U.S. patent application number 11/893027 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-19 for sports helmet with removable facemask.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wilson Sporting Goods Co.. Invention is credited to Patrick Udelhofen.
Application Number | 20090044316 11/893027 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40361784 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090044316 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Udelhofen; Patrick |
February 19, 2009 |
Sports helmet with removable facemask
Abstract
A sports helmet, such as a batting helmet, includes a shell and
a facemask that is removably attached to the shell with at least
one fastening component that is integral with the facemask and at
least one mating fastening component that is integral with the
shell. The facemask may have at least one integral fastening
component at each distal end of the facemask. Correspondingly, the
shell may have at least one mating fastening component on each of
two opposing interior surfaces of the shell. The fastening
components can be removably connected to the mating fastening
components on the interior surface of the shell. The helmet may
include an ear guard attached to the facemask and removably
attached to the shell with at least one fastening component that is
integral with the ear guard and at least one mating fastening
component that is integral with the shell.
Inventors: |
Udelhofen; Patrick;
(Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
8750 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Chicago
IL
60631
US
|
Assignee: |
Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
|
Family ID: |
40361784 |
Appl. No.: |
11/893027 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/424 ; 2/425;
2/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/18 20151001;
A63B 2243/0066 20130101; A63B 71/10 20130101; A42B 3/20 20130101;
A42B 3/16 20130101; A63B 2102/14 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/424 ; 2/425;
2/9 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/08 20060101
A42B001/08; A41D 13/00 20060101 A41D013/00; A63B 71/10 20060101
A63B071/10 |
Claims
1. A sports helmet, comprising: a shell; and a facemask removably
attached to the shell with at least one fastening component that is
integral with the facemask and at least one mating fastening
component that is integral with the shell, the sports helmet
configured for competitive play in organized competition.
2. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
at least one fastening component is flexible.
3. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastening
component comprises a tab and the at least one mating fastening
component comprises a pair of stop regions, and the tab can be slid
between the stop regions and locked in place.
4. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastening
component comprises a projection and the at least one mating
fastening component comprises a recessed area, and the projection
can be inserted into the recessed area and locked in place.
5. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastening
component comprises two projections and the at least one mating
fastening component comprises two recessed areas, and the
projections can be inserted into the recessed areas and locked in
place.
6. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the facemask comprises at
least one integral ear guard.
7. The sports helmet of claim 1, further comprising a curved bill
molded into the shell.
8. The sports helmet of claim 1, further comprising padding
attached to an interior of the shell.
9. The sports helmet of claim 1, further comprising a chinstrap
removably attached to the helmet.
10. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the helmet is selected
from the group consisting of a batting helmet, a catcher's mask, an
umpire's mask, a lacrosse helmet, a football helmet, a ski helmet
and a hockey helmet.
11. A batting helmet, comprising: a shell having at least one
integral mating fastening component on each of two opposing
interior surfaces of the shell; and a facemask having at least one
integral fastening component at each distal end of the facemask,
wherein the fastening components can be removably connected to the
mating fastening components on the interior surface of the shell,
the batting helmet configured for competitive play in organized
competition.
12. The batting helmet of claim 11, wherein the at least one
fastening component at each distal end of the facemask comprises a
flexible tab and the at least one mating fastening component on
each of two opposing interior surfaces of the shell comprises two
projections, and the flexible tab can be slid between the
projections and locked in place.
13. The batting helmet of claim 11, wherein the at least one
fastening component at each distal end of the facemask comprises a
projection and the at least one mating fastening component on each
of two opposing interior surfaces of the shell comprises a recessed
area, and the projection can be inserted into the recessed area and
locked in place.
14. The batting helmet of claim 11, wherein the facemask comprises
an integral ear guard at each distal end of the facemask, with an
integral fastening component extending from each ear guard.
15. The batting helmet of claim 11, further comprising a curved
bill molded into the shell, with at least one bar of the facemask
in pressurized communication with the bill when the facemask is
attached to the shell.
16. The batting helmet of claim 11, comprising at least two
integral mating fastening components on each of the two opposing
interior surfaces of the shell, and at least one integral fastening
component set inward from each distal end of the facemask, in
addition to the at least one integral fastening component at each
distal end of the facemask.
17. The batting helmet of claim 16, wherein the at least one
fastening component at each distal end of the facemask comprises a
different type of fastening component than the at least one
integral fastening component set inward from each distal end of the
facemask, and the at least two mating fastening components on each
of two opposing interior surfaces of the shell comprise two
different types of mating fastening components.
18. The batting helmet of claim 16, wherein the at least one
fastening component at each distal end of the facemask comprises
the same type of fastening component as the at least one integral
fastening component set inward from each distal end of the
facemask, and the at least two mating fastening components on each
of two opposing interior surfaces of the shell comprises the same
type of mating fastening components.
19. A sports helmet, comprising: a shell; an ear guard removably
attached to the shell; and a facemask positioned between the shell
and the ear guard and removably attached to the shell with at least
one fastening component that is integral with the ear guard and at
least one mating fastening component that is integral with the
shell.
20. The sports helmet of claim 19, wherein the ear guard is not
integral with the facemask.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a sports helmet having a
removable facemask.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Helmets are a key type of protective equipment used in a
variety of sports. In baseball, in particular, batters typically
wear a helmet when they step up to the plate. The helmet serves to
protect the batter's head from severe injury when a waywardly
pitched ball and/or the batter's stance result in a collision
between the ball and the batter's head.
[0003] In many team sports, a team may share a limited number of
helmets among the team members. For instance, in baseball, only one
batter is up to bat at a time, and up to three baserunners.
Therefore, many teams use four helmets or less to accommodate the
needs of an entire baseball team.
[0004] Many sports helmets, such as batting helmets, include a
facemask. The facemask provides a framework positioned in front of
the wearer's face to protect the wearer's face from direct contact
with a ball without fully obstructing the wearer's vision. However,
a facemask may seem cumbersome to some wearers, and the facemask
inevitably blocks at least a small portion of the wearer's field of
vision. Thus, some batters prefer helmets that do not include a
facemask.
[0005] Conventional sports helmets often include removable
facemasks that are threadedly fastened to the helmet. For example,
two screws may be used to attach the facemask to the right side of
the helmet and two additional screws may be used to attach the
facemask to the left side of the helmet. The capability to remove
the facemask from the helmet allows the helmet to accommodate each
player's preference, whether the player prefers a helmet having a
facemask or a facemask-free helmet. However, the act of removing or
reattaching the facemask is often time-consuming, particularly when
a team has a small number of helmets relative to the number of
players. Additionally, the attachment hardware, such as screws, may
be easily lost either during the facemask removal or reattachment
process, or even when the helmet is in storage, in transport, or
when in use.
[0006] Additionally, many existing facemasks and their fasteners
provide an unpleasing appearance to the helmet. The facemask may
severely distort the overall appearance of the helmet and make the
helmet look very unattractive, particularly to young users.
[0007] It would thus be desirable to provide a sports helmet with a
facemask that can be quickly and easily removed and reattached. It
would also be desirable to provide a sports helmet with a removable
facemask that does not require the removal of small parts that are
susceptible to getting lost. It would also be advantageous to
provide a helmet and facemask assembly that provides a smooth,
complementary and pleasing appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention presents a sports helmet having a
removable facemask. The facemask can be quickly and easily removed
from and reattached to the helmet. All of the fastening components
and mating fastening components are integrated into the helmet and
the facemask. Consequently, there are no small parts that are
susceptible to getting lost.
[0009] In particular, the sports helmet includes a facemask
removably attached to a shell with at least one fastening component
that is integral with the facemask and at least one mating
fastening component that is integral with the shell. Suitably, the
fastening components are located at each distal end of the facemask
and the mating fastening components are located on each of two
opposing interior surfaces of the shell. In certain embodiments, at
least a portion of the fastening component or fastening components
may be flexible such that the fastening component can be physically
manipulated for insertion into or removal from the corresponding
mating fastening component.
[0010] For example, the fastening component may include a tab and
the corresponding mating fastening component may include two
projections. To attach the facemask to the shell, the tab can be
slid between the projections and locked in place. If the tab is
flexible, the tab can be squeezed together to fit into place
between the projections. Conversely, to remove the facemask from
the shell, the tab can be slid out from between the projections,
possibly by squeezing the tab to force the tab to fit between the
projections.
