US20230132462A1

US20230132462A1 - Deflector selectively connectable to a helmet, helmet having same and helmet having adjustable peak

Info

Publication number: US20230132462A1
Application number: US17/976,992
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Roy; Oussama YAHYAOUI
Original assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc
Current assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc
Priority date: 2021-10-29
Filing date: 2022-10-31
Publication date: 2023-05-04
Also published as: CA3180679A1

Abstract

A deflector selectively connectable to a helmet is disclosed. The helmet has a helmet shell and a jaw shield defining at least one jaw aperture configured to permit air flow therethrough. The deflector has a deflector body and at least one connecting protrusion receivable in the at least one jaw aperture to restrict air flow. A helmet having the deflector is disclosed. A helmet having a helmet shell, left and right holders having first and second connectors and a peak adjustable between first and second configurations is disclosed. The peak has left and right connecting portions, each having third and fourth connectors. The first connectors are rotationally connected to the third connectors. The second connectors are selectively connected to the fourth connectors in one of at least two positions. The second connectors are at a first position in the first configuration, and at a second position in the second configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/273,245, filed Oct. 29, 2021 entitled “Deflector Selectively Connectable to a Helmet, Helmet Having Same and Helmet Having Adjustable Peak”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present technology relates to deflectors selectively connectable to helmets, helmets having deflectors and helmets having adjustable peaks.

