helmet

Abstract

To provide a helmet capable of realizing a helmet structure that can be easily assembled and ensures high safety in a folding structure. [Solution] This helmet 50 has a plurality of cells 60, 61, 62, 63 and links 80, 81 which are elastic and connect the cells together; the links 80, 81 stretch to deform into a single flat plate, and when in the dome-shaped use state, the multiple cells 62, 63 and links 80 at the peripheral end 53 of the helmet 50 are arranged in a headband-like fashion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a helmet that can be transformed between a flat storage state and a dome-shaped use state. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of helmet, a helmet body of a generally hemispherical shell shape is known, which is divided into a right half-shell and a left half-shell along a center line passing through the center of the top of the head. The two half-shells are symmetrical, and for example, the left half-shell is divided into a left central shell occupying a certain range above the lower end opening edge, and an adjacent left upper peripheral shell, a left front peripheral shell, and a left rear peripheral shell. The central shell and the peripheral shell are connected by a thin-walled portion having a rotatable hinge structure, and the peripheral shells are separated from each other. The corresponding peripheral shells of the two half-shells located on the outer periphery are connected by a connecting portion having a rotatable hinge structure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-170324 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with such conventional helmets, even if they have a two-part folding structure, the assembly process is complicated because it is necessary to form the shape of the helmet via a hinge structure and connect the connecting parts.

[0005] On the other hand, if a simple assembly structure is used, it may not be possible to achieve a secure connection, and there is a risk that the safety required of a helmet may not be guaranteed.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a helmet that can realize a helmet structure that can be easily assembled and ensures a high level of safety in a folding structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The helmet of the first invention is a helmet that can be transformed into a flat storage state and a dome-shaped usage state, and includes a plurality of cells arranged vertically and horizontally, and stretchable links that connect the cells together, and the helmet is transformed into the flat, sheet-like shape by the extension of the links, and when in the dome-shaped usage state, the plurality of cells and the links at the peripheral edge of the helmet are arranged in a headband-like fashion. The cells are formed of polygons, and the links are formed of corrugated plates having a corrugated cross section, and continuously connect the sides of the adjacent cells. It is characterized by the above.

[0008] According to the helmet of the first invention, by stretching the elastic links and appropriately changing the arrangement of the multiple cells, the helmet can be transformed into a single flat plate-like shape to give it a thin and compact storage shape, and by contracting the links and appropriately changing the arrangement of the multiple cells, the helmet can be transformed into a dome-like shape, allowing the helmet to be easily assembled for use.

[0009] Furthermore, when the helmet is in the dome-shaped in-use state, the multiple cells and links at the peripheral end of the helmet are arranged in a headband-like shape, so that the helmet can be firmly held in the dome-shaped shape in-use.

[0010] Therefore, it is possible to provide a helmet that is compact and easy to store in a bag or the like, is easy to assemble, and ensures a high level of safety.

[0012] Also, Because the cells are polygonal and the sides of adjacent cells are connected by links, it is easier to make the gaps between adjacent cells smaller than when the cells are circular, etc. As a result, it is easier to arrange multiple cells closely together, making it easier to deform the helmet into a dome shape that fits the outer periphery of the head.

[0013] In addition, the links are formed from corrugated sheets that are wave-shaped when viewed in cross section, and are configured to continuously connect the edges of adjacent cells. This ensures a large amount of elongation in the links, making it easier to transform the helmet from a flat stored state to a dome-shaped used state, improving the ease of assembly of the helmet when in use, and also further increasing the strength and rigidity at the peripheral edges of the helmet, enabling it to more firmly hold the dome-shaped shape when in use (further increasing the shape retention strength of the entire helmet).

[0014] No. 2 The helmet of the invention is 1 In the invention, the links connecting the multiple cells are configured so that, when the helmet is in the dome-shaped use state, only the links located at the peripheral edge of the helmet have higher contractibility than the other links.

[0015] No. 2 According to the helmet of the invention, when the helmet is in the dome-shaped use state, the links located at the peripheral edge of the helmet have higher contractibility than the other links, making it easier for the links to contract to their original length, thereby further increasing the strength and rigidity at the peripheral edge of the helmet.

[0016] No. 3 The helmet of the invention is 1 In the present invention, the vertices of the adjacent cells are connected to each other via a through portion having no link.

[0017] No. 3 According to the helmet of the invention, the vertex portions of adjacent cells are separated by a through portion without a link, so that when multiple cells are moved closer to or farther apart via the links to transform the helmet from a flat storage state to a dome-shaped use state, or from a dome-shaped use state to a flat storage state, the vertex portions of adjacent cells are less likely to interfere with each other, so that the above-mentioned transformation work can be performed smoothly, improving assembly workability.

[0018] No.4 The helmet of the invention is 3 In any of the inventions, the helmet is characterized in that when the helmet is transformed into a use state, it is supported in a crossed state by the cell located at the top of the head and is provided with a pair of chin strap connecting cords that form an arch shape along the inner surface of the helmet, and a chin strap that is connected to and supported by this pair of chin strap connecting cords.

[0019] No. 4 According to the helmet of the invention, the pair of chin strap connectors are supported in a crossed state by the cells located at the top of the head when the helmet is transformed into a use state, so that when the helmet is transformed into a flat or dome-like shape, the pair of chin strap connectors are unlikely to shift position relative to the top of the head, and the chin strap connectors and chin straps are unlikely to become entangled, making it easier to move the helmet into a flat storage state or a dome-like use state. Therefore, a full-fledged helmet equipped with a pair of chin strap connectors and chin straps can be provided.

[0020] The helmet of the embodiment is a helmet that can be transformed into a flat storage state and a dome-shaped usage state, and is characterized in that it has a plurality of cells arranged vertically and horizontally, and elastic links that connect the cells together, and is molded into the dome shape and transforms into the flat shape by stretching the links.

[0021] According to the above helmet, the multiple cells and the links connecting the cells form a dome-shaped helmet, which makes it possible to realize the dome-shaped shape of the helmet when it is in use.

[0022] On the other hand, by making the links flexible, the links can be stretched when not in use to transform the plate into a flat plate. Furthermore, by stretching the links, the plate can be folded multiple times, such as a single flat plate, a plate made of two overlapping plates made by folding one of the flat plates, or a plate made of four overlapping plates made by folding the two overlapping plates.

[0023] Then, by releasing the pressure from the flat plate-like deformation, the links can easily expand and contract to return the shape to its original dome shape.

[0024] Here, since the entire helmet is connected by cells and links, it is possible to provide strength as a whole, and there is no need to join or connect connecting parts.

[0025] In this way, with the above helmet, it is possible to realize a helmet structure that can be easily assembled and ensures a high level of safety in a folding structure.

[0026] Furthermore, in the helmet of the embodiment, the link is formed by a corrugated plate having a corrugated shape in cross section between the cells.

[0027] According to the above helmet, by forming the links from corrugated plates (corrugated elastic bodies), it is possible to specifically realize elastic links connecting the cells with each other.

[0028] In this way, with the above helmet, it is possible to specifically realize a helmet structure that can ensure easy assembly and high safety in a folding structure.

[0029] In addition, the helmet of the embodiment is characterized in that the cell has a shock absorbing portion on either or both of the inner and outer sides.

[0030] According to the above helmet, the cell has a shock absorbing layer on the inner or outer side (including both sides). By providing this part, in addition to the impact absorption by the entire helmet through the cells and links, the impact absorption performance can be further improved.

[0031] In this way, with the above-mentioned helmet, it is possible to realize a helmet structure that can be easily assembled in a folding structure and ensures higher safety.

[0032] The helmet of the embodiment is characterized in that the cells and the links are integrally molded.

[0033] According to the above helmet, the helmet is connected to a plurality of cells and links. In order to form them as a single unit, for example, they can be molded as a single unit using a mold, whereby the helmet can be easily constructed.

[0034] In this way, with the above-mentioned helmet, it is possible to easily realize a helmet structure that can be easily assembled in a folding structure and ensures a high level of safety.

[0035] The helmet of the embodiment is characterized in that it has a flexible panel that covers the entirety of the plurality of cells on either or both of the outer and inner sides.

[0036] According to the above-mentioned helmet, by providing a flexible panel on the outer or inner side (including both sides) of the helmet that covers all of the multiple cells, i.e., the entire helmet or part of the entire helmet, it is possible to give the helmet a function equivalent to that of a hard hat body, either entirely or partially, thereby further increasing the strength of the helmet as a whole.

[0037] In this way, with the above-mentioned helmet, it is possible to realize a helmet structure that can be easily assembled in a folding structure and ensures higher safety. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a helmet as one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the inner side of a helmet according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the helmet of FIG. 2A in a folded state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the helmet according to the present invention in a stored state in which it is unfolded into a flat plate. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the helmet in a dome-shaped state when in use. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the top of the helmet. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side view of the helmet in a dome-shaped state when in use. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the case where the helmet is stored in a rolled-up state when being stored in a bag or the like. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] (One embodiment of a helmet) As shown in FIG. 1, a helmet according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of cells 10 and links 20 connecting adjacent cells to each other.

[0040] The cell 10 may be hexagonal as shown in Fig. 1, or may be quadrangular as shown in Fig. 2. Also, the cell 10 may be polygonal or disc-shaped.

[0041] The cells 10 are arranged vertically and horizontally (in a mesh pattern but not equally spaced) to cover the entire surface, but the cells arranged at the ends are appropriately cut into shapes as shown as end cells 11 (see Figure 1) so as to form the edges of a dome-shaped outer shape.

[0042] The links 20 elastically connect the cells 10 to each other. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the links 20 are formed, for example, between the cells by a corrugated plate (corrugated elastic member) that is corrugated in cross section (can also be said to be corrugated when viewed from the side), but are not limited to corrugated plates as long as they are elastic, and may be made of various springs, or the material itself may be elastic, such as rubber or resin.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of cells 10, 10' and all of the links are integrally molded using the same material in a mold so as to be in a single flat plate-like stored state.

[0044] The helmet of this embodiment configured as above normally (when no force is applied) maintains a dome-like shape, as shown in FIG.

[0045] More specifically, the cells 10 and the links 20 are connected in a state where tension is applied at the edge, so that a circumferentially inward force acts on the periphery, causing the central portion to rise in a dome shape.

[0046] On the other hand, when the raised dome is pushed down, the links 20 at the edge are expanded against the tension applied to the edge, and the links 20 other than the edge are also expanded (although not as much as the links 20 at the edge), causing the entire helmet to become a single flat plate as shown in Figure 2A.

[0047] Furthermore, when the cell 10' is made quadrilateral (square) as shown in FIG. 2, it is also possible to further fold one flat sheet to form two overlapping flat sheets as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0048] In the helmet shown in FIG. 2, the shape of the cells 10 is a square cell 10', and the chin strap 30 is also provided so as to straddle specific spaces between the cells (between the links).

[0049] As described above in detail, according to the helmet of this embodiment, the multiple cells 10 (10') and the links 20 that connect the cells 10 (10') together form a dome-shaped helmet. This makes it possible to realize the dome-shaped shape of the helmet when in use.

[0050] On the other hand, by making the link 20 elastic, the link can be stretched when not in use to transform into a flat plate. Furthermore, by stretching the link 20, the flat plate can be folded multiple times, such as a single flat plate, one of which is folded to form a two-ply flat plate, or the two-ply flat plate is folded to form a four-ply flat plate (not shown).

[0051] Then, by releasing the pressure from the flat plate-like deformation, the links can easily expand and contract to return the shape to its original dome shape.

[0052] Here, since the entire helmet is connected by the cells 10 (10') and the links 20, the helmet can be made strong as a whole, and there is no need to join or connect any connecting parts.

[0053] In this way, according to the helmet of this embodiment, it is possible to realize a helmet structure that can be easily assembled and ensures a high level of safety in a folding structure.

[0054] Here, when an impact is applied to the helmet of this embodiment, the impact is absorbed by the multiple cells 10 (10') and multiple links 20 present throughout the helmet, and by the multiple links 20 expanding and contracting, thereby enabling the entire helmet to absorb the impact.

[0055] Furthermore, in order to improve the shock absorbing performance, it is desirable to provide a shock absorbing member 12 (the shock absorbing portion of the present invention) on the inner surface side of the cell 10 (10') as shown in FIG. 2A.

[0056] In addition to elastomers, impact absorbing liners made of polystyrene foam are used as impact absorbing materials.

[0057] In this embodiment, the impact absorbing member 12 is provided on the inner surface side of the cell 10 (10'), but this is not limited thereto, and the impact absorbing member 12 may be provided on either the inner surface side or the outer surface side, or both.

[0058] In this embodiment, the cell 10 (10') and the link 20 are integrally formed by resin molding using a mold, but this is not limited to this. For example, the cell 10 (10') and the link 20, which are separately molded, may be joined by axially attaching or heat welding.

[0059] In addition, although the case where the cell 10 (10') and the link 20 are integrally molded using the same material in a mold has been described, this is not limited to this, and as long as they are integrally molded, injection molding may be performed by partially changing the material using so-called two-color molding, for example.

[0060] For example, when the inner surface of the cell 10 (10') which is the part that comes into contact with the human head or the shock absorbing member 12 is provided by two-color molding, it is preferable that the shock absorbing member 12 is made of a material that is softer and more elastic than the link 20, etc.

[0061] Furthermore, a flexible panel covering all or part of the helmet may be provided on either or both of the outer and inner sides of the helmet of this embodiment. By providing a flexible panel covering all of the cells 10 (10') (all or part of the helmet), it is possible to provide a function equivalent to that of a hard cap body all or partly, thereby further increasing the strength of the entire helmet.

[0062] (Another embodiment of the helmet) 4 to 7 show another embodiment of the helmet according to the present invention. Note that parts that are substantially the same as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] Similar to the helmet 1 of the above embodiment, the helmet 50 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of polygonal cells 60, 61, 62, 63, and a plurality of links 80, 81 connecting adjacent cells together.

[0064] Moreover, in this helmet 50, the multiple cells 60 to 63 and the links 80, 81 are all integrally molded using the same material in a mold, and the helmet 50 is configured so that it can be transformed into a dome-shaped form for use by contracting the links 80, 81.

[0065] That is, the helmet 50 can be transformed from the flat storage state shown in Fig. 3 to the dome-shaped usage state shown in Fig. 4 and 6, and can also be transformed from the dome-shaped usage state to the flat storage state. Furthermore, the helmet 50 can be transformed from the dome-shaped usage state or the flat storage state to a state suitable for storage in a bag or the like, that is, rolled up into a long, thin roll, as shown on the right side of Fig. 7.

[0066] More specifically, in this embodiment, the cells are composed of multiple types of cells 60, 61, 62, 63, such as a generally regular hexagon having four to six sides 64 and a vertex 65 (a corner between adjacent sides 64, 64), a generally pentagonal irregular hexagon that is not a regular hexagon but has a hexagonal shape, a generally pentagonal irregular pentagon that is not a regular pentagon but has a pentagonal shape, and a generally quadrangular shape that is not a square.

[0067] In addition, the helmet 50 is composed of a central portion A that mainly forms the top of the head 51 (see Figure 6) and the surrounding area, and four extension portions B, C that extend forward, backward, left and right from this central portion A and mainly form the front, rear and left and right portions of the helmet 50, and has a roughly cross-shaped overall shape when unfolded.

[0068] That is, this helmet 50 consists of a central portion A, a pair of extension portions B, B arranged opposite the outer periphery of the central portion A, and a pair of extension portions C, C arranged opposite the outer periphery of the central portion A so as to be perpendicular to the pair of extension portions B, B.

[0069] The central portion A and the four extension portions B, C that constitute the helmet 50 are in the state shown in Figure 3, i.e., in a state in which the side portions along the extension direction of adjacent extension portions B, C in the circumferential direction of the helmet 50 are spaced apart from each other, and all of the multiple cells 60-63 and multiple links 80, 81 that constitute each portion A, B, C are integrally molded using the same material in a mold.

[0070] In the central portion A and the extending portions B and C, adjacent sides 64, 64 of adjacently arranged cells are connected to each other by a link 80.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, when the helmet 50 is in a flat stored state (which can also be said to be in an unfolded state), this link 80 is formed in a corrugated shape such that a valley-shaped portion is located on the outer surface of the helmet and the inner surface of the helmet widens.

[0072] More specifically, the link 80 of this embodiment has a valley portion (which can also be called a bottom portion) disposed on the outer surface side of the helmet in the flat plate-like stored state shown in Fig. 3, and a pair of side edges extending so as to gradually widen from the valley portion toward the inner surface side of the helmet, and is a corrugated plate having a substantially V-shape when viewed from the side (a substantially V-shape in cross section). Note that the link may be, for example, substantially U-shaped with a curved valley portion disposed on the outer surface side of the helmet, as long as it is capable of integrally connecting adjacent cells disposed vertically and horizontally.

[0073] 3, a plurality of end cells 62, 63 are arranged at the tip end in the extension direction of each of extension portions B, C. The end cells in extension portions B, C consist of a pair of end cells 62, 62 having a substantially rectangular shape arranged at both circumferential ends, and one (in the case of extension portion C) or multiple (three in the case of extension portion B) end cells 63 having a substantially irregular pentagonal shape arranged between the pair of end cells 62, 62.

[0074] Furthermore, the sides 64 located below the end cells 62, 63 are positioned at approximately the same height. A specific end cell 62 of the extension part B and a corresponding end cell 62 (the end cell 62 arranged opposite to it in the dome-shaped use state) of the adjacent extension part C form a wide trapezoid when the outer sides 64, 64 are butted against each other.

[0075] Also, an engaging protrusion 66 is provided on the outer side 64 of the end cell 62 in the extension portion C. Meanwhile, an engaged portion 67 with which the engaging protrusion 66 engages is formed on the outer side 64 of the end cell 62 in the extension portion B. Then, when the helmet 50 is deformed into a dome shape to be put into use, the engaging protrusion 66 of the extension portion C engages with the engaged portion 67 of the corresponding extension portion B, so that the adjacent end cells 62, 62 are connected to each other.

[0076] Furthermore, a wave-shaped link 81 extends from a predetermined side 64 of the cell 60 located at both circumferential ends of each extension portion C and on both sides along the extension direction. Meanwhile, a connected portion 68 is formed in the cells 60, 61 located at both circumferential ends of the extension portion B and on both sides along the extension direction. When the helmet 50 is deformed into a dome shape for use, the link 81 of the extension portion C engages with the connected portion 68 of the corresponding extension portion B, so that adjacent end cells are connected to each other.

[0077] The above-mentioned links 80, 81 are in the form of wide plates of a predetermined width that is smaller than the width of the side 64 of each cell but is wide enough to cover both longitudinal ends of the side 64 (see Figure 3), and are configured to connect adjacent sides 64, 64 of adjacent cells to each other at a predetermined width in the width direction.

[0078] In addition, the above-mentioned links 80, 81 are configured to continuously connect the edges 64, 64 of adjacent cells in the vertical direction of the helmet 50 (the direction from the bottom of the helmet toward the top of the head) and the horizontal direction (the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and surrounding the outer circumference of the head).

[0079] Furthermore, the links connecting the multiple cells are preferably configured so that only the link located at the peripheral edge 53 of the helmet 50 has higher contractibility than the other links when the helmet 50 is in the dome-shaped use state. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the V-shaped corrugated link 80 connecting the sides 64, 64 of the end cells 62, 63 arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the head at the peripheral edge 53 of the helmet 50 has higher contractibility than the other links 80, 81.

[0080] Furthermore, in each of the parts A, B, and C, the vertices 65, 65 (corners of the polygonal cells) of the adjacent cells 60, 60 form through-portions 69 where no link 80 exists.

[0081] Furthermore, on the inner surface side of the helmet (the side facing the head) of each of the cells 60, 61, 62 constituting each of the portions A, B, C, a recess 70 having a circular recessed shape is formed.

[0082] In addition, in the cell 60 located in the top part 51 of the helmet 50 in the central part A, a plurality of string insertion holes 71 are formed through which a pair of chin strap connecting strings 90, 90 are inserted in a crossed state and supported (see FIG. 5). Furthermore, a chin strap 91 is connected to the pair of chin strap connecting strings 90, 90 and supported.

[0083] In addition, a pair of end cells 63, 63 located inside the end cells 62, 62 located at both circumferential ends of the extension portion C also have a pair of string insertion holes 71, 71 through which the chin strap connecting string 90 is inserted.

[0084] Furthermore, of the end cells 62, 63 of the extension portion B, the end cell 62 located at one circumferential end is formed with a string insertion hole 73 through which the chin strap 91 and headband 92 are inserted.

[0085] In this embodiment, "molded integrally using the same material in a mold" means that the cavity of a mold having a specified inner shape is filled with molten synthetic resin material or the like, and then the mold is removed, so that all of the multiple cells and multiple links that make up the helmet are molded integrally.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the helmet 50 is deformed into a single flat plate-like shape as the links 80, 81 extend, and, as shown in FIG. 4, when in the dome-shaped use state, a plurality of cells and links at the peripheral end 53 of the helmet 50 are arranged in a headband-like fashion.

[0087] That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the helmet 50 is stored in a flat, plate-like state, and the engaging protrusion 66 of the extension portion C is engaged with the corresponding engaged portion 67 of the extension portion B to connect adjacent end cells 62, 62 of the extension portions B, C, and the link 81 of the extension portion B is connected to the corresponding connected portion 68 of the extension portion C, whereby the helmet 50 is maintained in a dome-shaped, usable state as shown in FIG. 4.

[0088] As a result, the end cells 62, 63 and the links 80 at the peripheral end 53 of the helmet 50 are arranged continuously along the circumference of the head, surrounding the circumference of the head like a headband.

[0089] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, when the helmet 50 is deformed into a dome-shaped use state, the helmet 50 is supported in a crossing state by the cells 60 located at the top 51 of the helmet 50 and is equipped with a pair of chin strap connecting cords 90 that form an arch shape along the inner surface of the helmet, a chin strap 91 that is connected to and supported by the pair of chin strap connecting cords 90, 90, and a headband 92 that is arranged around the outer periphery of the head and hooked onto the back of the head.

[0090] (Functions and Effects of Other Helmet Embodiments) In this embodiment, by stretching the elastic links 80, 81 and appropriately changing the arrangement of the multiple cells 60-63, the helmet 50 as a whole can be transformed into a single flat plate-like shape as shown in FIG. 3, which allows for a thin and compact storage shape, and by contracting the links 80, 81 and appropriately changing the arrangement of the multiple cells 60-63, the helmet 50 can be transformed into a dome-like shape, which allows the helmet 50 to be easily assembled for use.

[0091] Fig. 7 also shows the state in which the helmet 50 is stored in a storage bag 100 such as a bag. That is, from the dome-shaped use state shown in the left diagram of Fig. 7, for example, by folding the left and right parts of the helmet 50 in a rolling manner around the front and rear parts of the helmet 50 (as the axis), the helmet 50 can be deformed into a long and thin roll shape as shown in the center diagram of Fig. 7, and can be made into a compact and not bulky form. Therefore, as shown in the right diagram of Fig. 7, even in the storage bag 100 with little storage space, the helmet 50 can be securely stored with ample space.

[0092] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, when the helmet 50 is in the dome-shaped use state, the multiple end cells 62, 63 and links 80, 81 at the peripheral end 53 of the helmet 50 are arranged in a headband-like shape, so that the helmet 50 can be firmly held in the dome-shaped shape in use.

[0093] Therefore, it is possible to provide a helmet 50 that is compact and can be easily stored in a bag or the like, is easy to assemble, and ensures a high level of safety.

[0094] In this embodiment, the cells 60 to 63 are polygonal, and the sides 64, 64 of adjacent cells are connected by links 80, 81. Therefore, it is easier to make the gap between adjacent cells smaller than when the cells are circular, for example. As a result, it is easier to arrange multiple cells closely together, and it is easier to deform the helmet into a dome shape that fits the outer periphery of the head.

[0095] Furthermore, the links 80, 81 are formed from corrugated plates that are wave-shaped in cross section and are configured to continuously connect the edges 64, 64 of adjacent cells, thereby ensuring a large amount of elongation for the links 80, 81, making it easier to transform the helmet 50 from its flat storage state to its dome-shaped use state, improving the ease of assembly of the helmet into its use state, and further increasing the strength and rigidity at the peripheral end portion 53 of the helmet 50, enabling it to more firmly hold the dome-shaped shape in use (further increasing the shape retention strength of the entire helmet).

[0096] Furthermore, when the links connecting the multiple cells are configured so that only the link 80 located at the peripheral end 53 of the helmet 50 has higher contractibility than the other links when the helmet 50 is in the dome-shaped use state, the following effects are achieved.

[0097] In other words, when the helmet 50 is in the dome-shaped use state, the link 80 located at the peripheral end 53 thereof tends to be stretched more easily than the other links; however, according to the above embodiment, the link 80 has a higher contractibility than the other links, and therefore the link 80 is more likely to contract to its original length, thereby further increasing the strength and rigidity of the peripheral end 53 of the helmet 50.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the apex parts 65, 65 of adjacent cells are separated by a through portion 69 without links 80, 81, so that when the cells are moved closer to or farther apart via the links 80, 81 to transform the flat storage state into a dome-shaped use state or from a dome-shaped use state into a flat storage state, the apex parts 65, 65 of adjacent cells are less likely to interfere with each other (the apex parts 65, 65 are less likely to come into contact with or get caught on each other). Therefore, the above-mentioned transformation work can be performed smoothly, improving the workability of assembling the helmet 50.

[0099] Furthermore, even when helmet 50 is in a dome-shaped state when used, the gap between apex portions 65, 65 of adjacent cells is maintained by through-portions 69, so that the breathability of helmet 50 can be ensured.

[0100] However, if a foldable helmet is configured with a chin strap, etc., like a normal helmet, the chin straps often shift position and become entangled when the helmet is transformed, making it difficult to move the helmet to a stored state or a used state. For this reason, it is difficult to provide a full-fledged chin strap structure like a normal helmet with a foldable helmet.

[0101] In contrast, in this embodiment, the pair of chin strap connecting cords 90, 90 are positioned at the top of the head 51 when the helmet 50 is transformed into the use state. Cell 60 Since the chin strap connecting cords 90, 90 are supported in a crossed state (see FIG. 5), the pair of chin strap connecting cords 90, 90 are less likely to become misaligned with respect to the top of the head 51 when the helmet 50 is transformed into a flat or dome-like shape. As a result, the pair of chin strap connecting cords 90, 90 and the chin strap 91 are less likely to become entangled, making it easier to transition the helmet 50 from a flat-shaped stored state to a dome-shaped used state.

[0102] Therefore, a full-fledged helmet 50 equipped with a pair of chin strap connecting straps 90, 90 and a chin strap 91 can be provided.

[0103] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modified embodiments are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention, and such embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10 (10´) ··· cell, 12 ··· impact absorbing member (impact absorbing section), 20 ··· link, 30 ··· chin strap, 50 ··· helmet, 60, 61, 62, 63 ··· cell, 64 ··· edge, 65 ··· vertex portion, 69 ··· through portion, 80, 81 ··· link, 90 ··· chin strap connecting cord, 91 ··· chin strap

Claims

1. A helmet that can be transformed into a flat storage state and a dome-shaped usage state, The present invention comprises a plurality of cells arranged vertically and horizontally, and elastic links connecting the cells to each other, When the link is stretched, the link is deformed into a single flat plate shape, and when the helmet is in the dome-shaped use state, the cells and the links at the peripheral end of the helmet are arranged in a headband shape, A helmet characterized in that the cells are configured in a polygonal shape, and the links are formed from corrugated plates that are corrugated in cross section, continuously connecting sides of adjacent cells.

2. The helmet according to claim 1, A helmet characterized in that the links connecting the multiple cells are configured such that, when the helmet is in the dome-shaped use state, only the links located at the peripheral edge of the helmet have higher contractibility than the other links.

3. The helmet according to claim 1, A helmet characterized in that a through portion without a link is formed between vertex portions of adjacent cells.

4. A helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, This helmet is characterized in that it comprises a pair of chin strap connecting cords which are supported in a crossed state by the cells located at the top of the head when the helmet is transformed into a use state and which form an arch shape along the inner surface of the helmet, and a chin strap which is connected to and supported by the pair of chin strap connecting cords.

Images