helmet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a helmet (10) comprising a protective body (12) configured to cover a person's head (20), wherein the protective body (12) comprises a top section (14), a rear section (16), and at least one side section (18). In order to provide a helmet (10) having improved head protection, particularly with respect to a person's face, it is proposed that the helmet (10) further comprises at least one deployable airbag (30), the airbag (30) being positioned within one side section (18) of the protective body (12) when the airbag (30) is not deployed. The side section (18) of the protective body (12) provides a remarkably convenient location for housing the airbag (30). The airbag (30) provides reliable facial protection for a person wearing the helmet (10). The side sections (18) of the helmet (10) protrude very close to the face of the person wearing the jet helmet (10), allowing the airbag (30) to provide facial protection at a very short distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to the helmet according to claim 1.

Background Art

[0002] The jet-type helmet, also called an open-face helmet, is widely popular and is mainly used by motorcycle riders. The jet-type helmet includes a protective body configured to cover a part of a person's head. In case of an accident, the helmet reduces the impact on the covered body part. The protective body of the jet-type helmet usually includes a top section intended to protect the top of the head and the forehead, a rear section for protecting the back of the head and a part of the neck, and a side section for protecting the sides of the head such as a person's ears and cheeks. Generally, the protective body of the jet-type helmet does not cover a person's face, but the face includes central facial features such as eyes, nose, and mouth. Further, compared with the full-face helmet, also called an integrated helmet, the jet-type helmet does not have a chin bar. Compared with the full-face helmet, the jet-type helmet provides better ventilation and a lighter weight. In addition, the jet-type helmet is usually available at a relatively low cost. Some jet-type helmets are provided with a visor, and the visor can be detachably attached to the helmet according to an individual's needs.

[0003] The helmet specifically intended to be used by bicycle riders does not even have a side section and only has a top section and a rear section, so the ears and cheeks of the head are not covered by the helmet. These types of helmets are very lightweight and provide very good ventilation to the head of the person wearing the helmet. Such helmets are referred to as "bicycle helmets" or "helmets for bicycles".

[0004] Similar to a helmet, the protective gear comprises a main body made of foam material and an outer shell that covers the outside of the main body. The inside of the main body is often covered by a liner.

[0005] Helmets such as bicycle helmets, jet helmets, and full-face helmets already provide reliable protection to their users, but efforts are being made to further enhance the protectiveness, safety, comfort, and appearance of helmets. For example, International Publication No. 2021 / 160817(A1) discloses a full-face helmet having a deflated airbag stored between its body and outer shell in the top section of the protective body. The outer shell has a movable part, in particular a pivotable part, which moves in response to the deployment of the airbag, allowing the airbag to inflate. In its deployed state, the airbag covers a portion of the protective body, and thus the airbag provides an "additional protective layer" to the essentially top of the protective body.

[0006] An airbag is an inflatable object that provides a protective barrier to a part of the body when deployed, where deployed means the airbag is inflated. [Overview of the project]

[0007] Jet helmets are often chosen for their appearance and convenience, but because they leave a person's face exposed to the environment, it is beneficial to provide a jet helmet that enhances protection without compromising the wearer's comfort or appearance. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a jet helmet with improved head protection, particularly with respect to the person's face.

[0008] The above-mentioned objectives are achieved by the helmet as defined in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, specification, and drawings.

[0009] The helmet is equipped with a protective body such that the helmet is a jet-type helmet or a bicycle-type helmet during normal use. According to the present invention, the helmet further comprises at least one deployable airbag, which is positioned within at least one side section of the protective body when the airbag is not deployed.

[0010] In a first basic embodiment of the present invention, the helmet protector is of the jet type, i.e., the protector has two side sections rigidly connected to a top section and / or a rear section. The two side sections of the protector are positioned opposite each other and typically include a mirror-symmetric structure and shape. An airbag may be located in either of the two side sections. According to one advantageous embodiment, as will be described later below, at least two airbags may be positioned within both side sections.

[0011] In a second basic embodiment, the base can be substantially a bicycle helmet during normal use. That is, the protective body has a main body including a top section and a rear section, but not a side section. In this second basic embodiment, at least one side section (preferably two side sections) is additionally provided. This at least one side section is pivotally mounted to the main body, so that the protective body and thus the helmet have an initial state in which the side section substantially extends along the lower edge of the top section of the main body, and an activated state in which the side section extends away from the main body, so that in the activated state, a side section similar to the permanent side section of a jet helmet is provided. In the initial state of the protective body, the side section is in an initial position relative to the main body, and in the activated state of the protective body, the side section is in an activated position relative to the main body.

[0012] At least one side section is configured to initially move from its initial position to its activation position before the airbag deploys, or to perform this movement while the airbag is deploying. In some embodiments, it may be preferable that the side section initially moves to its activation position (end position) so that when the airbag deploys, the side section has already reached its activation position (end position) in the activation state. This can help ensure proper deployment behavior of the airbag and correct positioning of the deployed airbag relative to the person's face.

[0013] In other embodiments, it may be preferable that the airbag begins to deploy while at least one side section is pivoting from its initial position to its activation position. This may be particularly preferable when a joint airbag is provided for two side sections. Furthermore, the deploying airbag can be used to initiate the pivoting motion of the side section.

[0014] To ensure that the protective body remains in its "bicycle shape" during normal use, a releasable locking mechanism can be provided, having a locked state that locks at least one side section in its initial position on the main body. In the released state of this locking mechanism, the side section can pivot from its initial position to its activated position.

[0015] For example, this unlockable locking mechanism may be equipped with an electromagnet. This electromagnet can be powered by a battery during normal use, and if an accident is detected, the power supply is cut off, and the unlockable locking mechanism is released.

[0016] Alternatively, the releaseable locking mechanism may include a ruptureable element that is broken when the airbag deploys. In this case, no additional electrical energy is required.

[0017] To ensure that the side section moves quickly to its activated state when an accident is detected, a biasing element, such as a spring, can be provided to bias at least one side section toward its activated position.

[0018] Furthermore, to ensure that the side section remains in its starting position once it reaches that position, a restraining mechanism can be provided that restrains at least one side element in its starting position once it reaches that starting position.

[0019] The side sections of the helmet body (which are permanently present in the case of a jet-type protective body, or only present in the activated state in the case of a bicycle-type helmet) provide a remarkably convenient location for housing the airbag. The airbag provides reliable facial protection (including chin protection) for the person wearing the helmet. Because the side sections of the helmet protrude very close to the face of the person wearing the helmet, the airbag allows for facial protection to be provided at a very short distance. The airbag is configured to deploy when a serious event is detected. In the deployed state, the airbag forms a protective barrier between the person's face and the environment not covered by the helmet's protective body. Thus, according to the present invention, the helmet is a jet-type helmet or a bicycle-type helmet when the airbag is not deployed (face including chin is not covered), but transforms into a helmet similar to a full helmet when at least one airbag is deployed.

[0020] Storing the airbag within one side section of the helmet has the advantage that, very quickly after an accident is detected, the first unprotected part of the head, namely the chin and / or another part of the face, can be covered by the airbag and thus protected. A further advantage is that a relatively small airbag can be used. The smaller the airbag, the lighter it is and the less packing space it requires. Thus, wearer comfort and the appearance of the helmet are advantageously improved.

[0021] Therefore, the helmet provides improved protection without significantly limiting the comfort and appearance characteristics of a jet-type helmet.

[0022] According to one advantageous embodiment, when the airbag is not deployed, it is positioned within a cheek segment of a side section configured to cover the cheek area of ​​a person's head. When a person wears a jet-type helmet, the cheek segment extends substantially parallel to the person's cheeks. The cheek segment of the side section is part of the helmet positioned very close to the face. Thus, the embodiment described helps achieve or enhance the advantages described above. Preferably, the airbag is positioned within the front edge region of the cheek segment and deploys from this front edge. The front edge region abuts against the edge line of the helmet in the cheek area. By hoisting the airbag within the edge region, the distance to the person's face is further reduced.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the helmet protector comprises a main body and an outer shell, and the undeployed airbag is - The outer surface of the main body and / or the inner surface of the outer shell, - It is positioned on either the outer surface of the outer shell.

[0024] The body is typically relatively thick (a few cm) and made of an essentially stable foamed shock-absorbing material such as Styrofoam. The outer surface of the body is typically covered by a rigid outer shell made of a hard material such as polycarbonate or a fiber-reinforced plastic material. The inner surface of the body is typically covered by a liner or cushioning material to enhance the comfort of wearing.

[0025] According to the suggested positioning options, the airbag can be positioned substantially between the body and the outer shell or the outer surface of the outer shell. Some embodiments provide recesses in the body or the outer shell, as described below, so that it is generally also possible to position the airbag on either the outer surface of the body or the inner surface of the outer shell.

