U.S. patent application number 10/552748 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for ear protector for helmet, helmet and method for protecting ears.
Invention is credited to Ricky James Gath.
Application Number | 20060212998 10/552748 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31500724 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060212998 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gath; Ricky James |
September 28, 2006 |
Ear protector for helmet, helmet and method for protecting ears
Abstract
A detachable ear protector (13) for attachment to a helmet (11)
having a chin strap (25). The ear protector comprising a support
member (35), a rigid protective outer cover (37) and an inner
pocket (39). The support member (35) being shaped to cover an ear
of a wearer of the helmet. The outer cover (37) being formed of
material resistant to high impact and integrally formed with the
support member (35) to provide a high impact protective region
covering a major portion of the support member (35) on the outer
side. The inner pocket (39) being formed of resilient ear
contacting material attached to the inner periphery of the support
member (35) defining an inner recess (61) to proximately
accommodate the pinna of the wearer's ear within the pocket. The
pocket (39) being partly attached to the side edges of the support
member (35) to define a pair of openings. One opening (63) is
disposed at the bottom of the support member (35) and another
opening (65) is disposed at the top of the support member. The
openings are sized to pass the chin strap (25) through so that the
ear protector (13) is positively engaged by the chin strap against
the side of the head and covering the ear of the wearer, when
fitted thereon.
Inventors: |
Gath; Ricky James; (Isaacs
Road Margaret River, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROOKS KUSHMAN P.C.
1000 TOWN CENTER
TWENTY-SECOND FLOOR
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48075
US
|
Family ID: |
31500724 |
Appl. No.: |
10/552748 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
April 13, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU04/00487 |
371 Date: |
October 11, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/423 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/16 20130101; A42B
3/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/423 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/08 20060101
A42B001/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 10, 2003 |
AU |
200390168.5 |
Claims
1. A detachable ear protector for attachment to a helmet having a
chin strap, comprising: a support member shaped to cover an ear of
a wearer of the helmet when attached thereto; a rigid protective
outer cover formed of material resistant to high impact and
integrally formed with said support member to provide a high impact
protective region covering a major portion of the support member on
the outer side thereof; and an inner pocket formed of resilient ear
contacting material attached to the outer periphery on the inner
side of said support member defining an inner recess to proximately
accommodate the pinna of the wearer's ear within the pocket; said
pocket being partly attached to the side edges of said support
member to define a pair of openings, one opening being disposed at
the bottom of said support member and another opening being
disposed at the top of said support member; wherein said openings
are sized to pass the chin strap therethrough so that the ear
protector is positively engaged by the chin strap against the side
of the head and covering the ear of the wearer, when fitted
thereon.
2. An ear protector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support
member and said outer cover are formed with juxtaposed central
apertures to overlie the ear canal of the wearer; said outer cover
having a rigid boss circumscribing and interconnecting said central
apertures; and said boss being formed with a retentioning means to
retain a central ear covering member.
3. An ear protector as claimed in claim 2, wherein said ear
covering member comprises a rotatable closure to selectively open
and close a passage through said central apertures to facilitate
hearing or access to the wearer's ear.
4. An ear protector as claimed in claim 2, wherein said ear
covering member comprises a housing for locating a loudspeaker of
an audio system within said central apertures.
5. An ear protector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said outer cover
is formed with an outwardly projecting locating tab along the top
thereof, said locating tab being shaped to fit within a receiving
slot formed within said helmet, so that when said locating member
is received therein, the ear protector is correctly aligned with
the helmet.
6. An ear protector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top of the
ear protector is convexly configured of complementary shape to a
concave recess provided along the edge of the helmet proximate to
the location of a wearer's ear, when correctly worn by the wearer,
so that the ear protector becomes contiguous with the helmet when
positively retained by the chin strap of the helmet.
