US20170143070A1

US20170143070A1 - Helmet fit adjustment system with releasable hair aperture

Info

Publication number: US20170143070A1
Application number: US15/360,481
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel J. Cram; Ben D. Pritz
Original assignee: Bell Sports Inc
Current assignee: Bell Sports Inc
Priority date: 2015-11-25
Filing date: 2016-11-23
Publication date: 2017-05-25
Also published as: WO2017091741A1; CN108289522A; EP3379961A4; EP3379961A1

Abstract

A helmet fit adjustment system having a frame, a tensioning device having an adjustment wheel, and a device receiver is disclosed. The frame comprises a frame body having a first attachment point and a second attachment point, as well as an occipital strap having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the first attachment point, and the second end is movably coupled to the tensioning device. The device receiver is coupled to the second attachment point. The tensioning device is directly and releasably coupled to the device receiver, forming a hair aperture. Rotational adjustment of the adjustment wheel adjusts a functional length of the occipital strap.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/260,084, filed Nov. 25, 2015titled “Helmet Fit Adjustment System with Detachable Hair Opening Strap,” the entirety of the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of this document relate generally to a helmet fit adjustment system having a releasable hair aperture.

BACKGROUND

Protective headgear and helmets have been used in a wide variety of applications and across a number of industries including sports, athletics, construction, mining, military defense, and others, to prevent damage to a user's head and brain. Damage and injury to a user can be prevented or reduced by helmets that prevent hard objects or sharp objects from directly contacting the user's head. Damage and injury to a user can also be prevented or reduced by helmets that absorb, distribute, or otherwise manage energy of an impact.
A helmet that fits properly is important for both comfort and protection. Typically helmets are available in multiple sizes; however, due to a wide spectrum of head sizes, further adjustments may be needed for a proper fit. Conventional helmets often make use of fit adjustment systems wrapping around the rear of the head near the occipital bone. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/833,779(hereinafter the '779 application) describes a helmet with a fit adjustment system including a strap across the occipital region and a device to adjust the fit.
Conventional helmets having a fit adjustment system are problematic for users with long hair, which must be pulled through an opening with closed borders between the fit system and the helmet body. This additional step slows down the process of putting on and taking off the helmet. Furthermore, long hair often has to be braided or otherwise arranged to facilitate pulling through the opening. Additionally, conventional helmets, including those disclosed in the '779 application, typically position a fit adjustment mechanism in the center of the occipital region. A wearer's long hair may block access to the adjustment mechanism, or worse, get tangled within the moving parts. Attempts by users of conventional helmets to avoid these problems sometimes results in ill-fitting helmets that provide reduced protection.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a helmet fit adjustment system for a helmet may comprise a frame comprising a frame body fixedly coupled to a helmet body of the helmet through at least two anchor points, the frame body comprising a first attachment point positioned within a first lateral half of the frame body and a second attachment point positioned within a second lateral half of the frame body different than the first lateral half, the frame further comprising an occipital strap having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first attachment point, a device receiver coupled to the second attachment point, and a tensioning device comprising a strap receiver and an adjustment wheel, the tensioning device movably coupled to the second end of the occipital strap and releasably coupled to the device receiver, wherein rotational adjustment of the adjustment wheel adjusts a functional length of the occipital strap, wherein the occipital strap is flexibly movable between an open position in which the tensioning device is not directly coupled to the device receiver, and a closed position in which the tensioning device is directly and releasably coupled to the device receiver, forming a hair aperture between the occipital strap and at least one of the frame body and the helmet, and wherein the first lateral half and the second lateral half each comprise at least one of the at least two anchor points.
Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The tensioning device may comprise a first guide, the device receiver may comprise a second guide, and the first guide and the second guide may be aligned when the occipital strap is in the closed position. One of the first guide and the second guide may comprise a magnet and the other of the first guide and the second guide may comprise one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material, such that a magnetic attraction exists between the first guide and the second guide when the occipital strap is in the closed position. The tensioning device may comprise a hook, and the device receiver may comprise a hook aperture sized to receive and releasably capture the hook. The tensioning device may comprise a protrusion having a tip and a stem which is narrower than the tip, the device receiver may comprise a keyhole slot having a large end wide enough to receive the tip of the protrusion, and a small end wide enough to receive the stem of the protrusion but narrower than the tip of the protrusion, and the protrusion may be received by the keyhole slot when the tensioning device is directly coupled to the device receiver. The tensioning device may comprise a housing defining a strap path within the housing, and at least part of the second end of the occipital strap is contained inside the housing and extends to outside the housing through the strap receiver. The strap path may extend from the strap receiver to the adjustment wheel in a first direction, and in a second direction, opposing the first direction after passing the adjustment wheel. The first end of the occipital strap may be rotatably coupled to the first attachment point by a pivot.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a helmet may comprise a helmet body, and a helmet fit adjustment system coupled to and positioned at least partially within the helmet body, the helmet fit adjustment system may comprise a frame comprising a frame body fixedly coupled to the helmet body through at least two anchor points, the frame body comprising a first attachment point positioned within a first lateral half of the frame body and a second attachment point positioned within a second lateral half of the frame body different than the first lateral half, the frame further comprising an occipital strap having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first attachment point, a device receiver coupled to the second attachment point, and a tensioning device comprising a strap receiver, the tensioning device movably coupled to the second end of the occipital strap and releasably coupled to the device receiver, wherein movement of the tensioning device along the occipital strap relative to the first end adjusts a functional length of the occipital strap, wherein the occipital strap is flexibly movable between an open position in which the tensioning device is not directly coupled to the device receiver, and a closed position in which the tensioning device is directly and releasably coupled to the device receiver forming a hair aperture between the occipital strap and at least one of the frame body and the helmet body; and wherein the first lateral half and the second lateral half each comprise at least one of the at least two anchor points.
Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The tensioning device may comprise a first guide, the device receiver may comprise a second guide, and the first guide and the second guide may be aligned when the occipital strap is in the closed position. One of the first guide and the second guide may comprise a magnet and the other of the first guide and the second guide comprises one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material, such that a magnetic attraction exists between the first guide and the second guide when the occipital strap is in the closed position. The tensioning device may comprise a hook, and the device receiver may comprise a hook aperture sized to receive and releasably capture the hook. The first end of the occipital strap may be rotatably coupled to the first attachment point by a pivot. The tensioning device may comprise an adjustment wheel moveably coupled to the occipital strap and the tensioning device, and rotational adjustment of the adjustment wheel moves the tensioning device along the occipital strap and adjusts a functional length of the occipital strap. The tensioning device may comprise a housing defining a strap path within the housing, and at least part of the second end of the occipital strap is contained inside the housing and extends to outside the housing through the strap receiver. The strap path may extend from the strap receiver to the adjustment wheel in a first direction, and may extend in a second direction after passing the adjustment wheel, the second direction opposing the first direction. An occipital pad, wherein at least part of the occipital strap of the frame is contained within a portion of the occipital pad. The tensioning device may be closer to the second lateral half of the frame body than the first lateral half of the frame body when the occipital strap is in the closed position.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of securing a helmet to a head having long hair may comprise placing the helmet on a head to position the head proximate a helmet fit adjustment system comprising a frame, a device receiver, and a tensioning device, the frame comprising a frame body fixedly coupled to a helmet body through at least two anchor points, gathering the long hair by moving the tensioning device and a second end of an occipital strap of the frame around and beneath the long hair proximate the occipital strap, the tensioning device movably coupled to the second end and the occipital strap further comprising a first end coupled to a first attachment point located in a first lateral half of the frame body, capturing the hair in a hair aperture by directly coupling the tensioning device to the device receiver, the device receiver coupled to a second attachment point located in a second lateral half of the frame body different than the first lateral half, and adjusting a fit of the helmet by adjusting a functional length of the occipital strap by moving the tensioning device along the occipital strap relative to the first end of the occipital strap.
Particular embodiments of the method may further comprise aligning the tensioning device with the device receiver by aligning a first guide of the tensioning device with a second guide of the device receiver.
Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors′ intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.
The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.
Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 are invoked to define the claimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.
The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a helmet with a fit adjustment system as known in the prior art;

FIG. 2 shows a helmet with a helmet fit adjustment system;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a helmet fit adjustment system;

FIG. 4A shows a helmet with an occipital strap in an open position;

FIG. 4B shows a helmet with an occipital strap in a closed position;

FIG. 5A shows a front view of a tensioning device;

FIG. 5B shows a top view of a tensioning device;

FIG. 5C shows a rear view of a tensioning device;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a tensioning device;

FIG. 7A shows a side view of a tensioning device; and

FIG. 7B shows a device receiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific helmet or material types, or other system component examples, or methods disclosed herein. Many additional components, manufacturing and assembly procedures known in the art consistent with helmet manufacture are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.
The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.
While this disclosure includes a number of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail particular embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.
Conventional helmets with fit adjustment systems typically include an element near the occipital region of a wearer's head to better secure the helmet. See, for example, FIG. 1, which shows a helmet 100 with a fit adjustment system 102 similar to the helmet shown in FIG. 2 of the '779 application. As shown, the fit adjustment system 102 comprises a frame 106 and an adjuster 104, which may be used to adjust the size of the frame near the occipital region. Conventional helmets, such as helmet 100, are problematic for people with long hair. A comfortable fit is not achievable leaving the hair trapped between the frame 106 and the head, so usually it has to be pulled through a hole in the frame 106. This inconvenience is compounded by the fact that, after being pulled through the hole, the long hair may block access to, or even get tangled within, the adjuster 104.
Contemplated in this disclosure is a helmet with a fit adjustment system having a releasable hair aperture. FIG. 3 depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a helmet fit adjustment system 204 with a releasable hair aperture 214, while FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B depict non-limiting embodiments of a helmet 200 having a helmet fit adjustment system 204 with a releasable hair aperture 214. As shown, the helmet fit adjustment system 204 comprises a frame 206 having an occipital strap 210, as well as a tensioning device 208 and a device receiver 400. The tensioning device 208 is movably coupled to one end of the occipital strap 210 and releasably coupled to the device receiver 400. This is advantageous to conventional helmets, such as helmet 100 shown in FIG. 1, since a person with long hair may simply gather their hair with the occipital strap 210 before coupling the tensioning device 208 to the device receiver 400 rather than pulling their hair through an opening. The wearer may release their hair from the hair aperture 214 by decoupling the tensioning device 208 from the device receiver 400, rather than having to pull their hair out of an opening. Additionally, by positioning the tensioning device 208 at an end of the occipital strap 210, it is less likely to be obscured by or tangled within a wearer's long hair.
In the context of the present description, a hair aperture or releasable hair aperture refers to an opening framed in part by a releasable occipital strap within which long hair is secured. In some embodiments, the frame 206 may border the entire hair aperture. In other embodiments, including the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 2, the hair aperture 214 may be bordered in part by the helmet body 202 of a helmet 200. Advantageous over conventional helmets, the hair aperture 214 contemplated herein may be opened and closed to facilitate using a helmet 200 with long hair.
FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting example of a helmet fit adjustment system 204 having a frame 206, a tensioning device 208, and a device receiver 300. The frame 206 comprises a frame body 212 and an occipital strap 210. The frame 206 serves to cradle a wearer's head, providing a secure and comfortable fit. According to various embodiments, parts of a frame 206 are adjustable, such that the frame 206 may be conformed to one or more dimensions of a wearer's head.
In one or more embodiments, the frame body 212 comprises at least two anchor points 308. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, an anchor point is a portion of the frame body through which the frame body is coupled to a helmet body. In some embodiments, the frame body 212 may be releasably coupled to a helmet body through at least two anchor points 308. In other embodiments, the frame body 212 may be fixedly coupled to a helmet body through at least two anchor points 308. The anchor points 308 may be coupled to the helmet body using any methods or techniques known in the art, including but not limited to, in molding and post-molding insertion.
In some embodiments, including the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 3, a frame body 212 may comprise more than one type of anchor point 308. For example, FIG. 3 shows a frame body 212 having three anchor points 308: a rear strap hanger centered on the frame body, and a retention plug, also called a Musal plug, in each lateral half of the frame body 212. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a lateral half refers to one of two sections of an item partitioned by the midsagittal plane of the helmet wearer. For example, the frame body 212 shown in FIG. 3 has a first lateral half 304 and a second lateral half 306.
As shown in FIG. 3, the frame body 212 also comprises a first attachment point 301 positioned in the first lateral half 304 and a second attachment point 302 positioned in the second lateral half 306. The attachment points are where an occipital strap 210 is coupled to the frame body 212. In some embodiments, an occipital strap 210 may be flexibly coupled to the first attachment point 301. For example, in one embodiment, the occipital strap 210 may be formed with the frame body 212 out of a flexible material. In another embodiment, at least one of the frame body 212 and the occipital strap 210 may be composed of a flexible material, with the two being bonded to each other at the first attachment point 301.
In other embodiments, including the non-limiting example in FIG. 3, the occipital strap 210 is rotatably coupled to the frame body 212 at a first attachment point 301. As shown, the coupling is made through a pivot 314 at the first attachment point 301. The use of a pivot 314 may be advantageous as it may allow the frame body 212 and/or the occipital strap 210 to be constructed from more durable, less flexible material while still allowing the occipital strap 210 to be moved to gather and secure long hair.
The frame 206 shown in FIG. 3 further comprises an occipital strap 210. When coupled to the frame body 212 through both the first attachment point 301 and the second attachment point 302, the occipital strap 210 is proximate the occipital region of a wearer's head. The occipital strap 210 comprises a first end 310 that is coupled to a first attachment point 301, and a second end 312 coupled to a tensioning device, such as tensioning device 208. In some embodiments, the second end 312 of the occipital strap 210 may comprise teeth complimentary to a geared wheel within a tensioning device. See, for example, FIG. 6.
In some embodiments, an occipital strap 208 may be composed of the same material as the frame body 212. In other embodiments, the occipital strap may be composed of a different material. The occipital strap 212 may be of various shapes including, but not limited to, ribbons and cords.
As shown in FIG. 3, a tensioning device 208 is coupled to the second end 312 of the occipital strap 210. According to various embodiments, the tensioning device 208 is releasably coupled to the second attachment point 302 through a device receiver 300. Coupling the second end 312 of the occipital strap 210 to the frame body 212 by releasably coupling the tensioning device 208 to the device receiver 300 allows the helmet wearer to easily gather their long hair with the occipital strap 210 and then secure it within a hair aperture 214.
Furthermore, the tensioning device 208 is configured to alter the functional length 316 of the occipital strap 210 to which it is coupled. In the context of the present description, functional length 316 refers to the length of the occipital strap 210 between the first attachment point 301 and the second attachment point 302. Operating the tensioning device 208 (e.g. turning the adjustment wheel 502 of FIG. 5, etc.) while it is coupled to the device receiver 300 and changing the functional length 316 alters the maximum possible separation between the first and second attachment points. In other words, the fit of the helmet fit adjustment system 204 may be adjusted by changing the functional length 316 of the occipital strap 210. The tensioning device is discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 4-7A.
The helmet fit adjustment system 204 further comprises a device receiver 300. The device receiver 300 is coupled to the frame body 212 at the second attachment point 302, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the device receiver 300 may be releasably coupled to the second attachment point 302. For example, in one embodiment, the coupling between the first end 310 of the occipital strap 210 and the frame body 212, as well as the coupling between the device receiver 300 and the frame body 212, may be releasable, such that the first attachment point 301 and the second attachment point 302 may be interchangeable. This would allow a helmet wearer to position the device receiver 300 (and thus, the coupled tensioning device) on a preferred lateral half of the frame body (e.g. the lateral half associated with their dominant hand, etc.). The device receiver will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 4A and 7B.
In some embodiments, the frame 206 may be formed from a single piece of material. In other embodiments, the frame 206 may be constructed from multiple parts; for example, in one embodiment, the frame body 212 and the occipital strap 210 may be separate pieces joined at the first attachment point 301 by a pivot 314.
FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B show non-limiting examples of a helmet 200 having a releasable hair aperture 214. As shown, the helmet 200 comprises a helmet body 202 and a helmet fit adjustment system 204. The helmet body 202 may include any shells, layers, energy management material, and the like known in the art for helmets. In some embodiments, the helmet fit adjustment system 204 is fixedly coupled to the helmet body 202, while in others they are releasably coupled. While FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B show helmets intended for use during cycling activities, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that the helmet fit adjustment system 204 might be adapted for use with any helmet where the back of the helmet is open such that a ponytail could be worn if not for interference with the conventional fit system of the helmet.
FIGS. 4A and 4B show a non-limiting example of a helmet with a helmet fit adjustment system being used by a person with long hair. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a helmet 200 having an occipital strip (hidden inside the occipital pad 408) in an open position 416. FIG. 4B shows the same helmet with the occipital strip in a closed position 420. In the context of the present description and claims that follow, an open position refers to any configuration of the elements of a fit system where a tensioning device 400 is not directly coupled to a device receiver 300. Conversely, in the same context and claims, a closed position refers to any configuration of the elements of a fit system where a tensioning device 400 is directly and releasably coupled to a device receiver 300, thereby forming a releasable hair aperture 214.
FIG. 4A shows a non-limiting example of a helmet 200 mid-application on a head 412 having long hair 414. According to various embodiments, a method for securing a helmet 200 to a head 412 having long hair 414 includes placing the helmet 200 on the head 412 so the head 412 is cradled by the fit system 204. The wearer then gathers their long hair behind their head by sweeping the occipital strap (hidden within the occipital pad 408 in FIG. 4) and tensioning device 400 beneath and around the hair. The wearer then releasably couples the tensioning device 400 to a device receiver 300. The coupling between the tensioning device 400 and device receiver 300 is discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 4-7. After the tensioning device 400 has been coupled to the device receiver 300 and the long hair secured within a hair aperture 214, the wearer may then adjust the fit of the helmet (i.e. adjust the functional length 316 of the occipital strap) by operating the tensioning device 400.
Since the helmet 200 is on the wearer's head while the tensioning device 400 is being coupled to the device receiver 300, they are not able to see what they are doing. According to various embodiments, including the non-exclusive examples shown in FIGS. 4A, 5B, 5C, 7A, and 7B, the tensioning device may comprise a first guide 506 and the device receiver may comprise a second guide 404. The first 506 and second 404 guides are positioned such that when they are aligned, the occipital strap is in the closed position 420.
According to various embodiments, the alignment and/or relative position of the first 506 and second 404 guides may be determined by the long haired helmet wearer without needing to be seen. For example, one of the guides (e.g. the first guide 506 of FIGS. 5B and 5C) may comprise a magnet 510, while the other guide (e.g. the second guide guide 404 of FIG. 4A) may comprise a ferromagnetic material 406, such that when the guides are in proximity, they experience a magnetic attraction. As an option, both guides may comprise magnets 510. The wearer may feel the magnetic pull guide them until a close position 420 has been achieved. In some embodiments, the magnetic attraction between the two guides may be strong enough to perform the final alignment between tensioning device 400 and device receiver 300 without needing the wearer to apply any additional force.
In some embodiments, the guides may utilize magnetic attraction to indicate alignment to a wearer unable to see. In other embodiments, the guides may be non-magnetic. For example, the first and second guides may comprise features in the surfaces of the tensioning device and device receiver, or surfaces proximate to one or both of those elements; when the user can feel the two features aligned (e.g. forming a line, two bumps feeling like one bump, etc.), the tensioning device is, or is about to be, directly coupled to the device receiver.
As seen in the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 4B, when in the closed position 420, the tensioning device 400 is located toward the side of the helmet 200. More specifically, the tensioning device 400 is closer to the second lateral half 306 of the frame body 212 than it is to the first lateral half 304. Most conventional helmets with adjustable fit systems, such as helmet 100 of FIG. 1, have an adjusting mechanism located in the middle of an occipital strap. Positioning the tensioning device 400 to the side, as it is in FIG. 4B, is advantageous, as it provides easier access while wearing the helmet, and is less likely to be obscured by hair. Furthermore, when long hair is pulled out an opening in the back of a conventional helmet, it may be draped over an adjustment mechanism (e.g. adjuster 104 of FIG. 1), where it may get tangled and caught, further complicating the removal of the conventional helmet.
An occipital strap 210 is not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B; in these non-limiting examples of a helmet 200 with a releasable hair aperture 214, the occipital strap 210 is contained inside an occipital pad 408. The occipital pad 408 may be composed of any material known in the art for helmet padding, and may serve to make using the helmet a more pleasant experience for a longhaired wearer. For example, in embodiments where the occipital strap 210 is composed of a hard material, and/or is small enough to dig uncomfortably into a wearer's head, the occipital pad 210 may make the strap more comfortable. In embodiments where the occipital strap 210 has teeth (see, for example, FIG. 6), the occipital pad 408 may prevent the long hair from getting caught. As an option, a portion of the tensioning device 400 may also be contained inside a portion 410 of the occipital pad 408. Other embodiments may not include an occipital pad 408. It should also be understood by those skilled in the art that a helmet fit adjustment system 204 like those contemplated herein may also comprise additional padding for wearer comfort and protection, as is known in the art.
According to one or more embodiments, while in the closed position 420, a tensioning device is directly and releasably coupled to a device receiver. Such a coupling may be accomplished in a number of ways. See, for example, the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 4A and 5B. According to various embodiments, a tensioning device 400 may comprise a hook 508, and a device receiver 300 may comprise a hook aperture 402 sized to receive the hook 508. As an option, the hook 508 may be curved back toward the first end 310 of the occipital strap 210, and the hook aperture 402 may have a lip, such that when in the closed position, the hook 508 may capture the lip of the hook aperture 402, which may require a loosening of the occipital strap 210 via the tensioning device 400 before decoupling the tensioning device 400 from the device receiver 300 is possible.
In other embodiments, including the non-limiting examples shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the tensioning device 700 may comprise a protrusion 702 having a tip 704 and a stem 706 which is narrower than the tip 704. The device receiver 708 may comprise a keyhole slot 710 having a large end 712 wide enough to receive the tip 704 of the protrusion 702 and a small end 714 wide enough to receive the stem 706 of the protrusion 702 but narrower than the tip 704. When in the closed position, the protrusion 702 will be inside the keyhole slot 710, with the tip 704 trapped inside the keyhole slot 710 on the other side of the small end 714.
A tensioning device and a device receiver may be directly and releasably coupled by other mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment, a tensioning device and a device receiver may be releasably coupled through magnetism. The coupling may be released by mechanically separating the magnets (e.g. pushing a wedge between them, sliding one out of alignment with the other, etc.). In another embodiment, the releasable coupling may be achieved using a pin and a biased catch.
In addition to releasably coupling an occipital strap 210 to a second attachment point 302, a tensioning device may also be used to adjust the fit of a helmet by adjusting the functional length 316 of the occipital strap 210. FIGS. 5A-5C and 6 show non-limiting examples of a tensioning device (400 and 600) having a housing 500, an adjustment wheel 502, and a strap receiver 504. According to various embodiments, a tensioning device may be moved along an occipital strap 210 to which it is coupled by turning an adjustment wheel 502; the adjustment wheel 502 is movably coupled to both the housing 500 and the occipital strap 210. Rotating the adjustment wheel 502 in one direction causes the functional length 316 of the occipital strap 210 to increase, while rotating in the other direction causes it to decrease.
In some embodiments, simply turning an adjustment wheel 502 may cause the tensioning device to move along the occipital strap 210, altering the functional length 316. In other embodiments, including the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 6, the adjustment wheel 502 must be pressed into the housing 500 to align a cassette biased by a spring before movement is possible. In additional embodiments, the tensioning device may comprise a ratcheting mechanism to prevent accidental adjustments. In still other embodiments, additional methods for adjusting the length of a strap with a single hand, known in the art, may be employed.
In conventional helmets with fit adjustment systems, an adjustor 104 is conventionally centered on the back of the helmet 100, and causes straps to move through the adjustor 104 from both directions. The tensioning devices contemplated herein, however, may accept a single strap through a strap receiver 504, according to various embodiments. Once received through the strap receiver 504, the second end 312 of the occipital strap 210 may be contained within a hollow strap path 602 inside the housing 500 of the tensioning device 600. In a specific embodiment shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. 6, the strap path 602 may curve around inside the housing 500, such that the second end 312 may enter the strap receiver 504 in a first direction 604, and then extends in a second direction 606 opposing the first direction 604. By causing the occipital strap 210 to coil around inside the housing 500, there may be fewer protruding parts for long hair to get caught on.
Multiple embodiments of a tensioning device have been discussed herein, including tensioning device 208 of FIG. 2, tensioning device 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, tensioning device 600 of FIG. 6, and tensioning device 700 of FIG. 7A. It should be understood that these non-limiting examples of tensioning devices may be interchangeable, so long as they are paired with compatible device receivers (e.g. device receiver 300 of FIG. 3, device receiver 708 of FIG. 7B, etc.).
Where the above examples, embodiments and implementations reference examples, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that other helmet and helmet fit adjustment systems and examples could be intermixed or substituted with those provided. In places where the description above refers to particular embodiments of helmets and helmet fit adjustment methods, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these embodiments and implementations may be applied to other to helmet fit adjustment technologies as well. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A helmet fit adjustment system for a helmet, comprising:

a frame comprising a frame body fixedly coupled to a helmet body of the helmet through at least two anchor points, the frame body comprising a first attachment point positioned within a first lateral half of the frame body and a second attachment point positioned within a second lateral half of the frame body different than the first lateral half, the frame further comprising an occipital strap having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first attachment point;

a device receiver coupled to the second attachment point; and

a tensioning device comprising a strap receiver and an adjustment wheel, the tensioning device movably coupled to the second end of the occipital strap and releasably coupled to the device receiver;

wherein rotational adjustment of the adjustment wheel adjusts a functional length of the occipital strap;

wherein the occipital strap is flexibly movable between an open position in which the tensioning device is not directly coupled to the device receiver, and a closed position in which the tensioning device is directly and releasably coupled to the device receiver, forming a hair aperture between the occipital strap and at least one of the frame body and the helmet; and

wherein the first lateral half and the second lateral half each comprise at least one of the at least two anchor points.

2. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the tensioning device comprises a first guide, the device receiver comprises a second guide, and the first guide and the second guide are aligned when the occipital strap is in the closed position.

3. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 2, wherein one of the first guide and the second guide comprises a magnet and the other of the first guide and the second guide comprises one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material, such that a magnetic attraction exists between the first guide and the second guide when the occipital strap is in the closed position.

4. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the tensioning device comprises a hook, and the device receiver comprises a hook aperture sized to receive and releasably capture the hook.

5. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the tensioning device comprises a protrusion having a tip and a stem which is narrower than the tip, the device receiver comprises a keyhole slot having a large end wide enough to receive the tip of the protrusion, and a small end wide enough to receive the stem of the protrusion but narrower than the tip of the protrusion, and the protrusion is received by the keyhole slot when the tensioning device is directly coupled to the device receiver.

6. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the tensioning device comprises a housing defining a strap path within the housing, and at least part of the second end of the occipital strap is contained inside the housing and extends to outside the housing through the strap receiver.

7. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 6, wherein the strap path extends from the strap receiver to the adjustment wheel in a first direction, and extends in a second direction, opposing the first direction after passing the adjustment wheel.

8. The helmet fit adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the first end of the occipital strap is rotatably coupled to the first attachment point by a pivot.

9. A helmet, comprising:

a helmet body; and

a helmet fit adjustment system coupled to and positioned at least partially within the helmet body, the helmet fit adjustment system comprising:

a frame comprising a frame body fixedly coupled to the helmet body through at least two anchor points, the frame body comprising a first attachment point positioned within a first lateral half of the frame body and a second attachment point positioned within a second lateral half of the frame body different than the first lateral half, the frame further comprising an occipital strap having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first attachment point;

a device receiver coupled to the second attachment point; and

a tensioning device comprising a strap receiver, the tensioning device movably coupled to the second end of the occipital strap and releasably coupled to the device receiver;

wherein movement of the tensioning device along the occipital strap relative to the first end adjusts a functional length of the occipital strap;

wherein the occipital strap is flexibly movable between an open position in which the tensioning device is not directly coupled to the device receiver, and a closed position in which the tensioning device is directly and releasably coupled to the device receiver forming a hair aperture between the occipital strap and at least one of the frame body and the helmet body; and

10. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tensioning device comprises a first guide, the device receiver comprises a second guide, and the first guide and the second guide are aligned when the occipital strap is in the closed position.

11. The helmet of claim 10, wherein one of the first guide and the second guide comprises a magnet and the other of the first guide and the second guide comprises one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material, such that a magnetic attraction exists between the first guide and the second guide when the occipital strap is in the closed position.

12. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tensioning device comprises a hook, and the device receiver comprises a hook aperture sized to receive and releasably capture the hook.

13. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the first end of the occipital strap is rotatably coupled to the first attachment point by a pivot.

14. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tensioning device comprises an adjustment wheel moveably coupled to the occipital strap and the tensioning device, and rotational adjustment of the adjustment wheel moves the tensioning device along the occipital strap and adjusts a functional length of the occipital strap.

15. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tensioning device comprises a housing defining a strap path within the housing, and at least part of the second end of the occipital strap is contained inside the housing and extends to outside the housing through the strap receiver.

16. The helmet of claim 15, wherein the strap path extends from the strap receiver to the adjustment wheel in a first direction, and extends in a second direction after passing the adjustment wheel, the second direction opposing the first direction.

17. The helmet of claim 9, further comprising an occipital pad, wherein at least part of the occipital strap of the frame is contained within a portion of the occipital pad.

18. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tensioning device is closer to the second lateral half of the frame body than the first lateral half of the frame body when the occipital strap is in the closed position.

19. A method of securing a helmet to a head having long hair, comprising:

placing the helmet on a head to position the head proximate a helmet fit adjustment system comprising a frame, a device receiver, and a tensioning device, the frame comprising a frame body fixedly coupled to a helmet body through at least two anchor points;

gathering the long hair by moving the tensioning device and a second end of an occipital strap of the frame around and beneath the long hair proximate the occipital strap, the tensioning device movably coupled to the second end and the occipital strap further comprising a first end coupled to a first attachment point located in a first lateral half of the frame body;

capturing the hair in a hair aperture by directly coupling the tensioning device to the device receiver, the device receiver coupled to a second attachment point located in a second lateral half of the frame body different than the first lateral half; and

adjusting a fit of the helmet by adjusting a functional length of the occipital strap by moving the tensioning device along the occipital strap relative to the first end of the occipital strap.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising aligning the tensioning device with the device receiver by aligning a first guide of the tensioning device with a second guide of the device receiver.