FIT SYSTEMS FOR HELMETS

Abstract

A helmet includes a fit adjustment system that is operable to adjust a fit of the helmet about a user's head. The fit adjustment system includes a base member, a tightening mechanism, a tension member, and a plurality of guide members that are attached to an interior of the helmet. The guide members guide the tension member about a path within the interior of the helmet and define a gap within which the user's head is positioned when the helmet is positioned about the user's head. Operation of the tightening mechanism tensions the tension member, which reduces the gap defined by the tension member's path and causes one or more components of the fit adjustment system's components to constrict about the user's head.

Description

BACKGROUND

Helmets are often worn by users to protect the head from impact or contact with surrounding objects. For example, helmets are typically worn in competition sports to protect and shield a user's head and thereby reduce or prevent injury to the head. Helmets are also typically employed in non-sport environments, such as in combatant or law enforcement situations.

Regardless of the situation, it is often important to secure the helmet to the head to ensure that the helmet will not fall off during use. Conventional methods of securing the helmet to the head include the use of chin straps and/or other straps that encircle the head. Conventional straps, however, may be relatively uncomfortable due to the inability to quickly and conveniently adjust the strap. These and/or other issues may result in users neglecting to wear a helmet and/or in users wearing a helmet improperly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein are direction systems that may be employed with a helmet to adjust the fit of the helmet about a user's head. According to one aspect, a system for adjusting a fit of a helmet about a user's head includes a base member that is coupleable to a rear portion of the helmet and a tightening mechanism that is coupled to the base member so as to be accessible to a user while the helmet is fit about the user's head. The system also includes a tension member that is operably coupled with the tightening mechanism so that operation of the tightening mechanism tensions the tension member. The system further includes a plurality of guide members that are coupled with an interior of the helmet and that are arranged within the interior of the helmet so as to guide the tension member about a path within the helmet's interior. The path of the tension member within the interior of the helmet extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the user's head and defines a gap within which the user's head is positioned when the helmet is positioned about the head. Tensioning of the tension member causes the base member and/or the tension member to move inward toward the user's head so as to adjust the fit of the helmet about user's head by reducing the gap within the helmet's interior.

In some instances, the tightening mechanism includes a rotatable knob. Rotation of the rotatable knob in a tightening direction tensions the tension member. In some instances, one of the guide members is coupled to a side of the helmet opposite the base member.

The system may additionally include a first elongated member and/or a second elongated member that is disposed within the helmet's interior. The first and/or second elongated member may have a first end portion, a second end portion, and a longitudinal portion that extends between the first end portion and the second end portion. The tension member may be operably coupled with the first elongated member so that tensioning of the tension member effects tensioning of the first elongated member and causes the elongated member to move inward toward and into contact with the user's head. The second elongated member may be positioned within the interior of the helmet on an opposite side of the first elongated member so that the first elongated member, the second elongated, and the path of the tension member extend entirely around the circumference of the user's head. In such embodiments, the tension member may be operably coupled with the second elongated member so that tensioning of the tension member causes the first elongated member and the second elongated member to move inward toward and into contact with the user's head. The second elongate member may be coupled to the base member.

In some instances, the tension member may be positioned about a crown of the user's head. In such instances, tensioning of the tension member may cause the tension member to move inward toward the crown of the user's head. The system may further include a padding member that is positioned between the user's head and the tension member.

According to another aspect, a helmet that is positionable about a user's head may include a fit adjustment system that is coupled to an interior of the helmet and that is configured to adjust a fit of the helmet about the user's head. The fit adjustment system may include a base member, a tightening mechanism that is coupled to the base member, a tension member that is operably coupled with the tightening mechanism, and a plurality of guide members that are operably coupled with the tension member and with the interior of the helmet. Operation of the tightening mechanism may tension the tension member. The plurality of guide members may be configured and arranged to guide the tension member about a path within the helmet's interior. The path of the tension member may extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the user's head so as to define a gap within the helmet's interior within which the user's head is positioned when the helmet is positioned on or about the user's head. Tensioning of the tension member may reduce the gap within the helmet's interior such that one or more components of the fit adjustment system constrict about the user's head.

In some instances, the base member may be coupled to a rear portion of the helmet and the fit adjustment system may include a strap that is coupled to a front portion of the helmet. The fit adjustment system may also include a first elongated member and/or second elongated member that have a first end portion, a second end portion, and a longitudinal portion that extends between the first end portion and the second end portion. The tension member may be operably coupled with the first elongated member so that tensioning of the tension member effects tensioning of the first elongated member and causes the first elongated member to move inward toward and into contact with the user's head. The second elongated member may be positioned on an opposite side of the helmet from the first elongated member so that the first elongated member, the second elongated, and the path of the tension member extend entirely around the circumference of the user's head. The tension member may be operably coupled with the second elongated member so that tensioning of the tension member causes the first elongated member and the second elongated member to move inward toward and into contact with the user's head.

The tightening mechanism may include a rotatable knob that is rotatable in a tightening direction to tension the tension member. The fit adjustment system may further include a padding member that is positioned between the user's head and the tension member. The tension member may be positioned about a crown of the user's head and tensioning of the tension member may cause the tension member to move inward toward the crown of the user's head.

According to another aspect, a method of attaching a fit adjustment system to a helmet is provided. The fit adjustment system may be used to adjust a fit of the helmet about a user's head. The method includes providing a base member and coupling a tightening mechanism to the base member. The method also includes operably coupling a tension member with the tightening mechanism so that operation of the tightening mechanism effects tensioning of the tension member. The method further includes attaching a plurality of guide members within an interior of the helmet and coupling the tension member with the plurality of guide members so that the tension member is guided about a path within the helmet's interior and so that the path extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the user's head and defines a gap within which the user's head is positioned when the helmet is positioned on or about the user's head. The path and the tension member may be arranged so that tensioning of the tension member reduces the gap within the helmet's interior and causes one or more components of the fit adjustment system to constrict about the user's head.

