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.
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 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 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 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
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 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.
