CA1147501A - Hockey helmet - Google Patents
Hockey helmetInfo
- Publication number
- CA1147501A CA1147501A CA000385819A CA385819A CA1147501A CA 1147501 A CA1147501 A CA 1147501A CA 000385819 A CA000385819 A CA 000385819A CA 385819 A CA385819 A CA 385819A CA 1147501 A CA1147501 A CA 1147501A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- helmet
- section
- centre
- side sections
- sections
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/32—Collapsible helmets; Helmets made of separable parts ; Helmets with movable parts, e.g. adjustable
- A42B3/324—Adjustable helmets
Abstract
ROGERS, BERESKIN & PARR C A N A D A
Inventor: MALCOLM F. COX, JR.
JOHN EDWARD WARRINGTON
Title: PROTECTIVE HELMET
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A hockey helmet is specifically described and includes an outer shell having a front section, two side sections extending rearwardly from the front section and a centre section which is separate from the side sections and which extends rearwardly from the front section and then downwardly to protect the rear head area of a wearer. The centre section and side sections include overlapping por-tions which curve laterally towards the neck area of the helmet and the sections are displaceable with respect to one another to vary the extent of the overlap and thereby simultaneously vary both the longitudinal and lateral dimension of the helmet. Fasteners are provided for securing the overlapping portions of the sections in an adjusted position.
Inventor: MALCOLM F. COX, JR.
JOHN EDWARD WARRINGTON
Title: PROTECTIVE HELMET
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A hockey helmet is specifically described and includes an outer shell having a front section, two side sections extending rearwardly from the front section and a centre section which is separate from the side sections and which extends rearwardly from the front section and then downwardly to protect the rear head area of a wearer. The centre section and side sections include overlapping por-tions which curve laterally towards the neck area of the helmet and the sections are displaceable with respect to one another to vary the extent of the overlap and thereby simultaneously vary both the longitudinal and lateral dimension of the helmet. Fasteners are provided for securing the overlapping portions of the sections in an adjusted position.
Description
This invention relates to protective helmets, primarily of the type designed to be worn during sporting activities such as ice hockey games. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not to confined to sports helmets.
Conventional hockey helmets typically comprise a relatively rigid outer plastic shell designed to provide impact resistance, and some form of inner lining or padding for cushioning the wearer's head. An example of a prior art helmet of this general type which has found wide market acceptance is disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 730,337 (Shaw) and was granted to the assignee of the present invention. In that case, the shell is designed to resist impact by provi-ding a pair of parallel ribs and an intervening flexible web which extends from the neck area to the top of the helmet generally centrally thereof. The shell is lined with a padding of foam plastic or rubber to cushion the head.
Helmets of the general form disclosed in the Shaw patent have been found to have excellent impact re-sistance characteristics. However, for proper protectionof a wearer, it is essential that the helmet must fit properly. This is something over which the manufacturer can have no control and in practice, proper sizing is often neglected. For example, a child may be provided with a helmet which is too large on the theory that he or she will '`grow into" the helmet, or a person may borrow a helmet from another person, Thus~ even though sporting goods stores selling helmets may be careful to provide ~7501 ~ 3 -customers with properly fitting helmets, there is no con-trol over the actual end use of the helmet~
Most hockey helmets presently on sale incorporate some means for adjusting the size of the outer shell and often some adjustment of the internal padding is also possible. For example, in the case of the helmet shown in the Shaw patent, the shell includes a main body which covers most of the wearer's head, and a front portion which ex-tends across the wearer's forehead and then rearwardly where it is attached to the main body at the sides. In present-day versions of the helmet, this front portion is separate and is secured to the main body by nut and bolt-like fastenings which can be inserted through any one of a series of differently positioned holes so as to provide for adjustability. Other examples of helmets which are designed to be adjustable are disclosed in Canadian Patents Nos. 651,~20 (Jofa), 706,563 ~Spalding) and 992,254 (Brown~.
