U.S. patent application number 11/922639 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for protective helmet.
Invention is credited to Mark Wallerberger.
Application Number | 20090031483 11/922639 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36763410 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090031483 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wallerberger; Mark |
February 5, 2009 |
Protective Helmet
Abstract
A protective helmet with a helmet shell (3) which, when it is in
use, at least partly encloses the user's head with the exception of
the face area, a chin guard (1) which, when it is in use, encloses
the lower parts of the user's face area, as well as a visor (4)
preferably arranged in a pivoting manner on the helmet shell (3)
for covering the visual field opening between helmet shell (3) and
chin guard (1), with the chin guard (1) comprising two sections
(1a, 1b) which are movable relative to each other. It is provided
in accordance with the invention that each of the two chin guard
sections (1a, 1b) is pivotally arranged on the helmet shell (3),
and said pivoting arrangement of the chin guard sections (1a, 1b)
on the helmet shell (3) takes place every time by means of a
flexible plate element (2) which connects the helmet shell (3) to
the corresponding chin guard section (1a, 1b).
Inventors: |
Wallerberger; Mark; (Wien,
AT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COLLARD & ROE, P.C.
1077 NORTHERN BOULEVARD
ROSLYN
NY
11576
US
|
Family ID: |
36763410 |
Appl. No.: |
11/922639 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
June 14, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2006/063184 |
371 Date: |
December 20, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/421 ; 2/15;
2/424 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/326 20130101;
A42B 3/328 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/421 ; 2/424;
2/15 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/18 20060101
A42B003/18; A42B 3/32 20060101 A42B003/32; A42B 3/22 20060101
A42B003/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 21, 2005 |
AT |
1046/2005 |
Claims
1. A protective helmet with a helmet shell (3) which, when it is in
use, at least partly encloses the user's head with the exception of
the face area, a chin guard (1) which, when it is in use, encloses
the lower parts of the user's face area, as well as a visor (4)
preferably arranged in a pivoting manner on the helmet shell (3)
for covering the visual field opening between helmet shell (3) and
chin guard (1), with the chin guard (1) comprising two sections
(1a, 1b) which are movable relative to each other, characterized in
that each of the two chin guard sections (1a, 1b) is pivotally
arranged on the helmet shell (3), and said pivoting arrangement of
the chin guard sections (1a, 1b) on the helmet shell (3) takes
place by means of a flexible plate element (2) which connects the
helmet shell (3) to the corresponding chin guard section (1a,
1b).
2. A protective helmet with a helmet shell (3) which, when it is in
use, at least partly encloses the user's head with the exception of
the face area, a chin guard (1) which, when it is in use, encloses
the lower parts of the user's face area, as well as a visor (4)
preferably arranged in a pivoting manner on the helmet shell (3)
for covering the visual field opening between helmet shell (3) and
chin guard (1), with the chin guard (1) comprising two sections
(1a, 1b) which are movable relative to each other, characterized in
that each of the two chin guard sections (1a, 1b) is pivotally
arranged on the helmet shell (3), and the two chin guard sections
(1a, 1b) are connected with each other in their respective upper
sections via a link joint (10).
3. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the two chin
guard sections (1a, 1b) each have a chin protection surface (6) in
their lower section which protrudes laterally in the direction
towards the interior of the helmet.
4. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the chin guard
sections (1a, 1b) each comprise a fastening area (7) at their end
facing the helmet shell (3) and a closing area (13) with a closing
surface (8) at their end averted from the helmet shell (3), with
the two closing surfaces (8) being spaced from one another in an
opening position of the two chin guard sections (1a, 1b) and rest
against each other in a closing position which can be reached by
pivoting the two chin guard sections (1a, 1b)
5. A protective helmet according to claim 4, wherein a closing
mechanism (11, 14) is arranged in the area of the closing surfaces
(8) which spatially fixes the two chin guard sections (1a, 1b)
against each other in their closing position.
6. A protective helmet according to claim 4, wherein one of the
closing surfaces (8) comprises a groove (9) and the other closing
surface (8) comprises a spring (15) associated with the groove (9),
with groove (9) and spring (15) engaging into each other in the
closing position.
7. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the two chin
guard sections (1a, 1b) are pretensioned in their opening
position.
8. A protective helmet according to claim 4, wherein the fastening
area (7) of the two chin guard sections (1a, 1b) each terminates in
a lateral surface (16) facing the helmet shell (3), which lateral
surface rests on one support surface (17) of the helmet shell (3)
in the closing position of the chin guard section (1a, 1b) and is
spaced from the support surface (17) in the opening position of the
chin guard sections (1a, 1b).
9. A protective helmet according to claim 8, wherein the lateral
surface (16) of the fastening area (7) of the chin guard sections
(1a, 1b) and the support surface (17) of the helmet shell (3) are
each arranged in a stepped manner, with the stepped sections
engaging into each other in the closing position of the chin guard
sections (1a, 1b).
10. A protective helmet according to claim 3, wherein the chin
guard surface (6) is provided with a removable padding (12) on the
side facing the interior of the helmet.
11. A protective helmet according to claim 4, wherein the lateral
surface (16) of the fastening area (7) converges along its
longitudinal extension via a terminating surface (20) in an obtuse
manner into the chin guard surface (6), and the terminating surface
(20) rests on a holding shoulder (19) of the helmet shell (3) in
the closing position of the chin guard sections (1a, 1b)
12. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the two chin
guard sections (1a, 1b) are overlapped by the visor (4) in their
closing position or rest on the bottom edge of the visor (4).
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a protective helmet with a helmet
shell which when used at least partly encloses the head of the
wearer with the exception of the face area, a chin guard which when
used encloses the lower parts of the face area of the wearer, as
well as a visor preferably arranged in a pivoting manner on the
helmet shell for covering the visual field opening between helmet
shell and chin guard, with the chin guard comprising two sections
which are movable relative to each other, in accordance with the
preamble of claim 1.
[0002] Such protective helmets ameliorate or prevent injuries in
the cranial region of the wearer of the helmet, especially in the
case of motorcycle accidents. One can distinguish between several
variants.
[0003] In EP 0 433 182 for example, a helmet is described with two
chin guard sections which are movable relative to each other and
which are held in a displaceable manner on the helmet shell. The
opening of the helmet cannot be extended downwardly very much in
this helmet when merely displacing the chin guard sections in the
direction towards the interior of the helmet. Moreover, no
pretension can be realized, neither in the opened position nor in
the closed position of the chin guard sections. Such a helmet is
also difficult to produce from a technical standpoint and does not
allow any link joints between the two chin guard sections. As a
result, there cannot be any synchronization of the chin guard
sections in their respective path of movement.
[0004] Helmets are further known in which the face area is open
(so-called "jet helmets"). Although such helmets offer the benefit
of fresh air, it is disadvantageous in rain and cold weather.
Moreover, the face and chin areas are protected only insufficiently
in the case of an accident.
[0005] Cross helmets are especially used in the field of sports
with single-track vehicles and also have a relatively large visor
opening in order to ensure important supply of air in the case of
bodily exertion. In contrast to jet helmets, these helmets have a
stable chin guard in order to offer sufficient protection in the
case of often frequent falls.
[0006] So-called flip-up or system helmets have an integral massive
chin guard to which the visor is also mostly attached. The chin
guard can flipped upwardly via a substantially horizontal pivoting
axis, so that putting on and removing the helmet is facilitated.
Although these types of helmets facilitate putting on the helmet
since the helmet is put on when the chin guard is flipped upwardly,
they do not offer any additional form fit in the chin area because
the chin guard only pivots horizontally downwardly. Helmets of this
kind can also not be put on or removed with spectacles.
[0007] According to a further embodiment a helmet shell is provided
which, when it is used, nearly completely encloses the head of the
wearer with the exception of the face area, a chin guard which,
when it is used, completely encloses the lower portions of the face
area of the wearer, and a visor preferably arranged in a pivotable
manner on the helmet shell for covering the visual field opening
between helmet shell and chin guard. The fastening to the head of
the wearer occurs via a chin strap which is tensioned in the chin
area of the wearer after putting on the helmet. Helmets of this
kind (so-called "integral helmets") are widely used, but come with
the disadvantage that putting them on and taking them off is
impractical. Especially in the case of accidents, the difficulty in
removing the helmet may lead to dangerous situations, especially in
the case of throat injuries.
[0008] All helmet types also have the disadvantage that different
helmet sizes are offered in order to choose the model with the best
fit for the different head sizes. It has been seen in practice
however that in this way it is possible to achieve the best
possible fit of the helmet only within limits. In practice, the
consumer therefore often has the choice between a helmet which
offers a good fit but is difficult to put on and take off, or a
helmet that is easy to put on and take off but offers only an
adverse fit. Moreover, the chin strap which is necessary in helmets
of this kind for fixing the helmet to the head of the wearer offers
an inadequate hold especially in the chin and neck region, which
has an even stronger effect in an adverse fit of the helmet. This
disadvantage will be especially noticeable at higher speeds where
additional wind pressure forces will act and might push up the
helmet. Moreover, air flows entering the helmet from below as a
result of the lack of fit between helmet and the front throat
region may impair riding comfort because they cause unpleasant wind
noise and coldness.
[0009] Chin straps also have the disadvantage that they might be
difficult to handle, especially when wearing gloves. They can also
only be operated with difficulty with one hand. Moreover, numerous
locking systems for the chin strap are offered whose operation may
pose difficulties when confronted with an unknown system. It has
actually been noticed in practice that in accident situations the
paramedics often have difficulties in opening the locking system of
the chin straps and lose valuable time.
[0010] It is therefore the goal of the invention to realize a
protective helmet which can be put on and taken off easily and
offers better hold, especially in the chin and neck region. This
helps to ensure that the sliding of the helmet over the back of the
head is prevented, especially in the course of accident situations.
The term used in this field of the invention is designated as
"strip-off behavior" which is to be improved in the protective
helmet in accordance with the invention. The invention shall
further ensure the realization of better aerodynamic and
aeroacoustic properties and better protection against wind, dirt
and coldness.
[0011] These objects are achieved by the features of claim 1 or 2.
Claim 1 and 2 each relate to a protective helmet with a helmet
shell which, when it is in use, surrounds at least partially a
user's head except the face area, a chin guard which, during the
helmet use, surrounds the lower parts of the face area of the
helmet user and a visor preferably pivotally positioned on the
helmet shell for forming an opening for the face between the helmet
shell and the chin guard, with said chin guard being provided with
two sections which are movably mounted on the helmet shell. It is
provided in accordance with claim 1 that each of the two chin guard
sections is pivotally arranged on the helmet shell and said
pivotable arrangement of the chin guard sections on the helmet
shell takes place every time by means of a flexible plate element
which connects the helmet shell to the corresponding chin guard
section. It is provided in accordance with claim 2 that the two
chin guard sections are connected with each other via a link joint
in their respective upper sections. As a result, there is always a
synchronous closing of the two chin guard sections, even when
different closing pressure is exerted by the hands on the two chin
guard sections. The closing of the chin guard sections can also be
made with one hand by this measure in particular.
[0012] As a result of the pivotable arrangement of the chin guard
sections it is possible at first to extend the helmet opening prior
to putting on or taking off the helmet, thus facilitating putting
on and taking off the helmet. Both chin guard sections will usually
be pivotably arranged in a manner, so that each of the two chin
guard sections will pivot downwardly and to the outside about
different axes each during the opening, so that the two chin guard
sections move away from each other during the opening. During the
closing of the chin guard sections, they move towards each other
again, thus reducing the helmet opening.
[0013] It is also possible as a result of the measures in
accordance with the invention to arrange the chin guard sections in
such a way from a constructional viewpoint that after putting on
the helmet the helmet opening is reduced even further, thus
considerably further improving hold especially in the chin area
because a sufficiently large helmet opening for putting on and
taking off the helmet is ensured through the pivoting capability of
the chin guard sections. It can be provided according to claim 3
for example that the two chin guard sections each have a chin
protection surface in their lower section which protrudes laterally
in the direction towards the interior of the helmet. The opening of
the helmet is additionally reduced during the closing of the chin
guard sections, thus not only improving hold but also enabling
improved aerodynamic and aeroacoustic properties of the helmet as
well as improved protection against wind, dirt and coldness, as
will be explained below in closer detail.
[0014] An especially advantageous embodiment for the chin guard
sections is proposed in claim 4. Claim 4 provides that the chin
guard sections each comprise a fastening area at their end facing
the helmet shell and a closing area with a closing surface at their
end averted from the helmet shell, with the two closing surfaces
being spaced from one another in an opening position of the two
chin guard sections and rest against each other in a closing
position which can be reached by pivoting the two chin guard
sections.
[0015] The feature of claim 5 is advantageous in that a closing
mechanism is arranged in the area of the closing surfaces which
spatially fixes the two chin guard sections in their closing
position on each other. The closing mechanism can be arranged in
the area of the closing surfaces approximately on the surfaces
which are oriented downwardly and can be arranged as a clasp for
example.
[0016] Claim 6 provides that one of the closing surfaces comprises
a groove and the other closing surface comprises a spring
associated with the groove, with groove and spring engaging into
each other in the closing position. As a result, shearing forces of
the two chin guard sections can be absorbed better in the case of
an impact and the load on the link joint and the closing mechanism
can be reduced. The proper functioning of the closing mechanism in
the case of an accident and the loads on the chin guard sections
caused thereby can thus be ensured.
[0017] When the two chin guard sections are pretensioned in their
opening position according to claim 7, the two chin guard sections
automatically swivel to the opening position after the opening of
the closing mechanism for example. When a flexible plate element is
provided, the pretension can be achieved in such a way that the
plate element is in its tension-free position in the opening
position, whereas it is placed under tension in the course of the
closing movement.
[0018] It is provided according to claim 8 that the fastening area
of the two chin guard sections each terminates with a lateral
surface facing the helmet shell, which lateral surface rests on one
support surface of the helmet shell in the closing position of the
chin guard section and is spaced from the support surface in the
opening position of the chin guard sections. By supporting the chin
guard sections on the helmet shell in the closing position, better
protection is ensured in the case of forces which act from below on
the chin guard sections. When it is provided especially in
accordance with claim 9 that the lateral surface of the fastening
area of the chin guard sections and the support surface of the
helmet shell are each arranged in a stepped manner, with the
stepped sections engaging into each other in the closing position
of the chin guard sections, it is possible to better absorb
shearing forces between the chin guard section and the helmet
shell.
[0019] According to claim 10, the chin guard surface is provided
with a removable padding on the side facing the interior of the
helmet. The removability ensures that padding with different
thicknesses can be used, so that the helmet can be adjusted better
to different head sizes. Furthermore, the removable padding can
also be cleaned more easily.
[0020] Claim 11 provides that the lateral surface of the fastening
area converges along its longitudinal extension via a terminating
surface in an obtuse manner into the chin guard surface and the
terminating surface rests on a holding shoulder of the helmet shell
in the closing position of the chin guard sections. Forces which
act frontally on the chin guard sections are thus absorbed better
by the helmet.
[0021] When the two chin guard sections are further overlapped by
the visor in their closing position in accordance with claim 12 or
rest on the bottom edge of the visor, the chin guard sections can
be opened or closed independent from the visor.
[0022] The invention is now explained in closer detail by reference
to the enclosed drawings, wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of an embodiment of a
protective helmet in accordance with the invention in the closed
position of the chin guard sections;
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1 in an open position of the chin guard sections;
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a perspective front view of a protective helmet
in accordance with the invention in the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the
closed position of the chin guard sections;
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a perspective front view of a protective helmet
in accordance with the invention in the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the
opened position of the chin guard sections;
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of the representation
according to FIG. 4, in which the chin guard sections are in the
opened position;
[0028] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the representation
according to FIG. 3, in which the chin guard sections are in the
closed position;
[0029] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
helmet shell of a protective helmet in accordance with the
invention;
[0030] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the chin
guard sections of a protective helmet in accordance with the
invention for their closed position, and
[0031] FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of a perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 1 of a protective helmet as seen from below.
[0032] Reference is made at first to FIG. 1 which shows a
perspective side view of an embodiment of a protective helmet in
accordance with the invention, comprising a helmet shell 3 and chin
guard sections 1a, 1b (only chin guard section 1a is visible in
FIG. 1), with the latter being in their closed position. According
to the illustrated embodiment, the chin guard sections 1a, 1b are
each fastened to the helmet shell 3 via a flexible plate element 2.
The plate element 2 is made of a durably flexible, fracture-proof
and tear-proof material such as POM (polyoxymethylene/polyacetal)
or PC, and is fastened to the outer surface of the helmet shell 3
by a glued, riveted or clasped connection. FIG. 1 shows a fastening
by means of riveted connections 5 for example. The plate elements 2
can preferably also be sunk into the helmet shell 3 in the
interests of improved aerodynamics, thus leading to a smooth
surface. A visor 4 is preferably also arranged in a pivoting manner
on the helmet shell 3. A padding 12 is usually also provided in the
interior of the helmet shell 3.
[0033] The plate elements 2 are wound off over the helmet shell 3
and the respective chin guard sections 1a, 1b in such a way that
only parallel tension lines parallel to the pivot axis are obtained
during pivoting movements of the chin guard sections 1a, 1b.
Deformations of the plate elements 2 are thus avoided which are not
used for guiding the chin guard sections 1a, 1b. Material stresses
of the plate elements 2 are thus reduced.
[0034] Moreover, the fastening elements 5 between the plate
elements 2 and the helmet shell 3 as well as chin guard sections
1a, 1b are less stressed. Preferably, the two chin guard sections
1a, 1b are pretensioned in their opening position. Such a
pretension can be achieved in such a way that the plate element 2
is in its tension-free position when situated in the opening
position, whereas it is subjected to tension in the course of the
closing movement. Other embodiments of a pivoting arrangement of
the chin guard sections 1a, 1b on the helmet shell 3 are possible
insofar as they ensure a pivoting capability of the chin guard
sections 1a, 1b for enlarging the helmet opening in the course of
the transition from the closing position to the opening position
and guarantee secure fastening of the chin guard sections 1a, 1b on
the helmet shell 3.
[0035] Both chin guard sections 1a, 1b will usually be arranged in
a pivoting manner in such a way that each of the two chin guard
sections 1a, 1b will pivot downwardly and outwardly by different
axes each, so that the centers of gravity of the two chin guard
sections 1a, 1b will move away from each other during the opening.
During the closing of the chin guard sections 1a, 1b they will move
towards one another, thus reducing the helmet opening. The pivoting
axis defined by the helmet shell 3, the chin guard sections 1a, 1b
and the plate elements is thus oriented in an oblique way each.
With respect to FIG. 1 it extends approximately from the bottom
left to the top right.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1 in an opened position of the chin guard sections 1a, 1b. As
was already mentioned, it is possible as a result of the measures
in accordance with the invention to provide the chin guard sections
1a, 1b with such a construction that after putting on the helmet
the helmet opening is reduced even further, which thus considerably
improves the seat of the helmet especially in the chin region
because a sufficiently large helmet opening for putting on and
taking off the helmet is ensured through the pivoting capability of
the chin guard sections. FIG. 2 shows for example that the two chin
guard sections 1a, 1b each comprise in their lower region a chin
guard surface 6 protruding laterally in the direction of the
interior of the helmet. The opening of the helmet is thus
additionally reduced in this way during the closing of the chin
guard sections 1a, 1b because the chin guard surfaces 6 move
towards one another and finally rest flush against one another in
the closing position of the chin guard sections 1a, 1b. This not
only improves the seat of the helmet but also provides better
aerodynamic and aeroacoustic properties of the helmet as well as
improved protection against wind, dirt and coldness.
[0037] The chin guard sections 1a, 1b are subdivided in the
following into a fastening area 7 which is located at the end
facing the helmet shell 3 and a closing area 13 which is located at
the end averted from the helmet shell 3. The closing area 13
comprises a closing surface 8 each, with the two closing surfaces 8
being spaced apart from one another in an opening position of the
two chin guard sections 1a, 1b and rest against each other in a
closing position which can be achieved by pivoting the two chin
guard sections 1a, 1b. The closing surface 8 can also be provided
with a rubber surface seal (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 9) for
protection against the penetration of wind and wetness.
[0038] The two chin guard sections 1a, 1b are mutually connected to
each other in their upper sections of the closing areas 13 via a
link joint. As a result, there is always a synchronous closing of
the two chin guard sections 1a, 1b, even when a different closing
pressure is exerted with the hands on the two chin guard sections
1a, 1b. As already mentioned, the closing of the chin guard
sections 1a, 1b can also occur by means of one hand as a result of
this measure because a movement of the first chin guard section 1a
for example is transmitted to the second chin guard section 1b by
the link joint 10. A closing mechanism 11, 14 can also be arranged
in the area of the closing surfaces 8, which closing mechanism
fixes the two chin guard sections 1a, 1b spatially in their closed
position against one another. FIG. 2 shows a possible embodiment of
such a closing mechanism 11, 14 with the help of a lever 14 which
cooperates with a pin 11. Lifting the lever 14 releases the pin 11
and the two chin guard sections 1a, 1b pivot into their opening
position as a result of the pretension of the plate element 2. Such
a lever 14 can also be operated with one hand, which is especially
advantageous and which should also be taken into account when
choosing the closing mechanism 11, 14.
[0039] The link joint 10 should therefore be arranged in the
respective upper sections of the closing areas 13 because
preferably each of the two chin guard sections 1a, 1b should pivot
downwardly and to the outside during the opening, so that the two
chin guard sections 1a, 1b move away from each other during the
opening.
[0040] FIG. 2 further shows that one of the two closing surfaces 8
comprises a groove 9 and the other closing surface 8 comprises a
spring 15 associated with the groove 9 (see FIG. 4 for example),
with groove 9 and spring 15 engaging into each other in the closing
position. As a result, the shearing forces of the two chin guard
sections 1a, 1b can be better absorbed in case of impact and the
load of the link joint 10 and the closing mechanism 11, 14 can be
reduced. The proper functioning of the closing mechanism 11, 14 in
the case of an accident and the thus caused stresses on the chin
guard sections 1a, 1b can thus also be ensured.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows a perspective front view of a protective helmet
in accordance with the invention in the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the
closed position of the chin guard sections 1a, 1b. Air slits 23 can
be seen in the front sections of the chin guard sections 1a, 1b
which ensure sufficient ventilation of the interior of the helmet
and prevent misting of the visor 4. FIG. 4 shows a perspective
front view of a protective helmet in accordance with the invention
in the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an opened position of the chin guard
sections 1a, 1b, with spring 15 being shown which cooperates with
groove 9 (see FIG. 2).
[0042] FIGS. 5 and 6 each show a sectional view of the illustration
according to FIG. 4, with the chin guard sections 1a, 1b being
located in the opened position in FIG. 5 and in the closed position
in FIG. 6. FIGS. 5 and 6 also show the inner lining of helmet shell
3. Helmet shell 3 itself represents the outermost protective shell
and distributes the forces on impact. For producing the helmet
shell 3 it is recommended to use duroplastic materials, glass fiber
materials embedded in plastic (GRP), or thermoplastic materials
such as polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA) or acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS). The padding 12 can be composed of a
protective padding 12a which absorbs the energy released during an
impact in the interior of the helmet and consists of polystyrene
and of a comfort padding 12b which fixes the helmet to the user's
head in a fixed and comfortable way and is made of foamed material
for example. The chin guard sections 1a, 1b and their chin guard
surfaces 6 are also provided on the surfaces facing the interior of
the helmet with a protective padding 12a and a comfortable padding
12b. It is advantageous when in the opened position of the chin
guard sections 1a, 1b their padding 12 continues the padding 12 of
the helmet shell 3 without any interruption in order to facilitate
putting on and taking off the helmet (see FIG. 5). In the closed
position of the chin guard sections 1a, 1b the padding 12 of the
chin guard sections 1a, 1b rests tightly under the user's ears, but
offers enough free space for comfortable wearing and unrestricted
hearing in the region of the ears themselves. Wearing spectacles is
also possible in an easy and comfortable fashion (FIG. 6). The
padding 12 of the chin guard sections 1a, 1b and their chin guard
surfaces 6 are also preferably removable. As a result of the
removability, different types of padding 12 with different
thicknesses can be used, so that the helmet can be better adjusted
to different head sizes.
[0043] The seat of the helmet is thus improved. Moreover, the
removable padding 12 can also be cleaned more easily. Preferably,
the helmet shell 3 also comprises neck protection with respective
padding (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 9).
[0044] FIGS. 5 and 6 also show that the fastening area 7 of the two
chin guard sections 1a, 1b each terminate in a side surface 16
facing the helmet shell 3, which side surface rests on a support
surface 17 of the helmet shell 3 in the closing position of the
chin guard sections 1a, 1b (FIG. 6), and is spaced from the support
surface 17 in the opening position of the chin guard sections 1a,
1b (FIG. 5). As a result of the support of the chin guard sections
1a, 1b on the helmet shell 3 in the closing position, better
protection is offered in case of forces acting from below on the
chin guard sections 1a, 1b. In particular, the side surface 16 of
the fastening area 7 of the chin guard sections 1a, 1b and the
support surface 17 of the helmet shell 3 can each be provided with
a stepped arrangement, so that a fold 21 is formed in the side
surface 16 and a support nose 22 in support surface 17. In the
closing position of the chin guard sections 1a, 1b, the stepped
sections engage into each other, such that the support noses 22
come to lie in the fold 21 (FIG. 6). As a result, shearing forces
between the chin guard sections 1a, 1b and the helmet shell 3 can
thus be absorbed better (FIG. 6).
[0045] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
helmet shell 3 of a protective helmet in accordance with the
invention, with the padding 12 having been omitted. The stepped
arrangement of the support surface 17 by forming the support nose
22 can be seen in particular. In comparison with FIG. 8 which shows
a perspective view of an embodiment of the chin guard sections 1a,
1b, it can be seen how the support nose 22 is adjusted to the fold
21 of the side surface 16, so that the support nose 22 is received
by the fold 21 in the closed position of the chin guard sections
1a, 1b. In this position, the side surfaces 16 and the support
surface 17 rest upon one another. FIG. 7 further shows that in the
interest of improved aerodynamics the plate elements 2 can be sunk
in a stepped area 18 of the helmet shell 3 and the chin guard
sections 1a, 1b, thus leading to a smooth outside surface of the
helmet shell 3.
[0046] FIG. 8 further shows that the side surfaces 16 of the
fastening area 7 converges in an obtuse manner into the chin guard
surface 6 along its longitudinal extension via a terminating
surface 20. FIG. 7 shows again that the helmet shell 3 comprises a
holding shoulder 19. The terminating surface 20 rests on the
holding shoulder 19 of helmet shell 3 especially in the closed
position of the chin guard sections 1a, 1b. Forces acting frontally
on the chin guard sections 1a, 1b are thus better absorbed by the
helmet. FIG. 8 further clearly shows how the chin guard sections
1a, 1b and their chin guard surfaces 6 are provided with a padding
12 on the surfaces facing the interior of the helmet. Padding 12 of
the chin guard surfaces 6 can be provided with different
thicknesses for adjustment to different head sizes and is
preferably removable. Moreover, padding 12 will also usually be
provided on the inner side surfaces of the chin guard sections 1a,
1b. They are not shown in FIG. 8 however.
[0047] FIG. 9 shows a detailed sectional view of a perspective view
of the embodiment of FIG. 1 of a protective helmet in accordance
with the invention as seen from below. It especially shows a
possible embodiment of the closing surfaces 8 and the closing
mechanism 11, 14. As was already mentioned, one of the closing
surfaces 8 comprises a groove 9 and the other closing surface 8 a
spring 15 associated with said groove 9 (also see FIGS. 2 and 4),
with groove 9 and spring 15 engaging into each other in the closing
position. The link joint 10 is further clearly shown. The closing
mechanism 11, 14 consists in the shown embodiment of a lever 14
which cooperates with a pin 11. When lever 14 is lifted, pin 11 is
released, and the two chin guard sections 1a, 1b pivot into their
opening position as a result of the pretension of the plate element
2. Other embodiments of the closing mechanism 11, 14 are possible.
In any case, they must be sturdy and easy to use.
[0048] A protective helmet is thus realized with the help of the
invention which is easy to put on and take off and offers a better
seat, especially in the jaw and neck region. The "strip-off
behavior" is thus especially optimized. The helmet in accordance
with the invention further has exceptional aerodynamic and
aeroacoustic properties and offers improved protection against
wind, dirt and coldness. According to first tests of the applicant,
the helmet in accordance with the invention has proven to be the
quietest full-visor helmet that is currently available.
* * * * *