U.S. patent application number 15/992449 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-13 for cycling helmet.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rudy Project S.p.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is Rudy Project S.p.A.. Invention is credited to Norberto FAVA.
Application Number | 20180352909 15/992449 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60569993 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180352909 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FAVA; Norberto |
December 13, 2018 |
CYCLING HELMET
Abstract
A cycling helmet includes a cap structure, a fastening system of
the helmet with straps for chinstrap fastening of the helmet, and
securing means for the straps of the fastening system with respect
to the cap structure. The securing means include for each strap a
pin-like formation which is secured to the free end of the strap
and a respective removable retention seat of the pin-like formation
which is provided on the cap structure. The securing means also
include a gripping end piece which extends from each pin-like
formation of the corresponding strap and which is configured to
control, when held, the movement of the pin-like formation away
from and towards an engagement condition in the retention seat.
Inventors: |
FAVA; Norberto; (Treviso,
IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rudy Project S.p.A. |
Treviso |
|
IT |
|
|
Assignee: |
Rudy Project S.p.A.
Treviso
IT
|
Family ID: |
60569993 |
Appl. No.: |
15/992449 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/066 20130101;
A42B 3/08 20130101; A44B 11/2584 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A44B 11/25 20060101
A44B011/25; A42B 3/08 20060101 A42B003/08; A42B 3/06 20060101
A42B003/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 9, 2017 |
IT |
102017000064289 |
Claims
1. A cycling helmet comprising a cap structure, a fastening system
of the helmet with straps for chinstrap fastening of the helmet,
and securing means for the straps of the fastening system with
respect to the cap structure, the securing means comprising for
each strap a pin-like formation which is secured to a free end of
the strap and a respective removable retention seat of the pin-like
formation which is provided on the cap structure, the securing
means comprise a gripping end piece which extends from each
pin-like formation of the corresponding strap and which is
configured to control, when held, movement of the pin-like
formation away from and towards an engagement condition in the
retention seat.
2. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the gripping end piece
is integral with the pin-like formation.
3. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the gripping end piece
comprises a plate-like portion which extends as a pair of arms in a
spaced-apart relationship, which are fixedly joined to the pin-like
formation, the plate-like portion defining the gripping surface, by
which the movement of the pin-like formation can be controlled.
4. The helmet according to claim 3, wherein the arms delimit
together with at least a portion of the pin-like formation and with
an end of the plate-like portion a through-opening for the passage
of the strap which is configured to be wrapped with relevant fixing
around the pin-like formation.
5. The helmet according to claim 4, wherein each of the arms is
fixedly joined to the pin-like formation at a predetermined spacing
from a corresponding and respective free end of the pin-like
formation so that a pair of respective and opposing end portions,
configured to be adjoined by respective surfaces of the seat,
remain delimited on the pin-like formation.
6. The helmet according to claim 5, wherein the seat is defined in
an open box-shaped member which has an opening for the passage of
the pin-like formation, said opening being in communication with a
pair of cavities which are formed in the member and which have the
abutment surfaces in order to receive and retain the respective end
portions of the pin-like formation, the opening and the cavities
having such a formation that the pin-like formation is directed, by
gripping the end piece, away from and towards the opening in a
first movement direction and away from and towards the cavity in a
second movement direction, which is transverse relative to the
first direction.
7. The helmet according to claim 5, wherein the end portions of the
pin-like formation have a cylindrical formation.
8. The helmet according to claim 4, wherein the plate-like portion
of the end piece has at a side, opposite to the opening, a second
through-opening which is configured to be passed through by the
strap in order to keep the strap in abutment against the plate-like
portion.
9. The helmet according to claim 6, further comprising an internal
cap of a suitable material for absorbing impacts, the box-shaped
member which has the retention seat of each strap being secured to
the internal cap in an injection-molding process by which the
internal cap is produced.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of cycling
helmets.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the technical field of protective helmets for practicing
cycling, the cap-like structure of the helmet is typically provided
with an external cap or shell which comprises a substantially rigid
material and has a shape suitable for covering the head and in
which there is connected an internal cap which is generally of a
suitable material for absorbing the impacts, for example, of
polystyrene or similar materials.
[0003] There is normally connected to the cap-like structure of the
helmet a fastening system with belts or straps in order to stably
secure the helmet on the head.
[0004] Such a fastening system typically makes provision for, at
both sides of the cap-like structure, two strap portions to be able
to be fixed, wherein each strap portion is Y-shaped with the end of
each upper portion being secured to the cap-like structure of the
helmet, but with there being applied to the lower portion of each
strap portion a closure member which cooperates with a
corresponding closure member which is applied to the lower portion
of the other strap portion in order to close the strap under the
throat of the cyclist generally in a snap-fitting and adjustable
manner.
[0005] A first known solution provides for the upper portions of
each strap portion to be fixedly joined, at the ends thereof, to
the cap structure by means of permanent fixing systems, for
example, by means of rivets or similar connection means, but which
by their nature prevent the possible replacement of the straps.
[0006] In this case, it is not possible, for maintenance
requirements, cleaning or for requirements of a purely aesthetic
nature (for example, for changing the color of the straps), to
disengage the straps from the cap-like structure of the helmet.
[0007] In view of the above-mentioned requirements, other known
solutions would allow the disengagement from the cap structure of
the end portions of the strap portion but with rather complicated
operations which the cyclist is often not capable of carrying out
on his/her own or which require the use of tools.
[0008] A known solution provides, for example, for the end portion
of the strap to be folded and stitched on an anchor pin which is
retained against a slotted opening which is fixedly joined to the
cap structure, into which the strap is passed.
[0009] Another solution provides for the strap to be fixedly joined
to an abutment member, for example, by means of stitching, after
the strap has been passed through a through-opening which is formed
in the external shell of the helmet; the abutment action applied by
the profile of the opening against this member ensures the
anchoring of the corresponding portion of the strap portion with
respect to the cap structure of the helmet.
[0010] Though it is possible to release the strap from the cap for
the potential replacement thereof, it requires a given amount of
work which is neither easy nor rapid and which may also involve the
strap being unpicked and re-stitched, operations which can be
carried out only by specialist and authorized operators.
[0011] A main object of the invention is to provide a cycling
helmet which is structurally and functionally configured to
overcome the limitations set out with reference to the cited prior
art.
SUMMARY
[0012] This object and other objects which will be set out below
are achieved by the invention by means of a cycling helmet which is
constructed in accordance with the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The features and advantages of the invention will be better
appreciated from the following detailed description of a preferred
embodiment thereof which is illustrated by way of non-limiting
example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a cycling helmet
constructed according to the invention,
[0015] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view to an enlarged scale of
the helmet of FIG. 1,
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view to an enlarged scale of a
detail of the helmet of the preceding Figures with the portions
depicted in a disengagement condition,
[0017] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the detail of FIG. 3,
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the detail of FIG. 3 in a
different operating condition between the connected portions,
[0019] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the detail shown in FIG. 5,
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the detail of FIGS. 3 and 5
which is shown under mutual engagement conditions of the connected
portions,
[0021] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the detail shown in FIG. 7,
[0022] FIG. 9 is a side elevation of one of the details of FIG.
3,
[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross-section along the line X-X of FIG. 6,
[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross-section along the line XI-XI of FIG.
8,
[0025] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the detail shown in
FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] With reference to the Figures cited, there is designated 1 a
cycling helmet which is constructed according to the present
invention.
[0027] The helmet 1 comprises a cap structure 2 which is capable of
wrapping for the most part the head of the user and which comprises
an external cap 3 in the form of a shell of rigid or semi-rigid
material and an internal cap 4 which comprises a suitable material
for absorbing the impacts and which is intended to wrap the head of
the cyclist with contact.
[0028] Preferably, the cap or external shell 3 is constructed from
polycarbonate or ABS or another similar material while the internal
cap 4 is produced from expanded polystyrene or another similar
material.
[0029] The cap 1 further comprises a strap type fastening system
for the chinstrap fastening of the helmet, which is generally
designated 5.
[0030] The system comprises in the region of each lateral side of
the helmet, designated 2a, 2b, a respective strap portion 6a, 6b
which is Y-shaped with a lower portion 7 which is connected to two
upper portions 8, 9. The ends of each upper portion 8, 9 are
secured to the cap structure 2 of the helmet, there being applied
to the lower portion 7 of one (6a) of the strap portions a first
portion 10a of a closure member which cooperates with a
corresponding second portion 10b of the closure member which is
applied to the lower portion 7 of the other strap portion (6b) in
order to generally close in a snap-fitting and adjustable manner
the strap under the throat of the cyclist. The closure member is of
conventional type and does not constitute subject-matter of the
present invention.
[0031] Each of the upper portions 8, 9 of the corresponding strap
portion 6a,b can be fixed in a removable manner to the cap
structure 2 of the helmet by respective securing means. As a result
of the structural identity, there will be described in detail below
only the securing means of the upper portion 8, it being understood
that identical securing means are provided for the upper portion 9,
in each of the strap portions at the corresponding side of the
helmet.
[0032] The securing means comprise for each upper strap portion 8 a
pin-like formation 11 which is secured to the free end of the upper
strap portion and a respective seat 12 which is provided in the cap
structure 2 which is intended to retain the pin-like formation in a
removable manner.
[0033] The securing means further comprise a gripping end piece 13
which extends from the respective pin-like formation 11 of the
corresponding strap and which is suitable for controlling, when
held, the movement of the pin-like formation 11 away from and
towards an engagement condition in the retention seat 12, as will
be appreciated in greater detail from the following
description.
[0034] Advantageously, the end piece 13 is integral, that is to
say, constructed in a single piece, with the pin-like formation 11
and the pin-like formation preferably has a cylindrical
formation.
[0035] The end piece 13 comprises a plate-like portion 13a which
produces the gripping surface which is extended as a pair of arms
13b, 13c which are parallel with and spaced apart from each other
and are fixedly joined to the pin-like formation 11. The arms 13b,
13c project practically radially from the pin 11 and are connected
to the plate-like portion 13a at a preselected angle of
inclination.
[0036] Each of the arms 13b, 13c is further fixedly joined to the
pin-like formation 11 at a predetermined spacing from a
corresponding and respective free axial end of the pin-like
formation so that there remains delimited between each free end of
the pin and the corresponding arm adjacent thereto a corresponding
and respective pin portion which is designated 11a, 11b and which
is intended to be adjoined by respective surfaces 12a, 12b of the
seat 12. The arms 13b, 13c together delimit with at least a portion
of the pin-like formation 11 (the portion between the arms) and
with an end edge of the plate-like portion 13a (the one directed
towards the pin) a through-opening 14. The passage of the
corresponding upper strap portion which is intended to be wrapped
with relevant fixing around the pin-like formation 11 is carried
out through the opening 14. Preferably, the strap is wrapped around
the pin with stitching of the superimposed edges in order to
fixedly join the end of the strap to the pin (FIG. 9).
[0037] There is designated 15 another through-opening in the form
of an elongate slot which is formed in the plate-like portion 13a
at the side opposite the opening 14. There is passed through the
opening 15 the strap of the upper portion before the wrapping and
fixing thereof around the pin-like formation. With such a
configuration, the end of the upper strap portion is fixed in a
position abutting the plate-like portion of the gripping end piece
13.
[0038] The seat 12 for anchoring the pin-like formation 11 is
defined in a box-shaped member 16 which is partially open and which
is provided with an opening 17 for inserting and removing the
pin-like formation 11. The opening 17 is in communication with a
pair of cavities 18a, 18b which are formed in the member 16 and
which delimit the respective abutment surfaces 12a, 12b in order to
receive and retain the corresponding portions 11a, 11b of the pin
11.
[0039] The opening 17 and the pair of cavities 18a, 18b have such a
formation that the pin-like formation 11 is directed, by gripping
the gripping end piece 13 between the fingers, away from and
towards the opening 17 in a first movement direction and away from
and towards the cavities 18a, 18b in a second movement direction
which is transverse relative to the first direction.
[0040] Each respective cavity 18a, 18b is further partially
delimited by a base surface 16a of the box-shaped member 16. At the
side opposite the base 16a, there is provided in each cavity a
tooth-like formation 19 which is capable of acting counter to the
withdrawal of the corresponding pin portion from the cavity once
inserted and retained therein.
[0041] The box-shaped member 16 which has the seat 12 for engaging
the pin is fixedly joined in a suitable manner to the cap structure
2 of the helmet, for example, it may be secured to the internal cap
3 during the injection-molding process of the cap (FIG. 12). To
this end, there may be provision for the box-shaped member to be
provided with suitable projections or protrusions which are
intended to be embedded in the internal cap during the
injection-molding process in order to improve the adhesion action
between the jointly molded members.
[0042] With particular reference to FIGS. 3, 5 and 7, the sequence
of the operations for carrying out the engagement of the
corresponding upper strap portion with the cap structure is carried
out in the following manner.
[0043] From the condition of FIG. 3, in which the pin-like
formation 11 is disengaged from the seat 12, by gripping the
gripping end piece 13 between the fingers (for example, between the
thumb and index finger of the hand), the pin 11 is brought into the
region of the opening 17 in order to be inserted through the
opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base
surface of the box-shaped member (FIG. 5). Once moved behind the
base, the pin is moved, still by means of the engagement with the
end piece, in a direction parallel with the base until engaging
with the cavities of the seat (FIG. 7). This position is reached by
means of a slight resilient deformation of the cavity which is
capable of allowing the respective abutment tooth 19 to be passed
by the corresponding pin portion 11a, 11b with a subsequent
resilient return which ensures the counter-action of the tooth to
the disengagement of the pin from the cavity. The insertion in each
respective cavity is therefore brought about with a connection of
the resilient snap-fit type.
[0044] Once the pin 11 is inserted and retained in the cavities of
the seat 12, the strap is capable of transferring the loads applied
by the fastening system to the cap structure by means of the action
applied by the abutment surfaces 12a, 12b of each respective seat.
In this position, the pin can further be angularly orientated about
the main axis thereof in order to bring the gripping end piece 13
into abutment with the box-shaped member and in any case so as to
remain to the greatest possible extent within the transverse
dimension of the box-shaped member in order not to obstruct the
correct fit of the helmet on the head, in the region of the
securing means of the straps.
[0045] In order to remove the pin 11 from the retention seat 12,
there is carried out a reverse movement with respect to the
preceding one, which is readily controlled by gripping the gripping
end piece 13 between the fingers. In a first movement, the pin is
disengaged from the cavities (counter to the abutment action of the
respective teeth 19), then with a second movement, substantially
directed transversely to the first movement (and substantially
perpendicular to the base surface of the box-shaped member), the
pin-like formation is withdrawn from the seat through the opening
17, thereby bringing about the complete disengagement of the
corresponding strap portion from the cap structure of the helmet.
The invention thereby achieves the predetermined objectives,
affording the advantages set out with respect to the known
solutions.
[0046] A main advantage involves the fact that, by means of the
invention, the engagement and disengagement of the straps of the
fastening system with respect to the cap of the helmet are
substantially improved and made easier in order to allow the rapid
removal or replacement thereof, both for maintenance requirements
or cleaning and for aesthetic requirements (for example, for
changing the color of the straps) including by the user him/herself
without thereby having to call upon specialist operators.
* * * * *