Protective helmet and face shield

Abstract

A protective helmet (1), including a shell (2), a cap (3) attached in the shell (2), and a movable face shield (4) attached to the shell (2) by at least one assembly arrangement, which includes: a rod (40) connected to the shell (2) in an articulated manner about a first substantially transverse axis (51) and a second substantially transverse axis (52); and a rail (55) positioned on the shield (4) and having at least one guide surface (59) that operates with at least one element (56, 58a, 58b) to guide the movement of the face shield (4) between a lowered and raised position and along, but spaced from, the shell (2).

Claims

1. A protective helmet, comprising: a shell configured to protect a head of a user; a cap attached in an inside of the shell; and a face shield comprising a central portion and a pair of side wings positioned on lateral sides of the central portion, each of the pair of side wings of the face shield attached to the shell by at least one assembly arrangement, the face shield having a raised position and a lowered position, wherein the face shield is movable between: the lowered position in which the face shield is adapted to be located substantially in front of a user's face; and the raised position in which the face shield is located in a space between the cap and the inside of the shell; wherein the at least one assembly arrangement comprises: a rod having a first end pivotally connected to a portion of the shell about a first substantially transverse axis and a second end pivotally connected to an upper end of one of the pair of side wings of the face shield about a second substantially transverse axis different from the first substantially transverse axis; and a rail installed on the one of the pair of side wings, the rail projecting laterally and toward the exterior of the one of the pair of side wings, the rail projecting from below the upper end of one of the pair of side wings of the face shield, the rail defining at least one guide surface received within a sliding track integral with the shell, the sliding track configured to guide a movement of the face shield from the lowered position to the raised position and back along, but spaced from, the inside of the shell.

2. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising a first assembly arrangement and a second assembly arrangement, wherein the second end of the rod of each of the first and second assembly arrangement is connected to an upper portion of the respective side wing of the face shield.

3. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the at least one guide surface comprises a lower portion having a shape substantially similar to a shape of a front portion of the shell, such that, during a first phase of the movement of the face shield from the raised position to the lowered position, the face shield substantially follows at least a portion of the inside of the shell.

4. The helmet of claim 3, wherein the lower portion of the at least one guide surface is substantially convex toward the front portion of the shell.

5. The helmet of claim 3, wherein the at least one guide surface comprises a portion located above the lower portion and having a substantially rectilinear shape configured to cause, during a second phase following the first phase of movement of the face shield from the raised position to the lowered position, a substantially vertical and downward movement of the face shield.

6. The helmet of claim 3, wherein the at least one guide surface comprises a portion located above the lower portion and having a radius of curvature configured to cause, during a second phase following the first phase of movement of the face shield from the raised position to the lowered position, a substantially vertical and downward movement of the face shield.

7. The helmet of claim 3, wherein the at least one guide surface includes a curved upper portion having a forward-facing concavity configured to cause, during a third phase following the first phase and a second phase of movement of the face shield from the raised position to the lowered position, the face shield to move closer to the user's face.

8. The helmet of claim 3, wherein the at least one guide surface includes a substantially rectilinear upper portion configured to cause, during a third phase following the first phase and a second phase of movement of the face shield from the raised position to the lowered position, the face shield to move closer to the user's face.

9. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the at least one guide surface has a substantially flattened S-shape.

10. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the rail has a substantially L-shaped or substantially T-shaped cross section, and the rail is housed in the sliding track having a cross section that is substantially U-shaped or substantially C-shaped.

11. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the rail projects laterally and toward an outside of one of the side wings of the face shield.

12. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising at least one support mounted in the inside of the shell and comprising at least one housing configured to receive a body configured to connect the cap to the shell.

13. The helmet of claim 12, wherein the at least one housing is adapted to be positioned substantially near a user's temple when the user is wearing the helmet.

14. The helmet of claim 12, wherein the at least one support is connected to the first end of the rod, thereby facilitating pivoting of the rod around the first axis, and wherein the sliding track is configured to operate together with the at least one guide surface of the rail.

15. The helmet of claim 14, wherein the sliding track is positioned on each of the side wings of the face shield.

16. The helmet of claim 12, wherein the at least one support has a substantially semi-circular shape and is fastened to the inside of the shell, wherein the at least one support is substantially horizontally disposed between a headband and the inside of the shell, and wherein a clearance space is located between the at least one support and the inside of the shell and sized to receive the face shield in the raised position.

17. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the face shield comprises at least one orifice having substantially a transverse axis corresponding to the second substantially transverse axis of the rod.

18. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the face shield is configured to extend substantially as far as a user's temples when the user is wearing the helmet.

19. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the face shield comprises a lower rim projecting toward a front side.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a side and exploded side view of a helmet according to the principles of the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is a view of a support of the helmet of FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interior of the helmet of FIG. 1, showing the support mounted on a shell;

(4) FIG. 4 is a view of the helmet of FIG. 1 from below, with the components in the mounted position;

(5) FIG. 5 is a top view of the shield of the helmet of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 6 is a side view of the shield of FIG. 5;

(7) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rod of the assembly arrangement or device of the helmet of FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 1, showing the installation of a rod between the support and the shield;

(9) FIG. 9 is a detailed perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 1, showing the assembly of the support on the shell, and the combined operation of the rail of the shield and an element integral with the shell;

(10) FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with the shield in the raised position;

(11) FIGS. 11-14a are longitudinal sectional views of the helmet of FIG. 1 showing successive phases of movement for the shield from its raised position to its lowered position;

(12) FIG. 14b is a perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with the support and shield in a position corresponding to that in FIG. 14a; and

(13) FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with the shield in the lowered position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) For purposes of the description hereinafter, and unless otherwise defined, the terms “end”, “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

(15) The present invention relates to a protective helmet and face shield, as illustrated in certain preferred and non-limiting embodiments and configurations in FIGS. 1-15.

(16) As illustrated in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect in FIG. 1, a helmet 1 includes a shell 2, a cap 3, and a face shield 4. The shell 2 is configured or intended to protect the head of a user. It is generally rigid and is, for example, manufactured from a composite or thermoplastic material. The shell 2 exhibits a longitudinal plane of symmetry (P). In this embodiment, the helmet 1 is described in the position of use, that is, in the position it occupies when it is placed on the head of the user, also called the wearer, who is standing up straight. The transverse direction (Y) is defined as the direction orthogonal to the plane (P), this direction thus being substantially or roughly horizontal. The longitudinal direction (X) is defined as the direction orthogonal to (Y) and substantially or roughly horizontal, and the direction (Z) is the vertical direction.

(17) The terms “inside” or “interior” are used to designate an element closer to the wearer's head, in opposition to the term “outside” or “exterior”. The terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”, and “bottom” are used in reference to the Z-direction. The terms “front” and “rear” are used in reference to the X-direction. The terms “side” or “lateral” and “transverse” are used in reference to the Y-direction.

(18) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the shell 2 has the general shape of a dome. It includes an upper portion 5, a front portion 6 extending from the upper portion 5 substantially or roughly at the forehead of the user, a rear portion 7, and two side portions 8. The shell 2 can also include a front rim 9 forming a visor. In the embodiment depicted, the side portions 8 are substantially or roughly flat, at least in their central zone. In addition, the lower edge of the shell 2 can be substantially or roughly contained within a plane, for example a plane parallel to (X, Y). The shell 2 exhibits an inside 11.

(19) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the cap 3, which is mounted in the interior of the shell 2, is intended or configured for adjustment and for holding the helmet 1 on the head of the wearer, with concern for comfort and efficiency of protection. The cap 3 includes a suspension mounting 12 designed or configured to rest on the user's head, and which can include several bands linked to one another in their central zone, below the upper portion 5 of the shell 2. In the embodiment depicted, the suspension mounting 12 includes six bands, one band of which is constructed substantially or roughly in a plane (Y,Z).

(20) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the cap 3 also includes a headband 13, preferably of a size that can be adjusted to the head of the user. The headband 13 can be assembled onto the suspension mounting 12, for example, at the lower ends of the bands of the suspension mounting 12. The cap 3 can also include a chinstrap (not depicted), assembled, for example, onto the headband 13.

(21) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the face shield 4 includes a central portion 14 and two side wings 15. The side wings 15 can form a piece one with the central portion 14 or can be distinct pieces assembled to the central portion 14. Each side wing 15 is assembled onto the shell 2 by an assembly device. Thus, the shield 4 is mounted on the interior of the shell 2 in a manner that is movable between: a lowered position, in which the shield 4 is located substantially or roughly in front of the user's face, as illustrated in FIG. 15; and a raised position, in which the shield 4 is located in the space between the cap 3 and the inside 11 of the shell 2, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

(22) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the shield 4 can, moreover, include a lower rim 16 that projects forward. This lower rim 16, which facilitates the manipulation of the shield 4, can form a detent capable of or configured to operating together with the lower front edge of the shell 2, for example with the front rim 9, in order to limit the movement of the shield upward, as seen in FIG. 10. The lower rim 16 in addition allows face covering to be increased and the length of the shield to be reduced that is to be housed inside the shell 2 in its top position.

(23) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and advantageously, the shield 4, in particular the arrangement and dimensions of the side wings 15, can be designed or configured to extend substantially or roughly to the user's temples when the user is wearing the helmet 1.

(24) According to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, as depicted in the figures, the helmet 1 additionally includes a support 20. However, it can be envisaged that the helmet is not fitted with such a support. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the support 20, illustrated in particular in FIG. 2, is a piece distinct from the shell 2, generally rigid, and manufactured, for example, in a composite or thermoplastic material. It is fastened to the inside 11 of the shell 2.

(25) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the support 20 exhibits a substantially or roughly semi-circular shape. It includes a front portion 21 with a rounded shape, for example similar to the shape of front portion 6 of the shell 2 located opposite, and two side arms 22 extending rearward. The support 20 exhibits an inside 23 facing the user's head and an outside 24 facing the inside 11 of the shell 2. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, on the outside 24 of each side arm 22, for example in the vicinity of each of the side ends of support 20, the support includes means of assembling to the inside 11 of the shell 2. These means are presented here in the form of a channel 25 that has a C cross-section with a substantially or roughly vertical axis projecting laterally toward the exterior of each side arm 22.

(26) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and as seen in FIGS. 3 and 8, in particular, each of these channels is designed or configured to operate together with a device 26 for hanging, installed on the shell 2. Each hanging device 26 projects from the inside 11 of the shell 2, toward the interior, in the vicinity of the front part of a side portion 8 and of lower edge 10 of the shell 2. In the embodiment depicted, the hanging device 26 includes two posts 27 that receive the channel 25 between them, as well as a T-shaped protuberance 28 located between the posts 27 and being housed in channel 25. The support 20 can thus be mounted by vertically sliding upward into the shell 2 and can be held in position by friction and/or a by snapping on.

(27) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and in the mounted position, the support 20 is horizontally disposed, on the whole, between the headband 13 and the inside 11 of the shell 2, particularly as is seen in FIG. 15. Thus a space 29 exists between the support 20 and the inside 11 of the shell 2, which will allow the shield 4 to be received in the raised position, as will be explained hereinafter.

(28) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and on the inside 23 of each side arm 22, the support 20 includes a housing 31 for receiving a body for hanging the cap 3 onto the shell 2. This housing 31 is located in front of channel 25, installed on the same aide arm 22, and when the user is wearing the helmet, it is located in the vicinity of a user's temple. Thus, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, each of these housings is located laterally on the helmet 1, and rather forward.

(29) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, each housing 31 has substantially or roughly the shape of a parallelepiped, and includes a lower opening 32, a closed upper side 33, two inside rims 34 facing one another, and a projection 35 for snapping on. The shell 2 can exhibit, on its inside 11 and in the vicinity of the rear part of its side portions 8, housings 36 exhibiting a shape similar to that of the housings 31.

(30) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, appendages 37 are provided in the lower part of the cap 3, for example at the ends of the bands forming the suspension mounting 12. These appendages 37 are adjusted to the housings 31 and 36. They can thus exhibit a T cross-section, in order to be able to be engaged by vertically sliding upward into the housings 31, 36 from the lower opening 32 as far as the upper side 33, against which they can abut. These appendages 37 are preferably equipped with a body that can operate together with the snapping projection 35 to ensure that the cap 3 is held in the shell 2. In the embodiment depicted, the suspension mounting 12 includes in the lower part four appendages 37 located laterally in front of and behind the wearer's head, the two rear appendages being engaged in the housings 36 of the shell 2 and the two front appendages being engaged in the housings 31 of the support 20.

