For Circumference Of Crown Patents (Class 2/418)
  • Publication number: 20150059066
    Abstract: A suspension connection arrangement for a suspension system for a safety helmet, the suspension system including at least one strap connected to at least one tab, which is attachable between a headband arrangement and at least one headband slot positioned on an internal surface of the safety helmet. The suspension connection arrangement includes: at least one projection member extending from the at least one tab; and at least one keyhole connected to at least one slot, both extending at least partially through a headband member, wherein the at least one keyhole is configured to at least partially receive the at least one projection member therethrough, such that the at least one projection member is configured to slide along the at least one slot, thereby removably attaching the at least one tab to the headband member. A suspension system and a safety helmet are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ketterer, John F. Rihn
  • Publication number: 20150059065
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement having a headband member with a notched track positioned on an end thereof, the adjustment mechanism including: a rotatable knob having a first contact member and a second contact member; and a rotatable hub member having a gear portion with teeth to engage the notched track of the headband member, such that rotation of the hub member in a first direction causes the headband member to tighten and rotation of the hub member in a second direction causes the headband member to loosen; wherein, upon rotation of the knob in the first direction, contact between the first contact member and the hub member causes the hub member to rotate in the first direction, and upon rotation of the knob in the second direction, contact between the second contact member and the hub member causes the hub member to rotate in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Klotz, Kevin R. Ketterer
  • Patent number: 8959667
    Abstract: A head-mountable apparatus mountable on a head of an observer comprises a first pressing member which presses a first portion of the head; a second pressing member which presses a second portion of the head; and an adjustment unit adapted to move the first pressing member and the second pressing member to positions where the first pressing member and the second pressing member respectively press the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaaki Nakabayashi, Toshiyuki Yasuda, Toshiki Ishino, Yoshihiro Saito, Toshiyuki Okuma, Kazuhide Miyata
  • Patent number: 8959723
    Abstract: A closure assembly that is infinitely adjustable within an operating range of the closure assembly and includes a vent port therethrough. The closure assembly includes a housing and an operator that rotationally cooperates with the housing. A flexible member is movably supported by the housing and cooperates with the operator so that manipulation of the operator alters the amount of the flexible member that extends beyond the housing. A biasing means cooperates with the operator and interacts with the housing to maintain a desired orientation of the operator, and thereby a desired orientation of the flexible member, relative to the housing to define a shape of a closure of the item of apparel. A vent port is formed through the housing and the operator and mitigates heat collection therebehind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Gennrich, Randall S. Koplin, Eric W. Gobrecht, Daniel R. Nett
  • Publication number: 20150026871
    Abstract: A size adjuster for helmets for cycling use of the type that can be fixedly connected inside a helmet for cycling use is disclosed. The size adjuster includes an annular structure arranged along the lower periphery of the helmet and is able to be switched between a minimum diameter configuration and a plurality of increased diameter configurations to allow the helmet to be worn by different sized users. The adjuster can include a manual switching device of the configuration of the annular structure and further includes headrest elements for a user connected to the annular structure in a freely orientable manner along at least one axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Angelo GOTTI
  • Publication number: 20150000015
    Abstract: A protective helmet with a second shell having a top end connected to a top portion of a first shell such as to allow relative movement between the first shell and the bottom end of the second shell about a connection between the top end and the top portion along two opposed directions. Two connecting members are each connected to a respective side portion of the first shell at a fixed location and are each connected to the bottom end of the second shell through a respective connection allowing relative movement therebetween. An adjustment mechanism is connected to the second shell and has a movable portion movable between an unlocked position free of the connecting members to allow relative movement between the first and second shells and a locked position in engagement with the connecting members to prevent relative movement between the first and second shells along at least one of the opposed directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Pierre-Luc BEAUCHAMP, Philippe MARTIN, Simon BERGERON
  • Patent number: 8856974
    Abstract: A safety helmet comprising an outer shell, an internal headband composed of a neckband at the rear and a securing strap at the front, and an adjustment mechanism of the headband. The adjustment mechanism comprises a double cog-wheel having a first sprocket associated with a first drive rack of the neckband, and a second sprocket associated with a second drive rack of the strap. The two sprockets have different diameters to perform differential driving of the strap and of the neckband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Raphael Lanez, Alain Maurice
  • Patent number: 8850622
    Abstract: A safety helmet includes damping elements for example made from expanded polystyrene added onto a shell made from an elastically deformable material. The whole of the surface, facing the shell, of the damping elements arranged along the periphery of the opening is positioned against the shell to form an inner supporting belt completely in contact with the shell. The helmet is arranged in such a way that a position of the head in the cavity of the helmet causes a deformation of the supporting belt by elastic deformation of the shell according to the morphology of the head, generating permanent tightening of the supporting belt against the head in substantially uniform manner along the supporting belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kuji Sports Ltd.
    Inventors: Rémi Finiel, Shaw Kaake, Ku Cheng-Huei, Xiang Zi Ping, Roger Davis
  • Patent number: 8832869
    Abstract: A helmet massager and a helmet thereof are provided. The helmet massager comprises a helmet. The helmet comprises a first helmet body. The first helmet body comprises a first left helmet body and a first right helmet body which are butt jointed. The first left helmet body and the first right helmet body respectively have a first left rack and a first right rack. The helmet further comprises an adjusting device. The adjusting device comprises a base, a gear, a ratchet body with ratchet teeth, and a knob for driving the ratchet body to rotate. The base is located at a butt-joint site of the first left helmet body and the first right helmet body. Each of the first left rack and the first right rack engages with the gear. The ratchet body is positioned on the gear. The knob is mounted on the ratchet body. The base has a ring of locking teeth. The ratchet body has a rotating state and a rest state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen Breo Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xuejun Ma, Xuliang Wu, Tao Zhang, Yong Wan
  • Patent number: 8745770
    Abstract: A head suspension includes a headband portion having a length and two transition arms. Each transition arm is coupled to the headband portion and extends away from the headband portion length at an angle greater than zero degrees. Each transition arm has a distal end and a pivot at the distal end. The pivot characterized by a pivot point and a rear support portion is pivotally connected to each pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lars-Olov Ahlgren, Niklas Lilenthal, Arne O. Linderstrand
  • Patent number: 8713718
    Abstract: A headgear support that comprises a headband and a pad. The headband has a first end and a second end and forms a substantially closed perimeter having a length which is selectively adjustable. The pad is pivotally connected to the headband such that the pad is disposed within the substantially closed perimeter and pivots relative to the headband about a pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Moelker
  • Publication number: 20140101828
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a protective headgear assembly having a suspension system with user controls for independently adjusting a front loop length and an occipital loop length. In an illustrative example, the front loop length may lie in a substantially horizontal plane, and the occipital loop length may lie substantially in a plane that intersects the front loop length at non-zero angle such that the occipital loop length descends posterior a user ear to cradle a user occipital. In some examples, an intersection of the front loop length and the occipital loop length may fit proximal the user ear after adjusting the frontal loop length and the occipital loop length to circumferentially fit a user head. In some examples, the user control for the front length may provide a macro adjustment and the user control for the occipital length may provide a micro adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Sugerman, Joseph Rodrigues, Jacky Zhu, Oliver Li
  • Patent number: 8661570
    Abstract: Disclosed is a headband with an air cushion pad, which is mounted on a welding mask, a working helmet, a safety mask or a protective mask. A plurality of air pockets is arranged at regular intervals or asymmetrical intervals within the air cushion pad mounted on the entirety or a part of the headband contacting the worker's head, a plurality of projections is formed on the front surface of the air cushion pad contacting the worker's head, the worker's forehead or the rear portion of the worker's head, and if the worker wears the headband, the amount of air filling air pockets is adjusted according to a shape of the worker's head or a pressing degree of the headband onto the worker's head so that the worker may firmly and comfortably wear the headband under the condition that the headband is completely adhered to the worker's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Otos Wing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon Young Huh
  • Publication number: 20140033404
    Abstract: A head suspension includes a headband portion having a length and two transition arms. Each transition arm is coupled to the headband portion and extends away from the headband portion length at an angle greater than zero degrees. Each transition arm has a distal end and a pivot at the distal end. The pivot characterized by a pivot point and a rear support portion is pivotally connected to each pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Lars-Olov Ahlgren, Niklas M. S. Lilenthal, Arne O. Linderstrand
  • Publication number: 20140033405
    Abstract: A headgear adjustment mechanism is provided that includes a worm having a central axis of rotation, a first headband element, a second headband element, a spur gear, and a housing. The first headband element includes (i) a worm rack disposed in operative engagement with the worm, and (ii) a first pinion rack. The second headband element includes a second pinion rack. The spur gear is disposed in simultaneous operative engagement with the first pinion rack and the second pinion rack, and the housing at least partially encloses the first and second headband elements. During operation of the adjustment mechanism, rotation of the worm about the axis of rotation causes the first headband element and the second headband element to translate in opposite directions with respect to the worm, thereby adjusting a fit of the headgear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ARTISENT, LLC
    Inventors: David Charles Rogers, Duco W. Noordzij, Peter L. Stokes, Leonard Manfred Koenig
  • Publication number: 20130326798
    Abstract: A protective headgear is disclosed. The headgear protects regions of the wearer's head including the crown, temples, and chin. The headgear has a closure system having two adjustable closures, operating substantially perpendicular to each other and to reinforce one another, that act to provide custom fit for the headgear and to maintain a field of view for the wearer during use and after repeated uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Ken CLEMENT, Craig CLEMENT, John David ZIKAKIS
  • Patent number: 8584265
    Abstract: Headgear and head suspension system adapted to support an object with a head of a wearer. A flexible circumferential band has an anterior portion and a posterior portion, at least a portion of the anterior portion of the flexible circumferential band having a replaceable headband bridge having a particular configuration. A configuration of the head suspension system may be modified by replacing the replaceable headband bridge with another headband bridge of a different configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Niklas Lilenthal, Jonas D. Fridholm
  • Patent number: 8544118
    Abstract: A helmet padding consists of sets of tubes. An armature and tubes are connected and mounted within the shell. A fastener fastens a cage to the shell allowing sides of the cage to be mounted directly against the shell. The shell is molded with recessed portions receiving two branches of the chin bar on each side where they will be fastened to the shell to provide a smooth transition and reduce weight. An adjustment device includes a star wheel on each side of the helmet attached to an arcuate flexible strip extending rearwardly around the occipital area of the skull. A sliding mechanism attached to the strip allows the strip to be moved forward and backward to allow it to be tightened or loosened, respectively, with respect to the player's head. A ratcheting lateral adjustment device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Bauer Performance Lacrosse Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Brine, III, Jonathan Baker, Eric Darnell, Steve Moore, Joel Robinson, Barclay Moore, Romeo Graham, Luc Boucher, Rob Watters, John Tutton
  • Patent number: 8510870
    Abstract: A helmet, adjustable longitudinally and laterally to fit a variety of head configurations, includes an outer shell having front and a rear shell parts, which are movably joined with one another, and an adjuster. The rear outer shell and/or the front outer shell can include first and second lateral shell portions separated by a slot. The adjuster can move the first and second lateral shell portions away from one another from a narrowed mode to a widened mode to increase the lateral dimension of the helmet. Simultaneously, the adjuster can move the front and/or rear shell to increase the longitudinal dimension of the helmet as the first and second lateral shell portions move from a narrowed mode to a widened mode. A method is also provided for effecting the longitudinal and lateral adjustments of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Rogers, Kyle L. Lamson, Neil E. Wensley, Kyle A. Walters
  • Patent number: 8505121
    Abstract: A head suspension includes a headband portion having a length and two transition arms. Each transition arm is coupled to the headband portion and extends away from the headband portion length at an angle greater than zero degrees. Each transition arm has a distal end and a pivot at the distal end. The pivot characterized by a pivot point and a rear support portion is pivotally connected to each pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lars-Olov Ahlgren, Niklas M. S. Lilenthal, Arne O. Linderstrand
  • Publication number: 20130139304
    Abstract: A headgear support that comprises a headband and a pad. The headband has a first end and a second end and forms a substantially closed perimeter having a length which is selectively adjustable. The pad is pivotally connected to the headband such that the pad is disposed within the substantially closed perimeter and pivots relative to the headband about a pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8448266
    Abstract: A helmet having a first helmet portion and a second helmet portion disposed adjacent to said first helmet portion, with the portions being slidably connected to one another and slidable relative to each other. The second helmet portion has a restraint defining a passage. The first helmet portion has an opening exposing a portion of the restraint. A securing member is received in the opening of the first helmet portion and slidable between engaged and disengaged positions. A portion of the securing member extends through the opening toward the second helmet portion and is received in the passage when in the disengaged position. The securing member engages the restraint and prevents relative movement of the first and second helmet portions when in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Sports Maska Inc.