While the desirability of providing for adjust-ment of the size of a helmet has clearly been recognized in the prior art, typically, adjustment takes place only in terms of the length of the helmet (back to front dimen-sion). In the result, a properly fitted prior art helmet, while securely fitting in the back to front direction, may be capable of lateral movement with respect to the wearer's head, in other words, the helmet may not fit properly in both length and width~ Again, this may represent a risk of serious injury to the wearer.
11475~)~
An object of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet having improved facility for adjustment as compared with the prior art helmets discussed above.
According to the invention, the helmet includes an outer shell having a front section shaped to extend across tne frontal head area of a wearer, two side sections extending rearwardly from the front section and shaped to protect the sides of the wearer's head, and a centre sec-tion which extends rearwardly from the front section and the downwardly and which is shaped to protect the top, and rear head area of a wearer. The centre section and side sections are free of permanent attachment to one another rearwardly of the front section and include re-spective surface portions which overlap at least in the rear side areas of the helmet. The overlapping surface portions curve laterally inwardly from areas behind respective ear regions of the helmet. The centre section and side sections are displaceable relative to one another to vary the extent to which the said surface portions overlap, and the curvatures of the said portions permit both the longitudinal dimension and the lateral dimension of the helmet in the rear head area to be simultaneously adjusted by varying said overlap. The helmet also includes means adapted to fasten said over-lapping surface portions of the centre and side sectionsin an adjusted position~
It is believed that a helmet of this form will ~1475~)1 provide a better fit for the wearer as compared ~ith con-ventional helmets, because of the facility for simultan-eously adjustment of the longitudinal and lateral dimension of the helmet. Also, in a preferred embodiment, adjustment may be facilitated ~y providing a slida~le form of fastening means for the overlapping surface portions of the side and centre sections of the helmet.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention by way of example, and in which:
Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the shell of the helmet, with internal padding omitted;
Fig. 2 is a side view of the assembled helmet as seen when the helmet is adjusted to its smaller size;
Fig. 3 is a rear view corresponding to Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but with the helmet adjusted to its largest size; and, Fig. 5 is a rear view corresponding to Fig. 4.
Referring first to Fig~ 1, the outer shell of a hockey helmet is generally indicated by reference num-eral 20 and is made up of two parts 22 and 24 which are shown in exploded positions but which will normally be permanently secured together in the assembled helmet.
Internal padding will be provided inside shell 20 to cushion the wearer~s ~ead; however, the padding has not heen shown in the drawings because it forms no part of the 11~75~)1 present invention. Parts 22 and 24 are plastic mouldings;
in this embodiment, the parts are moulded in Du~ont Nylon ST 891 although there is of course no limitation in this respect.
Part 22 includes a front shell section 26 and two side shell sections 28 and 30. Front section 26 is shaped to extend across the frontal head area of a wearer and the two side sections 28 and 30 extend rearwardly from the front section and are shaped to protect the sides of the wearer's head. Part 24 forms a centre section of shell 20 and includes a front marginal portion 32 which is secured to the inner surface of front section 26 when the shell is assembled ~see Figs. 2 to 5). When part 24 is in place, the centre section (denoted 34~ extends rearwardly from the front section 26 and then downwardly and is shaped to protect the top, and rear head area of the wearer.
In Figs. 2 to 5, the shell 20 is shown assembled with the centre section 34 extending rearwardly from the front section 26 of the helmet and between (and inside) the side sections 28 and 30. It will be seen from these views that the side sections and centre section include respective surface portions which overlap. In the illus-trated embodiment, these overlapping surface portions ex-tend over substantially the entire length of the sides of the centre section and corresponding parts of the respec-tive side sections. In the minimum case, these overlapping surface portions will be provided at least in the rear side ., ' ' 114~7501 areas of the helmet, as denoted generally by reference numer-als 36 and 38 and will curve laterally from behind respective ear regions, denoted 40 and 42, around the sides of the neck area of the helmet, denoted 44 and 46 respectively.
Centre section 34 and the side sections 28 and 30 are displaceable relative to one another to vary the extent to which the surface portions overlap and the curvature of those portions permits both the longitudinal dimension and the lateral dimension of the helmet, in the rear area thereof, to be simultaneously adjusted by varying the overlap. Figs.
Conventional hockey helmets typically comprise a relatively rigid outer plastic shell designed to provide impact resistance, and some form of inner lining or padding for cushioning the wearer's head. An example of a prior art helmet of this general type which has found wide market acceptance is disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 730,337 (Shaw) and was granted to the assignee of the present invention. In that case, the shell is designed to resist impact by provi-ding a pair of parallel ribs and an intervening flexible web which extends from the neck area to the top of the helmet generally centrally thereof. The shell is lined with a padding of foam plastic or rubber to cushion the head.
Helmets of the general form disclosed in the Shaw patent have been found to have excellent impact re-sistance characteristics. However, for proper protectionof a wearer, it is essential that the helmet must fit properly. This is something over which the manufacturer can have no control and in practice, proper sizing is often neglected. For example, a child may be provided with a helmet which is too large on the theory that he or she will '`grow into" the helmet, or a person may borrow a helmet from another person, Thus~ even though sporting goods stores selling helmets may be careful to provide ~7501 ~ 3 -customers with properly fitting helmets, there is no con-trol over the actual end use of the helmet~
Most hockey helmets presently on sale incorporate some means for adjusting the size of the outer shell and often some adjustment of the internal padding is also possible. For example, in the case of the helmet shown in the Shaw patent, the shell includes a main body which covers most of the wearer's head, and a front portion which ex-tends across the wearer's forehead and then rearwardly where it is attached to the main body at the sides. In present-day versions of the helmet, this front portion is separate and is secured to the main body by nut and bolt-like fastenings which can be inserted through any one of a series of differently positioned holes so as to provide for adjustability. Other examples of helmets which are designed to be adjustable are disclosed in Canadian Patents Nos. 651,~20 (Jofa), 706,563 ~Spalding) and 992,254 (Brown~.
While the desirability of providing for adjust-ment of the size of a helmet has clearly been recognized in the prior art, typically, adjustment takes place only in terms of the length of the helmet (back to front dimen-sion). In the result, a properly fitted prior art helmet, while securely fitting in the back to front direction, may be capable of lateral movement with respect to the wearer's head, in other words, the helmet may not fit properly in both length and width~ Again, this may represent a risk of serious injury to the wearer.
11475~)~
An object of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet having improved facility for adjustment as compared with the prior art helmets discussed above.
According to the invention, the helmet includes an outer shell having a front section shaped to extend across tne frontal head area of a wearer, two side sections extending rearwardly from the front section and shaped to protect the sides of the wearer's head, and a centre sec-tion which extends rearwardly from the front section and the downwardly and which is shaped to protect the top, and rear head area of a wearer. The centre section and side sections are free of permanent attachment to one another rearwardly of the front section and include re-spective surface portions which overlap at least in the rear side areas of the helmet. The overlapping surface portions curve laterally inwardly from areas behind respective ear regions of the helmet. The centre section and side sections are displaceable relative to one another to vary the extent to which the said surface portions overlap, and the curvatures of the said portions permit both the longitudinal dimension and the lateral dimension of the helmet in the rear head area to be simultaneously adjusted by varying said overlap. The helmet also includes means adapted to fasten said over-lapping surface portions of the centre and side sectionsin an adjusted position~
It is believed that a helmet of this form will ~1475~)1 provide a better fit for the wearer as compared ~ith con-ventional helmets, because of the facility for simultan-eously adjustment of the longitudinal and lateral dimension of the helmet. Also, in a preferred embodiment, adjustment may be facilitated ~y providing a slida~le form of fastening means for the overlapping surface portions of the side and centre sections of the helmet.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention by way of example, and in which:
Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the shell of the helmet, with internal padding omitted;
Fig. 2 is a side view of the assembled helmet as seen when the helmet is adjusted to its smaller size;
Fig. 3 is a rear view corresponding to Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but with the helmet adjusted to its largest size; and, Fig. 5 is a rear view corresponding to Fig. 4.
Referring first to Fig~ 1, the outer shell of a hockey helmet is generally indicated by reference num-eral 20 and is made up of two parts 22 and 24 which are shown in exploded positions but which will normally be permanently secured together in the assembled helmet.
Internal padding will be provided inside shell 20 to cushion the wearer~s ~ead; however, the padding has not heen shown in the drawings because it forms no part of the 11~75~)1 present invention. Parts 22 and 24 are plastic mouldings;
in this embodiment, the parts are moulded in Du~ont Nylon ST 891 although there is of course no limitation in this respect.
Part 22 includes a front shell section 26 and two side shell sections 28 and 30. Front section 26 is shaped to extend across the frontal head area of a wearer and the two side sections 28 and 30 extend rearwardly from the front section and are shaped to protect the sides of the wearer's head. Part 24 forms a centre section of shell 20 and includes a front marginal portion 32 which is secured to the inner surface of front section 26 when the shell is assembled ~see Figs. 2 to 5). When part 24 is in place, the centre section (denoted 34~ extends rearwardly from the front section 26 and then downwardly and is shaped to protect the top, and rear head area of the wearer.
In Figs. 2 to 5, the shell 20 is shown assembled with the centre section 34 extending rearwardly from the front section 26 of the helmet and between (and inside) the side sections 28 and 30. It will be seen from these views that the side sections and centre section include respective surface portions which overlap. In the illus-trated embodiment, these overlapping surface portions ex-tend over substantially the entire length of the sides of the centre section and corresponding parts of the respec-tive side sections. In the minimum case, these overlapping surface portions will be provided at least in the rear side ., ' ' 114~7501 areas of the helmet, as denoted generally by reference numer-als 36 and 38 and will curve laterally from behind respective ear regions, denoted 40 and 42, around the sides of the neck area of the helmet, denoted 44 and 46 respectively.
Centre section 34 and the side sections 28 and 30 are displaceable relative to one another to vary the extent to which the surface portions overlap and the curvature of those portions permits both the longitudinal dimension and the lateral dimension of the helmet, in the rear area thereof, to be simultaneously adjusted by varying the overlap. Figs.
2 and 3 show the shell in a configuration in which the overlap is at a maximum (and the shell is at its smallest size) while Figs. 4 and 5 show the overlap at a minimum ~and the helmet at its largest size). In those views, the dotted lines indicated by reference numerals 34a and 34b ~Figs. 3 and 5) represent the outer edges of the centre section 34; accordingly, the position of this dotted line in relation to the top edges of the respective side sections (denoted 28a and 30a respectively) indicate the extent of the overlap. Mechanical fastening means generally denoted 48 and 50 (to be described) are provided in the overlapping areas at the rear of the helmet and can be used to secure the centre section and side sections in an adjusted position.
As was indicated above, in a minimum case, the overlapping areas might be provided at the rear of the side sections only and the curvatures of those overlapping surface portions would then provide for simultaneous lon-1~47501 ~ 8 -gitudinal and lateral adjustment of the size of the helmet.
Elongate openings or slots would then be provided in the shell between the overlapping surface portions and the front section of the shell for ventilation purposes. ~ow-ever, in the illustrated embodiment, for more completeprotection and further adjusta~ility in the vertical direction (height) of the helmet overlapping surface por-tions are provided between the centre section and the side sections over substantially the entire length of the centre section. These overlapping surface portions are indicated by reference numeral 52 at the right-hand side of the helmet and by reference numeral 54 at the left-hand side.
