U.S. patent application number 09/825009 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-20 for retention mechanism for a helmet.
Invention is credited to Egger, F. Robert, Sasaki, Steven, Workman, Kurt.
Application Number | 20010022005 09/825009 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24095492 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010022005 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sasaki, Steven ; et
al. |
September 20, 2001 |
Retention mechanism for a helmet
Abstract
An improved retention mechanism for a bicycle helmet is
provided. A helmet including a retention mechanism comprises a
shell for protecting a head of a person and a fit system
elastically coupled to the shell. The fit system comprises a bowl
designed to fit an occipital region of the person's head and a
hinge for coupling the fit system to the shell, the hinge
permitting the fit system to move. The fit system further including
a spring element for positioning the bowl against the occipital
region of the person's head, to stabilize the helmet against the
person's head.
Inventors: |
Sasaki, Steven; (Elk Grove,
CA) ; Workman, Kurt; (Santa Cruz, CA) ; Egger,
F. Robert; (Watsonville, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
620 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE
SIXTEENTH FLOOR
NEWPORT BEACH
CA
92660
US
|
Family ID: |
24095492 |
Appl. No.: |
09/825009 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09825009 |
Apr 3, 2001 |
|
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|
09525997 |
Mar 15, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/421 ; 2/417;
2/419 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/421 ; 2/417;
2/419 |
International
Class: |
A42B 007/00; A42B
001/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A helmet including a retention mechanism comprising: a shell for
protecting a head of a person; a fit system elastically coupled to
the shell, the fit system comprising: a bowl designed to fit an
occipital region of the person's head; a hinge for coupling the fit
system to the shell, the hinge permitting the fit system to move;
and an elastic element for forcing the bowl against the occipital
region of the person's head, to stabilize the helmet against the
person's head.
2. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising a helmet strap
designed to fasten the helmet to the person's head.
3. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the helmet strap is attached to
the helmet and to the fit system.
4. The helmet of claim 3, wherein the helmet strap is further
threaded through a lower portion of the bowl.
5. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the bowl includes a plurality of
cut-outs to provide airflow to the person wearing the helmet.
6. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising: an adjustment
mechanism to adjust tension in the elastic elements, such that a
force needed to move the hinge changes.
7. The helmet of claim 6, wherein the adjustment mechanism
comprises one or more of the following: a screw, a ratchet, and a
slot/groove mechanism.
8. The helmet of claim 7, wherein the adjustment mechanism is moved
using a turn-knob.
9. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the elastic element comprises one
or more of the following: a spring, an elastic.
10. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the fit system is coupled to the
helmet using a fastening mechanism comprising: a screw that may be
attached to a top of the fit system, such that the fit system may
be coupled to the helmet in one of a plurality of positions.
11. A helmet comprising: a shell having a front and a back; a
bowl-shaped member hingedly coupled to the back of the shell, the
bowl-shaped member shaped to fit an occipital region of a wearer's
head; an spring member coupling the bowl-shaped member to the
shell, for allowing said distal end of said bowl-shaped member to
extend rearward when the helmet is donned and to provide a
resilient forward pressure against the occipital region of the
wearer's head, thereby providing a more securely fitted helmet.
12. The helmet of claim 11, further comprising a helmet strap
designed to fasten the helmet to the person's head.
13. The helmet of claim 12, wherein the helmet strap is attached to
the helmet and to the fit system.
14. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the helmet strap is further
threaded through a lower portion of the bowl.
15. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the bowl includes a plurality
of cut-outs to provide airflow to the person wearing the
helmet.
16. The helmet of claim 11, further comprising: an adjustment
mechanism to adjust tension in the elastic elements, such that a
force needed to move the hinge changes.
17. The helmet of claim 16, wherein the adjustment mechanism
comprises one or more of the following: a screw, a ratchet, and a
slot/groove mechanism.
18. The helmet of claim 17, wherein the adjustment mechanism is
moved using a turn-knob.
19. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the elastic element comprises
one or more of the following: a spring, an elastic.
20. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the fit system is coupled to
the helmet using a fastening mechanism comprising: a screw that may
be attached to a top of the fit system, such that the fit system
may be coupled to the helmet in one of a plurality of
positions.
