U.S. patent application number 16/365596 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-19 for bicycle helmet fit system expanded connectors.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bell Sports, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael J. Musal.
Application Number | 20190380418 16/365596 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66655177 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190380418 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Musal; Michael J. |
December 19, 2019 |
BICYCLE HELMET FIT SYSTEM EXPANDED CONNECTORS
Abstract
A helmet for a head of a user with a liner with an outer shell
and an energy management layer having an inner surface and a lower
edge surrounding the inner surface at a helmet opening, at least
two coupling points located on the inner surface proximal to the
lower edge, at least one flexible forehead strap following the
lower edge of the energy management layer and inwardly offset from
the inner surface, at least two prongs comprising a stem and a
head, the head having a larger cross-section than a cross-section
of the stem, wherein the stem is attached to and projects away from
the flexible forehead strap towards the inner surface and the head
couples with the inner surface at one of the at least two coupling
points, a continuous gap between the inner surface and the flexible
forehead strap extending around an entirety of the lower edge.
Inventors: |
Musal; Michael J.; (Soquel,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bell Sports, Inc. |
Scotts Valley |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66655177 |
Appl. No.: |
16/365596 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62686610 |
Jun 18, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/324 20130101;
A42B 3/281 20130101; A42B 3/066 20130101; A42B 3/08 20130101; A42B
3/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/08 20060101
A42B003/08; A42B 3/32 20060101 A42B003/32; A42B 3/06 20060101
A42B003/06 |
Claims
1. A helmet for protecting the head of a user, the helmet
comprising: at least one liner comprising an outer shell and an
energy management layer, the energy management layer comprising an
inner surface and a lower edge surrounding the inner surface at a
helmet opening configured to receive a head of a helmet wearer; at
least two coupling points located on the inner surface proximal to
the lower edge; at least one flexible forehead strap following the
lower edge of the energy management layer and inwardly offset from
the inner surface; at least two prongs comprising a stem and a
head, the head having a larger cross-section than a cross-section
of the stem, wherein the stem is attached to and projects away from
the flexible forehead strap towards the inner surface and the head
couples with the inner surface at one of the at least two coupling
points; a continuous gap between the inner surface and the flexible
forehead strap extending around an entirety of the lower edge; and
an adjustable connector coupled to each end of the at least one
flexible forehead strap and capable of adjusting a perimeter of the
flexible forehead strap, wherein the adjustable connector comprises
a knob that decreases the perimeter when rotated in a first
direction and increases the perimeter when rotated in a second
direction different from the first direction.
2. The helmet of claim 1, the at least two coupling points each
comprising a hole wherein a length of the stem is greater than a
depth of the hole and the stem is slidably coupled within the
hole.
3. The helmet of claim 1, a first of the at least two coupling
points being located in a right front portion of the inner surface
and a second of the at least two coupling points being located in a
left front portion of the inner surface.
4. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the at least two coupling points
comprises two pairs of coupling points, a first pair of coupling
points located in a right front portion of the inner liner and a
second pair of coupling points located in a left front portion of
the inner liner; and wherein the at least two prongs comprises two
pairs of prongs located on the flexible forehead strap and
positioned to couple with the two pairs of coupling points.
5. The helmet of claim 1, the continuous gap having a width
measuring within a range of 1/16 inches to 1/4 inches.
6. A helmet for protecting the head of a user, the helmet
comprising: at least one liner comprising an outer shell and an
energy management layer, the energy management layer comprising an
inner surface and a lower edge surrounding the inner surface at a
helmet opening configured to receive a head of a helmet wearer; at
least two coupling points located on the inner surface adjacent the
lower edge; at least one flexible forehead strap following the
lower edge of the energy management layer, inwardly offset from the
inner surface, and coupled to the inner surface at the coupling
points; a coupling point gap separating the inner surface from the
flexible forehead strap at each coupling point, the coupling point
gap having a width measuring at least 1/16 inch; and an adjustable
connector coupled to the at least one flexible forehead strap and
capable of adjusting a perimeter of the flexible forehead
strap.
7. The helmet of claim 6, the at least two coupling points each
comprising a hole wherein the stem is slidably coupled with the
hole and a portion of the stem is configured to remain outside of
the hole.
8. The helmet of claim 6, a first of the at least two coupling
points being located in a right front portion of the inner surface
and a second of the at least two coupling points being located in a
left front portion of the inner surface.
9. The helmet of claim 8, the flexible forehead strap comprising at
least two prongs comprising a stem and a head, the head having a
larger cross-section than a cross-section of the stem, wherein the
stem is attached to and projects away from the flexible forehead
strap towards the inner surface and the head couples with the inner
surface at one of the at least two coupling points.
10. The helmet of claim 9, wherein each coupling point is
configured to receive a pair of prongs and the at least two prongs
comprise at least two pairs of prongs, located on the flexible
forehead strap and positioned to couple with the first and second
coupling points.
11. The helmet of claim 6, the coupling point gap having a width
measuring 1/4 inch or less.
12. The helmet of claim 6, wherein the adjustable connector
comprises a knob that decreases the perimeter when adjusted in a
first direction and increases the perimeter when adjusted in a
second direction different from the first direction.
13. A helmet for protecting the head of a user, the helmet
comprising: at least one helmet liner comprising an outer shell and
an energy management layer, the energy management layer comprising
an inner surface and a lower edge surrounding the inner surface at
a helmet opening configured to receive a head of a helmet wearer;
at least two coupling points located on the inner surface proximal
to the lower edge; at least one flexible forehead strap following
the lower edge of the energy management layer, inwardly offset from
the inner surface, and coupled to the inner surface at the coupling
points; and a continuous gap between the inner surface and the
flexible forehead strap at each of the at least two coupling
points.
14. The helmet of claim 13, the at least two coupling points each
comprising a hole wherein a length of the stem is greater than a
depth of the hole and a portion of the length of the stem is
configured to remain outside of the hole.
15. The helmet of claim 13, further comprising a coupling point gap
separating the inner surface from the flexible forehead strap at
each coupling point, the coupling point gap having a width
measuring at least 1/16 inch.
16. The helmet of claim 15, a first of the at least two coupling
points being located in a right front portion of the inner surface
proximal to the lower edge and a second of the at least two
coupling points being located in a left front portion of the inner
surface proximal to the lower edge, wherein the at least two
coupling points are proximal to a helmet wearer's head temples when
in use.
17. The helmet of claim 16, further comprising at least two prongs
comprising a stem and a head, the head having a larger
cross-section than a cross-section of the stem, wherein the stem is
attached to and projects away from the flexible forehead strap
towards the inner surface and the head couples with the inner
surface at one of the at least two coupling points.
18. The helmet of claim 17, wherein each coupling point is capable
of receiving a pair of prongs and the at least two prongs comprises
at least two pairs of prongs, located on the flexible forehead
strap and positioned to couple with the first and second coupling
points.
19. The helmet of claim 13, the continuous gap having a width
measuring within a range of 1/16 inches to 1/4 inches.
20. The helmet of claim 13, further comprising an adjustable
connector coupled to the at least one flexible forehead strap and
capable of adjusting a perimeter of the flexible forehead strap.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/686,610, filed Jun. 18, 2018,
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Aspects of this document generally relate to a helmet, more
particularly to a bicycle helmet having a continuous gap that
allows airflow over the user's head and thus reduces heat build-up
and retention.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A physical impact to the head of a person may cause serious
injury or death. To reduce the probability of such consequences,
protective gear, such as a helmet, is often used in activities that
are associated with an increased level of risk for a head injury.
Examples of such activities include, but are not limited to,
skiing, snowboarding, bicycling, rollerblading, rock climbing,
skate boarding, and motorcycling. In general, a helmet is designed
to maintain its structural integrity and stay secured to the head
of a user during an impact.
[0004] Accordingly, a bicycle helmet is designed to protect the
user's head, including by absorbing and dissipating energy during
an impact with a surface such as the ground. In this regard, most
bicycle helmets are designed only to withstand a single major
impact, and to thereafter be replaced with a new helmet. Bicycle
helmet interiors include energy management materials such as an
arrangement of padding and/or foam, wherein the energy management
materials cover and contact a significant extent of the user's
head. In this manner, the energy management materials directly or
intimately contact the user's head. However, this arrangement can
result in undesirable heat build-up and/or heat retention when the
helmet is worn during the sporting activity. The heat build-up
and/or heat retention is exacerbated in a variety of conditions,
such as when the cyclist is participating in a race or training
session in a warm environment.
[0005] Some bicycle helmets seek to reduce heat retention by
providing openings and channels in the helmet shell and the energy
management materials. The openings and channels are configured to
promote air movement over portions of the user's head. For example,
one conventional helmet includes a front inlet formed in the helmet
shell and configured to provide for flow of inlet air onto and over
the user's forehead. Channels are provided over and around a crown
area of the head, and a rear port communicating with the channels
discharges air flow supplied by the front inlet through the
channels while the user moves in a forward direction relative to
the ground. However, the energy management material of this
conventional helmet directly contacts the user's head.
SUMMARY
[0006] An aspect of the disclosure relates to a helmet for
protecting the head of a user that may comprise at least one liner
comprising an outer shell and an energy management layer, the
energy management layer comprising an inner surface and a lower
edge surrounding the inner surface at a helmet opening configured
to receive a head of a helmet wearer, at least two coupling points
located on the inner surface proximal to the lower edge, at least
one flexible forehead strap following the lower edge of the energy
management layer and inwardly offset from the inner surface, at
least two prongs comprising a stem and a head, the head having a
larger cross-section than a cross-section of the stem, wherein the
stem is attached to and projects away from the flexible forehead
strap towards the inner surface and the head couples with the inner
surface at one of the at least two coupling points, a continuous
gap between the inner surface and the flexible forehead strap
extending around an entirety of the lower edge, and an adjustable
connector coupled to each end of the at least one flexible forehead
strap and capable of adjusting a perimeter of the flexible forehead
strap, wherein the adjustable connector comprises a knob that
decreases the perimeter when rotated in a first direction and
increases the perimeter when rotated in a second direction
different from the first direction.
[0007] Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the
following features. The at least two coupling points may each
comprise a hole wherein a length of the stem is greater than a
depth of the hole and the stem is slidably coupled within the hole.
A first of the at least two coupling points may be located in a
right front portion of the inner surface and a second of the at
least two coupling points being located in a left front portion of
the inner surface. The at least two coupling points may comprise
two pairs of coupling points, a first pair of coupling points
located in a right front portion of the inner liner and a second
pair of coupling points located in a left front portion of the
inner liner; and wherein the at least two prongs comprises two
pairs of prongs located on the flexible forehead strap and
positioned to couple with the two pairs of coupling points. The
continuous gap may have a width measuring within a range of 1/16
inches to 1/4 inches.
[0008] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a helmet for
protecting the head of a user may comprise at least one liner
comprising an outer shell and an energy management layer, the
energy management layer comprising an inner surface and a lower
edge surrounding the inner surface at a helmet opening configured
to receive a head of a helmet wearer, at least two coupling points
located on the inner surface adjacent the lower edge, at least one
flexible forehead strap following the lower edge of the energy
management layer, inwardly offset from the inner surface, and
coupled to the inner surface at the coupling points, a coupling
point gap separating the inner surface from the flexible forehead
strap at each coupling point, the coupling point gap having a width
measuring at least 1/16 inch, and an adjustable connector coupled
to the at least one flexible forehead strap and capable of
adjusting a perimeter of the flexible forehead strap.
[0009] Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the
following features. The at least two coupling points may each
comprise a hole wherein the stem is slidably coupled with the hole
and a portion of the stem is configured to remain outside of the
hole. A first of the at least two coupling points may be located in
a right front portion of the inner surface and a second of the at
least two coupling points being located in a left front portion of
the inner surface. The flexible forehead strap may comprise at
least two prongs comprising a stem and a head, the head having a
larger cross-section than a cross-section of the stem, wherein the
stem is attached to and projects away from the flexible forehead
strap towards the inner surface and the head couples with the inner
surface at one of the at least two coupling points. Each coupling
point may be configured to receive a pair of prongs and the at
least two prongs comprise at least two pairs of prongs, located on
the flexible forehead strap and positioned to couple with the first
and second coupling points. The coupling point gap may have a width
measuring 1/4 inch or less. The adjustable connector may comprise a
knob that decreases the perimeter when adjusted in a first
direction and increases the perimeter when adjusted in a second
direction different from the first direction.
[0010] According to an aspect, a helmet for protecting the head of
a user may comprise at least one helmet liner comprising an outer
shell and an energy management layer, the energy management layer
comprising an inner surface and a lower edge surrounding the inner
surface at a helmet opening configured to receive a head of a
helmet wearer, at least two coupling points located on the inner
surface proximal to the lower edge, at least one flexible forehead
strap following the lower edge of the energy management layer,
inwardly offset from the inner surface, and coupled to the inner
surface at the coupling points, and a continuous gap between the
inner surface and the flexible forehead strap at each of the at
least two coupling points.
[0011] Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the
following features. The at least two coupling points may each
comprise a hole wherein a length of the stem is greater than a
depth of the hole and a portion of the length of the stem is
configured to remain outside of the hole. A coupling point gap
separating the inner surface from the flexible forehead strap at
each coupling point, the coupling point gap having a width
measuring at least 1/16 inch. A first of the at least two coupling
points may be located in a right front portion of the inner surface
proximal to the lower edge and a second of the at least two
coupling points being located in a left front portion of the inner
surface proximal to the lower edge, wherein the at least two
coupling points are proximal to a helmet wearer's head temples when
in use. At least two prongs comprising a stem and a head, the head
having a larger cross-section than a cross-section of the stem,
wherein the stem is attached to and projects away from the flexible
forehead strap towards the inner surface and the head couples with
the inner surface at one of the at least two coupling points. Each
coupling point may be capable of receiving a pair of prongs and the
at least two prongs comprises at least two pairs of prongs, located
on the flexible forehead strap and positioned to couple with the
first and second coupling points. The continuous gap having a width
measuring within a range of 1/16 inches to 1/4 inches. An
adjustable connector coupled to the at least one flexible forehead
strap and capable of adjusting a perimeter of the flexible forehead
strap.
[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, 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,
16. 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, 16, to define the invention. To
the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, 16 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
acts 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
to perform the recited function, it is the clear intention of the
inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, 16.
Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, 16, 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, material, or acts that
perform the claimed function as described in alternative
embodiments or forms in 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 DETAILED DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the
CLAIMS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] To understand the present disclosure, it will now be
described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a bicyclist wearing a bicycle helmet;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a prior art helmet showing the
coupling point where the forehead strap is in contact with the
inner liner;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of a bicycle helmet
with a fit system and internal ventilation system;
[0020] FIG. 4A is a bottom view of an embodiment of a bicycle
helmet with a fit system and internal ventilation system;
[0021] FIG. 4B is a close-up view of a portion of the helmet of
FIG. 4A surrounding the connectors;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a close-up view of a portion of the helmet of FIG.
4A with the forehead strap and fit system removed to show the
connector receivers;
[0023] FIG. 6A is a front view of a forehead strap of a fit
system;
[0024] FIG. 6B is a top view of the forehead strap of FIG. 6A;
and
[0025] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing the helmet of FIG. 3
in partial section and secured to the head of a user showing
airflow through the helmet.
[0026] While the present disclosure will be described in connection
with the preferred embodiments shown herein, it will be understood
that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to those
embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included
within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the
appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the disclosure with
the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered
as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure and is
not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosure to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0028] In the Figures, and referring initially to FIG. 1, a user 2
is shown riding a bicycle 4 and wearing a bicycle helmet 10
configured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As
discussed further below, when the user 2 pedals the bicycle 4 and
travels in a forward direction, air flows through the helmet 10 and
over the user's head 6, thereby cooling the user's head 6.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a helmet 8 having a liner comprising an
outer shell 22 and an energy management layer 24, a flexible
forehead strap 14, an adjustable connector 18, and a chinstrap 20.
In this example, although there is a gap 9 at the front of the
helmet between the flexible forehead strap 14 and the energy
management layer 24, at the points where the flexible forehead
strap 14 is coupled to the energy management layer 24, it is
securely and closely coupled without a gap between the flexible
forehead strap 14 and the energy management layer 24. This
non-gapped connection restricts some of the air flow through the
helmet and the fit system.
[0030] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate an embodiment of a bicycle helmet 10
including a liner 12, a flexible forehead strap 14, a continuous
gap 16, an adjustable connector 18, and a chinstrap 20. In some
embodiments the liner 12 comprises an outer shell 22 and an energy
management layer 24. In some embodiments, only the energy
management layer 24 is used. The outer shell 22 may comprise a
plastic material, such as polycarbonate; however, in other
embodiments, the outer shell 22 may also or alternatively comprise
KEVLAR, ABS plastic, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and the like. In
some embodiments, the energy management layer 24 comprises expanded
polystyrene ("EPS"). In other embodiments, the energy management
layer 24 may also, or alternatively, comprise expanded
polypropylene ("EPP") or other energy management or energy
absorbing materials. The chinstrap 20 includes connectable segments
which may be attached to one or both of the outer shell 22 and the
energy management layer 24 for securing the helmet 10 to the user's
head 6, as generally known in the art. The energy management layer
24 includes an inner surface 40 which has a front portion 26 that
overlies the user's forehead with a right front portion 28 on the
right and a left front portion 30 on the left, a top portion 32
that overlies the crown region of the user's head 6, and a rear
portion 34 that overlies at least a portion of the occipital region
of the user's head.
[0031] The helmet 10 embodiments of FIGS. 1-4A are commonly
recognized in the cycling field as "road" helmets and are designed
for general use during recreational and certain types of
competitive cycling. It should be appreciated that the principles
and teachings discussed herein are equally applicable to other
types of bicycle helmets, such as a "sprinter" helmet, an "aero"
helmet, and any other helmets that include an adjustable fit system
inside the helmet. As understood by those in the art, a sprinter
helmet is designed to be more aerodynamic than a typical road
helmet, and as such has a more smoothly contoured outer shell 22
and fewer ventilation openings 36. As also understood by those in
the art, an aero helmet is designed to be even more aerodynamic,
having a substantially streamlined shape that resembles a
"tear-drop" configuration. Aero helmets are also configured to have
as few ventilation openings 36 as possible, and in many cases have
no ventilation openings 36 whatsoever. As those skilled in the art
will appreciate, the benefits and advantages associated with the
concepts and teachings discussed herein may become more apparent to
the user as the number of ventilation openings 36 in the helmet 10
decrease.
[0032] Referring also to FIGS. 3-5, the helmet 10 includes at least
one flexible forehead strap 14 that extends around a lower edge 38
of the energy management layer 24 and adjustably contacts the
user's head 6 to support the helmet 10 while defining a continuous
gap 16 between the user's head 6 and an inner surface 40 of the
energy management layer 24. In some embodiments, flexible forehead
straps 14 also extend over the user's head 6 from the user's
forehead region over the crown region and to the occipital region.
In such embodiments, the continuous gap 16 may also extend across
the outer surface of the user's head 6 from the user's forehead
region over the crown region and to the occipital region (see FIG.
7 for example).
[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 3-6B, the flexible forehead strap 14
includes at least two or more prongs 42 extending from an outer
surface of the flexible forehead strap 14 for coupling into
corresponding coupling points 48 on the inner surface 40 of the
energy management layer 24. The two or more prongs 42 are elongated
when compared with prongs from previous helmets (for example that
shown in FIG. 2), thus extending the connecting junction between
the flexible forehead strap 14 and the energy management layer 24
and creating a continuous gap 16 between the flexible forehead
strap 14 and the inner surface 40 of the energy management layer
24. Each prong 42 extends outward, away from the flexible forehead
strap 14 and may include a stem 44 and a head 46. The stem 44
includes a length "L" long enough to span the continuous gap 16 and
allow the head 46 to couple with a corresponding coupling point 48
on the inner surface 40 of the energy management layer 24. The
coupling points 48 may be receivers comprising a flexible entrance
49 that allows the head 46, when force is applied, to pass through
the flexible entrance 49 to the receivers and restrict its flexible
entrance 49 size to smaller than the largest dimension of the head
46 after the head 46 has passed through the flexible entrance 49
into the receiver. The coupling points 48 may be in-molded into the
energy management material when the energy management material is
formed, or added thereafter using methods known in the art. The
head 46 of the prong 42 may be formed in a variety of shapes. As
shown in FIG. 5, the prong 42 may have a mushroom-shaped head 46
which is capable of snapping into the coupling point 48.
Alternatively, the head 46 may be T-shaped or any other shape, and
may couple with the coupling point 48 in a variety of ways, such as
through the use of adhesives, clips, clamps, snaps, hook and loop,
or other types of fasteners. In some embodiments, the inside of the
connection points 48 are deeper than the largest dimension of the
head 46 so that when the head 46 is received in the connection
point 48, the head 46 can still move within the connection point 48
to allow for an adaptable continuous gap 16 that further helps to
adapt the fit system more comfortably to a wearer's head shape and
dimensions by allowing for additional movement between the fit
system and the inner surface 40 of the energy management layer
24.
[0034] Each of the flexible forehead straps 14 may have a pair of
rails 50 intermittently joined by transverse ribs 52. The rails 50
and the ribs 52 cooperate to define a plurality of ventilation
apertures 54 in the flexible forehead straps 14 in the form of
generally elongated slots 56. The ventilation apertures 54 can
further improve the ventilating characteristics of the flexible
forehead straps 14 by minimizing the total surface area of the
flexible forehead straps 14 that is in intimate contact with the
user's head 6. Alternatively the flexible forehead straps 14 may be
configured with a single rail 50 that precludes the apertures 54.
Some embodiments of the flexible forehead straps 14 are formed of a
substantially rigid but flexible material, such as rubber, plastic,
carbon fiber, and the like. The flexible forehead straps 14 may
also include an additional material, such as a coating or
additional comfort padding, to facilitate engagement with the
user's head 6.
[0035] When the helmet 10 is properly worn, the flexible forehead
strap 14 extends laterally from the user's forehead, around the
sides of the user's head 6, passing approximately over the user's
temples 64 (FIGS. 1 and 7), and into the adjustable connector 18
(FIGS. 3 and 6A). In some embodiments, including the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3, the adjustable connector 18 is configured
for direct engagement with the user's head 6 and includes an
actuator 58 (such as a dial, knob, or other adjustor that reels in
or pays out the ends 60 of the flexible forehead strap 14) to
adjust the perimeter of the flexible forehead strap 14. For
example, by reeling in the ends 60 of the flexible forehead strap
14, the flexible forehead strap 14 is tightened against the user's
head 6, whereas by paying out the ends 60 of the flexible forehead
strap 14, the flexible forehead strap 14 is loosened from the
user's head 6. In this regard, the flexible forehead strap 14 is
adjustable to account for the size of the user's head 6. It should
be understood that use and incorporation of the adjustable
connector 18 with the flexible forehead strap 14 is not required.
For example, in some embodiments, the flexible forehead strap 14
may be of a substantially fixed size and configuration, wherein
such variations in the size or shape of a user's head may be
accommodated by the flexibility of the materials of the forehead
strap 14. Some embodiments may also or alternatively include fit
adjusting components or structure distinct from the flexible
forehead strap 14. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the
ends 60 of the flexible forehead strap 14 terminate near the rear
portion 34 of the energy management layer 24, and a separate strap,
band, or similar structure may be provided that extends generally
around the rear occipital region of the user's head 6. The strap,
band, or similar structure may be formed of a resilient material,
such as elastic, and may therefore be inherently adjustable, or the
strap, band or similar structure may be operably connected to an
adjustable connector similar to the adjustable connector 18
discussed above.
[0036] Referring specifically to FIG. 4A, in particular
embodiments, the continuous gap 16 extends around the entirety of
the lower edge 38 of the energy management layer 24, defined on
either side by the inner surface 40 of the energy management layer
24 and the flexible forehead strap 14. In particular embodiments,
the continuous gap 16 is maintained at least for the front half of
the helmet. In some embodiments, the continuous gap measures
between 1/16 inches and 1/4 inches. The prongs 42 are elongated
(FIG. 3) as compared to conventional prongs (see FIG. 2), allowing
some movement of the helmet 10 in relation to the adjustable
connector 18 and the user's head 6. Because the stem 44 of each
prong 42 is thinner than the flexible entrance 49, and the
connection points 48 in the helmet 10 are deeper than the size of
the prong head 46, the gap 16 is a flexible gap that can extend to
its maximum size, or can collapse to a smaller size if necessary,
allowing the helmet 10 to "float" in relation to the flexible
forehead strap 14 and allow the helmet's adjustable connector 18 to
better adapt to particular head shapes and sizes. When the helmet
10 is worn, the flexible forehead strap 14 intimately contacts the
user's head 6, while the inner surface 40 of the helmet 10 is
spaced away from the user's head 6 to form the continuous gap
16.
[0037] The continuous gap 16 includes a coupling point gap 62 which
is located at each coupling point 48. Specifically, the continuous
gap 16 is not blocked at each coupling point 48 by the coupling of
the flexible forehead strap 14 to the inner surface 40, but rather
remains open, as shown. This allows the airflow to enter the gap 16
at any location along the lower edge 38 of the energy management
layer 24 without restraint.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, the energy management layer 24 includes
at least one coupling point 48 on each side of the front of the
helmet, and in particular embodiments two coupling points 48 on
each side, located proximal to a lower edge 38 of the energy
management layer 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling
points 48 are located approximately one-quarter to one-third of the
helmet periphery from the front center 26 of the energy management
layer 24, with at least one coupling point 48 located on each side
of the helmet 10. Alternatively, the coupling points 48 may be
located anywhere along the lower edge 38 of the energy management
layer 24, and additional coupling points 48 may also be located
anywhere on the inner surface 40. In some embodiments, including
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, the coupling points 48 are
integrally formed with the energy management layer 24, and are
substantially flush with the inner surface 40 of the helmet 10. The
elongated prongs 42 maintain the continuous gap 16 by keeping the
flexible forehead strap 14 further inward than the inner surface
40. Other embodiments may include coupling points 48 in the form of
raised projections that extend generally inwardly, and standoffs,
posts, spacers, and the like that are joined to the energy
management layer 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible
forehead straps 14 are secured to the coupling points 48 with the
prongs 42. However, in other embodiments the flexible forehead
strap 14 can be secured to the coupling points 42 by clips, clamps,
snaps, hook and loop, and other types of fasteners.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 7, the continuous gap 16 allows air to
enter between the energy management layer 24 and the user's head 6.
With the inner surface 40 of the energy management layer 24 spaced
apart from the user's head 6, ventilating air can flow through the
continuous gap 16 and between the user's head 6 and the inner
surface 40. This continuous gap 16 is provided in helmets having
several ventilation openings 36 and also is provided in helmets
having few or no ventilation openings 36, such as the sprinter and
aero helmets discussed above. Heat build-up and retention inside of
the helmet may thus be reduced.
[0040] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications
and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is
not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and
operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the disclosure.
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