For Circumference Of Crown Patents (Class 2/418)
  • Patent number: 7845353
    Abstract: Mask apparatus and methods for providing positive airway pressure therapies are disclosed. The mask apparatus includes a mask secured to the mount with the mask cantilevered from the mount. A circumferential band, a first lateral stabilizing band and a second lateral stabilizing band secure the mount to the head of a user. The methods include securing a mask apparatus to the head of a user and administering a positive airway pressure therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: AEIOMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Bordewick, Bruce Bowman, David Markovich, Laurel D. Brandt, Mark J. Weimholt, Amy Raatikka
  • Publication number: 20100242146
    Abstract: There is provided a protective helmet assembly that includes a shell, a suspension band, and an adjustable headband and a crown pad. The shell is constructed from at least PARA-ARAMID to provide ballistic protection. The adjustable headband and the crown pad each have a plurality of screw less connectors for directly securing the adjustable headband and the crown pad to the suspension band without screws. A nape pad subassembly is adjustably coupled to the shell via rear fasteners. A chin strap subassembly is adjustably coupled between the front fasteners and the nape pad subassembly by a multi-connection point coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Brad Sutter, Joseph Slivinski, Deborah Panna
  • Patent number: 7797763
    Abstract: In a protective helmet, especially a bicycle helmet, having a head band made of plastic, which is fastened to the helmet calotte and which is height adjustable for adapting to the head anatomy of the wearer, provision is made that the head band is supported on both sides of the helmet calotte so as to be pivotable and that extensions are provided that extend at both end regions of the head band approximately perpendicular to the same toward the top and interior of the helmet, which engage into holding elements that are fixed in the helmet calotte, the extensions being adjustable lengthwise relative to the holding elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Uvex Sports GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Grau
  • Patent number: 7770239
    Abstract: A suspension system and chin strap assembly for a helmet including two downwardly extending top straps; strap adjusters coupled proximate the end portions of each top strap; a helmet attachment means coupled to each of the top straps; a headband coupled to each of the top straps; a front strap that is adjustably coupled to a first front strap adjuster and a second front strap adjuster; a nape pillow pad is coupled to the front strap, and a portion of a quick release buckle and a strap ring are slideably coupled to the front strap; a chin strap coupled to the quick release buckle and a strap ring; and a back strap that is adjustably coupled to a first back strap adjuster and a second back strap adjuster and attached to a nape pillow pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Blackhawk Industries Product Group Unlimited LLC
    Inventors: Marty Goldman, Fredrick W. Storms, Jr., Eric M. Yeates, Thomas A. Marx
  • Publication number: 20100180363
    Abstract: A helmet includes a helmet body defining a helmet interior. A fit system is provided to engage the helmet to the head of a wearer, at least a first and second portion of the fit system are moveable independent of the other. A fit adjuster varies a characteristic of the fit system, such as size, shape, orientation or pressure, allowing a wearer to customize fit of the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Glogowski, John D. Fiegener, Daniel Richard Armstrong, Michael Tinstman, Hans Dyhrman, John Fowler
  • Publication number: 20100180362
    Abstract: A helmet includes a helmet body defining a helmet interior. A fit system is provided to engage the helmet to the head of a wearer, at least a first and second portion of the fit system are moveable independent of the other. A fit adjuster varies a characteristic of the fit system, such as size, shape, orientation or pressure, allowing a wearer to customize fit of the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Glogowski, John D. Flegener, Daniel Richard Armstrong, Michael Tinstman, Hans Dyhrman, John Fowler
  • Patent number: 7707695
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a headgear suspension using two racks, a pinion, a driver and a lockable knob. The two racks are positioned on the suspension such that they overlap and permit engagement of the gears on the driver with teeth on the rack such that when the lockable knob is in the unlocked position the driver tightens or loosens the racks to adjust the diameter of the suspension to the user's head size. The lockable knob of the invention operates on a pull, rotate, push and lock system. There are no metal parts and the lockable knob can be locked and unlocked with one hand, by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Degil Safety Products (1989) Inc.