7. An ear protector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bottom
opening defines a comparatively small slot at the base thereof and
said top opening defines a major opening to the pocket along the
top of said support member so that said pocket is adapted to fit a
triangular divided chin strap therethrough, the buckle and divider
of the chin strap being able to pass through said opening and said
slot of said pocket, and the respective front and rear straps of
the helmet attaching straps of the chin strap may project through
the pocket and said opening at opposing ends thereof adjacent the
front and rear edges, respectively, of said pocket.
8. An ear protector as claimed in claim 7, wherein the ear
protector is sized to be proximate to the size of the triangle
defined by the divider and the helmet attaching straps relative to
the edge of the helmet, so that the ear protector may be positively
retained by the triangular divided chin strap between the divider
and the edge of the helmet.
9. A helmet having an outer protective high impact resistant shell
and a resilient inner liner for accommodating the head of a wearer,
the helmet comprising: a triangular divided chin strap having a
buckle divider; and a pair of ear protectors, each ear protector
being of the type as claimed in claim 1.
10. A method for covering the ears of a wearer of a helmet have a
lower edge cut above the ears, comprising: covering the ears with
ear protectors fixed to the chin strap of the helmet; and
positively locating the ear protectors in an adjacent and
juxtaposed relationship with the lower edge of the helmet directly
above the ears, contiguous with the shell of the helmet.
11-13. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an ear protector for a helmet, a
helmet and a method for protecting the ears.
[0002] Throughout the specification, unless the context requires
otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or
"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated
integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other
integer or group of integers.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] The concept of detachable ear protection, or ear flaps, for
lightweight sports helmets with head-shells cut above the ears is
not new; particularly for snow sports, where ear protection is a
feature of many designs of helmets currently available on the
market.
[0004] The purpose of fitting a lightweight helmet with detachable
ear flaps has primarily been to give the wearer of the helmet the
option to choose between whether they wish to cover the ears for
protection from the elements, or not.
[0005] Perforations, or simple vents, are sometimes added to such
prior art ear flaps in order to allow for improved hearing when
worn. Known designs are made from flexible materials or foams and
are usually attached to the helmet by means of press studs, or
clips, forming an extension of the helmet liner. The ear flaps are
usually positioned on the inside of, and operate independently
from, the helmet chinstrap, although they may share the same
connection points and utilise the same components for
attachment.
[0006] Ear flaps currently used on lightweight helmets have
functional limitations because of their soft, flexible, structure.
They are also known to have fitting and stability problems that can
compromise the level of protection and comfort they provide to the
ears. Some can press against the ears to the extent that they are
uncomfortable and restrict hearing. Often they are prone to
disconnect or detach too easily, shifting or falling off the helmet
completely, exposing the ears and side of the face.
[0007] For some time now, communications and visual devices have
been attached by rudimentary means to helmets. Safety rescue, water
patrol, sporting and other industries have identified the need for
better methods of attaching these devices, without the requirement
to modify the helmet, thereby enabling easier and more efficient
utilisation of the latest technological developments. Ear flaps
made of soft foam or similar material are limited in their
application as a suitable platform for supporting communications
and visual devices and are not currently designed to facilitate
this need.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of this invention to overcome or at least
mitigate some of the problems identified in the background art with
respect to previous designs of ear flaps.
[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a detachable ear protector for attachment to a
helmet having a chin strap, comprising:
[0010] a support member shaped to cover an ear of a wearer of the
helmet when attached thereto;
[0011] a rigid protective outer cover formed of material resistant
to high impact and integrally formed with said support member to
provide a high impact protective region covering a major portion of
the support member on the outer side thereof; and
[0012] an inner pocket formed of resilient ear contacting material
attached to the inner periphery of said support member defining an
inner recess to proximately accommodate the pinna of the wearer's
ear within the pocket;
[0013] said pocket being partly attached to the side edges of said
support member to define a pair of openings, one opening being
disposed at the bottom of said support member and another opening
being disposed at the top of said support member;
[0014] wherein said openings are sized to pass the chin strap
therethrough so that the ear protector is positively engaged by the
chin strap against the side of the head and covering the ear of the
wearer, when fitted thereon.
