Patents by Inventor Ben D. Pritz

Ben D. Pritz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230225446
    Abstract: A fit system for a helmet can include an adjuster including a width adjustment track, and first and second pods moveably coupled to the width adjustment track with a first and second support arm, the second pod comprising a lateral offset from the first pod. The fit system can further include a dial moveably coupled to the adjustor, such that movement of the dial changes a size of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The fit system can further include a hanger flexibly coupled to both the first pod and the second pod and adapted to allow for adjustment of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The hanger can further be adapted to allow for movement of the first pod and the second pod in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral offset without movement of the dial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Samuel J. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 11607000
    Abstract: A fit system for a helmet can include an adjuster including a width adjustment track, and first and second pods moveably coupled to the width adjustment track with a first and second support arm, the second pod comprising a lateral offset from the first pod. The fit system can further include a dial moveably coupled to the adjustor, such that movement of the dial changes a size of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The fit system can further include a hanger flexibly coupled to both the first pod and the second pod and adapted to allow for adjustment of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The hanger can further be adapted to allow for movement of the first pod and the second pod in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral offset without movement of the dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Samuel J. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20220022588
    Abstract: A helmet can comprise an outer shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer shell comprises an integrally formed locking mechanism. The helmet can also comprise a locking liner formed of a foam material and disposed within the outer shell adjacent the inner surface of the outer shell. The locking liner can further comprise at least one side piece sized to fit between a lower edge of the outer shell and top portion of the outer shell, a top piece disposed at the top portion of the outer shell and comprising a central opening, and a rotatable foam locking piece sized to fit within the central opening and comprising a tab that is sized to mateably couple with the integrally formed locking mechanism of the outer shell to releasably couple the locking liner to the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Eamon Briggs, Benjamin W. Penner, Brian W. Eisman
  • Patent number: 11154106
    Abstract: A helmet can comprise an outer shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer shell comprises an integrally formed locking mechanism. The helmet can also comprise a locking liner formed of a foam material and disposed within the outer shell adjacent the inner surface of the outer shell. The locking liner can further comprise at least one side piece sized to fit between a lower edge of the outer shell and top portion of the outer shell, a top piece disposed at the top portion of the outer shell and comprising a central opening, and a rotatable foam locking piece sized to fit within the central opening and comprising a tab that is sized to mateably couple with the integrally formed locking mechanism of the outer shell to releasably couple the locking liner to the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Eamon Briggs, Benjamin W. Penner, Brian W. Eisman
  • Patent number: 10806204
    Abstract: A helmet can include a helmet body comprising an energy-absorbing layer and an outer shell disposed over the energy-absorbing layer. An electronic device can be integrated with the helmet body. A first electrical contact can be formed at an exterior of the outer shell and adapted to be in electrical communication with the electronic device. A helmet visor can be coupled to the helmet body with at least one visor arm, the helmet visor comprising controls integrated within the visor. A second electrical contact can be formed at an inner surface of the at least one visor arm and adapted to be in electrical communication with the controls integrated within the visor. The second electrical contact can be adapted to mateably couple with the first electrical contact such that the electronic device and the controls are adapted to be in electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: BELL SPORTS, INC.
