Protective helmet with attachment means for at least one accessory

Abstract

A protective helmet (1) adapted to be worn by a user and to protect the user's head from impacts, the protective helmet (1) comprising: a rigid outer shell (2) defining an interior space (P) designed to accommodate the user's head; at least one accessory (10) attached to the outer shell (2); and attachment means (18) for attaching the at least one accessory (10) to the outer shell (2). The attachment means (18) is adapted to removably attach the at least one accessory (10) to the outer shell (2) and includes a plurality of male connectors (20) and a plurality of female connectors (22), each female connector (22) including an internal housing (24) for a respective male connector (20).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective helmet adapted to be worn by a user to protect the head from impacts, and in particular, although not exclusively, to a motorcycle helmet suitable for use by a motorcycle rider and having attachment means for at least one accessory. [Background technology]

[0002] As is well known in the art, a motorcycle helmet essentially comprises an outer shell made of a synthetic rigid material, the outer shell defining an interior space for accommodating the user's head when the helmet is worn and communicating with the outside by means of front and bottom openings formed in the outer shell.

[0003] As is well known, a helmet is intended to be worn in a suitable manner by a user when the front opening is placed on the user's face, allowing him / her to see through the front opening.

[0004] Known motorcycle helmets may further include a shield removably coupled to the outer shell by coupling means and movable relative to the outer shell to selectively close the front opening.

[0005] Known motorcycle helmets may also include at least one appendage, or multiple appendages or means attached to the outer shell and having different functions between them.

[0006] For example, the appendages may have an aerodynamic function, i.e. they are adapted to limit the effect of aerodynamic forces, such as drag, acting on the helmet during motorcycle riding.

[0007] In this respect, the aerodynamic appendages may include a rear spoiler and / or a pair of side wings, which in practice are fixed to the rear of the outer shell and the side wings are fixed to the opposite side of the outer shell and also protrude from the outer shell.

[0008] In helmets known from the art, such aerodynamic appendages or means are fixed to the outer shell by mechanical attachments, and therefore such aerodynamic appendages are strongly fixed to the outer shell. Summary of the Invention

[0009] A first drawback of the above technical solutions is that the aerodynamic appendages, i.e. the rear spoiler and the side wings, cannot be completely or at least partially detached from the outer shell if the helmet hits an obstacle.

[0010] Such a shortcoming can result in dangerous rotation of the user's head relative to the neck in the event of an impact and / or an increased "lever effect" of the helmet.

[0011] Such a "lever effect" can cause relative displacement between the helmet and the user's head and therefore high loads on the user's neck.

[0012] A further drawback is that the helmets described above are subject to high rotational accelerations and velocities, especially in the case of tangential impacts.

[0013] Rotational acceleration can cause the user's brain to rotate within the skull. Brain rotation can result in injuries such as concussion, diffuse axonal injury (DAI), subdural hematoma, cerebral contusion, and intracerebral hematoma.

[0014] Another drawback of the above technical solutions is that the aerodynamic appendages are particularly difficult to remove if they need to be replaced, thus making the maintenance operations of the helmet particularly long and complicated.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, known visors for helmets are also considered as an appendage attached to the outer shell, usually located near the front opening and also protruding from the outer shell.

[0016] The visor does not have any aerodynamic function (such as a rear spoiler or side wings), rather its function is to protect the user from flying debris when driving off-road and to reduce sun glare.

[0017] Typically, the visor is coupled to the front of the outer shell on both sides by mechanical fasteners such as snaps or screws.

[0018] The technical drawbacks associated with the use of such visors are similar to those indicated above for rear spoilers and side wings, namely the inability to at least partially detach the visor from the outer shell in the event of the helmet colliding with an obstacle.

[0019] It is also difficult to remove the visor for replacement when worn.

