CN118234398A - helmet - Google Patents

Abstract

A helmet (1) comprising: a shell (2); one or more inserts (3) made of a honeycomb energy-absorbing material; one or more retainers (4) passing through the one or more inserts (3) from one side to the other and fixed to the shell (2) on opposite sides of each insert (3) for restraining it to the shell (2), the one or more retainers (4) being shaped to capture the one or more inserts (3) laterally and inwardly.

Description

helmet

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of helmets with honeycomb energy absorbing structures. In particular, the present invention relates to helmets using layered structures.

Background technique

In the prior art, some helmet solutions using honeycomb energy-absorbing structures are known. These types of structures have superior performance in terms of impact energy absorption compared to conventional polymer foam materials. Nevertheless, foams allow attractive shapes to be obtained and are still easier to shape compared to honeycomb structures. Therefore, many solutions using such energy-absorbing structures use a combination of a foam liner and a honeycomb structure.

An example in this sense is disclosed in patent US10834987. This document relates to a helmet comprising a plurality of cellular liners which are retained in corresponding grooves of a polymer foam shell without the use of additional fasteners or adhesives. Basically, the cellular liners of this document are sized to fit snugly in the grooves and are retained in the grooves as a friction fit with the shell or the foam of the grooves. According to this document, fasteners are useless and not recommended. Although the cellular liners are retained in the foam shell, during an oblique impact to the helmet, the cellular liners slide over a barrier layer arranged on the polymer shell and at the same time they are compressed in-plane. Therefore, during an impact, the risk of the cellular liners detaching from the polymer shell is high and in this case the wearer's head is exposed to serious risks.

Similar to the aforementioned prior art document, patent EP3473122 relates to a solution in which a foam liner is constructed to support a honeycomb insert and, during an impact, the foam liner acts as a stopper to help prevent the insert from sliding out of the bicycle helmet. In addition, the solution uses a cover for the insert that helps prevent the insert from being removed. This cover for the insert is arranged on the foam liner, across the entire inner perimeter of the helmet, to protect the user's head from the rough surface of the insert. In fact, the honeycomb energy-absorbing structure can have an inner edge that can be somewhat rough and uncomfortable if it comes into direct contact with the skin. Therefore, the cover for the insert of this document is arranged to cover only the interface between the insert and the foam liner to avoid this problem.

In this solution, the cover of the insert is not a fastener used to lock the insert to the foam liner, but a system that improves the comfort of the helmet and prevents the helmet from being manipulated. Basically, this solution limits the problems mentioned in the previous document US108349872, but it does not avoid insert leakage, because during an impact, the insert pad in the plane is compressed and deformed, causing its size to decrease. Therefore, the circumferential containment is not enough to avoid the release of the cellular insert from the foam liner during an oblique impact, exposing the wearer to risk.

None of the existing solutions provides helmets comprising honeycomb energy-absorbing inserts which are fixed to the shell of the helmet, guaranteeing a secure connection between the shell and the honeycomb insert during an impact, whatever the shape of the shell. Such a secure connection is required in particular during oblique impacts, whereas the currently known solutions do not guarantee that the honeycomb energy-absorbing insert will not become detached from the shell, thereby negating its advantages and exposing the wearer to serious risks.

Furthermore, all prior solutions disclose helmets having honeycomb energy absorbing inserts that span at least one ventilation opening of the helmet, thereby reducing or altering ventilation.

Furthermore, because cellular energy absorbing materials are more expensive relative to foams, none of the existing solutions suggest minimizing the use of cellular energy absorbing inserts to achieve a cheaper helmet without compromising its safety.

Finally, existing solutions do not simplify the construction and assembly of the helmet.

Summary of the invention

The aforementioned and other inconveniences of the prior art are now solved by a helmet comprising: a shell, preferably having at least one ventilation opening; one or more inserts of cellular energy-absorbing material; and one or more retainers passing through the one or more inserts from one side to the other and fixed to the shell on the opposite side of the inserts, in order to constrain them to the shell. The one or more retainers are shaped so that they capture the one or more inserts laterally and inwardly. Preferably, the one or more inserts have a curved shape. Alternatively, these inserts can have a flat shape. The helmet conceived in this way allows the inserts to be connected to the shell in a stable manner, avoiding any release of the inserts during an impact, in particular during an oblique impact to the helmet. In addition, the helmet also allows simplification of the assembly and allows the use of smaller cellular inserts, thereby reducing costs.

Advantageously, one or more inserts may be arranged inside the shell so as to keep at least one ventilation opening clear. This solution maximizes ventilation of the wearer's head without compromising the level of protection offered by the helmet.

Preferably, one or more retainers can be fixed on the housing so as not to cover the at least one vent. In this way, the vent is completely unblocked and no obstacles appear in the vent.

Specifically, one or more retainers may include a plurality of first connectors, preferably snap-on pins, configured to reversibly engage with corresponding second connectors attached to the housing, preferably snap-on baskets. These types of connectors allow the retainer to be connected/disconnected from the housing.

Advantageously, the cellular energy absorbing material of one or more inserts may comprise a plurality of interconnected open cells configured to absorb energy by plastic deformation in response to a longitudinal compressive load applied to the cells. This type of cellular material provides excellent results in terms of energy absorption and is very light in weight. Preferably, each cell may comprise a tube having a side wall and a longitudinal axis, and the cells are interconnected by their side walls. This feature enables sheets of interconnected side-by-side cells.

In particular, at least part of the longitudinal axis of the unit may be orthogonal to the inner surface of the shell on which the one or more inserts are arranged. Such an arrangement of the unit maximizes the absorption of the normal component of the impact.

Preferably, the helmet may also include a low friction layer, arranged on the shell in correspondence with the insert or inserts. This layer allows translation of the inserts, reducing translations and angular accelerations of the brain, which can be very dangerous for the health of the wearer. This feature helps to improve the properties of the helmet in absorbing the tangential component of the impact.

Advantageously, one or more retaining elements may bear one or more connecting means, such as Velcro coins, for connecting the comfort liner to the rest of the helmet. These connecting means allow simple, stable and rapid positioning of the comfort liner in the helmet or removal from the helmet.

Specifically, one or more retainers may be deformable and may exhibit a bending stiffness comparable to or less than the compression stiffness of the insert. Due to this characteristic of the retainer, during an impact, the retainer does not act as a rigid beam but simply follows the deformation of the insert without resistance.

Advantageously, the shell may include a plurality of shoulders defining one or more positions in which one or more inserts are housed to prevent global displacement of the respective inserts. These shoulders retain the inserts in the aforementioned positions during assembly and use of the helmet. In particular, in the event of an oblique impact, the insert in the plane compresses and deforms against the shoulders, but thanks to the retaining elements it remains coupled to the shell.

Preferably, the inserts may be three or more and extend in the front-to-back direction. At least one insert is arranged on the left side of the housing, at least one insert is arranged on the right side of the housing, and at least one insert is arranged on the top side of the housing. The left and right inserts allow the temporal lobe of the brain to be protected, while the top insert allows the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, and occipital lobe to be protected.

Preferably, the shell is a deformable shell, which may be made of foam material to have a cheaper helmet. Alternatively, the shell may comprise a lattice structure, preferably a 3D printed lattice structure, to allow for better energy absorption performance.

In this case in particular, the shell may include longitudinal and transverse ribs arranged to form vents. The structure of such a shell maximizes the strength of the deformable shell and allows perspiration and air flow.

Advantageously, the helmet may further include an upper skin configured to at least partially cover an upper outer surface of the shell, and/or a lower skin configured to at least partially cover a lower outer surface of the shell. The upper skin, together with the shell and the insert, helps absorb impact energy. The lower skin allows customization of the helmet and protects the shell from lateral/downward impacts.

In one embodiment, the housing may further include one or more recesses shaped to accommodate additional inserts. These additional inserts help absorb impact energy.

As an alternative to a deformable shell, the shell may be a hard shell, which is rigid and more suitable for use in a work helmet.

Advantageously, the housing may include a multi-purpose connector, typically on a work helmet, and the at least one retainer may be configured to be reversibly connected to the multi-purpose connector. Since the multi-purpose connector is a typical feature of work helmets, by means of this feature, the retainer and the insert can be fixed to most work helmets in an intuitive and simple manner.

Preferably, one of the retaining members is a lateral retaining member, which can be substantially shaped like a ring to wrap around at least a portion of the wearer's head and capture one or more corresponding transverse inserts laterally and inwardly. This lateral retaining member, in addition to retaining the transverse inserts, also allows the helmet to be easily fitted to the wearer's head without an additional liner.

More preferably, one of the retainers is a top retainer which may be substantially shaped like a dome to fit over the top of the wearer's head and capture a corresponding top insert laterally and inwardly. This top retainer, in addition to retaining the top insert, also allows for a surface on which the wearer's head rests, thereby making the helmet more comfortable, easier to wear, and better ventilated.

Advantageously, the helmet may comprise only one retainer configured to capture one or more inserts. In this way, the safety of the helmet may be improved using a single element and manufacturing costs may be reduced.

A specific version of the holder may comprise a fixed part connected to the shell and a movable part coupled to the fixed part by deformable means. This solution allows a relative movement of the movable part of the holder with respect to the fixed part and therefore also with respect to the rest of the helmet. The deformable element allows absorbing this relative movement. This specific type of holder is configured to absorb shear forces due to oblique impacts hitting the shell.

These and other advantages will be better understood thanks to the following description of different embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the attached picture:

FIG1 shows an isometric view of a helmet according to a first embodiment of the invention, seen from below;

FIG2 shows a top view of a helmet according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG3 shows a side view of a helmet according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG4 shows an exploded bottom view of a helmet according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG5 shows a detailed view of a connector of a helmet according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG6 shows a bottom isometric view of a helmet according to a first embodiment of the present invention with the insert removed;

FIG7 shows a top view of a helmet according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG8 shows a front view of a helmet according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG9 shows a side view of a helmet according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG10 shows a bottom view of a helmet according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG11 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a helmet according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG12 shows an exploded view of a helmet according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG13 shows a bottom view of a helmet according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG14 shows an exploded view of a helmet according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG15 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a helmet according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG16 shows a detailed view of a connector of a helmet according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG17 shows a bottom isometric view of a helmet according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG18 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of a helmet according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG19 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a helmet according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

20 shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-purpose connector of a shell corresponding to a helmet according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG21 shows a top view of a side retainer of a helmet according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG22 shows a top axonometric view of a side retainer of a helmet according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG23 shows a top axonometric view of a top retainer of a helmet according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG24 shows a top axonometric view of the top and side retainers of a helmet according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 25 shows a top axonometric view and a detailed view of a particular retainer according to the present invention;

26 shows a schematic transverse cross-sectional view of a helmet according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, comprising a holder having a fixed part and a movable part.

Specific embodiments

The following description of one or more embodiments of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts. The objects of protection are defined by the attached claims. The technical details, structures or features of the solutions described below can be combined with each other in any suitable manner.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a helmet according to the present invention. Specifically, Figures 1-6 depict a first embodiment of the helmet, Figures 7-12 depict a second embodiment of the helmet, Figures 13-16 depict a third embodiment of the helmet, Figures 17-20 depict a fourth embodiment of the helmet, and Figure 26 depicts a fifth embodiment.

The main components of the helmet 1 are a shell 2, an insert 3 and a retainer 4, as shown in the figure. These components will be described in detail below.

The helmet 1 of the present invention comprises a head retaining system (not shown). The retaining system is configured to retain the helmet 1 on the wearer's head.

In the first and second embodiments, the shell 2 is preferably a body made of polymer foam, such as EPS (expanded polystyrene) or EPP (expanded polypropylene), and is therefore a deformable shell 2. Alternatively, the shell 2 is a hard shell similar to the third, fourth and fifth embodiments. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the shell 2 comprises a lattice structure. In the first and second embodiments, the shell is deformable, while in the third embodiment, the shell is more rigid.

This housing 2 has an outer surface which can be subdivided into an upper outer surface 12 and a lower outer surface 11 , and an inner surface 17 .

This shell 2 is generally configured to the overall size and appearance of the helmet, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 .

The insert 3 comprises a honeycomb energy absorbing material which performs better than conventional foam materials in terms of energy absorption, in particular in terms of absorbing compression impact energy.

The insert 3 is made of a plurality of interconnected open cells 16. These cells 16 are configured to absorb energy by plastic deformation in response to longitudinal compressive loads.

Each cell 16 comprises a tube having side walls and a longitudinal axis. The cells 16 are interconnected via their side walls.

Initially, the insert 3 is flat and then bent. The flat insert (not shown) is similar to a tile/brick of interconnected units with parallel longitudinal axes. The flat insert is cut to the required size and then bent. The flat insert usually has a constant thickness.

A flat insert can be bent via thermoforming or manually if it has isotropic or monoclinic properties.Thus, the insert 3 can be of singly curved or hyperbolic shape.

The cells 16 in the insert 3 are preferably tubular. The tubes depicted in the figure have a circular cross section. Alternatively, the cross section of the cells/tubes 16 may be square, hexagonal, non-uniform hexagonal, center-of-gravity hexagonal, chiral truss, diamond, triangle or arrow-shaped. In particular, the cross section of the cells/tubes 16 may be shaped so that the insert 3 exhibits isotropic or unidirectional properties. Alternatively, the cells 16 may be cells of a lattice structure.

Almost all cells 16 of the insert 3 have longitudinal axes which are perpendicular to the inner surface 17 of the housing 2. In this way, energy absorption is improved.

The units 16 may be welded to each other via their side walls. Alternatively, the units 16 may also be joined by means of an adhesive layer interposed between adjacent side walls. The units 16 may be connected to minimize gaps between adjacent tubes. Alternatively, the units 16 may be integrally extruded or 3D printed to share side walls.

