External Accessory for a Helmet

Abstract

A helmet accessory removably attaches to a Type I helmet, enabling the Type I helmet to be compliant with Type II helmet requirements when attached. The helmet accessory includes an accessory body comprising a shock absorbing material and is provided around side an external circumference of the helmet. The helmet accessory protects against impact to the sides, front, and back of the helmet thereby protecting the sides, front, and back of a wearer's head..

Claims

1. An accessory for a helmet, comprising: an accessory body comprising a shock absorbing material configured to be disposed at least partially around an external circumference of the helmet; and a means for attaching the accessory body to the helmet, wherein the accessory body is configured to protect against impact to side surfaces of the helmet, wherein the accessory body is configured to be adjustably sized to fit a range of helmets by adjusting a circumference of the accessory body.

2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the means for attaching comprises a plurality of flanges configured to snap onto the helmet.

3. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing material comprises a foam material and the accessory body further comprises a plastic cover surrounding the shock absorbing material.

4. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a plurality of through holes formed through the accessory body; and the means for attaching comprises a plurality of fasteners configured to extend through the through holes.

5. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory body comprises a plastic ring attached to the shock absorbing material; the shock absorbing material comprises a foam material; and the foam material is overmolded to the plastic ring.

6. The accessory of claim 5, wherein the plastic ring comprises a first component and second component attached to the first component; and a size of the plastic ring is adjustable by adjusting the position of the first component relative to the second component.

7. The accessory of claim 6, wherein the means for attaching comprises a mount configured to attach to the helmet; and the plastic ring snaps into the mount.

8. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the means for attaching comprises an elastic band configured to stretch over the helmet.

9. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the helmet is a Type I helmet; and the accessory is configured to convert the helmet into a Type II helmet.

10. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory body is recessed in areas corresponding to an accessory slot of the helmet.

11. A helmet system, comprising: a helmet comprising an external shell configured to protect the top of the helmet from impact; and a helmet accessory configured to removably attach to the external shell, wherein the helmet accessory is configured to protect sides of the helmet from impact, wherein the helmet accessory is configured to be adjustably sized to fit a range of helmets by adjusting a circumference of the helmet accessory.

12. The helmet of claim 11, further comprising a mount attached to the helmet, wherein the helmet accessory is configured to removably attach to the helmet via the mount.

13. The helmet of claim 12, wherein the helmet accessory comprises a plastic ring and a foam material overmolded to the plastic ring.

14. The helmet of claim 13, wherein a size of the plastic ring is adjustable by adjusting the position of the first component relative to the second component.

15. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the helmet accessory is configured to removably attach to the external shell via a plurality of flanges that snap onto the helmet.

16. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the helmet comprises a Type I helmet and the helmet accessory is configured to transform the helmet into a Type II helmet upon attachment.

17. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the helmet accessory is configured to expand and contract in size.

18. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the helmet accessory comprises an elastic band configured to stretch over the helmet.

19. An accessory for a helmet, comprising: a rigid body comprising a plurality of sections, wherein each section is connected to adjacent sections by a hinge; and one or more end portions configured to removably attach to an accessory slot of the helmet, wherein the rigid body comprises a penetration preventative material.

20. The accessory of claim 19, wherein the rigid body comprises a plastic material with ribbing.

21. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory body further comprises a first component with a plurality of holes configured to removably attach to a plurality of protrusions of a second component to form a rigid band with an adjustable circumference.

22. An accessory for a helmet, comprising: an accessory body comprising a shock absorbing material configured to be disposed at least partially around an external circumference of the helmet; and one or more flanges configured to snap onto an edge of a brim of the helmet, wherein the accessory body is configured to protect against impact to side surfaces of the helmet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram depicting a helmet and a helmet accessory that couples to the helmet according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram depicting a helmet accessory according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams depicting a helmet and helmet accessory that snaps onto the helmet according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram depicting a helmet and helmet accessory comprising through holes, according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams depicting a helmet and a helmet accessory comprising an expansion ring according to an embodiment

[0028] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are schematic diagrams depicting a helmet and helmet accessory comprising a rigid band and mount according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a method for attaching a helmet accessory to a helmet.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram depicting a helmet and helmet accessory comprising an elastic band according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic diagrams depicting a helmet and helmet accessory comprising an exterior impact cap according to an embodiment.

[0032] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams depicting helmets and helmet accessories according to embodiments

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] As described above, protective helmets are categorized based on the type of impact the helmet is expected to absorb. Thus, when designing a helmet, a manufacturer may evaluate the hazards the wearer of the helmet is likely to encounter and design the helmet for protection of the either the top of the head, or both the sides and the top. For example, a helmet designed for workers on the ground in a construction zone, who are likely to encounter falling debris, may be designed specifically to protect the top of a wearer's head. This allows the designer to focus on other desirable traits such as comfort and breathability around the sides of the helmet, while still ensuring protection from the most likely sources of impact. In contrast, other workers in the construction zone may work from heights, including on scaffolding, ladders, or even suspended in the air. Helmets designed for these workers may be specifically designed to protect both the top and sides of the head because of the risk of falling, where impact could be to the top, or sides, of the head. As used herein, sides of a helmet or sides of a wearer's head refer to the a circumference encompassing front, back, and sides, as differentiated from the top of the helmet or head.

[0034] Generally, to provide standards-compliant protection to the side of the head (Type II), helmets include energy absorbing material on the interior of a helmet shell. This material takes up space on the inside of the helmet, adds weight and cost, and is often uncomfortable and hot for the wearer. Accordingly, individuals often prefer to wear Type I helmets when Type II helmets are not strictly required.

[0035] However, in many scenarios, a helmet wearer may be at varying degrees of risk at different times. For example, a construction worker on the ground may be asked to assist with something at a higher level. To ensure the worker's safety and, in certain cases, compliance with safety rules and regulations, the worker may need to change helmets to provide the protection for the top and sides of the head. This may waste time and efficiency. Moreover, individuals generally adjust their helmets to the shape and size of their heads in order to ensure proper fit and comfort. Requiring a user to change from a well-fitted helmet to a different piece of headgear may be uncomfortable and cause reduced performance. This also may require additional inventory and increases the complexity of standard operating procedures.

[0036] In embodiments described here, an accessory is provided that can attach to a helmet designed for top impact and render the helmet capable of withstanding side impact as well. In some embodiments, the accessory enables helmets designed to be compliant with Type I standards to also be complaint with Type II standards. The accessory may be easily attached to the exterior of a helmet, enabling a quick conversion and creating a Type II helmet that does not affect the internal fit or feel of the helmet.

[0037] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram depicting a helmet and helmet accessory that couples to the helmet according to an embodiment. Helmet 110 may comprise a hard exterior shell around an inner liner (not shown) The inner liner may be comprised of one or more components that interface with a wearer's head and/or provide some level protection (such as padding to provide shock absorption and adjustable straps and bands to ensure proper fit of the helmet for the wearer). In some embodiments, helmet 110 may comprise a headband with suspension webbing rather than an inner liner. The hard exterior shell may comprise a rigid or penetration preventative material such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, molded plastics, composite materials, or combinations thereof. The hard exterior shell of helmet 110 may be configured to protect against impact to the top of a wearer's head (i.e., helmet 110 may be a Type I helmet).

[0038] Helmet 110 may be equipped with a helmet accessory 130. In an embodiment, helmet accessory may comprise external ribbing disposed around the perimeter or sides of the helmet. For example, helmet accessory may comprise one or more pieces of rigid material configured to protect against impact to the sides of a wearer's head. Accordingly, helmet accessory 130 may be configured to enable the Type I helmet to become a Type II helmet.

[0039] The helmet 110 may be configured to attach to accessories such as a face shield or earmuff attachment. The face shield may protect a wearer's face from external elements and the earmuff attachment may provide protection to a wearer's ears. In an embodiment, helmet accessory 130 may attach to helmet at a location other than the accessory slot 120, in order accommodate an accessory, such as an earmuff attachment, in the accessory slot. For example, helmet 110 may comprise multiple accessory slots or attachment means for accessories at multiple locations. The helmet accessory 130 may attach at a first accessory slot, and be recessed in areas near accessory slot 120 which is left open for the earmuff attachment, or other accessory. In some embodiments, helmet accessory 130 may comprise its own additional accessory slots. For example, helmet accessory 130 attach to accessory slot 120 and the additional accessory slots within the helmet accessory may be configured to receive other accessories, such as an earmuff attachment or face shield.

[0040] In an embodiment, helmet accessory 130 may comprise an accessory body comprising a plastic material configured to provide a rigid mechanical attachment to the helmet. For example, helmet 110 may comprise one or more accessory slots 120. The accessory slots may provide an attachment means configured to attach to the helmet accessory 130. The accessory slots 120 may be integrally formed with the helmet 110 and may comprise a protruding portion with a recess for receiving the helmet accessory 130. As depicted in FIG. 1, the helmet accessory 130 may comprise an end portion 131 that is configured to fit into a recess of accessory slots 120 in order to achieve secure mechanical coupling between the helmet accessory 130 and accessory slots 120. Helmet accessory 130 and accessory slots 120 may be configured such that the helmet accessory attaches and detaches based on the wearer's needs. For example, the wearer may be able to exert a force to fit the end portion 131 of helmet accessory 130 into accessory slot 120 and may be able to exert a mechanical force to pull helmet accessory 130 out of accessory slot 120.

[0041] In other embodiments, the accessory slot 120 and helmet accessory may securely couple to one another through another means. For example, the helmet accessory 130 and attachment means may be configured such that the helmet accessory 130 clicks, or locks into place within accessory slot 120. Alternatively, the secure coupling may be achieved by other detachable means such as the helmet accessory 130 screwing into the accessory slot 120 or via magnetic coupling. In some embodiments, the one or more attachment means 120 may comprise discrete elements that can be fixed to the external shell of helmet 110 rather than being integrally formed with the external shell. For example, accessory slot 120 may be secured to the helmet 110 by an adhesive or fastener. In such a scenario, embodiments described herein may allow any Type I helmet to become a Type II helmet by securing one or more accessory slots 120 to the Type I helmet, and further attaching one or more helmet accessories 130 to the one or more accessory slots 120.

[0042] Helmet accessory 130 may comprise a shock absorbing material (e.g., Styrofoam, air bladders, vinyl nitryl foam, expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, crushable or deformable semi-rigid structures, or other material capable of adequately absorbing shock) or a rigid or penetration preventative material similar to that of the hard external shell of helmet 110. Where the helmet accessory 130 comprises a shock absorbing material, this material may be encased in a rigid outside material to protect the shock absorbing material from external elements. Where the helmet accessory 130 comprises a rigid or penetration preventative material, the helmet accessory may comprise Kevlar, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, molded plastics, composite materials or combinations thereof.

[0043] For example, helmet accessory 130 may comprise a molded plastic material. The plastic material may be easier to clean than a foam material and may not degrade as quickly. In an embodiment, helmet accessory 130 comprising a plastic structure may comprise a single molded piece that is molded flat and comprises hinges to create different sections with ribs pointing in alternate directions when assembled. This is described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 1B. The helmet accessory 130 may comprise a patterned structure so as to reduce its weight. For example, helmet accessory 130 may comprise a ribbed plastic structure. The dimensions of such ribbing may be optimized so as to provide adequate impact protection while limiting the overall weight of the helmet accessory. The ribbing may provide increased energy absorption through bending and/or buckling of the ribbed material.

[0044] In an embodiment, helmet accessory 130 may comprise one or more components disposed around the sides of helmet 110. For example, helmet 110 may comprise a plurality attachment means 120 disposed around the sides of the helmet. Helmet accessory 130 may be configured to attach to the one or more accessory slots 120 such that the accessory is wrapped around the entire perimeter or circumference of the helmet, thereby providing impact protection around all sides of the helmet 110.

[0045] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram depicting a helmet accessory according to an embodiment. As described above, helmet accessory 130 may be formed by molding a plurality of sections of a helmet accessory as a single piece with the sections separated by hinges. FIG. 1B depicts such a scenario. In an embodiment a first section 130A may be connected to a second section 131B via a hinge 137. During manufacturing, these sections may be molded flat as part of an entire piece. These individual section may then be assembled and connected to one another via hinges 137. Each individual section may comprise an end portion 131A, 131B for coupling to the helmet. While FIG. 1B depicts the ribbing direction of the sections as the same for 130A, 130B, an advantage of molding the sections in such a manner is that the pieces could be arranged such that the ribs point in alternate directions when assembled.

[0046] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams depicting a helmet and helmet accessory that snaps onto the helmet according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of a helmet and helmet accessory and FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the helmet and helmet accessory.

[0047] Helmet 210 may comprise a helmet designed to protect against top impact, similar to helmet 110 described above with respect to FIG. 1. In an embodiment, helmet 210 may be configured to attach to helmet accessory 230. The helmet accessory 230 may comprise ring-like accessory body that surrounds all sides of helmet 210 in order to protect against impact to the sides of the wearer's head. Accordingly, the helmet accessory 230 may allow Type I helmet 210 to become a Type II helmet upon attachment of the helmet accessory.

[0048] In an embodiment helmet accessory 230 may comprise a shock absorbing material (e.g., Styrofoam, air bladders, vinyl nitryl foam, expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, crushable or deformable semi-rigid structures, or other material capable of adequately absorbing shock) surrounded by a plastic casing. For example, helmet accessory 230 may comprise a foam ring with a plastic material casing and the plastic material may be further configured to provide a rigid mechanical attachment to helmet 210. The plastic casing may increase the helmet accessory's resistance to penetration and may protect the foam or other shock absorbing material within from external elements. For example, the plastic casing may protect the internal material from flames, chemical exposures, high temperature surfaces, abrasive surfaces, or other potential sources of damage in the external environment.

[0049] The helmet accessory 230 may comprise one or more flanges configured to attach to helmet 210 via a snapping mechanism. For example, helmet 210 may comprise a front portion 215. The front portion 215 may comprise a brim. Helmet accessory 230 may comprise a first flange 240 that snaps onto the front portion 215 of the helmet 210. Additionally, helmet accessory 230 may comprise a second flange 241 that snaps onto a back portion of the helmet 210. By securely snapping to the front and back portions of the helmet, the helmet accessory 230 may be securely attached to the helmet 210.

[0050] This snapping attachment means may provide an intuitive mechanism for securely attaching the accessory to the helmet and may prevent the wearer from incorrectly installing the accessory. Additionally, configuring the helmet accessory 230 as a ring with a snap-on fit to helmet 210 may mirror the aesthetic design of helmet 210 and may improve overall aesthetics of the design as compared to other configurations.

[0051] For performance purposes, the helmet accessory 230 may be configured to cover a test line (i.e., a line drawn around the helmet defining a minimum protection area for compliance with certain standards) of the helmet. Rather than mandating an entire helmet to be able to withstand full impact, helmet impact standards may define a portion of the helmet that must provide the requisite protection. To test for compliance, those performing a test may draw a test line to delineate between the portions that must provide protection and those that do not need to provide protection to meet the standard. By covering a particular test line, helmet accessory 230 may enable a Type I helmet to operate as a Type II helmet upon attachment of the helmet accessory 230. For example, the helmet accessory 230 may cover a test line associated with ANSI or CSA standards in order to place the helmet in compliance with those standards. In an embodiment, the ring may be used in place of internal padding while still maintaining industry standards for impact protection.

[0052] In an embodiment, helmet 210 may further comprise one or more ridges or protrusions disposed around its circumference. The helmet accessory 230 may be shaped so as to fit securely around such ridges or protrusions, thereby increasing the coupling between the helmet accessory 230 and the helmet 210. Similar to the configuration described above with respect to FIG. 1, helmet 210 may be configured to include additional accessories, such as an earmuff attachment to provide protection to a wearer's ears. In such a configuration, the helmet accessory 230 may be recessed in areas near the position of the additional accessories to provide space for attachment.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram depicting a helmet and helmet accessory comprising through holes, according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a helmet 310 and helmet accessory 330 according to an embodiment.

[0054] Helmet 310 and helmet accessory 330 may comprise the same or similar structures to helmet 210 and helmet accessory 230 as described above with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B. However, the means for attaching helmet accessory 330 to helmet 310 may differ from that described above. In an embodiment, the helmet accessory 330 may comprise a plurality of through holes 331 configured to receive a fastening means 333 for attaching the helmet accessory 330 to the helmet 310.

[0055] In an embodiment the fastening means 333 may comprise a fastener, such as a plastic hook, webbing, or strap (e.g., a hook and loop strap), that feeds through the through holes 331 of helmet accessory 330. Fastening means 333 may further attach to a fixing point within the helmet shell. In this way, the helmet accessory may be securely fixed the helmet 310. For example, in an embodiment, fastening means 333 may, attach to a suspension clip housed within the helmet 310.

[0056] In another embodiment, the helmet 310 may comprise a plurality of corresponding through holes such that the plastic hook feeds through both the through holes of helmet accessory 330 and through holes of helmet 310. As such, the plastic hook may loop through these through holes and connect to itself, creating a closed, fastened loop that attaches the helmet accessory 330 to the helmet 310. In another embodiment, the plastic hook may attach on one end to an elastic webbing on the inside of the helmet and may loop through the through holes 331 of helmet accessory 330 and connect back on itself on the inside of the helmet.

[0057] Attachment of the helmet accessory to the helmet via through holes and a fastening means such as a plastic hook may allow for the design to work with multiple helmet styles. While the snapping mechanism described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B may use differently sized and shaped helmet accessories based on the size and shape of the helmet, the through hole mechanism may allow for a one-size-fits-all helmet accessory that may be attached to helmets of varying shapes and sizes.

[0058] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams depicting a helmet and a helmet accessory comprising an expansion ring according to an embodiment. FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of helmet 410 attached to helmet accessory 430 comprising an expansion ring and FIG. 4B depicts a perspective view of the helmet accessory 430 alone.

[0059] Helmet 410 may comprise a similar structure to helmets described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3. Helmet accessory 430 may attach to helmet 410 so as to enable Type I helmet 410 to operate as a Type II helmet and provide protection against impact to the sides of a wearer's head. In an embodiment helmet accessory 430 may comprise a rigid plastic accessory body capable of providing a rigid mechanical attachment to helmet 410. The helmet accessory 430 may comprise a plurality of sections 430A, 430B, 430C, 430C, connected by a plurality of joints 411. The helmet accessory may be configured such that the dimensions can expand or contract in order to properly fit onto various helmet designs. In an embodiment, the joints may be positioned to correspond with protrusions or ridges on the helmet 410 such that the joints 411 of helmet accessory 430 may fit and attach to helmet 410.

[0060] In some embodiments, helmet accessory 430 may comprise an accessory body comprising a shock absorbing material housed within a rigid, plastic outer shell or casing. The outer shell or casing may protect the shock absorbing material from outside elements such as flames. Alternatively, the shock absorbing material may be attached to the inner surface of a plastic ring via an adhesive, mechanical attachment, or the like.

[0061] FIG. 4B depicts the expansion mechanism of helmet accessory 430 in greater detail. One or more section of the plurality of sections 430A, 430B, 430C, 430D may comprise a mechanism for contracting or extending the circumference of the helmet accessory. In an embodiment a front section and a back section may comprise extenders 442 configured to extend and contract and a lock 441 configured to lock the extenders in place. The lock 441 may be a spring clip that a wearer can squeeze to enable the extender to be expanded and contracted, and release to lock the extenders in place.

[0062] The extenders 442 may comprise a plastic material and may comprise one or more sections that are retractable based on wearer action. Alternatively the extenders may comprise a material that can roll up to contract and unroll to expand, or any other mechanism that would enable a wearer to change the size the helmet accessory 430 as desired. By enabling the helmet accessory to change circumference, the helmet accessory may be able to accommodate different helmet sizes and different helmet types.

[0063] In an embodiment, the helmet accessory 430 may further comprise a foam or other shock absorbing material. For example, helmet accessory 430 may comprise a plastic shell with a shock absorbing material stored therein. Alternatively, the shock absorbing material may be overmolded to the accessory, mechanically attached to the accessory, or secured to the accessory via an adhesive.

[0064] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are schematic diagrams depicting a helmet and helmet accessory comprising a rigid band and mount according to an embodiment. Helmet 510 may comprise a similar structure to helmets described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. Helmet accessory 530 may comprise a rigid band 531 configured to surround helmet 510. In an embodiment the rigid band 531 may comprise a plastic ring comprised of two components configured to assemble together in order to surround the helmet 510. Rigid band 531 provides penetration resistance and protection against impact to the sides of a wearer's head, especially at points of the helmet corresponding to an earmuff mount.

[0065] The rigid band 531 may be attached to a plurality of protective sections 530A, 530B. In an embodiment of these protective sections may comprise a shock absorbing material that attaches to the rigid band 531. For example each protective section may comprise a foam material overmolded onto the rigid band 531. In other embodiments, the protecting sections may be attached to the rigid band by an adhesive or a mechanical fixing means such as a clip. The shock absorbing material may comprise a foam material and may be surrounded by a plastic casing or skin so as to protect the foam material from external elements including flames. In other embodiments, the shock absorbing material may comprise rubber bumpers.

[0066] FIG. 5B depicts a mechanism for attaching helmet accessory 530 to helmet 510. In an embodiment, helmet 510 may comprise a mount 545 for affixing the rigid band 531 to the helmet 510. Mount 545 may be disposed on the back of helmet 510 and may be attached semi-permanently to helmet 510 via a command-type adhesive. In other embodiments, mount 545 may be integrally formed as part of the external shell of helmet 510, or may be permanently fixed to helmet 510 via screws or another permanent fixing means. Rigid band 531 may attach to mount 545 via a clip or snapping mechanism. Alternatively, rigid band 531 may attach to mount 545 via a hook and loop fastener or another semi-permanent attachment means.

[0067] FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram depicting the features of rigid band 531 in greater detail. In an embodiment, rigid band 531 may comprise a plurality of plastic components 531A, 531B that join together to form a plastic ring. A first component 531A may be comprise a plurality of holes that allow protrusions 533 along a second component 531B to snap into place. The positioning of first component 531A relative to second component 531B may allow a wearer to adjust the size of the plastic ring. For example, second component 531B may comprise three protrusions along each end of the component and first component 531A may comprise three holes. For a larger fit, 531A and 531B may be joined such that each protrusion 533 snaps into a corresponding hole of 531A. For a larger size, 531A and 531B may be joined such that only the outermost protrusion 533 snaps into the outermost hole of 531A.

[0068] By providing a mounting mechanism that enables the helmet accessory 530 to be attached and removed as necessary, embodiments according to FIGS. 5A-5C may enable a helmet to operate as a Type I helmet in certain scenarios where side impact protection is not needed, and as a Type II helmet in scenarios were side impact protection is desired. Additionally, the adjustable size of the rigid band enables the helmet accessory to fit various helmet styles and sizes.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a method for attaching helmet accessory 530 to helmet 510. The method comprises, at 601, installing mount 545 onto helmet 510. As described above, the mount may be installed by attaching the mount to the helmet via an adhesive. At 603, the rigid band may be attached to the mount. In an embodiment, the mount and rigid band may be sized and shaped such that the rigid band snaps into the mount. At 605, the rigid band may be adjusted such that it sized appropriately to securely clamp around the helmet.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram depicting a helmet and helmet accessory comprising an elastic band according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, helmet 710 may comprise a similar structure to helmets described above with reference to FIGS. 1-6. Helmet accessory 730 may be removably attached to helmet 710 to enable a Type I helmet to protect against impact to sides of a wearer's head, thereby operating as a Type II helmet.

[0071] In an endpoint, helmet accessory 730 may comprise an accessory body including a plurality of shock absorbing pads 733 attached to an elastic band 735. The elastic band 735 may be configured to stretch over different helmets allowing helmet accessory 730 to accommodate different helmet sizes and different helmet types. The elastic band may comprise a compression molded rubber strap or an elastic material with silicone gripping. The shock absorbing pads 733 may comprise a material such as Styrofoam, air bladders, vinyl nitryl foam, expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, fire-retardant foam, expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, crushable or deformable semi-rigid structures, or other material capable of adequately absorbing shock. In an embodiment, shock absorbing pads 733 may further comprise a plastic cover to shield the shock absorbing material from the external environment.

[0072] In some embodiments, the shock absorbing pads 733 may allow a manufacturer, or wearer, to personalize the helmet accessory 730. For example, a first pad may be disposed at the front of the helmet. This front pad may comprise an area in which a manufacturer or wearer could affix a design. The manufacturer may be enabled to stamp, or otherwise affix, its logo to the shock absorbing pads 733. Alternatively, the manufacturer could use third-party designs such as company names, company logos, college logos or sports teams. Similarly, a wearer may be able to customize their own helmet accessory by requesting the application of any design to the outside of one or more pads.

[0073] In an embodiment, the helmet accessory 730 may comprise one or more cutouts to accommodate designs and features of the underlying helmet 710. For example, the helmet accessory 730 may comprise a cutout 775 to accommodate an earmuff accessory for helmet 710 and to fit with a penetration guard. The penetration guard may comprise a thin plastic or metal plate. This cutout may also be helpful for the user to locate the band around the helmet.

[0074] FIGS. 8A-8C are schematic diagrams depicting a helmet and helmet accessory comprising an exterior impact cap according to an embodiment. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of helmet 810 and helmet accessory 830 comprising an exterior impact cap 885. In an embodiment, helmet 810 may comprise a similar structure to helmets described above with reference to FIGS. 1-7. Helmet accessory 830 may comprise a soft shell helmet cover, pad or cap style accessory including an elastic attachment 835 and a plurality of shock absorbing pads 833. The helmet accessory 830 may further comprise a removable cap 885. The removable cap 885 may be configured to render the helmet compliant with certain industry standards. For example, removable cap 885 may render the helmet compliant with European standards EN 12492 and EN 14052 which provide certain safety requirements and test methods for helmets. Removable cap 885 may be secured to the elastic attachment 835 via cap attachments 864.

[0075] The elastic attachment 835 may be configured to fit over various sizes and styles of helmets, including fitting over accessory slots, ridges, and protrusions within the helmet in order to create a secure attachment between the helmet accessory and the helmet. In an embodiment, the elastic attachment may further comprise straps 881 configured to provide a more robust attachment of the helmet accessory to the helmet shell. Straps 881 may be configured to attach to the inside of helmet 810 in order to increase the attachment between the accessory and the helmet. Straps 881 may be configured to attach to positions of a helmet that are already configured for attachment to additional equipment such as a chinstrap accessory or a headband connection point.

[0076] In an embodiment, shock absorbing pads 833 may comprise the same or similar materials as those described above with respect to the pads of FIG. 7. In an embodiment, the shock absorbing pads 833 may comprise insert-molded foam attached to the elastic attachment. In addition, the pads may comprise a penetration barrier surrounding the foam. This may allow the pads to be fit around accessories, each as an earmuff accessory, without sacrificing impact prevention.

[0077] Embodiments comprising a soft shell helmet cover, pad or cap-style accessory and removable cap may provide heightened impact protection. For example, this may reduce the risk of damage from glancing blows. In embodiments described herein, this increased performance comes without sacrificing flexibility of the accessory which may still be able to fit with various helmet sizes and styles.

[0078] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram depicting a bottom view of a helmet and helmet accessory according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, helmet 810 may comprise a front brim, but not have a brim surrounding other sides of the helmet. Straps 881 from the helmet accessory 830 may be configured to attach to the inside of helmet 810 without traversing the brim. FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram depicting a bottom view of a helmet and helmet accessory according to another embodiment. Here, helmet 811 may comprise a brim that fully surrounds the wearer's head. In such a scenario, straps 881 may comprise a greater length so as to fit under the brim on multiple sides before attaching to the inside of the helmet.

[0079] FIGS. 9A-9B are schematic diagrams depicting helmets and helmet accessories according to embodiments. In an embodiment, the attachment of a helmet accessory to the outside of the helmet may enable the helmet to have less protection on the inside while maintaining compliance with industry standards. This may make the helmet more comfortable, as the inner padding may be hot and bulky. In addition, by housing some of the protection on the inside and some of the protection on the outside, the helmet accessory may not need to complete surround the helmet. This may improve overall aesthetics of the helmet leading to increased compliance.

[0080] For example, FIGS. 9A and 9B depict perspective views of a helmet 910 and a helmet accessory 930 that partially surrounds the helmet on the back side of the helmet. By maintaining padding on the inside of the helmet in areas not supported by helmet accessory 930, the helmet may maintain impact standards while being more comfortable for the wearer. Helmet accessory 930 may be any of the materials or combinations of materials described above for helmet accessories in other embodiments. For example, helmet accessory 930 may comprise a shock absorbing material surrounded by a thin plastic casing or shell. Helmet accessory 930 may be attached to helmet 910 with an adhesive. Alternatively, helmet accessory 930 may be removably attached to helmet 910 via one or more of the attachment means described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8.

[0081] While the disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.