An adjustable hockey helmet includes a front shell that is longitudinally movable relative to a rear shell to adjust the length of the helmet. One or more substantially rigid straps or similar elements are attached to the front shell and extend to the interior of the rear shell. A cam mechanism or similar device is included on the rear shell for securing the straps directly or indirectly against the interior of the rear shell to prevent longitudinal movement of the front shell relative to the rear shell once the helmet is adjusted to a desired length. Alternatively, the one or more straps may be attached to the rear shell and the cam mechanism may be included on the front shell.
|
0. 53. An adjustable helmet, having a front region, a rear region, and generally opposite side regions, the helmet comprising:
a) an external protective shell circumscribing an inside region for receiving the wearer's head, a size of the inside region being variable to adjust a fit of the helmet on the wearer's head;
b) padding in the inside region, the padding being located between the protective shell and the wearer's head when the helmet is worn;
c) the protective shell including a first shell portion engaged with a second shell portion, the first shell portion overlapping the second shell portion, whereby the first shell portion and the second shell portion define a mutual area of overlap, a position of the first and the second shell portions relative to each other being adjustable to vary an extent of the mutual area of overlap;
d) a manually operable adjustment device in the rear region of the helmet;
e) a substantially rigid strap in the inside region, the substantially rigid strap being engaged with the manually operable adjustment device and extending toward the mutual area of overlap, at the mutual area of overlap the second shell portion residing between the first shell portion and the substantially rigid strap;
f) the substantially rigid strap being moveable relative to the second shell portion in a selected one of a plurality of different positions, the plurality of different positions corresponding to respective positions of the first and the second shell portions relative to each other;
g) a connector in the mutual area of overlap, the connector connecting the first shell portion to the substantially rigid strap and extending through the second shell portion, such that movement of one of the substantially rigid strap and the first shell portion imparts corresponding movement of the other of the substantially rigid strap and first shell portion, wherein the protective shell includes a strap guide configured on an inner surface thereof, the strap guide configured to receive the substantially rigid strap, wherein when the position of the first and second shell portions relative to each other is adjusted, the substantially rigid strap is displaced relative to the strap guide.
0. 37. An adjustable helmet, having a front region, a rear region, and generally opposite side regions, the helmet comprising:
a) an external protective shell circumscribing an inside region for receiving the wearer's head, a size of the inside region being variable to adjust a fit of the helmet on the wearer's head;
b) padding in the inside region, the padding being located between the protective shell and the wearer's head when the helmet is worn;
c) the protective shell including a first shell portion engaged with a second shell portion, the first shell portion overlapping the second shell portion, whereby the first shell portion and the second shell portion define a mutual area of overlap, a position of the first and the second shell portions relative to each other being adjustable to vary an extent of the mutual area of overlap, wherein the opposite side regions include a first side region and an opposite second side region, wherein the mutual area of overlap is located on the first side region of the helmet;
d) a manually operable adjustment device in the rear region of the helmet;
e) a substantially rigid strap in the inside region, the substantially rigid strap being engaged with the manually operable adjustment device and extending toward the mutual area of overlap, wherein the substantially rigid strap extends along the first side region of the helmet, at the mutual area of overlap the second shell portion residing between the first shell portion and the substantially rigid strap, wherein the first shell portion includes a recess at the mutual area of overlap, the recess configured for receiving a side plate therein;
f) the substantially rigid strap being moveable relative to the second shell portion in a selected one of a plurality of different positions, the plurality of different positions corresponding to respective positions of the first and the second shell portions relative to each other;
g) a connector in the mutual area of overlap, the connector connecting the first shell portion to the substantially rigid strap and extending through the second shell portion, such that movement of one of the substantially rigid strap and the first shell portion imparts corresponding movement of the other of the substantially rigid strap and first shell portion.
0. 32. An adjustable helmet, having a front region, a rear region, and generally opposite side regions, the helmet comprising:
a) an external protective shell circumscribing an inside region for receiving the wearer's head, a size of the inside region being variable to adjust a fit of the helmet on the wearer's head;
b) padding in the inside region, the padding being located between the protective shell and the wearer's head when the helmet is worn;
c) the protective shell including a first shell portion engaged with a second shell portion, the first shell portion overlapping the second shell portion, whereby the first shell portion and the second shell portion define a mutual area of overlap, a position of the first and the second shell portions relative to each other being adjustable to vary an extent of the mutual area of overlap;
d) a manually operable adjustment device in the rear region of the helmet;
e) a substantially rigid strap in the inside region, the substantially rigid strap being engaged with the manually operable adjustment device and extending toward the mutual area of overlap, at the mutual area of overlap the second shell portion residing between the first shell portion and the substantially rigid strap;
f) the substantially rigid strap being moveable relative to the second shell portion in a selected one of a plurality of different positions, the plurality of different positions corresponding to respective positions of the first and the second shell portions relative to each other;
g) the manually operable adjustment device being configured to secure the substantially rigid strap in the selected one of the plurality of different positions;
h) a connector in the mutual area of overlap, the connector connecting the first shell portion to the substantially rigid strap and extending through the second shell portion;
i) the substantially rigid strap, when secured by the manually operable adjustment device in the selected one of the plurality of different positions, being configured to resist displacement of the first shell portion relative to the second shell portion, wherein the protective shell includes a strap guide configured on an inner surface thereof, the strap guide configured to receive the substantially rigid strap, wherein when the position of the first and second shell portions relative to each other is adjusted, the substantially rigid strap is displaced relative to the strap guide.