[0011] As another example, the fastening component may include one
or more projections and the corresponding mating fastening
component may include one or more recessed areas. To attach the
facemask to the shell, the projections can be inserted into the
corresponding recessed areas. Conversely, to remove the facemask
from the shell, the projections can be removed from the
corresponding recessed areas.
[0012] In certain embodiments, the facemask may include at least
one integral fastening component set inward from each distal end of
the facemask in addition to the at least one integral fastening
component at each distal end of the facemask, along with at least
two integral mating fastening components on each of the two
opposing interior surfaces of the shell. The fastening components
at the distal ends of the facemask may be the same type of
fastening components as those that are set inward from the distal
ends of the facemask and, correspondingly, the at least two mating
fastening components on each of the two opposing interior surfaces
of the shell may be the same type of mating fastening components.
For example, the fastening components may be projections and the
mating fastening components may be in the form of recessed areas.
Alternatively, the fastening components at the distal ends of the
facemask may be a different type of fastening component than the
fastening components that are set inward from each distal end of
the facemask and, correspondingly, the at least two mating
fastening components on each of the two opposing interior surfaces
of the shell may be two different types of mating fastening
components. For example, one of the types of fastening components
may be a flexible tab that can be inserted between two
projection-type mating fastening components on the shell, and
another of the types of fastening components may be a projection
that can be inserted into a recessed-area-type mating fastening
component on the shell.
[0013] The sports helmet may include a variety of features in
addition to the removable facemask. For instance, the facemask may
include an integral ear guard at each distal end of the facemask.
The integral fastening component may extend from the ear guard.
Alternatively, the ear guard may be separate from both the facemask
and the shell, but may be refastenably attached to the shell with
the facemask positioned between the ear guard and the shell. In
this embodiment, the fastening components may be integral with the
ear guard and refastenably attached to the mating fastening
components that are integral with the shell.
[0014] Additionally, a curved bill may be molded into the shell. To
ensure a secure fit between the facemask and the shell, at least
one bar of the facemask may be engaged with the bill when the
facemask is attached to the shell. The helmet may also include such
features as padding attached to an interior of the shell, and/or a
chinstrap that is removably attached to the helmet.
[0015] The sports helmet may be, in particular, a batting helmet.
Alternatively, the removable facemask construction of this helmet
may be applied to a variety of other types of sports helmets
including, but not limited to, a catcher's mask, an umpire's mask,
a lacrosse helmet, a football helmet, a ski helmet, a snow-boarding
helmet and a hockey helmet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sports helmet with a
removable facemask.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a sports helmet
showing attachment points of a removable facemask.
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of a sports helmet showing
attachment points of a removable facemask.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of a sports helmet having a removable
facemask.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a partial interior side view of a sports helmet
with a removable facemask, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a partial view of the attachment between the
facemask and the shell, taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the attachment between the
facemask and the shell shown in FIG. 6, illustrating the facemask
removed from the shell.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the attachment between the
facemask and the shell shown in FIG. 6, illustrating the insertion
of a fastening component on the facemask into a mating fastening
component on the shell.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the attachment between the
facemask and the shell shown in FIG. 6, further illustrating
cross-sectional lines for FIGS. 11-13.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a partial side view of the attachment between the
facemask and the shell shown in FIG. 6, illustrating the removal of
a fastening component on the facemask from a mating fastening
component on the shell.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in
FIG. 9.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in
FIG. 9.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in
FIG. 9.
[0029] FIG. 14 is perspective view of another embodiment of a
sports helmet with a removable facemask.
[0030] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the sports helmet
in FIG. 14 showing attachment points of the removable facemask.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in
FIG. 14.
[0032] FIG. 17 is an exploded side view of another embodiment of a
sports helmet showing attachment points of a removable
facemask.
[0033] FIG. 18 is an interior side view of an ear guard including
two different types of fastening components.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a partial side view of a sports helmet with the
ear guard in FIG. 18 and a removable facemask attached to the
helmet.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 in
FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, a sports helmet having a removable
facemask is indicated generally at 20. The helmet 20 of FIG. 1 is
configured as a batting helmet; however, the invention can also be
applied to other types of helmets, such as, for example, a
catcher's mask/helmet, an umpire's mask/helmet, a lacrosse helmet,
a football helmet, a hockey helmet, and practically any other type
of helmet that includes a facemask. The helmet 20 includes a shell
22, a padding assembly (or head support assembly) (not shown), and
a facemask 24.
[0037] The sports helmet 20 of the present invention is configured
for competitive play in organized competition. For the purposes of
this invention the term "configured for competitive play in
organized competition" refers to a helmet that satisfies the
National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment
("NOCSAE") Standards, or equivalent requirements. In particular,
the helmet satisfies: [0038] NOCSAE Document ND001-04m05a entitled
"Standard Drop Test Method and Equipment Used in Evaluating the
Performance Characteristics of Protective Headgear," modified
December 2005; and [0039] NOCSAE Document ND021-98m05a entitled
"Standard Projectile Impact Testing Method and Equipment Used in
Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective Headgear,
Faceguards or Projectiles," modified December 2005.
[0040] The shell 22 is a generally hemispherically-shaped head
covering, which forms a cranial cavity 26 configured to generally
cover and protect the upper portion of a user's head. The shell 22
has a dome-like crown 28, a generally continuous circumferential
side wall 30, and first and second ear protective regions 32 and
34. Preferably, the crown 28, side wall 30, and first and second
ear protective regions 32 and 34 are molded from a single material
source. In alternative preferred embodiments, one or more of these
shell 22 regions can be formed from separate pieces and integrated
with the shell 22, such as through thermal bonding, adhesive
bonding, or other suitable types of bonding known to those skilled
in the art. Additionally, a curved bill 36 may be molded into the
shell 22, or otherwise integrated with the shell 22. Other types of
helmets may differ in terms of the shell configuration. For
example, football helmets may not include the bill 36.
[0041] The shell 22 is formed of a rigid, durable material,
preferably, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene ("ABS"). In alternative
preferred embodiments, the shell 22 can be formed of other
materials, such as, for example, a polycarbonate, plastic,
aluminum, or other polymers. One example of a
commercially-available material having considerable durability is
Surlyn.RTM. produced by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007
Market St. Wilmington, Del. 19898 ("DuPont"). The shell 22 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. The padding assembly (not shown) is
coupled to an inner surface of the shell 22 and may include a
plurality of support members configured to dampen, reduce, absorb,
and/or dissipate shock resulting from an impact of the helmet with
an object, and reduce the shock transferred to, or felt by, the
wearer due to an impact. The padding assembly can be formed of a
lightweight, cushionable, resilient material, such as a foam
material formed of ethyl vinyl acetate ("EVA foam"), or other open
or closed cellular or non-cellular foam, a gel, a fluid-filled
bladder, a plurality of spherical balls, a plurality of other
geometric objects, or an air-filled bladder. Referring to FIG. 5
one pad 18 of a pad assembly is shown.
[0042] The shell 22 further preferably includes a plurality of
ventilation holes 38 for enabling air to flow into and out of the
helmet 20. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of ventilation holes 38
can be spaced apart above the bill 36, across the crown 28, and
along the side wall 30. The location, orientation, size, shape, and
number of ventilation holes 38 may vary, or the shell 22 can be
absent of ventilation holes.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the facemask 24 can be quickly and
easily removed from or reattached to the shell 22. The facemask 24
includes at least one integral fastening component 40 and the shell
22 includes at least one integral mating fastening component 42. As
used herein, the term "integral" refers to components that are
either molded from a single material source, or are formed from
separate pieces and integrated with the shell 22, such as through
thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, or other suitable types of
bonding known to those skilled in the art. Since all of the
fastening components 40 and mating fastening components 42 are
integral with the facemask 24 and shell 22, there are no small
parts that are susceptible to getting lost.
[0044] With further reference to FIG. 2, the facemask 24 includes a
series of vertical and horizontal bars 44 fitted over, at or near a
face opening 46 in the helmet 20 and is configured to protect a
wearer's face without adversely obstructing the wearer's vision or
ability to breathe. The bars 44 of the facemask 24 are made of a
rigid material, such as, for example, ABS, other high-density
polymers, such as Surlyn.RTM., aluminum, composite fiber materials,
and combinations thereof. The number, size, shape, and placement of
the bars 44 may vary among different embodiments, as the removable
facemask 24 fastening components 40 described herein are adaptable
for use with a wide range of facemask 24 configurations. For
example, the bars 44 can be formed in other shapes, such as curved
shapes, angled shapes, geometric shapes, irregular shapes and
combinations thereof.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2-6, one or more fastening components 40
located at each distal end 48 of the facemask 24 refastenably
secure the facemask 24 to one or more mating fastening components
42 located on each of two opposing interior surfaces 50 of the
shell 22. Preferably, the opposing interior surfaces 50 correspond
to the first and second ear protective regions 32 and 34 of the
shell 22 covering a wearer's ears. Alternatively, the opposing
interior surfaces can be located at other locations about the
shell.
[0046] As illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 2, there may be
at least three points of contact between the facemask 24 and the
shell 22. More particularly, the fastening components 40 extending
from the facemask 24 can be refastenably attached to the mating
fastening components 42 on the interior surfaces 50 of the shell 22
and, additionally, at least one bar 44 of the facemask 24 may be
engaged with, and bear against, the bill 36 when the facemask 24 is
attached to the shell 22. The contact between the bar 44 of the
facemask 24 and the bill 36 facilitates the centering or alignment
of the mask 24 to the shell 22, and provides further stabilization
of the facemask 24. The at least one bar 44 of the facemask and,
like the fastening components 40 and mating fastening components
42, require no separate fasteners.
[0047] FIG. 3 shows how the facemask 24 is aligned with the shell
22 prior to fastening the facemask 24 to the shell 22. FIG. 4 shows
the facemask 24 refastenably attached to the shell 22. In an
enlarged view of the fastening component 40 extending from the
facemask 24 engaged with the mating fastening component 42 on the
interior surface 50 of the shell 22, as illustrated in FIG. 5,
arrows 52 pointing toward one another indicate the forces acting on
the fastening component 40 by the mating fastening component 42 and
holding the fastening component 40 in place between the two-piece
mating fastening component 42.
[0048] In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the fastening
component 40 and/or mating fastening component 42 may be flexible
such that the fastening component 40 can be physically manipulated
for insertion into or removal from the corresponding mating
fastening component 42. For example, the fastening component 40
and/or mating fastening component 42 may be formed of nylon, an
elastomer, metal, or other flexible materials. In certain
embodiments, the fastening component 40 may be composed of a
flexible material and the mating fastening component 42 may be
composed of a rigid, non-yielding material, such that the fastening
component 40 can be manipulated into engagement with the mating
fastening component 42. In other embodiments, the mating fastening
component 42 may be composed of a flexible material and the
fastening component 40 may be composed of a rigid, non-yielding
material, such that the mating fastening component 42 yields under
pressure when engaged with the fastening component 40.
[0049] The mating fastening component 42 can be integrally formed
to the shell 22 or otherwise securely attached to the shell 22. The
mating fastening component 42 defines a slot or cavity for
receiving fastening component 40. The configuration of the
fastening component 40 and mating fastening component 42 may be any
of a variety of suitable refastenable fastener types. For example,
as illustrated in FIGS. 1-20, the fastening component 40 may
include a tab and the corresponding mating fastening component 42
may include two projections or stop regions. To attach the facemask
24 to the shell 22, the tab can be slid between the projections and
locked in place. If the tab is flexible, the tab can be squeezed
together to fit into place between the projections. Conversely, to
remove the facemask 24 from the shell 22, the tab can be slid out
from between the projections, possibly by squeezing the tab to
force the tab to fit between the projections.
[0050] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the side of the shell 22 with
a portion cut-away to enable the fastening components 40 and 42 to
be seen. In one preferred embodiment, the fastening component 40 is
in the form of a flexible generally T-shaped tab having first and
second arms 60 and 62 in engagement with first and second stop
regions 64 and 66 of the mating fastening component 42 along the
interior surface 50 of the shell 22. Similarly, FIG. 7 illustrates
the fastening component 40 at the distal end 48 of the facemask 24
aligned with the mating fastening component 42 on the interior
surface 50 of the shell 22 prior to engagement of the fastening
component 40 with the mating fastening component 42. FIG. 8
illustrates the first and second arms 60 and 62 of the fastening
component 40 yielding under pressure as the fastening component 40
is moved toward the mating fastening component 42 in the direction
of the arrow 54. Like FIG. 6, FIG. 9 shows the fastening component
40 in engagement with the mating fastening component 42.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 6-10, in one preferred embodiment, the
mating fastening component 42 advantageously defines first and
second openings 68 and 70 accessible from the interior surface 50
of the shell 22 for allowing a user to readily access the first and
second arms 60 and 62 of the fastening component 40 with his or her
fingertips to initiate disengagement of the fastening component 40
from the mating fastening component 42. FIG. 10 illustrates the
application of force indicated by arrows 52 to the first and second
arms 60 and 62 of the mating fastening component 40 by the
fingertips 72 (shown in phantom as ovals) of a user positioned
through the first and second openings 68 and 70 of the mating
fastening component 42. Once the first and second arms are
depressed or compressed by the user, the mask 24 and the fastening
component 40 can be withdrawn from the mating fastening component
42 in a direction indicated by arrow 56. Once disengaged from the
mating fastening component 42, the resilient first and second arms
60 and 62 of the fastening component 40 return to their normal
position (as shown in FIG. 7). The releasable engagement between
the fastening component 40 and the mating fastening components 42
provide a secure mechanism for quickly, easily and efficiently
engaging the mask 24 to the shell 22 and, when desired, readily
removing the mask 24 from the shell 22. The engagement and release
of the mask 24 to and from the shell 22 is performed without the
use of tools and without the use of separate fasteners (such as
screws, nuts and bolts) to readily and securely position the mask
24 to the shell and then subsequently readily remove the mask 24
from the shell 22.
[0052] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 showing the
facemask 24 flush-mounted to the shell 22 in the region of an ear
guard 58. The flush engagement of the ear guards 58 of the mask 24
with the shell 22 (also shown on FIG. 1), provides a clean,
aesthetically pleasing appearance to the sports helmet 20. The ear
guards 58 enable the mask 24 to appear as a natural extension of
the shell 22. Further, the sports helmet of the present invention
has no visible fasteners detracting from the overall look and
design of the face mask 24 and the shell 22. FIGS. 12 and 13 are
both cross-sectional views of FIG. 9 showing the fastening
component 40 engaged with the mating fastening component 42. FIGS.
11-13 provide further detail of the structure of the fastening
component 40 of the shell 22 and its releasable engagement with the
mating fastening component 42.
[0053] An alternative preferred embodiment of the mating fastening
component 42 is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. More particularly,
the first and second openings 68 and 70 of the mating fastening
component 42 can extend through the outer surface of the shell 22
thereby allowing a user to access the first and second arms 60 and
62 of the fastening component 40 from the outside of the helmet 20.
Accordingly, the first and second openings 68 and 70 extending
through the outer surface of the shell 22 at the mating fastening
component 42, enable the user or other person to actuate the first
and second arms 60 and 62 of the fastening component 40 and release
the facemask 24 from the shell 24 in a quick, efficient manner
without having to remove the helmet from the user's head. FIG. 16
is a cross-sectional view of the mating fastening component 42,
taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 14. The first and second openings 68
and 70 can provide additional ventilation through the helmet, as
well as enhance the aesthetic appeal of the shell 22.
Alternatively, the first and second holes 68 and 70 may extend only
through the outer surface of the shell 22 and not through the inner
surface 50 of the shell 22 and/or the mating fastening component
42.
[0054] Another alternative configuration of the fastening component
40 and mating fastening component 42 is one in which the fastening
component 40 includes one or more projections and the corresponding
mating fastening component 42 includes one or more recessed areas.
For example, the fastening component 40 may include two
spaced-apart projections and the mating fastening component 42 may
include two spaced-apart recessed areas. The facemask 24 may be
attached to the shell 22 by inserting the projections into the
corresponding recessed areas. Conversely, the facemask 24 may be
removed from the shell 22 by removing the projections from the
corresponding recessed areas. The recessed areas may be shaped such
that a larger opening provides an insertion point for the
projections, while a more tapered area of the opening holds the
projections in place. Additionally, the projections may have a head
extending from a neck, such that the neck fits into the tapered
area of the opening while the head prevents the projection from
leaving the opening. Consequently, the projection may be inserted
into the larger area of the opening and slid into the more tapered
area of the opening, thereby securing the fastening component 40 in
place.
[0055] FIGS. 17-20 illustrate an alternative preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the
fastening component 40 can include one, two or three distinct
fastening regions 40A, 40B and 40C. The first fastening region 40A
is substantially the same as the generally T-shaped tab having
first and second arms 60 and 62 of the fastening component 40. The
second fastening region 40B can include at least one integral
fastening component set inward from each distal end 48 of the
facemask 24. The third fastening region 40C includes a ledge 74
configured to engage one of the bars 44 of the facemask 24.
Alternatively, the ledge can be configured to directly engage the
mating fastening component of the shell.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 19, an alternative preferred
embodiment of the mating fastening component 42 of the shell 22 is
shown. The mating fastening component also fastening regions 42A
and 42B configured to correspond to the fastening component 40. The
first fastening region 42A is substantially similar to the stop
regions 64 and 66 and is configured to engage the first and second
arms 60 and 62 of the generally T-shaped tab. The second fastening
region 42B includes two recessed areas configured to receive the
projections of the second fastening region 42A. The additional set
of fastening components 40B and mating fastening components 42B may
provide a more secure attachment of the facemask 24 to the shell
22.
[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 17-20, one of the types of fastening
components 40A may be a flexible tab that can be inserted between
the two projection-type mating fastening components of the first
fastening region 42A on the shell 22, and another of the types of
fastening components 40B may be a pair of projections that can be
inserted into a corresponding recessed-area-type mating fastening
component 42B on the shell 22. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the
recessed-area-type mating fastening component 42B includes a larger
area and a more tapered area of the opening, such that the
projections can be inserted into the larger areas and slid toward
the back of the helmet 20 into the more tapered areas to secure the
fastening component 40B into the mating fastening component
42B.
[0058] Alternatively, the fastening components 40A at the distal
ends 48 of the facemask 24 may be the same type of fastening
component as the fastening components 40B that are set inward from
the distal ends 48 of the facemask 24 and, correspondingly, the at
least two mating fastening components 42A and 42B on each of the
two opposing interior surfaces 50 of the shell 22 may be the same
type of mating fastening components. For example, all of the
fastening components 40A and 40B may be projections and all of the
mating fastening components 42A and 42B may be in the form of
recessed areas.
[0059] The helmet 20 may include a variety of features in addition
to the removable facemask 24. For instance, the facemask may
include an integral ear guard 58 at each distal end 48 of the
facemask 24, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, 14, 15, and 17-19. The
ear guard 58 may be formed of the same material as the shell 22,
for example, or from a different type of material. One or more of
the integral fastening components 40 may extend from the ear guard
58. In certain embodiments, the ear guard 58 may be a separate
component that can be attached to and removed from the shell 22 or
facemask 24 using integrated fastening components and mating
fastening components, such as the fastening components 40 and
mating fastening components 42 that secure the facemask 24 to the
shell 22. The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 17-20 include an ear
guard 58 having the fastening components 40A and 40B integrated
therein, such that the facemask 24 is secured to the shell 22 by
engaging the fastening components 40A and 40B on the ear guard 58
to the mating fastening components 42A and 42B on the shell 22 with
the facemask 24 positioned between the ear guard 58 and the shell
22.
[0060] The shell 22 also preferably includes a chin strap (not
shown) that is removably attached to the ear guards 58 or the shell
22, with snaps or other suitable fasteners, for example. The chin
strap further secures the helmet 20 to the user's head.
[0061] The removable facemask 24 embodiments described herein
obviate the need for screws or other fasteners, or tools, while
enabling a user to swiftly attach or remove the facemask 24 from
the shell 22.
[0062] In alternative preferred embodiments, other forms of
fastening mechanisms can be employed that are integral to the
facemask and shell of the sports helmet. For example, tongue and
groove type fastening arrangements, snap fit configurations and
buckle configurations and/or combinations thereof can also be
employed.
[0063] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various
changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, while the embodiments
described herein are illustrated in a batting helmet, the
principles of the present invention could also be used for
practically any other sports helmet that includes a facemask.
Accordingly, it will be intended to include all such alternatives,
modifications and variations set forth within the spirit and scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *