TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of helmets with cellular energy-absorbing
structures. In particular, the present invention relates to helmets using layered
structures.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In the state of the art some helmet solutions using cellular energy-absorbing structures
are known. These kinds of structures have excellent properties in terms of impact
energy absorption with respect to traditional polymeric foam materials. Despite this,
the foam allows to obtain fascinating shapes and is still easier to mould with respect
to the cellular structures. Therefore, many solutions employing these kinds of energy-absorbing
structures combine the use of foam liners and cellular structures.
[0003] An example in this sense is disclosed in the patent
US10834987. This document relates to a helmet comprising a plurality of cellular liners that
are retained within respective recesses of a polymer foam shell without the necessity
of using additional fasteners or adhesive. Substantially, the cellular liner of this
document is sized to fit snug within the recess and is retained within the recess
as a friction fit with the shell or foam of the recesses. According to this document
fasteners are useless and discouraged. Despite the cellular liner being retained in
the foam shell, during an oblique impact to the helmet, the cellular liner slides
over a barrier layer arranged on the polymer shell and simultaneously it in-plane
compresses. Therefore, the risk that during an impact the cellular liner gets out
the polymer shell is high and, in this case, the head of the wearer is exposed to
serious risks.
[0004] Similarly to the previous prior art document, the patent
EP3473122 relates to a solution wherein a foam liner configured to support a cellular insert
and, during an impact, the foam liner acts as a stop that helps to prevent the insert
from sliding out of the cycling helmet. In addition, this solution uses an insert
cover which helps prevent the insert removal. This insert cover is arranged on the
foam liner to traverse the entire interior perimeter of the helmet for protecting
the user's head from the abrasive surface of the insert. Indeed, cellular energy absorbing
structures can have interior edges that are somewhat abrasive and uncomfortable if
in direct contact with skin. For this reason, the insert cover of this document is
arranged only over the interface between the insert and the foam liner, to avoid this
kind of problem.
[0005] In this solution, the insert cover is not a fastener used to lock the insert to the
foam liner, but a system for improving the comfort of the helmet and preventing a
manipulation of the helmet. Substantially, this solution limits the problem of the
previously mentioned document
US108349872, but it does not avoid an insert leakage, because during an impact the insert pad
in-plane compresses and deforms, reducing its size. Consequently, the peripheral containment
is not enough to avoid the release of the cellular insert from the foam liner during
an oblique impact, exposing the wearer to risks.
[0006] None of the available solutions provides helmets comprising cellular energy-absorbing
inserts that are fastened to the shell of the helmet, guaranteeing a firm connection
between shell and cellular inserts during an impact regardless of the shell shape.
This firm connection is required in particular during an oblique impact and presently
known solutions do not guarantee that the cellular energy-absorbing insert does not
come disconnected from the shell, nullifying its advantages and exposing the wearer
to serious risks.
[0007] Moreover, all available solutions disclose helmets having cellular energy-absorbing
inserts spanning across the at least one vent of the helmet, which reduce or alter
ventilation.
[0008] Furthermore, since cellular energy-absorbing materials are more expensive with respect
to foams, none of the available solutions suggests minimizing the usage of cellular
energy-absorbing inserts for realizing a cheaper helmet, without affecting their safety.
[0009] Finally, none of the available solutions simplify the helmet construction and assembly.
SUMMARY
[0010] Said and other inconvenients of the state of the art are now solved by a helmet comprising:
a shell having at least one vent; one or more inserts of a cellular energy-absorbing
material having a curved shape; and one or more retainers crossing the one or more
inserts from side to side and fixed to the shell at opposing sides of the insert for
constraining it to the shell. The one or more retainers are shaped so as to laterally
and inwardly trap the one or more inserts. A helmet so conceived allows to connect
the insert/s in a stable manner to the shell, avoiding any release of the insert/s
during an impact event, in particular during an oblique impact to the helmet. Moreover,
this helmet allows simplification of assembly and allows smaller cellular inserts
with a consequent reduction in costs.
[0011] Advantageously, the one or more inserts can be arranged inside the shell so as to
leave the at least one vent free. This kind of solution maximizes the ventilation
of the wearer's head, without detriment to the level of protection provided by the
helmet.
[0012] Preferably, one or more retainers can be fixed to the shell so as to not span across
said at least one vent. In this way, the vents are completely free and no obstacles
are present in the vents.
[0013] In particular, the one or more retainers can comprise a plurality of first connectors,
preferably snap-pins, configured to reversibly engage respective second connectors,
preferably snap-baskets, attached to the shell. These kinds of connectors allow a
connection/disconnection of the retainer/s to the shell.
[0014] Advantageously, the cellular energy absorbing material of the one or more inserts
can comprise a plurality of interconnected open cells configured to absorb energy
by plastic deformation in response to a longitudinal compressive load applied to said
cells. This kind of cellular material provides excellent results in terms of energy-absorption
and is very light weight. Preferably each cell can comprise a tube having a sidewall
and a longitudinal axis, and the cells are connected to each other through their sidewalls.
This feature enables the production of a sheet of interconnected side-by-side cells.
[0015] In particular, at least part of the longitudinal axes of the cells can be normal
to an inner surface of the shell over which the one or more inserts are arranged.
This arrangement of cells maximizes the absorption of the normal component of an impact.
[0016] Preferably, the helmet can also comprise a low frictional layer arranged over the
shell in correspondence of the one or more inserts. This layer allows a translation
of the insert reducing translational and angular accelerations of the brain that can
be very dangerous for the wearer's health. This feature contributes to improve the
helmet behaviour of absorbing the tangential component of an impact.
[0017] Advantageously, the one or more retaining elements can support one or more connecting
means, like Velcro coins, for connecting a comfort liner to the rest of the helmet.
These connecting means allow a simple, stable and fast positioning/removal of the
comfort liner in/from the helmet.
[0018] In particular, the one or more retainers can be deformable and can exhibit a bending
stiffness that is comparable or less than the insert/s' compressive stiffness. Due
to this behaviour of the retainer/s, during an impact, the retainers do not act as
rigid beams but simply follow the deformation of the insert/s without opposing resistance.
[0019] Advantageously, the shell can comprise a plurality of shoulders defining one or more
places wherein respective one or more inserts are accommodated to prevent a global
displacement of the respective insert. These shoulders allow to keep the insert in
position both during the assembly and during the use of the helmet. In particular,
in case of an oblique impact, the insert in-plane compresses and deforms against the
shoulder/s, but it remains coupled to the shell thanks to the retainer/s.
[0020] Preferably, the inserts can be three or more and extend in a front-rear direction.
At least one insert is arranged on a left-side of the shell, at least one insert is
arranged on a right-side of the shell and at least one insert is arranged on a top-side
of the shell. Left and right inserts allow to protect temporal lobes of the brain,
while the top insert allows to protect frontal, parietal and occipital lobes.
[0021] Preferably, the shell is a deformable shell that can be made of a foam material,
for having a cheaper helmet. Alternatively, the shell can comprise a lattice structure,
preferably a 3D printed lattice structure that allows to achieve better energy-absorbing
performances.
[0022] In this particular case, the shell can comprise longitudinal and transverse ribs
arranged so as to form vents. This architecture of the shell maximizes the strength
of the deformable shell and allows perspiration and air flow.
[0023] Advantageously, the helmet can also comprise an upper skin configured to cover at
least in part an upper and outer surface of the shell, and/or a lower skin configured
to cover at least in part a lower and outer surface of the shell. The upper skin contributes,
together with the shell and the inserts, to absorb the energy of an impact. The lower
skin allows a customization of the helmet and protects the shell from lateral/lower
impacts.
[0024] In an embodiment, the shell can also comprise one or more recesses shaped for accommodating
additional insert/s. These additional inserts contribute to the impact energy absorption.
[0025] In an alternative embodiment to the deformable shell, the shell can be a hard shell,
that is rigid and more suitable for work helmets.
[0026] These and other advantages will be better understood thanks to the following description
of different embodiments of said invention given as non-limitative examples thereof,
making reference to the annexed drawings.
