U.S. patent application number 11/010256 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-06 for sports helmet having slotted padding for receiving the ears of a user.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wilson Sporting Goods Co.. Invention is credited to Douglas G. Guenther, Patrick Udelhofen.
Application Number | 20060143807 11/010256 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36638677 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060143807 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Udelhofen; Patrick ; et
al. |
July 6, 2006 |
Sports helmet having slotted padding for receiving the ears of a
user
Abstract
A sports helmet configured for protecting a user's head. The
helmet includes a shell and a padding assembly. The shell includes
first and second side panels sized to generally cover the ears of
the user. The shell and the first and second side panels have an
inner surface. The padding assembly is coupled to the inner
surface, and includes first and second pad sub-assemblies extending
over at least a portion of the inner surface of the first and
second side panels, respectively. The first and second pad
sub-assemblies include first and second slots, respectively. Each
of the first and second slots upwardly extends from a lower edge of
the first and second pad sub-assemblies. Each of the first and
second slots is sized to receive the user's ears and to facilitate
the placement and removal of the helmet onto, and from, the user's
head.
Inventors: |
Udelhofen; Patrick;
(Chicago, IL) ; Guenther; Douglas G.; (Wheaton,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Terence P. O'Brien;Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
8700 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Chicago
IL
60631
US
|
Assignee: |
Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
|
Family ID: |
36638677 |
Appl. No.: |
11/010256 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/425 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/14 20151001;
A63B 2102/22 20151001; A42B 3/16 20130101; A63B 2102/18 20151001;
A63B 71/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/425 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/10 20060101
A63B071/10 |
Claims
1. A batting helmet configured for protecting a batter's head, the
helmet comprising: a shell including at least one side panel sized
to generally cover at least one of the batter's ears, the shell and
the side panel having an inner surface; and a pad assembly coupled
to the inner surface, and including at least one pad sub-assembly
extending over at least a portion of the inner surface of the side
panel, the pad sub-assembly including a slot upwardly extending
from a lower edge of the pad sub-assembly, the slot sized to
receive the batter's ear and to facilitate the placement and
removal of the helmet onto, and from, the batter's head.
2. The batting helmet of claim 1, wherein the at least one side
panel is first and second side panels, wherein the first and second
side panels generally cover the left and right ears of the batter,
respectively, and wherein the at least one pad sub-assembly
includes first and second pad sub-assemblies extending over the
inner surface of the first and second side panels,
respectively.
3. The batting helmet of claim 2, wherein the first and second pad
sub-assemblies include first and second slots, respectively.
4. The batting helmet of claim 1 wherein the pad sub-assembly a
multilayered pad.
5. The batting helmet of claim 1, wherein the pad sub-assembly is
affixed to the inner surface of the side panel.
6. The batting helmet of claim 1, wherein the pad sub-assembly is a
single layered pad.
7. The batting helmet of claim 3, wherein each of the first and
second pad sub-assemblies includes at least two spaced-apart pads
defining the first and second slots.
8. The batting helmet of claim 2, wherein the helmet further
includes a chin strap releasably connectable between the first and
second side panels.
9. The batting helmet of claim 8, wherein the strap is releasably
connected to the shell through a fastener selected from the group
consisting of a hook and loop type fastener, a snap, a releasable
buckle, a press-fit connector, a button and combinations
thereof.
10. The batting helmet of claim 3, wherein the first and second
side panels include first and second through holes, respectively,
positioned adjacent to the user's ears, and wherein the first and
second through holes are contiguous with the first and second
slots, respectively.
11. The batting helmet of claim 1 wherein the shell further
includes a bill.
12. The batting helmet of claim 1 further comprises a face mask
matably coupled to the shell.
13. The batting helmet of claim 1, wherein the shell is formed of a
substantially rigid and durable material.
14. The batting helmet of claim 13, wherein the material of the
shell is selected from the group consisting of
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a polycarbonate, a plastic, other
polymers, aluminum, and combinations thereof.
15. A sports helmet configured for protecting a user's head, the
helmet comprising: a shell including first and second side panels
sized to generally cover the ears of the user, the shell and the
first and second side panels having an inner surface; and a pad
assembly coupled to the inner surface, and including first and
second pad sub-assemblies extending over at least a portion of the
inner surface of the first and second side panels, respectively,
the first and second pad sub-assemblies including first and second
slots, respectively, each of the first and second slots upwardly
extending from a lower edge of the first and second pad
sub-assemblies, each of the first and second slots being sized to
receive the user's ears and to facilitate the placement and removal
of the helmet onto, and from, the user's head.
16. The sports helmet of claim 15 wherein each of the first and
second pad sub-assemblies is a multilayered pad.
17. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the first and second pad
sub-assemblies are affixed to the inner surface of the first and
second side panels, respectively.
18. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the pad sub-assembly is
a single layered pad.
19. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein each of the first and
second pad sub-assemblies includes at least two spaced-apart pads
defining the first and second slots.
20. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the first and second
side panels include first and second through holes, respectively,
positioned adjacent to the user's ears, and wherein the first and
second through holes are contiguous with the first and second
slots, respectively.
21. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the helmet further
includes a chin strap releasably connectable between the first and
second side panels.
22. The sports helmet of claim 22, wherein the strap is releasably
connected to the shell through a fastener selected from the group
consisting of a hook and loop type fastener, a snap, a releasable
buckle, a press-fit connector, a button and combinations
thereof.
23. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the shell further
includes a bill.
24. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the helmet further
comprises a face mask matably coupled to the shell.
25. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the shell is formed of a
substantially rigid and durable material.
26. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the material of the
shell is selected from the group consisting of
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a polycarbonate, a plastic, other
polymers, aluminum, and combinations thereof.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a sports helmet.
In particular, the present invention relates to a sports helmet
having a slotted padding assembly for receiving the user's ears
thereby facilitating placement and removal of the helmet onto, and
from, the user's head.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Sports helmets, such as batting, hockey, football, lacrosse,
and bicycle helmets, are well known and typically include a shell
having inner and outer surfaces and a padding assembly connected to
the inner surface of the shell. Batting helmets, in particular,
also typically include a bill and one or two ear protecting
portions extending from the shell. Many sport helmets also
typically include corresponding face masks. Additionally, many
existing sports helmets also can include a mechanism for adjusting
the size of the padding assembly within the helmet to enable the
helmet to adapt to fit different users having different head
sizes.
[0003] Many sports helmets and, in particular, batting helmets, are
commonly shared by several players, and often an entire team,
during the course of a game. Often during play, batting helmets are
shared from one batter to the next or from one base-runner to a
batter. In such situations, the batter often must quickly place the
helmet onto his or her head as he or she is approaching the
batter's box. Accordingly, it is desirable for helmets to be
capable of being quickly, easily and securely positioned onto the
player's head, preferably by the player alone without assistance
from others.
[0004] Existing helmets have a number of drawbacks. Many existing
helmets that include side panels extending over the ears of the
user are difficult to put on, particularly for young players.
Existing helmets typically require the user, or another person, to
pry or spread apart the side panels of the helmet to enable the
helmet to be comfortably placed onto the user's hand. Such helmets
must be manipulated using two hands and require a certain amount of
strength and coordination to efficiently and quickly install the
helmet. Many young players have difficulty installing such helmets
because they have yet to develop sufficient hand strength or motor
skills to efficiently install such helmets. As a result, another
person is generally required to properly secure helmets onto the
heads of such young players.
[0005] Thus, there is a continuing need for a sports helmet that
can be easily, quickly and reliably installed or removed by the
user, particularly young users, without requiring the assistance of
others. What is also needed is a helmet that requires only one hand
to properly secure the helmet onto a user's head. Further, it would
be advantageous to provide a sports helmet that allows for air flow
into and out of the helmet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a batting helmet configured
for protecting a batter's head. The helmet includes a shell and a
pad assembly. The shell includes at least one side panel sized to
generally cover at least one of the batter's ears. The shell and
the side panel have an inner surface. The pad assembly is coupled
to the inner surface, and includes at least one pad sub-assembly
extending over at least a portion of the inner surface of the side
panel. The slot is sized to receive the batter's ear and to
facilitate the placement and removal of the helmet onto, and from,
the batter's head.
[0007] According to a principal aspect of the invention, a sports
helmet is configured for protecting a user's head. The helmet
includes a shell and a padding assembly. The shell includes first
and second side panels sized to generally cover the ears of the
user. The shell and the first and second side panels have an inner
surface. The padding assembly is coupled to the inner surface, and
includes first and second pad sub-assemblies extending over at
least a portion of the inner surface of the first and second side
panels, respectively. The first and second pad sub-assemblies
include first and second slots, respectively. Each of the first and
second slots upwardly extends from a lower edge of the first and
second pad sub-assemblies. Each of the first and second slots is
sized to receive the user's ears and to facilitate the placement
and removal of the helmet onto, and from, the user's head.
[0008] This invention will become more fully understood from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings described herein below, and wherein like
reference numerals refer to like parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a helmet in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the
left side pad sub-assembly is shown in phantom lines through the
shell of the helmet.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the helmet of FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 3 a side cross-sectional view of the helmet taken along
line 3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the helmet of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom sectional view of the right side of the
helmet taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 6 is side cross-sectional view of the helmet taken
along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternative
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with a face
mask.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a batting helmet is
indicated generally at 10. The helmet 10 of FIG. 1 is configured as
a batting helmet, however, the invention can also be formed as
other types of sports helmets, such as, for example, a football
helmet, a hockey helmet, a lacrosse helmet, and a bicycle helmet.
The helmet 10 is configured to meet National Operating Committee on
Standards for Athletic Equipment ("NOCSAE") as required by the
National Collegiate Athletic Association ("NCAA"), the National
Federation of State High School Associations and youth
organizations. The helmet includes a shell 12 and a padding
assembly 14 (or head support assembly)
[0017] The shell 12 is a generally hemispherically shaped head
covering, which forms a cranial cavity 16, configured to loosely
cover and protect the upper portion of a user's head. The shell 12
has a dome-like crown 18, a generally continuous circumferential
side wall 20 and a bill 22. The circumferential side wall 20
includes first and second sidewall regions 24 and 26, which are
configured to generally cover the left and right ears of the user,
respectively. Preferably, the crown 18, the side wall 20 (including
the first and second sidewall regions 24 and 26), and the bill 22
are integrally formed to one another. In alternative preferred
embodiments, one or more of these shell 12 regions can be connected
together in a non-integral manner. The shell 12 is formed of a
rigid, durable material, preferably,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene ("ABS"). In alternative preferred
embodiments, the shell 12 can be formed of other materials, such
as, for example, a polycarbonate, plastic, aluminum, or other
polymers. The shell 12 is configured to protect the user's head by
resisting, absorbing and distributing impact loads, such as, for
example, the impact from a pitched ball, thereby reducing the load
transferred to or felt by the user due to an impact.
[0018] The shell 12 further preferably includes a plurality of
ventilation holes 28 for enabling air to flow into and out of the
helmet 10. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the shell 12
includes first and second ventilation holes 30 and 32 adjacent the
left and right ears of the user. In another alternative preferred
embodiment, four ventilation holes 28 are spaced apart across a
front portion of the shell 12. Each ventilation hole 28, 30 and 32
having a general tear drop shape. In alternative preferred
embodiments, the shell 12 can include a different number of
ventilation holes in a variety of different shapes, or the shell 12
can be absent of ventilation holes.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the shell 12 also preferably
includes an adjustable chin strap 34 for attachment between the
first and second sidewall regions 24 and 26, or other locations
about the shell 12. The chin strap 34 further secures the helmet to
the user's head. The helmet 10 preferably includes at least one
fastener 36 for releasably connecting to the strap 34 to the shell
12. The fastener 36 is attached to one, and preferably both, of the
first and second sidewall regions 24 and 26. In a preferred
embodiment, the fastener is a snap-fit connector. Alternatively,
the fastener can be other forms of conventional fasteners, such as,
for example, a hook and loop type fastener, a buckle, a button,
resilient connectors, press-fit connectors and combinations
thereof.
[0020] The shell 12 includes an outer surface 36 and an inner
surface 38. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the outer
surface 36 has a unique two piece alternating rib and finger
pattern including first and second regions 40 and 42. The first
region 40 of the outer surface 36 is slightly raised with respect
to the second region 42 and includes a polished glossy finish or
texture. The second region 42 of the two-piece pattern of the outer
surface 36 of the shell 12 is not raised with respect to the first
region 40 and includes a slightly roughened, non-glossy finish or
texture. In alternative preferred embodiments, the outer surface 36
of the shell 12 can include other raised and non-raised shapes, and
other combinations of shapes and patterns. Further, the surface
finish of the outer surface 36 can be entirely glossy, semi-glossy
or non-glossy, or can include other variations or combinations of
these finishes.
[0021] In alternative preferred embodiments, the helmet 10 can be
formed in any variety of shapes and can include raised or
non-raised portions wherein the outer surface of the shell includes
the first region having a first generally smooth texture and the
second region having a second generally slightly roughened or
non-glossy texture. The slightly roughened texture of the second
region of the shell can make the helmet 10 easier to grasp and
otherwise manipulate, particularly if the user's hand or the helmet
is wet. Moreover, the smooth texture of the first region and the
slightly roughened texture of the second region alone provide the
helmet 10 with a unique desirable appearance.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, the padding assembly 14 of
the helmet 10 is shown in greater detail. The padding assembly 14
includes a plurality of support members configured to dampen,
reduce, absorb and/or dissipate shock resulting impact of the
helmet with an object, and reduce the shock transferred to, or felt
by, the user due to an impact. The padding assembly 14 is
positioned within the shell 12 near or adjacent to an inner surface
38 of the shell 12. The padding assembly 14 is coupled to the shell
12 at at least one location. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, the padding assembly 14 is connected to the shell 12
through the use of rivets and adhesives. In alternative preferred
embodiments, the padding assembly 14 can be connected or coupled to
the shell 12 using any type, or combination, of conventional
fasteners.
[0023] In one preferred embodiment, the padding assembly 14
includes a generally circumferential portion 44, a back portion 46,
a curved upper front portion 48, first and second curved upper side
portions 50 and 52, a top portion 54, and first and second side pad
sub-assemblies 56 and 58. The circumferential portion 44 is a
multi-layered structure, which typically contacts the inner surface
38 at the front portion of the shell 12, while the remaining
regions of the circumferential portion 44 are generally slightly
spaced apart from the shell 12. The circumferential portion
includes a reinforcing member and a band, which provide the
circumferential portion 44 with additional support and provides a
means of evenly adjusting the circumferential opening formed by the
circumferential portion 44.
[0024] Each of the curved upper front portion 48 and the first and
second curved upper side portions 50 and 52 connect to and upwardly
extend from the circumferential portion 44. The front portion 48
and the first and second side portions 50 and 52 then upwardly
extend along the inner surface 38 of the shell 12 and connect to
each other at the top portion 54 below the crown 18. The curved
upper front portion 48 and the first and second curved upper side
portions 50 and 52 can contact, or be slightly spaced apart from,
the shell 12. In a preferred embodiment, the top portion 54 of the
padding assembly 14 is also connected to the shell 12. The back
portion 46 downwardly and rearwardly extends from top portion 54.
The back portion 46 of the padding assembly 14 generally extends
over the rear region of the shell 12, and is preferably spaced
apart from the shell 12, but can contact the shell 12 at some
locations. The padding assembly 14 is preferably configured to form
an adjustably sized opening for generally receiving the top of the
user's head. The padding assembly 14 provides a lightweight,
comfortable, durable and shock-absorbing interface between the user
and the shell 12 of the helmet 10.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 5, each portion of the padding assembly 14
is preferably formed of a dual density, two-layer padding
structure, an inner padding layer 60 and an outer padding layer 62.
The inner and outer padding layers 60 and 62 are formed of a
lightweight, cushionable, resilient material, preferably a foam
material formed of ethyl vinyl acetate ("EVA foam"). The inner
padding layer 60 is configured to directly contact the user's head
during use and preferably is formed of a softer padding material
having a lower density than the outer padding layer 62. The higher
density outer padding layer 62 increases the stability of the
padding assembly 14.
[0026] In alternative preferred embodiments, the inner and outer
padding layers 60 and 62 can be formed of open or closed cellular
or non-cellular foam, a gel, a fluid filled bladder, a plurality of
spheres, a plurality of other geometric objects, or an air filled
bladder. In other alternative preferred embodiments, the padding
assembly 14 can be formed of other single or multi-layered padding
constructions. The padding assembly 14 can also include any
combination of front, rear, side and top portions. The padding
assembly 14 can be generally continuous and substantially cover the
inner surface 38 of the shell 12 or the padding assembly 14 can be
configured with spaced-apart portions in any number of
configurations provided that the padding assembly 14 protects the
user's head from impact loads. In another alternative preferred
embodiment, the padding assembly can include 2, 3, 4 or more
adjustment points coupled to the adjustment assembly to achieve
adjustment of the helmet.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, in a preferred embodiment,
the first and second side pad sub-assemblies 56 and 58 each include
a forward and rearward side pad 64 and 66. The forward and rearward
side pads 64 and 66 include a lower edge 68 and have a thickness
that comfortably spaces the shell 12 from the user's head when
installed. The first and second side pad sub-assemblies 56 and 58
are preferably affixed to the first and second side wall regions 24
and 26 of the shell 12, respectively. Alternatively, other
conventional fastening means, and combinations of fasteners, can be
used.
[0028] The forward and rearward side pads 64 and 66 are spaced
apart from each other to define, with their respective first and
second side wall regions 24 and 26, an ear receiving slot 70. The
slot 70 is open at at least its lower end such that the helmet 10
can be easily placed onto the user's head without requiring the
first and second side wall regions 24 and 26 to be pried apart by
the user or another person. The forward and rearward side pads 64
and 66 preferably are spaced apart such that the slot 70 is
relatively narrow at its lower end before widening as the slot
upwardly extends to define a space for receiving the user's ear. In
one particularly preferred embodiment, the lower width of the slot
70 is formed to be just slightly less than the forward to rearward
width of a typical user's ears, such that the user's ears
resiliently compress or resiliently widen the forward and rearward
side pads 64 and 66 slightly as the helmet is placed onto the
user's head. The lower width of the slot 70 advantageously enables
the user's ears to pass through and between the forward and
rearward side pads 64 and 66 without making the helmet easy to
dislodge. Alternatively, the forward and rearward side pads can be
spaced apart by other dimensions, such that the ear of the user
contacts the pads by different amounts, or not at all. The forward
and rearward side pads 64 and 66 curve toward each other at the
upper portion of the slot 70 to further protect the ear and head of
the user.
[0029] The slots 70 facilitate the installation and removal of the
helmet 10 from the head of the user. The slots 70 are particularly
beneficial for younger users, who may have difficulty installing
the helmet. The slots 70 substantially eliminate the need to pry or
spread apart the first and second side wall regions 24 and 26 in
order to extend the side padding over the user's ears. Further, the
slots 70 generally enable a user to install the helmet 10 with a
single hand, thereby enabling the user to use his or her other hand
to hold other equipment, such as a ball bat. The slots 70 also
provide additional passages for air to enter and exit the helmet
10, improving the comfort level of the helmet, as well as the
user's ability to hear while wearing the helmet.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 6, in an alternative preferred embodiment,
the first and second side pad sub-assemblies 56 and 58 each include
a single pad 72 having a lower edge 74. The single pad 72 is
preferably generally U-shaped and defines the slot 170. The slot
170 is substantially similar to the slot 70 except that the slot
170 is open only at the lower edge of the pad 72. The slot 170
widens as it upwardly extends to fully accommodate the ear of the
user. In alternative preferred embodiments, the first and second
side pad sub-assemblies 56 and 58 can include three or more pads
defining each ear slot, and/or take other shapes provided that the
slot includes an open lower end for receiving the ear of the
user.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 7, in an alternative preferred embodiment,
the helmet 10 can also include a face mask 80 that matably connects
to the shell 12. The face mask 80 can be releasably or fixedly
secured to the shell 12. The face mask 80 is made of a tough
durable material preferably a metal. Alternatively, other materials
can be used, such as, for example, polycarbonate, ABS, and other
composite materials.
[0032] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been described and illustrated, numerous departures therefrom
can be contemplated by persons skilled in the art. The slot can be
at least partially filled with a very soft, very compressible and
easily deformable padding thereby still enabling the first and
second side pad assemblies to readily receive the user's ears.
Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing
description but only by the scope and spirit of the appended
claims.
* * * * *