HK1254931B - A composite geometry structure for the absorption and dissipation of the energy generated by an impact and a safety helmet comprising said structure - Google Patents

Description

A composite geometric structure for absorbing and dissipating energy generated by a collision and a safety helmet including the same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a composite geometric structure for absorbing and dissipating energy generated by a collision and is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for protecting the human body.

The present invention also relates to a safety helmet comprising the above-mentioned composite geometric structure.

Background Art

Various types of structures for protecting the human body from collisions are known. Specifically, with regard to protecting the head, the helmets used are generally composed of three elements:

- an outer rigid cap, which withstands impacts;

- an inner layer, usually made of polystyrene, housed in the cap and intended to dissipate the energy generated by the collision;

- The housing, which is placed on the user's head, is made of soft material.

Cyclists, especially those riding in urban traffic, skaters, rollerbladers, and skateboarders need a helmet that can be used for two main purposes:

-Effectively absorb and dissipate the energy generated after collision;

-Takes up very little space, allowing them to be easily put into a duffel bag or bag when not in use.

In order to save space, there are caps provided which consist of several parts which are subsequently assembled by means of fixing means such as joints or hinges.

Although on the one hand this solution makes it possible to overcome the space-saving problem, on the other hand it no longer provides a cap that can effectively perform its function of protecting the user's head in the event of a collision, since the cap is formed from a plurality of parts that do not directly cooperate with one another and that could therefore separate in the event of an impact.

Mr. Alessio Abdolahian, the owner of patent application No. PD2012A335, attempts to overcome this drawback by providing a foldable safety helmet comprising an outer cap having a honeycomb structure having irregular hexagons connected to each other to form a single body.

According to this solution, the cap has a honeycomb structure with irregular hexagons made using an elastomer, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane, even more preferably TPU-92A, a polyurethane-based material obtained by 3D or conventional printing techniques.

In this case, although the force transmission tests carried out during the testing of the aforementioned helmet revealed good impact resistance of the cap, the cellular geometry of the helmet was revealed to be insufficient in dissipating the energy generated by the impact.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention has the object of resolving the above-mentioned disadvantages.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a structure for absorbing and dissipating the energy generated by a collision, the structure being made of a single piece, elastically deformable in the event of a collision and configured to dissipate the collision energy without transmitting it to the protected part of the body or, more generally, to the object protected by the structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure that can be used by a user in a simple and easy manner and that can be worn comfortably by the user.

The above objects are achieved by a composite geometric structure for absorbing and dissipating energy generated by a collision according to claim 1 .

The above object is also achieved by a safety helmet according to claim 7.

Further particular features of the invention are outlined in the dependent claims.

Advantageously, the unitary and composite geometric structures according to the invention are able to dissipate the energy caused by a collision thanks to the presence of elastically deformable arcuate elements, which unfold from a juxtaposed region comprising a plurality of three-dimensionally developed and hollow geometric elements adjacent to and connected to one another. This occurs without transmitting the collision energy to the user's body or to the object protected by the structure.

In fact, the energy caused by the collision is absorbed due to the deformation of the arcuate elements below and connecting the hollow geometric elements.

Still advantageously, the single body and composite geometry according to the invention improves the comfort of the person using it due to the presence of the aforementioned elastic arcuate elements, but performs the same function as foam rubber.

Still advantageously, made of elastic material, the composite geometric structure according to the invention can be easily folded to obtain an internally hollow oval shape capable of housing therein accessories such as gloves, caps and the like.

Basically, the composite geometric structure according to the invention serves as a space-saving container for objects once it is no longer used to protect the object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects and advantages will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 and 2 show two different axonometric views of a composite structure for absorbing and dissipating impact energy according to the present invention;

3 and 4 show two different views of a detail of the structure of FIG. 1 ;

5 and 6 show two different axonometric views of a cap belonging to a safety helmet according to the invention;

FIG7 shows an exploded view of a detail of the lateral closing unit of the cap of FIG5 ;

FIG8 shows a front view of a helmet according to the invention in a folded configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1 , there is shown a composite geometric structure for absorbing and dissipating energy generated by a collision, which is generally indicated by 1 and includes a plurality of adjacent and interconnected hollow cells 2 .

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cells 2 are predominantly hexagonal. Figure 1 also shows the presence of some cells 20 that are octagonal.

However, according to variant embodiments (not shown), the cells may also have different shapes, for example polygonal shapes other than hexagonal or even circular. It is also possible to provide cells all having the same geometry or cells having mutually different geometries.

1 and according to the invention, each cell 2 has a polyhedral structure from which a plurality of arcuate elements 3 spaced apart from one another, visible in FIG. 2 , deviate.

In particular, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 , each of the aforementioned arcuate elements 3 develops starting from the same peripheral edge 4 of each cell 2 .

Advantageously, due to its construction, each of the aforementioned arcuate elements 3 is able to dissipate the energy of an impact without this energy being transmitted all the way to the user's skull. This is achieved by the fact that the arcuate elements 3 of each cell 2 undergo elastic deformation during an impact and, when deformed, release the impact energy to the adjacent cells.

It should be observed that the structure 1 (in the upper part) has a rigid cellular structure that is indeed similar to a honeycomb.

Advantageously, the upper portion of the composite geometric structure 1 is sufficiently rigid to absorb the energy of a collision without damaging the structure 1 .

Basically, advantageously and with reference to FIG. 4 , the composite geometric structure 1 is constructed such that a first, substantially rigid region A and a second region B made of a more elastic material are identified therein.

The first region A is capable of absorbing collision energy, while the second region B helps not only to dissipate the collision energy on a single cell 2 but also to transfer the energy to adjacent cells through the elastic deformation of the arc-shaped element 3 .

In this way, the dissipation of the collision energy is significantly improved and thus allows preventing the energy in question from being transmitted to the human skull.

Specifically, and with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the energy dissipation effect occurs due to the presence of the following elements:

a plurality of first arcuate elements 3' having geometric continuity with the arcuate elements of the chamber 2';

A plurality of second arc elements 3 ″, each of which has geometric continuity with the arc elements of the cell 2 ″.

Basically, in the first case, the energy dissipation occurs between the arcuate elements 3 ′ having the same development direction X visible in FIG4 , the geometric continuity being ensured by the connecting surface 5. In the second case, the energy dissipation occurs between the arcuate elements 3 ″ having development directions different from each other (see FIG3 ).

As can be observed from FIG. 3 , in the latter case, the surface capable of dissipating the collision energy has a generally helical development.

This fact advantageously results in energy dissipation occurring not only between the arcuate elements 3' of cells 2' situated at the same height according to an arrangement of parallel lines similar to a sphere (e.g. parallel lines X), but also between the arcuate elements 3', 3" belonging to adjacent cells 2' and cells 2", respectively, situated at different heights relative to each other. This means that energy dissipation also occurs between cells spread out according to different parallel lines (compare the structure 1 to a portion of a sphere).

The fact that energy dissipation also occurs between different parallel lines multiplies the collision energy dissipation effect.

2 , the arcuate elements 3 "are staggered along parallel lines X' different from the parallel lines X along which the arcuate elements 3' are arranged. This characteristic advantageously results in a greater total surface area for dissipating the collision energy.

It should be observed that the composite geometric structure according to the invention can also be used to protect other parts of the human body such as, for example, the back, knees, arms etc.

It should also be advantageously observed that the composite geometric structure according to the invention can also be used to protect objects from collisions that typically affect, for example, computer monitors.

Returning now to the use of the structure 1 in the field of cycling, skating and skateboarding, the structure 1 can be part of a safety helmet 10 (which is visible in its entirety in FIG. 8 ) and housed in the cap 11 of the safety helmet 10 .

In this case, as can be observed in FIGS. 5 , 6 and 8 , the cap 11 of the helmet 10 is provided with a plurality of openings 12 .

Advantageously, the openings 12 allow good ventilation of the safety helmet 10 .

The cap 11 receives the composite structure 1 therein, so that at each opening 12 a cell 2 of the composite structure 1 also protrudes.

5 and 6 show a helmet with two closure units 13 at the side.

As can be seen in detail in FIG. 7 , each lateral closing unit 13 comprises:

- two elements 18 made of expanded foam (poron), which advantageously serve to absorb the energy of the collision;

- four Velcro elements 14 , 14 ′, which are connected to each other in pairs according to a male-female connection;

- Three elements, of which the central element 15 is fixed and the two lateral elements 16 are movable.

Figure 7 also shows a strip 17 which serves to hold the entire closure unit 13 together and which is adapted to be secured to a strap (not shown) which slides under the user's chin to keep the helmet secured to their head.

Each closing unit 13 operates as follows.

When the user has finished using his helmet and wants to put it in his duffel bag or bag, he folds it.

During folding, the elements made of foam 18 are folded to form a V-shape until they are superimposed relative to each other.

Considering that the foam elements 18 are integral with the Velcro element 14 , when the foam elements 18 are folded, they also cause the latter to be folded to form a V-shape.

Considering that the Velcro element 14 is coupled to the Velcro element 14 ′, when the Velcro element 14 is folded, they also cause the latter to be folded to form a V-shape.

Finally, considering that the Velcro element 14 ′ is integral with the lateral elements 16 , the latter are also folded into a V-shape, while the central element 15 remains fixed.

Advantageously, the central element 15 serves two purposes:

- covering the fold line represented by the separation line 19 between the two foam elements 18;

-Form the portion where the belt slides under the chin.

The folding of the two closing units 13 advantageously enables the folding of the cap 11. Similarly, the composite structure 1 housed in the cap 11 can also be folded due to the elastic deformation properties of its arcuate elements 3.

Both the folding cap 11 and the composite geometric structure 1 housed therein allow obtaining an oval configuration substantially similar to the rugby ball visible in FIG. 8 .

Obviously, it is possible to provide variant embodiments (not shown) of the closing unit of the helmet according to the invention, for example a three-point closing unit similar to child safety belts used in vehicles.

It should be observed that the outer cap 11 shown in the figures has a shape that follows the contours of the composite geometric structure 1; however, according to variant embodiments not shown in the figures, the outer cap 11 can be shaped differently without following the contours of the structure 1. For example, the outer cap can be of conventional shape, or generally it can be of any shape having a foldable geometry.

The folding of the composite geometric structure according to the invention is achieved by the elastic material of which it is made, which is generally foamed polyurethane, in particular TPU.

In particular, the configuration of elastically deformable arcuate elements enables this type of folding to obtain an elliptical shape that is hollow inside.

Advantageously, the hollow oval configuration enables the user to use the helmet so folded as a container for objects such as glasses, gloves etc. and place them in a duffel bag or bag.

Finally, the oval structure thus obtained can be closed using suitable bars or similar means.

Advantageously, the cap of the helmet can be easily detached from the helmet by means of a simple release device, such as a pressure button or the like, thus becoming an interchangeable element according to the user's preference.

The cap is typically made of plastic material, ABS or any similar material.

This process, known per se, uses a dedicated stereolithography machine which forms a model of the composite structure by moulding by depositing layers of dedicated resin.

In view of the above circumstances, the composite geometric structure and the safety helmet according to the present invention achieve the predetermined objectives.

In particular, the object has been achieved to obtain a composite geometric structure capable of absorbing and dissipating the energy caused by a collision.

Furthermore, the aim of obtaining a structure that is easy and comfortable for the user to wear has been achieved, since the lower zone with the curved elements enables a softer support of the structure in the zone of contact with the user's head.

Advantageously, the dissipation of the impact energy is considerably improved compared to the prior art, since the arc-shaped elements forming the lower region of the composite geometry are able to dissipate the energy not only in one direction but in multiple directions.

In this way, the energy dissipation effect is multiplied and distributed over a much larger total surface area of the composite structure according to the present invention, all without transferring the collision energy to the user's skull, thereby protecting the user from fatal accidents.

Still advantageously, the composite geometric structure according to the invention can also be applied to other parts of the human body and it can be used, for example, for covering objects.

Advantageously still, the composite geometry and the helmet according to the invention have successfully undergone various impact tests and they therefore comply with the UNI-1078 standard.

Furthermore, the composite geometric structure according to the invention can be used several times after an impact, thus also overcoming the disadvantage of conventional absorbent structures made of polystyrene, which can only be used once.

Furthermore, the complex geometry and the folding of the helmet according to the invention enable it to be easily transported thanks to the elastic deformability of the arcuate elements and significantly reduce the overall size for the user after its use.

Finally, once used and folded, the safety helmet according to the present invention can be used as a container to hold objects.

Claims (6)

1. A composite geometry (1) for absorbing and dissipating energy generated by collisions, the composite geometry (1) comprising a plurality of hollow cells (2, 2', 2") connected adjacently and stably to each other, each cell (2, 2', 2") having at least one arcuate element (3, 3', 3") identified thereon, the at least one arcuate element (3, 3', 3") unfolding from two juxtaposed regions of the same perimeter edge (4) of the cell, the at least one arcuate element (3, 3', 3") being configured to elastically deform, each cell (2, 2', 2") being polyhedral in shape. The feature is that the at least one arc-shaped element (3, 3', 3") comprises: - A plurality of first arcuate elements (3') having geometric continuity with the arcuate elements (3') of the chamber (2'), the arcuate elements (3') of the chamber (2') having the same unfolding direction (X); - A plurality of second arc-shaped elements (3"), each of the second arc-shaped elements (3") having geometric continuity with the arc-shaped element (3") of the chamber (2") having the same unfolding direction (X'), wherein the unfolding direction (X') of the second arc-shaped element (3) is different from the unfolding direction (X) of the first arc-shaped element (3') along which it is arranged. The second arc-shaped element (3") is connected to the first arc-shaped element (3') through a surface having a generally spirally unfolded shape. 2. The composite geometric structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second arc-shaped element (3") is arranged alternately along parallel lines (X'), the parallel lines (X') being different from the parallel lines (X) along which the first arc-shaped element (3') is arranged. 3. The composite geometry (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each cell (2, 2', 2") is polygonal in its cross-section. 4. The composite geometry (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each cell (2, 2', 2") is hexagonal in its cross-section. 5. The composite geometry (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each cell (2, 2', 2") is circular in its cross-section. 6. The composite geometry (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the composite geometry (1) is adapted to be housed in an outer cap (11), the composite geometry (1) and the outer cap (11) defining a safety helmet (10) configured to absorb and dissipate energy generated by a collision.