Protective helmet

Abstract

A protective helmet (1), for protecting the head of a driver of a vehicle, comprises: a protective enclosure (10), comprising a head portion (PT), including an upper portion (101), configured to protect an upper part of the head; a rear portion (102), configured to protect a rear part of the head; a pair of side portions (103), connected to the rear portion (102) and to the upper portion (101) and configured to protect respective side parts of the head; a lighting element (11), associated with the protective enclosure (10) and configured to emit a light beam; a control unit (12), constrained to the protective enclosure (10) and configured to receive control signals (121) from a control terminal, generate command signals (122), representative of light beam features, and send the command signals (122) to the lighting element (11); a power supply (13), constrained to the protective enclosure (10) and configured to electrically supply the lighting element (11) and the control unit (12). The control unit (12) is arranged on the head portion (PT).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] PROTECTIVE HELMET

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a protective helmet for protecting the head of a driver, to a method for protecting a driver wearing a protective helmet, and to a corresponding method of manufacturing the protective helmet.

[0005] Background art

[0006] In the sector related to protective helmets, standard solutions are known comprising protective enclosures with relative internal paddings for safe and comfortable use.

[0007] However, requirements for helmets have changed over time, necessitating innovations enabling the development of new functionalities.

[0008] For example, one requirement, which is needed for certain types of helmets, e.g., for competitions, is being able to simply and easily access various types of information and, in any case, relating to safe and high-performance driving of the vehicle, in particular of two-wheeled vehicles.

[0009] One document showing a possible solution to the aforesaid need is document EP3955764A1 , which suggests the use of one or more LEDs with the respective communication interface arranged on a portion of the helmet intended for protecting the driver's chin, commonly referred to as a chin guard.

[0010] Such a solution, however, has several disadvantages. From a structural point of view, the allocation of the components makes the helmet unbalanced, with a consequent reduction in comfort for the wearer. Furthermore, in certain conditions, the arrangement of the LEDs on the chin guard could nevertheless cause glare for the driver, who might inadvertently direct the gaze thereof directly at the LEDs. In other words, this solution maintains the likelihood that the driver is directly exposed to the light emittedby the LEDs.

[0011] It should further be noted that such positioning, due to the limited space of the chin guard, imposes strict limits on the usable components, resulting in a product with a limited lifespan.

[0012] Other solutions, which nevertheless include similar issues are described in the following previous documents: US2021307442A1, US2022211133A1 , US2021186138A1 and US9445639B1.

[0013] Object of the invention

[0014] It is the object of the present invention to provide a protective helmet and a corresponding manufacturing method, which solve the aforesaid problems of the prior art.

[0015] Said object is fully achieved by the protective helmet and by the methods of the present invention, which is characterized by the content of the following claims.

[0016] According to an aspect of the present description, the present invention provides a protective helmet for protecting the head of a driver of a vehicle. The helmet comprises a protective enclosure. The protective enclosure includes an inner surface, configured to come into contact with the driver’s head. The protective enclosure comprises an outer surface, opposite to the inner surface. The outer surface is configured to come into contact with outer surfaces.

[0017] The protective enclosure preferably comprises a head portion.

[0018] The head portion includes an upper portion, configured to protect an upper part of the head. The head portion comprises a rear portion, configured to protect a rear part of the head. The head portion comprises a pair of side portions, connected to the rear portion and to the upper portion and configured to protect respective side parts of the head.

[0019] In an embodiment, the protective enclosure comprises a chin portion (hereinafter also defined by the term chin guard), connected to the head portion and configured to surround the driver’s chin.The helmet comprises a lighting element. The lighting element is associated with the protective enclosure. The lighting element is configured to emit a light beam. The lighting element is configured to emit a light beam, which is visible (also indirectly) to the driver.

[0020] The helmet comprises a control unit. The control unit is constrained to the protective enclosure. The control unit is configured to receive control signals from a control terminal. The control unit is configured to generate command signals, representative of light beam features. The control unit is configured to send the command signals to the lighting element.

