U.S. patent application number 13/524597 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-20 for modular sports helmet.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vyatek Sports, Inc.. Invention is credited to Howard Alwin Lindsay.
Application Number | 20120317705 13/524597 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47352494 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120317705 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lindsay; Howard Alwin |
December 20, 2012 |
MODULAR SPORTS HELMET
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a modular helmet comprising a
shell, an energy-absorbing layer, and at least one energy-absorbing
panel or other modular element, which is removably attached to the
helmet. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure, an improved football helmet comprises an
outer shell with six apertures, an inner, energy-absorbing layer, a
face mask, and six modular panels, each of which sits inside an
aperture and is releasably attached to the outer shell.
Inventors: |
Lindsay; Howard Alwin;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
Assignee: |
Vyatek Sports, Inc.
Tempe
AZ
|
Family ID: |
47352494 |
Appl. No.: |
13/524597 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61520702 |
Jun 15, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/413 ;
2/411 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/20 20130101; A42B
3/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/413 ;
2/411 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/06 20060101
A42B003/06 |
Claims
1. A helmet for as user's head, comprising: a shell that at least
partially surrounds the user's head, an energy-absorbing layer, and
at least one energy-absorbing panel, wherein the panel is removably
attached to the helmet.
2. A helmet according to claim 1, further comprising a panel
attachment mechanism.
3. A helmet according to claim 2, wherein the panel attachment
mechanism comprises semi-rigid channel supports.
4. A helmet according to claim 3, wherein the channel supports are
located on the shell.
5. A helmet according to claim 1, wherein the panel is
frangible.
6. A helmet according to claim 1, further comprising a face
mask.
7. A helmet according to claim 6, wherein the face mask is
frangible.
8. A helmet according to claim 7, wherein the face mask is
removably attached to the helmet.
9. A helmet according to claim 1, further comprising a chin
strap.
10. A helmet according to claim 1, wherein the shell has at least
one aperture.
11. A helmet according to claim 10, wherein the aperture is adapted
to receive and releasably hold the panel in the aperture, and
wherein the aperture has substantially the same profile as the
panel.
12. A helmet according to claim 1, wherein the panel has at least
one aperture.
13. A helmet according to claim 1, wherein the shell has at least
one depression adapted to receive and releasably hold the panel in
the depression.
14. A helmet according to claim 13, wherein the depression has
substantially the same profile as the panel.
15. A helmet according to claim 1, wherein the layer comprises
foam, and wherein the foam is contiguous with the inner surface of
the shell.
16. A helmet according to claim 1, wherein the layer comprises air
pads, and wherein the air pads are contiguous with the inner
surface of the shell.
17. A football helmet for a user's head, comprising a shell that at
least partially surrounds the user's head, an energy-absorbing
layer contiguous with the inner surface of the shell, a face mask
attached to the helmet, and and at least six energy-absorbing,
removable panels.
18. A football helmet according to claim 17, wherein one panel is
located on the anterior face of the shell, one panel is located on
the posterior face of the shell, and two panels are located on each
lateral face of the shell, wherein one lateral panel is superficial
to the other on each lateral face.
19. A helmet for a user's head, comprising a shell that at least
partially surrounds the user's head, an energy-absorbing layer, and
a face mask, wherein the face mask is frangible and removably
attached to the helmet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/520,702 entitled "Modular Sports
Helmet," filed on Jun. 15, 2011, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a high-performance
helmet incorporating a modular design to potentially achieve
improvements in energy absorption and cost efficiencies. The
characteristics of the disclosure may be particularly useful in
high-impact sports such as football, lacrosse, hockey, baseball,
softball, cycling, skating, skiing, polo, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many current helmet designs are essentially plastic, formed
shells with some variation of energy-absorbing material, such as
foams, air pads, or a combination of both, placed inside.
[0004] To optimize performance, many helmet designs attempt to
balance competing functional features against an overall challenge
of cost containment. In this regard, attempts are made to design
helmets that not only to sustain the required impacts of their
specific sport, but to provide adequate ventilation, to be capable
of periodic repainting or refinishing, and frequently, to
accommodate or support a separate face mask. Attempts to
incorporate other criteria such as weight, stand-off distance from
the user's head contours ("helmet profile"), and overall comfort
have been made as well. However, such attempts are generally
lacking to various degrees.
[0005] Moreover, many helmet designs are a single element design.
The helmet may be capable of being refinished, but often, if a key
element of the helmet is not functional, it should be replaced in
whole. Replacement may be necessary due to damage, to old age, or
to having been refinished too many times.
[0006] Known helmet designs can often be described as having
two-stage energy absorption. In this respect, a hard, outer shell
dissipates some of the impact load ("Stage 1") and the materials
inside the helmet further dissipate impact loads ("Stage 2").
[0007] Due to the needs of creating a shell that is tough, durable,
long-lasting, well-ventilated, low profile, lightweight, and
capable of handling multiple impacts, of being refinished, and of
functioning in high and low temperatures, many helmets are
constructed with polycarbonate or ABS plastic molded shells that
are thick and rigid.
[0008] These thick, rigid shells do not dissipate much energy
during an impact, and as such, transfer much of it to the
absorption materials inside the helmet. Therefore, Stage 1 of the
energy absorption mechanism is largely ineffective, and the bulk of
energy absorption is accomplished by Stage 2 design elements,
namely the foams and air pads inside the hard shell.
[0009] Thus, technology that incorporates more energy absorption
strategies is desirable because it can potentially decrease the
incidence of athlete injury caused by traumatic head injuries,
concussions, or repetitive head trauma. Additionally, technology
that can realize different properties of different materials is
desirable. Further, technology that allows partial replacement of
helmet components is desirable because it may decrease the cost of
helmet refurbishment and replacement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] While the ways in which the present disclosure addresses the
disadvantages of the prior art will be discussed in greater detail
below, in general, the present disclosure provides a modular helmet
comprising a shell, an energy-absorbing layer, and at least one
energy-absorbing panel, or other modular element, which is
removably attached to the helmet.
[0011] For example, in accordance with the present disclosure, one
or more panels, or the mechanism attaching the panels to the
helmet, may provide additional stages of impact energy absorption
and may be adapted to optimize performance for a specific sport or
function by varying characteristics such as size, location, weight,
material, method of attachment, and the like.
[0012] For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure, an improved football helmet comprises an
outer shell with six apertures, an inner, energy-absorbing layer, a
face mask, and six modular panels, each of which sits inside an
aperture and is releasably attached to the outer shell.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1a is a side view of a modular football helmet in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 1b is a perspective view of a modular football helmet
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure and illustrating the removable panels when released from
the apertures.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a helmet with a
depression and aperture, and a modular panel attached to the helmet
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a helmet with a
depression, a modular panel, and an attachment mechanism, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a helmet shell
with an aperture, a modular panel, and an attachment mechanism
located on the perimeter edge of the panel and aperture in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a helmet shell
with an aperture and a depression, a modular panel, and an
attachment mechanism located in the depression in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The following description is of an exemplary embodiment of
the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope,
applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way.
Rather, the following description is intended to provide a
convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the
disclosure. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in
the function and arrangement of the elements described in these
embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure as
set forth in the claims.
[0020] For example, in the context of the present disclosure, the
apparatus hereof finds particular use in connection with sports
helmets such as football helmets, baseball helmets, hockey helmets,
and the like. Additionally, the specific characteristics of each
embodiment of the present disclosure are adapted to be optimized
for performance in a particular sport. However, generally speaking,
numerous applications of the present disclosure may be
realized.
[0021] For example, although sports helmets are primarily used in
conjunction with participation in an athletic activity, their
general purpose is to protect the user's head from impact trauma.