21. A retention mechanism for stabilizing and retaining a helmet on
the head of a wearer, the helmet having a shell with a front and a
back substantially covering a top portion of the head of a wearer,
the retention mechanism comprising: a spine mounted to the back of
the shell by a hinge; a bowl coupled to the spine, the bowl shaped
to fit an occipital region of the wearer's head; and a spring
element for setting a level of elasticity in the hinge, the spring
element for resiliently holding the bowl against the back of the
head of a wearer to restrict movement of the helmet on the wearer's
head.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to helmets, and more
specifically, to retention mechanisms for helmets.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Helmets for head protection during bicycle riding falls and
accidents have continuously evolved and undergone numerous
improvements in recent years. One particular area of refinement has
been in the retention mechanism to fit and stabilize the helmet on
the bicycle rider's head. An example of a prior art bicycle helmet
and a means for securing it from excessive movement is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,900.
[0003] In order to fit a people having different head shapes and
sizes, helmets are often available in several sizes. The fit is
customized to the rider's head by inserting or removing cushions
and pads around the interior of the helmet.
[0004] Generally prior art helmets have not been shaped to fit the
curvature beneath the occipital region of the rider's head to
stabilize the helmet. One prior art solution that fits the
curvature beneath the occipital region of the rider's head is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,900. In this prior art helmet, an
inverted T-shaped articulated member was attached to a back portion
of the bicycle helmet shell assembly. The articulated member has a
lower distal end. An elastic means connects the T-shaped
articulated member and opposite sides of the shell assembly for
allowing the distal end of the articulated member to extend
rearward when the helmet is donned to provide a resilient forward
pressure against an inwardly curved portion on the posterior of a
rider's head.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A retention mechanism for a helmet is described. A helmet
including a retention mechanism comprises a shell for protecting a
head of a person and a fit system elastically coupled to the shell.
The fit system comprises a bowl designed to fit an occipital region
of the person's head and a hinge for coupling the fit system to the
shell, the hinge permitting the fit system to move. The fit system
further including a spring element for positioning the bowl against
the occipital region of the person's head, to stabilize the helmet
against the person's head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of a wearer wearing a helmet including
one embodiment of the retention mechanism according to the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
retention mechanism.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the retention
mechanism.
[0010] FIG. 4A is a view of one embodiment of the screw mechanism
for the retention mechanism.
[0011] FIG. 4B illustrates a bottom view of the helmet including
the retention mechanism.
[0012] FIG. 5A is one embodiment of an alternative retention
mechanism.
[0013] FIG. 5B is yet another embodiment of an alternative
retention mechanism.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of one embodiment of the back of a
helmet including one embodiment of the retention mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] An improved retention mechanism for a helmet is described.
The retention mechanism provides an intuitive wearer interface,
permitting tension adjustment while the helmet is worn. A single
knob adjustment mechanism provides two-finger adjustment, for one
embodiment. The helmet including the retention mechanism covers
less head surface, providing maximum heat dissipation. The
retention mechanism is relatively light-weight, and provides
excellent support for the helmet. For one embodiment, the universal
bowl shape of the retention mechanism fits most head shapes and
sizes comfortably. For one embodiment, lower strap slots keep
helmet straps from becoming tangled. In this way, the new retention
mechanism, described in more detail below, provides many benefits
to the wearer as well as to the manufacturer of the retention
mechanism and helmet.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a wearer wearing a helmet including
one embodiment of the retention mechanism according to the present
invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a helmet including the
retention mechanism according to the present invention. The helmet
110 is designed to fit on the head of a wearer. The helmet 110
includes a retention mechanism 120, which is designed to fit on the
back of the helmet 110.
[0017] The retention mechanism 120 attaches into the foam on the
helmet 110. The retention mechanism 120 includes an adjustment
mechanism 130, which permits a wearer to tighten or loosen the
retention mechanism 120, while the helmet 110 is on the wearer's
head. The retention mechanism 120 includes a bowl shaped portion
150, which is designed to fit the back of the head of the
wearer.
[0018] The helmet 110 further includes a helmet strap 140. The
helmet strap 140 is attached to the helmet 110 at the front, and to
the retention mechanism 120 in the back. For one embodiment, the
helmet strap 140 is threaded through the bowl shaped portion 150 of
the of the retention mechanism 120, and is coupled to the back of
the helmet 110. For one embodiment, this keeps the helmet straps
140 from becoming tangled.
[0019] The retention mechanism 120 and the helmet strap 140
together fix the helmet 110 to the wearer's head, such that the
helmet should not slip. Because of the configuration of the bowl
150, sufficient airflow is provided to the wearer's head, to
minimize discomfort.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
retention mechanism. The retention mechanism 120 includes a spine
250 that is designed to be attached to the helmet (not shown). The
spine 250, for one embodiment is nylon. Alternatively, the spine
250 may be any other rigid material that provides sufficient
support for the bowl 210.
[0021] A moving element 230 is coupled to the spine 250 by a hinge
(not shown). For one embodiment, the moving element 230 and the
hinge are nylon, to provide rigidity and support. Alternative
materials may be used. A light-weight but rigid material is
preferred. The moving element 230 is designed to hingedly move the
bowl 210 between various positions. As described below, the elastic
elements 290 tension the moving element 230, such that movement of
the hinge is made easier and/or harder, depending on the tension
provided by the elastic elements 290.
[0022] The retention mechanism 120 has a bowl 210 designed to fit
the head of a wearer. For one embodiment, the bowl 210 is nylon, or
another relatively rigid and easily formed material. The shape of
the bowl 210 is designed to fit a variety of head shapes. For one
embodiment, the bowl 210 includes a plurality of slots 220. For one
embodiment, at least one of the slots 220 is designed to have a
helmet strap (not shown) threaded through the slot 220.
[0023] The retention mechanism 120 includes adjustment mechanism
130. For one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 130 is a knob. In
an alternative embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 130 may be
another shape designed to be grasped by a wearer. For one
embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 130 is made of thermoplastic
polyurethane. Alternatively, the adjustment mechanism may be made
of other materials--such as other plastics, rubbers, or
metals--that are relatively rigid, and are not slippery, providing
a grip for the wearer to adjust the knob.
[0024] The adjustment mechanism 130 is designed to control an
adjustor 260. The adjustor 260 is a screw, for one embodiment. The
adjustor 260 is controlled by the adjustment mechanism 130. For
another embodiment, the adjustor 260 may be a ratchet, a pulling
mechanism with multiple stops. For yet another embodiment, the
adjustor 260 may be a slot/groove configuration, or any other
mechanism that can adjust the elastic materials 290 providing
tension in the retention mechanism 120. For one embodiment, if the
adjustor 260 is a screw, a holder 280 fixes the screw 260 in place,
such that when the screw 260 is turned, the adjustment mechanism
130 does not move vertically, but the elastic materials 290 move
vertically.
[0025] The elastic materials 290 tension the retention mechanism
120 against the wearer's head. For one embodiment, the elastic
materials 290 are springs. For another embodiment, the elastic
materials may be rubber, or any other material that can provide
adjustable elasticity.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the retention
mechanism. The spine 380 is rigid, and defines the center of the
retention mechanism. The spine 380 attaches the retention mechanism
120 to the helmet (not shown).
[0027] Elastic elements 350 are attached to the spine on one side,
and to the nut 370 on the other side. The nut 370 is moved by the
screw 340, such that when a wearer uses the knob 130 to tighten the
screw 340, the elastic elements 350 are stretched, providing more
resistance to the hinge (not shown).
[0028] For one embodiment, the screw 340 includes a ratchet 320 at
its base, such that the screw 340 does not release, except if a
wearer turns the knob 130.
[0029] The bowl 360 is shaped with multiple holes, for airflow. The
shape of the bowl 360, for one embodiment, is optimized to fit
multiple head shapes and head sizes. The bowl, for one embodiment,
may include reflector decals 310 for additional safety, and to
identify the retention mechanism 120.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a view of one embodiment of the spine, adjustor,
and adjustment mechanism for the retention mechanism. The spine 430
is shaped to receive a screw 460 that is used to attach the
retention mechanism to the helmet. For one embodiment, the screw
460 is attached through a washer 465, which is shaped to fit the
top of the helmet (not shown). For one embodiment, a coverlet 470
is designed to fit over the washer 465. For one embodiment, the
coverlet 470 is designed such that it does not interrupt the
airflow over the helmet. For one embodiment, the coverlet 470 is
designed of the same material as the cover of the helmet. For one
embodiment, the helmet is made of foam, and covered with a plastic
material. For one embodiment, the coverlet 470 is made of the same
type of plastic material.
[0031] For one embodiment, the screw 460 may be screwed into the
helmet at multiple angles. In this way, the angle of the spine, and
thus the retention mechanism, may be adjusted. For one embodiment,
this adjustment may be done by the wearer.
[0032] The spine 430 includes a hinge 435, designed to receive the
bowl (not shown). The side of the spine 420 is shaped to follow the
contour of the bowl.
[0033] For one embodiment, the screw 440 is designed to turn to
tighten the elastic elements (not shown). For one embodiment, the
screw 440 is fixed such that it does not extend further from the
spine, when it is turned.
[0034] The spine may further include a tooth 455, designed to
further secure the retention mechanism into the helmet. The tooth
455, for one embodiment, extends the same length as the wings. FIG.
4B illustrates a bottom view of the helmet including the retention
mechanism. As can be seen, the teeth 455 are secured directly into
the foam 495 of the bottom 490 of the helmet.
[0035] FIG. 5A is one embodiment of an alternative retention
mechanism. The spine 510 supports the retention mechanism, and is
used to attach the retention mechanism to a helmet (not shown). For
one embodiment, the spine includes a location for a screw at its
top, and a location for a hook or similar device at its bottom, to
firmly attach the retention mechanism 120 to the helmet.
[0036] The retention mechanism 120 further includes an elastic
element 515, adjusted by adjustment element 520. For one
embodiment, the elastic element 515 is a rubber or similar
material, with a relatively high elasticity and adjustable
resistance. The wearer can pull on adjustment element 520, which is
a finger-grip for one embodiment. By setting the elastic element
515 at different extensions, the resistance provided by the elastic
element is increased. The elastic element 515 is coupled to the
hinge (not shown) at the top 540, such that as the resistance
provided by the elastic element is increased, the ease of movement
of the hinge is lowered. This provides stronger or weaker support
for the wearer, based on the wearer's adjustment.
[0037] The retention mechanism 520 further includes a bowl 530. For
one embodiment, the bowl 530 includes a plurality of cut-outs. The
cut-outs are shaped to maximize airflow over the wearer's head, yet
provide enough support to stabilize the helmet. Furthermore, the
bowl 530 must have sufficient rigidity, even including the
cut-outs, to provide stable support.
[0038] FIG. 5B is another embodiment of an alternative retention
mechanism. The spine 550 is designed to be attached to the helmet
(not shown) at the top, as well as at the bottom. For one
embodiment, teeth 555 are designed to grip into the foam of the
helmet when the retention mechanism 120 is in the helmet.
[0039] The retention mechanism 120 includes elastic elements 560
which provide resistance to hinge 565. The hinge 565 is coupled to
a bowl 570. The bowl is designed to fit the back of a wearer's
head. The elastic element 560 provides a steady resistance,
permitting a wearer to place the helmet on his or her head, but
forcing the bowl 570 against the wearer's head. The bowl 570 may
include a cut-out 575, to improve airflow over the wearer's head.
The configuration of the cut-out 575 is arbitrary, but is generally
designed to optimize airflow while providing stability to the bowl
570, and thus to the retention mechanism on the wearer's head.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of one embodiment of the back of a
helmet including one embodiment of the retention mechanism. The
retention mechanism 120 is fastened to the helmet by a screw 625
and a molded washer 620. The molded washer 620 is designed to fit
into the helmet. For one embodiment, the molded washer 620 is
shaped to fit into a hole in the helmet, such that the aerodynamic
qualities of the helmet are not changed.
[0041] The retention mechanism 120 further includes an adjustment
device 650, to change the tension of the retention device. The
adjustment device 650 is controlled by knob 640. For one
embodiment, a tooth 670 further attaches the retention device 120
into the helmet 610.
[0042] FIGS. 1-6 have shown various elastic element configurations,
some of which were configurable while others were non-configurable
and provide a steady resistance. It is to be understood that
alternative elastic elements may be used. The elastic elements may
be adjustable in various ways, including a screw, a ratchet, an
elastic band, or other adjusting means. The elastic elements may be
non-adjustable, in the alternative. It is to be understood that
other types of elastic elements may be used to provide resistance
of the bowl against a wearer's head.
[0043] The configuration of the cut-outs in the bowl may be varied
as well. For one embodiment, no cut-outs may be present, small
cut-outs may be present, or various configurations of larger and/or
smaller cut-outs may be present.
[0044] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof.
It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes
may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an
illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
* * * * *