Patents Assigned to Bell Sports, Inc.
  • Tire repair tool and method of repairing a tire puncture with tire plugs
    Patent number: 10611103
    Abstract: A tire repair tool assembly includes a tool body, at least one tire plug, a plug storage cap, and a hollow tube. The tool body may have a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the tool body having a storage compartment within the tool body, the storage compartment having an opening at the first end. The plug storage cap may be operably coupled to the first end of the tool body. The hollow tube may be sized to receive a first end of the at least one tire plug within the hollow tube, the hollow tube extending from the second end of the tool body and having a tip distal from the second end of the tool body. The tire repair assembly may further include a tool body case having a closed end and an open compartment within the tool body case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Park, Mark J. Matson
  • Helmet comprising a segmented shell
    Patent number: 10602795
    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: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Allen, Christopher T. Pietrzak, Allen Bischofberger, Julio Valencia
  • Truncated helmet
    Patent number: 10575582
    Abstract: A helmet with an outer shell, an inner liner, a plurality of vents, and an occipital cliff is disclosed. The outer shell includes an outer surface made up of a first and second surface, the first and second surfaces joined by a drop-off running across the outer surface from a left side of the helmet to a right side of the helmet. A majority of the drop-off is closer to a coronal plane bisecting the helmet than it is to the rear of the helmet. The drop-off is contained within a posterior section of the helmet defined by the coronal plane. The first surface defines a top of the drop-off and the second surface defines a bottom of the drop-off, such that the drop-off has a height. The occipital cliff is located at the rear end of the helmet and is approximately perpendicular to the second surface proximate the drop-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: BELL SPORTS, INC.
    Inventor: Alexander J. Szela
  • Helmet dampening fit system
    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
  • Helmet with removable chin bar
    Patent number: 10492559
    Abstract: A helmet comprising a helmet body and a chin bar is disclosed. The helmet body comprises an opening and two attachment anchors located opposite each other proximate a leading edge of the opening. Each attachment anchor comprises a pivot socket and a lock support. The chin bar comprises two opposing ends, each releasably coupled to a different attachment anchor. Each end of the chin bar comprises a locking mechanism engaged with a lock support of a different attachment anchor, and a pivot arm releasably and pivotally coupled to the pivot socket of the different attachment anchor. The chin bar is pivotable between a first angle and a second angle with respect to the helmet body, and the pivot arms are releasable from the pivot sockets of the helmet body while the locking mechanisms of the chin bar are disengaged from the lock supports of the helmet body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Kele, David M. Thompson
  • Halter bib athletic garment
    Patent number: 10485275
    Abstract: A halter bib athletic garment is described herein. A halter bib athletic garment may be removed or lowered without removing a jersey by simply pulling a halter strap over the head of a wearer. One or more embodiments of a halter bib allow wearers to more readily urinate or have a bowel movement because the halter bib may be easily lowered or removed. A halter bib athletic garment may include a lower body section, a chamois coupled to the lower body section, and an upper body section. The upper body section comprises a halter strap forming a portion of a loop of a head opening on the upper body section. The halter strap includes two front side portions and a rear side portion positioned between the front side portions. The rear side portion is coupled to the athletic garment only with the front side portions of the halter strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Karany Nhim
  • Protective helmet with multiple energy management liners
    Patent number: 10463099
    Abstract: A helmet for rotational energy management can include an outer energy management layer comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface can comprise a first slidable finish comprising a first glaze comprising a thickness less than or equal to 2 millimeters (mm). An inner energy management layer can be disposed within the outer energy management layer and further comprise an outer surface oriented towards the outer energy management layer and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The outer surface can comprise a second slidable finish that directly contacts the first slidable finish. The second slidable finish can comprise a second glaze comprising a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm. A space between the first slidable finish and the second slidable finish can be devoid of a lubricant and devoid of any interstitial slip layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Allen, James R. Penny, Alexander J. Szela, Julio Valencia, Christopher T. Pietrzak
  • Mini pump with integrated valve core tool
    Patent number: 10443588