BACKGROUND

Helmets are a form protective equipment used to protect the head of a wearer. Helmets vary largely depending on their application. Indeed, there is a large array of activities that require head protection and so helmets are customized to best fit the activities' requirements. For instance, there are full face helmets, off-road helmets or open face helmets to name a few types of helmets.
In colder weather, different types of helmets can be used depending on the type of riding being practiced. For touring, full face helmets are preferred as they fully cover the face of the wearer and thus help to keep the user's face warm. For more active riding, helmets having a helmet shell and a jaw shield defining a space therebetween in front of the wearer's eyes are preferred. Wearers of these helmets will typically wear goggles, received in the space, to protect their eyes. These helmets have more ventilation openings than helmets used for touring in order to increase air flow. Indeed, active riding such as snow-cross or backcountry snowmobile can be a high intensity activity, which may cause the rider to breathe heavily and require more oxygen and ventilation. These ventilation openings address this problem by allowing an increased circulation of fresh air around the rider's face while riding, compared to a full face helmet.
Although the ventilation provided by helmets for active riding can be helpful, this can cause the wearer's face to become cold when riding less actively, such as when using the helmet for touring, as some snowmobile riders may not have helmets adapted for every type of riding situations. The added ventilation can also lead to more dust entering the helmet.
Therefore, there is a desire for a device capable of reducing the amount of ventilation provided by helmets having ventilation openings.
In addition, helmets can have peaks to block sunlight and/or to protect the wearer from elements such as rain and/or debris from other vehicles. Typically, such peaks cannot be adjusted to the wearer's preferences.
Therefore, there is also a desire for a device capable of overcoming the above-described drawback.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.
According to an aspect of the present technology, there is provided a deflector selectively connectable to a helmet. The helmet has a helmet shell for receiving a head of a wearer of the helmet and a jaw shield connected to the helmet shell. The helmet shell and the jaw shield define at least in part a helmet aperture. The wearer of the helmet can see through the helmet aperture when wearing the helmet. The jaw shield defines at least one jaw aperture configured to permit air flow therethrough. The deflector includes a deflector body, and at least one connecting protrusion protruding from the deflector body. The at least one connecting protrusion is configured to be at least partially received in the at least one jaw aperture to selectively connect the deflector body to the jaw shield and to at least partially block air flow through the at least one jaw aperture.
In some embodiments, an exterior contour of the at least one connecting protrusion has a first perimeter, the at least one jaw aperture has a second perimeter, and the first perimeter is greater than the second perimeter.
In some embodiments, when connected to the helmet, the deflector body is disposed on an inner side of the jaw shield of the helmet, and the at least one connecting protrusion has a lip configured to engage an outer surface of the jaw shield.
In some embodiments, the at least one connecting protrusion is resiliently deformed in response to being at least partially received in the at least one jaw aperture.
In some embodiments, the at least one connecting protrusion is resiliently deformed in response to being removed from the at least one jaw aperture.
In some embodiments, the deflector body is sized such that an upper portion of the deflector extends vertically higher than the j aw shield when the deflector body is connected to the jaw shield.
In some embodiments, the deflector body is sized such that a lower portion of the deflector extends vertically lower than the jaw shield when the deflector body is connected to the jaw shield.
In some embodiments, in response to the at least one connecting protrusion being at least partially received in the at least one jaw aperture, the deflector body is configured to remain connected to the jaw shield until the connecting protrusion is resiliently deformed to remove the connecting protrusion from the at least one jaw aperture.
In some embodiments, the deflector body is made of a flexible material.
In some embodiments, the at least one jaw aperture is a first jaw aperture and a second jaw aperture, the at least one connecting protrusion is a first connecting protrusion and a second connecting protrusion, the first connecting protrusion is configured to be at least partially received in the first jaw aperture, and the second connecting protrusion is configured to be at least partially received in the second jaw aperture.
In some embodiments, the at least one connecting protrusion defines an opening for permitting air flow through the deflector.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a helmet including a helmet shell for receiving a head of a wearer of the helmet, and a jaw shield connected to the helmet shell. The helmet shell and the jaw shield define at least in part a helmet aperture, the wearer of the helmet seeing through the helmet aperture when wearing the helmet. The jaw shield defines at least one jaw aperture configured to permit air flow therethrough. The helmet also includes a deflector selectively connected to an inner side of the jaw shield. The deflector includes a deflector body, and at least one connecting protrusion protruding from the deflector body. The at least one connecting protrusion is configured to be at least partially received in the at least one jaw aperture to selectively connect the deflector body to the jaw shield and to restrict air flow through the at least one jaw aperture.
In another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a helmet having a helmet shell, left and right holders and a peak. The helmet shell receives a head of a wearer of the helmet. The left and right holders are connected to the helmet, and each of the left and right holders have a first connector and a second connector. The peak has a left connecting portion connected to the left holder and a right connecting portion connected to the right holder. Each of the left and right connecting portions has a third connector and a fourth connector. The first connector of the left holder is rotationally connected to the third connector of the left connecting portion, the first connector of the right holder is rotationally connected to the third connector of the right connecting portion, the second connector of the left holder is selectively connected to the fourth connector of the left connecting portion in one of at least two positions, and the second connector of the right holder is selectively connected to the fourth connector of the right connecting portion in one of at least two positions. In a first configuration, the second connectors are connected to the fourth connectors at the first position, and in a second configuration, the second connectors are connected to the fourth connectors at the second position. The peak is selectively adjustable between the first and second configurations.
In some embodiments, the helmet defines a left recess configured to receive the left holder, and a right recess configured to receive the right holder.
In some embodiments, the left and right holders are removably connected to the helmet.
In some embodiments, the peak is removably connected to the left and right holders.
In some embodiments, the first connectors are first apertures and the third connectors are third protrusions configured to be received in the first apertures.
In some embodiments, the second connectors are second apertures. Each of the second apertures has a first portion defining the first position, a second portion defining the second position, and a linking portion extending between the first portion and the second portion. The fourth connectors are fourth protrusions configured to be received in the second apertures, each of the fourth connectors being moveable via the linking portion between the first portion and the second portion.
In some embodiments, the third connectors of each of the left and right connecting portions of the peak are longitudinally spaced from the fourth connectors of each of the left and right connecting portions.
In some embodiments, the fourth connectors of each of the left and right connecting portions are rearward of the third connectors of each of the left and right connecting portions.
Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.
Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view taken from a front, bottom, left side of a helmet and of a deflector shown removed from the helmet;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view taken from a front, top, left side of a helmet shell and a holder of the helmet of FIG. 1 , with a peak being omitted and the deflector being connected to the helmet;

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view taken from a rear, top, right side of the peak of the helmet of FIG. 1 and the holder of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view taken from a rear, bottom, right side of the peak of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a left side elevation view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with the peak being in a downward configuration;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view taken from a rear right side of the peak and the holder of FIG. 3A connected to one another in the downward configuration;

FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with the peak being in an upward configuration and the deflector being connected to the helmet;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view taken from a rear right side of the peak and the holder of FIG. 3A in the upward configuration;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the helmet of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view of the helmet of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 10-10 of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with the deflector being connected to the helmet;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of the helmet and deflector of FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 13-13 of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of a deflector according to an alternate embodiment of the present technology; and