In some instances, the fit adjustment system additionally includes a first elongated member and/or second elongated member that have a first end portion, a second end portion, and a longitudinal portion that extends between the first end portion and the second end portion. The tension member may be operably coupled with the first elongated member so that tensioning of the tension member effects tensioning of the first elongated member and causes the first elongated member to move inward toward and into contact with the user's head. The second elongated member may be positioned within the helmet's interior on an opposite side of the first elongated member so that the first elongated member, the second elongated, and the path of the tension member extend entirely around the circumference of the user's head. The tension member may be operably coupled with the second elongated member so that tensioning of the tension member causes the first elongated member and the second elongated member to move inward toward and into contact with the user's head.

In some instances, the method may additionally include positioning a padding member between the user's head and the tension member and/or positioning the tension member about a crown of the user's head so that tensioning of the tension member causes the tension member to move inward toward the crown of the user's head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in conjunction with the appended figures:

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various embodiments of lacing system configurations that improve the fit of the helmet about a user's head.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a various components of a helmet system that may be easily coupled or attached to the helmet.

FIGS. 7A-8 illustrate embodiments of yokes that may be employed in a helmet system.

FIGS. 9A-11C illustrate embodiments of lacing system components that may be easily attached and coupled with a helmet system.

FIG. 12 illustrates the lacing system components of FIGS. 9A-11C coupled with a helmet system.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of coupling lacing system components with a helmet system.

FIGS. 14A-16B illustrate lacing systems that may be used to adjust the fit of a helmet about a user's head and to adjust the fit of a chin strap about the user's chin.

FIGS. 17A-21B illustrate embodiments of lacing systems that may be used to adjust a circumferential fit of a helmet about a user's head.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same numerical reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first numerical reference label irrespective of the letter suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

The embodiments described herein provide components and/or lacing system configurations that improve the fit of a helmet about a user's head. The components and/or configurations provided herein may render the fit of the helmet about the head more comfortable and/or more conforming to the unique shape of the head. The components may simplify the manufacturing and/or assembly of the helmet, which generally reduces overall costs.

The lacing system may include a tightening mechanism that is operable by a user to tension a tension member, such as a lace or cord that is routed or guided about the helmet by one or more guides or eyelets. In some embodiments, the tightening mechanism may be a reel based closure system. Reel based closure systems commonly include a tightening device that is operated to tension the tension member. A specific example of a tightening device is a knob that may be grasped and rotated by a user to tension the lace. Exemplary embodiments of reel based closure devices are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/098,276, filed Apr. 29, 2011, titled “Reel Based Lacing System”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/328,521, filed Jul. 10, 2014, titled “Closure Devices Including Incremental Release Mechanisms and Methods Therefor,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/623,362, filed Nov. 20, 2009, titled “Reel Based Lacing System”, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

In another embodiment, the tightening mechanism may be a motorized device or mechanism that tensions the tension member or lace. An exemplary embodiment of a motorized mechanism that may be used to tension the lace is further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/015,807, filed Aug. 30, 2013, titled “Motorized Tensioning System for Medical Braces and Devices”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. For ease is describing the various embodiments herein, the tightening mechanism will be referred to generally as a “reel assembly” or “reel based closure device”.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, illustrated are various embodiments of lacing system configurations that improve the fit of the helmet about a user's head. The lacing system configurations may be used to fit the helmet circumferentially about the head, or stated differently may be used to adjust the fit of the helmet about the circumference of the head. The lacing system configuration may also be used to fit the helmet about the crown or top of the head, or stated differently, may be used to adjust the fit of the helmet about the crown of the head. The helmet may include one tightening mechanism that controls both the circumferential fit and the crown fit, or may include multiple tightening mechanisms that each independently control the circumferential or crown fit of the helmet about the head.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the interior of a helmet 100. The helmet includes a reel assembly 102 having a knob that is operable to tension a tension member or lace 108 (hereinafter lace 108). The lace 108 is routed or guided via a plurality of guides 110 along a path within the interior of the helmet 100. The lace 108 is also operably coupled with one or more straps 104 so that tensioning of the lace 108 effects or causes tensioning of the straps 104. The lace 108 may also be routed through one or more sections of tubing 106 that are positioned about the crown of the head or elsewhere within the helmet 100. The reel assembly 102 is positioned on a yoke or pad 112 that is coupled to, or positioned near, a rear surface of the helmet 100. The yoke or pad 112 may press against the rear of the user's head when the helmet 100 is tightened about the head. In other embodiments, the yoke or pad 112 may merely prevent direct contact between the reel assembly 102 and the rear of the user's head.

A pair of straps 104 extend laterally from the yoke 112 within the interior of the helmet 100 and near a bottom surface of the helmet 100. The straps 104 are positioned within the helmet 100 so that each straps is positioned on an opposite side of the user's head and so that the straps 104 circumferentially surround at least a portion of the user's head. A distal end of each strap 104 is coupled with the lace 108. For example, the distal end of each straps 104 may be folded back on itself to form a loop within which the lace 108 is slidably inserted. Tensioning of the lace 108 pulls or tensions the distal end of each strap 104, which causes the straps 104 to move radially inward and against the side of the user's head. The fit or tightness of the helmet 100 about the circumference of the user's head may be adjusted by adjusting the tension that is induced in the straps 104. In this manner, the reel assembly 102 may be operated to tension the straps 104 and thereby adjust the fit or tightness of the helmet 100 about the circumference of the user's head.

The reel assembly 102 may similarly be operated to move the tubing 106 (or lace 108 if tubing 106 is not employed) radially inward and downward within the helmet's interior. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the reel assembly 102 effecting downward movement of the tubing 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubing 106 is positioned above a strip of material or upper padding member 120 (hereinafter upper padding member 120). As the reel assembly 102 is operated, a length of lace 108 is shortened between the reel assembly 102 and the front of the helmet, which causes the tubing 106 to move downward and toward the crown or top of the user's head. The downward movement of the tubing 106 causes the tubing 106 to contact and press against the upper padding member 120, which causes the upper padding member 120 to move downward, toward, and against the user's head. Movement of the tubing 106 and upper padding member 120 against the crown of the user's head adjusts the fit of the helmet 100 about or relative to the top or crown of the user's head.

FIG. 2 also illustrates that in some embodiments, the straps 104 may be coupled with a second rear padding member 122 that is independent of the yoke 112. Tensioning of the straps 104 may causes the second rear padding member 122 to move inward within the helmet 100 and against the rear of the user's head. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a single reel assembly 102 that is operable to simultaneously adjust the circumferential straps 104 and upper padding member 120. Accordingly, the single reel assembly 102 is operable to adjust both the circumferential fit of the helmet 100 about the head and the fit of the helmet about the crown or top of the head.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a lacing system that may be used to adjust the fit of a helmet 100 about the top or crown of a user's head. The embodiment of FIG. 3 differs from that shown in FIG. 2 in that the tubing 106 is replaced with a strap 130 that is in turn coupled with the lace 108. Specifically, a proximal portion of the strap 130 is coupled with a first padding member 132 and a distal end of the strap 130 is coupled with a second padding member 136. The second padding member is coupled with an inner front surface of the helmet 100, or is free floating relative thereto. The first padding member 132 is similarly coupled with an inner rear surface of the helmet 100, or is free floating relative thereto. If the first padding member 132 is coupled with the rear inner surface of the helmet 100, the first padding member 132 should be able to move or slide upward and downward about the rear inner surface of the helmet.

The first padding member 132 is also coupled with the lace 108, such as by including a guide 134 that routes the lace 108 about the padding member 132. Tensioning the lace 108 causes the first padding member 132 to move downward within the interior of the helmet and toward the yoke 112. This movement causes the strap 130 to move downward within the helmet 100 and toward the top or crown of the head.

Although FIG. 3 does not illustrate any circumferential straps (e.g., 104), it should be realized that in many embodiments the helmet 100 may include circumferential straps. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a helmet 100 that includes a central strap 130 as described in FIG. 3 and also includes a pair of circumferentially positioned straps 104. A single reel assembly 102 that is coupled with a yoke 112 is employed to simultaneously tension the central strap 130 and the circumferential straps 104. In some embodiments, the distal end of the circumferential straps 104 and/or central strap 130 may be coupled with the inner surface of the helmet 100 via a fastening components 140, such as a hook and loop fastener or any other fastener described herein or known in the art.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4, except that the helmet 100 includes multiple reel based closure devices. Specifically, a first reel assembly 150 is operably coupled with the padding member 132 of the central strap and a second reel assembly 152 is operably coupled with the circumferential straps 104. The first reel assembly 150 is operable to tension a first lace 156, which is routed about the padding member 132 via a guide. Tensioning of the first lace 156 causes the padding member 132 and central strap 130 to move downward and into contact with the crown or top of the user's head as previously described. The second reel assembly 152 is operable to tension a second lace 154, which is routed about the circumferential straps 104 via one or more guides. Tensioning of the second lace 154 causes the straps 104 to move inward and into contact with the side of the user's head.

The first reel assembly 150 and the second reel assembly 152 are each coupled with a single yoke 112, although in other embodiments the reel assemblies may be positioned on separate yokes. The two reel assemblies of FIG. 5 are independently operable and may be used to independently adjust the fit of the helmet about the circumference and crown of the user's head.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a various components of a helmet system that may be easily coupled or attached to the helmet 100. Specifically, a yoke 200 and/or circumferential strap 104 include coupling features 202 that enable the yoke 200 and/or straps 104 to be directly and easily attached to a fastening element 140 of the helmet 100 or a component thereof. In a specific embodiment, the coupling features 202 and fastening elements 140 may be hook and loop fasteners. These fasteners allow the yoke 200 and/or straps 104 to be easily positioned and coupled within the helmet 100. For example, an assembler may easily grasp the yoke 200 and/or straps 104 and press these components onto the interior of the helmet 100. In some embodiments, the fastening element 140 may be a material covering of the helmet's interior. In such embodiments, the coupling features 202 may be hooked portions of a hook and loop fastener that are able to grasp and hold onto the material covering of the helmet. The hook and loop fasteners employed may be commercial grade materials that provide a relatively strong and secure grip or hold. In other embodiments, the fastening elements 140 and/or coupling features 202 may be adhesive materials, tacky materials, and the like.

FIGS. 7A-8 illustrate embodiments of yokes that may be employed in a helmet system. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a yoke that includes a main body 300 and a housing component 302 for a reel assembly. The housing 302 is integrated into the main body 300 so that the two components essentially form a single component. In some embodiments, the housing 302 may be integrally formed with the main body 300. For example, the housing 302 may be insert molded with the main body 300 or otherwise integrally formed therewith. The integral yoke component does not require additional assembly steps in order to connect or attach the housing 302 to the main body 300. The yoke also includes fastening components 304, such as bosses or protrusions, that allow the yoke to be quickly and easily coupled with a helmet, such as by inserting the fastening components 304 into corresponding apertures of a component or portion of the helmet.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a yoke. The yoke includes a main body 310 having a fastening component 314 that allows the yoke to be easily attached or coupled with the housing 312 of the reel assembly. A rear surface of the housing 312 typically also includes a fastening component (not shown) that matingly engages with the fastening component 314 of the yoke 310 to couple or attach the two components together. The yoke 310 may include alignment features that helps an assembler align the housing 312 with the yoke 310. The alignment feature may be positioned within a recessed area 316 of the yoke 310. In a specific embodiment, the fastening components of the yoke 310 and/or housing 312 may be a hook and loop fastener (typically industrial grade), an adhesive component, or any other fastener that is known in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-11C, illustrated are embodiments of lacing system components that may be easily attached and coupled with a helmet system. FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a yoke 900 that includes a fastening component 902 that allows the yoke 900 to be quickly and easily attached to a helmet. The fastening component 902 may be an industrial grade hook and loop fastener that easily grasps and holds a corresponding hook and loop fastener material positioned on an interior of the helmet. In some embodiments, the hook and loop fastener 902 of the yoke 900 may grasp and secure to a material that covers or lines the inner surface of the helmet, or that covers or lines the surface of padding members or other components that are positioned within the helmet.

FIGS. 10A-C illustrate a guide member 1000 that is configured to guide, route, or direct the lace about a path within the helmet. The guide member 1000 is specifically configured to be coupled with the helmet so as to be positioned above the user's ear. The guide member 1000 includes a fastening component 1002 that easily couples or attaches with the helmet. As in the previous embodiment, the fastening component 1002 may be an industrial grade hook and loop fastener material. FIGS. 11A-C illustrate a front guide member 1100 that is configured to couple with a front surface of the helmet and that is configured to guide, direct, or route a lace. The front guide member 1100 includes a fastening component 1102 that enables the front guide member 1100 to be quickly and easily coupled with the helmet. As with the previous embodiments, the fastening component 1102 may be an industrial grade hook and loop fastener material.

FIG. 12 illustrates the yoke 900, guide member 1000, and front guide member 1100 being coupled or attached to a helmet 1200. Specifically, the yoke 900, guide member 1000, and front guide member 1100 may be aligned with a respective rear, central, and front portion of the helmet's interior and then pressed against the respective portions of the helmet's interior. The hook and loop fasteners of the yoke 900, guide member 1000, and front guide member 1100 easily grasp and couple with the interior of the helmet. In a specific embodiment, the hook and loop fasteners grip and secure to a material that covers padding members 1202 that are positioned within and attached to the inner surface of the helmet 1200. The use of the fastening components of the yoke 900, guide member 1000, and front guide member 1100 enable these components to be quickly and easily coupled with the helmet 1200, which greatly reduces assembly time and costs and/or provides a level of customization of the helmet.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a helmet 1300 that includes fastening components that allow a yoke 1305, guide member 1306, and front guide member 1307 to be quickly and conveniently attached to the helmet 1300. Specifically, a fastening component 1304 is positioned under a material surface of the helmet via stitching, adhesive bonding, RF or sonic welding, heat welding or bonding, and the like. In some embodiments, the fastening component 1304 may be insert molded into the material surface, such as into foam padding of padding members 1302. In some embodiments, the fastening component 1304 is positioned under an outer material layer of the padding members 1302 that are positioned about and attached to the inner surface of the helmet 1300. The fastening components 1304 are configured to quickly and easily attach to the yoke 1305, guide member 1306, and front guide member 1307. For example, the fastening components 1304 may include apertures within which coupling bosses or protrusions (e.g., similar to boss 304 of FIGS. 7A and 7B) of the yoke 1305, guide member 1306, and front guide member 1307 may be inserted to couple the yoke 1305, guide member 1306, and front guide member 1307 to a respective fastening component 1304. Because the padding member 1302 or helmet 1300 includes the fastening components 1304, a labor intensive step (e.g., stitching) of attaching the yoke 1305, guide member 1306, and front guide member 1307 to the helmet need not be performed.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A-16B, illustrated are lacing systems that may be used to adjust the fit of the helmet about the user's head and to adjust the fit of a chin strap about the user's chin. FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an embodiment wherein a reel assembly 1402 is operable to simultaneously adjust the fit of a head strap 1408 and a chin strap 1410. The reel assembly 1402 is positioned on a yoke 1404 and is operable coupled with a lace 1406 that is routed or directed along a path about the helmet 1400 via guides that are positioned on proximal ends of the chin strap 1410 and the head strap 1408 and on the yoke 1404. As shown in FIG. 14B, operating the reel assembly 1402 causes the proximal end of the head strap 1408 and the proximal end of the chinstrap 1410 to be pulled toward the reel assembly 1402, which pulls the head strap 1408 tightly about the user's head and simultaneously pulls the chinstrap 1410 tightly against the user's chin. In this manner the single reel assembly 1402 may be employed to adjust the fit of the helmet 1400 about the user's head and chin.

FIGS. 15A-C illustrate an embodiment of a lacing system for a helmet 1400 that is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B. One of the differences between the two embodiments is that the embodiment of FIGS. 15A-C employs a pair of lockable guides 1502 that are positioned along the path of the lace 1406 between the chin strap 1410 and the head strap 1408. The lockable guides 1502 may be reconfigured between a first or unlocked state and a second or locked state. When the lockable guides 1502 are in the first or unlocked state, the lace 1406 is able to slide or move within or relative to the lockable guides 1502. When the lockable guides 1502 are in the second or locked state, the lace 1406 is locked in position and is not able to slide or move within or relative to the lockable guides 1502. Stated differently, the lockable guides 1502 can be locked or unlocked to enable or restrict movement of the lace 1406 through the guides 1502 as desired.

The lockable guides 1502 can be reconfigured between the first/unlocked state and the second/locked state via operation of a lock mechanism 1504, such as a lever or button. For example, a lever may be pivoted or actuated, or a button member pressed or actuated, to change a state of the lockable guides 1502 from locked to unlocked, or vice versa, as desired. The use of the lockable guides 1502 allows the head strap 1408 to be adjusted independently of the chin strap 1410 or vice versa. For example, as shown in FIG. 15C, the reel assembly 1402 may be operated with the lockable guides 1502 in the unlocked state to simultaneously tension the head strap 1408 and chinstrap 1410. When a desired tension or fit of the head strap 1408 is achieved, the lock mechanism 1504 may be actuated to lock or restrict movement of the lace 1406 through the lockable guides 1502. Actuation of the lock mechanism 1504 effectively locks the tension of the head straps 1408 about the user's head so that further operation of the reel assembly 1402 does not result in an increased tightness or tension of the head straps 1408 about the user's head.

With the lockable guides 1502 in the locked state, the user may operate the reel assembly 1402 to further tension or loosen the chin strap 1410 about the user's chin as desired. The use of the lockable guides 1502 prevents dynamic shifting or movement of the lace 1406 through the lockable guides 1502, which prevents dynamic shifting or adjustment of the tension in the head strap 1408 and chin strap 1410. The use of the lockable guides 1502 also allows the user to independently adjust the tightness or tension of the head strap 1408 and chinstrap 1410 to more fully achieve a comfortable and desired fit of the helmet 1400 about the head. In some instances, the user could adjust one or more of the lockable guides 1502 to achieve a desired fit and/or feel of the helmet about the head and then use other release mechanisms to release and remove the helmet from about the head. The other release mechanism may include various buckles, clips, pins, and the like. In such instances, the lockable guides 1502 may be used for an initial tensioning of the helmet.

FIGS. 16A-B illustrate another embodiment of a helmet 1600 having an independently adjustable head strap 1608 and chin strap 1610. The independent adjustment of the head strap 1608 and chin strap 1610 is achieved by using two separate laces, 1606a and 1606b. Specifically, a first lace 1606a is operable coupled with the reel assembly 1602 and routed along a first path via guides that are positioned on the proximal end of the head straps 1608 and yoke 1604. A distal end 1612 of the first lace 1606a may be attached and terminated on the yoke 1604, or elsewhere on the helmet system. Operation of the reel assembly 1602 tensions the first lace 1606a and tightens the head straps 1608 about the user's head.

A second lace 1606b is also operably coupled with the reel assembly 1602. The second lace 1606b is routed along a second path via guides that are positioned on the proximal end of the chin straps 1610 and on the yoke 1604. A distal end of the second lace 1606b is terminated on the yoke 1604 and is coupled with an adjustment component 1614 that may be slidingly repositioned between opposing stops or ends, 1615 and 1616. Operation of the reel assembly 1602 tensions the second lace 1606b and tightens the chinstrap 1610 about the user's chin. The chinstrap 1610 and head strap 1608 are independently tensionable due to the use of the adjustment component 1614. For example, if the user desires to tighten the chinstrap 1610 relative to the head strap 1608, the user may slide the adjustment component 1614 toward a distal stop or end 1616, which causes the chin strap 1610 to pull more tightly against the chin. Similarly, if the user desires to loosen the chinstrap 1610 relative to the head strap 1608, the user may slide the adjustment component 1614 toward a proximal stop or end 1615, which loosens the chin strap 1610 about the chin. Accordingly, the independent tightening/loosening of the head strap 1608 and chinstrap 1610 is achieved via a component 1614 of the lacing system rather than through operation of the reel assembly 1602. The helmet 1600 does not experience dynamic shifting of the lace or dynamic adjustment of the tension in the head strap 1608 or chinstrap 1610 due to the use of two independent laces, 1606a and 1606b.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate an embodiment of a lacing system for a helmet 1700 that may be used to adjust a circumferential fit of the helmet 1700 about the user's head. The helmet 1700 includes a yoke or pad 1704 that is coupled with or near a rear inner surface of the helmet 1700. The helmet also includes a reel assembly 1702 that is coupled to the yoke 1704. A lace 1708 is operationally coupled to the reel assembly 1702. The lace 1708 is routed or guided along a path that traverses along the inner rear and side surfaces of the helmet 1700. The path extends partially around the user's head—i.e., from the rear of the head toward the front of the head. The lace 1708 is guided along the path via first guides or exit ports 1710 and second guides 1712. The lace 1708 also traverses through a third guide or strap 1716. The helmet 1700 may further include a pair of fastening members 1720 that are coupled or attached to the opposite sides of a lower portion of the yoke 1704. The fastening members may include D-rings, hook and loop fasteners, snap buttons or releasable buckles, and so on. The fastening members 1720 may be configured to couple with a chin strap that is positioned about the user's chin or that is used for any other suitable purpose.

The first guides 1710 may include a pair of apertures that are formed on the yoke 1704 near the reel assembly 1702. Each of the apertures may be reinforced by grommets or other suitable materials. The first guides 1710 may guide or route the lace 1708 from the reel assembly 1702 to the interior of the helmet 1700.

The second guides 1712 may include a pair of guide elements that are positioned on opposite inner side surfaces of the helmet 1700. Each of the second guides 1712 may be positioned between an ear cover portion and a brim or front edge of the helmet 1700 such that the second guides 1712 may be located near the user's temple. In other embodiments, the second guides 1712 may be positioned elsewhere as desired, such as in front of, or behind, the ears of the user.

The second guides 1712 may each include a loop portion that defines a channel within which the lace 1708 is slidably inserted and a tab portion for coupling or attaching to the inner side surface of the helmet 1700. The surface of each second guide 1712 that faces the interior of the helmet 1700 (and thus contacts the head of the user) may be padded. The second guides 1712 may be made of relatively rigid materials, such as metal, plastic, or composite, or relatively flexible materials, such as fabrics, webbing, composite, plastic, rubber, leather, textile, or any other suitable materials. The second guides 1712 may be formed by molding, casting, forming (e.g., bending or folding a strip of material), or any other suitable manufacturing process.

Each of the second guides 1712 may be coupled or attached to the inner side surface of the helmet 1700 near its tab portion using a fastening member 1714a. The second guides 1712 may be configured to pivot about the fastening member 1714a. In some embodiments, the fastening member 1714a may include a bolt that may be positioned through the tab portion of the second guide 1712 and through the helmet 1700 to be engaged by a nut from the exterior of the helmet 1700. In other embodiments, the fastening member 1714a may include a rivet, screw, hook and loop fastener (typically industrial grade), adhesive component, stitching, or any other fastener.

The third guide 1716 may include a sleeve or tubing positioned near the rear inner surface of the helmet 1700. A continuous middle portion of the lace 1708 that is between the second guides 1712 may be slidably received inside the third guide 1716 through the two openings of the sleeve. The third guide 1716 may be curved toward the interior of the helmet 170 along its longitudinal dimension so as to surround or conform to a rear portion of a user's head.

The third guide 1716 may include a top edge and a bottom edge extending between the two opening of the sleeve, a front surface that faces the interior of the helmet 1700, and a rear surface that faces the rear inner surface of the helmet 1700. The top edge and the bottom edge define a width dimension of the third guide member 1716 and the front surface and the rear surface define a depth dimension of the third guide member 1716. The with dimension of the third guide 1716 may be much greater than the depth dimension of the third guide 1716 so as to provide a greater contact area between the third guide 1716 and the rear of the user's head.

The third guide 1716 may be made of metal, plastic, composite, rubber, leather, textile, or any other suitable materials. The third guide 1716 may be relatively rigid to maintain its shape and form or may be relatively flexible that may allow the third guide 1716 to further bend radially inward and toward the user's head or open outward toward the rear inner surface of the helmet 1700. The third guide 1716 may include padding on or under the front surface of the third guide 1716.

The third guide 1716 may be coupled or attached to the rear inner surface of the helmet 1700 via one or more strap guides 1718a. Each of the strap guides 1718a may be formed by folding a strip of material to form a loop through which the third guide 1716 is slidably inserted. The overlapping ends of each of the strap guides 1718a may be coupled or attached to the rear inner surface of helmet 1700 by a fastening member 1714b (similar to fastening member 1714a described above). Four strap guides 1718a are shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B and the strap guides 1718a are spaced apart at roughly equal distance. More or less strap guides 1718a may be used in some embodiments and the strap guides 1718a may be spaced apart at the same or different distances.

The strap guides 1718a may be made of textile, leather, rubber, plastic, composites, metal, or any other suitable materials. The strap guides 1718a may be relatively flexible so as to allow the loop portion of the strap guides 1718a to move towards the interior of the helmet 1700 with the third guide 1716.

The loop portion of one or more of the strap guides 1718a may be coupled or attached to the outer surface of the yoke 1704 above the first guides 1710 via a fastening components, such as a hook and loop fastener, adhesive component, stitching, or any other fastener described herein or known in the art. In some embodiments, the loop portion of one or more of the strap guides 1718a may be coupled or attached to the inner surface of the yoke 1704. In some embodiments, a middle portion of the third guide 1716 may also be attached to the outer or inner surface of the yoke 1704.

With further reference to FIG. 17B, by adjusting the tension induced in the strap 104, the fit or tightness of the helmet 1700 about the circumference of the user's head may be adjusted. Specifically, upon tensioning the lace 1708, by operation of the reel assembly 1702, the distance between the ends or openings of the third guide 1716 and the second guides 1712 are shortened. The strap guides 1718a may bend inward to allow the yoke 1704 and the third guide 1716 to move radially inward and toward the rear of the user's head. The inner surface of the yoke 1704 may include a concave surface that may conform to the shape of the user's head and may additionally include padding. In some embodiments, as the yoke 1704 and/or the third guide 1716 contact the rear of the user's head, further tightening the lace 1708 may also bring the front inner surface of the helmet 1700 into contact with the user's head. The front inner surface of the helmet 1700 may include padding to provide a comfortable contact and/or to absorb or reduce impact upon the user's head.

In this embodiment, portions of the lace 1708 between the first guides 1710 and the second guide 1712 and portions of the lace 1708 between the second guides 1712 and the third guide 1716 are exposed. In some embodiments, these exposed portions of the lace 1708 may be covered by one or more flexible, elastic, and/or extendable sleeve or tubing to serve as a padding or cushion against the user's head.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate another embodiment of a lacing system that may be used to adjust the circumferential fit of the helmet 1700 about the user's head. The embodiment of FIGS. 18A and 18B differs from that shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B in that the tab portion of each of the second guides 1712 is coupled or attached to an opposite end portion of a strap 1722 that may be circumferentially positioned along a front inner surface of the helmet 1700 near the front edge or brim of the helmet 1700. The end portions of the strap 1722 are slidably inserted into a strap guide 1718b that is in turn coupled to the inner side surface of the helmet via the fastening 1714a. The tab portions of the second guides 1712 may be coupled or attached to the end portions of the strap 1722 via stitching, stapling, adhesive bonding, RF or sonic welding, heat welding or bonding, riveting, and the like. The strap 1722, the third guide 1716, and portions of the lace 1708 define a closed loop circumferentially surround the user's head.

In some embodiments, the second guides 1712 may be omitted and the end portions of the strap 1722 may each be folded back on itself to form a loop within which the lace 1708 is slidably inserted. The loop may be reinforced by a metal, plastic, or composite insert. The strap 1722 may be made of plastic, rubber, composite, leather, textile, or any other suitable materials and may be flexible so as to be bend to conform to the user's head. In some embodiments, the strap 1722 may be free floating relative to the front inner surface of the helmet 1700. In some embodiments, the strap 1722 may be coupled or attached to the front inner surface of the helmet along a portion of the longitudinal extension of the strap 1722.

Upon tensioning or tightening the lace 1708, the strap 1722 is pulled by the lace 1708 to slide through the strap guide 1718b to move radially inward and toward the front of the user's head. The third guide 1716 and/or the yoke 1704 may also be moved radially inward and toward the rear of the user's end. The size of the loop formed by the strap 1722, the third guide 1716, and portions of the lace 1708 is reduced and fits around the circumference of the user's head.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate another embodiment of a lacing system that may be used to adjust the circumferential fit of the helmet 1700 about the user's head. The embodiment of FIGS. 19A and 19B differs from that shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B in that the lacing system include a yoke 1904 that has an upper portion 1906 configured to guide the continuous middle portion of the lace 1708. The lower portion 1906 is similar to the yoke 1704 shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B and includes a pair of the first guides 1710 that guide the proximal end portions of the lace 1708 extending from the reel assembly 1702.

The upper portion 1906 of the yoke 1904 may include a pair of apertures or fourth guides 1910 formed above the first guides 1710. The upper portion 1906 may further include a pair of arm elements 1912 that may flare out and expand the width of the upper portion 1906. The yoke 1904 may be coupled or attached to the rear inner surface of the helmet 1700 by coupling or attaching the arm elements 1912 thereto using a pair of fastening member 1714c. The continuous middle portion of the lace 1708 may be routed behind the arm elements 1912 and in front of a middle portion between the arm elements 1912 via the fourth guides 1910. Tensioning of the lace 1708 shortens the distance between the yoke 1904 and the second guides 1712 and pulls the yoke 1904 radially inward and against the rear of the user's head, thereby tightening the helmet 1700 around the circumference of the user's head.

In some embodiments, the yoke 1904 may be formed using a relatively flexible material, such as composite, plastic, or thin metal film or sheet so as to allow the yoke 1904 to bend near the fastening member 1714c and move toward the interior of the helmet 1700 upon tensioning of the lace 1708. In some embodiments, the yoke 1904 may be formed using a relatively rigid material. The arm elements 1912 may be coupled to the inner rear surface of the helmet 1700 in a manner that allows the yoke 1904 to move or pivot about the fastening member 1714c. For example, the fastening member 1714c may include one or two hinges, tapes, or hook and loop fasteners that couple the arm elements 1912 to the inner rear surface of the helmet 1700. This way, the yoke 1904 may be pulled away from the rear inner surface and moved toward the interior of the helmet 1700 when the lace 1708 is tightened. The inner surface of the yoke 1904 may include padding that forms contact with the rear of the user's head as the circumferential fit of the helmet 1700 is adjusted.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate a further embodiment of a lacing system that may be used to adjust the circumferential fit of the helmet 1700 about the user's head. The embodiment of FIGS. 20A and 20B includes the yoke 1904 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B and the strap 1722 and the strap guides 1718b shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the ends of the strap 1722 may each be coupled or attached to one second guide 1712. Alternatively, the ends of the strap 1722 may be folded to form a loop within which the lace 1708 is slidably inserted. The loop may be reinforced by a metal, plastic, or composite inset 2002. Alternatively, a pair of the second guides 1712 may be used to connect the ends of the strap 1722 and guide the lace 1708. The strap 1722, the yoke 1904, and portions of the lace 1708 define a loop around the circumference of the user's head.

Upon tightening of the lace 1708, the ends of the strap 1722 are pulled toward the yoke 1904 such that a middle portion of the strap 1722 is pulled toward and contact the front of the user's head. As the strap 1722 contacts the front of the user's head, further tightening of the lace 1708 will cause the yoke 1904 to contact the rear of the user's head and may further pull the rear portion of the helmet towards the rear of the user's head. One advantage of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B is that the front portion of the helmet may be suspended from the front of the user's head, which may help to protect the user's head from impact forces applied upon the front portion of the helmet 1700. The inner front surface of the helmet 1700 may further include padding for added protection.

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate another embodiment of a lacing system that may be used to adjust the circumferential fit of the helmet 1700 about the user's head. The helmet 1700 includes a yoke 2004 and a strap 2022 that is operably coupled with the yoke 2004 and circumferentially surrounds the user's head. The yoke 2004 of this embodiment is similar to the yoke 1904 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B except that the yoke 2004 does not include the pair of fourth guides or apertures 1910 formed on the upper portion 1906 of the yoke 1904 but includes a pair of fifth guides 2010 formed along the lateral extensions of the arm elements 2012.

Specifically, the yoke 2004 may include a lateral extension or fifth guide 2010 protruding from a lower portion of each of the arm elements 2012. The fifth guide 2010 may include a slot formed along its extension at the inner surface of the yoke 2004. For example, the slot may include a first opening formed near the distal ends of the fifth guide 2010 and a second opening formed at the inner surface of the yoke 2004. The end portions of the strap 2022 may be slidably inserted within the slot with the ends of the strap 2022 positioned near or against the inner surface of the yoke 2004. In some embodiments, the second openings of the slots may be formed at the outer surface of the yoke 2004 such that the end portions of the strap 2022 may be slidably inserted through the slot and positioned near or against the outer surface of the yoke 2004. The first guides 1710 may be omitted in this configuration. The lace 1704 may be positioned near or against the outer surface of the yoke 2004 and guided along a triangle path via the loops at the ends of the strap 2022 and the reel assembly 1702.

Similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 18A and 18B, the strap 2022 may be additionally guided along or about the inner side surfaces of the helmet 1700 via a pair of strap guides 1718b. The strap 2022 may be formed using materials similar to or the same as those used for the strap 1722. The end portions of the strap 2022 may each include a loop formed or coupled thereto that routes or guides the lace 1704. The yoke 2004 may include padding or a cover material that overlays the lace 1704 and/or the inner surface of the yoke 2004.

Because the strap 2022 of this embodiment may extend through the fifth guides 2010 and overlap with the yoke 2004, the lace 1704 of this embodiment may include an overall length that may be much shorter than the length of the lace 1704 in the embodiments of FIGS. 18A, 18B, 20A, and 20B. Accordingly, the reel assembly 1702 and the housing component of the yoke 2004 for receiving the reel assembly 1702 may utilize a more compact design as compared to the embodiments of FIGS. 18A, 18B, 20A, and 20B.

When the lace 1704 is tightened by operation of the reel assembly 1702, tension is induced in the strap 2022 which in turn causes the strap 2022 to move radially to tighten around the user's head and the yoke 2004 may also be moved into contact with the rear of the user's head. Because the strap 2022 surrounds almost the entire circumference of the user's head, a substantially evenly distributed pressure against the user's head may be achieved, and thus may provide a more comfortable fit.

The yoke 2004 may be made of relatively flexible material that may allow the yoke 2004 to bend away from the rear inner surface of the helmet 1700. In some embodiments, the yoke 2004 may be made of relatively rigid material or the movement of the yoke 2004 relatively to the rear inner surface of the helmet 1700 may be limited. In either case, as the strap 2022 is tightened to fit around the user's head, the front of the helmet 1700 may be suspended from the front of the user's head, which may help to protect the user's head from impact forces applied to the front portion of the helmet 1700. The inner front surface of the helmet 1700 may additionally include padding to further protect the user's head from such impact.

Although the fifth guides 2010 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B are configured to route or guide the strap 2022, the fifth guides 2010 may be configured to route or guide the lace 1704 in other embodiments. For example, the fifth guides 2010 may each guide or route a portion of the lace 1704 that is between the looped ends of the strap 2022. The portions of the lace between the reel assembly 1702 and each of the looped ends of the strap 2022 may be guided or routed by the first guides 17100 in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. Alternatively, each of the fifth guides 2010 may be configured to guide a portion of the lace 1704 that is between the looped ends of the strap 2022 and a portion of the lace between the reel assembly 1702 and one of the looped end of the strap 2022. Depending on whether the second openings of the slots are formed at the inner or outer surface of yoke 2004, the first guides 1710 may become optional. When the fifth guides 2010 are configured to guide or route the lace 1704, the strap 2022 may not overlap with the yoke 2004 at least when the lace 1704 is relaxed and strap 2022 may or may not be pulled through the fifth guides 2010 and overlap the yoke 2004 upon tensioning the lace 1704 depending on the length of the strap 2022.

While several embodiments and arrangements of various components are described herein, it should be understood that the various components and/or combination of components described in the various embodiments may be modified, rearranged, changed, adjusted, and the like. For example, the arrangement of components in any of the described embodiments may be adjusted or rearranged and/or the various described components may be employed in any of the embodiments in which they are not currently described or employed. As such, it should be realized that the various embodiments are not limited to the specific arrangement and/or component structures described herein.

In addition, it is to be understood that any workable combination of the features and elements disclosed herein is also considered to be disclosed. Additionally, any time a feature is not discussed with regard in an embodiment in this disclosure, a person of skill in the art is hereby put on notice that some embodiments of the invention may implicitly and specifically exclude such features, thereby providing support for negative claim limitations.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a process” includes a plurality of such processes and reference to “the device” includes reference to one or more devices and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

Also, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and “includes” when used in this specification and in the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

Claims

1. A system for adjusting a fit of a helmet about a user's head comprising: a base member coupleable to a rear portion of the helmet;a tightening mechanism coupled to the base member so as to be accessible to a user while the helmet is fit about the user's head;a tension member operably coupled with the tightening mechanism such that operation of the tightening mechanism tensions the tension member; anda plurality of guide members coupled with an interior of the helmet, the plurality of guide members being arranged within the interior of the helmet so as to guide the tension member about a path within the interior of the helmet; wherein: the path of the tension member within the interior of the helmet extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the user's head and defines a gap within the interior of the helmet within which the head is positioned when the helmet is positioned about the user's head; andtensioning of the tension member further causes at least one of the base member or the tension member to move inward toward the user's head so as to adjust a fit of the helmet about user's head by reducing the gap within the interior of the helmet that is defined by the path of the tension member.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the tightening mechanism comprises a rotatable knob, and wherein rotation of the rotatable knob in a tightening direction tensions the tension member.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of guide members is coupled to a side of the helmet opposite the base member.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first elongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a longitudinal portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, the first elongated member being disposed within the interior of the helmet, wherein: the tension member is operably coupled with the first elongated member such that tensioning of the tension member effects tensioning of the first elongated member and causes the elongated member to move inward toward and into contact with the user's head.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a second elongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a longitudinal portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein: the second elongated member is positioned within the interior of the helmet on an opposite side of the first elongated member such that the first elongated member, the second elongated, and the path of the tension member extend entirely around the circumference of the user's head; andthe tension member is operably coupled with the second elongated member such that tensioning of the tension member causes the first elongated member and the second elongated member to move inward toward and into contact with the user's head.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second elongate member is coupled to the base member.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the tension member is positioned about a crown of the user's head, and wherein tensioning of the tension member causes the tension member to move inward toward the crown of the user's head.

8. The system of claim 5, further comprising a padding member positioned between the user's head and the tension member.

9. A helmet that is positionable about a user's head, the helmet comprising: a fit adjustment system coupled to an interior of the helmet for adjusting a fit of the helmet about the user's head, the fit adjustment system comprising: a base member;a tightening mechanism coupled to the base member;a tension member operably coupled with the tightening mechanism such that operation of the tightening mechanism tensions the tension member; anda plurality of guide members operably coupled with the tension member and with the interior of the helmet, the plurality of guide members being configured to guide the tension member about a path within the interior of the helmet, the path of the tension member extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the user's head so as to define a gap within the interior of the helmet within which the user's head is positioned when the helmet is positioned about the user's head; wherein: tensioning of the tension member reduces the gap within the interior of the helmet that is defined by the path of the tension member such that one or more components of the fit adjustment system constrict about the user's head.

10. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the base member is coupled to a rear portion of the helmet and wherein the fit adjustment system comprises a strap that is coupled to a front portion of the helmet.

11. The helmet of claim 9, further comprising a first elongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a longitudinal portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein: the tension member is operably coupled with the first elongated member such that tensioning of the tension member effects tensioning of the first elongated member and causes the first elongated member to move inward toward and into contact with the user's head.

12. The helmet of claim 11, further comprising a second elongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a longitudinal portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein: the second elongated member is positioned within the interior of the helmet on an opposite side of the first elongated member such that the first elongated member, the second elongated, and the path of the tension member extend entirely around the circumference of the user's head; andthe tension member is operably coupled with the second elongated member such that tensioning of the tension member causes the first elongated member and the second elongated member to move inward toward and into contact with the user's head.

13. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tightening mechanism comprises a rotatable knob, and wherein rotation of the rotatable knob in a tightening direction tensions the tension member.

14. The helmet of claim 9, further comprising a padding member that is positioned between the user's head and the tension member.

15. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tension member is positioned about a crown of the user's head, and wherein tensioning of the tension member causes the tension member to move inward toward the crown of the user's head.

16. A method of attaching a fit adjustment system to a helmet, the fit adjustment system being configured for adjusting a fit of the helmet about a user's head, the method comprising: providing a base member;coupling a tightening mechanism to the base member;operably coupling a tension member with the tightening mechanism so that operation of the tightening mechanism effects tensioning of the tension member;attaching a plurality of guide members within an interior of the helmet; andcoupling the tension member with the plurality of guide members such that the tension member is guided about a path within the interior of the helmet that extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the user's head and that defines a gap within which the user's head is positioned when the helmet is positioned about the user's head, the path and tension member being arranged so that tensioning of the tension member reduces the gap within the interior of the helmet and causes one or more components of the fit adjustment system to constrict about the user's head.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the fit adjustment system further comprises a first elongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a longitudinal portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein: the tension member is operably coupled with the first elongated member such that tensioning of the tension member effects tensioning of the first elongated member and causes the first elongated member to move inward toward and into contact with the user's head.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the fit adjustment system further comprises a second elongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a longitudinal portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein: the second elongated member is positioned within the interior of the helmet on an opposite side of the first elongated member such that the first elongated member, the second elongated, and the path of the tension member extend entirely around the circumference of the user's head; andthe tension member is operably coupled with the second elongated member such that tensioning of the tension member causes the first elongated member and the second elongated member to move inward toward and into contact with the user's head.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning a padding member between the user's head and the tension member.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning the tension member about a crown of the user's head such that tensioning of the tension member causes the tension member to move inward toward the crown of the user's head.