    Inventors: Garnet Alexander, Vittorio Bologna
  • Patent number: 8443805
    Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly includes a pair of side portions and a rear portion that interconnects the pair of side portions. The pair of side portions includes at least one strap. The rear portion has at least one strap constructed of at least two layers of material. One of the layers of material has a more rigid construction than the other of the layers of material to resist compression of the at least one strap of the rear portion in a first direction which resists movement of the at least one strap of the pair of side straps in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Amal S. Amarasinghe, Perry D. Lithgow, Memduh Guney
  • Patent number: 8434167
    Abstract: An improved face shield assembly universally fits to most hard hats and includes a dual-point pivot system which allows the face shield to be located in a “down” as-used position, an “up” as-used position and a “stowed” position above the hard hat. The improved face shield assembly includes three separate brackets, namely a main mounting bracket secured to the brim of a hard hat, a rotating bracket pivotably mounted to the main mounting bracket and a lens mounting bracket pivotably mounted to the rotating bracket. Spring-loaded struts stabilize and retain the lens mounting bracket in the as-used and stowed positions relative to the rotating bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Gleason, Raymond Curci, Brett Pulito
  • Patent number: 8434200
    Abstract: An adjusting device for tightening or loosing laces and straps includes a base, an actuating member and a knob. When a user rotates the knob clockwise, the adjusting device is tightening a flexible strap of the clothing or a lace of the footwear. However, when a user rotates the knob counterclockwise, the adjusting device is loosing a flexible strap of the clothing or a lace of the footwear. The knob never moves up and down along the axis during the operation for tightening or loosing the flexible strap or the lace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Chin-Chu Chen
  • Patent number: 8424168
    Abstract: By way of example, a cam assembly and strap based closure system using a spiral is configured for bringing two sides of an article together. When the user inserts the strap into the cam assembly and turns a knob, the strap is driven into the cam assembly and the strap pins engage one or more cam spirals. The system is configured such that strap pins are engaged at a constant angle which may be self-locking. The system is infinitely adjustable and the torque felt by the knob is constant. The system is configured to be a quick release system and allows rapid insertion of the strap for faster operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Soderberg, Eric Craig Irwin
  • Patent number: 8399085
    Abstract: An energy-absorbing pad structure includes an energy-absorbing pad that is encapsulated by a polymeric film. The polymeric film is sufficiently air-permeable to permit air to escape during rapid compression of the pad structure, such as from a high-speed dynamic impact, but nonetheless is water resistant under ordinary conditions. It is desirable that the polymeric film is made from an elastic polymer. The air-permeability can be provided from a series of perforations such that the film's elastic quality tends to contract the perforations thereby impeding the progress of water through them under normal conditions. The energy-absorbing pad can be a semi-rigid viscoelastic foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Dan T. Moore, III, Kathleen M. Novak
  • Patent number: 8370967
    Abstract: An adjustable head band for a helmet has a base, a band, an adjusting wheel, a dial and a cover. The base has at least one pawl. The band is annular and is movably mounted through the base and has two toothed ends. The toothed ends correspond to each other. The adjusting wheel has a gear and a ratchet wheel. The gear engages the toothed ends of the band. The ratchet wheel engages the at least one pawl of the base. The dial is mounted on the adjusting wheel. The cover is mounted on the base. The adjustable head band is attached to a helmet and is convenient and easy to operate to allow customization of the helmet on a head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Minson Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tai-Heng Chen
  • Patent number: 8365363
    Abstract: A strap fastening device includes two fastening straps and a tightness adjusting unit. The fastening straps each have a fixing end and an opposing free end. The tightness adjusting unit includes an assembling box and two locating members. The assembling box is provided at a left and a right half with at least one non-return retaining tooth each. The two locating members are slidably mounted to the assembling box and connected to the free ends of the two fastening straps, such that the free ends of the fastening straps are not turned back to expose from the assembling box. The slidable locating members respectively have a raised locating rib releasably engaging with the at least one non-return retaining tooth at the left and the right half of the assembling box. The two locating members can be conveniently slid with one hand to adjust the tightness of the fastening straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Chien-Rung Chen
  • Patent number: 8359672
    Abstract: A headgear support that comprises a headband and a pad. The headband has a first end and a second end and forms a substantially closed perimeter having a length which is selectively adjustable. The pad is pivotally connected to the headband such that the pad is disposed within the substantially closed perimeter and pivots relative to the headband about a pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Moelker
  • Patent number: 8291512
    Abstract: A face shield includes a brim having a front portion, a rear portion, an upper portion, and a lower portion. A channel is formed in the lower portion adjacent the rear portion of the brim. The front portion includes a plurality of spaced apart catch members disposed thereon. A head band is unitary with one side of the brim and configured to surround a head of a wearer. The head band has a free end that is adjustably insertable into the channel of the brim to select a size of the head band for the head of the wearer. The face shield may include a removable transparent shield having a plurality of holes formed therein. Each of the holes is configured to cooperate with one of the catch members of the brim to releasably hold the transparent shield on the front portion of the brim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Walter Stoll