FIG. 15 is a left side elevation view of the deflector of FIG. 14 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As can be seen in FIG. 1 , a helmet 10 used to protect a head of a wearer includes a helmet shell 12 that defines an inner volume configured to receive the head of the wearer of the helmet 10, a jaw shield 14 connected to a lower part of the helmet shell 12 and a peak 16 connected to an upper part of the helmet shell 12. A helmet aperture 18, defined by the helmet shell 12 and the jaw shield 14, extends symmetrically in both lateral directions from a longitudinal center plane 11 (FIG. 8 ) of the helmet 10, which extends longitudinally along a center of the helmet 10. The helmet aperture 18 allows the wearer of the helmet 10 to see therethrough. The peak 16 is connected to the helmet shell 12 above the helmet aperture 18 by left and right holders 20 (only the left holder 20 being shown in accompanying Figures), which will be described in greater detail below. A deflector 22 according to an embodiment of the present technology, which, as will be described in greater detail below, is selectively connectable to the helmet 10, is also shown.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the jaw shield 14 is integrally formed with the helmet shell 12, but it is contemplated that in other embodiments the jaw shield 14 could be connected to the helmet shell 12 in other ways. For example, the jaw shield 14 could be selectively removable from the helmet shell 12 or could be movable relative to the helmet shell 10. The jaw shield 14 is positioned and shaped to extend in front of and shield a jaw area of the wearer of the helmet 10, as its name suggests. The jaw shield 14 defines two jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b that face generally forward, and two jaw apertures 32 a, 32 b that face generally sideways and partially forward. It is contemplated that the jaw shield 14 could define more or less than four jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b. The jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b are symmetrical about the longitudinal center plane 11, and the jaw apertures 32 a, 32 b are symmetrical about the longitudinal center plane 11. The jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b are defined, respectively, at the front left and front right of the jaw shield 14. The jaw apertures 32 a, 32 b are defined, respectively, on left and right sides of the jaw shield 14, rearwardly of the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b. It is contemplated that the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b could be sized and/or shaped and/or positioned differently than illustrated. For instance, the jaw aperture 30 a could be asymmetrical to the jaw aperture 30 b. The jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b act as vents, and are configured to permit air flow therethrough to the inside the helmet 10, for instance, to cool the head of the wearer of the helmet 10. The jaw shield 14 also includes a nose guard 34 that extends partially within the helmet aperture 18. Shown in FIG. 9 , a microphone 25 is connected to an inner side of the jaw shield 14. The jaw shield 14 defines a channel 15 configured to receive a wire 27 connected to the microphone 25 and to a controller (not shown). The microphone 25, the channel 15 and the wire 27 could be omitted.
Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , on the left and right sides of the helmet 10, at a rear of the jaw shield 14, the helmet 10 has left and right fasteners 36 (only left fastener shown in accompanying Figures). The left and right fasteners 36 are metal snaps. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the left and right fasteners 36 could be other types of fasteners such as clips. The left and right fasteners 36 are configured to connect to a chin strap (not shown) to secure the helmet 10 to the head of the wearer. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the helmet 10 could be configured to be secured to the head of the wearer differently. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the left and right fasteners 36 could be disposed elsewhere on the helmet 10, for instance, at a bottom or an inner side thereof.
Referring to FIG. 2 , the helmet shell 10 defines a left upper recess 50 a and a right upper recess 50 b, which are symmetrical to one another about the longitudinal center plane 11. As will be described in greater detail below, the left and right upper recesses 50 a, 50 b are configured to receive portions of the peak 16 therein. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the left and right upper recesses 50 a, 50 b could be omitted. Towards the front of the left upper recess 50 a, the helmet shell 12 defines a left upper aperture 52 a, and towards the front of the right upper recess 50 b, the helmet shell 12 defines a right upper aperture 52 b. The left and right upper apertures 52 a, 52 b, which are also symmetrical about the longitudinal center plane 11, act as vents and permit air to flow therethrough to the inside the helmet 10. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the left and right upper apertures 52 a, 52 b could be omitted. Within the left upper recess 50 a, the helmet shell 12 defines a left recess 54 configured to receive the left holder 20. Within the right upper recess 50 a, the helmet shell 12 defines a right recess (not shown) configured to receive the right holder (not shown).
The left recess 54 will now be described in detail. The corresponding right recess is a mirror image of the left recess 54 and as such will not be described in detail herein. The left recess 54 is defined by a partly arcuate lower wall 60 and a flat wall 62 that is generally perpendicular to the wall 60. The flat wall 62 defines a front aperture 64 and a rear aperture 66. The front aperture 64, which generally resembles a backwards D, merges with a forward portion of the wall 60 to define a front clip receiving portion 68. The rear aperture 66, which is longitudinally spaced from the front aperture 64, merges with a rearward portion of the wall 60 to define a rear clip receiving portion 69. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the front and rear clip receiving portions 68, 69 could be omitted. In other embodiments, the front and rearward apertures 64, 66 could be recesses. In yet other embodiments, the front and rearward apertures 64, 66 could be omitted.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, 5 and 7 , the helmet 10 also includes the left and right holders 20 that connect the peak 16 to the helmet shell 12. As mentioned above, the left and right holders 20 are configured to be received, respectively, in the left and right recesses 54. As the right holder is a mirror image of the left holder 20, only the left holder 20 will be described in detail herewith.
The left holder 20 has a body 70. At a front thereof, the left holder 20 has a front clip 72 configured to be received in the front clip receiving portion 68. In other embodiments, the left holder 20 could, instead, define a front clip receiving portion configured to receive a front clip disposed in the left recess 54.
Rearwardly from the front clip 72, the body 70 has a front connector 74. The front connector 74 is a front aperture 74. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the front connector 74 could be a recess or a protrusion. The front aperture 74 has an upper portion 76 a defining an upper position, a linking portion 76 b and a lower portion 76 c defining a lower position. The linking portion 76 extends between the upper and lower portions 76 a, 76 c. The front aperture 74 generally defines an hourglass shape such that the front aperture 74 is narrower at the linking portion 76 b than at the upper and lower portions 76 a, 76 c.
Rearwardly from the front aperture 74, the body 70 has four ribs 78 that define three recesses 80 therebetween. The ribs 78 strengthen the body 70. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the ribs 78 and the recesses 80 could be omitted. In other embodiments, there could be a different number of ribs 78 and recesses 80.
Rearwardly of the ribs 78 and recesses 80, the body 70 has a rear connector 84. The rear connector 84 is a rear aperture 84. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the rear connector 84 could be a recess or a protrusion.
Rearwardly of the rear aperture 84, the body 70 has a rear clip 82 configured to be received in the rear clip receiving portion 69. Similarly to the front clip 72, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the left holder 20 could, instead of the rear clip 82, define a rear clip receiving portion configured to receive a rear clip disposed in the left recess 54.
As mentioned above, the left holder 20 is configured to be received in the left recess 54, and the right holder is configured to be received in the right recess. The left and right holders 20 are configured to be retained in their respective recesses 54 by a clipping engagement. More precisely, the front and rear clips 72, 82, which are respectively received in the front and rear clip receiving portions 68, 69, clip to an inner surface of the helmet shell 12. The clipping engagement is such that the left and right holders 20 are removably connected to the helmet 10. It is contemplated, however, that in some embodiments, the left and right recesses 54 could be omitted, and the left and right holders 20 could be configured to connect to an outer surface of the helmet shell 12. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the left and right holders 20 could be integral with the helmet shell 12. It is also connected that the left and right holders 20 could be connected to the helmet shell by fasteners such as threaded fasteners.
Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 5 , the peak 16 has left section 92 a, a right section 92 b and an intermediate section 94. The left and right sections 92 a, 92 b extend generally longitudinally, and the intermediate section 94 extends laterally between front ends of the left and right sections 92 a, 92 b. Thus, the peak 16 defines a recess 96 configured to accommodate to the configuration of the helmet shell 12 (i.e., the presence of left and right upper recesses 50 a, 50 b).
At a rear end of the peak 16, the left section 92 a has a left connecting portion 102 configured to connect to the left holder 20, and the right section 92 b has a right connecting portion (not shown) configured to connect to the right holder (not shown).
As the left connecting portion 102 is a mirror image of the right connecting portion, only the left connecting portion 102 will be described in detail herewith.
Starting from a rear end, the left connecting portion 102 has a rear connector 110. The rear connector 110 includes an upper protrusion 112 a and a lower protrusion 112 b that are configured to be received in the rear aperture 84 of the left holder 20. More precisely, the connection of the upper and lower protrusions 112 a, 112 b with the rear aperture 84 is configured to provide a rotational connection between the left and right holders 120 and the peak 16. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the upper and lower protrusion 112 a, 112 b could be merged such that the rear connector 110 could be a single protrusion. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments, the rear connector 110 could be another connector such as a recess or an aperture complementary to the rear connector 84. The left connecting portion 102 also has two ribs 114 a, 114 b extending upwardly from the upper protrusion 112 a, two ribs 114 c, 114 d extending downwardly from the lower protrusion 112 b as well as a rib 114 e extending between the upper and lower protrusion 112 a, 112 b. The ribs 114 a, 114 b, 114 c, 114 d, 114 e can strengthen the rear connector 110, and could be omitted in some embodiments. In other embodiments, there could be more or fewer ribs.
