Abstract: A helmet (10) is provided including an outer shell (12) defining a first plurality of vents (23); energy dissipating padding (16) located in an interior of the outer shell, the padding defining a plurality of openings (27); the energy dissipating padding assembly and the outer shell defining a space therebetween, a first slider (28) actuatable by the wearer to slide along a first direction that extends substantially parallel to the surface of the outer shell, the first slider defining first cooperating members (60); and a second slider (26) comprising a plurality of panels (40, 42, 44) configured to cover the first plurality of vents and second cooperating surfaces (54, 56), such that movement of the first slider along the first direction generates movement of the second slider along a second direction substantially normal to the surface of the helmet shell, thereby selectively moving the panels to cover and uncover the first plurality of vents.

Abstract: A helmet that includes vents in the shell and removable plugs that may be positioned in the vents to provide an airtight seal while maintaining the aerodynamic shape of the helmet. The vent has an outer vent opening in the outer wall surface of the shell and an inner vent opening in the inner wall surface of the shell. The plug includes a resilient lower surface and an upper surface opposite the resilient lower surface. The resilient lower surface has a lower peripheral lip that compresses when the plug is pushed through the outer vent opening and the inner vent opening and that subsequently expands after the lower peripheral lip passes through the inner vent opening so that the lower peripheral lip engages a portion of the inner wall surface of the shell. The upper surface has an upper peripheral lip configured to conform to a portion of the outer wall surface of the shell when the plug is inserted in the vent.