A resilient inner structure for a helmet with improved airflow and a helmet comprising it

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a resilient inner structure (10) for a helmet (100), such as a safety helmet (100) having a main body which includes the inner structure (10) (or shell) and an outer shell (50), where the safety helmet (100) may consist of a motorcycle helmet (100). It includes a resilient inner structure (10) for a helmet (100) with improved airflow, in which a spacing (15) is formed between a first inner shell part (11) and a second inner shell part (12), the spacing (15) being in connection through-holes of the inner shell parts such that it provides for the circulation of air between the through-hole (19) of the first inner shell part (11), the spacing (15) and the through-hole of the second inner shell part (12). Such arrangement promotes the flow of air from the inside of the inner structure (10) to its outside.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A RESILIENT INNER STRUCTURE FOR A HELMET WITH IMPROVED AIRFLOW AND A HELMET COMPRISING IT

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to a resilient inner structure for a helmet, such as a safety helmet having a main body which includes the inner structure (or shell) and an outer shell, where the safety helmet may consist of a motorcycle helmet.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] Safety helmets and, in particular, motorcycle safety helmets, are known in the art as having several different details which seek to protect the user as much in possible in case of impact, while maintaining a balance with other relevant features, such as usability, which may include a proper breathability or visibility, or other aspects such as the ease of assembly and disassembly.

[0007] Typically, helmets are designed as generally having an outer shell and an inner structure which couples to the outer shell, forming the helmet.

[0008] Inner structures may be composed of different parts, these parts being coupled to each other through known coupling means - glued to each other - to guarantee a proper maintenance of integrity of the helmet while in use and in case of crash.

[0009] Yet, when considering disassembling and recycling, the usage of glue highly hinders the ability to disassembly and reuse / recycle the inner structure and thereby the helmet.

[0010] In addition, the tight coupling of inner shell parts and the usage of glue lead to a fully air tight solution in which air does not circulate, leading to the increase of temperature within the helmet and discomfort to its user. The present solution provides an alternative and improved solution as regards prior art, while maintaining a full protection for the user.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0012] The present disclosure includes a resilient inner structure for a helmet with improved airflow, the inner structure comprising a first resilient inner shell part and a second resilient inner shell part, which are fittingly couplable to one another and together cover a portion of the head of a user, both the first inner shell part and the second inner shell part comprising a lower edge and having at least one through-hole and wherein, when the two shells are fitingly coupled the lower edge of the first inner shell part is adjacent to the lower edge of the second inner shell part, and a resilient trim is formed between the lower edge of the first inner shell part and the lower edge of the second inner shell part, a spacing is formed between the first inner shell part and the second inner shell part, the spacing being in connection with a through-hole of the second inner shell part and a through-hole of the first inner shell part such that it provides for the circulation of air between the through-hole of the first inner shell part, the spacing and the through-hole of the second inner shell part.

[0013] The spacing may be formed as a chamber or at least one duct provided between the first inner shell part and the second inner shell part.

[0014] The resilient trim may be formed as a continuous resilient base trim from which a continuous resilient protruding trim protrudes, the coupling of the lower edge of the first inner shell part in the ensemble of the base trim and the protruding trim prevents the circulation of air through the lower edge of the first inner shell part and second inner shell part.

[0015] The continuous resilient base trim may extend along a main direction, and further contains a plurality of resilient ribs which extend perpendicularly to such main direction, the first inner shell part having a plurality of corresponding slits in which the resilient ribs accommodate and thereby provide the coupling of the continuous resilient base trim to the first inner shell part.

[0016] The inner structure may further comprise at least one resilient pad which is fixedly coupled to and protrudes from the first inner shell part and thereby is provided between the first inner shell part and the second inner shell part, the resilient pad comprising a plurality or protrusions that increase the friction between the first inner shell part and the second inner shell part.

[0017] The inner structure may comprise at least two resilient pads, a first pad being provided in a region which corresponds to a posterior section of the head of a user and a second pad being provided in a region which corresponds to an anterior section of the head of a user, optionally the two pads being oppositely provided.