Forwardly from the rear connector 110, the left connecting portion 102 has a front connector 120. The front connector 120 is a front protrusion 120. The front protrusion 120 is configured to be received the front aperture 74 of the left holder 20. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the front protrusion 120 could be another connector 120 such as recess or an aperture complementary to the front connector 74. The left connecting portion 102 a has ribs 122 a, 122 b, 122 c extending away from the front protrusion 120, and can strengthen the front protrusion 120. The front protrusion 120 is configured to be selectively moveable between the upper and lower portions 76 a, 76 c of the front connector 74 (i.e., selectively moveable between the upper and lower positions). The front protrusion 120 is also configured to have an interference fit with the linking portion 76 b.
Thus, the peak 16 is removably connected to the left and right holders 20. As such, if need be, one of the left and right holders 20 could be replaced with another holder, for example if one of the holders 20 is lost or broken. The peak 16, which connects to the helmet shell 12 by the left and right holder 20, is selectively adjustable between a downward configuration (FIGS. 4 and 5 ) and an upward configuration (FIGS. 6 and 7 ). In other words, the peak 16 is vertically adjustable.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , when the peak 16 is in the downward configuration, the upper and lower protrusions 112 a, 112 b (i.e., the rear connector 110) are rotationally received in the rear aperture 82. The rotational connection between the upper and lower protrusions 112 a, 112 b and the inner surface of the rear aperture 82 can be enabled by low friction therebetween. Also, when the peak 16 is in the downward configuration, the front protrusion 120 is received in the lower portion 76 c, such that the front protrusion 120 is at the lower position.
The configuration of the peak 16 can be adjusted from the downward configuration to the upward configuration by applying an upward force to the peak 16. The force required to adjust the peak 16 is such that wind blowing thereon cannot typically cause the peak 16 to move from one configuration to the other. The peak 16 resists, to some extent, the applied force because of the interference fit between the front protrusion 120 and the linking portion 76 b. By having a user apply a sufficient force, the upper and lower protrusions 112 a, 112 b rotate relative to the inner surface of the rear aperture 82, thereby acting like a pivot, and the front protrusion 120 moves to the upper portion 76 a, resulting in the peak 16 being adjusted to the upward configuration. The connection between the front protrusion 120 and the linking portion 76 b is such that the front protrusion 120 cannot be wedged in the linking portion 76 b (i.e., front protrusion 120 slips to either one of the upper or lower portions 76 a, 76 c).
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the peak 16 is in the upward configuration, the upper and lower protrusions 112 a, 112 b (i.e., the rear connector 110) are still rotationally received in the rear aperture 82, but the front protrusion 120 is received in the upper portion 76 a, such that the front protrusion 120 is at the upper position.
It is understood that in some embodiments of the present technology, the peak 16 could have more than the upward and downward configurations, and thus, could have more than the upper and lower positions. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the position of the connectors 74, 84, 110, 120 could be reversed, such that the connectors 110 of the peak 16 would be disposed forward of the connectors 120 of the peak 20 and the connectors 84 of the holders 20 would be disposed forward of the connectors 74 of the holders 20. It is further contemplated that the peak 16 could be used with different helmets 10. For instance, in some helmets having the peak 16 according to the present technology, the jaw shield 14 could be omitted.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8 to 13 , the deflector 22 will now be described. As can be seen, when the deflector 22 is connected to the helmet 10, the deflector 22 is disposed on an inner side of the jaw shield 14. As such, a shape of the deflector 22 is generally complementary to the inner side of the jaw shield 14.
The deflector 22 has a deflector body 152 that is made of a flexible and resiliently deformable material such as thermoplastic rubber. Thus, the deflector body 152 is configured to remain flexible and resiliently deformable in cold temperatures. In some embodiments, the cold temperatures are below 0° C. In other embodiments, the cold temperatures could be approximately −10° C. or less.
The deflector body 152 has an upper portion 154, an intermediate portion 156 and a lower portion 158. The deflector body 152 is sized such that when the deflector 22 is connected to the helmet 10, the upper portion 154 extends vertically higher than the nose guard 34 of the jaw shield 14 whereas the lower portion 158 extends vertically lower than the jaw shield 14. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, one or both of the upper and lower portions 154, 156 could be omitted.
Focusing on the intermediate portion 156, the deflector 22 defines a front aperture 161 at a front, middle section of the deflector body 152. The front aperture 161 is configured to generally align with the microphone 25. Thus, the presence of the front aperture 161 ensures that the deflector 22 does not act as a noise barrier. In some embodiments, the front aperture 161 could be omitted.
The deflector 22 has a connecting protrusion 160 a protruding from a left side of the deflector body 152 and a connecting protrusion 160 b protruding from a right side of the deflector body 152. The connecting protrusions 160 a, 160 b, which are configured to be received at least partially, respectively, in the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, are symmetrical about a longitudinal center plane 151 (FIG. 13 ) of the deflector 22. Best seen in FIG. 13 , the connecting protrusion 160 a has a lip 161 a extending outwardly from a top thereof and the connecting protrusion 160 b has a lip 161 b extending outwardly from a top thereof. As will be described in greater detail below, the lips 161 a, 161 b are configured to engage an outer surface of the jaw shield 14 to retain the deflector 22 to the helmet 10.
The deflector 22 further has a connecting protrusion 162 a protruding from the left side of the deflector body 152, rearwardly of the connecting protrusion 160 a. The deflector 22 also has a connecting protrusion 162 b protruding from the right side of the deflector body 152, rearwardly of the connecting protrusion 160 b. The connecting protrusions 162 a, 162 b, which are configured to be received, respectively, in the jaw apertures 32 a, 32 b, are symmetrical about the longitudinal center plane 151. Best seen in FIG. 13 , the connecting protrusion 162 a has a lip 163 a extending outwardly from a top thereof and the connecting protrusion 162 b has a lip 163 b extending outwardly from a top thereof. As will be described in greater detail below, the lips 163 a, 163 b are configured to engage the outer surface of the jaw shield 14 to retain the deflector 22 to the helmet 10.
It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the deflector 22 could have more or less connecting protrusions.
The lips 161 a, 161 b, 163 a, 163 b each have a connecting protrusion perimeter that is greater than a perimeter of their corresponding jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b. In some embodiments, where the lips 161 a, 161 b, 163 a, 163 b are omitted, the connecting protrusion perimeters could be measured elsewhere along the connecting protrusions 160 a, 160 b, 162 a, 162 b.
As best seen in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the connecting protrusions 160 a, 160 b, 162 a, 162 b, which are flexible and resiliently deformable, are hollow (i.e., concave as viewed from a rear side of the deflector 22). This can help reduce the material required to manufacture the deflector 22. In addition, this makes the connecting protrusions 160 a, 160 b, 162 a, 162 b more flexible and easier to deform. Furthermore, the hollow aspect can make it easier for one to handle the deflector 22.
To connect to deflector 22 to the helmet 10, the deflector 22 is resiliently deformed. More precisely, the deflector 22 is disposed on an inner side of the jaw shield 14 such that the connecting protrusion 160 a is aligned to the jaw aperture 30 a, the connecting protrusion 160 b is aligned with the jaw aperture 30 b, the connecting protrusion 162 a is aligned with the jaw aperture 32 a and the connecting protrusion 160 b is aligned with the jaw aperture 32 b. However, as the connecting protrusions 160 a, 160 b, 162 a, 162 b are generally sized larger than the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b, the connecting protrusions 160 a, 160 b, 162 a, 162 b must be resiliently deformed to be received in the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b. This is achieved by manually pushing the connecting protrusions 160 a, 160 b, 162 a, 162 b through the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b.
Once the connecting protrusions 160 a, 160 b, 162 a, 162 b are received in the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b, the lips 161 a, 161 b, 163 a, 163 b engage the outer surface of the jaw shield 14 thereby retaining the deflector 22 to the jaw shield 14. In addition, the wire 27 that is connected to the microphone 25 and received in the channel 15, is disposed between the deflector 22 and the helmet shell 12.
When the deflector 22 is connected to the helmet 10, the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b are obstructed, such that the air flow is blocked. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the deflector 22 could be configured to at least partially block the air flow. For instance, the connecting protrusions 160 a, 160 b, 162 a, 162 b could each define an aperture, which would result in restricting the air flow. In addition, when the deflector 22 is connected to the helmet 10, the deflector 22 can deflect elements such as water drops and dust. The deflector 22 is configured to remain connected to the helmet 10 so long as the connecting protrusions 160 a, 160 b, 162 a, 162 b are received in the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b. Thus, the deflector 22 is configured to not be disconnected by air blowing onto the helmet 10.
To disconnect the deflector 22 from the helmet 10, the connecting protrusions 160 a, 160 b, 162 a, 162 b are resiliently deformed and removed from the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b. This can be done by simply manually pulling the deflector 22 away from the jaw shield 14. Once the deflector 22 has been disconnected, the deflector 140 can be folded and placed into a pocket or a storage due to its flexible nature.
With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 , a deflector 22′, which is an alternative embodiment of the deflector 22 described above, will now be described. Features of the deflector 22′ that are similar to those of the deflector 22 will not be described again in detail.
The deflector 22′ has a deflector body 252, which has a left body portion 254 a, a right body portion 254 b and a connecting portion 256.
The connecting portion 256 extends between, and connects, the left and right body portions 254 a, 254 b. It is to be noted that the connecting portion 256 is connected to lower ends of the left and right body portion 254 a, 254 b, such that when the deflector 22′ is connected to the helmet 10, the connection portion 256 is offset from the microphone 25, and thus, does not act as a noise barrier. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the connecting portion 256 could be omitted, such that the deflector 22′ could be made of two or more distinct bodies.
The deflector 22′ has a connecting protrusion 260 a protruding from the left body portion 254 a, and a connecting protrusion 260 b protruding from the right body portion 254 b. The connecting protrusions 260 a, 260 b, which are configured to be received at least partially, respectively, in the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, are symmetrical about a longitudinal center plane 251 of the deflector 22′. Similarly to the connecting protrusions 160 a, 160 b of the deflector 22, the connecting protrusion 260 a has a lip 261 a extending outwardly from an outer surface thereof and the connecting protrusion 260 b also has a lip 261 b extending outwardly from an outer surface thereof. As mentioned above with respect to lips 161 a, 161 b, the lips 261 a, 261 b are configured to engage an outer surface of the jaw shield 14 to retain the deflector 22′ to the helmet 10. Additionally, the connecting protrusion 260 a defines three openings 265 a, and the connecting protrusion 260 b defines three openings 265 b. More specifically, the connecting protrusion 260 a has tabs 267 a delimiting the openings 265 a, and the connecting protrusion 260 b has tabs 267 b delimiting the openings 265 b. The tabs 267 a, 267 b are oriented at an angle relative to a surface of the deflector body 252 (i.e., tilted). It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the tabs 267 a, 267 b could be straight relative to the surface of the deflector body 252. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the connecting protrusions 260 a, 260 b could each define more or fewer than three openings 265 a, 265 b. Furthermore, the size and shape of the openings 265 a, 265 b could vary from one embodiment to another. As will be described below, the openings 265 a, 265 b are configured to permit air to flow therethrough, whereas the tabs 267 a, 267 b are configured to deflect elements such as, for example, water droplets, dust and insects.
The deflector 22′ further has a connecting protrusion 262 a protruding from the left body portion 254 a, rearwardly from the connecting protrusion 260 a. The deflector 22′ also has a connecting protrusion 262 b protruding from the right body portion 254 b, rearwardly from the connecting protrusion 260 b. The connecting protrusions 262 a, 262 b, which are configured to be received, respectively, in the jaw apertures 32 a, 32 b, are symmetrical about the longitudinal center plane 251. The connecting protrusion 262 a has a lip 263 a extending outwardly from an outer surface thereof and the connecting protrusion 262 b has a lip 263 b extending outwardly from an outer surface thereof. As mentioned above with respect to lips 163 a, 163 b, the lips 263 a, 263 b are configured to engage the outer surface of the jaw shield 14 to retain the deflector 22′ to the helmet 10. Additionally, the connecting protrusion 262 a defines eight openings 266 a, and the connecting protrusion 262 b defines eight openings 266 b. Specifically, the connecting protrusion 262 a has tabs 269 a delimiting the openings 266 a, and the connecting protrusion 262 b has tabs 269 b delimiting the openings 262 b. The tabs 269 a, 269 b are oriented at an angle relative to a surface of the deflector body 252 (i.e., tilted). It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the tabs 269 a, 269 b could be straight relative to the surface of the deflector body 252. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the connecting protrusions 262 a, 262 b could define more or fewer than eight openings 266 a, 266 b. Furthermore, the size and shape of the openings 266 a, 266 b could vary from one embodiment to another. As will be described below, the openings 266 a, 266 b are configured to permit air to flow therethrough, whereas the tabs 269 a, 269 b are configured to deflect elements such as, for example, water droplets, dusts and insects. The connecting protrusions 262 a, 262 b also have a reinforcing segment 270 (only reinforcing segment 270 of the connecting protrusion 262 a is shown in accompanying Figures) that is connected to the tabs 269 a, 269 b. The reinforcing segment 270 assists the tabs 269 a, 269 b in retaining their shape when subjected to high winds. In some embodiments, the reinforcing segment 270 could be omitted.
It is contemplated, the deflector 22′ could have more or less connecting protrusions. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, only some of the connecting protrusions 260 a, 260 b, 262 a, 262 b, could define openings.
The lips 261 a, 261 b, 263 a, 263 b each have a connecting protrusion perimeter that is greater than a perimeter of their corresponding jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b.
The connecting protrusions 260 a, 260 b, 262 a, 262 b are flexible and resiliently deformable. In some embodiments, the connecting protrusions 260 a, 260 b, 262 a, 262 b may be hollow.
When the deflector 22′ is connected to the helmet 10, the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b are not fully obstructed (i.e., air flow through the jaw apertures 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b is only partially blocked), since the openings 265 a, 265 b, 266 a, 266 b enable some air to flow therethrough. That being said, the deflector 22′, thanks to the tabs 267 a, 267 b, 269 a, 269 b can still deflect elements such as water droplets, dust and insects. Furthermore, the tabs 267 a, 267 b, 269 a, 269 b being at an angle can assist in deflecting air flowing through the openings 265 a, 265 b, 266 a, 266 b, which can increase comfort of the wearer of the helmet 10.
Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A deflector selectively connectable to a helmet,

the helmet having:

a helmet shell for receiving a head of a wearer of the helmet;

a jaw shield connected to the helmet shell;

the helmet shell and the jaw shield defining at least in part a helmet aperture, the wearer of the helmet seeing through the helmet aperture when wearing the helmet;

the jaw shield defining at least one jaw aperture configured to permit air flow therethrough;

the deflector comprising:

a deflector body; and

at least one connecting protrusion protruding from the deflector body, the at least one connecting protrusion being configured to be at least partially received in the at least one jaw aperture to selectively connect the deflector body to the jaw shield and to at least partially block air flow through the at least one jaw aperture.

2. The deflector of claim 1, wherein an exterior contour of the at least one connecting protrusion has a first perimeter, the at least one jaw aperture has a second perimeter, and the first perimeter is greater than the second perimeter.

3. The deflector of claim 1, wherein:

when connected to the helmet, the deflector body is disposed on an inner side of the jaw shield of the helmet; and

the at least one connecting protrusion has a lip configured to engage an outer surface of the jaw shield.

4. The deflector of claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting protrusion is resiliently deformed in response to being at least partially received in the at least one jaw aperture.

5. The deflector of claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting protrusion is resiliently deformed in response to being removed from the at least one jaw aperture.

6. The deflector of claim 1, wherein the deflector body is sized such that an upper portion of the deflector extends vertically higher than the jaw shield when the deflector body is connected to the jaw shield.

7. The deflector of claim 1, wherein the deflector body is sized such that a lower portion of the deflector extends vertically lower than the jaw shield when the deflector body is connected to the jaw shield.

8. The deflector of claim 1, wherein in response to the at least one connecting protrusion being at least partially received in the at least one jaw aperture, the deflector body is configured to remain connected to the jaw shield until the connecting protrusion is resiliently deformed to remove the connecting protrusion from the at least one jaw aperture.

9. The deflector of claim 1, wherein the deflector body is made of a flexible material.

10. The deflector of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one jaw aperture is a first jaw aperture and a second jaw aperture; and

the at least one connecting protrusion is a first connecting protrusion and a second connecting protrusion,

the first connecting protrusion is configured to be at least partially received in the first jaw aperture, and

the second connecting protrusion is configured to be at least partially received in the second jaw aperture.

11. The deflector of claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting protrusion defines an opening for permitting air flow through the deflector.

12. A helmet comprising:

a helmet shell for receiving a head of a wearer of the helmet;

a jaw shield connected to the helmet shell;

a deflector selectively connected to an inner side of the jaw shield, the deflector comprising:

a deflector body; and

at least one connecting protrusion protruding from the deflector body, the at least one connecting protrusion being configured to be at least partially received in the at least one jaw aperture to selectively connect the deflector body to the jaw shield and to restrict air flow through the at least one jaw aperture.

13. A helmet comprising:

a helmet shell for receiving a head of a wearer of the helmet;

left and right holders connected to the helmet, each of the left and right holders having a first connector and a second connector; and

a peak having a left connecting portion connected to the left holder and a right connecting portion connected to the right holder, each of the left and right connecting portions having a third connector and a fourth connector,

the first connector of the left holder being rotationally connected to the third connector of the left connecting portion;

the first connector of the right holder being rotationally connected to the third connector of the right connecting portion;

the second connector of the left holder being selectively connected to the fourth connector of the left connecting portion in one of at least two positions; and

the second connector of the right holder being selectively connected to the fourth connector of the right connecting portion in one of at least two positions,

in a first configuration, the second connectors are connected to the fourth connectors at the first position; and

in a second configuration, the second connectors are connected to the fourth connectors at the second position,

the peak being selectively adjustable between the first and second configurations.

14. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the helmet defines a left recess configured to receive the left holder, and a right recess configured to receive the right holder.

15. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the left and right holders are removably connected to the helmet.

16. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the peak is removably connected to the left and right holders.

17. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the first connectors are first apertures and the third connectors are third protrusions configured to be received in the first apertures.

18. The helmet of claim 13, wherein:

the second connectors are second apertures, each of the second apertures has:

a first portion defining the first position,

a second portion defining the second position, and

a linking portion extending between the first portion and the second portion, and

the fourth connectors are fourth protrusions configured to be received in the second apertures, each of the fourth connectors being moveable via the linking portion between the first portion and the second portion.

19. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the third connectors of each of the left and right connecting portions of the peak are longitudinally spaced from the fourth connectors of each of the left and right connecting portions.

20. The helmet of claim 19, wherein the fourth connectors of each of the left and right connecting portions are rearward of the third connectors of each of the left and right connecting portions.