(19)
(11)EP 0 942 665 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
02.05.2002 Bulletin 2002/18

(21)Application number: 97945700.9

(22)Date of filing:  27.11.1997
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC)7A42B 3/32
(86)International application number:
PCT/CA9700/913
(87)International publication number:
WO 9823/177 (04.06.1998 Gazette  1998/22)

(54)

ADJUSTABLE HELMET HAVING AN IMPROVED LOCKING MECHANISM

VERSTELLBARER HELM MIT VERBESSERTER VERRIEGELUNGSVORRICHTUNG

CASQUE REGLABLE PRESENTANT UN MECANISME DE VERROUILLAGE PERFECTIONNE


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

(30)Priority: 29.11.1996 CA 2191693

(43)Date of publication of application:
22.09.1999 Bulletin 1999/38

(73)Proprietor: Bauer Nike Hockey Inc.
Montreal, Quebec H4P 2S4 (CA)

(72)Inventor:
  • CHARTRAND, Daniel
    Deux-Montagnes, Quebec J7R 3W9 (CA)

(74)Representative: Burbaud, Eric 
Cabinet Plasseraud 84, rue d'Amsterdam
75440 Paris Cédex 09
75440 Paris Cédex 09 (FR)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A- 0 150 876
CA-A- 1 116 801
US-A- 4 539 715
EP-A- 0 279 086
DE-A- 3 232 762
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION



    [0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable helmet and more particularly, to an adjustable helmet comprising an improved locking mechanism that extends longitudinally and that preferably allows a rear shell to move angularly relative a front shell.

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION



    [0002] Helmets comprising adjustability features are known. In this regard, it is known to provide an adjustable helmet having two shell portions that are held together by screws. The loosening and tightening of the screws allow for the adjustment of the helmet. Such adjustment means however require the use of tools such as screwdrivers or the like and are therefore impractical. Furthermore, they do not allow one to readily adjust a helmet while wearing it. The initial adjustment thus has to be approximate and proper fit is achieved on a trial and error basis.

    [0003] Efforts have thus been made to improve the conventional adjustable helmet by implementing therein an adjustment mechanism that does not require any tools. An example of such mechanism is found in U.S. Patent No. 4,539,715 issued on September 10, 1985 and assigned to the present applicant. The adjustable helmet described in that patent, which is commercially available under the trademark COOPER XL7, comprises two shell portions with mating surfaces having teeth that overlap and engage with one another to retain the shell portions in a given overlapping position. The mating surfaces are held in engagement by a locking mechanism that comprises a cam member and a bracket having extending tabs comprising sockets into which extend pins fixed to the cam member, the tabs defining the axis of swivel of the cam member. When the bracket and cam member are in a locking position, they cooperate to retain the mating surfaces in an overlapping relationship. When they are in an adjustment position, the mating surfaces may move relative one another since the tabs are slidingly moveable within longitudinal slots to allow for the adjustment of the helmet.

    [0004] The adjustment mechanism provided for in U.S. Patent No. 4,539,715 possesses however various limitations which negatively affect its performance. First, the axis of swivel of the cam member is generally perpendicular relative to the side portions of the helmet and is generally parallel to the teeth. Therefore, the orientation of the cam member relative to the teeth is such that the cam member fails to apply a compressive force along a significant number of the teeth. This reduces the compressive force exerted on the teeth and allows the shell portions to disengage and move relative one another during a severe impact, such as when a hockey player hits the board, even when the adjustment mechanism is in a "locked" position. Also, because of the generally rectangular cross-sectional shape of the bracket's extending tabs and of the corresponding longitudinal slots, the locking mechanism of this patent only allows for an adjustment in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of swivel of the cam member. In other words, the back shell is only moveable in a forward-rearward direction relative to the front shell. This is impractical since it has been discovered that better adjustment may be provided when the back shell moves angularly relative to the front shell.

    [0005] Another disadvantage is that the generally rectangular cross-sectional shape of the tabs and longitudinal slots does not allow one to easily replace the locking mechanism by conventional mounting screws.

    OBJECTS AND STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION



    [0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable helmet having an improved locking mechanism overcoming some of the disadvantages of the prior art and that exerts a sufficient compressive force to prevent disengagement during an impact and wherein this force is applied along a direction that is not parallel to the direction of the teeth.

    [0007] It is a further object of the invention to provide an adjustable helmet in which the back shell may move angularly relative to the front shell.

    [0008] It is yet a further object of the invention to provide an adjustable helmet with a locking mechanism that can be replaced with a conventional locking mechanism such as screws.

    [0009] As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides an adjustable helmet comprising a front shell and a back shell moveable relative to one another, each of the front and back shells comprising a plurality of engaging members to allow the front shell to be secured to the back shell in a selected position, the helmet further comprising a locking mechanism having a cam being pivotable about a pivot axis to acquire either one of a locking position and an adjustment position, in the locking position, the cam exerting a force on the engaging members of either ones of the front and back shells so that they interact with corresponding engaging members of either ones of the front and back shells to secure the front and back shells in a selected position, and :.n the adjustment position, the cam being pivoted about the axis so as to allow the front shell to move relative to the back shell, the axis being defined by the projecting arms of a clevis member, the arms extending through longitudinal slots located on either ones of the front and back shells the cam being pivotally connected to the arms, the adjustable helmet being characterized in that said pivot axis extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to a side portion of the helmet.

    [0010] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal slots extend upwardly and rearwardly from the front shell, whereby the front and back shells move angularly relative to one another.

    [0011] Preferably, the arms of the clevis member have a generally-circular cross section, the cam and the arms of the clevis member comprises openings therethrough and the cam is pivotally connected to the arms by a removable locking pin. Alternatively, the arms may comprise sockets and the cam may comprise pins extending through the sockets thereby pivotally connecting the cam to the arms.

    [0012] In another preferred embodiment, the engaging members consist of parallelly extending teeth and the cam comprises an integral lever for pivoting it. Most preferably, the side portion of the front shell comprises a recessed area receiving the locking mechanism, whereby the integral lever does not project substantially outwardly from the surface of the side portion. Preferably, a locking mechanism is provided on each side of the helmet.

    [0013] All the objects of the invention are thus met by providing an adjustable helmet comprising a locking mechanism which acts in a direction that is not parallel to the direction of the engaging members. In the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism thus comprises a cam being pivotally connected to the projecting arms of a clevis member, the cam is pivotable about an axis defined by these projecting arms to acquire either one of a locking position and an adjustment position. The shape and size of the cam is such that, when it is rotated towards a locking position, the cooperation between the cam and the clevis member exerts a compressive force on the engaging members of the front shell and the back shell so that they interact with one another to secure the front and back shells in a selected position.

    [0014] In contrast with the locking mechanism of the prior art, the locking mechanism of the present invention exerts a compressive force on a significant number of teeth thereby providing a more secure locking engagement between the front and back shells. This optimal configuration is achieved by having an axis of rotation that extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the side portions of the front shell of the helmet.

    [0015] Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following specification and to the drawings.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0016] The following is a description by way of a preferred embodiment, reference being made to the following drawings, in which:

    Figure 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable helmet incorporating a locking mechanism made in accordance with the present invention;

    Figure 2 is a partial exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism as incorporated into the adjustable helmet;

    Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the adjustable helmet wherein the locking mechanism is in an adjustment position;

    Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the adjustable helmet illustrating the angular movement of the back shell relative to the front shell;

    Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the adjustable helmet showing the locking mechanism in a locking position;

    Figure 6a is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines 6a-6a in figure 4, showing the locking mechanism in an adjustment position;

    Figure 6b is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines 6b-6b in figure 5, showing the locking mechanism in a locking position;

    Figure 7a is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines 7a-7a in figure 4, showing the mating surfaces of the shell while the locking mechanism is in an adjustment position;

    Figure 7b is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines 7b-7b in figure 5, showing the mating surfaces of the shell while the locking mechanism is in a locking position;

    Figure 8 is a partial exploded perspective view of the adjustable helmet wherein the locking mechanism has been replaced by conventional screws.


    DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT



    [0017] Referring now to figure 1, there is shown an adjustable helmet generally referred to as 10 and comprising a front shell 12 (sometimes referred to as a visor) and a back shell 14 (sometimes referred to as a crown), the front and back shells being angularly moveable relative one another as described hereinafter. The front shell comprises a top wall portion 20 and a front visor portion 22 that extends into side portions 24. Similarly, the back shell comprises a top wall portion 26 and side portions 28. As shown more particularly in figures 1 and 5, when the front and back shells engage one another, the top wall portion 20 of the front shell 12 is located underneath the top wall portion 26 of the back shell 14 while the side portions 24 of the front shell 12 are located over the side portions 28 of the back shell 14.

    [0018] The front and rear shells are made of suitable impact resistant plastics materials such as polyethylene and may comprise openings 16 and 18 to provide for adequate ventilation. The helmet 10 also comprises an inner liner 45 and may comprise ear straps 60 such as the ones conventionally found in the art.

    [0019] As shown more particularly in figures 7a and 7b, the overlapping portions of the front shell 12 and the back shell 14 comprise a plurality of engaging members 25 and 27 that will allow the front shell to be secured to the back shell in a selected position. More preferably, the engaging members consist of parallelly extending teeth that cooperate with one another to prevent longitudinal displacement of the shells 12 and 14 relative one another when the helmet is in a locked position. The person skilled in the art will however realize that other types of mechanical linkages could be used as engaging members such as a tongue and groove joint or splines. Electromagnetic linkages, such as magnets, could also conceivably be used.

    [0020] The front shell 12 and the back shell 14 are movably secured to one another by the use of a locking mechanism generally referred to as 30.

    [0021] As shown in figure 2, the locking mechanism comprises a cam 32 having an integral lever 33, the cam 32 being pivotally connected to the projecting arms 34 of a clevis member 36. As shown more particularly in figures 6a, 6b and 7a, 7b, the cam 32 is pivotable about the axis X' defined by the projecting arms 34 to acquire either one of a locking position (figure 6b) and an adjustment position (figure 6a). Thus, as shown in figures 6a and 6b, and 7a and 7b, the shape and size of the cam 32 is such that, when it is rotated towards the locking position, as shown in figures 6 b and 7b, the cooperation between the cam and the clevis member 34 exerts a compressive force on the engaging members 25 and 27 of the front shell 12 and the back shell 14, so that they interact with one another to secure the front and back shells in a selected position.

    [0022] As shown more particularly in figure 7b and contrary to the locking mechanism of the prior art, the locking mechanism of the present invention exerts a compressive force on a significant number of teeth thereby providing a more secure locking engagement between the front and back shells. This optimal configuration is achieved by having an axis of rotation X' that extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the side portions 24 of the front shell.

    [0023] When the user desires to adjust the helmet, he or she simply rotates the lever 33 from bottom to top as shown in figure 3. As shown in more details in figures 6a and 7a, the cam member 32 thus rotates into a position in which the engaging members of the front and back shells are released from engagement thereby permitting the shells to move relative one another.

    [0024] Referring now to figure 2, in order to allow for the angular displacement of the back shell relative the front shell, the front shell 12 comprises openings 31 and the back shell comprises longitudinal slots 40, through which extend the arms 34 of the clevis member 36. The longitudinal slots 40 extend upwardly and rearwardly from the side portions thereby allowing for the angular movement of the shells relative one another as shown in figure 4. In the preferred embodiment, the angle of the longitudinal slots is approximately 40° as measured from the horizontal. The person skilled in the art will, however, realize that the angle of such slots may vary and that in a variant, these slots could not be parallel to one another thereby providing for a different type of adjustment. Also, although not illustrated, it is possible to conceive a helmet in which the front shell will comprise the longitudinal slots and the back shell will comprise the openings.

    [0025] As shown more particularly in figure 2, the cam 32 is pivotally secured to the arms 34 of the clevis member 36 by using a metallic pin 43. The pin is inserted in openings 37 provided in the free end portion of the projecting arms. Advantageously, the openings 37 also define the orientation of the axis X'. The pin can easily be removed by the user. While such an embodiment is preferred, it would be possible to provide sockets into the arms 34 and pins on the cam so that one would snap within the other one. The person skilled in the art will however realize that other mechanisms that secure, preferably removably, the cam 32 to the arms 34 while allowing it to pivot may be available.

    [0026] In the preferred embodiment, the side portions 24 of the front shells are provided with a recessed area 46 that receives the locking mechanism 30 so that the lever 33, when in a locking position, will not protrude substantially outwardly from the side portion of the helmet, as shown more particularly in figures 6b and 7b.

    [0027] Since, in the preferred embodiment, the arms 34 of the clevis member 36 are of generally circular cross-section, the locking mechanism of the adjustable helmet of the present invention may easily and conveniently be replaced by conventional mounting screws. Thus, as shown in figure 8, the locking mechanism 30 may be replaced by a conventional locking mechanism comprising screws 52 and posts 55 such as the conventional stainless steel screw and post assembly usually found in hockey helmets. This is particularly advantageous if, for any reasons, the user decides to replace the locking mechanism so as to more or less permanently secure the front shell to the back shell in a selected position.

    [0028] In such an embodiment, the adjustment of the helmet will be accomplished by loosening and tightening the screws as done in the prior art. Such an embodiment does not however form part of the present invention but is being referred to for illustrating the advantages of the locking mechanism of the present invention.


    Claims

    1. An adjustable helmet (10) comprising a front shell (12) and a back shell (14) moveable relative to one another, each of said front and back shells comprising a plurality of engaging members (25) to allow said front shell to be secured to said back shell in a selected position, said helmet further comprising a locking mechanism (30) having a cam (32) being pivotable about a pivot axis (X') to acquire either one of a locking position and an adjustment position, in said locking position, said cam (32) exerting a force on said engaging members (25) of either ones of said front and back shells so that they interact with corresponding engaging members of either ones of said front and back shells to secure said front and back shells in a selected position, and in said adjustment position, said cam (32) being pivoted about said axis so as to allow said front shell to move relative to said back shell, said axis being defined by the projecting arms (34) of a clevis member (36), said arms extending through longitudinal slots (40) located on either ones of said front and back shells, said cam being pivotally connected to said arms, said adjustable helmet (30) being characterized in that said pivot axis (X') extends in a direction that is generally transverse relative to said engaging members.
     
    2. An adjustable helmet according to claim 1, wherein the pivot axis (X') extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the side portions (24) of the front shell.
     
    3. An adjustable helmet according to claims 1 or 2, wherein said longitudinal slots (40) extend upwardly and rearwardly from said front shell (12), whereby said front and back shells (12, 14) move angularly relative to one another.
     
    4. An adjustable helmet according to any one of preceding claims, wherein said arms (34) of said clevis (36) have a generally-circular cross section.
     
    5. An adjustable helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cam (32) and said arms (34) of said clevis member (36) comprise openings (37) therethrough and wherein said cam (32) is pivotally connected to said arms by a removable locking pin (43).
     
    6. An adjustable helmet according to claim 1, wherein said pivot axis (X') is defined by said openings (37).
     
    7. An adjustable helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said arms (34) comprise sockets and wherein said cam comprises pins extending through said sockets thereby pivotally connecting said cam to said arms.
     
    8. An adjustable helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said engaging members (26) consist of parallelly extending teeth.
     
    9. An adjustable helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cam (32) comprises an integral lever (33) for pivoting said cam.
     
    10. An adjustable helmet according to claim 9, wherein said side portion (24) of said front shell (12) comprises a recessed area (45) receiving said locking mechanism (30), whereby said integral lever (33) does not project substantially outwardly from the surface of said side portion.
     
    11. An adjustable helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a locking mechanism (30) on each side-thereof.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Verstellbarer Helm (10) mit einer vorderen Schale (12) und einer hinteren Schale (14), die relativ zueinander beweglich sind, wobei sowohl die vordere als auch die hintere Schale mehrere Eingriffsteile (25) aufweist, damit die vordere Schale an der hinteren Schale in einer gewählten Stellung fest angeordnet werden kann, wobei der Helm ferner einen Verriegelungsmechanismus (30) mit einem Schloßteil (32) aufweist, das um eine Drehachse (X') drehbar ist, um entweder eine Verriegelungsstellung oder eine Verstellstellung einzunehmen, wobei das Schloßteil (32) in der Verriegelungsstellung eine Kraft auf die Eingriffsteile (25) der vorderen und der hinteren Schale ausübt, so daß sie mit entsprechenden Eingriffsteilen der vorderen und der hinteren Schale wechselwirken, um die vordere und hintere Schale in einer gewählten Stellung fest anzuordnen, und das Schloßteil (32) in der Verstellstellung um die Achse gedreht wird, damit die vordere Schale sich relativ zu der hinteren Schale bewegen kann, wobei die Achse von den vorstehenden Armen (34) eines Bügelteils (36) gebildet wird, wobei die Arme sich durch Längsschlitze (40) erstrecken, die an beiden der vorderen und hinteren Schalen angeordnet sind, wobei das Schloßteil drehbar mit den Armen verbunden ist, wobei der verstellbare Helm (30) dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, daß die Drehachse (X') sich in einer Richtung erstreckt, die im allgemeinen quer zu den Eingriffsteilen ist.
     
    2. Verstellbarer Helm nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Drehachse (X') sich in einer Richtung erstreckt, die im wesentlichen parallel zu den Seitenabschnitten (24) der vorderen Schale ist.
     
    3. Verstellbarer Helm nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Längsschlitze (40) sich von der vorderen Schale (12) nach oben und hinten erstrecken, wobei die vordere und hintere Schale (12, 14) sich im Winkel relativ zueinander bewegen.
     
    4. Verstellbarer Helm nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Arme (34) des Bügelteils (36) einen im allgemeinen kreisförmigen Querschnitt haben.
     
    5. Verstellbarer Helm nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Schloßteil (32) und die Arme (34) des Bügelteils (36) hindurchgehende Öffnungen (37) aufweisen und wobei das Schloßteil (32) mit den Armen durch einen entfernbaren Verriegelungsstift (43) verbunden ist.
     
    6. Verstellbarer Helm nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Drehachse (X') von den Öffnungen (37) gebildet wird.
     
    7. Verstellbarer Helm nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Arme (34) Lager aufweisen und wobei das Schloßteil Stifte aufweist, die sich durch die Lager erstrekken, so daß das Schloßteil mit den Armen drehbar verbunden ist.
     
    8. Verstellbarer Helm nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Eingriffsteile (26) aus sich parallel erstreckenden Zähnen bestehen.
     
    9. Verstellbarer Helm nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Schloßteil (32) einen integralen Hebel (33) zum Drehen des Schloßteils aufweist.
     
    10. Verstellbarer Helm nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Seitenabschnitt (24) der vorderen Schale (12) einen vertieften Bereich (45) aufweist, der den Verriegelungsmechanismus (30) aufnimmt, so daß der integrierte Hebel (33) nicht wesentlich von der Oberfläche des Seitenabschnitts nach außen vorsteht.
     
    11. Verstellbarer Helm nach einer der vorhergehenden Ansprüche mit einem Verriegelungsmechanismus (30) auf jeder Seite.
     


    Revendications

    1. Casque réglable (10) comprenant une coque avant (12) et une coque arrière (14) déplaçables l'une par rapport à l'autre, chacune desdites coques avant et arrière comprenant une pluralité d'éléments d'engrènement (25) destinés à permettre la fixation de ladite coque avant à ladite coque arrière dans une position sélectionnée, ledit casque comprenant en outre un mécanisme de blocage (30) possédant une came (32) pouvant pivoter autour d'un axe de pivotement (X') de manière à prendre l'une de positions comprenant une position de blocage et une position de réglage, ladite came (32) exerçant, dans ladite position de blocage, une force sur lesdits éléments d'engrènement (25) desdites coques avant et arrière de telle sorte que ces éléments coopèrent avec des éléments d'engrènement correspondants desdites coques avant et arrière de manière à fixer lesdites coques avant et arrière dans une position sélectionnée, alors que dans ladite position de réglage, ladite came (32) pivote autour dudit axe de manière à permettre à ladite coque avant de se déplacer par rapport à ladite coque arrière, ledit axe étant défini par les bras saillants (34) d'un élément en forme de manille (36), lesdits arbres s'étendant à travers des fentes longitudinales (40) situées sur des premiers côtés desdites coques avant et arrière, ladite came étant raccordée de manière à pouvoir pivoter autour desdits bras, ledit casque réglable (30) étant caractérisé en ce que ledit axe de pivotement (X') s'étend dans une direction qui d'une manière générale est transversale par rapport auxdits éléments d'engrènement.
     
    2. Casque réglable selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'axe de pivotement (X') s'étend dans une direction qui est sensiblement parallèle aux parties latérales (24) de la coque avant.
     
    3. Casque réglable selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel lesdites fentes longitudinales (40) s'étendent vers le haut et vers l'arrière à partir de ladite coque avant (12), ce qui a pour effet que lesdites coques avant et arrière (12, 15) se déplacent angulairement l'une par rapport à l'autre.
     
    4. Casque réglable selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdits bras (34) de ladite manille (36) possèdent une section transversale de forme générale circulaire.
     
    5. Casque réglable selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite came (32) et ledit bras (34) dudit élément en forme de manille (36) comprennent des ouvertures (37) qui les traversent, et dans lequel ladite came (32) est raccordée de manière à pivoter audit bras par l'intermédiaire d'une goupille de blocage amovible (43).
     
    6. Casque réglable selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit axe de pivotement (X') est défini par lesdites ouvertures (37).
     
    7. Casque réglable selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdits bras (34) comprennent des douilles et dans lequel ladite came comprend des axes qui s'étendent à travers lesdites douilles en raccordant de ce fait avec possibilité de pivotement ladite came auxdits bras.
     
    8. Casque réglable selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdits éléments d'engrènement (26) sont constitués par des dents qui s'étendent parallèlement.
     
    9. Casque réglable selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite came (32) comprend un levier monobloc (33) servant à faire pivoter ladite came.
     
    10. Casque réglable selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ladite partie latérale (24) de ladite coque avant (12) comprend une zone en renfoncement (45) recevant ledit mécanisme de blocage (30), ce qui a pour effet que ledit levier solidaire (33) ne fait pas saillie d'une manière substantielle à l'extérieur de la surface de ladite partie latérale.
     
    11. Casque réglable selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant, de chaque côté, un mécanisme de blocage (3).
     




    Drawing