DRAWINGS DESCRIPTION
[0027] In the drawings:
Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment helmet according to the present
invention viewed from below;
Fig. 2 shows a top view of a first embodiment helmet according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 shows a side view of a first embodiment helmet according to the present invention;
Fig. 4 shows a bottom exploded view of a first embodiment helmet according to the
present invention;
Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of the connectors of the helmet according a first embodiment
of the present invention;
Fig. 6 shows an isometric bottom view of a first embodiment helmet according to the
present invention wherein the inserts are removed;
Fig. 7 shows a top view of a second embodiment helmet of the present invention;
Fig. 8 shows a front view of a second embodiment helmet of the present invention;
Fig. 9 shows a side view of a second embodiment helmet of the present invention;
Fig. 10 shows a bottom view of a second embodiment helmet of the present invention;
Fig. 11 shows longitudinal cross-sectional view of the helmet according to the second
embodiment;
Fig. 12 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment helmet according to the present
invention;
Fig. 13 shows a bottom view of a third embodiment helmet according to the present
invention;
Fig. 14 shows an exploded view of a third embodiment helmet according to the present
invention;
Fig. 15 shows longitudinal cross-sectional view of a third embodiment helmet according
to the present invention;
Fig. 16 shows a detailed view of the connectors of a third embodiment helmet according
to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention refers to the
annexed drawings. The same reference numbers indicate equal or similar parts. The
object of the protection is defined by the annexed claims. Technical details, structures
or characteristics of the solutions here-below described can be combined with each
other in any suitable way.
[0029] With the reference number 1 is represented a helmet according to the present invention.
In particular, Figs. 1-6 depict a first embodiment of the helmet and Figs. 7-12 depict
a second embodiment of the helmet, Figs. 13-16 depict a third embodiment of the helmet.
[0030] The main components of the helmet 1 are the shell 2, the insert/s 3 and the retainer/s
4, as shown in the figures. These components will be detailed in the following.
[0031] The helmets 1 of the present invention comprise a head retention system (not represented).
This retention system is configured to maintain the helmet 1 over the head of the
wearer.
[0032] In the first and second embodiments, the shell 2 is preferably a body made of a polymeric
foam, like EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) or EPP (Expanded Polypropylene), thus a deformable
shell 2. Alternatively, the shell 2 is a hard shell like that of the third embodiment.
In a further alternative embodiment (not shown), the shell 2 comprises a lattice structure.
In the first and second embodiments, the shell is deformable, while in the third embodiment
the shell is more rigid.
[0033] This shell 2 has an outer surface that can be subdivided in an upper outer surface
12 and a lower outer surface 11, and an inner surface 17.
[0034] This shell 2 generally provides the overall size and appearance of the helmet, as
shown in Figs. 12 and 14.
[0035] The insert 3 comprises a cellular energy-absorbing material that performs better
than traditional foam materials in terms of energy-absorption, in particular in terms
of absorption of compressive impact energy.
[0036] The insert 3 is made of a plurality of interconnected open cells 16. These cells
16 are configured to absorb energy by plastic deformation in response to a longitudinal
compressive load.
[0037] Each cell 16 comprises a tube having a sidewall and a longitudinal axis. The cells
16 are interconnected via their sidewalls.
[0038] Initially, the insert 3 is flat and subsequently is curved. The flat insert (not
shown) is like a tile/brick of interconnected cells having parallel longitudinal axes.
The flat insert is cut to the required dimensions and then is curved. The flat insert
normally has a constant thickness.
[0039] The flat insert can be curved via thermoforming or manually if it has synclastic
or monoclastic behaviours. The insert 3 can thus assume a single-curved shape or a
double-curved shape.
[0040] The cells 16 of the insert 3 are preferably tubes. The tubes depicted in the figures
have circular cross-sections. Alternatively, the cross-section of the cells/tubes
16 can be a square, a hexagon, a non-uniform hexagon, a re-entrant hexagon, a chiral
truss, a diamond, a triangle or an arrowhead. In particular, the cross-section of
the cells/tubes 16 can be shaped so that the insert 3 exhibits a monoclastic or synclastic
behaviour. Alternatively, the cells 16 can be the cells of a lattice structure.
[0041] Almost all cells 16 of the inserts 3 have longitudinal axes that are normal to the
inner surface 17 of the shell 2. In this way the energy absorption is improved.
[0042] The cells 16 can be welded to each other via their sidewalls. Alternatively, the
cells 16 can be bonded by means of adhesive layers interposed between adjacent sidewalls.
The cells 16 can be connected so as to minimize the gap between adjacent tubes. Alternatively,
the cells 16 can be monolithically extruded or 3D printed so as to share sidewalls.
[0043] When the cells 16 have a circular cross-section, the outer diameter of the circular
cross-section can range between 2,5 and 8 mm, and the wall thickness of said cells
16 can range between 0,05 and 0,3 mm. According to these dimensional values, the energy
absorption of insert 3 is optimized. Furthermore, these values allow you to have a
very light helmet 1.
[0044] The insert 3 has a thickness between 15 and 40 mm.
[0045] In a particular embodiment (not shown), the insert 3 can comprise an upper and/or
lower sheet layer. Said sheet layer can be a polymeric fabric, or a film, firmly attached
to the front edges of said open cells 16 through a heat-activated adhesive. When a
load is applied, the fabric spreads the energy on a plurality of cells 16, even if
the load is applied punctually. The heat-activated adhesive can be a thermoset polyester
web film adhesive.
[0046] The inserts 3 are connected to the shell 2 by means of retainers 4.
[0047] The retainers 4 are shaped to follow the shape of the inner side of the insert/s
3.
[0048] These retainers 4 cross the inserts 3 where they are flatter, thus in a direction
that is perpendicular to direction in which the insert 3 curves. Where the insert
3 is flatter, the retainers 4 can easily overlap and cross the inserts 3 from side
to side for tying it to the shell 2. Moreover, the surface of contact between the
portion of the retainer 4 crossing the insert 3 and the insert 3 itself is maximized.
For example, in the first and second embodiments, the inserts 3 are curved in a front-back
direction and almost flat in a left-right direction, therefore the retainers 4 cross
the inserts 3 in a left-right direction.
[0049] If the insert 3 is not very curved, the retainer 4 can also run in all directions.
In the third embodiment of Figs. 13-16, the retainer 4 crosses the insert 3 in the
direction wherein the insert 3 is flatter, thus the left-right direction of the helmet
1 and in the direction wherein the insert 3 has a bigger curvature, thus the front-back
direction of the helmet 1.
[0050] Each retainer 4 comprises means to connect it to the shell 2 in a reversible or irreversible
manner.
[0051] Each retainer 4 is coupled to the shell 2 so that, for each insert 3, one coupling
point lies on one side of the insert 3 and another coupling point lies on the other
side of the insert 3. Each insert 3 is thus constrained to the shell 2 at two opposing
sides via the retainer 4 that crosses it.
[0052] The retainers 4 are configured to not oppose resistance in case of an impact. For
this reason, the retainers 4 are deformable and exhibit a stiffness in bending that
is comparable to or inferior to the compressive stiffness of the inserts 3. In this
way, in case of a compression of the helmet due to an impact, the retainers 4 do not
act as rigid beams, and they follow the compressive deformation of the insert 3. The
retainers 4 are preferably made of a polymer like nylon or polyethylene. Alternatively,
the retainers 4 are made of an elastomeric material, so to exert a clamping force
that pushes the insert/s 3 against the inner surface 17 of the shell 2.
[0053] With the term "opposite sides" or "opposing sides", reference is made to the lateral
sides of the insert 3.
[0054] With reference to the first embodiment of Figs. 1-6, the shell 2 comprises a plurality
of ribs 15 that are arranged longitudinally and transversally. The longitudinal ribs
15L cross the transverse ribs 15T. On the upper portion of the helmet 1, said longitudinal
and transverse ribs 15L,15T form a sort of mesh, and the empty spaces of this mesh
define the vents 5 of the helmet 1, as shown in Figs. 2,3 and 6. The same architecture
is present in the second embodiment, as shown in Figs. 7,8,9 and 12.
[0055] The shape of the shell 2 can vary, indeed the overall shapes of the helmets of the
two embodiments are different, as shown in Figs. 3 and 9.
[0056] The inner side of the shell 2 is shaped so as to form shoulders 7, as shown in Figs.
4, 5, 6, 11. The shoulders 7 are arranged so as to define at least a place 6, thus
a zone/portion, wherein respective insert 3 can be arranged. The shoulders 7 can be
niches or protrusions of the shell 2, as shown in Fig. 6. A place 6 is defined by
neighbour shoulders 7.
[0057] In correspondence of said places 6, the shell 2 is thinner with respect to the rest
of the helmet 1. On these thin portions of the shell 2, the inserts 3 are arranged.
[0058] The insert 3 is overlaid to one of these thin portions of the shell 2 and faces inwardly.
The thin portions can have a thickness of 5-6 mm.
[0059] The inserts 3 are arranged in respective places 6 of the shell 2 and the shoulders
7 also facilitate the positioning of the inserts 3 during the helmet assembly. The
shoulders 7 even provide geometrical constraints to lateral movements of the inserts
3.
[0060] The shell 2 so conceived has a less complex shape, in particular on its inner side.
Therefore, if shell 2 is made of foam like that of first and second embodiments, the
mould used for achieving this shape requires less pieces and consequently the manufacturing
of this kind of shell 2 is quicker and cheaper.
[0061] The retainers 4 of first and second embodiments comprise snap-pins 13 that are configured
to reversibly engage with corresponding snap-baskets 14. These snap-baskets 14 are
preferably embedded in the foam of the shell 2, as shown in Fig. 5 and 11. When the
snap-pins 13 enter in respective snap-baskets 14, the retainer 4 remains firmly connected
to the shell 2. Vice versa, the snap-pins 13 can be extracted from the snap-baskets
14 for detaching the retainer 4. Alternatively, the first connectors and the second
connectors are designed to provide a permanent and irreversible connection.
[0062] Each retainer 4 has more snap-pins 13 and consequently the shell 2 has more snap-baskets
14. Each snap-pin 13 corresponds to a snap-basket 14.
[0063] As represented in Fig. 1, 4, 6, 10, 11, the retainers 4 run in a transverse direction,
while the inserts 3 develop in a longitudinal direction.
[0064] In the first embodiment, the inserts 3,3' are five. Three inserts 3 are connected
through retainers 4 while two additional inserts 3' are accommodated in respective
recesses 19 in the shell 2, as shown in Figs. 4 and 6. These additional inserts 3'
are shaped so to be flush with the inner surface 17 of the shell 2, when they are
accommodated in said recesses 19.
[0065] The inserts 3 of the first embodiment are arc-shaped slices that are bonded to the
shell 2 through two retainers 4. One retainer 4 is arranged in the front portion of
the helmet 1, while the second one is arranged in the central-rear portion of the
helmet 1.
[0066] Each retainer 4 crosses more inserts 3, alternating portions connected to the shell
2 to portions overlapping and crossing the inserts 3.
[0067] Each retainer 4 is shaped to block the lateral and inward movements of the insert
3. Substantially, the retainer 4 overlaps in part the insert 3 both over the inner
side and over the lateral sides. In a particular embodiment, the retainer/s 4 only
prevent/s inward movements.
[0068] For this reason, the retainer 4 can be shaped like a squared-curve, as shown in Fig.
4.
[0069] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the retainer 4 is flat so as to prevent
only inward movements. In this case, the height of the shoulders 7 are substantially
equal to the thickness of the insert 3.
[0070] Normally, the thickness of the inserts 3 is higher than the height of shoulders 7,
because they are elements that come into play before the shoulders 7 during an impact.
Therefore, the retainers 4 have said zig-zag shape. Vice versa, if the shoulders 7
are flush with the inserts 3, the retainers 4 are flat elements. In this case, the
retainer 4 only traps inwardly the one or more inserts 3.
[0071] As shown in Fig. 12, the helmet 1 also comprises an upper skin 9 which lies on an
upper and outer surface 11 of the shell 2 and a lower skin 10 which lies on a lower
and outer surface 12 of the shell 2.
[0072] The inserts 3 are arranged in the shell 2 so as to leave the vents 5 free, as shown
in Figs. 7, 8, 10. The vents 5 are free if observed frontally, as the top vents of
Fig. 7.
[0073] Also, the retainers 4 are arranged so as to not span across the vents 5. In this
way, since both the inserts 3 and the retainers 4 fall outside the vents 5, the ventilation
is maximized.
[0074] The second embodiment of Figs. 8-12 is substantially equal to the first embodiment
of Figs. 1-7 with the exception that first embodiment has five inserts 3,3' of which
two encased in the shell 2 and three retained through retainers 4, while the second
embodiment has four inserts 3 all retained through retainers 4. So, all features of
the first embodiment are valid also for the second embodiment.
[0075] In the first embodiment, one insert 3 is arranged on a left-side of the shell 2 together
with an additional insert 3', and, in a symmetrical manner, one insert 3 is arranged
on a right-side of the shell 2 together with an additional insert 3'. Finally, an
insert 3 is arranged on a top-side of the shell 2 along a centerline.
[0076] In the second embodiment, two inserts 3 are arranged on the left side of the shell
2 and two inserts 3 are arranged on the right side of the shell 2. Two of said couples
face the top portion of the helmet 1, while the other one faces the side portion of
the helmet 1.
[0077] During an orthogonal impact, the cells 16 of the inserts 3 plastically buckle absorbing
a great quantity of the impact energy. The rest of the impact is absorbed by the shell
2 and by the skins 9,10.
[0078] During an oblique impact to the helmet 1 the insert 3 slides over the shell 2, in
particular when the shell 2 comprises a low frictional layer 8, and presses against
one or more shoulders 7 of the shell 2. Therefore, the insert 3 in-plane compresses
and deforms absorbing the tangential component of the oblique impact. Despite this
deformation, the insert 3 remains in place thanks to the retainer/s 4.
[0079] The retainers 4 tie the inserts 3 to the shell 2 independently from their deformations.
Therefore, the present solution is safer and more reliable than those known in the
art. The inserts 3 can slide over the shell 2 without becoming disconnected from it.
[0080] The shell 2 can comprise a thin low frictional layer 8, for example a coating of
a semi-rigid polymer. This low frictional layer 8 creates a barrier over which the
insert 3 can slide. The low frictional layer is arranged directly over the inner surface
17 of the shell 2, in correspondence with the inserts 3, as shown in Fig. 11.
[0081] As schematically shown in Fig. 1, the helmet 1 comprises a comfort liner 20, that
is represented through a transparent grey portion that covers the area wherein the
shell 2 and the inserts 3 are arranged, except those portions having vents 5.
[0082] The comfort liner 20 is connected to the rest of the helmet 1 through connecting
means.
[0083] As Fig. 1 depicts, each retainer 4 comprises more Velcro coins 18 arranged on the
portions crossing the inserts 3. The hooks of Velcro coins 18 inwardly protrude from
these portions of the retainers 4 and easily connect to the synthetic/natural fabric
of the comfort liner 20.
[0084] The Velcro coins 18 are attached through an adhesive layer to the retainers 4. In
this way, the comfort liner 20 can be easily attached to the shell 2 and simultaneously
under the inserts 3.
[0085] The third embodiment of Figs. 13-16 is a work helmet 1, while the helmets depicted
in Figs. 1-12 are bike helmets 1.
[0086] The work helmet 1 of the third embodiment has an outer hard shell, made of a rigid
plastic, like ABS, HDPE or polypropylene, and an inner insert 3 arranged in the top
area of the helmet 1.
[0087] The insert 3 is caged by a retainer 4 that crosses the insert 3 along perpendicular
directions. In particular, the retainer 4 crosses the insert 3 in the front-back direction
and in the left-right direction, but other directions are possible.
[0088] The retainer 4 is connected to the shell 2 at its ends. At each end, the retainer
4 has a first connector, that is a slot 13', as shown in Fig. 16. Vice versa, the
shell 2 comprises second connectors, that in this case are pins 14' protruding from
the shell 2.
[0089] The retainer 4 is shaped so as to cross the insert from side to side and it's shaped
like a cage. In this way, the lateral and inward movements of the insert 3 are prevented.
[0090] Normally, the work helmets are configured to protect the wearer from objects that
fall from a height, so along a vertical direction. For this reason, the insert 3 is
arranged in the top area of the helmet 1. For the same reason, the insert 3 is not
subject to strong lateral movements, therefore, in this embodiment, the retainer 4
acts more as a trap for the insert 3.
[0091] Even in this embodiment, the retainer 4 can comprise Velcro coins (not shown) for
connecting a comfort liner (not shown). Otherwise, the helmet 1 comprises a suspension
harness system.
[0092] The helmet 1 of the third embodiment has an insert 3 arranged outside the vents 5,
therefore the vents 5 are not obstructed by the insert 3.
[0093] Even in this case, the retainers 4 are softer than the insert 3, in order to not
oppose resistance in case of a compression due to an impact.
[0094] Concluding, the invention so conceived is susceptible to many modifications and variations
all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept, furthermore all features
can be substituted to technically equivalent alternatives. Practically, the quantities
can be varied depending on the specific technical requirements. Finally, all features
of previously described embodiments can be combined in any way, so as to obtain other
embodiments that are not herein described for reasons of practicality and clarity.
Legend of reference signs:
[0095]
- 1
- helmet
- 2
- shell
- 3
- insert
- 4
- retainer
- 5
- vent
- 6
- place
- 7
- shoulder of the shell
- 8
- low frictional layer
- 9
- upper skin
- 10
- lower skin
- 11
- upper and outer surface of the shell
- 12
- lower and outer surface of the shell
- 13
- snap-pin
- 14
- snap-basket
- 15L
- longitudinal rib of the shell
- 15R
- transverse rib of the shell
- 16
- cell
- 17
- inner surface of the shell
- 18
- Velcro coin
- 19
- recess
- 20
- comfort liner
- L
- longitudinal direction insert
- T
- transverse direction insert
1. Helmet (1) comprising:
- a shell (2) comprising at least one vent (5);
- one or more inserts (3) of a cellular energy-absorbing material having a curved
shape;
- one or more retainers (4) crossing the one or more inserts (3) from side to side
and fixed to the shell (2) at opposing sides of each insert (3) for constraining it
to the shell (2), the one or more retainers (4) are shaped so as to laterally and
inwardly trap the one or more inserts (3).
2. Helmet (1) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more inserts (3) are arranged
inside the shell (2) so as to leave said at least one vent (5) free.
3. Helmet (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more retainers (4) are fixed
to the shell (2) so as to not span across said at least one vent (5).
4. Helmet (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the one or more retainers
(4) comprise a plurality of first connectors, preferably snap-pins (13), configured
to reversibly engage respective second connectors, preferably snap-baskets (14), attached
to the shell (2).
5. Helmet (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein cellular energy absorbing
material of the one or more inserts (3) comprises a plurality of interconnected open
cells (16) configured to absorb energy by plastic deformation in response to a longitudinal
compressive load applied to said cells (16), preferably each cell (16) comprises a
tube having a sidewall and a longitudinal axis, and the cells (16) are connected to
each other through their sidewalls.
6. Helmet (1) according to claim 5, wherein at least part of the longitudinal axes of
the cells (16) are normal to an inner surface (17) of the shell (2) on which the one
or more inserts (3) are arranged.
7. Helmet (1) according to any one of preceding claims, also comprising a low frictional
layer (8) arranged over the shell (2) in correspondence of the one or more inserts
(3).
8. Helmet (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the one or more retaining
elements (4) support one or more connecting means, like Velcro coins (18), for connecting
a comfort liner (20) to the rest of the helmet (1).
9. Helmet (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the one or more retainers
(4) are deformable and exhibit a bending stiffness that is comparable to or less than
the compressive stiffness of the insert/s (3).
10. Helmet (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the shell (2) comprises
a plurality of shoulders (7) defining one or more places (6) wherein respective one
or more inserts (3) are accommodated to prevent a global lateral displacement of the
respective insert (3).
11. Helmet (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the inserts (3) are three
or more and extend in a front-back direction; at least one insert (3) is arranged
on a left-side of the shell (2), at least one insert (3) is arranged on a right-side
of the shell (2) and at least one insert (3) is arranged on a top-side of the shell
(2).
12. Helmet (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the shell (2) is a deformable
shell made of a foam material or comprising a lattice structure.
13. Helmet (1) according to claim 12, wherein the shell (2) comprises longitudinal and
transverse ribs (15,15L) arranged to form vents (5).
14. Helmet (1) according to claim 12 or 13, also comprising an upper skin (9) configured
to cover at least in part an upper and outer surface (11) of the shell (2), and/or
a lower skin (10) configured to cover at least in part a lower and outer surface (12)
of the shell (2).
15. Helmet (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the shell (2) comprises
one or more recesses (19) shaped for accommodating additional insert/s (3').
16. Helmet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the shell (2) is a hard
shell.