ADJUSTABLE HELMET

Abstract

An adjustable helmet includes a first shell, a second shell, and a size adjustment mechanism. The first shell includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The second shell is positioned between the first side portion and the second side portion. The first side portion and the second side portion of the first shell (a) at least partially overlap the second shell and (b) are laterally flexible with respect to one another to facilitate adjusting a size of the first shell between a minimum size and a maximum size. The size adjustment mechanism includes a tensioner extending between the first side portion and the second side portion. The size adjustment mechanism facilitates ratchet-less and infinite adjustment of the size of the first shell between the minimum size and the maximum size without requiring user manipulation of the size adjustment mechanism.

Claims

1. An adjustable helmet comprising: a first shell including: a first side portion; and a second side portion; a second shell positioned between the first side portion and the second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion of the first shell (a) at least partially overlap the second shell and (b) are laterally flexible with respect to one another to facilitate adjusting a size of the first shell between a minimum size and a maximum size; and a size adjustment mechanism including a tensioner extending between the first side portion and the second side portion, wherein the size adjustment mechanism facilitates ratchet-less and infinite adjustment of the size of the first shell between the minimum size and the maximum size without requiring user manipulation of the size adjustment mechanism.

2. The adjustable helmet of claim 1, wherein the tensioner includes an elastic cord having a first end coupled to a first interface of the first side portion and an opposing second end coupled to a second interface of the second side portion.

3. The adjustable helmet of claim 2, wherein the second shell defines a third interface, wherein the elastic cord extends from the first interface of the first side portion to the third interface of the second shell and from the third interface of the second shell to the second interface of the second side portion.

4. The adjustable helmet of claim 3, wherein the third interface is vertically offset from the first interface and the second interface.

5. The adjustable helmet of claim 4, wherein the elastic cord passes over and is supported by the third interface.

6. The adjustable helmet of claim 2, wherein the first interface is a first opening defined by the first side portion and the second interface is a second opening defined by the second side portion, further comprising: a first fastener extending through the first opening and engaging with the first end of the elastic cord; and a second fastener extending through the second opening and engaging with the opposing second end of the elastic cord.

7. The adjustable helmet of claim 6, wherein the second shell includes: a first wing extending laterally from a first edge thereof, the first wing defining a first slot that aligns with the first opening of the first side portion and receives the first fastener; and a second wing extending laterally from an opposing second edge thereof, the second wing defining a second slot that aligns with the second opening of the second side portion and receives the second fastener.

8. The adjustable helmet of claim 1, wherein the first shell defines a cutout that separates the first side portion and the second side portion, and wherein the second shell is positioned along the cutout.

9. The adjustable helmet of claim 8, wherein the second shell defines a plurality of vents, and wherein the plurality of vents are exposed through the cutout.

10. The adjustable helmet of claim 8, wherein the first shell has a tab that extends into the cutout, wherein the second shell defines an interface that engages with the tab, and wherein the interface and the tab define corresponding openings that receive a fastener to couple the interface to the tab.

11. The adjustable helmet of claim 1, wherein the second shell includes a plurality of protrusions extending from a surface thereof, and wherein the plurality of protrusions are positioned to engage corresponding surfaces of the first side portion and the second side portion to limit contact and, thereby, friction between the surface of the second shell and the corresponding surfaces of the first side portion and the second side portion.

12. An adjustable helmet comprising: a first shell including: a first side portion defining a first opening; and a second side portion defining a second opening; a second shell positioned between the first side portion and the second side portion, the second shell including: a first wing extending laterally from a first edge thereof, the first wing defining a first slot that aligns with the first opening of the first side portion; and a second wing extending laterally from an opposing second edge thereof, the second wing defining a second slot that aligns with the second opening of the second side portion; a first fastener extending through the first opening of the first side portion of the first shell and the first slot of the first wing of the second shell; a second fastener extending through the second opening of the second side portion of the first shell and the second slot of the second wing of the second shell; and an elastic tensioner extending between the first fastener and the second fastener.

13. The adjustable helmet of claim 12, wherein the second shell defines an interface vertically offset from the first slot and the second slot, wherein the elastic tensioner extends from the first fastener, around the interface, and to the second fastener.

14. The adjustable helmet of claim 12, wherein the arrangement of the first shell, the second shell, and the elastic tensioner facilitates adjustment of a size of the first shell between a minimum size and a maximum size.

15. The adjustable helmet of claim 14, wherein the adjustable helmet does not include a ratchet mechanism or a locking mechanism to hold the size of the first shell at one or more discrete sizes between the minimum size and the maximum size.

16. The adjustable helmet of claim 14, wherein the size of the first shell is infinitely adjustable between the minimum size and the maximum size.

17. The adjustable helmet of claim 14, wherein the size of the first shell adjusts to fit a head of a wearer in response to the head of the wearer being inserted therein without requiring the wearer to manipulate a size adjustment mechanism.

18. An adjustable helmet comprising: a multi-piece shell having an infinitely adjustable size between a minimum size and a maximum size.

19. The adjustable helmet of claim 18, wherein the infinitely adjustable size of the multi-piece shell adjusts to fit a head of a wearer in response to the head of the wearer being inserted therein without requiring the wearer to manipulate a size adjustment mechanism.

20. The adjustable helmet of claim 18, wherein the adjustable helmet does not include a ratchet mechanism or a locking mechanism to hold the multi-piece shell at a discrete size.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example adjustable helmet.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example adjustable helmet.

[0020] FIG. 3A illustrates a rear perspective view of an example adjustable helmet in a first configuration.

[0021] FIG. 3B illustrates a rear perspective view of an example adjustable helmet of FIG. 1 in a second configuration.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear plan view of an adjustable helmet.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates an interior view of an adjustable helmet.

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example main shell of an adjustable helmet.

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example secondary shell of an adjustable helmet.

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example padding arrangement for an adjustable helmet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this document, the term “comprising” (or “comprises”) means “including (or includes), but not limited to.” When used in this document, the term “exemplary” is intended to mean “by way of example” and is not intended to indicate that a particular exemplary item is preferred or required.

[0028] In this document, when terms such “first” and “second” are used to modify a noun, such use is simply intended to distinguish one item from another, and is not intended to require a sequential order unless specifically stated. The terms “approximately” and “about” when used in connection with a numeric value, is intended to include values that are close to, but not exactly, the number. For example, in some embodiments, the term “approximately” may include values that are within +/−10 percent of the value.

[0029] When used in this document, terms such as “top” and “bottom,” “upper” and “lower”, “front” and “rear”, or “outer” and “inner,” are not intended to have absolute orientations but are instead intended to describe relative positions of various components with respect to each other. For example, a first component may be an “upper” component and a second component may be a “lower” component when a device of which the components are a part is oriented in a first direction. The relative orientations of the components may be reversed, or the components may be on the same plane, if the orientation of the structure that contains the components is changed. The claims are intended to include all orientations of a device containing such components.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, an adjustable helmet 10 in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure is illustrated. In the embodiments shown throughout, adjustable helmet 10 is configured as a batting helmet for use as part of a sporting activity, such as, for example, baseball and/or softball. However, it is to be understood that the various systems and configurations described in this document are not limited to use in batting helmets, and may be applied to helmets for other sports (e.g., hockey, football, lacrosse, cricket, cycling, auto racing, etc.) and/or helmets for use in other, non-sport applications (e.g., protective helmets for construction, emergency responders, etc.).

[0031] The adjustable helmet 10 includes a main shell 12 and a secondary shell 29. As will be described in further detail below, secondary shell 29 may be formed separately from main shell 12 and may be coupled to the main shell so as to allow movement of the shells relative to one another. Both main shell 12 and secondary shell 29 may be formed of any appropriate material such as, e.g., ABS injection-molded plastic, polypropylene, etc., and may be of any appropriate thickness (e.g., 2 mm-5 mm). However, it is to be understood that main shell 12 and secondary shell 29 may be formed of different materials and/or have differing thicknesses. Additionally, each of the main shell 12 and/or secondary shell 29 may vary in thickness throughout to allow for regions of greater impact strength, greater flexibility, etc.

[0032] Main shell 12 may include a brim portion 14 and a pair of ear flaps 16 having ear holes 18. While a pair of ear flaps 16 are shown, it is to be understood that main shell 12 may be configured with fewer than two ear flaps 16 (e.g., one ear flap or no ear flaps). Additionally, each ear flap 16 may include a plurality of mounting holes 17 for the selective attachment of, e.g., cheek guard(s), strap(s), a face mask, etc. Moreover, it is understood that main shell 12 may not have a brim or may have an alternate style of brim than that illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0033] Referring still to FIGS. 1-2, main shell 12 may include two respective side portions: a first side portion 20A and a second side portion 20B. Proximate to a front area of the main shell 12, respective juncture regions 21A, 21B are formed. Each juncture region 21A, 21B may be configured as a cut-out in the main shell 12, which allows the respective first side portion 20A and second side portion 20B to flex laterally with respect to other portions of the main shell 12, as well as with respect to the secondary shell 29. As will be described in further detail below, such lateral flexibility enables the helmet 10 to be adjustable in size. In various embodiments, one or more of the juncture regions 21A, 21B may have a curved configuration. In other embodiments, one or more of the juncture regions 21A, 21B may have a different shape or configuration.

[0034] As each juncture region 21A, 21B may be curved, lateral flex of the respective side portions 20A, 20B to a certain maximum point is achievable without splitting or otherwise damaging the main shell 12. For example, referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, helmet 10 is shown in both its least expanded configuration (FIG. 3A) and its most expanded configuration (FIG. 3B), with the respective side portions 20A, 20B flexing laterally inward or outward depending upon the proportions of the user's head. As a user slides helmet 10 over his or her head, side portions 20A, 20B flex accordingly, providing the user with an infinitely adjustable fit between the smallest configuration and the largest configuration. In some embodiments, the determination of the least expanded configuration and the most expanded configuration may be based on commonly-utilized hat sizes. For example, the least expanded configuration (FIG. 3A) may be based on a hat size of 6⅜, while the most expanded configuration (FIG. 3B) may be based on a hat size of 7⅝, with the helmet 10 being infinitely adjustable to any head size within that range. However, it is to be understood that the determination of smallest configuration and largest configuration is not limited to these stated ranges.

[0035] Referring back to FIGS. 1-2, secondary shell 29 may include a crest portion 22. The crest portion 22 may be raised relative to the remainder of secondary shell 29 by a pair of side surfaces 28A, 28B such that the crest portion is substantially flush with the outer surfaces of side portions 20A, 20B of the main shell 12. The main shell 12 may itself be raised relative to the secondary shell 29 by side portions 32A, 32B. Crest portion 22 may include an opening 24 for the insertion of a fastener (not shown) to couple the secondary shell 29 to the main shell 12. Any appropriate fastener may be utilized, such as, e.g., a screw, a rivet, etc. The secondary shell 29 may further include one or more ventilation openings 30 substantially adjacent the crest portion 22 to allow air to enter the helmet 10 through the secondary shell 29. The secondary shell 29 may extend from the crest portion 22 to a bottom portion 31, with bottom portion 31 extending as low (or substantially as low) as the side portions 20A, 20B so as to provide adequate protection to the back of the user's head.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and FIG. 4, main shell 12 may include a pair of inset portions 26. Each inset portion 26 may include one or more ventilation openings 27. The inner surface of inset portions 26 may be substantially flush with the inner surface of secondary shell 29, thereby allowing any padding attached within a top inner portion of the helmet 10 to be of a consistent thickness and depth for improved fit and user comfort.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a pair of fasteners 33A, 33B may be coupled to (and extend through) respective side portions 20A, 20B of the main shell 12. More specifically, the fasteners 33A, 33B may extend through respective openings 45A, 45B formed in main shell 12, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The fasteners 33A, 33B may be any appropriate fastener such as, e.g., a screw. As will be described in further detail below, the fasteners 33A, 33B may form part of a tensioning device used to enable the side portions 20A, 20B to laterally flex, yet still provide a secure and comfortable fit of the helmet 10 on the user's head. Although a pair of fasteners 33A, 33B is illustrated, it is understood that an alternate number of fasteners may be used within the scope of this disclosure.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, an interior view of helmet 10 is shown. As noted above, the helmet 10 includes a tensioning device 40 which enables expansion and contraction of the side portions 20A, 20B, while providing a substantially equal compression force, regardless of the head size of the user. In some embodiments, tensioning device 40 may include an elastic tension cord 36 which extends between, and is coupled to, respective interior components 44A, 44B, which are coupled to fasteners 33A, 33B. One or more of the interior components 44A, 44B may be a nut according to various embodiments. A pair of connectors 39A, 39B (e.g., shoulder screws) may be utilized to retain the looped ends 38A, 38B of tension cord 36 such that the tension cord 36 moves in concert with any flexing of side portions 20A, 20B. The tension cord 36 may be any appropriate size and material (e.g., 3/32 inch diameter abrasion-resistant elastic cord), and the looped ends 38A, 38B may be formed through any appropriate method (e.g., deburred crimp wire). In some embodiments, the tension cord 36 may have a length of, e.g., between 3-4 inches. Additionally, while a tension cord 36 is shown and described, it is to be understood that any other appropriate tensioning device may be utilized, such as, e.g., one or more rubber bands, one or more springs, etc. An another example, a tensioning device may include a molded rubber or a thermoplastic polyurethane component.

[0039] A central portion of tensioning device 40 is configured to contact an alignment component 42 which is affixed to an interior surface of secondary shell 29 at a mounting point 43. An alignment component 42 may be a nut according to an embodiment. For example, a central portion of tensioning device 40 may pass over or be supported by alignment component 42. The alignment component 42 may not physically retain or obstruct movement of tensioning device 40. Instead, alignment component 42 may act as a centering point such that tension placed on the respective side portions 20A, 20B by the tensioning device 40 is substantially equal. Additionally, as is shown in FIG. 5, the alignment component 42 may be located vertically above than interior components 44A, 44B, which allows tensioning device 40 to be greater in length than if it were to pass directly between interior components 44A, 44B. With the longer tensioning device 40, the variance in elasticity force between the tensioning device 40 at its maximum point (i.e., the largest size configuration shown in FIG. 3B) and its minimum point (i.e., the smallest size configuration shown in FIG. 3A) is minimal. For example, in the smallest size configuration, the tensioning device 40 may have a force preload of, e.g., about 1 lb., while in the largest size configuration, the tensioning device may have a force of e.g., 3 lb. or less. Accordingly, all users, regardless of head size, will experience similar compression forces and, thus, similar levels of fit and comfort, as the above-stated variances in compression forces have been found to be nearly imperceptible to the user.

[0040] Referring still to FIG. 5, proximate to the bottom portion 31, secondary shell 29 may include a pair of opposing wings 34A, 34B. Each wing 34A, 34B may have a respective elongated track 35A, 35B formed therethrough. A portion of the respective track hardware assemblies 52A, 52B (which are comprised of the fasteners 33A, 33B, the interior components 44A, 44B, and the connectors 39A, 39B) extends through the respective track 35A, 35B. In this way, tracks 35A, 35B may define both the minimum and maximum adjustment limits for the helmet 10. In some embodiments, at least a portion of each track hardware assembly 52A, 52B may be configured to be cylindrical (or substantially cylindrical), which may enable that portion of the track hardware assembly to freely and smoothly ride through the tracks 35A, 35B during the user's fitting of the helmet 10.

[0041] In some embodiments, one or more tracks 35A, 35B may be angled in a downward direction from the proximal end of the wings 34A, 34B (i.e., the ends closest to the center of secondary shell 29) to the proximal end of the wings 34A, 34B (i.e., the ends farthest from the center of the secondary shell 29). As the respective side portions 20A, 20B flex to accommodate a user's head, this angulation of the tracks 35A, 35B may act to lift the bottom portion 31 of secondary shell 29 in an upward direction. In this way, any vertical gap formed between the outer surface of secondary shell 29 and the inner surface of main shell 12 due to the flexing/separation of side portions 20A, 20B may be accounted for (and closed) with corresponding upward movement of the secondary shell 29 by way of the track hardware's contact with the angled tracks 35A, 35B. As the secondary shell 29 may only be affixed to the main shell 12 at one point, such movement may be made possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, main shell 12 may include a tab 48 having an opening 49. The crest portion 22 may be coupled to the tab 48 by way of, e.g., a fastener extending through opening 24 (shown in FIG. 1) and opening 49. Alternatively, the secondary shell 29 may be coupled to main shell 12 by non-fastener means (e.g., an adhesive), or the secondary shell may be integrally formed (or molded) with the main shell at or near the location of tab 48.

[0042] As a user initially places helmet 10 on his or her head, the side portions 20A, 20B may flex laterally, causing the fasteners 33A, 33B (and coupled interior components 44A, 44B) to move correspondingly relative to the tracks 35A, 35B. Such movement of components 44A, 44B may cause the coupled tensioning device 40 to extend, slightly increasing the tension forces on tensioning device. Once the user finalizes placement of the helmet 10 on his or her head, the tension forces from tensioning device 40 may act on the interior components 44A, 44B (and coupled fasteners 33A, 33B) to pull the side portions 20A, 20B inward so as to create a secure and comfortable fit on the user's head without the need for ratcheting mechanisms, locking mechanisms, etc.

[0043] While the use of only one tensioning device is shown and described in this disclosure, it is to be understood that more than one tensioning device (and, therefore, additional track hardware assemblies, additional wings, additional elongated tracks, and/or other components) may be utilized in accordance with one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 7, a detailed view of the outer surface of an example secondary shell 29 is shown. As described above, the secondary shell 29 may be inset relative to the main shell 12, and side portions 20A, 20B of main shell 12 may flex laterally relative to the secondary shell 29. Specifically, side portions 20A, 20B may move laterally relative to respective top surfaces 50A, 50B of secondary shell 29. In order to minimize frictional forces between the side portions 20A, 20B of main shell 12 and the top surfaces 50A, 50B of the secondary shell 29, the secondary shell 29 may include one or more protrusions 46A, 46B. The purpose of protrusions 46A, 46B is to provide a purposeful friction surface between the main shell 12 and the secondary shell 29. This friction surface may limit the friction area between the two shells and may allow for smoother movement of the side portions 20A, 20B over the top surfaces 50A, 50B of the secondary shell 29. While two protrusions 46A, 46B are shown, it is to be understood that additional or fewer protrusions 46A, 46B may be utilized.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 8, an example padding arrangement 60 in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure is shown. One or more pads in padding arrangement 60 may be formed of any appropriate material, such as, e.g., ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, polyurethane (PU) die-cut comfort foam, and/or combinations thereof. Additionally, the pads in the padding arrangement may have the same or varying thicknesses. The padding arrangement 60 may include a frontal padding stack 62, a top padding stack 64, and/or one or more ear pads 65. In use with helmet 10 described above, frontal padding stack 62 and/or ear pad(s) 65 may be configured to be adhered to at least a portion of the main shell 12. Such adhesion may be by any appropriate method such as, e.g., gluing, taping, etc. Accordingly, frontal padding stack 62 and/or ear pad(s) 65 may be capable of moving in concert with the movement of side portions 20A, 20B of main shell 12, thus ensuring a secure and proper fit for the user. The top padding stack 64 may be configured to be adhered to at least a portion of the main shell 12, at least a portion of the secondary shell 29, and/or at least a portion of both the main shell and the secondary shell.

[0046] Additionally, padding arrangement 60 may include a rear padding stack 66. The rear padding stack 66 may be configured to be adhered to the secondary shell 29. Accordingly, rear padding stack 66 may be capable of movement in concert with the secondary shell 29. The geometry of the secondary shell 29 may allow for the rear padding stack 66 to be positioned within the main shell 12.

[0047] As is further shown in FIG. 8, rear padding stack 66 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the tensioning device 40 described above, while not interfering with the operation of tensioning device. The rear padding stack 66 may include a lower adhesion surface 68 which may be configured to adhere to, e.g., the lower portion 31 of secondary shell 29, while an upper adhesion surface 67 may be provided for the rear padding stack 66 to be adhered to the secondary shell 29 at a location above the tensioning device 40. In this way, the tensioning device 40 may be able to operate without interference, and the user may not feel or otherwise detect the presence of the various components of the tensioning device 40 due to the overlaid padding. The rear padding stack 66 may cover substantially the entire rear of helmet 10, the main 12 and secondary 29 shells, at all adjustment configurations.

[0048] In various embodiments, the adhesion points of the rear padding stack 66 may be positioned so that the wings 34A, 34B of the secondary shell 29 can flex and not collide with the track hardware assembly 52A, 52B as the helmet 10 is adjusted.

[0049] While rear padding stack 66 is illustrated as a single padding stack having two adhesion surfaces, it is to be understood that rear padding stack 66 may be formed as two (or more) separate padding stacks. It is also understood that alternate padding arrangements and/or configurations may be used with the adjustable helmet 10 described in this disclosure in various embodiments.

[0050] As noted above, the adjustable helmet 10 described in this document is configured as a batting helmet for use in, e.g., baseball and/or softball. However, it is to be understood that the various systems and configurations described in this document (including the tensioning device 40) are not limited to use in batting helmets, and may be applied to helmets for other sports (e.g., hockey, football, lacrosse, cricket, cycling, auto racing, etc.) and/or helmets for use in other, non-sport applications (e.g., protective helmets for construction, emergency responders, etc.).

[0051] The features and functions described above, as well as alternatives, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.