COMPOSITE PROTECTIVE HELMET

Abstract

A composite protective helmet comprises two or more separable and mutually connectable parts that can be interconnected by L-shaped projections on one of the parts and L-shaped recesses on a mating part so that during assembly the L-shaped projections are inserted into the mating recesses and the separable parts are interconnected by shifting one part relative to the other so that elements of the L-shaped projections that are parallel to the mating end faces are inserted into respective parts of the recesses, and then the separable parts of the helmet are locked in the assembled state, e.g., by hooks on one of the parts and a hook-engaging ferrule on the other of the separable parts. The advantage of the composite protection helmet is that after the parts are separated, they can be stored in a relatively small space, e.g., in a top box attachable to the luggage rack of a motorcycle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a protective helmet. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a protective helmet for use by motorcyclists and bicyclists who require sufficient space to store a helmet in a state hidden inside the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As of August 2013, USA law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Laws requiring only some motorcyclists to wear a helmet are in place in 28 states. Only Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire have no helmet-use law. Bicyclists are required by law to wear a helmet in 21 states and the District of Columbia.

When a motorcyclist or bicyclist arrives at a destination and removes his or her helmet, the helmet can be a rather cumbersome object to carry around and is often left behind until it is needed again. A helmet that is not securely locked to a fixed structure can be stolen. This situation is typically encountered with a bicycle rider wearing a helmet while riding and not knowing what to do with it when the destination is reached. The same problem arises with people involved in sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and skating.

Many locking systems are available for locking a helmet to a bicycle or a motorcycle, but the use of these devices adds new elements to the helmet and therefore increases the weight—and probably the cost thereof—and may give the helmet a funny look that is not necessarily appreciated by all consumers.

The devices used for fastening a bicycle to an immovable object, such as U-locks and D-locks, chains, cable locks, wheel locks, or locking skewers offer a certain security for locking a bicycle, but they do not allow locking it together with a helmet, as helmets do not offer any grip for these kinds of locks, which are generally too thick to pass through the aeration openings of a helmet.

Specific rigorous safety standards are required for different sporting activities. Helmets that meet these standards are typically bulky and awkward to store or put in a bag when not being worn.

Attempts have been made to solve the above problem by providing collapsible helmets or accessory parts that can be disconnected for storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,958,572 issued on Jun. 14, 2011 to Paul Loury, et al, comprises a rigid or semirigid external shell composed of a plurality of rigid or semirigid flaps joined together and a compressively deformable internal liner acting as a shock absorber, the latter also comprising several elements associated with said flaps. At least some of the flaps that constitute the external shell are capable of moving relative to each other at their respective means of connection, and the elements that constitute the internal liner associated with the flaps in question are designed to retract inside the area defined by the helmet during relative displacement of the corresponding flaps.

US Patent Application Publication No. 20130191972 published on Aug. 1, 2013 (inventor is Jeffrey Moss Woolf) discloses a collapsible helmet including a shell having two or more components that are hinged together at fold lines extending across the shell. Each component includes a plurality of panels, with each panel being hinged to at least one adjacent panel. The shell is adjustable between a first configuration in which the helmet is placed over the head of the user and a second configuration in which the components are flattened and are arranged in a substantially overlying relationship.

US Patent Application Publication No. 20120216338 published on Aug. 30, 2012 (inventor is Philippe Arrouart) discloses a foldable protective helmet comprising a plurality of segments, at least two of said segments (106, 107) being connected by way of a sliding connection. These segments connected by said connection have complementary and approximately parallel indentations and protrusions. The protrusions of at least one of the segments are connected by way of a transverse bar.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A composite protective helmet of the present invention has the same shape and functionality as a conventional monolithic helmet except that it is assembled from two or more, e.g., four, disconnectable parts. When assembled, the protective helmet has a conventional and substantially hemispherical shape and comprises a rigid impact-resistant shell, the inner surface of which is lined with an impact-absorbing liner. The helmet also has a chin strap and may have other conventional helmet accessories such as a chin protector, visor, etc.

According to one or several aspects, the protective helmet has a substantially semispherical impact-resistant shell that comprises two separable parts with a division line of the helmet passing along the middle of the semispherical shape in the longitudinal direction of the helmet, i.e., from the front to the back of the wearer's head.

The separable parts are connected by means of a plurality of connecting members formed on the mating end faces of the separable parts, which in an assembled state form a separation line. The connecting members comprise L-shaped projections on one of the parts and an L-shaped recess on the other part. More specifically, each connecting member of one of the separable parts comprises an L-shaped projection extending outward from the first mating end face and comprises a first element of the L-shaped member that extends in the direction perpendicular to the end face of the first mating end face and a second element of the L-shaped member that extends from the end of the first element in the direction parallel to the end face of the first mating end face. Each connecting member of the other of the separable parts comprises an L-shaped recess formed in the aforementioned second mating end face and comprises a first recess that extends inward into the second end face in the direction perpendicular thereto and a second recess that extends from the end of the first recess in the direction parallel to the second end face.

The first recess formed on the mating end face of the second separable part has a length equal at least to the length of the second element of the L-shaped member, while the length of the second recess exceeds the length of the second element of the L-shaped member of the first separable part.

In order to provide sufficient space for forming and placing the aforementioned connecting members in the body of the helmet shell in the area of connection, the thickness of the shell wall in increased so that a ridge is formed along the line of separation but the surface of this ridge is smoothened, and the thickness of the shell is gradually reduced in the direction from the separation line toward the periphery of the shell. Thus, the streamlined form of the helmet is not violated.

Furthermore, to impart sufficient strength to the connecting members, the L-shaped elements can be made from metal or can be reinforced by metal rods or wires that can be molded into the plastic material of the helmet. Similarly, the recesses of the connecting members can be lined with metal inserts.

To assemble the two separable parts of the helmet into an integrated protective helmet, the projections formed on the mating end face of the first part are aligned with the recesses formed on the mating end face of the second part, the projections are inserted into the recesses, and then one part of the helmet is shifted relative to the other for insertion of the second elements of the L-shaped members into the second recesses of the other separable part.

On their outer sides, both separable parts are provided with a locking mechanism for locking the separable parts relative to each other against shifting in the assembled state. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a pair of hooks formed on one of the separable parts and a hook-receiving ferrule on the other of the separable parts.

In order to provide smooth outlines of the helmet edges during the initial positions of assembly in which the projections are aligned with the recesses, the edges of the separable parts on the front and the back of the helmet parts should be shifted relative to each other for the amount of the locking shift, i.e., for the length of the second element of the L-shaped projections.

In the disassembled state, the separated parts of the helmet occupy less space and therefore can be stored more conveniently, e.g., in a top box attached to the luggage rack of a motorcycle.

The principle of the invention is not limited by separation of the helmet to only two separable parts, and the same principle of disconnection and assembly applies to a protective helmet composed of more than two parts, e.g., four parts, which can be interconnected with the same projections and recesses and fixed relative to each other with hooks or other locking mechanisms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of the combined protective helmet of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a fragmental sectional view of the helmet of FIG. 1 in the area of the division line that illustrates the principle of interconnection of the separable parts, which are connected by a plurality of connecting members formed on the mating end faces of the separable parts.

FIGS. 2B and 2C are fragmental sectional views respectively illustrating connecting L-shaped elements made from metal or reinforced by metal rods or wires molded into the plastic material of the helmet.

FIG. 3 is a view that illustrate connection of two separable parts of the helmet of the invention by shifting L-shaped projections of one part relative to respective recesses of the other part.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a helmet of the invention that consists of four separable parts which can be interconnected with the same projections and recesses as those shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A general perspective view of the combined protective helmet of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The combined protective helmet (hereinafter referred to as “helmet”) 20 has the same shape and functionality as a conventional monolithic helmet, except that the helmet of the invention is assembled from two or more, e.g., four, disconnectable parts.

The assembled helmet 20 shown in FIG. 1 has a conventional and substantially hemispherical shape and comprises a rigid impact-resistant shell 22, the inner surface of which is lined with an impact-absorbing liner. The impact-absorbing liner is not shown because it is beyond the scope of the invention. The helmet shell can be molded from a plastic. The liner parts can be a part of the separable parts of the helmet or can comprise an integral part that can be inserted into the helmet in its assembled state.

As a conventional helmet, the helmet 20 has chin strap fastening members 24a and 24b. The strap, itself, as well as other conventional helmet accessories such as a chin protector, visor, etc., are not shown.

According to one or several aspects, the semispherical impact-resistant shell 22 of the helmet 20 comprises two separable parts 26a and 26b with a division line 28 of the helmet parts passing along the middle of the hemispherical shape in the longitudinal direction of the helmet, i.e., from the front F to the back 6 of the wearer's head (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2A, which is a fragmental sectional view of the helmet in the area of the division line that illustrates the principle of interconnection of the separable parts 26a and 26b, these parts are connected by means of a plurality of connecting members formed on the mating end faces 30a and 30b of the separable parts 26a and 26b, respectively, which in the assembled state form a separation line 28 (FIG. 1).

The connecting members comprise L-shaped projections 32a, 32b, etc. (only two are shown in FIG. 2A for simplicity) on the separable part 26b and L-shaped recesses 34a, 34b, etc. (only two are shown for simplicity) on the separable part 26a. More specifically, each connecting member of one of the separable parts, in this case, of the part 26b, comprises an L-shaped projection, such as the projection 32a, extending outward from the first mating end face 30b and comprises a first element of the L-shaped member 32a1 that extends in the direction perpendicular to the end face 30b of the first separable part and a second element 32a2 of the L-shaped member 32a that extends from the end of the first element 32a1 in the direction parallel to the first mating end face 30b, while each connecting member of the other of the separable parts, in this case of the part 26a, comprises an L-shaped recess 34a into the aforementioned second mating end face 30a and comprises a first recess 34a1 that extends inward into the second end face 30a in the direction perpendicular thereto and a second recess 34a2 that extends from the end of the first recess in the direction parallel to the second end face 30a. The details of other projections and recesses of the helmet parts are not described because they are identical to those of the projection 32a and recess 34a.

The first recess, such as the recess 34a1 of each L-shaped recess such as the recess 34a formed in the mating end face 30a of the second separable part 26a, has a length equal at least to the length of the second element 32a2 of the L-shaped member 32a, while the length of the second recess 34a2 exceeds the length of the second element 32a2 of the first separable part 26b, e.g., doubles the length of the first separable part 26b.

In order to provide sufficient space for forming and placing the aforementioned connecting members in the body of the helmet shell 22, the thickness of the shell wall in the area of connection of the separable parts 26a and 26b is increased so that a ridge 27 is formed along the division line 28 (FIG. 1); however, the surface of this ridge 27 is smooth, and the thickness of the shell 22 is gradually reduced in the direction from the division line 28 toward the periphery of the shell. Thus, the streamlined form of the helmet is not violated.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, to impart sufficient strength to the connecting members, the L-shaped elements can be made from metal (32a′, 32b′, etc.) or can be reinforced by metal rods or wires (32a″, 32b″, etc.) that can be molded into the plastic material of the helmet. Similarly, the recesses of the connecting members can be lined with metal inserts (34a2′, 34b2′, etc.).

To assemble the two separable parts 26a and 26b into an integrated protective helmet 20, the projections, such as projections 32a, 32b (32a′, 32b′), etc., formed on the mating end face 30b of the first part 26b are aligned with the recesses 34a, 34b (34a′, 34b′), etc., that are formed on the mating end face 30a of the second part 26a, the projections 32a, 32b (32a′, 32b′), etc., are inserted into the recesses 34a, 34b (34a′, 34b′), etc., and then one part of the helmet, e.g., the part 26b, is shifted relative to the other part, i.e., the part 26a for insertion of the second elements, such as elements 32a2 and 32b2 of the L-shaped members 32a and 32b into the second recesses, such as the recess 34a2 and 34b2 of the other separable part 26a.

On their outer sides, both separable parts are provided with a locking mechanism for locking the separable parts 26a and 26b against shifting relative to each other in the assembled state. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a pair of hooks, such as a hook 36a provided on one of the separable parts, in this case on the part 26b, and a hook-receiving ferrule 36b on the other of the separable parts 26a.

In order to provide smooth outlines of the helmet edges during the initial positions of assembly, i.e., in the position in which the projections 32a, 32b, etc., are aligned with the recesses 34a, 34b, etc., the edges 26a1 and 26 of the separable parts (shown in FIG. 3) should be shifted relative to each other for the amount of the locking shift, i.e., at least for a part of the length of the second element 32a2 formed on the L-shaped projection 32a.

The principle of the invention is not limited by separation of the helmet into only two separable parts, and the same principle of disconnection and assembly applies to a protective helmet composed of more than two parts, e.g., four parts. This is shown in FIG. 4, which is a perspective view of a helmet 40 that consists of four separable parts 42am 42b, 42c, and 42c, which can be interconnected with the same projections and recesses as the projections 32a, 32b (32a′, 32b′), etc., and recesses 34a, 34b (34a′, 34b′), etc., and fixed relative to each other with hooks 44a, 44b, etc., or other locking mechanisms.

In the disassembled state, the separated parts of the helmet occupy less space and therefore can be stored more conveniently, e.g., in a top box attached to the luggage rack of a motorcycle.

Although the invention herein is described with reference to specific examples and drawings, it is understood that these examples and drawings should not be construed as limiting the application of the invention and that any changes and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the attached patent claims. For example, the protective helmet may have a shape different from hemispherical, and may comprise a military helmet, construction helmet, riot-police helmet, mining helmet, etc. The locking members may be other than hooks.

Claims

1. A composite protective helmet having a substantially semispherical impact-resistant shell having a front side and a back side, the helmet comprising:

at least a two separable and mutually connectable parts which in the connected state form the semispherical impact-resistant shell and have mating end faces which, when in the connected state of the impact-resistant shell form a division line defined by the mating end faces when the mating faces are in contact with each other, the division line passing along the middle of the semispherical shape in the longitudinal direction of the helmet;

a plurality of connecting members for connecting the separable parts formed on the mating end faces of the separable parts, the connecting members comprising L-shaped projections on one of the separable parts and L-shaped recesses on the other of the separable parts, each L-shaped projection comprising a first element that extends outward in the direction perpendicular to the end face of the first mating end face and a second element that extends from the end of the first element in the direction parallel to the end face of said one of the separable parts, while each L-shaped recess on the other of the separable parts comprises a first recess that extends inward into the end face of said other of the separable parts in the direction perpendicular thereto and a second recess that extends from the end of the first recess in the direction parallel to the end face of said other of the separable parts.

2. The protective helmet of claim 1, comprising at least one locking mechanism for locking the separable parts relative to each other in the assembled state of the protective helmet.

3. The protective helmet of claim 2, wherein each separable parts of the shell have a wall with a thickness that increases toward the end faces of the separable parts in order to form a ridge of an increased thickness sufficient for the formation of the connecting members, the ridge being smoothened and having a streamlined shape.

4. The protective helmet of claim 1, wherein the helmet is molded from a plastic, the L-shaped projections are made from metal molded in the plastic, and the L-shaped recesses have walls that are lined with metal.

5. The protective helmet of claim 2, wherein the helmet is molded from a plastic, the L-shaped projections comprise metal inserts molded in the plastic, and the L-shaped recesses have walls that are lined with metal.

6. The protective helmet of claim 3, wherein the helmet is molded from a plastic, the L-shaped projections comprise metal inserts molded in the plastic, and the L-shaped recesses have walls that are lined with metal.

7. The protective helmet of claim 2, wherein the helmet is molded from a plastic, the L-shaped projections are reinforced with a metal wire molded in the plastic, and the L-shaped recesses have walls that are lined with metal.

8. The protective helmet of claim 3, wherein the helmet is molded from a plastic, the L-shaped projections are reinforced with a metal wire molded in the plastic, and the L-shaped recesses have walls that are lined with metal.

9. The protective helmet of claim 1, comprising at least one locking mechanism for locking the separable parts relative to each other in the assembled state of the protective helmet.

10. The protective helmet of claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a hook on one of the separable parts and a hook-engaging ferrule on the other of the separable parts.

11. The protective helmet of claim 2, comprising at least one locking mechanism for locking the separable parts relative to each other in the assembled state of the protective helmet.

12. The protective helmet of claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a hook on one of the separable parts and a hook-engaging ferrule on the other of the separable parts.

13. The protective helmet of claim 3, comprising at least one locking mechanism for locking the separable parts relative to each other in the assembled state of the protective helmet.

14. The protective helmet of claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a hook on one of the separable parts and a hook-engaging ferrule on the other of the separable parts.

15. The protective helmet of claim 4, comprising at least one locking mechanism for locking the separable parts relative to each other in the assembled state of the protective helmet.

16. The protective helmet of claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a hook on one of the separable parts and a hook-engaging ferrule on the other of the separable parts.

17. The protective helmet of claim 7, comprising at least one locking mechanism for locking the separable parts relative to each other in the assembled state of the protective helmet.

18. The protective helmet of claim 17, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a hook on one of the separable parts and a hook-engaging ferrule on the other of the separable parts.

19. The protective helmet of claim 1, wherein the protective helmet comprises four separable and mutually connectable parts.

20. The protective helmet of claim 2, comprising locking mechanisms for locking the separable parts relative to each other in the assembled state of the protective helmet.