0. 19. An adjustable helmet, having a front region, a rear region, and generally opposite side regions, the helmet comprising:
a) an external protective shell circumscribing an inside region for receiving the wearer's head, a size of the inside region being variable to adjust a fit of the helmet on the wearer's head;
b) padding in the inside region, the padding being located between the protective shell and the wearer's head when the helmet is worn;
c) the protective shell including a first shell portion engaged with a second shell portion, the first shell portion overlapping the second shell portion, whereby the first shell portion and the second shell portion define a mutual area of overlap, a position of the first and the second shell portions relative to each other being adjustable to vary an extent of the mutual area of overlap, wherein the opposite side regions include a first side region and an opposite second side region, wherein the mutual area of overlap is located on the first side region of the helmet;
d) a manually operable adjustment device in the rear region of the helmet;
e) a substantially rigid strap in the inside region, the substantially rigid strap being engaged with the manually operable adjustment device and extending toward the mutual area of overlap, wherein the substantially rigid strap extends along the first side region of the helmet, at the mutual area of overlap the second shell portion residing between the first shell portion and the substantially rigid strap, wherein the first shell portion includes a recess at the mutual area of overlap, the recess configured for receiving a side plate therein;
f) the substantially rigid strap being moveable relative to the second shell portion in a selected one of a plurality of different positions, the plurality of different positions corresponding to respective positions of the first and the second shell portions relative to each other;
g) the manually operable adjustment device being configured to secure the substantially rigid strap in the selected one of the plurality of different positions;
h) a connector in the mutual area of overlap, the connector connecting the first shell portion to the substantially rigid strap and extending through the second shell portion;
i) the substantially rigid strap, when secured by the manually operable adjustment device in the selected one of the plurality of different positions, being configured to resist displacement of the first shell portion relative to the second shell portion.
0. 1. An adjustable helmet, comprising:
a first shell;
padding attached to the first shell;
a second shell engaged with the first shell;
a plurality of substantially rigid straps connected to the first shell and extending into the second shell;
a cam assembly on the second shell in engagement with the straps, wherein the straps are movable relative to the cam assembly, and the cam assembly includes a cam handle that is pivotable between:
an open position in which the straps are free to move through the cam assembly, such that the first shell may be longitudinally adjusted relative to the second shell; and
a closed position in which the straps are prevented from moving through the cam assembly, such that the first shell is prevented from being longitudinally adjusted relative to the second shell.
0. 2. The helmet of
0. 3. The helmet of
0. 4. The helmet of
0. 5. The helmet of
0. 6. The helmet of
0. 7. The helmet of
0. 8. The helmet of
0. 9. The helmet of
0. 10. An adjustable helmet, comprising:
a first shell;
a second shell engaged with the first shell;
a plurality of substantially rigid straps connected to the first shell and extending into an interior region of the second shell, with each of the straps including an opening;
a cam assembly attached to an exterior region of the second shell, the cam assembly including a cam post extending into the interior region of the second shell and through the openings in the straps, and a cam plate on the cam post;
wherein the cam assembly is movable between:
a closed position in which the cam plate secures the straps against the second shell, such that the first shell is prevented from being longitudinally adjusted relative to the second shell, and
an open position in which the straps are free to move about the cam post such that the first shell may be longitudinally adjusted relative to the second shell.
0. 11. The helmet of
0. 12. An adjustable helmet, comprising:
a first shell;
padding attached to the first shell;
a second shell engaged with the first shell;
a plurality of substantially rigid straps connected to the first shell and extending into the second shell;
a cam assembly on an exterior region of the second shell in engagement with the plurality of straps, wherein the cam assembly is not engageable with the first shell.
0. 13. An adjustable helmet, comprising:
a front shell;
padding attached to the front shell;
a rear shell engaged with the front shell;
at least one substantially rigid strap attached to the front shell and extending into the rear shell; and
a cam assembly on an exterior region of the rear shell that is engageable with the strap, wherein the cam assembly includes a cam handle that is pivotable between an open position and a closed position.
0. 14. The helmet of
0. 15. The helmet of
0. 16. The helmet of
0. 17. The helmet of
0. 18. An adjustable helmet, comprising:
a first shell;
padding attached to the first shell;
a second shell engaged with the first shell;
at least one substantially rigid strap attached to the first shell and extending into the second shell, wherein the strap is contained within the interior of the helmet; and
means for engaging the strap to substantially prevent longitudinal movement of the first shell relative to the second shell, wherein the means for engaging is located on a rear exterior region of the second shell.
0. 20. The helmet of claim 19, wherein the manually operable adjustment device constituting the only device of the helmet for adjusting the position of the first and second shell portions relative to each other.
0. 21. The helmet of claim 19, wherein the helmet has a longitudinal axis extending along a direction from the front region to the rear region and a transverse axis extending in a direction from one side region to another side region, the substantially rigid strap having a portion extending generally along the transverse axis.
0. 22. The helmet of claim 21, wherein the first shell portion is a front shell portion.
0. 23. The helmet of claim 22, wherein the second shell portion is a rear shell portion.
0. 24. The helmet of claim 19, wherein the recess holds the side plate captive therein, the connector connecting the side plate with the substantially rigid strap.
0. 25. The helmet of claim 19, wherein the connector is a first connector, the helmet comprising a second connector spaced apart from the first connector, the second connector connecting the side plate to the substantially rigid strap and extending through the second shell portion.
0. 26. The helmet of claim 25, wherein the first connector includes a rivet.
0. 27. The helmet of claim 26, wherein the second connector includes a rivet.
0. 28. The helmet of claim 19, wherein the mutual area of overlap is a first mutual area of overlap, the helmet including a second mutual area of overlap between the first shell portion and the second shell portion, the substantially rigid strap being a first substantially rigid strap, the helmet including a second substantially rigid strap extending along the second side region of the helmet between the second mutual area of overlap and the manually operable adjustment device, the second shell portion being located between the first shell portion and the second substantially rigid strap at the second mutual area of overlap, wherein the connector is a first connector, the helmet comprising a second connector connecting the first shell portion and the second substantially rigid strap at the second mutual area of overlap, the second connector extending through the second shell portion.
0. 29. The helmet of claim 28, wherein the helmet has a top portion and a rear edge, the first and second substantially rigid straps residing between the top portion and the rear edge.
0. 30. The helmet of claim 19, wherein the second shell portion includes an opening through which the connector extends, the opening being configured to allow the connector to move relative to the second shell portion when the first shell portion moves relative to the second shell portion at the mutual area of overlap.
0. 31. The helmet of claim 30, wherein the opening includes a slot.
0. 33. The helmet of claim 32, wherein the strap guide is configured for maintaining the substantially rigid strap adjacent the inner surface of the protective shell as the first and second shell portions of the protective shell are displaced to adjust the helmet.
0. 34. The helmet of claim 33, wherein the substantially rigid strap resides between the protective shell and the padding.
0. 35. The helmet of claim 32, wherein the manually operable adjustment device includes a post projecting from an inner surface of the protective shell.
0. 36. The helmet of claim 35, wherein the manually operable adjustment device includes a generally circular structure mounted on the post, the generally circular structure engaging the substantially rigid strap.
0. 38. The helmet of claim 37, wherein the manually operable adjustment device constitutes the only device of the helmet for adjusting the position of the first and second shell portions relative to each other.
0. 39. The helmet of claim 37, wherein the manually operable adjustment device is joined with the second shell portion and includes a finger operable actuator projecting from the second shell portion.
0. 40. The helmet of claim 39, wherein the finger operable actuator includes a lever.
0. 41. The helmet of claim 39, wherein the manually operable adjustment device includes a cam.
0. 42. The helmet of claim 37, wherein the helmet has a longitudinal axis extending along a direction from the front region to the rear region and a transverse axis extending in a direction from one side region to another side region, the substantially rigid strap having a portion extending generally along the transverse axis.
0. 43. The helmet of claim 42, wherein the first shell portion is a front shell portion.
0. 44. The helmet of claim 42, wherein the second shell portion is a rear shell portion.
0. 45. The helmet of claim 37, wherein the recess holds the side plate captive therein, the connector connecting the side plate with the substantially rigid strap.
0. 46. The helmet of claim 45, wherein the connector is a first connector, the helmet comprising a second connector spaced apart from the first connector, the second connector connecting the side plate with the substantially rigid strap and extending through the second shell portion.
0. 47. The helmet of claim 46, wherein the first connector includes a rivet.
0. 48. The helmet of claim 46, wherein the second connector includes a rivet.
0. 49. The helmet of claim 37, wherein the mutual area of overlap is a first mutual area of overlap, the helmet including a second mutual area of overlap between the first shell portion and the second shell portion, the substantially rigid strap being a first substantially rigid strap, the helmet including a second substantially rigid strap extending along the second side region of the helmet between the second mutual area of overlap and the manually operable adjustment device, the second shell portion being located between the first shell portion and the second substantially rigid strap at the second mutual area of overlap, wherein the connector is a first connector, the helmet comprising a second connector connecting the first shell portion and the second substantially rigid strap at the second mutual area of overlap, the second connector extending through the second shell portion.
0. 50. The helmet of claim 49, wherein the helmet has a top portion and a rear edge, the first and second substantially rigid straps residing between the top portion and the rear edge.
0. 51. The helmet of claim 37, wherein the second shell portion includes an opening through which the connector extends, the opening being configured to allow the connector to move relative to the second shell portion when the first shell portion moves relative to the second shell portion at the mutual area of overlap.
0. 52. The helmet of claim 51, wherein the opening includes a slot.
0. 54. The helmet of claim 53, wherein the strap guide is configured for maintaining the substantially rigid strap adjacent the inner surface of the protective shell as the first and second shell portions of the protective shell are displaced relative to each other to adjust the helmet.
0. 55. The helmet of claim 54, wherein the substantially rigid strap resides between the protective shell and the padding.
0. 56. The helmet of claim 53, wherein the manually operable adjustment device includes a post projecting from an inner surface of the second shell portion.
0. 57. The helmet of claim 56, wherein the manually operable adjustment device includes a generally circular structure mounted on the post, the generally circular structure engaging the substantially rigid strap.
|
Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 8,832,870. This application is a continuation reissue of application Ser. No. 15/268,127, now U.S. Pat. No. RE47,747, which is an application for reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 8,832,870, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/191,000, filed Aug. 13, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/956,621, filed Aug. 17, 2007, both all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Adjustable hockey helmets are used to accommodate various head sizes of wearers. A typical adjustable hockey helmet includes a front shell that is movable or slidable relative to a rear shell to adjust the length of the helmet. Cam mechanisms or other locking devices are commonly included on the sides of the helmet to securely engage the front shell against the rear shell to prevent longitudinal movement of the shells relative to each other once the helmet is adjusted to the desired length. While existing adjustable hockey helmets have been relatively effective, it would be advantageous to have a hockey helmet that is more readily adjustable and that can more easily be secured in place.
