Abstract: A helmet with an adjustable fit system is disclosed herein. The helmet includes a protective shell and the adjustable fit system. The adjustable fit system is coupled to an positioned at least partially within the protective shell. The adjustable fit system includes a frame having two cord attachment points, a cord coupled to the two cord attachment points of the frame, and a tension device releasably coupled to the cord between the two attachment points. The tensioning device is configured to adjust a distance between the two attachment points of the frame via movement of the tensioning device relative to the cord to adjust a size of the adjustable fit system. The cord may pass through the tensioning device to form a first portion between each cord attachment point and the tensioning device, and a looped second portion extending from the tensioning device away from the first portion.

Abstract: An adaptive fit helmet can comprise an outer shell, and energy-absorbing material, and a fit system. The outer shell can comprise a top portion, a side portion, and an outer expansion area that extends along an interface of the top portion and the side portion from a temple area of the outer shell to a lower exterior edge of the outer shell. The energy-absorbing material can be disposed within the outer shell, wherein the energy-absorbing material further comprises a top portion, a side portion, and an inner expansion area between edges of the top portion and the side portion of the energy-absorbing material such that the inner expansion area corresponds with the outer expansion area. The fit system can comprise a belt and a fit system mechanism that control a three-dimensional size and shape of both the outer shell and the energy-absorbing material.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet includes features that promote efficient fit adjustment and efficient donning and removal of the helmet. The helmet optionally includes a front shell portion pivotably connected to a rear shell portion to promote easy donning and removal of the helmet. Further, the upper region of the front shell optionally is longitudinally adjustable relative to the upper region of the rear shell. Cam mechanisms optionally are provided on the helmet shell for securing straps of a chin cup at desired lengths. The cam mechanisms optionally each include a self-energizing grip member that increasingly engages the strap when the strap is pulled taut while the cam mechanism is in the locked position. A face guard optionally is attached within the helmet shell structure, or within padding inside the shell, which provides a smooth helmet exterior and promotes distributed energy transfer from the face guard to the helmet shell.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet includes one or more features that promote efficient fit adjustment and efficient donning and removal of the helmet. The helmet optionally includes a front shell portion pivotably connected to a rear shell portion to promote easy donning and removal of the helmet. The upper region of the front shell optionally is longitudinally adjustable relative to the upper region of the rear shell, as well. Cam mechanisms optionally are provided on the helmet shell for securing straps of a chin cup at desired lengths. The cam mechanisms optionally each include a self-energizing grip member that increasingly engages the strap when the strap is pulled taut while the cam mechanism is in the locked position. A face guard optionally is attached within the helmet shell structure, which provides a smooth helmet exterior and promotes distributed energy transfer from the face guard to the helmet shell.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism comprises a dial comprising an inner wall defining a hole passing through the dial, the inner wall comprising a ledge having one or more cutouts. The mechanism further comprises a base comprising a first set of teeth and an actuator comprising a second, the second set of teeth configured to engage the first set of teeth and allow the actuator to be rotated in a first direction but not in a second opposite direction. The actuator further comprises one or more drive-dogs configured to engage a cutout on the inner wall of the dial, each drive-dog comprising a ramped edge configured to disengage the drive-dog from the cutout and lift the second set of teeth from the first set of teeth when the dial is rotated in the second direction.

Abstract: An eyewear system includes a frame having a lens channel configured to slidably receive the lens and an opening to allow the lens to be inserted into the lens channel. The system further includes a lens configured to be slidably received into the lens channel of the frame and a latch to releasably secure the lens in the frame.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism comprises a dial comprising an inner wall defining a hole passing through the dial, the inner wall comprising a ledge having one or more cutouts. The mechanism further comprises a base comprising a first set of teeth and an actuator comprising a second, the second set of teeth configured to engage the first set of teeth and allow the actuator to be rotated in a first direction but not in a second opposite direction. The actuator further comprises one or more drive-dogs configured to engage a cutout on the inner wall of the dial, each drive-dog comprising a ramped edge configured to disengage the drive-dog from the cutout and lift the second set of teeth from the first set of teeth when the dial is rotated in the second direction.

Abstract: A helmet includes, a body, a retention system, and a fit system. The fit system includes a hanger extending from the body and a base configured to be coupled to the hanger at one of a plurality of attachment points on the hanger to adjust the position of the base relative to the body. The fit system also includes a plurality of arms extending from the base and an adjustment mechanism operable to regulate the position of the base relative to a front portion of the body.

Abstract: A fit adjustment mechanism for the headband of a helmet including a bridge and a buckle. The bridge has ratchet teeth extending from the exterior surface. Each of the ratchet teeth has a tapered surface, a top land, and a retention surface with an undercut face beneath the top land. Substantially flat valleys are formed on the exterior surface between each of the ratchet teeth. The buckle includes a clasp that is resiliently and integrally formed on the exterior surface of the base. The clasp has a pawl having an engagement surface so formed to engage the undercut face of the ratchet teeth retention surfaces.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a fitting system for a helmet is provided. The fitting system includes a belt having supported racks coupled to a belt adjustment device. The belt adjustment device is operable to allow a user to tighten the belt, and release the belt at a single touch of a release actuator. The belt adjustment device and the racks are configured to hug the occiput of a user when the helmet is properly worn. The belt adjustment device is also operable to hold the rear straps of the helmet apart but is not attached to the helmet. The belt defines a collapsible button for securing a pad. The pad defines a substantially lateral compressed strip that is operable to urge the pad against the belt. The belt adjustment device and the belt are configured to allow rear straps of the helmet to approximately directly approach the chin of the user.

Abstract: A helmet for protecting the head of a wearer during sporting activities, comprising a protective shell, vents formed in the protective shell, and a shutter plate positioned within the protective shell. The shutter plate has apertures conforming in dimension and position to the vent openings so that that the apertures are in substantial alignment with the vents when the shutter plate is in a first position. The shutter plate is selectively moveable so that the vents are opened or closed.

Abstract: A helmet for protecting the head of a wearer during sporting activities, comprising a protective shell, vents formed in the protective shell, and a shutter plate positioned within the protective shell. The shutter plate has apertures conforming in dimension and position to the vent openings so that that the apertures are in substantial alignment with the vents when the shutter plate is in a first position. The shutter plate is selectively moveable so that the vents are opened or closed.

Abstract: The mounting bracket of the present invention includes an integrally molded head portion and article attachment portion that are formed of a flexible plastic material. The head portion is shaped for insertion into a cavity that is molded into an EPS article of manufacture such as a bicycle helmet. The flexible plastic head portion expands upon insertion into the cavity, such that it engages sidewall portions of the cavity and resists pulling forces that tend to remove it from the cavity. In the preferred embodiment, the head portion is generally shaped like a ladder, having two side rails and a plurality of rung members disposed therebetween. The cavity formed within the EPS foam is shaped to receive the head portion in a collapsed configuration. After the collapsed head portion is inserted within the cavity, it expands such that the outer surfaces of the side rails are pressed against sidewall surfaces of the cavity.

Abstract: The mounting bracket of the present invention includes an integrally molded head portion and article attachment portion that are formed of a flexible plastic material. The head portion is shaped for insertion into a cavity that is molded into an EPS article of manufacture such as a bicycle helmet. The flexible plastic head portion expands upon insertion into the cavity, such that it engages sidewall portions of the cavity and resists pulling forces that tend to remove it from the cavity.