U.S. patent application number 10/118412 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-09 for helmet device with side configured peripheral viewing portions.
Invention is credited to Wilson, Deidre, Wilson, Reginald.
Application Number | 20030188375 10/118412 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28674426 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030188375 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson, Reginald ; et
al. |
October 9, 2003 |
Helmet device with side configured peripheral viewing portions
Abstract
A helmet device incorporating both increased peripheral vision
characteristics as well as retaining sufficient rigidity and
durability. A three dimensionally shaped and interiorly hollowed
helmet shell is adapted to being placed upon a head of a wearer and
includes an extending forward surface defining a forward facial
opening. First and second spaced apart pairs of side surfaces
define first and second peripheral openings. The pairs of side
surfaces communicate with specified locations of the forward
surface and each extends along the sides of the helmet shell in a
direction substantially towards a rear of the shell. A face guard
includes elongate extending structural members securing along both
the forward surface as well as the pairs of spaced apart side
surfaces. The guard extends in a forward direction from the forward
facial opening and protects a face of the wearer as well as
providing reinforcing support to the shell.
Inventors: |
Wilson, Reginald; (Detroit,
MI) ; Wilson, Deidre; (Detroit, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIFFORD, KRASS, GROH, SPRINKLE
ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, PC
280 N OLD WOODARD AVE
SUITE 400
BIRMINGHAM
MI
48009
US
|
Family ID: |
28674426 |
Appl. No.: |
10/118412 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/424 ;
2/425 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/20 20130101; A42B
3/0406 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/424 ;
2/425 |
International
Class: |
A42B 001/08 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A helmet device, comprising: a three dimensionally shaped and
interiorly hollowed helmet shell adapted to being placed upon a
head of a wearer; an extending forward surface of said shell
defining a forward facial opening; said shell further being
configured by first and second spaced apart pairs of side surfaces
which define first and second peripheral openings, said pairs of
side surfaces communicating with specified locations of said
forward surface and extending, along sides of said helmet shell, in
a direction substantially towards a rear of said shell; and a face
guard extending from a forward location of said helmet shell, said
guard securing to said forward surface as well as said pairs of
spaced apart side surfaces and to provide reinforcing support to
said shell.
2. The helmet device as described in claim 1, further comprising a
transparent window portion arrayed in extending fashion between
each pair of spaced apart side surfaces and an associated and
interconnecting end surface.
3. The helmet device as described in claim 1, said first and second
spaced apart pairs of side surfaces each adopting a generally
rectangular configuration.
4. The helmet device as described in claim 1, said first and second
spaced apart pairs of side surfaces each adopting a generally
arcuate configuration.
5. The helmet device as described in claim 1, said face guard
further comprising at least one elongate extending structural
member secured along said front and extending side surfaces of said
shell.
6. The helmet device as described in claim 5, said guard further
comprising a plurality of interconnecting and elongate extending
members.
7. The helmet device as described in claim 5, further comprising a
plurality of rivet fasteners for securing said face at specified
locations to said helmet shell.
8. The helmet device as described in claim 6, said guard having a
specified shape and size and being constructed of a durable
material comprising at least one of a metal and a metal alloy.
9. The helmet device as described in claim 8, an encapsulating
material being applied over said guard and comprising at least one
of a plastic and a polymeric based plastic.
10. A helmet device, comprising: a three dimensionally shaped and
interiorly hollowed helmet shell adapted to being placed upon a
head of a wearer; an extending forward surface of said shell
defining a forward facial opening; said shell further being
configured by first and second spaced apart pairs of side surfaces
which define first and second peripheral openings, said pairs of
side surfaces communicating with specified locations of said
forward surface and each extending in substantially rectangularly
configured fashion along sides of said helmet shell in a direction
substantially towards a rear of said shell; and a face guard
extending from a forward location of said helmet shell, said guard
including at least one elongate extending structural member
securing along both said forward surface as well as said pairs of
spaced apart side surfaces, said guard protecting a face of the
wearer as well as providing reinforcing support to said shell.
11. A helmet device, comprising: a three dimensionally shaped and
interiorly hollowed helmet shell adapted to being placed upon a
head of a wearer; an extending forward surface of said shell
defining a forward facial opening; said shell further being
configured by first and second spaced apart pairs of side surfaces
which define first and second peripheral openings, said pairs of
side surfaces communicating with specified locations of said
forward surface and each extending in substantially arcuately
configured fashion along sides of said helmet shell in a direction
substantially towards a rear of said shell; and a face guard
extending from a forward location of said helmet shell, said guard
including at least one elongate extending structural member
securing along both said forward surface as well as said pairs of
spaced apart side surfaces, said guard protecting a face of the
wearer as well as providing reinforcing support to said shell.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to helmet and
related head covering devices, in particular those providing some
enhanced degree of lateral or side visibility. More specifically,
the present invention discloses such a helmet device incorporating
improved and reinforced lateral vision characteristics.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The prior art is fairly well documented with various
examples of enhanced visibility helmet designs. Such helmets are
typically worn by participants engaged in any of a number of
different sporting occupations, such as including full contact
sports, namely football, as well as auto racing. The objective in
each instance is, to the extent practicable, enhancing the
visibility afforded the helmet wearer and without unnecessarily
degrading the durability of the helmet or head apparel device.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,517, issued to Douglas, discloses a
first example of a sport helmet including a hard outer shell, a
flexible and resilient inner shell and a face mask coupled to the
outer shell. The side walls of the outer shells include transparent
windows therein, these being located so as to be laterally and
rearwardly of the eyes of the wearer. The windows are further
disclosed as capable of increasing the peripheral vision of the
wearer.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,366, issued to Discipio, Sr., teaches an
enhanced visibility racing helmet with a transparent shell
including a matrix of ventilation apertures positioned coextensive
with the shell. A visor mounted at a forward end of the shell
overlays a forwardly located facial opening, and further includes
lateral ventilation ports (13) positioned coextensive with the
visor laterally displaced side edges. Aside from the general
reference to the ports 13 in the Discipio reference, there is no
teaching or suggestion as to whether these ports provide any degree
of transparency and/or function to any degree in order to provide
enhanced peripheral vision.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,936, issued to Thomas, teaches a sports
helmet transparent guard assembly including opposing side regions
within which are positioned substantially "C" shaped recesses
positioned therein. A transparent guard device includes a support
bar formed in a generally semicircular configuration with two ends,
coupling devices being positioned along the support. Side flaps are
formed in arcuate and generally circular configuration. Each side
flap has a linear upper end coupled to an end of the support bar,
each side flap further adapted to being positioned within an
associated "C" shaped recess of the helmet in operative
orientation. The support bar is further coupled to the upper cross
bar of the face mask to secure the guard device in place, the
transparent face guard teaching providing users with increased
peripheral visibility to avoid injuries while participating in
contact sports.
[0008] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,785, issued to Comparetto,
teaches a fluid filled head protector for absorbing trauma.
Features such as a safety valve and monitoring system are provided
for the safety and efficient use of the wearer.
[0009] It has further been found that an individual's peripheral
vision is actually quite extensive, and the net effect of limiting
that capacity, by not fully exploiting it, can prove dangerous for
the wearer when participating in the given sporting event. In
particular, football players such as quarterbacks and wide
receivers are always at the risk of sustaining injury, due in at
least part to not being able to anticipate the approach of a
tackler from angular positions to the side and rear.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a helmet device, which incorporates both increased
peripheral vision characteristics, as well as retaining sufficient
rigidity and durability. In particular, the helmet device of the
invention is, according to one particularly well suited
application, worn by a football player such as a quarterback or a
wide receiver and which enables the player to utilize substantially
all of his/her peripheral viewing capacity while engaged in the
sporting event.
[0011] In particular, the helmet device includes the provision of a
three dimensionally shaped and interiorly hollowed helmet shell
adapted to being placed upon a head of a wearer. An extending
forward surface of the shell defines a forward facial opening.
[0012] First and second spaced apart pairs of side surfaces define
first and second peripheral openings in the shell. The pairs of
side surfaces communicate with specified locations of the forward
surface and each extends in substantially rectangularly configured
fashion along the sides of the helmet shell in a direction
substantially towards a rear of the shell, such rearward extension
in the preferred embodiment typically extending across at least one
half of each associated side of the helmet shell.
[0013] A face guard extends from a forward location of the helmet
shell and typically includes a plurality of interconnecting and
elongate extending members. The face guard also includes at least
one elongate extending structural member securing along both the
forward surface as well as the pairs of spaced apart side surfaces
and in order to protect a face of the wearer as well as providing
reinforcing support to said shell.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when
read in combination with the following detailed description,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a first view of the helmet device with side
extending peripheral viewing portions according to the present
invention; and
[0016] FIG. 2 is a second view of the present invention and which
illustrates a helmet device exhibiting an even more significant
degree of peripheral visibility to the wearer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1, a helmet device is illustrated at
10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As previously described, the helmet device of the
present invention incorporates both increased peripheral vision
characteristics, as well as retaining sufficient rigidity and
durability. The present invention is further an improvement over
the prior art devices and which in particular permit only a
relatively minor degree or amount of lateral or peripheral viewing
capacity to the wearer.
[0018] Referring again in particular to FIG. 1, the helmet device
includes the provision of a three dimensionally shaped and
interiorly hollowed helmet shell 12, typically of a construction
known in the art and as is most relevantly used in the playing of
U.S. football. In particular regard, the helmet device of the
present invention is particularly suited, in a preferred
application, for use by such football participants as quarterbacks,
wide receivers or any other player to whom it would be desirable to
maximize the extent of peripheral vision afforded by normal
eyesight and in order to assist in preventing injury due to severe
and unprepared physical contact.
[0019] It is also contemplated that both the structural composition
and configuration of the helmet shell 12 can be modified within the
scope of the present invention and in particular for such pursuits
as auto racing, skiing or any other pursuit and in which it is
again particularly desirous to utilize the maximum degree of
lateral or peripheral vision which is naturally afforded a
participant of reasonably good eyesight.
[0020] The helmet shell 12 is typically constructed of a heavy-duty
synthetic plastic or like material and is adapted to being placed
upon and over a head of a wearer (not shown). An extending forward
surface of the shell 12 is referenced at 14 and 16 and which
defines a forward facial opening. As is further known, the forward
extending surfaces are typically presented in combination as
arcuate extending surfaces exhibiting a number of angles and bends.
The various edge surfaces (14, 16) form in combination a generally
configured and three dimensional open area in front of the wearer's
face.
[0021] First and second spaced apart pairs of side surfaces are
provided (see pair of spaced apart side surfaces 20 and 22 and end
surface 24) and define first and second peripheral openings in the
shell. The pairs of side surfaces (again referenced in the side
view of FIG. 1 by surfaces 20 and 22, and end surface 24)
communicate with specified locations of the forward surfaces (14,
16 and 18) and, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, each
pair of side surfaces extend in substantially rectangularly
configured fashion along the sides of the helmet shell in a
direction substantially towards its rear.
[0022] In the preferred embodiment, such rearward extension
(defined by the location of the rear interconnecting end surface
24) typically extends across at least one half of each associated
side of the helmet shell and in the illustration of FIG. 1,
approximately 2/3 the side extending distance of the helmet shell
12 between its front and rear edges. As previously described, the
configuration of the peripherally extending side openings is suited
to maximize the potential range of angular eye perception available
to most individuals of reasonably good sight. This includes the
known ability of such individuals to both see and perceive motion
in directions both from the side and as well as towards a rear of
the wearer's head.
[0023] Referring again to FIG. 1, a transparent window portion 26
arrayed in extending fashion between each pair of spaced apart side
surfaces and an associated and interconnecting end surface. A
forward end of the window portion is located in the side view of
FIG. 1 at 28 (this both communicating with and separating the edge
surfaces previously identified at 14 and 16). It is also understood
that, while some type of transparent covering is desired to in fact
provide the maximum desired degree of protection, it is also within
the scope of the invention to not include the transparent (or other
suitable type) of window portions while still retaining the maximum
desired degree of peripheral (visual) perception.
[0024] A face guard extends from a forward location of the helmet
shell 12 and typically includes a plurality of interconnecting and
elongate extending members. The face guard is further typically
constructed of a metal or metal alloy based material (exhibiting
the necessary properties of strength and durability) and which may
further be covered by a plastic or polymeric plastic based
overlay.
[0025] The face guard includes, in the side profile of the helmet
illustrated in FIG. 1, spaced apart and elongate members 30, 32,
34, 36 and 38, as well as interconnecting and forward extending
member 40 and spaced apart rear member 41. Also included is at
least one elongate extending structural member extending around and
securing to the perimeter of the side surfaces 20 and 22 and end
surface 24. This is illustrated by face guard extending member 42
(extending in arcuate fashion from elongate member 32 and secured
to the side surface 20), face guard extending member 44 (extending
in arcuate fashion from elongate member 34 and secured to the side
surface 22), and rear face guard extending member 46 (extending
between guard members 42 and 44 and secured to the associated and
rear side surface 24).
[0026] The extending and interconnected members 42, 44 and 46 are
secured to proximate edge locations of the side surfaces 20, 22 and
24, such as through the use of rivet fasteners, such as shown at 48
(for member 42), 50 (for member 44) and 52 (for rear
interconnecting member 46). The purpose and advantage for securing
the extending members in the fashion disclosed herein is so that a
degree of sturdy and reinforcing support is provided to the helmet
shell and which compensates for the innate weaknesses created by
recessing the peripheral side surfaces to the extent disclosed.
Additional rivet fastener connections are also indicated at 54 and
56 in associating fashion with the elongate extending members 30
and 41 and which are located along the front peripheral edge of the
face mask. It is also contemplated that the extending portions of
the face guard can be glued, heat applied, or otherwise secured in
some conventionally known fashion to and around the corresponding
edges of the helmet shell within the scope of the invention.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, a secondary variant 58 is
illustrated of the helmet device according to the present
invention. The variant 58 is substantially identical in virtually
all aspects as that disclosed in the variant 10 of FIG. 1,
accordingly, a repetitive description of each and every element is
unnecessary.
[0028] The helmet shell 12' includes the provision of the extending
forward surfaces 14 and 16, as well as the array of face guard
members 30-41 just as previously described. In relevant part, the
previously disclosed rectangular configuration of the side surfaces
is substituted in the variant of FIG. 2 by the provision of curved
surfaces 60 and 62 which converge at a substantially rearward
location of the helmet and provide the peripheral viewing portion
with its generally arcuate configuration.
[0029] Additional features again include the associated extending
members 64 (from 32) and 66 (from 34) which secure to and over the
associated side surfaces 60 and 62, such as through the use again
of rivet fasteners 68 and 70) and in order fixedly and
reinforcingly secure the a transparent portion 72 within peripheral
aperture defined therein.
[0030] Having described my invention, additional preferred
embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to
which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the
appended claims:
* * * * *