HELMET WITH REMOVABLE NOSE GUARD BRIDGE

Abstract

A helmet assembly is provided and comprises a helmet shell having a frontal opening and chin portions provided below the frontal opening. The helmet shell also has a chin bar extending between and connecting the chin portions together. The helmet assembly includes a nose bridge assembly removably connectable to and extending between the chin portions. The nose bridge assembly has a nose bridge body having an inner edge and an outer edge extending on respective sides thereof. The helmet assembly includes a frontal shield adapted to engage with the inner edge of the bridge body when in a lowered position, and a jaw shield adapted to engage with the outer edge when in a closed position. The operation of the jaw shield is independent from the position of the frontal shield, and the operation of the frontal shield is independent from the position of the jaw shield.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to helmets, and more specifically relates to helmets provided with a removable jaw shield.

BACKGROUND

Riding helmets are widely used to provide head protection and comfort for users in various activities such as motorcycling, snowmobiling, and other sports. Many helmets incorporate a movable jaw shield that can be opened, closed and/or removed to allow the wearer to drink, speak, or improve ventilation without having to remove the entire helmet. However, in conventional designs, opening or closing the jaw shield typically requires prior manipulation of a frontal shield, such as goggles or a visor. This additional step is inconvenient as it slows down the process (e.g., when quick and/or simple access is needed) and breaks the seal defined between the jaw shield and the frontal shield.

The seal between the jaw shield and the frontal shield assists in preventing air circulation inside the helmet, which improves thermal comfort and reduces fogging. The lower part of the frontal shield often includes a lip that cooperates with an upper part of the jaw shield. While this arrangement provides a tight seal, it also means that the frontal shield must be lifted or removed before the jaw shield can be opened or disconnected.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved helmet designs that address at least some of the known drawbacks while enhancing user comfort.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, a helmet assembly is provided and includes a helmet shell comprising an inner surface defining a head cavity, a front portion provided with a frontal opening communicating with the head cavity, lateral portions having respective chin portions extending forwardly opposite one another below the frontal opening and defining a forward gap therebetween and a chin bar extending across the forward gap and connecting the chin portions together proximate a bottom edge thereof. The helmet assembly also includes a nose guard bridge assembly comprising a bridge body removably connectable to the chin portions, the bridge body having an arcuate portion shaped and sized to extend across the forward gap proximate a top edge thereof when connected to the chin portions, the bridge body having an inner edge and an outer edge, where the bridge body, the chin bar and the chin portions cooperate to form a forward perimeter defining a forward opening. The helmet assembly also has a frontal shield connectable to the helmet shell and operable between a lowered position to cover the frontal opening, and a raised position to at least partially uncover the frontal opening, the frontal shield having a lower edge configured to engage with one of the inner edge and the outer edge of the bridge body when in the lowered position; and a jaw shield pivotally connected to the helmet shell and operable between an open position, where the jaw shield is pivoted away from the helmet shell to uncover the forward opening, and a closed position, where the jaw shield covers the forward opening, the jaw shield having an upper end adapted to engage the outer edge of the bridge body when in the closed position, wherein the lower edge of the frontal shield and the upper end of the jaw shield remain spaced and independent from one another when operated in the lowered and closed positions, respectively.

According to a possible embodiment, the jaw shield is pivotally connected to the chin bar.

According to a possible embodiment, the jaw shield is pivotally connected to the chin bar via a hinge assembly.

According to a possible embodiment, the hinge assembly includes one or more clips and one or more hinge bars removably connectable to respective clips for pivotally connecting the jaw shield to the chin bar.

According to a possible embodiment, the jaw shield is provided with the one or more hinge bars and the chin bar is provided with the one or more clips.

According to a possible embodiment, the helmet shell comprises front-edge surfaces provided at a forward edge of each of the chin portions, the front-edge surfaces extending adjacent and alongside respective sides the chin bar, and wherein the jaw shield includes back-edge surfaces adapted to engage respective front-edge surfaces of the chin portions when in the closed position.

According to a possible embodiment, the jaw shield comprises a lower end which is pivotally connectable to the helmet shell, and wherein the back-edge surfaces extend on opposite sides of the jaw shield between the lower end and the upper end.

According to a possible embodiment, the one of the inner edge and the outer edge of the bridge body includes a frontal shield mating surface complementarily-shaped relative to the lower edge of the frontal shield to facilitate engagement therebetween.

According to a possible embodiment, the outer edge of the bridge body includes a jaw shield mating surface complementarily-shaped relative to the upper end of the jaw shield to facilitate engagement therebetween.

According to a possible embodiment, the bridge body comprises a sealing element extending along a portion thereof, and wherein the frontal shield mating surface and the jaw shield mating surface extend on opposite sides of the sealing element.

According to a possible embodiment, the sealing element includes an elongated ridge extending along the arcuate portion of the bridge body.

According to a possible embodiment, each of the chin portions includes an upper surface joining respective front-edge surfaces and upper extensions extending upwardly from the upper surfaces, and wherein, when the bridge body is connected to the helmet shell, the frontal shield mating surface is continuous with at least a portion of the upper extensions such that the lower edge of the frontal shield engages both the frontal shield mating surface and the upper extensions when in the lowered position.

According to a possible embodiment, the lower edge of the frontal shield is adapted to engage both the sealing element and the frontal shield mating surface upon operation thereof in the lowered position.

According to a possible embodiment, the jaw shield is adapted to engage both the sealing element and the jaw shield mating surface upon operation thereof in the closed position.

According to a possible embodiment, the bridge body includes a pair of connectors at opposite ends thereof configured to be removably connected to the chin portions.

According to a possible embodiment, the pair of connectors are removably connectable to respective chin portions via a snap-fit connection, a magnetic connection, a ¼ turn lock or a latching connection.

According to a possible embodiment, the arcuate portion corresponds to an upper arcuate portion, and wherein the bridge body further comprises a lower arcuate portion connected to the upper arcuate portion and removably connectable to the helmet shell proximate the chin bar.

According to a possible embodiment, the lower arcuate portion is pivotally connected to the chin bar, and wherein the bridge body is adapted to be moved together with the jaw shield.

According to a possible embodiment, the lower arcuate portion and the upper arcuate portion are integrally formed together to form a one-piece unit.

According to a possible embodiment, the nose bridge assembly comprises a breathguard or a deflector, and wherein the breathguard or the deflector is adapted to define or cooperate with the frontal shield mating surface when operating the frontal shield in the lowered position.

According to a possible embodiment, the jaw shield is removably connected to the helmet shell.

According to a possible embodiment, the jaw shield comprises a latching mechanism adapted to latch onto the helmet shell upon positioning the jaw shield in the closed position, the latching mechanism being selectively operable to enable pivotal movement of the jaw shield relative to the helmet shell.

According to a possible embodiment, the front-edge surfaces include latch apertures, and wherein the latching mechanism includes latch members configured to extend through respective latch apertures and latch onto an edge thereof.

According to a possible embodiment, the latching mechanism comprises an actuator operable to selectively latch and/or unlatch the latch members from the edge of the latch apertures to enable pivotal movement of the jaw shield relative to the helmet shell.

According to a possible embodiment, the actuator is manually operable.

According to a possible embodiment, the actuator is a button, a lever or a slider.

According to a possible embodiment, the latching mechanism corresponds to a one-piece monolithic part.

According to a possible embodiment, the jaw shield comprises a ventilation system including a ventilation inlet adapted to enable fluid communication between the head cavity and a surrounding environment.

According to a possible embodiment, the ventilation system is operable to modulate a flow rate of fluid through the ventilation inlet.

According to a possible embodiment, the helmet assembly further includes a helmet accessory, and wherein the jaw shield comprises an accessory mount configured to enable removably connecting the helmet accessory to the jaw shield.

According to a possible embodiment, the helmet accessory comprises at least one of a ventilation mechanism selectively operable to open and close the ventilation inlet, a camera mount, a camera, a microphone, a light, a straw holder and a speaker.

According to a possible embodiment, the ventilation mechanism comprises a ventilation slider slidable to open and close the ventilation opening.

According to another aspect, a helmet assembly is provided and includes a helmet shell comprising a front section provided with a frontal opening, lateral sections having respective chin portions provided below the frontal opening, each chin portion having a forward edge; and a chin bar extending between and connecting the chin portions together proximate a bottom end of the forward edges. The helmet assembly has a nose bridge assembly comprising a bridge body removably connectable to the chin portions and being shaped and sized to extend between the chin portions proximate a top end of the forward edges, the bridge body having an inner edge and an outer edge extending along a length of the bridge body on respective sides thereof; a frontal shield pivotally connected to the helmet shell and operable between a lowered position to cover the frontal opening, and a raised position to at least partially uncover the frontal opening, the frontal shield being adapted to engage with one of the inner edge and the outer edge of the bridge body when in the lowered position; a jaw shield pivotally connected to the helmet shell and operable between an open position, where the jaw shield is pivoted away from the helmet shell, and a closed position, where the jaw shield engages the outer edge of the bridge body and the forward edge of each chin portion, wherein operation of the jaw shield between the closed and open positions is independent from the frontal shield when in the raised position and the lowered position, and wherein operation of the frontal shield between the raised and lowered positions is independent from the jaw shield when in the open position and the closed position.

According to another aspect, a method of configuring a helmet provided with a frontal shield for covering a frontal opening, a jaw shield for covering a forward opening defined below the frontal opening and a nose bridge assembly coupled to the helmet between the frontal opening and the forward opening is provided. The method includes positioning the frontal shield in a lowered position and in engagement with a frontal shield mating surface of the nose bridge assembly; while maintaining the frontal shield in the lowered position, moving the jaw shield between an open position, where the jaw shield uncovers the forward opening, and a closed position, where the jaw shield engages with a jaw shield mating surface of the nose bridge assembly.

According to another aspect, a method of configuring a helmet provided with a frontal shield operable in a lowered position, where the frontal shield covers a frontal opening of the helmet, and a raised position, where the frontal shield uncovers the frontal opening, a jaw shield operable between a closed position, where the jaw shield covers a forward opening defined below the frontal opening, and an open position, where the jaw shield uncovers the forward opening, the method including: positioning the frontal shield in the lowered position and in engagement with a nose bridge assembly coupled to the helmet between the frontal opening and the forward opening; positioning the jaw shield in the closed position and in engagement with the nose bridge assembly; while maintaining a first one of the frontal shield and the jaw shield in engagement with the nose bridge assembly, moving a second one of the frontal shield and the jaw shield in a corresponding one of the raised position and the open position to disengage the nose bridge assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a helmet provided with a frontal shield and a jaw shield, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of a helmet, showing a nose bridge assembly connectable to a helmet shell, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the helmet shown in FIG. 1, showing the jaw shield in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the helmet shown in FIG. 1, showing the jaw shield in a closed position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the helmet shown in FIG. 3a, showing a frontal opening defined by the helmet shell and the nose bridge assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a nose bridge body of the nose bridge assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the jaw shield, showing a latching mechanism adapted to engage with the helmet shell, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a forward portion of the helmet according to an embodiment, showing the frontal shield and the jaw shield engaged with respective edges of the nose bridge body.

FIG. 7B is a cross-section view of the forward portion of the helmet according to another embodiment, showing the frontal shield and the jaw shield engaged with a common edge of the nose bridge body.

FIG. 7C is a cross-section view of the forward portion of the helmet according to another embodiment, showing the frontal shield cooperating with a separator coupled to the inner edge of the nose bridge body, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the latching mechanism shown in FIG. 6, showing latching members on opposite sides thereof, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a forward portion of the helmet, showing an alternate embodiment of the nose bridge assembly.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the forward portion shown in FIG. 9, showing the nose bridge body pivotally coupled to the helmet shell, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the nose bridge body shown in FIG. 9, showing a structure defining a bridge body opening, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the helmet shown in FIG. 3B, showing relative positions of the jaw shield and nose bridge assembly when operating the jaw shield in the closed position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a forward portion of the helmet, showing a two-part nose bridge body configuration, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the jaw shield, showing a ventilation system thereof, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the jaw shield according to another embodiment, showing an accessory mount mountable to the jaw shield.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As will be explained below in relation to various implementations, the present disclosure describes a helmet for use in various activities and sports. The helmet includes a frontal shield configured to protect the user's face and eyes, such as a pair of goggles or a visor. The helmet also includes a pivotable jaw shield which can be selectively opened and closed. The helmet is provided with a nose bridge assembly configured to cooperate with both the frontal shield and the jaw shield, for instance, to allow corresponding sealing engagement therebetween. The nose bridge assembly is configured to improve and facilitate operation and movement of both the frontal shield and the jaw shield.

The present disclosure more particularly relates to helmets provided with various embodiments of the nose bridge assembly. More specifically, the nose bridge assembly is configured to enable independent operation and movement of the frontal shield and the jaw shield. In other words, the frontal shield can be raised and lowered while maintaining the jaw shield closed and/or in sealing engagement with the nose bridge assembly. Similarly, the jaw shield can be opened and closed while maintaining the frontal shield lowered and/or in sealing engagement with the nose bridge assembly. This configuration can be useful to reduce the number of operations required to open the jaw shield (e.g., to improve sound quality when having a conversation, to eat and/or drink, etc.) while maintaining the frontal shield lowered, or to remove/open the frontal shield (e.g., to improve vision and/or field of view) while maintaining the jaw shield closed.

In some embodiments, the helmet shell includes a forward gap which can be selectively covered by the jaw shield. The nose bridge assembly includes a bridge body configured to extend across the forward gap and defines respective engagement surfaces for the frontal shield and the jaw shield. Particularly, the bridge body includes a sealing element extending along a length thereof and adapted to separate the frontal shield engagement surface and the jaw shield engagement surface. It is thus noted that, upon closing the jaw shield, at least one edge of the jaw shield engages the jaw shield engagement surface and the sealing element (e.g., on a first side thereof). Similarly, upon closing the frontal shield, at least one edge of the frontal shield engages the frontal shield engagement surface and the sealing element (e.g., on a second side thereof). As such, the frontal shield and jaw shield remain independent from one another and can be individually operated.

In alternate embodiments, the jaw shield and the frontal shield can engage the bridge body on a common side of the sealing element, although movement of one of the jaw shield and the frontal shield is not hindered or blocked by the other one of the jaw shield and the frontal shield. For instance, the jaw shield can engage with a frontal side of the outer edge whereas the frontal shield can engage with a top side of the outer edge.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3B, a helmet assembly (or simply “helmet”) 10 is shown in accordance with a possible embodiment. In this embodiment, the helmet 10 includes a protective helmet shell 12 having an inner surface defining a cavity 16 shaped and configured to receive a user's head, such as via a bottom opening 20. The helmet shell 12 further defines a frontal opening 18 communicating with the cavity 16 in order to allow the user to see. In this embodiment, the helmet shell 12 includes lateral sections 22 on opposite sides thereof and extending along the frontal opening 18 towards a front portion of the helmet. More specifically, the lateral sections 22 can each include a chin portion 24 extending forwardly and below the frontal opening 18. The chin portions 24 extend towards one another and define a forward gap 25 therebetween proximate the front of the helmet. As seen in FIG. 3A, the frontal opening 18 can be adapted to communicate with the forward gap 25, although other configurations are possible. In this embodiment, the helmet shell 12 includes a chin bar 26 adapted to extend between and connect the chin portions 24 together. In some embodiments, the chin bar 26 extends across the forward gap 25 proximate a bottom edge 24B of the chin portions 24.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in addition to FIGS. 1 to 3B, in this embodiment, the helmet 10 includes a nose bridge assembly 30 provided with a bridge body 32 connectable to the chin portions of the helmet shell 12. In this embodiment, the bridge body 32 has an arcuate portion 34 adapted to extend across the forward gap 25 proximate a top edge 24T of the chin portions 24. The bridge body 32 is configured to at least partially match a general shape and size of the user's nose, where the arcuate portion 34 extends over the bridge of the user's nose. As will be described further below, the bridge body 32 has an inner edge 36 and an outer edge 38 defining respective abutment surfaces for other components of the helmet. Upon connecting the bridge body 32 to the helmet shell 12 (e.g., to the chin portions 24), the bridge body 32, the chin bar 26 and the chin portions 24 cooperate to form a forward perimeter 40 defining a forward opening 42. In other words, the bridge body 32 extends across the forward gap 25 and is adapted to separate the frontal opening 18 and the forward gap 25 from one another, and defines a portion of the forward perimeter 40 (e.g., with the chin portions 24 and the chin bar 26) to define the forward opening 42.

The helmet 10 has a frontal shield 44 operable between a lowered or closed position for covering the frontal opening 18 and protecting the user's face and eyes, and a raised or open position to at least partially uncover the frontal opening 18. In some embodiments, the frontal shield 44 corresponds to a pair of goggles 45 adapted to be strapped onto and/or around the helmet shell. As such, it is appreciated that the pair of goggles 45 can additionally be moved forward (e.g., away from the frontal opening 18), if desired. However, it should be noted that the frontal shield 44 can alternatively correspond to a visor 45′ pivotally connected to the helmet shell 12 and adapted to be raised and lowered for selectively covering the frontal opening. The frontal shield 44 generally matches the shape of the frontal opening 18 and includes a lower edge 46 configured to engage the lateral sections 22 of the helmet shell 12 (e.g., proximate opposite sides of the frontal opening) and the chin portions 24 (e.g., proximate a bottom of the frontal opening).

In some embodiments, the lower edge 46 of the frontal shield 44 additionally engages the nose bridge assembly, such as directly with the bridge body 32, for example. More specifically, and as seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the frontal shield corresponds to the visor 45′, with the lower edge 46 being adapted to engage (e.g., abut, contact, etc.) the inner edge 36 (FIG. 7A) or the outer edge 38 (FIG. 7B) of the bridge body 32. In some embodiments, the nose bridge assembly can include a separator 160, such as a breathguard 162 (seen in FIG. 7B) and/or a deflector 164 (seen in FIG. 7C) configured to engage with and/or be coupled to the bridge body 32, such as to the inner edge 36 of the bridge body 32. The separator 160 being adapted to extend inwardly (e.g., into the helmet shell cavity) to cooperate and/or engage with a face of the user, such as around a nose and mouth, for example. With reference to FIG. 7C, in other embodiments, the frontal shield corresponds to the goggles 45, and the lower edge 46 is adapted to engage with the separator 160, as will be described below. However, it should be noted that other embodiments are possible and may be implemented, such as having the frontal shield engage with one or more of the separator, the inner edge and the outer edge, for example.

The helmet 10 further includes a jaw shield 50 pivotally connected to the helmet shell 12 and operable between an open position, where the jaw shield 50 is pivoted away from the helmet shell 12 to uncover the forward opening 42, and a closed position, where the jaw shield 50 covers the forward opening 42. In this embodiment, upon closing the jaw shield 50, the jaw shield engages the forward perimeter 40, or at least the chin portions 24 and the bridge body 32. As seen in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the jaw shield 50 has an upper end 52 adapted to engage the bridge body 32, and more specifically, to engage the outer edge 38 thereof when in the closed position. In some embodiments, the lower edge 46 of the frontal shield 44 and the upper end 52 of the jaw shield 50 remain spaced and independent from one another when operated in the lowered and closed positions, respectively. As such, it is noted that the frontal shield 44 and the jaw shield 50 can be individually and independently operated without having to displace, move, shift, operate or otherwise interact with the other one of the frontal shield 44 and the jaw shield 50.

For instance, and as seen in FIG. 7A, the lower edge 46 of the frontal shield can engage with the inner edge 36, whereas the upper end of the jaw shield 50 engages with the outer edge 38, thereby remaining spaced from one another when operated in the lowered and closed positions, respectively. In other embodiments, and as seen in FIG. 7B, the lower edge 46 of the frontal shield and the upper end 52 of the jaw shield can both be adapted to engage with the outer edge 38 of the bridge body 32, although on respective sides thereof. More specifically, the lower edge 46 can engage with a top side of the outer edge 38, and the upper end 52 can engage with a frontal side of the outer edge 38, thereby remaining spaced from one another to avoid interfering with each other's operation and movement.

Turning to FIG. 7C, the frontal shield 44 engages with the separator 160 extending toward the user's face, and the jaw shield 50 engages with the outer edge 38. In other words, the frontal shield 44 can indirectly engage the inner edge 36 via abutment with the separator 160 coupled to the bridge body 32 (e.g., to the inner edge 36). It should be noted that the separator 160 can be removably connected to the inner edge 36 of the bridge body 32 to enable removal, replacement, etc., for instance, although other configurations are possible. For example, the separator 160 and the nose bridge assembly 30 can be secured to one another to form a single unit. In some embodiments, the separator 160 can be secured to the nose bridge assembly 30 during manufacturing, such as via an overmoulding process, for instance. In such embodiments, it is noted that the separator 160 can be a part of the nose bridge assembly 30, and can correspond to an extension of the nose bridge body 32 which is adapted to engage with the frontal shield.

In some embodiments, the bridge body 32 and the jaw shield 50 are removably connectable to the helmet shell 12. It is thus noted that the helmet 10 can be worn in a configuration where the mouth area is completely open. In other words, the forward opening 42 can be uncovered upon removing the jaw shield 50, and the forward opening 42 and the frontal opening 18 can be made to communicate with one another upon removal of the bridge body 32.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3A, the chin bar 26 of the helmet shell 12 can be integral with the chin portions 24. In other words, the chin portions 24 and the chin bar 26 can form a single indivisible piece connectable to the rest of the helmet (e.g., connectable to the lateral sections 22), although other configurations are possible. For instance, the chin bar 26 can be removably connectable to the chin portions 24 and/or be part of the jaw shield 50. In a possible embodiment, the lateral sections 22, chin portions 24 and chin bar 26 can form the single indivisible piece (e.g., the entirety of the helmet shell 12 forms a single piece).

In this embodiment, the jaw shield 50 is pivotally connectable to the chin bar 26. As seen in FIGS. 2 to 4, moving the jaw shield between the closed position (FIG. 3B) and the open position (FIGS. 3A and 4) includes pivoting the jaw shield forwardly (e.g., away from the helmet shell) and downwardly to uncover the forward opening 42. Although the jaw shield is illustrated and generally described herein as being coupled to the chin bar, it should be noted that the jaw shield can alternatively be pivotally coupled to any other suitable part of the helmet, such as to the helmet shell 12, such as to the chin portions, for example. In this embodiment, the jaw shield 50 is pivotable using a hinge assembly 54. For instance, the hinge assembly 54 can include a first hinge counterpart 55 connected to the chin bar 26, and a second hinge counterpart 57 connected to the jaw shield 50 and engageable with the first hinge counterpart 55 to enable pivotal movement of the jaw shield relative to the chin bar (e.g., relative to the helmet shell). In some embodiments, the first hinge counterpart 55 includes one or more clips 56, and the second hinge counterpart 57 includes one or more bars or rods 58 removably connectable to one or more clips 56. As such, the jaw shield 50 can be “clipped” onto the chin bar, while simultaneously allowing pivotal movement thereof.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the chin portions 24 of the helmet shell 12 define front-edge surfaces 60 extending along respective forward ends of the chin portions 24. In this embodiment, the jaw shield 50 includes back-edge surfaces 62 on a back of the jaw shield and along respective lateral sides thereof configured to engage with respective front-edge surfaces 60 when in the closed position. It is thus noted that a lower end of the jaw shield is pivotally coupled to the chin bar 26 and, upon closing the jaw shield, the lower end is adapted to engage (e.g., abut against) the chin bar. Similarly, when in the closed position, the lateral sides of the jaw shield engage with respective chin portions. For example, the back-edge surfaces 62 abut against respective front-edge surfaces 60. It should thus be understood that the back-edge surfaces 62 can extend between the lower and upper ends of the jaw shield. In addition, the upper end 52 of the jaw shield is adapted to engage with the outer edge 38 of the bridge body 32. Therefore, it is appreciated that a perimeter of the jaw shield (e.g., the combined lower end, lateral sides and upper end) is adapted to engage the forward perimeter 40 such that the jaw shield covers the forward opening 42. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the jaw shield is adapted to completely cover the forward opening 42, and in other embodiments, the jaw shield is adapted to at least partially cover the forward opening 42.

In some embodiments, the jaw shield 50 includes a latching mechanism 64 configured to enable latching the jaw shield to the helmet shell 12 upon closing the jaw shield 50. The latching mechanism 64 can be operable to enable disconnection (e.g., unlatching) of the jaw shield 50 from the helmet shell 12, thereby allowing the jaw shield to pivot towards the open position. In other words, the latching mechanism 64 allows the jaw shield to be secured in the closed position, and is selectively operable to allow operation of the jaw shield from the closed position to the open position. In this embodiment, and as seen in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9, the latching mechanism 64 is operatively connected to a rear side of the jaw shield (i.e., the helmet-facing side of the jaw shield) and includes latching members 66 configured to latch onto respective latching edges 68 upon closing the jaw shield. In some embodiments, the latching edges 68 can correspond to features of the helmet shell 12. For instance, surfaces of the helmet shell can be designed to enable the latching members 66 to cooperate therewith to secure the jaw shield in the closed position. Alternatively, the latching edges 68 can correspond to independent parts connected to the helmet shell, such as to inner surfaces thereof.

As seen in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the helmet includes latching apertures 70 defined proximate the front end of the helmet shell 12 and through which the latching members are adapted to extend. In some embodiments, the latching members 66 include a hooked-end 67 shaped and sized to hook onto a ledge 72 of respective latching apertures 70. It should thus be noted that, in the present embodiment, the ledges 72 of the latching apertures 70 correspond to the latching edges 68. As will be described, the latching members 66 are configured to automatically latch onto the latching edges 68 upon closing the jaw shield. For example, the latching members 66 can be spring-loaded (or coupled to a spring-loaded mechanism). As such, additional manipulation of the latching mechanism, the helmet shell and/or of the jaw shield (e.g., other than simply closing the jaw shield) is not required to enable the latching members to secure the jaw shield in the closed position. In other words, the latching mechanism can be configured to enable passively locking the jaw shield in the closed position, although other configurations are possible.

In this embodiment, the latching mechanism 64 includes an actuator 74 operable to unlatch the latch members 66 from the latching edges 68 to enable pivotal movement of the jaw shield relative to the helmet shell. The actuator 74 can be manually operable such that the latching members 66 can be disconnected only when desired. In some embodiments, the actuator 74 is coupled to the jaw shield, such as on a front side thereof to facilitate access and operation. It is noted that the actuator 74 extends through the jaw shield 50 for connecting with the latching members 66, although other configurations are possible. The actuator 74 can correspond to any suitable mechanism, such as a button, a lever, a slider, etc., where operation of the actuator 74 displaces the latching members 66 for unlatching the latching edges. In some embodiments, the actuator 74 can be operated to lock the jaw shield in the closed position. More specifically, if upon closing the jaw shield, the latching members fail to hook onto the latching edges (e.g., due to a presence of obstacles, such as debris, snow, ice, etc.), the actuator 74 can be manually operated to have the latching members engage the latching edges.

As seen in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9, the latching mechanism 64 can be formed from a single piece. For example, the latching mechanism 64 can be a one-piece monolithic piece. It should be noted that, as used herein, the expression “monolithic”, or alternatives thereto, can refer to a component which does not include interconnected and/or disconnectable parts forming a whole, but rather a one-piece unit. It should also be noted that, in this embodiment, while the monolithic piece can have different portions, sections and/or features, these different portions cannot be disconnected from one another as they are part of the same monolithic structure. However, it is appreciated that other configurations of the latching mechanism are possible, such as having the actuator 74 and the latching members 66 be removably connected together to define a modular and/or adjustable latching mechanism, for example.

In this embodiment, the latching mechanism 64 is pivotally coupled to the jaw shield 50 to enable movement of the latching members 66 in order to latch onto and unlatch from the latching edges 68. Particularly, the latching mechanism 64 is pivotally coupled to opposite sides of the jaw shield 50, with the latching members 66 extending rearwardly (e.g., towards the helmet shell) and the actuator 74 extending forwardly (e.g., through the jaw shield). As such, operation of the actuator 74 can correspond to moving the actuator 74 up or down along the front surface of the jaw shield to induce a pivoting movement of the latching members 66 relative to the pivotal connection. As seen in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the latching members 66 are adapted to pivot about pivot axis A1 upon operation of the actuator. For example, moving the actuator 74 downwardly along the surface of the jaw shield induces pivotal movement of the latching members 66 to raise the hooked-ends 67 and unlatch the latching edges. In some embodiments, a male-female connection is established between the latching members 66 and an interior of the jaw shield to enable the latching members to pivot. As shown in FIG. 6, the male components can extend from the interior of the jaw shield (e.g., along the pivot axis A1), and the female components can be provided proximate the latching members.

In the illustrated embodiment, the latching mechanism 64 is generally symmetrical, with the actuator 74 positioned in the middle between the latching members 66. In other words, one latching member 66 can extend on a first side of the actuator 74 and correspond to a mirror image of the other latching member 66 extending on a second side of the actuator 74. However, it should be noted that other configurations are possible. For instance, the latching mechanism 64 can have an asymmetrical design, can include a single latching member and/or can be devoid of the actuator, instead requiring the application of sufficient force to open and close the jaw shield. In some embodiments, the jaw shield can be adapted to engage with the helmet shell via other connection means, such as an integrated connection system (e.g., integrated with the jaw shield). The integrated connection system can include a snap-fit connection (e.g., clips, etc.), among other possibilities.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and 7, the bridge body 32 can include a sealing element 80 extending along a portion thereof, such as along the arcuate portion 34. The sealing element 80 can separate the inner edge 36 and the outer edge 38 from one another. In this embodiment, the sealing element 80 includes an elongated ridge 82 extending along the arcuate portion of the bridge body, such as between opposite ends thereof. For example, when operating the frontal shield in the lowered position, the frontal shield 44 can engage the inner edge 36 and the sealing element 80 on a first side thereof (e.g., an inner side of the elongated ridge 82). Similarly, when operating the jaw shield 50 in the closed position, the upper end of the jaw shield is adapted to engage the outer edge 38 and the sealing element 80 on a second side thereof (e.g., an outer side of the elongated ridge 82). The sealing element 80 can thus assist in preventing interaction between the jaw shield and the frontal shield, and can be further configured to seal interstices between the jaw and frontal shield upon operation thereof in the closed and lowered positions, respectively. In this embodiment, the sealing element 80 includes a single elongated ridge 82 (i.e., a single sealing component). However, it is appreciated that the sealing element 80 can include a plurality (e.g., two or more) sealing components cooperating with one another to substantially cover the outer edge 38.

In some embodiments, the jaw shield 50 can be maintained in the closed position and in contact with the sealing element 80 and the outer edge 38 via the latching mechanism 64. Particularly, the latching mechanism 64 can be configured to secure the jaw shield 50 in the closed position in a manner such that a sealing force is applied to the bridge body 32. The sealing force can be initially provided by the user, for instance, by pushing the jaw shield in the closed position and against the bridge body 32 (e.g., against the sealing element 80). The latching members 66 can then be operated to hook onto the latching edges 68, maintaining the jaw shield in sealing engagement with the bridge body 32 while also maintaining the sealing force applied thereto. In other words, the latching mechanism 64 can be adapted to “preload” the bridge body 32, such as the sealing element 80, upon closing the jaw shield 50. It is appreciated that this “preloading” capacity can improve the seal created by the jaw shield to prevent undesired airflow into the helmet.

The jaw shield can be further provided with a gasket 170 configured to further improve the seal created by the jaw shield. In this embodiment, the gasket 170 is overmolded onto the jaw shield, although other configurations are possible, such as providing a gasket on the bridge body 32, for example.

In this embodiment, the inner edge 36 of the bridge body 32 includes an inner surface 84 adapted to have the lower edge 46 of the frontal shield 44 sit thereon when lowered. The lower edge 46 and the inner surface 84 can be at least partially complementarily-shaped to assist in providing a sealed connection therebetween. As such, in some embodiments, the inner surface 84 can correspond to a frontal shield mating surface 85 configured to improve and facilitate cooperation with the frontal shield (e.g., with the lower edge). Similarly, the outer edge 38 of the bridge body 32 includes an outer surface 86 adapted to have the upper end 52 of the jaw shield 50 abut therewith when in the closed position. The upper end 52 and the outer surface 86 can be at least partially complementarily-shaped to facilitate cooperation therebetween and assist in providing a sealed connection. As such, in some embodiments, the outer surface 86 can correspond to a jaw shield mating surface 87 configured to improve and facilitate cooperation with the jaw shield (e.g., with the upper end). However, it is noted that, in alternate embodiments, the lower edge 46 of the frontal shield 44 can be adapted to engage with the outer edge 38, such as on the top side thereof, and that the upper end 52 of the jaw shield can be adapted to also engage the outer edge 38, although on the frontal side thereof (as seen in FIG. 7C). It is therefore appreciated that the sides of the outer edge 38 (e.g., the top side and the frontal side) can correspond to the frontal shield mating surface and the jaw shield mating surface 87. It is further noted that the lower edge and the upper end can engage the bridge body on a common side and can therefore be adapted to contact one another. However, the jaw shield and the frontal shield remain independent from one another such that movement of one shield is not hindered, blocked or prevented by the other shield.

As seen in FIGS. 2, 9 and 10 the helmet shell 12 can include upper surfaces 90 extending along the top edge 24T of the chin portions 24. The upper surfaces 90 extend along the frontal opening 18 and join the front-edge surfaces 60. In some embodiments, upon connecting the bridge body 32 to the helmet shell 12, the outer edge 38 can be substantially continuous with the upper surfaces 90 of each chin portion, although other configurations are possible. For instance, the elongated ridge 82 can be shaped and adapted to separate the outer edge 38 and the upper surfaces 90. The upper surfaces 90 can define transitions between the bridge body 32 (e.g., the outer edge 38) and the helmet shell 12 to facilitate installation of the bridge body 32. For example, upon connecting the bridge body 32, the connection can be verified by checking if the upper surfaces 90 align with the outer edge 38.

In some embodiments, the helmet shell 12 can include a pair of upper extensions 92 extending form respective upper surfaces 90. In this embodiment, the upper extensions 92 extend generally upwardly, such as into and/or in front of the frontal opening 18. The inner edge 36 of the bridge body 32 can be substantially continuous with each upper extension 92. In other words, the frontal shield mating surface 85 can be continuous with at least a portion of the upper extensions 92. As such, the lower edge 46 of the frontal shield 44 can engage both the frontal shield mating surface 85 and the upper extensions 92 when in the lowered position. The upper extensions 92 can define transitions between the bridge body 32 (e.g., the inner edge 36) and the helmet shell 12 to improve cooperation between the frontal shield and the helmet shell, among others.

With reference to FIG. 5, the bridge body 32 can include a pair of connectors 100 provided at opposite ends thereof and configured to connect to the helmet shell 12 (e.g., to the chin portions). The pair of connectors 100 can include “wings” or clips 102 adapted to engage respective chin portions 24 to enable connecting the bridge body 32. In this embodiment, the clips 102 allows for the bridge body 32 to be connected via a snap-fit connection, although other configurations are possible. For example, the bridge body 32 can be connectable to the chin portions using independent fasteners, such as removable screws, magnets, clips, etc. In this embodiment, and as seen in FIG. 5, the bridge body 32 defines a single part. Specifically, the connectors 100, the arcuate portion 34 and the sealing element 80 form a single piece, and the single piece can be “clipped” onto the helmet. In some embodiments, the bridge body 32 is made of a substantially flexible and resilient material, such as rubber, although other materials and/or combinations thereof are possible.

Now referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, another embodiment of the nose bridge assembly 30 is shown. In this embodiment, the bridge body 32 is removably and pivotally connected to the helmet shell 12 (e.g., in a similar fashion as the jaw shield). The arcuate portion 34 of the bridge body 32 can correspond to an upper arcuate portion 104, and the bridge body 32 also includes a lower arcuate portion 106 connected to the upper arcuate portion 104. In this embodiment, the lower arcuate portion 106 is pivotally connected to the helmet shell 12, such that the upper arcuate portion 104 is also pivotable relative to the helmet shell 12. For instance, the lower arcuate portion 106 can be pivotally connected to the chin bar 26 such that the bridge body 32 can pivot towards and away from the helmet shell (e.g., similar to the jaw shield, via a hinge assembly). As such, the bridge body 32 can be moved between an engaged position, where the bridge body 32 engages (e.g., abuts, contacts, etc.) the helmet shell to position the upper arcuate portion 104 across the forward gap 25, and a disengaged position, where the bridge body 32 is pivoted forwardly and away from the helmet shell.

In some embodiments, the bridge body 32 can be moved together with the jaw shield, such as part of an assembly of the jaw shield 50, of the helmet shell 12 and/or of another component of the helmet 10. Alternatively, the bridge body 32 remains independent relative to the jaw shield such that both the bridge body 32 and the jaw shield 50 can be pivoted individually and independently from one another. It should be understood that, when the bridge body is adapted to move together with the jaw shield, the assembly pivots about a common axis (e.g., about the same hinge/axis). In alternate embodiments, where the bridge body pivots individually and independently from the jaw shield, it should be noted that the bridge body and the jaw shield can pivot about respective axes. These axes can be offset relative to one another in any suitable direction and/or be angled or parallel to one another.

As seen in FIG. 11, the upper and lower arcuate portions 104, 106 can be connected to one another via lateral segments 108 extending therebetween at opposite ends thereof. It is thus noted that the upper and lower arcuate portions 104, 106, together with the lateral segments 108, define a generally complete perimeter 110 along with a corresponding bridge body opening 112. It should also be noted that the bridge body opening 112 can at least partially align with the forward opening 42 to provide access to the interior of the helmet (e.g., to the user's mouth and/or nose) upon opening the jaw shield. In this embodiment, the bridge body 32 can be formed from a single monolithic piece, where the upper and lower arcuate portions, along with the lateral segments, are integrally formed together. For instance, the bridge body 32 can be manufactured using a moulding process or via a 3D-printing process, among other possible manufacturing processes.

In other embodiments, the upper arcuate portion 104 can be removably connectable to the lower arcuate portion 106 and/or to the lateral segments 108. This configuration provides the possibility of removing the upper arcuate portion 104 and interchanging different configurations of the upper arcuate portion 104 with one another. Different upper arcuate portions can include a difference in size, material, shape, flexibility, etc. In some embodiments, the upper arcuate portion 104 can correspond to a modular component of the nose bridge assembly 30. For instance, additional components can be coupled to various locations of the upper arcuate portion, such as rubber seals, fabrics, separators, etc. These additional components can be connected in any suitable configuration, thereby enabling modulation of the nose bridge assembly 30.

In some embodiments, the lower arcuate portion 106 of the bridge body 32 and the chin bar 26 can include complementarily shaped surfaces to facilitate and/or improve engagement therebetween. It should be understood that an inner surface of the lower arcuate portion 106 can include complementing features relative to an outer surface of the chin bar. Similarly, an outer surface of the lower arcuate portion 106 can include complementing features relative to an inner side of the jaw shield 50 to facilitate and/or improve engagement between the jaw shield and the bridge body 32. In some embodiments, the lateral segments 108 can also include complementarily shaped features relative to sections of the helmet shell (e.g., the front-edge surfaces 60) and/or of the jaw shield 50 (e.g., the back-edge surfaces 62). It is thus appreciated that the jaw shield 50 can be shaped and sized to engage the helmet shell 12, the upper arcuate portion 104, the lower arcuate portion 106 and/or the lateral segments 108 to define an improved sealed connection when in the closed position.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, in addition to FIGS. 3A and 3B, it should be noted that the nose bridge assembly 30 can includes a plurality of components configured to cooperate with one another, with the helmet shell and/or with the frontal shield. Particularly, the nose bridge assembly 30 can include a first nose bridge body counterpart 32a configured to be removably connected to the helmet shell 12, in a similar fashion as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, for example. The nose bridge assembly 30 can further include a second nose bridge body counterpart 32b removably and pivotally connected to the helmet shell 12 in a similar fashion as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, for example. The second nose bridge body counterpart 32b is adapted to engage and connect with the first nose bridge body counterpart 32a to “clip” the second nose bridge body counterpart 32b closed, as seen in FIG. 3A. The second nose bridge body counterpart 32b illustratively includes openings 140 and the first nose bridge body counterpart 32a includes protrusions 142 shaped and adapted to engage with respective openings 140. The protrusions 142 are tapered to facilitate engagement with the openings 140, and also include a lip or edge configured to prevent undesired disconnection of the second nose bridge body counterpart 32b from the first nose bridge body counterpart 32a.

Upon closing the nose bridge assembly 30, the jaw shield 50 can then be closed to occlude the aligned forward opening and bridge body opening 112, as seen in FIGS. 3B and 12. It should be noted that the nose bridge assembly 30 can be pivoted as a single unit, as seen in FIG. 13, where the first and second nose bridge body counterparts remain connected during rotation. However, it is appreciated that, in some embodiments, the first nose bridge body counterpart 32a is adapted to remain connected to the helmet shell while the second nose bridge body counterpart 32b is disconnected therefrom and allowed to rotate away from the helmet shell, such as during opening of the jaw shield.

It is noted that, in this embodiment, the first nose bridge body counterpart 32a provides the frontal shield mating surface 85, and that the second nose bridge body counterpart 32b provides the jaw shield mating surface 87. As such, the second nose bridge body counterpart 32b can be opened (e.g., disconnected and rotated outwardly) while the first nose bridge body counterpart 32a remains coupled to the helmet shell. This configuration enables the frontal shield (e.g., the goggles or the visor) to remain closed, such as in engagement with the frontal shield mating surface 85, thereby maintaining the sealed connection therebetween. However, it is appreciated that other configurations are possible.

With reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 and 14, the jaw shield 50 can include a ventilation system 120 configured to enable fluid communication (e.g., airflow) between the interior of the helmet and a surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the ventilation system 120 includes a ventilation inlet 122 adapted to enable fluid communication between the cavity 16 and the surrounding environment. In other words, the ventilation inlet 122 can be adapted to enable fluid communication (e.g., airflow) from the cavity 16, through the ventilation inlet 122 and into the surrounding environment; and/or from the surrounding environment, through the ventilation inlet 122 and into the cavity 16. The ventilation inlet can be configured between open and closed configurations, where fluid communication therethrough is allowed and prevented, respectively. It is appreciated that any suitable mechanism can be included to control airflow through the ventilation inlet 122. For instance, a flapper can be pivoted to selectively cover and uncover the ventilation inlet, a slider can be slidably coupled to the jaw shield to selectively cover and uncover the ventilation inlet, etc. It should also be noted that the ventilation inlet can be configured in a partially open (or partially closed) configuration. As such, fluid communication between the cavity 16 and the surrounding environment can be modulated through the ventilation inlet from fully open to fully close, including any configuration therebetween.

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the helmet 10 can include an accessory mount 130 configured to enable connecting an accessory to the helmet shell 12. In some embodiments, the accessory mount 130 can be provided on the jaw shield 50, such as on a forward surface thereof. As such, upon closing the jaw shield, the accessory mount 130, and the attached accessory, are positioned in front of the user's mouth. Alternatively, the accessory mount can be adapted to be connected to the helmet shell 12, in addition to and/or as an alternative to the jaw shield 50. For example, the jaw shield 50 can be opened or disconnected from the helmet shell (e.g., from the chin bar) to enable the accessory mount 130 to be connected to the helmet shell. The accessory mount 130 can be shaped and sized to at least partially cover the forward opening 42, in a similar fashion as the jaw shield 50.

As seen in FIG. 15, the accessory mount 130 can be removably connectable to the jaw shield 50 to enable covering and uncovering a jaw shield opening 150. In this embodiment, the accessory mount 130 corresponds to a support layer onto which the desired accessory 132 can be removably connected. It should thus be understood that the accessory mount 130 is connectable to the jaw shield 50, such as to at least partially cover the jaw shield opening 150, and that the accessory 132 can then be connected to the accessory mount 130. In some embodiments, the accessories are adapted to be clipped onto the accessory mount 130, although other configurations are possible, such as using fasteners, magnets, straps, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ventilation system 120, or parts thereof (e.g., the slider 125), corresponds to the accessory 132 and is adapted to be mounted onto the accessory mount 130. As such, the ventilation system 120 (e.g., the ventilation inlet and corresponding actuator) can be removably connectable to the jaw shield and/or helmet shell. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the ventilation inlet 122 can correspond to the jaw shield opening 150, and that the accessory 132 can correspond and/or include a flow modulator 134 (e.g., a flapper, a slider, etc.) which is removably connectable to the jaw shield, for example, via the accessory mount 130. The accessory mount 130 can alternatively, or additionally be adapted to enable connection of various accessories to the jaw shield and/or the helmet shell. For example, the accessory can include a camera mount, a camera, a microphone, a light, a straw holder, a speaker, among others.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing disclosure that there is provided a helmet assembly provided with a nose guard bridge assembly (or nose bridge assembly) removably connected to the helmet and including a first part configured to define a sealed connection with a pair of goggles and/or a visor in a closed/lowered position. The nose bridge assembly further includes a second part, spaced and/or independent from the first part, configured to enable engagement with the jaw shield. As such, the jaw shield can be manipulated and operated without having to open/raise the goggles and/or the visor. Moreover, upon opening or disconnecting the jaw shield, a forward opening is revealed. The forward opening can be formed from an underside of the nose bridge assembly and portions of the helmet shell. The forward opening can have a generally pentagonal shape, formed by the substantially inverted V-shaped nose bridge assembly and U-shaped helmet shell and/or opened jaw shield. The forward opening can be adapted to provide connection means for helmet accessories, such as the ventilation inlet (e.g., a slot, a grill, a mesh, an opening, etc.), among other possibilities. It is noted that connecting accessories and/or components of the helmet proximate a front end thereof is facilitated by the nose bridge assembly, which, together with the helmet shell, defines a complete (e.g., closed) perimeter. It should also be noted that the nose bridge assembly is removable, such that conventional configurations of the helmet are still possible and can be used, which may be desirable in certain situations.

While the nose bridge assembly and associated helmet have been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in this disclosure, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the subject matter of the claims. The described example embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being only illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the frontal shield of the helmet (e.g., the goggles and/or the visor) can cooperate with a breathguard and/or a deflector coupled to the nose bridge assembly. For instance, the breathguard and/or deflector is adapted to cooperate with (e.g., engage with, be adjacent to, etc.) the frontal shield mating surface when operating the frontal shield in the lowered position. As such, a more comforting fit can be provided for the user, and a sealed connection can be defined between the frontal shield and the nose guard bridge assembly. For example, the frontal shield can be adapted to engage with the breathguard and/or deflector, which can be coupled to and/or extend from the bridge body. As previously described, the jaw shield can be operated (e.g., opened and closed) without requiring to adjust, remove or manipulate the breathguard and/or deflector, in addition to the frontal shield. The comfort fit and sealed connection is thus maintained during operation of the jaw shield.

In some embodiments, the breathguard and/or deflector is mounted to the bridge body and therefore remains in place when operating both the frontal shield and the jaw shield. As such, it is appreciated that the adjustment between the breathguard and/or deflector and the user's face is undisturbed. In other words, the interface between the user and the breathguard and/or deflector remains in place and does not require repositioning/readjusting after each manipulation of the frontal shield and/or the jaw shield.

While the above-described nose bridge assembly is described in relation with a helmet, such as a snowmobile helmet, it is appreciated that the technology can be implemented in different gear and/or different fields. For instance, the nose bridge assembly could be adapted to provide the disclosed features and improvements for various other helmets and for other purposes and/or sports

In the present disclosure, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the nose bridge assembly. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the nose bridge assembly and corresponding helmet may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, it may also be embodied in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “one embodiment”, or “other embodiments”, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily in all embodiments.

As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “coupling”, “attached”, “connected” or variants thereof as used herein can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled, coupling, connected or attached can have a mechanical connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupling or attached can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via a mechanical element depending on the particular context.

Similarly, positional descriptions such as “top”, “bottom”, “above”, “under”, “below”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “parallel”, “perpendicular”, “transverse”, “inner”, “outer”, “internal”, “external”, and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

In the above description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The implementations, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

In addition, although the optional configurations as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components and although the optional configurations of the nose bridge assembly and helmet as shown may consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the implementation and use of the nose bridge assembly, helmet, and corresponding parts, as briefly explained and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A helmet assembly, comprising:

a helmet shell, comprising: an inner surface defining a head cavity; a front portion provided with a frontal opening communicating with the head cavity; lateral portions having respective chin portions extending forwardly opposite one another below the frontal opening and defining a forward gap therebetween; and a chin bar extending across the forward gap and connecting the chin portions together proximate a bottom edge thereof;

a nose guard bridge assembly comprising: a bridge body removably connectable to the chin portions, the bridge body having an arcuate portion shaped and sized to extend across the forward gap proximate a top edge thereof when connected to the chin portions, the bridge body having an inner edge and an outer edge, where the bridge body, the chin bar and the chin portions cooperate to form a forward perimeter defining a forward opening;

a frontal shield connectable to the helmet shell and operable between a lowered position to cover the frontal opening, and a raised position to at least partially uncover the frontal opening, the frontal shield having a lower edge configured to engage with at least one of the inner edge and the outer edge of the bridge body when in the lowered position;

a jaw shield pivotally connected to the helmet shell and operable between an open position, where the jaw shield is pivoted away from the helmet shell to uncover the forward opening, and a closed position, where the jaw shield covers the forward opening, the jaw shield having an upper end adapted to engage the outer edge of the bridge body when in the closed position, wherein the lower edge of the frontal shield and the upper end of the jaw shield remain independent from one another when operated in the lowered and closed positions, respectively.

2. The helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the jaw shield is pivotally connected to the chin bar.

3. The helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the helmet shell comprises front-edge surfaces provided at a forward edge of each of the chin portions, the front-edge surfaces extending adjacent and alongside respective sides the chin bar, and wherein the jaw shield includes back-edge surfaces adapted to engage respective front-edge surfaces of the chin portions when in the closed position.

4. The helmet assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the chin portions includes an upper surface joining respective front-edge surfaces, and upper extensions extending upwardly from the upper surfaces, and wherein, when the bridge body is connected to the helmet shell, the frontal shield mating surface is adapted to define a continuous surface with at least a portion of the upper extensions such that the lower edge of the frontal shield engages both the frontal shield mating surface and the upper extensions when in the lowered position.

5. The helmet assembly of claim 3, wherein the jaw shield comprises a lower end which is pivotally connectable to the helmet shell, and wherein the back-edge surfaces extend on opposite sides of the jaw shield between the lower end and the upper end.

6. The helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner edge of the bridge body includes a frontal shield mating surface complementarily-shaped relative to the lower edge of the frontal shield to facilitate engagement therebetween.

7. The helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer edge of the bridge body includes a jaw shield mating surface complementarily-shaped relative to the upper end of the jaw shield to facilitate engagement therebetween.

8. The helmet assembly of claim 6, wherein the outer edge of the bridge body includes a jaw shield mating surface complementarily-shaped relative to the upper end of the jaw shield to facilitate engagement therebetween, and wherein the bridge body comprises a sealing element extending along a portion thereof, and wherein the frontal shield mating surface and the jaw shield mating surface extend on opposite sides of the sealing element.

9. The helmet assembly of claim 8, wherein the sealing element includes an elongated ridge extending outwardly from and along the arcuate portion of the bridge body.

10. The helmet assembly of claim 8, wherein the lower edge of the frontal shield is adapted to engage both the sealing element and the frontal shield mating surface upon operation thereof in the lowered position, and wherein the jaw shield is adapted to engage both the sealing element and the jaw shield mating surface upon operation thereof in the closed position.

11. The helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the bridge body includes a pair of connectors at opposite ends thereof configured to be removably connected to the chin portions.

12. The helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the arcuate portion corresponds to an upper arcuate portion, and wherein the bridge body further comprises a lower arcuate portion connected to the upper arcuate portion and removably connectable to the helmet shell proximate the chin bar.

13. The helmet assembly of claim 12, wherein the lower arcuate portion is pivotally connected to the chin bar, and wherein the bridge body is adapted to be moved together with the jaw shield.

14. The helmet assembly of claim 12, wherein the lower arcuate portion and the upper arcuate portion are integrally formed together to form a one-piece unit.

15. The helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the nose bridge assembly comprises a breathguard or a deflector, and wherein the breathguard or the deflector is adapted to define or cooperate with the frontal shield mating surface when operating the frontal shield in the lowered position.

16. The helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the jaw shield comprises a ventilation system including a ventilation inlet adapted to enable fluid communication between the head cavity and a surrounding environment, and a ventilation flow modulator selectively operable to open and close the ventilation inlet and modulate a flow rate of fluid through the ventilation inlet.

17. The helmet assembly of claim 16, further comprising a helmet accessory, and wherein the jaw shield comprises an accessory mount configured to enable removably connecting the helmet accessory to the jaw shield.

18. The helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the helmet accessory comprises at least one of the ventilation flow modulator, a camera mount, a camera, a microphone, a light, a straw holder and a speaker.

19. A helmet assembly, comprising:

a helmet shell, comprising: a front section provided with a frontal opening; lateral sections having respective chin portions provided below the frontal opening, each chin portion having a forward edge; and a chin bar extending between and connecting the chin portions together proximate a bottom end of the forward edges;

a nose bridge assembly, comprising: a bridge body removably connectable to the chin portions and being shaped and sized to extend between the chin portions proximate a top end of the forward edges, the bridge body having an inner edge and an outer edge extending along a length of the bridge body on respective sides thereof;

a frontal shield pivotally connected to the helmet shell and operable between a lowered position to cover the frontal opening, and a raised position to at least partially uncover the frontal opening, the frontal shield being adapted to engage with at least one of the inner edge and the outer edge of the bridge body when in the lowered position;

a jaw shield pivotally connected to the helmet shell and operable between an open position, where the jaw shield is pivoted away from the helmet shell, and a closed position, where the jaw shield engages the outer edge of the bridge body and the forward edge of each chin portion, wherein operation of the jaw shield between the closed and open positions is independent from the frontal shield when in the raised position and the lowered position, and wherein operation of the frontal shield between the raised and lowered positions is independent from the jaw shield when in the open position and the closed position.

20. A method of configuring a helmet provided with a frontal shield operable in a lowered position, where the frontal shield covers a frontal opening of the helmet, and a raised position, where the frontal shield uncovers the frontal opening, a jaw shield operable between a closed position, where the jaw shield covers a forward opening defined below the frontal opening, and an open position, where the jaw shield uncovers the forward opening, the method including:

positioning the frontal shield in the lowered position and in engagement with a nose bridge assembly coupled to the helmet between the frontal opening and the forward opening;

positioning the jaw shield in the closed position and in engagement with the nose bridge assembly;

while maintaining a first one of the frontal shield and the jaw shield in engagement with the nose bridge assembly, moving a second one of the frontal shield and the jaw shield in a corresponding one of the raised position and the open position to disengage the nose bridge assembly.