  • Patent number: 8291907
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the head of a person lying prone or on a side includes a base member that is configured to be worn on the head of the person and to rotate between a plurality of positions relative to a support surface upon which the base member rests. The base member defines at least one support member configured to contact the face of the person. A front support structure is mounted to the base member. The front support structure and the base member are cooperatively arranged to define a space between the front support structure and the face of the person wearing the apparatus. The at least one support member is configured to support the head of the person away from the front support structure when the person is lying prone or on a side and with the base member in any of the plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: David Charles Kuhlmann
  • Patent number: 8261374
    Abstract: A protective helmet is composed of an external crown made from plastic material, and a semi-rigid neckband adjustable by adjustment means. At least one end of the neckband is joined to the crown by a sliding mechanical link comprising position indexing means controlled from a slide able to be moved from the outside in a slit of the crown. The indexing means are formed by a rack molded directly along with the crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Paul Petzl, Raphaël Lanez, Emmanuel D'Adhemar
  • Patent number: 8214928
    Abstract: The present claimed invention is directed to a protective headguard, comprising a rear pad to protectively cover at least the occipital lobe on the back of a human head. The rear pad has an eccentric dimple for accommodating the occipital lobe. A front pad is configured and arranged to protectively cover at least the forehead of a human. The front pad is releasably interconnected to the rear pad at separate and distinct upper and lower connection points on the rear pad positioned on opposite sides of the dimple. The fit of the headguard can be adjusted between a first and second configuration by disconnecting the front and rear pads, rotating the rear pad 180° and reconnecting the front and rear pads with the front pad connections to the rear pad exchanged as between the upper and lower connection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: FULL90 Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: William K. Cleveland, Russ Boelhauf
  • Patent number: 8161576
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to protective headgear worn by a user to protect his eyes, head, and face. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a protective headgear assembly used by welders and the like wherein a headgear strap can be tightened or loosened upon the ratcheting of a knob connected to the headgear strap. The headgear strap can also be automatically disengaged for removal of the headgear by pulling the knob away from the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sellstrom Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Lemke, James A. Piper, Mark Edward Miller, Daniel Ryan Somen
  • Patent number: 8156574
    Abstract: A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse, includes a hard shell portion, a lining portion, and an adjustment mechanism. The inner side of the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment protective pad. Together, the lining portion and the inner surface of the adjustment protective pad define an interior region of the helmet wherein the user's head is introduced. The adjustment mechanism includes a lower rear shell portion having a clutching mechanism that allows the user to manually adjust the size of the interior region via a strapping system of the helmet to couple snugly around the user's head. The clutching mechanism also prevents the interior region from being easily altered in the absence of manual adjustment to the adjustment mechanism. The strap includes a hard end material that engages the adjustment mechanism and a flexible, durable and tough material that conforms to a wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Stokes, David C. Rogers, Duco W. Noordzij
  • Patent number: 8056150
    Abstract: A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse, includes a hard shell portion, a lining portion, and an adjustment mechanism. The inner side of the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment protective pad. Together, the lining portion and the inner surface of the adjustment protective pad define an interior region of the helmet wherein the user's head is introduced. The adjustment mechanism includes a lower rear shell portion having a clutch mechanism that allows the user to manually adjust the size of the interior region via a strapping system of the helmet to couple snugly around the user's head. The clutching mechanism can prevent the interior region from being easily altered in the absence of manual adjustment to the adjustment mechanism. The strap includes a hard end material that engages the adjustment mechanism and a flexible, durable and tough material that conforms to a wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Stokes, David C. Rogers, Duco W. Noordzij
  • Patent number: 8037548
    Abstract: A helmet (20) comprising a mechanism (28) to increase or decrease the internal volume thereof through the displacement of one or more portions (32) of the protective material (24) lining the helmet shell (22). The adjustment mechanism (28) is mounted on or adjacent the shell (22) of the helmet (20), from which project one or more connectors (30) which are operationally connected to the movable portions (32) of the protective material (24). When the adjustment mechanism (28) is activated, for example clockwise or counterclockwise, the connectors (30) are displaced, which causes the movable portions (32) of the protective material (24) to either be displaced away from the shell (22) of the helmet (20) or towards the shell (22) of the helmet (20) and thus allowing for a fine tuning of the fit of the helmet (20) on a player's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Sport Maska Inc.
    Inventors: Garnet Alexander, Vittorio Bologna
  • Patent number: 8039078
    Abstract: An energy-absorbing pad structure includes an energy-absorbing pad that is encapsulated by a polymeric film. The polymeric film is sufficiently air-permeable to permit air to escape during rapid compression of the pad structure, such as from a high-speed dynamic impact, but nonetheless is water resistant under ordinary conditions. It is desirable that the polymeric film is made from an elastic polymer. The air-permeability can be provided from a series of perforations such that the film's elastic quality tends to contract the perforations thereby impeding the progress of water through them under normal conditions. The energy-absorbing pad can be a semi-rigid viscoelastic foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Dan T. Moore, III, Kathleen M. Novak
  • Patent number: 8032993
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism comprises a dial comprising an inner wall defining a hole passing through the dial, the inner wall comprising a ledge having one or more cutouts. The mechanism further comprises a base comprising a first set of teeth and an actuator comprising a second, the second set of teeth configured to engage the first set of teeth and allow the actuator to be rotated in a first direction but not in a second opposite direction. The actuator further comprises one or more drive-dogs configured to engage a cutout on the inner wall of the dial, each drive-dog comprising a ramped edge configured to disengage the drive-dog from the cutout and lift the second set of teeth from the first set of teeth when the dial is rotated in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Musal
  • Patent number: 8028349
    Abstract: A protective helmet is composed of an external crown made from plastic material, and a semi-rigid neckband adjustable by adjustment means. To ensure that the helmet is efficiently secured on the user's head regardless of his or her hair-style, the neckband is in the shape of an Omega composed of lateral securing zones and a curved central part for free passage of the user's hair worn in a pony tail. The ends of the lateral securing zones of the neckband are joined to the adjustment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Paul Petzl, Raphaël Lanez, Emmanuel D'Adhemar
  • Patent number: 8015625
    Abstract: A helmet adjustment mechanism is adapted to adjust the size of a helmet having first and second retention members (e.g., plastic straps) movable with respect to each other. The adjustment mechanism includes an actuating member (e.g., a pinion) coupled to at least one of the retention members and movable (e.g., rotatable) in two directions to move at least one of the retention members relative to the other. A clutch mechanism is coupled to the actuating member and includes at least one locking member (e.g., two locking members) that inhibits movement of the actuating member in both of the two directions. The adjustment mechanism also includes a release mechanism (e.g., including a rotary dial) adapted to move the locking member from a locked position to an unlocked position to allow movement of the actuating member. When the actuating member is being moved, the adjustment mechanism also provides a ratcheting detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components
    Inventors: Michael Grim, David E Stroud
  • Publication number: 20110214223
    Abstract: A headgear adjustment mechanism is provided that includes a worm having a central axis of rotation, a first headband element, a second headband element, a spur gear, and a housing. The first headband element includes (i) a worm rack disposed in operative engagement with the worm, and (ii) a first pinion rack. The second headband element includes a second pinion rack. The spur gear is disposed in simultaneous operative engagement with the first pinion rack and the second pinion rack, and the housing at least partially encloses the first and second headband elements. During operation of the adjustment mechanism, rotation of the worm about the axis of rotation causes the first headband element and the second headband element to translate in opposite directions with respect to the worm, thereby adjusting a fit of the headgear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: David C. Rogers, Duco W. Noordzij, Peter L. Stokes, Leonard M. Koenig
  • Publication number: 20110191946
    Abstract: The hat band structure includes a band and a lock mechanism. The band has ends, and each end has a slot portion with tooth portion. The lock mechanism has a base, a moving part and an adjusting wheel. The base has a circular through-opening with locking teeth, and has a pivoting post on the bottom. The base has a through hole where the pillar inserts in. The moving part includes a central body, a gear, flexible arms, locking portions and a pivoting hole. The adjusting wheel has an axis portion and pivoting posts on the rear. The axis portion of the adjusting wheel is rotatably inserted in the through hole of the base. Each pivoting post is inserted into the corresponding flexible arm, and a lighting device is disposed in front of the adjusting wheel to provide warning signals. The length of the hat band structure can be easily adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: KENNETH FANG
  • Patent number: 7954178
    Abstract: A hockey helmet having an occipital adjustment mechanism for improving fit of the helmet on the head of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Bauer Hockey, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacques Durocher, Jean-François Laperrière, Marie-Claude Généreux, Denis Côté, Sébastien Lambert, Philippe Jean
  • Patent number: 7950073
    Abstract: Headgear of the type having an outer layer and a relatively flexible inner layer includes a belt which extends around the inner layer within the outer layer, and a tensioning device which can tension the belt causing the belt to urge the inner layer inward away from the outer layer and against the helmet wearer's head. Preferably, the tensioning device includes a chinstrap assembly releasably fastened to the front of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Xenith, LLC
    Inventor: Vincent R. Ferrara
  • Publication number: 20110112448
    Abstract: A head massager and its helmet comprises a helmet (1), a massage device and an adjustment device (2), the helmet (1) has a front shell (11) and a rear shell (12) which can be moved relating to the front shell (11), the rear shell (12) has a shell cavity (123), the two ends of the front shell (11) are plug-connected with the two ends of the rear shell (12). The adjustment device (2) comprises a positive rotatable knob (21), a fixing pole (22), a winding ring (24), two pulling ropes (27) and a reverse locking device for preventing the knob (21) from rotating reversely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: SHENZHEN BREO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xuliang WU
  • Publication number: 20110088148
    Abstract: An adjustable head band for a helmet has a base, a band, an adjusting wheel, a dial and a cover. The base has at least one pawl. The band is annular and is movably mounted through the base and has two toothed ends. The toothed ends correspond to each other. The adjusting wheel has a gear and a ratchet wheel. The gear engages the toothed ends of the band. The ratchet wheel engages the at least one pawl of the base. The dial is mounted on the adjusting wheel. The cover is mounted on the base. The adjustable head band is attached to a helmet and is convenient and easy to operate to allow customization of the helmet a head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: MINSON ENTERPRISES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tai-Heng Chen
  • Patent number: 7926121
    Abstract: A system for providing a drawstring for an article of clothing or accessory having a front and a back and having a peripheral surface necessary to be tightened, the system including a semi-rigid crochet layer having a braided strands of a fibrous material defining a pattern in the article having openings which repeat at a number in a range of about 3 to about 8 per linear inch in all directions, and in which the openings of the layer define a range of between about 15 to about 35 percent of the entire surface of the crochet layer and a cord braided of filaments of a material more pliable than the braided strands of the crochet layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Michael J. Syphrit
  • Publication number: 20110047679
    Abstract: A helmet, adjustable longitudinally and laterally to fit a variety of head configurations, includes an outer shell having front and a rear shell parts, which are movably joined with one another, and an adjuster. The rear outer shell and/or the front outer shell can include first and second lateral shell portions separated by a slot. The adjuster can move the first and second lateral shell portions away from one another from a narrowed mode to a widened mode to increase the lateral dimension of the helmet. Simultaneously, the adjuster can move the front and/or rear shell to increase the longitudinal dimension of the helmet as the first and second lateral shell portions move from a narrowed mode to a widened mode. A method is also provided for effecting the longitudinal and lateral adjustments of the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: WARRIOR SPORTS, INC.
    Inventors: David C. Rogers, Kyle L. Lamson, Neil E. Wensley, Kyle A. Walters