Patents by Inventor Christopher T. Pietrzak
Christopher T. Pietrzak 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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Patent number: 10602795Abstract: 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: January 25, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. Allen, Christopher T. Pietrzak, Allen Bischofberger, Julio Valencia
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Publication number: 20190343215Abstract: A helmet for protecting the head of a user may include at least one liner comprising an inner surface and a lower edge surrounding the inner surface at a helmet opening configured to receive a head of a helmet wearer. At least two coupling points may be located on the inner surface proximal to the lower edge. At least one flexible forehead strap may follow the lower edge of the energy management layer and may be inwardly offset from the inner surface. At least two prongs may be coupled to, and slidably extend between, the flexible forehead strap and the at least two coupling points, respectively. A continuous gap between the inner surface and the flexible forehead strap may be provided by an offset created by the at least two prongs, the at least two prongs flexibly maintaining the offset.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Inventors: Michael J. Musal, Christopher T. Pietrzak
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Patent number: 10463099Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. Allen, James R. Penny, Alexander J. Szela, Julio Valencia, Christopher T. Pietrzak
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Publication number: 20190269194Abstract: A custom-fitted helmet and a method of making the same can comprise, at a first location, obtaining head data for a customer's head comprising a length, a width, and at least one head contour. With at least one processor, generating a computerized three-dimensional (3D) headform matching the customer's head length, width, and head contour from the head data. The 3D headform can be compared to a helmet safety standard. At a second location different from the first location, a custom-fitted helmet based on the 3D headform can be formed, wherein the custom-fitted helmet satisfies the safety standard and comprises an inner surface comprising a topography that conforms to the length, width, and at least one contour of the customer's head. The first location can be a home or a store. Obtaining the head data from photographic images of a deformable interface member disposed on the customer's head.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2018Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Christopher T. Pietrzak, Michael W. Lowe
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Patent number: 10376010Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. Allen, James R. Penny, Alexander J. Szela, Julio Valencia, Christopher T. Pietrzak
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Patent number: 10357077Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2016Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventor: Christopher T. Pietrzak
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Patent number: 10159296Abstract: A custom-fitted helmet and a method of making the same can comprise, at a first location, obtaining head data for a customer's head comprising a length, a width, and at least one head contour. With at least one processor, generating a computerized three-dimensional (3D) headform matching the customer's head length, width, and head contour from the head data. The 3D headform can be compared to a helmet safety standard. At a second location different from the first location, a custom-fitted helmet based on the 3D headform can be formed, wherein the custom-fitted helmet satisfies the safety standard and comprises an inner surface comprising a topography that conforms to the length, width, and at least one contour of the customer's head. The first location can be a home or a store. Obtaining the head data from photographic images of a deformable interface member disposed on the customer's head.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Riddell, Inc.Inventors: Christopher T. Pietrzak, Michael W. Lowe
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Publication number: 20180206581Abstract: A helmet body includes an outer shell and an energy management liner with an outer shell lower edge extending between the inner surface and the outer surface of the outer shell. At least two shoulder pad recesses are positioned at a lower edge of the outer shell on a respective left and right sides of the helmet. The energy management liner is adjacent to the inner surface of the outer shell and includes at least two shoulder pads formed of a foamed energy management material. Each of the at least two shoulder pads is received into one of the at least two shoulder pad recesses on the respective left or right side of the helmet, each shoulder pad extending from inside of the outer shell to across at least a majority of a width of the lower edge of the outer shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Scott S. Whitesell, Scott R. Allen, Christopher T. Pietrzak, Allen Bischofberger, Julio Valencia
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Publication number: 20180206584Abstract: 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: January 25, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Scott R. Allen, Christopher T. Pietrzak, Allen Bischofberger, Julio Valencia
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Publication number: 20170188649Abstract: A protective helmet for rotational energy management may include an outer protective shell including an outer surface and an inner surface, a portion of which may be spherically shaped. An inner protective shell may be disposed within the outer protective shell and include a spherically shaped outer surface oriented towards the inner surface of the outer protective shell. A surface area of the outer surface of the inner protective shell may be less than a surface area of the inner surface of the outer protective shell. A first elastomer member may extend through a first channel through the outer protective shell and the inner protective shell. A boundary nub may include a spherical shape and be integrally formed with the inner protective shell at a front lower edge of the inner protective shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2016Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Scott R. Allen, James R. Penny, Alexander J. Szela, Julio Valencia, Christopher T. Pietrzak
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Publication number: 20170164678Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2016Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Scott R. Allen, James R. Penny, Alexander J. Szela, Julio Valencia, Christopher T. Pietrzak
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Publication number: 20170127746Abstract: A helmet can comprise a helmet body comprising an energy absorbing layer and an outer shell. The energy absorbing layer can be formed of at least one of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polypropylene (EPP). An opening can be formed adjacent the outer shell and extend towards an inner surface of the energy absorbing layer. A sleeve can be disposed at least partially within the opening, the sleeve comprising a flange coupled to the outer shell. The sleeve can comprise a distal end disposed over the energy absorption layer such that no part of the sleeve extends completely through the energy absorbing layer to the inner surface of the energy absorbing layer. A camera can be coupled to the first sleeve and exposed through the first opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2017Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventors: Christopher T. PIETRZAK, Scott R. ALLEN, Joseph D. TOMASCHESKI
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Publication number: 20170119080Abstract: 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 comprising 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: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventors: Scott R. Allen, James R. Penny, Alexander J. Szela, Julio Valencia, Christopher T. Pietrzak
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Publication number: 20170112227Abstract: A helmet comprising an outer shell and a chin bar collar is disclosed. The outer shell comprises an interior surface and an open front portion. The chin bar collar comprises a chin guard and a collar segment forming a continuous loop. The collar segment is coupled to the interior surface of the outer shell. A majority of the collar segment is positioned within an interior space of the outer shell, and a majority of the chin guard is positioned outside the interior space of the outer shell. The outer shell may include at least two coupling points, at least one on each side of the open front portion, coupling the chin bar collar to the outer shell. The helmet may include at least one bracket coupled to the interior surface of the outer shell. The chin bar collar may be releasably coupled to the interior surface of the outer shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2016Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Christopher T. Pietrzak, Scott R. Allen, James R. Penny, Alexander J. Szela, Julio Valencia
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Patent number: 9549583Abstract: A helmet that can include a helmet body comprising an energy absorption layer and an outer shell. A first opening can be formed through the outer shell and extend into the energy absorbing layer, the first opening including a perimeter. A first sleeve can be disposed at least partially within the first opening, the first sleeve including a first end including a first flange coupled to the outer shell and extending beyond the perimeter of the first opening, and a second end opposite the first end including a base disposed over the energy absorption layer. A camera can be coupled to the first sleeve and exposed through the first opening. The helmet can further include the first sleeve including a depth greater than a width or a length. The first flange can be directly coupled to an outer surface or an inner of the outer shell.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Christopher T. Pietrzak, Scott R. Allen, Joseph D. Tomascheski
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Publication number: 20170006954Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventor: Christopher T. Pietrzak
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Patent number: 9414636Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventor: Christopher T. Pietrzak
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Publication number: 20140201889Abstract: A custom-fitted helmet and a method of making the same can comprise, at a first location, obtaining head data for a customer's head comprising a length, a width, and at least one head contour. With at least one processor, generating a computerized three-dimensional (3D) headform matching the customer's head length, width, and head contour from the head data. The 3D headform can be compared to a helmet safety standard. At a second location different from the first location, a custom-fitted helmet based on the 3D headform can be formed, wherein the custom-fitted helmet satisfies the safety standard and comprises an inner surface comprising a topography that conforms to the length, width, and at least one contour of the customer's head. The first location can be a home or a store. Obtaining the head data from photographic images of a deformable interface member disposed on the customer's head.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Christopher T. Pietrzak, Michael W. Lowe
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Patent number: 8776813Abstract: A tent pole assembly that includes first and second pole sections, first and second inserts, and a projection member. Each of the pole sections includes an open end. The first and second inserts are positionable into the open ends of the first and second pole sections, respectively. The projection member is insertable into the first and second inserts to releasably connect the first and second pole sections together.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Easton Technical Products, Inc.Inventors: Christopher K. DeLap, Christopher T. Pietrzak, Ross M. Hinschberger
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Publication number: 20140189937Abstract: A helmet that can comprise a helmet body comprising an energy absorption layer and an outer shell. A first opening can be formed through the outer shell and extend into the energy absorbing layer, the first opening comprising a perimeter. A first sleeve can be disposed at least partially within the first opening, the first sleeve comprising a first end comprising a first flange coupled to the outer shell and extending beyond the perimeter of the first opening, and a second end opposite the first end comprising a base disposed over the energy absorption layer. A camera can be coupled to the first sleeve and exposed through the first opening. The helmet can further comprise the first sleeve comprising a depth greater than a width or a length. The first flange can be directly coupled to an outer surface or an inner of the outer shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Christopher T. Pietrzak, Scott R. Allen, Joseph D. TOMASCHESKI