WO2024201234A1

WO2024201234A1 - Protective helmet

Info

Publication number: WO2024201234A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/052755
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giovanni Mazzarolo; Roberto Parissenti; Stefano AGOSTINETTO
Original assignee: Alpinestars Research SpA
Current assignee: Alpinestars Research SpA
Priority date: 2023-03-28
Filing date: 2024-03-22
Publication date: 2024-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-28
Also published as: CN120322176A; KR20250165304A; IT202300005889A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective helmet (1) comprising an outer shell (2) and a visor (3), rotatably coupled at lateral sides (4) of the outer shell (2) so as to project above a front opening (6) of the outer shell (2). The protective helmet (1) further comprises an adjusting mechanism (10) provided at a front part (5) of the outer shell (2) for adjusting the visor (3) in different positions with respect to the front part (5) of the outer shell (2). The adjusting mechanism (10) comprises a locking device (12). According to the invention, the adjusting mechanism (10) comprises a bridging element (16) having a first portion (18), removably attached to the front part (5) of the outer shell (2), and a second portion (20), supporting the locking device (12). The locking device (12) is suitable for engaging a slot (14) of the visor (3) in different positions and for being fastened to the second portion (20) of the bridging element (16).

Description

“Protective helmet”

The present invention relates to a protective helmet. In particular, the present invention refers, even if in a non-exclusive way, to a protective helmet suitable for being used by motorcyclists, more specifically by motocross riders.

This kind of protective helmets generally comprises a shell, having a dome shaped structure and designed to protect the user’s head.

The shell is provided with an opening at the front.

Motocross helmets generally comprise a visor, positioned close to the front opening and projecting from the shell. The visor has the function to protect the user from flying debris during off-road riding and to reduce the sun glare.

The visor is coupled at side portions of the shell by means of mechanical fasteners such as snaps, straps or screws.

Moreover, the visor can also be coupled at the front portion of the shell, generally at the midline of the front portion, by means of further fasteners.

In this way it is possible to adjust the position of the visor with respect to the front opening of the shell, for example by raising or lowering the visor with respect to a horizontal plane.

An example of a fastening mechanism suitable for adjusting the position of the visor with respect to shell is disclosed in WO 2019/053183 in the name of the same applicant.

WO 2019/053183 discloses a visor which is provided with a fastener pin positioned along a midline of the inner surface of the visor. A receiving seat is arranged at a corresponding location of the outer shell.

The receiving seat is provided with a central slot designed to be engaged by the fastener pin. Advantageously, the central slot can be contoured so that it is divided, for example, into a top structure, a central structure and a bottom structure, each of which can be engaged by the fastener pin. In this way, the visor can be adjusted in different positions with respect to the outer shell. As a matter of fact, it is possible to raise or to lower the visor by varying the engagement position of the fastener pin inside the central slot.

Such a solution is particularly appreciated since it permits to easily adjust the position of the visor with respect to the rider’s eyes without affecting the coupling between the visor and the outer shell.

However, there is also the need that in case of an impact the visor is easily detached from the outer shell to avoid that the helmet by hitting the ground can undergo undesired and dangerous rotations which can lead to user’s injuries.

The solution disclosed in WO 2019/053183 for adjusting the position of the visor also permits an easily detachment of the visor from the shell, in case of an impact, but it is preferably used in combination with side fasteners comprising a receiving seat provided with a flexible holding portion.

As a matter of fact, if used in isolation, the solution disclosed in WO 2019/053183 for adjusting the position of the visor can hinder the detachment thereof from the shell in case of an impact.

The object of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet which solves at least partly the above mentioned drawbacks.

In particular, an aim of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet having a visor which can be easily adjusted with respect to the rider’s eyes, without affecting the reliability of the connection between the visor and the shell during normal use.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet having a visor which can be easily adjusted with respect to the rider’s eyes and, at the same time, it can be detached without difficulty from the shell in case of an impact, independently from the impact direction.

Moreover, another aim of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet having a visor which can be easily adjusted and detached from the shell and having a simple structure.

Lastly, an aim of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet having a visor which can be easily re-connected to the shell if, after being detached following a collision, no structural damage is present.

These and other objects and aims are achieved by a protective helmet according to claim 1.

The advantages and the characteristic features of the invention will appear more clearly from the following description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the protective helmet with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

- figure 1 shows a side view of a protective helmet according to the present invention;

- figures 2 and 3 are views similar to figure 1, but related to two different mutual positions between visor and shell of the protective helmet;

- figure 4 is a front view of the protective helmet of figure 1;

- figure 5 is a perspective view of the protective helmet of figure 1;

- figure 6 is a view similar to figure 5, wherein the visor of the protective helmet has been removed;

- figure 6A is a perspective view of a fastening element used in the protective helmet of figure 1 to couple the visor to the shell;

- figure 7 is a different perspective view of the protective helmet of figure 1;

- figure 8 is a partial exploded view of the protective helmet of figure 7;

- figure 8A is an enlarged view of the detail of figure 8 identified by the letter A;

- figure 9 is a perspective view of the visor of the protective helmet of figure 1;

- figure 10 is a rear view of the visor of figure 9;

- figure 11 is a perspective view of a first component of the adjusting mechanism designed for adjusting the position of the visor with respect to the outer shell in the protective helmet according to the invention;

- figure 12 is a rear view of the component of figure 11;

- figure 13 is a side view of the component of figure 11;

- figure 14 is a perspective view of a second component of the adjusting mechanism designed for adjusting the position of the visor with respect to the outer shell in the protective helmet according to the invention;

- figure 15 is a side view of the component of figure 14;

- figure 16 is a rear view of the component of figure 14;

- figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII of figure 4;

- figure 17A is an enlarged view of the detail of figure 17 identified by the letter B;

- figures 18 and 19 are views similar to figure 17, but related respectively to different positions of the visor with respect to the shell of the protective helmet.

In the following description of the protective helmet of the invention, as “inner” there will be indicated the part of the protective helmet and its individual components relatively closer to the user’s head and as “outer” the part of the protective helmet and its individual components relatively farther.

Similarly, as “front” there will be indicated the part of the protective helmet and its individual components relatively closer to the user’s face and as “rear” there will be indicated the part of the protective helmet and its individual component relatively closer to the occipital bone of the user.

With reference to the enclosed figures, an example of a protective helmet according to the invention is indicated as a whole by the reference 1. The protective helmet 1 is suitable for being used by motorcyclists, in particular by motocross riders. Nevertheless, as it will appear more clearly from the following description, the protective helmet 1 can also be advantageously used by cyclists, skiers or in any other field where an effective protection of the user’s head must be obtained.

As shown in the enclosed figures, the protective helmet 1 comprises an outer shell 2 and a visor 3. The visor 3 is rotatably coupled at lateral sides 4 of the outer shell 2 so as to project above a front opening 6 of the outer shell 2. The front opening 6 is also called “eye port” and it allows the user to see in front of him.

The protective helmet 1 further comprises an adjusting mechanism 10 provided at a front part 5 of the outer shell 2. Said adjusting mechanism 10 is suitable for adjusting the visor 3 in different positions with respect to the front part 5 of the outer shell 2 (see figures 1-3).

In particular, said adjusting mechanism 10 comprises a locking device 12.

According to the invention, see for example figures 7 and 8, the adjusting mechanism 10 comprises a bridging element 16 having a first portion 18, removably attached to the front part 5 of the outer shell 2, and a second portion 20, supporting the locking device 12. In particular, the locking device 12 is suitable for engaging a slot 14 of the visor 3 in different positions and for being fastened, preferably removably fastened, to the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16. In particular, the locking device 12 can be fastened to the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16 after having engaged the slot 14. Advantageously the slot 14 is facing to the second portion of the bridging element 16.

As it will appear clear from the following description, the provision of the bridging element 16 permits to easily adjust the position of the visor 3 with respect to front part 5 of the outer shell 2, and in particular with respect to the front opening 6. As a matter of fact, the bridging element 16 does not interfere with the engagement of the locking device 12 with the slot 14 in different positions, assuring at the same time a reliable positioning of the visor 3 with respect to the front part 5 of the outer shell 2. Additionally, in case of an impact, the provision of the bridging element 16 assures a quick release of the visor 3 from the outer shell 2, so as to avoid that the visor 3 may cause undesired rotation of the head of the user during an accident.

In the following the various components of the protective helmet 1 will be disclosed in detail.

With reference to the enclosed figures, the outer shell 2 of the protective helmet 1 is dome shaped so as to fit over the user’s head. As it is well known in the art, the protective helmet 1 in addition to the outer shell 2, made preferably of a composite or thermoplastic material, also comprises a comfort liner, designed to be in contact with the user’s head when the protective helmet 1 is worn by the user, and an impact absorbing liner 7, interposed between the outer shell 2 and the comfort liner.

The comfort liner and the impact absorbing liner 7 are positioned inside the outer shell 2. For clarity, the comfort liner has been removed in the enclosed figures. In the enclosed figures, a protective helmet 1 provided with a chin guard 22 is shown. However, the teachings of the present invention can also be advantageously applied to the so-called “open-face helmets”.

Advantageously, the visor 3 can be removably coupled to the outer shell 2 by means of two fastening mechanisms 24 positioned at facing side surfaces of the outer shell 2 and the visor 3.

Preferably, the visor 3 is coupled at the lateral sides 4 of the outer shell 2 by means of the side fastening mechanisms disclosed in WO2019/053183 in the name of the same applicant.

Advantageously, each one of these fastening mechanisms 24 comprises a protrusion (not visible in the enclosed figures), positioned at the inner side ends of the visor 3, and a receiving seat 26 positioned at corresponding locations of the lateral sides 4 of the outer shell 2 (see figures 6 and 8).

Preferably, the receiving seat 26 is provided with a flexible holding portion 28.

Advantageously, the receiving seat 26 and the protrusion have a complementary circular shape. The flexible holding portion 28 is preferably provided with a plurality of flexible arms 30.

In the preferred embodiment, the flexible holding portion 28 is made with elastic polymeric material, like for example TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPEE (thermoplastic polyester elastomer) or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).

With reference now to figures 7-19, as it has anticipated, the protective helmet 1 comprises an adjusting mechanism 10 suitable for adjusting the visor 3 in different positions with respect to the front part 5 of the outer shell 2.

As shown in the enclosed figures, the adjusting mechanism 10 is also effective in providing a further fastening point between the visor 3 and the outer shell 2.

As a matter of fact, as clearly visible in figures 7-19, the bridging element 16 is able to indirectly connect an inner surface of the visor 3 with the front part 5 of the outer shell 2.

As shown in the enclosed figures, in a preferred embodiment, the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16 supports the locking device 12 and the slot 14 is arranged in a central attachment portion 32 of the visor 3.

The central attachment portion 32 of the visor 3 is arranged to extend from an inner surface of the visor 3 towards the front part 5 of the outer shell 2 (see figures 9-10). Advantageously, the central attachment portion 32 is arranged along a midline of the visor 3.

Preferably, the central attachment portion 32 is formed by a central appendix 32A which can be delimited at the sides by two side edges 32B. Preferably, the slot 14 is arranged at the central appendix 32A.

Advantageously, the volume delimited by the central appendix 32A and the side edges 32B can be closed by means of a cover (not shown in the enclosed figures) abutting against the side edges 32B. The function of the cover is to hide from view the locking device 12 and the slot 14 during use of the protective helmet 1.

As anticipated, the locking device 12 is designed to engage the slot 14 in different positions and to be fastened, preferably in a removable manner, to the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16.

The slot 14 can have an elongated shape and it preferably extends along a longitudinal axis L of the visor 3. Advantageously, the longitudinal axis L is arranged along the midline of the visor 3.

In particular, the slot 14 can extend along the central attachment portion 32 of the visor 3. Preferably, the slot 14 extends along a central portion of the central appendix 32A.

The longitudinal axis L of the visor 3, once the visor 3 is coupled to the outer shell 2, preferably extends along a front midline of the outer shell 2 (see figure 7). The longitudinal axis L of the visor corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the central attachment portion 32.

The locking device 12 can consist of a pin provided with an enlarged head 34 from which a shank 36 protrudes (see for example figures 14-16).

The shank 36 is designed to engage the slot 14 in different positions and to be removably fixed inside a corresponding seat 38 provided in the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16. Advantageously, the shank 36 includes a threaded portion suitable for being fastened inside a corresponding threaded portion of the seat 38.

The shank 36 has preferably a width equal or slightly lower than the slot 14, while the enlarged head 34 has a width larger than the slot 14. In this way, once the locking device 12 is fastened to the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16, after having engaged the slot 14, the central attachment portion 32 of the visor 3 is sandwiched between the bridging element 16 and the locking device 12, in particular between the bridging element 16 and the head of the locking device 12.

In this way, the locking device 12 can be blocked in different positions inside the slot 14.

As shown in the enclosed figures, the central attachment portion 32 is designed to abut, once the locking device 12 is fastened to the bridging element 16, against the bridging element 16. Preferably, the central attachment portion 32, in particular the central appendix 32A, is designed to abut against the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16.

Preferably, the central attachment portion 32 has a slightly curved profile designed to match with the profile of the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16.

In this way, as it will be explained in detail in the following, during the operation of the visor 3, the central attachment portion 32 is able to slide over the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16.

The bridging element 16 in turn has a main body 40 shaped so as to match the outer profile of the front part 5 of the outer shell 2.

Once the first portion 18 is attached to the front part 5 of the outer shell 2, a portion of the main body 40 can advantageously abuts against the outer shell 2 so as to guarantee a firm connection of the visor 3 to the outer shell 2.

Preferably, the bridging element 16 is made of a rigid polymeric material.

As shown in particular in figures 8-8A and 17-17A-18, the first portion 18 of the bridging element 16 is designed to be housed in a receiving seat 42 arranged at the front part 5 of the outer shell 2.

Preferably, the first portion 18 consists in a protrusion extending on the opposite side of the bridging element 16 with respect to the side on which the head 34 of the locking device 12 is designed to be arranged.

Advantageously, the first portion 18 can be provided with radial fins 19 (see figures 11-13.

The receiving seat 42 in turn can be inserted inside a recessed area 43 of the front part 5 of the outer shell 2. Preferably, the receiving seat 42 is positioned flush with the front part 5 of the outer shell 2.

Advantageously, as shown in figure 6A, the receiving seat 42 can be provided with a flexible holding portion 44. Such a flexible holding portion 44 can comprise a plurality of flexible arms 45 designed to encircle and to block a perimetral edge of the first portion 18, said plurality of flexible arms 45 forming a holding ring for the first portion 18.

As shown in the enclosed figure, the first portion 18 and the receiving seat 42 have a complementary circular shape. However, different shapes of both elements are possible in order to meet specific needs. Obviously, it is only needed that the first portion 18 and the receiving seat 42 have a complementary shape so as to assure a firm connection between the front part 5 of the outer shell 2 and the bridging element 16.

Advantageously, the receiving seat 42 can be made of an elastic polymeric material. Preferably, the receiving seat 42 can be made of thermoplastic polymeric material, like for example TPE, TPEE or TPU.

In this way the flexible holding portion 44 of the receiving seat 42 undergoes a temporary deformation when the first portion 18 is inserted therein.

Said deformation is self-reversing when the first portion 18 is extracted from the receiving seat 42 or inserted therein again.

Due to the specific shape of first portion 18 and receiving seat 42, in particular thanks to the provision of the flexible holding portion 44 encircling the first portion 18, the detachment between the first portion 18 and the receiving seat 42 can take place in presence of an impact force coming from any direction.

In particular, the release of the bridging element 16 from the outer shell 2 can be caused by a force acting along any direction.

At the same time, as shown in figure 8, the direction T2 of insertion of the first portion 18 of the bridging element 16 inside the receiving seat 42 is preferably arranged not to be parallel to the direction T1 of insertion of the locking device 12 inside the seat 38 arranged in the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16.

In this way, any force acting on the locking device 12 does not affect the fastening between the first portion 18 and the receiving seat 42.

In particular, any force acting on the locking device 12 will be advantageously transmitted to the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16 without affecting the first portion 18.

The various technical features of the adjusting mechanism 10 disclosed above can be used in isolation or in combination in order to meet specific needs.

Now, the operation of the adjusting mechanism 10 will be described by referring to figures 1-3 and 8-19.

In particular, it will be described how it is possible to adjust the position of the visor 3 with respect to the front opening 6 of the shell 2 by means of the adjusting mechanism 10.

Firstly, with the visor 3 still detached from the outer shell 2, the bridging element 16 is fastened to the outer shell 2 by inserting the first portion 18 inside the receiving seat 42 so as to block it therein. As before explained, the bridging element 16 is designed to extend along the midline of the front part 5 of the outer shell 2.

In a second step, the visor 3 is coupled to the outer shell 2 by means of the fastening mechanisms 24 provided at the lateral sides 4 of the outer shell 2.

In case the fastening mechanisms disclosed in WO2019/053183 are used, the protrusions provided at the inner sides of the visor 3 are inserted inside the corresponding receiving seats 26 provided at the lateral sides 4 of the outer shell 2.

In this way, the visor 3 is fastened at the side portions of the outer shell 2 and the central attachment portion 32 is able to abut against the bridging element 16. Due to the mutual positioning between the bridging element 16 and the slot 14, the seat 38 is reachable through the slot 14 provided at the central attachment portion 32.

Thanks to the possibility for the visor 3 to rotate around the side fastening mechanisms 24 the user is able to adjust the visor 3 in the position he prefers. During such adjustments the central attachment portion 32 is able to slide over the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16.

Once the user has found an appropriate position for the visor, it is possible to block the visor in such a position by inserting the locking device 12 inside the slot 14 and by blocking the shank 36 inside the corresponding seat 38.

In this way, the enlarged head 34 can abut against the central attachment portion 32 and the locking device 12 is no longer able to slide inside the slot 14.

In case the user does not feel comfortable with the position he choose, by releasing the locking device 12, it is possible to lower the visor (see for example figure 2, wherein the downward movement of the visor is indicated by the arrow D) or to raise the visor (see for example figure 3, wherein the upward movement of the visor is indicated by the arrow U).

During such movements, which are advantageously possible thanks to the rotation of the visor 3 around the side fastening mechanisms 24, the locking device 12 can slide inside the slot 14 so as to vary its position and, at the same time, the central attachment portion 32 can slide over the second portion 20 of the bridging element 16.

Once the user has found a comfortable position for the visor 3, it is only needed to block the locking device 12 inside the seat 38, for example by screwing the threaded portion of the shank 36 inside the corresponding threaded portion of the seat 38.

Advantageously, the possibility to adjust the visor does not affect the firmness of the fastening of the visor to the outer shell 2. As a matter of fact, the fastening of the visor 3 to the outer shell 2 is guaranteed not only by the side fastening mechanism 24, but also by the engagement of the first portion 18 of the bridging element 16 inside the corresponding receiving seat 42.

At the same time, as before explained, the mutual arrangement between the first portion 18 and the receiving seat 42 permits in case of an impact the detachment of the first portion 18, and thus of the bridging element 16. This detachment, preferably in combination with the fastening mechanism 24 arranged at the sides of the visor 3, allows the release of the complete visor 3.

At this point it is clear how the predefined objects may be achieved with the protective helmet 1 according to the invention.

As a matter of fact, the adjusting mechanism 10 permits to easily adjust the position of the visor with respect to the rider’s eyes, without affecting the reliability of the connection between the visor and the shell which is assured by the bridging element 16.

Moreover, in case of an impact, the bridging element 16 can be detached without difficulty, independently from the impact direction. The mutual arrangement between the first portion 18 of the bridging element 16 and the receiving seat 42 and the fact that the holding portion is flexible permits in fact an easy detachment of the bridging element 16 from the shell.

Furthermore, the addition of the adjusting mechanism does not make the structure of the protective helmet complex and it does not affect the aesthetics of the latter.

Lastly, in case of an impact, if no structural damage is present in the visor and/ or in the adjusting mechanism, the visor can be easily reconnected to the shell.

With regard to the embodiments of the protective helmet 1 described above, the person skilled in the art may, in order to satisfy specific requirements, make modifications to and/ or replace elements described with equivalent elements, without thereby departing from the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A protective helmet (1) comprising an outer shell (2) and a visor (3), rotatably coupled at lateral sides (4) of the outer shell (2) so as to project above a front opening (6) of the outer shell (2), the protective helmet (1) further comprising an adjusting mechanism (10) provided at a front part (5) of the outer shell (2) for adjusting the visor (3) in different positions with respect to the front part (5) of the outer shell (2), said adjusting mechanism (10) comprising a locking device (12); characterized in that the adjusting mechanism (10) comprises a bridging element (16) having a first portion (18), removably attached to the front part (5) of the outer shell (2), and a second portion (20), supporting the locking device (12); the locking device (12) being suitable for engaging a slot (14) of the visor (3) in different positions and for being fastened to the second portion (20) of the bridging element (16).

2. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the slot (14) is arranged in a central attachment portion (32) of the visor (3).

3. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said central attachment portion (32) is arranged to extend from an inner surface of the visor (3) towards the front part (5) of the outer shell (2) .

4. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slot (14) has an elongated shape extending along a longitudinal axis (L) of the visor (3).

5. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (12) consists of a pin provided with an enlarged head (34) from which a shank (36) protrudes; the shank (36) being designed to engage the slot (14) in different positions and to be removably fixed inside a corresponding seat (38) provided in the second portion (20) of the bridging element (16).

6. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bridging element (16) has a main body (40) shaped so as to match the outer profile of the front part (5) of the outer shell (2) .

7. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that with the first portion (18) attached to the front part (5) of the outer shell (2), a portion of the main body (40) of the bridging element (16) abuts against the outer shell (2).

8. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (18) of the bridging element (16) consists of a protrusion extending on the opposite side of the bridging element (16) with respect to the side on which a head (34) of the locking device (12) is designed to be arranged.

9. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (18) of the bridging element (16) is designed to be housed in a receiving seat (42) arranged at the front part (5) of the outer shell (2).

10. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving seat (42) is provided with a flexible holding portion (44); said flexible holding portion (44) comprising a plurality of flexible arms (45) designed to encircle and to block a perimetral edge of the first portion (18).

11. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of flexible arms (45) forms a holding ring for the first portion (18).

12. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (18) and the receiving seat (42) have a complementary circular shape.

13. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving seat (42) is made of an elastic polymeric material.

14. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, once the visor (3) is coupled to the outer shell (2), the longitudinal axis (L) of the visor (3) extends along a front midline of the outer shell (2).

15. Protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that once the locking device (12) is fastened to the second portion (20) of the bridging element (16), after having engaged the slot (14) of the visor (3), a central attachment portion (32) of the visor (3) is sandwiched between the bridging element (16) and the locking device (12).