (5) + (6) + (7) + (8) + (10) + (12) inside the envelope thus opened. The user individually passes each of the four independent strap parts (7) into the openings (13) provided for this purpose on the inner part of the textile envelope (4), then closes the zipper (14) in order to cover the entirety of the functional resistance part (1) + (2) (see [Fig. 10]). It is understood that figures [Fig. 2], [Fig. 10] and [Fig.11] represent the device comprising a zipper (14) and openings (13) to allow the effective opening and closing of the textile envelope, but the claim does not exclude other embodiments. The user then hooks the occipital adjustment (9) to the resistant functional part (1) + (2) using the pins (11) in the notches (10) provided for this purpose. The user hooks the straps (7) two by two (see [Fig.8]). The complete device according to the invention is thus ready for use.

[0032] During the life cycle of the device, the user has the possibility of interchanging the textile parts (3) + (4) with the entire range available and whose models have been described previously by repeating the protocol described above. It is understood that figures [Fig.l], [Fig. 10] and [Fig. 11] represent the device comprising a textile part similar to a cap design, but the claim is not limited to this specific design.

[0033] The textile (3) + (4) has characteristics such that it can be machine washed and lasts over time despite repeated exposure to an environment changing exterior.

[0034] Vents (5) are present on the resistant functional part so as to guarantee optimal ventilation of the user's head when wearing the device according to the invention.

[0035] Comfort foams are present inside the functional resistant part (1), attached by a device of self-gripping strips (12) or any other means allowing the latter to be detached for hygienic purposes of washing or replacement. Said foams may be sewn to the interior textile part.

[0036] The inner part of the resistant functional part (1) is shaped to fit head sizes, available in several sizes and completed by the occipital adjustment (9) so as to guarantee optimal ergonomics when wearing the device.

[0037] The resistant functional part (1) + (2) is traditionally made of expanded foam such as polystyrene or polypropylene for its internal part (1) and of plastic or polycarbonate coating for its external part (2) so as to combine mechanical characteristics in such a way that it has the capacity to absorb a shock at the level provided for by the standards in force and not to deteriorate during slight impacts, sintering or prolonged exposure to an external environment. The textile part (3) + (4) is traditionally made of cotton or any other material suitable for prolonged contact with the skin and / or hair and resistant to the external environment.

[0038] By way of non-limiting example, the device according to the invention will have the following dimensions: the resistant functional part (1) + (2) will have a variable thickness of 5 to 30mm. The complete device is available in several sizes allowing it to cover a circumference of 40 to 70cm. Its dimensions will be between 10 and 80cm in length, 5 and 60cm in width and 5 and 50cm in height.

[0039] The device according to the invention is useful in the following situations: the user can protect his head when traveling by bicycle, including electric, by scooter, including electric, or more generally any other means of soft transport for which safety equipment is recommended or obligatory and subject to compliance with the standard in force concerning the resistance levels to be achieved for bicycle helmets or any other standard whose levels are less restrictive. Industrial application likely

[0040] The device according to the invention is particularly intended for the use of bicycles or scooters in many situations. Its manufacture, mainly in expanded foam and textile, is simple and inexpensive. The present invention can be carried out by injection or any other means of manufacture for the functional resistant part and by sewing or any other means of manufacture for the textile part. The materials necessary for all the components are widespread and easily identifiable to a person in the profession.

[0041] Certain industrial adjustments are necessary for the manufacture of the present invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for customizing and modifying the design of a bicycle helmet, characterized in that it comprises: • A resistant functional part (1) + (2) designed to absorb shocks, adapted to the shape of a standard head, including vents (5) for the comfort of the user. • A textile part (3) + (4) intended to cover the resistant functional part (1) + (2), said textile part being interchangeable and available in different forms, including cap, beanie, hat, bob, beret, chapka, and scarf, with different designs, colors, and patterns.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the resistant functional part (1) + (2) is designed with a variable thickness ranging from 5 to 15mm on the outer edge of the helmet up to a thickness of 10 to 30mm on the upper part.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the resistant functional part comprises straps (6) + (7), allowing the user to fix the helmet under his chin, with the possibility of easy unclipping (8) into four separate parts for passage through the textile part (13).

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the resistant functional part (1) + (2) comprises an occipital adjustment mechanism (9), removably fixed at two or four right and left lateral points (10) + (11).

5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the resistant functional part comprises self-gripping strips inside to allow the insertion of detachable comfort foams (12), designed specifically for the helmet.

6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the textile part (3) + (4) is attached to the resistant functional part (1) + (2) using a zipper (14).

7. Device according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the textile part comprises four rectangular openings and two circular openings (13) for the passage of the adjustment straps and the occipital adjustment, guaranteeing the stability of the textile and the aesthetic finish of the design.

8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is designed in different sizes, covering a wide range of circumferences, from 40 to 70cm.

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