U.S. patent application number 14/450719 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-08 for protective headpiece.
This patent application is currently assigned to HOPLITE ARMOUR, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is HOPLITE ARMOUR, LLC. Invention is credited to Bryan Emrich, John Larkin, Frederick Mariani, William Rempe.
Application Number | 20150007383 14/450719 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46634692 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150007383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Emrich; Bryan ; et
al. |
January 8, 2015 |
PROTECTIVE HEADPIECE
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a protective headpiece for an
athlete of a game using a projectile to protect at least a portion
of the brow, temple and jaw of the athlete's head against impacts
by the projectile. The protective head piece is releasably
securable to the athlete's head and includes a mask portion
comprising an impact resistant material. The mask portion includes
a brow portion adapted to substantially shield the athlete's brow
area and having opposed sides. A temple portion is positioned at
each side of the brow portion and adapted to substantially shield
the athlete's temple areas. The mask portion also includes a jaw
portion extending from each of the temple portions and adapted to
substantially shield at least the athlete's lower jaw. The jaw
portion includes a front portion which defines an opening sized to
permit frontal viewing of the athlete's mouth.
Inventors: |
Emrich; Bryan; (Naperville,
IL) ; Larkin; John; (Moscow, ID) ; Mariani;
Frederick; (Newport, KY) ; Rempe; William;
(Loveland, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HOPLITE ARMOUR, LLC |
Naperville |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HOPLITE ARMOUR, LLC
Naperville
IL
|
Family ID: |
46634692 |
Appl. No.: |
14/450719 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13370502 |
Feb 10, 2012 |
8793816 |
|
|
14450719 |
|
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61477757 |
Apr 21, 2011 |
|
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61441889 |
Feb 11, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/411 ;
2/424 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/22 20130101; A42B
3/18 20130101; A63B 71/10 20130101; A42B 3/125 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/411 ;
2/424 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/22 20060101
A42B003/22; A63B 71/10 20060101 A63B071/10; A42B 3/12 20060101
A42B003/12 |
Claims
1-17. (canceled)
18. A protective headpiece for an athlete of a game using a
projectile to protect at least a portion of the brow, temple and
jaw of the athlete's head against impacts by the projectile, the
protective head piece being releasably securable onto the athlete's
head and comprising: a mask portion comprising at least one of an
impact absorbing material and an impact resistant material and
including: a front brow portion configured to substantially shield
the athlete's brow area and having opposed sides; a side temple
portion extending from each side of the brow portion and configured
to substantially shield a temple area; the front brow and side
temple portions having an upper terminal edge extending in a
direction along the front brown portion and along each of the side
temple portions and defining an unshielded crown opening extending
from the front brow portion rearwardly between the side temple
portions and an unshielded rear opening; a jaw portion extending
from each of the side temple portions and configured to
substantially shield one side of the athlete's lower jaw; the jaw
portions being connected to define a front portion which includes
an opening sized to permit frontal viewing of the athlete's mouth;
together the front brow, jaw and side temple portions defining a
substantially open vision aperture sized to provide the athlete
with a substantially unobstructed forward and peripheral vision; a
separate substantially rigid reinforcement member secured to the
mask portion and surrounding the vision aperture, the reinforcement
member including a side extension extending from each side of the
vision aperture to a position rearwardly of the vision aperture and
over at least a part of each side temple portion; and a retainer
secured to the mask portion and configured to removably retain the
mask portion on the athlete's head.
19. The headpiece of claim 18 wherein the impact resistant material
comprises Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
20. The headpiece of claim 18 of sufficient thickness to resist the
impact and reduce injury potential from a baseball.
21. The headpiece of claim 18 wherein the retainer comprises a
helmet portion releasably secured to the mask portion, the helmet
portion including (a) a curved forward projecting crown portion
extending between the front brow portion and the ear opening and
between the side temple portions covering the crown opening of the
mask portion and substantially shielding the crown of the athlete's
head and (b) a curved rear portion depending from the crown portion
and covering the rear opening of the mask and substantially
shielding the back of the athlete's head against projectile
impact.
22. The headpiece of claim 21 wherein the helmet portion comprises
at least one of an impact absorbing material and an impact
resistant material.
23. The headpiece of claim 18 wherein the front brow portion
includes a projecting front rim forming a visor extending therefrom
sufficiently to shield the athlete's eyes from the sun.
24. A modular protective headpiece for an athlete of a game using a
projectile to protect the athlete's head against impacts by the
projectile, the modular protective head piece comprising: a mask
having portions configured to substantially shield the athlete's
brow, temple and lower jaw and defining a vision aperture that is
surrounded by a separate substantially rigid reinforcing member
secured to the mask and including a side extension extending from
each side of the vision aperture to a position rearwardly of the
vision aperture and over at least a part of each temple, the top of
the mask portion being substantially open from the brow rearwardly
and between the temples; a separate helmet removably attachable to
the mask and including an elongated curved crown portion extending
rearwardly from a front edge adjoining the brow portion of the mask
to protect the crown of the athlete's head and a curved rear
portion extending downwardly from the crown portion to protect the
rear of the athlete's head when the helmet is attached to the mask,
the mask and helmet having complimentarily shaped edge surfaces to
facilitate mating attachment.
