U.S. patent application number 16/824555 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-01 for helmet assembly with eyewear and air deflector systems and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is 100% SPEEDLAB, LLC. Invention is credited to Dennis C. Tan, Michael D. Young.
Application Number | 20200305537 16/824555 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004762738 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-01 |
![](/patent/app/20200305537/US20200305537A1-20201001-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200305537/US20200305537A1-20201001-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200305537/US20200305537A1-20201001-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200305537/US20200305537A1-20201001-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200305537/US20200305537A1-20201001-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200305537/US20200305537A1-20201001-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200305537/US20200305537A1-20201001-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200305537/US20200305537A1-20201001-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200305537/US20200305537A1-20201001-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200305537/US20200305537A1-20201001-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200305537/US20200305537A1-20201001-D00010.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20200305537 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tan; Dennis C. ; et
al. |
October 1, 2020 |
HELMET ASSEMBLY WITH EYEWEAR AND AIR DEFLECTOR SYSTEMS AND
METHODS
Abstract
A helmet is described herein. The helmet can be configured to
hold the arms of a corresponding eyewear piece, such as an eyeglass
or sunglass, through one or more features of the helmet. The helmet
can further include an air deflector visor. The one or more
features, such as one or more channels, allows for the helmet to
receive and hold the eyewear of a wearer. Additionally, the helmet
visor can utilize deflector vents to redirect airflow around the
helmet for lower drag and/or deflect airflow to portions of the
helmet to aid in the cooling of the wearer.
Inventors: |
Tan; Dennis C.; (San Diego,
CA) ; Young; Michael D.; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
100% SPEEDLAB, LLC |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004762738 |
Appl. No.: |
16/824555 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62826880 |
Mar 29, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/22 20130101; A42B
3/0493 20130101; A42B 3/281 20130101; A42B 3/185 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/18 20060101
A42B003/18; A42B 3/04 20060101 A42B003/04; A42B 3/28 20060101
A42B003/28 |
Claims
1. A helmet comprising: an outer shell configured to be disposed at
least partly around a head of a wearer, wherein the outer shell
comprises one or more channels configured to receive a portion of a
corresponding eyewear and hold the eyewear relative to the outer
shell.
2. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the outer shell comprises a first
channel disposed on a left side of the outer shell and a second
channel on a right side of the outer shell, wherein the first
channel is configured to receive a first arm of the eyewear and the
second channel is configured to receive a second arm of the
eyewear.
3. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the first arm and/or the second
arm are curved according to a first curvature and the corresponding
first channel and/or the second channel are curved according to a
second curvature corresponding to the first curvature.
4. The helmet of claim 3, wherein the first channel and/or the
second channel are curved to hold the corresponding first arm
and/or the second arm within the first channel and/or the second
channel.
5. The helmet of claim 3, wherein the first channel and/or the
second channel comprise a substantially horizontal convex
shape.
6. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the one or more channels are
configured to hold the eyewear such that a lens of the eyewear is
disposed on a rearward portion of the outer shell.
7. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising a liner disposed
within the outer shell.
8. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising a compressible
material disposed within the one or more channels.
9. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising a visor coupled to the
outer shell, the visor comprising a vent disposed on a lower
portion of the visor.
10. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the vent is configured to direct
airflow to a portion of the outer shell and/or the wearer's
head.
11. A system comprising the helmet of claim 1, the system further
comprising the eyewear and a latch disposed on the helmet and
configured to hold an arm of the eyewear within a channel of the
one or more channels.
12. A method of using the helmet of claim 1, the method comprising:
disposing the outer shell around the head of the wearer; and
disposing the portion of the eyewear within the one or more
channels.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the outer shell comprises a
first channel disposed on a left side of the outer shell and a
second channel on a right side of the outer shell, and wherein the
disposing the portion of the eyewear within the one or more
channels comprises: disposing a first arm of the eyewear within the
first channel; and disposing a second arm of the eyewear within the
second channel.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: holding the first
arm of the eyewear within the first channel; and holding the second
arm of the eyewear within the second channel.
