U.S. patent application number 10/587337 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for semi-rigid protective helmet.
Invention is credited to Pascal Joubert Des Ouches.
Application Number | 20070157370 10/587337 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34717465 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070157370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Joubert Des Ouches; Pascal |
July 12, 2007 |
Semi-rigid protective helmet
Abstract
The protective helmet (1) comprises a deformable foam liner (7),
a plurality of shell segments (9), and joining means made of
flexible material performing joining between the shell segments
(9). The shell segments (9) are arranged on the foam liner (7) so
as to form at least one crown segment (9a), at least one occipital
segment and a plurality of transverse side segments (9c). The shell
segments (9) and the joining means made of flexible material are
joined to the foam liner (7) in such a way as to allow a slight
sliding between the foam liner (7) and at least a part of the shell
segments (9). The helmet (1) preferably comprises a headband
adjustment means (14) designed to adjust the size of the helmet (1)
and to optimize user comfort.
Inventors: |
Joubert Des Ouches; Pascal;
(Coublevie, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 19928
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320
US
|
Family ID: |
34717465 |
Appl. No.: |
10/587337 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
January 18, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR05/00111 |
371 Date: |
July 26, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/064 20130101;
A42B 3/06 20130101; A42B 3/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/410 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/06 20060101
A42B001/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 28, 2004 |
FR |
0400797 |
Claims
1. Protective helmet comprising a deformable internal foam liner, a
plurality of rigid external shell segments arranged on the foam
liner so as to form at least one crown segment, at least one
occipital segment and a plurality of transverse side segments, and
joining means made of flexible material performing joining between
the shell segments, helmet wherein the shell segments and the
joining means made of flexible material are joined to the foam
liner in such a way as to enable a slight sliding between the foam
liner and at least a part of the shell segments.
2. Helmet according to claim 1, comprising at least one front
segment.
3. Helmet according to claim 1, comprising at least four transverse
side segments.
4. Helmet according to claim 1, comprising a headband adjustment
means fixedly secured at least to the occipital segment.
5. Helmet according to claim 4, wherein the adjustment means
comprise a lace joining the shell segments to one another and
cooperating with a knurled knob actuating tightening and loosening
of the helmet.
6. Helmet according to claim 4, wherein the adjustment means
comprise a tab equipped with plurality of teeth forming a rack and
designed to cooperate with a pinion fixedly secured to the
occipital segment.
7. Helmet according to claim 1, comprising a textile surface
covering the shell segments.
8. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the joining means made of
flexible material are formed by a cap completely covering the foam
liner.
9. Helmet according to claim 8, wherein the cap comprises
compartments inside which the shell segments are housed.
10. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the joining means made of
flexible material are formed by strips joining the shell segments
to one another.
11. Helmet according to claim 10, wherein the strips are made of
elastomer.
12. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the flexible joining
material is made from an anti-perforation fabric improving
airing.
13. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the foam liner comprises a
plurality of cut-outs offset with respect to the separating gaps
between the shell segments.
14. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the foam liner comprises a
plurality of thinned zones offset with respect to the separating
gaps between the shell segments.
15. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the foam liner comprises a
plurality of superposed sheets forming a multi-layer structure.
16. Helmet according to claim 1, wherein the foam liner is made of
polymer foam of the expanded polypropylene type presenting good
compression shock-absorbing and flexion elasticity
characteristics.
17. Helmet according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of
additional shell segments joined to the foam liner and arranged
facing the separating gaps between the shell segments.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a protective helmet comprising a
deformable internal foam liner, a plurality of rigid external shell
segments in the form of scales arranged on the foam liner so as to
form at least one crown segment, at least one occipital segment and
a plurality of transverse side segments, and joining means made of
flexible material performing joining between the segments.
STATE OF THE ART
[0002] Numerous sports or leisure activities require the use of a
protective helmet. Generally, the helmet is relatively heavy,
bulky, with a monoblock external shell to guarantee protection and
safety to the detriment of the aesthetic appearance and of the
comfort sought for by the user.
