Patent Description:
In the sector relating to protective helmets it is known to use a chin strap device, formed for example by a belt fixed to the cap in two side regions of the helmet and configured to be closed underneath the jaw of a user wearing the helmet. The chain strap device according to the prior art is able to prevent accidental removal of the helmet due to a movement of the cap away from the user's head since the chin strap device is able to engage with the user's jaw and prevent movement of the cap. <CIT> discloses a helmet with tie elements connected to the strap structure.

This solution, while being advantageous from many points of view, has a number of drawbacks and in particular has not proved to be sufficient to prevent rotation of the helmet.

In other words, the helmets according to the prior art do not solve the technical problem of improving the performance of the helmet as regards preventing rotation of the cap with respect to the user's head, in particular a rotation tending to expose at least partially a frontal zone of the head. This problem may negatively affect the level of protection offered by the helmet since the cap is unable to protect effectively the whole of the user's head in the event of rotation.

The starting point of the present disclosure is therefore the technical problem of providing a helmet, which is able to satisfy all the aforementioned requirements with regard to the prior art and overcome the aforementioned drawback and/or achieve further advantages.

This is obtained by means of a helmet as defined in the respective independent claim. Secondary characteristic features are claimed in the dependent claims.

In particular, the present disclosure relates to a helmet configured to protect the head of a user and comprising a cap and an internal cavity positioned or defined inside the cap and intended to accommodate the head of a user. In other words, the cap defines an internal cavity intended to accommodate the user's head. Furthermore, the internal cavity has an access zone, configured to allow access of the user's head inside the internal cavity. The cavity also has a front portion, defining a front opening, and a rear portion, opposite to the front portion.

The helmet also comprises a chin strap device comprising in turn at least one belt structure which is fixed at least to respective side portions of the cap, each comprised between the front portion and the rear portion.

The expression "cap" is understood, in the context of the present disclosure, as meaning the assembly forming the rigid structure for protecting and accommodating the user's head.

"Side portions" is understood as meaning the flanks or sides of the cap, when viewing the cap from a front zone.

In particular, the belt structure extends transversely with respect to the cap between the two side portions of the cap and the zone for access to the internal cavity. Furthermore, a zone of the side portion comprised between the belt structure and the front opening is a front side zone of the cap, and a zone of the side portion comprised between the belt structure and the rear portion is a rear side zone of the cap.

Consequently, when viewing from the front the cap as worn by a user, the access zone is located underneath the cap, and the chin strap device extends underneath the cap between the two flanks of the latter. For the sake of easier illustration it is to be understood that any spatial reference, such as "above", "below", "front", "rear", "frontal", "right", "left" and similar indications in the context of the present disclosure are to be understood as being of a non-limiting nature, but as referring to when the helmet is in use and therefore in relation to the head of the user wearing the helmet.

The helmet also comprises at least one first tie element which extends along the front side zone and a second tie element which extends along the rear side zone. In particular, a first part or end of the first tie element is connected to the front side zone of the cap, and a second part of end of the first tie element is connected to the belt structure of the chin strap device. Similarly, a first part or end of the second tie element is connected to the rear side zone and a second part or end of the second tie element is connected to the belt structure of the chin strap device.

The expression "tie element" is understood as meaning an element which is intended to be tensioned between the belt structure and the portion of the cap to which it is fixed should rotation of the cap occur.

Preferably, the cap comprises a pair of first tie elements, where each of the two first tie elements extends along a respective front side zone, namely along a front, right-hand, side zone and along a front, left-hand, side zone. Preferably, the cap comprises a pair of second tie elements, where each of the two second tie elements extends along a respective rear side zone, namely along a rear, right-hand, side zone and along a rear, left-hand, side zone.

The present disclosure also relates to use of a helmet and a method for protecting the head of a user by means of a helmet according to the respective independent claims.

Basically, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a helmet which comprises at least one first tie element connected, on one side, to the chin strap device and, on the other side, to the cap, in a zone comprised between the chin strap device and the front opening of the cap, so that the at least one tie element may be tensioned so as to oppose rotation of the cap with respect to the user's head.

Therefore, the helmet according to the present disclosure is able to solve the problem of rotation of the cap towards the rear zone, also called roll-off, namely the rotation of the cap tending to expose at least partially a frontal zone of the user's head.

The helmet also comprises a second tie element which is configured to be tensioned in the event of rotation of the cap so as to oppose or prevent rotation of the cap with respect to the user's head, in particular rotation tending to expose during use an occipital zone of the user's head.

