U.S. patent application number 15/659795 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-31 for foldable helmet.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ronnie Z. Bochner. Invention is credited to Ronnie Z. Bochner.
Application Number | 20190029357 15/659795 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65138467 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190029357 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bochner; Ronnie Z. |
January 31, 2019 |
FOLDABLE HELMET
Abstract
A foldable helmet for use in various athletic activities, and
which includes a structure that facilitates folding the helmet into
a compact position for storage and/or transport of same. The helmet
includes an outer shell having an inner cavity, and one or more
inner members positioned within the inner cavity that slideably
engage same. The inner members are not fixedly attached to each
other at any point, and are therefore slideable relative to each
other. The helmet's inner member(s) and outer shell are made of
flexible materials, whereby the helmet is foldable from an open
position to a closed position. A packaged helmet assembly is also
disclosed, including the foldable helmet and a storage container
dimensioned so as to receive the helmet in its closed position.
Inventors: |
Bochner; Ronnie Z.; (New
York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bochner; Ronnie Z. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65138467 |
Appl. No.: |
15/659795 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/006 20130101;
A63B 2102/00 20151001; B65D 85/18 20130101; A63B 71/10 20130101;
A42B 3/322 20130101; A42B 3/063 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/32 20060101
A42B003/32; A63B 71/10 20060101 A63B071/10; A42B 3/00 20060101
A42B003/00; B65D 85/18 20060101 B65D085/18 |
Claims
1-11. (canceled)
12. A foldable, multi-layer helmet adapted to be manually rollable
between an open position, in which said helmet can be fitted to a
user's head, and a closed position, in which said helmet can be
stored in the form of a roll, said helmet comprising an outer shell
made from a flexible material and adapted to form a protective,
hemispherical outer layer of said helmet when said helmet is in its
said open position and at least a portion of an outer layer of said
roll when said helmet is in its said closed position; a first inner
member made from a flexible, shock-absorbing material and adapted
to be nested within said outer shell of said helmet, said first
inner member forming a hemispherical inner layer of said helmet
when said helmet is in its said open position and forming an inner
layer of said roll when said helmet is in its said closed position,
said first inner member being movably and slideably retained within
said outer shell by friction between said outer shell and said
first inner member, and by said friction only; and a second inner
member made from a flexible, shock-absorbing material and adapted
to be nested within said first inner member of said helmet, said
second inner member forming another hemispherical inner layer of
said helmet when said helmet is in its said open position and
forming another inner layer of said roll when said helmet is in its
said closed position, said second inner member being movably, and
slideably retained within said first inner member by friction
between said first inner member and said second inner member.
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. A foldable, multi-layer helmet according to claim 12, wherein
said second inner member is movably and slideably retained within
said first inner member only by said friction between said first
inner member and said second inner member.
16. A foldable, multi-layer helmet according to claim 15, wherein
said outer shell is made from a flexible polystyrene foam
material.
17. A foldable, multi-layer helmet according to claim 16, wherein
said first and second inner members are made from a flexible,
rubber material.
18. A foldable, multi-layer helmet according to claim 16, wherein
said first and second inner members are made from a flexible, vinyl
material.
19. A foldable, multi-layer helmet according to claim 16, wherein
said first and second inner members are made from a flexible,
plastic material.
20. A foldable, multi-layer helmet according to claim 16, wherein
said first and second inner members are made from a flexible, fiber
mesh material.
21. A foldable, multi-layer helmet according to claim 16, wherein
said helmet includes venting means for venting said helmet, said
venting means including at least one opening extending through said
helmet from said outer shell to said second inner member.
22. A foldable, multi-layer helmet according to claim 16, wherein
an outer surface of said outer shell engages an inner surface of
said second inner member when said helmet is rolled from its said
open position to its said closed position.
23. A foldable, multi-layer helmet according to claim 12, further
comprising attaching means for attaching said helmet to a user's
head, said attaching means including a strap attached between
opposed sides of said helmet.
24. A foldable, multi-layer helmet according to claim 12, wherein
said outer shell is slideably movable relative to said first inner
member in response to a force impacting said helmet when said
helmet is in its said open position on a user's head, whereby said
helmet functions to dissipate said force of impact.
25. A foldable, multi-layer helmet according to claim 12, wherein
said helmet is adapted to assume a compact, cigar-shaped
configuration in which said helmet is sufficiently compact to allow
said helmet to be stored in a tubular container when said helmet is
in its said closed position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to protective headwear and,
more particularly, to a helmet that is foldable and a method
relating thereto.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Helmets are used to protect against head trauma and injuries
in many athletic activities. At least some of the people who engage
in such activities seek such protection, but also prefer that the
helmet is compact and easy to store and carry. As such a foldable
helmet is desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides a new and improved foldable
helmet for use in various athletic activities, and which includes a
structure that facilitates folding the helmet into a compact
position for storage and/or transport of same.
[0004] The helmet of the present invention includes an outer shell
having an inner cavity, a first inner surface and a first outer
surface. The helmet further includes at least one inner member
positioned within the inner cavity and including a second inner
surface and a second outer surface that slideably engages the first
inner surface of the outer shell. The helmet may include more than
one inner member, i.e., a first inner member having the second
inner surface and second outer surface and a second inner member
having a third inner surface and a third outer surface, wherein the
first inner member is adapted to receive the second inner member
therein, such that the second inner surface slideably engages the
third outer surface. Additional inner members may also be
included.
[0005] The first and second inner members of the helmet are not
fixedly attached to each other at any point on the second inner
surface and third outer surface, whereby the first and second inner
members are slideable relative to each other. The helmet's inner
member(s) and outer shell are made of flexible materials, whereby
the helmet is foldable from an open position to a closed
position.
[0006] The present invention also includes a packaged helmet
assembly, including the foldable helmet and a storage container
dimensioned so as to receive the helmet in its closed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the drawing figures, which are not to scale, and where
like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the
several views:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a helmet constructed in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in its
fully open (i.e., unfolded) position;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the helmet
shown in FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the helmet shown in
FIG. 1 in its fully open (i.e., unfolded) position;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the helmet shown in FIG.
1 taken along line 4-4, and looking in the direction of the
arrows;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the helmet shown in FIG.
1 taken along line 5-5, and looking in the direction of the
arrows;
[0013] FIG. 6 is top perspective view of the helmet shown in FIG. 1
in its folded or rolled position and partially inserted in a
container for same; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the helmet shown in FIG.
6 taken along line 7-7, and looking in the direction of the
arrows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Various embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to
be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely
illustrative of the disclosure that can be embodied in various
forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with
the various embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not
restrictive. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, and
some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular
components (and any size, material and similar details shown in the
figures are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive).
Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the disclosed embodiments.
[0016] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part
hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example
embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety
of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject
matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any
example embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are
provided merely to be illustrative. Among other things, for
example, subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices,
components, or systems. The following detailed description is,
therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0017] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have
nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an
explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase "in one embodiment"
as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment
and the phrase "in another embodiment" as used herein does not
necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for
example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of
example embodiments in whole or in part.
[0018] In general, terminology may be understood at least in part
from usage in context. For example, terms, such as "and", "or", or
"and/or," as used herein may include a variety of meanings that may
depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are
used. Typically, "or" if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or
C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive
sense, as well as A, B, or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In
addition, the term "one or more" as used herein, depending at least
in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature,
structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to
describe combinations of features, structures or characteristics in
a plural sense. Similarly, terms, such as "a," "an," or "the,"
again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a
plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition,
the term "based on" may be understood as not necessarily intended
to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for
existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly
described, again, depending at least in part on context.
[0019] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a helmet 10 constructed in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the
helmet 10 includes an outer shell 12 having an inner surface 13, an
outer surface 14 and an inner cavity 16 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), as
well as a longitudinal axis 18 and a latitudinal axis 19 that is
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18 (see FIG.
1). The helmet 10 includes a first sidewall 20 proximate a first
end of the latitudinal axis 19, on a first side of the longitudinal
axis 18, and a second sidewall 21 proximate a second end of the
latitudinal axis 19, on a second side of the longitudinal axis 18
and opposite the first sidewall 20.
[0020] The outer shell 12 of the helmet 10 is fabricated from a
material that is flexible but firm, so as to protect a wearer's
head during an impact. Non-limiting examples of such materials
include rubber, vinyl, flexible plastic and fiber mesh.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, the helmet 10 also includes one
or more inner members 22 that are sequentially and successively
arranged within the inner cavity 16 of the outer shell 12. Each
inner member 22 has an outer surface 23 and an inner surface 24. At
least a portion of each inner member has a generally concave shape
so as to receive the crown of a user's head therein, as further
discussed below. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-7, the
inner members 22 include six (6) inner members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d,
22e and 22f, each having a smaller size relative to the next,
whereby they are adapted to sequentially and successively fit into
and nest within one another (see FIGS. 2, 4 and 5). More
particularly, the outermost and largest inner member 22a is adapted
to receive the next-outermost and next-largest inner member 22b
therein, such that the inner surface 24a of the inner member 22a
slideably engages the outer surface 23b of the inner member 22b.
Similarly, the inner member 22b is adapted to receive the
next-outermost and next-largest inner member 22c therein, such that
the inner surface 24b of the inner member 22b slideably engages the
outer surface 23c of the inner member 22c. The inner member 22c is
itself adapted to receive the next-outermost and next-largest inner
member 22d therein, such that the inner surface 24c of the inner
member 22c slideably engages the outer surface 23d of the inner
member 22d. The inner member 22d is, in turn, adapted to receive
the next-outermost and next-largest inner member 22e therein, such
that the inner surface 24d of the inner member 22d slideably
engages the outer surface 23e of the inner member 22e. The inner
member 22e is adapted to receive the innermost and smallest inner
member 22f therein, such that the inner surface 24e of the inner
member 22e slideably engages the outer surface 23f of the inner
member 22f The nested inner members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e and 22f
are positioned within the inner cavity 16 of the outer shell 12,
such that the outer surface 23a of the outermost and largest inner
member 22a slideably engages the inner surface 13 of the outer
shell. 12. When the helmet 10 is worn by a user, the inner surface
24f of the inner-most inner member 22f is in direct contact with a
user's head.
[0022] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the inner members 22a,
22b, 22c, 22d, 22e and 22f include crown portions 22a', 22b', 22c',
22d', 22e' and 22f, respectively, each of which is curved into a
generally concave shape, so as to receive the crown of a user's
head therein. In various embodiments, other portions of the inner
members 22 may also be curved. The inner members 22 may have a
substantially hemispherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a
substantially oblong shape, a substantially oval shape, or any
appropriate shape that will conform to and fit the head of a user
wearing the helmet 10.
[0023] Other embodiments of the present invention may include a
different number of inner members 22. Non-limiting examples include
two (2) inner members, three (3) inner members, four (4) inner
members, five (5) inner members, seven (7) inner members, eight (8)
inner members, nine (9) inner members, ten (10) inner members and
twelve (12) inner members. In another embodiment, the helmet 10 may
include one (1) inner member, which cooperates with the outer shell
12.
[0024] Each of the inner members 22 is fabricated from a material
that is flexible and shock-absorbing. A non-limiting example of
such a material is polystyrene foam (i.e., sold under the trademark
STYROFOAM).
[0025] In an embodiment, each of the inner members 22 has a
thickness of about 0.25 inches. Thus, in an embodiment of the
helmet having four (4) inner members 22, the aggregate thickness of
the inner members 22 will be about 1.0 inch. In an embodiment of
the helmet having six (6) inner members 22 (as shown in FIGS. 2-5),
the aggregate thickness of the inner members 22 will be about 1.5
inches. In other embodiments, each of the inner members 22 has a
different thickness. Non-limiting examples include about 0.1
inches, about 0.4 inches, about 0.5 inches and about 0.75
inches.
[0026] In an embodiment, the helmet 10 is manufactured by first
fabricating the outer shell 12 and inner members 22 from the
materials discussed above. Once these components are fabricated,
they are arranged together in a sequential and successive fashion,
as discussed herein in connection with the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 1-7. The helmet 10 is then rolled up and inserted into a
package, as also discussed in detail below.
[0027] Still referring to FIGS. 2-7, the inner members 22a, 22b,
22c, 22d, 22e and 22f are arranged in a sequential and successive
fashion so as to be nested within one another and slideably engage
each other. In an embodiment, the inner members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d,
22e and 22f are retained in this arrangement by a friction fit
within each other. However, the inner members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d,
22e and 22f do not include any fastening means by which they are
secured to each other. In other words, the helmet 10 does not
include any stitching, glue, adhesives, staples, snaps, hook and
loop fasteners or other fastening means on and/or between any of
the inner members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e and 22f, for purposes to
be discussed below.
[0028] The operation of the helmet 10 of the present invention will
now be described. FIGS. 1 and 3-6 show the helmet 10 in an open
position, such as when worn by a user. After assembly of the outer
shell 12 and inner member(s) 22 of the helmet 10, as discussed
above, the helmet 10 is folded, or rolled, into a closed position
for storage (i.e., in a tube 25) and/or transport, as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7. The rolled helmet 10 may be provided at or near
locations for bicycle rentals to provide convenient access for
users. Further, the helmet 10 may be designed for a single use
(i.e., the helmet 10 may be disposable).
[0029] Because the flexible inner members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e
and 22f are not fixedly attached to each other at any point on
their respective adjacent outer and inner surfaces 23a, 23b, 23c,
23d, 23e, 23f and 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f, they are
individually moveable relative to each other, and to the outer
shell 12 of the helmet 10. This structural arrangement makes the
inner members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e and 22f foldable relative to
each other, and to the outer shell 12, which enables a user to fold
the helmet 10 into a compact closed position in which it has a
cigar-shaped configuration, and unfold the helmet 10, without
permanently deforming any components of the helmet 10. Further,
this structural arrangement provides a safety feature upon impact,
wherein the inner members 22 slide relative to each other and to
the outer shell 12, thereby dissipating the force of the
impact.
[0030] In order to the fold helmet 10 from its open position to its
closed position, and thereby prepare the helmet 10 for storage
(i.e., in the tube 25) and/or transport, a user rolls the first
sidewall 20 and second sidewall 21 towards each other, and the
longitudinal axis 18 of the outer shell 12. This is achieved
because the flexible inner members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e and 22f
are not attached to each other at any point along their respective
adjacent surfaces, and are therefore individually foldable and
slideable relative to each other. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
second sidewall 21 is folded, or rolled, under the first sidewall
20, such that a portion of the outer shell 12 proximate the second
sidewall 21 engages an opposed surface of the inner-most inner
member 22f. Once the helmet 10 has been folded into its closed
position, it may be inserted into a storage container, such as the
tube 25 shown in FIG. 7, or another appropriate container in which
the helmet 10 may be retained in its closed position and/or
transported. Other types of storage containers may also be used,
such as a plastic sleeve or wrapper. The storage container and
helmet 10 together constitute a packaged helmet assembly.
[0031] Once folded into its closed position and inserted into a
storage container, the helmet 10 may be packaged and provided to
potential users for sale and/or use. For example, the packaged
helmet 10 (for example in the tube 25) may be made available for
sale, rental or use (e.g., in a vending machine) at sites where
bicycles are rented. Once a user acquires the packaged helmet 10,
he or she removes any packaging, pulls the helmet 10 out of the
tube 25 and unfolds/unrolls it from its closed position to its open
position. Once again, this is facilitated by the flexible inner
members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e and 22f not being attached to each
other at any point along their respective adjacent surfaces, and
therefore being individually slideable, and thereby foldable,
relative to each other. Thereafter, the use may put the helmet 10
on his or her head, before engaging in any athletic activity in
which head protection is desired. The helmet 10 may be designed for
a single use (i.e., the helmet 10 may be disposed of after
use).
[0032] The helmet 10 may be designed for and/or include additional
components to make it useful for various athletic activities,
including, but not limited to, cycling, rollerblading, ice skating,
skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, horse-back riding and other
equestrian activities, rock- or wall-climbing, baseball, football,
hockey, lacrosse, jai alai, zip-lining, and waterskiing. For
example, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 includes a strap 26
affixed proximate the first sidewall 20 and second sidewall 21.
[0033] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5 also includes longitudinal
openings (i.e., vents) 28 and 30 in the first sidewall 20 and
second sidewall 21, respectively of the outer shell 12. The
longitudinal openings 28, 30 extend between the inner surface 13
and outer surface 14 of the outer shell 12. The flexible inner
members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e and 22f shown in FIGS. 2-5 also
include longitudinal openings (i.e., vents) 32a and 34a; 32b and
34b; 32c and 34c; 32d and 34d; 32e and 34e; and 32f and 34f,
respectively, which extend between the respective outer and inner
surfaces 23a and 24a, 23b and 24b, 23c and 24c, 23d and 24d, 23e
and 24e, and 23f and 24f.
[0034] The longitudinal openings 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e and 32f
are positioned so as to be aligned with the longitudinal opening 28
when the flexible inner members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e and 22f are
arranged within the outer shell 12 of the helmet 10, (see FIG. 3).
Similarly, the longitudinal openings 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e and
34f are positioned so as to be aligned with the longitudinal
opening 30 when the flexible inner members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e
and 22f are arranged within the outer shell 12.
[0035] Other embodiments of the present invention may include a
different number of longitudinal openings in the outer shell 12
and/or flexible inner members 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e and 22f
Non-limiting examples include one (1) longitudinal opening, three
(3) longitudinal openings, four (4) longitudinal openings, five (5)
longitudinal openings, or six (6) longitudinal openings. Still
other embodiments may include openings having a different
configuration and/or shape (e.g., non-longitudinal openings).
[0036] It should be noted that the present invention can have
numerous modifications, variations and applications. For instance,
the helmet 10 may include fewer or more inner members 22, as
discussed above.
[0037] It will be understood that the embodiments described herein
are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make
many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications
are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *