Infant helmets

Abstract

To provide a helmet for an infant to protect the head when the infant falls while practicing walking. [Solution] The helmet has a structure in which first attachment / detachment means are provided on both sides of the helmet body 1, and second attachment / detachment means are provided at both ends of the chin strap 3 for easy attachment and detachment. While the chin strap is securely fastened during normal use, the attachment / detachment means disengages when a strong force is applied, preventing excessive strain on the neck and improving safety. Furthermore, the chin strap can be completely detached from the helmet body when putting on or taking off the helmet or for maintenance. The chin strap's length is adjustable at both ends, and an adjustment means for head circumference is provided at the rear of the helmet body, making it suitable for a wide range of infants and children. Furthermore, a cushioning material 6 is integrally formed with the helmet body to cover the top of the wearer's head, cushioning impact while ensuring breathability through gaps. These configurations provide safe and comfortable protection for infants and children's heads.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a helmet for infants to protect their heads from impacts when they fall while learning to walk, etc. In particular, it relates to a cushion helmet-type head protection device with a chin strap that can be safely put on and taken off, and excellent breathability and comfort. [Background technology]

[0002] Infants are prone to falls when they begin to walk on their own, and there is a high risk of injury from hitting their head. For this reason, cushion helmets and helmets designed to protect infants' heads both indoors and outdoors have been proposed and are commercially available (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, several problems have been identified with conventional infant helmets.

[0003] One issue concerns the chin straps used to secure helmets to infants' heads. Conventional helmets use straps that are fastened with buckles or buttons, but these are designed to be difficult to remove. If an infant's neck or other body part gets caught in the strap while wearing the helmet, the helmet cannot be easily removed, which can put pressure on the neck and lead to serious accidents such as suffocation.

[0004] Another issue is the breathability of the helmet itself and comfort when worn. Infants have high body temperatures and tend to sweat easily, making the inside of the helmet prone to becoming stuffy. Conventional head protection helmets have increased shock absorption by using thicker cushioning, but this results in poor breathability, which can cause infants to complain of discomfort when wearing the helmet for long periods of time or to try to remove it out of habit. Another problem is that if the helmet's size adjustment range is narrow, it can quickly become unusable as the infant grows.

[0005] Furthermore, with conventional products, if an infant refuses to wear the helmet, it is difficult for the guardian to temporarily remove the chin strap, and there is also the problem that handling the chin strap is cumbersome when performing maintenance or wiping. Also, the infant helmet described in Patent Document 1 does not have a shock-absorbing material that covers the top of the head, so there is a risk that it may not provide sufficient head protection when an infant falls. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 5-5817 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a helmet for infants that can be safely attached and detached while still providing sufficient head protection in the event of a fall.The object of this invention is to provide a head protection device that can be worn safely by infants by solving the problem of the lack of safety of straps pointed out in the prior art.

[0008] Another challenge is to create a structure that allows parents to temporarily remove the chin strap if the infant refuses to wear it, and that also makes it easy to handle for maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the infant helmet of the present invention has the following configuration: The infant helmet of the present invention has a helmet body and a chin strap, with first attachment / detachment means provided on both sides of the helmet body, and second attachment / detachment means provided on both ends of the chin strap that detachably engage with the first attachment / detachment means, and both ends of the chin strap are separably secured to both sides of the helmet body via the engagement between the first attachment / detachment means and the second attachment / detachment means when a predetermined tension or more is applied to the chin strap.

[0010] This type of chin strap safety mechanism prevents excessive pressure on the neck and suffocation even if the infant gets the strap caught on something or pulls too hard while wearing the helmet. In addition, because it is connected by a detachable means, parents can easily remove the chin strap if the infant refuses to wear it, and the chin strap can be completely detached when maintaining or cleaning the helmet, making it easy to handle.

[0011] The chin strap may be adjustable in length at both ends, and an adjustment means for adjusting the head circumference may be provided at the rear of the helmet body. This allows the inner circumference of the helmet body to be freely adjusted to fit the head circumference of an infant, making it adaptable to a wide range of head circumferences. The size can be changed as the infant grows, allowing the same product to be used for a longer period of time.

[0012] Furthermore, a cushioning material that covers at least a portion of the top of the wearer's head may be formed integrally with the helmet body. The cushioning material functions as a shock absorber that absorbs shock and effectively absorbs the impact when the top of the head hits the floor or the like in a fall. Also, gaps in the cushioning material ensure breathability, which has the effect of improving the breathability of the entire helmet.

[0013] In addition, it is possible to use highly breathable materials on the surface and sides of the helmet body, which allows air to pass through easily, dissipates internal moisture, and prevents stuffiness.The lightweight design also reduces the overall weight of the helmet, reducing the burden on infants and young children.

[0014] With the above-mentioned structure, the helmet of the present invention achieves both shock absorption and breathability, significantly improving safety and comfort. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to this invention, when an infant falls, the helmet body absorbs the impact on the head, thereby effectively protecting the head.

[0016] In particular, the introduction of a safety mechanism with a release means into the chin strap attachment structure ensures a secure fit under normal conditions, but also prevents harm to the baby's neck by quickly releasing the chin strap if an abnormal force is applied to it. This allows parents to have their babies wear this helmet with peace of mind, improving safety.

[0017] Furthermore, the connection structure with the detachable means allows parents to temporarily remove the chin strap if the baby refuses to wear it, reducing the stress caused by forcing the baby to continue wearing it. Also, during maintenance, the chin strap can be completely separated for wiping or washing, making hygienic management easier. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an external appearance of an infant helmet according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a helmet body according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a reference view showing a state in which the helmet of one embodiment of the present invention is worn. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory view showing the rear of a helmet according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the head circumference size adjustment mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infant helmet 10 (hereinafter referred to as helmet 10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The helmet 10 includes a helmet body 1 that covers the infant's head and a chin strap 3 that holds the helmet body 1 under the chin. The helmet body 1 covers the periphery of the infant's head, and a cushioning material 6 that covers a portion of the top of the head is integrally formed on top of the helmet body 1. The helmet body 1 and the cushioning material 6 each have a core material with shock absorption properties. Furthermore, the surfaces of the helmet body 1 and the cushioning material 6 are made of breathable material, which allows air to easily enter from the outside and dissipates heat and moisture from the inside. Furthermore, using a lightweight, flexible breathable material can reduce the strain on the infant's head.

[0021] Hook-and-loop fasteners (not shown in Fig. 1 but shown as hook-and-loop fasteners 2 in Fig. 2), which are an example of first fastening / detachment means, are provided on both sides of the helmet body 1, and hook-and-loop fasteners (not shown), which are an example of second fastening / detachment means, are provided on both ends of the face side of the chin strap 3 facing the helmet body 1 and which detachably engage with the hook-and-loop fasteners 2 (note that one of the hook-and-loop fasteners on the helmet body 1 side and the hook-and-loop fasteners on the chin strap 3 side is a loop surface and the other is a hook surface). Both ends of the chin strap 3 are secured to both sides of the helmet body 1 via the engagement between the hook-and-loop fasteners on the helmet body 1 side and the hook-and-loop fasteners on the chin strap 3 side so that they can be separated when a predetermined amount of tension or more is applied to the chin strap 3. This ensures sufficient joint strength during normal wearing, while being adjusted so that the hook-and-loop fasteners will disengage when a predetermined amount of tension or more is applied to the chin strap 3.

[0022] The helmet 10 may include components other than the aforementioned helmet main body 1 and chin strap 3. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the helmet main body 10 may include decorative components 7 that resemble animal ears, horns, or the like. In addition to functioning as a decoration, such decorative components 7 can also be configured to function as auxiliary impact absorbing components by adopting a structure similar to that of the helmet main body 1 and cushioning material 6.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the vertical length of the hook-and-loop fastener on the helmet body 1 side may be shorter than the longitudinal length of the hook-and-loop fasteners on both ends of the chin strap 3. This allows for adjustment of the strength of the connection between the helmet body and the chin strap and facilitates adjustment of the chin strap length. More specifically, the area of ​​the hook-and-loop fastener on the helmet body 1 side is set smaller than the area of ​​the hook-and-loop fastener on the chin strap 3 side, and is adjusted so that the peel force exceeds the adhesive force when a certain level of tension is applied to the chin strap 3. Specifically, in situations where dangerous pressure may be applied to the neck, such as when the chin strap 3 gets caught on a corner or protrusion of furniture while the infant is wearing the helmet, when the infant wraps the chin strap 3 around play equipment or a stair railing, or when the infant pulls on the chin strap 3 strongly, the hook-and-loop fastener on the helmet body 1 side and the hook-and-loop fastener on the chin strap 3 side are set to automatically disengage when tension above a predetermined value is applied to the chin strap 3. As a result, the device provides sufficient holding power when worn normally, while also featuring a safety mechanism that quickly releases the device in the event of excessive pressure on the neck or dangerous situations such as suffocation.

[0024] Figure 3 is a reference diagram showing the helmet 10 being worn. When worn, both ends of the chin strap 3 are placed against the sides of the helmet main body 1, and each hook-and-loop fastener is engaged with a hook-and-loop fastener on the helmet main body 1 to secure it in place. This connects the chin strap 3 to the helmet main body 1, and holds the main body 1 stably under the baby's chin. However, as shown by the arrow in Figure 3, if a strong tension is applied to the chin strap 3, the first attachment / detachment means 2 and second attachment / detachment means 4 will disengage, causing the chin strap 3 to separate from the main body 1.

[0025] Furthermore, because the connection is via the engagement of the hook-and-loop fasteners 2 and 4, parents can easily intentionally completely detach the chin strap 3 from the helmet body 1 when an infant or young child dislikes wearing it or during maintenance. This makes it easy to wipe and wash the helmet, enabling hygienic management.

[0026] 4 is a diagram showing the head circumference size adjustment mechanism at the rear of the helmet main body 1. An adjustment means 5 is arranged at the rear of the helmet main body 1. The adjustment means 5 is made up of, for example, a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners, each attached to the rear end of the helmet main body 1.

[0027] By fastening the hook-and-loop fastener in the appropriate position when wearing the helmet, the inner circumference (head circumference) of the main body 1 can be adjusted to fit the baby's head. This makes it possible for one helmet to be used for a wide range of babies, from small babies to large children. The size adjustment means 5 can be attached and detached repeatedly, making it easy to make fine adjustments as the child grows.

[0028] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the chin strap 3 is also designed so that its length can be adjusted at both the left and right ends, allowing it to be set to the optimum length according to the length of the infant's chin. This allows the mask to be adapted to a wider range of infants by adjusting both the head circumference and the chin strap length.

[0029] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, it is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and additions without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, a magnetic safety buckle may be used in addition to the hook-and-loop fastener as a means of attachment and detachment. Furthermore, the material and shape of the cushioning material 6 may be modified as appropriate, and ventilation holes may be provided to further improve breathability. These modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0030] 1... helmet body, 2... hook-and-loop fastener, 3... chin strap, 5... adjustment means, 6... cushioning material, 6a... gap in cushioning material, 7... decorative member, 10... infant helmet

Claims

1. A helmet for infants and toddlers, comprising a helmet body (1) and a chin strap (3), with first attachment / detachment means (2) provided on both sides of the helmet body (1), and second attachment / detachment means (4) provided at both ends of the chin strap (3) that detachably engage with the first attachment / detachment means (2), and both ends of the chin strap (3) are detachably secured to both sides of the helmet body (1) via the engagement between the first attachment / detachment means (2) and the second attachment / detachment means (4) when a predetermined tension or more is applied to the chin strap (3).

2. 2. The infant helmet according to claim 1, wherein the chin strap (3) is adjustable in length at both left and right ends.

3. 3. The infant helmet according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment means (5) at the rear of the helmet body (1) for adjusting the head circumference size.

4. 2. The infant helmet according to claim 1, wherein a cushioning material (6) that covers at least a part of the top of the wearer's head is integrally formed with the helmet body (1), the cushioning material (6) absorbing impact and ensuring breathability by gaps provided in the cushioning material (6).

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