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).
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Publication number: 20230225446Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Samuel J. Shaffer
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Patent number: 11607000Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Samuel J. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20220022588Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Eamon Briggs, Benjamin W. Penner, Brian W. Eisman
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Patent number: 11154106Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Eamon Briggs, Benjamin W. Penner, Brian W. Eisman
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Patent number: 10806204Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 4, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: BELL SPORTS, INC.Inventor: Ben D. Pritz
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Publication number: 20200275723Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Samuel J. Shaffer
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Patent number: 10548363Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: BELL SPORTS, INC.Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Samuel J. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20180271201Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Eamon Briggs, Benjamin W. Penner, Brian W. Eisman
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Publication number: 20180227468Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventor: Ben D. Pritz
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Patent number: 9986779Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Eamon Briggs, Benjamin W. Penner, Brian W. Eisman
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Patent number: 9955049Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventor: Ben D. Pritz
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Patent number: 9883709Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin W. Penner, Ben D. Pritz, Gregg T. Jacobsen
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Publication number: 20170347743Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Benjamin W. Penner, Ben D. Pritz, Gregg T. Jacobsen
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Publication number: 20170347736Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Benjamin W. Penner, Hilgard N. Muller, Ben D. Pritz, Gregg T. Jacobsen
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Publication number: 20170143070Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2016Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Daniel J. Cram, Ben D. Pritz
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Publication number: 20170055623Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Ben D. Pritz
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Publication number: 20160029729Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventor: Ben D. Pritz
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Publication number: 20150272257Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2015Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: Ben D. Pritz, Eamon Briggs, Benjamin W. Penner, Brian W. Eisman