DE102013200801A1 - Closing and adjusting mechanism for e.g. ski helmet for winter sports, has closing element and adjusting element connected with connecting rings by hooks, where connecting rings are connected with helmet - Google Patents

Abstract

The mechanism has a closing element (6) and an adjusting element (7) provided on respective sides of a chin belt (5). The adjusting element adjusts a length of the chin belt. The closing element and the adjusting element are connected with connecting rings (4) i.e. metal rings, by hooks, where the connecting rings are connected with a helmet. The connecting rings connect belt strappings (2) in a region of a rear head and other belt strappings (3) in a region of a temple. The closing element is opened by pulling a cord (61).

Description

The invention relates to an adjusting and closing mechanism for a helmet, in particular for a sports helmet.

To secure the helmet against unwanted slipping from the head, especially during a fall, this has a chin strap with a locking mechanism. The chin strap is connected to the helmet shell or the head strap and has a centrally located closure, usually a snap closure. Furthermore, the chin straps usually have a length adjustment in the spatial vicinity of the snap closure. A disadvantage of these solutions is, on the one hand, that in particular during sports activities both the closure and the length adjustment can be uncomfortable. In addition, it may, in particular when using closures with a release band, as in DE 10 2010 005 348 A1 and the DE 10 2005 013 031 A1 described, to confusion of release belt and the band for length adjustment and thus come to the wrong operation. Such incorrect operation can have serious consequences, especially in emergency situations.

In addition, solutions are known in which closure and adjustment elements are arranged separately and laterally on the chin strap. That's how it describes JP 2004-162213 a closure system in which at one end of the chin strap an adjusting mechanism in the form of a ratchet and at the other end a closure element in the form of a male-female connection are mounted. Opening the chinstrap, however, requires a lot of sensitivity. As a result, especially when wearing gloves, problems occur when opening the chin strap. After JP 2004-162213 the attachment of the chin strap via other belt elements, which are mounted on the helm side adjusting mechanism and closure element and terminate in metal elements. These metal elements have holes into which protrude from the helmet shell elements, thus securing the chin strap to the helmet shell.

Another solution for a chin strap of a helmet is in the DE 32 13 886 A1 described, after which a chin strap is firmly fixed on one side and on the other side with an elastic retraction and a blocking element in connection. When the locking element is open, the chin strap can be extended against the force of the catch element and the helmet can thus be put on. By the retraction element, the belt then applies to the chin of the wearer and can be fixed in the desired length of the blocking element. A complete opening of the chin strap is not possible, which are associated with safety risks for the wearer.

An alternative chinstrap system for helmets, in which the chin strap merges into the temples and neck straps attached to the helmet, is in the DE 202 15 683 U1 described. In this temples and a neck strap are guided on both sides by a belt distributor. On one side, these straps then continue together as a chinstrap below the wearer's chin. On the other side of the helmet, the temporal and chin straps end together in a closure element which corresponds to a further closure element attached to the end of the chinstrap.

Also in the US 2005/0241050 A1 discloses a fastening system in which the chin, neck and temple straps are integrally formed. Because of this one-piece and the firm connection of temple and neck strap adjustability of the chin strap, especially by pivoting below the chin, and thus the wearing comfort are severely limited.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a fastening system for helmets, which is technically simple and works safely, in particular, operating errors should be largely excluded. Furthermore, the closing and opening of the fastening system and the length adjustment should be carried out quickly and with one hand, so that the on and off of the helmet is very comfortable. In addition, the helmet should be able to be opened safely and quickly in emergency situations. An accidental opening of the strap, especially if the helmet wearer with the release tape z. B. hanging on drooping branches, should be excluded. In addition, a use of the helmet is to be made possible even at low temperatures by the operability of the closure and adjustment is also given with gloves. As a result, the helmet should also be suitable in particular for winter sports. Furthermore, a variety of adjustability of the fastening system should be given to allow easy adaptation to the individual head shape of the carrier.

The object is achieved by means of a fastening system with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The closure and adjustment mechanism according to the invention is applicable to helmets with a chin strap. This applies to most helmets, especially bicycle, ski, snowboard, riding and motorcycle helmets. The closure mechanism is characterized in that on one side of the Chinstrap a closure element, comprising a hook, is arranged. About this hook, the closure element is connected to a connecting element, which in turn is firmly connected to the helmet or a chin strap system. At the other end of the chin strap an adjusting element for length adjustment of the chin strap is arranged. Also, the adjusting element is connected via a hook with another, arranged on the other side of the apex of the helmet shell connecting element.

The length adjustment and the closure mechanism are thus advantageously separated functionally and therefore operator errors are excluded. In addition, the closure and adjustment can not uncomfortably press the carrier, since both elements are arranged laterally in the cheek area of the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment, the Verstellement via the hook is undetachable and rotatably connected to the connecting element. This ensures at the same time a high stability of the connection of the adjusting and connecting element in order to avoid loosening of the chin strap, for example when falling. In order to additionally increase the stability of the connection, the hook and the connecting element are furthermore preferably made in one piece.

In a likewise preferred embodiment, closing element and adjusting element have hooks which engage in the connecting element. This allows a simple and monolithic design of both adjustment and closure element while high functionality by the respective integrated connection possibility to the connecting element. This also allows a simple and cost-effective production by injection molding.

Further preferably, the closure element has a closure, ie a movable part that is arranged in the hook-shaped closure element, wherein in the open position of the closure, the closure element can be released from the connection element and in the closed position of the closure, a release of connection and closure element is prevented , In the preferred monolithic embodiment of the closure element, the mobility of the closure is ensured solely by selecting a sufficiently elastic material. However, a two-part embodiment of closure element and closure is likewise preferred, the latter being fastened to the closure element via suitable fastening means.

Particularly preferably, the hook-shaped closure element is also rotatably mounted in the closed position on the connecting element. The two-sided rotation of the compounds of adjusting or closure element and connecting element advantageously allows pivoting of the chin strap about an axis on which the two sides of the apex of the helmet shell, in particular in the cheek area of the wearer, are arranged connecting elements. Thus, for the user in addition to the length adjustment of the chin strap, a further adjustment, which increases the accuracy of fit and thus the comfort and safety of the wearer.

In a two-part embodiment of closure and closure element of the closure, in the absence of external forces, preferably held by a spring element in its closed position. Particularly preferably, closure and closure element are designed as a monolithic component, wherein the spring force is applied by the material. In particular, metals and plastics come into question as material, wherein plastics due to their simple processing, eg. B. by injection molding, are particularly preferred.

To prevent damage or breakage of the closure, this further preferably has a stopper, which defines the closing point of the closed position and prevents exceeding this closing point coming from the open position forth. The stopper is preferably attached to the protruding end of the closure and projects through an opening in the closure element. Upon reaching the closed position of the closure, further movement of the closure is advantageously prevented by abutment of the stopper, in particular a first stop element arranged thereon, on the closure element. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stopper on a second stop element, which defines the open state of the closure element and prevents exceeding this opening point coming from the closed position forth. Upon reaching the open position of the closure, a further movement of the closure is advantageously prevented by abutment of the stopper, in particular this second stop element, on the closure element.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a tension band, z. B. attached in the form of a string or a cord, wherein the closure element can be opened by pulling on the drawstring. For this purpose, the drawstring is attached to the closure and by pulling on the drawstring, the closure against the spring force of Lock moved from its closed to its open position.

Particularly preferred is the drawstring, such as. As a cord, looped. This is possible in particular by welding the individual strands of the cord, pointwise or over the entire length. Advantageously, such an accidental opening, for example by snagging on a branch when riding a mountain bike, can be prevented. Further preferably, the ends are for facilitated opening, for example with a glove, encapsulated with a plastic part or have in the simplest case a node at their ends.

Further preferably, the adjusting element has a holding web and a deflecting web, wherein the chin strap is guided past the holding web to the deflecting web and around it. These are arranged such that the fixation of the chin strap is released by folding the adjusting element. This can be achieved, for example, by forcing the chin strap into a very small radius and thereby clamping it. By folding up the adjustment of the small radius is then changed into a straight guide and the clamping thus solved. Tightened, such an adjusting element can be advantageous only by pulling on the free end of the chin strap.

In a further preferred embodiment, the helmet has a Gurtberiemung in the region of the back of the head and temple, wherein the connecting element preferably connects these two Gurtberiemungen. This is particularly advantageous in bicycle helmets, where in addition to the safety of the wearer also the comfort and ventilation of the helmet play an essential role. The closure element and the adjusting element are particularly preferably attached directly and also preferably via hooks on the connecting elements. Advantageously, the number of components reduces the structure of closing and adjusting mechanism can be kept simple.

Also preferably, the connecting element is designed as a ring, preferably as a metal ring. The training as a ring allows a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the locking and adjusting mechanism with few components, since a ring allows both the merger of Gurtberiemungen of the forehead and back of the head, as well as the rotatable connection to closure and adjustment. In this case, the ring may preferably be formed as a solid ring or as a D-shaped half-ring.

Further preferably, the chin strap is padded, whereby the wearing comfort can be further increased.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to 1 - 12 explained. Show it:

1 a helmet with closure and adjustment mechanism according to the invention,

2 a top view of the closure element,

3 a side view of the closure element,

4 a Kavalliersperspektive an alternative closure element with stopper,

5 a Kavalliersperspektive an alternative closure element with stopper,

6 a top view of the adjusting element,

7 a side view of the adjusting element,

8th a view of the closure element during the opening,

9 a view of the adjusting element when loosening,

10 a view of the adjusting element when tightening,

11 a sectional view of the adjusting element in the unresolved state and

12 a sectional view of the adjusting element in the released state.

1 shows a helmet 1 with a closure and adjustment mechanism according to the invention. In the helmet shell of the helmet 1 are on both sides each a Gurtberiemung in the back of the head 2 and one belt strap each in the area of the temple 3 at a connection point, here as a connecting ring 4 is formed, are connected. On both connecting rings 4 is the chin strap 5 attached. Right side (seen in the direction of the wearer) accesses an adjustment 7 in the connecting ring 4 and is rotatable, but inextricably linked to this. The chinstrap 5 leads through the adjusting element 7 and has a free end 71 ,

At the other end of the chinstrap 5 is the plastic, monolithic closure element 6 inextricably linked to this. The closure element 6 can over one Drawstring in the form of a drawstring 61 be opened. Depending on the application, the cord can 61 be slack hanging or bending stiff.

2 shows a plan view of the closure element 6 out 1 , This has a cord attachment 62 for the drawstring 61 as well as a jetty 66 for fastening the chinstrap 5 on the closure element 6 , To this, sufficiently stable running bridge 66 becomes the chin strap 5 guided around and connected by sewing, welding or gluing with itself to a tight connection with the closure element via a loop 6 manufacture.

3 shows a side view of the closure element 6 , The top side has the closure element 6 a hook opening 64 passing through a lock 63 blocked or closed. At the lock 63 is also the cord attachment 62 out 2 arranged. The monolithic with the closure element 6 trained closure 63 is movable in the closure element 6 arranged. The mobility is ensured by the elasticity of the material. When pulling on the cord 61 the lock 63 in the direction of the arrow (in 6 down) becomes the hook opening 64 is released. In addition, the cord attachment 62 so in the upper region of the closure element 6 arranged that when pulling on the cord 61 the closure element 6 turns such that the closure element 6 from the connecting ring 4 is pulled. Due to the elasticity of the plastic from which the closure element is made monolithic, the closure 63 in its rest position in the hook opening 64 held blocking position.

The free end of the cord 61 is advantageously designed without a loop, so that the risk of getting stuck to branches or the like. does not exist.

4 shows a Kavalliersperspektive and 5 a side view of an alternative embodiment of the closure element 6 out 1 , This is designed as a closed frame, which is produced inexpensively by injection molding, for example. From PVC, PET, PA, PC or PET. The frame points at the point where it is form-fitting in the connecting ring 4 embraces a claw-shaped figure. Here is the radius of the claw-shaped hook opening 64 to the diameter of the connecting ring 4 customized. At the opposite end of the closed frame is a Umlenksteg 66 over which the Kienriemen 5 to be led. At this end of the closed frame is the resilient, tongue-shaped closure 63 of the closure element 6 , The free end of the tongue-shaped closure 63 is breaking through 67 of the closed frame. At the protruding end of the tongue-shaped closure 63 is the stopper 65 , which limits the movement of the tongue-shaped closure 63 realized.

For this purpose, the stopper attacks 65 through the breakthrough 67 of the closure element 6 through and is both on the, the shutter 63 opposite side of the closure element 6 as well as on the side of the closure element 6 on which the shutter 63 runs, cantilevered. When moving the shutter 63 from the open to the closed position, there is a stop of the first stop member 68 on the closure element 6 when the shutter reaches the closed position. When moving the shutter 63 from the closed to the open position, there is a stop of the second stop element 69 on the closure element 6 when the shutter reaches the open position.

6 shows the view of the bottom (ie the side facing the neck of the wearer in the attached state of the helmet) of the adjustment 7 out 1 , The upper side has the adjusting element 7 a hook 73 for rotatable but non-detachable connection with the connecting ring 4 (in 1 ). Furthermore, the adjustment has 7 two bars, a diverter 72 to the chin strap 5 (in 1 ) and a jetty 74 , Between the diverter 72 and the jetty 74 is a gap 75 arranged. The adjusting element 7 also has two outside guides 76 on, extending over the mid-range 77 of the adjusting element 7 over which the chin strap 5 slides, lift. Through these guides 76 will slipping out of the chin strap 5 from the rotatable on the connecting element 7 fixed adjusting element 7 , in particular the middle area 77 , advantageously avoided.

7 shows a side view of the adjustment 7 , The chinstrap 5 gets inside (ie in 5 left) at the landing stage 74 over and then once around the Umlenksteg 72 and then returned back in parallel. Through this guide, the chinstrap becomes 5 in the area of the gap 75 clamped, and a slipping of the chin strap 5 prevented.

8th shows the process of opening the closure element 6 , For this purpose, the user detects the free end of the cord 61 and pull the cord 61 in the direction of the arrow. This will make the closure 63 (see. 3 ) released from the rest position and by the tensile force acting on the cord 61 at the same time the hook opening 64 released and the lock 63 from the connecting ring 4 solved.

In the illustrated, particularly preferred design is the closure 63 with the thin cord 61 connected. The two exiting Ends of the cord 61 are positively and non-positively connected by a sleeve. To reduce the risk of getting stuck, each end may also have a separate sleeve, the ends not being connected and thus not forming a loop. Alternatively, the two ends may be thermally welded together pointwise or over their entire length. This design prevents, especially when using the sports helmet in the field (military riding, mountain biking), a snagging on obstacles.

9 shows the adjusting element 7 while loosening the chinstrap 5 , For this, the user only needs the landing bar 74 from the chin strap 5 move away, causing the clamping in the area of the gap 75 (in 4 ), and the chin strap 5 becomes mobile.

10 shows the adjusting element 7 during tightening. The user only needs the free end 72 of the chin strap 5 pull in the direction of the arrow, causing the retaining bar 74 is slightly raised and the chin strap 5 is streamlined.

11 shows a sectional view of the adjusting element 7 , The chinstrap 5 leads at the landing stage 74 past the gap 75 and around the Umlenksteg arranged behind it 72 , The jetty 74 has an edge on its the diverter 72 facing side, through which the chin strap 5 is forced into a bend with a small radius, which supports the clamping action.

12 shows a further sectional view of the adjusting element 7 in the dissolved, that is folded up state. By folding up run chin straps 5 and the free end 71 of the chin strap just into the gap 75 one, are thus not clamped and easily movable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 helmet

2

 Gurtberiemung back of the head

3

 Strap strap temple

4

 connecting ring

5

 chinstrap

6

 closure element

61

 cord

62

 cord attachment

63

 shutter

64

 hook opening

65

 stopper

66

 deflection web

67

 breakthrough

68

 first stop element

69

 second stop element

71

 free end

73

 hook

74

 holding web

75

 gap

76

 guide

77

 the central region

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010005348 A1 [0002]
• DE 102005013031 A1 [0002]
• JP 2004-162213 [0003, 0003]
• DE 3213886 A1 [0004]
• DE 20215683 U1 [0005]
• US 2005/0241050 A1 [0006]

Claims (9)

Locking and adjusting mechanism for a helmet ( 1 ), comprising a chinstrap ( 5 ), wherein on one side of the chin strap ( 5 ) a closure element ( 6 ) and on the other side of the chinstrap ( 5 ) an adjusting element ( 7 ) for adjusting the length of the chin strap ( 5 ) via hooks, each with a, connected to the helmet connecting element ( 4 ) are connected. Closing and adjusting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting element ( 7 ) via a hook ( 73 ) insoluble and rotatable with the connecting element ( 4 ) connected is. Closing and adjusting mechanism according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the closure element ( 6 ) in the closed state via a hook opening ( 64 ) rotatable and detachable with the connecting element ( 4 ) connected is. Closing and adjusting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the helmet ( 1 ) a Gurtberiemung in the region of the back of the head ( 2 ) and a Gurtberiemung in the area of the temple ( 3 ) and the connecting element ( 4 ) both belt straps ( 2 . 3 ) and closing element ( 6 ) and adjusting element ( 7 ) on the connecting elements ( 4 ) are arranged. Closing and adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure element ( 6 ) a cord ( 61 ), wherein the closure element ( 6 ) by pulling on the cord ( 61 ) and the cord ( 61 ) is formed loop-free. Closing and adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element ( 7 ) a retaining bridge ( 74 ) and a deflection web ( 72 ), which are arranged such that the fixing of the chin strap ( 5 ) by folding the adjusting element ( 7 ) is solved. Closing and adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chin strap ( 5 ) is padded. Closing and adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element ( 4 ) is a ring, preferably a metal ring. Closing and adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure ( 63 ) of the closure element ( 6 ) at least one stopper ( 65 ), comprising a first ( 68 ) and a second one ( 69 ) Stop element, is arranged, wherein the first stop element ( 68 ) in the closed state and the second stop element ( 69 ) in the opened state to the closure element ( 6 ) strikes.

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