15. A helmet comprising: an outer shell configured to be disposed
at least partly around a head of a wearer; and a visor coupled to
the outer shell and comprising a vent disposed on a lower portion
of the visor, wherein the vent is configured to direct airflow to a
portion of the outer shell and/or the wearer's head.
16. The helmet of claim 15, wherein the vent is configured to
direct airflow to a portion of the outer shell and/or the wearer's
head.
17. The helmet of claim 16, wherein the outer shell comprises an
opening, and wherein the vent is configured to direct airflow to
the opening.
18. The helmet of claim 15, wherein the vent is configured to
direct airflow around the outer shell.
19. The helmet of claim 15, wherein the outer shell comprises one
or more channels configured to receive a portion of a corresponding
eyewear and hold the eyewear relative to the outer shell when
receiving the corresponding eyewear.
20. The helmet of claim 19, wherein the one or more channels are
configured to hold the eyewear such that a lens of the eyewear is
disposed on a rearward portion of the outer shell.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/826,880 filed Mar. 29, 2019
and entitled "HELMET ASSEMBLY WITH EYEWEAR AND AIR DEFLECTOR
SYSTEMS AND METHODS," which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] One or more embodiments relate generally to sport helmets
and, more particularly, to helmets configured to receive
corresponding sunglasses and helmets with air deflectors.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Helmets are worn for various sports or activities, such as
motorsports, powersports, snowsports, watersports, biking, or the
like, to protect wearers' heads, for example, by absorbing impacts.
Styles of helmets may include closed helmets and open faced
helmets. A closed helmet may include a tinted visor, but an open
faced helmet typically does not include any type of eyewear. Thus,
wearers of the helmet generally also wear eyewear such as
sunglasses to provide eye protection.
SUMMARY
[0004] Systems and methods are provided in accordance with one or
more embodiments directed to a helmet assembly. In a certain
embodiment, the helmet assembly may include an outer shell
configured to be disposed at least partly around a head of a
wearer. The outer shell may include one or more channels configured
to receive a portion of a corresponding eyewear and hold the
eyewear relative to the outer shell when receiving the
corresponding eyewear.
[0005] In a certain such embodiment, the outer shell may include a
first channel disposed on a left side of the outer shell and a
second channel on a right side of the outer shell. The first
channel may be configured to receive a first arm of the eyewear and
the second channel may be configured to receive a second arm of the
eyewear. In a certain such embodiment, the first arm and/or the
second arm may be curved according to a first curvature and the
corresponding first channel and/or the second channel may be curved
according to a second curvature corresponding to the first
curvature. In a certain such embodiment, the first channel and/or
the second channel may be curved to hold the corresponding first
arm and/or the second arm within the first channel and/or the
second channel. In an additional embodiment, the first channel
and/or the second channel may include a substantially horizontal
convex shape.
[0006] In a certain such embodiment, the one or more channels may
be configured to hold the eyewear such that a lens of the eyewear
is disposed on a rearward portion of the outer shell.
[0007] In a certain such embodiment, a liner may be disposed within
the outer shell.
[0008] In a certain such embodiment, a compressible material may be
disposed within the one or more channels.
[0009] In a certain such embodiment, a visor may be coupled to the
outer shell. The visor may include a vent disposed on a lower
portion of the visor. In a certain such embodiment, the vent may be
configured to direct airflow to a portion of the outer shell and/or
the wearer's head.
[0010] In a certain such embodiment, the helmet assembly may
further include the eyewear.
[0011] In a certain such embodiment, a method of using the helmet
assembly may be further disclosed. The method may include disposing
the outer shell around the head of the wearer and disposing the
portion of the eyewear within the one or more channels. In a
certain such embodiment, the outer shell may include a first
channel disposed on a left side of the outer shell and a second
channel on a right side of the outer shell and the disposing the
portion of the eyewear within the one or more channels may include
disposing a first arm of the eyewear within the first channel and
disposing a second arm of the eyewear within the second channel. In
a certain such embodiment, the method may further include holding
the first arm of the eyewear within the first channel and holding
the second arm of the eyewear within the second channel.
[0012] In another embodiment, a helmet may be further disclosed.
The helmet may include an outer shell configured to be disposed at
least partly around a head of a wearer and a visor coupled to the
outer shell and including a vent disposed on a lower portion of the
visor. The vent may be configured to direct airflow to a portion of
the outer shell and/or the wearer's head.
[0013] In a certain such embodiment, the vent may be configured to
direct airflow to a portion of the outer shell and/or the wearer's
head. In a certain such embodiment, the outer shell may include an
opening and the vent may be configured to direct airflow to the
opening.
[0014] In a certain such embodiment, the vent may be configured to
direct airflow around the outer shell.
[0015] In a certain such embodiment, the outer shell may include
one or more channels configured to receive a portion of a
corresponding eyewear and hold the eyewear relative to the outer
shell when receiving the corresponding eyewear.
[0016] In a certain such embodiment, the one or more channels are
configured to hold the eyewear such that a lens of the eyewear is
disposed on a rearward portion of the outer shell.
[0017] The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which
are incorporated into this Summary by reference. A more complete
understanding of embodiments of the invention will be afforded to
those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional
advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed
description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to
the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described
briefly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a helmet, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the helmet of FIG. 1, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the helmet of FIG. 1
along line 3-3' in FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0021] FIGS. 4 and 5 show perspective views of the helmet of FIG. 1
with coupled eyewear, in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a portion of the helmet
of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with an
air deflector visor, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a top view of the helmet and air deflector
visor of FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart detailing a method of using the
helmet of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart detailing a method of using the
air deflector visor, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0027] Embodiments of the invention and their advantages are best
understood by referring to the detailed description that follows.
It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to
identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the
Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] A helmet configured to hold a corresponding eyewear piece
and/or including a visor that includes an air deflector is
described herein. "Helmet assembly," as used herein, may refer to a
helmet, a visor, and/or eyewear associated with the helmet, either
separately or in any combination.
[0029] The systems and techniques described herein may allow for a
helmet to receive and hold an eyewear (e.g., sunglasses) of the
wearer. Thus, the helmet can include features to hold the eyewear
such that, for example, when weather conditions change, the wearer
has a convenient and secure place to hold the eyewear instead of
hooking the eyewear on the wearer's clothing or placing it in
another unsecure area. Additionally, the helmet described herein
may include a visor with air deflector vents to deflect airflow
around the helmet for lower drag and/or deflect airflow to portions
of the helmet to aid in the cooling of the wearer.
[0030] A helmet is disclosed in accordance with various
embodiments. In a certain embodiment, the helmet may include an
outer shell that includes one or more channels configured to
receive and hold at least a portion of a corresponding eyewear. In
certain additional embodiments, the helmet can include the visor.
The visor can be coupled to the outer shell of the helmet and can
include a vent disposed on a lower portion of the visor configured
to direct airflow to a portion of the outer shell and/or the
wearer's head.
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a helmet, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 shows helmet 100 with
an outer shell 102 and a visor 104. The outer shell 102 may be
configured to be disposed around the head of a wearer. In certain
embodiments, one or more liners may be disposed within the outer
shell 102. The liners may be, for example, padding to absorb and
dissipate impacts against the outer shell 102 to protect the
wearer's head. Additionally, the outer shell 102 may include
channels 106 and openings 108.
[0032] Channels 106 may be coupled to or formed within the outer
shell 102. The channels 106 may be configured to receive a portion
of a corresponding eyewear. For example, the channels 106 may
receive the arms (e.g., temples) of a corresponding glasses or
sunglasses. The channels 106 may be configured to hold the eyewear
such that one or more lenses of the eyewear is disposed on a
rearward portion of the outer shell (e.g., when the channels 106
hold the eyewear, the eyewear may be facing rearward). Such a
configuration may dispose the eyewear away from the eyes of the
wearer and can also dispose the eyewear to prevent or minimize
disruption of airflow over the helmet 100.
[0033] Visor 104 may be coupled to or integrated within the outer
shell 102 (e.g., formed as a part of the outer shell 102). The
visor 104 may provide shade to prevent sunlight from shining into
the wearer's eyes. Additionally, the visor 104 may include one or
more vents configured to redirect air. In a certain embodiment, the
visor 104 may, for example, be configured to redirect air into one
or more openings 108 (e.g., to cool the wearer) or configured to
redirect air around the outer shell 102 (e.g., to decrease air
resistance).
[0034] The helmet 100 is further shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a
rear view of the helmet of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention. In certain embodiments, the outer shell 102 may
include a plurality of channels 106A and 106B. Each of the channels
106A and 106B can be configured to each receive an arm of the
eyewear. The channel 106A may be, for example, disposed on one
lateral side of the outer shell and the channel 106B may be
disposed on an opposite lateral side of the outer shell 102. The
channel 106A may thus be configured to receive a first arm of the
eyewear and the channel 106B may be configured to receive a second
arm of the eyewear.
[0035] In certain embodiments, one or both of the channels 106A and
106B may be curved to hold the corresponding first arm and/or the
second arm within the first channel and/or the second channel. Such
a curvature may correspond to a curvature of the arm(s). In certain
embodiments, the curvature may be a substantially convex shape. The
convex shape may aid in holding the eyewear to the outer shell 102
by, for example, preventing the arms of the eyewear, when inserted
into the channels 106A and/or 106B, from decoupling from the
channels 106A and/or 106B unless pushed outward (e.g., the arms are
pushed away from each other) or otherwise deformed.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the helmet of FIG. 1
along line 3-3' in FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. Channel 106A may include a first portion 112A, a second
portion 114A, and a third portion 116A. Channel 106B may
accordingly include a first portion 112B, a second portion 114B,
and a third portion 116B. A portion of the corresponding eyewear,
such as the arms of the eyewear, may be inserted into the channels
106A and 106B through first portions 112A and 112B, respectively,
before traveling to second portions 114A and 114B. The ends of the
arms may then be disposed in the third portions 116A and 116B when
the arms are held within the channels 106A and 106B,
respectively.
[0037] In certain embodiments, the first portions 112A and 112B may
include a lead-in that, when the surfaces of the first portions
112A and 112B are extended in an imaginary line towards the back of
the outer shell 102, form an angle. Thus, when the arms of the
eyewear are moved along the first portions 112A and 112B, force
from contact between the arms and the first portions 112A and 112B
may provide force to displace the arms apart. The arms may thus,
accordingly, provide a reaction force to grip portions of the
channels 106A and 106B, respectively, to hold the arms to and/or
within the channels 106A and 106B.
[0038] The second portions 114A and 114B may be disposed more
parallel to each other than first portions 112A and 112B. The
second portions 114A and 114B may form surfaces that allow for the
arms of the eyewear to more easily slide within the channels 106A
and 106B.
[0039] The third portions 116A and 116B may be angled in the
opposite direction of the first portions 112A and 112B. Thus, the
surfaces of the third portions 116A and 116B may be extended in an
imaginary line towards the front of the outer shell 102 to form an
angle. The third portions 116A and 116B may be shaped so that, if a
wearer wishes to remove the arms of the eyewear from the channels
106A and 106B, the arms may need to be displaced apart to remove
them from, at least, the third portions 116A and 116B. As such,
without the arms of the eyewear being displaced (e.g., by a force
provided by the wearer), the arms of the eyewear may be held within
the channels 106A and 106B.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the first portion 112A, the second
portion 114A, and the third portion 116A and/or the first portion
112B, the second portion 114B, and the third portion 116B may form
a C-shaped path for the arm(s) of the eyewear to travel along. Such
a C-shaped path may allow for the arms to be easily inserted into
the channels 106A and 106B and securely held within the channels
106A and 106B when portions of the arms (e.g., the end of the arms)
are disposed within the third portions 116A and 116B.
[0041] In certain embodiments, the channels 106A and 106B and/or
the arms of the eyewear may include features to provide haptic
feedback to the wearer that the arms are fully inserted into the
channels 106A and 106B. Thus, for example, the arms can be
configured to bottom against the walls of the channels 106A and/or
106B. Alternatively or additionally, the C-shaped path may decrease
the insertion force required for the arms to be inserted into the
channels 106A and/or 106B near the end of travel of the channels
106A and/or 106B. In certain such embodiments, the C-shaped path
may position the arms within the channels 106A and/or 106B near the
end of travel, effectively automatically moving the arms into the
proper position.
[0042] Eyewear being held by the channels are shown in FIGS. 4 and
5. FIGS. 4 and 5 show perspective views of the helmet of FIG. 1
with coupled eyewear, in accordance with embodiments of the
invention. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a helmet assembly 200 that
includes a helmet with outer shell 102 and eyewear 202. The outer
shell 102 may include channels 106 as described herein and the
eyewear 202 may include arms 204. Each channel 106 may be
configured to receive an arm 204 of the eyewear 202 and hold the
arm 204 within the channel 106 when the arm 204 is disposed within,
at least, an engaged position (e.g., a position where portions of
the arm 204 is disposed proximate to portions of the first portion
112, second portion 114, and third portion 116 of the channel
106).
[0043] The helmet assembly 200 may additionally include the latch
126. The latch 126 may be coupled to the outer shell 102 and may be
configured to move (e.g., rotate) between an open and a closed
position. The latch 126 may include one or more features such as
hinges, snaps, magnetic couplings, and/or other features to allow
for the latch 126 to move between the positions and to hold the
latch 126 within, at least, the closed position. Thus, for example,
the latch 126 may include a snap that holds the latch 126 within,
at least, the closed position.
[0044] In the open position, the latch 126 may allow for the arm
204 to be disposed within the channel 106. When the eyewear 202 is
disposed within the channel 106, latch 126 may be moved to the
closed position cover a portion of the arm 204 and aid in holding
the arm 204 within the channel 106. In certain embodiments, the
latch 126 may include a deformable surface that may deform when
contacting the arm 204 disposed within the channel 106 to, for
example, further aid in holding the arm 204 within the channel
106.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the arms 204 of the eyewear 202 may be
partially disposed within the channels 106. The arms 204 may
include a first portion 210, a second portion 208, and a third
portion 206. In FIG. 5, the arms 204 of the eyewear 202 may be
inserted into the channels 106 or be removed from the channels 106.
When being inserted, the third portion 206 may first be disposed
proximate to or contact first portion 112 and then move along the
channel 106 to be proximate to or contact the second portion 114
and, afterwards, the third portion 116. When the arms 204 are fully
inserted into the channels 106, the first portion 210 of the arm
204 may be disposed proximate to or contact the first portion 112
of the channel 106, the second portion 208 of the arm 204 may be
disposed proximate to or contact the second portion 114 of the
channel 106, and the third portion 206 may be disposed proximate to
or contact the third portion 116.
[0046] In certain embodiments, the channel 106 may be shaped to
substantially conform with the shape of the arm 204. Thus, for
example, one or more of a height, length, width, or curvature of
the arm 204 may be shaped to conform with the channel 106. Thus,
for example, the arm 204 may be curved to conform with at least a
portion of the C-shaped curvature of the channel 106. In certain
such embodiments, the eyewear 202 may be configured to complement
the helmet 100 and/or vice versa (e.g., the shape of the arm 204
and/or the shaped of the channel 106 may be configured to include
complementary geometry). Thus, the eyewear 202 and the helmet 100
may be configured to form the helmet assembly 200.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a portion of the helmet
of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As
shown in FIG. 6, the channel 106 may be defined by sidewalls on,
for example, the top, bottom, and forward end of the channel 106.
Thus, the channel 106 may be, for example, defined as a depression
within the outer shell 102. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the
channel 106 may be curved along each of the first portion 112, the
second portion 114, and the third portion 116. Such a curved
channel 106 may retain a curved arm 204 within the channel 106. In
a certain embodiment, the channel 106 may additionally include a
compressible material disposed within the channel 106 to, for
example, further aid in holding the arm 204 within the channel
106.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with an
air deflector visor, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 7 illustrates the helmet 100 with the outer shell
102 and the visor 104. The visor 104 may include vents 118A and
118B. The vents 118A and 118B may be disposed on opposing sides of
the visor 104, but other embodiments may dispose the vents 118A and
118B on other portions of the visor 104.
[0049] The vents 118A and 118B may include vanes 120A and 120B.
Vanes 120A and 120B may be configured to deflect airflow. For
example, vanes 120A and 120B may be configured to deflect airflow
into one or more openings 108A-E. The openings 108A-C may be
openings within the outer shell 102 and air deflected into the
openings 108A-E may be contact the wearer's head to cool the
wearer's head. In certain embodiments, the openings 108A-E may be
completely open, but other embodiments may include filters, liners,
or mesh disposed within the openings 108A-E. Additionally, the
vanes 120A and 120B may be configured to deflect airflow around the
helmet 100 (e.g., to decrease drag). While vanes 120A and 120B are
shown in FIG. 7, other embodiments may include any number of vanes.
Each of the vanes may aid in deflecting airflow into the openings
108A-E, around the helmet 100, and/or to other portions of the
helmet 100.
[0050] The deflection of such airflow may be illustrated in FIG. 8.
FIG. 8 shows a top view of the helmet and air deflector visor of
FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown
in FIG. 8, the vents 118A and 118B of the visor 104 may be
configured to deflect airflow into openings 108A and 108B along
airflow paths 124A and 124B, respectively, and/or around the helmet
100 along airflow paths 122A and 122B, respectively.
[0051] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart detailing a method of using the
helmet of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 9 may illustrate a technique of coupling and
holding eyewear with the helmet of FIG. 1.
[0052] In block 902, the helmet may be worn by a wearer. Thus, for
example, the helmet, including the liners and the outer shell, may
be disposed around at least a portion of the wearer's head. The
helmet may also be strapped to the wearer or otherwise secured to
the wearer's head.
[0053] In block 904, eyewear may be disposed on and coupled to the
helmet. For example, the arms of the eyewear may be inserted into
the channels of the outer shell of the helmet. In certain
embodiments, the channel and/or the arms may include features to
provide haptic feedback to the wearer that the arms are fully
inserted (e.g., through bottoming of the arms against the channel
and/or through a decrease in insertion force such as when the
C-shaped geometries of the channel and the arms are aligned).
[0054] In block 906, the eyewear may be held relative to the
helmet. Thus, for example, the channels may include one or more
features to hold the eyewear relative to the helmet unless a force
is applied to the eyewear to remove the eyewear from the
helmet.
[0055] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart detailing a method of using the
air deflector visor, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. In block 1002, the helmet may be disposed around the
wearer's head and worn by the wearer, similar to that in block
902.
[0056] In block 1004, airflow may be diverted by vents of the
visor. For example, the vents may include vanes that are configured
to divert airflow. Airflow may be diverted around the helmet to
decrease drag, or diverted into one or more openings of the helmet.
If the airflow is diverted into the openings of the helmet, the
airflow may cool the wearer in block 1006.
[0057] While the invention has been described in detail in
connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be
readily understood that the invention is not limited to such
disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to
incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or
equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are
commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention.
Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may
include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing
description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *