CA2055826C - Improved helmet - Google Patents

Improved helmet Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2055826C
CA2055826C CA 2055826 CA2055826A CA2055826C CA 2055826 C CA2055826 C CA 2055826C CA 2055826 CA2055826 CA 2055826 CA 2055826 A CA2055826 A CA 2055826A CA 2055826 C CA2055826 C CA 2055826C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
helmet
curvilinear
opening along
rear rectilinear
maximum width
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA 2055826
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2055826A1 (en
Inventor
James J. Feuling
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA 2055826 priority Critical patent/CA2055826C/en
Publication of CA2055826A1 publication Critical patent/CA2055826A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2055826C publication Critical patent/CA2055826C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42HEADWEAR
    • A42BHATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B3/00Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
    • A42B3/04Parts, details or accessories of helmets
    • A42B3/0493Aerodynamic helmets; Air guiding means therefor

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)

Abstract

The disclosure is directed to an improved aerodynamic helmet. The helmet has a continuous aerodynamic curvilinear front, side and top surfaces whereby the fluid flowing over and around the sides of the helmet flows in a substantially continuous flow direction from the forward curved area aft of a straight area at the greatest width or largest transverse dimensions of the helmet after leaving the surface influence thereof. The continuous transverse surface around the outer periphery of the helmet at or slightly aft of the greatest width area is provided with a fluid flow termination surface or trailing edge causing the normal direction of the fluid flow around the helmet to break loose from the surface of the helmet and continue in substantially the same direction after passing the termination or trailing edge thereby preventing turbulence to the flow rather than allowing the fluid flow to follow the surface and flow around a portion of the smaller dimension back surface of the helmet before separating therefrom which creates turbulence behind the helmet and unwanted lift thereto. The improved helmet lowers wind drag compared to conventional helmet by about 40%.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to personal helmets worn for wearer head protection in a number of sports and particularly to an improved aerodynamic helmet which reduces the fluid flow resistance encountered by high speed fluid flow therearound.
There has been a continual evolution of personal helmets used for head protection and many ne~a innovations in helmet design and construction exist in the present state of the helmet art.
Generally speaking, state of the art helmets are designed to provide a smooth or slick curvilinear outer surface with the only rectilinear surface being the lower head entry surface parallel with the shoulder line of the wearer. Helmets are currently manufactured by many different manufactures. Although the principle purpose of the helmet is to protect the head of the wearer and most accomplish this to some degree, the helmet generally has a slick smooth outer surface appearance to the viewer of the helmet to give the impression of low or no resistance to fluid flowing thereacross and to enhance the overall all aesthetic appearance of the wearer and the wearer's surrounding environment.
State of the art helmets include those helmets having the trademarks SHOEI, BELL, BIEFFE, NOLAN, ARAI and others.
Figures 1 and 2 depicts a side and front view showing respectfully o~ a state of the art helmet A manufactured by SHOEI. The helmet shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a typical outer shell B design substantially found in all state of the art helmets. In the typical helmet the fluid flow, shown by arrows C, around the outer skin D of the shell B of the helmet tends to follow the surface of the shell inc7_uding a portion of the trailing or back surface E in the rE:ar of the head of the wearer due to "skin effect". Because of this so called "skin effect" a substantial amount of the fluid flowing past the widest width or transverse portion of the helmet outer surface continues to follow the outer surface toward the back of the helmet for approximately 7 degrees of the diverging helmet surface where the flow then brakes free. This effect creates a considerable amount of turbulence to the fluid flow at the rear of the helmet creating buffeting or vibrating of the helmet and the helmet wearer's head at certain relative helmet and fluid speeds and causing lift to the helmet due to the aerodynamic air flow around the helmet, i.e. airplane wing effect. Considering the fact that the relative speed between the wearer and the surrounding air covers a wide range between say bicycle riders and race car drivers this buffeting or vibrating and lift condition creates a physical discomfort and fatigue to the wearer at all speeds as well as creating a resistance to the fluid flow past the helmet.
Until the emergence of the present invention there has not been a compact or reasonably sized aerodynamically designed helmet that substantially eliminates the turbulence which causes helmet buffeting or vibrating created by re:Lative fluid flow along the helmet surface and unwanted helmet lift.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As aforementioned, the invention is directed to a helmet which is dynamically designed to virtually eliminate the turbulence created by skin effect between the flow of fluid along the helmet divergent surface between the widest width or transverse portion and the smaller or rear surface of the helmet. This is accomplished by providing a defined termination surface at the widest portion of the helmet prior to the fluid reaching a distance which creates an angle oo greater than 7 degrees of from the widest width of. the helmet toward the rear thereof. This termination surface is a squared off surface or defined lip of substantially 90 decrees relative to the defined termination surface of the helmet although this angle can be either acute or obtuse. Newly con:~tructed helmets encompassing the invention may be formed with a perpendicular rectilinear rear surface or a definite step between the largest transverse cross-sectional dimension and the ~>maller curvilinear back surface of the helmet. For an exi~;ting helmet, a band with an outer flat surface is fixedly positioned adjacent to the widest width area of the helmet and the width of the band extends parallel thereto for a short distance rearwardly and away from the helmet's normally curvilinear rear surface creating a flow surface termination or step thereby.
In newly constructed helmets, the equivalent to the band may be formed into the helmet shell or the rear fluid flow surface of the helmet can be squared off.
A

It is an object of this invention to provide a personal helmet which substantially eliminates buffeting or vibrations during use by reducing resistance t:o re-lative fluid flow thereacross by approximately 40o through a wide range of relative fluid flow and helmet speeds.
Another object of this invention is to provide a helmet which creates a low pressure area a.t the rear thereof through a wide range of fluid and helmet relative speeds.
Still another object of this invention is to provide an adapter for attachment to a state of the art helmet to substantially eliminate the buffeting or vibrations and reduce resistance to relative fluid therea.cross through a wide range of relative fluid and helmet speeds.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide low pressure at the rear downstream surface of the helmet and provide openings~therethrough so that vent air entering the front of the helmet is caused to flow around the wearer's head through the helmet and out the rear openings toward the low pressure area.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a helmet wherein substantially eliminates all of the lift created by the aerodynamic shape of the helmet.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a helmet having aerodynamic characteristics, said helmet comprising: an outer shell having a curvilinear surface increasing in downstream width and defining a front and a top region of said helmet; and a terminating surface extending downwardly from a location of maximum width along said top region of said helmet and abruptly terminating said curvilinear surface .
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a helmet having a.n outer shell, said outer shell of the helmet comprising: a curvilinear surface, said curvilinear surface increasing in a. downstream width from a front surface to a maximum width anal decreasing downstream therefrom; and said curvilinear surface being effectively extended downstream of said maximum. width at a location having an angle no greater than 7 degrees in decreasing downstream helmet width from said maximum width by an attachment band having an outer surface which is a continuation of substantially the maximum width of said curvilinear surface.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for attachment to a helmet having an outer shell to improve aerodynamic characteristics thereof; said device comprising: an attachment band having an outer flat surface adaptable for connection along said outer shell at a location of maximum width; whereby when said attachment band is connected to said location of maximum width, said attachment band extends rearwardly therefrom to provide a termination surface along said outer shell.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed ;specification in which the preferred embodiments are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawing Figures.
4a ~_ 2055826 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TH:E DRAWING FIGURES
Figure 1 depicts a side view showing of a state of the art helmet;
Figure 2 is a showing taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1;
Figure 3 depicts the helmet of Figure 1 with a band of the present invention attached thereto;
Figure 4 is a showing of Figure 3 taken along line 4-4;
Figure 5 depicts a showing of t:he helmet of the present invention with a built in band extending the widest width portion of the helmet rearwardly a short dist=ance;
Figure 6 depicts a helmet of the present invention with the outer shell extended further rearward than in the state of the art helmet with the rear surface of t:he helmet centered thereon;
Figure 7 is a showing of Figure 6 taken along line 7-7;
Figure 8 depicts a top plan view of the helmet of Figure 3;
Figure 9 depicts a top plan view of the helmet of Figure 5;
and Figure 10 depicts a top plan view of the helmet of Figure 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the prior art :showing of the state of the art helmets. Figure 1 depicts a side: view of the state of the art helmets A and Figure 2 a is a rear showing thereof. The arrows C represent relative fluid flow across the surface of the helmet A. Note as the fluid flow leaves the widest portion of the helmet and diverges rearwardly past approximately 7 degrees of divergence the flow separates from the surface of the helmet and begins to create turbulence at tr.e rear of the helmet and lift at the bottom of the helmet. This turbulence and lift increase as the fluid extends farther downstream at the rear of the helmet. Obviously, as the relative speed of the fluid flow and the helmet increase the turbulence and lift increases. The turbulence causes the helmet to vibrate or buffet shaking the head of the wearer who must exert neck muscles to steady the vibrations and the lift forces on the: helmet. This places stress on the wearer during use of the helmea and tires the wearer of the helmet.
Referring now specifically to drawing Figures 3, 4 and 8, drawing Figure 3 depicts a side view, drawing Figure 4 is a rear view and drawing Figure 8 depicts a t:op view of one embodiment of a helmet 10 employing the present invention. The direction of relative fluid flow is shown as arrows C. A band 12 is attached to a conventional helmet such as, helmet A shown in drawing Figures 1 and 2. The band 12 continues the widest transverse or width surface of the helmet rearward a short distance and then abruptly terminates at a substantially perpendicular end or rear surface 14. The rear surface of band 14 is a rectangular or straight surface. The rear area 16 immediately behind the helmet is substantially void of any turbulence to the fluid flow and a low pressure area is created in the greneral area. The band 12 may be attached by any convenient means such as adhesive or the like. A vent opening 13 is located a.t the front of the helmet out of interference of the user. This vent allows head cooling air to enter the helmet. This air entering the opening 13 flows around the head of the helmet wearer cooling the head and is then drawn out through rear apertures 15 by the low pressure created at the rear surface of the helmet.
~- 2055826 Referring now specifically to drawing Figures 5 and 9, in this embodiment of the present invention the equivalent of the band 12 of drawing Figures 3, 4 and E3, is formed into the shell of the helmet. The widest portion oi= the helmet shell terminating at 14 and also diverging to form a rear rectangular or straight surface to the helmet.
Referring now to drawing Figure; 6, 7 and 10, these Figures depict respectively the side, rear and top view of yet another embodiment of the helmet of the present invention. In this embodiment the helmet at the widest width of the shell extends rearwardly a greater distance than described and shown in the other embodiments prior to termination. This extension is sufficient to extend beyond the rear portion of the helmet and provides a rectangular or straight surface to the entire rear surface of the helmet.
It should be understood that the front opening 13 and the rear apertures 15 can be employed in any of the embodiments described herein.
The physical effect of the air f=low substantially straight back from the widest portion of the helmet rather than flowing along the surface of the helmet substantially eliminates the lift to the helmet caused by "wing effect".
While there have been shown and described preferred embodiments of a helmet in accordance with the invention, it will be appreciated that many changes and modifications may be made therein without, however, departing from the essential spirit thereof.

Claims (15)

1. A helmet having aerodynamic characteristics, said helmet comprising:
an outer shell having a curvilinear surface increasing in downstream width and defining a front and a top region of said helmet; and a terminating surface extending downwardly from a location of maximum width along said top region of said helmet and abruptly terminating said curvilinear surface.
2. The helmet of claim 1, wherein said terminating surface defines a rear rectilinear surface.
3. The helmet of claim 2, wherein said curvilinear surface and said rear rectilinear surface meet substantially at right angles.
4. The helmet of claim 2, wherein said curvilinear surface and said rear rectilinear surface meet at an acute angle.
5. The helmet of claim 2, wherein said curvilinear surface and said rear rectilinear surface meet at an obtuse angle.
6. The helmet of claim 1, wherein said terminating surface is an attachment band secured to said outer shell of said helmet at said location of maximum width and defines a rear rectilinear surface.
7. The helmet of claim 2 or 6, further comprising:
at least one opening along said front surface; and at least one opening along said rear rectilinear surface;
wherein an area of low pressure is created rearward of said rectilinear surface and air is received through said at least one opening along said front surface and drawn to the area of low pressure through said at least one opening in said rear rectilinear surface.
8. The helmet of claim 7, wherein said at least one opening along said front surface is proximate the chin of a wearer.
9. The helmet of claim 7 or 8, wherein said at least one opening along said rear rectilinear surface is located proximate a top region of said rear rectilinear surface.
10. A helmet having an outer shell, said outer shell of the helmet comprising:

a curvilinear surface, said curvilinear surface increasing in a downstream width from a front surface to a maximum width and decreasing downstream therefrom; and said curvilinear surface being effectively extended downstream of said maximum width at a location having an angle no greater than 7 degrees in decreasing downstream helmet width from said maximum width by an attachment band having an outer surface which is a continuation of substantially the maximum width of said curvilinear surface.
11. The helmet of claim 10, wherein said attachment band has a downstream surface which forms an angled rear rectilinear surface around said helmet.
12. The helmet of claim 11, wherein said outer surface of said helmet attachment band and said rear rectilinear surface meet at a substantially right angle.
13. The helmet of claim 11, further comprising:
at least one opening along said front surface; and at least one opening along said rear rectilinear surface;
wherein an area of low pressure is created rearward of said rectilinear surface and air is received through said at least one opening along said front surface and drawn to the area of low pressure through said at least one opening in said rear rectilinear surface.
14. The helmet of claim 13, wherein said at least one opening along said front surface is located in a region proximate the chin of a wearer; and said at least one opening along said rear rectilinear surface is proximate said area of low pressure.
15. A device for attachment to a helmet having an outer shell to improve aerodynamic characteristics thereof; said device comprising:
an attachment band having an outer flat surface adaptable for connection along said outer shell at a location of maximum width;
whereby when said attachment band is connected to said location of maximum width, said attachment band extends rearwardly therefrom to provide a termination surface along said outer shell.
CA 2055826 1991-11-19 1991-11-19 Improved helmet Expired - Fee Related CA2055826C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2055826 CA2055826C (en) 1991-11-19 1991-11-19 Improved helmet

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2055826 CA2055826C (en) 1991-11-19 1991-11-19 Improved helmet

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2055826A1 CA2055826A1 (en) 1993-05-20
CA2055826C true CA2055826C (en) 2000-06-27

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2055826 Expired - Fee Related CA2055826C (en) 1991-11-19 1991-11-19 Improved helmet

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2055826C (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD457274S1 (en) 2001-04-26 2002-05-14 Shoei Co., Ltd. Helmet
USD457691S1 (en) 2001-04-26 2002-05-21 Shoei Co., Ltd. Helmet
USD458415S1 (en) 2001-04-26 2002-06-04 Shoei Co., Ltd. Helmet
USD460219S1 (en) 2001-04-26 2002-07-09 Shoei Co., Ltd. Helmet

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD457274S1 (en) 2001-04-26 2002-05-14 Shoei Co., Ltd. Helmet
USD457691S1 (en) 2001-04-26 2002-05-21 Shoei Co., Ltd. Helmet
USD458415S1 (en) 2001-04-26 2002-06-04 Shoei Co., Ltd. Helmet
USD460219S1 (en) 2001-04-26 2002-07-09 Shoei Co., Ltd. Helmet

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2055826A1 (en) 1993-05-20

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