[0018] Each resilient pad may have a central portion and at least three extensions extending from the central portion and along the surface of the first inner shell part, optionally four extensions.

[0019] Each resilient pad may form a continuous base from which the plurality of protrusions protrudes, each protrusion having a substantially tubular form, optionally forming a hollow cylinder projecting from the continuous base.

[0020] The first inner shell part and the second inner shell part may comprise at least one pair of secondary through-holes and a corresponding resilient binding strap, the secondary through-holes of the first inner shell part being aligned with the secondary through- holes of the second inner shell part, such that the corresponding resilient binding strap passes through the aligned pairs of through-holes and binds with itself, thereby tightening the first inner shell part to the second inner shell part.

[0021] Each resilient binding strap may have a first edge forming a loop with an opening and a second edge having a plurality of sequentially arranged saw-like protrusions, each of the saw-like protrusions being attachable to the opening and thereby providing the binding of the strap with itself.

[0022] The inner structure may further comprise a third resilient inner shell part, the third inner shell part, the third inner shell part being fitingly couplable to and covering an anterior portion of the first and second inner shell parts, the third inner shell part comprising at least one pair of secondary through-holes aligned with the secondary through-holes of the first and second inner shell parts, such that the resilient binding strap passes through the aligned pairs of through-holes and binds with itself, thereby tightening the first, second and third inner shell parts.

[0023] The resilient first inner shell part and the resilient second inner shell part may be an expanded polystyrene foam first inner shell part and an expanded polystyrene foam second inner shell part.

[0024] The resilient trim may be a rubber trim. Each resilient pad may a rubber pad. Each resilient binding strap may be a rubber binding strap.

[0025] The present disclosure may further comprise a helmet with improved airflow, the helmet in turn comprising a resilient inner structure according to any of the preceding claims and an outer shell, the inner structure being provided within the outer shell, the inner structure and outer shell are removably couplable to one another and the outer shell having at least one outer shell through-hole aligned with a through-hole of the first inner shell part such that it provides for the circulation of air between the through-hole of the first inner shell part, the spacing, the through-hole of the second inner shell part and the through-hole of the outer shell.

[0026] The helmet may comprise a movable face shield.

[0027] The helmet may be configured such that it is according to the UN ECE 22.06 regulation.

[0028] The helmet may be a motorcycle helmet. The present disclosure may further comprise the use of the inner structure of the present disclosure as an inner structure of a helmet, such as a helmet according to the UN ECE 22.06 regulation, or such as a motorcycle helmet.

[0029] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] Figure 1 - a perspective representation of a helmet (100) according to the present disclosure, in which the outer shell (50) is partially represented in transparency, such that the inner structure (10) comprising inner shell parts is viewable.

[0031] Figure 2 - perspective representation of an inner structure (10) according to the present disclosure, in which the first inner shell part (11) is coupled and thereby assembled to the second inner shell part (12), as well as to the third inner shell part (13) and other parts such as side inner shell part (30) and a chin inner shell part (40).

[0032] Figure 3 - a perspective exploded view of an inner structure (10) according to the present disclosure, in which the first inner shell part (11) is coupled and thereby assembled to the second inner shell part (12), as well as a third inner shell part (13) and other parts, and in which the resilient trim (14) and a spacing (15) formed as a chamber are provided. Figure 4 - a longitudinal cross-section perspective view of an inner structure (10) according to the present disclosure, including the first, second and third inner shell parts (13). The first inner shell part (11) is provided as fully covering a portion of the head of a user, such portion extending from an anterior to a posterior part of the head of the user. A resilient trim (14) is provided along a lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11). Ribs (17) provided in the resilient trim (14), and extending perpendicularly to a main direction of extension of the resilient trim (14), are also represented. Such ribs (17) couple to slits (18) provided in the first inner shell part (11), to promote the coupling between the resilient trim (14) and the first inner shell part (11), while reducing the usage of coupling elements such as glue. A through-hole part (19) of the ventilation system of the inner structure (10), formed in the first inner shell part (11) is represented as well. The second inner shell part (12) surrounds a portion of the first inner shell part (11), covering it. A third inner shell part (13) is provided such that it covers a portion of the first and second inner shell parts (11, 12). Such portion corresponds to an anterior section or part (ant) of the head of a user. Figure 5 - a longitudinal cross-section side view of the inner structure (10) of figure 4, better highlighting the spacing (15) formed as a chamber between the first and second inner shell parts (12). Several through-holes (19) in the rear or posterior section of the assembled first and second inner shell parts (12) allow the exit of hot air from the spacing (15) forming the chamber - which may be designated a mid (provided between first and second inner shell parts (12)) airflow chamber - and exit from the inner structure (10). Figure 6 - a perspective representation of a first inner shell part (11) according to the present disclosure, in which a resilient trim (14) is provided. The resilient trim (14) is formed as a continuous resilient base trim (14-b) from which a continuous resilient protruding trim (14-p) protrudes, the coupling of the lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11) in the ensemble of the base trim (14-b) and the protruding trim (14-p) prevents the circulation of air through the lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11) and second inner shell part (12). In addition, the slits (18) in the first inner shell part (11) and the corresponding ribs (17) of the resilient trim (14) are viewable. The resilient trim (14) has a rib (17), and avoids the airflow to come off in directions other than those prescribed (17) - the through-holes. This guides the airflow through the spacing (15) chamber or duct until a rear / posterior air exhaust, consisting of further through-holes. A top section of the first inner shell part (11) is provided with a plurality of protrusions which are solid parallelepipeds and which are unitary with the first inner shell part (11). These protrusions enhance the glueless coupling of the first inner shell part (11) to an element of the helmet provided above, be it the second or third inner shell part (13) or the outer shell.

[0033] Figure 7 - a longitudinal cross-section side view of the internal structure of figure 6 to which further inner shell parts are coupled to, particularly side inner shell parts (30) and a chin inner shell part (40) (partially shown). The side inner shell part (30) individually engages and interlocks with the first inner shell part (11). The side inner shell part (30) may be regarded as being provided in a left side of the inner structure (10). A corresponding right side inner shell part (30) is provided (not shown). The chin inner shell part (40) engages and interlocks with each of the side inner shell parts (30), thus providing a unitary inner structure (10). Side inner shell parts (30) may be fixed to an outer shell (50), for instance to a plastic outer shell (50), by means of screws. Side inner shell parts (30) also promote that the first, second and third inner shell parts (13) are provided steady in place, when placed inside an outer shell (50).

[0034] Figure 8 - an inner structure (10) according to the present disclosure and as represented in figure 5, in which arrows represent the ability for the first inner shell part (11) to move - in a reduced amount, for instance 5 mm - in any direction, such movement being sustained by the resilient trim (14), pad and / or strap, and reducing vibrations coming from outside parts, specifically in a substantially horizontal direction, and in both senses. Figure 9 - a second view of the inner structure (10) of figure 8, also representing movement in a substantially vertical direction and in a sense pointing down to the bottom of the helmet (100).

[0035] Figure 10 - a perspective representation of an inner structure (10) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the first inner shell part (11) is coupled and thereby assembled to the second inner shell part (12), as well as to the third inner shell part (13) and other parts, and in which a resilient strap (20) is provided, fastening the first inner shell part (11) to the second inner shell part (12).

[0036] Figure 11 - a perspective exploded view of an inner structure (10) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the first inner shell part (11) is coupled and thereby assembled to the second inner shell part (12), as well as a third inner shell part (13) and other parts, and in which the resilient trim (14) and a spacing (15) formed as a chamber are provided.

[0037] Figure 12 - a longitudinal cross-section perspective view of an inner structure (10) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure as provided in figure 11, including the first, second and third inner shell parts (13). The first inner shell part (11) is provided as fully covering a portion of the head of a user, such portion extending from an anterior (ant) to a posterior part (pos) of the head of the user. A resilient trim (14) is provided along a lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11). Ribs (17) provided in the resilient trim (14), and extending perpendicularly to a main direction of extension of the resilient trim (14), are also represented. Such ribs (17) couple to slits (18) provided in the first inner shell part (11), to promote the coupling between the resilient trim (14) and the first inner shell part (11), while reducing the usage of coupling elements such as glue. A through-hole (19) part of the ventilation system of the inner structure (10) - formed in the first inner shell part (11) - is represented as well. The second inner shell part (12) surrounds a portion of the first inner shell part (11), covering it. A third inner shell part (13) is provided such that it covers a portion of the first and second inner shell parts (12). Such portion corresponds to an anterior section or part (ant) of the head of a user. The cross-section is made such that it shows the extension of a resilient strap (20). The resilient strap (20) extends along secondary through-holes formed in the first, second and third inner shell parts (13), and tightens along the surface of the first and third inner shell parts (13). The resilient strap (20) thereby provides - again, without usage of glue - the fixed coupling between the first, second and third inner shell parts (13).

[0038] Figure 13 - a longitudinal cross-section side view of the inner structure (10) of figure 12, better highlighting the spacing (15) formed as a chamber provided between the first and second inner shell parts (12). Anterior and posterior positioned resilient pads (21) are better viewable when compared to figure 12. Resilient pads (21) ensure that a same distance is maintained between the first and second inner shell parts (12) in an anterior (ant) and a posterior (pos) section of such elements, and thereby of the inner structure (10) ensemble. Furthermore, the uniformity of the spacing (15) of the inner structure (10) is thereby better controlled. Such spacing (15) is even better controlled in connection with the resilient trim (14) provided in the lower edge (16-1). Several through-holes in the rear or posterior section of the assembled first and second inner shell parts (12) allow the exit of hot air from the spacing (15) forming a chamber - which may be designated a mid (provided between first and second inner shell parts (12)) airflow chamber - and exit from the inner structure (10).

[0039] Figure 14 - a perspective representation of a first inner shell part (11) according to the present disclosure, in which a resilient strap (20) and a resilient trim (14) are provided. The resilient trim (14) is formed as a continuous resilient base trim (14-b) from which a continuous resilient protruding trim (14-p) protrudes, the coupling of the lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11) in the ensemble of the base trim (14-b) and the protruding trim (14-p) prevents the circulation of air through the lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11) and second inner shell part (12). In addition, the slits (18) in the first inner shell part (11) and the corresponding ribs (17) of the resilient trim (14) are viewable. The resilient trim (14) has a rib (17), and avoids the airflow to come off in directions other than those prescribed (17) - the through-holes. This guides the airflow through the spacing (15) chamber or duct until a rear / posterior air exhaust, consisting of further through-holes.

[0040] Figure 15 - a longitudinal cross-section side view of the internal structure of figure 13 to which further inner shell parts are coupled to, particularly side inner shell parts (30) and a chin inner shell part (40). The side inner shell part (30) individually engages and interlocks with the first inner shell part (11). The side inner shell part (30) may be regarded as being provided in a left side of the inner structure (10). A corresponding right side inner shell part (30) is provided (not shown). The chin inner shell part (40) engages and interlocks with each of the side inner shell parts (30), thus providing a unitary inner structure (10). Side inner shell parts (30) may be fixed to an outer shell (50), for instance to a plastic outer shell (50), by means of screws. Side inner shell parts (30) also promote that the first, second and third inner shell parts (13) are provided steady in place, when placed inside an outer shell (50).

[0041] Figure 16 - a representation of a binding resilient strap (20) according to the present disclosure. In one edge, the loop is provided, and in the opposing edge the saw-like protrusions are provided, the resilient strap (20) thereby has a structure similar to a clamp or cable tie.

[0042] Figure 17 - a representation of a resilient pad (21) according to the present disclosure. The pad has a central portion and four extensions which extend from the central portion. Between the central portion and two of such extensions, openings are provided. Such openings correspond to protrusions formed in the first inner shell part (11), the coupling of the openings to the protrusions providing the fixation of the resilient pad (21) to the first inner shell part (11). The extensions are suitable to extend along the surface of the first inner shell part (11). The resilient pad (21), both in the central portion and in the extensions, forms a continuous base from which the plurality of protrusions protrudes, each protrusion having a hexagonal prism hollow tubular form. The protrusions may be designated as micro bumps, and the flexibility of the resilient material - e.g. rubber - allow to reduce the vibrations coming to the outer shell (50) of the helmet (100). The operation is similar to that of rubber bushings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The inner structure (10) of the present disclosure provides that the inner shell parts are assembled between each other with a glue less system that allows that the ecological footprint of manufacturer is reduced, as it highly improves disassembling and reuse / recycling of such elements.

[0044] A glue less system is provided, in particular with internal shell parts being assembled between each other and assembled in an inner structure (10) / helmet (100) shell without using of glue. This reduces the ecological footprint of manufacturer and economical improvement manufacturer by reducing the annual amount costs of glue consumption.

[0045] The resilient inner structure (10) for a helmet (100) of the present disclosure has improved airflow, as its configuration and elements provide for the flow of air from the inside of the inner structure (10) to its outside. When associated with an outer shell (50), such flow of air is still maintained.

[0046] The inner structure (10) has a first resilient inner shell part and a second resilient inner shell part, which are fitingly couplable to one another and together cover a portion of the head of a user. The first, second and third resilient inner shell parts may be fully made of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS), thereby improving a fit coupling between such parts.

[0047] The first inner shell part (11) is provided as fully covering a portion of the head of a user - for instance, as shown in figure 4 -, such portion extending from an anterior (ant) to a posterior (pos) part of the head of the user.

[0048] The second inner shell part (12) surrounds a portion of the first inner shell part (11), covering it, also as represented in figure 4. A third inner shell part (13) may be provided such that it covers a portion of the first and second inner shell parts (12), such portion corresponding to an anterior section of the head of a user, as provided in figure 4. The first inner shell part (11) and the second inner shell part (12) have a lower edge (16- 1, 16-2). When the first and second inner shell parts (12) are fittingly coupled, the lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11) is adjacent to the lower edge (16-2) of the second inner shell part (12), as shown in figures 4 or 5. In addition, a resilient trim (14) is formed between the lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11) and the lower edge (16-2) of the second inner shell part (12).

[0049] In addition, both the first inner shell part (11) and the second inner shell part (12) have at least one through-hole (19).

[0050] The through-holes (19) cross each shell part from one side to the other, thereby allowing for the flow of air through such through-holes (19).

[0051] In addition, when the first and second inner shell parts (12) are fitingly coupled a spacing (15) is formed between the first inner shell part (11) and the second inner shell part (12), the spacing (15) being in connection with a through-hole of the second inner shell part (12) and a through-hole of the first inner shell part (11) such that it provides for the circulation of air between the through-hole of the first inner shell part (11), the spacing (15) and the through-hole of the second inner shell part (12).

[0052] Such arrangement provides for the circulation of air in the inner structure (10), such that hot air in the inner structure (10) - between the first inner shell part (11) and the head of the user - circulates and reduces the temperature of the head of the user.

[0053] The spacing (15), in a cross-section view as that of figure 5, is formed as a gap between the first and second inner shell parts (12), formed all around the area of the second inner shell part (12) which the first inner shell part (11) covers. It thereby ensures an airflow chamber which allows a beter circulation of air in the inner structure (10) and in a corresponding helmet (100). This improves the entrance and spread of cool air that enters the inner structure (10) and the corresponding helmet (100), and also improves the exhaust of hot air created by the head of the user. The spacing (15) is thus formed as a chamber or at least one duct provided between the first inner shell part (11) and the second inner shell part (12). The spacing (15) may be of 30-60 % of the thickness of the second inner shell structure.

[0054] The resilient trim (14) is formed as a continuous resilient base trim (14-b) from which a continuous resilient protruding trim (14-p) protrudes, the coupling of the lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11) in the ensemble of the base trim (14-b) and the protruding trim (14-p) prevents the circulation of air through the lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11) and second inner shell part (12). The resilient trim (14) thereby also reduces vibration at the boundary between the first and second inner shell parts (12), and avoids the exit of air of the helmet (100) except for the exhaust region - a region in which through-holes are formed and in connection with the spacing (15) forming a chamber.