It will be seen from the rear views of Figs. 3 and 5 that these surface portions are curved not only laterally around the neck area of the helmet but also in the direction of the height of the helmet, as can best been seen by the lines denoted 52a and 54a in Fig. 3. These lines actually represent the outer surface of the side portions of the centre section but also correspond with the inside surface of the overlapping portions of the side sections. In any event, it will be noted that these overlapping surface portions define a compound curve which hollows both the curvature of the shell around the sides of the head of the wearer and the curvature from the sides and up across the top of the head. The effect of this is that, as the side sections 28 and 30 are adjusted with respect to the centre section 34, not only is there adjustment in the :114~75(~
longitudinal and lateral dimension of the shell, but also in the vertical ~height-wise) dimension. The curvatures are derived from models of "average" head shapes and sizes and allow a comparatively wide range of adjustment for variations from that "average". Of course, there are necessarily limitations to the range of adjustment which can be provided but it would of course be possible for a , manufacturer to make available two or more "nominal" sizes which are fairly significantly different and for each helmet to be individually adjustable over a range from that nominal size.
The fastening means indicated at 48 and 50 take the form of modified nut and bolt fasteners with the stem of the bolt passing through a simple opening in the rele- , 15 vant side section and through an elongate slot in the , centre section. The,s,lots are denoted respectively by reference numerals 56 and 58 and it will be seen from a comparison of Figs. 2 and 3 on the one hand and Figs. 4 and 5 on the other that the bolt moves the length of the associated slot as the side section is adjusted over the full range of adjustment with respect to the centre sec-tion. It will also been seen that each slot 56, 58 is angled upwardly from a position rearwardly of the ear area of the relevant side section towards the neck area.
Obviously, the slot follows the path of a fixed point on the side section moving over the underlying part of the centre section as the two sections are moved over their ' -~147501 - 10 ~
full range of adiustment. The bolt can be tightened to secure the two sections in any adjusted position.
Referring back to Fig. 1, the bolt of fastening means 48 is indicated by reference numeral 60 and passes through an opening 62 in side section 28. The bolt then passes through slot 56 in centre section 34 and is re ceived in a modified nut 64. Nut 64 has a domed and flattened end face 66 and a squared shank 68 dimensioned to slidably fit into slot 56. Thus, the nut is restrained against turning in slot 56 so that bolt 60 can be tightened and loosened with respect to the nut from the outside only. This greatly facilitates adjustment of the helmet because the bolt 60 can be loosened and retightened after adjustment from externally of the helmet only; there is no need to disturb the helemt lining (not shown).
The fastening means at the opposite side o~ the helmet is the same as fastening means 48 but has not been shown in detail. Similar bolts 70 and domed head nuts 72 are used to secure the centre section 34 into the moulding defining the front section and side section although the nuts 72 have serrated cylindrical shanks which are press-fitted into openings in the centre section and friction-ally retained by the serrations. These bolts and nuts are not intended to be loosened while the helmet is in service, Shell part 22 is a one-piece plastic moulding and includes various features such as moulded depressions ~1~75~1 74 in the front section, which are partly decorative and partly for strength. In addition, a flat peripheral border 76 extends along the bottom edge of the front sec-tion and down the leading edges of the side sections so as to "frame" the exposed part of the face of the wearer.
It will also be noted that the moulding is designed to provide a complete cover for the ears of the wearer in the regions denoted 40 and 42. This is a departure from conventional hockey helmet designs in which the ear areas are normally recessed to expose the ears. In this case, ventilation openings 78 are provided in the ear regions.
Shell part 24 is also a one-piece moulding in the same material as part 22. ~he moulding includes a central longitudinal groove or recess 80 defining respec-tive parallel ribs 82 and 84 generally of the form referredto in the Shaw patent.(730,337). This configuration both provides improved strength and maintains an identity of style with the earlier design. However, it is not of course essential to the invention. It will also be noted that ventilation openings 86 are provided in the ribs and are recessed for additional strength although again this is not essential to the invention.
To s D arize, the hockey helmet as shown in the drawings is believed to be improved as compared with prior art helmets in that it allows for simultaneous adjustment of the longitudinal, lateral and vertical dimensions of the helmet by simply loosening two screws, effecting the 1~75V~
required adjustment, and the retightening the screws. In this way, the helmet can be closely fitted to the head of a wearer for optimum safety. The helmet itself is also designed to provide for complete all-round protection of the wearer against impact damage.
