SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HELMET

Abstract

A helmet for a rider of an on-road or off-road vehicle protects the rider's head. The helmet also may include various features for enhancing the riding experience. For example, the helmet may include a face shield configured to be slidable and rotatable relative to a shell of the helmet. The helmet may also include a chin bar that is slidable and rotatable relative to the shell. Additionally, the helmet may include a peak that provides for toolless adjustment of position of the peak relative to the shell. An inner construction provides a multi-layer system in which at least one layer is an impact layer.

Claims

1. A helmet comprising: a helmet shell enclosing a cavity configured to receive the head of an operator, the helmet shell includes: an exterior surface; a front opening extending through the exterior surface; and a face shield socket recessed from the exterior surface and extending around the front opening; and a face shield rotatably coupled with the helmet shell, the face shield having a plurality of configurations including at least a closed configuration and an open configuration: in the closed configuration the face shield is in a closed position, covers the front opening, and the face shield is seated within the face shield socket; and in the open configuration the face shield is in an open position with the face shield displaced forward and rotated relative to the closed position, the face shield is unseated from the face shield socket, and at least a portion of the front opening is uncovered.

2. The helmet of claim 1 comprising a slidable pivot mechanism rotatably and translationally coupling the face shield with the helmet shell, the slidable pivot mechanism includes: a face shield shuttle translationally coupled with the helmet shell, the face shield shuttle includes a bearing configured to receive the at least one pivot fitting, the bearing and at least one pivot fitting permit rotation of the face shield; and wherein the face shield shuttle permits translational movement of each of the bearing, the at least one pivot fitting, and the face shield relative to the helmet shell.

3. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the slidable pivot mechanism includes a biasing element configured to bias the face shield toward the face shield socket in the closed configuration.

4. The helmet of claim 1 comprising a detent track having one or more detent recesses and a detent; one of the detent track or the detent is coupled with the helmet shell; the other of the detent or the detent track is coupled with the face shield; and wherein the detent is biased to engage along the detent track and seat within at least one detent recess of the one or more detent recesses.

5. The helmet of claim 4 comprising a face shield shuttle translationally coupled with the helmet shell and rotationally coupled with the face shield, wherein the face shield shuttle is configured to bias the face shield and the detent toward the detent track.

6. The helmet of claim 4, wherein the closed position includes a fully closed position and the open position includes a fully open position, the detent track includes a first detent socket, and the first detent socket includes: a socket profile deeper than a recess profile of the one or more detent recesses; and a tapered face extending from the first detent socket toward a remainder of the detent track, the tapered face configured to bias the detent toward the remainder of the detent track with rotation of the face shield from at least one of the fully closed position or the fully open position.

7. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the face shield seated within the face shield socket is flush with the exterior surface of the helmet shell.

8. The helmet of claim 7, wherein the face shield flush with the exterior surface of the helmet shell is flush with a forehead brim of the helmet shell.

9. The helmet of claim 1 comprising a chin bar rotatably coupled with the helmet shell, the chin bar having a plurality of configurations including at least a closed chin bar configuration and an open chin bar configuration: in the closed chin bar configuration the chin bar is in a down position; and in the open chin bar configuration the chin bar is rotated relative to the down position with the chin bar displaced forward.

10. The helmet of claim 9 comprising a pilot member translationally received along a pilot track; one of the pilot member or the pilot track is coupled with the chin bar; the other of the pilot track or the pilot member is coupled with the helmet shell; wherein the pilot member seated within a recessed branch of the pilot track in the closed chin bar configuration and the pilot member is unseated from the recessed branch in the open chin bar configuration.

11. A helmet comprising a helmet shell enclosing a cavity configured to receive the head of an operator, the helmet shell includes: an exterior surface; and a front opening extending through the exterior surface; and a face shield having at least one pivot fitting; a slidable pivot mechanism rotatably and translationally coupling the face shield with the helmet shell, the slidable pivot mechanism includes: a face shield shuttle translationally coupled with the helmet shell, the face shield shuttle includes a bearing configured to receive the at least one pivot fitting, the bearing and at least one pivot fitting permit rotation of the face shield relative to the helmet shell and the face shield shuttle; and wherein the face shield shuttle permits translational movement of each of the bearing, the at least one pivot fitting, and the face shield relative to the helmet shell.

12. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the slidable pivot mechanism includes a biasing element configured to bias the face shield toward the helmet shell.

13. The helmet of claim 11 comprising a detent track having one or more detent recesses and a detent; one of the detent track or the detent is coupled with the helmet shell; the other of the detent or the detent track is coupled with the face shield; and wherein the detent is biased to engage along the detent track and seat within at least one detent recess of the one or more detent recesses, and seating of the detent within the at least one detent recess resists rotation of the face shield.

14. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the face shield shuttle is configured to bias the face shield and the detent toward the detent track.

15. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the face shield includes a fully closed position and a fully open position, and the detent track includes a first detent socket, and the first detent socket includes: a socket profile deeper than a recess profile of the one or more detent recesses; and a tapered face extending from the first detent socket toward a remainder of the detent track, the tapered face configured to bias the detent toward the remainder of the detent track with rotation of the face shield from at least one of the fully closed position or the fully open position.

16. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the helmet shell includes a face shield socket, in a fully closed position the face shield is seated within the face shield socket, and the face shield is flush with the exterior surface of the helmet shell.

17. The helmet of claim 1 comprising a peak visor rotatably coupled with the helmet shell, the peak visor includes: a peak body; arms extending from the peak body to pivot joints, the pivot joints rotatably coupled the peak visor with the helmet; and an attachment end extending form the peak body toward a peak adjustment track of the helmet shell, the attachment end includes a head slidably received in the adjustment track, wherein the head and peak adjustment track translationally couple the attachment end with the helmet shell.

18. The helmet of claim 17, wherein the head includes coupled and decoupled configurations: in the coupled configuration the head is received in the peak adjustment track and the head is translatable along the adjustment track; and in the decoupled configuration the head is delivered through an installation orifice of the peak adjustment track, and the attachment end is decoupled from the peak adjustment track.

19. The helmet of claim 17, wherein the pivot joints include rotatable bayonet fittings configured to permit manual coupling and decoupling of the pivot visor from the helmet.

20. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the at least one pivot fitting includes a rotatably bayonet fitting configured to permit manual coupling and decoupling of the face shield from the helmet.

21. A helmet comprising: a helmet shell enclosing a cavity configured to receive the head of an operator, the helmet shell includes: a front opening extending through the exterior surface; a shock absorbing stacked composite, the shock absorbing stacked composite includes: an inner shell proximate the cavity, the inner shell having an exterior facing profile; an outer shell extending over the inner shell, the outer shell having an interior facing profile; a pliable tube array mat having a plurality of polymer tubes interconnected along tube lengths, the pliable tube array mat is interposed between the inner shell and the outer shell; and wherein the exterior facing profile of the inner shell and the interior facing profile of the outer shell deform the pliable tube array mat into a dome profile complementary to the exterior and interior facing profiles.

22. The helmet of claim 21, wherein each of the inner shell and the outer shell include vents extending through the respective inner and outer shells, and the vents are in communication with tube cavities of the polymer tubes.

23. The helmet of claim 20 comprising: a face shield having at least one pivot fitting; a slidable pivot mechanism rotatably and translationally coupling the face shield with the helmet shell, the slidable pivot mechanism includes: a face shield shuttle translationally coupled with the helmet shell, the face shield shuttle includes a bearing configured to receive the at least one pivot fitting, the bearing and at least one pivot fitting permit rotation of the face shield relative to the helmet shell and the face shield shuttle; and wherein the face shield shuttle permits translational movement of each of the bearing, the at least one pivot fitting, and the face shield relative to the helmet shell.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and will be better understood by reference to the following description of examples of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] FIG. 1A is a side view of one example of a helmet.

[0023] FIG. 1B is a detailed side view of a portion of the helmet of FIG. 1A.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a side view of the helmet of FIG. 1A with an example slidable pivot mechanism revealed.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a side view of a helmet of FIG. 1A with the face shield in an open configuration.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a detailed side view of the slidable pivot mechanism of FIG. 2.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a detailed side view of the slidable pivot mechanism of FIG. 4.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one example of a face shield, a chin bar, and a composite slidable pivot mechanism for the face shield and the chin bar.

[0029] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the composite slidable pivot mechanism of FIG. 6.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exterior facing portion of the composite slidable pivot mechanism of FIG. 6.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a side view of an interior facing portion of the composite slidable pivot mechanism of FIG. 6.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a side view of the exterior facing portion of the composite slidable pivot mechanism of FIG. 6.

[0033] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an internal portion of the composite slidable pivot mechanism of FIG. 6.

[0034] FIG. 12 is a side view of the internal portion of the composite slidable pivot mechanism shown in FIG. 11.

[0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the interior facing portion of the composite slidable pivot mechanism.

[0036] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a chin bar coupler and face shield.

[0037] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one example of a face shield in a vented configuration.

[0038] FIG. 16 is a detailed perspective view of the face shield of FIG. 15.

[0039] FIG. 17 is a detailed perspective view of the face shield of FIG. 15.

[0040] FIG. 18 is a front view of one example of a diffuser.

[0041] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the diffuser of FIG. 18.

[0042] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an example chin guard of a helmet.

[0043] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 20 including the diffuser of FIG. 18.

[0044] FIG. 22 is a side view of one example of a helmet having a rotatable and decouplable peak.

[0045] FIG. 23 is a detailed side view of the helmet and peak of FIG. 22.

[0046] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an example attachment end of the peak of FIG. 22.

[0047] FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the attachment end of the peak of FIG. 22.

[0048] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of a peak helmet coupler.

[0049] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another portion of the peak helmet coupler.

[0050] FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the helmet and peak.

[0051] FIG. 29 is a top view of the helmet and peak.

[0052] FIG. 30 is a detailed exploded view of one example of a plunger configured to couple the attachment end of FIG. 22.

[0053] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the helmet including the face shield and an example detent and detent track.

[0054] FIG. 32 is a perspective of a helmet and an attachment receiver for a peak.

[0055] FIG. 33 is perspective view of one example of a stacked construction of a helmet.

[0056] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of one example of a pliable tube array mat conformed to an inner shell exterior profile.

[0057] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent examples of the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. The exemplification set out herein illustrates an example of the disclosure, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Various examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various examples does not limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible examples for the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1A, a side view of a helmet 100 in accordance with an example of the present disclosure is shown. Helmet 100 includes a helmet body or shell 102 defining a front opening 104. Helmet shell 102 includes an exterior surface 106 and an interior surface 108 (See FIG. 8) and extends from a bottom end 110 to a top end 112. In some examples, helmet shell 102 may be made of carbon fiber. Interior surface 108 defines a volume that is adapted to receive and fit the head of a user. In the illustrative example, a face shield 114 is disposed over front opening 104. Face shield 114 may be configured as a transparent shield or may include or be defined as goggles coupled to shell 102 and configured for the user to see through. In some examples, face shield 114 in the form of goggles may be held on by an elastic strap, attached using a hook and loop fastener, or attached using quick attachment mechanisms built into the helmet. In some examples, the face shield 114 is photochromic. A seal or gasket is, in some examples, included with one or more of the shell 102 or face shield 114 to at least partially seal various surfaces of face shield 114 against the shell 102.

[0060] The face shield 114 is movable relative to the helmet shell 102 by a slidable pivot mechanism 116 (see FIG. 2), optionally a component of a composite slidable pivot assembly that permits movement of each of the face shield 114 and a chin bar. As described herein, with the slidable pivot mechanism 116 is movable in a forward direction 118 (FIG. 1A) that extends from a rear portion 120 of the helmet 100 to a front portion 122 of the helmet 100 in proximity to a chin bar 124. The slidable pivot mechanism 116 permits the face shield 114, in this example, to displace outwardly in the forward direction 118 (e.g., from a face shield socket 104) before pivoting upward toward the top end 112 of the helmet 100. FIGS. 1A, B and 2 illustrate the face shield 114 in a closed position, for instance with the face shield received in a complementary recessed face shield socket 105 of the front opening 104. FIG. 3 illustrates the face shield 114 in an example (fully) open position. To return the face shield 114 from the open position to the down (closed) position, the face shield 114 is rotated downward and translated in a rearward direction 126 (FIG. 1) opposed to the forward direction 118 to seat the face shield 114 within the face shield socket 104, see also FIG. 1B. Seating of the face shield 114 within the face shield socket 105 securely positions the face shield 114 in a closed position, resists unspecified opening (e.g., because of wind loads, shaking, cornering, or the like), and provides a flush, acrodynamic interface between the face shield 114 and the helmet shell 102. Further, as described herein, the slidable pivot mechanism 116 includes a cooperating detent and rotation track that further assists with maintenance of the face shield position 114 (open, closed, including positions therebetween) while permitting manual manipulation of the face shield 114.

[0061] In some examples, displacing the face shield 114 in the forward direction (or alternatively rearward direction 126) may be referred to as a sliding motion (or unseating and seating motions) in a first direction and rotating the face shield 114 to an open position (or alternatively to a closed position) may be referred to as a rotating or pivoting motion in a second direction.

