U.S. patent application number 15/360481 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-25 for helmet fit adjustment system with releasable hair aperture.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bell Sports, Inc.. Invention is credited to Daniel J. Cram, Ben D. Pritz.
Application Number | 20170143070 15/360481 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58720286 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170143070 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cram; Daniel J. ; et
al. |
May 25, 2017 |
HELMET FIT ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM WITH RELEASABLE HAIR APERTURE
Abstract
A helmet fit adjustment system having a frame, a tensioning
device having an adjustment wheel, and a device receiver is
disclosed. The frame comprises a frame body having a first
attachment point and a second attachment point, as well as an
occipital strap having a first end and a second end. The first end
is coupled to the first attachment point, and the second end is
movably coupled to the tensioning device. The device receiver is
coupled to the second attachment point. The tensioning device is
directly and releasably coupled to the device receiver, forming a
hair aperture. Rotational adjustment of the adjustment wheel
adjusts a functional length of the occipital strap.
Inventors: |
Cram; Daniel J.; (Sunnyvale,
CA) ; Pritz; Ben D.; (Santa Cruz, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bell Sports, Inc. |
Scotts Valley |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58720286 |
Appl. No.: |
15/360481 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62260084 |
Nov 25, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/324 20130101;
A42B 3/085 20130101; A42B 3/145 20130101; A42B 3/142 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/08 20060101
A42B003/08; A42B 3/32 20060101 A42B003/32 |
Claims
1. A helmet fit adjustment system for a helmet, comprising: a frame
comprising a frame body fixedly coupled to a helmet body of the
helmet through at least two anchor points, the frame body
comprising a first attachment point positioned within a first
lateral half of the frame body and a second attachment point
positioned within a second lateral half of the frame body different
than the first lateral half, the frame further comprising an
occipital strap having a first end and a second end, the first end
coupled to the first attachment point; a device receiver coupled to
the second attachment point; and a tensioning device comprising a
strap receiver and an adjustment wheel, the tensioning device
movably coupled to the second end of the occipital strap and
releasably coupled to the device receiver; wherein rotational
adjustment of the adjustment wheel adjusts a functional length of
the occipital strap; wherein the occipital strap is flexibly
movable between an open position in which the tensioning device is
not directly coupled to the device receiver, and a closed position
in which the tensioning device is directly and releasably coupled
to the device receiver, forming a hair aperture between the
occipital strap and at least one of the frame body and the helmet;
and wherein the first lateral half and the second lateral half each
comprise at least one of the at least two anchor points.
2. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the
tensioning device comprises a first guide, the device receiver
comprises a second guide, and the first guide and the second guide
are aligned when the occipital strap is in the closed position.
3. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 2, wherein one of the
first guide and the second guide comprises a magnet and the other
of the first guide and the second guide comprises one of a magnet
and a ferromagnetic material, such that a magnetic attraction
exists between the first guide and the second guide when the
occipital strap is in the closed position.
4. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the
tensioning device comprises a hook, and the device receiver
comprises a hook aperture sized to receive and releasably capture
the hook.
5. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the
tensioning device comprises a protrusion having a tip and a stem
which is narrower than the tip, the device receiver comprises a
keyhole slot having a large end wide enough to receive the tip of
the protrusion, and a small end wide enough to receive the stem of
the protrusion but narrower than the tip of the protrusion, and the
protrusion is received by the keyhole slot when the tensioning
device is directly coupled to the device receiver.
6. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the
tensioning device comprises a housing defining a strap path within
the housing, and at least part of the second end of the occipital
strap is contained inside the housing and extends to outside the
housing through the strap receiver.
7. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 6, wherein the strap
path extends from the strap receiver to the adjustment wheel in a
first direction, and extends in a second direction, opposing the
first direction after passing the adjustment wheel.
8. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the first
end of the occipital strap is rotatably coupled to the first
attachment point by a pivot.
9. A helmet, comprising: a helmet body; and a helmet fit adjustment
system coupled to and positioned at least partially within the
helmet body, the helmet fit adjustment system comprising: a frame
comprising a frame body fixedly coupled to the helmet body through
at least two anchor points, the frame body comprising a first
attachment point positioned within a first lateral half of the
frame body and a second attachment point positioned within a second
lateral half of the frame body different than the first lateral
half, the frame further comprising an occipital strap having a
first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first
attachment point; a device receiver coupled to the second
attachment point; and a tensioning device comprising a strap
receiver, the tensioning device movably coupled to the second end
of the occipital strap and releasably coupled to the device
receiver; wherein movement of the tensioning device along the
occipital strap relative to the first end adjusts a functional
length of the occipital strap; wherein the occipital strap is
flexibly movable between an open position in which the tensioning
device is not directly coupled to the device receiver, and a closed
position in which the tensioning device is directly and releasably
coupled to the device receiver forming a hair aperture between the
occipital strap and at least one of the frame body and the helmet
body; and wherein the first lateral half and the second lateral
half each comprise at least one of the at least two anchor
points.
10. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tensioning device comprises
a first guide, the device receiver comprises a second guide, and
the first guide and the second guide are aligned when the occipital
strap is in the closed position.
11. The helmet of claim 10, wherein one of the first guide and the
second guide comprises a magnet and the other of the first guide
and the second guide comprises one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic
material, such that a magnetic attraction exists between the first
guide and the second guide when the occipital strap is in the
closed position.
12. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tensioning device comprises
a hook, and the device receiver comprises a hook aperture sized to
receive and releasably capture the hook.
13. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the first end of the occipital
strap is rotatably coupled to the first attachment point by a
pivot.
14. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tensioning device comprises
an adjustment wheel moveably coupled to the occipital strap and the
tensioning device, and rotational adjustment of the adjustment
wheel moves the tensioning device along the occipital strap and
adjusts a functional length of the occipital strap.
15. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tensioning device comprises
a housing defining a strap path within the housing, and at least
part of the second end of the occipital strap is contained inside
the housing and extends to outside the housing through the strap
receiver.
16. The helmet of claim 15, wherein the strap path extends from the
strap receiver to the adjustment wheel in a first direction, and
extends in a second direction after passing the adjustment wheel,
the second direction opposing the first direction.
17. The helmet of claim 9, further comprising an occipital pad,
wherein at least part of the occipital strap of the frame is
contained within a portion of the occipital pad.
18. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tensioning device is closer
to the second lateral half of the frame body than the first lateral
half of the frame body when the occipital strap is in the closed
position.
19. A method of securing a helmet to a head having long hair,
comprising: placing the helmet on a head to position the head
proximate a helmet fit adjustment system comprising a frame, a
device receiver, and a tensioning device, the frame comprising a
frame body fixedly coupled to a helmet body through at least two
anchor points; gathering the long hair by moving the tensioning
device and a second end of an occipital strap of the frame around
and beneath the long hair proximate the occipital strap, the
tensioning device movably coupled to the second end and the
occipital strap further comprising a first end coupled to a first
attachment point located in a first lateral half of the frame body;
capturing the hair in a hair aperture by directly coupling the
tensioning device to the device receiver, the device receiver
coupled to a second attachment point located in a second lateral
half of the frame body different than the first lateral half; and
adjusting a fit of the helmet by adjusting a functional length of
the occipital strap by moving the tensioning device along the
occipital strap relative to the first end of the occipital
strap.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising aligning the
tensioning device with the device receiver by aligning a first
guide of the tensioning device with a second guide of the device
receiver.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application No. 62/260,084, filed Nov. 25, 2015titled
"Helmet Fit Adjustment System with Detachable Hair Opening Strap,"
the entirety of the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
this reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Aspects of this document relate generally to a helmet fit
adjustment system having a releasable hair aperture.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Protective headgear and helmets have been used in a wide
variety of applications and across a number of industries including
sports, athletics, construction, mining, military defense, and
others, to prevent damage to a user's head and brain. Damage and
injury to a user can be prevented or reduced by helmets that
prevent hard objects or sharp objects from directly contacting the
user's head. Damage and injury to a user can also be prevented or
reduced by helmets that absorb, distribute, or otherwise manage
energy of an impact.
[0004] A helmet that fits properly is important for both comfort
and protection. Typically helmets are available in multiple sizes;
however, due to a wide spectrum of head sizes, further adjustments
may be needed for a proper fit. Conventional helmets often make use
of fit adjustment systems wrapping around the rear of the head near
the occipital bone. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/833,779(hereinafter the '779 application) describes a helmet
with a fit adjustment system including a strap across the occipital
region and a device to adjust the fit.
[0005] Conventional helmets having a fit adjustment system are
problematic for users with long hair, which must be pulled through
an opening with closed borders between the fit system and the
helmet body. This additional step slows down the process of putting
on and taking off the helmet. Furthermore, long hair often has to
be braided or otherwise arranged to facilitate pulling through the
opening. Additionally, conventional helmets, including those
disclosed in the '779 application, typically position a fit
adjustment mechanism in the center of the occipital region. A
wearer's long hair may block access to the adjustment mechanism, or
worse, get tangled within the moving parts. Attempts by users of
conventional helmets to avoid these problems sometimes results in
ill-fitting helmets that provide reduced protection.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a helmet fit
adjustment system for a helmet may comprise a frame comprising a
frame body fixedly coupled to a helmet body of the helmet through
at least two anchor points, the frame body comprising a first
attachment point positioned within a first lateral half of the
frame body and a second attachment point positioned within a second
lateral half of the frame body different than the first lateral
half, the frame further comprising an occipital strap having a
first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first
attachment point, a device receiver coupled to the second
attachment point, and a tensioning device comprising a strap
receiver and an adjustment wheel, the tensioning device movably
coupled to the second end of the occipital strap and releasably
coupled to the device receiver, wherein rotational adjustment of
the adjustment wheel adjusts a functional length of the occipital
strap, wherein the occipital strap is flexibly movable between an
open position in which the tensioning device is not directly
coupled to the device receiver, and a closed position in which the
tensioning device is directly and releasably coupled to the device
receiver, forming a hair aperture between the occipital strap and
at least one of the frame body and the helmet, and wherein the
first lateral half and the second lateral half each comprise at
least one of the at least two anchor points.
[0007] Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the
following features. The tensioning device may comprise a first
guide, the device receiver may comprise a second guide, and the
first guide and the second guide may be aligned when the occipital
strap is in the closed position. One of the first guide and the
second guide may comprise a magnet and the other of the first guide
and the second guide may comprise one of a magnet and a
ferromagnetic material, such that a magnetic attraction exists
between the first guide and the second guide when the occipital
strap is in the closed position. The tensioning device may comprise
a hook, and the device receiver may comprise a hook aperture sized
to receive and releasably capture the hook. The tensioning device
may comprise a protrusion having a tip and a stem which is narrower
than the tip, the device receiver may comprise a keyhole slot
having a large end wide enough to receive the tip of the
protrusion, and a small end wide enough to receive the stem of the
protrusion but narrower than the tip of the protrusion, and the
protrusion may be received by the keyhole slot when the tensioning
device is directly coupled to the device receiver. The tensioning
device may comprise a housing defining a strap path within the
housing, and at least part of the second end of the occipital strap
is contained inside the housing and extends to outside the housing
through the strap receiver. The strap path may extend from the
strap receiver to the adjustment wheel in a first direction, and in
a second direction, opposing the first direction after passing the
adjustment wheel. The first end of the occipital strap may be
rotatably coupled to the first attachment point by a pivot.
[0008] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a helmet may
comprise a helmet body, and a helmet fit adjustment system coupled
to and positioned at least partially within the helmet body, the
helmet fit adjustment system may comprise a frame comprising a
frame body fixedly coupled to the helmet body through at least two
anchor points, the frame body comprising a first attachment point
positioned within a first lateral half of the frame body and a
second attachment point positioned within a second lateral half of
the frame body different than the first lateral half, the frame
further comprising an occipital strap having a first end and a
second end, the first end coupled to the first attachment point, a
device receiver coupled to the second attachment point, and a
tensioning device comprising a strap receiver, the tensioning
device movably coupled to the second end of the occipital strap and
releasably coupled to the device receiver, wherein movement of the
tensioning device along the occipital strap relative to the first
end adjusts a functional length of the occipital strap, wherein the
occipital strap is flexibly movable between an open position in
which the tensioning device is not directly coupled to the device
receiver, and a closed position in which the tensioning device is
directly and releasably coupled to the device receiver forming a
hair aperture between the occipital strap and at least one of the
frame body and the helmet body; and wherein the first lateral half
and the second lateral half each comprise at least one of the at
least two anchor points.
[0009] Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the
following features. The tensioning device may comprise a first
guide, the device receiver may comprise a second guide, and the
first guide and the second guide may be aligned when the occipital
strap is in the closed position. One of the first guide and the
second guide may comprise a magnet and the other of the first guide
and the second guide comprises one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic
material, such that a magnetic attraction exists between the first
guide and the second guide when the occipital strap is in the
closed position. The tensioning device may comprise a hook, and the
device receiver may comprise a hook aperture sized to receive and
releasably capture the hook. The first end of the occipital strap
may be rotatably coupled to the first attachment point by a pivot.
The tensioning device may comprise an adjustment wheel moveably
coupled to the occipital strap and the tensioning device, and
rotational adjustment of the adjustment wheel moves the tensioning
device along the occipital strap and adjusts a functional length of
the occipital strap. The tensioning device may comprise a housing
defining a strap path within the housing, and at least part of the
second end of the occipital strap is contained inside the housing
and extends to outside the housing through the strap receiver. The
strap path may extend from the strap receiver to the adjustment
wheel in a first direction, and may extend in a second direction
after passing the adjustment wheel, the second direction opposing
the first direction. An occipital pad, wherein at least part of the
occipital strap of the frame is contained within a portion of the
occipital pad. The tensioning device may be closer to the second
lateral half of the frame body than the first lateral half of the
frame body when the occipital strap is in the closed position.
[0010] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of
securing a helmet to a head having long hair may comprise placing
the helmet on a head to position the head proximate a helmet fit
adjustment system comprising a frame, a device receiver, and a
tensioning device, the frame comprising a frame body fixedly
coupled to a helmet body through at least two anchor points,
gathering the long hair by moving the tensioning device and a
second end of an occipital strap of the frame around and beneath
the long hair proximate the occipital strap, the tensioning device
movably coupled to the second end and the occipital strap further
comprising a first end coupled to a first attachment point located
in a first lateral half of the frame body, capturing the hair in a
hair aperture by directly coupling the tensioning device to the
device receiver, the device receiver coupled to a second attachment
point located in a second lateral half of the frame body different
than the first lateral half, and adjusting a fit of the helmet by
adjusting a functional length of the occipital strap by moving the
tensioning device along the occipital strap relative to the first
end of the occipital strap.
[0011] Particular embodiments of the method may further comprise
aligning the tensioning device with the device receiver by aligning
a first guide of the tensioning device with a second guide of the
device receiver.
[0012] Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here
are described below in the drawings and detailed description.
Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and
phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain,
ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the
applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be
their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect,
as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary
meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they
clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the
"special" definition of that term and explain how it differs from
the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of
intent to apply a "special" definition, it is the inventors' intent
and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms
be applied to the interpretation of the specification and
claims.
[0013] The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of
English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be
further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then
such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional
adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance
with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such
adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that
such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary
English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set
forth above.
[0014] Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards
and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112,
6. Thus, the use of the words "function," "means" or "step" in the
Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is
not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special
provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6, to define the invention. To
the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6 are
sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will
specifically and expressly state the exact phrases "means for" or
"step for", and will also recite the word "function" (i.e., will
state "means for performing the function of [insert function]"),
without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or
act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a
"means for performing the function of . . . " or "step for
performing the function of . . . ," if the claims also recite any
structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or
that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention
of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, 6 are invoked to define the claimed aspects, it is
intended that these aspects not be limited only to the specific
structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred
embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,
materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in
alternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are
well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures,
material or acts for performing the claimed function.
[0015] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages
will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art
from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction
with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like
elements, and:
[0017] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a helmet with a fit adjustment
system as known in the prior art;
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a helmet with a helmet fit adjustment
system;
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a helmet fit adjustment
system;
[0020] FIG. 4A shows a helmet with an occipital strap in an open
position;
[0021] FIG. 4B shows a helmet with an occipital strap in a closed
position;
[0022] FIG. 5A shows a front view of a tensioning device;
[0023] FIG. 5B shows a top view of a tensioning device;
[0024] FIG. 5C shows a rear view of a tensioning device;
[0025] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a tensioning device;
[0026] FIG. 7A shows a side view of a tensioning device; and
[0027] FIG. 7B shows a device receiver.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not
limited to the specific helmet or material types, or other system
component examples, or methods disclosed herein. Many additional
components, manufacturing and assembly procedures known in the art
consistent with helmet manufacture are contemplated for use with
particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for
example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such
implementations and implementing components may comprise any
components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or
the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing
components, consistent with the intended operation.
[0029] The word "exemplary," "example," or various forms thereof
are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or
illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary"
or as an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred
or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore,
examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and
understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed
subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any
manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or
alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but
have been omitted for purposes of brevity.
[0030] While this disclosure includes a number of embodiments in
many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will
herein be described in detail particular embodiments with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and
systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the
disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.
[0031] Conventional helmets with fit adjustment systems typically
include an element near the occipital region of a wearer's head to
better secure the helmet. See, for example, FIG. 1, which shows a
helmet 100 with a fit adjustment system 102 similar to the helmet
shown in FIG. 2 of the '779 application. As shown, the fit
adjustment system 102 comprises a frame 106 and an adjuster 104,
which may be used to adjust the size of the frame near the
occipital region. Conventional helmets, such as helmet 100, are
problematic for people with long hair. A comfortable fit is not
achievable leaving the hair trapped between the frame 106 and the
head, so usually it has to be pulled through a hole in the frame
106. This inconvenience is compounded by the fact that, after being
pulled through the hole, the long hair may block access to, or even
get tangled within, the adjuster 104.
[0032] Contemplated in this disclosure is a helmet with a fit
adjustment system having a releasable hair aperture. FIG. 3 depicts
a non-limiting embodiment of a helmet fit adjustment system 204
with a releasable hair aperture 214, while FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B
depict non-limiting embodiments of a helmet 200 having a helmet fit
adjustment system 204 with a releasable hair aperture 214. As
shown, the helmet fit adjustment system 204 comprises a frame 206
having an occipital strap 210, as well as a tensioning device 208
and a device receiver 400. The tensioning device 208 is movably
coupled to one end of the occipital strap 210 and releasably
coupled to the device receiver 400. This is advantageous to
conventional helmets, such as helmet 100 shown in FIG. 1, since a
person with long hair may simply gather their hair with the
occipital strap 210 before coupling the tensioning device 208 to
the device receiver 400 rather than pulling their hair through an
opening. The wearer may release their hair from the hair aperture
214 by decoupling the tensioning device 208 from the device
receiver 400, rather than having to pull their hair out of an
opening. Additionally, by positioning the tensioning device 208 at
an end of the occipital strap 210, it is less likely to be obscured
by or tangled within a wearer's long hair.
[0033] In the context of the present description, a hair aperture
or releasable hair aperture refers to an opening framed in part by
a releasable occipital strap within which long hair is secured. In
some embodiments, the frame 206 may border the entire hair
aperture. In other embodiments, including the non-limiting example
shown in FIG. 2, the hair aperture 214 may be bordered in part by
the helmet body 202 of a helmet 200. Advantageous over conventional
helmets, the hair aperture 214 contemplated herein may be opened
and closed to facilitate using a helmet 200 with long hair.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting example of a helmet fit
adjustment system 204 having a frame 206, a tensioning device 208,
and a device receiver 300. The frame 206 comprises a frame body 212
and an occipital strap 210. The frame 206 serves to cradle a
wearer's head, providing a secure and comfortable fit. According to
various embodiments, parts of a frame 206 are adjustable, such that
the frame 206 may be conformed to one or more dimensions of a
wearer's head.
[0035] In one or more embodiments, the frame body 212 comprises at
least two anchor points 308. In the context of the present
description and the claims that follow, an anchor point is a
portion of the frame body through which the frame body is coupled
to a helmet body. In some embodiments, the frame body 212 may be
releasably coupled to a helmet body through at least two anchor
points 308. In other embodiments, the frame body 212 may be fixedly
coupled to a helmet body through at least two anchor points 308.
The anchor points 308 may be coupled to the helmet body using any
methods or techniques known in the art, including but not limited
to, in molding and post-molding insertion.
[0036] In some embodiments, including the non-limiting example
shown in FIG. 3, a frame body 212 may comprise more than one type
of anchor point 308. For example, FIG. 3 shows a frame body 212
having three anchor points 308: a rear strap hanger centered on the
frame body, and a retention plug, also called a Musal plug, in each
lateral half of the frame body 212. In the context of the present
description and the claims that follow, a lateral half refers to
one of two sections of an item partitioned by the midsagittal plane
of the helmet wearer. For example, the frame body 212 shown in FIG.
3 has a first lateral half 304 and a second lateral half 306.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the frame body 212 also comprises a
first attachment point 301 positioned in the first lateral half 304
and a second attachment point 302 positioned in the second lateral
half 306. The attachment points are where an occipital strap 210 is
coupled to the frame body 212. In some embodiments, an occipital
strap 210 may be flexibly coupled to the first attachment point
301. For example, in one embodiment, the occipital strap 210 may be
formed with the frame body 212 out of a flexible material. In
another embodiment, at least one of the frame body 212 and the
occipital strap 210 may be composed of a flexible material, with
the two being bonded to each other at the first attachment point
301.
[0038] In other embodiments, including the non-limiting example in
FIG. 3, the occipital strap 210 is rotatably coupled to the frame
body 212 at a first attachment point 301. As shown, the coupling is
made through a pivot 314 at the first attachment point 301. The use
of a pivot 314 may be advantageous as it may allow the frame body
212 and/or the occipital strap 210 to be constructed from more
durable, less flexible material while still allowing the occipital
strap 210 to be moved to gather and secure long hair.
[0039] The frame 206 shown in FIG. 3 further comprises an occipital
strap 210. When coupled to the frame body 212 through both the
first attachment point 301 and the second attachment point 302, the
occipital strap 210 is proximate the occipital region of a wearer's
head. The occipital strap 210 comprises a first end 310 that is
coupled to a first attachment point 301, and a second end 312
coupled to a tensioning device, such as tensioning device 208. In
some embodiments, the second end 312 of the occipital strap 210 may
comprise teeth complimentary to a geared wheel within a tensioning
device. See, for example, FIG. 6.
[0040] In some embodiments, an occipital strap 208 may be composed
of the same material as the frame body 212. In other embodiments,
the occipital strap may be composed of a different material. The
occipital strap 212 may be of various shapes including, but not
limited to, ribbons and cords.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, a tensioning device 208 is coupled to
the second end 312 of the occipital strap 210. According to various
embodiments, the tensioning device 208 is releasably coupled to the
second attachment point 302 through a device receiver 300. Coupling
the second end 312 of the occipital strap 210 to the frame body 212
by releasably coupling the tensioning device 208 to the device
receiver 300 allows the helmet wearer to easily gather their long
hair with the occipital strap 210 and then secure it within a hair
aperture 214.
[0042] Furthermore, the tensioning device 208 is configured to
alter the functional length 316 of the occipital strap 210 to which
it is coupled. In the context of the present description,
functional length 316 refers to the length of the occipital strap
210 between the first attachment point 301 and the second
attachment point 302. Operating the tensioning device 208 (e.g.
turning the adjustment wheel 502 of FIG. 5, etc.) while it is
coupled to the device receiver 300 and changing the functional
length 316 alters the maximum possible separation between the first
and second attachment points. In other words, the fit of the helmet
fit adjustment system 204 may be adjusted by changing the
functional length 316 of the occipital strap 210. The tensioning
device is discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS.
4-7A.
[0043] The helmet fit adjustment system 204 further comprises a
device receiver 300. The device receiver 300 is coupled to the
frame body 212 at the second attachment point 302, according to
various embodiments. In some embodiments, the device receiver 300
may be releasably coupled to the second attachment point 302. For
example, in one embodiment, the coupling between the first end 310
of the occipital strap 210 and the frame body 212, as well as the
coupling between the device receiver 300 and the frame body 212,
may be releasable, such that the first attachment point 301 and the
second attachment point 302 may be interchangeable. This would
allow a helmet wearer to position the device receiver 300 (and
thus, the coupled tensioning device) on a preferred lateral half of
the frame body (e.g. the lateral half associated with their
dominant hand, etc.). The device receiver will be discussed in
greater detail with respect to FIGS. 4A and 7B.
[0044] In some embodiments, the frame 206 may be formed from a
single piece of material. In other embodiments, the frame 206 may
be constructed from multiple parts; for example, in one embodiment,
the frame body 212 and the occipital strap 210 may be separate
pieces joined at the first attachment point 301 by a pivot 314.
[0045] FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B show non-limiting examples of a helmet
200 having a releasable hair aperture 214. As shown, the helmet 200
comprises a helmet body 202 and a helmet fit adjustment system 204.
The helmet body 202 may include any shells, layers, energy
management material, and the like known in the art for helmets. In
some embodiments, the helmet fit adjustment system 204 is fixedly
coupled to the helmet body 202, while in others they are releasably
coupled. While FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B show helmets intended for use
during cycling activities, it should be understood by one skilled
in the art that the helmet fit adjustment system 204 might be
adapted for use with any helmet where the back of the helmet is
open such that a ponytail could be worn if not for interference
with the conventional fit system of the helmet.
[0046] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a non-limiting example of a helmet with
a helmet fit adjustment system being used by a person with long
hair. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a helmet 200 having an occipital
strip (hidden inside the occipital pad 408) in an open position
416. FIG. 4B shows the same helmet with the occipital strip in a
closed position 420. In the context of the present description and
claims that follow, an open position refers to any configuration of
the elements of a fit system where a tensioning device 400 is not
directly coupled to a device receiver 300. Conversely, in the same
context and claims, a closed position refers to any configuration
of the elements of a fit system where a tensioning device 400 is
directly and releasably coupled to a device receiver 300, thereby
forming a releasable hair aperture 214.
[0047] FIG. 4A shows a non-limiting example of a helmet 200
mid-application on a head 412 having long hair 414. According to
various embodiments, a method for securing a helmet 200 to a head
412 having long hair 414 includes placing the helmet 200 on the
head 412 so the head 412 is cradled by the fit system 204. The
wearer then gathers their long hair behind their head by sweeping
the occipital strap (hidden within the occipital pad 408 in FIG. 4)
and tensioning device 400 beneath and around the hair. The wearer
then releasably couples the tensioning device 400 to a device
receiver 300. The coupling between the tensioning device 400 and
device receiver 300 is discussed in greater detail with respect to
FIGS. 4-7. After the tensioning device 400 has been coupled to the
device receiver 300 and the long hair secured within a hair
aperture 214, the wearer may then adjust the fit of the helmet
(i.e. adjust the functional length 316 of the occipital strap) by
operating the tensioning device 400.
[0048] Since the helmet 200 is on the wearer's head while the
tensioning device 400 is being coupled to the device receiver 300,
they are not able to see what they are doing. According to various
embodiments, including the non-exclusive examples shown in FIGS.
4A, 5B, 5C, 7A, and 7B, the tensioning device may comprise a first
guide 506 and the device receiver may comprise a second guide 404.
The first 506 and second 404 guides are positioned such that when
they are aligned, the occipital strap is in the closed position
420.
[0049] According to various embodiments, the alignment and/or
relative position of the first 506 and second 404 guides may be
determined by the long haired helmet wearer without needing to be
seen. For example, one of the guides (e.g. the first guide 506 of
FIGS. 5B and 5C) may comprise a magnet 510, while the other guide
(e.g. the second guide guide 404 of FIG. 4A) may comprise a
ferromagnetic material 406, such that when the guides are in
proximity, they experience a magnetic attraction. As an option,
both guides may comprise magnets 510. The wearer may feel the
magnetic pull guide them until a close position 420 has been
achieved. In some embodiments, the magnetic attraction between the
two guides may be strong enough to perform the final alignment
between tensioning device 400 and device receiver 300 without
needing the wearer to apply any additional force.
[0050] In some embodiments, the guides may utilize magnetic
attraction to indicate alignment to a wearer unable to see. In
other embodiments, the guides may be non-magnetic. For example, the
first and second guides may comprise features in the surfaces of
the tensioning device and device receiver, or surfaces proximate to
one or both of those elements; when the user can feel the two
features aligned (e.g. forming a line, two bumps feeling like one
bump, etc.), the tensioning device is, or is about to be, directly
coupled to the device receiver.
[0051] As seen in the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 4B, when
in the closed position 420, the tensioning device 400 is located
toward the side of the helmet 200. More specifically, the
tensioning device 400 is closer to the second lateral half 306 of
the frame body 212 than it is to the first lateral half 304. Most
conventional helmets with adjustable fit systems, such as helmet
100 of FIG. 1, have an adjusting mechanism located in the middle of
an occipital strap. Positioning the tensioning device 400 to the
side, as it is in FIG. 4B, is advantageous, as it provides easier
access while wearing the helmet, and is less likely to be obscured
by hair. Furthermore, when long hair is pulled out an opening in
the back of a conventional helmet, it may be draped over an
adjustment mechanism (e.g. adjuster 104 of FIG. 1), where it may
get tangled and caught, further complicating the removal of the
conventional helmet.
[0052] An occipital strap 210 is not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B; in
these non-limiting examples of a helmet 200 with a releasable hair
aperture 214, the occipital strap 210 is contained inside an
occipital pad 408. The occipital pad 408 may be composed of any
material known in the art for helmet padding, and may serve to make
using the helmet a more pleasant experience for a longhaired
wearer. For example, in embodiments where the occipital strap 210
is composed of a hard material, and/or is small enough to dig
uncomfortably into a wearer's head, the occipital pad 210 may make
the strap more comfortable. In embodiments where the occipital
strap 210 has teeth (see, for example, FIG. 6), the occipital pad
408 may prevent the long hair from getting caught. As an option, a
portion of the tensioning device 400 may also be contained inside a
portion 410 of the occipital pad 408. Other embodiments may not
include an occipital pad 408. It should also be understood by those
skilled in the art that a helmet fit adjustment system 204 like
those contemplated herein may also comprise additional padding for
wearer comfort and protection, as is known in the art.
[0053] According to one or more embodiments, while in the closed
position 420, a tensioning device is directly and releasably
coupled to a device receiver. Such a coupling may be accomplished
in a number of ways. See, for example, the non-limiting example
shown in FIGS. 4A and 5B. According to various embodiments, a
tensioning device 400 may comprise a hook 508, and a device
receiver 300 may comprise a hook aperture 402 sized to receive the
hook 508. As an option, the hook 508 may be curved back toward the
first end 310 of the occipital strap 210, and the hook aperture 402
may have a lip, such that when in the closed position, the hook 508
may capture the lip of the hook aperture 402, which may require a
loosening of the occipital strap 210 via the tensioning device 400
before decoupling the tensioning device 400 from the device
receiver 300 is possible.
[0054] In other embodiments, including the non-limiting examples
shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the tensioning device 700 may comprise a
protrusion 702 having a tip 704 and a stem 706 which is narrower
than the tip 704. The device receiver 708 may comprise a keyhole
slot 710 having a large end 712 wide enough to receive the tip 704
of the protrusion 702 and a small end 714 wide enough to receive
the stem 706 of the protrusion 702 but narrower than the tip 704.
When in the closed position, the protrusion 702 will be inside the
keyhole slot 710, with the tip 704 trapped inside the keyhole slot
710 on the other side of the small end 714.
[0055] A tensioning device and a device receiver may be directly
and releasably coupled by other mechanisms. For example, in one
embodiment, a tensioning device and a device receiver may be
releasably coupled through magnetism. The coupling may be released
by mechanically separating the magnets (e.g. pushing a wedge
between them, sliding one out of alignment with the other, etc.).
In another embodiment, the releasable coupling may be achieved
using a pin and a biased catch.
[0056] In addition to releasably coupling an occipital strap 210 to
a second attachment point 302, a tensioning device may also be used
to adjust the fit of a helmet by adjusting the functional length
316 of the occipital strap 210. FIGS. 5A-5C and 6 show non-limiting
examples of a tensioning device (400 and 600) having a housing 500,
an adjustment wheel 502, and a strap receiver 504. According to
various embodiments, a tensioning device may be moved along an
occipital strap 210 to which it is coupled by turning an adjustment
wheel 502; the adjustment wheel 502 is movably coupled to both the
housing 500 and the occipital strap 210. Rotating the adjustment
wheel 502 in one direction causes the functional length 316 of the
occipital strap 210 to increase, while rotating in the other
direction causes it to decrease.
[0057] In some embodiments, simply turning an adjustment wheel 502
may cause the tensioning device to move along the occipital strap
210, altering the functional length 316. In other embodiments,
including the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 6, the adjustment
wheel 502 must be pressed into the housing 500 to align a cassette
biased by a spring before movement is possible. In additional
embodiments, the tensioning device may comprise a ratcheting
mechanism to prevent accidental adjustments. In still other
embodiments, additional methods for adjusting the length of a strap
with a single hand, known in the art, may be employed.
[0058] In conventional helmets with fit adjustment systems, an
adjustor 104 is conventionally centered on the back of the helmet
100, and causes straps to move through the adjustor 104 from both
directions. The tensioning devices contemplated herein, however,
may accept a single strap through a strap receiver 504, according
to various embodiments. Once received through the strap receiver
504, the second end 312 of the occipital strap 210 may be contained
within a hollow strap path 602 inside the housing 500 of the
tensioning device 600. In a specific embodiment shown in the
non-limiting example of FIG. 6, the strap path 602 may curve around
inside the housing 500, such that the second end 312 may enter the
strap receiver 504 in a first direction 604, and then extends in a
second direction 606 opposing the first direction 604. By causing
the occipital strap 210 to coil around inside the housing 500,
there may be fewer protruding parts for long hair to get caught
on.
[0059] Multiple embodiments of a tensioning device have been
discussed herein, including tensioning device 208 of FIG. 2,
tensioning device 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, tensioning device 600 of
FIG. 6, and tensioning device 700 of FIG. 7A. It should be
understood that these non-limiting examples of tensioning devices
may be interchangeable, so long as they are paired with compatible
device receivers (e.g. device receiver 300 of FIG. 3, device
receiver 708 of FIG. 7B, etc.).
[0060] Where the above examples, embodiments and implementations
reference examples, it should be understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art that other helmet and helmet fit adjustment
systems and examples could be intermixed or substituted with those
provided. In places where the description above refers to
particular embodiments of helmets and helmet fit adjustment
methods, it should be readily apparent that a number of
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof
and that these embodiments and implementations may be applied to
other to helmet fit adjustment technologies as well. Accordingly,
the disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such
alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the
spirit and scope of the disclosure and the knowledge of one of
ordinary skill in the art.
* * * * *