[0003] For this purpose, the document WO-A1-9806285 describes a
protective helmet that can be adjusted to the morphology of the
user's head to guarantee both protection, safety and comfort. In
FIGS. 1 and 2, the helmet 1 comprises an internal layer 3 formed by
a shock-absorbing element 2 and a plurality of structures 3a to 3g
fixed onto the shock-absorbing element 2 and separated into several
regular parts. The helmet 1 also comprises an external layer 4
formed by a plurality of longitudinal panels 4a to 4g of
substantially identical shape and spaced apart longitudinally so to
fit between the structures 3a to 3g. The panels 4a to 4g are all
joined by their top edge to a top crown 5. The structures 3a to 3g
are joined to the panels 4a to 4g by means of flexible joining
means 6, made of flexible elastic material (FIG. 2). These flexible
means 6 enable the structures 3a to 3g to be moved apart from one
another and to vary the size of the helmet 1 when the helmet 1 is
fitted on the user's head. This configuration of the helmet 1 thus
enables the user to adjust the size of the helmet 1 to the
morphology of his/her head.
[0004] Protection and safety are ensured by the structures 3a to 3g
and the panels 4a to 4g, made of relatively rigid materials.
Adjustment to the morphology of the user's head is achieved by the
flexible joining means 6, formed by pieces of flexible elastic
textile joining the structures 3a to 3g to the panels 4a to 4g.
[0005] Deformation of the helmet 1 is however not optimum. The
panels 4a to 4g are in fact all longitudinal (FIG. 1). Deformation
thereof is therefore regular over the whole circumference of the
helmet 1. This deformation is stressed by the flexible joining
means 6, which generate a flexible return phenomenon of the panels
4a to 4g on the structures 3a to 3g. The flexible joining means 6
urge the panels 4a to 4g to their rest position and cause a
compression effect at the level of the head. The user is then
liable to suffer from headaches after prolonged use of the helmet
1. Adjustment to the morphology of the head is therefore not
optimum. Comfort also remains problematic as the shock-absorbing
element 2 is joined to the panels 4a to 4g by means of the
structures 3a to 3g. The relative deformations of the panels 4a to
4g and of the structures 3a to 3g are therefore dependent.
[0006] The structure of this helmet 1 generates, in addition,
problems of space occupation, in particular in storage mode, as the
panels 4a to 4g, joined to the top crown 5, are rigid and can
hardly be folded.
[0007] Moreover, the documents DE 199 36 368 and U.S. Pat. No.
3,208,080 each describe a protective helmet having a large number
of small shell segments arranged over the whole external layer of
the helmet. Furthermore, in the document DE 199 36 368, the helmet
comprises a system of cords inserted in its internal layer to
adjust the size of the helmet according to the size of the user's
head.
[0008] However, the structures of these helmets prove relatively
uncomfortable, and the adjustment system described by the document
DE 199 36 368 is not efficient and is too complex to implement.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The object of the invention is to remedy these shortcomings
and to provide a protective helmet able to be adjusted to different
head morphologies, and enabling the comfort and protection of a
user to be optimized.
[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a
helmet according to the appended claims and, more particularly, by
the fact that the shell segments and the flexible joining means are
joined to the foam liner, in such a way as to enable a slight
sliding between the foam liner and at least a part of the shell
segments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Other advantages and features will become more clearly
apparent from the following description of particular embodiments
of the invention given as non-restrictive examples only and
represented in the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 represents a protective helmet according to the prior
art.
[0013] FIG. 2 represents a cross-sectional view of the helmet
according to FIG. 1.
[0014] FIGS. 3 and 4 represent two perspective views of an
embodiment of a protective helmet according to the invention.
[0015] FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically represent two exploded
perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a protective
helmet according to the invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 represents a perspective view of the helmet without
the cap according to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0017] FIG. 8 represents a perspective view of the foam liner of
the helmet according to FIGS. 3, 4 and 7.
[0018] FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically represent two embodiments of a
headband adjustment means of two alternative embodiments of a
protective helmet according to the invention.
[0019] FIG. 11 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of a
part of the structure of the helmet according to FIGS. 3, 4 and 7
to 10.
[0020] FIG. 12 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of a
part of the structure of an alternative embodiment of a helmet
according to the invention.
[0021] FIG. 13 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of a
part of the structure of an alternative embodiment of a protective
helmet according to the invention.
[0022] FIG. 14 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of a
part of a cap of an alternative embodiment of a helmet according to
the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 15 to 18 schematically represent a part of the
structure of several alternative embodiments of a protective helmet
according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS
[0024] In FIGS. 3 and 4, a helmet 1 comprises an internal layer
formed by a deformable foam liner 7, flexible joining means formed,
for example, by a cap 8, and an external layer formed by a
plurality of rigid shell segments 9. The shell segments 9 are
fixedly secured to the cap 8 and are articulated with respect to
one another by means of the cap 8. The cap 8, preferably made of
flexible material of textile or elastomer nature, covers the foam
liner 7 and ensures articulation between the shell segments 9. The
shell segments 9 are fixed and arranged on the cap 8 in such a way
as to form a crown segment 9a, an occipital segment 9b, four
transverse side segments 9c, and a front segment 9d. In the
particular embodiment of the helmet 1 represented in FIG. 3, the
different shell segments 9 are not joined and are separated from
one another by gaps 10. These separating gaps 10 enable a very
flexible articulation of the shell segments 9, when the helmet 1 is
fitted on the user's head.
[0025] The cap 8 is joined to the foam liner 7 in such a way as to
allow a slight sliding between the foam liner 7 and a part of the
shell segments 9, when the helmet 1 is shaped on a user's head. The
join between the foam liner 7 and the cap 8 is achieved, for
example, by a seam of the cap 8, which envelopes the foam liner 7
along the whole of the edge of the helmet 1. This configuration
thus allows a slight sliding between the foam liner 7 and the cap
8, which bears and articulates the shell segments 9. The
flexibility of the whole of the helmet 1 is preserved, and this
slight sliding enables easy deformation of the helmet 1, when the
helmet 1 is fitted on the user's head.
[0026] An alternative embodiment consists in achieving the join
between the foam liner 7 and the cap 8 by sticking the foam liner 7
and cap 8 under the crown segment 9a. The crown segment 9a is then
fixed onto the foam liner 7, whereas the front segment 9d, the
occipital segment 9b and the transverse side segments 9c form "the
headband" of the helmet 1 and are designed to perform the slight
sliding with respect to the foam liner 7, when the helmet 1 is
fitted on the user's head.
[0027] The shell segments 9 are rigid and preferably made of
shock-resistant material. The material chosen must preferably be
sufficiently rigid to distribute the impact of the shocks over the
whole of the foam liner 7. The material is chosen for example from
a polycarbonate (PC), a copolymer formed from acrylonitrile,
butadiene and styrene (noted ABS), a long fibres thermoplastic or
thermosetting matrix composite, or even aluminium. The thickness of
the shell segments 9 is preferably about 1 mm to 3 mm.
[0028] The shell segments 9 are manufactured by methods known in
industry, in particular by injection, thermoforming, compression or
drawing. For example, it is possible to inject the crown segment 9a
directly on the cap 8 and to stick or weld the other segments 9
onto the cap 8. It is also possible to weld, stitch or even stick
all the shell segments 9, or a part of the shell segments 9, in the
same way.
[0029] In the alternative embodiment represented in FIGS. 5 and 6,
the protective helmet 1 differs from the previous embodiment by the
shape of the shell segments 9. These shell segments can comprise
edges 19, with a thickness smaller than or equal to that of the
shell segments 9, designed to block off the separating gaps 10
between the shell segments 9 to prevent any penetration of a sharp
object and to enhance the user's safety. For example, the edges 19
are superposed above or below the adjacent shell segments 9 with
which they cooperate, so as to optimize the user's safety. In FIGS.
5 and 6, the transverse side segments 9c comprise edges 19c
designed to cooperate with the crown segment 9a and the occipital
segment 9b, the front segment 9d comprises an edge 19d designed to
cooperate with the crown segment 9a and a part of the transverse
side segments 9c, and the occipital segment 9b comprises an edge
19b designed to cooperate with the crown segment 9a.
[0030] In another alternative embodiment, not represented, the
shell segments 9 are thermoformed in a single plate so as to form a
single shell covering the foam liner 7 completely, with zones of
large thickness constituting the shell segments 9 and zones of
small thickness constituting small material bridging parts joining
the shell segments 9. The thinner zones form hinges for
articulation of the shell segments 9 and enable the different
safety criteria to be complied with, in particular concerning the
cone penetration test imposed notably by the standard EN1077.
[0031] In the particular embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, the cap 8 is
made of textile or elastomer. It is preferably perforated to
enhance airing. The cap 8 is preferably made from an
anti-perforation textile improving airing, of the high tenacity
polyester type.
[0032] In the particular case of a flexible and elastic cap 8, the
elasticity must be limited to avoid the shell segments 9 being
spaced too far apart and the shell segments 9 and cap 8 possibly
coming loose from one another. This feature is important, in
particular in the case of a helmet subjected to an impact from a
sharp object, to protect the user in compliance with the standard
EN1077 for skiing helmets.
[0033] As represented in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, 8, the helmet 1
advantageously comprises attachment straps 12 securedly fixed to
the cap 8. The helmet 1 comprises a chinstrap 12a and a harnessing
strap 12b. In FIG. 6, the harnessing strap 12b surrounds the foam
liner 7 via the top and rear, to ensure a good safety and a good
resistance against loosening. The chinstrap 12a and harnessing
strap 12b are for example stitched or riveted onto the cap 8.
[0034] The foam liner 7 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 is made of a
semi-rigid alveolate material, absorbing the energy of compression
shocks, and deformable in flexion by its material and its geometry
so as to fit the shape of the user's head to the maximum when the
helmet 1 is put on. The helmet 1 thus behaves as a genuine
deformable protective shell.
[0035] The foam liner 7 is manufactured for example by flat cutting
from a sheet of polymer foam, for example expanded polypropylene.
The foam is calibrated in thickness, about 15 mm to 30 mm, and in
density, about 60 g/l to 100 g/l.
[0036] The shock-absorbing properties of this type of foam present
a memory effect enabling it to return to its initial shape after a
shock. The foam liner 7 returns to its initial shape after an
impact on the helmet 1.
[0037] The foam liner 7 advantageously comprises a plurality of
cut-outs 11 over the thickness of the wall of the foam liner 7. The
cut-outs 11 are preferably offset with respect to the gaps 10
separating the shell segments 9, notably for safety reasons and to
prevent any penetration of sharp objects. The main function of the
cut-outs 11 is to foster deformation of the foam liner 7 when the
helmet 1 is fitted on the user's head. They also enable a good
circulation of the air collected by air vents 15 provided in the
crown segment 9a (FIGS. 3 and 7). The vents 15 are in fact
preferably located facing the cut-outs 11 of the foam liner 7 (FIG.
7).
[0038] As represented in FIGS. 4, 7, 9 and 10, the helmet 1
advantageously comprises a headband adjustment means 14, designed
to adjust the size of the helmet 1 and to better distribute the
tightness at the level of the user's headband, to optimize his/her
comfort. The adjustment means 14 is preferably inserted in the
occipital segment 9b and enables all the shell segments 9
constituting the headband of the helmet 1, i.e. the occipital
segment 9b, the front segment 9d and a part of the transverse side
segments 9c, to be moved towards one another. For example, as
represented in FIGS. 4 and 7, the adjustment means 14 is formed by
a quick attachment strip, or a self-gripping strip, joining the
occipital segment 9b and two transverse side segments 9c.
[0039] In the alternative embodiment of the adjustment means 14
represented in FIG. 9, adjustment is performed by means of a
multidirectional lacing system. The adjustment means 14 comprises a
lace 20 wound around a knurled knob 21 preferably fixed on the
occipital segment 9b. The lace 20 links the shell segments 9
forming the headband of the helmet 1 to one another, passing via
tightening points 22, preferably arranged on the edges of the shell
segments 9. Operation of the adjustment means 14 consists in
actuating the knurled knob 21, for example in the clockwise
direction to tighten the helmet 1, and in the counterclockwise
direction to loosen the helmet 1. This type of tightening enables
the headband and the depth of the helmet 1 to be adjusted
simultaneously.
[0040] In another alternative embodiment represented in FIG. 10,
adjustment is performed by means of a rack and pinion system. The
adjustment means 14 comprises a tab 23, equipped with a plurality
of teeth 24 forming a rack, designed to cooperate with a pinion 25
preferably fixed on the occipital segment 9b. The tab 23 is formed,
for example, in the extension of a side segment 9c and is inserted
in the pinion 25 of the occipital segment 9b to move the segments 9
forming the headband of the helmet 1 towards one another. Operation
of the adjustment means 14 consists in making the teeth 24 slide
into the pinion 25 to tighten the helmet 1, and in pressing on two
buttons 26 of the pinion 25 to release the tab 23 and loosen the
helmet 1.
[0041] In FIG. 11, the arrangement of the three layers, i.e. the
foam liner 7, cap 8 and shell segments 9, is represented. The cap 8
covers the foam liner 7 completely, and the cut-outs 11 of the foam
liner 7 are offset with respect to the gaps 10 separating the shell
segments 9. The cap 8 represents the flexible link ensuring
articulation between the shell segments 9. This configuration
therefore fosters the sliding sought for between the foam liner 7
and shell segments 9 to obtain optimum deformation of the helmet 1.
The slight clearance between the foam liner 7 and cap 8,
represented in exaggerated manner in FIG. 7, illustrates this
possibility of sliding between the foam liner 7 and shell segments
9.
[0042] The alternative embodiment according to FIG. 12 differs from
the previous embodiment by the shape of the foam liner 7. The foam
liner 7 comprises thinned zones 16 in the thickness of the wall of
the foam liner 7, so as to foster deformation of the foam liner 7.
The thinned zones 16 are preferably offset with respect to the gaps
10 between the shell segments 9. This configuration of the foam
liner 7 with the thinned zones 16 enables any risk of a sharp
object penetrating through the helmet 1 to be prevented,
substantially improving the user's safety.
[0043] An alternative embodiment represented in FIG. 13 consists in
providing a foam liner 7 presenting a multi-layer structure. The
foam liner 7 is formed by a superposition of sheets 27, presenting
good compression absorption and flexion elasticity characteristics,
to ensure a greater deformation aptitude of the whole of the foam
liner 7, for the comfort and safety of the user. The sheets 27,
preferably made of foam, can be of different nature, so as to
achieve a progressive variation of the density of the foam liner 7,
to foster comfort and shock absorption.
[0044] An alternative embodiment of the helmet 1, represented
schematically in FIG. 14, differs from the previous embodiments by
the shape of the cap 8. Compartments 13, in which the shell
segments 9 are housed, are in this case formed on the cap 8. The
shell segments 9 are free inside the compartments 13, securedly
fixed to the cap 8. The compartments 13 are manufactured, on their
internal face, with an identical material to that of the cap 8 and,
on their external face, with a much more decorative material. The
helmet 1 allows a slight sliding between the shell segments 9 and
the cap 8. Deformation of the helmet 1 is therefore optimum with a
slight sliding both between the foam liner 7 and shell segments 9,
and between the cap 8 and shell segments 9.
[0045] For example, this alternative embodiment enables different
fabrics to be chosen for the compartments 13 covering the shell
segments 9 and enables, for example, shell segments 9 presenting a
rough finished state to be used. The advantage of such a solution
compared with welding or sticking also lies in the use of the
possibly elastic properties of the textile over the whole surface
of the cap 8.
[0046] In FIG. 15, the alternative embodiment of the helmet 1
differs from the previous embodiments by the flexible joining means
articulating the shell segments 9. The foam liner 7 is fixedly
secured to the crown segment 9a and comprises the cut-outs 11
offset with respect to the separating gaps 10 between the shell
segments 9. The crown segment 9a and the transverse side segments
9c are articulated with respect to one another by means of strips
17, for example made of flexible material. The strips 17 are made
for example from the same fabric as that used for the cap 8 in the
previous embodiments.
[0047] According to an alternative embodiment represented in FIG.
16, the strips 17 can be made of elastomer. The shell segments 9
are not joined and the separating gaps 10 between the shell
segments 9 are filled by the elastomer forming the strips 17, which
prevents any penetration of an object and enhances user safety.
[0048] In FIG. 17, the shell segments 9 can have a slight overlap
to guarantee the anti-perforation feature of the helmet 1 and,
particularly, to meet the requirements of the standard EN 1077. In
this particular embodiment, the shell segments 9 are articulated by
strips 17 of flexible material or of elastomer, and overlapping of
the shell segments 9 does not impair the slight sliding between the
foam liner 7 and the shell segments 9, when the helmet 1 is fitted
on the user's head.
[0049] Likewise, in FIG. 18, the helmet 1 can comprise a plurality
of additional shell segments 18, fixedly secured to the foam liner
7 and arranged facing separating gaps 10 between the shell segments
9. The shell segments 9 are articulated by strips 17 of flexible
material or of elastomer, arranged facing additional shell segments
18. The anti-perforation feature of the helmet 1 is then
ensured.
[0050] According to another alternative embodiment (not
represented), the helmet 1 advantageously comprises an external
textile envelope covering the shell segments 9. This external
envelope enables a helmet 1 with a much more aesthetic appearance
to be obtained. For example, the external envelope can cover a part
of the shell segments 9 only. It is possible, for example, to leave
the crown segment 9a apparent and to cover the other segments 9b,
9c and 9d with the external envelope. This very advantageous
configuration enables a multitude of possible ranges to be
envisaged for the helmet 1, by varying the combinations of
materials and colours of the external envelope and of the crown
segment 9a.
[0051] It is in addition possible to achieve a folding version of
the helmet 1. The transverse side segments 9c, occipital segment 9b
and front segment 9d fold in towards the inside of the helmet 1,
thus significantly reducing its overall dimensions. The helmet 1
thus becomes easier to stow away and to transport, for example in a
rucksack.
[0052] The advantages procured by the helmet 1 are numerous. This
deformable helmet structure enables several helmet sizes to be
covered (2 to 3 sizes), due to the flexibility of the structure,
the possibility of sliding between the layers and the headband
adjustment means 14.
[0053] This helmet can cover a range of sizes (for example from
size 50 to size 63) with a limited number of references. In
addition, it is envisageable, between two size references, to keep
certain shell segments 9 (for example the crown segment 9a) and to
only modify the size of the other shell segments 9. The number of
toolings required for manufacturing the helmet 1 is then
reduced.
[0054] The weight of the helmet 1 is greatly reduced, due to
optimization of the thicknesses and of the volume of the foam liner
7. The useful thickness of the foam of the foam liner 7 is
optimized to fit the shape of the head. Reducing the dead volume
usually necessary to adjust the comfort enables the foam liner 7 to
be placed very close to the head. The main effect is reduction of
the leverage effect generated by a shock on a surface too far away
from the head. The helmet 1 does not accelerate before coming up
against the buffer stop formed by the user's head. The impact
surface is better distributed, resulting in improved comfort and
safety.
[0055] The configuration of the helmet 1 with the shell segments 9
makes for real fitting of the helmet 1, with excellent adjustment
to the shape of the head, due to the relative mobility of each
shell segment 9. In particular, the occipital segment 9b pressing
firmly against the user's head results in a better holding of the
helmet 1 and an enhanced feeling of safety. The position and the
distinctive shape of the shell segments 9 and gaps 10 result in
optimum deformation. In addition, the larger the number of shell
segments 9, the more the user's comfort is improved.
[0056] The user does not feel any elastic return that could cause
headaches, and the helmet 1 presents a reduced global volume, while
remaining easy and pleasant to put on.
[0057] The helmet 1 is more aesthetic and less protuberant, as its
general appearance is more like that of a cap. The helmet 1 also
enables the user's field of vision to be improved, as it is closer
to the head.
[0058] Providing a whole range of helmets 1 is easy on account of
all the possible combinations of materials and colours for the
crown segment 9a, the other shell segments 9, and the external
envelope covering the shell segments 9, if applicable. This concept
of a helmet 1 can be applied to provide stylistic and functional
versions proper to each field of activity: water sports, cycling,
biking, skating & roller skating, potholing, mountaineering,
climbing, skiing, snowboarding, etc.
[0059] The invention is not limited to the different embodiments
described above. As in all types of helmets, it is possible to line
the inside of the helmet 1 with a draining, breathing and
anti-bacterial fabric to improve the comfort of contact between the
head and foam liner 7.
[0060] It is possible to segment the foam liner 7 into small pieces
individually joined to the cap 8. It is also possible to create
compartments in the foam liner 7 filled with foamed balls. The foam
liner 7 thus formed then has a very great aptitude for deformation,
due to its granular behaviour.
[0061] The shell segments 9 can be thermoformed in a single
operation from a plate, then cut out with a water jet or by
digitally controlled machining, and are then fixed onto the cap 8
or the strips 17.
[0062] To facilitate ventilation of the helmet 1, it is possible,
in addition to the vents 15 of the crown segment 9a, to perforate
the different shell segments 9 with small holes and to cover them
with a very open mesh type fabric or with a breathing membrane.
Ventilation can also be performed at the level of the cap 8 or the
strips 17, by choosing a very breathing textile.
[0063] It is possible to use other shapes for the shell segments 9,
the cap 8 or strips 17, the structure of the helmet 1 having to
allow a slight sliding between at least a part of the shell
segments 9 and the foam liner 7 when the helmet 1 is fitted on the
user's head, in order to optimize his/her comfort.
* * * * *