[0062] In some examples, chin bar 124 may also be rotated from a down position (illustrated in FIG. 1A) to an up position with the chin bar 124 rotated and thereby vertically elevated relative to the chin bar 124 in the down position. In an example, the chin bar 124 is coupled with the helmet shell 102 with another slidable pivot mechanism described herein. Optionally, the slidable pivot mechanism 116 for the face shield 114 along the slidable pivot mechanism for the chin bar 124 are provided together as a composite slidable pivot mechanism that permits manipulation of both the face shield 114 and the chin bar 124.

[0063] In one example, the chin bar 124 is moved between the up position and down position along with complementary movement of the face shield 114. In another example, the chin bar 124 is moved between the up position and down position independent of the face shield 114. In still other examples, the chin bar 124 is moved from the down to the up position by being first displacing the chin bar 124 outward in the forward direction 118 before rotating upward toward the top end 112 of helmet 100. For example, the slidable pivot mechanism for the chin bar 124 also permits selective forward and backward motion of the chin bar 124 to unlock the chin bar 124 for rotation in a similar manner to the face shield 114. To return the chin bar 124 from the up position to the down position, the chin bar 124 is rotated downward and translated in the rearward direction 126. As described herein, the slidable pivot mechanism for the chin bar 124 includes its own cooperating detent and rotation track (optionally including at least use of one or more of the components of the face shield detent and track) that assists with maintenance of the chin bar 124 position (open, closed, including positions therebetween) while permitting manual manipulation of the chin bar 124.

[0064] One example of the slidable pivot mechanism 116 is illustrated in whole or in part in FIGS. 2-4 and 6-14 and permits location of the face shield 114 in a recessed position within the face shield socket 105 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). FIG. 1B shows a detailed view of the top edge 128 of the face shield 114 flush with a bottom edge 130 of the forehead brim 132 of helmet 100 and within the face shield socket 105. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the top edge 128 of face shield 114 optionally sits apart from the bottom edge 130 of forehead brim 132. In some examples, the top edge 128 of the face shield 114 contacts the bottom edge 130 of forehead brim 132. In some examples, the outer surface of face shield 114 and the helmet shell 102 are a continuous or seamless surface (e.g., connected a nominal gap, for instance 2 millimeters or less).

[0065] As described above and herein, the operation of the slidable pivot mechanism 116 permits displacement of the face shield 114 outward in forward direction 118 (e.g., unseating from the face shield socket 105) in preparation for pivoting upward. Outward displacement of the face shield 114 clears the face shield 114 relative to the forehead brim 132 avoids interaction and permits rotated of the shield 114 upward. To return the face shield 114 from the up position (one or more open positions) to the down position (e.g., closed), the slidable pivot mechanism 116 controls rotation of the face shield 114 downward and then guides translation (optionally with a biasing element described herein) in the rearward direction 126 to seat the top edge 128 under the bottom edge 130 of the forehead brim 132 to seat the face shield 114 in the face shield socket 105. Optionally, the entirety of the perimeter edge of the face shield 114 is seated within the face shield socket 105 including all of the perimeter edge or a portion of the perimeter edges (e.g., the top edge 128, 90 percent or more of the perimeter edge, 80 percent or more, 60 percent or more, or the like) are seated within the socket 105.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 5-14, an example composite slidable pivot mechanism 600 is shown including a helmet coupler 134, chin bar coupler 136, face shield slider 138 (also referred to as a face shield shuttle), and chin bar slider 140 (also referred to as a chin bar shuttle). The composite slidable pivot mechanism 600 is an example of the slidable pivot mechanism that permits manually controlled movement of each of the face shield 114 and the chin bar 124.

[0067] The helmet coupler 134 coupled with the helmet 106 such that helmet coupler 134 remains stationary relative to helmet 106 during pivoting operation of either or both of the face shield 114 or the chin bar 124. The chin bar coupler 136 (also referred to as the chin bar bracket) is coupled with the chin bar 124 and includes a helmet side 142 and a shield side 144. In an example, the chin bar coupler 136 and the helmet 100 (e.g., helmet shell 102) sandwich the helmet coupler 134 therebetween. The helmet coupler 134 (e.g., the helmet bracket) includes a first (interior facing) side 146 and a second (exterior facing) side 148. The first side 146 of the helmet coupler 134 faces toward the interior surface 108 (FIG. 1A) and the second side faces away from the interior surface 108 and toward the chin bar coupler 136 while the helmet coupler 134 is affixed to the helmet 100.

[0068] The helmet coupler 134 (helmet bracket) includes one or more attachment features 150 that attach the helmet coupler 134 to the helmet 100. In the illustrated example, the attachment features 150 are in the form of apertures and connecting elements (e.g., one or more screws, pins, bolts, rivets, adhesives, welds, or the like) that connect the helmet coupler 134 statically to the helmet 100. FIGS. 6, 7, and 14 depict one or more fasteners 150 that couple the helmet coupler 134 to the helmet 100.

[0069] The chin bar coupler 136 is coupled with the chin bar 124 through a plate 154 with attachment features 156 such as screws, pins, rivets, adhesives, welds or the like. The plate 154 is coupled with the chin bar 124. In the illustrated example, attachment features 156 statically couple the plate 154 to the chin bar coupler 136 and thereby statically couple the chin bar 124 with the chin bar coupler 136.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 9, the chin bar coupler 136 includes a pilot member 158 (e.g., stud, hook, post, pin or the like) coupled along a pilot surface 160 (e.g., track, groove, furrow, channel, or the like) of the helmet coupler 134. In one example, the pilot member 158 is a pin. In other examples, the pilot member includes, but is not limited to, a stud, post, hook, pawl, or the like. The pilot surface 160 is a channel in the present example. The pilot surface 160 follows an arc over at least a portion of the pilot surface 160. The pilot surface 160 thereby provides an arcuate contour for guiding motion of the chin bar 124 when rotated between the up position and down position discussed above.

[0071] As further shown in FIG. 9, the pilot surface 160 includes a recessed branch 162 (also referred to as a seat) at a lower end of the pilot surface 160. The recessed branch 162 permits displacement of the chin bar 124 in the forward direction 118 (see FIG. 1A), for instance when initially moving from the down position toward the up position the chin bar 124 is displaced forward (e.g., with hand manipulation). The recessed branch 162 permits forward movement of the chin bar 124, and the forward movement aligns the pilot member 158 with the remainder of the pilot surface 160 to permit rotation. Conversely, upon positioning of the chin bar 124 in the down position the bar 124 is released and the chin bar 124 is displaced in the rear direction 126 (FIG. 1A) to misalign the pilot member 158 with the remainder of the pilot surface 160 to assist in maintenance of the chin bar 124 in the down position. Accordingly, the pilot surface 160 and the pilot member 158 cooperate to permit manual movement of the chin bar 124 while at the same readily holding the chin bar 124 in the down position shown in FIG. 1A.

