The invention relates to a protective helmet comprising a system for adjusting the length of a head support that is independent from a system for adjusting the position of a neckband.
Protective helmets are for example used in mountaineering or in rock-climbing to provide protection in case of falling stones or a blow on the head. They therefore form part of the indispensable equipment for climbers and mountaineers. Document US 2015/0327617 discloses a protective helmet provided with a neckband that can deform to match the size of the user's head.
Depending on the uses, a user will have a head measurement that fluctuates according to the activities involved which generally requires him/her to have a helmet with an adjustable headband or even means that two different helmets are required. Indeed, in summer the helmet is worn directly on the head or over a thin cloth. In winter on the other hand, the user may be wearing a bonnet or a hood. If the helmet is used for canyoning, the helmet can be worn over the hood of the wetsuit. In conventional manner, depending on the size defined by the headband, the position of the helmet with respect to the median frontal plane is modified which may lead to discomfort or even to inadequacy of the helmet.
Document EP0558427 describes a helmet provided with a headband in the form of a ring with a system for adjusting the circumference of the headband by means of a rack and pinion system fixed onto the crown. The rack and pinion system enables the circumference of the headband to be adjusted and the frontal part and occipital part of the headband to be moved with respect to the crown. This solution is complicated to implement and is pricey.
The same problem arises to an even greater extent for helmets provided by collective bodies which are intended for use by the public at large and for which an even greater headband amplitude is required.
One object of the invention consists in a protective helmet where the position of the median frontal plane of the helmet can be easily shifted with respect to the position of the median frontal plane of the user for several headband adjustment values.
According to one feature of the invention, a protective helmet is proposed comprising:
In advantageous manner, the neckband is fitted pivotally movable on the first and second attachment points respectively around two swivel pins that are not colinear and not orthogonal, the positions of the two swivel pins being unchanged with respect to the crown when the length of the head support is modified.
In a particular configuration, the frontal part and first and second lateral parts of the head support define a plurality of predefined positions corresponding to a plurality of length values of the head support.
Preferentially, the first attachment point and second attachment point are rigid, removable connection points.
According to one embodiment, the mechanical connection between the frontal part of the head support and the crown defines at least two axes of rotation arranged in such a way that when the frontal part of the head support moves away from the frontal part of the crown, the frontal part of the head support moves towards the apex of the crown.
According to another embodiment, the means for adjusting the position of the neckband are formed by a flexible element connecting the neckband with the frontal part of the crown or of the head support and a block fastener having a first state allowing sliding along the flexible element and configured to define multiple blocking positions of the block fastener on the flexible element and a second state in which the block fastener is fixed on the flexible element.
One object of the invention is to provide a method for adjusting a protective helmet that achieves a better centring of the helmet on the head.
The method for adjusting a protective helmet successively comprises:
Preferentially, the method comprises removal of the first and second attachment points with respect to the crown before adjusting the length of the head support and refitting of the first and second attachment points before adjusting the distance separating the neckband from the frontal part of the head support.
Other advantages and features will become more clearly apparent from the following description of particular embodiments and implementation modes of the invention given for non-restrictive example purposes only and represented in the appended drawings, in which:
Crown 2 comprises a frontal part 2a located at the front, i.e. near the user's forehead, and an occipital part 2b located at the rear. Frontal part 2a is separated from occipital part 2b by two lateral parts 2c, respectively right and left. Protective helmet 1 is provided with a head support 3 and a neckband 4. Head support 3 is fixed to crown 2 so as to form a U shape. U-shaped head support 3 is closed by neckband 4 to pass right round the user's head.
Head support 3 comprises a frontal part 3a and two lateral parts, respectively right and left, 3b as illustrated in
Head support 3 is fixed to crown 2. More precisely, frontal part 3a of head support 3 is fixed to frontal part 2a of crown 2 via one or more frontal attachment points 11. The two ends of head support 3 are fixed to lateral parts 2c of crown 2 via first and second attachment points 6. First and second attachment points 6 are advantageously located in the rear part of crown 2, i.e. in the rear half of crown 2 with respect to the median frontal plane of crown 2.
Helmet 1 comprises means for adjusting head support 3 that are configured to adjust the length of head support 3. Head support 3 is adjustable so as to define several different length values of head support 3. The length of head support 3 is modified between first and second attachment points 6. First and second attachment points 6 are fixed on crown 2 regardless of the length of head support 3.