When the cell 16 has a circular cross section, the outer diameter of the circular cross section can vary between 2.5 mm and 8 mm, and the wall thickness of said cell 16 can vary between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm. According to these dimensional values, the energy absorption of the insert 3 is optimized. Furthermore, these values allow you to have a very light helmet 1.

The insert 3 has a thickness between 15 and 40 mm.

In a particular embodiment (not shown), the insert 3 may include an upper and/or lower sheet layer. The sheet layer may be a polymer fabric, or a film, which is securely attached to the leading edge of the opening cells 16 by a heat activated adhesive. When a load is applied, the fabric disperses the energy to a plurality of cells 16, even if the load is applied in a point-like manner. The heat activated adhesive may be a thermosetting polyester web adhesive.

The insert part 3 is connected to the housing 2 by means of a retaining element 4 .

The retaining member 4 is shaped to follow the shape of the inner side of the insert member 3 .

These retainers 4 pass through the insert 3 where the insert 3 is relatively flat, and thus pass through the insert in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the insert 3 is bent. Where the insert 3 is relatively flat, the retainers 4 can easily overlap and pass through the insert 3 from one side to the other side for binding (tying) it to the housing 2. In addition, the contact surface between the portion of the retainer 4 that passes through the insert 3 and the insert 3 itself is maximized. For example, in the first and second embodiments, the insert 3 is bent in the front-to-back direction and is almost flat in the left-to-right direction, so the retainers 4 pass through the insert 3 in the left-to-right direction.

If the insert 3 is not very curved, the retainer 4 can also run in all directions. In the third embodiment of Figures 13-16, the retainer 4 passes through the insert 3 in the direction where the insert 3 is flatter, that is, the left-right direction of the helmet 1, and in the direction where the insert 3 has a greater curvature, that is, the front-back direction of the helmet 1.

Each retaining element 4 comprises means for connecting it to the housing 2 in a reversible or irreversible manner.

Each retainer 4 is coupled to the housing 2 so that for each insert 3, one coupling point is located on one side of the insert 3 and another coupling point is located on the other side of the insert 3. Thus, each insert 3 is constrained on the housing 2 at two opposite sides via the retainer 4 passing through it.

The retainers 4 are constructed so as not to generate relative resistance in the event of an impact. The retainers 4 are therefore deformable and exhibit a bending stiffness that is equivalent to or lower than the compression stiffness of the insert 3. In this way, in the event of compression of the helmet due to an impact, the retainers 4 do not act as a rigid beam and they follow the compression deformation of the insert 3. The retainers 4 are preferably made of a polymer, such as nylon or polyethylene. Alternatively, the retainers 4 are made of an elastic material to exert a clamping force that pushes the insert 3 against the inner surface 17 of the shell 2.

The terms “opposite side” or “opposite side” refer to the lateral sides of the insert 3 .

Referring to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 , the shell 2 includes a plurality of longitudinally and transversely arranged ribs 15. The longitudinal ribs 15L intersect with the transverse ribs 15T. In the upper portion of the helmet 1, the longitudinal ribs 15L and the transverse ribs 15T form a mesh, and the empty spaces of the mesh define the vents 5 of the helmet 1, as shown in FIGS. 2 , 3 and 6 . The same structure also exists in the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 , 8 , 9 and 12 .

The shape of the shell 2 may vary, and in fact the overall shape of the helmets of the two embodiments is different, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9 .

The inner side of the housing 2 is shaped to form a shoulder 7, as shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, 11. The shoulder 7 is arranged to define at least one location 6, i.e. an area/portion, in which a corresponding insert 3 can be arranged. The shoulder 7 can be a concave or convex part of the housing 2, as shown in Figure 6. The location 6 is defined by adjacent shoulders 7.

Corresponding to said positions 6, the shell 2 is thinner than the rest of the helmet 1. On these thin parts of the shell 2, the inserts 3 are arranged.

The insert 3 covers these thin parts of the housing 2 and faces the inside. These thin parts may have a thickness of 5-6 mm.

The insert 3 is arranged in a corresponding position 6 of the shell 2, and the shoulder 7 also helps to position the insert 3 during assembly of the helmet. The shoulder 7 even provides a geometric constraint on the lateral movement of the insert 3.

The shell 2 thus conceived has a less complex shape, especially on its inner side. Therefore, if the shell 2 is made of foam like in the first and second embodiments, the mold for realizing this shape requires fewer parts, so the manufacture of this type of shell 2 is faster and cheaper.

The retainers 4 of the first and second embodiments include snap pins 13 configured to reversibly engage with corresponding snap baskets 14. These snap baskets 14 are preferably embedded in the foam of the housing 2, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 11 . When the snap pins 13 enter the corresponding snap baskets 14, the retainer 4 is securely connected to the housing 2. Conversely, the snap pins 13 can be removed from the snap baskets 14 for removal of the retainer 4. Alternatively, the first connector and the second connector are designed to provide a permanent and irreversible connection.

Each retaining element 4 has a plurality of snap-in pins 13, so the housing 2 has a plurality of snap-in baskets 14. Each snap-in pin 13 corresponds to a snap-in basket 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1 , 4 , 6 , 10 , and 11 , the retaining element 4 runs in the transverse direction, while the insert element 3 extends in the longitudinal direction.

In the first embodiment, there are five inserts 3, 3'. Three inserts 3 are connected by a retainer 4, while two additional inserts 3' are received in corresponding grooves 19 of the housing 2, as shown in Figures 4 and 6. When these additional inserts 3' are received in the grooves 19, they are shaped so that they are flush with the inner surface 17 of the housing 2.

The insert 3 of the first embodiment is an arc-shaped slice, which is joined to the shell 2 by two retainers 4. One retainer 4 is arranged at the front of the helmet 1, while the second retainer is arranged at the middle rear of the helmet 1.

Each retaining member 4 passes through a plurality of inserting members 3 , and portions connected to the housing 2 overlap with and pass through the inserting members 3 alternately.

Each retainer 4 is shaped to prevent lateral and inward movement of the insert 3. Basically, the retainer 4 partially overlaps the insert 3 both on the inner side and on the lateral side. The portions of the retainer 4 located on the side sides of the insert prevent lateral movement, and these portions act as shoulders 4B to hold the insert 3 in place once the retainer 4 is fixed on the housing 2. In a specific embodiment, the retainer 4 only prevents inward movement.

Therefore, the holder 4 may be formed like a square curve shape, as shown in FIG. 4 .

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the retaining element 4 is flat to prevent inward movement. In this case, the height of the shoulder 7 is substantially equal to the thickness of the insert 3.

Typically, the thickness of the inserts 3 is higher than the height of the shoulders 7, since they are the elements that act prior to the shoulders 7 during an impact. Thus, the retainers 4 have the described sawtooth shape. If, on the contrary, the shoulders 7 are flush with the inserts 3, the retainers 4 are flat elements. In this case, the retainers 4 simply capture one or more inserts 3 inwardly.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the helmet 1 further comprises an upper skin 9, which is located on the upper outer surface 11 of the shell 2, and a lower skin 10, which is located on the lower outer surface 12 of the shell 2.

Insert 3 is arranged in housing 2 to keep vent 5 clear, as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 10. If viewed from the front, vent 5 is clear, as shown in Figure 7 as the top vent.

At the same time, the retaining member 4 is also arranged so as not to cross the ventilation opening 5. In this way, since both the insert 3 and the retaining member 4 are located outside the ventilation opening 5, ventilation is maximized.

The second embodiment in Figs. 8-12 is substantially the same as the first embodiment in Figs. 1-7, except that the first embodiment has five inserts 3, 3', two of which are embedded in the housing 2 and three of which are held by the holder 4, while the second embodiment has four inserts 3, all of which are held by the holder 4. Therefore, all features of the first embodiment also apply to the second embodiment.

In the first embodiment, one insert 3 is arranged with an additional insert 3' on the left side of the housing 2, and, in a symmetrical manner, one insert 3 is arranged with an additional insert 3' on the right side of the housing 2. Finally, one insert 3 is arranged on the top side of the housing 2 along the center line.

In the second embodiment, two inserts 3 are arranged on the left side of the shell 2 and two inserts 3 are arranged on the right side of the shell 2. Two of the couplings face the top of the helmet 1 and the other faces the side of the helmet 1.

During an orthogonal impact, the cells 16 of the insert 3 buckle plastically, thereby absorbing a large amount of the impact energy. The remainder of the impact is absorbed by the shell 2 and the skins 9,10.

During an oblique impact to the helmet 1, the insert 3 slides on the shell 2, in particular when the shell 2 comprises a low-friction layer 8, and presses against one or more shoulders 7 of the shell 2. The insert 3 in the plane is thus compressed and deformed, thereby absorbing the tangential component of the oblique impact. Despite this deformation, the insert 3 remains in place thanks to the retainer 4.

The retainer 4 binds the insert 3 to the housing 2 independently of their deformation. Therefore, the solution of the invention is safer and more reliable than the prior art. The insert 3 can slide on the housing 2 without falling off.

The housing 2 may include a thin low friction layer 8, such as a coating of a semi-rigid polymer. This low friction layer 8 creates a barrier over which the insert 3 can slide. The low friction layer is arranged directly on the inner surface 17 of the housing 2, corresponding to the insert 3, as shown in FIG11 .

As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the helmet 1 comprises a comfort liner 20 , which is represented by a transparent grey portion covering the area where the shell 2 and the insert 3 are arranged, except for the portion with the ventilation openings 5 .

The comfort liner 20 is connected to the rest of the helmet 1 by connecting means.

1 , each retainer 4 includes a plurality of Velcro coins 18 arranged on the portion passing through the insert 3 . The hooks of the Velcro coins 18 protrude inwardly from these portions of the retainer 4 and are simply connected to the synthetic/natural fabric of the comfort liner 20 .

The Velcro coin 18 is attached to the holder 4 by means of an adhesive layer. In this way, the comfort lining 20 can be easily attached to the shell 2 and at the same time be located under the insert 3.

The third embodiment in FIGS. 13-16 is a work helmet 1 , whereas a bicycle helmet 1 is depicted in FIGS. 1-12 .

The working helmet 1 of the third embodiment has an outer hard shell made of a rigid plastic such as ABS, HDPE or polypropylene, and an insert 3 is arranged in the top region of the helmet 1 .

The insert 3 is covered by a retainer 4, which passes through the insert 3 in a vertical direction. Specifically, the retainer 4 passes through the insert 3 in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, but other directions are also possible.

The holder 4 is connected at its ends to the housing 2. At each end, the holder 4 has a first connector, namely a slot 13', as shown in Figure 16. In contrast, the housing 2 comprises a second connector, in this case a pin 14' protruding from the housing 2. The housing 2 also comprises a multi-purpose connector 21.

The retainer 4 is shaped so that it can pass through the insert from one side to the other side and is shaped like a cage. In this way, the lateral and inward movement of the insert 3 is prevented.

Typically, work helmets are constructed to protect the wearer from objects falling from height (in the vertical direction). Therefore, the insert 3 is arranged in the top area of the helmet 1. For the same reason, the insert 3 is not subject to strong lateral movement, so in this embodiment, the retainer 4 acts more as a catcher for catching the insert 3. Even in this embodiment, the retainer 4 can also include a Velcro coin (not shown) for connecting a comfort liner (not shown). Alternatively, the helmet 1 includes a suspension lacing system.

The helmet 1 of the third embodiment has the insert 3 arranged outside the ventilation opening 5 , so that the ventilation opening 5 is not blocked by the insert 3 .

Even in this case, the retaining element 4 is softer than the insert element 3 so that no resistance is generated in the event of compression due to an impact.

17-20 , a fourth embodiment of the present invention is a work helmet 1 .

The shell 2 of the work helmet 1 of the fourth embodiment is similar in shape and composition to that of the third embodiment. Both shells 2 include a multi-purpose connector 21. The multi-purpose connector 21 is provided with sockets on the shell 2 to which a variety of items can be connected. These sockets have a standard size and shape so that items can be connected to the shell 2 in a simple and easy manner.

As shown in Fig. 20, the multi-purpose connector 21 includes a pin 21'. This pin 21' is configured to cooperate with the plug 4A of the retainer 4. The shape of the plug 4A enables it to enter the multi-purpose connector 21, and when the plug 4A reaches the blocking position shown in Fig. 20, the lug of the plug 4A abuts against the pin 21' for achieving reversible fastening.

There are four multi-purpose connectors 21 in FIGS. 17-19 , but there may be more or less.

The helmet of the fourth embodiment comprises two retainers 4: a side retainer 4' and a top retainer 4".

The side retainer 4', as shown in Figures 21, 22, and 24, includes a circumferentially arranged plug 4A and is shaped so that it enters and engages the multi-purpose connector 21 of the housing 2. The side retainer 4' also includes a groove 13' for fixing it to other parts of the housing 2. For example, the retainer 4 of Figures 21 and 22 includes a groove 13' for connecting it to the front and top of the housing 2. The groove 13' and the plug 4A are used to constrain the insert 3 to the housing 2. When the insert 3 is constrained to the housing 2, the groove 13' and the plug 4A are located on opposite sides of the insert 3. The groove 13' engages with a pin 14' belonging to the housing 2. The groove 13' and the pin 14' are a connector for achieving a connection between the housing 2 and the retainer 4, but those skilled in the art will recognize that many other types of connection devices can be used. For example, the retainer 4, the side retainer 4' and/or the top retainer 4" can be connected to the housing 2 by screws, rivets, welding or adhesives.

21 , 22 and 24 , the side retainers 4 ′ comprise shoulders 4B for maintaining the position of the insert 3 once the side retainers 4 ′ are fixed to the housing 2. These shoulders 4B create abutments to prevent lateral displacement of the insert 3.

The side holders 4' have a shape that is annular in top view, as shown in FIG21. This shape allows the side holders 4' to wrap around the sides of the wearer's head. In this way, the helmet 1 protects the user from head impacts on the ground. The fact of using an energy-absorbing insert with a high load-absorbing capacity to absorb the energy of a so-called overhead impact is particularly innovative in the field of industrial/work helmets.

The side holder 4' comprises a connecting element 23 for connecting a holding system (not shown) to the side holder 4'. The holding system is of a known type and is therefore not described in detail here.

The side retainer 4' is configured to capture two inserts 3 arranged on the left and right sides of the helmet 1, respectively, as shown in Figures 17-19. The right and left inserts 3 terminate at the frontmost and rearmost parts corresponding to the side retainer 4', so the interruption is not visible in Figures 17-19. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), there may be only one insert 3 arranged at the position corresponding to the side retainer 4'.

The helmet 1 of the fourth embodiment further comprises a top retainer 4 ″, as shown in FIG. 23 . The top retainer 4 ″ comprises a substantially dome-shaped portion 22 and some arms for connecting the top retainer 4 ″ to the shell 2 .

The dome-shaped portion 22 allows an easy and comfortable fit to any type of head.

The ends of the arms include slots 13', similar or identical to the slots of the side retainers 4', for connecting the top retainer 4" to the housing 2. These slots 13' are shaped to engage corresponding pins 14', which belong to the top retainer 4" of the housing 2. The remaining arms are shaped to act as shoulders 4B for laterally capturing the insert 3, as shown in Figures 17-19. Some arms may not have ends including slots 13', such as the front arms in Figure 23.

The top holder 4 ″ is configured to hold an insert arranged in the top area of the shell 2 . In this way, the helmet 1 protects the user from objects falling on the top of the helmet 1 , thus from so-called coronal impacts.

The top and side retainers 4', 4" of the fourth embodiment are connected to the housing 2 by means of a common pin 14', in such a way that the number of protruding elements towards the user's head is minimized.

Because some types of work helmets are designed for electricians or people who may be exposed to electricity, the shell 2 does not include vents 5. This helmet (not shown) is the same as the third and fourth embodiments, except that the vents 5 are missing.

The insert 3 in the fourth embodiment is identical to the insert in the previous embodiments. Although the insert 3 is shown in all the figures as curved, a flat insert 3 can also be used for the same function, in the same way and with the same result.

In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 , the retainer 4 is one, and is configured to capture one or more inserters 3 .

As shown in FIG25 , the retainer 4 is divided into a plurality of parts connected to each other: two fixed parts 4C and one movable part 4D. The fixed part 4C of the retainer 4 can be connected to the housing 2 by means of the plug 4A, as described above and shown in FIG26 , while the movable part 4D of the retainer 4 is connected to the fixed part 4C by means of the deformable device 24. This connection chain of the retainer 4 to the housing 2 is reversible and deformable, and allows the movable part 4D of the retainer 4 to move relative to its fixed part 4C in the event of an oblique impact on the housing 2.

The movable part 4D of the holder 4 is shaped so that it fits over the head of the wearer. A retaining system (not shown) helps to keep the helmet 1 stable on the wearer's head. In the event of an oblique impact, the shell 2 together with the fixed part 4C of the holder 4 tends to rotate relative to the movable part 4D of the holder 4, thereby weakening the impact of the oblique impact on the wearer's head.

The movable part 4D of the holder 4 is also connected to the shell 2 via the slot 13'. Compared to the third and fourth embodiments, the pin 14' of the shell 2 associated with said slot 13' is thinner and the slot 13' is wider, as shown in FIG26. In this way, the movable part 4D can move relative to the shell 2 and the pin 14' in the slot 13' until they hit the inside of the slot 13'. Therefore, the movable part 4D cannot be detached from the helmet 1, but can only make a small movement, which is sufficient to dissipate the oblique impact energy received through the shell 2.

As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the deformable device 24 is an elastic pad, which is arranged between the fixed part 4C and the movable part 4D. The deformable device 24 allows the movable part 4D to move relative to the fixed part 4C in any direction. In this way, the shear force is absorbed without being affected by the impact direction. Preferably, the deformable device 24 is clamped between the movable part 4D and the fixed part 4C of the retainer 4, as shown in Figures 25 and 26. Alternatively, the deformable device 24 is an extensible connection, which is constructed to stretch if the movable part 4C is away from the fixed part 4C. In another alternative, the deformable device 24 is constructed to deform plastically and irreversibly so as to absorb more energy and avoid rebound force.

In this fifth embodiment, the insert 3 is identical to that of the fourth embodiment and is constrained in the same way to the housing 2 by means of the retaining element 4. Even the housing 2 is substantially identical to that of the fourth embodiment.

In summary, the invention is thus conceived to be susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the concept of the invention, and in addition, all features may be replaced by technically equivalent alternatives. In practice, the number may vary according to specific technical requirements. Finally, all features of the previously described embodiments may be combined in any manner to obtain other embodiments not described herein for reasons of practicality and clarity.

List of reference numerals:

1 Helmet

2 Housing

3 Insert

4. Retaining parts

4A Retaining plug

4B Shoulder of retainer

4’ side retainers

4” Top Retainer

4C Fixed part of the retainer

4D Movable part of the holder

5 Vents

6 Location

7 Shell shoulder

8 Low friction layer

9 Upper skin

10 Lower Skin

11 Upper outer surface of the housing

12 Lower outer surface of the housing

13 snap pin

13’ Groove

14. Dunk

14’ Pin

15L Longitudinal ribs of the shell

15R Transverse ribs of the housing

16 units

17 Inner surface of the shell

18 Velcro Coin

19 Grooves

20 Comfort Lining

21 Multipurpose connector

22 Dome-shaped part

23 Connecting elements

24 Transformable Device

L Longitudinal insert

T Transverse insert

Claims (23)

1. A helmet (1) comprising:

-a housing (2);

-one or more inserts (3) made of cellular energy absorbing material;

-one or more holders (4) passing through the one or more inserts (3) from side to side and being fixed to the housing (2) on opposite sides of each insert (3) for constraining it to the housing (2), the one or more holders (4) being shaped to capture the one or more inserts (3) laterally and inwardly.

2. Helmet (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the one or more inserts (3) have a curved shape.

3. Helmet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shell (2) comprises at least one ventilation opening (5).

4. A helmet (1) according to claim 3, wherein the one or more inserts (3) are arranged inside the shell (2) to keep the at least one ventilation opening (5) clear.

5. Helmet (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that one or more holders (4) are fixed to the shell (2) so as not to span the at least one ventilation opening (5).

6. Helmet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more holders (4) comprise a plurality of first connectors, preferably snap pins (13), configured to be attached to the shell (2) in reversible engagement with corresponding second connectors, preferably snap baskets (14), on the shell (2).

7. Helmet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cellular energy absorbing material of the one or more inserts (3) comprises a plurality of interconnected open cells (16) configured to absorb energy by plastic deformation in response to a longitudinal compressive load exerted on the cells (16), preferably each cell (16) comprises a tube having a side wall and a longitudinal axis, and the cells (16) are interconnected by their side walls.

8. Helmet (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the unit (16) is orthogonal to an inner surface (17) of the shell (2) on which one or more inserts (3) are arranged.

9. Helmet (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized by further comprising a low friction layer (8) arranged above the shell (2), in correspondence of the one or more inserts (3).

10. Helmet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more retaining elements (4) support one or more connection means, such as velcro (r) coins (18), for connecting a comfort lining (20) to the rest of the helmet (1).

11. Helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more holders (4) are deformable and exhibit a bending stiffness comparable to or lower than the compression stiffness of the insert (3).

12. Helmet (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the shell (2) comprises a plurality of shoulders (7) defining one or more positions (6) in which the respective insert(s) (3) are housed, so as to prevent global lateral displacement of the respective insert (3).

13. Helmet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inserts (3) are three or more and extend in the front-rear direction; at least one insert (3) is arranged on the left side of the housing (2), at least one insert (3) is arranged on the right side of the housing (2), and at least one insert (3) is arranged on the top side of the housing (2).

14. Helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell (2) is a deformable shell made of foam material or comprising a lattice structure.

15. Helmet (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the shell (2) comprises longitudinal and transverse ribs (15, 15L) arranged to form a vent (5).

16. Helmet (1) according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising an upper skin (9) configured to at least partially cover an upper outer surface (11) of the shell (2) and/or a lower skin (10) configured to at least partially cover a lower outer surface (12) of the shell (2).

17. Helmet (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the shell (2) comprises one or more grooves (19) shaped for housing additional inserts (3').

18. Helmet (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the shell (2) is a hard shell.

19. Helmet (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the shell (2) comprises a multipurpose connector (21) to which at least one holder (4) is configured to be reversibly connected.

20. Helmet (1) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the lateral holders (4, 4 ') are substantially annular, so as to wrap at least a portion of the wearer's head and to capture laterally and inwardly one or more respective transversal inserts (3).

21. Helmet (1) according to one of the claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the top holder (4, 4 ") is substantially dome-shaped to fit the top of the wearer's head and to capture laterally and inwardly one respective top insert (3).

22. Helmet (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the retaining elements (4) are only one and are configured to capture one or more inserts (3).

23. Helmet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (4) comprises a fixed portion (4C) connected to the shell (2) and a movable portion (4D) coupled to the fixed portion (4C) by deformable means (24).