WO2018055087A1

WO2018055087A1 - Face guard, face guard receiving system and head protection system

Info

Publication number: WO2018055087A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/074033
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephanus Willem Hyacinthus VAN WIJK; Egbert EGBERS; Maarten TIMMER; Anthony WEINBECK
Original assignee: Crick'd B.V.
Priority date: 2016-09-23
Filing date: 2017-09-22
Publication date: 2018-03-29
Also published as: NL2017522B1

Abstract

Face guard receiving system (22), such as a helmet (20), comprising a shell member (40) shaped to protect a significant part of a head of a user (10, 17), the shell member (140) having one, two or more receiving sections (80, 81), the receiving section (80, 81) arranged to receive a part of a releasable face guard (21), wherein the at least one receiving section (80, 81) has a magnetic coupling system (84) for coupling the releasable face guard (21) by an attracting magnetic force.

Description

FACE GUARD, FACE GUARD RECEIVING SYSTEM AND HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM

[001] The invention relates to a face guard receiving system. The invention also relates to a face guard and face guard receiving system forming a head protection system, in particular a helmet, such as a cricket helmet.

[002] For various activities and in particular in several sports, helmets are a necessity. For several ball sports, face protection is needed. Balls can be played at high velocity. The impulse on impact on a player can be high, resulting in injuries, in extreme cases even in death. To that end several face (or head) protection systems are provided. It is a goal of this invention to provide an improved head protection system. In particular the invention relates to systems that intend to protect all head parts, including the eyes, jaw, ears and the back side of the head.

[003] Known head protecting devices have a shell that surrounds a part, preferably a significant part, of the head of the user. The head of the user can be positioned more or less inside the shell. To allow the user to see, openings, a window or other see-through features are present. In that way the user can keep track of his surroundings. Despite measures to the contrary, the view of the user is partially blocked. In particular head protection devices that include a protection for the lower side of the face, such as for the jaw and/or teeth, suffer from a reduction of sight. In known devices the jaw and/or teeth and/or chin is protected by an integral part of the helmet. To allow the user to enter the helmet the jaw/teeth/chin protector needs to be at a sufficient distance forward from the face of the user, to allow insertion of the user' s head into the protective device. But because they are positioned forward, they will hamper the user's sight, blocking important parts of it.

[004] US2013/340149 discloses a head protection comprising an inner and outer shell. US2009/044316 and US2016/029733 disclose head protections having a releasable face guard. In US2009/044316 the quick release mechanism that locks the face guard to the helmet part can have a magnetically actuated coupler system. The magnet locks or unlocks the coupler system.

[005] According to a first aspect of the invention a face guard receiving system, preferably formed as a helmet is provided. The face guard receiving system comprises a shell member shaped to protect a significant part of a head of a user. The shell member can have one, two or more receiving sections. At least one of the receiving sections is arranged to receive an end part of a releasable face guard. This allows insertion and positioning of a face guard. Put differently: the face guard can be removed from the receiving section by moving the face guard opposite the insertion direction. Further the at least one receiving section has a coupling system for coupling the releasable face guard. The coupling system is arranged to bring the face guard in a desired position with respect to the face guard receiving system. Further the face guard can be locked in the desired position. Accordingly the invention provides a face guard receiver, e.g. shaped as a helmet, that has a partially removable face guard. The receiving section allows insertion, resulting in a sturdy connection with little tolerance.

[006] In an embodiment the face guard is hingeably connected at one end to the helmet and the other end can be received in the receiving section. However it is preferred to provide a separate, completely detachable face guard.

[007] In embodiments the face guard receiving system has at least two receiving sections, preferably each receiving section formed between a respective bracket and the shell member and wherein preferably each receiving section is arranged to engage, preferably fix, the face guard. Preferably two end parts of the face guard are received and guided in the receiving section. The completely detachable face guard also allows providing face guards of different sizes to adjust to the shape of the head of the user. In particular the face guard can be dimensioned to be at a predetermined distance from the chin of the user. This allows providing the face guard separate from the face guard receiving system.

[008] In embodiments the face guard is generally banana shaped, the end of the banana receivable in the receiving section. Different sized face guards can be provided to fit with the same helmet.

[009] In an embodiment the coupling system is arranged to engage the face guard using magnetic force to couple the face guard and receiving section. Preferably the coupling system comprises at least a magnet, preferably a permanent magnet. A magnetic system, comprising a magnet in the face guard receiving system and a magnet in the face guard, provide an attractive magnet force between the face guard receiving system and face guard. The coupling system provides an attractive magnetic force between the face guard and receiving system generally extending in a direction along the insertion direction. Such a magnet force to attract and interlock the two separate pieces can be used without the need of a mechanical lock having moving parts, e.g. locks or clips that could possibly fail after longer periods of use and/or locks that have an actuator for opening and/or closing. Further using a magnetic force, the face guard can be inserted and held in the receiving section without the user having to operate an active locking mechanism. Also when removing the face guard the user does not have to operate an active locking mechanism for unlocking. This is very advantageous in case the user is wearing other protective devices, such as gloves, that prevent the user from operating fine mechanical locking parts.

[0010] Having an attractive magnet force between the end of a banana shaped face guard and a receiving section also functions as a guide to position the end of the face guard in the receiving section. The magnetic force is already, before the face guard is in the fixed position, acting between the face guard and receiving section. Herein 'coupling system' refers to features of the invention relating to bringing the face guard and receiving section in a desired position with respect to each other, whereas 'locking system' refers to feature relating to holding the face guard and receiving section in their desired position.

[0011] In an embodiment the coupling system is arranged to engage with a total force of at least 10N. Such force prevents unintended removal of the face guard. Preferably at least 15N of coupling force is provided. Even more preferably at least 25N is provided. With at least 25N the unintentional removal, even as a result of a hit, e.g. by a ball on the face guard, is prevented.

[0012] In embodiments the engaging force is at most 150N. Such a force can be provided by the user to remove the face guard intentionally. Preferably the coupling force is less than 100N and even more preferably it is less than 80N. Most users, even untrained users, will be able to provide 70N. Any combination of the above minimum and maximum forces are possible. The coupling force can be the combination of several parts of the coupling system. E.g. several magnets can be used. E.g. two end parts of the face guard can be engaged, resulting in a total coupling force. The coupling force can be determined by a force meter used to draw the face guard out of the face guard receiving system.

[0013] In a preferred system magnetic force provide a coupling force between releasable face guard and face guard receiving system in the order of 50N. The user will be able to remove the face guard with a well directed force, opposite the insertion direction. The user is then able to remove the releasable face guard without having to operate a switch for unlocking.

[0014] Preferably the receiving section into which an insertion end of the releasable face guard is inserted, is V-shaped. The receiving section is formed to become more narrow towards the closed end. This allows inserting an end part of the face guard that is similarly V-shaped. The V-shaped walls guide the face guard to a predetermined position and help lock the face guard in its desired position. The receiving section is at least 3 cm, preferably at least 4 cm, more preferably at least 5 cm deep and V-shaped. A generally V-shaped receiving section allows engaging of walls of the end of the face guard and walls of the receiving section over a large area, which results in a large support area. Such a large support area in turn allows greater forces to be deflected from the face guard into the shell member, without breaking the face guard / receiving section.

[0015] In a further embodiment, which could be a further aspect of the invention, the face guard receiving system further comprises at least one bracket. The bracket is attached to said shell member. Preferably it is attached on the inside of the shell member. In embodiments the receiving section is formed between the bracket and the shell member, the receiving section arranged to receive a face guard, preferably an end part of the face guard. This allows one the hand a simple separate manufacture of the shell member and the bracket, and on the other hand connecting the shell member and bracket forms the receiving section.

[0016] In embodiments at least two fixing members are fixing the bracket to the shell member. Preferably three fixing members, such as bolts, are used to fix the bracket to the shell member. Forces exerted on the face guard and (partially) transmitted to the bracket at subsequent transferred over the fixing members to the shell member.

[0017] Preferably the bracket is O-shaped or C-shaped. The bracket comprises an opening. The opening can have any shaped. The opening can be positioned at or near the location of the ear of the user. Preferably the shell member also has an opening that is matched with the opening of the O-shaped bracket, when the bracket is connected to the shell member.

[0018] In embodiments the face guard receiving system has a second receiving section, which is a second engagement point positioned at a distance from the first engagement point. The second receiving section comprises a stabilizing and/or aligning system. By providing a second receiving section at a distance from the coupling (first) receiving section, further positioning of the face guard with respect to the face guard receiving system is possible.

Preferably the second receiving section is formed between the bracket and the shell member. Attaching the bracket to the shell member forms to separate receiving section. In embodiments the second receiving section includes a synthetic support, preferably arranged to receive and hold in place, a further part, such as a thread, of said face guard.

[0019] In embodiments the face guard receiving system further comprises a channel arranged to hold a flexible member. Preferably that channel is formed between the bracket and the shell member. Mounting the bracket to the shell member results not only in forming the receiving section, but can also be used to form the channel and locking of the flexible member. The flexible member can be a synthetic cord attached to an occipital protector piece.

[0020] Further the shell member can be formed having a mold releasable shape. This allows using a simple mold to form the shell member. The shell member can be formed having a back head, forehead and ear protective parts. Protective devices such as cushioning and/or

reinforcements can be connected to the shell member. The protective devices further protect the head of a user. The shell can have several ventilation openings. In embodiments several ventilation openings can be formed in the shell member on the part opposite the receiving section. This particularly provides ventilation of the side of the head having hair.

[0021] In embodiment a strap, preferably a flexible strap is connected to the face guard receiving system, preferably to the shell member.

[0022] In embodiments the face guard receiving system is formed as a helmet. In embodiments the face guard receiving system comprises a helmet cap. In embodiments the helmet cap is attached to the helmet and to bracket, in an embodiment sandwiched between bracket and shell member. In this manner connecting the bracket to the helmet, also connects and fixes the helmet cap to the helmet. Preferably a single fixing member is used to connect helmet cap, shell member and bracket to each other. Preferably the bracket comprises a thicker portion arranged to receive a part of the helmet cap.

[0023] According to an aspect of the invention a face guard is provided. The face guard is arranged to be coupled releasably to a face guard receiving system, the face guard having an end that is to be received in a receiving section of a face guard receiving system, the end having a coupling system comprising a magnet to engage the face guard receiving system. By providing a magnet, an attractive magnetic force can be used to bring the face guard and face guard receiving system in a desired coupled position. Such a coupling system can function free of a further locking system. [0024] The face guard can be combined with any of the measures (in any combination) disclosed herein. In embodiments the face guard is banana shaped, the ends of the banana shape comprising the magnet. Preferably magnets are present in each of two ends. Preferably magnets of similar polarity are present in each of the two ends. This allows coupling each end in each one of the receiving sections having an opposite magnet.

[0025] According to an aspect of the invention a head protection system is provided. The head protection system comprises a face guard and a face guard receiving system. The face guard receiving system can be any of the disclosed embodiments herein. The face guard is connectable to the face receiving system via at least one receiving section. Preferably at least two receiving sections, each receiving a different end of the face guard. The head protection system is mounted over the head of a user by first positioning the face guard receiving system. In embodiments the user positions a strap or similar around his head to secure the face guard receiving system to the head. Thereafter an end section of the face guard is received in the receiving section. Bringing the face guard into the receiving section positions the face guard across the face of the user, preferably in front of the jaw, chin and nose of the user. In embodiments two end sections of the face guard are received in two respective receiving sections that are positioned at respective opposite sides of the head of the user.

[0026] In embodiments the head protection system has a coupling system that engages with magnetic force, the coupling system arranged to keep the face guard in the receiving section. The coupling system comprises at least one magnet near the receiving section and an opposite magnet at the end of the face guard to be received in the receiving section. Preferably the face guard receiving system and the face guard each comprise at least one magnet. A magnetic fixation system has high wear resistance and can be connected and disconnected without having to activate or de-activate a locking system. This makes such a coupling system very advantageous for user that can not operate a fine mechanical switch, e.g. of a lock, e.g. because they wear a glove.

[0027] In embodiments the face guard has as an end part at least one metal housing. The metal housing can be engaged by a magnet. The receiving section includes at least one magnet arranged to, when said receiving section receives said end part of said face guard, hold said metal housing in place. [0028] In embodiments the face guard comprises one or more threads as protection devices for protecting the face of the user of the head protection system. The longitudinal threads prevent on the hand the intrusion of a object, such as a ball, thereby protecting the face of the user, but on the other hand minimize the block of vision of the user. A thread can extend to the end part of the face guard. The thread can be received in the receiving section of the face guard receiving system. In embodiments the thread is received in the metal housing. In embodiments the thread is fixed other threads and/or the thread is fixed to the metal housing. Preferably multiple threads are provided and multiple threads are received in the metal housing.

[0029] Further to longitudinal threads, the face guard can comprises one, two or several transverse threads that interconnect to the longitudinal threads, providing rigidity.

[0030] Preferably the face guard also comprises a cover, such as a molded plastic cover, which covers one or more threads. The cover can be shaped as a curved band extending from one end section to the other end section of the face guard. The cover preferably has, near the end sections, engaging surfaces that engage onto surfaces of the shell member and/or bracket, providing further positional support and/or providing a force guiding surface.

[0031] In embodiments the face guard comprises one or more, preferably non-metal, more preferably titanium, threads. Titanium is light-weight and rigid.

[0032] In embodiments the face guard comprises one or more threads. In an embodiment at least one thread is hollow. In an embodiment at least one thread, preferably the hollow thread, is flattened at a middle section thereof between two end sections. Preferably the flattened thread is the higher thread, the thread protecting nose and/or eyes. By flattening the thread on the one hand the rigidity of the hollow structure is mostly maintained, while on the other hand the field of vision is increased (less blocked).

[0033] In embodiments the face guard is arranged to engage a user's chin or jaw. The face guard is dimensioned to tightly fit of the users head. Due to the face guard being removable, a more close to the head shape of the face guard is possible, thereby reducing the overall volume of the face protecting system and thereby increasing the field of vision of the user. By positing the protective parts, e.g. the threads, closer to the face, the protective parts will less block the field of vision.

[0034] In embodiments the face guard and the face guard receiving system are dimensioned such that the face guard, in use and when coupled to the face guard receiving system, functions as a strap for mounting the face guard receiving system to a user's head. Receiving the face guard not only positions the face guard with respect to the face guard receiving system, but also secures the face guard receiving system to the head. The face guard replaces the strap in some embodiments.

[0035] In embodiments the face guard has an end part having two adjacent protrusions. Preferably the protrusions generally extend in the same insertion direction. The insertion direction is the general direction of movement of the face guard when it is inserted into the receiving sections of the face guard receiving system. Preferably the protrusions are arranged to engage two adjacent (a first main and a second aligning/position) receiving sections in the face guard receiving system. Preferably both protrusions are V-shaped (converge toward the end) and the receiving sections are also V-shaped. Two protrusions can be formed on each of the two end parts of the face guard.

[0036] In embodiments the face guard comprises two end parts arranged to be received in the receiving sections connected by a middle part, wherein the middle part is generally spherically shaped around a middle point of a connecting line between the end parts. Such a shape follows the contours of the eyes / human nose / mouth / jaw area. In embodiments the inner side of the face guard is shaped to closely follow the human nose / mouth / jaw area shape.

[0037] In embodiments the face guard will have eye protecting parts, nose protecting parts, mount protecting parts and jaw / chin protecting parts. The eye protecting part extends over at least a part of the middle part of the face guard. Preferably an average maximum distance from the eye protecting part to the middle point is smaller than an average maximum distance from a chin protecting part of the middle part to the middle point. Such a face guard closely follows the contour and reduces blocking of the field of vision.

[0038] Preferably the face guard has a limited thickness, e.g. less than 5 cm, preferably less than 4cm.

[0039] According to an aspect a sport helmet is provided, preferably a cricket helmet. The sport helmet comprises any of the embodiments of the head protection system disclosed herein.

[0040] According to a specific aspect of the invention a cricket helmet is provided. The cricket helm comprises a head protection system, a releasable face guard and a face guard receiving system. In embodiments the head protection system is arranged as a helmet comprising a shell member shaped to protect a significant part of a head of a user, providing protection to the front, side and back of the head. In embodiments the face guard receiving system comprises one, two or more receiving sections connected to the head protection system, the receiving section arranged to receive a part of a releasable face guard, wherein the at least one receiving section has a coupling system for coupling the releasable face guard.

[0041] In use a viewing window is formed between the upper side of the releasable face guard and a lower front side of the helmet. The coupling system is arranged to engage and lock into position the face guard using magnetic force, and wherein the coupling system comprises at least one magnet. The resulting cricket helmet is easy in use and allows the user to remove the face guard without having to operate a mechanical switch or lock. This allows removing or locking the face guard without having to take of the glove. Further the releasable face guard allows forming the helmet and face guard close to the face of the user. The user can put on the helmet, while the face guard is disengaged. Thereafter the face guard is locked into position. That position can be closer to the face of the user since the release face guard does not block the head of the user when the helmet is put on.

[0042] Preferably the coupling system has an insert direction for inserting the releasable face guard into the receiving system, wherein an end of the face guard that is inserted into the face guard receiving system and the receiving space of the face guard receiving system are both shaped converging. This results in a self-centering system for coupling the face guard.

[0043] In embodiments the coupling system comprises at least two, distanced apart engagement points, wherein in one engagement point is free of locking devices. By having to engagement points, forces exerted on the face guard can be transferred into the helm. Further the second point helps in positioning the face guard with respect to the face guard receiving system and helmet. The second point, being at a distance from the main engagement point, thereby can act as a lever. The inventor realized that a locking at the second engagement point can be done without, especially for sports purposes, resulting in a cheaper and easier to use releasable face guard system.

[0044] Preferably a bracket is connected to an inside surface of the shell member and the face guard receiving system is formed between the bracket and shell member.

[0045] According to yet another a face guard suitable for a face guard receiving system is provided. The face guard will have an end part that can be received in a receiving section and that comprises a coupling system that engages the receiving section by an attractive magnetic force, generally extending in the insertion direction.

[0046] In embodiments the face guard comprises two or more threads arranged as face protection devices. Threads can be manufactured and assembled at low costs into a face guards. The can be bend into a suitable shape, preferably curved to follow the contour of the face, preferably the nose, jaw, chin.

[0047] In use, when a helmet is on the head of a user and the face guard is connected to the face guard receiving system:

- the helmet covers the fore head of the user;

- the face guard covers a part of the nose and chin; and

- a window is formed between face guard and helmet.

