Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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~IELD OF THF INVENTION:
_ _
This invention relates to helmets, particularly to helmets
intended for use by athletes; and specifically, this invention
relates to helmets which are adjustable in size and which are
intended to be worn by hockey players of all sizes and ages.
The present invention, therefore, is directed to persons, both
children and adults, male and female, who may play hockey
either for recreation or as a profession. In addition,
helmets according to the present invention may also be worn by
other athletes, particularly such as lacrosse players, and as
well by cyclists, boxers and the like, or by motorcycle riders;
or such helmets may also be worn by persons in the military,
e.g., airplane pilots or crew.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
As noted, helmets according to the present invention may
find considerably wider use than simply by hockey players (or
lacrosse players, who tend to use much the same protective
equipment for their hands, arms and upper torso, and heads, as
hockey players). However, this discussion is directed towards
the present invention and its particular adaptability for use
as a hockey helmet, having regard to the nature of that game as
opposed, say, to American football; and having further regard
to the safety standards which such helmets must pass before
being permitted to be marketed or used in organized hockey
leagues.
27 Several particular features of helmets according to the
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present invention distinguish them from helmets such as those
worn by persons who are playing American (or Canadian)
football. Football helmets generally tend to be quite smooth
in configuration, and heavily padded in their interior. This
is because the helnlet is not only worn for protection against
head injuries, the player may sometime use it somewhat as a
battering ram; and in any event, the player is more subject to
disruptive and sudden head movements due to the body contact
nature of that game, than is a hockey player. Moreover,
football players have bare hands, and very often have the duty
of stopping a player from the opposing team by grasping or
blocking that player using their hands or bodies. Such is not
the case, however, with hockey or lacrosse, in particular.
Moreover, football players tend very often to take their
helmets off between plays, or when they go to the sidelines;
whereas hockey players (and lacrosse players) do not because
they wear bulky gloves and carry a stick in one or both hands.
Thus, it is of considerably greater importance that a hockey
helmet be properly ventilated, so as to keep the head cool, and
to promote faster evaporation of perspiration from around the
head.
The other major distinction between hockey helmets and
ordinary football helmets, and a principal feature of this
invention as compared with previous hoclcey helmets, is the
matter of adjustability. That is, helmets according to the
present invention can be more specifically fitted to a variety
27 of sizes -- and indeed shapes -- of heads, using the same
standard components which may be mass-produced in quantity. In
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other words, helmet~ according to the present invention may be
produced from the same molds and al]. have the same sizes of
individual pieces, but be sufficiently adjustable as to
accommodate the head of a young person who is just learning to
play hockey as well as the head of a professional hockey player
or other adult.
In general, hockey equiment, even for young players -- and
especially helmets -- tends to be individually owned rather
than supplied by a team for use during a game or during a
specific series of plays in a game. Thus, each individual
tends to want to adjust a hockey helmet which he will wear
during the entire duration of a game, and throughout the season
and perhaps from season to season, so that it is most
comfortable on him. However, such adjustability has not
generally been practicable nor even possible in previous hockey
helmets.
It is generally recognized that the human head is
elliptoid; that is, the head gets longer in length from front
to back, as it gets wider from side to side and higher,
particularly in the crown portion above the ears. Also, it is
the purpose for hockey helmets to preclude serious head
injuries, which are not generally due to the impact of the
shell of the helmet on the skull -- at which time the liner of
the helmet has substantially totally compressed -- and to
preclude any substantial impact of the brain on the interior of
the skull. The brain is surrounded by a viscous fluid which
27 acts somewhat as a shock absorber, but if an impact force of
sufficient magnitude is transmitted to the skull such that the
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brain moves to the extent that it collides with the interior of
the skull, concussion or other serious brain damage can occur.
Thus, a principal concern, and a measure of the
acceptability of hockey helmets for entry to the market and use
in organized hockey leagues oE all types, is the ability of a
hockey helmet to a~sorb specific forces. Those standards are
generally such as those which have been set forth by the
Canadian Standards Association standard for hockey helmets,
namely publication no. Z262.1-1975, and are generally
internationally accepted. The forces which a hockey helmet
must withstand are generally those which are sufficient to
cause concussion, and may not necessarily be below the limit
which would cause a minor bump or bruise to the outer surface
of the skull.
As to the matter of ventilation, it is not only important
that there be free space within the interior of the helmet to
permit evaporation of perspiration, the free space should be
channeled or connected to other areas of free space to permit
air flow. Moreover, the helmet should be well ventilated to
the exterior so as to permit airflow in and out of the helmet,
and to promote cooling and to carry off moist and warm air from
within the helmet to the outside. However, it is important to
note that the liner within a helmet should contact the skull in
all of the correct places, and particularly in the centre of
the top of the helmet, the centre of the back of the helmet,
and the centre of each side of the helmet.
27 Still further, the design of the helmet must be such that
the shell will distribute the force of impact, and absorb some
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of the force of impact due to the spr;nginess of the ribs that
are formed within the helmet as discussed hereafter; and the
liner must absorb the remaining force of impact without
transmitting that impact force to the skull beneath it. Thus,
where the liner is secured to the shell by way o~ rivets or
bolts, or where the shell pieces are secu~ed one to another by
way of nuts or bolts for purposes of adjustment, all of those
rivets or bolts must be located in places where they are least
likely to receive or transmit a force of impact directly to the
skull. Thus, the liner which is placed within the shell must
contact the skull in areas between the ribs which are formed in
the shell, so as to provide the requisite shock absorption, and
to assure that the helmet fits to the head after proper
adjustment.
DISCUSSION OF THI~ PRIOR ART.
Several patents of note, each of which refers to helmets
Icnown in the prior art -- altnough not all are hockey helmets
-- are discussed bri.efly hereafter, with reference to the
problems inherent in such helmets and the manner by wh:ich a
helmet according to the present invention overcomes those
problems or distinguishes over the prior art helmets.
One of the earlier hockey helrnets is that which is
described in Cana~ian Patent 706,563, issued ~larch 30, 1965,to
C~IILD. That helmet merely provides two co-operatin~ sections,
which are adjustable with respect one to other by way of a pair
27 of fastening means at each side of the helmet, passed through
each of a pair of slots in one of the sections and through one
S~
each of a pair of slots in one of the sections and through one
slot in the other of the sections, so that adjustment is
possible by changing the effective longitudinal cross-section
of the helmet. However, the helmet leaves great areas of the
skull exposed, through which the blade of a hockey stick or the
tip of skates might pass, and it leaves the lower portion of
the back of the skull substantially exposed and unprotected.
Another Canadian Patent, 730,337, issued March 22, 1966,
to SHAW, teaches a patent which has two sections, one of which
covers the top and rear portions of the head, the other of
which covers the forehead portion of the head. However, a
substantial area of the head above the forehead is left open.
Ribs are incorporated in the helmet at the rear and top
portions thereof, to absorb and deflect the force of impact.
TURNER ET AL, in United States Patent 2,634,415, issued
April 14, 1953, teach a football helmet which is quite heavy,
being very thickly padded on its interior, and having a number
of ventilating holes extending to the exterior of the helmet.
However, with minor exceptions, there is no provision made for
circulation of air within the helmet, and none for
adjustability.
LATINA, in United States Patent 3,629,864, issued December
28, 1971, teaches a hockey helmet which provides Eor adjustment
to various head sizes by varying the connection points of a
crownpiece to a back piece. A plurality of holes are provided
on the back of the back piece and on each side thereof, so that
27 the head cavity may be enlarged lengthwise and heightwise --
but not in width. A number of very large gaps are left in the
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helmet, through which a hockey stick or skate might extend.
One further prior art patent is that issued to O'CONNOR,
United States Patent 3,783,450, dated January 8, 1974. That
hockey helmet has a single piece outer shell, with a number of
ribs formed lengthwise of the shell, and a number of openings
formed in the ribs so that they provide air passages within the
shell for cooling. However, the only way that the O'Connor
helmet can be made to accommodate different sizes of heads is
to insert different thicknesses of pads into the single piece
shell. Thus, warehousing and inventory of such helmets must be
sufficient to accommodate all different size requirements; and
moreover, as a child grows to an adult, he may constantly be
required to replace his helmet with one which is larger because
of the inability to otherwise adjust the helmet which he has
been wearing.
However, helmets according to the present invention
overcome the difficulties enumerated above, by providing for
adjustment not only in length but in height and width; and by
providing sufficient space for air flow within the helmet and
from the interior of the helmet to the exterior thereof,
whether the wearer is stationary or is moving during the play
of a game.
Moreover, the present invention provides a helmet which
leaves no essential area of the skull of the wearer exposed,
especially at the back of the head at the nape of the neck, and
in the temple areas. Still further, the present invention
provides a helmet which overcomes the difficulties of most two
piece hockey helmets -- apart from very limited adjustability
45~
in height or in width -- and that is that most two piece
helmets have a parting line diagonally across the head so that
as they are adjusted to accommodate larger heads, a gap is left
behind the ear or over the ear, through which a hockey stick or
skate might intrude and cause severe injury to the skull.
Moreover, it has been determined that helmets which
comprise three pieces will not normally overcome all of the
above problems; because if the helmet is designed to split
behind the ear, the ear opening moves forward for larger sizes
which puts pressure on the ear; or if the helmet splits in
front of the temple, the temple protector must move backward
when adjusted, which would then expose part of the temple; or
if the helmet splits over the ear opening, the ear opening
would become too wide, thus leaving part of the head
unprotected.
As a practical matter, it must be considered that if a
helmet is to adjust to fit, say, North American head sizes from
6.5 to 8, this requires that the hat band circumference of the
helmet must range from about 20.5 inches to more than 25
inches. Thus, the more adjustment places there are around the
circumference of a helmet, the less amount of adjustment is
required at each place. For example, a two piece helmet may
require adjustments of more than 2.5 at each side, if a single
helmet is to accommodate the entire si~e range mentioned above.
Li~ewise, a three piece helmet or a two piece helmet having a
crown also requires a very wide range of adjustment
27 accommodation (See, for example, LATINA, United States
Patent 3,629,864, referred to above.)
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Moreover, even if four piece helmets are considered,
such as by the provision of a top piece, a front piece and two
side pieces with a seam at the centre back, any adjustment
results in twice as much increase in width at the front of the
helmet than at the back of the helmet.
When the helmet has five pieces, as in the present
invention, the circumference of the helmet can be split at the
temple on each side and behind the ear on each side, with the
top being capable of moving essentially straight up with
reference to the sides, so that each adjustment around the
circumference of the helmet needs only to be slightly greater
than 1 inch to accommodate the entire size range mentioned
above. Still further, there is no requirement for different
liners or additional padding or pegs such as have been provided
in the past to adjust helmets to different sized heads, so that
manufacture and inventory of a single helmet having five
pieces, with identical liner pieces for all, will accommodate
the full range of head sizes intended.
Thus, the present invention provides a five piece helmet
which comprises a pair of side pieces, a top piece, a Eront
piece, and a back piece. Each of the side pieces has forward,
upper and rear portions, the side pieces being adapted to
generally accommodate each side, respectively of a human head.
The top piece is generally downwardly concave and has forward,
rear and side portions, each of whlch has a lower portion; the
top piece being adapted to generally accommodate at least the
27 upper portion of a human head. The front piece is generally
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rearwardly curved, and is adapted to accommodate at least the
forehead portion o~ a human head; the front piece having an
upper portion, and a rear portion at each side thereof. Ihe
back piece is generally forwardly curved and is adapted to
accommodate the rear portion of a human head. The back piece
has an upper portion, and a forward portion at each side
thereof. The front and back pieces are secured at their
respective rear and forward portions to the respective forward
and rear portions of each of the pair of side pieces; and the
top piece is secured at least to both side pieces at their
respective upper portions.
In a preferred embodiment, as discussed hereafter, the top
portion is secured to the side portions and to the upper rear
portions of the front piece at each side and the upper front
portions of the back piece at each side.
The adjustability of the helmet is particularly provided
by slots which are formed in the front and back pieces and the
top piece, so that they may move forwardly, rearwardly and
upwardly, respectively, with respect to the side pieces.
Moreover, the slots are generally formed where there is
curvature, so that adjustment forwardly or rearwardly of the
front or back pieces, respectively, or upwardly of the top
piece, is accompanied by an accompanying relative movement of
the side pieces outward one from the other; so as to
accommodate extra width as the length and height of the helmet
are increased.
27
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BRIEF SU~IMARY O~ THE INVENTION:
It is a purpose, therefore, of the present invention to
provide an adjustable helmet, in particular a hockey helmet but
which may be worn for other purposes, and which is adjustable
in length, width and height, to accommodate a wide range of
human head sizes.
A further purpose of this invention is to provide such a
helmet as discussed above, where the same liner pieces can be
used in the helmet for all sizes of head to be accommodated by
it.
Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a
helmet that gives good ventilation, while protecting the head
of the wearer.
A principle feature of the present invention is the fact
that the helmet may be easily and relatively inexpensively
manufactured and assembled.
Another object of this invention is to provide a helmet
where different ear sling or jaw protection pieces may be
provided, without otherwise affecting the function or
adjustability of the helmet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
These and other features and objects of the present
invention are more fully discussed hereafter, in association
~ith the accompanying drawings, in which:
~ igure 1 is an exploded view showing the parts of the
shell of the helmet, and showing generally their assembly one
to another;
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Figure 2 is a perspective view of an assembled helmet, as
seen from an upper front left quarter;
Figure 3 is an exploded view showing the general
relationship of the llner pieces one to another, but outside a
helmet;
Figure 4 is a view of the ~ront liner piece in the
direction of arrow 4 of Figure 3, as it is molded flat;
Figure 5 is a view of the top liner piece in the direction
of arrow 5 of Figure 3, as it is molded flat;
Figure 6 is a view of a helmet from a rear left quarter,
showing a different ear sling;
Figure 7 is a cross-section of a helmet shell, such as
that of Figure 2, on ~he centre line thereof, with the relative
positions of the liner pieces being shown in ghost lines;
Figure 8 is a side view of a helmet according to this
invention, when fully expanded to its largest size; and,
Figure 9 is a side view of a helmet according to this
invention when in its smaller size, with the outer outline of
the same helmet when expanded to its largest size as in Figure
8, being shown in ghost lines.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERKED E~I~ODIMENTS:
As mentioned, the present invention provides a helmet,
which has a shell shown generally at 10 in Figure 1, and a
liner which is shown generally at 12 in Figure 3. The shell 10
comprises ~ive pieces, namely: left and right side pieces 14
27 and 16; top piece 18; front piece 20; and back piece 22. The
liner 12 comprises a top liner piece 24, a front liner piece 26
12
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and a rear liner piece 28.
Referring specifically to Figure 1, it is seen that the
shell pieces comprise the following general characteristics.
Each of the side pieces 14 and 16 is generally adapted to
accommodate the left and right sides, respectively, of a human
head. An opening 30 is provided in each side piece, for the
ear; and as is discussed hereafter, the side pieces may have a
somewhat different configuration. Each side piece 14 and 16
has respective forward, upper and rear portions. In the
forward portions of each, a hole 32 is formed, and in the
respective rear portions of each there is a hole 34. In the
upper portions of each side piece 14 and 16 there is a front
hole 36 and a rear hole 38. The purposes of the holes are
discussed in greater detail hereafter.
The top piece 18 is generally downwardly concave, and has
forward, rear and side portions, each of which has a lower
portion. Obviously, the top piece 18 is generally adapted to
accommodate at least the upper portion of a human head. In the
front lower portions at each side of the top 18, there is a
slot 40, only the left one of which is visible in Figure 1.
Likewise, in the rear portion of each side of the top 18, there
is a similar slot 42. lhe orientation and purpose of the slots
40 and 42 is discussed in greater detail hereafter.
The front piece 20 is generally rearwardly curved, so that
it is adapted to generally accommodate at least the forehead
portion of a human head. However, generally the front piece
27 20 also includes a pair of downwardly extending legs 44, which
serve to protect part of the jaw of the face. In any event,
13
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the front piece 20 has an upper portion and a rear portion at
each side of the front piece. In the upper portion of the front
piece 20, at each side thereof, there is formed a slot 46. In
the lower rear portion of the front piece 20, at each side
thereof, there is formed a slot 48. Once again, the purpose of
slots 46 and 48 is discussed in greater detail hereafter.
The back piece 22 is generally forwardly curved, and is
adapted to accommodate the rear portion of a human head. The
back piece 22 has an upper portion, and a forward portion at
each side thereof. There is a slot 50 formed in the upper
portion of the back piece 22, at each side thereof; and there
is a further slot 52 formed in the lower portion at each side
of the back piece 22. As has been mentioned before, the
particular purpose of the slots 50 and 52 is discussed in
greater detail hereafter.
Likewise, a number of the other features evident in Figure
1, with respect to each of the pieces of shell, such as the
ventilation openings and the rib structures, are discussed in
greater detail hereafter.
The assembly oE the shell of the helmet according to the
present invention, is such that the front and back pieces 20
and 22 are secured at their respective rear and forward
portions to the respective forward and rear portions of each of
the side pieces 14 and 16. Likewise, the top piece 18 is
secured at least to both side pieces 14 and 16 at their
respective upper portions.
27 It will be seen hereafter that, in either of the preferred
embodiments, the top piece is secured not only to both side
14
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pieces, but also to the front and back pieces of the shell.
However, it will also become evident hereafter that the
adjustability of the helmet according to the present invention
can also be provided by separate securement of the side pieces
to the front and back pieces and to the top piece.
In general terms, the shell is assembled using a plurality
of screws and mating nuts into which the screws are fitted.
The dimensions of the nuts and screws are such that the nuts
fit into recesses in the shell pieces, except for a head, and
the screws thread into the nuts except for their heads. Thus,
the heads of the nuts and screws are on each side of the helmet
pieces where assembly takes place, but do not protrude more
than a minimal amount from the surface at each place.
Clearly, the assembly of the front piece to the side
pieces is by use of nuts 54 and screws 56, two of which are
passed through a pair of openings in the rear portions of the
front piece 20 at each side thereof, and a pair of openings at
the front portions of the respective side pieces 14 and 16.
At least one of each of the co-operating pairs of openings
which accommodates the nut 54 and screw 56 cornbination, is a
slot.
Generally, it is most convenient for the slots to be those
slots 46 and 48 which are formed ln the front piece 20 at each
side thereof. The slots 46 and 4~ are oriented generally in a
front-to-back manner, with respect to a front-to-back axis of
the helmet.
27 Likewise, the securement of the back piece 22 to the side
pieces 14 and 16 is by way of co-operating openings, where at
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least one of the openings is a slot. In this case, the slots
50 and 52 co-operate with holes 38 and 34 in eacll of the side
pieces 14 and 16 at each respective side of the back piece 22,
to receive the nut and screw combination 54, 56 in each case.
Also, as in the front piece 20, the slots S0 and 52 in the back
piece are generally in a front-to-back orientation, with
respect to a front-to-back axis of the helmet.
The securement of the top piece 18 to the side pieces 14
and 16 is also by way of nut and screw combinations 54, 56. In
this case, at least one of the co-operating pairs of openings
for each nut and screw combination 54, 56 by which securement
of the top piece 1~ to the side pieces 14 and 16 is achieved,
is a slot which is oriented in a generally up-to-down manner
with respect to a vertical axis of the helmet.
As mentioned, it is possible that the securement of the
top 18 to the side pieces 14 and 16 may be by different
fastenings means than the securement of the upper portions of
the front and back pieces 22 to the respective upper portion of
the side pieces 14 and 16. However, it is more convenient, and
provides a stronger and more easily adjusted helmet structure,
when all of the securement is at each corner oE the helrnet --
i.e., at the left and right front corners and at the left and
right rear corners. Thus, as indicated in Figure 1, the screw
56 and nut 54 which secure the left front portion of the top
piece 18 to the side piece 14, also secure the leEt rear upper
portion of the front piece 20 to the side piece 14, by being
27 passed through slot 40, hole 36 and slot 46, respectively. In
like manner, the nut and screw combination 54, 56 at the left
16
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rear of the shell 10 which secures the top piece 18 to the side
piece 14 also secures the baclc piece 22 in its upper portion to
the upper portion of the side piece 14, by being passed through
sLot 42, hole 38 and slot 50, respectively.
It is evident that the slots 46 and 48 of the front piece
20, the slots 50 and 52 of back piece 22, and the slots 40 and
42 of the top piece 18, could all be formed with their
respective front-to-back or up-to-down orientations in the side
pieces 14 and 16. However, for purposes of adjustability, and
especially considering that the adjustment of the front and
back pieces and of the top piece are all substantially with
respect to the side pieces, and moreover considering the
strength of the materials especially where right angled slots
may be formed as would otherwise be the case, it is more
convenient and stronger to form the slots in the front, back
and top pieces and to have only holes formed in the side
pieces.
The assembly of the liner 12 into the shell 10 of a helmet
according to the present invention may be by way of suitable
adhesives, or by screw and nut combinations, or by rivets. In
any event, the top liner piece 24 is assembled into the shell
by being secured to the central. underside of the top piece 18
of the shell. Likewise, the front liner piece 26 is secured to
the inner surface of the front piece 20 of the shell; and the
back liner piece 28 is secured to the inside surface of the
back piece 22 of the shel.l.
27 It is ncw evident that the assembly of a five piece helmet
according to the present invention -- assuming that, prior to
1~5~5S~
the assembly, the liner pieces are secured to the respective
top, front and back pieces oE the shell -- is very easily
accomplished simply by passing eight nut and screw combinations
through the appropriate slots and holes. Having regard to the
general shape of the pieces of the shel], it will be noted that
where each of the slots 46 and 48 is formed in the rear
portions of the piece 20, those portions are curved rearwardly
and outwardly. Likewise, where the slots 50 and 52 are formed
in the forward portions of the back piece 22, those portions
are curved forwardly and outwardly. Still further, where the
slots 40 and 42 are formed in the lower portions of the top
piece 18, those portions are curved downwardly and outwardly.
Having regard to the geometry of the slots as discussed
above, and further when the front-to-back slots 46 and 48 are
slightly sloped upwardly, then adjustment movement of the front
piece 20 with respect to the side pieces 14 and 16 causes
outward movement of the side pieces 14 and 16 at the same time
that the front piece moves forward and slightly upwardly.
Likewise, adjustment of the backpiece 22, when the slots 50 and
52 are sloped slightly downwardly, is such that rearward
adjustment of the baclc piece 22 with respect to the side pieces
14 and 16, causes rearward and slightly downward movement of
the back piece 22 at the same time ~hat the side pieces 14 and
16 move outwardly with respect to one another.
Likewise, to accommodate the outward relative movement of
the side pieces 14 and 16 with respect to one another when the
7 top piece 18 moves upwardly, it is noted that the lower
portions of the top piece 18 where the slots 40 and 42 are
i~S4~
formed, are curved downwardly and outwardly.
Thus, having regard generally to Figures 7, 8 and 9, the
adjustment features of the helmet according to the present
invention are clearly illustrated. Looking at Figure 7, it is
evident that there is quite sufficient overlap of the top piece
18 over each of the front and back pieces 20 and 22, and over
the side pieces 14 (and 16, not shown~.
Figures 8 and 9 clearly demonstrate the adjustability, at
lea~t lengthwise and heightwise, of helmets according to the
present invention. In Figure 8, it is noted that the screws
designated 56A and 56C are at the extreme lower limits of the
slots 40 and 42 in the top piece 18; the screws 56A and 56B are
at the extreme rearmost limit of the slots 46 and 48 in the
front piece 20; and the screws 56C and 56~ are at the extreme
frontmost limit of the slots 50 and 52 in the back piece 22.
However, when all of those positions are reversed as shown
in Figure 9, so that bottommost becomes topmost, frontmost
becomes rearmost and rearmost becomes frontmost, then the
adjustment from front-to-back and in height is demonstrated by
the superimposition of the outline of the helmet from Figure 8
by ghost lines 58 in Figure 9.
It will be noted that there is a depression, designated
generally at 60, formed in the central portion of the top piece
18. The depression 60 is formed in a front-to-back direction
of the top piece 18, for less than the length of the top piece,
so that a pair of ribs 62 is formed, one at each side of the
27 depression 60. The ribs 62 are spaced and placed in such a
position, and are sufficiently above the uppermost portion of
19
1154S5;~2
the depression 60 a such that either or both of the ribs 62
would come into contact with a flat surface, such as rink
boards or the ice, before the depression 60. The ribs provide
additional stiffeni.ng and, due to their springiness, they also
provide some energy absorption as well as serving the purpose
to distribute the force of impact away from the impact point.
Moreover, because of the nature of the depression 60
formed in the top piece 18, there are additional ribs 64 and 66
which are formed in the front and rear portions of the top
piece 18. (See especially Figure 7.) Thus, the strength of
the helmet due to the ribs, their ability to absorb impact due
to the springiness of the rib structure and the material of
which the shell is formed, and their ability to distribute
energy, is enhanced.
In the same manner, there is formed in the central portion
of the back piece 22, a depression generally indicated at 68.
The depression 68 is generally in an up-to-down direction, and
is less than the height of the back piece 22. A pair of ribs
is thus formed at each side of the ciepression 68; and
likewise, the ribs 70 provide additional strength, force
distribution and energy absorption characteristics to the
helmet.
Moreover, it is ev:ident from ligure 7 that there are two
layers of material where the top piece 18 overlaps the front
and back pieces 20 and 22, or the side pieces 14 and 16, and
three layers in at least some of the regions surrounding screws
56A and 56C as designated in Figure 8, at both sides of the
helmet. Additional rigidity is, therefore, provided to the
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helmet in all of those regions.
Still further, there is an additional rib designated at
72, which is an upstanding rib formed horizontally in the Eront
piece 20. ~loreover, the rib 72 extends at 74 into each of the
side pieces 14 and 16, at the same height with respect to the
top piece 18, when the helmet shell is assembled. (See, for
example, Figures 2 and 6.)
In the central front portion of the rib 72, there is a
depression 76 formed, whereby a pair -of ribs 72A and 72B are
formed as indicated in Figure 7. The purpose for the
depression 76 is to carry the manufacturers logo, or a team
logo or other decoration as may be desired.
It will also be noted that, in the top piece 18, there are
a plurality of vent openings 78 along each outside portion of
each of the ribs 62, and a further plurality of vent openings
80 along each inside portion of each of the ribs 62. The vent
openings 78 are louvered, that is to say that each of the vent
openings 78 has a ramp 82 which extends rearwardly and somewhat
inwardly with respect to the general direction of the outer
periphery of rib 62 at each vent opening, and which terminates
in an opening 84 which is disposed in such a manner that a
substantial area of each opening 84 faces forward. In other
words, the vent openings 78 are louvered, so as to enhance and
promote air flow inwardly towards the interior of the helmet as
the wearer is skating or otherwise moving forward. Likewise,
there is a further pair of vent openings 86 formed in the
27 upstanding rib portion which defines the rearmost end of the
depression 60 formed in the top piece 18.
~l54S52
There are also several ventilation openin~s formecl in the
front piece 20, as at 88, on either sîde of the depression 76.
They also serve to promote and enhance airflow to tlle interior
of the he]met, especially as the person wearing the helmet rnay
be moving forward.
A plurality of vent openings is formed in the back piece
22. They include vent openings 90 formed on the outer sides of
each of the ribs 70, and vent openings 92 formed on the inner
sides of each of the ribs 70. Thus, when the person wearing
the helmet i.s skating forward, air flow from within the
interior of the helmet through the vent openings 90 and 92 will
occur. Likewise, if the person is movin~ backwards -- for
example, a defence player -- the air flow into his helmet will
at that time reverse, and he is still assured of air flow into
the helmet through the vent openings 90 and 92.
t~oreover, air flow from within the helmet to the exterior
thereof may occur, especially when the player is not rnoving5 by
flowing out through any of the openings 80, 84 or 86 in the top
piece 18 of the helmet.
In general, the edges of each of the vent openings,
particularly the vent openings 80, 88, 90 and 92 are reinEorced
by having inwardly extending beaclecl edges.
To further enhance and promote air flow in the helmet, the
liner pieces 24, 26 and 28 may be formed with indentations,
serrated portions in the periphery, and ~rooves. For example,
the front portion 26 is indentecl at both sides at 94 to
27 accommodate the vent openings 88 in the front piece 20.
Likewise, the baclc liner piece 28 is indented at 96 on both
~ 5~ S ~'~
Likewise, the back liner piece 28 is indented at 96 on both
sides to accommodate the vent openings 90 and 92 on both sides
of the ribs 70. Moreover, a mlmber of grooves are formed in
the front liner piece 26, as at g8, 100, 102, 104 and 106, all
so as to permit the flow of air past the liner piece 26 from
around the edges thereof which are exposed around the face of
the wearer, as well as to or from the vent openings 88. In the
same manner, grooves are formed in the top liner piece 24 at
108 and 110 to promote air flow in a direction toward or from
vent openings 80 and 84 in the top piece 18, especially
depending upon the direction of movement of the-player.
Not only does the provision of a plurality of vent
openings as described above better ensure that the head of the
person wearing the helmet will remain relatively cool, but when
the vent openings are positioned substantially as described
there is a promotion of the flow of cooling air through the
interior of the helmet or from the interior. Moreover, the
overall weight of the helmet is somewhat less, but the
protective effectiveness of the helmet is in no way compromised
because of the placement of the vent openings in their
positions on either side of ribs 62 or 70, or within the rib
72. Further ventilation around the ear is promoted, for
example, by virtue of the channels or grooves 98 and 100 which
are formed in the front liner piece 26.
27
1~54S5~
The helmet of the present invention may have a
cross-bar 112 integrally Eormed in the bottom portions in each
of the side pieces 14 and 16, in which slots 114 may be formed
for carrying a suitable chin strap or other harness by which
the helmet may be fastened to the head of the wearer.
Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the lower portion of each
of the side pieces 14A and 16A (not shown) may have a separate
ear sling 116 secured to the side pieces by the same nut and
bolt combinations 54, 56 that secure the lower portions of the
10 front and back pieces 20 and 22 to the side pieces 14A and 16A.
A suitable chin strap or other harness piece can be secured to
the ear sling 116.
One advantage of the cross-bar 112 is that is provides
additional protection for the jaw, especially the jaw hinge.
However, the incorporation of the cross-bar 112 may tend to
make the helmet very slightly heavier.
Partially for reasons of aesthetics, and partially for
reasons oE safety, especially around the base of the back piece
22 at the nape of the neck, certain of the outer edges of the
20 pieces of the shell may have beaded edges formed in them. For
example, the lower edge 118 of the baclc piece 22 may be beaded,
as well as around the edge of the top piece 18 and around the
edges of the side pieces 14 and 16, and the lower edge of the
front piece 20 at 120. Thus, where the edges of the helmet may
come into direct contact with the skin of the person wearing
the helmet, as at the face and baclc of the neck, or around the
27 ears, the beaded edge assures that the edge will not be sharp.
24
1 lL54S5~
Moreover, the beaded edge around the top piece 18 provides
additional rigidity.
In general, all of the pieces of the helmet according to
the present invention may be injection molded. It is possible,
however, that the liner pieces may be die cut, in which case
they may not have the grooves and channels as discussed and
illustrated; moreover, the helmet shell pieces may be vacuum
formed.
However, production of the helmet pieces in quantity is
much more easily controlled, and indeed is less expensive, when
the pieces are injection molded. They may be formed of high
impact polyethylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and
co-polymers of polyethylene and polypropylene; and if vacuum
formed, may be from polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride.
Further, particularly for such purposes as motorcycle rider
protection, the helmet pieces may be formed of moulded
fibreglass. The liner pieces are generally made of foamed
polyethylene or other suitable foam materials. The material of
the liner should, in any event, be capable of absorbing energy
instead of storing energy as would foamed rubber.
When, as is ~Isual, the pieces of the shell are injection
molded, the costs of the molds and therefore the cost of
production may be significantly lower than for a two piece
helmet. Each piece may be molded in a standard injection mold
without the necessity for sliders to form undercuts and the
like, and because each piece is relatively shallow as compared
to the height of a helmet shell which may be formed in a single
piece (see, for example, O'CONNOR U. S. Patent 3,783,450,
~1545S~
referred to above), the amount of steel req~lired to form the
injection molding cavity is less. Thus, it is possible that
the helmet of the present inventi,on may be provided at a more
reasonable price than helmets having a single piece shell or
even a two piece shell.
There has been described a helmet which is primarily
intended for use as a hockey helmet but which may have other
uses and purposes. The helmet provides exceptional protection
for the entire head of the wearer, including the forehead and
temple regions, the crown of the skull, and the back of the
head down to the nape of the neck. The sides of the head and
the ears are protected as well. Moreover, the helmet of the
present invention provides adequate ventilation to keep the
head of the player cool, or to promote cooling, all to a
greater extent than prior helmets such as those discussed
above.
More especially, a helmet according to the present
invention provides adjustability as to size, in length, in
height and in width. Further, the helmet may provide such
adjustability that as the back of the helmet is adjusted with
respect to the sides, it moves slightly downwardly, and the
front of the helrnet as it is adjusted with respect to the sides
may move slight]y upwardly. This takes into account,
therefore, the fact that the head is substantially elliptoid
and that bigger heads are wider and higher, with somewhat
higher foreheads, and which require lower protection across the
27 back of the head.
Moreover, as noted, the wearer of a helmet according to
26
~ 54 ~5'~
the present invention may move some of the shell pieces without
moving other shell pieces, so as to accommodate somewhat
peculiar shaped neads or large bumps on the skull, where prior
two piece helmets of the sort described before may otherwise
pinch or create severe discomfort for the wearer.
When helmets of the present invention, and indeed any
hockey helmet, are worn by youngsters in minor leagues, they
are required also to wear face masks. Helmets oE the present
invention provide very positive face mask securing edges and
10 positions. Also, because of the provision of the cross-bar,
below the ear in the lower portion of the side pieces of
helmets according to the present invention, modified face masks
can be provided with excellent protection for the mouth and
jaw, but without weighing as much as previous helmet/mask
combinations.
It is evident that other modiEications may be made to the
design of helmets according to the present invention, other
securement and adjustment methods than those specifically
described with respect to preferred embodiments may be used,
20 and other ventilation openings may be provided with different
rib or louvre configurations, but without departing from the
spirit and scope of the appended claims.
27
27