Further advantages, characteristic features and modes of use forming the subject of the present disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, provided by way of a non-limiting example.

It is in any case clear that each embodiment forming the subject of the present disclosure may have one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case it is not required that each embodiment should have simultaneously all the advantages listed.

Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings in which:.

With reference to the attached figures, the reference number <NUM> denotes overall a protective helmet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the description below, reference is made to a helmet in the condition when worn by a user. Therefore, for the purposes of simpler illustration, as mentioned above, it is agreed in the context of the present disclosure that any spatial reference, such as "inner", "outer", "right", "left", "above", "below" is to be understood as being in relation to the head of a user when wearing the helmet. Consequently, for example, an inner side of the helmet is a side of the helmet directed towards the head of the user, and an outer side of the helmet is a side of the helmet directed towards an outer zone opposite to the user's head; or a zone above the helmet is to be understood as being a zone which, when the helmet is worn, is situated above the user's head, a zone below the helmet is a zone which is situated below the helmet when it is worn, and so on.

The helmet <NUM> is configured to protect the head of a user and comprises a cap <NUM> and an internal cavity <NUM>, positioned inside said cap <NUM> and intended to accommodate the head of a user. Furthermore, the internal cavity <NUM> has an access zone <NUM>, configured to allow access of the user's head inside the internal cavity <NUM>.

The cap <NUM> has a front portion <NUM> defining a front opening preferably connected to the access zone <NUM>, namely in such a way that the front opening and the access zone <NUM> form preferably a single opening in the cap <NUM>. The cap also has a rear portion <NUM>, opposite to the front portion <NUM>.

The helmet <NUM> also comprises a chin strap device <NUM> comprising in turn at least one belt structure <NUM>, which is fixed between two side portions <NUM>, <NUM>, namely between a right side portion and a left side portion, of the cap <NUM>. In particular, each side portion of the two side portions <NUM>, <NUM> is comprised between the front portion <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM> and the belt structure <NUM> extends at least between the side portions <NUM> and the zone <NUM> for access to the internal cavity <NUM>.

In particular, preferably the belt structure is fixed on an inner side of the cap, namely along an inner surface of the cap facing the internal cavity.

Namely, the belt structure <NUM> extends between a fixing point on a side portion <NUM> and a fixing point on the other side portion <NUM> of the cap <NUM>, crossing a lower region of the helmet <NUM> where the access zone <NUM> is located. Even more preferably, in connection with the fixing point, the belt structure <NUM> is fixed to the side portion <NUM> of the cap <NUM> in the vicinity of at least one temple zone of the head of a user wearing the helmet <NUM>.

Furthermore, a zone of a side portion <NUM> comprised between the belt structure <NUM> and the front opening is a front side zone 117a of the cap <NUM> and a zone of the side portion <NUM> comprised between the belt structure <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM> is a rear side zone 117b of the cap <NUM>. In other words, the belt structure <NUM> divides the side portion <NUM> into a front side portion 117a, positioned towards the front opening, and a rear side zone 117b, positioned towards the rear portion <NUM>.

The helmet also comprises at least one tie element 12a, 12b which extends along the front side zone 117a. In particular, a first part or end of the at least one tie element 12a, 12b is connected to the front side zone 117a of the cap, and a second part or end, preferably opposite to the first end, is connected to the belt structure <NUM>.

Furthermore, the at least one tie element 12a,12b is a first tie element 12a, 12b and the helmet comprises at least one second tie element 13a, 13b which extends along the rear side zone 117b. In particular, a first part of the at least one second tie element 13a, 13b is connected to the rear side zone 117b of the cap <NUM> and a second part of the at least one second tie element 13a, 13b is connected to the belt structure <NUM>.

It is to be understood that, in the context of the present disclosure the term "tie element" refers to a preferably ribbon or band or strip like element or an element with any similar form. In particular, a tie element is preferably configured to be tensioned between two points for fixing or connection to other elements of the helmet, for example the belt structure, so as to oppose or prevent rotation of the cap with respect to the head of the user, for example a rotation tending to expose at least partially a frontal zone of the head and/or an occipital zone.

In other words, during use the belt structure <NUM> is fixed to the cap <NUM> in the vicinity of a temple zone of the user's head and is configured to engage with or be coupled with the user's head in a jaw zone so as to keep the user's head inside the internal cavity <NUM> and therefore prevent removal of the helmet <NUM>. Moreover, during use, the at least one tie element 12a, 12b is associated with the cap <NUM> in the vicinity of a cheekbone zone of the user and is connected to or fastened or wound around the belt structure <NUM>, so as to be able to engage with it or be coupled to it in order to oppose rotation of the cap <NUM> with respect to the user's head, in particular a rotation tending to expose during use a frontal zone of the head. The second tie element 13a, 13b operates in a similar manner and opposes rotation of the cap tending to expose during use an occipital zone of the head.

Preferably, the side portion is a first side portion <NUM>, or right side portion, and moreover the front side zone is a first front side zone 117a and the rear side zone is a first rear side zone 117b.

In particular, preferably the helmet comprises a second side portion <NUM>, or left side portion, comprised between the front portion <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM> and opposite to the first side portion <NUM>. Basically, owing to the geometry of the parts described above, the belt structure <NUM> extends between the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM>. For example, the first side portion <NUM> may be right side portion of the cap and the second side portion <NUM> may be a left side portion of the cap, or vice versa.

Furthermore, preferably a zone of the second side portion <NUM> comprised between the belt structure <NUM> and the front opening is a second front side zone 118a of the cap <NUM> and a zone of the second side portion <NUM> comprised between the belt structure <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM> is a second rear side zone 118b of the cap <NUM>.

In particular, moreover preferably the at least one tie element 12a, 12b, namely the first tie element 12a, 12b, is one of a pair of tie elements 12a, 12b, wherein a first tie element of the pair of tie elements 12a, 12b extends along the first front side zone 117a of the cap <NUM> and the other tie element of the pair of tie elements 12a, 12b extends along the second front side zone <NUM> of the cap <NUM>.

Namely, preferably each tie element 12a, 12b of the pair of tie elements 12a, 12b is connected to the respective front side zone, for example right or left side zone, and is furthermore connected to the belt structure in the respective side portion of the cap <NUM>.

In other words, preferably each of the pair of tie elements 12a, 12b is associated with the cap <NUM> in the vicinity of the respective cheekbone zone of the user's head, for example in a right or left zone of the cap.

Preferably, the at least one second tie element 13a, 13b is configured to be tensioned in the event of rotation of the cap <NUM> so as to oppose or prevent rotation of the cap <NUM> with respect to the user's head, in particular a rotation tending to expose during use an occipital zone of the user's head.

Preferably, the pair of tie elements 12a, 12b is a pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b and the at least one second tie element 13a, 13b is one of a pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b. In particular, a first tie element of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b extends along the first rear side zone 117b of the cap <NUM> and the other tie element of the pair of tie elements 13a, 13b extends along the second rear side zone 118b of the cap <NUM>. For example, the first rear side zone 117b is one of a rear, right, side zone and a rear, left, side zone of the cap, while the second rear side zone 118b is the other one of a rear, right, side zone and a rear, left, side zone of the cap. In particular, preferably each of the pair of second tie elements is connected to the respective rear side zone and each one is furthermore connected to the belt structure in the respective side portion of the cap, for example the right or left side portion.

Preferably, the belt structure <NUM> comprises a first belt portion 11a and a second belt portion 11b and comprises furthermore a mutual connection mechanism 11c. In particular, the first belt portion 11a is fixed onto the first side portion <NUM> of the cap <NUM> and the second belt portion 11b is fixed onto the second side portion <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. Even more particularly, the mutual connection mechanism 11c is configured to connect in a removable manner a free end of the first belt portion 11a with a free end of the second belt portion 11b.

In other words, preferably when the mutual connection mechanism 11c connects together the first belt portion 11a and the second belt portion 11b, the belt structure <NUM> forms a continuous structure which extends from the first side portion <NUM> of the cap <NUM> to the second side portion <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. Furthermore, the mutual connection mechanism 11c may separate the first belt portion 11a and the second belt portion 11b, for example so as to allow removal of the helmet from the user's head.

The mutual connection device 11c may also be configured to allow lengthening or shortening of the belt structure <NUM>, for example so as to allow more efficient adaptation of the belt structure <NUM> to the user's head.

Preferably, the second part of the at least one tie element 12a, 12b, namely that connected to the belt structure <NUM>, has a ring or a loop and the belt structure <NUM> is inserted so as to pass through and/or slide in the ring or loop.

Moreover, preferably each of the pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b is connected to the belt structure <NUM> by means of a ring or a loop, inside which the belt structure <NUM> is inserted so as to pass through it and/or slide therein. Even more preferably, the first belt portion 11a is inserted so as to pass through and/or slide in a ring or loop of one of the pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b, while the second belt portion 11b is inserted so as to pass through and/or slide in a ring or loop of the other one of the pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b.

In other words, preferably, the at least one tie element 12a, 12b is configured to slide with respect to the belt structure <NUM>. For example, the belt structure <NUM> is slidably inserted in a ring portion or loop portion <NUM> of the at least one tie element 12a, 12b.

Preferably, the second part of the at least one second tie element 13a, 13b, namely that connected to the belt structure <NUM>, has a ring or a loop and the belt structure <NUM> is inserted so as to pass through and/or slide in the ring or loop.

Moreover, preferably each of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b is connected to the belt structure <NUM> by means of a ring or a loop, inside which the belt structure <NUM> is inserted so as to pass through it and/or slide therein. Even more preferably, the first belt portion 11a is inserted so as to pass through and/or slide in a ring or loop of one of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b, while the second belt portion 11b is inserted so as to pass through and/or slide in a ring or loop of the other one of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, preferably the first part of the at least one tie element 12a, 12b is connected to the front side zone 117b of the cap <NUM> in a front fixing zone 127a, and the first part of the at least one second tie element 13a, 13b is connected to the rear side zone 117b of the cap <NUM> in a rear fixing zone 127b. In particular, preferably the front fixing zone 127a is closer to the belt structure <NUM> than the rear fixing zone 127b. In other words the belt structure <NUM> is arranged between the front fixing zone 127a and the rear fixing zone 127b and is closer to the front fixing zone 127a than the rear fixing zone 127b.

Preferably, the at least one first tie element 12a, 12b has a smaller length than the at least one second tie element 13a, 13b. In particular, "length" is understood as meaning the direction which extends along the side portion of the cap between the respective zone for fixing the tie element and the belt structure. Namely, the at least one first tie element 12a, 12b has a smaller length between the front fixing zone 127a and the belt structure <NUM> than the length of the at least one second tie element 13a, 13b between the rear fixing zone 127b and the belt structure <NUM>.

Preferably, the protective helmet according to the present disclosure is a helmet without chin guard protection or a helmet comprising a removable chin guard, or a helmet comprising a chin guard which can be opened. For example, the helmet may be a jet or demi-jet helmet or a modular helmet, or a full-face helmet with a chin guard which can be opened.

The present disclosure also relates to use of a helmet <NUM> according to one of the embodiments described for protecting the head of a user.

The present disclosure relates furthermore to a method for protecting the head of a user by means of a helmet <NUM> comprising a cap <NUM>, namely in order to avoid or prevent rotation of the cap <NUM> with respect to the head, i.e. to avoid or prevent a roll-off action. In particular, the cap comprises a front portion <NUM> defining a front opening and a rear portion <NUM>. The helmet further comprises an internal cavity <NUM> having an access zone <NUM> and intended to accommodate the head of a user. In particular, the method involves:.

The method furthermore involves providing at least one second tie element 13a, 13b which extends along a rear side zone 117b of the cap <NUM>, positioned on the first side portion <NUM> and comprised between the rear portion <NUM> and the belt structure <NUM>, and wherein a first part of said at least one second tie element 13a, 13b is connected to the rear side zone 117b of the cap <NUM> and a second part of said at least one second tie element 13a, 13b is connected to the belt structure <NUM>.

According to the protection method, moreover, when the cap <NUM> rotates in a rotational movement, the belt structure <NUM> and the at least one first tie element 12a, 12b and the at least one second tie element 13a, 13b are under tension. In other words the at least one first tie element may be tensioned so as to oppose the rotational movement with respect to the user's head tending to expose at least partially, during use, a frontal zone of the user's head, namely oppose or prevent the so-called roll-off movement. Similarly, the at least one second tie element may be tensioned so as to oppose the rotational movement with respect to the user's head tending to expose at least partially, during use, an occipital zone of the user's head.

Preferably, the at least one first tie element 12a, 12b is one of a pair of tie elements 12a, 12b and the other tie element of the pair of tie elements 12a, 12b extends along a second front side zone 118a of the cap <NUM>, positioned on the second side portion <NUM> and comprised between the front portion <NUM> and the belt structure <NUM>. Furthermore, preferably a first part of the other tie element of the pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b is connected to the cap <NUM> in the second front side zone 118a, and a second part of the other tie element of the pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b is connected to the belt structure <NUM>. Furthermore, when the cap <NUM> rotates in a rotational movement, the belt structure <NUM> and the pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b are under tension. Namely, the belt structure <NUM> and the pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b are tensioned so as to oppose the rotational movement with respect to the user's head tending to expose at least partially, during use, a frontal zone of the user's head, namely oppose or prevent the so-called roll-off movement.

Preferably, moreover, in addition to the pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b, the helmet <NUM> further comprises a pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b. In particular, said second tie element is one tie element of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b which extends along a first rear side zone 117b of the cap <NUM>, positioned on the first side portion <NUM> and comprised between the rear portion <NUM> and the belt structure <NUM>, and the other tie element of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b extends along a second rear side zone 118b of the cap <NUM>, positioned on the second side portion <NUM> and comprised between the rear portion <NUM> and the belt structure <NUM>.

Furthermore, preferably a first part of said one tie element of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b is connected to the cap <NUM> in the first rear side zone 117b, and a second part of said tie element of said pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b is connected to the belt structure <NUM>, and wherein a first part of the other tie element of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b is connected to the cap <NUM> in the second rear side zone 118b, and a second part of the other tie element of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b is connected to the belt structure <NUM>. In particular, preferably, according to the method, when the cap <NUM> rotates in a first rotational movement towards the rear portion, the belt structure <NUM> and the pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b are under tension and/or, when the cap <NUM> rotates in a second rotational movement towards the front part, the belt structure <NUM> and the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b are under tension.

In other words, preferably the belt structure <NUM> and the pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b are under tension when the cap rotates in a first rotational movement tending to expose a frontal zone of the head of a user, while the belt structure <NUM> and the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b are under tension when the cap rotates in a second rotational movement tending to expose an occipital zone of the head of a user.

Preferably, the second part of the at least one first tie element 12a, 12b, connected to the belt structure <NUM>, has a ring or a loop and, according to the method, the belt structure <NUM> slides in the ring or loop of the at least one first tie element 12a, 12b.

Preferably, each of the pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b has a ring or loop <NUM> in the region where it is connected to the belt structure <NUM>, and the latter slides inside the ring or loop.

Preferably, the second part of one of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b, which is connected to the belt structure <NUM>, has a ring portion or loop portion <NUM> and the second pair of the other one of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b connected to the belt structure <NUM> has likewise a ring portion or loop portion. Furthermore, preferably, according to the method, the belt structure <NUM> slides in the ring or loop of one of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b and of the other one of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b.

Namely, each of the pair of first tie elements 12a, 12b and each of the pair of second tie elements 13a, 13b is preferably connected to the belt structure <NUM> by means of a ring or loop, inside which the belt structure <NUM> slides.

Claim 1:
Helmet (<NUM>) for protecting the head of a user, wherein said helmet (<NUM>) comprises a cap (<NUM>) and an internal cavity (<NUM>) having an access zone (<NUM>) and intended to accommodate the head of a user,
wherein said cap (<NUM>) has a front portion (<NUM>) defining a front opening and a rear portion (<NUM>),
wherein said helmet (<NUM>) comprises a chin strap device (<NUM>) comprising at least one belt structure (<NUM>),
wherein the belt structure (<NUM>) is fixed between side portions (<NUM>), or right side portion and left side portion, of the cap (<NUM>) each comprised between the front portion (<NUM>) and the rear portion (<NUM>) and wherein said belt structure (<NUM>) extends at least between said side portions (<NUM>) and said zone (<NUM>) for access to the internal cavity (<NUM>),
and wherein a zone of a side portion (<NUM>) of said side portions comprised between the belt structure (<NUM>) and said front opening is a front side zone (117a) of the cap and a zone of said side portion (<NUM>) comprised between the belt structure (<NUM>) and said rear portion (<NUM>) is a rear side zone (117b) of the cap,
and wherein the helmet comprises at least one tie element (12a, 12b) extending along said front side zone (117a), and wherein a first part of said at least one tie element (12a, 12b) is connected to the front side zone (117a) of the cap (<NUM>) and a second part of said at least one tie element (12a, 12b) is connected to the belt structure (<NUM>), and
characterized in that
said at least one tie element (12a, 12b) is a first tie element (12a, 12b) and the helmet comprises at least one second tie element (13a, 13b) which extends along said rear side zone (117b), and wherein a first part of said at least one second tie element (13a, 13b) is connected to the rear side zone (117b) of the cap (<NUM>) and a second part of said at least a second tie element (13a, 13b) is connected to the belt structure (<NUM>).