By adjusting the length of head support 3, the means for adjusting head support 3 are able to adjust the distance separating frontal part 3a of head support 3 and frontal part 2a of crown 2. Increasing the effective length of head support 3 corresponds to moving frontal part 3a of head support 3 and frontal part 2a of crown 2 towards one another. Reducing the effective length of head support 3 corresponds to increasing the distance separating frontal part 3a of head support 3 and frontal part 2a of crown 2. The adjustment means adjust the length of head support 3 so as to adjust the distance between frontal part 3a of head support 3 and frontal part 2a of crown 2. Adjustment of the length of head support 3 enables the position of the user's forehead to be defined with respect to frontal part 2a of crown 2 and therefore performs centring of the head inside the helmet. By using a U-shaped head support 3 associated with ends mounted fixed on crown 2, adjustment of the length of head support 3 enables the position of frontal part 3a to be adjusted simply and precisely.
Neckband 4 is fitted movable with respect to frontal part 3a of head support 3 and to frontal part 2a of crown 2. Neckband 4 is fitted movable with respect to frontal part 3a of head support 3 so as to adjust the available space between neckband 4 and the front part of crown 2 and to press the user's forehead against frontal part 3a. Movement of neckband 4 enables the distance between occipital part 2b of crown 2 and the occipital bone to be defined.
Neckband 4 presses on the occipital part of the head to press the forehead against frontal part 3a of head support 3 thereby defining the position of the head with respect to crown 2.
Helmet 1 comprises means for adjusting the position of neckband 4 that are configured to define the position of neckband 4 with respect to frontal part 3a of head support 3. The means for adjusting neckband 4 are distinct from the means for adjusting the length of head support 3 so as to adjust neckband 4 and head support 3 independently from one another.
Movement of neckband 4 and adjustment of head support 3 enable the head to be centred in crown 2 by defining the distance between the occipital part of crown 2 and neckband 4 and the distance between frontal part of head support 3 and the frontal part of crown 2 independently from one another. Once the length of the head support has been defined, the means for adjusting neckband 4 enable the distance separating neckband 4 from frontal part 3a of head support 3 to be defined.
In this way, helmet 1 can be better centred on the user's head using independent means for adjusting the position of the forehead with respect to the frontal part of crown 2 and the position of the occipital bone with respect to the occipital part of crown 2.
In a particular embodiment, the means for adjusting neckband 4 are fixed on the one hand to neckband 4 and on the other hand to frontal part 2a of crown 2 and/or to frontal part 3a of head support 3 so as to define the distance between neckband 4 and frontal part 3a of head support 3. Preferably, the means for adjusting neckband 4 are fixed to frontal part 2a of crown 2.
The means for adjusting head support 3 are configured so that frontal part 3a of head support 3 is fitted movable with respect to each of lateral parts 3b in a longitudinal direction of head support 3. The longitudinal direction is substantially included in a transverse plane of the user. In the illustrated configuration, head support 3 does not define a ring. The longitudinal direction extends from one end of head support 3 to the opposite end in the direction of the larger dimension. The longitudinal direction connects the two attachment points 6 with crown 2.
Neckband 4 is provided with two additional attachment points with crown 2. The two additional attachment points are fixed on crown 2 independently from the length of head support 3. Neckband 4 can have any configuration provided that the position of neckband 4 is able to be adjusted independently from the length of head support 3.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the two additional attachment points of neckband 4 correspond to first and second attachment points 6 between head support 3 and crown 2. The same attachment point 6 is used to secure neckband 4 and head support 3 with crown 2. In advantageous manner, neckband 4 is fitted pivoting around at least one swivel pin 5 with respect to occipital part 2b of crown 2. In the illustrated embodiment, neckband 4 is fitted pivoting with respect to two swivel pins 5 that are not colinear and advantageously not orthogonal. Movement of neckband 4 with respect to frontal part 3a of head support 3 results in deformation of neckband 4 so that, if no force is applied by the means for adjusting neckband 4, neckband 4 is in a rest position. The rest position is independent from the length of head support 3.
In configurations of the prior art, when the dimensions of the head correspond to the smallest dimensions accepted by helmet 1, neckband 4 presses the user's forehead against frontal part 3a of head support 3 resulting in the user's head being offset towards frontal part 2a of crown 2. Such a configuration is illustrated in
It is advantageous for neckband 4 to be fitted pivotally and preferentially by means of the two swivel pins 5 which are fitted fixed with respect to crown 2 independently from the length of head support 3. In advantageous manner, the two lateral parts 3b of head support 3 are fixed to the two lateral parts 2b of crown 2 so that the at least one swivel pin 5 is immovable with respect to crown 2. In this configuration, the pivoting connection between head support 3 and neckband 4 does not move in spite of the adjustment of the length of head support 3. By defining the length of head support 3, the user defines the distance between frontal part 3a and frontal part 2a. He/she can then secure helmet 1 on his/her head using neckband 4 which deforms. Deformation of neckband 4 is designed to push the forehead against frontal part 3a.
In a particular embodiment, the means for adjusting head support 3 are configured to allow an infinity of different values of the length of head support 3 to be defined, for example by using a strap operating in conjunction with a strap fastener. However it becomes apparent from use that it is preferable to provide adjustment means that are configured so that frontal part 3a and occipital part 3b of head support 3 define a plurality of predefined positions corresponding to a plurality of length values of head support 3, with a finite number of possibilities, for example less than 5 different adjustment possibilities. In an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment means are configured so as to define 2 or 3 different lengths of head support 3. This adjustment of the length of head support 3 makes it possible to adapt a single dimension of crown 2 to match a larger variety of user head sizes. The use of a predefined number of length values of head support 3 less than 5 seems sufficient to ensure good user comfort for different head sizes.
To facilitate centring of helmet 1 on the user's head, it is advantageous for each lateral part 3b of head support 3 to be fixed to lateral part 2c of crown 2 by means of a rigid connection 6. It is particularly advantageous for each lateral part 3b of head support 3 to be fitted removably with respect to lateral part 2c of crown 2. This makes it possible to remove at least a part of head support 3 to facilitate its adjustment. It is also advantageous for frontal part 3a of head support 3 to be fitted irremovable with respect to crown 2.
In a particularly advantageous configuration illustrated in
In the illustrated configuration, the two pivot shafts 5 perform connection between one connecting end of neckband 4 and one of the two lateral parts 3b of head support 3. Each lateral part 3b is fixed to crown 2 so that the two connecting ends of neckband 4 are fixed or substantially fixed with respect to crown 2.
Preferentially, each lateral part 3b of head support 3 is fitted removably with respect to frontal part 3a of head support 3 to facilitate adjustment of the length of head support 3 and the overlap distance between frontal part 3a and lateral part 3b. The means for adjusting head support 3 are configured to define a plurality of distinct adjustment positions defining several different values of the length of head support 3. In a particular configuration illustrated in
In advantageous manner, one of salient areas 7 is configured to enable frontal part 3a and lateral part 3b to be secured to or separated from one another when lateral part 3b and frontal part 3a define a first orientation or configuration and to prevent separation between frontal part 3a and lateral part 3b when lateral part 3b and frontal part 3a are in a second orientation/configuration different from the first orientation/configuration.
Frontal part 3a can define a salient area 7 which operates in conjunction with another hole 8 so as to define a second connection point which blocks the position of frontal part 3a with respect to lateral part 3b and prevents rotation of lateral part 3b with respect to frontal part 3a and secures frontal part 3a and occipital part 3b preventing them from becoming separated.
In the embodiment illustrated in
In advantageous manner, the mechanical connection between frontal part 3a of head support 3 and frontal part 2a of crown 2 defines at least two axes of rotation arranged so that when frontal part 3a of head support 3 moves away from frontal part 2a of crown 2, frontal part 3a of head support 3 moves towards the apex of crown 2. This configuration enables the mechanical connection to be kept between frontal part 2a and frontal part 3a regardless of the value defined by head support 3 and provides good user comfort.
In the embodiment illustrated in
In advantageous manner, connectors 11 of frontal part 3a and attachment points 6 of occipital part 3b are separated by the adjustment needs and preferentially by the fixing parts so that head support 3 is kept tight between attachment points 6 and frontal part 3a when helmet 1 is clamped tight on the user's head.
Preferentially, frontal part 3a has two connectors 11 located on each side of the median sagittal plane of helmet 1.
The means for adjusting neckband 4 can be formed by a rope or strap fixed on the one hand to neckband 4 and on the other hand to crown 2 or to head support 3. The rope or strap is preferentially associated with a fastening means, for example a buckle, a hook or a tanka fastener. It is also possible to use an adjustment system with an adjustment wheel or a rack.
In a particular embodiment, the inner part of the apex of crown 2 is lined with foam to prevent direct contact between the head and the crown and to absorb shocks.
Such a configuration provides a particular advantage for protective helmets intended for collective bodies which have to be adjusted to fit a large number of different users while remaining comfortable and simple to adjust.
As indicated in the foregoing, the system for adjusting the length of head support 3 is dissociated from the system for adjusting neckband 4. A novice user will only have to deal with adjusting neckband 4 by means of a conventional adjustment system. Head support 3 is adjusted beforehand to define its effective length and therefore an accessible headband range.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2003798 | Apr 2020 | FR | national |