Helmet with ski pass holder

Abstract

A pass holder incorporated into a helmet allows the display of a ski pass in a secure manner and in clear view from the front of the helmet. According to an embodiment of the system described herein, the helmet may include a structure having an internal cavity and an external surface, a window disposed adjacent to the external surface, and an area disposed beneath the window that allows visual access to a ski pass. The helmet may be a ski helmet or a snowboarding helmet. In other embodiments, the helmet may include a visor with a flexible frame attached thereto that allows visual access to the pass that is insertable into the frame. The location of the pass holder and pass held therein may allow an attendant to easily and effectively view or scan the pass, such as in connection with allowing access to a ski lift.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 61/067,252, filed Feb. 27, 2008, entitled “HELMET WITH SKI PASS HOLDER,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the field of helmets and, more particularly, to a helmet with a ski pass holder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In many sports and athletic venues, a user purchases a pass that indicates the user is authorized to access and use the facilities. Typically, the pass is displayed somewhere on the user to visually indicate to employees of the venue that the user is authorized and otherwise allowed to use the premises. Known technologies for displaying or affixing items on clothing of a user include: U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,479 to Mostert, entitled “Cap With Display Pouch”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,813 to Henschel, entitled “Cap With Transparent Pockets”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,992 to Lee, entitled “Apparatus for Interchangeably Mounting Photograph or Other Display Item”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,568 to Lee, entitled “Internally and Externally Accessible Display Mounting Apparatus for Cap or Apparel”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,649 to Brosi, entitled “Combat Identification Marker”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,559 to Davidson, entitled “Motorcycle Helmut Snap-on Decorative Device”; and U.S. Patent App. Publication No. 2005/0257313 to Hageman, entitled “Ski Helmet Adornment Kit and Method for Accessorizing a Protective Helmet”; all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In particular, in the case of a skier or snowboarder at a ski slope, the skier/snowboarder purchases and displays a lift or other type of ski pass that allows the skier/snowboarder access to lift equipment at the slopes that bring the skier/snowboarder to the top of the mountain and/or to other facilities at the ski slope. The ski pass may be a daily lift ticket, a weekend pass, a season pass and/or other type or designation of pass that is worn by the skier/snowboarder and viewed by a lift attendant who is monitoring or operating the lift equipment. The ski pass allows the skier/snowboarder to use the lift in response to viewing and/or scanning the pass with a scanning device, such as a bar code reader. Delays may be caused at a lift line due to an attendant having to find a lift pass that may be located in different positions on different skiers/snowboarders and/or as a result of damage to the ski pass, such as season passes, due to extended use.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system that facilitates the wearing and protection of a pass by a user, such as a ski pass, and the convenient viewing or other access of the pass by an attendant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the system described herein, a helmet includes a structure having an internal cavity and a rigid external surface. A window is disposed in a position adjacent to the rigid external surface, wherein the window is structurally supported in the position adjacent to the rigid external surface by rigidity of the rigid external surface. An area is disposed beneath the window, wherein the area is sized to receive a pass, and wherein the pass is visually accessible through the window. The helmet may be a ski helmet and/or a snowboarding helmet. The window may include a transparent impact resistant material. The window may include a hole in the external rigid surface and may further include a frame coupled to rigid external surface of the helmet that secures the pass in place. The window may include a transparent material fixedly attached flush with the rigid external surface. The window may be movably attached to the helmet along an edge of the window, and wherein the window is moved to uncover the area beneath the window. The area beneath the window may be accessible through the internal cavity. A flexible sheet may be included that slides into the area beneath the window. The flexible sheet may include at least one tab that slides into at least one opening in the external surface of the helmet. A clip assembly may be disposed on the external surface that engages the window.

According further to the system described herein, a method for displaying a pass includes providing a window disposed in a position adjacent to a rigid external surface of a helmet having an internal cavity, wherein the window is structurally supported in the position adjacent to the rigid external surface by rigidity of the rigid external surface. An area may be disposed beneath the window, wherein the area is sized for insertion of a pass. The helmet may be a ski helmet and/or a snowboarding helmet. The window may include a transparent impact resistant material. The window may include a hole in the rigid external surface and may further include a frame coupled to rigid external surface of the helmet that secures the pass in place. The window may include a transparent material fixedly attached flush with the rigid external surface. The window may be movably attached to the helmet along an edge of the window, and wherein the window is moved to uncover the area beneath the window. The area beneath the window may be accessible through the internal cavity. A flexible sheet may be included that slides into the area beneath the window. The flexible sheet may include at least one tab that slides into at least one opening in the external surface of the helmet. A clip assembly may be disposed on the external surface that secures the window.

According further to the system described herein, a ski/snowboarding helmet includes a structure having an internal cavity and an external surface. A shield component may be coupled to the external surface, wherein the shield component is at least one of: a visor and a face guard. A window may be disposed on the shield component, wherein the window is supported on the shield component by a flexible frame attached to the shield component. An area may be disposed beneath the window, wherein the area is sized to receive a pass, and wherein the pass is visually accessible through the window. The flexible frame may form an opening through which the pass is insertable and that secures the pass in position in the area disposed beneath the window by engagement of the flexible frame with the pass. The window may include a transparent covering coupled to the frame, wherein the pass is insertable beneath the transparent covering into the area disposed beneath the window.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the system are described with reference to the several figures of the drawings, briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a helmet, such as a ski or snowboarding helmet, with pass holder according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a full-face helmet with pass holder incorporated therein according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a helmet having a pass holder incorporated into the rigid structure thereof according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration showing a plastic covering securing the ski pass in place at the top front of the helmet, with portions located under foam and padding.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are schematic views of a ski/snowboarding helmet according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic illustrations showing a helmet with a clip molded into the top front of the helmet according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration showing a side view of a ski/snowboarding helmet with pass holder according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration showing a ski pass held onto the outside front of a helmet according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration showing the clear plastic face having four tabs that may fit in the slits shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a user wearing a ski helmet having a ski pass holder according to an embodiment of the system described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the figures of the drawing, the figures comprise a part of this specification and illustrate exemplary embodiments of the described system. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the system may be shown schematically or may be shown exaggerated or altered to facilitate an understanding of the system.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a helmet 100 with a pass holder 110 according to an embodiment of the system described herein. The pass holder 110 may be attached to the exterior structure 102 of the helmet 100 which may comprise a rigid structure made of a known material and the helmet 100 may utilize known designs, for example, for ski and/or snowboarding helmets. Generally, the helmet 100 used in connection with the system described herein includes the exterior structure 102 forming an interior cavity 103 that may be placed over a user's head. The helmet 100 may included components such as an interior lining 104, such as foam and/or padding linings, and other exterior components such as visors and/or face guards, as further discussed elsewhere herein. According to the system described herein, the pass holder 110 may include a frame 112 that may be disposed at the top of the helmet 100 and sized to hold a ski pass 101. The frame 112 may have an opening on one or more sides to allow the ski pass 101 to be inserted into the frame 112 and secured in position. The pass holder 110 may be disposed on the helmet 100 to provide easy viewing and access to the ski pass 101 held in the frame 112, for example to allow convenient access by an ski lift attendant.

