SPORTS HELMET

Abstract

A full-face helmet for use in sport is provided. The helmet comprises a rigid outer shell for fitting about a top, back and sides of a user's head, and a detachable chin guard for partially covering a user's face. The detachable chin guard is magnetically connected to the sides of the rigid outer shell. A secondary fastening means is provided on the chin guard as a pair of hinged clips.

Claims

1. A full-face helmet for use in sport comprising a rigid outer shell for fitting about a top, back and sides of a user's head, a detachable chin guard for partially covering the user's face, the detachable chin guard being magnetically connected to sides of the rigid outer shell, at least one magnet being mounted on each side of the rigid outer shell and chin guard, in which the at least one magnet on each side of the rigid outer shell is provided on an outer surface of each side of the rigid outer shell, and in which the at least one magnet on each side of the chin guard is provided on an inner surface of the chin guard.

2. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 1, in which a pair of spaced magnets are mounted on each side of the rigid outer shell and chin guard.

3. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 1, in which an aperture is provided for each magnet.

4. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 3, in which the at least one magnet sits in its corresponding aperture and lies flush with a surface of the rigid outer shell.

5. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 4, in which a mounting element is provided on each side of the rigid outer shell, and the at least one magnet and corresponding aperture is provided in the mounting element.

6. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 1, in which the at least one magnet of the chin guard is in a complementary position to a magnet on a corresponding side of the rigid outer shell.

7. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 3, in which the magnet of the chin guard sits in its aperture and lies flush with a surface of the chin guard.

8. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 3, in which a mounting element is provided on each side of the chin guard, and the at least one magnet and corresponding aperture is provided in the mounting element.

9. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pairs of spaced magnets on the rigid outer shell and the pairs of spaced magnets on the chin guard are spaced by at least 1 cm and a maximum of 3 cm.

10. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 1, in which a secondary fastening means is provided for locking the detachable chin guard to the sides of the rigid outer shell.

11. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 10, in which the secondary fastening means is provided as at least one hinged clip.

12. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 11, in which a pair of hinged clips are provided, one disposed on each side of the chin guard, at its distal ends.

13. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 12, in which a latch is provided on each hinged clip of the chin guard.

14. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 13, in which a keeper is provided on the rigid outer shell for retaining the latch.

15. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 11, in which a pair of hinged clips are provided, one on each side of the rigid outer shell.

16. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 15, in which a latch is provided on each hinged clip of the rigid outer shell.

17. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 16, in which a keeper is provided on the chin guard for retaining the latch.

18. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 1, in which an outer surface of each hinged clip is textured for feeling the location of the clip by the user.

19. A full-face helmet as claimed in claim 1, in which a portion of edge surfaces of the chin guard and rigid outer shell abut to enable transfer of impact forces between them.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rigid outer shell with a chin guard in the attached configuration in one embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a right side profile of the rigid outer shell with the chin guard removed in an alternative embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the right side of the rigid outer shell of the helmet of FIG. 1;

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a hinged clip in the open position in yet another embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 5 shows the hinged clip of FIG. 4 in the engaged position;

[0053] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the inner surface of the right side of the chin guard of the helmet of FIG. 3;

[0054] FIG. 7 shows a hinged clip in the closed position in an alternative embodiment; and

[0055] FIG. 8 shows another view of the hinged clip of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0056] Referring firstly to FIG. 1, a full-face helmet is indicated generally at 10. The full-face helmet 10 comprises a rigid outer shell 12 and a detachable chin guard 20. Magnets, described further below, are provided to guide and hold the chin guard 20 in position on the shell 12. Retaining clips 24 are disposed on distal ends of the chin guard 22, that is, at the ends of the chin guard furthest from its central point on either side. The clips 24 lock the chin guard 20 to the rigid outer shell 12.

[0057] The rigid outer shell 12 fits about a top, back and sides of a user's head and includes an upper region 14, a rear region 16 and left and right side regions 18. The rigid outer shell 12 has a curved surface in order to fit closely to the shape of the user's head. The rigid outer shell 12 further comprises a top shell, indicated generally at 13, and a lower shell, indicated generally at 15.

[0058] The rigid outer shell 12 is also lined in a conventional manner to provide comfort and additional shock-absorptive protection. In one embodiment, the rigid outer shell 12 is provided in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0059] The rigid outer shell 12 includes integrated, removable goggles 32 to protect the user's eyes. In other embodiments, eye protection can be provided by a visor, by permanently fixed goggles or by another goggle arrangement.

[0060] In one embodiment, an internal lining to the full-face helmet 10 is provided in expanded polystyrene. The lining compresses on impact to absorb impact energy and protect the user.

[0061] The chin guard 20 extends between the two side regions 18 of the helmet around the front of the user's face. The chin guard 20 can also be referred to as a facemask. The chin guard 20 has a central region which extends upwardly to cover the user's nose. When the chin guard 20 is attached to the shell 12, the form of the helmet 10 becomes close in form to that of a full-face helmet.

[0062] The clips 24 are pivotally mounted to the chin guard 20. To engage the clips 24, a body of each clip is pivoted inwardly towards the rigid shell of the helmet. To disengage the clips 24, they are pivoted away from the rigid shell of the helmet.

[0063] The chin guard 20 has an upper edge 21 that provides a mating surface for a lower edge of the goggles 32. The chin guard 20 provides a seal with the goggles or other eye protection 32 to seal the helmet from external elements such as snow and to protect the user from wind chill. In this embodiment, the upper edge of the chin guard 21 extends to cover the user's nose.

[0064] The chin guard 20 includes vent apertures 25 to improve ventilation and reduce fogging of the goggles or visor. The vent apertures 25 are placed on a front portion of the chin guard, adjacent the user's mouth. These can be covered by a mesh or grating to provide some protection from snow or wind and against obstructions such as tree branches in the event of an accident or collision.

[0065] Additional vents 23a may be provided proximate to the upper edge of the chin guard. More additional vents 23b may be provided proximate to the front and top of the helmet. These improve ventilation and prevent the fogging up of the goggles.

[0066] A band of material 30 extends from the sides of the chin guard and is continued by a corresponding band 28 on the rigid outer shell. The distal ends of the chin guard 22 and the side edges 18 of the rigid outer shell 12 comprise edge surfaces, a portion of which abuts in the attached configuration. This allows impact forces to be dissipated across the junction between the chin guard 20 and rigid outer shell 12 and hence dissipated to a larger portion of the helmet.

[0067] The full-face helmet 10 is shown with the detachable chin guard 20 removed in FIG. 2. The side regions 18, of which the right-hand side region is shown in FIG. 2, each terminate in an edge 29, which is a substantially straight line. The edges 29 lie substantially perpendicular to the respective lower edges 39 of the side regions 18.

[0068] In this embodiment, a mounting block 40 is provided on each side of the rigid outer shell 12. Each mounting block 40 is attached to one of the side regions 18 of the shell 12 and is proximate or adjacent to the edge 29. Apertures are provided in each mounting block 40. First and second magnets 36a and 36b are set in the apertures of each mounting block and are bonded in position. An upper surface of each magnet lies flush with a surface of the block 40 in position. The pair of magnets 36a and 36b on each side of the rigid outer shell are provided substantially parallel to and set back from the terminating edge 29.

[0069] A recess 34 is provided on each side region 18. Each recess is set back from and parallel to its corresponding edge 29. The recess 34 is substantially rectangular, with the long edge parallel to the terminating edge 29. Each recess further comprises an undercut on the side closest to the terminating edge 29 which forms a ledge 35.

[0070] The pair of magnets on each side of the rigid outer shell is spaced by at least 1 cm and a maximum of 3 cm. This encourages the chin guard 20 to self-locate into the correct orientation. In another embodiment, this could be achieved for example, by the use of a strip magnet.

[0071] The magnets 36a and 36b are permanent magnets in this instance. They could also be provided as magnets paired with magnetic material, or any other suitable magnetic means.

[0072] A mounting element is provided on the inner surface of each distal end of the chin guard 22. Each mounting element is bonded proximate or adjacent to an edge of the chin guard. The mounting element abuts its corresponding mounting block 40 on the outer shell in the attached configuration. Apertures are provided in each mounting element. First and second magnets are set in the apertures of each mounting element and are bonded. An upper surface of each magnet lies flush with the surface of the mounting element in position. The magnets of the chin guard are placed such that they correspond to magnets 36a, 36b on the left and right hand sides of the outer shell 18. Poles of the magnets are aligned such that magnets 36a, 36b of the outer shell 12 are attracted to those disposed on the distal ends of the chin guard.

[0073] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the fastening arrangement on the rigid outer shell 412. In particular, a different arrangement of the rigid outer shell 412 is shown with a mounting element 440, recesses 436a, 436b for magnets and catch 430 on the right side of the shell 412.

[0074] A recess 431 is provided on each side region 418 of the shell 412. Each recess 431 extends substantially perpendicularly from the corresponding edge 429 of the outer shell 412. A mounting element 440 is provided in each recess 431. The mounting element 440 mounts along the edge 429 of the rigid outer shell 412, in a similar manner to the mounting block 40 of the first embodiment.

[0075] Each mounting element 440 further comprises apertures 436a, 436b at either end to receive the magnets. The magnets can be bonded into the apertures 436a, 436b and are flush with the surface of each mounting element as in the previous embodiments. The magnets can be bonded using adhesive or other fixing means. The mounting element 440 provides additional thickness to the helmet such that there is sufficient depth for apertures 436a, 436b to receive magnets.

[0076] Each mounting element 440 has a catch 430 for engaging the hinged clip 24.

[0077] Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 4. The cross-section of the hinged clip mechanism is shown in an open position. In this figure, one of the distal ends of chin guard 222 is shown connecting to a right side of the rigid outer shell 218.

[0078] A mounting block 240 is mounted on the rigid outer shell 218. An opposing mounting block 244 is provided on the distal region of the chin guard 222. These abut in the attached configuration and are held together by magnets located within the blocks 244, 240, as shown in the previous embodiments.

[0079] A hinged clip 224 is provided on each side of the chin guard 222. Each hinged clip includes a body 226, pivotally mounted to the chin guard, and a substantially L-shaped latch 232. The latch 232 extends inwardly from an inner surface of the body 226. The latch 232 extends substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the body 226 and slightly angled towards a rear of the helmet. A latching tip 233 forms one leg of the substantially L-shaped latch 232. The mounting block 240 on each side of the rigid outer shell 218 comprises a ledge 230 as shown in previous embodiments. The latching tip 233 clips over the ledge of a respective mounting block 230.

[0080] Each clip 224 is hinged such that it can pivot about an axis approximately tangential to the curved surface of the helmet. One of the clips is shown in an unlatched position, the body of each clip rotated away from the helmet shell about the hinge.

[0081] A graspable edge 227 is provided on each hinged clip 224. The latch 232 is set back from the edge of the clip to allow the user to grasp the edge 227. This allows the user to grasp the clip to rotate the clip and disengage the secondary fastening mechanism. The hinge can be any suitable pivotal arrangement allowing rotation for engagement and disengagement of the clips.

[0082] FIG. 5 shows one of the hinged clips 224 in the latched position. The latching tip 233 of each hinged clip is interlocked with the ledge 230 of the corresponding mounting block 240.

[0083] FIG. 6 shows part of an alternative embodiment of a chin guard fastening arrangement 422 for a helmet 410.

[0084] Hinged clips 424 are provided on each distal end of the chin guard 422, as in previous embodiments. Each hinged clip 424 comprises a body 426, pivotally mounted to the chin guard 422. Each hinged clip 424 further comprises two mounts, 460a and 460b, which support an elevated latching bar 432. The latching bar 432 is disposed substantially parallel to the inner surface of the hinged clip 424. The clips 424 are pivotally mounted about two spaced pivotal mounts (also referred to as hinge mechanisms), described further below. A mounting element 462 is further provided on the distal end of the chin guard 422. The mounting element 462 comprises a pair of apertures 437a, 437b for mounting magnets.

[0085] Mounting element 462 is provided on the distal end of the chin guard 422. It is provided proximate to an edge of the chin guard 468. The mounting element 462 has thicker ends provided at either end of the element, indicated at 464a and 464b. A thinner portion 466 of the mounting element 462 extends between the thicker ends 464a and 464b.

[0086] The latching bar 432 is disposed substantially adjacent to an edge of the hinged clip 427. The latching bar 432 is substantially parallel to the edge of the hinged clip 427. The latching bar 432 extends inwardly and substantially perpendicularly from an inner surface of the body 426. The latching bar 432 extends from the inner surface of the body 426.

[0087] Each clip 424 is hinged such that it can pivot about an axis approximately tangential to the curved surface of the helmet, as in previous embodiments.

[0088] A graspable edge 427 is provided on each hinged clip 424. The latching bar 432 is set back from the edge of the clip to allow the user to grasp the edge 427. This allows the user to grasp the clip to rotate the clip and disengage the secondary fastening mechanism, as in previous embodiments.

[0089] Hinge mechanisms are provided on distal ends on each side of the chin guard 422 for attaching each hinged clip 424 to each distal end of the chin guard 422 (that is to say, so hinged clips can be attached to both sides of the chin guard).

[0090] Only the hinge mechanisms of the right-hand side of the chin guard 457a, 457b are shown in the figures, but the left-hand side of the chin guard comprises symmetrical hinge mechanisms.

[0091] Each hinge mechanism comprises two pairs of flanges 448a, 449a and 448b, 449. The flanges 448a, 449a and 448b, 449b are disposed on an inner surface of the chin guard, proximate to the distal ends of the chin guard 422. One pair of flanges 448b, 449 is disposed proximate to a lower edge of the chin guard 460. The other pair of flanges 448a, 449a is disposed further away from the lower edge of the chin guard 460.

[0092] Within a pair of flanges, each flange 448, 449 extends approximately perpendicularly from the inner surface of the chin guard. Each flange 448, 449 has a portion that is approximately fin shaped. Each flange further comprises an apex, or convergence of two edges, two of which are indicated at 450a, 450b. Cylindrical holes are disposed proximate to the apex or edge convergence 450 of each flange 448, 449. Each longitudinal axis of the cylindrical holes is substantially aligned with the cylindrical hole on its pair. The longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to an edge of the chin guard 468.

[0093] An inner flange and outer flange are defined, 448 and 449 respectively. The inner flange 448 is larger than the outer flange 449.

[0094] Each hinge mechanism further comprises complementary cranked hinge portions 454a, 454b disposed on the hinged clip 424. The hinged clip 424 is substantially U-shaped with two arms, each mounting a cranked hinge portion. The complementary cranked hinge portions are disposed at ends of the U-shaped hinged clip 424. Each complementary cranked hinge portion is proximate to its corresponding flanges on the chin guard. Each complementary cranked hinge portion 454a, 454b is curved away from the inner surface of the hinged clip for enabling wider rotation of the hinged clip 424 away from the surface of the helmet and allow the exterior surfaces to lie substantially flush when the clip is engaged.

[0095] Each cranked hinge portion 454a, 454b comprises a cylindrical hole (not shown). Each cranked hinge portion 454a, 454b of the hinged clip fits between a pair of flanges of the chin guard. The longitudinal axis of the cylindrical hole of the cranked hinge portion aligns with the longitudinal axes of the cylindrical holes of the pair of flanges. Each hinge mechanism comprises a pin or axle, indicated at 458a and 458b, disposed through the cylindrical holes on the cranked hinge portion and the two flanges 448a, 449a and 448b, 449b respectively. The pins and axles 458 define an axis of rotation for the hinged clip 424.

[0096] The inner flange 448a, 448b extends towards an edge 468 of the chin guard. Each inner flange 448a, 448b comprises an extension 470a, 470b proximate to the edge of the chin guard 468. A portion of the extension is substantially parallel to the edge of the chin guard 468 and reinforces the edge of the clip.

[0097] FIGS. 7 and 8 show part of an alternative embodiment of a chin guard fastening arrangement 322 for a helmet 310.

[0098] Specifically, FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the closed hinged clip 324. In this figure, one of the distal ends of chin guard 322 is shown connecting to the right side of the rigid outer shell 318.

[0099] A mounting block 340 is mounted on the rigid outer shell 318. In this

[0100] embodiment, there is no mounting block on the chin guard 322, but rather the thickness of the material of the chin guard is increased to, for example, 5 mm, to provide sufficient depth to retain the magnets. The thickened area of the chin guard 344 and the mounting element 340 abut in the attached configuration and are held together by magnets (not shown) located within, as shown in the previous embodiments.

[0101] The hinged clip 324 is provided on each side of the chin guard 322. Each hinged clip includes a body 326, pivotally mounted to the chin guard and a latch arm 332. The latch arm 332 extends inwardly from an inner surface of the body 326. The latch arm 332 is substantially angled away from a rear of the helmet. The mounting block 340 on each side of the rigid outer shell 318 has a ledge 330, forming an undercut or received area. Each latch arm 332 resiliently latches over and locates behind the ledge of a respective mounting block 330, that is to say, on either side of the helmet.

[0102] FIG. 8 shows the hinged clip 324 of FIG. 7 in the closed position.

[0103] Apertures are provided on the inner surface of each distal end of the chin guard 322. First and second magnets are set in the apertures and are bonded. Only the second magnet 337b is shown in FIG. 7, but the first magnet operates in the same way.

[0104] Magnet 337b is provided on the thickened portion of the chin guard 344, as in previous embodiments. An upper surface of the magnet 337b lies flush with the surface of the thickened portion 344 of the chin guard 322. Corresponding magnet 336b is provided in the recess of mounting block 340 of the outer shell 318, as in previous embodiments. Magnet 337b is placed such that it corresponds to magnet 336b. Poles of the magnets are aligned such that magnet 336b is attracted to magnet 337b, as in previous embodiments. The magnets 337b, 336b abut in the attached configuration.

[0105] In use, the detached chin guard 20 can be raised to the helmet using one hand and placed over the user's mouth and nose. When the chin guard 20 is brought suitably close to the outer shell, magnets 36a, 36b on both sides of the outer shell 12 attract the corresponding magnets on the chin guard. As the chin guard nears its located position, the magnetic attraction draws the chin guard into the desired located position. The spacing of the magnets 36a, 36b on each side facilitate rotational alignment, as well as depth alignment relative to the outer shell 12.

[0106] The clips on both sides of the chin guard can then be engaged by pushing inwardly causing them to pivot backwards towards the surface of the rigid shell to engage the latching tip 233 of each clip 224 with the ledge of its corresponding mounting block 230. Similarly, to remove the chin guard 20, each clip 224 is grasped at the edge 227 and is prised forwards away from the surface of the rigid shell. The latching tip of each clip 233 is thereby disengaged from the ledge of its corresponding mounting block 230. The chin guard 20 can then be slid across or pulled away from the outer shell 12 to remove the chin guard.

[0107] Alternatively, the latching bar 432 on the clip 424 of the chin guard 422 engages with the catch 430 on the outer shell 412.

[0108] The full-face helmet is designed for use in snow sports but may be used for other sports and related activities including but not limited to motorcycling, biking or vehicle racing.

[0109] The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.