Bicycle or scooter helmet

Abstract

The invention relates to a bicycle or scooter helmet (2), notable in that it consists of a shock-absorbing layer (2a) of expanded polypropylene (EPP) that is waterproof and monolithic, the surface of the monolithic helmet (2) is self-cleaning, and the composition of the expanded polypropylene includes antimicrobial agents, such as silver ions or ceramic microspheres, and the internal surface of the helmet (2) is continuous, without any recessed or raised elements. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 9

Description

Title of the invention: Bicycle or scooter helmet technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of bicycles or scooters, and more particularly concerns a helmet support assembly, and helmet, intended to be attached to bicycles or scooters, or more generally to any type of soft mobility vehicle requiring the wearing of a helmet for its operation, for example balance bike or other.

[0002] The invention finds an advantageous application in the field of so-called shared vehicles, without this being limiting. Previous art

[0003] Prior art document CN111980500 is known, which describes an assembly comprising a user's head protection helmet and a helmet support intended to be attached to a bicycle.

[0004] The support includes in particular a base having, on one side, a shape complementary to an internal portion of the helmet to be covered by the helmet in the storage position, and the base being connected, on the opposite side, to a kind of basket forming a body for fixing to the bicycle.

[0005] Like the present invention, the assembly is intended to equip so-called "shared" bicycles, i.e., self-service rental bicycles, particularly in urban areas.

[0006] Thus, the assembly described in this document makes it possible to provide a helmet, also shared, for the users of these bicycles.

[0007] In order to ensure that the helmet remains in position, and to prevent theft, this document describes that the support includes means for locking the helmet's storage position, which can be operated remotely by a smartphone.

[0008] More specifically, this document describes that the support includes two rods that retract laterally to fit into complementary holes provided for this purpose in a lower internal portion of the helmet.

[0009] The rods are retracted by a system of gears and racks, driven by an electric motor, which motor is controlled from information emitted by the user's smartphone.

[0010] However, this type of assembly is complex, bulky and expensive, and requires heavy structural modifications to the helmet to make it compatible with the support.

[0011] Furthermore, the autonomy of this assembly can still be improved in order to guarantee the greatest possible number of uses before requiring recharging.

[0012] As for the helmet, it generally comprises a rigid protective shell, lined internally with comfort foam. This type of helmet is not hygienic for use in shared helmets, nor is it easily recyclable. Description of the invention

[0013] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by proposing a helmet support assembly, and helmet, which is of simple, reliable and economical design, while having a relatively small footprint.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to provide a helmet support assembly that can be easily adapted to any type of soft mobility vehicle, and in several possible configurations.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to provide such an assembly which is energy self-sufficient and with low consumption to guarantee the most possible uses before recharging.

[0016] Another objective of the invention is to provide such an assembly which requires few structural modifications to the helmet in order to make the assembly more economical.

[0017] To this end, an assembly has been developed conforming to the prior art, comprising a helmet for protecting the user's head and a helmet holder for attachment to a part of a bicycle or scooter. The holder includes a base having, on one side, a shape complementary to an internal portion of the helmet so that the helmet fits over it in the stored position, and the base being connected, on the opposite side, to a mounting body for the bicycle or scooter. The holder also includes means for locking the helmet in the stored position, which can be remotely operated by a smartphone.

[0018] According to the invention, the base comprises a through rod terminating in a handle. The handle is designed to pass through a corresponding opening formed in the bottom or top of the helmet when the helmet is in the stored position. The rod and the base are pivotally mounted relative to each other and about the axis of the rod, so as to move from a release position, in which the handle is free to pass through the opening, to a locking position that secures the helmet in the stored position. Furthermore, the locking means are adapted to prevent the rotation of the rod relative to the base to lock the helmet in the locked position.

[0019] From the foregoing, the design is simple, robust, and compact. The support's footprint is no larger than that of the helmet and is even housed inside the helmet when the helmet is attached to the support. In this way, the invention makes it possible to offer a helmet support assembly that can be easily adapted to any type of vehicle for active mobility, and in several possible configurations. The invention is suitable for both shared vehicles and private vehicles.

[0020] The locking mechanism is manual and simple to use. To lock the helmet, simply insert it around the stem and rotate the stem relative to the base, for example, by a quarter turn. Only the locking and unlocking of the locked position is electronic, so the entire assembly consumes very little energy.

[0021] In one particular embodiment, the assembly comprises identification means disposed on or near the support, for example directly on the bicycle or scooter, which correspond to a helmet holder identified in a database. The identification means are readable by a camera of a smartphone connected to the database, and the locking means are capable of being activated by a signal emitted by the smartphone after identifying the helmet holder.

[0022] In this way, unlocking / locking is simple, and can be authenticated and time-stamped in the database.

[0023] The locking means are of all suitable types, for example they are in the form of an electric strike adapted to receive and lock an element, for example a finger, fixed in rotation with the rod or base.

[0024] To reduce energy consumption, the assembly includes an electronic board equipped with wireless communication means, for example, Bluetooth® or radio frequency, preferably on a wide area network, or on the 433 MHz frequency band, or using LoRa frequency modulation. This makes it possible to obtain inexpensive, energy-efficient, and compact wireless communication. The electronic board is then capable of receiving an unlock / lock signal emitted by the smartphone, and the electronic board is configured to activate the locking means according to the received signal. When using Bluetooth®, the communication means are preferably used in "low energy" mode (Bluetooth Low Energy), which uses a mode called "advertising" that transmits at a low frequency every half second to minimize energy consumption.

[0025] Preferably, the base and the rod are mounted to slide relative to each other, and against an elastic element tending to bring the rod back inside the base.

[0026] Thus, the helmet is held firmly against the base in the storage position, which prevents the helmet from vibrating when the bicycle or scooter is in motion.

[0027] Preferably, the base includes a rib guiding the sliding of the rod and intended to penetrate the opening of the helmet in the storage position, in order to prevent rotation of the helmet around the rod.

[0028] Advantageously, the support includes means for detecting a locked or unlocked state of the locking means, connected to the electronic card which is configured to send a status signal to a smartphone.

[0029] Similarly, the support includes means for detecting the storage position of the helmet, connected to the electronic board which is configured to send a presence signal to a smartphone.

[0030] In this configuration, the detection means are for example a hall effect sensor positioned on the stem and intended to cooperate with a complementary element positioned on the base when the helmet is in storage position.

[0031] The mounting body is suitable for attaching to any type of bicycle or scooter. It can be custom-made or be part of an existing bicycle or scooter range. Preferably, the mounting body consists of two parts that lock together on either side of a fixed part of the bicycle or scooter, such as a portion of the frame or handlebars. The attachment is simple: the part of the bicycle or scooter is clamped between the two parts of the mounting body, like a vise. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a helmet support assembly, and helmet according to the present invention, fixed to the frame of a scooter.

[0033] [Fig.2] illustrates the support comprising a two-part fixing body fixed to on either side of the scooter frame.

[0034] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the support alone.

[0035] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the base.

[0036] [Fig.5] is a view similar to that of [Fig.4], the rod being slid and pulled towards the high.

[0037] [Fig.6] is a view similar to that of [Fig.5], perspective view, the stem being in a release position in which the handle is free to pass through the opening provided in the helmet.

[0038] [Fig.7] is a view similar to that of [Fig.6], the handle being rotated a quarter of the turn in a helmet locking position.

[0039] [Fig.8] illustrates the helmet in perspective seen from above.

[0040] [Fig.9] illustrates the helmet in perspective seen from below. Detailed description of the invention

[0041] With reference to [Fig.1], the invention relates to an assembly (1) comprising, on the one hand, a helmet (2) for protecting the head of a user riding a bicycle or scooter and, on the other hand, a helmet support (3) intended to be attached to the bicycle or scooter.

[0042] The invention aims in particular to provide a helmet (2) whose support (3) is intended to equip bicycles or scooters or any other soft mobility vehicle, such as a balance bike, for example. The application can concern both shared vehicles and private vehicles. The helmet described below was developed to facilitate shared use, but is not limited to this use.

[0043] By "shared," we mean the well-known fact that these soft mobility vehicles are for collective use, for example in a company fleet, or for public use on a self-service basis, free of charge or for hire. This type of vehicle is most commonly found either as a means of intra-company transport or in urban areas.

[0044] The invention aims to provide such an assembly (1) which is simple in design, reliable, compact, and economical, while also having autonomous and low-power operation to ensure the greatest number of uses with the available electrical load. The advantage of the invention also lies in the fact that attaching the support to the vehicle is simple, quick, and adaptable to any type of vehicle. The proposed solution is described as "turnkey".

[0045] In a known manner, and with reference to figures 2 to 7, the support (3) includes a base (4) having, on one side, a shape complementary to an internal portion of the helmet (2) so as to be able, in the storage position of the helmet (2), to position it on the support (3) by putting the helmet (2) on top of it.

[0046] On one side opposite the receiving shape of the helmet (2), the base (4) is connected to a fixing body (5) to a part of the bicycle or scooter, generally the frame, the handlebars, the saddle, the luggage rack, or any other fixed part of the bicycle or scooter, for example on a fork tube.

[0047] The fixing body (5) can be of any suitable type, the essential thing is that it ensures a reliable and robust fixing to the bicycle or scooter, preferably avoiding the possibilities of vandalism or theft.

[0048] The fixing body (5) can be made to measure for a particular range of bicycle or scooter, or can directly form an integral part of said bicycle or scooter.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment, in particular that illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the fixing body (5) is in two parts (5a, 5b), lockable to each other, and on either side of a fixed part of the bicycle or scooter, in order to clamp it and ensure locking.

[0050] For example, the two parts (5a, 5b) of the mounting body (5) form two half-shells, leaving a cylindrical space between them to receive and attach a part of a frame or handlebar. One of the parts (5a) may be an integral part of the base (2). The two parts (5a, 5b) are locked together by any suitable means, for example by screwing, possibly with screws having a head with a recess designed to cooperate with a specific tool, not available on the market, to reduce the risk of accidental disassembly.

[0051] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to mount the support (3) on an existing fleet of bicycles or scooters, without involving any structural modification of the bicycles or scooters.

[0052] Of course, other types of fastening bodies (5) can be imagined, without going out of the scope of the invention.

[0053] With reference to figures 2 to 7, and in order to ensure that the helmet (2) is held in position on its support (3), the base (4) includes a rod (6) passing through the base (4) which is generally hemispherical in shape, particularly at the pole or at the top of the base (4), and terminates in a handle (6a) in the form of a loop or a handle intended to pass through an opening (7), see figures 1 and 8, corresponding to the opening provided in the bottom of the helmet (2) when the helmet (2) is in the storage position.

[0054] In this way, the placement of the helmet (2) on the base (4) of the support (3) is simple and quick, it is enough to simply skewer the helmet (2) onto the base (4), with the rod (6) passing through the corresponding opening (7) provided at the top of the helmet (2).

[0055] The advantage of the invention is that this structure is of simple and reliable design, and requires little or no structural modification to the helmet (2). In practice, the opening (7) provided at the top of the helmet (2) can serve as a ventilation opening normally present on the helmet (2).

[0056] In order to lock the helmet (2) in position, the rod (6) and the base (4) are mounted to pivot, for example by a quarter turn, relative to each other around the axis of the rod (6). Thus, the pivoting of the rod (6) or the base (4) allows passage from a release position, see [Fig. 6], in which the handle (6a) is free to pass through the opening (7) to allow insertion or removal of the helmet (2), to a locking position, see [Fig. 7], in which the handle (6a) prevents the removal or insertion of the helmet (2).

[0057] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 7, the base (4) is fixed, and the rod (6) is pivotally mounted to move from the release position to the locking position. This simplifies operation for the user. The reverse configuration, i.e., the rod (6) fixed and the base (4) pivoting, can also be considered without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0058] Preferably, the rod (6) is subjected to a system, not shown, for indexing the release and locking positions, for example by means of a ball screw connected to the rod (6) or to a part of the base (4), intended to engage with complementary hollow forms on the base (4) or the rod (6).

[0059] Naturally, the dimensions of the handle (6a) and the opening (7) in the helmet (2) are adapted to allow locking by rotation. For example, the opening (7) in the helmet (2) is oblong, and the handle (6a) has a general "T" shape to ensure locking by rotation, for example, a quarter turn. Other shapes can be considered by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0060] In order to keep the helmet (2) firmly in the storage position, and to prevent it from vibrating when the bicycle or scooter is being moved with the helmet (2) on its support (3), the base (4) and the rod (6) are mounted to slide relative to each other, and against an elastic element (8), in particular a compression spring, tending to bring the rod (6) back inside the base (4).

[0061] In this way, the handle (6a) of the rod (6) exerts pressure, in the locked position, on the helmet (2) in counter-support with the base (4) so ​​that the vibrations are attenuated, or even eliminated.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figures 4 to 7, the rod (6) is sliding and the base (4) is fixed. The alternative, namely the fixed rod (6) and the base (4) mounted to slide around the rod (6), can also be considered without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0063] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, and in order to prevent any rotation of the helmet (2) when it is in the storage position, the base (4) includes, for example, a rib (4a) guiding the sliding of the rod (6) and designed to enter the opening (7) of the helmet (2). This rib (4a) has, for example, a frustoconical longitudinal cross-section that decreases with distance from the base (4), and the opening (7) in the helmet (2) may have a complementary cross-section so as to further reduce the risk of vibration.

[0064] Thus, in practice, after positioning the helmet (2) on its base (4), with the handle (6a) passing through the opening (7) provided in the helmet (2), the user grasps the handle (6a), pulls it to fully remove the handle (6a) from the opening (7), and rotates it, for example by a quarter turn, to move it into position locking mechanism. Conversely, to remove the helmet (2), the user pulls on the handle (6a) and reverses the movement by a quarter turn. Operation is simple, reliable, and quick.

[0065] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the handle (6a) may optionally be foldable, for example by being hinged around an axis (6b) orthogonal to the rod (6) in order to reduce its size. It is also possible for the helmet (2) to have a recess complementary to that of the handle (6a), into which the handle (6a) fits when folded.

[0066] With reference to Figures 4 to 7, and to perform the functions just described, the base (4) has a hemispherical shape and is substantially hollow. The base (4) is fixed to a plate (9), for example, by means of peripheral fixing studs (10).

[0067] The rod (6) is mounted to slide through an opening (4c) provided at the top of the base (4), being guided by sliding joints or rings (11).

[0068] In the lower part, the rod (6) is inserted and guided in a barrel (12), connected to the plate (9). The elastic element (8) tending to return the rod (6) inside the base (4) is positioned between a lower stop of the rod (6) and an upper stop of the barrel (12).

[0069] The shaft (12) and the rod (6) are rotationally fixed, for example by means of a key, so that a rotation of the rod (6) around its axis also causes the shaft (12) to rotate. For this purpose, the shaft (12) is mounted freely to rotate around its axis inside a guide ring (13) fixed to the plate (9).

[0070] The fact that the barrel (12) is rotationally fixed with the rod (6) allows for easy, reliable and robust integration of locking means (14) for the storage position of the helmet (2), in particular by blocking the rotation of the rod (6) relative to the base (4), see figures 6 and 7.

[0071] According to a particular embodiment, the locking means (14) are, for example, in the form of an electric strike (14a), or a bistable solenoid, adapted to receive and lock an element (15), such as a finger fixed in rotation to the rod (6) or the base (4). The operation of the electric strike (14a) consumes little energy.

[0072] The electric strike (14a) is, for example, positioned on a fixed part of the support (3), for example attached to the mounting plate (9) or to a part of the fixing body (5), and the element (15) is, for example, positioned on an arm (16) projecting laterally from the shaft (12). The electric strike (14a) is positioned so that when the rod (6), and therefore the shaft (12), rotates, the element (15) inserts and locks itself inside the electric strike (14a). The locking mechanism is therefore simple and effective.

[0073] According to another feature of the invention, the locking / unlocking of the locking position is carried out remotely by a smartphone, in particular connected to an application, that is to say software run by the smartphone, as is already known in the field of shared bikes or scooters.

[0074] For this purpose, the support (3) includes, for example, an electronic card, not shown, equipped with wireless communication means, for example of the Bluetooth® type, or by radio frequency using LoRa frequency modulation, so as to be able to receive signals emitted by the smartphone running the software. And the electric strike (14a) is able to be actuated by the electronic card according to an unlock / lock signal emitted by the smartphone running the software.

[0075] Preferably, the support (3) according to the invention comprises identification means, not shown, disposed on or near the helmet support (3), for example directly on the bicycle or scooter. These identification means are of all well-known types, and are, for example, 2D codes, such as DATAMATRIX codes. These identification means are robust and inexpensive, and implementation is easy.

[0076] The identification means arranged on the support (3), the bicycle or the scooter, correspond to a helmet support (3) identified in a database and are readable by a camera of a smartphone connected to the database and running the software.

[0077] In practice, the user scans the identification means with their connected smartphone: - to a specific application, i.e. software run by the smartphone and programmed to manage the provision of the headset (2); or, preferably directly to the application, i.e. the software programmed to manage the provision of the bike or scooter which then integrates a specific API type module (from the English "application programming interface" or in French "interface de programmation d'application") which is a software interface which allows to "connect" a software or a service to another software or service in order to exchange data and functionalities, in particular those of the management of the helmet (2).

[0078] After reading the means of identification, and matching has been carried out with respect to the database, which makes it possible to confirm the "identity" of the helmet support (3) concerned, the software executed by the smartphone is programmed and configured to offer the unlocking of the locking position of the helmet (2).

[0079] If the user confirms the unlocking via their smartphone, this emits a signal, for example Bluetooth® or radio frequency in using LoRa frequency modulation, to the electronic board, which actuates the electric strike (14a) to unlock the rotation of the rod (6).

[0080] The electronic card is therefore configured to actuate the locking means (14) according to a signal received by a smartphone.

[0081] In one particular embodiment, the holder (3) may include a button, not shown, which activates the wireless communication means of the electronic board, so as not to emit a continuous signal. The user who wishes to unlock / lock the headset presses this button and connects their smartphone so that it detects the signal emitted by the holder (3). The signal is emitted by the holder (3) for a few seconds, or even minutes. This reduces the energy consumption of the holder (3).

[0082] In order to facilitate the management of the provision of the helmet (2), the support (3) also includes means for detecting, not shown, a locked or unlocked state of the electric strike (14a), which means are connected to the electronic card which is also configured to send a signal, for example Bluetooth®, or other, of locked or unlocked state, to the smartphone.

[0083] These detection means can be of any suitable type, and are for example in the form of a sensor mounted directly on the electric strike (14a).

[0084] Still with the same purpose, the support (3) includes means for detecting, not shown, the storage position of the helmet (2), connected to the electronic board which is also configured to send a presence signal to the smartphone.

[0085] For example, these detection means are in the form of a Hall effect sensor positioned on the rod (6) and intended to cooperate with a complementary element positioned on a part that slides securely with the base (4). For example, the Hall effect sensor is positioned on the rod (6) and the complementary element is positioned within the thickness of the shaft (12). The two elements cooperate together (1) when the rod (6) is slid relative to the base (4), leaving a gap between the handle (6a) and the base (4) corresponding to the thickness of the helmet (2).

[0086] In this way, detection is mechanical, simple and inexpensive. When the helmet (2) is in the stowed position, the hall effect sensor is activated and sends information to the electronic board which then transmits it to the smartphone.

[0087] Next, the user rotates the handle (6a) a quarter turn to the locked position, which is detected and the information is sent to the smartphone. In turn, the phone can send a locking signal to the electric strike (14a) so that the user can terminate the use of the headset (2) via the software. In practice, this can, for example, confirm via the software that a deposit will not be taken from the user's account, provided that the helmet (2) has been returned and that the locking position has been properly locked.

[0088] The invention has been designed to consume little energy and be self-contained, requiring minimal maintenance. The assembly (1) according to the invention is compact and lightweight so as not to hinder or unbalance the rider. The electronic board is powered by a battery located in the holder (3), accessible via a hatch, for example. The battery life before replacement is preferably 1 to 2 years with 3 to 5 uses per day. The board could be powered by a dedicated battery, or by the battery of the bicycle or scooter if they are electric. The battery can be connected for charging separately or simultaneously with the bicycle or scooter battery. Alternatively, this battery could be connected to a solar panel mounted on the holder (3) for autonomous charging.

[0089] With reference to [Fig.8], the helmet (2) also has advantageous characteristics, in connection with the field of "shared" helmets.

[0090] Preferably, the helmet (2) has no shell as such, and consists of a single, waterproof, one-piece shock-absorbing layer (2a) that provides relative protection against rain. The helmet (2) is therefore made of a single layer (2a), for example, expanded polypropylene (EPP). The helmet (2) is recyclable and thus has a satisfactory environmental footprint.

[0091] The helmet (2) according to the invention is robust and hygienic. To this end, it is for example coated with a "smooth" coating such as a varnish, a paint, or a plastic film, in order to give the helmet (2) a certain resistance, while being hygienic and easy to clean.

[0092] Preferably, the surface of the one-piece EPP helmet (2) is self-cleaning and / or antibacterial, by the addition, in the EPP composition, of silver ions, ceramic microspheres, or any other antimicrobial agent. The internal surface of the helmet (2) is continuous, without any recessed or raised elements to limit soiling and facilitate cleaning.

[0093] Furthermore, according to features taken in isolation, the helmet (2) includes straps (2b), made of textile or elastomeric material, which attach to the helmet (2), at the level of the wearer's ears.

[0094] For example, the ends of the straps (2b) have eyelets which attach around studs provided for this purpose on the helmet (2), for example inside the helmet (2) so as to leave as much continuous surface as possible without interference.

[0095] With reference to [Fig. 3], the base (4) advantageously has lateral slots or compartments forming housings (17) for receiving said straps (2b) to avoid that they do not float and interfere with the driver when the helmet (2) is not in use and is in the stowed position while the bicycle or scooter is in operation.

[0096] According to other advantageous features, independent of the one-piece nature of the helmet (2), the helmet (2) includes internally a tightening ring (2d), well known in the prior art, provided with a tightening wheel or an elastic band to adapt to the morphology of the wearer.

[0097] Preferably, the clamping ring (2d) is extended by a visor (2c) to form a single unit. The clamping ring (2d) may also be extended by the straps (2b) to form a single unit comprising the visor (2c), the clamping ring, and the straps (2b). Alternatively, the single unit may be omitted (2c), with the clamping ring (2d) and the straps (2b) forming the single unit.

[0098] In these different one-piece configurations, the material used is advantageously an elastomeric material and preferably recyclable.

[0099] Preferably, the visor (2c) can be covered with a textile, in the manner of dress caps.

[0100] With reference to [Fig. 9], and in order not to disrupt the continuity of the inner surface of the helmet (2), the clamping ring (2d) is fixed to the edge of the helmet (2). For example, it is housed in a groove (2e) formed along the edge.

[0101] The clamping ring (2d) can be fixed by any suitable means, such as by gluing.

[0102] The straps (2b) are attached by any means to the tightening ring (2d) or directly to the helmet (2). For example, the straps (2b) are attached by a pin (2f) passing through the end of the straps (2b) and the thickness of the tightening ring (2d). It may also be envisaged that the pin (2f) also passes through the thickness of the helmet (2) to secure the assembly.

[0103] The straps can also be attached to loops projecting from the tightening ring. The loops can also project directly from the helmet (2), or be in the form of inserts integrated into the helmet (2), at an internal or external portion.

Claims

Demands

1. Helmet (2) for bicycles or scooters characterized in that it resides in a shock-absorbing layer (2a) of expanded polypropylene (EPP) which is sealed and one-piece, the surface of the one-piece helmet (2) is self-cleaning and the composition of the expanded polypropylene includes antimicrobial agents, such as silver ions or ceramic microspheres, and the internal surface of the helmet (2) is continuous, without any hollow or raised elements.

2. Helmet (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises straps (2b) which attach to the helmet (2), at the level of the wearer's ears.

3. Helmet (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it internally comprises a tightening ring (2d), provided with a tightening wheel or an elastic band to adapt to the morphology of the wearer.

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