[0026] When the airbag is positioned substantially between the body and the outer shell, the airbag is protected by the outer shell during normal use of the helmet. The outer shell may have an airbag exit opening or a predefined break line where the outer shell breaks when the airbag deploys. The airbag exit opening or the predefined break line is preferably located on the edge surface of the cheek segment so as to allow the airbag to deploy in a direction parallel to the person's cheek. According to an alternative embodiment, the airbag exit opening or the predefined break line is located at a defined distance from the edge and closer to the rear or top section of the helmet.

[0027] If the airbag is positioned on the outer surface of the outer shell, the deployment of the airbag is facilitated and the helmet can be easily manufactured. In this case, an additional cover (cap) for the airbag may be provided.

[0028] According to an improved embodiment, the body and / or the outer shell comprises a recess in which the airbag is at least partially located. Thus, the packaging of the airbag into the jet - type helmet is improved and the airbag is securely embedded in the helmet in a defined manner. The recess can be an elongated groove or a cut - out of a different material, which is at least partially suitable for receiving the airbag. Additional grooves or cut - outs can be provided in the body and / or the outer shell for further airbag components such as the gas line, the filling section, the inflater or the sensor unit. If each of the body and the outer shell comprises a recess for the airbag, these recesses are preferably arranged facing each other on the inner surface of the outer shell and the outer surface of the body. If it is intended that the airbag is positioned on the outer surface of the outer shell, the recess is provided on the outer surface of the outer shell. The recess on the outer surface of the outer shell and the airbag inserted into the recess can be covered by a removable or breakable cap.

[0029] As already mentioned, the airbag is configured to at least partially cover a person's face when the airbag is deployed. Thus, the airbag forms a protection barrier for the facial area that was initially uncovered in case of a critical event such as an accident. Preferably, the airbag is configured to cover at least one of a person's jaw, chin, mouth, and nose in the deployed state, and even more preferably at least cover them. According to an advantageous embodiment, the airbag is configured not to cover a person's eyes in order to facilitate the person's perception of the situation during or after an accident. Nevertheless, according to an alternative embodiment, the airbag can provide protection for the entire face by covering the entire facial area in the deployed state.

[0030] According to one advantageous embodiment, the airbag is configured to deploy primarily horizontally. Thus, rapid facial coverage is achieved in the event of a serious incident. "Horizontal" means parallel to the ground when a person is standing on the ground. A virtual line of connection between a person's ears, between their eyes, or between one eye and one ear may also define the horizontal plane and direction independently of the person's orientation relative to the ground. For example, the airbag may deploy parallel to the rear-front direction of a person's head and / or the direction between their cheeks. "Primarily" horizontal also includes slightly angled directions, for example, up to 15 degrees from the exact horizontal. Furthermore, the deployment direction of the airbag refers to the deployment direction perpendicular to the airbag's axis, preferably corresponding to the axis of greatest expansion.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the airbag includes a proximal section of the protective body substantially extending in a first direction and a distal section of the protective body substantially extending in a second direction when the airbag is deployed. The first direction is different from the second direction. For example, the first direction may be substantially parallel to the sides of a person's face, e.g., parallel to the cheeks, and the second direction may be substantially parallel to the front of a person's face, e.g., parallel to the mouth and chin. The first direction may correspond to or be parallel to the longitudinal direction defining the length of a jet helmet, and the second direction may correspond to or be parallel to the width direction defining the width of a jet helmet. The deployment direction of the airbag when activated is continuous from the first direction to the second direction. The proximal section of the protective body is closer to the airbag storage position, which is inside or outside the protective body, than the distal section of the protective body. The proximal section of the protective body provides protection for the sides of the face and forms the filling portion and support portion of the airbag. The distal section of the protective body provides protection for the front of the face and forms the main barrier portion of the airbag.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the proximal and distal sections of the airbag protector form a substantially C-shaped or L-shaped airbag. Due to the C-shaped or L-shaped airbag, it conforms more closely to the contours of a person's face. The C-shaped or L-shaped airbag is related to a horizontal cross-sectional view of the airbag.

[0033] A C-shaped airbag has a substantially curved shape and surrounds at least partially the face of a person. In a C-shaped airbag, the proximal and distal sections of the protective body are connected via an arc-shaped transition section, so that there is no noticeable boundary between the two sections. The curved airbag shape can be achieved by known art, for example, by a fixed fold on one side of the airbag to shorten the side of the airbag, as disclosed in International Publication No. 2008 / 092595(A1).