[0021] The helmet comprises a power supply. The power supply is constrained to the protective enclosure. The power supply is configured to electrically supply the lighting element and / or the control unit.

[0022] Advantageously, the control unit is arranged on the head portion.

[0023] The positioning of the control unit at the head portion allows (at least) greater protection of the control unit from knocks due to the use of the helmet and, given the presence of a high containment space, the possibility of using more extended control units, which also, in fact, offer higher performance.

[0024] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the control unit is arranged on a side portion of said pair of side portions. Alternatively, in equally advantageous manner, it is possible to provide a solution in which the control unit is arranged on the rear portion.

[0025] It is specified that, with the term side portion, it is also intended to mean the portion covering the cheeks, which differs from the chin portion and belongs to the side portions. Such part may be defined as the mandibular portion and, in an embodiment, the control unit and / or the power supply are arranged in such mandibular portion, which is, nonetheless, wider than the chin portion.

[0026] Such portions are, in fact, the most spacious and easiest to modify for integrating the control unit therein. Furthermore, these are also the portions that are least affected by adverse aerodynamic effects due to the additionof components.

[0027] In an embodiment, said lighting element is associated in at least one side portion of said pair of side portions.

[0028] This allows having the lighting element in a zone, which necessarily avoids direct contact with the driver’s eyes, preventing glare. Thereby, the light is displayed in a diffuse and non-hazardous manner. In an embodiment, said lighting element is associated at the chin portion of the protective enclosure. Also in this case, the light emitted by the emitting element is not direct and, in fact, it is highly unlikely that the driver will look directly at the lighting element. Therefore, the solution is safe and reliable.

[0029] In an embodiment, the lighting element emits directly, without intermediate elements deflecting the trajectory thereof, along a direction parallel to the side walls. In an embodiment, two lighting elements are present on a first side wall, spaced apart from each other, and two lighting elements arranged on a second side wall, spaced apart from each other. It is specified that, in an embodiment, the side walls have respective front surfaces, externally facing the inner volume of the helmet. In essence, the front surfaces are perpendicular to the outer surface of the helmet and the inner surface of the helmet. In an embodiment, the front surface is defined by the padding while, in an alternative embodiment, the front surface is defined by the outer body of the helmet.

[0030] In fact, therefore, according to a more general definition of the present invention, the lighting element is configured to emit a light beam, which includes at least one component parallel to a viewing plane, substantially parallel to the rear portion.

[0031] The helmet preferably comprises a padding. The padding at least partially covers the inner surface of the protective enclosure. Said lighting element is associated with the padding, at a portion thereof covering the inner surface of at least one side portion of said pair of side portions and / or covering the chin portion of the protective enclosure.

[0032] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the paddingcomprises a pair of cushions. The pair of cushions at least partially covers the chin portion. The pair of cushions is configured to contact the driver’s cheeks. In such an embodiment, the lighting element is constrained to at least one cushion of said pair of cushions.

[0033] In other embodiments, said lighting element is arranged constrained directly to the padding (which may be made of a hard polymeric material).

[0034] This embodiment has proven to be the solution, which best combines safety, practicality, and reliability of the proposed technical solution, because the light is not direct, the lighting element is easily integrated into the cushions, where, in addition, it is particularly protected against knocks or damaging events.

[0035] The control unit is preferably constrained to the protective enclosure at the outer surface thereof.

[0036] The constraint on the outer surface allows for easier working and provides greater room for maneuver.

[0037] As already described for the control unit, according to particularly advantageous embodiments, the power supply is arranged at the head portion.

[0038] In particular, the power supply is arranged in at least one side portion of said pair of side portions, or at the rear portion.

[0039] The power supply is preferably constrained to the protective enclosure at the outer surface thereof.

[0040] As indicated, the above offers the same previous advantages expressed in relation to the positioning of the control unit.

[0041] The power supply and the control unit are preferably both arranged at the head portion. In particular, the power supply and the control unit are both arranged in at least one side portion of said pair of side portions or at the rear portion.

[0042] More generally, the power supply and the control unit are mutually arranged side-by-side, or close together, or on the same portion as the head portion. This allows for greater compactness and facilitated integration between thetwo components.

[0043] In an embodiment, the helmet comprises a containment appendage. The containment appendage rises from the outer surface. The containment appendage defines a containing volume. It should be noted that, in an embodiment, the containing volume is not necessarily defined by an appendage, but by a containment chamber (more generic), which is potentially recessed in the protective enclosure and not necessarily projecting therefrom.

[0044] The control unit and / or the power supply are arranged in the containing volume of the containment appendage (or of the containment chamber). The containment appendage (or the containment chamber) is preferably located at the rear portion.

[0045] The arranging of an appendage allows having greater space with respect to the overall dimensions of the normal helmet, with consequent greater freedom of action on the choice of the overall dimensions of the components.

[0046] In an embodiment, the control unit comprises a wireless connection module. The wireless connection module is configured to receive and / or transmit control signals from / to the control terminal.

[0047] This offers an easy, streamlined connection between the control terminal and control unit.

[0048] In an embodiment, the helmet comprises a wireless connector. The wireless connector is connected to the power supply. The wireless connector is configured to receive a charging current from an external charging device. The wireless connector is configured to recharge the power supply with the charging current received from the external charging device.

[0049] In an embodiment, the rear portion comprises a rear surface, facing, in use, behind the head, and a support surface, which is inclined with respect to the rear surface and arranged on the opposite side with respect to the side, in which the rear portion is connected to the upper position.

[0050] The wireless connector is arranged at the support surface.This configuration allows for easy positioning of the helmet during charging, because it is, in fact, sufficient to rest the helmet on a surface, making the support surface correspond to a charging zone of the charging device. In an embodiment, the command signals are representative of:

[0051] (a) a light beam frequency, to vary the color thereof, and / or

[0052] (b) a light beam intensity over time, to generate an activation sequence of the lighting element, and / or;

[0053] (c) a frequency trend over time of the light beam.

[0054] The possibility of varying the above-indicated parameters allows sending a considerable amount of information to the driver, by encoding it based on the color of the light, the color variation over time, and the light intensity variation over time.

[0055] In an embodiment, the helmet comprises an additional lighting element, to form a plurality of lighting elements. What has been stated thus far regarding the lighting element (in terms of positioning and / or operation in general) may be extended to all the lighting elements of said plurality. In an embodiment, it is possible to have some lighting elements on one cushion of said pair of cushions and the remaining lighting elements on the other cushion of said plurality of cushions.

[0056] Furthermore, in the presence of multiple lighting elements, the command signals are representative of:

[0057] (a) a lighting element of said plurality to activate, and / or;

[0058] (b) of a lighting sequence of said lighting elements of said plurality.

[0059] This further increases the combinations and the encodings and, therefore, the messages, which can be delivered to the driver.

[0060] The helmet preferably comprises a visor. The visor is made of a see-through material (glass or plastic). The visor is connected to the protective enclosure, on the side opposite to the rear portion.

[0061] In an embodiment, the lighting element or at least one lighting element of said plurality is arranged on the visor.

[0062] According to an aspect of the present description, the present inventionprovides a method for protecting the head of a driver wearing a helmet. The method comprises a step of a helmet comprising one or more of the features described in the present invention.

[0063] The method comprises a step of emitting a light beam by means of a lighting element, associated with the protective enclosure.

[0064] The method comprises a step of receiving control signals from a control terminal on a control unit of the helmet.

[0065] The method comprises a step of generating command signals, representative of light beam features, by means of the control unit.

[0066] The method comprises a step of sending the command signals to the lighting element, by means of the control unit.

[0067] The method comprises a step of supplying power to the lighting element and to the control unit by means of a power supply, constrained to the protective enclosure.

[0068] The helmet used in said protective method provides that the control unit is arranged on the head portion.

[0069] Brief description of the drawings

[0070] This and other features will be more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, shown merely by way of a non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] - figures 1A, 1B and 1C show a first embodiment, a second embodiment and a third embodiment of a protective helmet according to the present invention, respectively;

[0072] - figures 2A, 2B and 2C show a sectional view of a first, a second and a third embodiment of the protective helmet according to the present invention; - figures 3A and 3B show a sectional view of a first and a second embodiment of the protective helmet according to the present invention; - figures 4A and 4B show a sectional view of a first and a second embodiment of the protective helmet according to the present invention; - figure 5 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the protective helmetaccording to the present invention;

[0073] - figure 6 shows a sectional view of a further embodiment of the protective helmet according to the present invention.

[0074] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention According to an aspect of the present description, the present invention provides a protective helmet 1 for protecting the head of a driver of a vehicle. The helmet 1 comprises a protective enclosure 10. The protective enclosure includes an inner surface 10A, configured to come into contact with the driver’s head. The protective enclosure 10 comprises an outer surface 10B, opposite to the inner surface 10A. The outer surface 10B is configured to come into contact with outer surfaces.

[0075] The protective enclosure preferably comprises a head portion PT. The head portion PT is, in fact, the portion surrounding the driver’s head.

[0076] The head portion PT includes an upper portion 101, configured to protect an upper part of the head. The head portion PT comprises a rear portion 102, configured to protect a rear part of the head. The head portion PT comprises a pair of side portions 103, connected to the rear portion 102 and the upper portion 101 and configured to protect respective side parts of the head.

[0077] The head portion PT is made in one piece, and the portions indicated above are portions of the same single body.

[0078] In an embodiment, the protective enclosure 10 comprises a chin portion PM (hereinafter also defined by the term chin guard). The chin guard PM is connected to the head portion PT and configured to surround the driver’s chin.

[0079] The upper portion 101, rear portion 102, and side portions 103 have a curved profile. Each of said upper portion 101, rear portion 102 and side portions 103 includes a respective inner surface 101 A, 102A, 103A and a respective outer surface 101 B, 102B, 103B.

[0080] It is specified that, in an embodiment, the head portion PT comprises amandibular portion PMN, which, in fact, forms part of the side portions 103. More specifically, the mandibular portion PMN is the interface between the chin portion PM and the head portion PT.

[0081] The helmet 1 comprises a lighting element 11. The lighting element 11 is preferably associated with the protective enclosure 10. The lighting element 11 is configured to emit a light beam. The lighting element 11 is configured to emit a visible (also indirectly) light beam to the driver. The helmet 1 preferably comprises a plurality of lighting elements 11 , associated with the protective enclosure 10.

[0082] The helmet 1 comprises a control unit 12. The control unit 12 is constrained to the protective enclosure 10. The control unit 12 is configured to receive control signals 121 from a control terminal. The control unit 12 is configured to generate command signals 122, representative of light beam features. The control unit 12 is configured to send the command signals 122 to the lighting element 11.

[0083] The helmet 1 comprises a power supply 13. The power supply 13 is constrained to the protective enclosure 10. The power supply 10 is configured to electrically supply the lighting element 11 and / or the control unit 12.

[0084] The helmet 1 comprises a padding 14. The padding14 at least partially covers the inner surface 10A of the protective enclosure 10. The padding 14 is made of a soft material.

[0085] The padding 14 comprises a pair of cushions 141. The pair of cushions 141 at least partially covers the chin guard PM. The pair of cushions 141 is configured to contact the driver’s cheeks.

[0086] The helmet 1 comprises a visor 15. The visor 15 is rotatably connected to the protective enclosure 10 about an axis substantially perpendicular to the rear surface 102, to adjust a position thereof with respect to the protective enclosure 10. The visor 15 is made of see-through material so as to allow the driver to see therethrough.

[0087] In an embodiment, the helmet 1 comprises a wireless connector 16. Thewireless connector 16 is connected to the power supply 13. The wireless connector 16 is configured to receive a charging current from an external charging device. The wireless connector 16 is configured to recharge the power supply 13 with the charging current received from the external charging device.

[0088] In an embodiment, the rear portion 102 comprises a rear surface 102P, facing, in use, behind the head, and a support surface 102G, which is inclined with respect to the rear surface 102P and arranged on the opposite side with respect to the side in which the rear portion 102 is connected to the upper position 101.

[0089] First, we will analyze the different embodiments that may be provided relative to the positioning of the lighting elements 11. The lighting elements 11 are oriented toward a lighting direction DI.

[0090] According to a first embodiment, the lighting element 11 or the lighting elements 11 are arranged on the pair of cushions 141. In particular, the pair of cushions 141 comprises a lighting surface 141 S, having at least one component oriented toward the upper surface 101. Said lighting element 11 is associated with the lighting surface 141 S. In such an embodiment, the lighting direction DI is perpendicular to the lighting surface 141 S.

[0091] In the case where a plurality of lighting elements 11 is present, these comprise a first lighting element or a first group of lighting elements 11 A, arranged on a first cushion 141 A of said pair of cushions 141 , and a second lighting element or a second group of lighting elements 11 B, arranged on a second cushion 141 B.

[0092] According to a second embodiment, the lighting element 11 or the lighting elements 11 are arranged on the padding covering the inner surface 103A of the side portions 103.

[0093] In particular, the padding 14 comprises a respective contact surface 14C, facing toward the inside of the protective enclosure 10. Said lighting element 11 is associated with the contact surface 14C. In such an embodiment, the lighting direction DI is perpendicular to the contact surface 14CIn the case where a plurality of lighting elements 11 is present, these comprise a first lighting element, or first group of lighting elements 11 A, arranged on the padding 14, which covers the inner surface 103A of a first side portion of said pair of side portions 103, and a second lighting element, or second group of lighting elements 11B, arranged on the padding 14, which covers the inner surface 103A of a second side portion of said pair of side portions 103.

[0094] In other embodiments, the padding 14 comprises a front surface 14F that faces forward, namely in the direction opposite to the rear portion 102. In particular, the front surface 14F extends parallel to the side portions 103. Said lighting element 11 is associated with the front surface 14F. In such an embodiment, the lighting direction DI is perpendicular to the front surface 14F. Thus, the light is emitted in the same direction as the rider’s field of vision and in the same sense, thereby effectively preventing glare discomfort.

[0095] In case of a plurality of lighting elements 11 , these comprise a first lighting element, or a first group of lighting elements 11 A, arranged on the front surface 14F, extending along a first side portion of said pair of side portions 103, and a second lighting element, or a second group of lighting elements 11 B, arranged on the front surface 14F, extending along a second side portion of said pair of side portions 103.

[0096] According to a further embodiment, the lighting element 11 , or the plurality of lighting elements 11, are arranged on the visor 15, at a lower or upper peripheral edge of the visor 15, but, in any case, not aligned with the driver’s field of vision.

[0097] As regards the electronic components, the possible embodiments are various and will be described below.

[0098] In any case, the control unit 12 and power supply 13 are preferably arranged on the head portion PT.

[0099] According to a first embodiment, the control unit 12 and / or power supply 13 are associated with the protective enclosure 10 at the inner surface 10A.For example, the control unit 12 and / or the power supply 13 are associated with the inner surface 102A of the rear portion 102. Or, the control unit 12 and / or the power supply 13 are associated with the inner surface 103A of at least one of the side portions 103 of said pair of side portions.

[0100] According to such embodiment, the control unit 12 and / or the power supply 13 are interposed between the padding 14 and the inner surface 10A of the protective enclosure 10.

[0101] Alternatively, the control unit 12 and / or the power supply 13 are associated with the protective enclosure 10 at the inner surface 10B. This is preferable because it does not, in any way, impair the driver’s comfort, and it is easier to work on the outer surface (also for any subsequent maintenance interventions).

[0102] In such a case, the control unit 12 and / or the power supply 13 may be associated with the upper portion 101 , with the rear portion 102, or with the side portions 103.

[0103] In an embodiment, the control unit 12 and / or the power supply 13 are arranged on the mandibular portion PMN of the head portion PT. More specifically, the control unit 12 is arranged on one side of the mandibular portion PMN, below the first lighting elements 11 A, and the power supply 13 is arranged on the other side of the mandibular portion PMN, below the second lighting elements 11 B.

[0104] More specifically, the helmet 1 preferably comprises a containment appendage 17. The containment appendage 17 defines a containing volume VI, which may be open toward the outside, or closed (openable only when necessary).

[0105] The control unit 12 and / or the power supply 13 are preferably arranged within the containment appendage 17. The connector 16, which is connected to the power supply 13, is arranged within the containment appendage 17.

[0106] The containment appendage 17 rises from the outer surface 10B of the protective enclosure 10. The containment appendage 17 may be made inone piece with the protective enclosure 10, or it may be defined by an additional element, which is connected to the protective enclosure by suitable connectors. This allows an increased and quicker possibility of intervening on the electronic components, e.g., for the replacement thereof. In an embodiment, the containment appendage 17 is made on the upper portion 101. In particular, the containment appendage 17 is arranged at one end of the upper portion 101 close to the rear portion 102. This allows a more aerodynamic helmet. In particular, the containment appendage 17 does not reach a height greater than the height of the upper surface (which is curved), effectively remaining hidden from the air flow and, thereby, not influencing the aerodynamics.

[0107] The containment appendage 17 is open on the inner volume of the protective enclosure 10, allowing wiring connecting the lighting element 11 to the control unit 12 or the power supply 13.

[0108] In an embodiment, the helmet 1 comprises a spoiler 18. The containment appendage 17 (or the control unit and / or the power supply 13) are preferably made under the spoiler 18.

[0109] In an embodiment, the connector 16 faces outward to receive the charging current by means of a wireless charging device. Alternatively, a connection port, made on the containment appendage 17 may be provided to allow wired charging.

[0110] In an embodiment, the containment appendage 17 is arranged on the rear portion 102. In such a case, the connector 16 faces outward at the support surface 102G, so as to allow easy charging, e.g., by means of a dock station intended for charging the helmet 1.

[0111] Finally, in an embodiment, the containment appendage 17 is arranged on one of the side portions 103.

[0112] This embodiment has the advantage of minimizing the distance between the control unit 12 and the lighting elements 11, but, on the other hand, allows less flexibility in terms of space requirements, as it effectively alters the profile of the helmet 1 and thus affects its aerodynamics.In an embodiment, the command signals 122 are representative of:

[0113] (a) a light beam frequency, to vary the color thereof, and / or

[0114] (b) a light beam intensity over time, to generate an activation sequence of the lighting element, and / or;

[0115] (c) a frequency trend over time of the light beam.

[0116] The possibility of varying the above-indicated parameters allows sending a considerable amount of information to the driver, by encoding it based on the color of the light, the color variation over time, and the light intensity variation over time.

[0117] Furthermore, in the presence of multiple lighting elements, the command signals 122 are representative of:

[0118] (a) a lighting element of said plurality to activate, and / or;

[0119] (b) of a lighting sequence of said lighting elements of said plurality.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A protective helmet (1) for protecting the head of a driver of a vehicle, comprising:- a protective enclosure (10), including an inner surface (10A), configured to come into contact with the pilot’s head, and an outer surface (10B), opposite to the inner surface (10A) and configured to come into contact with outer surfaces, wherein the protective enclosure (10) comprises a head portion (PT), including:an upper portion (101), configured to protect an upper head portion;a rear portion (102), configured to protect a rear head portion; a pair of side portions (103), connected to the rear portion (102) and the upper portion (101) and configured to protect respective side parts of the head;- a lighting element (11), associated with the protective enclosure (10) and configured to emit a light beam;- a control unit (12), constrained to the protective enclosure (10) and configured to:- receive control signals (121) from a control terminal;- generate command signals (122), representative of light beam features;- send the command signals (122) to the lighting element (11), - a power supply (13), constrained to the protective enclosure (10) and configured to electrically supply the lighting element (11 ) and the control unit (12),characterized in that the control unit (12) is arranged on the head portion (PT).

2. A helmet (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit (12) is arranged on at least one side portion of said pair of side portions (103) or on the rear portion (102).

3. A helmet (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a chin portion (PM), connected to the head portion (PT) and configured to surround the driver’s chin and wherein said lighting element (11) is associated at least at one side portion of said pair of side portions (103) and / or on the chin portion (PM) of the protective enclosure (10).

4. A helmet (1) according to claim 3, comprising a padding (14), at least partially covering the inner surface (10A) of the protective enclosure (10), wherein said lighting element (11) is associated with the padding (14), at a portion thereof covering the inner surface of at least one side portion of said pair of side portions (103) and / or covering the chin portion (PM) of the protective enclosure (10).

5. A helmet (1) according to claim 4, wherein the padding (14) comprises a pair of cushions (141), at least partially covering the chin portion (PM) and configured to contact the driver’s cheeks, and wherein the lighting element (11) is constrained to at least one cushion of said pair of cushions (141).

6. A helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) is constrained to the protective enclosure (10) at the outer surface thereof (10B).

7. A helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply (13) is arranged at the head portion (PT).

8. A helmet (1) according to claim 7, wherein the power supply (13) is arranged at least at one side portion of said pair of side portions (103) or at the rear portion (102).

9. A helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein thepower supply (13) is constrained to the protective enclosure (10) at the outer surface (10B) thereof.

10. A helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply (13) and the control unit (12) are both arranged at the head portion (PT).

11. A helmet (1) according to claim 10, wherein the power supply (13) and the control unit (12) are both arranged at least at one side portion of said pair of side portions (103) or at the rear portion (102).

12. A helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a containment appendage (17), rising from the outer surface (10B) and defining a containing volume (VI),wherein the control unit (12) and / or the power supply (13) are arranged in the containing volume (VI) of the containment appendage (17).

13. A helmet (1) according to claim 12, wherein the containment appendage (17) is located at the rear portion (102).

14. A helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) comprises a wireless connection module, configured to receive and / or transmit control signals (121) from / to the control terminal.

15. A helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a wireless connector (16), connected to the power supply (13) and configured to receive a charging current from an external charging device and to recharge the power supply (13) with the charging current, wherein the rear portion (102) comprises a rear surface (102P), facing, in use, behind the head, and a support surface (102G), inclined with respect to the rear surface (102P) and arranged on the opposite side with respectto the side where the rear portion (102) is connected to the upper position (101),wherein the wireless connector (16) is arranged at the support surface (102G).

16. A helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the command signals (122) are representative of:(a) a light beam frequency, to vary the color thereof, and / or(b) a light beam intensity over time, to generate an activation sequence of the lighting element (11), and / or;(c) a frequency trend over time of the light beam;17. A helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an additional lighting element (11), to form a plurality of lighting elements (11),and wherein the command signals (122) are representative of:(a) a lighting element (11) of said plurality to activate, and / or;(b) of a lighting sequence of said lighting elements (11) of said plurality.

18. A method for protecting the head of a driver wearing a helmet (1), the method comprising the following steps:- provision of a helmet (1) including:a protective enclosure (10) including an inner surface (10A), configured to come into contact with the driver’s head, and an outer surface (10B), opposite to the inner surface (10A) and configured to come into contact with outer surfaces, wherein the protective enclosure (10) includes a chin portion (PM), configured to surround the driver’s chin, and a head portion (PT), connected to the chin portion (PM) and including:an upper portion (101), configured to protect an upper head portion;a rear portion (102), configured to protect a rear head portion; a pair of side portions (103), connected to the rear portion (102) and the upper portion (101) and configured to protect respective side parts of the head;- emission of a light beam by means of a lighting element (11), associated with the protective enclosure (10);- by means of a control unit (12) constrained to the protective enclosure (10), carrying out the following steps:- receiving control signals (121) from a control terminal;- generating command signals (122), representative of light beam features;- sending the command signals (122) to the lighting element (11), - supplying the lighting element (11) and the control unit (12) by means of a power supply (13), constrained to the protective enclosure (10), wherein the control unit (12) is arranged on the head portion (PT).

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