helmet

Abstract

To provide a helmet that offers good ventilation while minimizing restrictions on appearance. [Solution] The helmet according to this disclosure comprises a helmet shell, a first protective wall section comprising a helmet shell, a pair of front first walls disposed inside the helmet shell and extending in a direction approaching the crown from the forehead, each formed on either side of a first virtual plane including the midline of the human head, a pair of rear first walls extending in a direction approaching the crown from the back of the head, each formed on either side of the first virtual plane, a right curved wall provided on the crown between the right front first wall and the right rear first wall, and formed to be curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the first virtual plane, and a left curved wall provided on the crown between the left front first wall and the left rear first wall, and formed to be curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the first virtual plane, an inner member comprising a right head protective wall section provided on the right side of the head, and a left head protective wall section provided on the left side of the head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a helmet.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, helmets that are lightweight yet have shock-absorbing properties have been developed.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, as a helmet that is lightweight and safe, there is disclosed a helmet including a hemispherical body that covers the wearer's head, a top cover that is harder than the body and is attached so as to cover the outer surface of the top of the body, and a shock absorber disposed in a recess covered by the top cover.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the helmet of Patent Document 1 has its appearance restricted due to the top cover that is attached so as to cover the outer surface of the top of the body. Also, it is difficult to ensure sufficient ventilation because the thick body covers the head.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a helmet that suppresses the restriction of appearance and has ventilation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] This application discloses a helmet. The helmet comprises a helmet shell, a first protective wall section having a helmet shell, a pair of front first walls disposed inside the helmet shell and extending in a direction approaching the crown from the forehead, each formed on either side of a first virtual plane containing the midline of the human head, a pair of rear first walls extending in a direction approaching the crown from the back of the head, each formed on either side of the first virtual plane, a right curved wall provided on the crown between the right front first wall and the right rear first wall, and formed to be curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the first virtual plane, and a left curved wall provided on the crown between the left front first wall and the left rear first wall, and formed to be curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the first virtual plane, an inner member having a right head protective wall section provided on the right side of the head, and a left head protective wall section provided on the left side of the head. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] A perspective view of the helmet according to this embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 1B] A bottom view of the helmet according to this embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 1C] A perspective view of the helmet according to this embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 1D] A cross-sectional view of the helmet according to this embodiment, cut along a first virtual plane. [Figure 2A] A plan view from above of the inner member according to this embodiment, to which the cushioning member is attached. [Figure 2B] A front view of the inner member according to this embodiment, with the cushioning member attached, as seen from the front. [Figure 2C] A cross-sectional view of the inner member according to this embodiment, obtained by cutting it with respect to the second virtual plane P2. [Figure 3A] A schematic diagram showing the deformation of the first protective wall portion of the helmet according to this embodiment. [Figure 3B] A schematic diagram showing the deformation of the first protective wall portion of the helmet according to this embodiment. [Figure 3C] A schematic diagram showing the deformation of the first protective wall portion of the helmet according to this embodiment. [Figure 3D] A schematic diagram showing the deformation of the first protective wall portion of the helmet according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] A bottom view of the modified helmet, seen from below. [Figure 5] A plan view of the inner member of the modified example, seen from above. [Figure 6] A perspective view of the inner member of the modified version, seen from above. [Figure 7A] A perspective view of the inner member of the modified version, seen from above. [Figure 7B] A perspective view of the inner member of the modified version, seen from above. [Figure 8] A bottom view of the modified helmet, seen from below. [Figure 9] A bottom view of the main part of the modified helmet, seen from below. [Figure 10] A perspective view from above of the inner member and shield member according to a modified example. [Figure 11] A perspective view of the modified helmet, seen from below. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are illustrative examples for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments only.

[0010] For the sake of convenience, the direction in front of a person wearing a helmet is referred to as the front X1 (as shown in FIG. 1A etc.), the opposite direction is referred to as the rear X2, and the front-rear direction may be collectively referred to as X. Similarly, each direction may be referred to as the upper Z1, the lower Z2, the up-down direction Z, the right Y2, the left Y1, the left-right direction Y, etc. Also, when looking at the helmet from above Z1, the position that becomes the top of the head is referred to as the top-of-head position, and a virtual straight line passing through the top-of-head position vertically may be referred to as the top-of-head line. The midline of the human head is a line passing through the center of the human head that extends from the frontal part of the human head through the top of the head to the occipital part so as to divide the human head into left and right. Hereinafter, a virtual plane including the midline of the human head may be referred to as the "first virtual plane P1" (as shown in FIG. 1B etc.), and a virtual plane perpendicular to the first virtual plane P1 and passing through the top of the head of the human head may be referred to as the "second virtual plane P2" (as shown in FIG. 1B etc.). The first virtual plane P1 is parallel to the front-rear direction X and the up-down direction Z and perpendicular to the left-right direction Y, and the second virtual plane P2 is parallel to the left-right direction Y and the up-down direction Z and perpendicular to the front-rear direction X.

[0011] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a helmet H2 according to this embodiment as seen from above Z1, FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the helmet H2 as seen from below Z2, FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the helmet H2 as seen from below Z2, and FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of the helmet H2 cut by the first virtual plane P1.

[0012] Also, FIG. 2A is a plan view of an inner member 200 disposed inside the helmet H2 and to which a cushion member 33 is attached as seen from above Z1, FIG. 2B is a front view of the inner member 200 to which the cushion member 33 is attached as seen from the front X1, and FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the inner member 200 cut by the second virtual plane P2.

[0013] The helmet H2 includes a cap body 10 and an inner member 200 disposed inside the cap body 10. The helmet H2 further includes parts such as a headband HB, a sweatband (not shown), an ear chin strap (not shown), an ear chin strap holder (not shown) for connecting the ear chin strap and the cap body 10, and a cushion member 33.

[0014] Helmet H2 may be configured to satisfy the performance requirements for each test method defined in the "Standards for Protective Helmets" stipulated pursuant to Article 42 of the Industrial Safety and Health Act (Act No. 57 of 1972). For example, Helmet H2 may be configured to satisfy the performance requirements for the test method defined in Article 6 (Penetration Resistance) of the same standard, and / or to satisfy the performance requirements for the test method defined in Article 7 "Protective helmets for preventing the danger of falls", and / or to satisfy the performance requirements for the test method specified for "Protective helmets for preventing the danger of flying or falling objects" in Article 8, and / or to satisfy the performance requirements for the test method defined in the same article "Protective helmets for preventing the danger of falls". Furthermore, the H2 helmet may be configured to satisfy the performance requirements for the test methods defined in "6.5 Impact Absorption Test" and / or "6.6 Penetration Resistance Test" as specified in the Japanese Industrial Standard (T8131:2015).

[0015] The helmet shell 10 is a component that makes up the outer surface of the helmet H2. The helmet shell 10 has the function of protecting the entire head and may be made of a material such as ABS or PC (polycarbonate). The helmet shell 10 may account for more than half (e.g., more than 60%) of the total weight of the helmet H2. As shown in Figure 1A, the helmet shell 10 may have a brim, but is not limited to this.

[0016] As will be described later, the helmet H2 of this embodiment is capable of absorbing impact through the first protective wall portion 210 and the second protective wall portion 220, etc., which are arranged inside the helmet shell 10. Therefore, by making the thickness of the helmet shell 10 thin, for example, to 1 to 2 mm, it is possible to supplement the impact absorption performance of the helmet shell 10 itself and to reduce the weight of the helmet shell 10, and by extension the helmet H2.

[0017] Next, the inner member 200 of this embodiment will be described. The inner member 200 is a component disposed inside the helmet body 10 (Figure 1A). The inner member 200 comprises a fitting portion 240 (the "fitting portion" including the fitting portion 240 is the inner part of the "inner member" that is close to the human head, and is therefore sometimes called the "inner portion"), a first protective wall portion 210, a right head protective wall portion 220R provided on the right side of the head, and a left head protective wall portion 220L provided on the left side of the head (the right head protective wall portion 220R and the left head protective wall portion 220L may be collectively referred to as the "second protective wall portion 220").

[0018] The first protective wall portion 210 of the inner member 200 comprises a pair of front first walls 210WF that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the forehead and are formed on either side of a first virtual plane P1 that includes the midline of the human head; a pair of rear first walls 210WB that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the back of the head and are formed on either side of the first virtual plane P1; a right curved wall 210WCR provided on the crown between the right front first wall 210WFR and the right rear first wall 210WBR, which are located on the right side Y2 with respect to the first virtual plane P1, and formed to curve so as to be convex in a direction away from the first virtual plane P1; and a left curved wall 210WCL provided on the crown between the left front first wall 210WFL and the left rear first wall 210WBL, which are located on the left side Y1 with respect to the first virtual plane P1, and formed to curve so as to be convex in a direction away from the first virtual plane P1. Furthermore, the right front first wall 210WFR, left front first wall 210WFL, right rear first wall 210WBR, left rear first wall 210WBL, right curved wall 210WCR, and left curved wall 210WCL, which constitute the first protective wall section 210, may be collectively referred to as the first wall 210W, and the right curved wall 210WCR and left curved wall 210WCL may be collectively referred to as the curved wall 210WC.

[0019] The fitting portion 240 is a component having an inner surface that faces the wearer's head when wearing the helmet H2. In this embodiment, the fitting portion 240 is integrally formed with the first wall 210W of the first protective wall portion 210 and the second protective wall portion 220, and may be made of a material such as ABS, PC, PE (polyethylene), or synthetic resin such as PP (polypropylene) or POM (polyethylene polymer).

[0020] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1B, a cushion member 33 (described later) is detachably provided inside the fitting part 240 between the fitting part 240 and the top of the human head. Therefore, the part that faces and contacts the top of the human head is the cushion member 33. On the other hand, the part that faces the forehead, back of the head, and a pair of sides of the human head, excluding the top of the head, is the fitting part 240. During use of the helmet H2, the inner surface of the fitting part 240 may come into contact with the human head of the wearer wearing the helmet H2.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2A, etc., the attachment portion 240 has a plurality of through holes 240H formed therein. For example, in the attachment portion 240, the area between the front first wall 210WF and the right head protection wall portion 220R, the area between the right head protection wall portion 220R and the rear first wall 210WB, the area between the rear first wall 210WB and the left head protection wall portion 220L, and the area between the left head protection wall portion 220L and the front first wall 210WF each have a triangular through hole 240H formed therein, which has sides parallel to the left-right direction Y in a top view (Figure 2A) and sides parallel to the front-back direction X in a top view (Figure 2A), and the upper ends of these two sides connect near the top of the head.

[0022] In addition, multiple through holes are formed in the front upper connecting wall 210UF and the rear upper connecting wall 210UB, which connect the front first wall 210WF and the rear first wall 210WB, respectively, and no mounting portion 240 is provided in the area below Z2 of the front upper connecting wall 210UF and the rear upper connecting wall 210UB. Similarly, multiple through holes are formed in the second upper connecting wall 220U of the right head protection wall 220R and the left head protection wall 220L, and no mounting portion 240 is provided in the area below Z2 of each second upper connecting wall 220U (described later).

[0023] With this configuration, the heat emitted from the human head can be released into the space Z1 above the attachment part 240, thereby improving ventilation and reducing the weight of the attachment part 240. However, through holes 240H do not necessarily have to be formed in the attachment part 240.

[0024] In this embodiment, the pair of front first walls 210WF and the pair of rear first walls 210WB of the first protective wall portion 210 are integrally formed with the mounting portion 240 so as to extend from the mounting portion 240. Similarly, the pair of right second walls 220RW and the pair of left second walls 220LW of the second protective wall portion 220 are integrally formed with the mounting portion 240 so as to extend from the mounting portion 240, but this is not limited to this. For example, the mounting portion 240 may be configured to detachably support the first protective wall portion 210 and the second protective wall portion 220, namely the right head protection wall portion 220R and the left head protection wall portion 220L.

[0025] In such a configuration, known configurations can be used as means for supporting the first protective wall portion 210 and the second protective wall portion 220. For example, the mounting portion 240 may support the first protective wall portion 210 and the second protective wall portion 220 by forming an engaging portion on the outer surface of the mounting portion 240, or the mounting portion 240 may support the first protective wall portion 210 and the second protective wall portion 220 by welding or other known means such as bonding with an adhesive.

[0026] [Support structure for cushioning material] As described above, the helmet H2 of this embodiment is positioned on the top of the wearer's head where the most weight is applied, and is equipped with a cushion member 33 (described later) made of a softer material than the first protective wall 210, the second protective wall 220, and the fitting part 240, etc., thereby improving the comfort of wearing the helmet H2.

[0027] The attachment portion 240 according to this embodiment includes an extended portion 240E that extends in a direction away from the top of the head and has a free end that is connected to a cushioning member (for example, cushioning member 33) at the end away from the top of the head.

[0028] More specifically, the fitting portion 240 of this embodiment has four extension portions (sometimes collectively referred to as "extension portions 240E"): a right front extension portion 240EFR that extends to the right Y2, forward X1, and downward Z2 in a direction away from the top of the head and has a free end connected to the cushion member 33; a right rear extension portion 240EBR that extends to the right Y2, backward X2, and downward Z2 in a direction away from the top of the head and has a free end connected to the cushion member 33; a left front extension portion 240EFL that extends to the left Y1, forward X1, and downward Z2 in a direction away from the top of the head and has a free end connected to the cushion member 33; and a left rear extension portion 240EBL that extends to the left Y1, backward X2, and downward Z2 in a direction away from the top of the head and has a free end connected to the cushion member 33.

[0029] With this configuration, the attachment section 240 is connected to the cushion member 33 at the free end of the extension section 240E, which is a cantilever beam that deforms when pressed with a finger like a leaf spring. Therefore, by deforming according to the shape of the human head, the cushion member 33 can be fitted to the human head. Consequently, the cushion member 33 can be flexibly fitted to a wide variety of human head shapes, thereby improving the comfort of wearing the helmet H2.

[0030] Furthermore, the extensions 240E are not limited to four; they may be three or fewer, or five or more. Also, the extensions 240E are not necessarily limited to inclined directions in the left-right direction Y and the front-back direction X; they may extend perpendicular to the left-right direction Y or the front-back direction X.

[0031] Furthermore, the inner member 200, including the attachment portion 240, and the helmet body 10 are connected to each other at their respective lower ends. Known configurations can be used as means for connecting the two, and they may be connected in a manner that makes them impossible to separate by hand, such as by welding or bonding using adhesive. Alternatively, the two may be connected to each other by other means, for example, by providing the helmet body 10 with a latch member that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the helmet body 10 and has an upper surface that supports the lower surface of the attachment portion. Here, the latch member may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the helmet body as it advances upward Z1, thereby connecting the inner member 200, including the attachment portion 240, and the helmet body 10 in a manner that is easy to attach and difficult to detach.

[0032] [Headband support configuration] Conventional helmets employ a configuration that uses a hammock to support the headband. The headband is typically designed to be loosened or tightened by changing the distance between two points on the headband to which the ratchet is connected, using a ratchet mechanism. Typically, the hammock and headband are connected at two points, for example, by two pins passing through two elongated holes formed in the headband, while the relative position of the pins and holes can be changed. With this configuration, the hammock can still support the headband even when it is loosened or tightened using the ratchet.

[0033] However, the helmet H2 according to this embodiment does not have a component equivalent to a conventional hammock. Therefore, the inventors of this application have conceived a new configuration for supporting the headband.

[0034] Specifically, the helmet H2 includes a first headband component HB1 that is extended to the left and right and connected to the inner surface of the back of the head of the helmet shell 10, a second headband component HB2 which has a right end connected to the right end of the first headband component HB1 and having an elongated hole formed therein, a left end connected to the left end of the first headband component HB1 and having an elongated hole formed therein, and a connecting portion which connects the right end and the left end and includes a portion that extends along the inner surface of the front of the helmet shell 10 so as to be able to surround the forehead of a human head, and the first headband component HB The device includes a right connecting pin RP that passes through an elongated hole formed in the right end of the first headband component HB1 and the right end of the second headband component HB2, a left connecting pin LP that passes through an elongated hole formed in the left end of the first headband component HB1 and the left end of the second headband component HB2, and a ratchet RT provided on the band connecting the left and right portions of the second headband component HB2, which is configured to change the relative positional relationship between the right connecting pin RP and the elongated hole at the right end, and the relative positional relationship between the left connecting pin LP and the elongated hole at the left end.

[0035] With this configuration, since the first headband component HB1 is connected to or fixed to the inner surface of the helmet shell 10, the second headband component HB2 can be securely held in place by tightening it using the ratchet RT so that the gap between the left and right parts of the second headband component HB2 connected to the ratchet RT becomes smaller, or by loosening it so that this gap becomes larger. Furthermore, since the first headband component HB1 can be made from a single component and connected to the left and right ends of the second headband component HB2 at both ends of the first headband component HB1, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0036] The first headband component HB1 and the inner surface of the helmet shell 10 may be connected or fixed in a known configuration. For example, the first headband component HB1 may be connected or fixed using a bracket that protrudes from the inner surface of the helmet shell 10.

[0037] However, the helmet H2 of this embodiment may employ other known configurations.

[0038] [First protection wall] As shown in Figure 2A, etc., the helmet H2 includes a first protective wall portion 210 provided inside the helmet shell 10, extending from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, thereby being positioned on the midline of the human head. This first protective wall portion 210 is positioned on the midline of the human head, extending from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, thereby being configured to protect the forehead, crown, and back of the human head. The first protective wall portion 210 and the second protective wall portion 220 may be formed from a material with less rigidity than the helmet shell 10, such as PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), or POM (polyethylene polymer). Alternatively, the same material as the helmet shell 10 may be used, but with reduced thickness or other measures to lower the relative rigidity. As will be described later, the first protective wall portion 210 and the second protective wall portion 220 of this embodiment, unlike conventionally known members that absorb impact by stretching, absorb impact by deforming in the compressive direction, and therefore can be formed from the same material as the helmet shell 10.

[0039] The first protective wall portion 210 comprises a pair of front first walls 210WF that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the forehead and are formed on either side of a first virtual plane P1 that includes the midline of the human head; a pair of rear first walls 210WB that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the back of the head and are formed on either side of the first virtual plane P1; and a pair of curved walls 210WC provided at the crown between the pair of front first walls 210WF and the pair of rear first walls 210WB.

[0040] More specifically, the first protective wall section 210 includes a right front first wall 210WFR provided on the front and right side of the human head, a right rear first wall 210WBR provided on the rear and right side of the human head, a left front first wall 210WFL provided on the front and left side of the human head, and a left rear first wall 210WBL provided on the rear and left side of the human head.

[0041] The right front first wall 210WFR is formed on the right side of the first virtual plane P1, extending from the forehead to near the crown, and is erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 240. The right rear first wall 210WBR is formed on the right side of the first virtual plane P1, extending from the back of the head to near the crown, and is erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 240.

[0042] On the other hand, the left front first wall 210WFL is formed on the left side of the first virtual plane P1, extending from the forehead to the vicinity of the crown, and is erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 240. The left rear first wall 210WBL is formed on the left side of the first virtual plane P1, extending from the back of the head to the vicinity of the crown, and is erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 240.

[0043] Therefore, the first virtual plane P1 can be said to be located between the right front first wall 210WFR and the left front first wall 210WFL, or between the right rear first wall 210WBR and the left rear first wall 210WBL. In this embodiment, the right front first wall 210WFR and the left front first wall 210WFL are formed symmetrically with respect to the first virtual plane P1, and similarly, the right rear first wall 210WBR and the left rear first wall 210WBL are formed symmetrically with respect to the first virtual plane P1.

[0044] In addition, the first protective wall portion 210 includes a curved wall 210WC provided on the top of the head between a pair of front first walls 210WF and a pair of rear first walls 210WB. In this embodiment, the curved wall 210WC is formed integrally with the fitting portion 240 and is erected in a direction toward the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 240.

[0045] With this configuration, when a falling object hits the top of the head, the impact from the falling object can be absorbed not only by the deformation of the helmet body 10 but also by the deformation of the curved wall 210WC in the compressive direction. In particular, when the falling object is formed in the shape of a hemisphere or a cone pointing downward Z2, the contour line that appears when the curved wall 210WC is cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z becomes a curved shape such as an arc, which approximates a circle, the contour line that appears when the falling object is cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the impact of the falling object can be suitably absorbed by the deformation of the curved wall 210WC in the compressive direction.

[0046] The curved wall 210WC may have an arc-shaped contour when cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z (for example, a virtual plane passing through the center of the curved wall 210WC in the height direction (vertical direction Z)), but is not limited to this. For example, it may be formed to have a curved surface or other surface that exhibits another curve, such as one that is convex in the direction away from the first virtual plane P1.

[0047] Even with this configuration, the contour line is similar to a circle, which is the contour line that appears when a falling object is cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical Z direction. Therefore, the impact of the falling object can be suitably absorbed by the deformation of the curved wall 210WC in the compression direction.

[0048] Here, the curved wall 210WC is formed to surround the top line, making it possible to disperse and absorb the impact of falling objects that fall on the top line.

[0049] In addition, the first protective wall section 210 includes a pair of front first walls 210WF and a pair of rear first walls 210WB. With this configuration, impacts from falling objects to the forehead or back of the head can be absorbed not only by the deformation of the helmet body 10, but also by the deformation of the pair of front first walls 210WF or the pair of rear first walls 210WB.

[0050] Here, the pair of front first walls 210WF and the pair of rear first walls 210WB are formed on either side of a first virtual plane P1 that includes the midline of the human head, making it possible to distribute and absorb the impact from a falling object to the right and left sides of the human head.

[0051] Furthermore, the helmet H2 of this embodiment absorbs impact by deforming (including deformation by bending) in a compressive direction the pair of front first walls 210WF and the pair of rear first walls 210WB, which are erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet shell 10, respectively. Therefore, the space between the pair of front first walls 210WF and the space between the pair of rear first walls 210WB can be used to improve ventilation. In addition, since these first protective wall portions 210 are arranged on the inside of the helmet shell 10, it is possible to suppress constraints on the appearance. In other words, it becomes possible to freely design the appearance.

[0052] Furthermore, the first protective wall portion 210 may also include additional walls. For example, the first protective wall portion 210 may include auxiliary walls formed parallel to the pair of front first walls 210WF and the pair of rear first walls 210WB, either on the inside or outside of these pair of walls.

[0053] As an example of a further wall section, the first protective wall section 210 of this embodiment includes a front upper connecting wall 210UF that connects the upper parts of a pair of front first walls 210WF, faces the inner surface of the helmet body 10, and intersects with the first virtual plane P1, and a rear upper connecting wall 210UB that connects the upper parts of a pair of rear first walls 210WB, faces the inner surface of the helmet body 10, and has an upper surface that intersects with the first virtual plane P1.

[0054] Therefore, the pair of front first walls 210WF and the front upper connecting wall 210UF form a convex structure projecting upward Z1, and similarly, the pair of rear first walls 210WB and the rear upper connecting wall 210UB form a convex structure projecting upward Z1.

[0055] As can be seen from above in Figure 2A, where the right front first wall 210WFR, left front first wall 210WFL, right rear first wall 210WBR, and left rear first wall 210WBL are each visible, in this convex structure, the right front first wall 210WFR, left front first wall 210WFL, right rear first wall 210WBR, and left rear first wall 210WBL each have a portion that is an inclined wall that slopes in a direction that approaches the first virtual plane P1 as it moves away from the human head and closer to the helmet body 10, that is, as it moves upward Z1. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 2C, in the cross-section obtained by cutting the pair of front first walls 210WF (and rear first wall 210WB) in the second virtual plane P2, the distance between the pair of front first walls 210WF (and rear first wall 210WB) has a portion where it becomes smaller as it moves away from the human head and closer to the helmet body 10.

[0056] With this configuration, the upper parts of the pair of front first walls 210WF (and rear first wall 210WB) connected to the front upper connecting wall 210UF (and rear upper connecting wall 210UB) can be tilted inward toward the first virtual plane P1, and the lower parts of the pair of front first walls 210WF (and rear first wall 210WB) connected to the mounting section 240 can be deformed to spread outward toward the first virtual plane P1, thereby distributing the impact load directed downward Z2 from an object falling from above Z1 downward Z2 in the horizontal direction (left-right direction Y).

[0057] However, the pair of front first walls 210WF (rear first wall 210WB) do not need to form an inclined wall over the entire length of the vertical direction Z, and may be configured to have an inclined wall only in a part thereof. For example, the front first wall 210WF (rear first wall 210WB) may have a lower part formed to be an inclined wall and an upper part that extends straight upward Z1, or the front first wall 210WF (rear first wall 210WB) may have an upper and lower part that extend straight upward Z1, respectively, and an inclined wall provided between the upper and lower parts.

[0058] Here, the distance between each upper end of the first wall 210W of the first protective wall portion 210 and the inner surface of the helmet body 10, and the distance between each upper surface of the front upper connecting wall 210UF and the rear upper connecting wall 210UB that connect these wall portions and the inner surface of the helmet body 10 are set to be small. For example, the minimum value of this distance (sometimes called the "minimum distance") may be 3 mm or less, preferably 2 mm or less, and even more preferably 1 mm or less.

[0059] With this configuration, it is possible to increase the height of the first wall 210W, which absorbs impact by deforming, while maintaining the overall height of the helmet H2, thereby improving impact absorption performance. Furthermore, when the helmet body 10 moves downward Z2 due to impact from a falling object, the inner surface of the helmet body 10 immediately comes into contact with at least one upper surface of the front upper connecting wall 210UF and the rear upper connecting wall 210UB, or at least one upper end of the front first wall 210WF, the rear first wall 210WB, or the curved wall 210WC. This makes it possible to absorb impact not only from the wall that is in direct contact, but also by utilizing the compression or bending of other wall parts connected to that wall. Consequently, it is possible to exhibit the impact absorption effect unique to the helmet H2 according to this embodiment, in which the inner surface of the helmet body 10 is brought closer to the human head or wearing part 240 by the compression or bending of the first wall 210W while absorbing impact from a falling object.

[0060] Furthermore, in order to facilitate deformation of each wall portion connected to the upper connecting wall as at least one of the front upper connecting wall 210UF and the rear upper connecting wall 210UB comes into contact with the inner surface of the helmet body 10, it is preferable that the first wall 210W, the front upper connecting wall 210UF, and the rear upper connecting wall 210UB are integrally formed from the same material by integral molding or the like.

[0061] A preferred spacing between the pair of first walls 210W, and an example of a configuration for improving ventilation by utilizing the space between the pair of first walls 210W, will be described later.

[0062] Next, the configuration of the protective wall (sometimes called the "crown protection wall section 210T") provided between the front first wall 210WF and the rear first wall 210WB of the first protective wall section 210, which protects the top part of the human head, will be described. The crown protection wall section 210T of the first protective wall section 210 includes the pair of curved walls 210WC described above, and also connects the right front first wall 210WFR and the right curved wall 210WCR, and is formed by being recessed in the direction approaching the first virtual plane P1 relative to the right front first wall 210WFR, and connects the right rear first wall 210WBR and the right curved wall 210WCR, and is formed by being recessed in the direction approaching the first virtual plane P1 relative to the right rear first wall 210WBR The structure includes a right rear connecting wall 210CWBR formed in this manner, a left front connecting wall 210CWFL that connects the left front first wall 210WFL and the left curved wall 210WCL, and is formed recessed relative to the left front first wall 210WFL in a direction approaching the first virtual plane P1, and a left rear connecting wall 210CWBL that connects the left rear first wall 210WBL and the left curved wall 210WCL, and is formed recessed relative to the left rear first wall 210WBL in a direction approaching the first virtual plane P1. These four connecting walls are sometimes collectively referred to as connecting wall 210CW.

[0063] With this configuration, especially when the falling object is hemispherical or cone-shaped with a downward Z2 orientation, the contour line that appears when the curved wall 210WC and the connecting wall 210CW are cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z becomes a curved shape such as an arc, and approximates a circle, which is the contour line that appears when the falling object is cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. For this reason, the impact of the falling object can be suitably absorbed even by deforming the connecting wall 210CW in the compression direction.

[0064] However, the connecting wall 210CW does not necessarily have to be formed to have an arc-shaped cross-section, and may be formed as a curved surface or other shape that is recessed in the direction approaching the first virtual plane P1. Also, it is not necessary for four connecting walls 210CW to be formed, for example, two may be formed. Furthermore, the front first wall 210WF or the rear first wall 210WB may be provided with a wall portion having one or more wall surfaces that are recessed in the direction approaching the first virtual plane P1.

[0065] Furthermore, the first protective wall portion 210 of this embodiment connects the upper parts of the right curved wall 210WCR, the right front connecting wall 210CWFR, and the right rear connecting wall 210CWBR with the upper parts of the left curved wall 210WCL, the left front connecting wall 210CWFL, and the left rear connecting wall 210CWBL, and includes a crown upper connecting wall 210UT that has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body 10 and an upper surface that intersects with the first virtual plane P1.

[0066] With this configuration, objects falling onto the top of the head can be received by the upper top connecting wall 210UT, and the impact can be absorbed by the deformation in the compression direction of the curved wall 210WC, etc., which is connected to the upper top connecting wall 210UT.

[0067] However, the top upper connecting wall 210UT does not necessarily have to connect all of the right vertical walls (right curved wall 210WCR, right front connecting wall 210CWFR, right rear connecting wall 210CWBR) and all of the left vertical walls (left curved wall 210WCL, left front connecting wall 210CWFL, left rear connecting wall 210CWBL), but may be formed to connect at least one upper part of the right vertical wall and at least one upper part of the left vertical wall.

[0068] The crown protection wall portion 210T may be detachably attached to the mounting portion 240 as a protective wall portion that is separable from the front first wall 210WF and the rear first wall 210WB.

[0069] In that case, the crown protection wall portion 210T may be formed from a material with less rigidity than the first protection wall portion 210 and the second protection wall portion 220. For example, the crown protection wall portion 210T may be formed from PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), POM (polyethylene polymer), etc. On the other hand, the first protection wall portion 210, the second protection wall portion 220, and the attachment portion 240, excluding the crown protection wall portion 210T, may be formed from ABS, a material with relatively high rigidity, by integral molding.

[0070] With this configuration, the wall portion of the crown protection wall portion 210T can be made relatively more deformable compared to the other wall portions of the first protection wall portion 210, thereby improving the impact absorption performance of the crown portion.

[0071] However, the embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the first protective wall portion 210 and the pair of second protective wall portions 220 may be detachably attached to the mounting portion 240, and the mounting portion 240 may be formed from a material with greater rigidity than the first protective wall portion 210 and the pair of second protective wall portions 220 (in other words, the first protective wall portion 210 and the pair of second protective wall portions 220 may be formed from a material with less rigidity than the mounting portion 240). As will be described later, the first protective wall portion 210 and the second protective wall portions 220 are configured to absorb impact from falling objects by deforming the first wall 210W, etc., which is a vertical wall extending from the mounting portion 240, in a direction that compresses it. On the other hand, the mounting portion 240 is arranged to support such first wall 210W, etc., between the helmet body 10, etc. Therefore, by increasing the rigidity of the mounting section 240 compared to the rigidity of the first protective wall section 210 and the second protective wall section 220, it becomes possible to promote the deformation of the vertical wall such as the first wall 210W and absorb the impact.

[0072] Furthermore, the inventors of this application conducted various experiments on the width of the crown protection wall portion 210T and the optimal spacing between the pair of curved walls 210WC, and found that, in a cross-section cut by the second virtual plane P2, the width W1 of the crown protection wall portion 210T (Figure 2C) and the spacing W2 of the pair of curved walls 210WC (Figure 2C) are both preferable for the helmet when they are between 30 mm and 50 mm.

[0073] In other words, when the width W1 of the head protection wall 210T and the spacing W2 of the curved wall 210WC are less than 30 mm, the impact from the falling object is concentrated near the top of the head, making it difficult to adequately distribute the impact. As a result, it was found that it becomes difficult to satisfy any of the above standards.

[0074] On the other hand, if the width W1 and spacing W2 exceed 50 mm, it might seem that increasing the diameter would increase the volume of the deformable wall section, thus improving the impact absorption performance. However, if the width W1 and spacing W2 are made larger than 50 mm, there is a possibility that the tip of a hemispherical falling object will approach a person's head and cause a large impact before it can contact the head protection wall section 210T and the curved wall 210WC and absorb the impact sufficiently. Therefore, it was found that it would be difficult to satisfy any of the above standards.

[0075] For the reasons described above, it is preferable for the helmet that the width W1 and spacing W2 be between 30 mm and 50 mm. However, this is not limited to this, and it does not preclude compensating for impact absorption performance by other means. For example, an annular wall with an inner diameter of 30 mm to 50 mm may be formed inside the pair of curved walls 210WC. Alternatively, for example, a pair of curved auxiliary walls may be formed outside the pair of curved walls 210WC, with gaps of equal intervals between them. That is, the helmet H2 may further include a right-curved auxiliary wall provided to the right of the right-curved wall 210WCR at Y2, spaced apart from the right-curved wall 210WCR, and a left-curved auxiliary wall provided to the right of the left-curved wall 210WCL at Y1, spaced apart from the left-curved wall 210WCL.

[0076] Furthermore, it is preferable that the diameter of a virtual cylinder having an axis on the top line and approximating the outer wall surfaces facing outward of the pair of curved walls 210WC is less than the width W3, which is the minimum width in the left-right direction Y of the front first wall 210WF and the rear first wall 210WB. That is, it is preferable that the virtual plane connecting the right front first wall 210WFR and the right rear first wall 210WBR does not intersect with the right curved wall 210WCR, and that the virtual plane connecting the left front first wall 210WFL and the left rear first wall 210WBL does not intersect with the left curved wall 210WCL.

[0077] With this configuration, even if a relatively small-diameter hemispherical or conical object falls onto the top of the head, the impact can be absorbed by deforming the curved wall 210WC and the connecting wall 210CW of the top protection wall 210T, respectively.

[0078] As described above, the helmet H2 may include a cushion member 33 that is detachably provided inside the inner member 200. Here, the cushion member 33 may be made of a material with less rigidity than the first protective wall portion 210 and the pair of second protective wall portions 220. As shown in Figure 1B, the cushion member 33 includes one or more annular members 33R with a through hole formed in the center, and four extending members 33E that are connected to the annular member and extend in the outer diameter direction. Each extending member 33E is provided to extend in a direction that is approximately 90 degrees away from adjacent extending members 33E in an inscribed angle with respect to the center of the annular member 33R.

[0079] With this configuration, each extension member 33E is a cantilever beam structure that deforms like a leaf spring when pressed with a finger, making it possible to improve the fit to the human head.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since each free end of each extension member 33E is connected to each free end of the extension portion 240E of the attachment portion 240, it becomes even possible to deform according to the shape of the human head.

[0081] Here, at the top of the head, the cushion member 33 is positioned such that there is a gap in the vertical direction Z between the upper surface of the cushion member 33 and the lower surface of the attachment part 240 (inner member 200). In other words, at the top of the head, the cushion member 33 is positioned at a location Z2 below the top of the attachment part 240 (inner member 200).

[0082] Therefore, in the cross-section obtained by cutting the helmet H2 in the first virtual plane P1 shown in Figure 1D, the space between the pair of front first walls 210WF and the space between the pair of rear first walls 210WB communicate through the space between the pair of curved walls 210WC, and the space between the pair of curved walls 210WC communicates with the space between the upper surface of the cushion member 33 and the fitting part 240 (inner member 200). Furthermore, the cushion member 33 is positioned above the top of the wearer's head Z1 so as to be in close proximity to the top of the wearer's head. In addition, in this embodiment, the space between the front first walls 210WF communicates with the external space FE in front of the wearer's head. Moreover, the space between the rear first walls 210WB communicates with the external space RE behind the wearer's head.

[0083] With this configuration, as illustrated by the arrows in Figure 1D, the external space FE in front of the human head and the external space RE behind the human head can be connected via the space between the pair of front first walls 210WF and the space between the pair of rear first walls 210WB via the space between the pair of curved walls 210WC, thereby improving ventilation. In addition, it becomes possible to effectively exhaust the hot air that is emitted from the forehead, crown, and back of the wearer's head and trapped in the space above Z1.

[0084] [Second protection wall] As shown in Figure 2A, the helmet H2 is provided on the inside of the helmet shell 10 and includes a right-side head protection wall 220R and a left-side head protection wall 220L, which are provided on the right and left sides of the head, respectively, separated from the first protective wall 210. The right-side head protection wall 220R protects the right side of the head, and the left-side head protection wall 220L protects the left side of the head.

[0085] The right temporal protective wall portion 220R and the left temporal protective wall portion 220L shown in this embodiment each extend in a direction approaching the crown from the temporal region and have a pair of second walls 220RW (sometimes referred to as the "right second wall 220RW") and a pair of second walls 220LW (sometimes referred to as the "left second wall 220LW") formed on either side of the second virtual plane P2. More specifically, each temporal protective wall portion comprises a right front second wall 220RWF and a left front second wall 220LWF, which are erected on the front side of the human head relative to the second virtual plane P2 in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 240 and extending in a direction approaching the crown of the head from the right or left side of the head, respectively, and a right rear second wall 220RWB and a left rear second wall 220LWB, which are erected on the rear side of the human head relative to the second virtual plane P2 in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 240 and extending in a direction approaching the crown of the head from the right or left side of the head, respectively. Therefore, the second virtual plane P2 is located between the pair of right second walls 220RW and between the pair of left second walls 220LW.

[0086] With this configuration, when a worker wearing the helmet H2 falls, the impact on the left and right sides of the head of the helmet 10, as well as the impact from falling objects to the left and right sides of the head, can be absorbed by the deformation of the helmet 10. In addition, the impact can also be absorbed by the deformation of the right second wall 220RW and the left second wall 220LW, thus enhancing the impact absorption performance. Here, the right second wall 220RW and the left second wall 220LW, which are formed on the left and right sides respectively, extend in the direction from the side of the head towards the top of the head, so they can absorb the impact from falls and impact from falling objects in this area.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right second wall 220RW and the left second wall 220LW are each formed at a distance from the first protective wall portion 210 (Figure 2A). However, the impact from falling objects into the area between the second protective wall portion 220 and the first protective wall portion 210 can be absorbed by the deformation of the right second wall 220RW (or the left second wall 220LW) and at least a portion of the wall portion of the first protective wall portion 210 (for example, the curved wall 210WC).

[0088] Furthermore, since the right second wall 220RW and the left second wall 220LW are formed with the second virtual plane P2 in between, it is possible to disperse and absorb the impact from falls and impacts from falling objects.

[0089] The second protective wall portion 220 may further include walls. For example, the second protective wall portion 220 in this embodiment may include a pair of auxiliary walls that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the sides of the head, are formed across the second virtual plane P2, and are formed between the pair of right second walls 220RW and the pair of left second walls 220LW, respectively. The second protective wall portion 220 also includes at least a second upper connecting wall 220U that connects the upper parts of the pair of right second walls 220RW and has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body 10 and a lower surface facing the human head, and a second upper connecting wall 220U that connects the upper parts of the pair of left second walls 220LW and has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body 10 and a lower surface facing the human head.

[0090] Furthermore, the second protective wall portion 220 of this embodiment may be configured to extend in a direction approaching the crown of the head from the temporal region, be formed on either side of the second virtual plane P2, and include a pair of auxiliary walls formed on the outside of the pair of right second walls 220RW and the pair of left second walls 220LW, respectively.

[0091] Here, the second upper connecting wall 220U connects the right front second wall 220RWF (or left front second wall 220LWF) and the right rear second wall 220RWB (or left rear second wall 220LWB), which are provided on the front and rear sides of the second virtual plane P2, respectively, and therefore has an upper surface that intersects with the second virtual plane P2. In addition, the pair of right second walls 220RW and the second upper connecting wall 220U form a convex structure that protrudes upward Z1 to protect the right side of the head, and the pair of left second walls 220LW and the second upper connecting wall 220U form a convex structure that protrudes upward Z1 to protect the left side of the head.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will understand that the functions and effects based on the above configuration are the same as those based on the configuration of the front first wall 210WF or the rear first wall 210WB, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Similar to the first wall 210W, at least one of the right second wall 220RW and the left second wall 220LW may have a portion that is an inclined wall that slopes in a direction that approaches the second virtual plane P2 as it progresses upward Z1.

[0093] In addition, the right temporal protective wall section 220R (and the left temporal protective wall section 220L) each has a wall section that is spaced apart from and opposite to the right curved wall 210WCR (and the left curved wall 210WCL) and connects a pair of right second walls 220RW (and a pair of left second walls 220LW).

[0094] With this configuration, the impact of falling objects into the gap between the right temporal protective wall 220R (and the left temporal protective wall 220L) and the crown protective wall 210T can be absorbed by the deformation of this wall in the compression direction.

[0095] However, as shown in the modified examples described later, in the cross-section obtained by cutting the helmet H2 in the second virtual plane P2, through-holes may be formed so that the space between the helmet body 10 and the fitting portion 240, specifically the space below Z2 of the second protective wall portion 220 and the space above Z1 of the second protective wall portion 220, communicate through the space between the pair of right second walls 220RW (left second wall 220LW). In other words, through-holes may be formed so that the space between the pair of right second walls 220RW (left second wall 220LW) communicates with the space between the helmet body 10 and the fitting portion 240, both above Z1 and below Z2.

[0096] This configuration makes it possible to improve ventilation. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the human head is exposed to the space between the first protective wall 210 and the second protective wall 220 through the through-hole 240H formed in the fitting portion 240. As a result, the hot air emitted from the human head and released into the space above the fitting portion 240 Z1 through the through-hole 240H can be easily exhausted to the outside space through the gap between the fitting portion 240 and the helmet body 10. This makes it possible to further improve ventilation.

[0097] Furthermore, similar to the first protective wall section 210, the second protective wall section 220 may further comprise one or more walls formed between a pair of right second walls 220RW or a pair of left second walls 220LW. The second protective wall section 220 may also comprise different wall sections for protecting the sides of the head. For example, the second protective wall section 220 may comprise one or more vertical walls, which are annular walls, instead of the configuration shown in this embodiment.

[0098] [Impact absorption by helmet] The following describes how the helmet H2 deforms to absorb impact from falling objects on the top of the head. Figures 3A to 3D are schematic diagrams (some components are omitted for the sake of explanation) showing how the top protective wall 210T of the first protective wall 210 deforms in response to a falling object D on the top of the head from above Z1 to below Z2. Figure 3A shows the normal state when the falling object D has not yet hit the helmet H2 (time t1), Figure 3B shows the state immediately after the falling object D has hit the helmet shell 10 of the helmet H2 (time t2>t1), Figure 3C shows the state at a point in time when the curved wall 210WC etc. of the top protective wall 210T are deforming due to the impact of the falling object D (time t3>t2), and Figure 3D shows the state at a point in time when the helmet shell 10 has been significantly deformed due to the impact of the falling object D (time t4>t3). For the sake of clarity, the detailed structure of the H2 helmet has been omitted or simplified in this explanation.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 3A, in the normal state, the distance between the outer surface (upper surface) of the cap body 10 on the top head line and the lower surface of the inner member 200 (the lower surface of the wearing part 240) is the distance LT1. In this state, a slight clearance (gap) is provided between the upper ends of the curved walls 210WC of the first protective wall part 210 and the upper surface of the top head protective wall part 210T and the inner surface of the cap body 10, and the interval is, for example, 1.0 mm.

[0100] As shown in Fig. 3B, when the falling object D collides with the outer surface (upper surface) of the cap body 10 of the helmet H2, the cap body 10 is deformed downward by Z2. Since the upper ends of the curved walls 210WC etc. are close and opposed with a slight clearance (for example, 1.0 mm) separated below the cap body 10 by Z2, the inner surface of the cap body 10 contacts the upper ends of the curved walls 210WC etc. At this time, the distance between the outer surface (upper surface) of the cap body 10 on the top head line of the human head HH and the lower surface of the inner member 200 becomes the distance LT2 (where LT2 < LT1).

[0101] The wall thickness of the cap body 10 (or the total of the wall thickness of the cap body 10 and the wall thickness of the top head upper connecting wall 210UT which is the upper surface of the top head protective wall part 210T) is larger than the wall thickness of the curved wall 210WC. Therefore, when the inner surface of the cap body 10 contacts the upper ends of the curved walls 210WC etc., while the deformation of the cap body 10 is suppressed, the relatively thin-walled curved walls 210WC etc. start to be compressed or bent so that the size in the vertical direction Z becomes smaller.

[0102] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3C, when the curved walls 210WC etc. are compressed or bent, while the inner surface of the cap body 10 approaches the human head or the wearing part 240, the impact from the falling object is absorbed. At this time, the distance LT3 (where LT3 < LT2) between the outer surface (upper surface) of the cap body 10 on the top head line of the human head HH and the lower surface of the inner member 200 decreases with time. Also, since the deformation of the top head part of the cap body 10 is suppressed, the convex state upward is maintained.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 3D, after further time has elapsed and the curved wall 210WC etc. has been greatly compressed or bent, the cap body 10 is further deformed downward in the Z2 direction by the falling object D. For example, the cap body 10 is deformed so as to be convex downward. Therefore, the distance between the outer surface (upper surface) of the cap body 10 on the top head line and the lower surface of the inner member 200 becomes a distance LT4 (where LT4 < LT3). Since the curved walls 210WC each have an inclined portion, it is possible to disperse the impact load acting downward in the Z2 direction from the falling object D in the horizontal direction (left - right direction). Also, although the impact is transmitted to the human head HH through the greatly compressed or bent curved walls 210WC etc., it is received in a dispersed manner.

[0104] As described above, according to the helmet H2 according to the present embodiment, by deforming the curved wall 210WC etc., it becomes possible to absorb more impact from the falling object.

[0105] In addition, since a configuration is adopted in which the impact is absorbed by the wall standing upright from the wearing portion 240 of the first wall 210W etc., it is also possible to use the space between the cap body 10 and the wearing portion 240 for enhancing breathability.

[0106] Furthermore, since the curved walls 210WC etc. of the present embodiment each have a portion inclined toward the top head line, as described above, it is also possible to release the impact from the falling object in the horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0107] As described above, according to the helmet H2 of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a helmet that suppresses the appearance from being restricted and has breathability.

[0108] As described above, the helmet H2 may include other known components. For example, it may include a cushion member 33 detachably provided inside the inner member 200 so as to contact the human head. Here, the cushion member 33 may be formed of a material having a lower rigidity than the first protective wall portion 210 and the pair of second protective wall portions 220.

[0109] With this configuration, the cushioning member 33, which has relatively low rigidity, comes into contact with the area near the top of the head where the load of the helmet H2 is greatest, thus mitigating the load on the head. In other words, the highly rigid attachment part no longer directly contacts the head, resulting in a better fit and reduced discomfort for the wearer.

[0110] Furthermore, the cushion member 33 and the attachment part 240 may have through holes that allow the top of the human head to communicate with the space enclosed by the first wall 210W. With such a configuration, ventilation using this space becomes possible, thereby improving breathability.

[0111] Furthermore, the helmet H2 may be modified by the exercise of ordinary creative ability by a person skilled in the art. For example, a pair of first walls 210W extending from the forehead or back of the head toward the crown may be composed of multiple parts divided into two or three or more in the front-to-back direction X.

[0112] Furthermore, the right-side head protection wall 220R and the left-side head protection wall 220L are not limited to the configuration shown in this embodiment. For example, the right-side head protection wall 220R and the left-side head protection wall 220L may have a configuration that absorbs impact by one or more cylindrical walls having a circular or polygonal cross-section that are erected from the fitting portion 240 toward the inner surface of the helmet body 10, or they may have impact absorbers of other known configurations.

[0113] Other configurations may be the same as those in other embodiments, or other known configurations may be adopted.

[0114] [Modified Example] (Second Embodiment) The following describes a modified version of the helmet H2 according to this embodiment. The description will focus on the differences, and parts with the same or similar configurations will be described using the same or similar reference numerals as appropriate, thus omitting or simplifying the explanation. Figure 4 is a bottom view of the modified helmet as seen from below Z2.

[0115] As shown in the figure, in the modified attachment portion 241, instead of the configuration corresponding to the extended portion 240E of the attachment portion 240, one or more engagement holes for supporting the cushion member 34 may be formed in the wall portion that is not a cantilever beam. The cushion member 34 is supported by the attachment portion 241 by inserting the end of the cushion member 34 into these engagement holes.

[0116] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, through holes may be formed in the upper connecting wall 211UT of the top of the modified inner member 201. By forming such through holes, it becomes possible to easily remove accumulated debris in this area by washing with water or the like.

[0117] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, through holes may be formed in the wall portion of the second protective wall portion 220 of the inner member 201 that faces the curved wall 210WC.

[0118] [Modified Example] (Third Embodiment) The helmet H23 according to this embodiment (Figure 8, etc.) comprises a helmet body 12 (Figure 8, etc.), a pair of front first walls 212WF (Figure 7A) disposed inside the helmet body 12, each extending in a direction approaching the crown from the forehead and sandwiching a first virtual plane P1 (Figure 5) that includes the midline of the human head, a pair of rear first walls 212WB (Figure 7B) each extending in a direction approaching the crown from the back of the head and sandwiching the first virtual plane P1, and a part provided at the crown between the right front first wall and the right rear first wall, which is convex in a direction away from the first virtual plane P1. The first and second embodiments share the same features as the first and second embodiments, comprising: a first protective wall portion 212 (Figure 5, etc.) having a right curved wall 212WCR (Figure 5) formed in a curved shape, and a left curved wall 212WCL (Figure 5) provided at the top of the head between the left front first wall and the left rear first wall, and formed in a curved shape that is convex in a direction away from the first virtual plane P1; and an inner member 202 (Figure 5, etc.) having a right head protective wall portion 222R (Figure 7A, etc.) provided on the right head and a left head protective wall portion 222L (Figure 7A, etc.) provided on the left head. In the following, the differences will be described in detail, and parts having the same or similar configurations will be described using the same or similar reference numerals as appropriate, and the description will be omitted or simplified.

[0119] Figure 5 is a plan view of the inner member 202 according to this embodiment, viewed from above Z1.

[0120] As shown in the figure, the inner member 202 in this embodiment may include a right frontal protective wall portion 232RF, a right occipital protective wall portion 232RB, a left frontal protective wall portion 232LF, and a left occipital protective wall portion 232LB (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as the "third protective wall portion 232") that extend toward the vertex in each of the right frontal region HRF, right occipital region HRB, left frontal region HLF, and left occipital region HLB, which are divided by the first virtual plane P1 and the second virtual plane P2.

[0121] Furthermore, the inner member 202 according to this embodiment may further include: a right frontal protective wall portion 232RF extending in a direction approaching the crown from the right frontal region and comprising a pair of right anterior third walls 232RFW formed in the right frontal region HRF; a right occipital protective wall portion 232RB extending in a direction approaching the crown from the right occipital region and comprising a pair of right posterior third walls 232RBW formed in the right occipital region HRB; a left frontal protective wall portion 232LF extending in a direction approaching the crown from the left frontal region and comprising a pair of left anterior third walls 232LFW formed in the left frontal region HLF; and a left occipital protective wall portion 232LB extending in a direction approaching the crown from the left occipital region and comprising a pair of left posterior third walls 232LBW formed in the left occipital region HLB.

[0122] The third protective wall sections 232 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first virtual plane P1 and the second virtual plane P2, respectively. The third protective wall sections 232, positioned at the four corners within the inner member, receive impact loads from oblique directions, preventing the impact from concentrating at a single point and effectively distributing it to the surrounding area. As a result, the overall cushioning performance of the helmet against oblique impacts near the top of the head is improved, and the wearer's head can be protected more safely from various directions.

[0123] The third protective wall portion 232 may be configured similarly to the second protective wall portion 220, except that it is formed in the right frontal region HRF, the right occipital region HRB, the left frontal region HLF, and the left occipital region HLB, respectively. For example, the third protective wall portion 232 is formed by being erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet from the fitting portion. The upper ends of each of the third protective wall portions 232 may be connected to each other by a third upper connecting wall 232U. With such a configuration, even when a falling object acts from an oblique direction, each protective wall portion can deform by compressing or bending while sharing the impact from the oblique direction, and the force can be distributed and absorbed to the surroundings. In addition, the configuration in which the upper parts are connected allows the deformation behavior of each wall portion to be mutually assisted, enabling more stable impact mitigation.

[0124] Furthermore, the third protective wall portion 232 may be formed from a material with lower rigidity than the helmet body 10 (for example, PE, PP, or POM), similar to the first protective wall portion 210 and the second protective wall portion 220, thereby promoting deformation in the compression direction and further improving the impact absorption function.

[0125] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the inner member 202 according to this embodiment, viewed from above Z1.

[0126] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the right curved wall 212WCR may have a right front rib 212RFR extending along the rising direction of the right curved wall 212WCR on the frontal side, and a right rear rib 212RBR extending along the rising direction of the right curved wall 212WCR on the occipital side. Similarly, the left curved wall 212WCL may have a left front rib 212RFL extending along the rising direction of the left curved wall on the frontal side, and a left rear rib 212RBL extending along the rising direction of the left curved wall 212WCL on the occipital side.

[0127] Ribs are elongated protrusions integrally attached to the surface of a curved wall, and they serve to increase the rigidity of the curved wall itself. The addition of ribs moderately suppresses the deformation of the curved wall when an impact is applied, and the behavior of the entire inner material in absorbing the impact becomes more stable. In particular, the presence of a total of four ribs arranged symmetrically in the front-to-back direction allows the ribs to resist impacts from above the helmet in a balanced manner from all four sides.

[0128] Each rib is formed along the outer surface of the curved wall, and its upper end may reach near the top of the curved wall, while its lower end may extend to near the edge of the mounting area. Furthermore, the portion of the curved wall having each rib may be formed with a greater thickness than the portion without each rib. The cross-sectional shape of the rib may be arc-shaped, trapezoidal, or rectangular, and the thickness and width dimensions may be appropriately selected according to the amount of deformation of the curved wall and the desired rigidity. Each rib may be symmetrical and have approximately the same dimensions in the front-to-back direction. With such a configuration, when an impact load acts on the helmet, the ribs can effectively suppress local deformation, and variations in deformation modes and asymmetrical responses can be suppressed.

[0129] Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views of the inner member 202 according to this embodiment, viewed from above Z1, with Figure 7A showing the frontal side and Figure 7B showing the occipital side.

[0130] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the pair of front first walls 212WF (Figure 7A) may each have a right front curved portion 212WFRC (Figure 7A) and a left front curved portion 212WFLC (Figure 7A) which are formed by curving in a concave manner toward the first virtual plane P1. Similarly, the pair of rear first walls 212WB (Figure 7B) may each have a right rear curved portion 212WBRC (Figure 7B) and a left rear curved portion 212WBLC (Figure 7B) which are formed by curving in a concave manner toward the first virtual plane P1.

[0131] These curved sections, compared to straight structures, are better able to absorb impact energy across their entire surface and gently dissipate the impact force to the surrounding area. Furthermore, the arched curved structure itself acts like a reinforcing rib, tending to improve the structural strength of the inner members. As a result, the absorption and dispersion performance against impacts from the forehead and occipital region tends to be improved. In addition, the pair of curved sections are formed closer to the first virtual plane P1 than the pair of front first walls 212WF and rear first walls 212WB. Moreover, the curved sections are formed such that their curved shape is concave relative to the front first walls 212WF and rear first walls 212WB. With this configuration, when each first wall deforms due to an impact to the head, it is suppressed that each first wall opens too far away from the first virtual plane P1. This makes it possible to improve the structural strength in the forehead and occipital region.

[0132] The curved portion may be formed such that the inclination of the curved shape is approximately perpendicular to the front first wall 212WF and the rear first wall 212WB. Also, although Figures 7A and 7B show a curved portion formed to be concave toward the first virtual plane P1, the curved portion may instead be formed to be convex toward the first virtual plane P1. Alternatively, a rib may be formed in the forehead or occipital region instead of the curved portion. This can improve the impact absorption performance in the forehead or occipital region.

[0133] Figure 8 is a bottom view of the helmet H23 according to this embodiment, viewed from below Z2. Figure 9 is a bottom view of the main part of the helmet H23, viewed from below Z2. Furthermore, Figure 10 is a perspective view of the inner member 202 and shield support part 253H according to this embodiment, viewed from above Z1.

[0134] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the helmet H23 in this embodiment may have a space between the frontal side of the helmet shell 12 and the frontal side of the inner member 202 that can accommodate the shield member 253 and the shield support part 253H (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "shield housing part 253C"), and may also have a shield member 253 and a shield support part 253H that can be accommodated in the shield housing part 253C.

[0135] Specifically, the front of the helmet shell 12 is made up of a large portion. This creates a shield housing section 253C between the inner surface of the front of the helmet shell 12 and the front of the inner member 202, into which the shield member 253 and shield support part 253H can be additionally attached to the helmet body. With the presence of the shield housing section 253C, the shield member can be stored inside the helmet when not in use, and can be quickly attached to protect the front when needed. With this configuration, the helmet can have functions such as wind and dust protection and protection from flying objects to the face in addition to head protection, and its convenience can be increased depending on the application and situation.

[0136] Furthermore, the shield member is a transparent or translucent protective plate attached to the front of the helmet, such as a transparent face shield or visor, and can be stored in the space when not in use. For example, the shield member 253 may be engaged with a groove formed in the shield support portion 253H, and the shield member 253 may be configured to move along the groove of the shield support portion 253H. Alternatively, the shield member may be connected to the helmet body 12 or the inner member 202 by a pivot shaft or a sliding mechanism. With this sliding mechanism, the shield member can be deployed downward to function as a face shield covering the wearer's face, and can be stored upward to fit into the space between the helmet body and the inner member.

[0137] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the helmet H23 according to this embodiment, viewed from below Z2.

[0138] As shown in the figure, the helmet in this embodiment may include a headband fixing portion 263 for fixing the headband HB to the frontal side of the inner member 202.

[0139] Specifically, an attachment structure (e.g., locking holes, protruding ribs, slide guides, etc.) for locking or fitting the headband HB is formed on the inner surface of the frontal side of the inner member 202, and the ends of the headband HB may be attached to these headband fixing parts 263. With this configuration, the inner member 202 and the headband HB can support the head as a single unit, improving stability when worn. Furthermore, when assembling and disassembling the helmet, the inner member 202 and the headband HB can be attached and detached simultaneously, improving the workability of maintenance and cleaning.

[0140] Furthermore, the posterior end of the headband HB may be connected to a support structure provided on the inner surface of the helmet shell 12, more specifically on the posterior inner surface of the helmet shell 12. For example, the rear end of the headband may be fitted and engaged with a pin, bracket, or locking groove provided on the posterior side of the helmet shell 12. By fixing the headband to the inner member on the forehead side and to the helmet shell on the posterior side in this way, the mounting position of the headband is stabilized, and appropriate tension can be maintained in the front-to-back direction, thereby further improving the overall fit and stability of the helmet.

[0141] Furthermore, the occipital side of the headband HB may be connected to a support structure provided on the inner surface of the occipital side of the inner member 202. By consolidating the headband fixing structure on the inner member side on both the forehead and occipital sides in this manner, it becomes unnecessary to provide parts such as pins, brackets, and locking grooves on the helmet shell side. As a result, disassembly of the helmet shell and the inner member becomes easier, improving the workability of maintenance and cleaning.

[0142] Furthermore, the rear of the helmet body 12 according to this embodiment may be provided with a locking hole that can lock the rear of the inner member 202. In addition, the front of the inner member 202 may be provided with a locking claw that can lock the front of the helmet body 12. With this configuration, the rear of the inner member 202 can be locked into the locking hole of the helmet body 12 first, and then the locking claw on the front of the inner member 202 can be locked into the helmet body 12, making it possible to easily assemble the helmet body 12 and the inner member 202. This makes it easier to assemble and disassemble the helmet body 12 and the inner member 202, and improves the workability of maintaining the helmet body and inner member.

[0143] Furthermore, the helmet H2 can be modified in various ways. For example, the minimum distance (sometimes called the "minimum distance") between each upper surface of each second upper connecting wall 220U and the inner surface of the helmet body 10 may be 10 mm or less, preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 1 mm or less.

[0144] Furthermore, the inner member 200, including the attachment portion 240, may or may not have multiple through holes. Here, of the first protective wall portion 210, the first wall 210W that stands upright relative to the attachment portion 240 absorbs impact by deforming, so no through holes are formed therein. On the other hand, it is preferable that multiple through holes are formed in the front upper connecting wall 210UF and the rear upper connecting wall 210UB.

[0145] However, through holes may be formed in the first wall 210W. In that case, the total area of ​​one or more through holes formed in each first wall 210W may be smaller than the total area of ​​one or more through holes formed in the front upper connecting wall 210UF and the rear upper connecting wall 210UB, preferably 50% or less, and more preferably 25% or less.

[0146] Similarly, of the pair of second protective wall portions 220, it is preferable that the pair of right second wall portions 220RW and left second wall portions 220LW, which are erected relative to the mounting portion 240, do not have through holes, while the second upper connecting wall portion 220U has multiple through holes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 10, 12 Helmet shell, 33, 34 Cushioning member, 33E Stretching member, 33R Annular member, 200, 201, 202 Inner member, 210, 212 First protective wall section, 210CW Connecting wall, 210T Crown protective wall section, 210UB Rear upper connecting wall, 210UF Front upper connecting wall, 210UT Crown upper connecting wall, 210WB, 212WB Rear first wall, 210WBL Left rear first wall, 210CWBL Left rear connecting wall, 210WBR Right rear first wall, 210CWBR Right rear connecting wall, 210WC Curved wall, 210WCL, 212WCL Left curved wall, 210WCR, 212WCR Right curved wall, 210WF, 212WF Front first wall, 210WFL Left front first wall, 210CWFL Left front connecting wall, 210WFR Right front first wall, 210CWFR Right front connecting wall, 212RBL Left rear rib, 212RBR Right rear rib, 212RFL Left front rib, 212RFR Right front rib, 212WBLC Left rear curved section, 212WBRC Right rear curved section, 212WFLC Left front curved section, 212WFRC Right front curved section, 220 Second protective wall section, 220L, 222L Left head protection wall section, 220LW Second wall, 220LWB Left rear second wall, 220LWF Left front second wall, 220R, 222R Right head protection wall section, 220RW Second wall, 220RWB Right rear second wall, 220RWF Right front second wall, 220U 232 Upper connecting wall, 232 Third protective wall section, 232LB Left occipital protective wall section, 232LBW Left occipital third wall, 232LF Left forehead protective wall section, 232LFW Left forehead third wall, 232RB Right occipital protective wall section, 232RBW Right occipital third wall, 232RF Right forehead protective wall section, 232RFW Right forehead third wall, 232U Third upper connecting wall, 240, 241 Mounting section, 240E Extension section, 240H Through hole, 253 Shield member, 253C Shield housing section, 253H Shield support section, 263 Headband fixing section, H2, H23 Helmet, HLB Left occipital region, HLF Left forehead region, HRB Right occipital region, HRF Right forehead region

Claims

1. The helmet shell and, Displaced inside the aforementioned helmet body, A first protective wall comprising: a pair of front first walls extending in a direction approaching the crown from the forehead and formed on either side of a first virtual plane containing the midline of the human head; a pair of rear first walls extending in a direction approaching the crown from the back of the head and formed on either side of the first virtual plane; a right curved wall provided on the crown between the right front first wall and the right rear first wall, formed to curve so as to be convex in a direction away from the first virtual plane; and a left curved wall provided on the crown between the left front first wall and the left rear first wall, formed to curve so as to be convex in a direction away from the first virtual plane; A protective wall portion on the right side of the head, A protective wall portion on the left side of the head, An inner member having, A helmet equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The first protective wall portion further comprises, A right front connecting wall is formed to connect the right front first wall and the right curved wall, and is recessed relative to the right front first wall in a direction approaching the first virtual plane, A right rear connecting wall connects the right rear first wall and the right curved wall, and is formed recessed in the direction approaching the first virtual plane relative to the right rear first wall, A left front connecting wall connects the left front first wall and the left curved wall, and is formed recessed in the direction approaching the first virtual plane relative to the left front first wall, A left rear connecting wall connects the left rear first wall and the left curved wall, and is formed recessed in the direction approaching the first virtual plane relative to the left rear first wall, The helmet according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The first protective wall portion is, A front upper connecting wall that connects the upper parts of the pair of front first walls, faces the inner surface of the helmet body, and has an upper surface that intersects the first virtual plane, A rear upper connecting wall that connects the upper parts of the pair of rear first walls, faces the inner surface of the helmet body, and has an upper surface that intersects the first virtual plane, The helmet according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The helmet according to claim 2, wherein the first protective wall portion further comprises a top-of-the-crown upper connecting wall that connects the upper part of at least one of the right curved wall, the right front connecting wall, and the right rear connecting wall to the upper part of at least one of the left curved wall, the left front connecting wall, and the left rear connecting wall, and has an upper surface that faces the inner surface of the helmet body and intersects the first virtual plane.

5. The helmet according to claim 4, wherein in a cross-section cut by a second virtual plane perpendicular to the first virtual plane and passing through the top of the human head, the width of the upper connecting wall of the top of the head is 30 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

6. The helmet according to claim 5, wherein the right curved wall and the left curved wall each have inclined walls that are inclined in a direction that approaches the intersection of the first virtual plane and the second virtual plane as they move away from the human head and closer to the helmet body.

7. Each of the pair of front first walls has an inclined wall that slopes in a direction that moves away from the human head and closer to the first virtual plane as it approaches the helmet body, Each of the pair of rear first walls has an inclined wall that slopes in a direction that moves away from the human head and closer to the first virtual plane as it approaches the helmet body. The helmet according to claim 5.

8. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the external space in front of the human head and the external space behind the human head are in communication via the space between the pair of front first walls and the space between the pair of rear first walls.

9. The right temporal protective wall portion comprises a pair of right second walls that extend in a direction approaching the top of the head, are perpendicular to the first virtual plane, and are formed on either side of a second virtual plane that passes through the top of the human head. The left temporal protective wall portion extends in a direction approaching the crown of the head and comprises a pair of left second walls formed on either side of a second virtual plane that is perpendicular to the first virtual plane and passes through the crown of the human head. The helmet according to claim 1.

10. The right head protection wall portion further comprises a right upper connecting wall that connects the upper parts of the pair of right second walls, faces the inner surface of the helmet body, and has an upper surface that intersects with the second virtual plane, The left head protection wall portion further comprises a left upper connecting wall that connects the upper parts of the pair of left second walls, faces the inner surface of the helmet body, and has an upper surface that intersects the second virtual plane. The helmet according to claim 9.

11. The inner member further comprises a fitting portion having an inner surface facing the human head, The pair of front first walls, the right curved wall, the left curved wall, and the pair of rear first walls are each formed by being erected from the mounting portion. The helmet according to claim 1.

12. The first protective wall portion, the right head protective wall portion, the left head protective wall portion, and the attachment portion are formed from the same material by integral molding. The helmet according to claim 11.

13. The inner member is connected to the helmet body at the lower end of the attachment portion. The minimum distance between the inner surface of the helmet and the upper ends of the pair of front first walls, and the minimum distance between the inner surface of the helmet and the upper ends of the pair of rear first walls, are each 3 mm or less. The helmet according to claim 12.

14. The helmet according to claim 3, wherein the lower surface of the front upper connecting wall and the lower surface of the rear upper connecting wall each face the surface of a human head.

15. The helmet according to claim 1, further comprising a cushioning member detachably provided on the inside of the inner member so as to come into contact with the human head.

16. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the inner member comprises a right frontal region, a right occipital region, a left frontal region, and a left occipital region, each of which is divided by the first virtual plane and a second virtual plane perpendicular to the first virtual plane and passing through the top of the human head, and each of these regions includes a right frontal protective wall, a right occipital protective wall, a left frontal protective wall, and a left occipital protective wall, extending toward the top line where the first virtual plane and the second virtual plane intersect.

17. The inner member extends in a direction approaching the crown from the right forehead, and includes the right forehead protective wall portion having a pair of right front third walls formed in the right forehead region, The right occipital region protective wall portion extends in a direction approaching the crown of the head from the right occipital region and comprises a pair of right posterior third walls formed in the right occipital region, The left frontal protective wall portion extends in a direction approaching the crown from the left frontal region and comprises a pair of left front third walls formed in the left frontal region, The left occipital protective wall portion extends in a direction approaching the crown from the left occipital region and comprises a pair of left posterior third walls formed in the left occipital region, The helmet according to claim 16, further comprising:

18. The right curved wall has a right front rib extending along the rising direction of the right curved wall on the frontal side, and a right rear rib extending along the rising direction of the right curved wall on the occipital side. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the left curved wall has a left front rib extending along the rising direction of the left curved wall on the frontal side, and a left rear rib extending along the rising direction of the left curved wall on the occipital side.

19. The pair of front first walls each have a right front curved portion and a left front curved portion, which are formed by curving in a concave manner toward the first virtual plane. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the pair of rear first walls each have a right rear curved portion and a left rear curved portion, which are formed to be curved so as to be concave toward the first virtual plane.

20. The helmet according to claim 1, having a space between the frontal side of the helmet body and the frontal side of the inner member that can accommodate a shield member.

21. The helmet according to claim 20, having a shield member that can be housed in the aforementioned space.

22. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the inner member is provided with a headband fixing portion on the frontal side.

Images