[0015] Preferably, said support member and said outer cover are
formed with juxtaposed central apertures to overlie the ear canal
of the wearer; said outer cover having a rigid boss circumscribing
and interconnecting said central apertures; and said boss being
formed with a retentioning means to retain a central ear covering
member.
[0016] Preferably, said ear covering member comprises a rotatable
closure to selectively open and close a passage through said
central apertures to facilitate hearing or access to the wearer's
ear.
[0017] Preferably, said ear covering member comprises a housing for
locating a loudspeaker of an audio system within said central
apertures.
[0018] Preferably, said outer cover is formed with an outwardly
projecting locating member along the top thereof, said locating
member being shaped to fit within a receiving slot formed within
said helmet, so that when said locating member is received therein,
the ear protector is correctly aligned with the helmet.
[0019] Preferably, the top of the ear protector is convexly
configured of complementary shape to a concave recess provided
along the edge of the helmet proximate to the location of a
wearer's ear, when correctly worn by the wearer, so that the ear
protector becomes contiguous with the helmet when positively
retained by the chin strap of the helmet.
[0020] Preferably, the having a triangular divided chin strap with
a buckle divider
[0021] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a helmet having an outer protective high impact
resistant shell and a resilient inner liner for accommodating the
head of a wearer, the helmet comprising:
[0022] a chin strap; and
[0023] a pair of ear protectors, each ear protector being of the
type as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.
[0024] Preferably, said chin strap is divided triangularly at
either side with a divider buckle to attach the chin strap at two
discrete attachment points to the helmet shell, one forward and the
other rear, of the proximate location of the ear of a wearer when
the helmet is worn, at either side of the helmet.
[0025] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method for covering the ears of a
wearer of a helmet have a lower edge cut above the ears,
comprising:
[0026] covering the ears with ear protectors fixed to the chin
strap of the helmet; and
[0027] positively locating the ear protectors in an adjacent and
juxtaposed relationship with the lower edge of the helmet directly
above the ears, contiguous with the shell of the helmet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings are referred to in the description
of the best mode for carrying out the invention, wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a three-quarter front view of the helmet fitted
with ear protectors in accordance with the first embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a side view of the helmet shown in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a front view of the helmet shown in FIGS. 1 and
2;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the helmet shown in FIGS. 1 to
3;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a front view of the helmet shown in FIGS. 1 to 4,
but with the ear protectors removed;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 5;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a three-quarter rear view of the helmet shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0036] FIG. 8A is an exploded view showing the various components
of an ear protector in accordance with the first embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 8B is a three-quarter outer view of the assembled ear
protector shown in FIG. 8A;
[0038] FIG. 9A is an outer side view of the ear protector shown in
FIG. 8B;
[0039] FIG. 9B is a top view of the ear protector shown in FIGS. 8B
and 9A;
[0040] FIG. 9C is an end view of the ear protector shown in FIGS.
8B, 9A and 9B;
[0041] FIG. 9D is an inner side view of the ear protector shown in
FIGS. 8B, 9A, 9B and 9C;
[0042] FIG. 9E is a bottom view of the ear protector shown in FIGS.
8B, 9A, 9S, 9C, 9D and 9E;
[0043] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C are three consecutive side views of a
helmet showing an ear protector being progressively passed through
a chin strap and fitted into position contiguously with the helmet
to cover the ears of a wearer of the helmet;
[0044] FIGS. 11A to 11B are a series of five consecutive views
showing an ear protector being progressively passed through a chin
strap and fitted into position contiguously with the helmet to
cover the ears of a wearer of the helmet; whereby FIGS. 11A and 11B
show the inner side of the ear protector as it is being positioned,
FIGS. 11C and 11D show the outer side of the ear protector as it is
being positioned, and FIG. 11E shows the relative position of the
divider buckle with respect to the bottom of the ear protector when
positioned at its operative location;
[0045] FIG. 12 is a three-quarter front view, similar to FIG. 1,
but shaded, and showing an Inset of the relative location of the
divider buckle and bottom of the ear protector when positioned at
its operative location, magnified;
[0046] FIG. 13A is an exploded view showing the various components
of an ear protector in accordance with the second embodiment;
and
[0047] FIG. 13B is a three-quarter outer view of the assembled ear
protector shown in FIG. 13A.
BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0048] The best mode of the invention is described with respect to
two embodiments of the invention. Both embodiments are directed
towards an ear protector and helmet.
[0049] The first embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 1
to 12 and involves an ear protector having an ear covering member
in the form of a rotatable closure to selectively open and close a
passage through the ear protector to facilitate hearing or access
to the wearer's ear.
[0050] As shown in the drawings, the first embodiment comprises a
helmet 11 and an ear protector 13.
[0051] The helmet comprises an outer shell 15 formed of high impact
resistant material, such as polycarbonate or ASA plastic. The
helmet is formed with an inner liner 17 formed of a resilient water
proof material, such as closed cell soft foam suitable for
comfortable contact with, and support of, the head of a wearer of
the helmet. The inner liner may be formed of eva (ethyl vinyl
acetate), which is thermo-formable by the application of heat and
pressure, or santaprene, which is injection mouldable.
[0052] The helmet 11 has a "high-cut" over where the ears of a
wearer would situate when worn, forming a concave recess 19, which
is best shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 where the ear protectors 13 are
removed.
[0053] The helmet 11 also optionally has a high-cut shell over the
forehead of a wearer, which is covered by an elasticised head band
21 integrally formed with the helmet, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2,
3, 5, 6 and 12. Alternatively, the shell of the helmet 11 may
extend forwardly to cover the forehead, as best shown in FIGS.
10.
[0054] Vents 23 are formed at prescribed locations of the shell 15
and head band 21 of the helmet 11 to provide for ventilation of the
head of the wearer and ingress and egress of water in the case of
the helmet being used for water sports.
[0055] The helmet 11 is also provided with a chin strap 25 and two
helmet attaching straps, one attaching strap 25a being attached to
one side of the helmet, and the other attaching strap 25b being
attached to the other side of the helmet. Both attaching straps are
connected to opposing connectors of a buckle 27 via a divider
29.
[0056] The chin strap 25 and helmet attaching straps 25a and 25b
are arranged in the standard triangular attachment configuration,
where each divider 29 is threaded by each helmet attaching strap to
divide the strap into two discrete helmet attaching portions 31,
the ends of each helmet attaching portion being anchored by a pin
33 to the side of the helmet shell 15. One helmet attaching portion
31a of a helmet attaching strap is anchored forward of the concave
recess 19, and the other helmet attaching portion 31b is anchored
rearward of the concave recess in this manner, the straps may
repose about the head of a wearer, either side of where the
wearer's ear would be located for comfortable and positive
retention of the helmet to the wearer's head when the buckle 27 is
fastened.
[0057] The ear protector 13 comprises a support member 35, a rigid
protective outer cover 37 and an inner pocket 39.
[0058] The support member 35 and pocket 39 are formed of similar
material to the liner 17, and the outer cover 37 is formed of
similar material to the shell 15.
[0059] The support member 35 is shaped to completely cover the ear
of a wearer when fitted to the helmet and forms a base to which the
outer cover 37 and the pocket 39 are attached. The top of the
support member 35 is convexly contoured to complement the shape of
the concave recess 19 and move hingedly laterally of the helmet,
relative to the shell 15. The support member 35 is also formed with
a central aperture to overlie the ear canal of the wearer, when
operatively positioned with respect to the shell.
[0060] The outer cover 37 is an annular dome shape, the radius of
the outer circumference thereof describing an upper arcuate portion
of marginally larger radius than the top of the support member 35,
and a lower arcuate portion of marginally smaller radius than the
corresponding bottom of the support member. The outer cover 37 is
similarly provided with a central aperture concentric and
juxtaposed with the central aperture of the support member 35 to
maintain the opening through the ear protector to the ear of the
wearer.
[0061] A rigid boss 41 comprising a radial, outer flange 41a and an
axial spigot portion 41b circumscribes the central apertures of the
support member 35 and outer cover 37 and keys with the inner
periphery 43 of the central aperture of the outer cover to pinch
the support member in juxtaposed relationship with the outer cover
37. As shown, the outer flange 41a is disposed on the inner side of
the support member 35, and the spigot portion 41b is formed with
external locating lugs 45 to frictionally engage corresponding
locating grooves 47 provided on the inner periphery 43 of the outer
cover 37.
[0062] A central ear covering member 49 of corresponding size and
shape to the central aperture of the boss 41 is provided with a
series of protruding locking fingers 51 to mate with a series of
locking grooves 53 formed within the inner circumference of the
boss. The fingers 51 and locking grooves 53 form corresponding
parts of a retentioning means to fixedly situate the covering
member 49 within the central aperture of the boss 41. Moreover, the
covering member 49 is fitted to the outside of the outer cover 37
and the locking fingers 51 engaged with the locking grooves 53. The
covering member 49 is then rotated clockwise into a locked position
where the fingers 51 are retained within recesses 53a formed within
each locking groove 53, holding the support member 35 and the outer
cover 37 firmly together.
[0063] The covering member 49 in the present embodiment is provided
with a pair of diametrally opposed vents 55 and a rotatable closure
57 formed with corresponding holes 59. The closure 57 is pinned to
the centre of the covering member and is adapted to rotate between
an open position where the vents 55 and the holes 59 are aligned to
allow access through the central apertures, and a closed position
where the vents and the holes are closed by the radially
intervening portions of the covering member 49 and the closure 57
obscuring the holes 59 and vents 55, respectively.
[0064] The pocket 39 is attached to the outer periphery of the
support member 35, on the inner side thereof. A large inner recess
61 is centrally formed within the pocket 39 to proximately
accommodate the pinna of the wearer's ear within the pocket when
the ear protector is operatively positioned with respect to the
shell 15 and expose the central aperture of the boss 41 on the
inner side of the ear protector. The pocket 39 is attached to the
side edges of the support member 35 and a portion of the bottom
edge thereof, so that a comparatively small opening in the form of
a slot 63 is provided at the bottom of the ear protector and a
major opening 65 along the top, between the support member 35 and
the pocket 39. The slot 63 is sufficiently large to allow the
buckle 27 and the divider 29 of a chin strap to pass
therethrough.
[0065] The pocket forms a thickened U-shaped portion 67 to
circumscribe the sides and bottom of the inner recess 61, and a
thin arcuate web 69 recessed itself to similarly circumscribe the
top of the inner recess 61, but also accommodate the top of the
pinna of a helmet wearer that may protrude beyond the inner recess
61.
[0066] The top of the outer cover 37 is formed with an outwardly
projecting locating tab 71 integral therewith. The locating tab 71
is shaped to fit within a receiving slot (not shown) formed between
the inner liner 17 and the shell 15 of the helmet, at the apex of
the concave recess 19. The distal end of the locating tab 71 is
formed with a spigot 73 to sit within a complementary shaped well
within the receiving slot, so that when said locating member is
received therein, the ear protector 13 is correctly aligned and
hingedly retained with respect to the helmet.
[0067] Now describing the manner of operatively locating each ear
protector 13 relative to the helmet 11, reference will be made to
FIGS. 10A to 10C, FIGS. 11A to 11E and FIG. 12.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 11A, the ear protector 13 is
initially located so that the top of thereof is adjacent to the
buckle end of the particular strap half to which the ear protector
is to be fitted. Obviously, the inner side and outer side of the
ear protector is relatively disposed to adopt the corresponding
inner and outer sides of the helmet at the particular side of the
helmet to which the protector is being fitted.
[0069] The buckle 27 is then pushed through the major opening 65
into the inside of the pocket 39 as shown in FIG. 10B and then is
worked through the slot 63 as shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C. The
divider 29 follows the buckle 27 and is similarly passed through
the major opening 65 and eventually the slot 63 to project
therefrom at the bottom of the ear protector, as shown in FIGS.
10C, 11D and 11E. As the divider 29 is passed through the slot, the
locating tab 71 is inserted into the receiving slot therefor within
the helmet and the spigot 73 seated within the well. At this
position, the top of the outer cover 37 is seated snugly within the
concave recess 19 to be contiguous with the contour of the shell
15.
[0070] Importantly, each ear protector is sized and each divider 29
is located distally from the shell a distance commensurate to the
axial extent of the ear protector 13, between the top and bottom
thereof. Furthermore, the divider 29 is formed so that the upper
edge thereof can accommodate the adjoining portion of the bottom of
the support member 35 between it and the corresponding helmet
attaching straps, as shown in the FIG. 12. In this manner, when the
ear protector 13 is located in an operative position, it is
retained snugly between the corresponding divider and adjacent
concave recess of the shell and is integrally formed with the
helmet attaching straps to be positively retained in position
thereby.
[0071] The second embodiment is substantially similar to the first
embodiment, except that the central ear covering member 49
accommodates a speaker housing for an audio system instead of
vents. In describing the second embodiment, the same base reference
numerals will be used for like components previously described in
the first embodiment, except that all reference numerals will be
designated with '.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 13 of the drawings, the covering member 49'
incorporates a water proof loudspeaker housing 101' formed of
pliable material, within which a loudspeaker (not shown) is
disposed.
[0073] The housing 101' is formed with corresponding locking
fingers 51' to engage the locking grooves 53' provided in the
central aperture of the boss 41' and be rotated into locked
position within the recesses 53a'. Accordingly, the speaker housing
101' is fixedly attached to the ear protector 13' in corresponding
manner to the vents of the first embodiment. The loudspeaker
therein can be connected by wire or wireless means to an audio
receiver or player located on the rear of the helmet or elsewhere
on the person of the wearer to deliver audio signals via the
loudspeaker to the wearer.
[0074] This particular embodiment is ideal for providing a two-way
communication system with appropriate location of a microphone on
the helmet.
[0075] It should be appreciated that both embodiments incorporate
features that overcome the limitations of current helmet ear flaps.
When the ear protectors are fitted to a lightweight helmet, the
combination provides a more versatile helmet that is suitable for a
wider range of sport and industrial applications because the ear
protectors are designed to perform as an extension of the helmet
shell. The ear protectors not only protect the ears, but also
provide a stable support member that permits the attachment of
communication systems and other devices in proximity to the ears of
a wearer.
[0076] In the case of communication systems, these have previously
only be achievable with the addition of bulky headsets or similar
apparatus. The present embodiments offer a method of attachment and
a speaker housing that retains a compact, close fitting helmet
profile.
[0077] The rigid plastic outer cover of the ear protector provides
an increased level of safety protection to the ears, when compared
to helmet flaps made from softer materials. A soft foam lining
fitted to the outer cover to form a generous ear pocket achieves a
superior, more comfortable fit, which is further enhanced by the
hinging effect at the join between the ear protector and the mating
helmet contours, providing better accommodation of varying head
shapes than a full helmet shell with ear coverage. The enclosure of
the upper portion of the chin strap inside the ear protector and
the locating tab provided on the outer cover, ensures that the
entire unit remains stable and secure when positioned over the
ears.
[0078] The provision of the audio vent system of the first
embodiment, permits adjustment between a closed position where the
elements (wind, water, cold) may be shut out from direct contact
with the ears, and a fully opened position allowing increased
audibility to the wearer's surroundings.
[0079] The retentioning system used for the ear covering member
provides means for the attachment of not only a variety of
different communications and music devices, but also a connection
facility for altimeters, cameras and the like.
[0080] The attachment of the ear protector and audio system results
in a complete head protection unit that has the stability and
performance benefits of full shell helmet coverage. Furthermore,
the advantages of easy detachment to a helmet designed with a cut
above the ears allows tremendous flexibility in helmet use,
maintaining comfort features to suit a variety of different
environments.
[0081] It should be appreciated that the scope of the present
invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described
herein.
* * * * *