[0072] Referring now to FIG. 5, the face shield 114 is coupled to the face shield slider 138 (e.g., face shield shuttle) with a rotational coupling that permits the face shield 114 to pivot relative to the shield slider 138 while also permitting translational movement (e.g., forward and rearward) of the shield slider 138 to displace the face shield 114 away from the helmet interior surface 108, for instance when unseating or re-seating the face shield 114 within the face shield socket 105. Referring to FIG. 1B the top edge 128 is shown within the socket 105 and positioned below the bottom edge 130 of forehead brim 132. In one example, the face shield 114 is flush at the interface between the face shield 114 and the helmet shell 102.

[0073] In one example, the face shield 114 is snap fit onto a circular bearing 164 of the face shield slider 138. Optionally, the circular bearing 164 includes a static (e.g., ring) bearing that permits rotation of a complementary fitting 165 of the face shield 114. In other examples, the bearing 164 and fitting 165 include one or more of, ball bearings, needle bearings, concentric ring bearings, or the like. As shown in FIG. 8, the shield slider 138 includes a portion captured between the chin bar coupler 136 and the helmet coupler 134 9. The face shield slider 138 is translatable relative to the chin bar coupler 136 and is pivotable with the chin bar coupler 136 when the chin bar coupler 136 (and chin bar 124) is moved between the up position and the down position. Sliding motion of the face shield slider 138 also slides the pivot axis of the face shield 114, for instance represented by the circular bearing 164 and fitting 165 (shown in FIG. 5 with dashed lines and part of the face shield 114). Accordingly, the face shield 114 is rotatable while the shield slider 138 is translated.

[0074] The face shield slider 138 is further coupled to the chin bar coupler 136 via one or more biasing elements 166 (also referred to as energy storage members). The biasing elements, include one or more of springs, elastomers, or the like, and optionally are helical springs as illustrated in FIG. 11. In one example, shown in FIG. 11, the biasing elements 166 are coupled with one or more of the face shield slider 138 or the chin bar coupler 136 with pins 168, 170. Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 13 the chin bar slider 140 is further coupled to the helmet coupler 134 by slidingly capturing the chin bar slider 140 with the helmet coupler 134, for instance with a slider backer 172 (see also FIG. 9) and fastener 174, such as a pin, post, shaft or the like. A biasing element 176 (e.g., a spring, elastomer, or the like) is coupled between the chin bar slider 140 and the helmet coupler 134 and urges the chin bar coupler 136 in the rear direction 126 (FIG. 1A). The biasing elements 176 are coupled with the chin bar slider 140 or the helmet coupler 134 with one or more of 178, 180.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 13 a complementary channel 173 is provided in the helmet coupler 134 to permit the slider backer 172 to displace (e.g., in the forward or rear directions 118, 126 of FIG. 1A) in conjunction with displacement of the pilot member 158 of the chin bar coupler 136 in the recessed branch 162. Coupling of the chin bar coupler 136 to the helmet coupler 134 with the chin bar slider 140 also permits rotation of the chin bar 124 relative to the helmet shell 102. In the illustrated example, the slider backer 172 is circular and permits rotational motion of the slider backer 172 relative to the helmet coupler 134. Accordingly, rotational motion of the chin bar coupler 136 and the chin bar 124 relative to the helmet coupler 134 is permitted.

[0076] Chin bar coupler 136 further includes one or more detent tracks 182 with a scalloped profile of recesses that permit the detent 184 (in dashed lines in FIG. 6) of the face shield 114 to engage and nest therealong. The profiles of the detent track 182 recesses resist movement of the face shield 114 relative to the helmet 100 without displacement of the face shield 114 in a direction away from the detent track 182 (e.g., sliding face shield 114 through use of slidable pivot mechanism 116). Stop 186 (see FIG. 8) protrudes from the helmet coupler 134 and defines an extent of travel of the face shield 114. For example, the face shield 114 is rotatable to the (fully) open position further rotation is arrested upon intersection of the face shield 114 with the stop 186.

[0077] The helmet coupler 134 optionally includes the stop 186 (see FIG. 8) engagable with a stub of the face shield 114 and defines an extent of travel of the face shield 114 relative to the helmet shell 102 of the helmet 100. One example of a stub of the face shield 114 is shown in FIG. 6 as detent 184. In another example, another stub is provided with the face shield (e.g., at an elevated position above the detent 184) and is recessed to permit rotation of the stub over the chin bar coupler 136 while projecting from the face shield 114 to intersect with the stop 186 with rotation of the face shield 114 to the (fully) open position. Optionally, with the face shield 114 rotated fully open and the stub intercepts the stop 186 with the chin bar 124 down, if rotation of the chin bar 124 to an up position is specified rotation of the chin bar 124 and the chin bar coupler 136 the engagement of the second stub with the stop 186 biases the detent 184 (shown in FIG. 6 in dashed lines) to shift to a lower recesses along the detent track 182. Further rotation of the chin bar 124, for instance toward a fully open position causes further shifting of the detent 184 along the detent track 182 until detent 184 is forced into the lowest detent (e.g., detent socket 185) of the detent track 182 of the chin bar coupler 136.

[0078] With specific reference to FIG. 6, a pilot surface 160 of the helmet coupler 134 includes notches 189, 191 configured to reduce stress and increase fatigue life while at the same time assisting in retaining the chin bar 124 in either of the up or down positions. The pilot surface 160 also includes a channel 190 and the pilot member 158 of the chin bar coupler 136 is permitted to travel along the channel 190. While the pilot member 158 is seated within the notch 189 the pilot member 158 engagement with the surface surrounding the channel 190 resists motion of the chin bar 124 upward and thereby biases the chin bar 124 to remain in the down position. Conversely, while the pilot member is seated within the notch 191 the engagement between the pilot member 158 and the surface of the channel 190 resists motion of the chin bar from an up position (toward the down position) and thereby biases the chin bar 124 to remain in the up position.

[0079] Referring again to FIG. 6, the face shield 114 includes the detent 184 provided along the detent track 182. In this example the detent tracks 182 includes a series of recesses that receive the detent 184, for instance with rearward bias provided from the face shield slider 138 and one or more biasing elements. In another example, the detent track 182 includes detent sockets 185, 187 that receive the detent 184 therein to provide robust retention of the face shield 114 in either of the (fully) closed position shown in FIG. 6 or the (fully) open position shown in FIG. 3. The detent sockets 185, 187 have a relatively deeper profile in comparison to the remainder of the track 182 recesses. As shown in FIG. 6 with the detent 184 received in the detent socket 185 the face shield 114 is robustly retained in the (fully) closed position. Accordingly, perturbations caused by wind, shaking while traversing rough terrain, or the like are resisted by the detent 184 and socket 185 and thereby fail to move the face shield 114 unintentionally. Movement of the face shield 114 in an upward fashion is accomplished with manual manipulation of the face shield 114. For instance, upward pressure provided by a user hand against the face shield 114 engages the detent 184 along a tapered face 193 (see FIG. 10) of the detent socket 185. Bias imparted by the face shield slider 138 (e.g., face shield shuttle) is overcome with movement of the detent 184 along the tapered face 193, and the face shield 114 moves forward along direction 118 in FIG. 1A. Rotation of the face shield 114 moves the detent 184 along the detent track 182 and permits reception of the detent 184 in one or more of the recesses. Continued rotation of the face shield 114 causes corresponding travel of the detent 184 toward the detent socket 187. In the (fully) open position the detent 184 is seated within the detent socket 187, for instance with bias imparted by the face shield slider 138. Both of the detent sockets 185, 187 are relatively deep recesses that ensure the face shield 114 is maintained in the corresponding fully closed or fully open positions (e.g., while subject to environmental perturbations) while still permitting manual operation of the face shield 114. In a similar manner to the detect socket 185, the detent socket 187 includes a tapered face 195. The tapered face 195 cooperates with the detent 184 to permit manual movement of the face shield, for instance toward the closed position. The tapered face 195 biases the detent 184 and face shield 114 forward, overcomes the face shield slider 138 bias, and moves the detent 184 onto the remainder of the detent track 182 for continued rotation of the face shield 114 to a specified position (e.g., fully closed, vented, an intermediate position between fully open and fully closed, or the like).

[0080] Turning now to FIGS. 15-17, the face shield 114 optionally includes a thumb ridge 192. The thumb ridge 192 is optionally manually manipulated by an operator of helmet 100 to raise the face shield 114. For instance, in a helmet configuration including recessed seating of the face shield 114 into the face shield socket 105 the thumb ridge 192 permits ready access to a manipulable interface that permits rotation of the face shield 114 (e.g., to overcome biases from face shield slider 138, detent 184 and detent track 182, or the like.

[0081] In another example, the Face shield 114 includes a standoff 194 engageable with a bump out 196 (e.g., a ledge, ridge, flange, or the like) of the chin bar 124. In an example, the user specifies opening of the face shield 114 to a venting position that permits ventilation through the ventilation gap 197 shown in FIG. 16 while also desiring continued protection (from particulate, wind, or the like) with the face shield 114. The user raises the face shield 114, for instance with the thumb ridge 192, to a position intermediate to a down position (e.g., fully closed) of the face shield 114. As described herein, the face shield slider 138, biasing elements 166, detent 184 and detent track 182 cooperate to retain the face shield 114 in the specified orientation, in this example the venting position. Additionally, the standoff 194 (see FIG. 15 and a detailed view in FIG. 16) of the face shield 114 couples along the bump out 196 to further support and retain the face shield 114 in the venting position. The standoff 194 and the bump out 196 cooperate with the slider 138, biasing elements 166, or the like to cooperatively maintain the face shield 114 at the venting position.

[0082] Turning now to FIGS. 19-22, an example diffuser 198 that routes air flow to an interior of the helmet 100 near the face shield 114. In one example, air flow exterior to the helmet 100 enters the diffuser 198 at inlet 200 and exits through one or more outlets 202 into the helmet (e.g., the cavity surrounded by the interior surface 108). Each outlet 202 is associated with a respective channel 204. Each channel 204 provides a similar cross sectional area profile along a length of the channel 204 relative to other channels 204. Accordingly, air entering the inlet 200 readily divided into each channel 204 and diffused in a common manner along the length of each channel 204 that decreases stagnation and corresponding back pressure that interrupts or slows air flow. For example, air flow is diffused across the outlets 202 with a common (e.g., similar) discharge pressure and velocity from each channel 204. The common (similar) pressure and velocity profile provides a uniform curtain of air within the helmet 100 and for the user. Although each channel 204 is arranged to provide common (e.g., similar) pressure and velocity profiles from each channel 204 and outlet 202, the profiles are not necessarily identical at all positions along the respective channels 204.

[0083] Although the channels 204 are shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 between adjacent walls (e.g., 205-211) and a floor 213, a top cover 215 (see FIG. 21) of the diffuser 198 is optionally included over the walls and floor to enclose the channels 204 and facilitate the diffusion of air flow through the channels 204. Accordingly, variations in cross sectional area occur through one or more of changes in distance between sidewalls 205-211, distance between the floor 213 and the top cover 215, or the like.

[0084] Optionally, a portion of diffusion occurs early in each channel 204. In other examples, a majority of diffusion occurs near the end of each channel 204, for instance proximate the outlets 202. For instance, in one example configuration, 25 percent of diffusion occurs over 75 percent of the length of each channel 204, with the remainder 75 percent of diffusion occurring over the remaining 25 percent of the length of each channel 204. This example is not limiting, and other proportions (e.g., proportions of diffusion, length, or the like) are also contemplated.

[0085] In the illustrated example, an upstream portion of the adjacent walls 205, 207, 209, and 211 are angled relative to each other as shown in FIG. 19. For example, the upstream portion of the wall 205 is angled relative to the upstream portion of the wall 211. The difference in angles between the upstream portions of the walls 205, 207, 209, and 211 optionally apportion air flow entering each respective channel 204 and to guide the air flow to discourage flow separation, stagnation, back pressure, or the like.

[0086] FIG. 21 depicts a front portion 206 of the chin bar 124 which includes air inlets 213 interconnected with the channels 204 of the diffuser 198 to deliver air to the channels 204. In various examples, the inlets 213 directly receive oncoming airflow are at least partially hidden by a cover plate, grill or the like that fits over the front of helmet 100. The cover plate admits air to the inlets 213 through openings such as holes, slots, mesh, grill, or the like.

[0087] FIGS. 23-33 illustrate one example of a peak 208 (also referred to as a visor) having a peak body 209 that assists in blocking sunlight from the eyes of a user wearing the helmet 100. The helmet 100 optionally includes the peak 208. As shown in FIGS. 1-22 the helmet 100 is without the peak. The peak 208 is manually adjustable by a user, for instance without the use of tools. For example, the peak 208 is manipulation with the fingers of the user. Accordingly, the position of the peak 208, for instance in the orientation shown in FIG. 23 or in one or more higher pitched orientations (clockwise relative to the orientation in FIG. 23), is rotatably adjusted during travel or at rest without the use of tools. Additionally, the peak 208 is manually attachable and removable from the helmet 100. When rotated, the peak 208 is rotated relative to the exterior surface 106 of the helmet 100 for instance at pivot points proximate ends of the arms 212 described further herein. Each of manual attachment, detachment, and rotation of the peak 208 is accomplished with hand manipulation while the peak 208 is retained in specified orientations (initial, pitched, or the like) without statically fixing the peak with tools.

[0088] As seen in FIGS. 23-26, the peak 208 includes an attachment end 210. As illustrated the attachment end 210 is optionally spaced from the exterior surface 106 of helmet 100, for instance while the attachment end 210 is not coupled along the exterior surface 106. To coupled the attachment end 210 with the exterior surface 106 attachment end 210 is biased toward the exterior surface 106 (e.g., by hand). The bias loads the peak 208 in tension, and the tension optionally assists with rigidity of the peak 208, retention of the peak 208 in a specified orientation, resistance to deflection or vibration of the peak (e.g., because of wind loads), or the like.

[0089] An exploded view of a plunger 214 (the peak 208 is hidden) is shown in FIG. 31. The plunger 214 is actuated by way of depression, for instance by a finger, upon a button 216. The plunger is biased toward an extended position by overcoming a biasing element 218 that opposes the motion. The depression of the plunger 214 also deflects the attachment end 210 (FIG. 23) of the peak 208 toward the helmet 100. In the illustrated example, the biasing element includes a spring, but other examples include, but are not limited to, springs, elastomers, or the like. The biasing element 218 is configured to move the plunger 214 away from exterior surface 106 when depression of the button 216 is arrested. Referring to FIG. 31, the plunger 214 in an example includes a head 220 proximate an end of the neck 222. The head 220 has a profile (e.g., width, diameter, perimeter) that fits within an installation orifices 225 of the helmet 100 (FIG. 25) and permits the attachment and detachment of the attachment end 210 to the helmet 100.

[0090] Referring now to FIGS. 25, 26, the helmet 100 includes an attachment receiver 224 that includes the installation orifice 225 and a peak adjustment track 227 having one or more fastening features 226 to retain the plunger 214 of the attachment end 210 and permit rotational positioning of the peak 208. In the illustrated example, the fastening features 226 include one or more of grooves, apertures, orifices, or the like that receive the plunger 214, such as the neck 222 (FIG. 31) and secure the peak 208 to the exterior surface 106 of helmet 100. As The fastening features 226 include apertures, groves, tracks or the like that permit translation of the of the neck 222 along the peak adjustment track 227 while retaining the head 220 (FIG. 32) of the plunger 214 beneath the track 227 (e.g., within the helmet 100). As the peak 208 is adjusted in rotational position (e.g., pitched up or down) relative to the exterior surface 106 of helmet 100 the plunger 214 is translated along the peak adjustment track 227. The installation orifice 225 is, in one example, larger relative to other fastening features 226 of the peak adjustment track 227 to permit attachment and detachment of the head 220 and neck 222 with the helmet 100.

[0091] In operation, a finger depression of the button 216 displaces the plunger 214 (e.g., the head 220) toward the interior of the helmet 100 and away from the peak adjustment track 227 overlying the installed plunger 214. The depression disengages the head 220 from the fastening features 226 of the track 227. While depressed a user readily rotates the peak 208 to a specified position. Upon release of the button 216 the head 220 is biased toward the overlying peak adjustment track 227 with the biasing element 218. The head 220 re-engages with the fastening features 226 and retains the peak 208 in the updated (specified) position. Positioning and repositioning of the peak 208 manually (e.g., with fingers, the hand, or the like) and without the aid of tools (e.g., without aid of a screwdriver, Allen wrench, socket driver, or the like) is referred to in some places herein as toolless positioning, adjustment or the like (or toolless repositioning) of the peak 208.

[0092] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate a peak helmet coupler 228 (FIG. 26) that couples with the helmet 100 and is configured to couple with the peak coupler 230 (FIG. 27). The peak helmet coupler 228 includes pins 232 (e.g., posts, lugs, or the like) sized to fit within openings 234 of the extension 236 (or barrel) of the peak coupler 230 shown in FIG. 27. The extension 236 includes channels 238 complementary to the pins 232 of a shaft 231 of the peak helmet coupler 228. The channels 238 include a first portion 239A configured to receive the pins 232 in an axial direction of the extension 236, and a second portion 239B configured to receive the pins 232 in a circumferential direction. The interfitting between the pins 232 and the channels 238 is, in one example, a bayonet type fitting. When the arms 212 of the peak 208 are coupled to the helmet 100 the peak helmet coupler 228 is positioned within a respective groove 238 on the extensions 236. The pins 232 of the coupler 228 are delivered through the first portion 239A (e.g., longitudinally) to initially couple the peak 208 with the helmet. The peak 208 is rotated with the pins 232 descended through the first portion 239A to accordingly transition the pins 232 into the second portions 239B of the grooves 238 and thereby retain the peak 208 to the helmet 100. Rotational movement of the pins 232, in one example, corresponds to rotation of the peak 208 relative to the exterior surface 106 of the helmet 100.

[0093] The length of the second portions 239A of the channels 238 optionally corresponds to a quarter turn (approximately 90 degrees) of rotational movement of the peak 208 relative to exterior surface 106 of helmet 100. In another example, the total rotational movement of peak 208 for adjustment of the peak position (e.g., with the attachment end 210 coupled to the helmet 100) is less than the quarter turn of along second portion of channels 238. Thus, when manipulating attachment end 210 to change the position of the peak 208, the adjustment rotational movement is not sufficient to permit the pins 232 to align with the first portions 239A of the channels 238. Accordingly, unspecified (e.g., unintentional) removal of the peak 208 is thereby decreased (e.g., eliminated or lowered). Instead, when decoupling of the peak 208 from the helmet 100 is specified the attachment end 210 is decoupled as discussed herein, and the peak 208 is thereby freed to rotate through an additional arc (e.g., a quarter turn) to align the pins 232 with the first portions 239A of the grooves 238 and permit pulled movement of the barrels 236 of the peak 208 to decouple from the peak 208 from the peak helmet coupler 228.

[0094] The peak 208 is rotated with the pins 232 descended through the first portion 239A to accordingly transition the pins 232 into the second portions 239B of the grooves 238 and thereby retain the peak 208 to the helmet 100. Rotational movement of the pins 232, in one example, corresponds to rotation of the peak 208 relative to the exterior surface 106 of the helmet 100. In a similar manner, the face shield 114 and helmet shell include a face shield coupler that permits toolless coupling and decoupling of the face shield 114 with the helmet shell. In one example, the face shield coupler includes pins, recess, or the like (like the peak helmet coupler 228) that provide a bayonet type fitting between the face shield 114 and the shell.

[0095] In another example, the face shield slider 138 is biased forward (with anterior movement of the shield 114) to permit the removal of the face shield 114, such as the complementary fitting 165, from the chin bar coupler 136. In a converse manner, positioning of the complementary fitting 165 in the chin bar coupler 136 biases the face shield slider 138 anteriorly, permits placement of the fitting 165 in the chin bar coupler 136, and the face shield slider 138 moves posteriorly to lock the complementary fitting 165 to the helmet 100.

[0096] FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate a bottom up view of the helmet 100 and a top down view of the helmet 100, respectively. Peak 208 includes one or more vents 240 that assist in reducing aerodynamic lift in the presence of a moving air stream. The peak 208 is configured to block sunlight to the eyes of a user of helmet 100 at angles that may impair the user (e.g., directed into the face shield 114). The vents 240 are contoured and positioned to decrease the passage of sunlight through the peak 208 to the face shield 114 while still reducing aerodynamic lift. The vents 240 are optionally configured as an air scoop having a top surface and a bottom surface (FIGS. 29 and 28, respectively), with the top surface extending past a leading edge of the bottom surface. As appreciated from at least FIGS. 28 and 29, vents 240 have a decreased cross-sectional area and are angled relative to a longitudinal centerline of helmet 100 such that the shape, size, and position of the vents 240 contribute both to a reduction in aerodynamic forces on helmet 100 while the remaining portions of the peak 208 provide a robust solid area (even with the vents 240) that decreases sunlight to the eyes of a user of the helmet 100.

[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 34, these figures illustrate an inner construction of the helmet 100. The inner construction is a multi-layer assembly and includes an inner layer 242 (e.g., liner) of expandable polystyrene (EPS) or other shock absorbent substrate, a middle layer 244 constructed of a pliable tube array including a plurality of polymer tubes coupled together, for instance with welds provided along tube lengths. The tubes have one or more cross sectional profiles including, but not limited to, circular, hexagonal, quadrilateral, ovular, polygonal, or the like. An outer layer 246 (e.g., liner) of EPS (or other shock absorbent substrate) is coupled over the middle layer 244.

[0098] One or more of the inner layer 242, the middle layer 244, or the outer layer 246 acts as an impact absorbing layer configured to absorb energy from impacts. In some examples, one or more of the inner layer 242, the middle layer 244, or the outer layer 246 absorbs energy from an impact through deformation of one or more portions of each. Optionally, one or more of the inner layer 242 or outer layer 246 is configured to preferentially absorb forces from lower speed impacts (e.g., 20 mph or less, 30 mph or less, 40 mph or less, or the like). The middle layer 244 including the pliable tube array is configured to preferentially absorb forces from relatively higher speed impacts (e.g., 20 mph or greater, 30 mph or greater, 40 mph or greater, or the like).

[0099] FIG. 33 illustrates a completed inner construction showing inner layer 242 and outer layer 246 (middle layer 244 is sandwiched between the inner layer 242 and the outer layer 246) coupled together. The pliable tube array of the middle layer 244 is, in one example, a mat of interconnected tubes pliably conformed to each of the inner and outer layers 242, 246. For instance, the pliable tube array drapes over the inner layer 242 and assumes the inner layer profile of the exterior facing surface of the inner layer 242. Similarly, the positioning of the outer layer 246 over the pliable tube array causes the array to assume the profile of the interior facing surface of the outer layer 246. The pliable tube array thereby assumes a dome profile complementary to each of the exterior and interior facing profiles of the respective inner layer 242 and outer layer 246. The stacked (or sandwiched) configuration of the inner, middle, and outer layers 242, 244, 246 provides low and high speed impact absorbency across the helmet 100.

[0100] Vents 248 are added to outer layer 246 to aid in air ventilation of the helmet and head of the user. In some examples, venting is also be added to inner layer 242 to aid in ventilation. FIG. 34 illustrates one example of the middle layer 244 conformed to the inner layer 242 prior to coupling of the outer layer 246. The middle layer 244 includes venting, optionally throughout the layer, by way of the polymer tubes and lumens extending therethrough. In this regard, the middle layer 244 includes venting as an aspect of the pliable tube array. In contrast, the inner layer 242 and the outer layer 246 formed to include their respective vents (248 in FIGS. 33 and 250 in FIG. 34). The combination of layers 242, 244, 246 thereby provides venting through the stacked or sandwiched construction of the helmet 100 (e.g., from the head of the user to the exterior surface 106, including vents at the surface 106). In some examples, the outer layer 246 is a heat shield and insulates a user of helmet 100 against the heat of the shell, such as the exterior surface 106.

[0101] Included at the end is an appendix that references one or more examples of helmet 100 as set forth herein, including description of variations that are applicable to any of the examples referenced herein.

[0102] The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many examples of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, various examples of the invention reside in the claims hereinafter appended.

[0103] Aspect 1 can include subject matter such as a helmet comprising: a helmet shell enclosing a cavity configured to receive the head of an operator, the helmet shell includes: an exterior surface; a front opening extending through the exterior surface; and a face shield socket recessed from the exterior surface and extending around the front opening; and a face shield rotatably coupled with the helmet shell, the face shield having a plurality of configurations including at least a closed configuration and an open configuration: in the closed configuration the face shield is in a closed position, covers the front opening, and the face shield is seated within the face shield socket; and in the open configuration the face shield is in an open position with the face shield displaced forward and rotated relative to the closed position, the face shield is unseated from the face shield socket, and at least a portion of the front opening is uncovered.

[0104] Aspect 2 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include a slidable pivot mechanism rotatably and translationally coupling the face shield with the helmet shell, the slidable pivot mechanism includes: a face shield shuttle translationally coupled with the helmet shell, the face shield shuttle includes a bearing configured to receive the at least one pivot fitting, the bearing and at least one pivot fitting permit rotation of the face shield; and wherein the face shield shuttle permits translational movement of each of the bearing, the at least one pivot fitting, and the face shield relative to the helmet shell.

[0105] Aspect 3 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 or 2 to optionally include wherein the slidable pivot mechanism includes a biasing element configured to bias the face shield toward the face shield socket in the closed configuration.

[0106] Aspect 4 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1-3 to optionally include a detent track having one or more detent recesses and a detent; one of the detent track or the detent is coupled with the helmet shell; the other of the detent or the detent track is coupled with the face shield; and wherein the detent is biased to engage along the detent track and seat within at least one detent recess of the one or more detent recesses.

[0107] Aspect 5 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1-4 to optionally include a face shield shuttle translationally coupled with the helmet shell and rotationally coupled with the face shield, wherein the face shield shuttle is configured to bias the face shield and the detent toward the detent track.

[0108] Aspect 6 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-5 to optionally include wherein the closed position includes a fully closed position and the open position includes a fully open position, the detent track includes a first detent socket, and the first detent socket includes: a socket profile deeper than a recess profile of the one or more detent recesses; and a tapered face extending from the first detent socket toward a remainder of the detent track, the tapered face configured to bias the detent toward the remainder of the detent track with rotation of the face shield from at least one of the fully closed position or the fully open position.

[0109] Aspect 7 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-6 to optionally include wherein the face shield seated within the face shield socket is flush with the exterior surface of the helmet shell.

[0110] Aspect 8 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-7 to optionally include wherein the face shield flush with the exterior surface of the helmet shell is flush with a forehead brim of the helmet shell.

[0111] Aspect 9 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-8 to optionally include a chin bar rotatably coupled with the helmet shell, the chin bar having a plurality of configurations including at least a closed chin bar configuration and an open chin bar configuration: in the closed chin bar configuration the chin bar is in a down position; and in the open chin bar configuration the chin bar is rotated relative to the down position with the chin bar displaced forward.

[0112] Aspect 10 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-9 to optionally include a pilot member translationally received along a pilot track; one of the pilot member or the pilot track is coupled with the chin bar; the other of the pilot track or the pilot member is coupled with the helmet shell; wherein the pilot member seated within a recessed branch of the pilot track in the closed chin bar configuration and the pilot member is unseated from the recessed branch in the open chin bar configuration.

[0113] Aspect 11 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-10 to optionally include a helmet comprising a helmet shell enclosing a cavity configured to receive the head of an operator, the helmet shell includes: an exterior surface; and a front opening extending through the exterior surface; and a face shield having at least one pivot fitting; a slidable pivot mechanism rotatably and translationally coupling the face shield with the helmet shell, the slidable pivot mechanism includes: a face shield shuttle translationally coupled with the helmet shell, the face shield shuttle includes a bearing configured to receive the at least one pivot fitting, the bearing and at least one pivot fitting permit rotation of the face shield relative to the helmet shell and the face shield shuttle; and wherein the face shield shuttle permits translational movement of each of the bearing, the at least one pivot fitting, and the face shield relative to the helmet shell.

[0114] Aspect 12 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-11 to optionally include wherein the slidable pivot mechanism includes a biasing element configured to bias the face shield toward the helmet shell.

[0115] Aspect 13 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-12 to optionally include a detent track having one or more detent recesses and a detent; one of the detent track or the detent is coupled with the helmet shell; the other of the detent or the detent track is coupled with the face shield; and wherein the detent is biased to engage along the detent track and seat within at least one detent recess of the one or more detent recesses, and seating of the detent within the at least one detent recess resists rotation of the face shield.

[0116] Aspect 14 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-13 to optionally include wherein the face shield shuttle is configured to bias the face shield and the detent toward the detent track.

[0117] Aspect 15 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-14 to optionally include wherein the face shield includes a fully closed position and a fully open position, and the detent track includes a first detent socket, and the first detent socket includes: a socket profile deeper than a recess profile of the one or more detent recesses; and a tapered face extending from the first detent socket toward a remainder of the detent track, the tapered face configured to bias the detent toward the remainder of the detent track with rotation of the face shield from at least one of the fully closed position or the fully open position.

[0118] Aspect 16 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-15 to optionally include wherein the helmet shell includes a face shield socket, in a fully closed position the face shield is seated within the face shield socket, and the face shield is flush with the exterior surface of the helmet shell.

[0119] Aspect 17 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-16 to optionally include a peak visor rotatably coupled with the helmet shell, the peak visor includes: a peak body; arms extending from the peak body to pivot joints, the pivot joints rotatably coupled the peak visor with the helmet; and an attachment end extending form the peak body toward a peak adjustment track of the helmet shell, the attachment end includes a head slidably received in the adjustment track, wherein the head and peak adjustment track translationally couple the attachment end with the helmet shell.

[0120] Aspect 18 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-17 to optionally include wherein the head includes coupled and decoupled configurations: in the coupled configuration the head is received in the peak adjustment track and the head is translatable along the adjustment track; and in the decoupled configuration the head is delivered through an installation orifice of the peak adjustment track, and the attachment end is decoupled from the peak adjustment track.

[0121] Aspect 19 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-18 to optionally include wherein the pivot joints include rotatable bayonet fittings configured to permit manual coupling and decoupling of the pivot visor from the helmet.

[0122] Aspect 20 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-19 to optionally include wherein the at least one pivot fitting includes a rotatably bayonet fitting configured to permit manual coupling and decoupling of the face shield from the helmet.

[0123] Aspect 21 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-20 to optionally include a helmet comprising: a helmet shell enclosing a cavity configured to receive the head of an operator, the helmet shell includes: a front opening extending through the exterior surface; a shock absorbing stacked composite, the shock absorbing stacked composite includes: an inner shell proximate the cavity, the inner shell having an exterior facing profile; an outer shell extending over the inner shell, the outer shell having an interior facing profile; a pliable tube array mat having a plurality of polymer tubes interconnected along tube lengths, the pliable tube array mat is interposed between the inner shell and the outer shell; and wherein the exterior facing profile of the inner shell and the interior facing profile of the outer shell deform the pliable tube array mat into a dome profile complementary to the exterior and interior facing profiles.

[0124] Aspect 22 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-21 to optionally include wherein each of the inner shell and the outer shell include vents extending through the respective inner and outer shells, and the vents are in communication with tube cavities of the polymer tubes.

[0125] Aspect 23 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-22 to optionally include a face shield having at least one pivot fitting; a slidable pivot mechanism rotatably and translationally coupling the face shield with the helmet shell, the slidable pivot mechanism includes: a face shield shuttle translationally coupled with the helmet shell, the face shield shuttle includes a bearing configured to receive the at least one pivot fitting, the bearing and at least one pivot fitting permit rotation of the face shield relative to the helmet shell and the face shield shuttle; and wherein the face shield shuttle permits translational movement of each of the bearing, the at least one pivot fitting, and the face shield relative to the helmet shell.

[0126] Each of these non-limiting aspects can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other aspects.

[0127] The above description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific examples in which the invention can be practiced. These examples are also referred to herein as aspects or examples. Such aspects or example can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate aspects or examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate aspects or examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more features thereof), either with respect to a particular aspects or examples (or one or more features thereof), or with respect to other Aspects (or one or more features thereof) shown or described herein.

[0128] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

[0129] In this document, the terms a or an are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of at least one or one or more. In this document, the term or is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that A or B includes A but not B, B but not A, and A and B, unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms including and in which are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms comprising and wherein. Also, in the following claims, the terms including and comprising are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms first, second, and third, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0130] Geometric terms, such as parallel, perpendicular, round, or square, are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision, unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element is described as round or generally round, a component that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightly oblong or is a many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by this description.

[0131] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described aspects or examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other examples can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. 1.72 (b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed example. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as aspects, examples or examples, with each claim standing on its own as a separate example, and it is contemplated that such examples can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.