Apparel – Guard or protector – For wearer's head
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-09
2001-06-05
Neas, Michael A. (Department: 3741)
Apparel
Guard or protector
For wearer's head
C002S418000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240571
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a protective helmet. More particularly, the invention relates to a protective helmet having an adjustable helmet liner for permitting the protective helmet to be worn by individuals having different sized heads.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to provide less expensive protective headgear, or protective helmets, sacrifices are often made from the standpoint of fitting of the protective helmet and also from the standpoint of protection. For example, in cases where individuals are required to use the same helmet, e.g., hardhats used in construction and batting helmets in baseball, a less than perfect fit is often tolerated in order to save money by purchasing protective helmets that are not adjustable. In these cases, protection of the individual's head may be lessened because of the less than perfect fit of the protective helmet on the individual's head.
Prior attempts to provide a protective helmet capable of automatically adjusting to the head size of the individual wearing the protective helmet have included utilization of an elastic band disposed within the protective helmet that can be expanded to the size of the individual's head. Because only an elastic band captures the head of the individual, it is contemplated that these protective helmets do not adequately secure the head of the individual within the protective helmet.
Accordingly, prior to the development of the present invention, there has been no protective helmet which: provides simple adjustment to different sizes; provides automatic adjustment to different sizes; and provides increased security of the protective helmet to the head of the wearer of the protective helmet. Therefore, the art has sought a protective helmet which: provides simple adjustment to different sizes; provides automatic adjustment to different sizes; and provides increased security of the protective helmet to the head of the wearer of the protective helmet.
It should be noted that as to the protective helmet and the adjustable helmet liner of the present invention, as well as prior art protective helmets and adjustable helmet liners, due to the nature of the sports of football, baseball and cycling, construction work and other activities in which individuals wear protective headgear, no protective equipment can completely prevent injuries to those wearing the protective helmet and adjustable helmet liner. It should be further noted that no protective equipment can completely prevent injuries to an individual if the individual uses his protective helmet or adjustable helmet liner in an improper manner. No protective helmet or adjustable helmet liner, such as those of the present invention, can prevent all head, chin, or neck injuries an individual might receive while participating in any activity in which the protective helmet or adjustable helmet liner is worn, particularly if the individual improperly uses his protective helmet or adjustable helmet liner.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In accordance with the invention the foregoing advantages have been achieved through the present adjustable helmet liner for a protective helmet having an interior surface, the adjustable helmet liner comprising: at least one liner wall having a peripheral surface adapted to substantially conform to, and fit within, the protective helmet for engagement with the head of a wearer of the protective helmet, the at least one liner wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface adapted to be disposed adjacent the interior surface of the helmet and the inner surface adapted to be spaced from the interior surface of the helmet whereby the liner may be inserted into the protective helmet and adjusts to the head of the wearer of the protective helmet; and at least one expandable band disposed along a portion of the outer surface of the liner wall, whereby the at least one expandable band provides for the adjustment of the liner to the head of the wearer of the protective helmet.
A further feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the at least one liner wall may include at least one helmet attachment aperture adapted to connect the adjustable helmet liner to the protective helmet. Another feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the at least one liner wall may include at least one band attachment aperture adapted to connect the at least one expandable band to the at least one liner wall. An additional feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the inner surface of the at least one liner wall may include at least one impact absorption pad. A further feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the at least one impact absorption pad may be formed of a plastic foam material. Another feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the plastic foam material may be a closed cell plastic foam material. An additional feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the closed cell plastic foam material may be cross-linked polyethylene. A further feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the at least one liner wall may be formed of a plastic material.
In accordance with the invention the foregoing advantages have also been achieved through the present adjustable helmet liner for a protective helmet having an interior surface, the adjustable helmet liner comprising: at least one liner wall having a peripheral surface adapted to substantially conform to, and fit within, the protective helmet for engagement with the head of a wearer of the protective helmet, the at least one liner wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface adapted to be disposed adjacent the interior surface of the helmet and the inner surface adapted to be spaced from the interior surface of the helmet whereby the liner may be inserted into the protective helmet and adjusts to the head of the wearer of the protective helmet; a first side wall having a first longitudinal axis and a plurality of edge surfaces; a first attachment wall disposed along the second edge surface; a second side wall having a second longitudinal axis and a plurality of edge surfaces; a second attachment wall disposed along the sixth edge surface; a rear wall having a third longitudinal axis and a plurality of edge surfaces; a third attachment wall disposed along the tenth edge surface; and an apex defined by the intersection of the first, second, and third attachment walls.
A further feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the adjustable helmet liner may include at least one expandable band associated with the at least one liner wall. Another feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that each of the first, second, and rear walls may include at least one band attachment aperture adapted to connect the at least one expandable band to the first, second, and rear walls. An additional feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that each of the first, second, and rear walls may include at least one impact absorption pad. A further feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the at least one liner wall may include at least one helmet attachment aperture adapted to connect the adjustable helmet liner to the protective helmet. Another feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the plurality of edge surfaces of the first side wall may include first, second, third, and fourth edge surfaces, the first and third edge surfaces being disposed substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, and the second and fourth edge surfaces being disposed substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis. An additional feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the plurality of edge surfaces of the second side wall may include fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth edge surfaces, the fifth and seventh edge surfaces being disposed substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, and the sixth and eighth edge surfaces being disposed substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis. A further feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the plurality of edge surf
Neas Michael A.
Riddell, Inc.
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