    Abstract: A mini pump comprising a linear hand pump assembly and a valve core tool is disclosed. The linear hand pump assembly is configured to operate along a longitudinal pump axis and comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The valve core tool is releasably coupled to the first end and has a central tool axis and a cavity centered on, and running parallel to, the central tool axis. The cavity passes through at least one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the tool and is shaped to mate with a valve core such that, with respect to rotation about the tool axis, the valve core is rotationally fixed to the tool. The pump axis and the tool axis are collinear when the tool is coupled to the assembly. The valve core tool and the pump assembly may be threadedly coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Park, Mark J. Matson
  • Integrated bicycle frame bag
    Patent number: 10427742
    Abstract: A bicycle frame bag includes a bag body, a first frame and a second frame. The bag body includes a bag top, a bag bottom, a first bag side and a second bag side opposite the first bag side, the first bag side connecting with the bag top and the bag bottom at first edges, the second bag side connecting with the bag top and the bag bottom at second edges opposite the first edges. The first frame includes at least a first arm and a second arm operatively coupled to each other to form a first angle that is substantially the same as an angle between two adjacent tubes of a bicycle frame. The second frame includes at least a third arm and a fourth arm operatively coupled to each other to form a second angle that is substantially the same as the angle between the two adjacent tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Tad Osada, Kelvin Koo, Roxanne Lo, Tom Morgan
  • Adjustable elastomeric helmet multi-liner retainer and method of assembling multi-liner helmet
    Patent number: 10398187
    Abstract: A helmet body with an outer shell and at least two energy management liners may include an elastomeric shaft, a fixed retainer, and an adjustable retainer. The elastomeric shaft has a head, a tail, and a plurality of frustoconical ridges disposed along the elastomeric shaft between the head and the tail, the elastomeric shaft being narrower at the tail than at the head. The fixed retainer has first opening large enough to receive both the head, but a second opening is smaller than a size of the head. The adjustable retainer may have an aperture sized to receive the tail and part of the elastomeric shaft. The inner liner and the outer liner are coupled together with the fixed retainer on one side, the elastomeric shaft extending through the fixed retainer, the inner liner, and the outer liner and the adjustable retainer around the elastomeric shaft on the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc
    Inventor: Samuel J. Shaffer
  • Combination shoelace and hook and loop fasteners shoe tightening system with replaceable shoelaces
    Patent number: 10390588
    Abstract: A quick tightening system for a shoe comprises at least two shoelace segments, a pull-tab having a first side of a hook-and-loop fastener on a bottom surface of the pull-tab, and a second side of the hook-and-loop fastener. The at least two shoelace segments each includes an aglet at a distal end of the shoelace segment, each of the at least two shoelace segments coupled to the first side of the shoe at a proximal end of the shoelace segment and extending through the eyelets on the first side of the shoe. The pull-tab includes aglet channels. The aglet channels each is sized to removably receive at least a portion of one of the aglets into one of the aglet channel while each of the at least two shoelace segments extends from the aglet channels into the eyelets on the first side of the shoe. The second side of the hook-and-loop fastener is disposed on an outer surface of the second side of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Fisher, Steven D. Swartzendruber, Eric Horton, Ahadin Maryo Hutasoit, Michael Friton, Michael J. Musal, Scott Junker
  • Shock absorbing helmet
    Patent number: 10376010
    Abstract: A helmet can include an outer shell including a faceport, a first segment including a longitudinal ridge extending from a front of the helmet to a rear of the helmet, a gap disposed along the edge of the first segment, and a second segment offset from the first segment by the gap. A hinged zone can be formed by an elastomeric material disposed within the gap and coupled to the first segment and the second segment of the outer shell. The hinged zone can elastically flex in a radial direction towards a center of the helmet. An energy absorbing liner can be coupled to an inner surface of the outer shell, and an open space can be formed between an inner surface of the hinged zone and an outer surface of the energy absorbing liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Allen, James R. Penny, Alexander J. Szela, Julio Valencia, Christopher T. Pietrzak
  • Multi-layer helmet and method for making the same
    Patent number: 10362829
    Abstract: A protective helmet can include an outer shell and a multi-layer liner disposed within the outer shell and sized for receiving a wearer's head. The multi-layer liner can include and inner-layer, a middle-layer, and an outer-layer. The inner-layer can include an inner surface oriented towards an inner area of a helmet for receiving a wearer's head. The inner-layer can comprise a mid-energy management material with a density in a range of 40-70 g/L. The middle-layer can be disposed adjacent an outer surface of the inner-layer, wherein the middle-layer comprises a low-energy management material with a density in a range of 10-20 g/L. The outer-layer can be disposed adjacent an outer surface of the middle-layer, the outer-layer comprising an outer surface oriented towards the outer shell, wherein the outer-layer comprises a high-energy management material with a density in a range of 20-50 grams g/L.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Lowe
  • Protective bicycle helmet with internal ventilation system
    Patent number: 10357077
    Abstract: A bicycle helmet for protecting the head of a wearer includes an outer shell and an energy dissipating inner layer coupled to the outer shell. The inner layer defines an inner surface, and front attachment locations are inwardly offset from the inner surface substantially at a frontal portion of the helmet. Rear attachment locations are inwardly offset from the inner surface substantially at a rear portion of the helmet. An internal ventilation system is supported by the front attachment locations and the rear attachment locations. The internal ventilation system is configured for direct engagement with the head of the wearer for supporting the helmet upon the head of the wearer. The internal ventilation system provides a gap between the head of the wearer and the inner surface. The gap allows ventilating air to flow over a substantial extent of the wearer's head and within the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher T. Pietrzak
  • Helmet safety lighting system
    Patent number: 10349695
    Abstract: An illuminable helmet assembly is disclosed. The helmet assembly may include a helmet body having an outer shell, an energy management layer and a fit system. A light diffuser is coupled to an outer surface of the helmet body, the diffuser having an illumination surface with an outer perimeter and defining a footprint of the illumination surface extending inward from the illumination surface to a center of the helmet body. A light source is positioned adjacent to and in some cases outside of the outer perimeter and the footprint of the illumination surface. The light source is positioned to emit light toward the illumination surface at an acute angle to the illumination surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc
    Inventors: David M. Thompson, Samuel Kass
  • Protective helmet with multiple pseudo-spherical energy management liners
    Patent number: 10271603
    Abstract: A helmet comprising and outer liner and an inner liner slidably coupled to an interior surface of the outer liner is disclosed. The outer liner comprises an interior surface and the inner liner comprises an exterior surface. The inner liner is composed of an elastically deformable material. A majority of the interior surface of the outer liner and a majority of the exterior surface of the inner liner are both substantially parallel to a pseudo-spherical surface having a coronal cross section that is circular with a first radius and a sagittal cross section that is circular with a second radius different from the first radius. The inner liner is elastically deformable along the interior surface of the outer liner in response to rotation of the outer liner relative to the inner liner caused by an impact to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Eamon Briggs
  • Helmet goggle strap holder
    Patent number: 10258099
    Abstract: A helmet and goggle strap clip combination includes a helmet body with an outer shell having an opening in a surface. The goggle strap clip includes a clip body, a resilient leg extending in a first direction with a foot at an end of the leg. The foot includes a foot body, an outer side facing away from the helmet body and an inner side facing the helmet body, a cover extends from the foot body in the first direction, a support fin extending from the foot body in a second direction, opposite the first direction. The cover overlaps the outer shell by a side edge, the support fin is positioned inside of and engaging the outer shell by a second side edge, and the clip body is in direct contact with the outer shell separate from the leg and its foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Musal
  • Helmet strap attachment method and device
    Patent number: 10238163
    Abstract: An anchoring system for securing a strap to an in-molded helmet can include a strap anchor that includes an anchor housing and an in-molding flange coupled to the anchor housing. The anchoring system can include a bar tack clip sized to fit partially within the anchor housing, the bar tack clip including a cross beam, an opening adjacent the cross beam, and at least one clip coupled to the cross beam and sized to mateably couple with the anchor housing. The anchoring system can also include a strap disposed through the opening in the bar tack clip and looped around the cross beam, the strap being coupled to itself with a bar tack. The at least one clip of the bar tack clip can be disposed at an in-bound side of the bar tack clip or can include two side clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg T. Jacobsen
  • Helmet having magnetically coupled cheek pads
    Patent number: 10238164
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a helmet having magnetic coupling is provided. In a particular embodiment, the helmet includes at least one protective layer configured to cover at least a portion of a user's head and a pad coupled to a back plate, a back plate coupled to a protective layer, a back plate comprising a magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher David Sackett
  • Multi-tool
    Patent number: D865481
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Park