    Inventor: Lucie Dubois
  • Publication number: 20100095438
    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: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Michael G. Moelker
  • Patent number: 7673350
    Abstract: A safety cap comprising a plurality of rigid plates, a foam insert, and an outer covering. The rigid plates are embedded within the foam insert, and the foam insert comprises foam joints. A safety cap comprising a plurality of cushions, a rigid shell, and an outer covering. The cushions are attached to the inside of the rigid shell, and they comprise a plurality of nozzles. A safety cap in which rigid plates and cushions are embedded within a foam insert. The cushions are positioned on the inner surface of the rigid plates and may contain air, foam, fluid or a combination thereof. The outer covering is preferably made of fabric, and the cap preferably comprises an adjustable strap. The cap optionally includes ventilation holes, ear cutouts, eye cutouts, a ponytail cutout, an eye protector and/or a face protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mazz Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff C. Mazzoccoli, Dana J. Mazzoccoli, Pasquale Dillon Mazzoccoli, Julianne Marshall Mazzoccoli, Jenna Alexandra Mazzoccoli, Martin Albini, Gordon C. Jenks
  • Publication number: 20100050325
    Abstract: A structure for adjusting inside circumference of a helmet is implemented as a strap assembly coupled to a rear side of a safety helmet or bicycle helmet and includes a casing and a cover fitted therein. The cover is sequentially connected with a transmission gear, a resilient element, a positioning gear and a knob. By pressing the knob, the positioning gear is disengaged from toothed portions on an inner periphery of the cover, thereby allowing the knob to rotate an end of the transmission gear. Consequently, a first driving portion of the transmission gear drives two straps inserted in the casing to move toward or away from each other. The knob is released after a relative position of the straps is adjusted. The resilient element returns the positioning gear into engagement with the toothed portions on the inner periphery of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Tzu-Feng Wang-Lee
  • Patent number: 7565704
    Abstract: A safe protective sports helmet is provided which includes a hat body, the hat body is provided therein with a circle of a head encircling element, and is provided rotatably thereon with a rotatable adjusting button. The head encircling elements and the rotatable adjusting button are movably connected with each other. By rotating the rotatable adjusting button, the head encircling elements can be adjusted to fit the head size of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Happy Wu
  • Patent number: 7562658
    Abstract: A holding device for a respiratory mask, especially for use in the field of sleep medicine, includes a headband which, in an application position, extends from the forehead area of the patient to behind the ear area of the patient, whereby the headband is provided with a flexible reinforcing insert for reinforcing the headband in a lateral direction. This makes it advantageously possible to provide the mask retention forces, which are necessary for reliably applying a respiratory mask, in a manner that is very compatible with regard to ergonomics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: MAP Medizin Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Madaus, Harald Vögele
  • Publication number: 20080295229
    Abstract: An adjustable fitting ring structure includes a connecting base, a fitting ring, a guiding part, and an adjustable part. The connecting base has a receiving slot. There's a plurality of concave wedged slots on the receiving slot. The end portions respectively pass through the connecting base and each have a long slot. A gear portion is located in the long slot. The guiding part includes a base portion, a gear, and a plurality of flexible arms. Each of the flexible arms has a wedged body that contacts the wedged slot. The adjustable part is pivoted with the base portion to make the guiding part rotate so that the two end portions move in the same direction or in different directions. Thereby, the dimension of the fitting ring can be adjusted. It is easy for users to adjust the fitting ring. The structure is simplified and the assembly process is simple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Fang
  • Publication number: 20080276354
    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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: PETER L. STOKES, DAVID C. ROGERS, DUCO W. NOORDZIJ
  • Patent number: 7441282
    Abstract: A headband apparatus for head-worn optical instruments includes a headband (12) and a bow (16) on which the optical instrument is fitted, and which is fitted with both its ends (100) to the middle region of the headband (12) such that it can swivel about a swivel axis (S) between a working position and a rest position. Fastening elements (26, 28) for releasably fastening additional elements (38) are fitted on the headband (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Heine Optotechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Heine, Oliver Heine, Anton Schneider
  • Publication number: 20080184463
    Abstract: A cap-like head backing cover includes a plurality of types of cover components. The plurality of types of cover components include cover main body portions, and connecting means capable of separably connecting and combining the cover main body portions of one of the cover components to and with the cover main body portions of another at least one of the cover components. The cover main body portions of the plurality of types of cover components are connected to and combined with each other by the connecting means, to form the cap-like head backing cover which includes the plurality of types of cover components and is independent. With the helmet having this arrangement, even when a helmet wearer whose head shape is different from that of an average human head is to wear the helmet, the helmet can be matched to the head of the helmet wearer substantially optimally. The helmet size can be not only partially decreased but also partially increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Akira Sawabe
  • Publication number: 20080184451
    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: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Lemke, James A. Piper, Mark Edward Miller, Daniel Ryan Somen
  • Publication number: 20080092276
    Abstract: A baseball batter's helmet includes a shell; a protective padding including a crown protective pad extending from a front to a rear, the protective pad being adhered to the shell, an arcuate rear portion formed with a rear end of the protective pad, a channel on an outer surface of the rear portion, an arcuate padding element formed with a front end of the protective pad, and two separate padding members secured to the arcuate padding element, each padding member having a releasable first fastener; and an elastic strap passed the channel and secured to the rear section, the elastic strap including a releasable second fastener at either end. In response to placing the shell on the head of a wearer, adjustably attaching each second fastener to the corresponding first fastener will vary a diameter of the protective padding until a comfort fit is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Weng-Tsai Chiang
  • Patent number: 7296305
    Abstract: A headband for use in a headgear support includes a first end section having a plurality of spaced connectors and a second end section including a fastener attached adjacent the end thereof. The fastener includes a connecting member to which at least one cooperating connector is attached. The connecting member biases the cooperating connector in an engagement position with at least one of the plurality of connectors of the first end section to hold the headband in a selected loop configuration. The fastener further includes at least a first flexible release member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ketterer, Gregoire B. Aby-Eva, F. Joseph Hersick, Paul A. Zeller, Anthony Scoccimerra, Jr., Robert E. Bechtold
  • Patent number: 7246383
    Abstract: A fit adjustment mechanism for the headband of a helmet including a bridge and a buckle. The bridge has ratchet teeth extending from the exterior surface. Each of the ratchet teeth has a tapered surface, a top land, and a retention surface with an undercut face beneath the top land. Substantially flat valleys are formed on the exterior surface between each of the ratchet teeth. The buckle includes a clasp that is resiliently and integrally formed on the exterior surface of the base. The clasp has a pawl having an engagement surface so formed to engage the undercut face of the ratchet teeth retention surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Musal
  • Patent number: 7174575
    Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for the headband of a protective helmet or other headgear is designed to function in high-temperature environments, while still allowing for ready adjustment of the size and fit of the headband. In this regard, the ratchet mechanism includes a rotational element that has a pinion adapted to mate with and engage the respective rack gears of the overlapping rear end portions of the headband, such that rotation of the rotational element causes lateral movement of the overlapping rear end portions with respect to one another. A spring assembly associated with the rotational element engages a ring gear defined by an insert received and retained in the housing so as to resist rotation of the rotational element relative to said housing sections. Since the spring assembly and insert are preferably manufactured from metal, they do not suffer from warping problems, and therefore, the ratchet mechanism continues to function properly even in high-temperature environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: E.D. Bullard Company
    Inventor: Paul T. Scherer
  • Patent number: 7124449
    Abstract: There is provided a protective helmet assembly that includes a shell, a suspension band, and an adjustable headband and a crown pad. The shell is constructed from at least PARA-ARAMID to provide ballistic protection. The suspension band is attached to the shell. The adjustable headband and the crown pad collectively adjust to a shape of a head of a user while maintaining the head of the user in a non-direct-contact relationship with the shell. The adjustable headband and the crown pad each have a plurality of screw less connectors for directly securing the adjustable headband and the crown pad to the suspension band without screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Brad Sutter, Joseph Slivinski, Deborah Panna
  • Patent number: 7120939
    Abstract: A face shield support includes an adjustable frame which fits over the head of a user during use and provides support for the face shield frame. In one embodiment, the frame includes a first, or frontal strap that extends from approximately above the ears of the user and across the forehead of the user, and a second or rear adjustable strap extending from approximately above the ears of the user and around the base of the user's head adjacent the occipital lobe. Connecting the rear and frontal straps are a pair of mounting members which secure the face shield frame to the support and which also pivotally connect the frontal and rear adjustable straps. An upper bridge may also be provided which extends over the top portion of a user's head and further secures the frontal and rear straps together. The frontal strap may optionally included an expanded frontal area for additional comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Bacou-Dalloz Eye & Face Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Conrad Howard, Richard W. Canavan, Luke William Michas, Raymond Curci, Laurent Froissard
  • Patent number: 7114197
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to stabilization straps, and is more specifically concerned with a helmet stabilization strap apparatus. The stabilization strap apparatus provides connectors so configured and sized as to be mountable on the helmet, and each include a first pivotal interconnecting element and a first interlocking element. The stabilization strap apparatus further includes a strap member having ends connectable to a respective connector. Each of the ends includes a second pivotal interconnecting element and a second interlocking element, such that the second pivotal interconnecting element is mountable in a pivotal connection to the first pivotal interconnecting element and the second interlocking element matingly corresponds to the first interlocking element. Each ends of the strap member is pivotable around the pivotal connection and lockable at various strap positions with respect to the connectors when the second interlocking element engages the first interlocking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Louis Garneau Sport Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Garneau, Paul Isabelle, Denis Gingras
  • Patent number: 7089603
    Abstract: A headband for use in a headgear support includes a first end section having a plurality of connectors extending latitudinally from a lateral surface of the first end section. The headband also includes a second end section having a fastener attached adjacent the end thereof. The fastener includes a flexible lever arm and a cooperating connector biased in an engagement position with at least one of the plurality of connectors of the first end section to hold the headband in a selected loop configuration. The flexible lever arm is movable to a release position upon application of force thereto to cause the cooperating connector to disengage from the at least one the plurality of connectors of the first end section to enable increasing the size of the loop of the headband. The plurality of connectors of the first end section can, for example, be ratchet teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ketterer, Gregoire B. Aby-Eva, F. Joseph Hersick, Paul A. Zeller
  • Patent number: 7082620
    Abstract: A head protective device incorporating a sweat band bandana having a front portion secured to a head protective device and the rear portion bandana unsecured. The bandana in the first position has the free ends of the bandana overlapping and stored withthin the head encircling member of the head protective device although the ends may also extend down for tying. A second position has the bandana extending downwardly from the head protective device and the bandana has the free ends tied behind the head for the purpose of securing the head protective device against accidental removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: GWB, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Rongione
  • Patent number: 7043772
    Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for the headband of a protective helmet or other headgear minimizes the number of components while ensuring precise, reliable operation of the rack and pinion arrangement of the ratchet mechanism. A headband of a protective helmet or similar headgear generally has overlapping rear end portions which are enclosed in a housing. The ratchet mechanism includes a rotational element, which in this case is a unitary body that includes an adjustment knob portion which is positioned on an exterior side of the outer housing section and a pinion portion which is positioned on an interior side of the outer housing section is adapted to mate with and engage the respective rack gears of the overlapping rear end portions of the headband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: E. D. Bullard Company
    Inventors: Eric Bielefeld, Mark Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7000262
    Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for the headband of a protective helmet or other headgear allows for adjustment of the size and fit of the headband. The headband has overlapping rear end portions which are enclosed in a housing, which is comprised of an outer substantially arc-shaped housing section joined to a inner substantially arc-shaped housing section. Also contained with the housing sections is an adjustment mechanism adapted to cause lateral movement of the overlapping rear end portions of said headband with respect to one another. The outer and inner housing sections are substantially segmented into multiple discrete portions such that the respective housing sections are flexible along defined boundaries between the discrete portions to provide for a better and more comfortable fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: E.D. Bullard Company
    Inventor: Eric Bielefeld
  • Patent number: 6968575
    Abstract: A hockey helmet for receiving a head of a wearer, the head having a crown region and an occipital region. The helmet comprises a front portion facing the crown region and an occipital inner pad facing the occipital region of the head. The occipital inner pad is movable between a first position to a second position wherein, in the second position, the occipital inner pad applies pressure upon the occipital region of the head for urging the front portion of the helmet towards the crown region of the head. The helmet may also comprise an actuator for moving the occipital inner pad between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques Durocher
  • Patent number: 6966075
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable helmet comprising a first and second shell portion adjustably connected together. Each shell features a smooth interference-free sliding surface on which the two shells fit together in an overlapping relationship. The two shells are locked together by a manually operable locking device adapted to engage corresponding anchoring holes. The smooth interference-free sliding surfaces allows easy adjustment of the helmet size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Bauer Nike Hockey Inc.
    Inventor: Bertrand Racine
  • Patent number: 6964066
    Abstract: A stretchable-adjustable, cushioning helmet insert employable in the hollow, domed interior of a helmet shell. The insert includes a generally domed cap formed of a reversibly stretchable fabric, and adapted for installation within the interior such a shell, and cushioning structure in the form of plural, spaced cushioning pads positionally affixed to the inside of the cap in a manner whereby expansion and contraction of the cap causes spatial retreat and closure, respectively, of the spacings existing between each pad and its neighboring pads. This insert accommodates proper-fit the “insertion”, into a single-size helmet shell, of the different “effective” head sizes associated with a single user, such as a firefighter, who may, at certain times, be wearing no other headgear, and at other times, may be wearing auxiliary (and somewhat bulky) head-borne equipment, such as an oxygen mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: MJD Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Michael W. Tucker
  • Patent number: 6934972
    Abstract: A removable flat flexible disabling insert is disposed between interengaging members which are provided for registry with one another in opposed displaceable surface portions of adjustable shell portions of an adjustable helmet. The disabling insert prevents interengagement of the interengaging members but permits adjustable displacement of the shell portions. The disabling insert, when removed, permits engagement of the interengaging members. Particularly, but not exclusively, the insert is used with a hockey helmet having front and back adjustable shell portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Itech Sport Products Inc.
    Inventors: André Desjardins, Stephen Goodhand
  • Patent number: 6912735
    Abstract: An inflatable head-protection member comprises first and second ear-protective elements connected together by a web element, at least one of the ear-protective elements having extending therefrom substantially orthogonally to the web element a strap element having adjustable connection means to the other ear-protective element or to a corresponding strap element extending therefrom, the elements being air-inflatable and in mutual communication and having an inflation tube for insertion in the user's mouth and an inflation/deflation control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Geck Head Gear Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey Arthur Sacree
  • Patent number: 6865752
    Abstract: An adjustable sports helmet configured for protecting a user's head. The helmet includes a shell, a padding assembly and an adjustment assembly. The shell has an inner surface and an outer surface. The padding assembly is coupled to the inner surface of the shell. The padding assembly has at least two spaced apart adjustment points. The adjustment assembly includes a guide, a strap and at least one adjusting member. The guide is operably coupled to the inner surface of the shell. The strap has a first portion connected to the guide and a second portion releasably connected to the outer surface of the helmet. The adjusting member is operably engaged to the guide and is connected to the adjustment points of the padding assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: Patrick Udelhofen, Douglas G. Guenther, Cory R. Boudreau
  • Publication number: 20040226078
    Abstract: A head protection system includes an open-ended tubular cap band of flexible material for partially encircling the head of a wearer generally at the level of the wearer's forehead. A belt member is slidably received through the tubular cap band and adjusts to accommodate the size of the head of the wearer. A crown member of a partial hemispherical shape has an equator region attached to the tubular cap band. In one embodiment, the opposed ends of the belt member include mutually engageable closure devices for joinder to accommodate the wearer's head. In another instance, the belt member is continuous and composed of flexibly expansible material. In still another instance, an elongated air bladder of resilient rubber-like material is received through the cap band with an air pump connected to the interior of the air bladder to selectively fill the air bladder with air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Jerome E. Lahman, Daniel L. Barry
  • Publication number: 20040172739
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable helmet comprising a first and second shell portion adjustably connected together. Each shell features a smooth interference-free sliding surface on which the two shells fit together in an overlapping relationship. The two shells are locked together by a manually operable locking device adapted to engage corresponding anchoring holes. The smooth interference-free sliding surfaces allows easy adjustment of the helmet size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Bertrand Racine
  • Patent number: 6760927
    Abstract: Protective helmet that includes a shell adapted to protect a user's head, an inner lining, and a headband having an adjusting device. The adjusting device includes two gripping members adapted to be manually moved towards or away from one another by the user in order to vary a size of the headband. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Louis Guay
  • Patent number: 6708376
    Abstract: A length adjustment mechanism for a strap having a row of teeth. The mechanism comprises a pinion for meshing with the row of teeth and a finger operable actuator pivotable in a first direction and a second direction. The mechanism also comprises a pivoting link coupled with the pinion, the pivoting link being pivotable about a first pivot axis to impart pivotal movement to the pinion. The mechanism further comprises a rotating element coupled with the finger operable actuator and being pivotable about a second pivot axis. The rotating element engages the pivoting link in a driving relationship such that movement of the finger operable actuator is communicated to the pinion via the rotating element and the pivoting link to displace the strap. When a force is applied to the pinion for tending to pivot the pivoting link, the pivoting link and the rotating element interlock for resisting pivotal movement of the pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: North Safety Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Michel Landry
  • Patent number: 6681409
    Abstract: A unitary helmet liner suspension structure which is designed for easy and quick and correct fitment into differently sized helmet shells whose specific sizes reside within a known and defined range of such sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventors: Mike Dennis, Russell A. Monk, Bruce L. Thede
  • Patent number: 6665884
    Abstract: The present invention provides a helmet with self-adjusting padding designed to adjust to various head sizes of individual wearers of the helmet. The protective helmet comprises a helmet shell having a interior surface, a first helmet pad, a second helmet pad, and at least one expandable band. Each of the first and second helmet pads comprise a first pad section attached to the interior surface of the helmet and a second pad section spaced away from the interior surface of the helmet. At least one expandable band is attached to each of the second pad sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Adams USA
    Inventors: Justin R. Demps, Robert Brian Howard, J. L. Cherry
  • Patent number: 6647556
    Abstract: An adjustable helmet, particularly a cyclist's helmet having at least one longitudinal spar which is intended to be positioned above the parting, two end pieces one of which is intended to be positioned above the forehead and the other one above the back of the head. Guides between the end pieces and the longitudinal spar which are aligned approximately in parallel with the parting. Two lateral elements which are intended to be positioned above the temples, guides between the end pieces and the lateral elements which are aligned obliquely to the parting, and an adjusting and/or locating device for the relative position of the longitudinal spar, end pieces, and lateral elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Plim Cooperation Ltd.
