SPORTS HELMET

Abstract

The present invention discloses a sports helmet. The helmet comprises a rigid shell defining a cavity configured to fit over a user's head, a frame pivotally connected to the shell via a linkage, a wire mesh attached to the frame and adapted to extend across the user's face. The wire mesh comprises an opening transversely extending across the user's eyes. A transparent eye shield is disposed at the opening of the mesh. The eye shield comprises holes to prevent accumulation of fog and allow airflow to provide clear vision to the user. A shock absorber is disposed at an interior side of a bottom portion of the wire mesh. The shock absorber is configured to conform onto the facial contour of the user upon impact with an object and mitigate effect of impact force. Further, concussion sensors are embedded in the helmet configured to detect impact to identify concussive injuries.

Claims

1. A sports helmet, comprising: a rigid shell defining a cavity configured to fit over a user's head; a frame pivotally connected to the shell via a linkage, wherein the frame is configured to support a wire mesh, wherein the wire mesh is adapted to extend across the user's face, wherein the wire mesh comprises an opening transversely extending across the user's eyes; a transparent eye shield detachably attached at the opening of the mesh; at least one chin shock absorber disposed at an interior side of a bottom portion of the wire mesh, wherein the chin shock absorber is configured to conform onto the facial contour of the user upon impact with an object and mitigate an effect of impact force, and one or more concussion sensors embedded in the helmet configured to detect impact to identify concussive injuries.

2. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the shell is composed of a lightweight, high-impact-resistant polymer and a multi-layered construction for enhanced durability and protection, wherein the shell comprises at least one slot to receive a wireless communication device, and wherein the slot enables to receive or remove the wireless communication device without removing the helmet from the user's head.

3. The sports helmet of claim 2, wherein the slot comprises a spring-loaded mechanism and waterproof sealing to accommodate a variety of wireless communication device sizes and shapes and allow easy insertion and removal.

4. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the concussion sensor is in communication with an electronic monitoring system, wherein the electronic monitoring system is configured to alert at least one of the user and a third party on detecting a potential concussive impact, and wherein the concussion sensor utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module for efficient and continuous communication with low power consumption.

5. The sports helmet of claim 4, wherein the electronic monitoring system comprises a wireless transmitter for sending alerts to a remote receiver.

6. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the eye shield comprises one or more holes to prevent accumulation of fog and allow airflow to provide a clear vision to the user, and wherein the eye shield comprises anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings, UV protection, and a curvature designed to match the user's field of vision without distortion.

7. The sports helmet of claim 1, further comprises an adjustable strap assembly to secure the helmet to the user's head, wherein the adjustable strap assembly is made of reinforced nylon with a quick-release buckle with micro-adjustment assembly for precise fitting, and a cushion layer formed at an interior surface of the shell and mesh, wherein the cushion layer comprises a moisture-wicking material to enhance comfort and reduce sweat accumulation, wherein the cushion layer has a variable thickness throughout the shell and mesh, wherein the cushion layer lined with advanced hydrophobic fabric is placed in high-sweat areas for moisture management.

8. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the wire mesh is pivotally connected to the shell, and wherein the wire mesh has an oval shaped configuration with a honeycomb structure for enhanced visibility and strength and made from corrosion-resistant coated steel.

9. The sports helmet of claim 1, enables to pivotally move the wire mesh between an open position and a closed position.

10. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the shell is configured to cover at least half of the user's head and forehead while exposing jawline and chin portion of the user.

11. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the eye shield comprises a snap-fit configuration for easy attachment and detachment to the wire mesh.

12. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the chin shock absorber comprises a chin pad disposed at the frame, a coil spring extending between the chin pad and the wire mesh.

13. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the linkage comprises a front linkage pivot and a rear linkage pivot.

14. The sports helmet of claim 1, further comprises: at least one temple shock absorber at two opposing sides of the helmet, wherein the temple shock absorber is disposed between the frame and the wire mesh to mitigate the effect of impact force; a chin slide and a chin slide release, wherein the chin slide enables to adjust at least one of tightness and position of chin cup or strap to ensure a comfortable and secure fit while wearing the helmet, wherein the chin slide release enables to detach or release the chin strap or cup; a ratchet strap and a ratchet knob with a ratcheting mechanism, wherein the ratchet knob enables incremental adjustments by tightening or loosening the ratchet strap; a manual strap enables to manually adjusted and secure the strap by the user; a lens lever configured to enable adjustment of the transparent eye shield; a padding pump enable to adjust the cushion layer, wherein the padding pump includes a pump mechanism that, when activated, inflates or deflates specific padding sections within the helmet to enhance comfort and optimize the fit for the user; an ear pad attachment for receiving an ear pad, and a position lock pin with a spring-loaded push-button mechanism, wherein the position lock pin is configured to allow quick and secure locking and unlocking of the wire mesh in multiple positions, wherein the sports helmet is a catcher's mask.

15. The sports helmet of claim 1, is configured to cover at least a portion of the user's head including temporal, frontal, and parietal regions while leaving the lower mandibular area exposed for mobility.

16. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the shock absorbers are made from high-density foam to absorb and dissipate impact forces away from sensitive areas including jaw and temples of the user.

17. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein each shock absorber comprises a layered structure of viscoelastic material and memory foam to distribute impact force evenly and revert to an original shape post-impact.

18. The sports helmet of claim 14, wherein the ratchet knob is an ergonomically designed ratchet knob configured to allow one-handed operation and precise adjustment increments for optimal fit and comfort.

19. The sports helmet of claim 14, wherein the padding pump comprises an inflation bulb configured to allow the user to selectively inflate or deflate different sections of the padding for a customized fit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a side view of the sports helmet, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2A exemplarily illustrates a faceguard of the sports helmet of FIG. 1 in a fully open position.

[0018] FIG. 2B exemplarily illustrates a faceguard of the sports helmet of FIG. 1 in a partially open position.

[0019] FIG. 3A exemplarily illustrates the sports helmet of FIG. 1 before the impact of an object.

[0020] FIG. 3B exemplarily illustrates the sports helmet of FIG. 1 after the impact of the object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3B, the sports helmet 100 comprises a rigid shell 102, a wire mesh 104 and a frame 140 configured to support the wire mesh 104. The rigid shell 102 comprises a cavity configured to fit over a user's head. In one embodiment, the sports helmet 100 is a catcher's mask. The user is also referred as a catcher throughout the specification. The shell 102 extends from the rear half of the user's head to the forehead of the user's head. The shell 102 is designed to leave the jawline and chin portion of the user exposed to allow the user to freely speak and shout directions without obstruction. The lack of chin and jaw coverage also permits ambient sounds from the field to reach the catcher's ears. This improves spatial awareness and allows the catcher to hear instructions from coaches and communicate with a pitcher. The shell 102 is composed of a lightweight, high-impact-resistant polymer, featuring a multi-layered construction for enhanced durability and protection. The helmet 100 covers 60% of the user's head, specifically shaped to protect the temporal, frontal, and parietal regions while leaving the lower mandibular area exposed for mobility.

[0023] The frame 140 is pivotally connected to the shell 102 via a linkage 150. The frame 140 pivotally connected at two opposing side portions of the shell 102. The linkage 150 comprises a front linkage pivot 152 and a rear linkage pivot 154. The wire mesh 104 extends across the face of the user. The wire mesh 104 is a faceguard for protecting the face of the user. The wire mesh 104 further comprises an opening 106. The opening 106 extends transversely across the eyes of the user. The sports helmet 100 further comprises a transparent eye shield 108 disposed at the opening 106 of the wire mesh 104. The eye shield 108 further comprises one or more holes 112 to prevent accumulation of fog and allow airflow to provide a clear vision to the user. The holes 112 are arranged in a pattern that maximizes airflow while minimizing structural weakness in the eye shield 108. In one embodiment, the eye shield 108 comprises a snap-fit configuration for easy attachment and detachment to the wire mesh 104.

[0024] Further, the eye shield 108 is configured to protect the eyes of the user from dust and debris. In one embodiment, the eye shield 108 is detachably attached to the wire mesh 104. The eye shield 108 could be detached and replaced with a new unit of the eye shield 108. In one embodiment, the eye shield 108 comprises anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings, UV protection, and a curvature designed to match the user's field of vision without distortion.

[0025] The frame 140 comprises two opposing side portions, which is pivotally connected to two opposing side portion of the shell 102. The wire mesh 140 is attached over the frame 140. The wire mesh 104 is substantially oval shaped to fully protect the face. The wire mesh 104 extends from the forehead of the user and beyond the chin of the user. The wire mesh 104 provides unobstructed vision and breathing to the user. In one embodiment, the wire mesh 104 is constructed of durable and lightweight stainless steel wire mesh. The wire mesh 104 has an oval-shape with a honeycomb structure for enhanced visibility and strength. The wire mesh 104 is made from corrosion-resistant coated steel.

[0026] The helmet 100 further comprises a shock absorber 110. The shock absorber 110 is disposed at an interior side of the bottom portion of the wire mesh 104. The shock absorber 110 is configured to conform onto the facial contour of the user upon receiving an impact and mitigate the effect of impact force. In one embodiment, the shock absorber 110 comprises viscoelastic material. The shock absorber 110 is also referred as chin shock absorber 110.

[0027] The shock absorber 110 comprises a chin pad 114 and a coil spring 116 extending between the chin pad 114 and the wire mesh 104. The chin pad 114 is fixed to the frame 140. The helmet 100 further comprises one or more concussion sensors. In one embodiment, at least one concussion sensor is embedded in a sensor pad 120. The concussion sensor is configured to track impact force to identify concussive injuries. The concussion sensor utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module for efficient and continuous communication with low power consumption.

[0028] The helmet 100 further comprises a lens lever 146. The lens lever 146 is configured to enable adjustment of the transparent eye shield 108. The helmet 100 further comprises a chin slide 142 and a chin slide release 144. The chin slide 142 enables the catcher to adjust the tightness or position of a chin cup or strap to ensure a comfortable and secure fit while wearing the helmet 100 during the game.

[0029] The chin slide release 144 is configured to enable the user to activate to quickly detach or release the chin strap or cup. In one embodiment, the chin slide release 144 in a sliding mechanism. In another embodiment, the chine slide release 144 includes at least one of button or lever system.

[0030] The helmet 100 further comprises an electronic monitoring system. The electronic monitoring system is in communication with the concussion sensor. The electronic monitoring system is configured to receive data related to impacts detected by the concussion sensor. The electronic monitoring system is configured to alert the user of the helmet 100 or any other third party on detecting a potential concussive impact. The electronic monitoring system includes a wireless transmitter for sending alerts to a remote receiver.

[0031] The helmet 100 further comprises an adjustable strap assembly. In one embodiment, the adjustable strap assembly is disposed at the rear portion of the shell. The strap assembly comprises a tension strap, a tension knob and an adjustment strap. The adjustable strap assembly enables to secure the helmet 100 to the user's head. In one embodiment, the adjustment strap is a stainless-steel strap. The adjustable strap assembly is configured to provide stability to the helmet when worn by the user. The adjustable strap assembly is made of reinforced nylon with a quick-release buckle with micro-adjustment assembly for precise fitting.

[0032] The helmet 100 further comprises a cushion layer formed at an interior surface of the shell 102 and wire mesh 104. The cushion layer comprises a moisture-wicking material to enhance comfort and reduce sweat accumulation. In one embodiment, the cushion layer is a coiled foam padding. The cushioning layer is configured to cushion the user's forehead, temples, cheekbones, and chin from foul ball impacts. The cushion layer has a variable thickness throughout the shell 102 and wire mesh 104. In one embodiment, the density of the cushion layer is thicker at vulnerable areas such as forehead and chin. The cushion layer lined with advanced hydrophobic fabric is strategically placed in high-sweat areas for optimal moisture management.

[0033] The shell 102 further comprises at least one slot to receive a wireless communication device. The slot enables to receive or remove the wireless communication device without removing the helmet 100 from the user's head. The wireless communication device enables the user to communicate with any other third party. The wireless communication device comprises a wireless earpiece and receiver, which allows the user to hear play calls and directions from the manager without obstruction. In one embodiment, the slot comprises a spring-loaded mechanism and waterproof sealing. The slot is configured to accommodate a variety of wireless communication device sizes and shapes and allow easy insertion and removal.

[0034] The helmet 100 further comprises a temple shock absorber 148. The temple shock absorber 148 extends between the frame 140 and the wire mesh 104 to mitigate the effect of impact force. The helmet 100 further comprises an ear pad attachment 156 for receiving an ear pad. The shock absorber (110, 148) comprises a layered structure of viscoelastic material and memory foam to distribute impact force evenly and revert to an original shape post-impact. In one embodiment, the chin shock absorber 110 and the temple shock absorber 148 are made from high-density foam, strategically positioned to absorb and dissipate impact forces away from sensitive areas like the jaw and temples.

[0035] The helmet 100 further comprises a ratchet strap 158, a ratchet knob 160, a padding pump 162, a helmet cup 164 and a manual strap 166. The ratchet knob 160 with a ratcheting mechanism enables incremental adjustments by tightening or loosening the ratchet strap 158 in small increments, providing a more customized and secure fit around the user's head. The ergonomically designed ratchet knob 160 enables one-handed operation and precise adjustment increments for optimal fit and comfort. The padding pump 162 allows for adjusting an internal padding. The padding pump 162 includes a pump mechanism that, when activated, inflates or deflates specific padding sections within the helmet to enhance comfort or optimize the fit for the user. The padding pump comprises an inflation bulb configured to allow the user to selectively inflate or deflate different sections of the padding for a customized fit.

[0036] The helmet cup 164 is a part of a structure of the shell 102. The helmet cup 164 covers and protects a part of the user's head. It provides structural integrity and protection against impacts or collisions during sports activities.

[0037] The helmet 100 further comprises a manual strap 166. The manual strap 166 could be manually adjusted and secured by the user. The manual strap 166 enables to secure the helmet 100 in a snug fit, working alongside the ratchet strap 158 for added stability. Referring to FIG. 2A, the frame 140 and the wire mesh 104 of the helmet 100 in a fully open position using the front linkage pivot 152. The helmet 100 further comprises a position lock pin with a spring-loaded push-button mechanism. The position lock pin is configured to allow quick and secure locking and unlocking of the wire mesh in multiple positions. Referring to FIG. 2B, the frame 140 and the wire mesh 104 of the helmet 100 in a partially open position using the front linkage pivot 152 and rear linkage pivot 154.

[0038] FIG. 3A exemplarily illustrates the sports helmet 100 of FIG. 1 before the impact of an object 134. FIG. 3B exemplarily illustrates the sports helmet 100 of FIG. 1 after the impact of the object 134. According to the present invention, on impact of object 134 on the helmet 100, the wire mesh 104 depresses for a predefined distance 138 against the shock absorber and a predefined distance 136 against the temple shock absorber 148. The wire mesh 104 protects the user's face, while the shock absorber 110 and the temple shock absorber 148 mitigate the effect of impact force resulting from the collision of the object with the helmet 100.

[0039] In one embodiment, a method manufacturing the helmet 100 is disclosed. At one step, a rigid shell 102 with a chinless design with a pivotable wire mesh 104 is formed. At another step, the shock absorber 110 is attached to the bottom part of the wire mesh 104. The shock absorber 110 is molded as part of the wire mesh 104 using an injection molding process. At yet another step, the slot is created to receive the earpiece. At yet another step, at least one concussion sensor is integrated within the helmet 100. The concussion sensor is embedded in the wire mesh 104 during the process of formation of the wire mesh 104. At yet another step, the transparent eye shield 108 with holes 112 is fixed to the wire mesh 104. The transparent eye shield 108 includes a snap-fit mechanism for easy attachment and detachment of the eye shield 108. In one embodiment, the eye shield comprises comprising anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings, UV protection. a curvature designed to match the user's field of vision without distortion

[0040] The helmet 100 could be sized and fitted to each player, which enables the helmet 100 to move fluidly with head movement while maintaining optimal protective coverage of the facial region. The advanced padding materials and lightweight metal alloys keep the helmet 100 comfortable and balanced on the head of the user. The helmet 100 having a chinless design provides unobstructed movement and comfort to the user.

[0041] While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system, device or component thereof to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0042] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0043] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.