An adjustable hockey helmet includes a front shell that is longitudinally movable relative to a rear shell to adjust the length of the helmet. One or more substantially rigid straps or similar elements are attached to the front shell and extend to the interior of the rear shell. A cam mechanism or similar device is included on the rear shell for securing the straps directly or indirectly against the interior of the rear shell to prevent longitudinal movement of the front shell relative to the rear shell once the helmet is adjusted to a desired length. Alternatively, the one or more straps may be attached to the rear shell and the cam mechanism may be included on the front shell.
Other features and advantages will appear hereinafter. The features described above can be used separately or together, or in various combinations of one or more of them.
In the drawings, wherein the same reference number indicates the same element throughout the several views:
Various embodiments of the invention will now be described. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the invention may be practiced without many of these details. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description of the various embodiments.
The terminology used in the description presented below is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this detailed description section.
Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in the list.
Turning now in detail to the drawings, as shown in
The front shell 12 includes two side plates 16, which are preferably positioned in recesses in the front shell 12. As is best shown in
The rivets 18 extend through aligned slots or openings 17 in the front and rear shells 12, 14. The rivets 18 are preferably press-fit into female receiving elements 22, which are molded onto or otherwise affixed to substantially rigid side straps 24, shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The upper strap 26 and the side straps 24 optionally each include a slot or opening 28 near their free ends. The openings 28 in each of the straps 24, 26 are positioned around the cam post 38 such that the ends of the straps 24, 26 partially overlap one another. A reinforcing plate or shim 42 is optionally positioned around the cam post 38 between the straps 24, 26 and the interior surface of the rear shell 14 to provide a clamping surface for the straps 24, 26, as well as structural support for the cam assembly 35. In one embodiment, the shim 42 is positioned within a recess in the interior surface of the rear shell 14. The shim 42 prevents transmission of excessive compressive force against the interior surface of the rear shell 14, and thus inhibits or prevents permanent compression or “creep” in the rear shell 14. If creep does occur, the nut 41 may be tightened to compensate for the creep.
The cam handle 36 is preferably rotatable between an open position in which the cam handle 36 is in a substantially horizontal position extending away from an outer surface of the rear shell 14, as shown in
When the cam assembly 35 is in the open position, the length of the helmet 10 may be adjusted by pushing the front and rear shells 12, 14 toward each other or by pulling them away from each other. During this adjustment, the straps 24, 26 are guided via their respective strap guides 30, 32, while their openings 28 slide or move about the cam post 38. After the helmet 10 is adjusted to a desired length, the cam handle 36 may be rotated into the closed position to secure the side straps 24 and the upper strap 26 against the shim 42 (or against the interior surface of the rear shell 14 if a shim 42 is omitted). When in the closed position, the rigidity or stiffness of the straps 24, 26 prevents further longitudinal adjustment of the helmet 10.
This single-cam system allows for faster length adjustment than the multi-cam or multi-screw systems used in many existing helmets. Furthermore, a snug fit can more readily be achieved when the helmet 10 is positioned on a wearer's head, since the wearer can use one hand to adjust and hold the helmet in place, while using the other hand to close the cam handle 36 to secure the helmet 10 in place.
In an alternative embodiment, single-screw side plates may be used to provide longitudinal helmet adjustment, instead of the strap-based, cam-lock system described above. In this embodiment, each side plate includes one insert-molded rivet on its inner surface, and an opening through which a screw or bolt may be threaded (instead of including a second rivet). In the closed or locked position, the screw or bolt is threaded through the opening in the side plate, through the front shell 12, and into a threaded receiving element in the rear shell 14. Alternatively, the side plate may be omitted and the screw or bolt may be threaded directly through the front shell 12 into the threaded receiving element in the rear shell 14.
To adjust the helmet's length, a user loosens or partially unthreads the single screw in each side plate, which allows the front and rear shells 12, 14 to be longitudinally adjusted relative to each other. Once a desired length is achieved, the user tightens the single screw in each side plate to secure the front and rear shells 12, 14 to each other, thus preventing longitudinal movement between them. Many existing adjustable helmets, conversely, typically include two screws in each side plate (or in the helmet shells on each side of the helmet), and therefore require more time and effort to perform length adjustments.
In a related embodiment, the single screw may be replaced with a wing-nut, which may be loosened and tightened by hand. The wing-nut may include a folding or pivoting flap, which, when pivoted to the closed position, abuts or is adjacent to the helmet's surface. When the flap is pivoted to the open position, it provides enough surface area for a user to twist the wing-nut and unthread it from the receiving element in the rear shell 14. Thus, including a wing-nut instead of a standard screw obviates the need for a screwdriver when adjusting the helmet's length.
In one embodiment, as shown in
The bands 50 or straps may be tightened or loosened, such that they are displaced laterally toward or away from the central interior of the helmet 10, via a dial in a dial housing 52, a knob, or another device located at a rear of the helmet 10. The lateral and occipital adjustment system 48 also preferably includes an upper attachment portion 53 that may be attached to the liner padding 15, or to the rear shell 14, or to a separate attachment element 55 (see
The adjustable helmet 10 may include one or more of the longitudinal, lateral, and occipital adjustment systems described above.