[0034] An L-shaped airbag includes two distinct legs. An L-shaped airbag can be manufactured by known art, for example, by appropriate cutting and sewing tethers, as disclosed in German Patent No. 102016119613(A1). One of the L-shaped legs forms the proximal section of the protective body, and the other of the L-shaped leg forms the distal section of the protective body. The L-shaped leg formed by the proximal section of the protective body may be shorter than the L-shaped leg formed by the distal section of the protective body.

[0035] According to an improved embodiment, the distal section of the protective body includes an extension that is longer than the proximal section of the protective body. As the extension increases, the height, width, and / or length may increase. The larger extension of the main protective barrier portion formed by the distal section of the protective body sets the primary focus of protection to the front of the person's face. Thus, perceptible facial portions such as the mouth and nose are better protected. The smaller extension of the proximal section of the protective body provides rapid deployment of the helmet distal section of the airbag. The extension may change in a stepped manner at the transition between the proximal and distal sections of the protective body, or it may change continuously along the perpendicular axis of the airbag. For example, the airbag may include a height that increases continuously along the proximal section of the protective body, reaching its greatest height at the starting point of the distal section of the protective body, and may include a substantially constant height along the distal section of the protective body. According to the embodiment, the distal section of the protective body may be wider than the proximal section of the protective body.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the jet helmet comprises at least two deployable airbags, with each side section of the protective body housing at least one of the airbags. Thus, enhanced protection is provided. For example, the airbags may complement each other to expand the protective barrier or provide system redundancy for fail-safe purposes. According to one embodiment, the jet helmet comprises exactly two deployable airbags, each positioned within one side section. According to another embodiment, the jet helmet comprises more than two deployable airbags, for example, four airbags that may be evenly distributed across the side sections and facilitate individual protective solutions.

[0037] In the second basic embodiment, instead of providing a separate airbag for each side section, or in addition to that, a joint airbag can be positioned inside or outside the side section when the airbag is in its non-deployed state, so that when the joint airbag is deployed, it forms a continuous chin bar.

[0038] According to an improved embodiment, when the airbags deploy, at least two airbags overlap each other at least partially in front of a person's face, thus forming an expanded effective airbag structure. To overlap, one airbag may include, for example, a shorter proximal protective section compared to the other airbag. Furthermore, to prevent collisions of the airbags during deployment, it may be advantageous if at least one airbag activates with a very small time delay compared to the other airbag.

[0039] According to one advantageous embodiment, the jet helmet further comprises a trigger and inflation assembly, which comprises an inflator and at least one sensor, the sensor may be represented in particular as an accelerometer and / or a tilt sensor (angle sensor), and / or a combination of an accelerometer and an angle sensor. The inflator may be a pyrotechnic device or compressed gas device that generates or releases inflation gas at a high volume flow rate so that the airbag inflates rapidly. Based on signals from the sensors, when a predetermined acceleration and / or tilt above a defined threshold is detected, the sensing, trigger, and inflation assembly supplies electrical energy to the inflator to initiate the inflation process. The sensing, trigger, and inflation assembly may further include an energy storage device such as a battery to provide electrical energy. The sensing, trigger, and inflation assembly may further include an electronic control unit (ECU) to monitor sensor data and control the inflation process. The components of the sensing, trigger, and inflation assembly may be located in a single unit or in various units distributed on the protective body of the jet helmet.

[0040] According to one preferred embodiment, at least one of the inflator and / or sensor is located within the rear section of the protective body. In practice, it is beneficial to position the inflator and / or sensor away from the airbag packaging space in order to arrange the airbag components in a space-saving manner and to improve weight distribution. To connect the inflator to the airbag, the gas line is guided through the protective body between the inflator and the airbag. The rear section of the protective body provides sufficient space to pack the inflator and / or sensor without affecting the appearance and comfort of the jet helmet. Nevertheless, according to other embodiments, the inflator and / or sensor may also be positioned within the top section or side section of the protective body.

[0041] In embodiments having at least two airbags, it is beneficial if at least two airbags share a common inflator. This reduces the overall weight of the jet helmet and lowers production costs. The common inflator may, advantageously, be located in the rear section of the protective body, for example, centrally with respect to the airbag locations, and connected to the airbags via separate gas lines.

[0042] Since applications of jet helmets include use on roads, it is advantageous if the airbag is made from a fabric containing aramid fibers. Aramid fibers are known for their extremely tough and tear-resistant properties. Therefore, the airbag can cope with sliding on paved roads without being damaged.

[0043] Possible applications of the helmet of the present invention include those in traffic and sports. For example, the helmet can be used for cycling, motorcycling, and aviation, as well as for skiing, skating, horseback riding, mountaineering, or parachute jumping. In the case of traffic and sports applications, protection, appearance, and comfort are of great importance, so the jet-type helmet of the present invention offers particular suitability for these fields of use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] The present invention will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying schematic diagrams. Functionally similar elements illustrated in the drawings are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective side view of a helmet according to a first embodiment, which has a jet-type protective body and an airbag in an undeployed state. [Figure 2] Figure 2 provides a side view of a helmet having an airbag in a deployed state according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic top cross-sectional view of a helmet with two airbags deployed, according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic top cross-sectional view of a helmet with two airbags deployed, according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5)] Figure 5) shows, a) to d), detailed cross-sectional views of optional storage positions for the airbag in the protective body. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows one embodiment of a second basic embodiment of the present invention, in which the helmet protector is in its initial state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the embodiment of Figure 6 in the startup state. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an illustrative schematic side view of the helmet in Figure 6, with some hidden elements indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the state in Figure 7 as represented by Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 provides a schematic illustration of the restraint mechanism of a swivel joint. [Figure 11] Figure 11 provides a schematic illustration of the restraint mechanism of a swivel joint. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] For better understanding, hidden components or the potential state of components are indicated by dashed lines throughout the drawing.

[0046] Figures 1 to 5 show a first basic embodiment having a jet-type protector.

[0047] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a helmet 10. As shown in Figure 2, the helmet 10 generally comprises a protective body 12 intended to cover a person's head 20. The protective body has the shape of a jet helmet, also known as an open-face helmet. The protective body includes a top section 14 for protecting the person's crown 20 and forehead. Furthermore, the protective body 12 includes a rear section 16 that partially protects the person's neck and the rear of the head 20. Side sections 18 of the protective body 12 are provided to protect the person's temples. The side sections 18 are positioned facing each other. The top section 14, the rear section 16, and the side sections 18 are integrally formed and integrated without structural boundaries. In other words, the protective body 12 has the shape of a jet helmet as known in the prior art.

[0048] As illustrated in Figure 2, the protective body 12 does not cover the person's face 22, so perceptible facial features such as the eyes, nose, and mouth are exposed to the environment. To provide improved head protection, particularly with respect to the person's face 22, the helmet 10 includes a deployable airbag 30 positioned within one side section 18 in the undeployed state, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the airbag 30 is configured to deploy when a serious event, such as an accident, is detected, and in the deployed state, it covers at least partially the person's face 22. In the deployed state, the airbag 30 forms a protective barrier between the person's face 22 (including the chin) and the environment. As illustrated, the airbag 30 partially covers the person's face 22 but does not cover the eyes for better situational awareness.

[0049] The side section 18 protrudes very close to the person's face, providing a convenient storage location for the airbag 30. Thus, the airbag 30 can deploy adjacent to the face 22 at a short distance, resulting in rapid protection, a small and lightweight airbag 30, and a small packing space. Thus, the wearer's protection is improved, while the wearer's comfort and appearance are not limited by the airbag 30 positioned within the protective body 12. During normal use, this helmet looks and feels like a jet helmet.

[0050] As illustrated in Figure 1, the undeployed airbag 30 is positioned within the edge region of the cheek segment 17 of the side section 18. The cheek segment 17 is intended to cover the cheek region of a person. The packed airbag 30 abuts against the edge line of the side section 18 near the person's face 22. To allow the airbag 30 to exit the protective body 12, an airbag exit opening 19 is provided on the edge surface of the side section 18. The airbag device illustrated in Figure 1 keeps the distance between the airbag storage position and the face 22 to be protected very short.

[0051] The protective body 12 generally extends in the length direction X, which defines the length of the protective body; the width direction Y, which defines the width of the protective body 12; and the height direction Z, which defines the height of the protective body 12.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1 and in more detail in Figure 5, the protective body 12 comprises a body 11 and an outer shell 13. Furthermore, a liner 15 is located inside the protective body 12. The body 11 is thicker than the outer shell 13 and is typically the foam shock-absorbing portion of the helmet 10. The outer shell 13 forms a rigid hard cap for the body 11.

[0053] Referring here to Figure 5, the figure shows possible airbag positions in the protective body 12 in a cross-sectional detail view. To embed the airbag 30 in the protective body 12 in a clear and secure manner, groove-like recesses 11c, 13c for receiving the airbag 30 are provided within the protective body 12. As illustrated in Figure 5a), the recess 11c may be provided on the outer surface 11a of the body 11. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5b), the recess 13c may be provided on the inner surface 13b of the outer shell 13. Also, as shown in Figure 5c), the outer surface 11a of the body 11 and the inner surface 13b of the outer shell 13 may include opposing recesses 11c and 13c for insertion of the airbag 30. For convenience, the options described with respect to Figures 5a) to 5c) can be summarized as the position of the airbag 30 between the body 11 and the outer shell 13. Figure 5d) shows further possible positions for the airbag 30 within a recess 13c located on the outer surface 13a of the outer shell 13. The recess 13c may be covered by a protective cap after the airbag 30 is inserted. Although not shown, additional recesses may be provided within the protective body 12 for further components such as a gas line 42 and a trigger and inflation assembly 40, as shown in Figure 2. The trigger and inflation assembly 40 comprises an inflator and an accelerometer, and is responsible for initiating the deployment of the airbag 30. According to Figure 2, to provide a space-saving device and improve weight distribution, the inflator and accelerometer are located in a common unit located in the rear section 16 of the protective body. A tilt sensor (angle sensor) may be provided instead of, or in addition to, the accelerometer.

[0054] Referring again to Figure 2, the figure shows that the airbag 30 is configured to deploy primarily horizontally relative to a person's normal orientation. The horizontal direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction X and the width direction Y of the protective body 12. The airbag 30 includes a proximal protective section 32 substantially extending in a first direction X corresponding to the longitudinal direction X of the protective body 12, and a distal protective section 34 substantially extending in a second direction Y corresponding to the width direction Y of the protective body 12. The proximal protective section 32 extends substantially parallel to the cheek region of a person, and the distal protective section 34 extends substantially parallel to the front of the person's face 22. The proximal protective section 32 provides protection for the sides of the face 22 and forms the filling and support portion of the airbag 30. The distal protective section 34 provides protection for the front of the face 22 and forms the main barrier portion of the airbag 30. The distal section 34 of the protective body has a greater height than the proximal section 32, and the height increases continuously along the proximal section 32 toward the distal section 34. This sets the focus of protection on the anterior face 22 of the person.

[0055] Now, we refer to Figures 3 and 4, which provide schematic top section views of further embodiments of the present invention. While Figures 1 and 2 show an implementation having one airbag 30 packed into one side section 18 of the protective body, the embodiments according to Figures 3 and 4 provide one airbag 30 positioned within each side section 18. Thus, two complementary airbags 30 that partially overlap each other are provided to further enhance the assumed protection. Both airbags 30 in Figures 3 and 4 include a proximal section 32 of the protective body and a distal section 34 of the protective body. In each example, one of the airbags 30 is dimensioned to have a slightly shorter extension than the other airbag 30 in order to improve the overlapping arrangement of the airbags 30. Figure 3 provides an example in which the proximal section 32 and distal section 34 of the helmet form an L-shaped airbag 30, while Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which the proximal section 32 and distal section 34 of the helmet form a C-shaped airbag 30. Both embodiments illustrated provide a common trigger and inflation assembly 40 for both airbags 30, connected by separate gas lines 42. As illustrated, the L-shaped and C-shaped airbags 30 are capable of closely following the contours of a person's head.

[0056] The helmet 10 described provides improved protection without significantly limiting the comfort and appearance characteristics of a jet-type helmet. Therefore, the use of jet-type helmets can be promoted despite the limitations in facial protection they typically have.

[0057] Figures 6 to 11 illustrate an embodiment of a second basic design in various ways. Here, the protective body has an initial state in which it does not have side sections that cover the cheeks of the wearer's head. Such side sections exist, but in the initial state of the protective body (and therefore the initial state of the helmet), they are not positioned to cover the cheeks. This will be explained in detail below.

[0058] Figures 6 and 7 show a perspective view of the first embodiment of the second basic embodiment, with Figure 6 showing the initial state and Figure 7 showing the activated state of the helmet 10. Figures 8 and 9 show essentially the same thing but with different representations. The helmet 10, as the helmet of the first basic embodiment described above, comprises a protective body 12 and an airbag device comprising at least one airbag 30 and a trigger and inflation assembly 40 (Schematically shown in Figures 8 and 9). Figures 6 and 8 show the initial state of the protective body (and therefore the initial state of the helmet), while Figures 7 and 9 show its activated state.

[0059] As can be seen in Figure 6, the protective body has the shape of a typical bicycle helmet in its initial state, that is, it includes a top section 14 and a rear section 16, so that the back of the head, the crown of the head, and at least part of the forehead are covered, but the ears and cheeks are not covered. According to the definitions selected in this application, the top section 14 and the rear section 16 form the rigid main body 50 of the protective body 12. The protective body 12 also includes side sections 18, but in the initial state of the protective body 12, the side sections are in their initial position and essentially extend along the lower edge of the main body 50. Such side sections 18 are connected to the main body 50 via swivel joints 52 (see Figures 8 and 9), so that they can pivot to an activated position (Figures 7 and 9) when an accident is detected, so that the protective body changes from its initial state to its activated state. In the activated state, the side sections 18 extend essentially like the side sections of the jet helmet described above, and thus provide a good position for at least one airbag (in particular for at least one airbag that covers the person's chin). Additionally, the side sections in their activated position cover parts of the person's head (e.g., ears) that are not covered by conventional bicycle helmets.

[0060] As in the first embodiment, the protective body typically comprises a foam body 11 and a rigid outer shell 13.

[0061] In the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, the two side sections 18 share a joint airbag 30, which is made possible because the front ends of the side sections 18 can be very close together when the side sections 18 are in their initial positions (Figure 6), so that the deployed airbag provides a continuous chin bar (Figure 7) that can provide very good chin protection. In this case, the front edges of the side sections are open and facing each other. If necessary, an additional breakable cover 72 can fill the gap.

[0062] It should be noted that (as described above with reference to the jet-type embodiment (the first basic embodiment)) it may be possible to provide a separate airbag in each side section 18, or to provide an airbag in only one side section 18. Although generally undesirable, it is even possible to provide an airbag in only one side section.

[0063] In the initial state shown in Figures 6 and 8, the side sections 18 are locked to the main body 50 by a locking mechanism in the initial position. In the embodiment shown, this locking mechanism comprises at least one electromagnet 58 in the main body 50 and magnetic elements 60 in each side section 18. The electromagnets are connected by an electrical connection 70 to a trigger and inflation assembly (equipped with a battery), thereby supplying electrical energy when the helmet is in its initial state, and not supplying electrical energy when the trigger and inflation assembly 40 detects an accident and triggers the inflator of the trigger and inflation assembly, so that the side sections are no longer locked to the main body 50. Release can occur simultaneously with triggering the inflator, or before triggering with a slight time offset.

[0064] Other active or passive releaseable locking mechanisms are possible. For example, the side section 18 could be connected to the main body 50 by a ruptureable connector that is ruptured by a deploying airbag (not shown).

[0065] Each side section is additionally connected to the main body 50 by a pre-tensioned biasing element, such as a spring (not shown), so that when the locking mechanism rotates to its released state, the side sections 18 pivot around the swivel joint to their starting positions (Figures 7 and 9). At the end of the pivoting motion, the side sections are in their starting positions (Figures 7 and 9), which substantially correspond to the positions of the side sections of the jet helmet.

[0066] To ensure that the side sections 18 remain in their starting positions once they reach those positions, a restraining mechanism can be provided. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, such a restraining mechanism can be integrated into a swivel joint 52 connecting the side sections 18 to the main body 50. In the shown embodiment, the restraining mechanism comprises a side detent nose 54a of the main body and a side detent nose 54b of the side section.

[0067] Therefore, a helmet is provided that can be worn like a conventional bicycle helmet but provides the same level of protection as the enhanced jet-type helmet described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10 helmets 11 Main unit 11a Outer surface of the main unit 11b Inner surface of the main body 11c Recess on the main body 12 Protective body 13 Outer shell 13a Outer surface of the outer shell 13b Inner surface of the outer shell 13c Outer shell recess 14. Top section 15 Raina 16 Rear section 17. Cheek segment 18 Side Section 19 Airbag outlet opening 20 heads 22 Face 30 airbags 32. Proximal section of the protective body 34 Distal section of the protective body 40 Trigger and Inflation Assembly 42 Gas lines 50 Main unit 52 Swivel Joint 54a, 54b Detent nose 58 Electromagnet 60 Magnetic elements 70 Electrical connections 72 Additional breakable cover X First direction / length direction Y Second direction / width direction Z Third direction / height direction

Claims

1. A helmet (10) comprising a protective body (12) and configured to cover a person's head (20), wherein the protective body (10) includes a top section (14), a rear section (16), and at least one side section (18), and the protective body (12) includes a configuration such that when the helmet (10) is worn, the cheek segment (17) of the at least one side section (18) is positioned adjacent to the cheek of the person's head. A helmet characterized in that the helmet (10) further comprises at least one deployable airbag (30), the airbag (30) is positioned inside or outside the at least one side section (18) of the protective body (12) when the airbag (30) is not deployed, and the deployable airbag (30) covers at least a portion of the person's face when the airbag (30) is deployed.

2. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the protective body (12) is of the jet type and includes two side sections (18) rigidly connected to the top section (14) and / or the rear section (16).

3. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the top section (14) and the rear section (16) form a main body (50), and the at least one side section (18) is pivotally mounted on the main body (50), so that the helmet has an initial state in which the side section (18) substantially extends along the lower edge of the top section (18) in the initial position, and an activated state in which the side section (18) extends away from the main body (50) in the activated position.

4. The helmet according to claim 3, wherein the at least one side section (18) is configured to first move from its initial position to its activation position before the airbag (30) is deployed, or to move from its initial position to its activation position while the airbag (30) is deployed.

5. The helmet according to claim 3 or 4, comprising a releaseable locking mechanism having a locked state for locking at least one side section (18) in the initial position, and a released state for allowing the side section (18) to pivot from its initial position to its starting position.

6. The helmet according to claim 5, characterized in that the releaseable locking mechanism comprises an electromagnet (60).

7. The helmet according to claim 5, characterized in that the releaseable locking mechanism comprises a breakable element that is broken when the airbag (30) deploys.

8. The helmet according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a biasing element is provided for biasing the at least one side section (18) toward its starting position.

9. The helmet according to any one of claims 3 to 8, further comprising a restraining mechanism for restraining the at least one side section (18) in its starting position when the at least one side section (18) reaches its starting position.

10. The helmet according to any one of claims 3 to 9, comprising two side sections (18), both of which are swivel-mounted to the main body (50).

11. The helmet according to claim 10, wherein the joint airbag (30) is positioned inside or outside the two side sections (18) when it is in its undeployed state.

12. The helmet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the undeployed airbag (30) is positioned within the cheek segment (17) of the side section (18) configured to cover the cheek area of ​​the person's head (20).

13. The protective body (12) comprises a main body (11) and an outer shell (13), and the undeployed airbag (30) is - The outer surface (11a) of the main body (11) and / or the inner surface (13b) of the outer shell (13), or - The helmet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it is positioned on any of the outer surfaces (13a) of the outer shell (13).

14. The helmet (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the main body (11) and / or the outer shell (13) are provided with recesses (11c, 13c) in which the airbag (30) is at least partially located.

15. The helmet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the airbag (30) is configured to deploy mainly in a horizontal direction.

16. The helmet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the airbag (30) includes a proximal protective section (32) substantially extending in a first direction (X) and a distal protective section (34) substantially extending in a second direction (Y) when the airbag (30) is deployed.

17. The helmet (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the proximal section (32) and distal section (34) of the airbag (30) substantially form a C-shaped or L-shaped airbag (30).

18. The jet helmet (10) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the distal section (34) of the protective body includes a vertical extension that is larger than the proximal section (32) of the protective body.

19. The helmet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the helmet (10) comprises at least two deployable airbags (30), and each of the side sections (18) of the protective body (12) houses at least one of the airbags (30).

20. The helmet (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that when the airbags (30) are deployed, at least two of the airbags (30) overlap each other at least partially in front of the person's face (22).

21. A helmet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a trigger and inflation assembly (40) including an inflator and an acceleration and / or tilt sensor.

22. The helmet (10) according to claim 21, characterized in that at least one of the inflator and the acceleration and / or tilt sensor is located in the rear section (16) of the helmet (10).

23. The helmet (10) according to claim 19 or 20 and claim 21 or 22, wherein at least two of the at least two airbags (30) share a common inflator.

24. The helmet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the airbag (30) is made of a fabric containing aramid fibers.

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