The frame 112 of the pass holder 110 may be a component attached to the surface of the helmet 100, for example, using adhesives, screws, snap-together pieces, slide attachment pieces and/or other attachment mechanisms. As further discussed elsewhere herein, in other embodiments, the pass holder 110 may be incorporated into the rigid structure of the helmet 100, such that at least a portion of the surface of the pass holder 110 lies flush with the surface of the helmet 100. Although the pass holder 110 is shown in FIG. 1 at the top front of the helmet 100, in various embodiments the pass holder 110 may be disposed in other locations on the helmet 100, as further discussed elsewhere herein. In an embodiment, the pass holder 110 may include a transparent window 114, such as a clear and/or semi-transparent plastic covering, attached to the frame 112, that protects the ski pass 101 during use of the helmet 100 while still allowing the ski pass 101 to be viewed and accessed (e.g., scanned), as further discussed elsewhere herein. In another embodiment, the pass holder 110 may have no covering, securing the ski pass 101 using only the edges of the frame 112, and in which the lamination and/or other material of the ski pass 101 itself may protect the ski pass 101 from wear and tear during use. In yet another embodiment, the pass holder 110 may include a non-transparent covering that is movably attached to the frame 112, for example via hinges or slide attachment, such that the cover may be moved to allow viewing and/or access to the ski pass 101 in the pass holder 110. Other embodiments for appropriate coverings and/or windows of the pass holder 110 may used in conjunction with the system described herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a full-face helmet 200 with pass holder 210 incorporated therein according to another embodiment of the system described herein. The pass holder 210 may be similar in design to the pass holder 110 discussed elsewhere herein, and include a frame 212 that may be coupled to an exterior structure 202 of the helmet 200, and/or other component attached to the exterior structure 202, and sized to hold a ski pass 201. The helmet 200 may include an internal cavity 203 having a lining 204 (padding, etc.), and components such as a visor 205 and a face guard 206, among other components, attached to the exterior structure 202 of the helmet 200. The frame 212 of the pass holder 210 may be a component attached using one or more attachment mechanisms, including screws and/or adhesives, as further discussed elsewhere herein. The pass holder 210 is shown in FIG. 2 disposed on the visor 205 near the top front of the full-face helmet 200 and may be externally held on to the visor 205 by the frame 212 that is made of a flexible material that may be weather proof, such as a rubber frame. The frame 212 of the pass holder 210 may provide an open window, with no covering, into which the pass 201 is inserted and which holds the pass 201 in position, for example, by friction of the pass 201 with the flexible material (e.g., rubber) of the frame 212.

Alternatively, the frame 212 may include a channel and/or overhang portion on an interior surface into which a pass may be inserted. In other embodiments, the frame 212 may secure a transparent material as a window 214 that is attached to the frame 212 and that allows visual access to the pass. The transparent material of the window 214 may be a rigid impact resistant material and/or may be a flexible plastic material. The transparent window 214 may be attached on one or more edges to the frame 214 and act as a flap which may be moved to allow insertion of the pass 201. Alternatively, a slit and/or other opening may be included in the frame 212 through which the pass 201 may be inserted and disposed in an area beneath the transparent window 214. In another embodiment, the pass holder 210 may include a non-transparent covering that is movably attached to the frame 212, for example as a flexible flap and/or via hinges or slide attachment such that the cover may be moved to allow viewing and/or access to the ski pass 201 in the pass holder 210, as further discussed elsewhere herein.

In another embodiment, the pass holder 210 may be incorporated directly into the rigid exterior structure 202 of the helmet 200, as further discussed elsewhere herein. Further, in various other embodiments, the pass holder 210 may be disposed in other locations on the helmet 200, and including other components of the helmet 200 such as face guard 206 and/or positioned off-center, for example, on a side of the helmet 200.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a helmet 300 including a pass holder 310 incorporated into a rigid structure 302 of the helmet 300, with an internal cavity 303 for the head of a user, according to an embodiment of the system described herein. The pass holder 310 may include a plastic backing 312 that may secure the ski pass 301 in place. The plastic backing 312 may be located under the ski pass 301, and a transparent window 314 may be flush with the surface of the helmet 300 and disposed over the plastic backing 312 and/or ski pass 301. The plastic backing 312 may be slid into and out of a space beneath the window 314. When slid out, the ski pass 301 may be positioned on the plastic backing 312 so as to held in place, and the plastic backing 312 and ski pass 301 slid into position beneath the window 314. In various embodiments, the window 314 may be clear plexi-glass or clear plastic to allow viewing and/or visual access to the ski pass 301. The transparent window 314 may be incorporated into the rigid structure of the helmet such that it does not adversely affect the structural integrity of the helmet 300 or the safety features of the helmet 300 and helps protect the ski pass 301 from damage during use. Alternatively, the window 314 may be a flexible transparent window that may be incorporated into the structure of the helmet 300 using a rigid frame, such as the frame 212 as further discussed elsewhere herein. Note, that the helmet may be of any suitable design and including an interior lining 304 (e.g., padding and/or foam inserts), a visor 305 and vents 306, among other components, located throughout the helmet 300 in accordance with appropriate safety and design features of the helmet 300.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration showing s plastic portion 350 that may be used to secure the ski pass on a helmet, such as the helmet 300, in connection with a ski pass holder, such as pass holder 310. The plastic portion 350 may include a tab 352 that enables the plastic portion 350 to be slid into and out of a helmet. In an embodiment, the plastic portion 350 may serve as a backing for a ski pass that secures the ski pass within the helmet 300, such as a backing like the backing 312 discussed elsewhere herein. Accordingly, as a backing, the plastic portion 350 may be opaque and/or colored in a manner that attracts attention. In another embodiment, the plastic portion 350 may provide a transparent window covering, such as a window like the transparent window 314 discussed elsewhere herein. Acting as a window, the plastic portion 350 may be slid out from the helmet 300, the ski pass 301 disposed in a location on the helmet 300 and the plastic portion 350 slid back over the ski pass. Accordingly, as a window, the plastic portion 350 may be transparent to allow visual access of a ski pass disposed beneath the plastic portion.

In an embodiment, the plastic portion 350 may be inserted into an opening in the surface of the helmet 300 and in which edge portions of the plastic portion 350 may be secured under foam and padding. Alternatively, the plastic portion 350 may be inserted into a frame disposed on the helmet, such as, for example, a frame like the frames 112 and/or 212 as discussed elsewhere herein. The plastic portion 350 may include the tab 352 that facilitates moving the covering to expose an opening in the helmet into which a ski pass may be inserted adjacent to the plastic portion 350. Alternatively, in another embodiment, instead of, or in addition to, the tab 352, the plastic portion 350 may include one or more attachment mechanisms 354, such as a screw and/or a snap feature that allows the plastic portion 350 to be easily removed (e.g., folded away) from the helmet and then reattached over a ski pass that has been inserted into the helmet 300.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are schematic views of a ski/snowboarding helmet 400 according to another embodiment of the system described herein. FIG. 5 is a front view of the helmet 400 showing a ski pass 401 disposed beneath an access window 414 at the top front structural surface 402 of the helmet 400, with an internal cavity 403, as part of a pass holder system 410 as further described and illustrated in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7. The helmet 400 may include various suitable helmet components, including, for example, padding 404 inside the helmet, vents 405 at the top of the helmet 400 and a strap 406 at the bottom of the helmet 400, among other components as further discussed elsewhere herein.

FIG. 6 is an inside view of the helmet 400, viewed from the bottom of the helmet 400, showing a pass holder backing 412 secured to the helmet 400 by a securing mechanism 420, such as a phillips head screw and/or a snap feature placed under a liner or padding 404 of the helmet 400. The ski pass 401 may be attached to the pass holder backing 412 and/or otherwise held in place by the pass holder backing 412 that may be plastic and/or other flexible or rigid material. As illustrated, the ski pass 401 may be accessible internally from the inside of the helmet 401 by unsecuring the securing mechanism 420 and moving the pass holder backing 412 to allow insertion of the ski pass 401. The pass holder backing 412 may then be resecured thereby holding the ski pass 401 in place beneath the window 414. The ski pass 401 may then be accessed or viewed by a lift operator through the window 414 from the front of the helmet 400 (see FIG. 5).

In an embodiment, the ski pass 401 may be only internally accessible for insertion into the helmet 400 via the removal of the pass holder backing 412. The window 414 may be permanently affixed to the exterior surface of the helmet 400 and disposed flush with the exterior structural surface 402 of the helmet 400. The window 414 may include a transparent portion made of an impact resistant material, such as plastic and/or plexi-glass, and may be substantially immovable. An interior portion of the helmet 400, including one or more portions of the helmet lining 404, such as a foam padding, inserts and/or rigid structural components, may be removed from the inside of the helmet 400 to expose the pass holder backing 412 via which the ski pass 401 may be inserted, from the interior of the helmet 400, and held in place beneath the window 410. Vents 405 are shown on the inside top portion of the helmet 400. Having the window 410 be fixed and made of an impact resistant material may be desirable to provide a rugged pass holder system 410 in which the possibility of losing the ski pass 401 during skiing or other activity may be reduced.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing layers of the pass holder system 410 of the helmet 400. Beginning from the exterior surface of the helmet 400, a first layer may be the window 414, for example made of a plexi-glass and/or plastic. A second layer may be the ski pass 401. A third layer may be the pass holder backing 412. Fourth and fifth layers may comprise the helmet interior lining 404 and include, for example, a foam layer 404a and a padding layer 404b, among other interior lining components. Other structural components may be included in connection with the helmet 400, such as an attachment portion 407 disposed at the back of helmet, for example, for holding goggles, among other known components of ski and snowboarding helmets.

Alternatively, and/or additionally, in other various embodiments of the helmet 400, the ski pass 401 may be also be accessible externally from the outside of the helmet 400, for example the helmet 400 discussed in connection with FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 may be combined with other embodiments for a ski pass holder that are discussed elsewhere herein.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic illustrations showing a helmet 500, having an external surface 502 and internal cavity 503, with a clip assembly 510 at the top front of the helmet 500 according to an embodiment of the system described herein. FIG. 8 is a front view of the helmet 500 and FIG. 9 is a side view of the top portion of the helmet 500. The clip assembly 510 may include a clip 512 molded into the helmet 500, and disposed just above the top of the helmet 500. The clip 512 may be at a low angle so that the clip 512 will not be snapped open or released in case of a fall of the skier/snowboarder. The clip 512 engages a plastic casing 514 that may be large enough for a pass 501, such as a day pass and/or a season pass. The ski pass 501 may slid into and out of the plastic casing 514 when the clip 512 is engaged to release the plastic casing 514. The plastic casing 514 may have a hinge portion 516 that may be a flexible portion of the plastic casing 514 positioned in a groove and/or may include another type of hinge mechanism. The pass may rest on the top of the helmet in a slight depression 518 molded into the helmet. The plastic casing 514 is released to allow insertion of the ski pass 501 and then is engaged by the clip 512 to cover the ski pass 501. The plastic casing 514 may be transparent to allow visual access to the ski pass 501.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration showing a side view of a ski/snowboarding helmet 600 with pass holder system 610 in an external surface 602 of the helmet 600 according to an embodiment of the system described herein. A depression area 612 is molded, or otherwise formed, in the helmet 600 in which a ski pass 601 may be disposed. A plastic casing 614 is hingedly connected to the helmet 600 at one end of the depression area 612 such that the plastic casing 614 may pop up to allow the ski pass 601 to slide into the depression area 612 of the helmet. The plastic casing 614 may be secured in a closed position by a groove or other snap component 616 that allows the plastic casing 614 to be snapped into place.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic illustrations of a ski pass holder system according to another embodiment of the system described herein. FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration showing a ski pass 701 held onto the outside front of a helmet 700 by a pass holder system 710 according to an embodiment of the system described herein. The ski pass 701 may be held onto the helmet 700 by the pass holder system 710 that may include a clear plastic sleeve 712 that is inserted into the helmet at four points 714a,b,c,d via an opening in the helmet 700. FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration showing the clear plastic sleeve 712 having four tabs 712a,b,c,d that may fit in the slits 714a,b,c,d shown in FIG. 11. The four tabs 712a,b,c,d of the sleeve 712 may slid into the slits 714a,b,c,d to secure the pass 701 in place. In another embodiment, the sleeve 712 and/or other type of frame for holding the pass 701, may be secured to the helmet 700 by velcro and/or other similar attachment mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a illustration of a user 850 wearing a ski helmet 800 having a ski pass holder system 810 according to an embodiment of the system described herein. The ski pass holder 810 is shown including a ski pass 801 displayed therein. The ski pass holder 810 may include components of any of the embodiments discussed herein, and/or combinations of the embodiments discussed herein, including a frame and/or window attached to the surface of the helmet 800 and/or incorporated into the structure of the helmet 800. The ski pass may be securely positioned in ski pass holder system 810 of the helmet and may be internally and/or externally accessible with respect to the helmet as further discussed elsewhere herein.

The system described herein provides a pass holder incorporated into a helmet that allows the display of a ski pass in a secure manner and in clear view from the front of the helmet. In other embodiments, the pass holder discussed herein may be incorporated in other locations on a helmet, including, for example, on a side of the helmet or on the back of the helmet. The location of the pass holder and pass held therein may allow an attendant to easily and effectively view or scan the pass, such as in connection with allowing access to a ski lift. As a result, ski lift lines may move quicker because the attendant will know where to look for the ski pass on a skier/snowboarder without having to search for the pass, and the pass will be easily accessible to the attendant. The system described also provides for enhanced convenience to the skier/snowboarder by having a readily accessible area for the ski pass, conveniently located on the skier/snowboarder's helmet. In various embodiments, the ski pass holder may be installed in the helmet at the time of manufacture and/or may be retrofitted with the ski pass holder after manufacture.

Embodiments of the system described herein may be used in connection with rigid ski and/or snowboarding helmets. In other embodiments, other types of helmets may be used in connection with the system described herein, including various types of sport and athletic helmets. In still other embodiments, flexible helmets, hats and/or other types of apparel may also be used in accordance with aspects of the system described herein. Any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with one another in appropriate combinations in accordance with the system described herein.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A helmet, comprising:

a structure having an internal cavity and a rigid external surface;

a window disposed in a position adjacent to the rigid external surface, wherein the window is structurally supported in the position adjacent to the rigid external surface by rigidity of the rigid external surface; and

an area disposed beneath the window, wherein the area is sized to receive a pass, and wherein the pass is visually accessible through the window.

2. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the helmet is at least one of: a ski helmet and a snowboarding helmet.

3. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the window includes a transparent impact resistant material.

4. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the window includes a hole in the rigid external surface, and wherein the window further includes a frame coupled to rigid external surface of the helmet that secures the pass in place.

5. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the window includes a transparent material fixedly attached flush with the rigid external surface.

6. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the window is movably attached to the helmet along an edge of the window, and wherein the window is moved to uncover the area beneath the window.

7. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the area beneath the window is accessible through the internal cavity.

8. The helmet according to claim 1, further comprising:

a flexible sheet that slides into the area beneath the window.

9. The helmet according to claim 8, wherein the flexible sheet includes at least one tab that slides into at least one opening in the external surface of the helmet.

10. The helmet according to claim 1, further comprising:

a clip assembly disposed on the external surface that engages the window.

11. A method for displaying a pass, comprising:

providing a window disposed in a position adjacent to a rigid external surface of a helmet having an internal cavity, wherein the window is structurally supported in the position adjacent to the rigid external surface by rigidity of the rigid external surface; and

providing an area disposed beneath the window, wherein the area is sized for insertion of a pass.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the helmet is at least one of: a ski helmet and a snowboarding helmet.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the window is a transparent impact resistant material.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the window includes a hole in the rigid external surface, and wherein the window further includes a frame coupled to rigid external surface of the helmet that secures the pass in place.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the window is fixedly attached flush with the rigid external surface.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the window is movably attached to the helmet along an edge of the window, and wherein the window is moved to uncover the area beneath the window.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the area beneath the window is accessible through the internal cavity.

18. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

sliding a flexible sheet into the area beneath the window.

19. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

securing the window using a clip assembly disposed on the rigid external surface of the helmet.

20. A ski/snowboarding helmet, comprising:

a structure having an internal cavity and an external surface;

a shield component coupled to the external surface, wherein the shield component is at least one of: a visor and a face guard;

a window disposed on the shield component, wherein the window is supported on the shield component by a flexible frame attached to the shield component; and

an area disposed beneath the window, wherein the area is sized to receive a pass, and wherein the pass is visually accessible through the window.

21. The ski/snowboarding helmet according to claim 20, wherein the flexible frame forms an opening through which the pass is insertable and that secures the pass in position in the area disposed beneath the window by engagement of the flexible frame with the pass.

22. The ski/snowboarding helmet according to claim 20, wherein the window includes a transparent covering coupled to the frame, wherein the pass is insertable beneath the transparent covering into the area disposed beneath the window.