DETACHABLE VISOR FOR A HELMET HAVING SUPPORTS

Abstract

A helmet includes an outer shell and a visor. The outer shell has a first plurality of coupling elements. The visor has a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an inner surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The visor includes a second plurality of coupling elements and a support. The second plurality of coupling element are disposed along the inner surface and positioned to selectively engage with the first plurality of coupling element to releasably couple the visor to the outer shell. The support extends from the inner surface of the visor and is positioned to engage with the outer shell

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/877,426, filed on Jul. 19, 2013, which is a U.S. national stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/54824, filed Oct. 4, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/390,111, filed on Oct. 5, 2010, the contents of each are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The inventive subject matter disclosed herein relates to an attachment system for a visor to a protective helmet, such as helmets used in motocross, other motorsports or protective helmets such as being used in downhill bicycling sports.

Protective helmets are frequently used for recreational and vocational activities and sports. For example, protective helmets are used as head protection in motorsports, by jockeys in horse racing, in American football, ice hockey games, cricket games, and during rock climbing. Protective helmets are also used when performing dangerous work activities, such as hard hats used in construction work, during mining activities, and by police agents. Protective helmets are often required to be worn in transportation, for example motorcycle helmets and bicycle helmets.

Typical helmet construction consists of a shell having a generally dome-shape structure which covers most of the user's head and having a view area or opening at the front. Motorcycle helmets in particular often have flip-down face screens for rain and wind protection, and they may also have projecting visors to protect the eyes from glare.

The conventional motocross and off-road helmet has elongated chin and visor portions, a chin bar, and partially open face to give the rider extra protection while wearing goggles and to allow the unhindered flow of air during the physical exertion of this type of riding. The visor is to allow the rider to dip his head and provide further protection from flying debris during off-road riding. It will also keep the sun out of the eyes of the rider during jumps.

A visor is typically attached to the helmet by a coupling mechanism, for example, the visor may be attached to the helmet with mechanical fastener such as snaps, straps, or screws. Some of the prior art systems attach the visor to the helmet by interactions between the vents of the helmet and structural elements of the visor. For example, US 2009/0083900 describes a visor that can be affixed to a football helmet and allows an open view the helmet wearer's eyes. The visor attaches to the helmet by curving or snapping around reinforcement wires of the facemask of the helmet. Another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,084, describes a visor that attaches to the helmet via a cantilever mechanism, such as a fin, that clicks into a mouthport of the helmet.

The typical visor attachment systems, however, do not allow the visor to detachably break away from the helmet upon impact without structural damage to the helmet and/or visor, nor do the prior art system allow for easy replacement of the visor in case the visor is broken or a different style is desired. Furthermore, the typical visor attachment systems do not allow the visor to be adjusted on the helmet in an upward or downward direction with an adjustment mechanism that is both reliable and user-friendly.

Accordingly there is a need for a protective helmet that provides an improved attachment system for coupling a visor to a helmet and allowing release of the visor upon impact. Additionally, there is a need for improved adjustment mechanisms for repositioning a visor on a helmet.

SUMMARY

The inventive subject matter offers a solution for these problems by providing an attachment system with the following qualities, alone or in combination.

The inventive subject matter is directed to an attachment system for securing a frontal helmet extension to a helmet, the attachment system including one or more magnetic elements disposed on the helmet and/or frontal helmet extension, and one or more complementary elements disposed on the helmet and/or frontal helmet extension and adapted to magnetically engage the one or more magnetic elements. The magnetic elements and complementary elements are configured to detachably couple the frontal helmet extension to the helmet in a position wherein the frontal helmet extension extends forward from the helmet. The magnetic properties of the magnetic elements are adapted to magnetically attract the complementary elements so that the frontal helmet extension is effectively secured to the helmet during ordinary use of the helmet while allowing release of the frontal helmet extension from the helmet upon impact of the frontal helmet extension.

In the foregoing embodiment, the frontal helmet extension may include a visor. In the foregoing embodiment, magnetic elements may include a permanent magnetic material and the complementary element may include a ferrous material. In some embodiments, the magnetic elements may include a magnetic strip located in a helmet/visor contact area. In the foregoing embodiment, the magnetic elements may be integrated in the helmet and exposed at an outer surface of the helmet, and the complementary elements may be exposed on an inner surface of the visor.

In some embodiments, the system may further include an adjustment mechanism for vertically adjusting the position of the visor by pivoting the visor. In the foregoing embodiment, the visor may pivot along the sides of the helmet and the adjustment mechanism holds the visor in the repositioned location. In the foregoing embodiment, the adjustment mechanism comprises complementary elements provided at an attachment point along a midline of the visor. In the foregoing embodiment, the adjustment mechanism may allow for repositioning of the visor with incremental adjustments in an upward or downward direction of the visor along the helmet. In the foregoing embodiment, the adjustment mechanism may include complementary elements that have one or more ridges that are contoured to complement the magnetic elements, that allow to reposition the visor incrementally, and that allow incremental repositioning of the visor on the helmet and that assist in holding the visor in the vertically adjusted position. In the foregoing embodiment, the adjustment mechanism may include an insert at an inner surface of the visor having two or more indents complementary to the magnetic elements and the indents securing the magnetic elements in a vertical direction so that the visor is held in the desired position. In some embodiments, the ridges may include a metal.

In another possible embodiment, the protective headgear may include an outer shell, a visor having an inner surface that is shaped to complement a portion of the outer shell, and an attachment system for detachably coupling the visor to the outer shell. The attachment system may include one or more magnetic elements disposed on the outer shell, and one or more complementary elements disposed on the inner surface of the visor at locations corresponding to the locations of the magnetic elements. The magnetic properties of the magnetic elements are adapted to magnetically attract the complementary elements and hold the visor in a desired position on the outer shell. The visor is kept in place during ordinary use of the headgear, and the visor is released from the headgear upon impact of the visor. In the foregoing embodiment, at least two magnetic elements may be mounted at generally opposite sides of the headgear and at least two complementary elements may be mounted at corresponding locations on the visor. In the foregoing embodiment, at least one magnetic element may be mounted at an upper area along a midline of the headgear and a complementary element may be mounted at a corresponding location along a midline of the visor. In the foregoing embodiment, the visor may extend from the headgear in a plane that is generally parallel to a horizontal plane of the headgear or may be allowed to pivot around the sides of the headgear at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. In another possible embodiment, the headgear further includes an adjustment mechanism having one or more complementary elements on the visor that are shaped to complement the magnetic elements and that allow for a vertical adjustment of the visor along the outer shell. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism allows for incremental adjustments of the visor in a vertical direction. In other embodiments, the complementary elements may have one or more ridges that are contoured to interact with the magnetic elements and that allow repositioning and holding the visor in a vertical direction.

In another possible embodiment, the inventive subject matter is directed to a method for making protective headgear by providing an outer shell, providing a frontal helmet extension with an inner surface that is shaped to complement a portion of the outer shell, and providing the shell and frontal helmet extension with an attachment system for detachably coupling the frontal helmet extension to the outer shell. The attachment system is formed by mounting one or more magnetic elements on the outer shell and one or more complementary elements on the inner surface of the frontal helmet extension at locations corresponding to the locations of the magnetic elements. The magnetic properties of the magnetic elements are adapted to magnetically attract the complementary elements so that the magnetic elements hold the frontal helmet extension in a desired position on the outer shell. The frontal helmet extension remains in place during ordinary use of the headgear, and the frontal helmet extension releases from the headgear upon impact of the frontal helmet extension.

Still another embodiment relates to a headgear including an outer shell and a frontal extension. The outer shell includes one or more first coupling elements positioned along the outer shell. The frontal extension has an inner surface shaped to complement a portion of the outer shell. The frontal extension includes one or more second coupling elements positioned along the inner surface to correspond with the one or more first coupling elements to couple the frontal extension to the outer shell. The first coupling elements and the second coupling elements are configured to at least one of (i) couple the frontal extension to the outer shell with a break away connection and (ii) facilitate toolless pivotable adjustment of an angle at which the frontal extension extends from the outer shell.

Still another embodiment relates to a frontal extension of a helmet. The frontal extension includes an inner surface shaped to complement a portion of an outer shell of the helmet, and one or more coupling elements positioned along the inner surface to align with a corresponding number of coupling elements positioned along the outer shell of the helmet. The one or more coupling elements of the frontal extension are configured to at least one of (i) couple the frontal extension to the outer shell with a break away connection and (ii) facilitate toolless pivotable adjustment of an angle at which the frontal extension extends from the outer shell.

Still another embodiment relates to a helmet. The helmet includes an outer shell and a visor. The outer shell has a first plurality of coupling elements. The visor has a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an inner surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The visor includes a second plurality of coupling elements and a support. The second plurality of coupling element are disposed along the inner surface and positioned to selectively engage with the first plurality of coupling element to releasably couple the visor to the outer shell. The support extends from the inner surface of the visor and is positioned to engage with the outer shell.

Still another embodiment relates to a visor for a helmet. The visor includes an inner surface, a first coupling element positioned on a first lateral side of the inner surface, a second coupling element positioned on an opposing second lateral side of the inner surface, a central support disposed along a midline of the visor and extending from the inner surface, a first lateral support extending from the inner surface and positioned between the first coupling element and the central support, and a second lateral support extending from the inner surface and positioned between the second coupling element and the central support. The central support defines a central interface having a third coupling element.

Still another embodiment relates to a visor for a helmet. The visor includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, an inner surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, a plurality of coupling elements disposed along the inner surface, and a support extending from the inner surface of the visor and positioned to engage with a shell of the helmet when the visor is coupled to the helmet. The plurality of coupling elements are positioned to selectively engage with corresponding coupling elements disposed on the shell of the helmet to releasably couple the visor to the helmet.

The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of embodiments and features of the inventive subject matter. Persons skilled in the art are capable of appreciating other embodiments and features from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures show embodiments according to the inventive subject matter, unless noted as showing prior art.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a motocross helmet having a visor attached thereto, according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 2A-2C are schematic representations of three possible arrangements of magnetic elements and complementary elements for different attachment systems, according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective side view of a motocross helmet and visor as it is detached of the helmet, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the back side of a visor similar to the one shown in FIG. 3 and showing part of a vertical adjustment mechanism for the visor, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a motocross helmet without a visor attached, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the motocross helmet of FIG. 5, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a detail of a magnetic element at the front of the helmet of FIG. 5, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a detail of a magnetic element at the left side of the helmet of FIG. 5, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a back view of a visor for the helmet of FIG. 5, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the visor of FIG. 9, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a detail of the adjustment mechanism on the visor of FIG. 9, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a detail of complementary element on the visor of FIG. 9, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a front perspective view of a visor for a helmet, according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a rear perspective view of the visor of FIG. 13, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows a bottom view of the visor of FIG. 13, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows a front, bottom view of the visor of FIG. 13, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representative embodiments according to the inventive subject matter are shown in FIGS. 1-16, wherein the same or generally similar features share common reference numerals.

The inventive subject matter is directed to a detachable frontal helmet extension for an item of protective headgear, such as visors or faceguards used on helmets. Examples include visors as used on helmets for off-road sports, such as motocross helmets or downhill bicycling helmets, or faceguards as used on football, hockey, and baseball helmets.

The visor attaches to a front portion of the helmet, and is generally centered along a midline of the helmet. As used herein, the visor is a distinct structure that couples to the helmet and that extends from the front of the helmet to create a shade or shield to help protect the eyes and face of a wearer from objects and sun or light glare. The detachable visor system includes an attachment system that includes magnetic elements and complementary elements that are magnetically attracted to the magnetic elements, e.g., another magnetic or a ferromagnetic material, such as iron or iron alloys. The strength of the magnetic elements is adapted to balance securely coupling the visor to the helmet during ordinary use of the helmet with the ability to release the visor from the helmet upon impact of the visor with a surface, such as the ground or other hard surface. One or more of the magnetic elements may be disposed along a midline of the helmet or in a generally central area of the visor and helmet. In some embodiments, the attachment system may include a position adjustment mechanism having spaced ridges with integral magnetic elements, allowing for incremental adjustments based on ridge spacing.

FIG. 1 shows a motocross helmet 2 and a visor 4 coupled to helmet 2. Visor 4 has an inner surface 6 that is dimensioned and shaped to complement an upper front surface 8 of helmet 2. Visor 4 attaches to both sides 10, 12 of helmet 2 at generally opposite locations. Visor 4 also attaches to the helmet at a central location 14 at the front 16 of helmet 2. When visor 4 is attached to helmet 2, visor 4 projects from helmet 2 in an upper front area 16 of helmet 2 above a front view opening 18 of helmet 2. One end of visor 4 includes a projecting end 20 that extends from the front 16 of helmet 2. The other end of visor 4 includes a coupling end 22 that is arched or contoured to complement front upper surface 8 of helmet 2 at a location above view opening 18 of helmet 2.

Visor 4 has a broad surface that extends laterally across helmet 2. It also extends forward from helmet 2 in a direction that is generally parallel to a horizontal plane, e.g., the ground when in use or top of a user's head. In some embodiments, the visor may pivot around the sides of the helmet at an angle relative to a horizontal plane and the angle may range, for example, anywhere between −90 degrees to +270 degrees relative to a horizontal plane of the helmet. In further embodiments, the visor may be adjustable within a limited range along the upper front side of the helmet, for example, at an angle ranging between −45 and +45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane. FIG. 3 shows how a visor may be repositioned from a generally horizontal position indicated by plane H. For example, the visor may be repositioned downward in an area indicated by arrow C, or upward in an area indicated by arrow B.

The attachment system magnetically and detachably connects the visor to the helmet via magnetic elements positioned on the shell and complementary elements located on the visor, or vice versa. The elements may be arranged along various locations on the helmet/visor contact area. In some embodiments, these elements may be arranged in an alternating pattern of permanent magnets and metal inserts on the shell and on the visor, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C. In these figures, the letter “M” refers to a magnetic element and the letter “A” refers to a complementary element, such as a metal insert or a magnet with oppositely oriented poles to a magnet “M.” For example, FIG. 2A shows a schematic view of an embodiments wherein five magnetic elements M are positioned on a visor and five complementary elements A are positioned on the helmet. FIG. 2B shows an embodiment wherein five magnetic elements M are located on the helmet and five complementary elements A are located at corresponding locations on the visor. FIG. 2C shows an arrangement of five elements in alternating configurations.

In other embodiments, the attachment system may include a single strip of magnetic material with complementary interacting elements mounted along the visor/helmet contact area. For example, the visor shown in FIG. 2A could have a single continuous magnetic strip for the area marked with the magnetic elements M.

In further embodiments, the visor may be attached to the shell at various locations along the visor/shell contact area and by any number of contact points of magnetic elements.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-8 magnetic elements 24 are shown as circular protrusions of helmet shell 26 that are housed in raised portions 28 of helmet shell 26. In other embodiments, magnetic elements 24 may protrude directly from an outer shell surface 26 without raised portions or they may be inserted or integrated partially or wholly in the outer shell. In some embodiment the magnetic elements may be coated with a protective layer such as a plastic or a rubber film or sheet material.

FIGS. 4 and 9-12 show visor 4 having complementary elements 30 integrated with inner surface 6 of visor 4. For example, the visor may have complementary ferromagnetic elements, such as metal inserts. Complementary elements 30 may be shaped and dimensioned to complement magnetic elements 24 and are positioned on visor 4 at locations corresponding to magnetic elements 24 on helmet shell 26.

In the embodiment shown, outer shell 26 and inner surface 6 of visor 4 have complementary shapes to keep the visor in place. The attachment system effectively couples visor 4 to helmet 2 based on the complementary contoured shapes of helmet 2 and visor 4 and the magnetic force of magnetic elements 24 and complementary elements 30. In contrast to the existing systems, there is no need for additional coupling features that would require openings in the outer shell of the helmet or that would interfere with aerodynamic features.

FIGS. 3-12 show helmet 2 and visor 4 having three contact points along shell 26 of helmet 2. Two contact points 34 and 38 are located along the right and left sides of the helmet 2 respectively, at locations generally opposite from each other. One contact point 36 is located in a central area of visor 4. FIG. 3 shows an outer shell 26 of a motocross helmet 2 with two of the three magnetic contact points on the helmet shown. At the right side of helmet 2, a contact point 34 at a location corresponding approximately to the right temple on the head of a wearer. A second contact point 36 is shown protruding from a central upper area 14 of helmet 2. A third contact point 38 is located at the left side of the helmet at a location that is the mirror view of contact point 34 shown at the right side of the helmet.

FIG. 4 shows visor 4 as it is detached from helmet 2. Inner surface 6 of visor 4 is contoured to complement a portion of outer shell 26 at upper front surface 8. A first complementary element 30 that couples to a magnetic element on the left side of the helmet is shown. A second complementary element (not shown) is located at the right side of the visor, which is the mirror image of the first complementary element.

The attachment system may include any type of magnetic fasteners. The fasteners may include first and second parts containing surfaces of magnetic material. For example, the first part may contain a magnetic material that may be attracted to a permanent magnet in the second part. The magnets and metal inserts may have a button shape, as shown, or an annular shape, or any other shape. The materials used in the attachment system are materials or objects that produce a magnetic field. This magnetic field creates a force that pulls on other ferromagnetic materials like iron and attracts or repels other magnets. The materials may be permanent magnet or materials that can be magnetized, such as ferromagnetic materials. Examples include iron, nickel, cobalt, some alloys of rare earth metals such as neodymium magnets and samarium-cobalt magnets, and some naturally occurring minerals such as lodestone. The elements used in the attachment system are selected based on the overall strength of a magnet. Other examples of magnetic elements that may be used are ceramic magnets and alnico magnets. In some embodiments, injection molded magnets may be used. These magnets are a composite of various types of resin and magnetic powders, allowing parts of complex shapes to be manufactured by injection molding. The physical and magnetic properties of the product depend on the raw materials, but are generally lower in magnetic strength and resemble plastics in their physical properties. In some embodiments, flexible magnets may be used, using a flexible resin or binder such as vinyl, and produced in flat strips, shapes or sheets. These magnets are lower in magnetic strength but can be very flexible, depending on the binder used.

The complementary elements may include a magnetically attractive material, such as a metal. Suitable materials include iron, nickel, cobalt, steel, stainless steel, or any other suitable metal or metal alloy.

The magnetic elements and complementary elements are selected to allow the visor to be firmly fixed in place during ordinary use of the helmet. Ordinary use refers to any use of the helmet that is ordinary or common use for the sport or applications in which the helmet is used. For example, a motocross helmet's ordinary use includes use of the helmet associated with driving the motorcycle and withstanding shocks and vibrations. Upon impact with a surface, for example during a crash and contact of the visor with a ground surface or an obstacle, a strong force causes the contact elements to release and allow the visor to break away from the helmet. Impact severity requirements vary widely across helmet types and even across standards prepared for the same helmet type.

Optionally, the attachment system may include an adjustment mechanism allowing for vertical adjustment of the visor along the helmet, for example to allow a rider to adjust the visor according to the sun conditions. The adjustment mechanism allows for incremental adjustments of the visor relative to the helmet. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may be integrated with magnetic elements of the attachment system.

FIGS. 4 and 9-12 show examples of adjustment mechanism 40 positioned generally along a midline of the visor at a central location 42. The adjustment mechanism includes a strip or panel of complementary elements 44 mounted on inner surface 6 of visor 4. Complementary elements 44 have three indents or slots 46, 48, 50 with contoured ridges 52 that interact with magnetic elements 24 on the outer shell 26. Ridges 52 allow a forward/backward adjustment of visor 4 relative to shell 2. When a user adjusts the position of the visor on the helmet, the user grabs the forward extending part of the visor and pulls it forward or pushes it backward on the helmet. The visor then pivots around the outer two contact points along the sides of the helmet and the visor is adjusted vertically by connecting one of the ridges with the complementary magnetic element on the shell so that the magnetic element interlocks with the corresponding opening in the complementary element and the visor is held in the desired location. In some embodiments, the complementary element may be formed of a machined metal with slots that capture the magnetic element.

Another example of an adjustment mechanism is shown in FIG. 1. A perspective back view of adjustment mechanism 60 is shown with the visor attached to the helmet. The visor may be coupled to the helmet and pivot along the sides of the helmet, for example as described above, and the adjustment mechanism allows for repositioning of the visor in an upward or downward direction by pivoting along left and right contact points. The adjustment mechanism 60 may include complementary elements 60A, 60B, and 60C at locations facing the helmet so that the complementary elements engage a magnetic element in a central location on the helmet. The magnetic elements and complementary elements may be shaped similarly to the elements described in the embodiments above. FIG. 1 shows visor 4 coupled to helmet 2 with visor 4 angled upward relative to a horizontal plane. Visor 4 may be held in this position, for example, by complementary element 60C interacting with a magnetic element on the helmet.

In other embodiments, the adjustment mechanism could be a mechanism separate from the magnetic attachment system, for example, conventional mechanical fasteners that hold the visor in position in a releasable engagement that does not interfere with release of the visor upon impact, or a quick release system of plastic interlocking elements. Other embodiments may have an adjustment mechanism that is slideably adjustable. In further embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may comprise a plurality of spaced apart magnetic elements along a vertical line.

The inventive subject matter allows for a visor to break away of the helmet in a manner that is safer than that of prior art systems because the visor detaches on impact and does not dig into the ground, as prior art visors would. Additionally, the helmet maintains a sleek, aerodynamic finish as the visor attaches without the use of exterior clips or fixtures. It also may allow for adjustability or replacement of the visor.

The inventive subject matter is further directed to a method for making an attachment system and protective headgear by forming an outer shell and a visor. The inner surface of the visor is shaped to complement a portion of the outer shell which may be a molded material or a composite construction. An attachment system is formed by mounting magnetic elements on the outer shell and complementary elements on the inner surface of the visor at corresponding locations. The magnetic elements are selected based on magnetic properties that are adapted to magnetically attract the complementary elements and that hold the visor in the desired position on the outer shell. The magnetic strength and contoured shapes of visor and helmet hold the visor in place during ordinary use of the headgear, and allow the visor to be released from the headgear upon impact of the visor with a rigid surface.

FIGS. 13-16 illustrate an example of a helmet extension according to implementations of the current subject matter. The helmet extension shown in FIGS. 13-16 can include the same or similar elements as described above in connection with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-12. As shown in FIGS. 13-16, a helmet extension (e.g., a front helmet extension, etc.), shown as visor 100, is configured to releasably couple to the helmet 2. The visor 100 can include a first portion, shown as bill 110; a second portion, shown as first lateral flange 120 (e.g., a left flange, etc.), extending at an angle from a first lateral side (e.g., a left side, etc.) of the bill 110; and/or a third portion, shown as second lateral flange 130 (e.g., a right flange, etc.), extending at an angle from an opposing second lateral side (e.g., a right side, etc.) of the bill 110. The bill 110 has a first end, shown as leading edge 112, an opposing second end, shown as trailing edge 114, and an interior surface, shown as inner surface 116, extending between the leading edge 112 and the trailing edge 114. The first lateral flange 120 has an interior surface, shown as inner surface 122, and the second lateral flange 130 has an interior surface, shown as inner surface 132. According to an example embodiment, the bill 110, the first lateral flange 120, and the second lateral flange 130 form a unitary structure (e.g., a monopiece visor, etc.). The bill 110, the first lateral flange 120, and/or the second lateral flange 130 can be separately formed.

As shown in FIGS. 14-16, the first lateral flange 120 includes a first coupling element (e.g., a left coupling element, etc.), shown as first coupling element 124, disposed along the inner surface 122. The first coupling element 124 can be positioned to align with and selectively engage or interface with the contact point 38 of the helmet 2 (e.g., positioned at the left side of the helmet 2, etc.). As shown in at least FIGS. 13,15, and 16, the second lateral flange 130 includes a second coupling element (e.g., a right coupling element, etc.), shown as second coupling element 134, disposed along the inner surface 132. According to an example embodiment, the second coupling element 134 is positioned to align with and selectively engage or interface with the contact point 34 of the helmet 2 (e.g., positioned at the right side of the helmet 2, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the visor 100 can include a support having a first support member, shown as central support 140, disposed along an axis, shown as midline 180, of the visor 100. The central support 140 can extend from the inner surface 116 of the bill 110. As shown in at least FIGS. 14 and 15, the central support 140 defines an interface, shown as central interface 142. According to an example embodiment, the central interface 142 is configured (e.g., shaped, positioned, etc.) to engage the central location 14 at the front 16 of the helmet 2 when the visor 100 is coupled to the helmet 2. The central interface 142 can be configured to correspond with and/or otherwise align with an outer surface of the outer shell of the helmet. For example, the central interface 142 can correspond with the outer surface of the outer shell of the helmet along at least a central portion. In some embodiments, the central interface 142 can sit along the outer surface of the outer shell. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the central interface 142 does not extend into a thickness of the outer shell of the helmet. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the central interface 142 extends into the thickness of the outer shell of the helmet. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the central interface 142 includes a third coupling element, shown as third coupling element 144. According to an example embodiment, the third coupling element 144 is positioned to align with and selectively engage or interface with the contact point 36 of the helmet 2 (e.g., positioned at the central location 14 at the front 16 of the helmet 2, etc.). In some embodiments, the third coupling element 144 is positioned along a midline of the visor 100. In some embodiments, the central support 140 extends from the inner surface of the visor 100 in a downwards direction when the helmet is worn by the user. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the visor 100 includes a surface that is configured to face the outer shell of the helmet.

According to an example embodiment, the first coupling element 124, the second coupling element 134, and/or the third coupling element 144 are configured to couple the visor 100 to the helmet 2 with a breakaway connection. In some embodiments, the first coupling element 124, the second coupling element 134, and/or the third coupling element 144 are or include a magnetically attractive material and the contact point 34, the contact point 36, and/or the contact point 38 include magnets. In some embodiments, the first coupling element 124, the second coupling element 134, and/or the third coupling element 144 are or include magnets and the contact point 34, the contact point 36, and/or the contact point 38 include a magnetically attractive material. In some embodiments, the first coupling element 124, the second coupling element 134, and/or the third coupling element 144 are or include one or more magnets and the contact point 34, the contact point 36, and/or the contact point 38 are or include one or more magnets. In some embodiments, the first coupling element 124, the second coupling element 134, and/or the third coupling element 144 are or include another type of coupling element that releasably couples the visor 100 to the helmet 2 with a breakaway connection (e.g., a snap fit element, a clip, hook and loop fastener, etc.). In some embodiments, the first coupling element 124, the second coupling element 134, and/or the third coupling element 144 are or include another type of coupling that more rigidly secures the visor 100 to the helmet 2 (e.g., screws, rivets, adhesive, etc.).

In some embodiments, the third coupling element 144 includes an array of coupling elements (e.g., similar to the adjustment mechanism 40, the adjustment mechanism 60, etc.). The array of coupling elements may facilitate toolless pivotal adjustment of an angle at which the visor 100 extends from the helmet 2. In such embodiments, the visor 100 may thereby be capable of selectively pivoting about an axis, shown as pivot axis 190, that extends between the first coupling element 124 and the second coupling element 134. In some embodiments, the contact point 36 includes an array of coupling elements that may facilitate toolless pivotal adjustment of an angle at which the visor 100 extends from the helmet 2.

The central support 140 can include a first extension, shown as first flange 146, extending from a first side (e.g., a left side, etc.) of the central interface 142, rearward of the trailing edge 114 of the bill 110, and a second extension, shown as second flange 148, extending from an opposing second side (e.g., a right side, etc.) of the central interface 142, rearward of the trailing edge 114 of the bill 110. The first flange 146 can define a first surface, shown as first interfacing surface 150, and the second flange 148 can define a second surface, shown as second interfacing surface 152. According to an example embodiment, the first interfacing surface 150 and the second interfacing surface 152 are configured (e.g., shaped, positioned, etc.) to at least partially engage the central location 14 at the front 16 of the helmet 2 when the visor 100 is coupled to the helmet 2.

As shown in at least FIGS. 14-16, the support of the visor 100 can include a second support member (e.g., a first lateral support, etc.), shown as first fin 160, positioned between the first coupling element 124 at the first lateral end of the visor 100 (e.g., left end, etc.) and the central support 140 on the midline 180 of the visor 100. As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the support of the visor 100 further includes a third support member (e.g., a second lateral support, etc.), shown as second fin 170, positioned between the second coupling element 134 at the opposing second lateral end of the visor 100 (e.g., right end, etc.) and the central support 140 on the midline 180 of the visor 100. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first fin 160 extends or protrudes from the inner surface 122 of the first lateral flange 120. As shown in FIG. 15, the second fin 170 extends or protrudes from the inner surface 132 of the second lateral flange 130. In some embodiments, the first fin 160 and/or the second fin 170 extend from the inner surface 116 of the bill 110. In some embodiments, the first fin 160 and/or the second fin 170 are fixed to the visor 100 (e.g., a unitary structure, integrally formed with the visor 100, adhesively coupled to the visor 100, etc.). In some embodiments, the first fin 160 and/or the second fin 170 are detachable from the visor 100 (e.g., with a snap fit, a slide fit, fasteners, etc.). In some embodiments, the visor 100 includes a different number of fins (e.g., one, three, four, etc.).

The first fin 160 can define a first surface, shown as third interfacing surface 162, and the second fin 170 can define as second surface, shown as fourth interfacing surface 172. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the shell 26 of the helmet 2 can define a first interface, shown as first platform 80, positioned between the second contact point 36 at the central location 14 at the front 16 of the helmet 2 and the third contact point 38 at the left side of the helmet 2. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the shell 26 of the helmet 2 can define a second interface, shown as second platform 82, positioned between the second contact point 36 at the central location 14 at the front 16 of the helmet 2 and the first contact point 34 at the right side of the helmet 2. According to some embodiments, the first platform 80 is positioned to align with the first fin 160 and the second platform 82 is positioned to align with the second fin 170. The third interfacing surface 162 of the first fin 160 is configured to engage with and/or sit on the first platform 80 and the fourth interfacing surface 172 of the second fin 170 is configured to engage with and/or sit on the second platform 82 when the visor 100 is coupled to the helmet 2. According to an example embodiment, the engagement between (i) the first platform 80 and the first fin 160 and/or (ii) the second platform 82 and the second fin 170 can prevent the visor 100 from twisting from light torsion forces and/or small impacts (e.g., from flying debris, etc.).

In some embodiments, the first platform 80 and/or the second platform 82 are structured as protrusions having a surface (e.g., a flat surface, a curved surface, etc.) that extends from the shell 26. The surface of each of the protrusions may be shaped to correspond with the third interfacing surface 162 of the first fin 160 and/or the fourth interfacing surface 172 of the second fin 170. In some embodiments, the first platform 80 and/or the second platform 82 are structured as recesses defined by the shell 26. The recesses may be shaped (e.g., have a flat surface, a curved surface, etc.) to correspond with the third interfacing surface 162 of the first fin 160 and/or the fourth interfacing surface 172 of the second fin 170.

In some embodiments, (i) the third interfacing surface 162 includes a fourth coupling element and the fourth interfacing surface 172 includes a fifth coupling element and (ii) the first platform 80 and the second platform 82 include corresponding coupling elements. In such embodiments, the visor 100 may not include the third coupling element 144 and/or the central support 140. In some embodiments, the visor 100 includes two central supports 140, one positioned on each side of the midline 180.

In some embodiments, the helmet extension is additionally or alternatively configured as a rear helmet extension. By way of example, the rear helmet extension may be or include a detachable vent, a detachable rear fin, and/or still another type of detachable helmet accessory configured to couple to the sides and/or rear of the helmet 2. The rear helmet extension may be configured to increase or improve the aerodynamics of the helmet 2. For example, the helmet 2 may include coupling elements (e.g., metal inserts, magnets, clips, similar to the contact points 34, 36, and 38, etc.) variously positioned about the rear and/or sides of the shell 26 of the helmet 2. The rear helmet extension may include corresponding coupling elements (e.g., magnets, metal inserts, clips, similar to the coupling elements 124, 134, 144, etc.) that interface with the coupling elements on the rear and/or sides of the helmet 2 to facilitate coupling the rear helmet extension thereto with a breakaway connection. The rear helmet extension may thereby releasably couple to the helmet 2 such that under sufficient loading, the rear helmet extension detaches from the helmet 2 (e.g., to prevent torsion of the wearer's head and/or neck during an impact with the ground, etc.).

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the systems, methods, and/or apparatuses as shown in the example embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the goggle may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations.

Embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the figures are not drawn to scale. Distances, angles, shapes, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the articles that are illustrated. In addition, the foregoing embodiments have been described at a level of detail to allow one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the articles, parts, different materials, etc. described herein. A wide variety of variation is possible. Articles, materials, elements, and/or steps can be altered, added, removed, or rearranged. While certain embodiments have been explicitly described, other embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or configurations are in any way required for one or more embodiments. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. The term “consisting essentially of” can be used anywhere where the terms comprising, including, containing or having are used herein, but consistent essentially of is intended to mean that the claim scope covers or is limited to the specified materials or steps recited and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, the term “consisting of” can be used anywhere where the terms comprising, including, containing or having are used herein, but consistent of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in a given claim where it is used.

Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

Additionally, in the subject description, the word “example” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word example is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other example embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A helmet, comprising:

an outer shell having a first plurality of coupling elements; and

a visor having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an inner surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, the visor including: a second plurality of coupling elements disposed along the inner surface and positioned to selectively engage with the first plurality of coupling element to releasably couple the visor to the outer shell; and a support extending from the inner surface of the visor, the support having a surface that is configured to correspond to a portion of an outer surface of the outer shell and engage with the outer shell.

2. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of coupling elements include:

a first coupling element positioned on a first lateral side of the inner surface of the visor; and

a second coupling element positioned on an opposing second lateral side of the inner surface of the visor.

3. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the support includes a first fin positioned between the first coupling element and a midline of the visor and a second fin positioned between the second coupling element and the midline of the visor.

4. The helmet of claim 3, wherein the outer shell defines a first platform positioned to align with the first fin and a second platform positioned to align with the second fin.

5. The helmet of claim 4, wherein the first fin includes a first interfacing surface configured to sit on the first platform and the second fin includes a second interfacing surface configured to sit on the second platform when the visor is coupled to the helmet.

6. The helmet of claim 5, wherein the second plurality of coupling elements further include a third coupling element positioned on the inner surface, along the midline of the visor.

7. The helmet of claim 6, wherein the support further includes a central support disposed along the midline of the visor, wherein the central support defines a central interface configured to engage the outer shell and includes the third coupling element.

8. The helmet of claim 7, wherein the central support includes a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the central interface rearward of the trailing edge of the visor, the first flange defining a third interfacing surface configured to engage the outer shell, and the second flange defining a fourth interfacing surface configured to engage the outer shell.

9. A visor for a helmet, comprising:

an inner surface;

a first coupling element positioned on a first lateral side of the inner surface;

a second coupling element positioned on an opposing second lateral side of the inner surface;

a central support disposed along a midline of the visor and extending from the inner surface, the central support defining a central interface having a third coupling element;

a first lateral support extending from the inner surface and positioned between the first coupling element and the central support; and

a second lateral support extending from the inner surface and positioned between the second coupling element and the central support.

10. The visor of claim 9, wherein the first lateral support includes a first interfacing surface configured to sit on a first platform defined by a shell of the helmet and the second lateral support includes a second interfacing surface configured to sit on a second platform defined by the shell of the helmet when the visor is coupled to the helmet.

11. The visor of claim 9, wherein the central interface is configured to engage a shell of the helmet when the visor is coupled to the helmet.

12. The visor of claim 9, wherein the central support includes a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the central interface.

13. The visor of claim 12, wherein the first flange defines a first interfacing surface configured to engage a shell of the helmet when the visor is coupled to the helmet and the second flange defines a second interfacing surface configured to engage the shell when the visor is coupled to the helmet.

14. The visor of claim 9, wherein the first coupling element, the second coupling element, and the third coupling element are configured to couple the visor to the helmet with a breakaway connection.

15. The visor of claim 9, wherein the third coupling element includes an array of coupling elements configured to facilitate toolless pivotal adjustment of an angle at which the visor extends from the helmet, wherein the visor is configured to pivot about an axis that extends between the first coupling element and the second coupling element.

16. A visor for a helmet, comprising:

a leading edge;

a trailing edge;

an inner surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge;

a plurality of coupling elements disposed along the inner surface, the plurality of coupling elements positioned to selectively engage with corresponding coupling elements disposed on a shell of the helmet to releasably couple the visor to the helmet; and

a support extending from the inner surface of the visor, the support having a surface that is configured to correspond to a portion of an outer surface of the outer shell, and engage with the shell when the visor is coupled to the helmet.

17. The visor of claim 16, wherein the support includes a first fin positioned between a first lateral end of the visor and a midline of the visor, the first fin defining a first interfacing surface configured to engage a first interface defined by the shell of the helmet when the visor is coupled to the helmet.

18. The visor of claim 17, wherein the support includes a second fin positioned between an opposing second lateral end of the visor and the midline of the visor, the second fin defining a second interfacing surface configured to engage a second interface defined by the shell of the helmet when the visor is coupled to the helmet.

19. The visor of claim 16, wherein the support includes a central support disposed along a midline of the visor, the central support having a central interface, a first flange extending from a first side of the central interface rearward of the trailing edge, and a second flange extending from an opposing side of the central interface rearward of the trailing edge.

20. The visor of claim 19, wherein the first flange defines a first interfacing surface configured to engage the shell when the visor is coupled to the helmet and the second flange defines a second interfacing surface configured to engage the shell when the visor is coupled to the helmet.