WO2002076253A1

WO2002076253A1 - Noise attenuating device especially for motor cycle helmet

Info

Publication number: WO2002076253A1
Application number: PCT/NO2002/000111
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karl-Willie Hoel; Sven Åge BORGUND
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-03-27
Filing date: 2002-03-18
Publication date: 2002-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2003-09-27
Also published as: NO20011558D0; NO20011558A; NO311551B1

Abstract

A noise-attenuating device, in particular for motorcycle helmets (1), is described, which device is made in the form of a collar (2) of a wind-resistant material, and is placed at the bottom edge of the helmet so that it extends downwards from the helmet edge portion towards the user's neck. The collar (2) is designed to have approximately the same elliptical shape as the helmet opening and has a cross-section corresponding approximately to the total thickness of the helmet (1) and padding (5) arranged therein. The side faces of the collar (2) converge towards one another and are terminated in a common, preferably rounded edge portion in the area close to the user's neck in such manner that the inner side face of the collar (2) is essentially flush with the interior surface of the helmet padding (5) and the outer portion of the outer side face of the collar (2) is essentially flush with the outer surface of the helmet (1) outer surface. Thus, the collar (2) forms a natural configurational extension of the helmet (1).

Description

Noise attenuating device especially for motor cycle helmet

The invention relates to a noise-attenuating device, in particular for motorcycle helmets, as disclosed in the preamble of patent claim 1.

Initially, it may well be thought that motorcycle helmets provide the user with sufficient noise attenuation. This is probably only the case when driving at very moderate speeds, but not when the speed increases to and above normal cruise speed. The level of noise inside the helmet, even at a normal speed, is harmful over time, and the American Academy of Otolarynology - Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. recommends the use of hearing protection when driving a motorcycle. At higher speeds the time before damage occurs is reduced. When sound levels exceed 100 dB the maximum exposure time is two hours, and exposure for fifteen minutes can result in permanent hearing damage. In, for example, a report by Joe Bloggs published in "Motorcycle Consumer News", it is concluded that motorcycle helmets are primarily designed to protect the head and not the wearer's hearing.

Thus, it is a known problem that motorcyclists are sometimes exposed to high- frequency noise which is caused by turbulence. Turbulence is produced partly because of the geometry of the motorcycle in relation to the wind direction, and partly because of the design of the helmet. The turbulence generated because of the helmet design has greatest effect on the motorcycle rider, as this source of noise is closest to the ear. It is a fact that this level of noise can be so high that it is difficult to hear the actual sound of the engine, even from a properly silenced Harley Davidson.

As mentioned, the problem is well known and there are various accessories and solutions which have in common the feature that to a certain degree they either reduce noise or insulate from the wind and the cold. For instance, Peltor Communications has developed a helmet with internal earmuffs. There are also patents for external wings which reduce the generation of turbulence, cf. US 4,370,758. Furthermore, there is a patent for earmuffs which are fitted to and closed around the ears by being pumping up with air, cf. DE-42 07 873 Al . There is also a product on the market known by the brand name "Apple Warmer", which is fastened on the outside of the helmet and encircles it. This product is made of two layers of material in a "bubble pattern", and is not deformation-resistant. This means that it may flap because of relative wind. "Apple Warmer" does suppress some sound, but functions primarily as protection against rain and wind. However, "Apple Warmer" is not made of windproof material and the wind can blow through it. Thus, the fabric functions primarily as a filter which stops most of the wind.

Lastly, mention may be made of US Patent 5,095,550, which describes a shielding closure made of wind-resistant material designed for motorcycle helmets. This document describes a flat collar which is attached to the underside of the helmet and comprises a front flap and a rear portion of an elastic material that can be stretched when the user dons the helmet. The device in the US patent is also reported to have a noise-deadening effect.

The generation of turbulence around a motorcycle helmet is due in part to the sharp transition between the helmet and the bottom edge of the helmet at the user's neck, and in part to the fact that a laminar airflow breaks away on each side of the helmet and generates turbulent flow. Although the known devices can probably reduce the noise to a certain extent, they are not specifically directed towards solving this basic problem.

The known solutions which describe devices that encircle the whole underside of the helmet have also been found to be highly disadvantageous because they have an adverse effect on the helmet ventilation system, and this may be detrimental to safety in that mist is formed which obstructs the wearer's field of vision at medium to low temperatures. Moreover, there are reports of accidents which are due to a high CO concentration as a result of poor ventilation on the utilisation of such devices which encircle the whole helmet, and thus affect the ventilation system. It is true that one embodiment of the invention describes the use of a removable front piece which can be used to afford further protection against cold relative wind and raindrops as well as additional noise reduction, but this front piece is provided with ventilation properties so that the above problems are avoided.

The object of the invention is to remedy the deficiencies of the known devices, and this object is attained by a device of the type mentioned in the introduction which is characterised by the characteristic features disclosed in patent claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent patent claims.

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a so-called full-face helmet on which fastening means are provided in the form of hook-and-loop fasteners;

Fig. 2 shows the full-face helmet in Fig. 1 fitted with a device according to the invention; Fig. 3 illustrates a so-called half helmet or open-face helmet fitted with a device according to the invention;

Fig. 4 shows a typical open-face helmet fitted with a device according to the invention;

Fig. 5 is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of the device according to the invention without a skirt; Fig. 6 illustrates a typical front piece for use with the device according to the invention, which is simply attached to the device;

Figs. 7-11 are schematic and sectional views of alternative fastenings/designs of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of a full-face helmet equipped with the device according to the invention with a front piece , cf. Fig. 6;

Fig. 13 is a schematic illustration of a full-face helmet equipped with the device according to the invention with a front piece, cf. Fig. 16, fitted on the device and turned up;

Fig. 14 is a schematic illustration of a full-face helmet with the device according to the invention equipped with a turned-down skirt and front piece;

Fig. 15 is a schematic and perspective illustration of the device according to the invention with a turned-down skirt;

Fig. 16 illustrates a typical front piece for use with the device according to the invention, which is fastened both to the device and to the chin portion of the helmet; Fig. 17 is a schematic illustration of a helmet equipped with the device according to the invention with the front piece in Fig. 16 fitted on the device, and with the skirt turned down;

Fig. 18 shows a variant of Fig. 17 where the skirt has been turned down and the front piece turned up; Fig. 19 shows examples of embodiments of curved hook-and-loop fastener profiles;

Fig. 20 is a sectional view of a device according to the invention with two straightedged faces, and where the skirt turned up;

Fig. 21 is a sectional view like that in Fig. 20, but with the skirt turned down;

Fig. 22 is a schematic illustration of a section of a full-face helmet with a device according to the invention with turned-down skirt and turned-down front piece, cf. Fig.

16, fastened to the chin portion of the helmet and the side of the device; Fig. 23 shows a section like that in Fig. 22 with the helmet shown placed on a user wearing a standard MC jacket, and where a turned-down skirt surrounds the MC jacket collar;

Fig. 24 shows an extended front piece which encircles the whole full-face helmet; and Fig. 25 shows a front piece which encircles the whole full-face helmet and which is extended upwards so as to cover the side of the helmet and the hinge for the helmet visor.

In the figures the reference numeral 1 indicates a motorcycle helmet. It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to motorcycle helmets as it can also be used on helmets where there is a similar problem, for example, helmets used in alpine skiing events, by snowscooter users and by parachutists.

The reference numeral 2 indicates the device according to the invention in the form of a collar which is fastened at the bottom edge of the helmet 1. The fastening can be provided in the form of cooperating hook-and-loop elements 3, arranged on the helmet and on the collar respectively, as indicated in particular in Figs. 1 and 5. This embodiment is especially suitable when there is a desire to modify existing helmets so as to be able to use the invention. The fastening must be dimensioned and arranged so that the collar 2 does not accidentally become detached during use.

The collar 2 is made of a preferably sound-insulating and/or sound-absorbing core material. The core material may have an open cellular structure, and it may be viscoelastic. Furthermore, the collar 2 is provided in an appropriate manner with an external, essentially windproof and waterproof covering. This is preferably sound- attenuating and/or sound-reflecting. The collar 2 does not encircle the whole of the helmet opening, but preferably extends across a segment of about 180°. The segment thus lies against the rear part of the helmet and about 90° to each side as indicated in the figures. A hook-and-loop fastener may be arranged on the end flaps of the collar 2 to cooperate with a corresponding hook-and-loop fastener on a front piece 4. However, the front piece 4 is not necessary as regards sound attenuation, its function primarily being to protect against relative wind and rain.

The collar 2 is of approximately the same elliptical shape as the helmet opening and comprises at the upper portion thereof a plane surface 8 having a width that corresponds approximately to the total thickness of the helmet 1, i.e., the helmet shell and padding 5 arranged in the helmet. The surface 8 passes into two portions which converge towards each other and terminate in a common, preferably rounded edge portion in the area close to the user's neck. This is done in such manner that the inner side face of the collar 2 is essentially flush with the interior surface of the helmet padding 5. At the same time, the upper portion of the outer side face of the collar 2 is essentially flush with the outer surface of the helmet 1 , and the collar 2 thus forms a natural configurational extension of the helmet 1. Thus, the usual turbulence at the helmet edge does not occur as the edge is rounded off in an extended portion, smoothly and evenly, in the direction of the user's neck.

The collar 2 can be fastened in many ways. Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative design for use when the collar is to be employed on existing helmets, which consequently must be modified. The modification may be that fastening means are arranged along the helmet edge, as for example a hook-and-loop fastener strip 3. A corresponding hook-and-loop fastener 3 can be arranged on the collar 2.

As the collar 2 has a relatively voluminous form, an airbag or the like may be incorporated therein. The trend today suggests that various airbag solutions will probably become common among accessories used by motorcyclists.

MC police wear, among other garments, bullet-proof vests under their riding suits. However, there is no protection across the arch of their neck. In one variant of the invention which is especially intended for this user group, a web of bullet-proof material, of, for example, woven aramide fibres, is arranged so as to provide the desired protection. In this variant of the invention, a bullet-proof material of this kind or of a similar kind having suitable elastic properties, and of a thickness in the range of 5-10 mm, or another recommended thickness, is, in an expedient manner, incorporated into or arranged on or in the collar and/or the front piece, and optionally also the cover.

Figs. 7 and 8 show alternative fastening means, whilst Figs. 9 and 1 1 show fastening with hook-and-loop fasteners, and Fig. 10 shows a solution where the collar 2 constitutes an integral, non-removable extension of the helmet padding 5.

The variants shown in Figs. 7, 8, 10 and 1 1 are especially intended for the helmet that is supplied/sold complete with the noise-attenuating device according to the invention.

The fastening means and the collar 2 are then integral parts of the helmet. The fastening means can be made in many different ways. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an example of an arrangement of a bar or profiled strip 6 which co-operates with corresponding male means 7 that engage with the bar or strip 6. The arrangement of the elements may, of course, be the reverse of that illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 10 shows a variant where the helmet padding 5 itself is modified and shaped so that the part projecting below the helmet edge is provided with a materials selection and shape like the collar part 2 according to the invention. Fig. 11 shows the fastening between the upper edge surface of the collar 2 and the lower edge surface of the padding 5. This may be done with the aid of a hook-and-loop fastener 3' as indicated in the figure, or by means of adhesive fastening, stitching, snap fasteners, co-operating strips and pin elements or in another appropriate manner. Fig. 9 shows the arrangement of external hook-and-loop fasteners 3, cf. Figs. 1-5. The method of fastening in Fig. 11 can, where appropriate, also be combined with the solutions in Figs. 7-9.

The purpose of integral fastening means supplied by the manufacturer is also that the means can be positioned in as discreet and concealed a manner as possible in order to render the product unique and make it difficult to attach rival products. The device according to the invention is attached to the helmet is such manner that a smooth, even and sealed transition between the helmet shell and the device is obtained. Moreover, the device is so constructed that it can be fastened in the same way to full-face helmets and opening helmets as well as to open-face helmets or half helmets.

Fig. 12 shows a full-face helmet that is equipped with a device according to the invention and also with a front piece 4 which is only fastened to the device, for example, by hook-and-loop fasteners, and Fig. 13 shows the helmet in Fig. 12 equipped with another type of front piece 4' which is shown turned up in the figure, and which is also fastened to the chin portion of the helmet by means of a hook-and-loop fastener 3".

Fig. 14 shows a full-face helmet equipped with the device according to the invention where the collar 2 has been modified and equipped with a skirt 9 which, in a suitable manner, is attached to or incorporated into the lower part of the collar 2. The skirt 9 is made of a windproof, waterproof and elastic material. Because of the elasticity and the hook-and-loop fasteners, the skirt does not flap when the wearer drives with the skirt in the turned-up position. When the skirt is turned down, flapping is prevented by the elasticity of the skirt and the front piece 4 which applies tension to the skirt that prevents it from flapping.

Fig. 15 shows a separate device according to the invention where the collar 2 is equipped with the skirt 9. The device may be fastened to the helmet or be incorporated therein like the collar device 2 that has no skirt, as described above. In the variant of the device according to the invention where the collar 2 is primarily intended for use with the skirt 9, the collar 2 is given a shorter axial extent than in the variant primarily intended for use without the skirt 9. The longest variant of the collar 2 is best suited for MC drivers who have motorcycles of the custom, touring or offroad type or scooters where the driver sits more upright than drivers of sport MCs, and to a certain extent touring sport MCs, who sit in a more forward crouched position. The collar 2 is made a little shorter in that it is cut at the bottom edge, but so as not change its noise-reducing characteristic the cross-section of the collar is made somewhat thicker. However, for both variants the main principle or mode of operation is the same, and both can also be used with or without the skirt 9.

Corresponding fastening areas 10, for example, in the form of hook-and-loop fasteners, are arranged on both the collar 2 and the skirt 9, as indicated in, for example, Figs. 14 and 15. The skirt 9 is provided in such manner that it is easy to turn up and so that it does not flap when the wearer is driving, especially when turned up, as mentioned above.

Fig. 16 illustrates a typical front piece 4' that is fastened to a chin portion of the helmet and can be used on the device according to the invention with the collar 2 without or with the skirt 9, and optionally also with the skirt 9 turned up. Fig. 17 is a schematic illustration of a full-face helmet equipped with the collar 2 with the skirt 9 turned down, and also the front piece 4' turned down, whilst Fig. 18 shows a variant of Fig. 17 where the front piece 4' is turned up on the chin portion of the helmet. This embodiment or turning-up is used especially when the user puts the helmet on or takes it off. When the front piece 4' is turned up, access to the helmet locking mechanism is also facilitated.

Fig. 19 shows different curved forms of suitable hook-and-loop fasteners. The curved shape makes it easier to obtain maximum fastening on the helmet surface as it follows the contour of the helmet.

Fig. 20 shows a section of a part of a helmet 1 with the collar 2 in an embodiment having two straightedged faces and with the skirt 9 turned up, whilst Fig. 21 shows an embodiment similar to that in Fig. 20, but with the skirt 9 turned down.

Fig. 22 is a schematic section of a full-face helmet 1 including helmet padding 5 and collar 2, with turned-down skirt 9 and turned-down front piece 4', and Fig. 23 shows a section similar to that in Fig. 22, but where a user of the helmet wearing an MC jacket is indicated, and it is shown in particular how the front piece 4' and the skirt 9 are arranged or positioned relative to the MC jacket collar 11.

Fig. 24 shows an extended front piece 4", made as a cover 4" which encircles the whole helmet 1. The cover 4" is attached to the hook-and-loop fastener 3" on the chin portion of the helmet and to a hook-and-loop fastener 3 on the neck portion of the helmet. The rear half of the cover 4" is preferably made of a windproof material, whilst the front part of the cover 4" is made of a material having ventilation properties. The cover 4" is made of elastic material so that it can be turned up on the helmet 1, and so that it remains in a turned-up state. When the cover is turned up, the helmet 1 can be put on without the cover 4" getting in the way or preventing access to the locking mechanism of the helmet. The cover 4" may also be in a turned-up state when the wearer is driving.

Fig. 25 shows a front piece 4'" which is essentially the same as the front piece or cover in Fig. 24. It encircles the whole helmet, but is extended upwards so that it covers the side of the helmet and the hinge for a visor arranged on the helmet 1. In addition, the covers in Figs. 24 and 25 are essentially identical as regards materials selection and use configurations.

The upward extension of the cover on the helmet contributes to an increase in noise reduction. This increase is obtained partly because the cover envelops the helmet hinge and partly because it envelops the part of the helmet close to the ear. The cover increases the distance between the vortex shedding and the driver's ear because the cover is made of a material of substantial thickness, for example, neoprene, and because included at the side of the helmet is a protuberance which is filled with noise-absorbing core material like that in the collar, with an open cellular structure.

In summary, the object of the device according to the invention is to attenuate noise, and this is effected by four factors:

1. Generation of noise is reduced because of a reduction in turbulence

2. Because of a sound-reflecting outer layer

3. Because of sound-absorbing core material 4. Because of sealing from the surrounding environment The combination of these four factors has produced surprisingly good results. For example, tests have shown that the invention results in such powerful noise reduction that it is possible to use ordinary means of communication between driver and passenger. The effect is best on full-face helmets, and then good quality opening helmets which are relatively tight, but it also makes a major contribution to noise reduction in connection with the use of open-face helmets or half helmets.

Rival products do not exhibit a combination of this kind, and consequently they do not produce the same favourable result either. Another important point is also that the effect of the said four factors can be combined without affecting the helmet's ventilation system, thereby ensuring that the disadvantages mentioned in the introduction are avoided.

The variant with a somewhat shorter collar 2 according to the invention and the arrangement of the skirt 9 and the front piece 4. 4', 4" results in additional flexibility and user friendliness. For example, the invention is„suitable for use for drivers who sit leaning forward or sit in an upright position. The appropriate turning up or down of the skirt and the appropriate use of the different types of front piece allows the invention to be optimised for a wide variety of climatic conditions. System flexibility is also obtained because the front piece which encircles the whole helmet and the collar can be used in conjunction with the collar or without the collar. Greatest noise reduction and protection against the elements are obtained when both are used together.

Although the invention is described with reference to the illustrated exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that it is not limited to these. Variants might emerge as obvious to a person of average skill in the area, and the invention is meant to cover all such variants and equivalents. Thus, it is only limited by the following patent claims.

Claims

P a t e n t c l a i m s

1.

A noise-attenuating device, in particular for motorcycle helmets (1), which device is made in the form of a collar (2) of a wind-resistant material, and is placed at the bottom edge of the helmet so that it extends downwards from the helmet edge portion towards the user's neck, the collar (2) being designed to have approximately the same elliptical shape as the helmet opening, wherein the side faces of the collar (2) converge towards one another and are terminated in a common edge portion in the area close to the user's. neck, characterised in that the collar (2) is made of a core material which in the portion adjoining the helmet opening is given a cross-sectional dimension corresponding approximately to the total thickness of the helmet (1) and padding (5) arranged therein, the collar (2) being arranged on the helmet (1) in such manner that the inner side face of the collar (2) is essentially flush with the interior surface of the helmet padding (5) and the outer portion of the outer side face of the collar (2) is essentially flush with the outer surface of the helmet (1), so that the collar (2) forms a natural, dimensionally stable and rounded, configurational extension of the helmet (1), which extends across a segment of about 180° of the helmet opening.

2.

A device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the collar (2) at its lower edge is made having a windproof and waterproof skirt (9) which is made of an elastic material, the skirt (9) being joined to or incorporated into the collar (2) in an appropriate manner, and being capable of being turned up on the collar (2).

3.

A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the core material of the collar (2) is sound-insulating and/or sound-absorbing, and provided with an external essentially windproof and waterproof, preferably sound-reflecting covering.

4.

A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the collar (2) is made having an upper surface (8) which faces and rests against the helmet padding (5), and the collar (2) is fastened to the helmet (1) and/or the helmet padding (5) with the aid of fastening means.

5.

A device according to one of claims 1-3, characterised in that the collar (2) is provided as an integral part of the helmet's (1) inner padding (5).

6.

A device according to claim 4, characterised in that the fastening means consist of cooperating hook-and-loop fasteners (3, 3') on the helmet padding and/or along the helmet edge, respectively, and on the upper surface (8) and/or along an upper flap on the collar (2), respectively.

7.

A device according to claim 4, characterised in that the fastening means consist of a bar or profiled strip (6) and corresponding male means (7) which engage with the bar or strip (6), or optionally that the fastening means consist of snap fasteners.

8.

A device according to one of claims 1 -7, characterised in that one or more hook-and- loop fasteners are arranged on the collar (2) and/or the helmet (1) for cooperation with co-operating hook-and-loop fastener(s) on a front piece or cover (4, 4', 4", 4'") made of an elastic, windproof and wateφroof material made with suitable ventilation properties.

9.

A device according to claim 8, characterised in that the front piece (4") is so shaped that it encircles the whole helmet (1) and the collar (2), and the front piece (4") is extended upwards so that it covers the helmet's (1) side close to a user's ear, and optionally also the hinge for a visor arranged on the helmet (1), wherein the front piece (4"), if so desired, can be turned up partly or wholly and used in any folded or non- folded state on the helmet (1).

10.

A device according to one of claims 1-9, characterised in that the hook-and-loop fasteners (3, 3', 3") are given an essentially flat, but rounded or curved shape so that they can be fastened in an optimal manner to the outer surface of the helmet (1) or to other areas where the hook-and-loop fastener rests against a similarly curved or shaped part.

11.

A device according to one of claims 1-10, characterised in that a bullet-proof material having suitable elasticity is arranged on or incoφorated into the collar (2) and/or the front piece or the cover (4, 4', 4", 4'").