(31) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and when fastening the cap 3 in front (not onto the shell 2 but onto the support 20), a space is freed up between the wearer's head and the shell 2 to house the raised shield 4 in the interior of the shell 2. More precisely, the space 29 between support 20 and the inside 11 of the shell 2 has a crescent shape, extending both in front and laterally, outward from the support 20 to house the shield 4, even if the latter has side wings 15 of relatively large size, in order to ensure good side protection for the wearer of helmet 1. In the raised position, the shield 4 is therefore located in the space between the cap 3 and the inside 11 of the shell 2, but, more precisely, in the space 29 between support 20 and the inside 11 of the shell 2.

(32) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, provided is a device for assembling each side wing 15 of the face shield 4 to the shell 2.

(33) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the assembly device includes a rod 40 that extends substantially or roughly in a plane (X,Z). The rod 40 has a first end 41 that is mounted articulated about a first axis 51 substantially or roughly transverse and integral with shell 2. It also has a second end 42 that is mounted articulated about a second axis 52 substantially or roughly transverse and integral with an extreme upper part of the side wing 15 of shield 4. The rod 40 can be presented in a practical manner in the form of a rigid, elongated piece, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the rod 40 includes a principal part 43 in the form of a flat blade. In addition, the rod 40 includes, at its first end 41, a pin 44 provided with a groove 45 and projecting toward the interior, and at its second end 42, a pin 46 provided with a groove 47 and projecting toward the exterior.

(34) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the pin 44 is designed or configured to be mounted in an orifice 48 of axis 51, installed on a side arm 22 of support 20, at the rear part of this arm. This link between the first end 41 of rod 40 and support 20 allows for the articulation of rod 40 about the first axis 51. The pin 46 is designed or configured to be mounted in an orifice 49 of axis 52, installed in the upper rear part of a side wing 15 of the shield 4. This link between the second end 42 of rod 40 and shield 4 allows for articulation of the rod 40 about the second axis 52.

(35) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, each of the assembly devices includes, in addition, a rail 55, installed on the side wing 15 of shield 4. The rail 55 exhibits at least one guide surface 59 capable of operating together with an element integral with shell 2 to guide the movement of the shield 4 between its lowered and raised positions, along but at a distance from the inside 11 of the shell 2.

(36) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the rail 55 exhibits a cross-section in the shape of a “T” and is housed in a sliding track 56 integral with shell 2, which exhibits, in cross-section, the shape of a “C”. More precisely, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the sliding track 56 can be provided on an external side plate 57 constructed on support 20. In the embodiment depicted, the plate 57 is disposed substantially or roughly in a plane (X,Z) and extends forward from the channel 25 whereof it forms the inside. The sliding track 56 includes two legs 58a, 58b, in front and in back respectively, forming the extreme parts of the “C”.

(37) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the rail 55 projects laterally and toward the exterior of the corresponding side wing 15 of shield 4. The sliding track 56 is therefore installed on the interior of the plate 57. However, other embodiments could be envisaged. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and as is seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the case in which the rail 55 exhibits a cross-section in the shape of a “T”, it includes two guide surfaces 59a, 59b, front and rear respectively, which can operate together with the legs 58a, 58b of support 20 to guide, by sliding with friction, the movement of shield 4.

(38) The rail 55 and the guide surface(s) 59 may be described when the shield 4 is in the lowered position, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 15. The rail 55 can be situated in a practical manner at the rear and in large part below the orifice 49. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the guide surface 59 is fitted to the shape of the shell 2 so as to provide appropriate guidance for the shield 4 in its movement between its lowered and raised positions, along but at a distance from the inside 11 of the shell 2, that is, without contact and without friction.

(39) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the guide surface 59 has the shape of a very flat “S” and includes: a lower portion 61 exhibiting a shape similar to the shape of the front portion 6 of the shell 2, that is, here, convex toward the front; a central portion 62, located above the lower portion 61, which has a substantially or roughly rectilinear shape or has a very slight radius of curvature, substantially or roughly vertical (in the lowered position of the shield 4); and an upper portion 63 that is curved with the concavity facing forward.

(40) Referring to FIGS. 10 to 15, and in a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the movement of shield 4 is now described, from its raised position to its lowered position, this movement being guided by means of the constituent elements of the device for assembling shield 4 onto shell 2, that is, in particular, rods 40 and rails 55. The reverse movement of the shield 4, from its lowered position to its raised position, is carried out in a similar manner. In other words, the rod and the rail together provide guidance for the shield substantially over its entire movement from its lowered position to its raised position, and back.

(41) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and when the shield 4 is in the top position (FIG. 10), it is housed in the space 29 located between support 20 and the inside 11 of shell 2. If and when the cap 3 is mounted on the inside of support 20, the shield 4 is housed outside of the cap 3 and therefore does not come into contact with the wearer's head. In addition, the shield 4 virtually does not project below the lower edge 10 of shell 2, and the lower rim 16 of the shield 4 can butt up against the front rim 9 of shell 2, thus preventing the shield from being raised further. In this position, the first end 41 of the rod 40 is located below and in front of the second end 42. In addition, the sliding track 56 of support 20 operates together with the lower portion 61 of the guide surface 59 of rail 55.

(42) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and during the movement of shield 4 from its raised position to its lowered position, the first end 41 of rod 40 pivots around the first axis 51, which is fixed relative to the shell 2. In addition, the second end 42 of rod 40, and therefore the extreme upper part of the side wings 15 of shield 4, pivots around the second axis 52, whose position is not fixed relative to shell 2. The rod 40 thus swivels around axis 51, passing through a vertical position (FIG. 11), with the second end 42 then passing in front of the first end 41. At the end of the movement, shield 4 being in the lowered position (FIG. 15), rod 40 is substantially or roughly horizontal. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, shield 4, moreover, in order to pivot around axis 52, is guided by rail 55.

(43) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and in the course of a first phase of movement of shield 4 from its raised position to its lowered position, the sliding track 56 of support 20 operates together with the lower portion 61 of the guide surface 59 of rail 55, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13. During this first phase, shield 4 pivots around an axis that is movable relative to the shell 2. It is guided to substantially or roughly follow the inside 11 of shell 2, since the lower portion 61 exhibits a shape similar to the shape of the front portion 6 of shell 2. This movement can thus be carried out in a space 29 of limited size.

(44) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and in the course of a second phase of movement of shield 4 from its raised position to its lowered position, the sliding track 56 of support 20 operates together with the central portion 62 of the guide surface 59 of rail 55, as illustrated in FIGS. 14a and 14b. Due to the substantially or roughly vertical form of the central portion 62, shield 4 is guided during this second phase to move substantially or roughly vertically and downward.

(45) In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and in the course of a third phase of movement of shield 4 from its raised position to its lowered position (illustrated in FIG. 15), sliding track 56 of support 20 operates together with the upper portion 63 of guide surface 59 of rail 55. The upper portion 63 being curved, with concavity facing forward, shield 4 is guided during this third phase to come close to the face of the user.

(46) In this manner provided is a protective helmet, face shield, and assembly arrangement or device that represents an improvement over existing protective helmets and configurations. Further, and as discussed, and due to the unique and innovative nature of the assembly arrangement or device (e.g., the combined interaction and guidance of the rod and the rail), the position of the shield's center of rotation changes in the space when the shield moves toward its lowered position or toward its raised position. This allows the shield both to move and to be housed when it is in the raised position, in a space of small size, which would not be possible with a simple rotation mechanism.

(47) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described hereinabove by way of examples, but includes any technical equivalents and variants of the means described, as well as combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiment, the rail is described as being an integral part of the shield; however, the rail could be in the form of a distinct piece and attached onto the shield. Similarly, the sliding track operating together with the rail could be in the form of a distinct piece assembled onto the support or onto the shell.

(48) It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of examples but that it comprises all the technical equivalents and the variants of the means described as well as their combinations. Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.