[0048] Preferably a middle part of the face guard has an upper edge that generally extends in a parallel face to the edge of the shell member, in particular a lower edge of a helmet cap. This results in a somewhat rectangular open window that provides the user with an improved field of vision. The rectangular window has dimensions such that it protects against the objects from which the face is protected, e.g. balls. The window is dimensioned such that the object can not go between the upper and lower edge. Preferably a maximum distance between the upper edge and the lower edge is at most 70 mm, preferably less than 65 mm, but preferably more than 50mm, more preferably more than 55 mm. The area between upper edge and lower edge is preferably open and the edges would form the visible ranges of the user of the helmet.

[0049] Any of the features described, any of the advantages described herein can be combined in a single embodiment, unless explicitly indicated that such can not be done. The dispensing system or closure system of this invention is suitable for use with a variety of conventional or special containers having various designs, the details of which, although not illustrated or described, would be apparent to those having skill in the art and an understanding of such containers. It will also be understood by those of ordinary skill that novel and non- obvious inventive aspects are embodied in the described exemplary dispensing system, but also in the not-explicitly described possible combinations of features disclosed herein.

[0050] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures. However the invention is in no way limited to the disclosed or shown embodiments. Identical or similar features are indicated with the same reference numeral.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a side view of a head protection system according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a front view of the head protection system according to Figure 1 ; and Figure 3 is a partially see-through view of the face guard and face receiving system

according to Figure 1.

[0051] Figure 1 shows a head of user 10. The user's head is protected by the head protection system 20, formed as a sports helmet, such as a cricket helmet. Head 10 has eyes 11, nose 12, mouth 13, chin 14 and ears 15. Further forehead 16, back side of the head 17 and neck 18 are shown. A cricket ball 30 is shown in the same scale.

[0052] Head protection system 20 comprises a face guard 21 and a face guard receiving system 22. Figure 1 shows the removable face guard 21 fixed to the face guard receiving system

22.

[0053] Face guard 21 is generally banana shaped and has two end parts, one end part 25 visible in Figure 1. The end part 25 is the part of the face guard 21 that is connected to the face guard receiving system 22.

[0054] Further the face guard 21 has a middle part 26. The middle part 26 extends between the end parts. The middle part provides face protection against objects.

[0055] The illustrated face guard comprises several threads. The threads can be part of the middle part 26 and end part 25. Three generally longitudinal threads 30-32 extend from one end part 25, via the middle part 26 to the other end part. An upper thread 30 will, when the face guard is held in position, provide protection around the nose and for the eyes.

[0056] The upper thread 30 extends generally parallel to a lower edge 51 of helmet cap 50. Between the upper thread 30 and lower edge 51, or in other embodiments part of the shell member 40, a window is formed. The window allows the user to view the environment. The edge 51 and upper thread 30 are positioned above and below the eyes of the user, allowing a relative wide and undisturbed view in the forward and sideward directions. [0057] Upper thread 30 (or any of the threads) can be a hollow thread, e.g. made from titanium. The upper thread 30 is, near a middle part 35 thereof, flattened. The flattening extends in a horizontal or longitudinal direction. This further reduces the blocking of the viewing field, while maintaining the rigidity of the thread.

[0058] A middle thread 31 extends around a similar arc as upper thread 30. The middle thread 31 is positioned at a larger distance from the virtual line connecting the end parts 25 of the face guard. This allows the upper thread to be 'over' the nose 12 of the user, while the middle thread is in front and around the nose 12. Due to the face guard being removable, it is possible to shape the face guard such that is at a smaller distance from the virtual connecting line. The middle and upper thread are positioned close to the face of the user, e.g. within 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm. Several differently dimensioned face guards can be provided to be fitted / dimensioned to the size of the face of the user to provide the threads close to the face.

[0059] A further longitudinal tread is covered by cover 33, which extends from end part 25 via the middle part to the other end part. Cover 33 provides additional protection, especially around the jaw. Also cover 33 can comprise additional protection layers such as cushioning. In embodiments the cushioning on the inside of the face guard, preferably inside the cover 33, is such that the cushioning is in contact with the jaw or chin 14 of the user 10. In such an embodiment the face guard 10 acts as a strap for securing the head protection system to the user's head 10.

[0060] Cover 33 provides an edge 36 that forms a force guiding or diverting surface. Edge 36 engages on a corresponding surface 46 of the shell member 40.

[0061] Transverse threads 34 are provided between the longitudinal threads for providing more rigidity. The longitudinal and transverse threads form a grill. The transverse threads are bent. This allows holding the first thread 30 at a position closer to the virtual line between the end parts 25 of the face guard than the second thread 31 and/or third thread 32. Preferably the bends are formed where the threads are connected.

[0062] Open areas between the threads are such that objects, such as ball 30, can not go through. More threads can be used in the face guard.

[0063] Face guard receiving system 22 comprises a shell member 40. The shell member has a form to protect one or more parts of the head, preferably the forehead, top and back of the head. [0064] The shell member can comprise a single molded piece. It can have a mold releasable shape. However the shell member can also comprise several pieces that are connected together.

[0065] The shell member 40 is arrange to cover several parts of the head of a user 10, such as the forehead 16, ears 15, the top side and back side of the head. The shell member 40 can have openings 41, which form ventilation openings. Helmet cap 50 is connected to the shell member 40. Helmet cap 50 can be a reinforced molded component having an inner grating for reinforcing the shape. In embodiments the cap 50 comprises several ribs extending from the shell member and supporting the outside helmet cap surface 52 up until the edge 51.

[0066] Further the shell member 40 has an ear piece 43 having an opening 44. In this embodiment the ear piece 43 is an integral part of the shell member 40.

[0067] Ear piece 43 has an ear piece edge 46 that forms a force guiding or diverting surface area onto which a surface of cover 33 of face guard 20 engages. When an object hits the face guard, forces are not only guided into the shell member via receiving sections, but also via these engaging surfaces 36,46.

[0068] The shell member 40 is connected via straps 60,61 to an occipital protector piece 62. Several embodiments are possible for the occipital protector piece 62. Here a cushioned flexible pad 62 is shown. The strap 60,61 and occipital protector piece 62 cooperate to form a system to secure the shell member 40 to the head 10. Straps 60,61 can be flexible, allowing the head to enter the shell member 40 and thereafter provide a force as a result of bias, fixing the occipital protector piece, straps and shell member to the head.

[0069] A preferred embodiment of the invention is the sports helm having the releasable face guard and the face guard receiving system provided with the occipital protector piece connected to the helmet via stretch straps. Such a helmet is easily positioned over the head and is securely positioned as a result of the straps + occipital protector piece over the back of the head.

[0070] Figure 2 shows the same helmet 20 and user 10. A discussion of components is not repeated.

[0071] Cushioning 37 is provided on the inside of the face guard. The cushioning 37 is dimensioned such that the face guard 20 engages on the cheekbones 19 of the user. The cushioning 37 is thicker near the end portions of the face guard. Such a cushioning allows to engage on the cheekbones resulting in securing the complete head protection system 20 to the head of the user. A middle part 38 of cushioning 37 is thinner and therefore a spacing is created between the user and the cushioning 37 near the chin 14 of the user. This allows the user to talk and move his jaw even when the face guard is mounted to the shell member.

[0072] On the inside of both ear pieces 43 a bracket 70 is fixed to the shell member 40. The bracket 70 is a component separate from the shell member, but connected to it.

[0073] Bracket 70 has a shape similar to the ear piece 43. As can be seen in Figure 1, the bracket 70 is not visible from the side as it has a similar opening 44, not blocking hearing with the ear.

[0074] Openings 41 form air channels. Through the openings 41 the inside Casidion padding 47 is visible. The casidion padding is a high-end cushioning that allows ventilation, excellent shock absorption and is durable over long periods of time.

[0075] Figure 3 shows a partially exploded view of face guard 21 and bracket 70. The shell member 40 is not visible. Third thread 32 is visible under cover 33. Also visible is a clip 39, which is connected to the cover and clips the cover 33 onto the threads 31 and 32. Clip 39 is positioned near end 25. A further clip or another connector can be positioned near the middle part of the face guard 21.

[0076] As can be seen in Figure 3, the end parts of threads 30-32 extend into receiving spaces 80,81. Threads 31,32 extend into receiving space 80. Thread 30 extends into second receiving space 81. The receiving spaces 80, 81 are formed by a channel formed in the bracket, the channel leaving a space between bracket and shell member, when the bracket 70 is attached to the shell member.

[0077] Receiving space 80 is formed by fixing bracket 70 to shell member 40, in particular near the ear piece 43. Bracket 70 is connected to the shell member 40 using bolts mounted in holes 71,72,73. As can be seen bracket 70 has an opening 74 corresponding to the opening 44 in the shell member.

[0078] Forces that are transferred onto the bracket, e.g. by an object hitting the face guard, are further transferred into the helmet / shell member 40 via the connections in openings 71,72,73. Openings 72,73 are positioned close to the receiving section 80 to thereby absorb the force exerted mostly in the insertion direction 85. Further they are formed on opposite sides of the receiving section 80 to thereby absorb force perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0079] Opening 71 can receive a connector, such as a bolt. The bracket can be made somewhat thicker at the location of opening 71. Opening 71 and the connector can be used to also engage and fix the helmet cap 50 to the shell member. Then a single connector is used to connect both the bracket 70 and helmet cap 50 to the head protection system.

[0080] A further channel 75 is formed in bracket 70. Channel 75 is U-shaped, leaving a small land 76. Channel 75 will allow receiving a strap 60,61. Strap 60, 61 can be the same flexible member for securing the head protection system 20.

[0081] Receiving section 80 is formed having a V-shape. The channel becomes narrower (converges) in the insertion direction 85. At the end of the receiving section 80 a magnet 84 is sandwiched between bracket 70 and shell member 40. The magnet is part of a coupling system to provide an attractive magnetic force between the receiving section and the releasable face guard.

[0082] Second receiving section 81 comprises a rubber support surface 87. The support surface 87 engages the upper thread 30 when it is inserted in the second receiving section 81.

[0083] The end part 25 of the face guard 21 comprises on the one end the two threads 31,32 that are received in metal housing 90. The metal housing has a V-shape corresponding with the V-shaped receiving section 80. When inserting the face guard 21 in face guard receiving system 22, the metal housing 90 guides the position of the face guard 21 into the receiving section towards the desired end position. The metal housing 90 is magnetically engaged by the magnet 84. The attractive magnetic force generally extends in a direction parallel to the insertion direction. The magnetic coupling allows coupling and decoupling free of a (further) locking system.

[0084] The magnet can exert a force of about 20 - 40 N attracting the metal housing 90.

Since two magnets are present the total force holding the face guard in position in the receiving section 80 is about 40 - 80 N. Such a force can be overcome by a user wanting to remove the face guard. Such force can withstand the impact of objects, such as balls, even when the balls hit the face guard at less likely angles.

[0085] The rubber support surface 87 supports the end of thread 30 and operates as a positioning or aligning system, additional to the coupling system in the receiving section 80. The rubber will dampen vibrations as a result of tolerances.

[0086] Connecting the bracket to the shell 40 and in particular ear piece 43 results in forming the receiving sections 80,81, channel 75 and will lock the magnet 84 and rubber support surface 87 into position. Further the helmet cap 50 can be locked into position using the same connector. This eases assembly of the helmet. [0087] Further the side of the bracket directed at the face guard will form a surface onto which a corresponding surface of the face guard 21 can engage and that can transfer forces exerted on the face guard, e.g. impact forces, into the bracket and into the shell member 40.

Claims

1. Face guard receiving system, such as a helmet, comprising a shell member shaped to protect a significant part of a head of a user, the shell member having one, two or more receiving sections, the receiving section arranged to receive a part of a releasable face guard, wherein the at least one receiving section has a coupling system for coupling the releasable face guard, wherein the coupling system is arranged to magnetically engage the face guard.

2. Face guard receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the coupling system is arranged to exert an attractive magnetic force generally along an insertion direction of the receiving section, and wherein preferably the coupling system comprises at least one magnet and wherein preferably the coupling system is free of other engaging and locking means.

3. Face guard receiving system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the coupling system is arranged to engage with a total force of

at least ION, preferably at least 15N and more preferably at least 20N; and/or

- at most 150N, preferably less than 100N, more preferably less than 80N.

4. Face guard receiving system according to any of the claims 1 - 3, wherein the receiving section is V-shaped, becoming narrower at the closed end.

5. Face guard receiving system according to any of the claims 1 - 4, further comprising at least one bracket attached to said shell member, wherein the receiving section is formed between the bracket and the shell member.

6. Face guard receiving system according to any of the claims 1 - 5, wherein the bracket is positioned on an inside of the shell member, wherein preferably at least two fixing members are fixing the bracket to the shell member, wherein preferably the bracket is O-shaped en wherein preferably the shell has an opening that is matched with the opening of the O-shaped bracket, when the bracket is connected to the shell member.

7. Face guard receiving system according to any of the claims 1 - 6, wherein a second receiving section is formed between the bracket and the shell member, wherein the second receiving section comprises a stabilizing and/or aligning system, which preferably includes a synthetic support, preferably arranged to receive and hold in place, a further part, such as a thread, of said face guard.

8. Face guard receiving system according to any of the claims 1 - 7, wherein a channel is formed between the bracket and the shell member, the channel arranged to hold a flexible member, e.g. a synthetic cord attached to an occipital protector piece.

9. Face guard receiving system according to any of the claims 1 - 8, wherein the shell member is shaped mold releasable.

10. Face guard receiving system according to any of the claims 1 - 9, wherein the shell member further having protective devices such as cushioning and/or reinforcements, to protect the head of a user.

11. Face guard receiving system according to any of the claims 1 - 10, wherein the shell has several ventilation openings.

12. Face guard receiving system according to any of the claims 1 - 11, wherein a strap, preferably a flexible strap is connected to the face guard receiving system, preferably to the shell member.

13. Face guard receiving system according to any of the claims 1 - 12, wherein the face guard receiving system has at least two receiving sections, preferably each receiving section formed between a respective bracket and the shell member and wherein preferably each receiving section is arranged to engage, preferably fix the face guard.

14. Face guard receiving system according to any of the claims 1 - 13, wherein the face guard receiving system is formed as a helmet and further comprises a helmet cap, wherein preferably the helmet cap attached to the helmet and bracket, wherein preferably a single fixing member is used to connect cap, shell member and bracket to each other, wherein preferably the bracket comprises a thicker portion arranged to receive a part of the helmet cap.

15. The face guard suitable for a face guard receiving system according to any of the claims 1 - 14, the face guard preferably comprising two or threads arranged as face protection devices and the face guard having a coupling system for cooperating with receiving sections of the face guard receiving system.

16. A head protection system, in particular providing protection for the front, side and back of the head, comprising a releasable face guard and a face guard receiving system such as a helmet, comprising a shell member shaped to protect a significant part of a head of a user, the shell member having one, two or more receiving sections, the receiving section arranged to receive a part of a releasable face guard, wherein the at least one receiving section has a coupling system for coupling the releasable face guard, the coupling system arranged to exert an attractive magnetic force between the receiving section and the part of the releasable face guard.

17. The head protection system according to claim 16, wherein the coupling system comprises a magnet near the receiving section and an opposite magnet in the part of the releasable face guard that is to be received in the receiving section .

18. The head protection system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the face guard is generally banana shaped, having an end part that forms the part to be received in the receiving section and wherein the face guard preferably comprises as an end part at least one metal housing and said receiving section of includes at least one magnet arranged to, when said receiving section receives said end part of said face guard, hold said metal housing in place.

19. The head protection system according to any of the claims 16 - 18, wherein the face guard comprises one or more threads as protection device for protecting the face of the user of the head protection system, the thread extending to the end part of the face guard that is received in the receiving section of the face guard receiving system.

20. The head protection system according to any of the claims 16 - 19, wherein the face guard comprises one or more, preferably non-metal, more preferably titanium, threads, wherein preferably an end part of the thread is received in a metal housing forming the end part of the face guard.

21. The head protection system according to any of the claims 16 - 20, wherein the face guard comprises one or more threads, wherein at least one thread is hollow and is flattened at a middle section thereof between two end sections.

22. The head protection system according to any of the claims 16 - 21, wherein the face guard is arranged to engage a user's chin or jaw.

23. The head protection system according to any of the claims 16 - 22, wherein the face guard receiving system are dimensioned such that the face guard, in use and when coupled to the face guard receiving system, functions as a strap for mounting the face guard receiving system to a user's head.

24. The head protection system according to any of the claims 16 - 23, wherein the face guard has an end part having two adjacent protrusions, the protrusions generally extending in the same insertion direction and arranged to engage two adjacent receiving sections in the face guard receiving system, both protrusions preferably V-shaped, the face guard preferably having two end parts, each end part having two adjacent protrusions.

25. The head protection system according to any of the claims 16 - 24, wherein the face guard comprises two end parts arranged to be received in the receiving sections connected by a middle part, wherein the middle part is generally spherically shaped around a middle point of a connecting line between the end parts; wherein preferably an average maximum distance from an eye protecting part of the middle part to the middle point is smaller than an average maximum distance from a chin protecting part of the middle part to the middle point.

26. The head protection system according to any of the claims 16 - 25, wherein the face guard has a middle part that comprises an upper edge that generally extends in a parallel face to the an edge of the shell member, in particular a lower edge of a helmet cap; wherein preferably a maximum distance between the upper edge and the lower edge is at most 70 mm, preferably less than 65 mm, but preferably more than 50mm, more preferably more than 55 mm, wherein preferably the area between upper edge and lower edge is open and the edges form the visible ranges of the user of the helmet.

27. A cricket helmet comprising a head protection system, a releasable face guard and a face guard receiving system, wherein:

- the head protection system is arranged as a helmet comprising a shell member shaped to protect a significant part of a head of a user, providing protection to the front, side and back of the head; and

- the face guard receiving system comprises one, two or more receiving sections connected to the head protection system, the receiving section arranged to receive a part of a releasable face guard, wherein the at least one receiving section has a coupling system for coupling the releasable face guard;

wherein the coupling system is arranged to engage the face guard using magnetic force, and wherein the coupling system comprising at least one magnet in the receiving section and an opposite magnet in the of the releasable face guard that is to be received in the receiving section.

28. The cricket helm according to claim 27, wherein the coupling system has an insert direction for inserting the releasable face guard into the receiving system, wherein the coupling system is arranged to exert an attractive magnetic force in a direction generally parallel to the insertion direction, and wherein preferably the receiving space of the face guard receiving system are both shaped converging.

29. The cricket helm according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the coupling system comprises at least two, distanced apart engagement points, wherein in one engagement point is free of locking devices.

30. The cricket helm according to any of the claims 27 - 29, wherein a bracket is connected to an inside surface of the shell member and the receiving section is formed between the bracket and shell member.