Accordingly, as used herein, the term "helmet" means any
head-protective apparatus which at least partially surrounds the
user's head. Briefly, other protective gear, such as elbow pads,
knee pads, shin guards, and the like, may likewise benefit from the
present disclosure, and use of the term "helmet" is not intended to
limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure
in any way.
[0022] Likewise, numerous materials may be used to achieve each
element of the apparatus disclosed herein. Generally speaking,
elements of the disclosure may be made of various materials and
composites, including polycarbonate plastic, ABS plastic, carbon
fiber, metals, ceramics, polystyrene foam, vinyl nitrile foam, and
thermoplastic urethane foam. That being said, although an
exhaustive list of materials is not included herein, one skilled in
the relevant art will appreciate that various conventional plastics
and energy-absorbing materials may be used, all of which fall
within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0023] Additionally, various materials may be combined to obtain
the most attractive characteristics of existing (or as yet unknown)
plastics, energy-absorbing materials, and composite materials, and
may be incorporated into the helmet elements disclosed herein,
whose combined performance characteristics may potentially increase
impact energy absorption or cost efficiency.
[0024] As noted above, in conventional sports helmets, impact
energy is dissipated in two stages, as accomplished by a hard,
outer shell and an inner, energy-absorbing layer. In accordance
with the present disclosure, further stages of impact energy
absorption can be achieved through incorporation of modular design
elements.
[0025] For example, a helmet may be improved with the addition of
modular elements, such as panels, face masks, or the like,
releasably attached to a shell, which surrounds a conventional,
energy-absorbing layer. The modular elements can provide further
stages of energy absorption by intentional deformation or release,
thereby potentially decreasing the incidence of injury.
Additionally, modular elements may be optionally removed and
replaced after severe impacts, permanent deformation, ordinary wear
and tear, or for any other reason. Modular design may improve cost
efficiencies by decreasing the cost of helmet refurbishment and the
frequency of helmet replacement.
[0026] Additionally, the mechanism attaching modular elements to
the helmet may itself provide further stages of impact energy
absorption. High-strain, rate-sensitive materials may help "tune"
the level of energy (e.g., increase or decrease the amount of
energy) required to remove a modular element. As such, the
attachment mechanism may be made of various materials to meet the
particular requirements of a specific sport, as determined by the
types of impact the helmet is likely to receive. For example, a
rigid impact panel that is separated from a rigid outer shell by an
attachment mechanism made of a high-strain, moderate stiffness
material may provide improved energy absorption for high load,
short duration impacts.
[0027] For example, a baseball batter's helmet may have panels that
permanently deform, thereby converting impact energy to strain
energy, upon severe impact such as that caused by a fastball pitch.
Deformed panels may be removed from the helmet and replaced.
Alternatively, energy from a fastball pitch may be dissipated when
the ball strikes a rigid panel, and an attachment mechanism made of
moderate stiffness material designedly releases the panel from the
helmet.
[0028] The above being noted, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure, a helmet comprises a shell, an
energy-absorbing layer, and at least one energy-absorbing panel, or
other modular element, which is removably attached to the helmet.
Briefly, these features of the present disclosure are provided in
order that the detailed description herein will be better
understood and appreciated; however, the present disclosure can
also comprise additional features, which will be subsequently
described herein.
[0029] For example, with reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, a helmet 100
comprises a shell 101, which may be adapted to absorb impact
energy. The shell 101 at least partially surrounds the user's head
and provides the structural base of the helmet 100. The shell 101
may be hard and rigid, and its outer surface may be adapted to be
painted, resurfaced, or refinished, potentially to accommodate
graphic elements.
[0030] In various embodiments, the shell 101 may be made with
materials such as ABS plastic, polycarbonate plastic, or the like.
However, the shell 101 may be made of any number of plastics,
energy-absorbing materials, or composite materials. Further, the
shell's physical characteristics, such as flexibility, hardness,
weight, and shape, may be varied in any way necessary to accomplish
the desired performance characteristics while still falling within
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and
with reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, the shell 101 is shaped like a
conventional football helmet and is located on the exterior of the
helmet 100, contiguous with an inner, energy-absorbing layer 104.
However, the shell 101 may be shaped to accommodate the needs of
any particular sport, or more generally, in any way that at least
partially surrounds the user's head. Further, the shell 101 need
not constitute the outermost layer of the helmet 100, but may be
located anywhere to accomplish energy absorption.
[0032] A layer 104 may be adapted to further absorb energy. The
layer 104 may be more energy-absorbent than the shell 101, and may
be comprised of foam lining, foam pads, air pads, or any
combination thereof. That being said, the layer 104 may be
comprised of any apparatus that effectively absorbs impact energy
and generally cushions the user's head.
[0033] Foam lining and foam pads generally may be made of
polystyrene foam, vinyl nitrile foam, or thermoplastic urethane
foam. Air pads generally may comprise bladders adapted to be filled
with air and may be made of vinyl or a similarly flexible plastic
material. That being said, the layer 104 may be made of any
material that is sufficiently adapted to absorb impact energy.
[0034] The layer 104 may be located inside the shell 101, and may
be contiguous with the inner surface of the shell 101. In
embodiments comprising foam pads or air pads, the pads may be
placed strategically inside the helmet 100 to meet the specific
requirements of a particular sport, or to optimize characteristics
such as energy absorption, user comfort, and helmet profile. That
being said, the layer 104 need not be contiguous with the shell
101, and other elements may be interposed between the shell 101 and
the layer 104.
[0035] In accordance with the present disclosure, still further
energy absorption may be accomplished by modular design
elements.
[0036] For example, one or more panels may be releasably attached
to the helmet, potentially providing more effective energy
absorption than the hard, outer shell of conventional helmets.
Accordingly, improved energy absorption may increase the helmet's
ability to prevent injury. Further, the optional ability to remove
and replace panels or other modular elements may improve cost
efficiencies by decreasing the cost of helmet refurbishment and the
frequency of helmet replacement.
[0037] Panels may be intentionally frangible as a means of
achieving improved energy absorption and of providing a visual
indicator of impact. Frangible panels may be designed to
permanently deform upon severe impact or to temporarily deform.
Alternatively or in conjunction with deformation, the panels may
achieve improved energy absorption by intentionally detaching from
the helmet upon impact, thereby dissipating impact energy as strain
energy.
[0038] That being said, although an exhaustive list of means for
absorbing or dissipating energy is not included herein, one skilled
in the relevant art will appreciate that various means may be used,
all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0039] Panels may be made of various materials or composites,
including polycarbonate plastic, ABS plastic, carbon fiber, metals,
ceramics, and the like. Different properties and their concomitant
benefits may be realized through use of materials that vary in
stiffness, strength, weight, flexibility, hardness,
energy-absorption ability, cost, or any other characteristic. That
being said, although an exhaustive list of materials is not
included herein, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciate
that various conventional plastics and energy-absorbing materials
may be used, all of which fall within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0040] Panels may be strategically located on the helmet to
increase energy absorption. Panels may be located on the exterior
of the shell, may be interposed between the shell and the layer, or
may be located on the inner surface of the layer. Additionally,
panels may be located strategically to meet the specific
requirements of a particular sport.
[0041] For example, in the present exemplary embodiment, a football
helmet, panels 103 may be located on portions of the helmet 100,
such as the anterior, posterior, and lateral faces, which are
likely to receive impacts as a result of tackling. In one alternate
embodiment, a baseball batter's helmet, panels may be located on
portions of the helmet, such as the posterior and lateral faces,
which are likely to receive impacts as a result of pitching. That
being said, those skilled in the relevant art will appreciated that
the panels' location may vary depending on the particular
requirements of each helmet, and the embodiments described herein
is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0042] Additionally, the shell may comprise depressions or
apertures, and panels may be located therein. Apertures and
depressions may decrease the helmet's weight, may optimize
performance, may be an element of aesthetic design, may accommodate
modular elements of the helmet, or may be adapted for any other
function.
[0043] For example, a shell may be shaped like a conventional
bicycle helmet, comprising multiple apertures of varied size and
shape, designed to decrease helmet weight and increase aerodynamic
performance. Alternatively, a shell may be comprised of multiple
depressions to decrease helmet profile, thereby increasing
aesthetic quality and self-recognition, as measured by the user's
ability to pass a mirror test. In the exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure, the shell 101 comprises six apertures 105, each
adapted to releasably hold an energy-absorbing panel 103.
[0044] With reference now to FIG. 4, a panel 103 may be located in
an aperture 105 of the shell 101. In another embodiment and with
reference to FIG. 3, a panel 103 may be located in a depression 108
of the shell 101. In yet another embodiment and with reference to
FIG. 5, a panel 103 may be located in both a depression 108 and an
aperture 105 of the shell 101, such that the aperture 105 is formed
at the bottom of the depression 108 and is adapted to releasably
hold the panel 103 in place.
[0045] That being said, a panel need not be located in a depression
or aperture, and the size, shape, and number of apertures or
depressions may vary depending on the particular helmet
characteristics desired, or the specific requirements of a
particular sport. Additionally, and in accordance with the present
disclosure, the shell may or may not comprise apertures, and it may
or may not comprise depressions.
[0046] Further, a panel which is located in a depression or
aperture may or may not have the same three-dimensional profile as
the depression or aperture. However, panels sharing the
three-dimensional profile of a depression can potentially decrease
the helmet profile and create a continuous outer surface of the
helmet that is aesthetically pleasing.
[0047] With reference to FIG. 2, a panel 103 may be located in a
depression 108 formed in the shell 101 partially surrounding the
user's head 107, such that the distance from the outer surface of
the panel 103 to the inner surface of the attachment mechanism 109
is approximately equivalent to the depth of the depression 108. In
another embodiment and with reference to FIG. 4, a panel 103 that
sits in an aperture 105 may share substantially the same surface
profile as the aperture 105 in which it fits, so as to minimize
helmet profile and create a continuous outer surface of the helmet
that is aesthetically pleasing.
[0048] That being said, the depth, orientation, and profile of a
panel located in either a depression or an aperture may vary. In
the present exemplary embodiment, a helmet 100 comprises panels
103, which are located in apertures 105 of approximately equivalent
orientation and profile. However, apertures, depressions, and
panels may take any number of sizes, shapes, and configurations,
and the exemplary embodiment described herein is not intended to
limit the scope of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated,
the specific requirements of a particular sport may require panels
of varying depth, profile, and orientation for optimal energy
absorption.
[0049] Panels themselves may additionally comprise one or more
vents of varying size and shape. Panel vents may function to
increase ventilation and airflow, thereby improving user comfort.
Panel vents may also increase energy absorption, increase
aerodynamic performance, increase aesthetic appeal, or decrease
weight, among other things. In the present exemplary embodiment, a
helmet 100 comprises panels 103 with panel vents 106 which are
generally oval in shape and are orientated parallel to one another.
That being said, panel vents may take any number of sizes, shapes,
and orientations, and the exemplary embodiment described herein is
not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0050] Panels may be releasably attached to the helmet to
accomplish any of several functions. For example, releasable
attachment improve energy absorption; it may allow panel
replacement in the event of deformation after impact; it may allow
panel reattachment in the event of intentional detachment after
impact; and it may allow panel replacement in the event of helmet
damage, regular wear and tear, or for any other reason.
Accordingly, improved energy absorption may increase the helmet's
ability to prevent injury. Further, the optional ability to remove
and replace panels may improve cost efficiencies by decreasing the
cost of helmet refurbishment and the frequency of helmet
replacement
[0051] With reference to FIG. 2, a panel 103 may be releasably
attached to the shell 101 by a panel attachment mechanism 109. The
attachment mechanism 109 may be made of various high strain,
rate-sensitive materials which increase energy absorption through
planned failure at specific loads, as determined by the types of
impact the helmet is likely to receive.
[0052] The panel attachment mechanism 109 can be adapted to hold a
panel 103 securely in place on the shell 101, but to intentionally
release the panel 103 with application of sufficient force, and
thereafter, to optionally receive a panel, again holding it in
place. Further, the panel attachment mechanism 109 may be adapted
to join a panel with the shell interior, the shell exterior 101, a
shell depression 108, a shell aperture 105, the layer 104, or any
other locus on the helmet.
[0053] Additionally, the panel attachment mechanism may comprise
channel supports adapted to attach a panel to the helmet. The
channel support members may be semi-rigid and adapted to interlock
with one another upon application of sufficient force. The channel
support members are further adapted to release upon subsequent
applications of sufficient impact force.
[0054] In one embodiment and with reference to FIG. 3, two channel
support members 110, 111 can be respectively located in a
depression 108 on the exterior surface of the shell 101 and on the
proximal surface of a panel 103. In another embodiment and with
reference to FIG. 4, channel supports 112 may be located on the
perimeter edges of a panel 103 and a shell aperture 105,
respectively.
[0055] In other embodiments, the panel attachment mechanism may
include a slide-locking mechanism, a hook and slot mechanism, a
magnetic mechanism, an adhesive, or the like. It will be
appreciated that, although an exhaustive list is not included
herein, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that
various attachment mechanisms may be used, all of which fall within
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0056] Still further energy absorption may be achieved by a face
mask, releasably attached to the helmet. Accordingly, improved
energy absorption may increase the helmet's ability to prevent
injury. Further, the optional ability to remove and replace the
face mask may improve cost efficiencies by decreasing the cost of
helmet refurbishment and the frequency of helmet replacement.
[0057] The face mask may be intentionally frangible as a means of
achieving improved energy absorption. A frangible face mask may be
designed to permanently deform upon severe impact or to temporarily
deform. Alternatively or in conjunction with deformation, the face
mask may achieve improved energy absorption by intentionally
detaching from the helmet upon impact, thereby dissipating impact
three as kinetic energy. That being said, although an exhaustive
list of means for absorbing or dissipating energy is not included
herein, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that
various means may be used, all of which fall within the scope of
the present disclosure.
[0058] As with other components described herein, facemask may be
made of various materials or composites, including polycarbonate
plastic, ABS plastic, carbon fiber, metals, ceramics, and the like.
The specific requirements of the facemask can determine the type of
material used, and the material used may vary in weight,
flexibility, hardness, energy-absorption ability, cost, or any
other characteristic. That being said, although an exhaustive list
of materials is not included herein, one skilled in the relevant
art will appreciate that various conventional plastics and
energy-absorbing materials may be used, all of which fall within
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0059] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
face mask 102 may be adapted to be releasably attached to the
helmet 100 by a helmet attachment mechanism similar to the panel
attachment mechanism described herein. The face mask 102 may be
configured as a conventional football helmet face mask and may be
releasably attached to the exterior surface of the shell 101 along
the perimeter of the shell's anterior edge. Alternatively, the face
mask 102 may be attached to the shell 101, to the layer 104, to a
panel 103, or to any other locus on the helmet 100. That being
said, the location of the face mask attachment mechanism, as well
as the configuration and orientation of the face mask, may be
adapted to meet the requirements of any sport.
[0060] Additionally, the attachment mechanism described herein may
be adapted to attach other modular helmet elements, as required by
any particular sport. Other modular helmet elements may include a
chin strap, unitary face shield, visor, strap and ratchet
apparatus, or the like.
[0061] Finally, in the foregoing specification, the disclosure has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one
skilled in the art appreciates that various modifications and
changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the
specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0062] Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to
problems have been described above with regard to specific
embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage,
or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element
of any or all of the claims. As used herein, the terms "comprises"
and "comprising," or any variations thereof, are intended to
constitute a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method,
article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not
include only those elements, but may include other elements not
expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or
apparatus.
* * * * *