    Inventors: Theo H. Grepper, Martin Knoepfli
  • Patent number: 6591428
    Abstract: A fit system positionable adjacent interior portions of a helmet and cranial surfaces of a cranium of a wearer of the helmet proximate the interior portions of the helmet for improving the fit of the helmet to the cranium. The system includes an elongate fluid impervious bladder having a first end including an inlet port in fluid communication with the bladder and a second end remote from the first end. The bladder defines a single continuous fluid flowpath between the first end and the second end for receiving fluid introducible into the bladder through the inlet port for expanding the bladder so that substantially the entire length of the bladder may be expanded to engage mutually facing portions of the cranium of the user and interior portions of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Southern Impact Research Center, LLC
    Inventors: P. David Halstead, Cherie F. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20030106138
    Abstract: The invention concerns a protective helmet (1) consisting of a shell (2) designed to protect a user's head and comprising an inside lining (10) having a headband (5) with dimension adjustable by means of an adjusting device (6). The invention is characterized in that the adjusting device (6) comprises two grip members (7A, 7B) designed to be brought together or spaced apart manually by the user to vary the size of the headband (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Louis Guay
  • Patent number: 6481023
    Abstract: A suspension for a protective helmet having a headband section that encompasses at least a part of a user's head and a crown support section connected to the headband section. The headband section and the crown support section of the suspension are fabricated from an integral piece of material. The suspension system may also have a headband comprising a section of elastic material. Alternatively, the headband may comprise a forward band having a first section to contact the forehead of the user and a second section adapted to be positioned between the user's head and the crown support section of the suspension during use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: Layton A. Wise, James A. Hendrickson, Glenn C. Davis, James G. Tomlinson, Paul A. Zeller
  • Patent number: 6449776
    Abstract: The mounting bracket of the present invention includes an integrally molded head portion and article attachment portion that are formed of a flexible plastic material. The head portion is shaped for insertion into a cavity that is molded into an EPS article of manufacture such as a bicycle helmet. The flexible plastic head portion expands upon insertion into the cavity, such that it engages sidewall portions of the cavity and resists pulling forces that tend to remove it from the cavity. In the preferred embodiment, the head portion is generally shaped like a ladder, having two side rails and a plurality of rung members disposed therebetween. The cavity formed within the EPS foam is shaped to receive the head portion in a collapsed configuration. After the collapsed head portion is inserted within the cavity, it expands such that the outer surfaces of the side rails are pressed against sidewall surfaces of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Musal
  • Publication number: 20020112277
    Abstract: The mounting bracket of the present invention includes an integrally molded head portion and article attachment portion that are formed of a flexible plastic material. The head portion is shaped for insertion into a cavity that is molded into an EPS article of manufacture such as a bicycle helmet. The flexible plastic head portion expands upon insertion into the cavity, such that it engages sidewall portions of the cavity and resists pulling forces that tend to remove it from the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Michael J. Musal
  • Patent number: 6421840
    Abstract: This innovative “soft shell protective head gear fabrication” is characterized in hot-compression forming of shock-absorption inertia foam rubber, foam rubber and hard plastic platelet, which are then cut and sewn to complete a soft shell protective headgear with an appearance of hawksbill turtle shell but without a hard casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Racer Sporting Goods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Fang Chen, Shyan-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 6385780
    Abstract: An adjustable protective helmet for sporting activities comprising a first and second shell component, each having respective cooperating overlapping segments extending transversely across the top portion of the wearer's head for connecting together to form a helmet shell assembly circumscribing the wearer's head. The shells are movable relative to one another in the overlapping segments to provide size adjustability of the helmet. The protective helmet includes a shock absorbing pad assembly inside comprising at least two padding sections, one padding section comprising an opening, the other padding section comprising an extension loosely fitting within the opening and shaped to allow relative longitudinal motion between the padding sections; the padding sections further comprising stopping means to limit the relative longitudinal motion between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Bauer Nike Hockey Inc.
    Inventor: Bertrand Racine
  • Patent number: 6381760
    Abstract: Headguards for athletes, particularly soccer players, having a foam outer shell and attachment points for an interior padding or suspension system. The interior padding and/or the outer shell may independently be formed as a single unitary piece or a system of separately moveable parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Soccerdocs. Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Lampe, Robert C. Long, George C. Halvorson
  • Patent number: 6341382
    Abstract: A one-piece adjustable headgear strap is constructed of lightweight material, for example plastic, and therefore is inexpensively manufactured and comfortable to wear. The strap is constructed with an adjustment mechanism that enables it to be easily adjusted around the head of wearer with just one hand. The adjustment mechanism is also integrally formed with the headband of the headgear support and is therefore inexpensive to manufacture due to its one-piece construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Jackson Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Ryvin, Christopher J. Lundgren