25. The headpiece of claim 24 wherein the mask comprises at least
one of an impact absorbing material and an impact resistant
material.
26. The headpiece of claim 24 wherein the helmet comprises at least
one of an impact absorbing material and an impact resistant
material.
27. The headpiece of claim 24 wherein a retainer is secured to the
mask and configured to removably retain the mask on the athlete's
head, and the mask includes a retainer-receiving aperture.
28. The headpiece of claim 24 wherein one of the mask and helmet
includes an edge aperture and the other includes an edge projection
receivable in the aperture to provide an interference fit between
the helmet and mask when they are removably attached.
29. The headpiece of claim 18 wherein the mask portion comprises an
impact resistant material and an impact absorbing material interior
of the impact resistant material.
30. The headpiece of claim 22 wherein the helmet portion comprises
an impact resistant material and an impact absorbing material
interior of the impact resistant material.
31. The headpiece of claim 18 comprising a plastic outer layer and
a foam inner layer, the plastic outer layer including integral foam
retaining anchors extending into and connecting the foam layer and
the plastic layer.
32. The headpiece of claim 21 in which one of the mask and helmet
portions includes an edge aperture and the other of the portions
includes an edge projection received within the aperture when the
helmet portion is releasably secured to the mask portion.
33. The headpiece of claim 18 in which each jaw portion includes
(a) spaced-apart upper and lower members, the upper member
extending between the respective temple portion and front portion
and (b) an intermediate member extending between and connecting the
upper and lower members, the intermediate member including a
ventilation opening therein.
34. A protective headpiece for an athlete of a game using a
projectile to protect at least a portion of the brow, temple and
jaw of the athlete's head against impacts by the projectile, the
protective head piece being releasably securable onto the athlete's
head and comprising: a mask portion comprising at least one of an
impact resistant material and an impact absorbing material and
including: a front brow portion configured to substantially shield
the athlete's brow area and having opposed sides; a side temple
portion extending from each side of the brow portion and configured
to substantially shield a temple area; the front brow and side
temple portions having an upper terminal edge extending in a
direction along the brow portion and along each of the temple
portions, defining an unshielded crown opening extending from the
brow portion rearwardly between the temple portions and a rear
opening; a jaw portion extending from each of the temple portions
and configured to substantially shield one side the athlete's lower
jaw; the jaw portions being connected to define a front portion
which includes an opening sized to permit frontal viewing of the
athlete's mouth; each jaw portion including (a) spaced-apart upper
and lower members, the upper member extending between the
respective temple portion and front portion and (b) an intermediate
member extending between and connecting the upper and lower
members, the intermediate member including a ventilation opening
therein; together the brow, jaw and temple portions defining a
substantially open vision aperture sized to provide the athlete
with substantially unobstructed forward and peripheral vision; a
separate substantially rigid reinforcement member secured to the
mask portion and surrounding the vision aperture, the reinforcement
member allowing the vision aperture to remain open for forward and
peripheral viewing free of vision-impairing structures, and
including a side extension extending from each side of the vision
aperture to a position rearwardly of the vision aperture and over
at least a part of each temple portion; a retainer including one or
more straps secured to the mask portion and configured to removably
retain the mask portion on the athlete's head, the brow portion
including a strap slot for securing a helmet portion to the mask
portion, the mask portion also including an aperture or a
projection for engaging with projection or an aperture of a helmet
portion; and the headpiece further comprising a plastic outer layer
and a foam inner layer, the plastic outer layer including integral
foam retaining anchors extending onto and connecting the foam layer
and the plastic layer.
35. The headpiece of claim 18 on which the reinforcing member
encircles the open vision aperture allowing the vision aperture to
remain fully open for forward and peripheral viewing free of
vision-impairing structures.
36. The headpiece of claim 18 in which the reinforcing member is
positioned in a relief area around the open vision aperture.
37. The headpiece of claim 34 in which the reinforcing member is
positioned in a relief area around the open vision aperture.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. Provisional Appln. Ser. No. 61/477,757, filed Apr. 21, 2011,
and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Appln. Ser.
No. 61/441,889 filed Feb. 11, 2011, the entire contents of which
are incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure is related generally to protective
headpieces, particularly for athletes of games using projectiles.
More particularly, the present disclosure relates to, but is not
exclusive to, protective headpieces that may be worn by baseball or
softball batters or fielders. The present disclosure also relates
to the method of making such protective head pieces.
BACKGROUND
[0003] For many years protective equipment and more specifically
protective head equipment such as helmets have been utilized to
protect athletes of a variety of sports from head injuries.
Protective head equipment is commonly used by athletes of a variety
of sports involving projectiles such as balls, pucks, bats, and
sticks. Protective head equipment of this type is particularly
important to safeguard the well-being of the athletes and more
importantly young athletes who are less experienced, and therefore
more likely to make a mistake while participating in a sport that
could result in very serious injury without some form of
protection. Recently, in part due to increased media attention
given to severe head injuries, significant consideration has been
given to head protection for athletes.
[0004] Protective head equipment is particularly important for use
by athletes in the game of baseball and softball. Today, almost all
batters and catchers are wearing some sort of equipment to protect
against head injury from, for example, a thrown or batted ball.
Unfortunately from the number of injuries, the potential for
serious and even deadly head injuries resulting from a thrown or
batted ball are well understood but still have not be sufficiently
addressed. Specifically, there are a growing number of head and
brain injuries caused when batted or thrown baseballs or softballs
strike a fielder or batter in the head. For example, pitched ball
speeds of over 90 mph have been recorded at the high school level.
The high speed of pitched balls in conjunction with the number of
pitched balls thrown during a game lead to a high probability that
a batter can be struck in the head and more particularly face. The
vulnerability is increased when the batter is not wearing face
protection. The result of the impact of the ball to a batter's head
can result in broken bones, injured eyes, broken teeth and
potentially even more serious trauma to the batter's head.
[0005] Conventional protective head equipment worn by batters
typically does not protect the face of the batter. The protective
head equipment typically includes a bulky unitary hard helmet
structure that covers at least the crown, top, and rear of the
athlete's head and also has side flaps that covers the sides of the
athlete's head. In some instances, various face guards are attached
to the helmet so as to provide a cage or grid of rigid bars that
pass across the player's face which are secured to the opposing
sides of the helmet. Unfortunately, many baseball or softball
players above the age of 9 do not wear full face protection due to
the weight and unappealing design of these face guards.
[0006] This conventional protective head equipment with or without
a facemask does not accommodate for the movements and activities
performed by a batter while playing offense (hitting, running,
sliding, etc.) or for fielders while playing defense. For example,
batters and base runners are at risk that a thrown or batted ball
could strike them in the head and more particularly the face while
they are moving between bases. In addition, when wearing
conventional helmets, a base runner's face is exposed and is
therefore vulnerable to contact with the defensive player. For
example, the runner's face may contact the defensive player's knee
or elbow or the spikes on the bottom of a defensive player's shoes
when the base runner is sliding into a base. Further, the vision
apertures of conventional helmets typically include bars, which
obstruct the athlete's view. Additionally, current batting helmets
that include facemasks are often bulky and heavy and therefore
unstable on an athlete's head. This conventional equipment is
simply just too bulky and limiting for baseball batters to optimize
their play and safety while playing offense.
SUMMARY
[0007] In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a
protective headpiece for an athlete of a game using a projectile to
protect at least a portion of the brow, temple and jaw of the
athlete's head against impacts by the projectile. The protective
head piece which is releasably securable to the athlete's head
includes a mask portion comprising an impact resistant material.
The mask portion includes a brow portion adapted to substantially
shield the athlete's brow area and having opposed sides. A temple
portion is positioned at each side of the brow portion and adapted
to substantially shield the athlete's temple areas. The mask
portion also includes a jaw portion extending from each of the
temple portions and adapted to substantially shield at least the
athlete's lower jaw. The jaw portion includes a front portion which
defines an opening sized to permit frontal viewing of the athlete's
mouth. Together the brow, jaw and temple portions defining a
substantially open vision aperture sized to provide the athlete
with a substantially unobstructed forward and peripheral vision.
The headpiece also includes a retainer secured to the mask and
configured to removably retain the mask potion on the athlete's
head.
[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a
modular protective headpiece for an athlete of a game using a
projectile to protect the athlete's head against impacts by the
projectile. The modular protective head piece includes a helmet
portion with at least a crown member adapted to substantially
protect a top and, if desired, the back surface of the athlete's
head, and a mask portion adapted to substantially shield the
athlete's brow, temple and lower jaw. The helmet portion is
removably attachable to the mask portion. "Protecting" or
"shielding" as used herein, refers generally to enhancing safety in
the event of a projectile impact, and does not mean ensuring that
no injury can occur. Also, certain areas of the headpiece may be
afforded greater impact resistance, such as frontal or facial or
temple areas, than other areas where impact is less likely or less
of a concern, as may be reflected in safety standards.
[0009] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a
method of making a modular head piece for an athlete of a game
using a projectile. The head piece has a first mode that
substantially protects only the face of the athlete and a second
mode that substantially protects the face and crown of an athlete.
The method includes the step of providing a mask portion adapted to
substantially shield the athlete's brow, temple and lower jaw.
Another step of the method includes providing a helmet portion
having at least a crown member adapted to substantially protect at
least a top surface of the athlete's head. Yet another step of the
method is positioning and securing the mask portion over the
athlete's face to configure the head piece in the first mode. Still
yet another step is attaching the helmet portion to the mask
portion to configure the head piece in the second mode and whereby
the athlete can selectively remove the helmet portion without
disturbing the mask portion to configure the headpiece in the first
mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] In the course of this description, reference will be made to
the accompanying drawing(s), wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a protective
headpiece accordance with the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the headpiece of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the headpiece of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the headpiece of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the mask portion
separated from the helmet portion of the headpiece of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
headpiece of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective of another embodiment of a
protective headpiece in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the headpiece of
FIG. 7;
[0019] FIGS. 9-15 are a variety of views of yet another embodiment
of a protective headpiece in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 16 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion
of a protective headpiece according to another embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion
of a protective headpiece according to yet another embodiment;
and
[0022] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion
of a protective headpiece according to still yet another
embodiment.
[0023] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are
not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to
better illustrate and explain the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Detailed embodiments of the present subject matter are
disclosed herein; however, it will be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are merely exemplary, and may be embodied in various
forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as limiting, but as illustrative of various aspects of
the present subject matter.
[0025] As described in more detail below, this description is
directed to protective headpieces such as for athletes of games,
particularly games using projectiles. Referring now to the figures,
illustrated are various configurations of a protective headpiece 10
which is to be worn by an athlete. The headpiece 10, which is
preferably modular, includes a separate mask portion 12 and a
helmet portion 14. The preferred modular headpiece can be worn in a
first mode that substantially protects only the face of the athlete
(including adjacent areas, such as the temple) (see FIGS. 7 and 8)
and a second mode that protects to some degree the entire head of
the athlete (the amount of protection may vary for different
portions of the head) (FIGS. 1-6). When the headpiece 10 is worn in
the first mode, the athlete is only wearing the mask portion 12 and
when the headpiece 10 is in the second mode, the athlete is wearing
the mask portion 12 and helmet portion 14. in the illustrated
embodiment, the athlete can selectively add or remove the helmet
portion to configure the protective headpiece 10 in the selected
mode. Although it is contemplated that the mask portion will be
used most often by itself without the need for the helmet portion.
In those events, sports or positions, or where an athlete may
desire, which required fuller protection, the helmet portion may be
joined to the mask portion. For example, a baseball or softball
batter would likely use the mask in the second mode. This selective
configuration allows the athlete to switch, if desired, between the
first and second modes depending on the athlete, the scenario of
the game, the athlete's position or the protection desired. The
specifics of the selective configuration process are discussed more
fully below.
[0026] Turning now to the discussion of the mask portion 12. First,
it should be noted that the discussion of the details of the mask
portion applies to both configurations or modes. The mask portion
12 has a generally outward curvature so as to generally conform to
the athlete's face. The mask portion 12 includes a brow portion 20,
temple portions 22 and at least one jaw portion. The brow portion
20 extends across the athlete's brow when the headpiece is in place
and substantially shields the athlete's brow area from impact by a
projectile. In the illustrated embodiment, which is shown for
purposes of illustration and not limitation, the brow portion
includes a visor 21 which extends outwards and is adapted to shield
the athlete's eyes from the sun or other elements. The temple
portions 22 are positioned on at least one and preferably both
opposed sides of the brow portion 20 and extend downwardly toward
the athlete's jaw to substantially shield the athlete's temple
area. In the illustrated embodiment, a jaw portion 24 extends from
each of the brow portions and is adapted to substantially shield at
least the athlete's lower jaw and potentially the front of the
mouth and/or chin.
[0027] As illustrated, each jaw portion 24 includes an upper member
40, a lower member 42 and at least one intermediate member 44 which
extends between and connects the upper and lower members 40 and 42.
In the illustrated embodiment, there are multiple openings 46
defined in the intermediate member 44. The openings are sized to
provide some ventilation to the athlete's head and at the same time
prevent complete passage of a projectile through the opening. In
the illustrated embodiment there are three openings 46 defined in
each jaw portion 24 and the openings have a generally rectangular
shape. It will be appreciated that the number, shape, size and
placement of the openings can be altered and not depart from the
spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In alternative
embodiments (not shown), the upper and lower members could be sized
and positioned such that there are no intermediate member(s) or
there could simply be a single upper or lower member.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the jaw portions 24, and more
specifically the upper and lower members 40 and 42 of each of the
jaw portions, connect to one another respectively and form an
integral front portion 48. An opening 50 is defined within the
front portion and is positioned such that it preferably provides
frontal viewing of the mouth of the athlete wearing the protective
headpiece. Such a construction allows other players (i.e. the
catcher) to see and hear what the athlete (e.g., a pitcher) wearing
the headpiece is saying or mouthing. The opening 50 is small enough
to prevent complete passage of a projectile therethrough and may be
further sized such that the athlete's mouth is substantially
unobstructed from frontal viewing. It will be appreciated that it
is not necessary that the jaw portions 24 connect to one another
but rather other configurations of the jaw portions 24 could be
used. For example, the jaw portions 24 may be unconnected and the
space defined between them would serve as the opening for
ventilation and/or visualization of the mouth.
[0029] Together the brow, jaw and temple portions define a
substantially open vision aperture 26 sized to provide the athlete
with a substantially unobstructed forward and peripheral vision.
The vision aperture 26 is generally rectangular and positioned in
front of the athlete's eyes when the protective headpiece 10 and
more specifically, the mask portion 12, is worn by the athlete. The
vision aperture allows the athlete to look peripherally without
turning the athlete's head from side to side. For example, when a
pitcher is in the stretch position, he or she can see 2.sup.nd base
and home plate without a turn of his or her head. It will be
understood that the height "H" of vision aperture 26 could also be
sized to prevent the complete passage of a projectile, such as a
baseball or softball, through the aperture. Therefore, the height
"H" would be different, e.g., larger or smaller, depending on the
size of the projectile used in the sport being played by the
athlete. In the illustrated embodiment, the vision aperture is not
obstructed or otherwise covered by bars or any other structure that
is conventionally used in protective helmets; however, it will be
understood that one could incorporate those features into the
headpiece 10, if desired.
[0030] The vision aperture 26 may be surrounded, at least in part,
by a reinforcing member 30. The reinforcing member 30 strengthens
the mask portion and helps prevent the vision aperture 26 from
being enlarged or damaged by a projectile impact. More
specifically, the reinforcing member 30 helps limit the brow
portion 20 from being further separated from jaw portions 24, for
example, in the instance a projectile impacts the mask at the
aperture and tries to pass through the vision aperture 26. In
addition, the reinforcing member may also be positioned such that
it provides a gripping area that can be grasped by the athlete if
the athlete would like to carry the protective headpiece 10. For
example, the athlete could pass his hand through the vision
aperture 26 and grasp around, at least a portion, of the
reinforcing member 30 and mask portion 12 in order to carry the
protective headpiece 10 when not in use.
[0031] As best shown in FIG. 4, the reinforcing member 30 is a
substantially rigid member which encircles the entire vision
aperture 26. In addition, the reinforcing member 30 includes side
extensions or wings 32 that extend over at least a portion of each
temple portion 22 for increased protection. While in the
illustrated embodiment the reinforcing member 30 is positioned over
the other mask portions, it will be appreciated that the
reinforcing member 30 could be partially or completely embedded
within the other portions of the mask portion 12. In addition,
reinforcing members could be embedded within other portions of the
mask (e.g., the lower member 40 of the jaw portion) in order to
further strengthen or support the mask portion 12. The reinforcing
member 30 may be constructed of any durable, rigid material such as
plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing member is
constructed of a molded polycarbonate; however, it will be
appreciated that other materials may be used and not depart from
the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.
[0032] Turning now to the discussion of the helmet portion 14. The
helmet portion 14 has a generally outward curvature so as to
generally conform to the athlete's head. In the illustrated
embodiment, the helmet portion 14 includes a crown portion or
member 60 and a rear portion or member 62. The crown portion or
member 60 substantially shields the crown or top of the athlete's
head from impact by a projectile when the protective headpiece 10
is worn by the athlete. The rear portion or member 62 substantially
shields the rear of the athlete's head from impact by a projectile
when the protective headpiece 10 is worn by the athlete. It will be
appreciated that, depending on the protection desired, the helmet
portion in other embodiments may only include the crown member or
rear member or the degree of protection bay differ in different
helmet portions or within helmet portions.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the helmet portion 14 defines
multiple openings 64 which are sized and positioned to provide some
ventilation to the athlete's head. The openings are sized to
provide sufficient ventilation and at the same time prevent passage
of a projectile. In the illustrated embodiment there are a
plurality of openings defined in the helmet portion 14, a plurality
(four) of openings in the crown member 60 and a plurality (five)
openings in the rear member 62. In addition, there are two
elongated openings 66, one on either side of the headpiece 10,
which are defined by the combination of a side wall 68 of the
helmet portion 14 and the top wall 80 of the mask portion 12. It
will be appreciated that the number, size and placement of the
openings can be altered and not depart from the spirit and scope of
the present disclosure.
[0034] In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, there is an
optional notch 70 defined in the rear member 62 of the helmet
portion which provides generally unobstructed access therethrough.
The notch affords increase ventilation, and also may be sized and
configured to enable the hair of an athlete wearing the protective
headpiece to be gathered together in the nature of a braid or
ponytail and positioned within the notch 70. If employed, the notch
is preferably large enough to allow ease of positioning of the
athlete's hair within the notch but small enough to prevent the
projectile from passing completely therethrough. In an alternative
embodiment (not shown), the notch could be substituted with an
enclosure which completely entrains the athlete's hair which may be
pushed or pulled through the enclosure. More specifics of the notch
or enclosure can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,535,454 and 5,666,670
of which the entireties of their disclosures are hereby
incorporated by reference. It will be appreciated that one could
completely omit the notch or aperture from the protective headpiece
and not depart from the spirit or scope of the present
disclosure.
[0035] As mentioned previously, the protective headpiece can be
worn in two different modes. When the headpiece 10 is in the first
mode, the athlete is only wearing the mask portion 12 and when the
headpiece 10 is in the second mode, the athlete is wearing the mask
portion 12 and helmet portion 14.
[0036] A retainer is secured to the mask portion 12 and is
configured to removably retain the mask potion on the athlete's
head. In the first mode, the retainer may be a web of adjustable
straps (including elastic straps) or other securement structure
which holds the mask portion 12 in place on the athlete's face. In
the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the retainer includes
three adjustable straps. The retainer may also include a back plate
82 of any selected configuration. Of course, the particular strap
arrangement can vary. As shown, top strap 84 passes over the top of
the athlete's head and has a first end which passes through a slot
86 defined in the brow portion 22 of the mask portion 12 and a
second end connected to the back plate 82. The first end is then
looped back and connected to a surface of the top strap 84. More
specifically, the first end includes either loops or hooks which
cooperate with the other of the loops or hooks which are positioned
on the surface of the top strap. It will be appreciated that strap
may be held in place using other locking means. A side strap 88 is
secured to each side of the mask portion 12 and more specifically
to each jaw portion 24 of the mask portion 12. In the illustrated
embodiment, the side straps 88 each include an anchor 90 which
fixes the strap to the mask portion 12. The side straps 88 are then
connected to the back plate 82. It will be appreciated that
additional straps may be used to hold the mask portion in
place.
[0037] The optional back plate 82 is sized and configured to help
hold the mask portion on the athlete's head. In the illustrated
embodiment, the back plate has a generally arcuate configuration
may include a notch 70a which can accommodate the athlete's hair as
discussed above with respect to the helmet portion 14. It will be
appreciated that other shapes and configurations may be used.
[0038] When the protective helmet 10 is in the second mode (see
FIGS. 1-6), the mask portion 12 and helmet portion 14 mate and/or
connect to one another. In this second mode, the helmet portion 14
acts as the retainer to hold the mask in place. In the illustrated
embodiment, the helmet portion 14 is connected to the mask portion
using multiple structures. For example, the helmet portion 14
includes a projection 70 which extends from a front surface 92 of
the crown member 60. This projection fits within aperture 72 which
is defined in the top surface 80 of the mask portion 14 (see FIGS.
5 and 6). The projection 72 and aperture 70 cooperate to connect
the mask and helmet portions to one another and preferably provide
an interference fit. While the illustrated embodiment only
discloses one projection and aperture, it will be appreciated that
additional projections/apertures or other connecting structures may
be included at different points along the interface between the
mask and helmet portions. Alternatively, the projection and
aperture could be on the opposite surfaces than shown. That is, the
projection can be on the mask portion and the aperture on the
helmet portion.
[0039] In addition, the top surface 80 of the mask portion 12 and
front surface 92 of the helmet portion 14 and the rear surface 96
of the mask portion 12 and back surface 94 of the helmet portion 14
may be complimentary or cooperatively shaped in order to allow
mating of the two portions. In the illustrated embodiment, the
surfaces are angled; however, it will be appreciated that other
configurations may be used, for example, a stepped
configuration.
[0040] Further, straps or other securement structures hold the mask
and helmet portions together and therefore secure the protective
headpiece on the athlete's head. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
6, the illustrated embodiment includes a top strap 84 (which may be
elastic) with a first end that is secured on an inside surface of
the helmet portion and more specifically, the crown member 62, and
a second end which is fed through the aperture 86 in the brow
portion 20 of the mask portion 12 and removably secured to an
outside surface of the helmet portion 14. In the illustrated
embodiment the top strap 84 is removably secured to the helmet
portion using complimentary hooks and loops; however, it will be
appreciated that other securement structures may be used. In
addition, as best shown in FIG. 4, side straps 88 (which may be
elastic) are connected to the mask portion 12 and helmet portion 14
using anchors 90.
[0041] It will be appreciated that other features could be
incorporated into the protective headpiece which are not
illustrated. For example, padding such as sealed-edge open-cell
soft foam may be positioned at different spots on the inner
surfaces of the mask and helmet portions. The padding can be sized
and configured to properly fit the protective headpiece on the
athlete's head and minimize movement. In addition, a moisture
wicking material such as COOLMAX.RTM. fabric of Invista can be
incorporated on the inner surfaces of the headpiece or on top of
the padding in order to provide the athlete some relief from
sweating. In order to accommodate an athlete wearing glasses, such
as sunglasses or eyeglasses, each of the temple portions may
includes an aperture (not shown) for receiving at least a portion
of the glasses. These apertures allow the athlete wearing the
protective headpiece of the present disclosure to wear glasses,
something many conventional helmets do not accommodate.
[0042] The specific strength, thickness, materials and other
parameters for construction of the protective headpiece may be
varied according to the particular sport or to any particular
safety standards for the sport with which the headpiece will be
used. For example, in baseball and softball, the National Operating
Committee on Standards in Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) has developed
proposed minimum requirements to be met by a protective headpiece.
Such standards may dictate the size of the headpiece with regard to
that amount of surface area of the players head, and the specific
portions thereof, which must be protected in order to pass
certification under the test standards.
[0043] The protective headpieces illustrated in the figures here,
are the configuration prefered for baseball or softball; however,
it will be understood that variations thereof will occur due to
different levels and age participation in the sport. The mask and
helmet portions are preferably very light weight and formed, at
least in part, of an impact absorbing material which can withstand
the impact of at least one projectile such as a baseball. In one
embodiment the material is a single-impact or sacrificial material
adapted to be discarded after a single projectile impact. In other
embodiments, the headpiece may be of a material that can absorb
repeated impact, such as carbon fiber or other composite materials.
In the illustrated embodiment, the impact absorbing material is
foamed polymer such as polystyrene and more specifically an
expanded polystyrene ("EPS") foam. This material is particularly
suitable for making the mask and helmet portions because of its
energy absorption characteristics combined with its light weight;
however, it will be appreciated that other materials could be used
and not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. EPS foam
mask and helmet portions results in a lightweight protective
headpiece which is significantly lighter than conventional
headpieces constructed of rigid plastic and metal.
[0044] The preferable EPS is a medium density foam, such as a
density of approximately 5 lbs per cubic foot. However, it will be
understood that the density could easily be increased or decreased
to achieve different strengths as needed. The preferred thicknesses
of the EPS foam is in areas that are to be tested for impact (e.g.
the mask portion) is about 0.6 to 0.9 inches, preferably about 0.7
to 0.8 inches and more preferably about 0.75 inches. It should be
noted that the thicknesses can vary, such as plus or minus 0.1
inches, due to the surface configurations of the headpiece. In
addition, one could make the top of the helmet portion 14 thinner
since it is not typically exposed to projectile impact and is not
tested under certain NOCSAE standards.
[0045] It will be appreciated that the mask and cranium portions
may be constructed of different materials or a combination of
materials. For example, as best illustrated in FIG. 6, the
headpiece may include an outer shell 100 which protects the
headpiece 10 from minor scrapes and scratches and also provides a
substantially water repellant coating. In the illustrated
embodiment, the shell 100 is constructed of vacuum formed plastic
and more specifically polycarbonate with a preferred thickness of
approximately 0.07 inches. However, it will be appreciated that
other materials and thicknesses may be used for the shell. The
shell may add protection against impact resistance or be
sufficiently thin to have only or primarily ornamental benefit.
Additionally, as discussed more fully below, it will be appreciated
that the protective headpiece could also be constructed of an
impact resistant material such as a rigid plastic and more
specifically a carbon fiber or other composite materials.
[0046] In addition, as mentioned above, the mask portion may also
include a rigid reinforcing member 30 that surrounds the vision
aperture 26. This reinforcing member may be constructed of plastic
or more specifically polycarbonate, such as with a thickness of
approximately 0.08 inches. Again, it will be appreciated that other
materials and thicknesses may be used for the reinforcing
member.
[0047] In order to manufacture the mask portion 12 of the
illustrated embodiments, the reinforcing member 30 is preferably
first injection molded to include anchors or barbs 104 (see FIG.
6). The reinforcing member is then placed into a mold to allow the
EPS foam to be mold therearound and attach thereto. The anchors 104
help grasp on or otherwise connect the EPS foam to the reinforcing
member. If desired, an outer decorative and/or protective shell of
plastic may be bonded to or vacuum formed over a portion of the
exposed EPS. With respect to the helmet portion 14, the helmet
portion is formed with the EPS and then if desired, a shell of
plastic may be bonded to or vacuum formed over a portion of the
exposed EPS. It will be appreciated, that other methods of
manufacturing may be incorporated.
[0048] In use, the helmet and mask portions may be used by the
athlete in the first or second modes described above. In the first
mode, the athlete will affix the straps to the back plate 62 and
adjust their lengths in order to comfortably fit the mask portion
and back plate to the athlete's head. More specifically, the top
strap 84 will be passed through aperture 86 in the mask portion 12
and affixed thereto. The athlete will also connect the side straps
88 to the mask portion 12 and back pate 62. When completed, the
headpiece will be in the first mode with face-only protection
(including adjacent areas, such as the temple) as depicted in FIG.
7.
[0049] If the athlete would like or rules require that the entire
head to be protected (e.g. baseball batter), the athlete can simply
configure the protective headpiece into the second mode. In order
to do so, the athlete will disconnect the side and top straps from
the back plate 82 and attach the straps to the helmet portion 14.
Alternatively, a new set of straps may be used such that the other
straps can stay affixed to the back plate 62 when removed. The
projection 70 of the helmet portion 14 will be positioned within
the aperture 72 of the mask portion in order to connect the two
portions to one another. The top and side straps can be adjusted in
order to comfortably fit the protective headpiece to the athlete's
head. When completed, the headpiece will be in the second mode with
face and head protection as depicted in FIGS. 1-6.
[0050] As mentioned above, the protective headpiece could also be
constructed of an impact resistant material such as a rigid plastic
and more specifically a carbon fiber, such as polycarbonate, or
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). In such a construction,
either one or both of the mask portion 12 and helmet portion 14 as
described herein and shown in the figures may be constructed either
entirely or partly of a rigid impact resistant material. For
example, the entire portion could be constructed out of the impact
resistant material. Alternatively, the impact resistant material
could be layered on top of, between or below other materials such
as an impact absorbing material described above. Further, the
impact resistant material could be used only in the portions of the
helmet where there is likely a projectile impact (e.g. the brow and
temple portions).
[0051] When impact resistant material is used, the mask portion 12
and/or helmet portion 14 are preferably formed as a unitary piece
using known processes such as molding or casting, however,
alternative methods of construction will be understood by ones
skilled in the art. The thicknesses of the impact resistant
material may be selected in order to provide the desired strength
and resistance. For example, the preferred thicknesses of the ABS
when used in areas that are to be tested for impact (e.g. the mask
portion and more specifically the temple portions) is about 2 to 5
millimeters and preferably about 3 to 4 millimeters. However, it
will be understood that the thickness could easily be increased or
decreased to achieve different strengths as desired. It will also
be appreciated that if the mask portion 12 is formed out of a rigid
impact resistant material the reinforcing member 30 may be
omitted.
[0052] A protective headpiece constructed out a rigid impact
resistant material may also include padding to provide a snug,
comfortable fit to the athlete's head as is known in the art. As
illustrated in FIG. 16, the protective helmet may have a shell 110
constructed of a single layer of impact resistant material with a
padding or foam 120 attached and positioned at different spots on
the inner surfaces of the mask and helmet portions (e.g. the
temples, crown, forehead and/or chin). In one embodiment, the foam
is a sealed-edge open-cell soft foam. The padding can be sized,
configured and positioned to properly fit the protective headpiece
on the athlete's head and minimize movement. In addition, a
moisture wicking material such as COOLMAX.RTM. fabric of Invista
can be incorporated on the inner surfaces of the headpiece or on
top of the padding in order to provide the athlete some relief from
sweating.
[0053] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the
impact resistant material may be formed as a separate layer over,
at least part, of an impact absorbing layer. For example, the
helmet portion 14 may include an outer shell 130 constructed of an
impact resistant material and an inner core 140 constructed of an
impact absorbing material. Preferably, the thickness of the inner
core is substantially uniform over the entire inner core. In one
embodiment the outer shell is constructed of ABS and the inner core
is constructed of EPS foam. The inner core may be affixed to the
outer shell using any method known in the art, such as adhesive or
fasteners. It will be appreciated that the materials could be
swapped such that the outer shell 130 is constructed of an impact
absorbing material and the inner core 140 is constructed of an
impact resistant material. As mentioned above, if desired, padding
or foam may be attached and positioned at different spots on the
inner surfaces of the mask and helmet portions (e.g. the temples,
crown, forehead and/or chin) in order to help retain the headpiece
on the athlete's head. It will be understood that additional layers
could be added and not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present disclosure. For example, an interior layer 150 of impact
resistant material could be sandwiched between interior and
exterior layers 160 and 170 of impact absorbing materials (see FIG.
18). However, the number of layers, the materials used and the
positioning of such layers could be altered and not depart from the
spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0054] it will be understood that the embodiments described above
are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of
the present subject matter. Numerous modifications may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope of the claimed subject matter, including those combinations
of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein. For
these reasons, the scope hereof is not limited to the above
description but is as set forth in the following claims, and it is
understood that claims may be directed to the features hereof,
including as combinations of features that are individually
disclosed or claimed herein.
* * * * *