U.S. patent application number 13/425479 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-20 for helmet with movable visor.
Invention is credited to Hwan-Bok Ko.
Application Number | 20120233747 13/425479 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46827239 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120233747 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ko; Hwan-Bok |
September 20, 2012 |
Helmet with movable visor
Abstract
A helmet, specifically for the protection of a head of a person
during leisure activities, is disclosed. The helmet has a shell at
least partially made of a deformable material. The shell has an
interior surface facing the head of a person wearing the helmet.
The shell comprises a depression in the interior surface. An inner
lining element is fit into the depression, wherein a hollow guiding
space is formed between the inner lining element and the shell. The
hollow guiding space has a slit at a forehead-sided rim of the
shell. The helmet further has a visor. The visor at least partially
is located movably inside the hollow guiding space, such that the
visor at least partially can be pushed out of the slit into a face
region of the person wearing the helmet and can be pulled back into
the hollow guiding space.
Inventors: |
Ko; Hwan-Bok; (YongIn,
KR) |
Family ID: |
46827239 |
Appl. No.: |
13/425479 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/424 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/226 20130101;
A42B 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/424 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/22 20060101
A42B003/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 22, 2009 |
KR |
10-2011-0027114 |
Claims
1. A helmet (110), specifically for the protection of a head of a
person during leisure activities, the helmet (110) having a shell
(112) at least partially made of a deformable material (136), the
shell (112) having an interior surface (142) facing the head of a
person wearing the helmet (110), wherein the shell (112) comprises
a depression (146) in the interior surface (142), wherein an inner
lining element (148) is fit into the depression (146), wherein a
hollow guiding space (156) is formed between the inner lining
element (148) and the shell (112), the hollow guiding space (156)
having a slit (158) at a forehead-sided rim (160) of the shell
(112), the helmet (110) further having a visor (116), wherein the
visor (116) at least partially is located movably inside the hollow
guiding space (156), such that the visor (116) at least partially
can be pushed out of the slit (158) into a face region of the
person wearing the helmet (110) and can be pulled back into the
hollow guiding space (156).
2. The helmet (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the
deformable material (136) comprises a foamed plastic material.
3. The helmet (110) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the shell (112) has a multi-layer setup, the multi-layer
setup comprising at least one outer lining layer (138) and the
deformable material (136).
4. The helmet (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the
outer lining layer and (138) the deformable material (136) are
connected by an inmold-technique.
5. The helmet (110) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the helmet (110) has an outer surface (140) facing away
from of the person wearing the helmet (110), wherein the shell
(112) has a guiding slit (126) extending from the outer surface
(140) into the hollow guiding space (156), wherein a guiding
element (124) is mounted to the visor (116) and extends through the
guiding slit (126) such that the guiding element (124) is operable
from the outer surface (140), wherein a position of the visor (116)
is adjustable by using the guiding element (124).
6. The helmet (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the
guiding element (124) removably is connected to the visor
(116).
7. The helmet (110) according to one of the preceding claims, the
helmet (110) further comprising a guide rail element (128), wherein
the guide rail element (128) at least partially is located inside
the hollow guiding space (156), wherein the guide rail element
(128) provides a guide rail (178) for a movement of the visor
(116).
8. The helmet (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the
guide rail element (128) has a plurality of rest elements (182),
wherein the rest elements (182) are located in predefined rest
positions, such that the visor (116) may be adjusted to a plurality
of predefined positions.
9. The helmet (110) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the interior surface (142) and an inner surface (152) of
the inner lining element (148) commonly form a resting surface
(144) which directly or indirectly rests on the head of the person
wearing the helmet (110).
10. The helmet (110) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the inner lining element (148) at least partially is made
of a further deformable material (150), wherein preferably the
further deformable material (150) comprises a foamed plastic
material.
11. A method for producing a helmet (110), specifically a helmet
(110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method
comprises the following method steps: a) a shell (112) is formed by
using at least one deformable material (136), wherein the forming
of the shell (112) is performed such that the shell (112) has an
interior surface (142) facing a head of a person wearing the helmet
(110), wherein during forming of the shell (112) a depression (146)
is created in the interior surface (142), b) an inner lining
element (148) is fit into the depression (146), wherein a hollow
guiding space (156) (156) is formed between the inner lining
element (148) and the shell (112), the hollow guiding space (156)
having a slit (158) at a forehead-sided rim (160) of the shell
(112), c) a visor (116) is provided, wherein the visor (116) at
least partially is located movably inside the hollow guiding space
(156), such that the visor (116) at least partially can be pushed
out of the slit (158) into a face region of the person wearing the
helmet (110) and can be pulled back into the hollow guiding space
(156).
12. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the helmet
(110) has an outer surface (140) facing away from of the person
wearing the helmet (110), wherein step a) is performed such that
the shell (112) has a guiding slit (126) extending from the outer
surface (140) into the hollow guiding space (156), wherein, after
performing steps b) and c), a guiding element (124) is mounted to
the visor (116), such that the guiding element (124) extends
through the guiding slit (126) and such that the guiding element
(124) is operable from the outer surface (140), wherein a position
of the visor (116) is adjustable by using the guiding element
(124).
13. The method according to one of the preceding method claims,
wherein, in step a), a molding technique is used, preferably an
inmold-technique.
14. The method according to one of the preceding method claims,
wherein step a) is performed such that the shell (112) has a
multi-layer setup, the multi-layer setup comprising at least one
outer lining layer (138) and the deformable material (136),
wherein, in step a), an inmold-technique is used to create the
multi-layer setup.
15. A use of the helmet (110) according to one of the preceding
claims referring to a helmet (110) for a purpose selected from the
group consisting of: cycling, specifically riding a bicycle;
motorcycling; horse-riding; skiing; snowboarding; water skiing.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention refers to a helmet, specifically for
protection of a head of a person during leisure activities. The
invention further relates to a method for producing a helmet. The
helmet according to the present invention preferably may be used
for leisure activities, such as for cycling, specifically for
riding a bicycle, for motorcycling, for horse-riding, for skiing,
for snowboarding or other leisure activities. Other potential uses
are feasible.
RELATED ART
[0002] The use of protective helmets is becoming more and more
popular in leisure activities. In many countries, the use of
protective helmets even is mandatory for specific leisure
activities and/or specific target groups. Thus, in many countries,
the use of a protective helmet is mandatory for motorcyclists.
Consequently, various designs and setups of protective helmets are
being developed and are known in the art.
[0003] The main purpose of the protective helmets typically
consists in protecting the head of the person wearing the helmet
against mechanical shocks, such as shocks caused by falling objects
and/or shocks caused by an impact during an accident. However,
other functionalities may be implemented into the helmet. Thus,
specifically in leisure activities in which the person wearing the
helmet is moving at high speed and/or in which exposure to
increased radiation might occur, such as during mountain climbing,
protective functions for the eyes of the person wearing the helmet
might be implemented. Consequently, helmets are known which,
besides one or more shells protecting the head against mechanical
shocks, comprise one or more visors, such as for protecting the
eyes against wind, flying objects or sunrays.
[0004] A bicyclist's helmet is disclosed in DE 295 13 463 U1. The
helmet comprises a basic body and a decorative outer shell. In
between the outer shell and the basic body, an intermediate space
is located, in which a visor is movably received. The helmet as
disclosed in DE 295 13 463 U1 provides a number of advantages to
the user. Thus, the person using the helmet may decide whether or
not to use the visor and, thus, might adapt the protection of the
eyes to the actual circumstances. However, the setup disclosed by
DE 295 13 463 U1 implies several shortcomings and technical
disadvantages. Thus, the visor is in hard physical contact with the
hard outer decorative shell and, thus, is bound to suffer
mechanical abrasion, which might deteriorate the transparency and
visual qualities of the visor. Further, due to several design
constraints, the space in between the decorative outer shell and
the basic body is limited. Consequently, the distance over which
the visor might be moved and/or the size of the visor are limited.
Further, the visor has to be mounted to several hinges, which
implies a mechanical weakness and a rather complex and costly
process for manufacturing the helmet.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED
[0005] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to
provide a helmet as well as a method for manufacturing the helmet,
which, at least partially, avoid the disadvantages of known helmets
and processes. Specifically, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a helmet and a method for manufacturing the
helmet which may be implemented cost-effectively by simplifying one
or more manufacturing steps. Still, the use of the helmet and,
specifically, the visor should be convenient and handy.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0006] These objectives are accomplished by a helmet, a method for
producing a helmet and a use, as disclosed in the independent
claims. Preferred embodiments, which may be realized exclusively or
in arbitrary combination, are disclosed in the dependent
claims.
[0007] As used in the following disclosure, the expressions "have",
"contain" and "comprise" as well as grammatical modifications
thereof are used in a non-terminatory way. Thus, the expression "A
has B", the expression "A comprises B" or "A contains B" may refer
to the situation in which A solely consists of B, without
containing other components, as well as to the situation in which,
besides B, A contains one or more further components.
[0008] In a first aspect of the present invention, a helmet is
disclosed. The helmet specifically may be used for the protection
of a head of a person during leisure activities. However, other
potential uses are possible.
[0009] The helmet has a shell which at least partially is made of a
deformable material. As used herein, the term "shell" refers to an
element having a curvature, which is formed to at least partially
surround a part of the head of the person. Further, as used herein,
the term "deformable material" refers to an arbitrary material
which may be deformed by forces ordinarily occurring during the
intended use. Thus, the deformable material may change its shape by
impact of manual forces exerted by a finger of a hand of a person
having an adult's ordinary strength. Examples of the deformable
material will be given below. Preferably, the deformable material
comprises at least one plastic material, preferably a foamed
plastic material.
[0010] The shell has an interior surface facing the head of the
person wearing the helmet. This interior surface may directly rest
on the head of the person during use or, alternatively, one or more
intermediate layers, such as one or more layers made of a flexible
and/or deformable material, may be interposed in between the
interior surface and the head of the person. According to the
definition of the expression "shell" as given above, the interior
surface may be curved, such as by having a curvature following the
outer surface of the head of the person.
[0011] The shell comprises a depression in the interior surface. As
used herein, the term "depression" refers to a recess or clearance
in the material of the shell which is located in the interior
surface. Thus, the interior surface directly or indirectly may rest
on the head of the person wearing the helmet, whereas the
depression has a depression surface which neither directly or
indirectly rests on the surface of the head.
[0012] The helmet further has an inner lining element. This inner
lining element is fit into the depression, such that the inner
lining element fully or partially is located inside the depression.
Thus, the inner lining element may form a cap, which closes the
depressions on the side of the head of the person wearing the
helmet. The inner lining element may directly or indirectly rest on
the head of the person wearing the helmet with at least one surface
facing away from the depression.
[0013] A hollow guiding space is formed between the inner lining
element and the shell. Thus, the depression may partially be filled
by the lining element, wherein the shell has a first surface inside
the depression facing towards the guiding space, and wherein the
inner lining element has a second surface facing towards the hollow
guiding space, such that the hollow guiding space is limited by the
first surface of the depression and the second surface of the inner
lining element. In other words, the hollow guiding space may be
limited by the shell and the inner lining element.
[0014] As used herein, the term hollow guiding space refers to a
space, in which a visor of the helmet may fully or partially be
accommodated, preferably in a movable way. The hollow guiding space
has a slit at a forehead-sided rim of the shell. As used herein,
the term slit refers to a lengthy opening, i.e. an opening which
may have the shape of a curved line. The term forehead-sided rim of
the shell refers to a rim of the shell which, as the person wears
the helmet, faces the forehead or the face of the person.
[0015] As discussed above, the helmet further has at least one
visor. As used herein, the term visor refers to an element which,
in at least one position, fully or partially covers the face of the
person wearing the helmet. Thus, in at least one position, the
visor may cover the eyes of the person wearing the helmet. The
visor may have an opening through which the person may view and/or
at least partially may be made of a material which is translucent
and through which the person may view.
[0016] The visor at least partially is located movably inside the
hollow guiding space. Thus, at least one part of the visor is
located inside the hollow guiding space. The term movably refers to
the fact that, inside the guiding space, the visor may take at
least two different positions. Preferably, in all positions which
may be taken by the visor, a part of the visor remains inside the
hollow guiding space, even in an outermost position in which the
visor is moved as far as possible into a face region of the person
wearing the helmet. However, there may be one or more positions in
which the visor fully is pushed out of the guiding space. In any
case, the visor at least partially can be pushed out of the slit at
the forehead-sided rim of the shell, into a face region of the
person wearing the helmet and can be pulled back into the hollow
guiding space.
[0017] As used herein, the term face region of the person wearing
the helmet refers to a region which is located in front of the eyes
of the person wearing the helmet, such that the visor is in the
field of view of this person. In other words, in the position in
which the visor at least partially is pushed out of the slit into
the face region, the visor fully or partially may cover the eyes of
the person wearing the helmet. This movement into the face region
of the person is reversible, such that the visor can be pulled back
again into the hollow guiding space. As used herein, the terms
"pushed" and "pulled" refer to an arbitrary action in which a force
is exerted onto the visor such that the visor moves out of the slit
into the face region of the person or moves back into the hollow
guiding space, respectively.
[0018] Thus, according to the first aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a helmet having a shell fully or
partially made of a deformable material, wherein a hollow guiding
space is formed inside the deformable material and at least
partially is surrounded by the deformable material. Preferably, the
deformable material may fully or partially be formed of a foamed
plastic material or may comprise a foamed plastic material.
Preferably, the foamed plastic material may be selected from the
group consisting of: a polystyrene foam, preferably expanded
polystyrene (EPS); a polyethylene foam; a polypropylene foam; a
polyethylene terephthalate foam; a polyurethane foam; a foamed
plastic material composed of a plurality of pre-expanded foamed
plastic particles, preferably particles having a particle size of 1
mm to 5 mm. Generally, the plastic material may comprise at least
one thermoplastic material and/or at least one duroplastic material
and/or at least one elastomeric material.
[0019] The deformable material may have elastic properties, such
that, when a force is exerted onto the deformable material, the
deformable material is deformed and at least partially resumes its
original shape after the force is removed. Alternatively or
additionally, the deformable material may have at least partial
ductile or plastic properties, such that, by exerting the force,
the deformable material is deformed and remains in the deformed
shape even after the force stops.
[0020] The shell of the helmet preferably may have a thickness of 5
mm to 60 mm, more preferably 10 mm to 30 mm, measured in a
direction perpendicular to the surface of the head wearing the
helmet, such as measured in the thickest part of the shell. By
exerting regular forces which might occur during use, such as
forces from 5 Newtons to 100 Newtons, the thickness may optionally
be reduced preferably by no more than 75%, such as by 5% to
50%.
[0021] The shell preferably may have a multi-layer setup. The
multi-layer setup may comprise a plurality of two or more layers,
such as in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the surface of
the head of the person wearing the helmet. One or more layers of
this multi-layer setup may comprise the deformable material. Thus,
the multi-layer setup may comprise at least one outer lining layer
and the deformable material. Thus, there may be provided at least
one layer having the deformable material and at least one outer
lining layer which directly or indirectly is in contact with the
deformable material, i.e. with the layer containing the deformable
material. As used herein, the term outer lining layer refers to a
layer facing towards an outer side of the helmet, such as to a
layer which forms at least one outer surface of the helmet. This
outer lining layer may provide additional functionality to the
helmet. Thus, the outer lining layer, as discussed below, may have
a higher hardness than the deformable material and/or may provide
water-repellent properties and/or may provide decorative
properties, such as by the outer lining layer partially or fully
being made of a colored material.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-layer setup
comprising the outer lining layer and the deformable material, the
outer lining layer and the deformable material may be connected by
an inmold-technique. As used herein, the term inmold-technique
refers to a molding technique which is well-known to the skilled
person. In the inmold-technique, a mold is used, which may comprise
two or more molding parts defining, by their inner surfaces, the
shape of the piece formed by the inmold-technique. The outer lining
layer and/or a raw material which forms the outer lining layer,
such as a sheet material, is inserted into the mold. This material
may be held in place inside the mold by means of heating the mold
and/or by vacuum techniques. In a subsequent step, the deformable
material is filled into the remaining space inside the mold and
contacts the material of the outer lining layer. The insertion of
the deformable material into the mold may take place at normal
pressure, at an underpressure or at an overpressure. The deformable
material may be inserted into the mold in a state which corresponds
to the final state of the deformable material and/or may be
inserted into the mold in a different shape, wherein, during the
molding technique, the deformable material is formed. Thus, at
least one precursor material of the deformable material may be
filled into the mold, followed by at least one curing step, during
which the deformable material is formed. Alternatively or
additionally, the deformable material may be heated and, thereby,
be transformed into a liquid or moldable form and may harden inside
the mold. Other alternatives are possible. In any case, when using
the inmold-technique, the outer lining layer and the deformable
material are brought into contact inside the mold and, thus, may
form a tight closure by adhesive force an/or by material
engagement. Both the outer lining layer and the deformable material
may be brought into their final shape inside the mold during the
inmold-technique.
[0023] The outer lining layer may have a thickness which is
significantly lower than the thickness of the shell and/or than the
thickness of the deformable material. Thus, the outer lining layer
may have a thickness of 0.2 mm to 5 mm, preferably of 0.3 mm to 4
mm and most preferably of approximately 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. The outer
lining layer may comprise at least one layer being composed of a
plastic material. Thus, the plastic material may be a thermoplastic
material, more preferably a non-foamed thermoplastic material and
even more preferably a thermoplastic material selected from the
group consisting of: polycarbonate, polyethylene; polypropylene;
polyethylene terephthalate. Further, as discussed above, the outer
lining layer may have water-repellent properties. Additionally or
alternatively, the outer lining layer may be colored and may
provide decorative elements, such as by providing a color of the
helmet as seen from the outside.
[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, the helm has an outer
surface facing away from the person wearing the helmet. The shell
may have a guiding slit extending from the outer surface into the
hollow guiding space. Thus, the guiding slit preferably may be
located perpendicular to the slit at the forehead-sided rim of the
shell. The guiding slit may have a length of 10 mm to 250 mm, more
preferably a length of 30 mm to 200 mm and, most preferably, a
length of 50 mm to 150 mm. The length of the guiding slit may
define the extent to which the visor may be pushed out of the slit
at the forehead-sided rim of the shell into the face region of the
person wearing the helmet.
[0025] A guiding element may be mounted to the visor and may extend
through the guiding slit such that the guiding element is operable
from the outer surface. A position of the visor may be adjustable
by using the guiding element. As used herein, the term guiding
element may refer to an arbitrary element which mechanically may
act onto the visor, which extends through the guiding slit and
which may be used by a person to move the visor into the face
region of the person wearing the helmet. The term "is mounted to
the visor" may refer to an embodiment in which the guiding element
is an integral element of the visor, such as to an embodiment in
which the guiding element is a protrusion from the visor, and/or to
an embodiment, in which the guiding element is formed as an element
separate from the visor and in which the guiding element reversibly
and/or fixedly is mechanically connected to the visor.
[0026] The guiding element may comprise at least one lever and/or
at least one handle which may be operated by the person wearing the
helmet and/or by another person from the outer surface, thereby
influencing the position of the visor. The guiding element may take
at least two different positions inside the guiding slits, wherein
these positions may define the position of the visor. Thus, there
may be an uppermost position, in which the guiding element abuts a
first end of the guiding slit and in which the visor is pulled back
into the hollow guiding space as far as possible. Further, there
may be a lowermost position of the guiding element, in which the
guiding element abuts a lower end of the guiding slit and in which
the visor may be pushed out of the slit at the forehead-sided rim
of the shell into the face region of the person wearing the helmet,
as far as possible. The guiding element may be moved between these
extreme positions in one or more steps and/or in a stepless manner.
Thus, by positioning the guiding element, a position of the visor
may be adjustable by using the guiding element, such as by
adjusting the visor to two or more positions.
[0027] The helmet further may have a plurality of venting openings.
Specifically in bicyclists' helmets, venting openings are rather
common. Typically, venting openings in the form of one or more
steps are formed. These venting openings may extend from the outer
surface of the helmet through the shell to the interior surface of
the shell. The venting openings may fully or partially be filled
and/or covered by a protective material, such as a net and/or a
filter material, which prevents dirt and/or bugs from entering the
venting holes.
[0028] The guiding slit itself may have a double-function and may
at least partially be identical to one of the venting holes.
[0029] As discussed above, the guiding element may form an integral
part of the visor or may be formed by a separate element which is
connected to the visor in an arbitrary way. Most preferably, the
guiding element may be connected to the visor in a reversible way.
Preferably, the guiding element may be connected to the visor by
one of a force-fit connector and/or a form-fit connector. When
using a removable and/or reversible connection between the guiding
element and the visor, as discussed below, a mounting of the visor
and/or a removal of the visor, such as for cleaning purposes and/or
for the purpose of exchanging the visor, may be simplified. Thus,
firstly, the visor may be pushed into the slit at the
forehead-sided rim of the shell, into the hollow guiding space,
with the guiding element removed from the visor. Then, such as by
introducing the guiding element through the guiding slit, the
guiding element may be connected to the visor. This allows for a
simple and user-friendly mounting technique, which may even be
performed by the person wearing the helmet, such as for cleaning
the visor and/or for mounting a different type of visor, such as
for mounting a new visor and/or for mounting a visor having
different spectral properties.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the visor may have at least one
opening. This opening preferably may be located at an upper rim of
the visor, which is located as far as possible inside the hollow
guiding space. Other embodiments are possible. The guiding element
may extend through the opening and may be connected to a rim of the
opening, such as by the above-mentioned force-fit connector and/or
by the above-mentioned form-fit connector.
[0031] Thus, the guiding element may have a simple clip, which may
be connected to the rim of the opening, thereby engaging the visor
and enabling an operation of the visor by the person wearing the
helmet and/or another person.
[0032] As outlined above, the guiding element may be formed in
several ways. Thus, the guiding element may have at least one
handle and/or at least one lever. The handle may have at least one
anatomically formed outer surface which may easily be gripped by
the person wearing the helmet and/or another person in order to
operate the guiding element. This surface preferably may have one
or more grips, which may prevent the fingers of the person
operating the guiding element slipping across the guiding
element.
[0033] The visor generally may have a curved shape, such as in
order to at least partially cover the curved surface of the face of
the person wearing the helmet. The hollow guiding space and the
visor at least more or less may have the same curvature.
Preferably, the visor may have a uniform thickness. Preferably, the
visor may have a thickness of 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably of 2 mm to
5 mm.
[0034] The visor at least partially may be made of a plastic
material, preferably a thermoplastic material. The visor may be
formed in a separate molding process, such as by injection molding
of the plastic material. Preferably, the visor at least partially
may be made of polycarbonate. However, alternatively or
additionally, other materials may be used. As discussed above,
preferably, the visor at least partially may have transparent
properties, in order to allow for the person wearing the helmet
looking through the visor. However, the material of the visor may
provide protection from specific rays, such as by providing at
least one filter material which filters at least part of the solar
spectrum of light, such as light in the ultraviolet spectral
region. Thus, the visor may have a transmission of 20-100% in at
least one spectral range within the visible spectrum.
[0035] In addition to the visor and the guiding element, the helmet
may comprise further elements which may support the movement of the
visor inside the hollow guiding space. Thus, in a preferred
embodiment, the helmet may further comprise at least one guide rail
element. The guide rail element may at least partially be located
inside the hollow guiding space and may provide a guide rail for a
movement of the visor. As used herein, the term guide rail refers
to the property of providing at least one guiding surface, along
which the visor and/or the guiding element may glide or move,
thereby providing increased stability to the movement of the visor.
Thus, the guide rail may define a trajectory and/or path of the
movement of the visor.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail element may
comprise an upper stopper element and a lower stopper element. The
upper stopper element and the lower stopper element may limit the
movement of the visor. Thus, the lower stopper element may stop the
movement of the visor in a position in which the visor is pushed
out of the slit into the face region of the person wearing the
helmet to the farthest extent, such as by providing at least one
abutment surface which abuts the visor and/or an element connected
to the visor, such as the guiding element. Similarly, the upper
stopper element may provide an upper abutment surface, to which the
visor and/or an element connected to the visor, such as the guide
element, may abut, thereby defining the uppermost position of the
visor inside the hollow guiding space.
[0037] As discussed above, the visor may take two or more
positions. As further discussed above, in case more than two
positions are provided, intermediate positions may be taken in one
or more steps and/or in a stepless fashion. In a preferred
embodiment, the guide rail element may have a plurality of rest
elements, wherein the rest elements are located in predefined rest
positions, such that the visor may be adjusted to a plurality of
predefined positions. These rest positions may be defined by
specific mechanical rests in the guide rail element, such as by one
or more dents and/or depressions in the guide rail element. Thus,
the guide rail element may provide one, two, three or more teeth
and/or dents and/or depressions, which may interact with the visor
and/or another element connected to the visor, such as the guide
element, in order to preliminarily stop a movement of the visor,
such as by a mechanical engagement which may only be overcome by an
increased force.
[0038] As discussed above, the shell and the inner lining element
commonly may define and/or delimit the hollow guiding space which
accommodates the visor. The inner lining element may be connected
to the shell in an arbitrary way, such as by using a form-fit
connection and/or by using a force-fit connection and/or, most
preferably, by using a closure by adhesive force and/or by using an
engagement by material. Most preferably, the inner lining element
is glued to the shell, such as along a rim of the inner lining
element, along which the inner lining element rests on the shell,
preferably along a rim of the depression. The interior surface of
the shell and an inner surface of the inner lining element, the
inner surface facing the head of the person wearing the helmet, may
commonly form a resting surface, which directly or indirectly rests
on the head of the person wearing the helmet. Thus, the resting
surface may be formed by the interior surface of the shell in a
region outside the inner lining element and/or outside the
depression, and, further, may be formed by the inner surface of the
inner lining element in the region of the inner lining element
and/or in the region of the depression. The resting surface may
directly rest on the head of the person wearing the helmet.
Alternatively, one or more intermediate layers may be formed
between the resting surface and the head of the person wearing the
helmet, such as one or more flexible layers, which may be
removable, such as for cleaning purposes. Thus, one or more fabric
layers may be interposed between the resting surface and the head
of the person wearing the helmet. Further, one or more soft layers
for increasing the comfort of wearing the helmet may be provided in
between the resting surface and the head of the person wearing the
helmet.
[0039] Further preferred embodiments relate to the material of the
inner lining element. Thus, preferably, the inner lining element at
least partially may be made of a further deformable material. Thus,
the resting surface which may commonly be formed by the interior
surface and the inner surface of the inner lining element may
completely be formed of deformable materials, such as of the
deformable material and the further deformable material. The
further deformable material of the inner lining element may be
identical or non-identical to the deformable material of the shell.
With regard to potential embodiments of the further deformable
material, reference may be made to the description of deformable
material of the shell as disclosed above. However, other
embodiments are possible. The further deformable material
preferably may comprise a foamed plastic material. Preferably, the
foamed plastic material may be selected from the group consisting
of: a polystyrene foam; a polypropylene foam; a polyethylene
terephthalate foam; a polyurethane form; a foamed plastic material
composed of a plurality of pre-expanded foamed plastic particles,
preferably particles having a particle size of 1 mm to 5 mm, more
preferably of 1.5 mm to 2 mm.
[0040] As discussed above, the inner lining element preferably may
be mounted to the shell. Thus, the inner lining element preferably
may be mounted to the shell in at least one rim region adjacent to
the hollow guiding space. This rim region preferably may be a flat
region having a U-shape and/or another shape which may surround the
hollow guiding space at least partially. The inner lining element
preferably may be glued to the shell.
[0041] As discussed above, the shell may have a thickness of
several mm. Preferably, the shell may have a thickness of 5 mm to
70 mm, more preferably of 10 mm to 30 mm.
[0042] As mentioned above, the visor preferably may have a
non-planar shape, such as a curved shape. The visor preferably may
comprise a face shield, wherein the face shield can be pushed out
of the slit into the field of view of the person wearing the
helmet. The face shield preferably may be made of a transparent
material. As used herein, the term transparent refers to a
material, which at least partially is transparent to visible light.
However, the transparent material may have filter properties,
preferably in the ultraviolet region and/or in the blue spectral
region of the visible spectrum.
[0043] The face shield, on a lower rim facing away from the slit at
the forehead-sided rim of the shell preferably may have a dent
following the shape of the nose of the person wearing the
helmet.
[0044] Besides the face shield, the visor further may comprise an
elongated frame element, wherein the elongated frame element
extends from the face shield into the hollow guiding space. As
opposed to the face shield, the elongated frame element may remain
inside the hollow guiding space in all positions which may be taken
by the visor during use. Thus, the elongated frame element may
comprise one or more fingers which extend into the hollow guiding
space. The guiding element, which extends through the guiding slit,
may be mounted to one or more of the elongated frame elements.
[0045] In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for
producing a helmet is disclosed. The helmet preferably may be a
helmet according to the present invention, such as a helmet as
discussed above and/or as disclosed in more detail in the preferred
embodiments shown below. Thus with regard to potential embodiments
of the helmet producible by the method, reference may be made to
the disclosure of the helmet according to the present invention, as
discussed above or as disclosed in further potential details below.
However, other embodiments are possible. In turn, with regard to
potential embodiments of the helmet, reference may be made to the
method according to the present invention, as disclosed below and
as disclosed in more detail in the preferred embodiments discussed
below.
[0046] The method comprises the following method steps. Preferably,
the method steps are performed in the given order. However, a
different order is possible. Further, it may be possible to perform
one or more of the method steps in a time-parallel fashion and/or
in a time-overlapping fashion. Further, the method may comprise one
or more additional method steps, which are not disclosed below.
[0047] The method comprises the following method steps: [0048] a) a
shell is formed by using at least one deformable material, wherein
the forming of the shell is performed such that the shell has an
interior surface facing a head of a person wearing the helmet,
wherein during forming of the shell a depression is created in the
interior surface, [0049] b) an inner lining element is fit into the
depression, wherein a hollow guiding space is formed between the
inner lining element and the shell, the hollow guiding space having
a slit at a forehead-sided rim of the shell, [0050] c) a visor is
provided, wherein the visor at least partially is located movably
inside the hollow guiding space, such that the visor at least
partially can be pushed out of the slit into a face region of the
person wearing the helmet and can be pulled back into the hollow
guiding space.
[0051] With regard to the definition of the terms used in these
method steps, reference may be made to the above-mentioned
disclosure of the helmet.
[0052] The visor may be inserted into the hollow guiding space
after performing step b) of the method, i.e. after fitting the
inner lining element into the depression. Alternatively, after
performing step a) of the method, the visor may be inserted into
the depression and, subsequently, step b) may be performed.
[0053] The shell and the inner lining element may be formed in the
same step or process or may be formed in one or more separate
process steps. Thus, as discussed below, the shell preferably may
be formed in a molding process, preferably by using at least one
first mold, wherein the mold may be formed such that the depression
is created in the interior surface. Thus, an inner surface of the
first mold may have a shape which is suited to create the
depression in the inner surface. Similarly, a second mold may be
used for forming the inner lining element. After performing the two
molding processes for forming the shell and the inner lining
element, the shell and the inner lining element may be assembled,
by at least partially fitting the inner lining element into the
depression, thereby creating the hollow guiding space in between
the shell and the inner lining element.
[0054] Preferably, the helmet may have an outer surface facing away
from the person wearing the helmet. Step a) may be performed such
that the shell may have a guiding slit extending from the outer
surface into the hollow guiding space. Further, after performing
steps b) and c), a guiding element may be mounted to the visor,
such that the guiding element extends through the guiding slit and
such that the guiding element is operable from the outer surface.
Thereby, a position of the visor may be adjustable by using the
guiding element. For further details, reference may be made to the
disclosure of the helmet above.
[0055] As discussed above, the inner lining element may be
connected to the shell in various ways. Most preferably, in method
step b), the inner lining element may be glued to the shell.
[0056] As discussed above, several techniques may be used for
forming the shell, thereby providing the desired shape to the
deformable material of the shell. Most preferably, a molding
technique is used. As used herein, the term molding technique
refers to a technique using at least one mold, wherein the mold
provides at least one cavity having inner surfaces corresponding to
the desired outer shape of the element to be manufactured by the
molding technique, wherein at least one raw material is inserted
into the cavity in a deformable form. The raw material may be
hardened and/or set inside the cavity and, thereafter, be removed
from the cavity of the mold.
[0057] Most preferably, as discussed above, the deformable material
may comprise at least one foamed material. In the molding
technique, a mold having at least one cavity may be used, wherein
one or more of the following method steps may be used: [0058] the
foamed material may be inserted into the cavity, e.g. in a
pre-foamed shape; and/or [0059] a material being capable of being
foamed is inserted into the cavity and is foamed inside the cavity.
Thus, the foaming may take place outside the cavity, before
inserting the foamed material into the cavity, or may be performed
inside the cavity.
[0060] As discussed above, the shell may comprise a multi-layer
setup having two or more layers. The multi-layer setup preferably
may comprise at least one outer lining layer and the deformable
material. In step a), an inmold-technique may be used to create the
multi-layer setup.
[0061] In a third aspect of the present invention, a use of the
helmet according to the present invention is proposed. According to
this aspect, a use of the helmet is proposed, for a purpose
selected from the group consisting of: cycling, specifically riding
a bicycle; motorcycling; horse-riding; skiing; snowboarding; water
skiing.
[0062] The helmet, the method and the use according to the present
invention provide a large number of advantages over known helmets,
methods and uses. Thus, the method of manufacturing significantly
may be simplified as compared to known methods, since a
well-defined movement of the visor may be provided without the need
of complex hinges, which are typically rather difficult with regard
to their assembly procedure. Despite of this implication, the
movement of the visor may be smooth, since the visor may completely
or at least partially be surrounded by the deformable material
and/or the further deformable material. Thus, the hollow guiding
space may completely be surrounded by the deformable material and,
optionally, the further deformable material, such that the visor,
inside the hollow guiding space, preferably may not get into
contact with any hard materials. Thus, according to the present
invention, a highly durable setup having a high lifetime may be
provided, which prevents the visor from being scratched, even when
frequently used.
[0063] Further, the handling of the visor may be significantly
simplified as compared to known visors. Thus, by providing the
guiding element which may be operated by the person wearing the
helmet or another person, a user-friendly method of operation may
be provided, without the need of touching a face shield of the
visor, thereby preventing the visor from being smeared by sweat or
dirt sticking to the fingers. Further, the visor may fully be
pulled back into the hollow guiding space, without the need of a
rim of the visor extending from the slit in this position, in order
to allow for a user to operate the visor and push the visor back
into the face region, since the visor may easily be operated by the
guiding element extending through the guiding slit.
[0064] Further, by using the above-mentioned inmold-technique, a
simple and durable manufacturing process may be provided, which may
be performed on a large scale in an industrial process. By using
inmold-techniques, multi-layer setups may be provided, which may
combine decorative purposes and the above-mentioned advantages of
the deformable material of the shell.
[0065] The above-mentioned guiding slit may optically fit into the
general design of the helmet, such as the design having one or more
venting or ventilation openings. Thus, the guiding list may be
formed as groove. The guiding element may form a slide which may be
operated by a user. The groove may be located under the slide, and
ventilation openings may be built along the groove. The visor,
which may be formed as an inner visor, may be inserted under the
groove, inside the hollow guiding space, and may slide up and down
under the helmet body. As discussed above, one or more guiding
elements may be provided to further ensure a smooth movement of the
visor. Thus, the guiding element may comprise one or more slide
guiding parts, which may be equipped inside the groove and/or
inside the hollow guiding space and which may support the visor,
specifically the inner visor.
[0066] Further, the visor may be designed to be removable, by a
manufacturer and/or by the person wearing the helmet. Thus, the
visor may be exchangeable, such as by simply removing the guiding
element from the visor and by pulling the visor out of the slit at
the forehead-sided rim of the shell. A new visor may be inserted
into the slit and may be connected to the guiding element. The
visor may slide along the groove when the handle is operated.
[0067] The helmet preferably may be designed as an outdoor sports
helmet. Thus, the outer surface of the helmet may provide
water-repellent properties. As discussed above, these properties
preferably may be provided by one or more outer lining layers. The
shell on the other hand may be made of different materials, such as
by indoor materials.
[0068] The visor may provide one or more additional functions.
Thus, as discussed above, the visor, preferably a face shield of
the visor, may provide protective functions and/or filter
functions, such as the function of sunglasses. Additionally or
alternatively, the visor, preferably the face shield of the visor,
may comprise optically corrective elements, such as vision
corrective glasses.
[0069] Summarizing the above-mentioned findings, the following
items are specifically preferred:
[0070] Item 1: A helmet, specifically for the protection of a head
of a person during leisure activities, the helmet having a shell at
least partially made of a deformable material, the shell having an
interior surface facing the head of a person wearing the helmet,
wherein the shell comprises a depression in the interior surface,
wherein an inner lining element is fit into the depression, wherein
a hollow guiding space is formed between the inner lining element
and the shell, the hollow guiding space having a slit at a
forehead-sided rim of the shell, the helmet further having a visor,
wherein the visor at least partially is located movably inside the
hollow guiding space, such that the visor at least partially can be
pushed out of the slit into a face region of the person wearing the
helmet and can be pulled back into the hollow guiding space.
[0071] Item 2: The helmet according to the preceding item, wherein
the deformable material comprises a foamed plastic material.
[0072] Item 3: The helmet according to the preceding item, wherein
the foamed plastic material is selected from the group consisting
of: a polystyrene foam, preferably expanded polystyrene; a
polyethylene foam; a polypropylene foam; a polyethylene
terephthalate foam; a polyurethane foam; a foamed plastic material
composed of a plurality of pre-expanded foamed plastic particles,
preferably particles having a particle size of 1 mm to 5 mm.
[0073] Item 4: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
wherein the shell has a multi-layer setup, the multi-layer setup
comprising at least one outer lining layer and the deformable
material.
[0074] Item 5: The helmet according to the preceding item, wherein
the outer lining layer and the deformable material are connected by
an inmold-technique.
[0075] Item 6: The helmet according to one of the two preceding
items, wherein the outer lining layer comprises an outer hard
protective lining layer and an inner decorative lining layer facing
the deformable material.
[0076] Item 7: The helmet according to one of the three preceding
items, wherein the outer lining layer has a thickness of 0.2 mm to
5 mm, preferably of 0.3 to 4 mm, more preferably of 0.5 mm to 1.0
mm.
[0077] Item 8: The helmet according to one of the four preceding
items, wherein the outer lining layer comprises at least one layer
being composed of a plastic material.
[0078] Item 9: The helmet according to the preceding item, wherein
plastic material is a thermoplastic material, preferably a
non-foamed thermoplastic material and more preferably a
thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of:
polycarbonate; polyethylene; polypropylene; polyethylene
terephthalate.
[0079] Item 10: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
wherein the helmet has an outer surface facing away from of the
person wearing the helmet, wherein the shell has a guiding slit
extending from the outer surface into the hollow guiding space,
wherein a guiding element is mounted to the visor and extends
through the guiding slit such that the guiding element is operable
from the outer surface, wherein a position of the visor is
adjustable by using the guiding element.
[0080] Item 11: The helmet according to the preceding item, the
helmet having a plurality of venting openings, wherein the guiding
slit at least partially is identical to one of the venting
openings.
[0081] Item 12: The helmet according to one of the two preceding
items, wherein the guiding element removably is connected to the
visor.
[0082] Item 13: The helmet according to the preceding item, wherein
the guiding element is connected to the visor by one of a force-fit
connector and a form-fit connector.
[0083] Item 14: The helmet according to one of the four preceding
items, wherein visor has an opening, wherein the guiding element
extends through the opening and is connected to a rim of the
opening.
[0084] Item 15: The helmet according to one of the five preceding
items, wherein the guiding element has a handle which is operable
by the person wearing the helmet in order to move the visor.
[0085] Item 16: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
wherein the visor has a uniform thickness.
[0086] Item 17: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
wherein the visor has a thickness of 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably of 2
mm to 5 mm.
[0087] Item 18: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
wherein the visor at least partially is made of a plastic material,
preferably a thermoplastic material.
[0088] Item 19: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
wherein the visor at least partially is made of a
polycarbonate.
[0089] Item 20: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
the helmet further comprising a guide rail element, wherein the
guide rail element at least partially is located inside the hollow
guiding space, wherein the guide rail element provides a guide rail
for a movement of the visor.
[0090] Item 21: The helmet according to the preceding item, wherein
the guide rail element comprises an upper stopper element and a
lower stopper element limiting the movement of the visor.
[0091] Item 22: The helmet according to one of the two preceding
items, wherein the guide rail element has a plurality of rest
elements, wherein the rest elements are located in predefined rest
positions, such that the visor may be adjusted to a plurality of
predefined positions.
[0092] Item 23: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
wherein the interior surface and an inner surface of the inner
lining element commonly form a resting surface which directly or
indirectly rests on the head of the person wearing the helmet.
[0093] Item 24: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
wherein the inner lining element at least partially is made of a
further deformable material.
[0094] Item 25: The helmet according to the preceding item, wherein
the further deformable material comprises a foamed plastic
material.
[0095] Item 26: The helmet according to the preceding item, wherein
the foamed plastic material is selected from the group consisting
of: a polystyrene foam, preferably expanded polystyrene; a
polyethylene foam; a polypropylene foam; a polyethylene
terephthalate foam; a polyurethane foam; a foamed plastic material
composed of a plurality of pre-expanded foamed plastic particles,
preferably particles having a particle size of 1 mm to 5 mm and
more preferably particles having a particle size of 1.5 mm to 2
mm.
[0096] Item 27: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
wherein the inner lining element is mounted to the shell in at
least one rim region adjacent to the hollow guiding space.
[0097] Item 28: The helmet according to the preceding item, wherein
the inner lining element is glued to the shell.
[0098] Item 29: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
wherein the shell has a thickness of 5 mm to 70 mm, preferably of
10 mm to 30 mm.
[0099] Item 30: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
wherein the visor has a non-planar shape.
[0100] Item 31: The helmet according to one of the preceding items,
wherein the visor comprises a face shield, wherein the face shield
can be pushed out of the slit into the field of view of the person
wearing the helmet.
[0101] Item 32: The helmet according to the preceding item, wherein
the face shield is made of a transparent material.
[0102] Item 33: The helmet according to one of the two preceding
items, wherein the face shield, on a lower rim facing away from the
slit, has a dent following the shape of the nose of the person
wearing the helmet.
[0103] Item 34: The helmet according to one of the three preceding
items, wherein the visor further comprises an elongated frame
element, wherein the elongated frame element extends from the face
shield into the hollow guiding space.
[0104] Item 35: A method for producing a helmet, specifically a
helmet according to one of the preceding items, wherein the method
comprises the following method steps:
a) a shell is formed by using at least one deformable material,
wherein the forming of the shell is performed such that the shell
has an interior surface facing a head of a person wearing the
helmet, wherein during forming of the shell a depression is created
in the interior surface, b) an inner lining element is fit into the
depression, wherein a hollow guiding space is formed between the
inner lining element and the shell, the hollow guiding space having
a slit at a forehead-sided rim of the shell, c) a visor is
provided, wherein the visor at least partially is located movably
inside the hollow guiding space, such that the visor at least
partially can be pushed out of the slit into a face region of the
person wearing the helmet and can be pulled back into the hollow
guiding space.
[0105] Item 36: The method according to the preceding item,
wherein, after performing step a), the visor is inserted into the
depression and, subsequently, step b) is performed.
[0106] Item 37: The method according to one of the preceding method
items, wherein the helmet has an outer surface facing away from of
the person wearing the helmet, wherein step a) is performed such
that the shell has a guiding slit extending from the outer surface
into the hollow guiding space, wherein, after performing steps b)
and c), a guiding element is mounted to the visor, such that the
guiding element extends through the guiding slit and such that the
guiding element is operable from the outer surface, wherein a
position of the visor is adjustable by using the guiding
element.
[0107] Item 38: The method according to one of the preceding method
items, wherein, in step b), the inner lining element is glued to
the shell.
[0108] Item 39: The method according to one of the preceding method
items, wherein, in step a), a molding technique is used, preferably
an inmold-technique.
[0109] Item 40: The method according to the preceding item, wherein
the deformable material comprises at least one foamed material,
wherein, in the molding technique, a mold having at least one
cavity is used, wherein one of the following method steps is used:
[0110] the foamed material is inserted into the cavity; [0111] a
material being capable of being foamed is inserted into the cavity
and is foamed inside the cavity.
[0112] Item 41: The method according to one of the preceding method
items, wherein step a) is performed such that the shell has a
multi-layer setup, the multi-layer setup comprising at least one
outer lining layer and the deformable material, wherein, in step
a), an inmold-technique is used to create the multi-layer
setup.
[0113] Item 42: A use of the helmet according to one of the
preceding items referring to a helmet for a purpose selected from
the group consisting of: cycling, specifically riding a bicycle;
motorcycling; horse-riding; skiing; snowboarding; water skiing
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0114] Further optional details and optional features of the
present invention may be derived from the following description of
preferred embodiments, preferably in connection with the dependent
claims. Therein, the features may be realized on their own or in
arbitrary combination. The invention is not restricted to the
embodiments. The embodiments are schematically depicted in the
figures. Identical reference numbers in the figures refer to
identical or similar elements or to elements which correspond to
each other with regard to their functions.
[0115] In the figures:
[0116] FIG. 1 denotes a perspective top view of an embodiment of a
helmet according to the present invention;
[0117] FIG. 2 denotes a cross-sectional view of the helmet
according to FIG. 1;
[0118] FIG. 3 shows an assembly of the visor of the helmet of FIG.
1;
[0119] FIGS. 4 to 9 show several positions of the visor of the
helmet and corresponding positions of an optional guide rail
element for guiding the visor; and
[0120] FIG. 10 shows a removable connection of a guiding element to
the visor.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0121] In the following, a preferred embodiment of a helmet
according to the present invention will be disclosed. The helmet
will be shown in various different views and positions, wherein
reference will be made to all figures. The helmet will be denoted
by reference number 110. In the embodiments, a helmet for
bicyclists is shown. However, other embodiments and/or other uses
are possible.
[0122] In FIG. 1, a perspective top view of the helmet 110 is
shown. As can be seen in this embodiment, the helmet comprises a
shell 112, which may function as a helmet body. As pointed out in
greater detail below, the shell 112 may be made of one or more
materials and, preferably, may comprise a multi-layer setup.
[0123] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the shell 112 may
comprise one or more venting openings 114 for providing a
ventilation to the person wearing the helmet. The venting openings
114 may partially or completely be covered by a net or a filter
material, in order to prevent bugs and/or dirt from entering the
venting openings 114.
[0124] Further, the helmet 110 as depicted in FIG. 1 comprises a
visor 116. In the position depicted in FIG. 1, the visor 116 is in
a lower position, in which the visor 116 or, more precisely, a face
shield 118 of the visor 116, partially or fully covers a face
region of a person wearing the helmet. As can be seen, the face
shield 118, on a lower rim 120, may comprise a dent 122 following
the shape of the nose of the person wearing the helmet.
[0125] As will be explained in greater detail below, the visor 116
is movable, wherein the position of the visor 116 may be adjusted
by a guiding element 124. The guiding element at least partially
may reach through a guiding slit 126 in the shell 112 and may be
connected to the visor 116 and/or may be an integral part of the
visor 116. The guiding slit 126 may function as a venting opening
114.
[0126] In order to provide a guiding to the movement of the visor
116 and/or in order to control the movement of the visor 116, the
helmet 110 further may comprise a guide rail element 128, which may
function as a slide guide for the sliding of the visor 116 and/or
for the sliding of the guiding element 124 inside the guiding slit
126. The guide rail element 128 may comprise an upper stopper
element 130 and/or a lower stopper element 132, which restrict the
movement of the guiding element 124 and/or the visor 116. As
depicted in FIG. 1, the guiding element 124 may be formed as a
handle, a lever or in any other design which allows for a user,
such as the person wearing the helmet or another person, to operate
the visor 116 and to adjust the position of the visor 116.
[0127] In FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the helmet 110 is
depicted. As can be seen in this cross-sectional view, the shell
112 comprises a multi-layer setup. In this multi-layer setup, an
outer shell 134 is provided, which is made of a deformable
material, such as expanded polystyrene and/or another foamed
plastic material. Further, the multi-layer setup of the shell 112
may comprise at least one outer lining layer 138, which may provide
water-repellent properties. The outer lining layer 138 may comprise
a single-layer setup and/or a multi-layer setup, such as by using a
laminate. The outer lining layer 138 may comprise a decorative
lining layer and/or a hard protective lining layer. The outer
lining layer 138 may fully or partially be made of a colored
material, preferably a colored plastic material.
[0128] In a manufacturing process, the outer shell 134 comprising
the deformable material 136 and the outer lining layer 138 may be
manufactured in a molding process, such as by using an
inmold-technique. For this purpose, the outer lining layer 138
and/or a sheet material, which forms the outer lining layer, may be
inserted into a cavity of a mold, and the deformable material 136
and/or at least one precursor material for the deformable material
136 may be inserted into the cavity of the mold, such that the
multi-layer setup comprising the deformable material 136 and the
outer lining layer 138 is formed inside the cavity.
[0129] The shell 112 has an outer surface 140 facing away from the
head of the person wearing the helmet. The shell 112 further has an
interior surface 142, which forms a resting surface 144 or part of
a resting surface 144, which directly or indirectly rests on the
head of the person wearing the helmet. As can be seen in FIG. 2,
the guiding slit 126 may extend from the outer surface 140 to the
interior surface 142 of the shell 112.
[0130] As depicted in FIG. 2, the outer shell 134 which comprises
the deformable material 136 comprises a depression 146, into which
an inner lining element 148 is inserted. This inner lining element
148 preferably is formed of a further deformable material 150. The
inner lining element 148 preferably has a curved shape and may be
formed in a separate molding process. The inner lining element 148
may comprise an inner surface 152 facing towards the head of the
person wearing the helmet, which may form part of the resting
surface 144. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 2, the resting surface 144,
outside the depression 146, is formed by the interior surface 142
of the outer shell 134 comprising the deformable material 136, and,
in the region of the depression 146, by the inner surface 152 of
the inner lining element 148, which preferably comprises the
further deformable material 150, such as expanded polystyrene
(EPS).
[0131] The inner lining element 148 preferably may be glued to the
deformable material 136 of the outer shell 134 along a rim 154. As
can be seen in FIG. 2, the inner lining element 148 does not
completely fill the depression 146. Contrarily, a hollow guiding
space 156 is formed in between the surface of the deformable
material 136 inside the depression 146 and a surface of the inner
lining element 148. The visor 116 at least partially is
accommodated inside this hollow guiding space, which, thereby, may
function as a rail or slide assembly rail for guiding the visor 116
or parts thereof. Preferably, the hollow guiding space 156 is fully
surrounded by deformable materials, such as the deformable material
136 and the further deformable material 150. Thus, the visor 116,
specifically the face shield 118, may slide inside the hollow
guiding space 156 smoothly, without touching any hard surfaces,
thereby preventing the face shield 118 from being scratched during
movement.
[0132] FIG. 2 further shows details of a potential embodiment of a
mechanism for operating the visor 116 and/or for adjusting the
position of the visor 116 along the guiding slit 126. As can be
seen in FIG. 2, the hollow guiding space 156 has a slit 158 at a
forehead-sided rim 160 of the shell 112. The visor 116,
specifically the face shield 118 of the visor 116, at least
partially can be pushed out of the slit 158 into a face region of
the person wearing the helmet and can be pulled back into the
hollow guiding space 156. This movement of the visor 116 may be
adjusted by a user by means of the guiding element 128, which may
be connected to the visor 116 and/or which may be an integral part
of the visor 116. In FIG. 2, an embodiment is shown, in which the
guiding element 124 is connected to the visor 116 in a reversible
and/or removable way. Details of this connection are depicted in an
enlarged sectional view, which is denoted by "A" in FIG. 2.
[0133] As can be seen in this enlarged view, the guiding element
124 may comprise a handle 162 and/or a lever and/or any other
element which may be operated by the user from the outer surface
140. This handle 162 may be connected to the visor 116 preferably
by one or more connection elements 164, which preferably may have
elastic properties, such as by using one or more elasticity support
bars. The connection elements 164 preferably may comprise one or
more force-fit connectors and/or one or more form-fit connectors.
As can be seen in the enlarged view A in FIG. 2, the connection
elements 164 may comprise assembly pins 166, preferably having a
groove 168, wherein the assembly pins 166 may extend through an
opening 170 inside the visor 116, preferably inside an elongated
frame element 172 of the visor 116, which may extend from the face
shield 118 into the interior of the hollow guiding space 156. A rim
174 of the elongated frame element 172, which fully or partially
surrounds the opening 170, may snap into the groove 168.
[0134] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 shows further optional
details of a guiding of the visor 116. Thus, as discussed above,
the visor 116, inside the hollow guiding space 156, may be guided
directly by the materials of the shell 112, such as by the
deformable material 136 of the outer shell 134 and/or by the
further deformable material 150 of the inner lining element 148. In
a preferred embodiment, however, as depicted in FIG. 2, the guiding
of the visor 116 may further be supported by one or more guide rail
elements 128, as already discussed in FIG. 1. Thus, the visor 116
and/or a part thereof, such as the elongated frame element 172, may
fully or partially be surrounded by the guide rail element 128, as
can be seen in the enlarged view A in FIG. 2. As depicted in FIG.
2, the guide rail element 128 may comprise an upper stopper element
130 and a lower stopper element 132. The guide rail element 128 may
further comprise a frame 176, which fully or partially surrounds
the elongated frame element 172 of the visor 116, and which may
provide a guide rail 178 to the elongated frame element 172 and/or
another part of the visor 116 to be guided.
[0135] In FIG. 3, a potential assembly of the visor 116 is depicted
in a perspective explosion view in a partial cross-sectional way.
In this view, a potential setup of the guide rail element 128 is
depicted. For many details, reference may be made to the
description of FIG. 2 above.
[0136] As depicted in FIG. 3, the guide rail element 128 may
comprise one or more assembly elements 180, such as assembly pins,
which may prevent the guide rail element 128 from sliding through
the hollow guiding space 156 and which may fix the position of the
guide rail element 128. The guide rail element 128 may fully or
partially be accommodated inside the hollow guiding space 156.
[0137] Further, the helmet 110, specifically the visor 116 and/or
the guide rail element 128, may comprise one or more rest elements
182, which may be used to adjust the position of the visor 116 to a
plurality of predefined positions. These rest elements 182 may,
accordingly, be located in predefined rest positions.
[0138] In the embodiment in FIG. 3, the rest elements 182 comprise
a stopper element 184 along the longitudinal rim of the elongated
frame element 172 of the visor 116. As an example, this at least
one stopper element 184 may be located next to the opening 170.
However, other embodiments are possible. The stopper element 184
may be provided on both sides of the elongated frame element 172.
The stopper element 184 may engage one or more grooves or notches
186, which may provide a bumpy guide for the stopper element 184,
inside the guide rail 178. A rest position of the visor 116 is
defined by an engagement of the stopper element 184 and a
corresponding notch 186. By more forcefully pushing the handle 162,
the stopper element 184 may be pushed from one notch 186 into a
neighboring notch, thereby moving the visor 116 from one rest
position to a subsequent rest position.
[0139] This movement of the visor by operating the guiding element
124 is depicted in the series of FIGS. 4 to 9. In FIGS. 4, 6 and 8,
cross-sectional views of the helmet 110, in analogy to FIG. 2
above, are shown, wherein, in each case, the guiding element 124
and, consequently, the visor 116 are located in different rest
positions. In FIGS. 5, 7 and 9, partial views of the elongated
frame element 172 of the visor 116 and of the guide rail element
128 are depicted, which correspond to the positions of the visor
116 as depicted in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8, respectively.
[0140] In FIGS. 4 and 5, an uppermost rest position is shown, in
which the visor 116 is more or less fully located inside the hollow
guiding space 156. In this uppermost rest position, the stopper
element 184 is located inside the uppermost notch 186, i.e. the
notch farthest to the right in FIG. 5.
[0141] In FIGS. 6 and 7, by moving the handle 162 to the left, the
visor 116 is in an intermediate position, in which the face shield
118 partially covers a face region of the person wearing the helmet
110. In this position, the stopper element 184 is located in an
intermediate notch 186.
[0142] In FIGS. 8 and 9, a lowermost position of the visor 116 is
depicted, in which the face shield 118 extends into the face region
as far as possible. In this position, the guiding element 124 abuts
the lower stopper element 132 of the guide rail element 128, as may
be seen in FIG. 9. Thereby, the lower stopper element 132 prevents
the face shield 118 from a further downward movement and,
generally, prevents the visor 116 from falling out of the hollow
guiding space 156.
[0143] As discussed above, the guiding element 124 preferably is
connected to the visor 116, preferably to the elongated frame
element 172, in a reversible way. In this regard, reference may be
made to the description of FIG. 3 above. In FIG. 10, a potential
embodiment of a disassembly procedure of the visor 116 or, in
reverse order, an assembly procedure, is schematically
depicted.
[0144] As can be seen in this FIG. 10, for removal of the guiding
element 124 from the visor 116, the connection elements 164, which
preferably may have elastic properties, may be pushed (arrows 188
in FIG. 10), thereby removing the assembly pins 166 from the rim
174 of the opening 170. Subsequently, the guiding element 124 may
be removed from the opening 170 (arrow 190). Subsequently, the
visor 116 may be pulled out of the slit 158 in FIG. 2, in order to
clean the visor 116 and/or replace the visor 116 by a new and/or
different visor 116, such as for repair purposes and/or for
providing visors 116 with different optical properties.
[0145] For assembly of the helmet 110 and, specifically, the visor
116, a reversed order may be used. Thus, firstly, the visor 116 may
be inserted through the slit 158 into the hollow guiding space 156,
such that the elongated frame element 172 and the opening 170 are
located underneath the guiding slit 126. Subsequently, the guiding
element 124 may be inserted, by inserting the assembly pins 166
into the opening 170.
TABLE-US-00001 List of reference numbers 110 helmet 112 shell 114
venting opening 116 visor 118 face shield 120 lower rim 122 dent
124 guiding element 126 guiding slit 128 guide rail element 130
upper stopper element 132 lower stopper element 134 outer shell 136
deformable material 138 outer lining layer 140 outer surface 142
interior surface 144 resting surface 146 depression 148 inner
lining element 150 further deformable material 152 inner surface
154 rim 156 hollow guiding space 158 slit 160 forehead-sided rim
162 handle 164 connection element 166 assembly pin 168 groove 170
opening 172 elongated frame element 174 rim 176 frame 178 guide
rail 180 assembly element 182 rest element 184 stopper element 186
notches 188 pushing 190 removal
* * * * *