    Inventor: Ben D. Pritz
  • Publication number: 20200275723
    Abstract: A fit system for a helmet can include an adjuster including a width adjustment track, and first and second pods moveably coupled to the width adjustment track with a first and second support arm, the second pod comprising a lateral offset from the first pod. The fit system can further include a dial moveably coupled to the adjustor, such that movement of the dial changes a size of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The fit system can further include a hanger flexibly coupled to both the first pod and the second pod and adapted to allow for adjustment of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The hanger can further be adapted to allow for movement of the first pod and the second pod in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral offset without movement of the dial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Samuel J. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10548363
    Abstract: A fit system for a helmet can include an adjuster including a width adjustment track, and first and second pods moveably coupled to the width adjustment track with a first and second support arm, the second pod comprising a lateral offset from the first pod. The fit system can further include a dial moveably coupled to the adjustor, such that movement of the dial changes a size of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The fit system can further include a hanger flexibly coupled to both the first pod and the second pod and adapted to allow for adjustment of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The hanger can further be adapted to allow for movement of the first pod and the second pod in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral offset without movement of the dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: BELL SPORTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Samuel J. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20180271201
    Abstract: A helmet can comprise an outer shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer shell comprises an integrally formed locking mechanism. The helmet can also comprise a locking liner formed of a foam material and disposed within the outer shell adjacent the inner surface of the outer shell. The locking liner can further comprise at least one side piece sized to fit between a lower edge of the outer shell and top portion of the outer shell, a top piece disposed at the top portion of the outer shell and comprising a central opening, and a rotatable foam locking piece sized to fit within the central opening and comprising a tab that is sized to mateably couple with the integrally formed locking mechanism of the outer shell to releasably couple the locking liner to the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Eamon Briggs, Benjamin W. Penner, Brian W. Eisman
  • Publication number: 20180227468
    Abstract: A helmet can include a helmet body comprising an energy-absorbing layer and an outer shell disposed over the energy-absorbing layer. An electronic device can be integrated with the helmet body. A first electrical contact can be formed at an exterior of the outer shell and adapted to be in electrical communication with the electronic device. A helmet visor can be coupled to the helmet body with at least one visor arm, the helmet visor comprising controls integrated within the visor. A second electrical contact can be formed at an inner surface of the at least one visor arm and adapted to be in electrical communication with the controls integrated within the visor. The second electrical contact can be adapted to mateably couple with the first electrical contact such that the electronic device and the controls are adapted to be in electrical contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventor: Ben D. Pritz
  • Patent number: 9986779
    Abstract: A helmet can comprise an outer shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer shell comprises an integrally formed locking mechanism. The helmet can also comprise a locking liner formed of a foam material and disposed within the outer shell adjacent the inner surface of the outer shell. The locking liner can further comprise at least one side piece sized to fit between a lower edge of the outer shell and top portion of the outer shell, a top piece disposed at the top portion of the outer shell and comprising a central opening, and a rotatable foam locking piece sized to fit within the central opening and comprising a tab that is sized to mateably couple with the integrally formed locking mechanism of the outer shell to releasably couple the locking liner to the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Eamon Briggs, Benjamin W. Penner, Brian W. Eisman
  • Patent number: 9955049
    Abstract: A helmet can include a helmet body comprising an energy-absorbing layer and an outer shell disposed over the energy-absorbing layer. An electronic device can be integrated with the helmet body. A first electrical contact can be formed at an exterior of the outer shell and adapted to be in electrical communication with the electronic device. A helmet visor can be coupled to the helmet body with at least one visor arm, the helmet visor comprising controls integrated within the visor. A second electrical contact can be formed at an inner surface of the at least one visor arm and adapted to be in electrical communication with the controls integrated within the visor. The second electrical contact can be adapted to mateably couple with the first electrical contact such that the electronic device and the controls are adapted to be in electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Ben D. Pritz
  • Patent number: 9883709
    Abstract: A helmet can include an upper body comprising an interior surface comprising a locking flange, and a lower body positioned at least partially inside the upper body. The lower body can comprise an edge in contact with the locking flange of the upper body. At least one joining pin can be located within, and bridge, the lower body and the upper body. An at least one basket pair can comprise an upper basket comprising a pin receiver, the upper basket being at least partially embedded within the upper body. A lower basket can comprise a pin aperture, the lower basket being at least partially embedded within the lower body and positioned such that the pin aperture is aligned with the pin receiver of the basket pair. The at least one joining pin can be positioned inside both the pin aperture and the pin receiver of the basket pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin W. Penner, Ben D. Pritz, Gregg T. Jacobsen
  • Publication number: 20170347743
    Abstract: A helmet can include an upper body comprising an interior surface comprising a locking flange, and a lower body positioned at least partially inside the upper body. The lower body can comprise an edge in contact with the locking flange of the upper body. At least one joining pin can be located within, and bridge, the lower body and the upper body. An at least one basket pair can comprise an upper basket comprising a pin receiver, the upper basket being at least partially embedded within the upper body. A lower basket can comprise a pin aperture, the lower basket being at least partially embedded within the lower body and positioned such that the pin aperture is aligned with the pin receiver of the basket pair. The at least one joining pin can be positioned inside both the pin aperture and the pin receiver of the basket pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin W. Penner, Ben D. Pritz, Gregg T. Jacobsen
  • Publication number: 20170347736
    Abstract: A helmet can include an energy absorbing shell including an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. A fit system member can be coupled to a rear of the energy absorbing shell to adjust a fit of the helmet for a user. A sliding layer can include an outer sliding layer surface oriented towards the inner surface of the energy absorbing shell and an inner sliding layer surface opposite the outer surface. The sliding layer can include at least one attachment member and at least one integrated fit system arm. The at least one integrated fit system arm can be coupled to the fit system member. An elastomeric member can include a first end coupled to the energy absorbing shell and a second end coupled to the attachment member of the sliding layer. Comfort padding can be coupled to the inner surface of the Sliding layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin W. Penner, Hilgard N. Muller, Ben D. Pritz, Gregg T. Jacobsen
  • Publication number: 20170143070
    Abstract: A helmet fit adjustment system having a frame, a tensioning device having an adjustment wheel, and a device receiver is disclosed. The frame comprises a frame body having a first attachment point and a second attachment point, as well as an occipital strap having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the first attachment point, and the second end is movably coupled to the tensioning device. The device receiver is coupled to the second attachment point. The tensioning device is directly and releasably coupled to the device receiver, forming a hair aperture. Rotational adjustment of the adjustment wheel adjusts a functional length of the occipital strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel J. Cram, Ben D. Pritz
  • Publication number: 20170055623
    Abstract: A fit system for a helmet can include an adjuster including a width adjustment track, and first and second pods moveably coupled to the width adjustment track with a first and second support arm, the second pod comprising a lateral offset from the first pod. The fit system can further include a dial moveably coupled to the adjustor, such that movement of the dial changes a size of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The fit system can further include a hanger flexibly coupled to both the first pod and the second pod and adapted to allow for adjustment of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The hanger can further be adapted to allow for movement of the first pod and the second pod in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral offset without movement of the dial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Ben D. Pritz
  • Publication number: 20160029729
    Abstract: A helmet can include a helmet body comprising an energy-absorbing layer and an outer shell disposed over the energy-absorbing layer. An electronic device can be integrated with the helmet body. A first electrical contact can be formed at an exterior of the outer shell and adapted to be in electrical communication with the electronic device. A helmet visor can be coupled to the helmet body with at least one visor arm, the helmet visor comprising controls integrated within the visor. A second electrical contact can be formed at an inner surface of the at least one visor arm and adapted to be in electrical communication with the controls integrated within the visor. The second electrical contact can be adapted to mateably couple with the first electrical contact such that the electronic device and the controls are adapted to be in electrical contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Ben D. Pritz
  • Publication number: 20150272257
    Abstract: A helmet can comprise an outer shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer shell comprises an integrally formed locking mechanism. The helmet can also comprise a locking liner formed of a foam material and disposed within the outer shell adjacent the inner surface of the outer shell. The locking liner can further comprise at least one side piece sized to fit between a lower edge of the outer shell and top portion of the outer shell, a top piece disposed at the top portion of the outer shell and comprising a central opening, and a rotatable foam locking piece sized to fit within the central opening and comprising a tab that is sized to mateably couple with the integrally formed locking mechanism of the outer shell to releasably couple the locking liner to the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Eamon Briggs, Benjamin W. Penner, Brian W. Eisman