[0055] In addition, the first inner shell part (11) may have a top section which comprising a plurality of protrusions (23) - in figures 5 and 6 represented as solid parallelepipeds - formed in the first inner shell part (11) top surface and which are unitary with the first inner shell part (11). Such protrusions (23) are spaced apart and are suitable to couple to recesses correspondingly formed in an element provided above, and thereby enhance the glueless coupling of the first inner shell part (11). Such top section of the first inner shell part (11) may be covered directly by the outer shell (50) or by either the second or the third inner shell parts (13). Such section enhances the coupling to the first inner shell part (11) of the top element - when the top element is the outer shell (50) the coupling to the inner structure (10) -, enhancing the solidity of the inner structure (10) / helmet (100) as a whole.

[0056] The continuous resilient base trim (14-b) further extends along a main direction, and contains a plurality of resilient ribs (17) which extend perpendicularly to such main direction. The resilient ribs (17) may consist of a main solid projection from which two further projections extend perpendicularly to the main direction, as represented in figure 6. Correspondingly, the first inner shell part (11) has a plurality of slits (18). As shown in figure 6, the resilient ribs (17) accommodate in the slits (18) of the first inner shell part (11). Each ensemble formed by the main solid projection and two further projections is accommodated in a slit (18). In the embodiment of figure 6, as an example, two slits (18) and corresponding ribs (17) are viewable, wherein four slits (18) and corresponding ribs (17) are provided in the inner structure (10) - two of which are not shown.

[0057] Such elements provide the coupling of the continuous resilient base trim (14-b) to the first inner shell part (11).

[0058] The inner structure (10) may also comprise one or more resilient pads (21).

[0059] Each resilient pad (21) is formed as a plurality or protrusions that increase the friction between the first inner shell part (11) and the second inner shell part (12). Being resilient, the resilient pads (21) reduce the vibrations which would otherwise propagate through the inner structure (10), particularly in the region in which the resilient pads (21) are installed. Each resilient pad (21) may be formed with a central portion and at least three extensions extending from the central portion and along the surface of the first inner shell part (11). Figures 14 and 17 show four extensions, in a cross-like arrangement. Between the central portion and two of such extensions, openings may be formed, as shown in figures 14 / 17. The first inner shell part (11) may have corresponding projections, such that the extensions of the resilient pad (21) engage with such corresponding projections and provide a removable coupling which dispenses the usage of glue. In addition, each resilient pad (21) may be formed as a continuous base from which the protrusions project. In turn, each protrusion may have a substantially hollow tubular form, as is the case of the projections of the pad of figures 14 / 17, in which they are formed as a hollow hexagonal prism.

[0060] Each resilient pad (21) extends through the surface of the first inner shell part (11) and is fully provided between an extension in which the second inner shell part (12) covers the first inner shell part (11). When having two pads, as provided in figures 11 to 13, a first pad being is in a region which corresponds to a posterior section of the head of a user (left in figure 13, shown in figure 11) and the second pad in a region which corresponds to an anterior section of the head of a user (right in figure 13, shown in figure 11), wherein they may be regarded as provided in the middle between the first and second inner shell parts (12).

[0061] An additional resilient element providing the glueless fastening of inner shell parts may be provided, consisting of a resilient binding strap.

[0062] A resilient binding strap may be formed as band having a first edge forming a loop with an opening and a second edge having a plurality of sequentially arranged saw-like protrusions, each of the saw-like protrusions being attachable to the opening and thereby providing the binding of the strap with itself, in a cable tie like manner, shown in figure 16.

[0063] The first and second inner shell parts (12), and in the cases in which it is provided, also the third inner shell part (13), may each have at least one pair of secondary through- holes. The pairs of secondary through-holes of such inner shell parts are aligned and the resilient binding trap is passable through such secondary through-holes.

[0064] The edge of resilient binding strap having saw-like protrusions may thus be provided through a secondary through-hole provided in the first inner shell part (11), and then through a secondary through-hole provided in the second inner shell part (12).

[0065] In an embodiment not having a third inner shell part (13), the binding strap then passes through the other of the secondary through-holes of first inner shell part (11) (of the pair) and then through the other of the secondary through-holes of second inner shell part (12) (of the pair). It may then be tightened to the loop. By pulling the saw-like projections through the loop, a desired level of tightening between the two inner shell parts may be reached.

[0066] Alternatively, in an embodiment having a third inner shell part (13), the binding strap then passes through the secondary through-hole provided in the third inner shell part (13). The binding strap then passes through the other of the secondary through-holes of the first inner shell part (11) (of the pair), then through the other secondary through- holes of the second inner shell part (12) (of the pair) and finally through the other of the secondary through-holes of second inner shell part (12) (of the pair). It may then be tightened to the loop. By pulling the saw-like projections through the loop, a desired level of tightening between the three inner shell parts may be reached.

[0067] The helmet (100) of the present disclosure, comprising the resilient inner structure (10), also has improved airflow.

[0068] The inner structure (10) may be provided within an outer shell (50), and they are removably coupled to one another.

[0069] In addition, and to promote the exhaust of hot air from within the helmet (100), the outer shell (50) also has one or outer shell through-holes (not shown in the figures). An outer shell (50) through-hole is aligned with a through-hole of the second inner shell part (12) such that it provides for the circulation of air between the through-hole of the first inner shell part (11), the spacing (15), the through-hole of the second inner shell part (12) and the through-hole of the outer shell (50). The through-hole of the outer shell (50) and the through-hole of the second inner shell part (12) may be provided in the back / posterior part of the helmet (100), while a through-hole of the first inner shell part (11) may be provided in the front / anterior part of the helmet (100).

[0070] Through-holes for exhaust may also be provided in anterior and posterior regions of the first inner shell part (11), as well as in regions between the anterior and posterior regions.

[0071] In the same manner, through-holes for exhaust may also be provided in anterior and posterior regions of the second inner shell part (12), as well as in regions between the anterior and posterior regions. The one or more through-holes of the outer shell (50) are provided in the posterior region of the outer shell (50), which forms the outer surface of the helmet (100).

[0072] As will be clear to one skilled in the art, the present disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments described (17) herein, and a number of changes are possible which remain within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0073] Of course, the preferred embodiments shown above are combinable, in the different possible forms, being herein avoided the repetition all such combinations.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A resilient inner structure (10) for a helmet (100) with improved airflow, the inner structure (10) comprising a first resilient inner shell part and a second resilient inner shell part, which are fittingly couplable to one another and together cover a portion of the head of a user, both the first inner shell part (11) and the second inner shell part (12) comprising a lower edge (16-1, 16-2) and having at least one through-hole and wherein, when the two shells are fitingly coupled the lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11) is adjacent to the lower edge (16-2) of the second inner shell part (12), and a resilient trim (14) is formed between the lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11) and the lower edge (16-2) of the second inner shell part (12), a spacing (15) is formed between the first inner shell part (11) and the second inner shell part (12), the spacing (15) being in connection with a through- hole of the second inner shell part (12) and a through-hole of the first inner shell part (11) such that it provides for the circulation of air between the through-hole of the first inner shell part (11), the spacing (15) and the through-hole of the second inner shell part (12).

2. An inner structure (10) according to the previous claim wherein the spacing (15) is formed as a chamber or at least one duct provided between the first inner shell part (11) and the second inner shell part (12).

3. An inner structure (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the resilient trim (14) is formed as a continuous resilient base trim (14-b) from which a continuous resilient protruding trim (14-p) protrudes, the coupling of the lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11) in the ensemble of the base trim (14-b) and the protruding trim (14-p) prevents the circulation of air through the lower edge (16-1) of the first inner shell part (11) and second inner shell part (12).

4. An inner structure (10) according to the previous claim wherein the continuous resilient base trim (14-b) extends along a main direction, and further contains a pluralityof resilient ribs (17) which extend perpendicularly to such main direction, the first inner shell part (11) having a plurality of corresponding slits (18) in which the resilient ribs (17) accommodate and thereby provide the coupling of the continuous resilient base trim (14-b) to the first inner shell part (11).

5. An inner structure (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein it further comprises at least one resilient pad (21) which is fixedly coupled to and protrudes from the first inner shell part (11) and thereby is provided between the first inner shell part (11) and the second inner shell part (12), the resilient pad (21) comprising a plurality or protrusions that increase the friction between the first inner shell part (11) and the second inner shell part (12).

6. An inner structure (10) according to the previous claim wherein it comprises at least two resilient pads (21), a first pad being provided in a region which corresponds to a posterior section of the head of a user and a second pad being provided in a region which corresponds to an anterior section of the head of a user, optionally the two pads being oppositely provided.

7. An inner structure (10) according to any of the claims 5-6 wherein each resilient pad (21) has a central portion and at least three extensions extending from the central portion and along the surface of the first inner shell part (11), optionally four extensions.

8. An inner structure (10) according to any of the claims 5-7 wherein each resilient pad (21) forms a continuous base from which the plurality of protrusions protrudes, each protrusion having a substantially tubular form, optionally forming a hollow cylinder projecting from the continuous base.

9. An inner structure (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first inner shell part (11) and the second inner shell part (12) comprise at least one pair of secondary through-holes and a corresponding resilient binding strap, the secondary through-holes of the first inner shell part (11) being aligned with the secondary through- holes of the second inner shell part (12), such that the corresponding resilient bindingstrap passes through the aligned pairs of through-holes and binds with itself, thereby tightening the first inner shell part (11) to the second inner shell part (12).

10. An inner structure (10) according to the previous claim wherein each resilient binding strap has a first edge forming a loop with an opening and a second edge having a plurality of sequentially arranged saw-like protrusions, each of the saw-like protrusions being attachable to the opening and thereby providing the binding of the strap with itself.

11. An inner structure (10) according to any of the claims 13-14 wherein it further comprises a third resilient inner shell part, the third inner shell part (13), the third inner shell part (13) being fitingly couplable to and covering an anterior portion of the first and second inner shell parts (12), the third inner shell part (13) comprising at least one pair of secondary through-holes aligned with the secondary through-holes of the first and second inner shell parts (12), such that the resilient binding strap passes through the aligned pairs of through-holes and binds with itself, thereby tightening the first, second and third inner shell parts (13).

12. An inner structure (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the resilient first inner shell part (11) and the resilient second inner shell part (12) are an expanded polystyrene foam first inner shell part (11) and an expanded polystyrene foam second inner shell part (12) and optionally, when dependent of claim 11, the third resilient inner shell part is an expanded polystyrene foam third inner shell part (13).

13. An inner structure (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the resilient trim (14) is a rubber trim.

14. An inner structure (10) according to any of the preceding claims when dependent of any of the claims 5-8 wherein each resilient pad (21) is a rubber pad.

15. An inner structure (10) according to any of the preceding claims when dependent of any of the claims 9-10 wherein each resilient binding strap is a rubber binding strap.

16. A helmet (100) with improved airflow comprising a resilient inner structure (10) according to any of the preceding claims and an outer shell (50), the inner structure (10) being provided within the outer shell (50), the inner structure (10) and outer shell (50) are removably couplable to one another and the outer shell (50) having at least one outer shell (50) through-hole aligned with a through-hole of the second inner shell part (12) such that it provides for the circulation of air between the through-hole of the first inner shell part (11), the spacing (15), the through-hole of the second inner shell part (12) and the through-hole of the outer shell (50).

17. A helmet (100) according to the previous claim wherein it comprises a movable face shield.

18. A helmet (100) according to any of the claims 16-18 wherein the helmet (100) is configured such that it is according to the UN ECE 22.06 regulation.

19. A helmet (100) according to any of the claims 16-18 wherein the helmet (100) is a motorcycle helmet (100).

20. Use of the inner structure (10) of any of the claims 1-15 as an inner structure (10) of a helmet (100), such as a helmet (100) according to the UN ECE 22.06 regulation, or such as a motorcycle helmet (100).

Images