Sport Headgear Patents (Class 2/425)
-
Patent number: 8104095Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective mask adapted to be worn by a person engaging in the game of paintball. The mask has a main body to cover the front, sides, mouth and ears of a user's face. It also has a removable flexible transparent lens that locks into a rigid support frame formed in the mask. The mask also has a strap to securely support the mask on a wearer's head, and a removable face engaging element provided to accommodate a face of the wearer. This face engagement element evenly engages around the wearer's face in a cushioned manner because its face engagement portion is made of foam that engages the user's face along the entire perimeter of the face engagement element. The face engagement element is securely locked onto the mask by locking clips that fit into openings on both sides of the face engagement element.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: GI Sportz Inc.Inventors: Raymond Cyr, Richmond Italia, Zbigniow Migos, Marie-Pierre Gendron
-
Patent number: 8104891Abstract: A face protector includes a one piece shield in which an optical center is displaced away from the normal straight ahead line of sight toward an activity specific line of sight to minimize image shift that occurs when a direction of gaze passes across the edge of the shield. An apex of the shield is formed at a forwardmost point of the shield, or a virtual extension of the shield, when the shield is in an as worn position on a wearer. In particular examples, an optical axis extends through the optical center, at a non-zero angle to the normal straight ahead line of sight and substantially parallel to the activity specific line of sight, with the optical center being placed away from the apex. In particular examples, the optical axis is closer to (or coincident with) an activity specific line of sight of one of the right or left eye. The face protector is particularly useful in activities such as sports, for example hockey, football, or baseball which involve activity specific lines of sight.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
-
Publication number: 20120005810Abstract: A safety helmet having an outer shell formed from a polycarbonate crown and an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene skirt, and an inner shell formed from expanded polystyrene. The inner shell is co-moulded with the outer shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: Strategic Sports LimitedInventor: Norman Tien-Hou CHENG
-
Patent number: 8091150Abstract: The batting helmet is a training helmet having an extendable panel on each side of the helmet. Each panel is slidably mounted in a hollow case or sheath attached to the ear flap and extends forward from the ear flap at eye level. The panel is extendable in discrete increments, preferably to three different lengths, to offer a greater or lesser degree of restriction of the batter's field of vision according to the batter's skill level. In order to accomplish incremental extension, the panel has a resilient tab or button that locks into one of a plurality of slots defined in the case to lock the panel at the desired length. The panel restricts the batter's vision to focus the batter's attention on the pitched ball, often requiring the batter to turn his head to see the ball leave the pitcher's hand and follow its flight.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Inventor: Omar Bengochea
-
Patent number: 8091148Abstract: A fixing structure for safety helmet fastening strap, including a frame body mounted under a bottom of a helmet shell. The frame body has multiple fixing seats each of which is formed with a passage and an opening through which a fastening strap can pass. The fixing seat has arms extending from the fixing seat. The fixing seats are securely connected with the frame body with better load capability. Accordingly, the fixing seats can bear the extrusion force of the injection molded foam material without deflection or displacement. The helmet shell, the frame body and the fixing seats are bonded with a foam material filler to together form an integrated body. The arms of the fixing seats help the fixing seats and the frame body to hold the foam material filler.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Inventor: Chang-Hsien Ho
-
Patent number: 8074658Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is unobstructably tethered and of a composite material. The first internal layer is a nonsoftenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. A hard, durable bite plate wedge lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Bite Tech, Inc.Inventors: Jon D. Kittelsen, Henry D. Cross, III, Paul C. Belvedere, Mark Herman
-
Patent number: 8056150Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.Inventors: Peter L. Stokes, David C. Rogers, Duco W. Noordzij
-
Publication number: 20110271430Abstract: A helmet for baseball pitchers and fielders includes features to protect a player's head and face from being struck by a batted ball. The helmet optionally includes side protection, which may include cheek, jaw, temple, or chin protection. The helmet also may optionally include a face mask.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: EASTON SPORTS, INC.Inventors: Mike Lowe, Chris Bullock, Donald Erickson
-
Patent number: 8051499Abstract: A safety helmet visor setting mechanism includes a shell having an indent at each side and a long opening behind the indent at one side. An anchored unit fits in the long opening and has two grooves. A hold plate has two push chunks placed in the two grooves respectively. A link bar, fixed in the anchored unit and jostled with the hold plate, can be moved by the drive of the push chunk. A cover, capping the anchored unit, jostles with the link bar and the hold plate for a lockup. A first visor joint, positioned inside the shell in one side, has a bottom end pinned joined with the top end of the link bar, and has a top end provided with a cave. A second visor joint, positioned inside the shell in the other side has a springy slice forming an accommodation space with the shell. A visor has a clasp slice at each side penetrating the caves and the accommodation spaces of both the first visor joint and the second visor joint for assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Long Huei Helmet Co.Inventor: Te Lung Lee
-
Patent number: 8051500Abstract: A safety helmet visor setting mechanism includes a shell having a shaft base inside at each side, with one side provided with a shell base provided with an internal lodging space and with an external wall. A control mechanism, located at the right side of the shell, has a knob for turning and driving an actuating element that again links a handle to rotate a displacement. The knob and the actuating element are provided with a fixed dish in between and provided with corresponding oblique chunks and sliders in between. The fixed dish and the handle are provided with corresponding clasp segments and lumps. A joint mechanism, set up on the shaft base of both sides of the shell, includes a first visor joint and a second visor joint each provided with hollows. The first visor joint and the handle of the control mechanism are linked by a rod. A visor has a clasp slice at each of both sides for insertion into the hollow of the visor joint.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Long Huei Helmet Co.Inventor: Te Lung Lee
-
Publication number: 20110258757Abstract: An aerodynamic bicycle helmet for decreasing coefficient of drag when a head of a rider is in a down position is disclosed. The helmet may comprise a cushion with a concave cavity for receiving the head of the rider; a strap attached to the cushion for maintaining the cushion on the head of rider in the event of a crash; an exterior shell disposed over the cushion, the exterior shell having a leading portion with a spherical or a parabolic configuration, the leading portion positioned on a top portion of the head of the rider when the helmet is worn by the rider.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventor: James Michael Felt
-
Patent number: 8042198Abstract: A protective headguard comprising a front pad, rear pad and left and right, upper and lower bands. The front pad protectively covers at least a portion of a human forehead. The left and right, upper and lower bands extend in opposite lateral directions from opposite sides of the front pad. The upper and lower bands form first and second tensioned circumferential lines of retention. The upper bands do not cooperatively interact with the lower pair of bands such that the upper and lower pairs of bands are independently adjustable so as to permit the first and second tensioned circumferential lines of retention to be separately and independently fitted to a human head.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Full90 Sports, Inc.Inventor: William K. Cleveland
-
Publication number: 20110252547Abstract: A helmet cover is disclosed. The covering includes a knitted fabric formed into a dome shape. The fabric may include two or more holes configured to allow a goggle retention strap to pass through in order to enable the goggle retention strap to form a closed loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Joanne Leung, Julian Chan
-
Patent number: 8032947Abstract: Protective flexible eyewear for, inter alia, providing for increased comfort and fit among a variety of users having different facial shapes.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.Inventor: Paul Gait
-
Publication number: 20110225708Abstract: A method and device of a plate for providing a surface for attachment of a chin pad on a baseball or softball fielders face.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: Matthew Evan Polstein, Jason Michael Polstein, Michael Allan Polstein
-
Patent number: 8015624Abstract: A helmet system that employs an outer shell and a unitary inner shell formed with compatible grooves and ridges respectively. The outer shell is formed with a switch. The outer shell and inner shell are further secured together via magnetic force or a system of springs and levers in conjunction with the switch that allows for a user of the helmet system to seamlessly remove the outer shell through either a set amount of breakaway force or by using the switch.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventors: Mary-Ellen Baldackin, Mike Bosley
-
Publication number: 20110214224Abstract: A helmet has shell with a front opening covered by a faceguard of elongated wire segments. Loopstraps engage around wire segments at sides and a crown of the shell and fasteners connect the loopstraps to the shell. The fasteners each have a nut extending from an inside of the helmet shell out into a hole of the shell and an aperture of the loopstrap, and a stud removably connected to the nut by pushing and turning the stud by about a quarter turn to lock the stud to the nut. A tension spring between a head of the stud and the loopstrap urges the stud away from the nut when the stud is rotated to unlock the stud for facilitating a quick removal of the stud from the nut and a quick disconnection of the loopstrap and faceguard from the helmet shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventors: Larry E. Maddux, Raymond J. Drake, JR., Louis Anthony VanHoutin, Vincent R. Long, Cortney Warmouth
-
Publication number: 20110214225Abstract: The present invention is transparent, high-impact window panels fused within sidewalls of a football helmet. The transparent portion on each sidewall maintains as one piece with the helmet. The transparent sidewalls increase lateral vision for the wearer, thus enhancing performance and safety for the wearer as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: Richard Alan Norris
-
Patent number: 8011025Abstract: The present invention is to provide a multifunctional safety helmet which comprises: a shell, having a concavity at each side that forms a protection lump at its front; a chin shield, positioned in the front of the shell where each of the top sides has an ear cover, where the chin shield is pivoted on both sides of the shell with a fixing by a lift adjusting device; a clasp device, located in the interior of the front bottom of the chin shield and the interior of the protection lump of the shell, comprising: a button, linked by a spring for automatic bounce back; a link pole, with one end connecting to the end of the button; a slide, embedded in the seat, and connected to the other end of the link pole; a clasp chunk, positioned under the slide; and a movable clasp body, located inside the protection lump of the shell, and fastened by a cover, where an opening is devised for accommodating the slide, and an elastic element is placed between the clasp body and the cover, while the clasp body further comprises aType: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Long Huei Helmet Co.Inventor: Te Lung Lee
-
Publication number: 20110209274Abstract: To be manufactured, formed and operated in much different and diverse fashion as compared to conventional motorsport helmets is a strong yet flexible and lightweight safety “helmet.” Comprising a “shell,” and several manually operated “components”. To be incorporated onto said shell are numerous actuating and/or fixed mechanisms with inherent safety aspects meant to increase the comfort, peripheral vision and facilitate the overall safety of the wearer. This multiplicity of independent components is also designed to protect the user's head and cranium and to reduce the violent sudden rotational forces encountered after impact. One aspect consists of a solid, continuous and unbroken “Shell.” The shell comprises a number of curves and concave segments with several other significant distinguishable design details meant to improve the overall aerodynamics of the shell. Other components include a “main external visor” and a secondary “inner visor” that actuate in multi-step processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventor: John Alexander Del Rosario
-
Patent number: 8001624Abstract: A winter liner system, including a hunter knit liner for wear underneath a protective helmet. The hunter knit liner fully encircles, and partially covers, the head of the wearer and includes a decorative exterior layer, an interior layer, and an interior foam layer sandwiched therebetween. The liner has two ear flaps extending downwardly to cover ears, and a looping band on each ear flap for holding the chinstrap of the helmet. At least one ear flap includes a side pocket integrated therein. The liner includes an elongated bill extending downwardly and horizontally across the front portion. The bill has an exterior surface which adheres directly to the front of the helmet. A plurality of snapping mechanisms, which include male snap heads embedded within the helmet and cooperating female snap receptacles integrated into the liner, removably securing the liner into the helmet.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Inventor: Dennis Leedom
-
Patent number: 7987525Abstract: A helmet for use by an operator or rider of a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle or snowmobile, includes a ventilation system with an air intake subsystem, an air diffusion subsystem, and an air exhaust subsystem. The air intake subsystem includes a plurality of air intake vents located in the outer shell of the helmet, as well as a plurality of air intake holes located within the foam liner of the helmet. The air diffusion subsystem includes a plenum located between an upper portion and a lower portion of the foam liner, which can act as a pressure chamber to forcefully direct air onto the user's head. The air exhaust subsystem includes one or more exhaust ports that create a vacuum near the back of the helmet to draw large volumes of airflow through the helmet as it travels forward.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: KLIMInventors: Justin Summers, Robert Keathley, Paul Webber
-
Patent number: 7987517Abstract: Protective eyewear for protecting a wearer's eyes during a sporting event. The protective eyewear comprises a frame and a metal protective section. The frame includes a top support, a pair of armatures, and a grooved opening traversing the top support and each armature. The metal protective section includes a perimeter and an extension attached to the perimeter and shape to be removably engaged to the grooved opening in the frame. Additionally, the metal protective section includes a plurality of substantially aligned elongated bars horizontally segmenting the metal protective section. A plurality of cross members is vertically positioned to connect the elongated bars of the metal protective section and protect the eyes of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.Inventor: Paul Gait
-
Publication number: 20110179557Abstract: Helmet Liner Pro system comprises a protective helmet having at least one inner liner for absorbing mechanical energy; and an attachable/attached outer liner comprising shock absorbing material. The attachable outer liner is appliable to an external portion of the protective helmet to provide a shock absorption system whereby a user and others are suitably protected from external impact forces. The shape of the liner may vary depending on whether or not it is covering the entire helmet or just specific areas/portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2011Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventor: Frederick Rabie
-
Patent number: 7975317Abstract: A protective helmet cap having improved ventilation. The helmet cap includes a cap piece, a cap bill, and a plurality of apertures designed to increase ventilation of the wearer's head under the cap piece. The helmet cap offers impact protection to the wearer's head while also being more comfortable to wear due to the increased ventilation. The helmet cap may also includes structure that helps secure the helmet cap to the wearer's head. The helmet cap may be constructed from a variety of different materials, and may also include additional additives designed to enhance selected characteristics of the helmet cap.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Inventor: Palmer Rampell
-
Patent number: 7975320Abstract: The invention is directed to protective helmets having vents with a manually operable vent shutter and methods of using same. In one embodiment, a helmet includes an outer shell, an upper liner, a lower liner, and a vent shutter positioned within a space defined by the upper and lower liners. The helmet includes at least one vent formed through the outer shell, upper liner, and lower liner. The helmet further includes an actuator assembly operable to move the vent shutter to open and close the at least one vent. The actuator assembly includes an engagement member, such as a gear. The engagement member engages the vent shutter and effects movement of the vent shutter when rotated relative to the vent shutter about the rotation axis. In another embodiment, the upper liner may be omitted and the vent shutter may be disposed between the interior of the outer shell and the lower liner.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Smith Optics, Inc.Inventors: David T. Muskovitz, Christopher G. Miller
-
Patent number: 7966673Abstract: An apparatus for use with a cap includes a rigid liner that is secured to an interior or exterior of the cap to provide impact protection over a portion of the forehead region, crown and temple area. An absorbent liner is preferably included if the cap does not include an interior liner. The absorbent liner absorbs perspiration from the brow of the wearer. An optional energy attenuating liner can also be included as an inner layer that is disposed adjacent to the rigid liner and intermediate the head of the wearer to more safely distribute kinetic energy. The energy attenuating liner can include a material that provides single-use only or multiple-use capability. The rigid liner and other components are either permanently attached to the cap or they may be detachably-attachable with respect to the cap or with respect to a remainder of the apparatus and replaced, as desired. Any preferred material may be used for any component part of the protective shield for a cap.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventor: Edwin Lowell Gibson
-
Publication number: 20110138520Abstract: A method of adjusting an ocular gap size that includes donning a head gear assembly that further includes a rigid shell, and a facial protector connectively attached to the rigid shell further. The facial protector also includes an ocular gap having a gap size, such that the gap size is adjustable between a range of gap sizes. There is a plane defined by user's line of sight, wherein the line of sight remains unchanged when the gap size is adjusted, and adjusting the gap size to optimize the head gear performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: John Michael DeBoer
-
Patent number: 7958572Abstract: This protective helmet comprises a rigid or semi-rigid external shell comprising a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid flaps joined together and a compressively deformable internal liner acting as a shock absorber, the latter also comprising several elements associated with said flaps. At least some of the flaps that constitute the external shell are capable of moving relative to each other at their respective means of connection and the elements that constitute the internal liner associated with the flaps in question are designed so that they retract inside the volume defined by the helmet during relative displacement of the corresponding flaps.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: PJDOInventors: Paul Loury, Pascal Joubert Des Ouches
-
Patent number: 7954178Abstract: A hockey helmet having an occipital adjustment mechanism for improving fit of the helmet on the head of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Bauer Hockey, Inc.Inventors: Jacques Durocher, Jean-François Laperrière, Marie-Claude Généreux, Denis Côté, Sébastien Lambert, Philippe Jean
-
Patent number: 7954177Abstract: The present invention provides a sports helmet, such as a football, hockey, lacrosse or baseball helmet. The helmet includes a shell having an outer surface, a front region, a rear region, and two side regions. A jaw flap extends from each ear flap towards the front region of the shell, wherein the jaw flap overlies an extent of a mandible of a wearer of the helmet. A crown, defined by a raised band of the shell, extends between the front and rear regions of the shell. The crown has a front portion that is flush with the outer surface at the front region of the shell, and an intermediate portion raised from the outer surface of the side regions of the shell. The crown also has a rear portion that is flush with the outer surface at the rear region of the shell. The width of the crown increases from the front portion to the rear portion. The helmet shell includes at least one vent opening, which may be located in the crown or proximate thereto.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Riddell, Inc.Inventors: Thad M. Ide, Ralph J. Infusino, Nelson Kraemer, Christopher R. P. Withnall, Timothy D. Bayne
-
Patent number: 7941873Abstract: A protective helmet, which includes a motion restrictor device, is disclosed which has at least one strut member associated with the helmet and a harness assembly, and the at least one strut member includes a locking assembly associated with the strut member, which upon a predetermined force being sensed by a force sensor or a predetermined amount of or rate of acceleration being sensed by an acceleration sensor, stops substantially all relative motion between the ends of the strut member and the predetermined force is substantially transferred from the helmet to the harness assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Inventors: Scott W. Nagely, Ian D Kovacevich, Christopher R Hoy
-
Publication number: 20110099694Abstract: An apparatus for mitigating a loss of or damage to protective eye goggles used in conjunction with a sporting helmet includes two goggle strap clips joinable to the sporting helmet on opposing sides. Each of the goggle strap clips includes a long, flat bottom surface for joining to the sporting helmet. Two upper legs are L-shaped and have an opening between ends of the upper legs for enabling a goggle strap to pass through the goggle strap clip and be secured in place. The ends are curved for enabling easy installation and removal the goggle strap from the goggle strap clip. A seamless construction and smooth edges mitigates snags in the goggle strap as it is installed or removed. Smooth outer faces enables logos to be embossed or printed thereon. A flexible material for enables the flat bottom surface to conform to a curved shape of the sporting helmet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: James Paul Guida
-
Patent number: 7930772Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cooling device such as a blind head cooling helmet which will fully cover the head contour plus the area of the eyes, cheeks, and ears, having an lid arrangement with internal air ducts. An air pump generates and pushes small volumes of slow pace moving air, so that it be transferred to the blind head cooling helmet via an “C” shaped tube, to all the internal air duct, and finally escaping through the bottom of the lid arrangement, not without before the resulting air bubbles crashing against some areas of the internal layer creating a therapeutic effect or relaxing comfort to areas of the face.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Inventor: Pedro Javier Fontanez
-
Publication number: 20110078844Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a mount plate and at least one noise reduction element connected the mount plate. An article of head wear comprising: a shell having an upper portion and a lower open portion, at least one aperture located near the lower portion, and a noise reduction plate obstructing the at least one aperture. An article of head wear comprising: a shell having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a noise reduction element connected to the shell. A noise reduction element comprising: a frame having a framework, and a soundproofing element covering the framework. An apparatus comprising: a mount plate, and at least one aperture in the mount plate, wherein the aperture is formed to accommodate a noise reduction element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventor: ISAAC SAYO DANIEL
-
Patent number: 7913695Abstract: An improved mouth guard designed for use with protective equipment such as helmets and other head gear is disclosed. The invention provides a convenient means to temporarily affix the mouth guard to sports equipment, or other object when the mouth guard is removed, rather than using a conventional or traditional tethering strap. The disclosed mouth guard can be quickly removed from a user's mouth and quickly attached to a helmet component, player's finger, or other piece of equipment to allow the mouth guard to remain rigidly affixed to the player without a loose tethering strap such as used in conventional mouth guards. The invention also is applicable to other mouth guard devices which may be used for dental treatment applications to secure a dental appliance temporarily when removed from the user's mouth.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Inventors: John J. Moore, Timothy Moore
-
Patent number: 7908678Abstract: A protective sport helmet having an interior liner capable of conforming to the head of the wearer in the fore and aft direction and/or the side-to-side direction is disclosed. The sport helmet can comprise a protective outer shell and an inner energy-absorbing liner. The liner can comprise a top portion and a base portion flexibly connected therebetween to adjust the fit of the helmet to the head of a wearer in the fore and aft direction. The liner can comprise a side liner portion and the outer shell can comprise a slider mechanism for engaging the side liner portion to adjust the fit of the helmet to the head of the wearer in the side-to-side direction. The liner can comprise a plurality of grooves to transfer energy across the liner material.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Inventors: William H. Brine, III, Eric Darnell, Jonathan Baker, William H. Brine, IV
-
Patent number: 7900279Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sports helmet with a clamp that secures an elongated strap of a chin protector assembly against the helmet. The clamp includes a main body having an opening, a finger and a receiver that is positioned between the opening and the finger. The clamp may also include a strengthening insert that extends longitudinally within the clamp. In a secured position, the main body is coupled to the helmet by both a fastener extending through the opening and the finger inserted into an aperture of the helmet. An extent of the chin strap is securedly positioned between the helmet and the receiver. In the secured position, an inner surface of the chin strap member is in contact with an outer surface of the helmet and an outer surface of the chin strap is in contact with the receiver. The receiver includes a plurality of gripping members that engage an outer surface of the chin strap in the secured position.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Riddell, Inc.Inventors: Nelson Kraemer, Ralph J. Infusino, Thad M. Ide
-
Publication number: 20110047680Abstract: A batting helmet having localized impact protection comprises a rigid shell with a padded inner core affixed therein. Localized impact protection comprises additional padding attached to the inner core, increased thickness of the rigid shell, increased stiffness of the rigid shell, and additional padding attached to the rigid shell, alone or in combination, positioned in various regions of the helmet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Brian Hoying, Kevin Bowman, Art Chou, Michael A. Lorenz, Kevin J. Vititoe
-
Patent number: 7895678Abstract: A helmet is provided that includes a shell, an eyeport formed in the shell, a shield on the shell movable between a closed position and an open position, and a lever assembly on the shell. The lever assembly includes a lever and a hub having at least one dowel. The lever assembly is rotatable about an axis of the hub between a home position, a shield cracking position, and a shield restraining position. A motion plate is on the shield and located to cover at least a portion of the hub when the shield is in its closed position. The motion plate is formed with a plurality of surfaces, where one of the surfaces is engaged by the dowel when the shield is closed and the lever assembly is rotated to the shield cracking position to cause the shield to be raised slightly from its closed position to a cracked position.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventor: Erik H. Tews
-
Publication number: 20110035865Abstract: In one embodiment, a posture aid apparatus includes a protective helmet having a shell including a face opening and a crown, a strap bracket coupled to the shell intermediate the face opening and the crown, and at least one strap coupled to the strap bracket. The at least one strap has a first connector adapted to be coupled to a first shoulder pad of a pair of shoulder pads and a second connector adapted to be coupled to a second shoulder pad of the pair of shoulder pads, such that proper posture for contact is promoted.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventor: Mike Olivarez
-
Patent number: 7886370Abstract: A chin pad assembly and method of construction thereof provides an outer shell of plastics material having straps attached thereto and an inner cushion member attached to the shell independently of the straps. The shell has an outer surface and an inner surface providing a pocket with a pair of openings formed in the shell between the outer and inner surfaces. The inner cushion member is received in the pocket of the shell and provides a pocket to receive a wearer's chin. An attachment mechanism has a pair of elongate members extending from an outer surface of the cushion member. Each of the elongate members is received through a separate one of the openings in the shell and coupled outwardly from the outer surface of the shell to releasably attach the cushion member to the shell independently of the straps.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.Inventor: Matthew M. Winningham
-
Patent number: 7865976Abstract: A helmet with large vent openings includes a vent shield to prevent the penetration of foreign objects and a vent airflow regulator positioned over the vent shield so as to regulate the amount of airflow allowed within the interior of the helmet. The vent shield is attached to the foam liner during the in-mold process, while the vent airflow regulator is positioned behind the vent shield after the in-mold process in a post-applied manner. A foam insert is positioned behind the vent airflow regulator and also has vent openings.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: K-2 CorporationInventors: Andrew Beddoe, Joe Seagraves, Aaron Ambuske
-
Patent number: 7854025Abstract: A covering for a sports helmet is provided. The covering including a band having at least a portion composed of a first heat shrink material. The band being sized to cover the sports helmet after an application of heat to the first heat shrink material. Also provided is a sports helmet.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLCInventor: Thomas Spinelli
-
Patent number: 7850303Abstract: A face protector includes a one piece shield in which an optical center is displaced away from the normal straight ahead line of sight toward an activity specific line of sight to minimize image shift that occurs when a direction of gaze passes across the edge of the shield. An apex of the shield is formed at a forwardmost point of the shield, or a virtual extension of the shield, when the shield is in an as worn position on a wearer. In particular examples, an optical axis extends through the optical center, at a non-zero angle to the normal straight ahead line of sight and substantially parallel to the activity specific line of sight, with the optical center being placed away from the apex. In particular examples, the optical axis is closer to (or coincident with) an activity specific line of sight of one of the right or left eye. The face protector is particularly useful in activities such as sports, for example hockey, football, or baseball which involve activity specific lines of sight.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
-
Publication number: 20100306905Abstract: A visor for use with a helmet. The visor includes a front panel and an elastic strap which form an internal perimeter configured to engage with the exterior of the helmet. The front panel includes an interior grip surface formed of a non-cloth material such as rubber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: Peter J. Cornell
-
Patent number: 7845025Abstract: A helmet which may be rapidly disassembled and removed from a wearer. A flexible cable may engage cable fastening elements located along a helmet split area, thereby forming the outer shell into an integral, rigid unit. When desired, the cable may be quickly withdrawn from the cable fastening elements so that the outer shell may be rapidly disassembled and removed from the wearer. Following disassembly, the helmet may be rapidly reassembled by reengagement with the cable fastening elements. Each end of the cable may be provided with a handle, to facilitate helmet disassembly whether the wearer of the helmet is lying substantially face-down or substantially face-up. A cable release mechanism may be provided to prevent unauthorized or undesired helmet disassembly during play, for example.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Inventor: Joseph R. Tovo
-
Patent number: 7841025Abstract: A jaw pad cover for expandably conforming to a shape of a jaw pad for protectively covering the jaw pad of a headgear is provided. The jaw pad cover comprises a stretchable material blank having a first section and a second section joined together with a stitch. The means for receiving the jaw pad therein the jaw pad cover is therethrough a first aperture and a second aperture therein the first section. The first aperture is larger than the second aperture to allow the jaw pad to freely pass therethrough so that when the jaw pad is positioned therein the jaw pad cover, a fastening means on the jaw pad for receiving the jaw pad and the jaw pad cover on the headgear is accessible therethrough the second aperture.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Inventors: Joshua M. Fink, Robbie M. Storey
-
Patent number: 7827620Abstract: A helmet (12) includes a thermoelectric heat pump (14) mounted onto a rear surface of the helmet shell (12) for delivering temperature conditioned air to the interior of the helmet shell. A multi-layer structure (48) on the helmet shell interior distributes conditioned air across the scalp and directly onto the face. An optional scoop (38) directs ambient air to the heat pump (14). Another version locates the heat pump (68, 84) remotely and conditioned air is transmitted to the helmet apparatus (70, 78) via a flexible conduit (72, 85).Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Inventor: Steve Feher
-
Publication number: 20100275347Abstract: A helmet system that employs an outer shell and a unitary inner shell formed with compatible grooves and ridges respectively. The outer shell is formed with a switch. The outer shell and inner shell are further secured together via magnetic force or a system of springs and levers in conjunction with the switch that allows for a user of the helmet system to seamlessly remove the outer shell through either a set amount of breakaway force or by using the switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Mary-Ellen Baldackin, Mike Bosley