In an alternative embodiment, the various adjustment systems may be integrated with one another. For example, the longitudinal and lateral adjustment systems may be operable via a single knob and cam system. In such a system, the knob may first be rotated to adjust the longitudinal length of the front and rear shells 12, 14. The cam mechanism may then be moved into the locked position, after which the knob may be turned to adjust the lateral bands of the system. The reverse of this system, in which the lateral bands are adjusted when the cam is in the unlocked position, may alternatively be used. These integrated adjustment systems may be accomplished using gears associated with the cam system or using another suitable switching mechanism.
One or more of the following additional features may optionally be included in the adjustable helmet 10. As shown in
The rear region of the earpiece 54 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the rear shell 14 and the liner padding 15. The rear region of the earpiece 54 includes a slot 58 or opening that is positioned around a post-screw assembly (not visible in the drawings) used to attach the liner padding 15 to the rear shell 14. The post-screw assembly provides a point of rotation for the earpiece 54. To adjust the height of the earpiece 54, a user loosens the screws in the receiving elements 61, causing the clamping plate to release its clamping force on the earpiece 54. The user then rotates the front region of the earpiece 54 to a desired height, after which the user tightens the screws to secure the earpiece 54 at the desired height. The raised projection positioned in the opening 56 limits the vertical movement of the earpiece 54 in the upward and downward directions by engaging the upper or lower surfaces that define the upper and lower regions of the opening 56.
As shown in
A conventional J-clip, conversely, includes four round holes into which two screws may be threaded, allowing the J-clip to be moved between the high and low positions. To move a conventional J-clip between these two positions, however, the two screws must be completely removed from the helmet shell, then re-inserted and re-tightened once the J-clip's position has been adjusted. Thus, the slotted configuration shown in
In an alternative embodiment, the recessed slot may include longitudinal ridges instead of ridges 65 that define substantially circular regions. In such an embodiment, the screws 66 must be adequately tightened to prevent vertical movement of the J-clip 60 without the aid of the circular regions. In another alternative embodiment, a horizontal divider, which divides the slot 64 into two separate vertical slotted regions, may be included to provide additional strength to the J-clip 60.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The screw-plate 80 is directly or indirectly affixed to a portion of the front liner padding 15. In one embodiment, a stiff fabric material is sandwiched between the screw plate 80 and the interior surface of the front shell 12. The stiff fabric material has a greater surface area than, and therefore extends beyond the boundaries of, the screw plate 80. The liner padding 15 may be adhered or otherwise affixed to the stiff fabric material. Screws 78 or bolts are threaded from the exterior of the front shell 12 into the receiving elements 82 to secure the fabric material between the front shell 12 and the screw-plate 80.
During threading of the screws 78 or bolts, the receiving elements 82 or 85 are prevented from rotating due to their connection via the screw-plate 80 or 81 in conjunction with their positioning in the shell openings. Many existing helmets, conversely, use individual, non-circular receiving elements that fit into non-circular holes in the helmet shell. The receiving elements are non-circular to prevent them from rotating within the shell openings when screws or bolts are threaded into the non-circular receiving elements. Thus, by incorporating a single, integrated screw-plate 80 or 81, circular receiving elements 82 or 85 may be used to secure the front shell 12 to the liner padding 15.
As shown in
The first and second components 88, 90 preferably include first and second walls 94, 96, respectively, each oriented substantially perpendicularly to the face onto which its respective magnet 92 is molded. The first and second walls 94, 96 engage each other when the first and second components 88, 90 are magnetically coupled to each other. This wall arrangement prevents the first and second 88, 90 components from readily disengaging from each other when the chin-strap is pulled in tension. The first and second walls 94, 96, in conjunction with the magnets 92, are optionally configured in a manner that allows the first and second components 88, 90 to disengage from each other when a predetermined amount of tensile force is applied to the chin strap 84. The magnetic buckle 86 is substantially easier to connect and disconnect than are traditional snap-fit arrangements.
As shown in
An integral, vertically extending indexing arm 110 is optionally included on the retainer 104. The indexing arm 110 includes horizontal grooves 112 that can snap over the horizontal wires on the facemask 102. To adjust the height of the chin cup 100, a user slides the chin cup assembly 98 to a desired height on the facemask 102, allowing a wire to snap into one of the horizontal grooves 112. Thus, the chin cup assembly 98 can be secured in a desired location, and does not have to be removed from the facemask 102 to have its vertical position adjusted on the facemask 102.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The head-form 140 substantially fills the interior of the helmet 10 and substantially prevents the liner padding 15 from being dented or damaged during shipping and handling. The liner padding in many existing helmets, conversely, often becomes marked or dented because the padding is exposed during shipping and while the helmet rests on a shelf.
The head-form 140 preferably includes a slot 142 or opening in its rear upper region, or in another suitable location. The slot 142 provides flexibility so that the head-form 140 may accommodate different helmet sizes. For example, when a medium helmet is placed over the head-form 140, the sides of the head-form 140 are pressed toward each other such that the slot 142 is narrowed. When a small helmet is placed over the head-form 140, the sides of the head-form 140 are pressed toward each other to a greater degree such that the slot 142 is narrowed even further. Accordingly, the head-form 140 may be snugly secured within helmets of various sizes.
The various helmet components described herein, if not otherwise specified, may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. While specific elements are often described above, in many cases, other suitable elements may be used in their place (e.g., wing-nuts may be used instead of screws, where applicable).
Any of the above-described embodiments may be used alone or in combination with one another. Furthermore, the adjustable helmet may include additional features not described herein. While several embodiments have been shown and described, various changes and substitutions may of course be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention, therefore, should not be limited, except by the following claims and their equivalents.
Beland, Jean-Francois, Belanger, Guillaume
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
11583024, | Dec 08 2020 | LIFT Airborne Technologies LLC | Helmet fit system |
RE49616, | Aug 17 2007 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Adjustable hockey helmet |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
2926406, | |||
3087166, | |||
3107356, | |||
3214809, | |||
3845505, | |||
3897597, | |||
4404690, | Aug 21 1981 | KARHU HOCKEY FINLAND OY | Hockey helmet |
4477929, | Nov 01 1982 | ARNE ROOS SPORT AB | Protective helmet |
4539715, | Apr 22 1983 | CANSTAR SPORTS GROUP INC | Size adjustable helmet |
4685315, | Jul 15 1985 | Strap lock for suitcases, bags, or the like | |
4827537, | Jan 30 1987 | SMI S.A. | Protective helmet of the movable segment type |
4843642, | Feb 15 1985 | Combat vehicle crewman helmet | |
4856950, | Feb 18 1988 | ITW, Ltd. | Re-usable plastic drive rivets |
4903349, | Feb 17 1987 | Helmet chin strap having primary fastening device and secondary fastening device for free end of strap | |
4942628, | Sep 20 1989 | Mine Safety Appliances Company | Helmet suspension having ratchet adjustment |
5143500, | Feb 28 1991 | ITW Plastiglide | Snap engaging fastener system for providing rotary motion |
5249347, | Jan 30 1992 | Canstar Sports Group Inc. | Face mask for sports gear |
5315718, | Apr 30 1992 | SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENSE | Protective helmet and retention system therefor |
5331684, | Feb 17 1993 | ITT Corporation | Helmet mounting for night vision assembly |
5333328, | Feb 05 1993 | Adjustable visor apparatus for bicycle helmet | |
5351341, | Jun 19 1991 | Societe Generale | Multiple density helmet body compositions to strengthen helmet |
5367402, | Dec 14 1992 | ITT Corporation | Helmet mounted night vision apparatus and method of separation |
5412814, | Apr 25 1994 | I-TECH SPORTS PRODUCTS, INC | Protective sports headgear |
5469583, | Sep 16 1993 | Societe Generale | Strap lock buckle |
5483699, | Apr 25 1994 | I-TECH SPORTS PRODUCTS, INC | Face shield with chin contacting element |
5511250, | Jan 26 1995 | A-STAR SPORTS GROUP, INC | Adjustable protective helmet |
5540528, | Feb 15 1994 | ITW-ATECO GmbH | Rivet made of plastic material for securing a plate-like workpiece to a support assembly with an approximately plane surface |
5555567, | Oct 31 1991 | INNOVATIVE ATHLETIC PRODUCTS, INC | Adjustable side attachment strap for helmet and face shield |
5555569, | Mar 18 1994 | LION APPAREL, INC , AN OHIO CORPORATION | Helmet and face mask interface system |
5571217, | Jul 24 1992 | Optrel AG | Protective assembly for the protection of the human head |
5603117, | Sep 13 1995 | The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army | Protective helmet assembly |
5638551, | May 10 1994 | EASTON-BELL SPORTS, INC ; Bell Sports, Inc | Helmet including a device for fixing the helmet to the occipital portion of a user's head |
5659900, | Jul 08 1993 | Societe Generale | Sizing and stabilizing apparatus for bicycle helmets |
5680656, | Mar 05 1987 | Safety helmet | |
5752276, | Dec 22 1992 | Sextant Avionique | Protective helmet equipped with optronic systems and adjustment method |
5832569, | Nov 25 1997 | Lockable buckle for belts, straps or the like | |
5845341, | Jun 10 1997 | MSA Technology, LLC; Mine Safety Appliances Company, LLC | Combination head and eye-protective apparatus and goggles |
5857215, | Jan 07 1994 | ILIXCO, INC | Helmet with high performance head and face protection utilizing molded composite materials and method |
5887288, | Jul 08 1993 | Societe Generale | Sizing and stabilizing apparatus for bicycle helmets |
5950245, | Apr 14 1997 | MSA Technology, LLC; Mine Safety Appliances Company, LLC | Adjustable headband with a ratchet mechanism having different resistances |
5953761, | Jan 26 1998 | AMPAC Enterprises, Inc. | Protective headgear |
5956776, | Nov 28 1997 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Adjustable helmet having an improved locking mechanism |
6032297, | Jul 01 1997 | MSA Technology, LLC; Mine Safety Appliances Company, LLC | Head-protective helmet and assemblies thereof |
6047409, | May 02 1998 | Adjustable safety lock for helmet face shield | |
6101636, | Nov 27 1996 | Sculptured helmet ornamentation | |
6108824, | Aug 12 1998 | SPORT MASKA, INC | Helmet adjustment mechanism with quick release |
6125477, | Jun 25 1998 | AGV S.p.A. | Crash-helmet with device for locking and releasing movable parts |
6154889, | Feb 20 1998 | Team Wendy, LLC | Protective helmet |
6189156, | Jul 21 1999 | Russell Corporation | Catcher's helmet with eye shield |
6202223, | Nov 29 1996 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Padding with embedded fastener for use in a helmet |
6256798, | May 14 1997 | Heinz, Egolf | Helmet with adjustable safety strap |
6260197, | Apr 09 1999 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc | Welding helmet with conical pivoting mechanism for head gear strap |
6272692, | Jan 04 2001 | C J ABRAHAM, HENRY D CROSS, III | Apparatus for enhancing absorption and dissipation of impact forces for all protective headgear |
6292952, | Sep 25 1998 | Sportscope | Insert-molded helmet |
6298497, | Nov 29 1996 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Hockey helmet with self-adjusting padding |
6314588, | Jan 03 2001 | Ring band adjustment structure of crash helmet | |
6324700, | Nov 24 1999 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Adjustable protective helmet |
6338165, | May 22 2000 | Visioned enhanced face guard for a sports helmet | |
6385780, | Sep 28 2000 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Protective helmet with adjustable padding |
6389607, | Sep 26 2000 | Soft foam sport helmet | |
6401261, | Jul 08 1994 | Bell Sports, Inc. | Sizing and stabilizing apparatus for bicycle helmets |
6425142, | Mar 15 2000 | GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | Retention mechanism for a helmet |
6449776, | Feb 15 2001 | Bell Sports, Inc. | Removable mounting bracket for expanded plastic foam articles |
6457179, | Jan 05 2001 | Norotos, Inc.; NOROTOS, INC | Helmet mount for night vision device |
6472776, | Mar 30 2000 | NOROTOS, INC | Helmet mount for night vision device |
6499149, | Apr 19 2001 | SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC | Race car driver helmet/head restraint |
6606114, | Mar 31 1993 | Diversified Optical Products, Inc. | Combination head-protective helmet and thermal imaging apparatus |
6647556, | Apr 26 2000 | PLIM COOPERATION LTD | Adjustable helmet |
6708376, | Oct 01 2002 | NORTH SAFETY PRODUCTS L L C | Length adjustment mechanism for a strap |
6715150, | Apr 16 1999 | Thales Avionics S.A. | Visor for a helmet |
6754911, | May 07 2003 | Down East, Inc. | Modular helmet ear cup tensioner |
6772447, | Aug 30 2002 | WARRIOR SPORTS, INC | Protective sport helmet |
6862747, | Feb 25 2003 | E.D. Bullard Company; E D BULLARD COMPANY | Protective helmet with vertically adjustable headband |
6862748, | Mar 17 2003 | Norotos Inc | Magnet module for night vision goggles helmet mount |
6865752, | Dec 23 2002 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Adjustable sports helmet |
6883183, | Aug 30 2002 | WARRIOR SPORTS, INC | Protective sport helmet |
6886183, | Sep 13 2002 | DYE PRECISION, INC | Goggle and mask system |
6892393, | Dec 29 2003 | Safety helmet attachment and method for shielding eyes | |
6904618, | Jun 16 2003 | Bell Sports, Inc | Sports helmet with adjustable ventilation |
6934972, | Jul 21 2003 | Itech Sport Products Inc. | Adjustable helmet with disabling insert |
6952839, | Jul 08 2003 | Gentex Corporation | Padset for protective helmet |
6961963, | Apr 04 2002 | LION GROUP, INC | Modular helmet |
6966075, | Sep 25 2001 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Adjustable helmets |
6968575, | Nov 13 2003 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Hockey helmet comprising an occipital adjustment mechanism |
6981284, | Aug 15 2003 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Hockey helmet comprising a lateral adjustment mechanism |
6983488, | Apr 22 2004 | SmartGuards, LLC | Equestrian helmet with faceguard |
7000262, | Jul 26 2004 | E.D. Bullard Company | Flexible ratchet mechanism for the headband of protective headgear |
7043772, | Aug 31 2004 | E. D. Bullard Company | Ratchet mechanism with unitary knob and pinion construction |
7110743, | Jun 30 2003 | MSA Technology, LLC; Mine Safety Appliances Company, LLC | Communications device for a protective helmet |
7156536, | Feb 11 2005 | ONCALL, LLC | Flashlight holder for a helmet |
7174575, | Jul 26 2004 | E.D. Bullard Company | Ratchet mechanism for the headband of protective headgear used in high temperature environments |
7178175, | Mar 26 2004 | Gentex Corporation | Retention system for safety helmet |
7192151, | Dec 21 2004 | DePuy Products, Inc. | Light array for a surgical helmet |
7222374, | May 26 2004 | Bell Sports, Inc | Head gear fitting system |
7246383, | May 27 2004 | Bell Sports, Inc | Fit adjustment mechanism for helmets |
7246385, | Jul 14 2004 | MJD Innovations, L.L.C. | Helmet chin-strap harness structure |
7634820, | Jan 20 2006 | SPORT MASKA INC | Adjustment mechanism for a helmet |
7716754, | Mar 27 2007 | Ski helmet with adjustable face shield | |
7765608, | Aug 26 2005 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Face guard for a sports helmet |
7797763, | Jul 27 2006 | UVEX SPORTS GMBH & CO. KG | Protective helmet, especially bicycle helmet |
7797764, | Mar 10 2005 | Military helmet extension and military helmet including the extension | |
7854024, | May 30 2007 | Adjustable fitting ring structure | |
7870618, | Sep 30 2005 | SPORT MASKA INC | Adjustment mechanism for a helmet |
7908667, | Jun 17 2005 | Gentex Corporation | Mounting system for accessories on a safety helmet |
7908678, | Dec 22 2005 | Cascade Maverik Lacrosse, LLC | Sport helmet with adjustable liner |
7954178, | Aug 27 2008 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Hockey helmet comprising an occipital adjustment mechanism |
7958572, | Dec 15 2005 | PJDO | Foldable protective helmet |
7975320, | Dec 20 2005 | SMITH OPTICS, INC | Helmet including vent and actuator assembly for moving vent shutter and methods of using same |
8037548, | Jul 14 2004 | SPORT MASKA INC | Adjustable helmet |
8095995, | Jul 14 2004 | SPORT MASKA INC | Adjustable helmet shell |
8146177, | Mar 25 2005 | MANGO SPORT SYSTEM, S R L | Protective helmet for sports use and for work use |
8191179, | Jan 25 2008 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Hockey helmet with an outer shell made of two different materials |
8418270, | Dec 12 2007 | SPORT MASKA INC | Protective helmet |
8661571, | Oct 06 2003 | WILCOX INDUSTRIES CORP | Helmet mounting systems |
8739318, | Sep 03 2010 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Helmet comprising an occipital adjustment mechanism |
8813269, | Apr 16 2007 | RIDDELL, INC | Sports helmet with quick-release faceguard connector and adjustable internal pad element |
20010034895, | |||
20020035748, | |||
20020104153, | |||
20030070201, | |||
20030106138, | |||
20030135914, | |||
20030221245, | |||
20040040073, | |||
20040117897, | |||
20040172739, | |||
20050015857, | |||
20050034222, | |||
20050034223, | |||
20050115857, | |||
20050125882, | |||
20050125961, | |||
20050246868, | |||
20050262619, | |||
20060150304, | |||
20070044193, | |||
20070079429, | |||
20070157370, | |||
20070169251, | |||
20070199136, | |||
20070266481, | |||
20070266482, | |||
20080092279, | |||
20080109946, | |||
20080189835, | |||
20080276354, | |||
20080289085, | |||
20090031482, | |||
CA1154552, | |||
CA1183302, | |||
CA1217601, | |||
CA2048028, | |||
CA2191683, | |||
CA2191693, | |||
CA2230616, | |||
CA2273621, | |||
CA2321399, | |||
CA2357690, | |||
CA2437545, | |||
CA2437626, | |||
CA2561540, | |||
CA2567010, | |||
CA2573639, | |||
CA2573640, | |||
CA2576086, | |||
CN101516221, | |||
D400311, | Aug 23 1996 | Bauer Hockey, Inc | Helmet ear protector |
D401018, | Aug 23 1996 | Bauer Hockey, Inc | Sports helmet |
D463885, | Jun 18 2001 | Bauer Hockey, Inc | Ornament for face protector |
D540491, | Dec 23 2004 | Set of attachments for an article of protective sports gear | |
D618857, | May 21 2009 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | Outer shell of a helmet for a hockey or lacrosse player |
DE10037461, | |||
DE10039461, | |||
DE4226551, | |||
DE4322339, | |||
EP1204336, | |||
EP1210882, | |||
EP1484990, | |||
EP1635664, | |||
EP2550885, | |||
EP942665, | |||
JP3122726, | |||
RE35193, | Feb 28 1994 | SPORTSCOPE RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS, INC | Combined visored cap type protective helmet and pouch for bicyclists or the like |
WO2004000054, | |||
WO2005000056, | |||
WO2006099928, | |||
WO2007025500, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Oct 28 2012 | BELAND, JEAN-FRANCOIS | EASTON SPORTS, INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 046176 | /0147 | |
Mar 13 2013 | BELANGER, GUILLAUME | EASTON SPORTS, INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 046176 | /0147 | |
Oct 11 2014 | EASTON SPORTS, INC | EASTON HOCKEY, INC | CHANGE OF NAME SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 046419 | /0059 | |
Jan 13 2016 | EASTON HOCKEY, INC | Bauer Hockey, Inc | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 046427 | /0113 | |
Jun 23 2017 | Bauer Hockey, Inc | Bauer Hockey, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 046201 | /0818 | |
Feb 23 2018 | Bauer Hockey, LLC | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Dec 20 2024 | BANK OF AMERICA, N A | BAUER HOCKEY LTD | RELEASE OF PATENT SECURITY INTEREST | 069816 | /0559 | |
Dec 20 2024 | BANK OF AMERICA, N A | Cascade Maverik Lacrosse, LLC | RELEASE OF PATENT SECURITY INTEREST | 069816 | /0559 | |
Dec 20 2024 | BANK OF AMERICA, N A | PROSHARP INC | RELEASE OF PATENT SECURITY INTEREST | 069816 | /0559 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Feb 23 2018 | BIG: Entity status set to Undiscounted (note the period is included in the code). |
Mar 04 2022 | M1552: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Year, Large Entity. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Jun 16 2023 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Dec 16 2023 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jun 16 2024 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Jun 16 2026 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Jun 16 2027 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Dec 16 2027 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jun 16 2028 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Jun 16 2030 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Jun 16 2031 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Dec 16 2031 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jun 16 2032 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Jun 16 2034 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |