EP2976956B1 - Helmet for cyclist - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bicycle helmet having a shock-absorbing helmet body and an outer shell for the helmet body, wherein the outer shell is made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and wherein a plurality of ventilation openings extend through the outer shell and through the helmet body.

Bicycle helmets with a hard ABS outer shell are available as so-called skater or BMX helmets. Due to the high impact resistance and low shock sensitivity of ABS, such skate or BMX helmets are particularly robust and durable. The wearing comfort, however, is comparatively low, in particular because of the relatively high weight and the typically only low ventilation effect. Conventional skater or BMX helmets with ABS outer shell typically have only very small ventilation openings, which are for example slot-shaped and extend in two rows next to each other. Therefore, skate or BMX helmets are still used only occasionally for cycling on longer distances.

Especially for cycling, road cycling or mountain biking preferred bicycle helmets are used, which instead of a hard ABS outer shell a thin coating of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or a polycarbonate (PC), sometimes a stiffening structure, for example in the form of a Grid structure in which the helmet body is integrated. Such bicycle helmets have a relatively high wearing comfort due to the low weight and the good ventilation. In addition, the PVC, PET or PC coating can be used as a carrier for visually appealing decors. Indeed are such bicycle helmets on the outside relatively sensitive to shock and often wear even with weak shocks, as z. B. occur during transport, damage thereof. Bicycle helmets with PVC, PET or PC coating are therefore less suitable for rough use.

document US 2013/0263363 A1 describes a bicycle helmet with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

document US 2007/0277296 A1 describes another bicycle helmet with longitudinal connecting webs and cross connecting webs.

document US 5833796 A describes a method of making a bicycle helmet by attaching a sheet of ABS to a helmet body of EPS.

There is a need to provide a bicycle helmet with extended capabilities.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a bicycle helmet having the features of claim 1.

In such a bicycle helmet, the outer shell forms at least two longitudinal connecting webs, which extend in sections or continuously along a longitudinal direction of the bicycle helmet, on both sides of the arrangement of longitudinal connecting webs and between the longitudinal connecting webs a respective longitudinal row of a plurality of ventilation openings is provided, wherein the outer shell further forms at least two cross-connecting webs , which intersect the longitudinal connecting webs, wherein on each side of the arrangement of transverse connecting webs and between the transverse connecting webs, a respective transverse row of a plurality of ventilation openings is provided, and wherein the ventilation openings the longitudinal rows and the ventilation openings of the transverse rows are substantially quadrangular.

The arrangement of intersecting longitudinal connecting webs and transverse connecting webs forms a kind of grid structure of the outer shell. In this way results in spite of the high open space share high stability of the bicycle helmet, in particular a high tensile strength in the longitudinal and transverse directions. There are provided at least three longitudinal rows of a plurality of ventilation openings and at least three transverse rows of a plurality of ventilation openings, wherein the ventilation openings of the longitudinal rows at least partially correspond to the ventilation openings of the transverse rows. As a result, the free space provided by the ventilation openings is particularly large. The longitudinal connecting webs, like the transverse connecting webs relative to the convex curved outer side of the bicycle helmet - that is to say in projection - can be straight or curved.

The fact that the ventilation openings of the longitudinal rows and the transverse rows are substantially quadrangular means that they have a quadrangular basic shape, but the corners may be rounded or bevelled. For example, the ventilation openings may have a diamond-shaped or trapezoidal basic shape. Due to the substantially quadrangular shape of the ventilation openings maximizing the free surface of the outer shell is achieved in particular in the area between the longitudinal connecting webs and the cross connecting webs, without the stability of the bicycle helmet (tensile strength in the longitudinal and transverse directions) is too much affected and without the individual Vents are too large (danger of ingress of objects).

In addition, it is provided that the outer shell forms two further longitudinal connecting webs, which extend on both sides of said arrangement of longitudinal rows of ventilation openings, wherein the transverse connecting webs and the cross two further longitudinal connecting webs. In this embodiment, a further extended grid structure is present.

Generally, a bicycle helmet has a concaved inside and a convex outside, so that the terms "outside" and "inside" in the context of the invention refer to the correspondingly curved surfaces. Location and direction information used in connection with the invention generally relate to the intended arrangement of the bicycle helmet on or on the head of a user. For example, the term "front side" refers to the side of the bicycle helmet located in the forehead area of the user and thus facing the user, whereas the term "rear side" refers to the user in the occiput and neck area of the user and thus facing the user's line of sight Side of the bicycle helmet. The "longitudinal direction" is to be understood as the direction that extends between the front and the back of the bicycle helmet.

According to one embodiment, the proportion of the free area defined by the ventilation openings, based on the total surface area of the outer shell, is at least 12%. In departure from the common principles of bicycle helmet construction in skater or BMX helmets with ABS outer shell so relatively many and / or relatively large ventilation holes are provided in a helmet with impact resistant outer shell. Due to the increased ventilation effect and the reduced weight of such a helmet is not only suitable as a skater or BMX helmet for special demands, but also for normal use, eg for city cycling. Compared to a conventional racing bike helmet, however, such a bicycle helmet is characterized by an increased robustness and longevity.

A ventilation opening is generally understood to mean an opening which extends continuously from the outside of the outer shell to the inside of the helmet body. In the context of the invention, the calculation of said proportion of the free surface relates to the outside of the outer shell, in particular up to the respective parting plane between the outer shell and the helmet body. Thus, if the outer shell receded in the vicinity of the respective ventilation opening and / or curved in the direction of the ventilation opening, the recessed or curved surface sections should be included in the calculation.

The proportion of the free area defined by the ventilation openings is preferably at least 14%, particularly preferably at least 16%, based on the total surface area of the outer shell. In other words, it is preferred that the proportion of the free area is significantly increased compared to the proportion of free space common Skater or BMX helmets. In common skate or BMX helmets, the proportion of the free area based on the total surface area of the outer shell is typically only between 4% and 8%. Accordingly, there is a considerable increase in the ventilation effect.

It is advantageous if a section of a respective longitudinal connecting web situated between a pair of ventilation openings is arranged in extension of another section of the respective longitudinal connecting web which is located between an adjacent pair of ventilation openings. It is also advantageous if a portion of a respective transverse connecting web located between a pair of ventilation openings is arranged in extension of another portion of the respective transverse connecting web which is located between an adjacent pair of ventilation openings. In other words, the respective longitudinal connecting web or cross connecting web of the outer shell preferably extends continuously in such a way that a portion of the longitudinal connecting web or transverse connecting web in alignment adjacent portion of the longitudinal connecting web or cross-connecting web is arranged (and not arranged laterally offset therefrom). However, this does not rule out that the respective longitudinal connecting web or transverse connecting web along the outside of the bicycle helmet makes a change of direction (eg as a curved path).

The transverse connecting webs may in particular at least partially extend along a transverse direction of the bicycle helmet, which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, it is preferred that the longitudinal connecting webs run next to each other and do not intersect. The cross-connection webs preferably run next to each other and do not intersect.

The at least two longitudinal connecting webs may extend up to a front edge section of the outer shell and / or up to a rear edge section of the outer shell. As a result, a particularly high tensile strength of the outer shell is achieved in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle helmet.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the at least two transverse connecting webs extend continuously between a left-side edge section and a right-side edge section of the outer shell. As a result, a particularly high tensile strength of the outer shell is achieved in the transverse direction of the bicycle helmet.

The longitudinal connecting webs or the cross connecting webs represent in these embodiments, therefore, essential structural features of the bicycle helmet.

The longitudinal connecting webs and the transverse connecting webs may be in the area between two ventilation openings, which are separated by the respective longitudinal connecting web or cross-connecting web and thus with respect to the respective longitudinal connecting web or cross-connecting web opposite, have a width of at least 1.5 cm and at most 4 cm. The said minimum value ensures the required stability of the bicycle helmet. On the other hand, compliance with the stated maximum value means a relatively large proportion of the free area defined by the ventilation openings, based on the total surface area of the outer shell.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the minimum width of a respective ventilation opening is at least 2 cm. The minimum width of a ventilation opening is to be understood as meaning the minimum value of the clear width of the respective ventilation opening, which is related to all possible viewing directions along the surface of the cycle helmet. It is therefore preferred to provide relatively large ventilation openings which are not particularly narrow in one direction (for example as ventilation slots). Large ventilation openings not only provide increased comfort, but also give the bicycle helmet a visually appealing appearance. In particular, can be achieved by large ventilation holes that the bicycle helmet despite ABS shell does not look like a typical skate or BMX helmet, but more like a racing bike helmet.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least 16 and preferably at least 18 ventilation openings are provided. The provision of so many vents contributes to a particularly good ventilation effect and gives the bicycle helmet a pleasing appearance.

The ventilation openings can be arranged distributed substantially uniformly over the surface of the bicycle helmet, which is favorable in terms of stability and ventilation effect. Thus, when considering a particular area of the surface of the bicycle helmet which is larger than a single vent but smaller than the entire surface of the bicycle helmet, there will always be approximately the same proportion of the flank within the area is defined by the ventilation opening located within the area or the plurality of ventilation openings located within the area, based on the total surface area of the considered area. This applies regardless of where on the surface of the bicycle helmet of the considered area is selected. The expression "substantially evenly distributed over the surface of the bicycle helmet" is to be understood in this sense.

It is preferable that at least one respective ventilation opening is arranged in a front side area, a rear side area, a left side area, a right side area and in a top area of the cycle helmet. This means that it is preferred that the bicycle helmet is provided with ventilation openings all around and not, as is usual with skate or BMX helmets, only at isolated individual areas.

It is further preferred that the outer shell is made entirely of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). This ensures high impact resistance and low shock sensitivity. In addition, ABS is well suited for applying high-quality decorative layers.

An embodiment of the invention provides that the outer shell is designed as a rigid rigid shell and / or has a thickness of at least 2 mm. Such an outer shell is much more robust and durable than those used for example in racing helmets PVC, PET or polycarbonate coatings. Such an inherently stiff and / or thick outer shell of ABS can be produced particularly advantageously by a spraying process.

The helmet body can be made of an expanded polystyrene rigid foam (EPS). Such helmet body can absorb shocks particularly well.

The helmet body is preferably designed without damping recesses and / or without stiffening structure integrated into the helmet body. Damping recesses such as weakening ribs are common or even mandatory in common skate or BMX helmets to achieve a desired damping characteristic. However, special adjustments to the tool for producing the helmet body are customary for this purpose. On the other hand, in racing helmets, it is necessary to integrate a stiffening structure, for example in the form of a lattice structure, into the helmet body (e.g., by overmolding or foaming the stiffening structure during manufacture of the helmet body) to ensure sufficient stability. In the context of the invention, it has been recognized that it is possible to dispense both integrated in the helmet body stiffening elements as well as on damping recesses in the helmet body in providing a shock-resistant outer shell with high free space content and / or with longitudinal and transverse webs. The cost of a bicycle helmet can thus be reduced.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the inside of the outer shell is concave and along a longitudinal direction of the bicycle helmet has an extension angle which is greater than 180 °. Such a design is also referred to as a "negative curvature". When viewed in a central longitudinal sectional plane, the orthogonal which is formed on the course of the inside of the outer shell in a front side area of the bicycle helmet intersects that orthogonal which is formed on the course of the inside of the outer shell in a rear area of the bicycle helmet at an obtuse angle means at an angle of more than 180 °. As a result, a particularly wide enclosing the head of the user is achieved (viewed in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle helmet).

In the manufacture of the helmet body can be inserted into such an outer shell with negative curvature and then glued to it.

In principle, however, a bicycle helmet according to the invention can also be produced in the so-called in-mold process, wherein the outer shell is inserted into an injection mold, wherein the EPS forming the helmet body is molded or foamed onto the outer shell.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the helmet body and the outer shell are designed as separate and glued together elements. This design is particularly advantageous if the outer shell has a negative curvature.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a screen may be attached to the outer shell and / or to the helmet body.

In a method for manufacturing a cycle helmet, which is designed as described above, it can be provided that - in contrast to a conventional thermoforming process - the outer shell is produced by spraying and the helmet body is attached to an inside of the molded outer shell. This type of production is particularly cost-effective. In addition, there is a relatively large flexibility in terms of design in injection processes, so z. B. outer shells in different thicknesses and in particular in relatively large thicknesses are easy to produce.

The helmet body can be attached by gluing, or in an in-mold process by molding or foaming on the inside of the outer shell.

Further developments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1

zeigt einen Fahrradhelm gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht schräg von vorne und oben.

Fig. 2

zeigt den Fahrradhelm gemäß Fig. 1 schräg von hinten und oben.

Fig. 3

zeigt den Fahrradhelm gemäß Fig. 1 von vorn.

Fig. 4

zeigt den Fahrradhelm gemäß Fig. 1 von hinten.

Fig. 5

zeigt den Fahrradhelm gemäß Fig. 1 von oben.

Fig. 6

zeigt den Fahrradhelm gemäß Fig. 1 von unten.

Fig. 7

zeigt den Fahrradhelm gemäß Fig. 1 von der Seite.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1

shows a bicycle helmet according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view obliquely from the front and top.

Fig. 2

shows the bicycle helmet according to Fig. 1 diagonally from behind and above.

Fig. 3

shows the bicycle helmet according to Fig. 1 from the beginning.

Fig. 4

shows the bicycle helmet according to Fig. 1 from behind.

Fig. 5

shows the bicycle helmet according to Fig. 1 from above.

Fig. 6

shows the bicycle helmet according to Fig. 1 from underneath.

Fig. 7

shows the bicycle helmet according to Fig. 1 of the page.

The in the Fig. 1 to 7 shown in different views bicycle helmet 10 has a shock-absorbing helmet body 11 made of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) and connected to the helmet body 11 outer shell 13. The outer shell 13 is made entirely of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and has a thickness of about 2 mm. As a result, the outer shell 13 is inherently rigid. The outer shell 13 is preferably produced by spraying, wherein the helmet body 11 is attached to the outer shell 13 after the injection process. The helmet body 11 may be glued specifically to the outer shell 13 or be foamed directly to this in the context of an in-mold process. A plurality of ventilation openings 15 are arranged distributed over the surface of the outer shell 13 and extend through the outer shell 13 and through the helmet body 11 therethrough. The ventilation openings 15 are arranged in a special way, as will be explained in more detail below.

Specifically, the arrangement of the ventilation holes 15 is selected such that the outer shell 13 forms four longitudinal connection webs 17, which extend along a longitudinal direction L of the bicycle helmet 10 from a front-side edge portion 19a of the outer shell 13 in the direction of a rear-side edge portion 19b of the outer shell 13. Furthermore, the ventilation openings 15 form a total of five longitudinal rows 20 (shown in dashed lines). The longitudinal rows 20 of ventilation openings 15 are arranged such that extends between the four longitudinal connecting webs 17 and on both sides of the arrangement of four longitudinal connecting webs 17, a respective longitudinal row 20 of a plurality of ventilation openings 15. On both sides of the arrangement of five longitudinal rows 20 of ventilation openings 15, a respective diagonal connecting web 18 is further provided, which extends from a left-side edge portion 22a and a right-side edge portion 22b of the outer shell 13 obliquely to the longitudinal direction L toward the back of the bicycle helmet 10.

The outer shell 13 also forms two curved cross connecting webs 21 which intersect the longitudinal connecting webs 17. Furthermore, due to the arrangement of the ventilation openings 15 and three curved curved transverse rows 23 of ventilation openings 15 are present (also shown in dashed lines), again between the two transverse connecting webs 21 and on both sides of the arrangement of two transverse connecting webs 21 a respective transverse row 23 of ventilation openings 15 is present. The cross connection webs 21 extend transverse to the longitudinal direction L (ie, in sections perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal direction L) between the left-side edge portion 22a of the outer shell 13 and the right-side edge portion 22b of the outer shell 13th

Overall, the outer shell 13 of the bicycle helmet 10 thus has a grid-like basic structure. The ventilation openings 15 are formed diamond-shaped or trapezoidal in the illustrated embodiment and have rounded corners. At the front edge portion 19a of the outer shell 13, a screen 25 is arranged. If necessary, instead of the screen 25 or in addition to the screen 25, a visor may be provided.

The minimum width of each ventilation opening 15, which is delimited by a longitudinal connecting web 17 or a transverse connecting web 21, is at least 2 cm. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this also applies to the three ventilation openings 15 additionally provided in the neck area of the bicycle helmet 10. Furthermore, the longitudinal connecting webs 17 and the transverse connecting webs 21 are separated in the region between two ventilation openings 15 which are separated from one another by the respective longitudinal connecting web 17 or transverse connecting web 21, each has a width between 1.5 cm and 4 cm.

Due to the number and size of the ventilation openings 15, the proportion of the free space of the bicycle helmet 10 defined by the ventilation openings 15 relative to the total surface of the outer shell 13 is relatively large. In the illustrated embodiment, this proportion is about 17%. The relevant requirements with regard to the prevention of injuries due to objects penetrating through the ventilation openings are nevertheless fulfilled. Because of the largely uniform distribution of the ventilation openings 15 over the entire surface of the outer shell 13, a good ventilation effect for all areas of the head is ensured in the bicycle helmet 10. Due to the inherently stiff, made of hard ABS outer shell 13, it is not necessary in provide the helmet body 11 integrated stiffening elements. Furthermore, due to the lattice-like structure of the outer shell 13, it is not necessary to provide damping recesses such as weakening ribs or the like in the helmet body 11, as is the case with conventional skate or BMX helmets. Due to the high impact resistance of ABS, the outer shell 13 is not only protected against damage during falls, but also, for example, with minor impacts during transport.

Overall, a bicycle helmet is provided by the invention, which stands out from both skate or BMX helmets and racing helmets and is characterized by a combination of great robustness on the one hand and high comfort on the other hand.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Bicycle helmet

11

helmet body

13

outer shell

15

ventilation opening

17

Longitudinal connecting web

18

Diagonal connecting web

19a

front edge section

19b

back edge section

20

longitudinal row

21

Cross connecting web

22a

left-sided edge section

22b

right-sided edge section

23

transverse row

25

umbrella

L

longitudinal direction

Claims (14)

1. A bicycle helmet (10) having a shock-absorbing helmet body (11) and having an outer shell (13) for the helmet body (11), wherein the outer shell (13) is produced from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and wherein a plurality of ventilation openings (15) extend through the outer shell (13) and through the helmet body (11),
   wherein the outer shell (13) forms at least two longitudinal connection webs (17) which extend at least sectionally along a longitudinal direction (L) of the bicycle helmet (10), wherein a respective longitudinal row (20) of a plurality of ventilation openings (20) is provided at both sides of the arrangement of longitudinal connection webs (17) and between the longitudinal connection webs (17), wherein the outer shell (13) furthermore forms at least two transverse connection webs (21) which intersect the longitudinal connection webs (17), and wherein the outer shell (13) forms two further longitudinal connection webs (17) which extend at both sides of the arrangement of longitudinal rows (20) of ventilation openings (15),
   characterized in that
   the transverse connection webs (21) also intersect the two further longitudinal connection webs (17), with a respective transverse row (23) of a plurality of ventilation openings (15) being provided at both sides of the arrangement of transverse connection webs (21) and between the transverse connection webs (21), and with the ventilation openings (15) of the longitudinal rows (20) and the ventilation openings (15) of the transverse rows (23) being substantially quadrangular.
2. A bicycle helmet in accordance with claim 1,
   wherein the at least two longitudinal connection webs (17) extend up to a marginal section (19a) of the outer shell (13) at the front side and/or up to a marginal section (19b) of the outer shell (13) at the rear side.
3. A bicycle helmet in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
   wherein the at least two transverse connection webs (21) extend in a throughgoing manner between a marginal section (22a) at the left side and a marginal section (22b) of the outer shell (13) at the right side.
4. A bicycle helmet in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the longitudinal connection webs (17) and the transverse connection webs (21) each have a width of at least 1.5 cm and of at most 4 cm in the region between two ventilation openings (15) which are separated from one another by the respective longitudinal connection web (17) or transverse connection web (21).
5. A bicycle helmet in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the proportion of the free surface defined by the ventilation openings (15) amounts to at least 12%, and preferably to at least 16%, relative to the total surface of the outer shell (13).
6. A bicycle helmet in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the minimal width of each ventilation opening (15) amounts to at least 2 cm.
7. A bicycle helmet in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   wherein at least 16 ventilation openings (15) and preferably at least 18 ventilation openings are provided.
8. A bicycle helmet in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation openings (15) are arranged distributed substantially evenly over the surface of the bicycle helmet (10).
9. A bicycle helmet in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   wherein at least one respective ventilation opening (15) is arranged in a front side region, in a rear side region, in a left side region, in a right side region and in an upper side region of the bicycle helmet (10).
10. A bicycle helmet in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the outer shell (13) is completely produced from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
11. A bicycle helmet in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the helmet body (11) is produced from an expanded polystyrene hard foam (EPS).
12. A bicycle helmet in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the helmet body (11) is designed without damping cut-outs and/or without stiffening elements integrated into the helmet body (11).
13. A bicycle helmet in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the inside of the outer shell is concave and has an angle of extent along a longitudinal direction (L) of the bicycle helmet (10) which is larger than 180°.
14. A bicycle helmet in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the helmet body (11) and the outer shell (13) are designed as separate and mutually adhesively bonded elements.

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