Patent Application
20190184262
This application relates to a helmet for receiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player.
Protective helmets are worn in several types of sports and hazardous activities. Conventional types of helmets employ a rigid or semi-rigid outer shell that defines a space, which accommodates the head of the player. An inner lining, typically comprising one or more pads, is attached to an inner surface of the shell so as to be interposed between the shell and the head of the player. The shell and lining cooperate to provide a measure of protection from impact forces.
Since every player's head is different, one challenge with helmets is achieving a proper fit. In addition, in contact sports such as hockey, the fit of the helmet can be upset somewhat during play due to jostling and impact between players. In addition, due to the high speed of the game, player may not have the opportunity to realign a helmet during play. Additionally, significant heat is generated during spirited play of action sports. Conventional helmets tend to allow such heat to accumulate within the helmet causing discomfort and possibly affecting an athlete's performance. Further, since protection from impact forces is a main role of helmets, helmet makers are continually developing improved methods and structures for absorbing and dissipating impact forces so as to enhance protection of the player.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved hockey or lacrosse helmet that can substantially align itself on the player's head, has improved ventilation, and/or has improved impact absorption.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a helmet for receiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player. The helmet comprises an outer shell for covering at least a portion of the head, the outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface. The helmet further comprises a skeleton mounted within the outer shell, the skeleton having an inner surface and an outer surface, the skeleton comprising a plurality of members, each member having a bottom wall, and wherein one of the members has a projection extending upwardly from the bottom wall at an obtuse (non-normal?) angle relative to the bottom wall and towards the inner surface of the outer shell. The helmet further comprises an inner lining at least partially covering the inner surface of the skeleton;
The present invention also provides a helmet for receiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player. The helmet comprises an outer shell for covering at least a portion of the head, the outer shell having a front portion with a first ventilation aperture, a rear portion with a second ventilation aperture, an inner surface and an outer surface. The helmet further comprises a skeleton mounted within the outer shell, the skeleton having an inner surface and an outer surface, the skeleton comprising a plurality of members, wherein one of the members defines a channel that is in air communication with the first and second ventilation apertures such that, in use, airflow is provided within the channel. The helmet further comprises an inner lining at least partially covering the inner surface of the skeleton.
The present invention further provides a helmet for receiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player. The helmet comprises an outer shell for covering at least a portion of the head, the outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface. The helmet further comprises an inner lining at least partially covering the inner surface of the outer shell. The helmet further comprises a pad mounted adjacent the inner lining and covering a portion of the inner surface of the outer shell, the pad being movable between a first position and a second position, the second position being towards the interior of the helmet relative to the first position, the pad being biased to the second position such that, in use, when the player dons the helmet, the pad is deflected so that it exerts a force on the head of the player.
The present invention also provides a helmet for receiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player. The helmet comprises an outer shell for covering at least a portion of the head, the outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface. The helmet further comprises a skeleton mounted within the outer shell, the skeleton having an inner surface and an outer surface, the skeleton comprising a plurality of members, each member having a bottom wall, wherein one of the members comprises first and second projections, each projection extending upwardly from the bottom wall at an obtuse angle relative to the bottom wall and towards the inner surface of the outer shell, and wherein the first and second projections and the bottom wall define a channel. The helmet further comprises an inner lining overmolded onto the skeleton, the inner lining being made of foam and having an inner surface for contacting the head of the player.
These and other aspects and features of the present invention will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
A detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is provided herein below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.
To facilitate the description, any reference numeral designating an element in one figure will designate the same element if used in any other figures. In describing the embodiments, specific terminology is resorted to for the sake of clarity but the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is understood that each specific term comprises all equivalents.
Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down” and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, “radially”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure. Similarly, the terms “inwardly,” “outwardly” and “radially” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.
The outer shell 32 has a front, a rear and opposing sides, an outer surface and an inner surface shaped to define a cavity 34 for receiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player. A front face shield cavity 36 is formed at the front of the shell 32 and is configured to accommodate a face shield or face guard in front of the player's face. Ear cavities 38 are formed on either side of the helmet 30 and are configured to accommodate and/or fit the helmet around the player's ears. An occipital portion 40 of the helmet 30 is disposed at a rear of the helmet, and is configured to accommodate the lower head/upper neck of the player. A plurality of bolt apertures are also formed through the shell 32 so as to accommodate bolts extending therethrough for mounting other structures, such as a face shield, face guard, strap holders, and the like, onto the helmet 30.
Multiple ventilation apertures are formed through the outer shell 32 so as to provide added comfort by allowing air to circulate around the head of the player. As shown in
The helmet 30 is of an adjustable variety. More specifically, the outer shell 32 may be a two-piece shell having a front shell portion 80 and a rear shell portion 82. The front and rear shell portions 80, 82 are selectively movable relative to one another so as to adjust the size of the helmet 30 to customize it for the player and thus improve comfort and protection. It is to be understood, however, that in other embodiments a single-piece shell may be employed. In still further embodiments, a helmet shell having more than two pieces and/or being configured differently than in the illustrated embodiment can also employ inventive aspects discussed herein.
As shown in
The skeleton portions 96, 98 can be made of a semi-rigid, injection-molded polymer. For example, polypropylene reinforced with fibers (e.g. glass fibers) can be used. Other materials such as metals, fiber reinforced composite materials of various kinds, extruded or molded polymers and the like can be employed. As illustrated, the skeleton 90 is formed of the front and rear skeleton portions 96, 98 that are each unitarily molded. In still other embodiments, skeleton portions can be constructed of multiple independently-formed pieces that are assembled together.
As shown, the skeleton 90 generally approximates the shape of the outer shell 32, and at least outer edge portions 101 of the skeleton face the inner surface of the outer shell 32. As such, the skeleton 90 provides substantial structural strength to the outer shell. The skeleton 90 may be bonded or otherwise attached to the shell 32. During impacts to the outer shell 32, impact forces are communicated from the outer shell 32 to the skeleton 90, and are communicated throughout one or both of the skeleton portions. This helps spread impact forces over a relatively large area and thus provides further protection for the player's head.
With continued reference to
The opposing projections 102, 104 are inclined in directions generally opposite to one another, forming a substantial V-shape or U-shape when taken in cross-section. Of course, in other embodiments, other cross-sectional shapes can be employed.
As best seen in
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As seen in
The occipital pad 128 may be configured so that it is movable between a first position and a second position, the second position being towards the interior of the helmet relative to the first position, the occipital pad 128 being biased to the second position such that, in use, when the player dons the helmet, the pad 128 is deflected so that it presses against the lower head/upper neck of the player for exerting a force on the head of the player. The occipital tab 126 is sized and adapted to resist the deflection force and thus apply a gentle force to the player's lower head/upper neck through the pad 128. In the illustrated embodiment the occipital pad/tab 128/126 is biased to extend inwardly up to about one-half (½) inch from the inner surface of the outer shell 32, and thus there is sufficient space to accommodate deflection of the occipital pad 128 when the player puts the helmet 30 on. In another embodiment, the occipital pad is biased to extend inwardly about one-quarter (¼) inch from the shell.
The occipital pad 128 can be overmolded onto the occipital tab 126 or can be affixed by any one of: gluing, bolting, riveting and stapling. It is to be understood that various manufacturing processes can be employed to form the occipital pad and attach it to the tab. Moreover, instead of being part of the skeleton, the occipital pad can be affixed to the inner lining or the outer shell while the pad is still biased inwardly such that, in use, when the player dons the helmet, the pad is deflected so that it exerts a force on the head of the player.
The deflection of the occipital pad 128 is distinct from the elastic crushing experienced by other pads when the player puts the helmet on in that the occipital pad 128 is supported by the occipital tab 126, so that rather than crushing the pad itself, the occipital tab 126 deflects due to the player's head.
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In the illustrated embodiment, the temporal pad 134 is biased to extend inwardly about one-quarter (¼) inch from the inner surface of the helmet outer shell 32. As such, there is sufficient space to accommodate deflection of the temporal pad 134 when the player puts the helmet 30 on. In other embodiments the extent of bias can be modified so as to be, for example, about one-eighth (⅛) inch or up to one-half (½) inch or more.
The temporal pad 134 can be overmolded onto the temporal tab 132 or can be affixed by any one of: gluing, bolting, riveting and stapling. It is to be understood that various manufacturing processes can be employed to form the temporal pad and attach it to the tab. Moreover, instead of being part of the skeleton, the temporal pad can be affixed to the inner lining or the outer shell while the pad is still biased inwardly such that, in use, when the player dons the helmet, the pad is deflected so that it exerts a force on the head of the player.
With reference again to
In one embodiment, each of the skeleton portions 96, 98 is placed in a mold and foam is injected over the corresponding skeleton member. The temporal pads 134 are also injected over the temporal tabs 132 as desired and a separately-formed occipital pad 128 is bonded to the occipital tab 126. The assembled pads and skeleton members are then arranged in the outer shell 32 and bonded into place or otherwise attached to the shell 32.
As the player puts on the helmet 30, the inwardly-biased temporal and occipital pads 134, 128 engage the player's head and work together to self-adjust the positioning of the helmet and keep it in an optimal position. The optimal position maximizes the comfort for the player and also maximizes the predictability of helmet behavior on the player's head. Further, the self-adjusting features of the temporal and occipital pads 134, 128, working together, place the helmet 30 in an optimal position. The self-adjusting features resulting from the occipital and temporal pads working together is substantially more effective than any of the pads working alone. During play, the helmet 30 will not unduly bounce around on the player's head, but is kept in a proper position for potential impacts. Further, during jostling, as typically occurs with frequency during hockey play, if the helmet is jostled so as to change its orientation on the player's head, the inwardly biased pads 134, 128 work together to right the helmet and restore proper fit and adjustment without requiring a control action by the weaver. The inwardly biased pads 134, 128 at the occipital cavity 112 and the temporal cavity 122 exert self-adjustment forces in directions that are generally transverse to one another. This multi-directional biasing provides a secure and predictable fit of the helmet 30.
It is to be understood that, in other embodiments, inwardly-biased pads may be provided at still further locations, providing yet further transversely-directed self-adjustment forces to help customize and/or optimize the fit of the helmet. Also, in other embodiments, locations other than one or more of the occipital and/or temporal locations may be employed for inwardly-biased pads. For example, another embodiment may instead employ inwardly-biased pads at or near the forehead portion of the helmet in conjunction with inwardly-biased pads at or near the upper back of the head of the player. Further, as discussed above, although the illustrated embodiment includes the temporal tabs 132 extending from the front skeleton portion 96, which results in an inwardly-biased force, if temporal tabs extend from a different part of the skeleton, the direction of self-adjustment forces may be somewhat different, yet may still cooperate with the occipital self-adjustment force to achieve advantageous self-adjustment of the helmet. Still further, in other embodiments, biased padding may be attached to the shell, and the helmet may not include a skeleton, or may include a differently-configured and/or smaller skeleton. Nevertheless, multiple self-adjustment forces that are directed in transverse directions preferably will be exerted so as to help self-adjust the helmet position on the player's head.
Referring to
With particular reference to
As shown, the side ventilation aperture 60 opens generally toward the rear. In contrast, the first front ventilation aperture 50 opens generally forwardly. Thus, during skating, air flows into the first front ventilation aperture 50 with momentum relative to the helmet 30 as a result of the player's forward speed. A portion of that air will enter the skeleton channels 108. Simultaneously, air flow across the side ventilation aperture 60 facilitates drawing air out of the skeleton channels 108. The first front ventilation apertures 50 and side ventilation apertures 60 thus cooperate to facilitate air flow into, out of, and through the front skeleton channels 108. As best seen in
As discussed above, the aligned first front ventilation aperture 50 of the outer shell 32 and aperture 150 of the front portion 86 not only direct air into the front skeleton channels 108, but also direct air directly to a space within the helmet 30. More specifically, during use, a “helmet space” is defined as a space within the helmet between solid structures such as the skeleton 90, outer shell 32 or padding 84 and the player's head, but not including the skeleton channels 108. The aligned second front ventilation apertures 54 of the shell and aperture 154 of front portion 86 also direct air directly to the player's head in the helmet space. When the player is moving, air enters the helmet space with momentum, this facilitating a ventilating flow to the player's head and circulation of air that is already within the helmet space.
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With reference to
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The provision of multiple flow paths through portions of the helmet facilitates circulation of air while the player is being physically active. Typically while playing sports, air within a player's helmet absorbs heat from the player's head. Previously such air would be trapped within the helmet space or only ventilated by convection through holes formed in the top of the helmet. However, experience has shown that simply providing some holes through the top of a helmet has only limited benefits, and a significant volume of air tends to stagnate within the helmet, thus causing discomfort for the player. Due to the air circulation and ventilation facilitated by the positioning of ventilation apertures and channels as in the present embodiments, specifically, providing inlets and outlets that enable a venturi effect and take advantage of air momentum to still further facilitate ventilation during physical activity, such heated air generally does not stagnate, but is instead caught up in the airflow and ventilated through and out of the helmet.
As shown, channels formed by and through the skeleton 90 are provided for allowing air circulation. However, it is to be understood that not all embodiments must employ such a skeleton portion, and channels having features as discussed herein may be provided in embodiments not having such a skeleton. For example, in one embodiment, during molding of the inner linings, channels are provided within the inner linings in addition to ventilation apertures so as to facilitate the venturi effect and to facilitate flow paths into and out of the helmet shell to help further enhance circulation of air within the helmet.
Referring to
In the illustrated embodiment, the cross members 220 each have multiple connecting ends 222 that attach to one or more of the members 100. Preferably, each of the ends 222 attach at or near the outer edge 101 of the respective first or second projections 102, 104. However, adjacent the connected end 222 the cross member 220 preferably changes direction at a first bend 224 so as to be directed away from the shell surface and toward the player's head. The cross-member then changes direction again at a second bend 226 to define a back portion 232, which is generally aligned with the bottom wall 106 of the members 100 in generally following the contour of a player's head. A similar construction is preferably provided at other connecting ends 222, with first and second bends 224, 226 configured so that the connecting ends 222 attach to the outer edge 101 of the member projections 102, 104. The portion of the cross-member 220 between the first and second bends 224, 226 can be referred to as a transition portion 230.
As in the discussion above in which each of the first and second projections 102, 104 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 106 at an obtuse angle relative to the bottom wall 106 so as to absorb and distribute impact forces by deflecting, the cross members 220 are also constructed so that the transition portions 230 are inclined relative to a tangent of the adjacent shell inner surface, and are thus configured to deflect in a spring-type manner when subjected to impact forces. Thus, the cross-members 220 help absorb local impact forces while simultaneously interconnecting members 100 to increase structural rigidity and even better distribute forces throughout the skeleton 210.
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Referring to
The above description of the embodiments should not be interpreted in a limiting manner since other variations, modifications and refinements are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, some embodiments may employ only a skeleton having certain of the skeleton features discussed above, and other embodiments may employ only certain of the ventilation features discussed above, with or without a skeleton, and some embodiments will employ one or more of the features discussed herein but configured in other manners. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/038,547, which was filed on Mar. 21, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61038547 | Mar 2008 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15363150 | Nov 2016 | US |
| Child | 16283315 | US | |
| Parent | 13611538 | Sep 2012 | US |
| Child | 15363150 | US | |
| Parent | 12408084 | Mar 2009 | US |
| Child | 13611538 | US |
