U.S. patent application number 11/630940 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for flexible protective helmet.
This patent application is currently assigned to PROSPECTIVE CONCEPTS AG. Invention is credited to Edith Lauchli, Andreas Reinhard, Iris Suter.
Application Number | 20070226881 11/630940 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34970676 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070226881 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reinhard; Andreas ; et
al. |
October 4, 2007 |
Flexible Protective Helmet
Abstract
A protective helmet having an inner hood includes a spacer
knitted fabric of a monofilament yarn. The hood is covered by a
pneumatic central layer which can be pressurized by means of
compressed air and can be inflated by means of an air pump which
can be, for example, removed and provided with valves. An outer
layer consists of an inner textile layer which lies over the
pneumatic central layer, and plates which are fixed to the textile
layer, for example by adhesion. The plates include, for example, of
plastic, composite materials, or natural materials. The plates can
be arranged in such a way that joints are created thereinbetween,
the outer layer thus being provided with a certain elasticity in
order to cater for different head shapes and sizes.
Inventors: |
Reinhard; Andreas; (Zurich,
CH) ; Suter; Iris; (Kolliken, CH) ; Lauchli;
Edith; (Zurich, CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WINSTEAD PC
P.O. BOX 50784
DALLAS
TX
75201
US
|
Assignee: |
PROSPECTIVE CONCEPTS AG
Flughofstrasse 41,
Glattbrugg
CH
CH-8152
|
Family ID: |
34970676 |
Appl. No.: |
11/630940 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
June 27, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CH05/00355 |
371 Date: |
April 9, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/412 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/322 20130101;
A42B 3/065 20130101; A42B 3/122 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/412 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/12 20060101
A42B003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 9, 2004 |
CH |
1172/04 |
Claims
1. A flexible protective helmet characterised in that it comprises
at least two layers joinable with and separable from one another,
an inner hood (1) made of a textile material, an outer layer (10)
essentially made of hard plates (12).
2. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 1,
characterised in that a third layer, namely a pneumatic middle
layer that is insertable between the inner hood (1) and the
essentially hard outer layer (10) is provided.
3. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 1,
characterised in that the inner hood (1) consists of a spacer.
4. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 2,
characterised in that the middle layer (4) is made of two layers of
a plastic film, which are connected by means of weld seams (7),
such that this middle layer is air tight and takes on a concave
shape when inflated with compressed air.
5. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 4,
characterised in that the middle layer features a multiplicity of
cut-outs respectively confined by weld seams.
6. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 1,
characterised in that the concave shape striven for is determined
by cutting the plastic film in essence, and by means of compressed
air, it can be adapted to the individual head size and shape of the
person to wear it.
7. The flexible protective helmet, according to one of claims 2, 4
to 6, characterised in that, in order to inflate the middle layer,
a manually operated air pump (15) is provided.
8. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 7,
characterised in that the air pump (5) is detachable from the
protective helmet.
9. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 1,
characterised in that the outer layer is made of an inner textile
layer (11) and plates (12, 12a, 12b) mounted on the outside.
10. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 9,
characterised in that the textile layer (11) is made of a knitted
or woven fabric.
11. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 9 or 10,
characterised in that, the plates (12, 12a, 12b) are fixed on the
textile layer by adhesive means.
12. The flexible protective helmet, according to claims 9 to 10,
characterised in that the plates (12) with one another form an
essentially smooth outer shape.
13. The flexible protective helmet, according to claims 9 to 12,
characterised in that the plates (12) are separated from one
another by means of joints (13).
14. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 12,
characterised in that the plates (12) with one another form a
parquet shape.
15. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 14,
characterised in that the plates (12) essentially feature polygonal
contours.
16. The flexible protective helmet, according to claims 9 to 12,
characterised in that the plates (12) are overlapped in one another
in laid-brick pattern.
17. The flexible protective helmet, according to claims 9 to 11,
characterised in that the plates (12) are arranged interlaced one
below the other.
18. The flexible protective helmet, according to claims 9 to 11,
characterised in that the plates (12) features two embodiments,
namely an inner, essentially flat plate (12a) and an outer,
shell-shaped plate (12b) that overlaps the inner one at the
edges.
19. The flexible protective helmet, according to claims 9 to 12,
characterised in that the plates (12, 12a, 12b) are concave in
shape.
20. The flexible protective helmet, according to claims 9 to 17,
characterised in that the plates (12, 12a, 12b) are made of
plastic.
21. The flexible protective helmet, according to claims 9 to 19,
characterised in that the plates (12, 12a, 12b) are made of a
natural renewable raw materials.
22. The flexible protective helmet, according to claims 9 to 19,
characterised in that the plates (12, 12a, 12b) are made of metal
or a metal-Plastic-composite materials.
23. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 1,
characterised in that between the inner hood (1) and the outer
layer (10) means of connection (3) are arranged such that the inner
hood (1) and the outer layer (10) can be detachably connected with
them.
24. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 2,
characterised in that between the inner hood (1) and the middle
layer (4), means of connection (3) are arranged such that the inner
hood (1) and the middle layer (4) can be detachably connected with
them.
25. The flexible protective helmet, according to claim 2,
characterised in that between the middle layer (4) and the outer
layer (10), means of connection (3) are arranged such that the
inner hood (1) and the middle layer (4) can be detachably connected
with them.
26. The flexible protective helmet according to claims 23 and
24.
27. The flexible protective helmet, according to claims 23 to 26,
characterised in that the means of connection (3) are Velcro
strips.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a flexible protective
helmet.
[0003] 2. History of Related Art
[0004] Several flexible protective helmets are familiar.
[0005] Their invention concept in general comprises creating a
protective helmet that when not in use can be folded to save space
and on the other hand, due to its shape and size, when in use is
identifiable as a protective helmet. This as such should increase
its acceptance.
[0006] Several such protective helmets that can be folded have
become familiar, for instance, from WO 00/57739 (D1), WO 01/24651
(D2), EP 0 802 741 (D3) and EP 1 332 688 (D4).
[0007] Among the protective helmets mentioned here, the one for
cyclists, disclosed under D1, is designed in modular concept and is
thus foldable and can be dismantled, however, it is clearly
identifiable as a protective helmet when in use. Space saving in a
folded state is rather insignificant.
[0008] The protective helmet according to D2 consists of an inner
layer made of shockproof material that is disintegrated into
truncated butt-joined or interlocked teethed pieces. This layer of
shockproof material is covered with a textile and elastic material
on the outside and inside. Due to this, when worn it feels more of
a cap. The possibility of folding it is restricted due to the shape
of the shockproof inner layer.
[0009] The protective helmet that is familiar according to D3
features a cap-shaped design, whereby this cap is made of numerous,
preferably six, spherical segment-shaped pieces, which are
preferably made of foamed plastic. Among themselves, for instance,
these segments are connected by means of ribbons.
[0010] The protective helmet according to D4 is again made in
modular concept and based on the desired intensity or type of head
protection it can be complemented in modular manner.
[0011] Whereas the ones according to D1 and D4 only partially
fulfil the tasks, the ones mentioned in D2 and D3 are more relevant
to the present invention without fulfilling the requirements for
the ability of being folded or put aside on the one hand and
fulfilling the acceptance requirement on the other hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The task to be solved by the present invention is the
creation of a collapsible or foldable protective helmet for
sportspersons, which provide optimum protection for the chosen type
of sports and at the same time which is not prima-vista apparent as
a protective helmet.
[0013] The solution of the posed task is reproduced in the
characteristic part of Claim 1 with respect to its main
characteristic, and in the following claims with respect to further
advantageous embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A more complete understanding of the flexible protective
helmet of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the
following Detailed Description, when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying Drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through an innermost
layer;
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through an innermost and
a middle layer;
[0017] FIGS. 3-6 show different embodiments for the middle layer,
in schematic plan views;
[0018] FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal section through an inner, a
middle and an outer layer;
[0019] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of an outermost layer in a
schematic longitudinal section;
[0020] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of an outermost layer in a
schematic longitudinal section; and
[0021] FIGS. 10-11 further show embodiments of the outermost layers
in a schematic longitudinal section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 shows the longitudinal section through an innermost
layer of the foldable protective helmet schematically according to
the invention. It preferably consists of a so-called monofilament
spacer, with which a monofilament yarn is knitted between two woven
or knit layers 2. Such spacers are familiar; they allow being cut
and sewn in arbitrary shapes such that an attached hood 1 that is
elastic but mostly permeable to air can be made. On the outer layer
2 of this hood 1, one side of a fastening means 3 is attached at a
suitable point, for instance, a fastener by means of sawing or
adhesion so that a middle layer according to FIG. 2 can be fixed to
this innermost layer without danger of displacement.
[0023] FIG. 2 is the illustration of a second double-walled and
gas-tight middle layer 4 with compressed-air inflating possibility.
As material for the middle layer, for instance, plastic films made
of PU or PVC preferably come in question. For manufacturing the
middle layer 4, for instance, two layers of such a film are laid
one over the other and, as shown in the FIGS. 3-6, welded with one
another. From the middle layer 4, fibre from hood 1 made of spacers
is tied and connected in a detachable manner on the corresponding
fixed lock parts 3 on the middle layer 4 with that of the hood 1.
At a suitable point that does not disturb the person wearing the
protective helmet according to the invention, there is an air pump
5 for instance that is made of a bulb that can be squeezed
together. In FIG. 2, this is located for instance in the region of
the neck. Obviously, any position can be provided, so long as it
does not disturb the person wearing the protective helmet. Also a
version that is detachable after inflation is appropriate to the
invention. The air pump 5 features a valve 6 each for supplying the
pneumatic middle layer 4 with air and one for the air pump 5. Such
valves are in fact familiar.
[0024] FIGS. 3 to 6 are schematic plan views of embodiments of the
pneumatic middle layer, respectively in plan view. It is possible
to create the desired concave shape of the pneumatic middle layer 4
only through attaching weld seams 7 in the air-tight material of
this middle layer 4 in their inflated states by means of compressed
air. This material is preferably, however, already formed by means
of cutting so that through inflating it must only be brought to the
necessary fitting shape.
[0025] Through suitably arranged interruptions 8 in the weld seams
7, it is ensured that the entire middle layer 4 consists of
individual interconnected volumes. According to the invention,
cut-outs or slots are likewise provided in the pneumatic middle
layer 4, which are confined all round by weld seams 7. Such
cut-outs permit vapour diffusion from the scalp through the hood 1
and pneumatic middle layer.
[0026] In the inflated state, the pneumatic middle layer 4 folds
out around the hood 1 made of spacers under concurrent formation of
many air cushions 9, confined by the weld seams 7, as schematically
depicted in FIG. 2.
[0027] In FIG. 7--as representative for many others--an embodiment
of an outer layer 10 is illustrated. Again, between the pneumatic
middle layer 4 and a textile layer 11 of the outer layer 10 a means
of connection 3 is provided, which allows the two layers 4, 10 to
be connected with one another in a detachable manner. As a
preferred, however not restrictive, example for such a means of
connection, a Velcro strip is provided again. Whereas for many,
this can lie amongst decorative possibilities; here only technical
features are described.
[0028] FIGS. 8, 9 show schematic cross-sections through such outer
layers according to FIG. 7. An inner textile layer 11, for
instance, made of knit or woven fabric carrier plates 12. These
plates 12 are preferably concave shaped. According to their outside
contour, they can be formed such that they overlap one another like
bricks as depicted in FIG. 8, or in essence form a smooth layer as
shown in FIG. 9. As materials for the plates 12, above all and
according to the invention, one considers shockproof plastics,
however, also natural, renewable raw materials like wood, coconut
shells or other hard, non-brittle and natural, renewable raw
materials and also metals or composite materials made of plastic
and metal. In FIG. 9, joints 13 are depicted, which serve for
compensation of different head sizes and shapes. Should the plates
form a surface that is interrupted by the joints 13, but smooth in
essence, then they will be, for instance, cut with polygonal,
preferably hexagonal contours. Other shapes are by all means
possible and familiar under the term parqueting.
[0029] The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11 are also
conceivable and included in the invention concept. In FIG. 10, the
plates 12 fixed on the textile layer 11 are interlaced in one
another so that they remain movable relative to one another.
[0030] In FIG. 11 the plates form two overlapping layers: plates
12a that in essence are made flat, form an inner layer; plates 12b
that are made shell-shaped overlap the inner plates 12a
respectively through their edges. Through this, the joints 13 are
covered according to FIG. 9.
[0031] The plates 12 are fixed on the textile layer 11 preferably
by adhesive means. Through variation of the size of the adhesive
points, within the scope of elasticity of the textile layer 11
again, different head sizes and shapes can be accounted for,
without many such head sizes being provided in the cut and in other
production.
[0032] In case the protective effect of flexible protective helmet
striven for allows this, the pneumatic middle layer 4 can be
omitted. The outer layer 10, comprising the textile layer 11 and
the plates 12 fixed on it, is then drawn directly over the hood 1.
What is essential thereby is that the means of connection 3 are
attached on the points corresponding with one another. At most, for
this approach, a small cut outer layer must be provided.
* * * * *