FORCED-AIR HELMET AIR COUPLING AND SYSTEM

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an improved connection for an air supply duct in a pilot helmet that includes a male connector and a female connector; wherein the female connector may include a tubular body defining an internal channel of air conduction and comprising an end connection section of greater diameter with an outgoing annular lip which defines a flat internal surface cavity in which a minimum of two magnets housed in at least two diametrically opposed holes are configured to couple with each other.

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally pertains to vehicle helmet accessories, and is more particularly directed towards an air feed for an off-road vehicle helmet.

Related Art

In the vehicle (e.g., automotive) industry, accessories or safety devices may be used by the vehicle pilots/drivers/riders. One of the most important devices related to the safety of pilots is the helmet. The design, configuration and structure associated with the technology used in its construction have evolved significantly in recent times. The construction of the helmets for pilots must take into account their weight, the material of construction, the resistance of the materials, the conditions to which they are subjected as the “G” forces in the curves or in braking, in order to take care of the integrity of the pilots and avoid injury to the neck and head. Currently the helmets have a much higher hardness and their weight has dropped considerably (now weigh 1.25 kilos). The new helmets offer a combination of strength and flexibility (vital to absorb the force of large impacts). In the manufacture of helmets, the latest technology materials are used, such as carbon fiber or resin mixtures. There is a layer that is infinitely strong, the same material as the bulletproof vests. The outer layer can be made of polyethylene, deformable, covered with a fire resistant material. The visor is made of special polycarbonate, light colors to allow a perfect visibility. It is also fire resistant. Although other diverse materials can be used in their manufacture. The chosen visors are smoked, like sunglasses, but when it's cloudy or it rains the visors are completely clear, they also have anti-fog chemical substances so that they are always in optimal conditions. The helmets have transparent adhesives on the visor that can be removed so that the dirt does not prevent them from seeing.

In addition to sight, protection, and comfort, the helmet must also provide ventilation for the pilot. As such, small air intakes may be placed in different areas of the helmet. These ventilation inlets have filters so that no dirt enters. In more sever conditions, a ventilation and oxygenation supply may be desirable, for example where the user is in a dusty environment, or where air quality is otherwise degraded. In particular, in “off-road” and NASCAR riding/driving, or with other of vehicles/environments where pilots/drivers/riders require ventilation and oxygenation supply, a vehicle mounted forced-air supply may be used. In these cases the pilot/rider/driver's helmet may require a coupling where an air supply duct is connected for pilot ventilation. Forced-air supply ducting is then connected to a receiver in the user's helmet to supply fresh/filtered air for their good performance.

The current system for connecting a helmet to a hose/air duct where the forced air is blown into the hull/helmet is made by means of a rubber connection in the terminal of the hose; the helmet includes a nozzle connection, typically made of plastic material of the same or different type material with which the helmet is made, with the nozzle typically having a cylindrical terminal (i.e., tubular duct end having a cylindrical outer profile) of flexible plastic material, adapted to receive under pressure the duct end of flexible plastic hose/ducting that supplies fresh, forced air to the interior of the helmet. However, this type of connection has serious drawbacks, such as when the driver is inside the car it is difficult to connect the hose because the helmet is on, and when it is tightly coupled it is even more difficult to do so. In particular, with the helmet on and with obstructed view, the pilot cannot see the connection. Furthermore, there is no way to ensure a good connection of the air supply duct is maintained throughout a race or off-road experience.

Another problem is that, over time, the coupling parts of both the helmet and the hose or air supply duct, by the material with which they are manufactured, tend to suffer wear, and/or the hose or air supply duct no longer it is connected under pressure and the coupling is relieved, and/or it is no longer in the helmet because as the plastic material becomes larger and the coupling is no longer fixed.

Yet another problem that arises is that, at the time of an accident, when the pilot wants to leave the cab of the vehicle, he might not be able to disconnect the coupling ends (being made of flexible plastic material). This is because the plastic might become stretched, damaged, or otherwise deformed, such that it tightens to the terminal of the helmet, and makes it very difficult to try to remove it. In view of the need to have an improved connection of air supply ducts in a pilot's helmet, which allows a quick, easy and safe assembly, the present disclosure was developed.

The present disclosure is directed toward overcoming known problems and problems discovered by the inventor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present disclosure generally pertain to an improved connection of air supply ducts in a vehicle user's helmet that is easy and quick to attach and release. Aspects of the present disclosure more specifically are directed toward an improved connection for an air supply duct in a pilot helmet that includes a male connector and a female connector; wherein the female connector may include a tubular body defining an internal channel of air conduction and comprising an end connection section of greater diameter with an outgoing annular lip which defines a flat internal surface cavity in which a minimum of two magnets housed in at least two diametrically opposed holes are configured to couple with each other.