[0020] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a protective helmet with attachment means for at least one accessory designed to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0021] More specifically, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a protective helmet of the type disclosed above that allows the appendage to be at least partially detached from the outer shell in the event of an impact on the helmet.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet of the type disclosed above which makes it possible to limit the effects of rotational acceleration and velocity on the user's head, particularly in the case of a tangential impact.

[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a protective helmet of the type disclosed above in which at least partial detachment of the appendage from the outer shell in the event of an impact does not require user intervention.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet of the type disclosed above which limits the adverse effects of an impact on the user's head and neck, such as, for example, rotation of the user's head relative to the neck.

[0025] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a protective helmet of the type disclosed above in which the attachment of at least one appendage on the outer shell is strong and reliable during normal use of the helmet.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet of the above type which facilitates the operation of replacing worn elements.

[0027] The above objects, and others that will appear better in the following description, are achieved by a protective helmet provided with attachment means for at least one accessory as claimed in claim 1.

[0028] The advantages and features of the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the invention, which refers to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a protective helmet according to the invention, in which at least one appendage is formed by a rear spoiler. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 1 without the rear spoiler, with the attachment means partially visible. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the helmet of FIG. 1 without the rear spoiler, with the attachment means partially visible. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a perspective rear view of the helmet of FIG. 1 without the rear spoiler, with the attachment means partially visible. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of the helmet of FIG. 1 without the rear spoiler, with the attachment means partially visible. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of the protective helmet of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view taken along plane AA shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view taken along the transverse plane AA shown in FIG. [Figure 9a] 18 is a top view of the components of the attachment means of the protective helmet also seen in FIGS. 2-8, 12-14 and 17. FIG. [Figure 9b] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of components of the attachment means for the protective helmet also seen in FIGS. 2-8, 12-14 and 17. [Figure 9c] FIG. 9c is a side view of the components of the attachment means of the protective helmet, which are also seen in FIGS. 2-8, 12-14 and 17. [Figure 9d] FIG. 9d is a further side view of the components of the attachment means of the protective helmet, also seen in FIGS. 2-8, 12-14 and 17, opposite the side view of FIG. 9c. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a second embodiment of the protective helmet of the present invention, in which the appendages include a rear spoiler and side wings. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of the protective helmet of FIG. 10 without the rear spoiler, the attachment means of which are partially visible. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of the protective helmet of FIG. 10 without the rear spoiler and side wings, with their attachment means partly visible. [Figure 13] 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of the protective helmet of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the protective helmet of FIG. 10, showing the attachment of one side wing on the outer shell. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of a third embodiment of the protective helmet of the present invention, in which at least one appendage is formed by the visor. [Figure 16] 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of the protective helmet of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view of the protective helmet of FIG. 15 without the visor, the attachment means of which are partially visible. [Figure 18] 18 is a perspective view of a visor of the protective helmet of FIG. 15. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention relates to a protective helmet provided with attachment means for at least one accessory. As is known, a protective helmet is adapted to be worn by a user and to protect the user's head from impacts.

[0031] In particular, the protective helmet of the present invention is preferably a motorcycle helmet adapted to be worn by a motorcyclist. In particular, the protective helmet is adapted to be worn by a motorcyclist.

[0032] Below and in the accompanying figures, the protective helmet is designated as a whole by the reference numeral 1.

[0033] The protective helmet 1 is designed to be attached to the user's head by fastening means, such as a chin strap, which are not shown in the accompanying figures.

[0034] As is known, the protective helmet 1 comprises a rigid outer shell 2, preferably made of a composite or thermoplastic material, defining an interior space P designed to accommodate the user's head when the helmet 1 is worn.

[0035] In this regard, the outer shell 2 is dome-shaped to fit over the user's head (not shown in the accompanying figures) and comprises side portions 4 and a rear portion 6 .

[0036] The outer shell 2 further comprises a front opening 8 opposite the rear portion 6, adapted to connect the interior space P with the outside.

[0037] The interior space P also communicates with the outside through a bottom opening 9 in the outer shell 2 through which the user inserts his head into the interior space P.

[0038] The front opening 8 of at least the first and second embodiments of the protective helmet 1 disclosed below is designed to be selectively closed by a shield not shown in the accompanying figures.

[0039] If present, the shield is coupled to the outer shell 2 by coupling means 12 which allow movement of the shield about an axis of rotation between an inoperative position and a closed position of the front opening 8. The seating of the coupling means 12 is shown diagrammatically in the accompanying Figures 1, 2, 6 and 10-13.

[0040] In a preferred configuration, the protective helmet 1 further comprises at least one attachment 10 and attachment means 18 for attaching the at least one attachment 10 to the outer shell 2 .

[0041] In the context of this specification, the at least one appendage 10 may be an aerodynamic appendage selected from the group comprising a rear spoiler 102 and a side wing 104, such aerodynamic appendage being adapted to reduce drag acting on the protective helmet 1.

[0042] The at least one appendage 10 may also be a visor 106 of known type, the protective helmet 1 provided with a visor being preferably adapted to be used by a motocross rider.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 18 , the visor 106 comprises an elongated central portion 116 that projects outward relative to the front opening 8 and a pair of side portions 126 attached to the outer shell 2 .

[0044] With reference to the accompanying drawings, A first embodiment of the protective helmet 1, which only includes a rear spoiler 102 as an attachment, is better shown in Figures 1-8.

[0045] A second embodiment of the protective helmet 1 including a rear spoiler 102 and side wings 104 as attachments is better shown in Figures 10-14.

[0046] A third embodiment of the protective helmet 1 with a front visor 106 as an attachment is better shown in figures 15-18.

[0047] A rear spoiler 102 is located at the rear 6 of the outer shell 2, side wings 104 are located at the sides 4 of the outer shell 2, and a visor 106 is located above the front opening 8. All of the above appendages 10 protrude from the outer shell 2 in the assembled configuration.

[0048] In particular, the rear spoiler 102 and visor 106 may be disposed in corresponding recesses 11, 13 formed in the outer shell 2 and having a shape complementary to the outer shape of the rear spoiler 102 or visor 106, as better shown in Figures 4-6 and 16-17, respectively.

[0049] Advantageously, the side wing 104 defines, together with the surface of the outer shell 2, at least one duct 114 (see FIG. 14) for directing the air flow towards the rear 6.

[0050] In this respect, the side wings 104 are preferably arranged on the sides 4 of the outer shell 2 in the region between the maximum cross-section and the rear 6, downstream of the centerline of the body of the outer shell 2, and along the tilt direction S when the helmet 1 is parallel to the ground.

[0051] According to an embodiment not shown in the accompanying figures, the protective helmet 1 may include a combination of multiple appendages 10, such as a rear spoiler 102, side wings 104, and a visor 106, attached to the outer shell 2 by attachment means 18.

[0052] According to the present invention, the attachment means 18 is adapted to removably attach at least one appendage 10, i.e., a rear spoiler 102 and / or a side wing 104 and / or a visor 106, to the outer shell 2 and comprises a plurality of male connectors 20 and a plurality of female connectors 22.

[0053] Such an arrangement will be disclosed in detail below and makes it possible to keep the at least one appendage 10 or appendages attached to the outer shell 2 stable during normal use of the helmet 1, and to have the at least one appendage 10 capable of being at least partially or completely detached from the outer shell 2 in the event of an impact.

[0054] The removal of at least one appendage 10 from the outer shell 2 limits the negative effects of an impact on the user's head and neck, for example, as a rotational and / or helmet "lever effect" between the user's head and neck, limiting the rotational acceleration and velocity experienced by the helmet.

[0055] In the context of this specification, the female connectors 22 may also be defined as "receivers" without limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0056] As with the above disclosed embodiment, each of the appendages 102 , 104 , 106 is removably attached to the outer shell 2 by attachment means 18 comprising a male connector 20 and a female connector 22 .

[0057] In some cases, the male connector 20 is arranged on at least one or all of the appendages 10 provided on the helmet 1 and the female connector 22 is arranged on the outer shell 2 .

[0058] The male connector 20 may be integral with the corresponding accessory 10 or may be subsequently secured to the accessory 10 .

[0059] Preferably, the male connector 20 is positioned along the entire extension of the rear spoiler 102 or side wing 104 of the first and second helmet embodiments, as better shown in Figures 13-14 with reference to one side wing 104.

[0060] In all the embodiments disclosed above, the number of male connectors 20 provided on the attachment 10 corresponds to the number of female connectors 22 provided on the outer shell 2 .

[0061] for example, In the case of the rear spoiler 102, seven female connectors 22 are provided on the outer shell 2, and a number of male connectors 20 are provided on the rear spoiler 102. In particular, six of such female connectors 22 are arranged along the upper arc of the recess 11, and one female connector 22A is arranged in a central position close to the bottom opening 9 of the helmet 1 (see Figures 3-5). Thus, the male connectors 20 are arranged on the rear spoiler 102 so as to face the female connectors 22 when the rear spoiler 102 is assembled to the outer shell 2.

[0062] For each side wing 104, four female connectors 22 are provided on the outer shell 2, and a similar number of male connectors 20 are provided on each side wing 104 (see in particular Figures 13 and 14). In this embodiment, the male connectors 20 are integrated with the end plates 21 and intermediate supports 23 of the side wings 104, which, in combination with the outer shell 2 and the body of the side wing 104, define a number of ducts 114 for directing airflow towards the rear 6 (see Figure 14). Furthermore, the female connectors 22 are arranged on the outer shell 2 along a direction corresponding to the tilt direction S of the side wing 104 (see Figure 12).

[0063] The visor 106 has, on its side portions 126, a pair of male connectors 20 provided on the surfaces facing the outer shell 2, and, in the central portion 116, a single male connector 20B arranged on the inner surface facing the outer shell 2 (see Figures 16 and 18).

[0064] In accordance with the present invention, each of the female connectors 22 includes an internal housing 24 for a respective male connector 20, as better shown in FIGS.

[0065] As better shown in Figures 9a-9d, for all embodiments disclosed above, each female connector 22 includes a body 28 and a lateral plate 30 extending along a longitudinal axis L, the body 28 and the lateral plate 30 being connected by a connecting portion 32.

[0066] The female connectors 22, i.e., their body 28, plate 30, and connecting portion 32, are preferably made of a resilient material, even more preferably a soft plastic, for reasons that will be explained below.

[0067] Preferably, each female connector 22 further comprises a slot 26, as better shown in Figures 2-7, 9a-9c, 12, 14, and 17, for passage and disengagement of the respective male connector 20 from the inner housing 24 of the respective female connector 22 in the event of an impact to the helmet 1.

[0068] Disengagement of the male connector 20 from the female connector 22 causes at least partial separation of the appendage 10 from the outer shell 2 .

[0069] As can also be seen in FIG. 9c, each slot 26 extends along the longitudinal axis L and is open on one side of the body 28, the plate 30 and the connecting portion 32.

[0070] An opening 36 is provided in the outer surface 34 of the plate 30 to connect the slot 26 to the outside (see, for example, Figure 9a), and the opening 36 preferably has a first arm 38 and a second arm 39 perpendicular to the first arm, the first arm 38 being open on one side as described above for the slot 26.

[0071] Such an arrangement allows for insertion of the male connector 20 into the inner housing 24, as will be explained in more detail below, and contributes to maintaining the corresponding male connector 20 stably held in the inner housing 24. Such openings 36 would otherwise allow the male connector 20 to quickly exit the inner housing 24 in the event that the helmet impacts an obstacle.

[0072] Advantageously, the inner housing 24 of each female connector 22 is formed in a corresponding body 28, and the slot 26 of each female connector 22 has a cavity 42 in the inner housing 24, preferably having a rounded shape (see Figure 7).

[0073] In some cases, the outer shell 2 includes multiple sheets 44, with each of the female connectors 22 disposed on a respective sheet 44, as shown in FIGS. 5-8 with reference to the female connector 22 of the rear spoiler 102.

[0074] As better shown in FIG. 7 , the connection of the outer shell 2 with each female connector 22 in its respective seat 44 is of the mechanical type, i.e. the edge 46 of the outer shell 2 defining each seat 44 engages with each female connector 22 at its connecting portion 32 and is held between the plate 30 and the body 28, which project radially relative to the connecting portion 32.

[0075] Although the above technical features of the female connector 22 are primarily disclosed and illustrated with reference to the rear spoiler 102, they are also intended to refer to the female connector 22 of the side wings 104 and visor 106.

[0076] Otherwise, with specific reference to the female connectors 22 of the rear spoiler 102 as an attachment, at least one of the sheets 44 has a groove 48 at one end that communicates with the slot 26 of the corresponding female connector 22 for the passage and movement of the male connector 20 (see, e.g., Figures 3-5).

[0077] In particular, the sheets 44 housing the at least four central female connectors 22 of the arc and the central female connector 22A (as disclosed above) have such grooves 48, but the sheets 44 housing the female connectors 22Z at the ends of the arc do not have such grooves 48.

[0078] A groove 48 formed in one end of the sheet 44 is oriented towards the rear 6 of the protective helmet 1 .

[0079] Such a configuration allows the male connectors 20 to disengage and escape from their respective female connectors 22 and seat 44 in the event of an impact, causing at least partial separation of the central portion of the rear spoiler 102 from the outer shell 2.

[0080] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the seat 44 accommodating the female connector 22 of the third embodiment of the helmet 1 may further be arranged in a hollow space 45, preferably having a rounded shape.

[0081] In some cases, each of the male connectors 20 in all three embodiments is a pin element designed to be inserted into the inner housing 24 of the corresponding female connector 22, and in particular, each pin element 20 comprises a bracket 50 fixed to at least one or all of the appendages 10 and an end protrusion 52 extending from the corresponding bracket 50 (see Figures 7, 13-14, 16 and 18).

[0082] In the second embodiment of the helmet 1, the bracket 50 is fixed to the above disclosed end plate 21 and intermediate support 23 of the corresponding side wing 104 (see FIG. 14).

[0083] In the third embodiment, the bracket 50 is fixed on the support base 47 of the visor 106, which preferably has a rounded shape (see Figures 16 and 18), and is designed to be located in the hollow space 45 of the outer shell 2 when the visor 106 is attached to the outer shell 2.

[0084] Also, the end projections 52 of the pin elements 20 preferably have a rounded shape so that the cavities 42 of the female connector 22 can accommodate and retain the cross plate 30 and the body 28 as they deform. Deformation is made possible primarily by the elastic material from which the female connector 22 is made.

[0085] In the assembled configuration (see Figure 7), the end projection 52 of at least one appendage 10 is inserted into the corresponding cavity 42 of the inner housing, and each bracket 50 is positioned in the slot 26 and protrudes partially outward, with the surface of the outer shell 2 and the inner surface of at least the appendage 10 facing therebetween.

[0086] The axis passing through the rounded end projection 52 of the pin element 20 is perpendicular to the axis of extension of the bracket 50 .

[0087] Thus, when at least one accessory 10 is attached to the outer shell 2, the second arm 39 of the opening 36 of the female connector 22 allows the end protrusion 52 to be inserted into the slot 26, and the first arm 38 of the opening 36 of the female connector 22 allows the bracket 50 to be inserted into the slot 26.

[0088] In the table below, a comparison between helmet A equipped with a rear spoiler mechanically attached to the outer shell and helmet B equipped with a rear spoiler removably attached to the outer shell by the attachment means of the invention is reported, with particular reference to the linear acceleration (PLA), rotational acceleration (PRA) and rotational speed (ω) experienced by the user's head in the two helmets.

[0089] [Table 1]

[0090] The test to measure the linear acceleration (PLA), rotational acceleration (PRA) and rotational velocity (ω) of the user's head follows the requirements of Article 7.13 of Regulation ECE 2206 for oblique impacts at a point 180° to the rear.

[0091] As can be seen from the table, the use of a detachable rear spoiler allows for a reduction in rotational acceleration of 23.65% relative to a helmet with a mechanically attached rear spoiler and a reduction in rotational speed of 5.59% relative to a helmet with a mechanically attached rear spoiler.

[0092] It is now clear how the present invention makes it possible to achieve predefined objectives.

[0093] The use of attachment means of the above type comprising male and female connectors allows the attachment to be at least partially detached from the outer shell of the helmet while maintaining the attachment stably attached to the outer shell during normal use.

[0094] With regard to the protective helmet embodiments described above, those skilled in the art may make modifications to the described elements and / or substitute equivalent elements to meet their particular requirements without thereby departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protective helmet (1) adapted to be worn by a user and to protect the user's head from impacts, comprising: a rigid outer shell (2) defining an interior space (P) designed to accommodate the user's head, said outer shell (2) comprising a front opening (8); - at least one appendage (10) attached to said outer shell (2); - attachment means (18) for attaching said at least one appendage (10) to said outer shell (2); Equipped with The protective helmet (1), characterized in that the attachment means (18) is adapted to removably attach the at least one accessory (10) to the outer shell (2) and comprises a plurality of male connectors (20) and a plurality of female connectors (22), each of the female connectors (22) comprising an inner housing (24) for the respective male connector (20).

2. 2. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each female connector (22) comprises a slot (26) for the passage of the respective male connector (20) and for disengagement from the respective female connector (22) in the event of an impact.

3. 3. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one appendage (10) is an aerodynamic appendage selected from the group comprising a rear spoiler (102) and a side wing (104).

4. 3. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said at least one appendage (10) is a visor (106).

5. 5. The protective helmet (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the protective helmet (1) comprises a plurality of attachments (10) selected from the group comprising a rear spoiler (102), side wings (104), and a visor (106), each of the attachments (10) being removably attached to the outer shell (2) by the attachment means (18) comprising the male connector (20) and the female connector (22).

6. 6. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the male connector (20) is arranged on the at least one appendage (10) and the female connector (22) is arranged on the outer shell (2).

7. 7. The protective helmet (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that each female connector (22) comprises a body (28) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and a transverse plate (30), the slot (26) being open on one side of the body (28) and the plate (30), and the corresponding inner housing (24) being formed in the body (28).

8. 8. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that each of the male connectors (20) is a pin element designed to be inserted into the corresponding inner housing (24).

9. 9. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that each pin element (20) comprises a bracket (50) fixed to said at least one appendage (10) and an end projection (52) extending from said corresponding bracket (50).

10. 10. The protective helmet (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that each slot (26) of the female connector (22) has a cavity (42) in the inner housing (24) for receiving the corresponding end projection (52) of the corresponding pin element (20).

11. 11. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the male connector (20) is arranged along the entire extension of the rear spoiler (102) or the side wing (104).

12. 12. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the outer shell (2) comprises a plurality of sheets (44), each of the female connectors (22) being arranged on a respective sheet (44).

13. 13. The protective helmet (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that when the at least one attachment (10) is a rear spoiler (102), at least one of the seats (44) has at one end a groove (48) facing the passage of the male connector (20) and the slot (26) of the corresponding female connector (22) for disengagement.

14. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the female connector (22) is made of elastic material.

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