Patent Publication Number: US-4058854-A

Title: Protective helmet

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 598,818 filed July 24, 1975, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,992,722 which is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 527,910, filed Nov. 27, 1974, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,271. 
    
    
     This invention relates to unitary, novel, protective helmets containing openings for the eyes, ears, nose, etc., capable of absorbing energy and adapted to be worn on the head of a person while engaging in various sports such as karate and related arts, boxing, etc. Furthermore, in particular modified embodiments, the helmets containing transparent shield means and/or guard means can be worn on the head of a person as protective means to prevent injuries thereto while riding a bicycle, motorcycle, and the like. In a further embodiment, the helmet comprises a hard outer protective liner covering the upper part of the helmet. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a unitary, novel, protective helmet adapted to be worn on the head of a person which can easily be put on or taken off. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel protective helmet having a simplified construction made from a resilient material having a tough, pliable outer casing. 
     An additional object of this invention is to provide a novel, unitary, protective helmet comprising a novel design including openings for the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, etc. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a novel, protective helmet having a simplified construction made from a resilient material having a tough, pliable outer casing including openings for the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, etc., a transparent shield over the eyes and nose openings, and a rigid cap portion 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a novel, protective helmet having easily removable transparent shield means across the front openings of the helmet. 
     An additional object of this invention is to provide a novel, protective helmet having guard means across the front openings of the helmet. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a novel, protective helmet having a hard outer protective liner covering the upper part of the helmet. 
     Generally, the unitary protective helmet is adapted to protect the face and other portions of one&#39;s head and comprises a resilient material which is capable of absorbing energy and which has a tough, pliable outer coating or casing, preferably of plastic, which is shaped, designed, and adapted to cover the head of a person. The helmet has openings or cutout portions for various portions of the head including the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, etc., and is adapted to fit snugly and securely over a person&#39;s head and is easily put on or taken off. In one embodiment, the eye and nose openings are fitted with a permanent, rigid, transparent eye and nose shield means and the top of the helmet is fitted with a rigid cap means. In other embodiments, removable transparent shield means are provided and also guard means for the front openings. In a further embodiment, a hard outer protective liner is provided to cover the upper part of the helmet. 
    
    
     Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the protective helmet of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the specific embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the protective helmet of the invention with a cutaway section thereof showing the material used in the construction thereof; 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of the helmet of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the helmet of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a modified embodiment of the protective helmet of FIG. 1 showing a fixed transparent shield means; 
     FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 is a top view of the helmet of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 9 is a section taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of the protective helmet of the invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of the protective helmet of the invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of a fourth embodiment of the protective helmet of the invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of a modified embodiment of the protective helmet of FIG. 10 showing removable transparent shield means; 
     FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective exploded view of the helmet of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 19 is a partial section taken along line 19--19 of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of a modified embodiment of the protective helmet of FIG. 12 showing removable transparent shield means; 
     FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 20; 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective exploded view of the helmet of FIG. 20; 
     FIG. 23 is a partial section taken along line 23--23 of FIG. 20; 
     FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of another modified embodiment of the protective helmet of FIG. 10 showing guard means; 
     FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 24; 
     FIG. 26 is a perspective exploded view of the helmet of FIG. 24; 
     FIG. 27 is a partial section taken along line 27--27 of FIG. 24; 
     FIG. 28 is a front elevational view of another modified embodiment of the protective helmet of FIG. 10 showing removable guard means; 
     FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 28; 
     FIG. 30 is a section taken along line 30--30 of FIG. 29; 
     FIG. 31 is a perspective exploded view of the helmet of FIG. 29; 
     FIG. 32 is a view section taken along line 32--32 of FIG. 29; 
     FIG. 33 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the protective helmet of the invention as shown with the helmet embodiment of FIG. 28 wherein a hard protective liner is provided on the upper part of the helmet; 
     FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 33; and 
     FIG. 35 is a rear elevational view of the helmet of FIG. 33. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The specific embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings in FIGS. 1-5 comprises a helmet device generally indicated by the numeral 10 in FIG. 1. The helmet comprises a protective member, preferably unitary, molded from a suitable resilient material 12 capable of absorbing energy, such as a plastic, i.e., polystyrene or polyurethane foam, or a rubber foam, and the like. A suitable surface coating or casing 14, preferably smooth, covers the entire resilient material throughout, and which is a tough, pliable, tear resistant, material, preferably of a suitable plastic material, or the like. The coating 14 can be formed during heating and molding of a resilient foam material to produce a fused coating thereon. Alternatively, the surface coating 14 can be applied on the resilient material by dipping or by applying and securing a coating of a suitable plastic material or the like. Materials of plastic are preferred for the coating since there are available on the market many tough, rugged, pliable materials such as polyvinylchloride, etc. However, it is also contemplated within the concept of the invention that suitable rugged leather or fabric materials, and the like, can be secured to the resilient material and used to cover the resilient material. The coating or casing used should provide a flexible, tough covering which is resistant to tearing and abrasion. 
     Helmet 10 comprises an overall head-shaped shell device having a plurality of cutouts or openings to accommodate the various parts of a person&#39;s head when worn. Opening 16 in the front of the helmet generally outlines the nose and eyes, and permits one to see out of the helmet as well as permitting the nose to protrude therethrough to permit breathing. Opening 18 generally outlines the mouth to permit speech and breathing therethrough. Opening 19 generally outlines a portion of the chin which can partially protrude therethrough. Similarly openings 20 and 22 generally outline the ears for hearing purposes. Openings 24 and 26 generally outline the cheeks and are primarily for ventilation purposes as are optional ventilation openings 28 and 30. 
     The upper portion of the helmet (FIG. 4) covers the top of the head and comprises a pair of cross members 32 and 34 adapted to retain the helmet on the top of the person&#39;s head. Openings 36, 38, 40, and 42 in the top of the helmet provide ventilation and comfort to the wearer of the helmet while the cross members provide protection to the pate. 
     At the rear of the helmet, a horizontal portion 44 (FIG. 3) encompasses the rear of the head and is concerned to crossmember 34 at its midpoint. Portion 44 forms a part of the upper part of the helmet which encircles the upper part of the head, i.e. around the back, above the ears and across the temple. The rear portion of the helmet has a large opening 46. A downwardly projecting portion or flap 48 extends from portion 44 at its midpoint to generally the horizontal center of the helmet, and about to the bottom of the neck of the wearer as the helmet is worn. 
     As seen from the above description, the helmet 10 is adapted to be worn on the head of a person to protect the head from injury while at the same time providing openings for the various parts of the head to permit seeing, talking, hearing, ventilation, etc. The helmet is easily put on or taken off. Because the helmet is not rigid, it tends to conform easily to the head and to the various features of the head of the wearer. The upper part of the head is inserted into the helmet through opening 46 and the helmet is pulled down on the back of the head by pulling flap 48 down and pulling down the front of the helmet over the face by pulling on the chin portion. Suitable adjustment of the helmet can then be made on the head with respect to the nose and eyes in relation to opening 16, with respect to the ears in relation to openings 20 an 22, etc. Removal of the helmet merely requires the pulling up of the chin portion and flap 48. 
     The unique construction and design of the helmet of FIGS. 1-5 provides protection to the head when one is engaging in various competitive, combative, type sports such as boxing, hockey, lacrosse, etc., as well as the martial arts such as karate, kung fu, etc. 
     The embodiment described above and those to be described hereinafter of the protective helmet of the invention also find use as protective means for motorcycle and bicycle riders, etc. in order to aid in protecting the head from injuries during accidents, etc. Thus, the resilient material, as well as the tough outer casing material, provide energy absorbing means to cushion and protect the head of a person. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 6-9, the modification of the helmet 10 depicted comprises additional protective features. The helmet of FIGS. 6-9 is in all respects similar in construction as that described in FIGS. 1-5. However, in this modification thereof, a generally curved, transparent shield 60 is disposed across the eye and nose opening 16 and a generally hemispherical plate 80 is disposed around the top of the helmet. 
     Shield 60 generally conforms in shape to the opening 16 and overlaps the opening around its outline to about one-fourth to one-half an inch as shown in FIG. 9. The shield is retained and spaced from the helmet and opening by means of a suitable number of spacer means such as 61, 62, 63 and 64. The spacer means are adapted to be secured as by gluing, etc. to the helmet. The shield can also be glued, etc. to the spacer means to provide for permanent attachment of the shield to the helmet across the opening 16. 
     The shield being spaced from the surface of the helmet provides means for air passage into opening 16, such as through space 65 (FIG. 9). The shield, being transparent, permits the wearer to see as well as permitting breathing through opening 16, while at the same time protecting the eyes and nose from injury and also deflecting air, dust, etc. The shield can be constructed of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid transparent material such as a plastic material or the like. 
     The protective plate 80 is adapted to be disposed around the top of the helmet to protect the upper part of the head. Plate 80 is generally hemispherical in shape and is adapted to cover open sections 36, 38, 40 and 42, and can be secured thereto at the top portion of the helmet by any suitable means such as by gluing, bolt means 82, as shown, etc. and can be permanently mounted or detachably mounted. The plate 80 is designed to substantially cover the sections 36, 38, 40, and 42, but not completely to provide passageways such as 84 and 86 for air ventilation purposes. Plate 80 can be constructed of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material such as metal, plastic (transparent, if desired) or the like. 
     In FIGS. 10 and 11, a second embodiment of the protective helmet of the invention is depicted. The numeral 90 generally denotes a helmet device substantially the same in all respects in construction and material as the helmet embodiment 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5. However, the helmet device 90 is modified to provide a continuous opening 92 in the front of the helmet which generally conforms to and outlines the nose, eyes and mouth. Opening 92 permits one wearing the helmet to see out of the helmet in the portion 94 as well as having the nose protrude therethrough in portion 96. In addition, the opening 92 at portion 98 generally outlines the mouth and permits speech and breathing therethrough. Thus, opening 92 being continuous in design and open in the portion 92 provides a somewhat greater flexibility in helmet 90 than that provided by separate openings 16 and 18 of helmet 10. Helmet 90 as designed does not contain the ventilation openings such as 28 and 30 shown optionally in helmet 10. Thus, with opening 92, adequate ventilation is provided in helmet 90. However, if desired openings 28 and 30 can be provided in helmet 90. 
     In FIGS. 12 and 13, a third embodiment of the protective helmet of the invention is depicted. The numeral 100 generally denotes a helmet device substantially the same in all respects in construction and material as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5. However, helmet device 100 is modified to provide a large continuous opening 102 in the front of the helmet which generally conforms to and outlines the portion of a person&#39;s face encompassing the eyes, nose, mouth and part of the chin. Portion 104 of the helmet 100 is designed to cover only the upper portion of the nose, similarly as in helmets 10 and 90. Portion 106 is designed to pass under the chin of the wearer and aids in retaining the helmet on the person&#39;s head. Opening 102 is designed to permit the facial features to be more exposed and provides greater flexibility in the use of helmet 100 than that provided in helmets 10 and 90. 
     In FIGS. 14 and 15, a fourth embodiment of the protective helmet of the invention is depicted. The numeral 110 generally denotes a helmet device substantially the same in all respects in construction and material as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5. However, the helmet device 110 is modified to eliminate the lower portion which would cover the chin and lower portions of a person&#39;s head. Thus, helmet device 110 comprises ear openings 20 and 22 inside portions 112 and 114, respectively. Portion 104, of helmet 110, is designed to cover only the upper portion of the nose as in helmet 10 and the others. Side portions 112 and 114 generally cover and protect the side of the head. Helmet 110 is designed and adapted to be easily put on and taken off with the aid of flap 48 as in the previous embodiments. 
     In FIGS. 16-19, a modification of the second helmet embodiment 90 of FIGS. 10 and 11 is shown. The numeral 120 generally denotes a helmet device substantially the same in construction and material as the helmet embodiment 90. However, the helmet device 90 is modified to provide a removable protective transparent shield 112. Shield 112 is preferably a rigid or semi-rigid transparent plastic material and the like and is designed to cover opening 92 across portions 94 and 96. Portion 98 outlining the mouth is not covered by shield 112 to permit breathing and speech. Shield 112 is curved horizontally across opening 92 as particularly shown in FIG. 17 and 18 to conform to and accommodate the front curvature of the helmet and head. 
     Shield 112 is designed to be easily secured and removed from helmet 110. The shield and helmet are provided with a number of conventional snap devices 114 and 116. Each step member 114 is permanently disposed through the thickness of the body of the helmet as shown in FIG. 19. Similarly, snap member 116 is permanently disposed through the shield 112. Thus, the shield can be easily secured to the helmet by mating the respective snap members 114 and 116. Removal is accomplished by removal of snap portions 116 from snap portions 114. 
     In FIGS. 20-22, a modification of the third helmet embodiment 100 of FIGS. 12 and 13 is shown. The numeral 130 generally denotes a helmet device substantially the same in construction and material as the helmet embodiment 100. However, the helmet device 100 is modified to provide a removable protective transparent shield 132. Shield 132 comprises a rigid or semi-rigid transparent plastic material and the like and is adapted to almost completely cover opening 102 except a portion of the opening near portion 106 of the helmet to permit speech and breathing. Shield 132 has a generally curved horizontal portion 134 across opening 102 as particularly shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 to conform to and accommodate the front curvature of the facial features. The shield comprises a forwardly protruding portion 136 contiguous with portion 134. In this arrangement the shield portion 134 is set forward from the face. 
     The shield 132 can easily be secured and removed from helmet 130 by means of a number of conventional snap devices 138 and 140. Snap members 138, 138a and 138b are permanently contained on a rigid curved plate member 142 constructed of plastic, metal, or the like. Plate member 142 is permanently secured to the front of the helmet on portion 144 encircling the top of the head. 
     Shield 132 comprises an upwardly extending section 148 which contains at either side elongated horizontal slots 150 and 152. Snap member 140 is fixedly disposed at the midpoint of section 148 and is adapted to snap together with snap member 130. Snap members 140a and 140b are disposed within slots 150 and 152, respectively, and can be moved back and forth within the slots. Snap members 140a and 140b are adapted to snap together with snap members 138a and 138b, respectively. The shield 132 is easily secured to the helmet 130 by initially engaging snap member 140 to snap member 138, and thereafter adjusting snap members 140a and 140b in the slots to conform to snap members 138a and 138b, respectively, and snapping them together. 
     In FIGS. 23-27, another modification of the second helmet embodiment 90 of FIGS. 10 and 11 is shown. The numeral 160 generally denotes a helmet device substantially the same in construction and material as the helmet embodiment 90. However, the helmet device 160 is modified to provide an integral, fixed, rigid guard member 162 (FIG. 26). Guard member 162 is constructed of a preferably round bar or rod, which is rigid, strong, plastic material, metal, or the like. Guard member 162 is adapted to be permanently secured to the periphery of opening 92 of helmet 160. 
     Guard member 162 comprises a curved plate member 164 having an inner periphery 166 conforming in outline to the opening 92 of the helmet. The lower portion of guard member 162 only extends to portions 96 of the helmet. The outer periphery 168 of the guard member generally parallels the inner periphery 166 and has a width varying between one-fourth to one-half an inch to give it suitable strength. A curved, inverted, Y-shaped, forwardly-protruding rigid member 170 is integral with plate member 164 at points 172, 174, and 176, at which points plate member 164 has greater widths. The rigid inverted Y-shaped member can be round or flat in its cross section. Portion 178 is designed to protrude forward the greatest amount to provide sufficient clearance and protection for the nose 180 of a person. 
     Guard member 162 is permanently secured to the front portion of helmet 160 by any suitable means such as an adhesive 182 securing plate member 164 thereto. Although the guard member 162 is depicted as conforming in overall shape to the opening 92, it is also contemplated within the concept of this invention that the guard member can comprise a rigid extension of the plate member 164 which encircles the helmet around portion 184 and the back thereof to provide additional strength and protection thereto. 
     In FIGS. 28-32, an additional modification of the helmet embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 is shown. The numeral 190 generally denotes a helmet device substantially the same in construction and material as the helmet embodiment 90. However, the helmet device 190 is modified to provide a removable rigid guard member 192 (FIG. 30) in the opening 92. Guard member 192 is constructed of a preferably round bar or rod which is a rigid, strong, plastic material, metal or the like. 
     Guard member 192 is generally similar in shape to the guard member 162 and is a somewhat modified inverted Y-shaped member. It comprises a curved, forwardly and downwardly protruding member 194 integral with the center of a horizontal, semicircular member 196. Member 194 has a vertically-extending, upper end portion 195 with an integral flange or stop member 193 therebetween. Member 196 has a pair of integral, vertical, downwardly-extending portions 197 and 198. 
     Guard 192 is adapted to be removably engaged within three holes 200, 201 and 202 disposed within the resilient material and between the coatings or casings 14 of the helmet. The casing portions of the helmet containing the holes are reinforced on both the inner and outer sides of the helmet with contoured strips of tear resistant plastic material, such as a nylon reinforced vinyl material. Thus, strips 203 and 204 in the area of helmet sections 96 are adapted to reinforce hole 200 and strips 205 and 206 for hole 201. Strips 207 and 208 are adapted to reinforce hole 202 in the area of the helmet section 104. The strips are adhered to the surface coating with a suitable adhesive. An additional reinforcing strip 209 is disposed across the opening 92 near the portion 98 and is secured to the tops of strips 203 and 205. The purpose of strip 209 is to prevent the area of the sections 96 of the helmet and holes 200 and 201 from spreading and tearing when a pressure is applied from blows, etc., to the guard 192. 
     The guard 192 is easily installed in the helmet 190 by inserting portions 197 and 198 into holes 200 and 201, respectively. Portion 195 is then installed in hole 202 with flange 193 acting as a stop means. 
     Helmet 190 provides the flexibility of the use or non-use of the removable guard member 192. Thus, where protection of the nose and mouth of a person is desired, the guard can be used. However, if the guard is not desired to be used, it can be removed easily. 
     In FIGS. 33-35, an additional embodiment of the helmet 220 of the invention is shown. Specifically, it is shown as adapted to helmet 190, however it is understood that this embodiment can comprise any of the previously described embodiments and modifications of the protective helmets of the invention. Helmet embodiment, shown generally by numeral 220, is substantially the same in construction and material as the helmet embodiments 90 and 190. Helmet device 220 is provided with a hard, shell-like, liner member 222 which covers the outer portion of the upper portion of the helmet. 
     The liner 222 comprises top cross member sections 224 and 226, horizontal encircling section 228, and downwardly depending sections 230, 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240. These sections are designed to cover and line the outer surfaces of the corresponding sections of the helmet, such as cross members 32, 34, flap 48, etc. Generally, the liner covers the upper portion of the helmet and extends downwardly to additionally protect the wearer&#39;s eyes, ears, temple as well as the top of the head. A section 236 of the liner extends a short distance over flap 48. This additionally protects the rear of the head as well as permitting the helmet to be easily put on or taken off as previously described. Although the liner has been shown as covering limited portions of the entire helmet, it is understood that the liner can be extended to cover larger portions of the helmet, such as the area of the portion 96. 
     The liner 222 can be constructed as a one-piece member from plastic or metal. Many plastic materials are suitable for use in fabricating the liner which provides protection from any severe blow on the head of the wearer. These plastic materials should have a relatively high impact strength which do not easily shatter upon being struck. Among suitable conventional plastic materials are ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), PVC (polyvinylchloride), PS (Polystyrene), PE (polyethylene), and PP (polypropylene). These plastic materials can further be modified by the addition of conventional additives, fillers and reinforcing agents to obtain the desired properties to the liners. The liner can also be fabricated from a suitable light metal such as aluminum, etc. 
     The liner is secured to the helmet by any suitable securing means such as an adhesive and the like. It is also contemplated that the liner can be detachably secured to the helmet by suitable securing means (not shown) such as clasps and the like. The liner thickness is as small as possible consistant with providing the required protection and minimum weight for comfort of wearing. 
     Although the liner is shown adapted to helmet embodiment 190, the liner can be easily designed to be adaptable and used with helmets 10, 90, 100, 110 and modifications thereof. Where the modifications include additional protective devices such as shield 60 and plate 80 in helmet 10, the liner can be designed to cooperate with these devices. Similarly, the liner can be designed to cooperate with the removable shield 112 in helmet 120, removable shield 132 of helmet 130, and fixed guard member 162 of helmet 160. 
     The various embodiments and modifications of the protective helmets described above have various specific uses. Thus, helmets 10, 90, 100, 110, 160, 190 and 220 find particular use in competitive contact sports wherein portions of the head are to be protected against blows, chops, hand-held weapons, etc. The modifications of the helmets wherein transparent shields and the liner are provided find particular use for riders of vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and the like, wherein protection of the face and head against wind, objects, and protection during possible accidents is obtained. In all the various described helmets, their primary purpose is for the protection of the various parts of the head and face against injury by providing energy-absorbing material in the helmet. 
     From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.