An improved connection for air supply duct in a vehicle (e.g., off-road) user's helmet is disclosed herein. The improved connection includes a male connector and a female connector. The female connector includes of a tubular body defining an internal air duct and comprising an end connection section of larger diameter with a protruding annular lip which defines a substantially flat internal surface cavity in which there are included at least two magnets housed in at least two diametrically opposed holes, one of their faces being exposed with positive or negative pole, and the center including a cylindrical projection (i.e., tubular duct projection having a cylindrical outer profile) in fluid communication with said internal channel of said tubular body. The male connector includes of a tubular body defining an internal air conduction channel and having an end connection section of greater diameter defining an annular wall with a substantially flat external surface where at least two housed magnets are embedded in at least two diametrically opposed holes, one of its faces being exposed with a pole different from the poles of the magnets of said female connector, and whose larger diameter end is configured to be inserted into the substantially flat internal surface cavity of said female connector so that the magnets of each connector are attracted generating a firm and sealing connection between both connectors. The cylindrical projection of the female connector is housed inside the end of the internal air duct of the male connector so as to maintain a fluid communication between the two internal air ducting channels.

According to one embodiment, an air coupling for a forced-air helmet is disclosed herein. The air coupling for a forced-air helmet includes an upstream connector and a downstream connector. The upstream connector is configured to couple with the air supply duct, the upstream connector including an upstream duct body and an upstream couple section, the upstream duct body fluidly coupled with and extending upstream from the upstream couple section, and defining an upstream airflow path, the upstream couple section including a plurality of upstream-magnets embedded in upstream couple section. The downstream connector is configured to couple with the forced air inlet of the forced-air helmet, the downstream connector including a downstream duct body and a downstream couple section, the downstream duct body fluidly coupled with and extending downstream from the downstream couple section, and defining a downstream airflow path, the downstream couple section including a plurality of downstream-magnets embedded in downstream couple section so as to align with an magnetically couple with plurality of upstream-magnets such that, when magnetically coupled, fluidly couples the upstream airflow path with the downstream airflow path.

According to another embodiment, a system for providing forced-air to a vehicle user is disclosed herein. The system includes an air supply duct configured to supply a forced-air, a forced-air helmet including a forced air inlet configured to receive the forced-air, and an air coupling. The air coupling includes an upstream connector and a downstream connector. The upstream connector is configured to couple with the air supply duct, the upstream connector including an upstream duct body and an upstream couple section, the upstream duct body fluidly coupled with and extending upstream from the upstream couple section, and defining an upstream airflow path, the upstream couple section including a plurality of upstream-magnets embedded in upstream couple section. The downstream connector is configured to couple with the forced air inlet of the forced-air helmet, the downstream connector including a downstream duct body and a downstream couple section, the downstream duct body fluidly coupled with and extending downstream from the downstream couple section, and defining a downstream airflow path, the downstream couple section including a plurality of downstream-magnets embedded in downstream couple section so as to align with an magnetically couple with plurality of upstream-magnets such that, when magnetically coupled, fluidly couples the upstream airflow path with the downstream airflow path.

In order to better understand the characteristics of the disclosure, the present description, as an integral part thereof, is accompanied by the drawings, which are illustrative but not limitative, which are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a forced-air helmet with a traditional connection to an air supply duct, with the disadvantages widely discussed in the background section of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an air coupling for a forced-air helmet, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a detail view of one half of the air coupling of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a detail view of the other half of the air coupling of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross sectional view of a decoupled air coupling for a forced-air helmet, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross sectional view of a coupled air coupling for a forced-air helmet, showing forced air flow path and direction, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a forced-air helmet with the air coupling of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For a better understanding of the present disclosure, the follow detailed description of some of the embodiments thereof will be given, and shown in the appended drawings, which are for illustrative purposes, but are not limited to the following description. Accordingly, characteristic details of the forced-air helmet air coupling, system and method are clearly shown in the following description and in the illustrative drawings which are attached, the same reference signs serving to indicate the same or similar parts.

Aspects of the present disclosure generally pertain to an air coupling for a forced-air helmet to an air supply duct that may be easy and quick to attach and release. One purpose of the present disclosure is to make available an improved connection for forced-air helmet, and allows an easy connection and disconnection of the air supply ducts in the vehicle pilot's helmet without the need to apply force and without the need of tools. Another objective of the disclosure is to provide said air coupling, which is also structurally simple, easy to manufacture and install. Another objective of the disclosure is to provide said air coupling, which also offers a secure, secure connection assembly that avoids air leakage. Another objective of the disclosure is to provide said air coupling, which is also light, resistant and durable. Another objective of the disclosure is to provide said air coupling, which is also practical, functional and efficient. Another objective of the disclosure is to provide all those qualities and objectives that will become apparent when making a general and detailed description of the present disclosure supported by the illustrated modalities and embodiments.

In general, and according to the present disclosure, the air coupling for a forced-air helmet to an air supply duct, may include an assembly of a male connector and a female connector; wherein the female connector includes a tubular body defining an internal air duct and comprising an end section of greater diameter with an annular projecting eyebrow and defining a substantially flat internal surface cavity in which at least two diametrically opposed holes configured to accommodate a pair of magnets preferably of Neodymium, one of its faces being exposed with a positive or negative pole; and the center comprising a cylindrical projection in fluid communication with the internal channel of said tubular body; and wherein said male connector includes a tubular body defining an internal air duct and having an end section of greater diameter defining an annular wall with a substantially flat external surface where at least two diametrically opposed holes configured are included to accommodate a pair of magnets preferably of Neodymium, one of its faces with a different pole being exposed than the poles of the magnets of said female connector to generate an attraction; and whose larger diameter end is configured to be inserted into the substantially flat internal surface cavity of said female connector so that the magnets of each connector are attracted generating a firm and sealing connection between both connectors (i.e., during helmet use), wherein said cylindrical projection of the center of the female connector is housed inside the end of the internal air duct of said male connector to maintain a fluid communication between the two internal air ducting channels.

In the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the female connector includes on the internal wall of the internal air duct of the tubular body, at the end opposite the end where the magnets are disposed, a left internal thread of two turns (three threads) which it is connected at one end to the right external thread of two turns (three wires) of the air supply duct, however this is merely a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of an air supply coupling or interface.

In one of the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, the female connector is fixed under pressure or with other fixing means at the end of an air supply duct and the male connector is fixed under pressure or with other fixing means in a section tubular air intake pilot helmet, or vice versa.

The connections of said female and male connectors in the air supply duct and in the tubular sections of the hull air intake, respectively, can be made in multiple ways, whether the end of the male connector is inserted in the tubular section of air intake of the pilot's helmet or that embraces said tubular section and the other is inserted at the end of the air supply duct or that embraces said end of the air supply duct. Some adhesive can be used in this fixation, some clamps, oppressors or other permanent or releasable fixation systems.

In the preferred embodiment of the disclosure there are more than two magnets that are arranged in the male connector and in the female connector, preferably in a number of four magnets in each connector to ensure a firmer coupling and to avoid air leakage.

In the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the external diameter of the coupling end section of said male connector is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the annular eyebrow defining the cavity of the coupling end of said female connector and wherein the outer diameter said cylindrical projection of the center of the coupling end of said female connector is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the internal air duct of said male connector, to facilitate its insertion and coupling in a simple, practical, safe manner; but also that the air leakage is avoided given the double barrier defined by said cylindrical projection of the center and said annular eyebrow projecting from the coupling end of said female connector.

FIG. 1 shows a forced-air helmet with a traditional connection to an air supply duct, with the disadvantages widely discussed in the background section of the present disclosure. Here, a pilot case (forced-air helmet 1) includes a forced air inlet 2 in the lower frontal zone (although it can include it in a lateral zone or another suitable zone). Here the forced air inlet 2 has a forced air receptacle 3 adapted to receive under pressure or with an air supply fixing means 4 the flexible end of an air supply duct 5. However, this type of connection has serious drawbacks, such as when the pilot is inside the car it is difficult to connect the hose or air supply duct 5 because the helmet is on and when the pilot is tied, it is difficult to do so, because the position of the connection of the forced air receptacle 3 of the forced air inlet 2 of the forced-air helmet 1 is not located with certainty, the pilot cannot see the connection, there is no way to ensure a good connection of the air supply duct 5.

The other problem is that over time the coupling parts of both the forced-air helmet 1 and the hose or air supply duct 5, by the material with which they are manufactured, tend to suffer wear and the hose or duct of the air supply duct 5 is no longer pressurized in the forced air receptacle 3 of the forced air inlet 2, and the coupling is released or is no longer in the forced-air helmet 1 because as the end of the air supply duct 5 wears (e.g. made of plastic material) it becomes larger, and the coupling is no longer fixed. Sometimes some adhesive tape is even used to maintain the fixation. Worse, this represents a more serious problem because in case of an accident it is even more difficult for the pile to remove the forced-air helmet 1.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an air coupling for a forced-air helmet, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a detail view of one half of the air coupling of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a detail view of the other half of the air coupling of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross sectional view of a decoupled air coupling for a forced-air helmet, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross sectional view of a coupled air coupling for a forced-air helmet, showing forced air flow path and direction, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a forced-air helmet with the air coupling of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIGS. 2-7, the disclosed air coupling 6 for an air supply duct 26 to the forced-air helmet 1, in accordance with the present disclosure, may include an assembly of an upstream connector (here preferably embodied as a female connector 8) and a downstream connector (here preferably embodied as a male connector 7). It should be understood that in other embodiments, the order of female type and male type connectors may be reversed. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, it should be recognized that female connector 8 includes male features, and male connector 7 includes female features.

In general, the upstream connector may include an upstream duct body and an upstream couple section, with the upstream duct body integrated with or otherwise coupleable with the air supply duct 26. In particular, and as shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the female connector 8 may be threadably fixed to the threaded end of a connector of the air supply duct 26. Likewise, the downstream connector may generally include a downstream duct body and a downstream couple section, with the downstream duct body coupleable with a forced air receptacle 24 of a forced air inlet 25 in the forced-air helmet 1. In particular, and as shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the male connector 7 may be fixed under pressure, or with other fixing means, in a tubular section (forced air receptacle 24) of the forced air inlet 25 of the forced-air helmet 1, or vice versa.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the female connector 8 (here, upstream connector) may include a tubular body 9 (the upstream duct body) and an end connection section 11 (the upstream couple section). According to one embodiment, the upstream connector may include an air supply duct couple such as a threaded connection proximate an upstream end (FIG. 5). Accordingly and as shown, the tubular body 9 defines an internal air conduction channel 10 or upstream airflow path, and is coupleable with the air supply duct 26.

Also as shown, the end connection section 11 may include both an upstream axial landing area and one or more radial retainers. In particular, and as shown, the end connection section 11 may include a substantially flat internal surface defined by a recessed axial surface extending between an inner diameter radially outward to a larger diameter, with the inner diameter defined by the upstream internal air conduction channel 10, and the larger diameter defined by an annular lip 12 (a first radial retainer). The annular lip 12 may extend axially from the axial surface (here in a downstream direction), and together may define a cavity 13. Similarly, the end connection section 11 may further include an annular projection 16 at its center (a second radial retainer), also defining the inner diameter, and in fluid communication with the upstream internal air conduction channel 10 of said tubular body 9.

Further, the substantially flat internal surface may be configured to provide for half of a magnetic couple. In particular and as shown, the substantially flat internal surface may include at least two (but preferably four) diametrically opposed holes or receptacles 14 that are each sized and dimensioned to receive, or otherwise adapted to accommodate a magnet 15 within, with one of its sides being exposed as a positive or a negative pole. Each magnet 15 is preferably made of Neodymium,

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the male connector 7 (here, downstream connector) may include a tubular body 17 (the downstream duct body) and an end connection section 19 (the downstream couple section). According to one embodiment, the downstream connector may include a helmet couple or downstream supply-air interface configured to be fixed under pressure, or with other fixing means, to the forced air receptacle 24 of the forced air inlet 25 in the forced-air helmet 1 (e.g., inserted as shown, coupled to a nozzle, etc.). Accordingly, and as shown, the tubular body 17 defines an internal air conduit channel 18 or downstream airflow path, and is coupleable with the forced air receptacle 24 of the forced air inlet 25.

Also as shown, the end connection section 19 may include an exposed axial landing area configured to mate within the cavity 13 of the female connector 8. In particular, and as shown, the end connection section 19 may include a downstream axial interface and a downstream circumferential interface. The downstream axial interface illustrated as a substantially flat annular surface 21, extending to a larger diameter than the tubular body 17. Likewise, the downstream circumferential interface illustrated by an annular wall 20. Accordingly and as shown, the downstream axial interface is configured to mate with the upstream axial landing area, and the downstream circumferential interface is configured to mate with the one or more radial retainers.

Further, the substantially flat annular surface 21 may be configured to provide for the other half of the air coupling's magnetic couple. In particular and as shown, the substantially flat annular surface 21 may include at least two (but preferably four) diametrically opposed holes or receptacles 22 that are each sized and dimensioned to receive, or otherwise adapted to accommodate a magnet 23 within, with one of its sides being exposed as a positive or a negative pole, which is opposite polarity to the corresponding magnet 15 of the female connector 8. Accordingly, the magnets 15, 23 of each female connector 8 and male connector 7 are configured such that they are attracted to each other, generating a firm and sealing union between them, wherein the cylindrical projection 16 of the female connector 8 is housed inside the end of the internal air conduit channel 18 of the male connector 7 to maintain a fluid communication between the two internal air conduction channels 10, 18. Each magnet 23 is preferably made of Neodymium.

The disclosure has been sufficiently described so that a person with average skill in the art can reproduce and obtain the results that we mentioned in the present disclosure. However, any person skilled in the art who is competent in the present disclosure may be able to make modifications not described in the present application, however, if for the application of these modifications in a certain structure or in the manufacturing process thereof, the subject matter claimed in the following claims is required, said structures should be understood within the scope of the disclosure.

Benefits may include providing a forced-air helmet air coupling and system. Further, the embodiments of the disclosure described herein are exemplary, and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent or similar results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Exemplary advantages of the present include but are not limited to making available an improved connection for forced-air helmet, allowing an easy connection and disconnection of the air supply ducts in the vehicle pilot's helmet without the need to apply force and without the need of tools, providing said air coupling, which is also structurally simple, easy to manufacture and install, providing said air coupling, which also offers a secure, secure connection assembly that avoids air leakage, providing said air coupling, which is also light, resistant and durable, and providing said air coupling, which is also practical, functional and efficient.

The disclosure has been sufficiently described so that a person of ordinary skill in the art can reproduce and obtain the results mentioned in the present disclosure. However, any skilled person in the field of the art of the present disclosure may be able to make modifications not described in the present application. Further, various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or the scope of this disclosure. Notwithstanding, if these modifications require a structure or manufacturing process not described in the present disclosure, the modifications should be understood to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein, which merely represent a presently preferred implementation of the disclosure, but that the disclosure is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. It is to be further understood that the scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art. Having sufficiently described the disclosure, it is claimed as the property contained in the following claims.

Claims

1. An improved connection for air supply duct in a pilot's helmet, characterized in that it comprises:

a male connector; and

a female connector; and

wherein the female connector includes of a tubular body defining an internal air duct and comprising an end connection section of larger diameter with a protruding annular lip which defines a substantially flat internal surface cavity in which there are included at least two magnets housed in at least two diametrically opposed holes, one of their faces being exposed with positive or negative pole, and the center including a cylindrical projection in fluid communication with said internal channel of said tubular body; and

wherein said male connector includes of a tubular body defining an internal air conduction channel and having an end connection section of greater diameter defining an annular wall with a substantially flat external surface where at least two housed magnets are embedded in at least two diametrically opposed holes, one of its faces being exposed with a pole different from the poles of the magnets of said female connector, and whose larger diameter end is configured to be inserted into the substantially flat internal surface cavity of said female connector so that the magnets of each connector are attracted generating a firm and sealing connection between both connectors; and

wherein the cylindrical projection of the female connector is housed inside the end of the internal air duct of the male connector so as to maintain a fluid communication between the two internal air ducting channels.

2. The improved connection for air supply duct in a pilot's helmet, according to claim 1, characterized in that said female connector is fixed under pressure or with other fixing means at the end of an air supply duct and the male connector is fixed under pressure or with other fixing means in a tubular air intake section of the pilot's helmet, or vice versa.

3. The improved connection for the air supply duct in the helmet of pilots, according to claim 1, characterized in that said female connector comprises in the inner wall of the internal air duct of the tubular body, at the opposite end to the end where the magnets are arranged, a left internal thread of two turns (three wires) that is connected at one end with a right external thread of two turns (three wires) of the air supply duct.

4. The improved connection for the air supply duct in the helmet of pilots, according to claim 1, characterized in that there are more than two magnets that are arranged in the male connector and in the female connector, preferably in a number of four magnets in each connector to ensure a firmer coupling and to avoid air leakage.

5. The improved connection for the air supply duct in the helmet of pilots, according to claim 1, characterized in that the external diameter of the extreme connection section of said male connector is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the annular eyebrow defining the cavity of the connection end of said female connector and wherein the external diameter of said cylindrical projection of the center of the connection end of said female connector is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the internal air conduit channel of said male connector, to facilitate its insertion and coupling in a simple, practical, safe way.

6. The improved connection for air supply duct in the helmet of pilots, according to claim 1, characterized in that the association of said cylindrical projection of the center and said annular eyebrow projecting from the connection end of said female connector, define a double barrier in the coupling with the male connector that prevents air leakage.

7. An air coupling for a forced-air helmet, the forced-air helmet including a forced air inlet configured to receive a forced-air from an air supply duct, the air coupling comprising:

an upstream connector configured to couple with the air supply duct, the upstream connector including an upstream duct body and an upstream couple section, the upstream duct body fluidly coupled with and extending upstream from the upstream couple section, and defining an upstream airflow path, the upstream couple section including a plurality of upstream-magnets embedded in upstream couple section; and

a downstream connector configured to couple with the forced air inlet of the forced-air helmet, the downstream connector including a downstream duct body and a downstream couple section, the downstream duct body fluidly coupled with and extending downstream from the downstream couple section, and defining a downstream airflow path, the downstream couple section including a plurality of downstream-magnets embedded in downstream couple section so as to align with an magnetically couple with plurality of upstream-magnets such that, when magnetically coupled, fluidly couples the upstream airflow path with the downstream airflow path.

8. The air coupling of claim 7, further comprising:

upstream supply-air interface configured to fluidly couple the upstream duct body with the air supply duct;

downstream supply-air interface configured to fluidly couple the downstream duct body with the forced air inlet of the forced-air helmet.

9. The air coupling of claim 8, wherein the air supply duct has a threaded connector end; and

wherein the upstream supply-air interface includes a threaded connection configured to mate with the threaded connector end of the air supply duct.

10. The air coupling of claim 8, wherein the forced air inlet of the forced-air helmet has a forced air receptacle; and

wherein the downstream supply-air interface is configured to couple with the forced air receptacle of the forced air inlet and fluidly couple a downstream airflow path defined by the downstream duct body with the forced air inlet of the forced-air helmet.

11. The air coupling of claim 10, wherein the downstream supply-air interface is configured to be fixed under pressure within the forced air receptacle.

12. The air coupling of claim 7, wherein the upstream connector is configured as a female connector including a recessed axial surface extending from an inner diameter, radially outward to a larger diameter, with the inner diameter defined by the upstream airflow path, and the larger diameter defined by an annular lip, the annular lip extending axially downstream from the recessed axial surface; and

wherein the downstream connector is configured as a male connector including a substantially flat annular surface extending from the downstream airflow path, radially outward to a downstream circumferential interface, the substantially flat annular surface downstream circumferential interface configured to mate with the annular lip and the recessed axial surface.

13. The air coupling of claim 12, wherein the upstream couple section includes an annular projection at its center, said annular projection configured to mate with the upstream duct body via the upstream airflow path when the upstream couple section is magnetically coupled to the downstream couple section.

14. The air coupling of claim 13, the plurality of upstream-magnets include four upstream-magnets symmetrically distributed about the recessed axial surface of the upstream connector; and

the plurality of downstream-magnets include four downstream-magnets symmetrically distributed about the substantially flat annular surface the downstream connector.

15. The air coupling of claim 14, the plurality of upstream-magnets and the plurality of downstream-magnets maintain a sealing connection between the upstream airflow path and the downstream airflow path during helmet use.

16. The air coupling of claim 15, the plurality of upstream-magnets and the plurality of downstream-magnets are made of Neodymium

17. A system for providing forced-air to a vehicle user, the system comprising:

an air supply duct configured to supply a forced-air;

a forced-air helmet including a forced air inlet configured to receive the forced-air; and

an air coupling including an upstream connector configured to couple with the air supply duct, the upstream connector including an upstream duct body and an upstream couple section, the upstream duct body fluidly coupled with and extending upstream from the upstream couple section, and defining an upstream airflow path, the upstream couple section including a plurality of upstream-magnets embedded in upstream couple section, and a downstream connector configured to couple with the forced air inlet of the forced-air helmet, the downstream connector including a downstream duct body and a downstream couple section, the downstream duct body fluidly coupled with and extending downstream from the downstream couple section, and defining a downstream airflow path, the downstream couple section including a plurality of downstream-magnets embedded in downstream couple section so as to align with an magnetically couple with plurality of upstream-magnets such that, when magnetically coupled, fluidly couples the upstream airflow path with the downstream airflow path.