Helmet with integrated means for securely locking it

Abstract

A helmet for protecting the head of a wearer from external impacts is disclosed. The helmet includes a shell and at least a pair of straps. One end of each of the straps is attached with attachment device to the shell. The other end of each of the straps includes fastening device suitable for fastening the two straps together such that a continuous strap is formed running from one attachment device to the other, and passing under the chin of a person when worn. The fastening device includes a lock. The straps have a cut resistance according to ASTM F1790-05 of at least 20 g/mm, preferably of at least 40 g/mm.

1 . A helmet for protecting the head of a wearer from external impacts, said helmet comprising a shell, at least a pair of straps, one end of each of said straps being attached with an attachment device to the shell and the other end of each of said straps comprising a fastening device suitable for fastening the two straps together such that a continuous strap is formed running from one attachment device to the other, and passing under the chin of a person when worn,
 wherein the fastening device comprises a lock, and   wherein the straps have a cut resistance according to ASTM F1790-05 of at least 20 g/mm, preferably of at least 40 g/mm.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the straps comprise a fabric made of para-aramid fibres, UHMwPE, or glass fibres. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet according to  claim 2 , wherein the fabric of the straps has a density of at least 300 g/m 2 , preferably at least 400 g/m 2 , more preferably at least 500 g/m 2 . 
     
     
         4 . The helmet according to  claim 3 , wherein the straps comprise a tubular or sheath fabric reinforced by an inner core. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet according to  claim 4 , wherein the edges of the straps are reinforced by one or a combination of:
 (a) hemming the edges one or several folds thick,   (b) serging the edges with overlock stitches, or   (c) coating the edges with a reinforcing material comprising a flexible polymer filled with particles of carbon, metal, or aramid.   
     
     
         6 . The helmet according to  claim 5 , wherein the lock can be unlocked with one or a combination of:
 (a) a physical key to be introduced into a keyhole,   (b) an alpha-numerical combination,   (c) an electronic signal, and   (d) an acoustic or optical signal.   
     
     
         7 . The helmet according to  claim 6 , further comprising a lock activating device for activating, respectively deactivating the locking function of the fastening device. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet according to  claim 7 , further comprising a separate lock station suitable for locking at least one strap of the helmet, said lock station being suitable for being mounted onto an accessory requiring the use of said helmet, said accessory being selected among a bicycle, a motorcycle, skis, ski sticks, a snowboard, a skateboard, skates, and a paragliding bag. 
     
     
         9 . A method of using chin straps a helmet according to  claim 1 , for locking said helmet together with an accessory requiring the use of said helmet, said accessory being selected among a bicycle, a motorcycle, skis, ski sticks, a snowboard, a skateboard, skates, and a paragliding bag. 
     
     
         10 . The method of using the chin straps according to  claim 9 , wherein the helmet is locked together with said accessory by fastening and locking the two straps together, forming a continuous strap passing through an aperture in said accessory. 
     
     
         11 . The method of using the chin straps according to  claim 9 , wherein the helmet is locked together with said accessory by fastening and locking one strap to a locking station mounted on said accessory. 
     
     
         12 . The method of using the chin straps according to  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the straps is further passed through an aperture of an immovable object. 
     
     
         13 . A kit of parts comprising:
 (a) a helmet comprising a pair of fastenable chin straps;   (b) a lock made of two interlocking elements capable of separation, each element being tied to a sling at least as long as each chin strap of the helmet; and   (c) a bonding device, suitable for permanently bonding each of the two lock slings to each strap of the helmet,   
       wherein the composite strap obtained by permanently fixing a lock sling to a helmet strap has a cut resistance according to ASTM F1790-05 of at least 20 g/mm, preferably of at least 40 g/mm. 
     
     
         14 . The kit according to  claim 13 , wherein the bonding device is an adhesive, a sewing kit, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the fabric of the straps has a density of at least 300 g/m 2 , preferably at least 400 g/m 2 , more preferably at least 500 g/m 2 . 
     
     
         16 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the straps comprise a tubular or sheath fabric reinforced by an inner core. 
     
     
         17 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the edges of the straps are reinforced by one or a combination of:
 (a) hemming the edges one or several folds thick,   (b) serging the edges with overlock stitches, or   (c) coating the edges with a reinforcing material comprising a flexible polymer filled with particles of carbon, metal, or aramid.   
     
     
         18 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , wherein the lock can be unlocked with one or a combination of:
 (a) a physical key to be introduced into a keyhole,   (b) an alpha-numerical combination,   (c) an electronic signal, and   (d) an acoustic or optical signal.   
     
     
         19 . The helmet according to  claim 1 , further comprising a separate lock station suitable for locking at least one strap of the helmet, said lock station being suitable for being mounted onto an accessory requiring the use of said helmet, said accessory being selected among a bicycle, a motorcycle, skis, ski sticks, a snowboard, a skateboard, skates, and a paragliding bag. 
     
     
         20 . A method of using the chin straps according to  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the straps is further passed through an aperture of an immovable object.