Locking device for the visor of a helmet

Abstract

Locking device (10) fora visor (11) of a helmet (12), comprising: a button (13) associated with a guide element (32) and an elastic element (14) and mobile between at least a first locking position in which, during use, pushed by said elastic 5 element (14), it engages a through hole (15) of the visor (11), or component attached to the visor, and at least a second unlocking position in which, against the action of the elastic element (14), it is pushed and disengages from the through hole (15); and a fixed locking element (16).

Description

[0001] “IMPACT RESISTANT LOCKING DEVICE FOR THE VISOR OF A HELMET”

[0002]

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention concerns an impact resistant locking device for the visor of a helmet, in particular, but not limited to motorsport and motorcycling.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] As is known, in motorsport and motorcycling helmets, the visors are typically rotatable from a fully raised and open position to a fully lowered and closed position. Intermediate partially-open positions are naturally possible.

[0007] The visor is connected to the helmet by means of a pair of pivot mechanisms located on the left and right sides of the helmet, which allow the visor to rotate.

[0008] For many helmet designs used for motorsport, the visor is provided, on one or both sides, with a device for locking it in the closed position, so that it does not inadvertently open during normal racing conditions.

[0009] However, known locking devices can be improved in order to consistently maintain the closed position during in-accident conditions where the helmet is subjected to more violent loads.

[0010] The latest versions of the helmet approval standards FIA8859 and FIA8860 prescribe that the closed position of the visor is maintained during all impact testing. It is, therefore, necessary to prevent the visor from inadvertently unlocking as a result of the high loads exerted during the impact tests. At the race track, the opening of the visor intends to be possible only through the operation performed by the pilot or intervening race personnel.

[0011] There is, therefore, the need to modify the locking device for a visor of a helmet in order to overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art side locking designs.

[0012] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an impact resistant device for locking the visor of a helmet in the closed position, that maintains the side position and satisfies the requirements of standards FIA8859 and FIA8860.

[0013] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a locking device for a visor of a helmet that is functional, efficient and prevents the visor from opening inadvertently during certification testing and during in-accident conditions.

[0014] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a locking device for a visor of a helmet that is compact, well integrated and easy to operate in order to close, lock, unlock and open, both for the pilot and for race personnel.

[0015] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a helmet that is provided with a visor provided with an effective and stable device for locking it in the closed position.

[0016] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art side locking designs and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0019] In accordance with the above purposes, a locking device according to the present invention for the visor of a helmet comprises:

[0020] a mobile button associated with a guide element and an elastic element and mobile between, at least, a first locking position in which, during use, pushed by the elastic element, it engages a through hole of the visor, or component attached to the visor and at least a second unlocking position in which, against the action of the elastic element, it is pushed and disengages from the through hole, or vice versa; and

[0021] a fixed locking element provided with a seating that is configured to accommodate, during use and in the first locking position, a part of the visor to prevent the part of the visor with the hole from moving sideways and disengaging from the first locking position.

[0022] Thanks to the cooperation between the mobile button and the fixed locking element, it is possible to obtain an impact resistant locking device for a visor of a helmet that is functional, efficient and prevents the visor from opening inadvertently and in an unwanted manner. Therefore, for example in the event of an accident, the helmet remains stably worn by the pilot and the visor remains locked in the closed position and it can only be unlocked by the pilot themselves or by external personnel. Moreover, this locking device is compact, well integrated and convenient to operate in order to close, lock, unlock and open the visor, both for the pilot and for other personnel.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the locking element comprises a tab which in the locking position is positioned above the surface of the visor.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the tab is positioned at a height equal to or greater than that of the button when the latter is in the locking position. According to another aspect of the invention, the seating has a substantially arched shape on the side facing the button.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the locking element comprises a base configured to be positioned and attached in either a fixed or removable manner to the shell of the helmet.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the base comprises a formed surface to stably locate with the helmet shell.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the locking device comprises a seating for housing the button, the guide element and the elastic element.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the button is provided with a mounting hole axis that is eccentric to the axis of symmetry of the button.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the locking device comprises an internally threaded index pin, a screw able to engage in the index pin; the head of the button is engaged between the screw and the index pin.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, the head of the button comprises a recessed seating configured to accommodate a head of the screw.

[0031] The invention also concerns a helmet comprising a visor mobile between an open position, complete or partial, and a closed position, or vice versa, and at least one locking device positioned on at least one side of the helmet and configured to lock the visor in the closed position.

[0032] The invention also concerns a method for unlocking a visor of a helmet, comprising:

[0033] pushing a button provided on one side of the helmet and associated with a guide element and an elastic element in order to take it from a locking position in which, pushed by the elastic element, it engages a through hole of the visor, to at least a second unlocking position in which it disengages from the through hole, and rotating the visor in the opening direction while the button is in the unlocking position so as to move the visor until it is no longer engaged with the mobile button. In the locking position the visor is accommodated by the fixed locking element.

[0034] The invention also concerns a method for locking a visor of a helmet, which provides to move the visor in the closing direction making it pass over a button provided on one side of the helmet so as to depress a guide element and / or elastic element associated with the button and move the button to an unlocking position, whilst the visor is accommodated by a fixed locking element, and subsequently the elastic element pushes the button to move it to a locking position in which it engages a through hole of the visor or component attached to the visor.

[0035] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: - fig. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a helmet with a visor provided with a locking device;

[0037] - fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the locking device;

[0038] - fig. 3 is an exploded three-dimensional view of the locking device;

[0039] - figs. 4a-4f are three-dimensional views of a sequence for locking and unlocking the visor.

[0040] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0041] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

[0042] DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0043] We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings, by way of a nonlimiting illustration. The phraseology and terminology used here is also for the purposes of providing non-limiting examples.

[0044] With reference to the attached drawings, see in particular figs. 1, 2, 3, 4b, 4c, a locking device 10 for a visor 1 1 of a helmet 12 comprises a button 13 associated with an elastic element 14 and a guide element 32. The guide element 32 allows a linear movement of the button 13.

[0045] The button 13 is mobile between at least a first locking position in which, during use, pushed by the elastic element 14, it engages a through hole 15 created in the visor 11 (fig. 4c), or component attached to the visor, and at least a second unlocking position in which, against the action of the elastic element 14, it is pushed and can disengage from the through hole 15 (fig. 4b).

[0046] The visor 1 1 can be designed with a through hole 15 on left and / or right sides, therefore it is possible to provide a locking device 10 on one or both sides of the helmet 12.

[0047] The locking device 10 also comprises a fixed locking element 16 provided with a seating 18 configured to accommodate, during use and in the first locking position, a part 17 of the visor 11 that can be positioned between the button 13 and the second locking element 16.

[0048] The cooperation between the button 13 and the fixed locking element 16 allows to prevent any operation in which the visor 11 is unlocked involuntary, for example by means of a dynamic outward motion of the visor, which could result in the visor 11 disengaging from the button 13 and a consequent inadvertent opening.

[0049] The intentional pushing of the button 13 by the user of the helmet 12, or another person, against the action of the elastic element 14, allows to unlock and therefore open the visor 11. In the locking position the visor 11 is closed, as in fig. 4c.

[0050] The visor 11 can be opened or closed through a rotation around pivot mechanisms 33 positioned on opposite sides of the helmet 12.

[0051] The visor 11 may comprise a protruding grip portion 36, on which the user can act to push the visor 11 upwards or downwards. The grip portion 36 may be placed near the locking part 17, so as to facilitate the unlocking of the locking device 10 and the movement of the visor 11 with a single hand.

[0052] The button 13 and the fixed locking element 16 are close together, and the part 17 accommodated by the seating 18 is substantially the edge of the visor 11 in the proximity of the through hole 15. The edge normally has a profile that protrudes inward, that is, toward the helmet 12, with respect to the surface of the visor 11. The locking element 16 comprises a tab 19 which, advantageously, in the locking position of fig. 4c is positioned above the surface of the visor 11, preventing it from any outward bending. The seating 18 is created along the edge of the tab 19 that faces the button 13. For this purpose, the tab 19 is positioned at a height equal to or greater than that of the button 13, when the latter is in the locking position 13, as in fig. 2 or fig. 4c for example.

[0053] The seating 18 has a substantially arched, or half-moon, shape on the side facing the button 13, which facilitates the correct positioning of the user’s finger to push the button 13, especially in the event of unlocking. For example, the user can wear driving gloves, and the provision of this substantially arched shape proves to be advantageous ergonomically. The operation of the button 13 is also convenient and functional for other personnel.

[0054] The locking element 16 comprises a base 20 which is positioned and attached in a removable manner to the shell of the helmet 12.

[0055] The base 20, see in particular fig. 2 and fig. 3, comprises a formed surface to stably locate on the surface of the helmet 12 and allow a stable positioning thereof. The locking element 16 is provided, in particular on the base 20, with a threaded cylinder 23 which is inserted in a seating created in the surface of the helmet 12 and which is engaged from the inside with a corresponding nut 24. Said formed surface comprises for example opposing elements 21, 22.

[0056] The tab 19 is raised with respect to the base 20 and connected thereto by means of a web 25. Thanks to the web 25, the tab 19 is positioned at a height substantially equal to that of the button 13 in the locking position, or slightly higher, so as to allow an effective insertion of the visor 11 part 17 in the seating 18.

[0057] The locking device 16 comprises, in particular internally to the threaded cylinder 23, a seating 26 for housing the button 13. In particular, the seating 26 accommodates an index pin 27 of the button 13 and the elastic element 14.

[0058] The elastic element 14 can be a compression spring that, in the rest position, keeps the index pin 27 at least partly outside of the seating 26, while in the compressed position it allows the index pin 27 to return into the seating 26. The index pin 27 is at least partly inserted inside the guide element 32 positioned in the seating 26. In fig. 2, the button 13 is shown in the locking position, with the elastic element 14 at rest.

[0059] In addition to the index pin 27, which is internally threaded, the button 13 also comprises a screw 28 configured to engage with the index pin 27. The button 13 comprises a head element 29 which is engaged between the screw 28 and the index pin 27, following the tightening of the screw 28 in the index pin 27. In particular, the head element 29 comprises a through hole 30 in which the screw 28 is inserted. The head element 29 is provided with a mounting hole axis that is eccentric to the axis of symmetry of the head 35 of the button 13, fig. 2, so that, when mounting the present locking device 10 on the helmet 12 and by means of a possible rotation thereof, it can better adapt to the shape and position of the through hole 15 of the visor 11. In particular, the eccentric shape is given to the head element 29, which can be made of plastic or metal material.

[0060] The button 13 comprises, in particular on the head element 29, a recessed seating 31, so that a head 34 of the screw 28, once tightened, does not protrude from the surface of the seating 31.

[0061] Figs. 4a-4f show a sequence for locking the visor 11 in the closed position and unlocking and reopening it.

[0062] In the situation of fig. 4a, the button 13 is in the rest position of fig. 2, therefore coming of the seating 26 by a certain segment. The visor 11 is rotated by the user in the direction R1 toward the closed position.

[0063] Continuing the rotation, fig. 4b, the visor 11 passes over the button 13, determining a pressure thereof in the direction XI , against the action of the elastic element 14 which tends to keep it raised.

[0064] Once the rotation has ended, the part 17 of the visor 11 has gone past the button 13 and it is in correspondence with the through hole 15, fig. 4c, then the elastic element 14 causes it to snap outward in the direction X2. The part 17 of the visor 11 is therefore correctly clamped in the seating 18 of the locking element 16, which is configured to prevent any involuntary and unwanted unlocking movement thereof.

[0065] In particular, the locking element 16 provides the tab 19 that is positioned above the surface of the visor 11. The part 17 is also firmly held by the button 13, which is opposing the locking element 16. The visor 11 is therefore stably in the closed and lowered position. Therefore, for example in the event of an accident, the helmet 12 remains stably worn by the pilot and the visor 11 closed and can only be unlocked by the pilot or by other personnel.

[0066] To unlock the visor 11 and open it again, the user, or other personnel, pushes the button 13 in the direction XI, fig. 4d, and begins to rotate the visor 11 in the direction R2, fig. 4e, opposite the direction Rl. The visor 11 once again passes over the button 13, in contact with its upper surface. Once the contact has ended, the elastic element 14 determines the return of the button 13 to the rest position, making it snap outward in the direction X2, fig. 4f.

[0067] The helmet 12 made according to the present invention therefore comprises the visor 11 mobile between an open position, complete or partial, and a closed position, or vice versa, and at least one locking device 10 on one side of the helmet 12 configured to firmly and stably lock the visor 11 in the closed position.

[0068] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the locking device for a visor of a helmet and the methods for locking and unlocking such visor as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0069] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of locking device for a visor of a helmet and methods for locking and unlocking such visor, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0070] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Locking device (10) for a visor (11) of a helmet (12), characterized in that it comprises:a button (13) associated with a guide element (32) and an elastic element (14) and mobile between at least a first locking position in which, during use, pushed by said elastic element (14), it engages a through hole (15) of said visor (11) or component attached to the visor, and at least a second unlocking position in which, against the action of said elastic element (14), it is pushed and disengages from said through hole (15), or vice versa; anda fixed locking element (16) provided with a seating (18) that is configured to accommodate, during use and in said first locking position, a part (17) of said visor (11) to prevent the part of the visor or component attached to the visor from moving sideways and disengaging from the first locking position.

2. Locking device (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said locking element (16) comprises a tab (19) which in said locking position is positioned above the surface of said visor (11).

3. Locking device (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that said tab (19) is positioned at a height equal to or greater than that of said button (13) when the latter is in the locking position (13).

4. Locking device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said seating (18) has a substantially arched shape on the side facing said button (13).

5. Locking device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said locking element (16) comprises a base (20) configured to be positioned and attached in a removable manner on the surface of the helmet (12).

6. Locking device (10) as in claim 5, characterized in that said base (20) comprises a formed surface (21, 22) to stably locate on the surface of the helmet (12).

7. Locking device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said locking device (16) comprises a seating (26) for housing said button (13) and said elastic element (14).

8. Locking device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said button (13) is provided with a head (35) with a mounting hole axis that is eccentric to the axis of symmetry of the head (35).

9. Locking device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said button (13) comprises an internally threaded index pin (27), a screw (28) able to engage in said index pin (27) and a head element (29) able to engage between said screw (28) and said index pin (27).

10. Locking device (10) as in claim 9, characterized in that said button (13) comprises a recessed seating (31) configured to accommodate a head (34) of said screw (28).

11. Helmet (12) comprising a visor (11) provided with a through hole (15), or component attached to the visor, and mobile between an open position, complete or partial, and a closed position, or vice versa, and at least one locking device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore positioned on at least one side of the helmet (12) and configured to accommodate the visor (11) in said closed position.

12. Method for unlocking a visor (11) of a helmet (12), comprising:pushing a button (13) provided on one side of the helmet (12) and associated with a guide element (32) and an elastic element (14) in order to take it from a locking position in which, pushed by said elastic element (14), it engages a through hole (15) of said visor (11), or component attached to the visor, to at least a second unlocking position in which it disengages from said through hole (15), and rotating the visor (11) in the opening direction while said button (13) is in said unlocking position so as to move the visor (11), which in said locking position is accommodated in a seating (18) of a locking element (16), until it is no longer in engaged with the button (13).

13. Method for locking a visor (11) of a helmet (12), which provides to move the visor (11) in the closing direction, making it pass over a button (13) provided on one side of the helmet (12) so as to depress an elastic element (14) associated with said button (13) and move said button (13) to an unlocking position, whilst the visor (11) is accommodated by a seating (18) of a fixed locking element (16), and subsequently said elastic element (14) pushes said button (13) to move it to a locking position in which it engages a through hole (15) of said visor (11), or component attached to the visor.

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