It will of course be appreciated that the pre-ceding description relates to a preferred embodiment of the invention only and that many modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Obviously, the physical construction may vary For example, instead of making the front and side sections integral and attaching the center section behind the front section, it might be pos-sible to make the front and centre sections in one piece (so that the centre section would in effect continue on to the front edge of the helmet with the front section formed by part of the centre section) and then attach the side sections to the sides of the front section. It might even be possible to mould the shell in one piece although this would probably be technically difficult.
In either case, a secondary forming operation may be re-quired. The side sections could obviously be designed as for a conventional helmet; that is, with recesses around the ears. Also, other forms of fastening means could be used for securing the sections in an adjusted position.
For example, the fastenlng means could comprise a bolt passing through one of several alternative holes, each corresponding to a different adjusted position, al-though this would have the disadvantage of necessitating "'~
.
1~7501 incremental adjustment. Some other possi~le modifications have been discussed above in connection with the preceding description, As noted above, the helmet could be designed for use as other than a hockey helmet (e.g. as a football helmet). Protective helmets for industrial use could also be made in accordance with the invention. The nut and bolt fastenings 70, 72 obviously could be replaced by fasteners, e.g. rivets.
As was indicated above, in a minimum case, the overlapping areas might be provided at the rear of the side sections only and the curvatures of those overlapping surface portions would then provide for simultaneous lon-1~47501 ~ 8 -gitudinal and lateral adjustment of the size of the helmet.
Elongate openings or slots would then be provided in the shell between the overlapping surface portions and the front section of the shell for ventilation purposes. ~ow-ever, in the illustrated embodiment, for more completeprotection and further adjusta~ility in the vertical direction (height) of the helmet overlapping surface por-tions are provided between the centre section and the side sections over substantially the entire length of the centre section. These overlapping surface portions are indicated by reference numeral 52 at the right-hand side of the helmet and by reference numeral 54 at the left-hand side.
It will be seen from the rear views of Figs. 3 and 5 that these surface portions are curved not only laterally around the neck area of the helmet but also in the direction of the height of the helmet, as can best been seen by the lines denoted 52a and 54a in Fig. 3. These lines actually represent the outer surface of the side portions of the centre section but also correspond with the inside surface of the overlapping portions of the side sections. In any event, it will be noted that these overlapping surface portions define a compound curve which hollows both the curvature of the shell around the sides of the head of the wearer and the curvature from the sides and up across the top of the head. The effect of this is that, as the side sections 28 and 30 are adjusted with respect to the centre section 34, not only is there adjustment in the :114~75(~
longitudinal and lateral dimension of the shell, but also in the vertical ~height-wise) dimension. The curvatures are derived from models of "average" head shapes and sizes and allow a comparatively wide range of adjustment for variations from that "average". Of course, there are necessarily limitations to the range of adjustment which can be provided but it would of course be possible for a , manufacturer to make available two or more "nominal" sizes which are fairly significantly different and for each helmet to be individually adjustable over a range from that nominal size.
The fastening means indicated at 48 and 50 take the form of modified nut and bolt fasteners with the stem of the bolt passing through a simple opening in the rele- , 15 vant side section and through an elongate slot in the , centre section. The,s,lots are denoted respectively by reference numerals 56 and 58 and it will be seen from a comparison of Figs. 2 and 3 on the one hand and Figs. 4 and 5 on the other that the bolt moves the length of the associated slot as the side section is adjusted over the full range of adjustment with respect to the centre sec-tion. It will also been seen that each slot 56, 58 is angled upwardly from a position rearwardly of the ear area of the relevant side section towards the neck area.
Obviously, the slot follows the path of a fixed point on the side section moving over the underlying part of the centre section as the two sections are moved over their ' -~147501 - 10 ~
full range of adiustment. The bolt can be tightened to secure the two sections in any adjusted position.
Referring back to Fig. 1, the bolt of fastening means 48 is indicated by reference numeral 60 and passes through an opening 62 in side section 28. The bolt then passes through slot 56 in centre section 34 and is re ceived in a modified nut 64. Nut 64 has a domed and flattened end face 66 and a squared shank 68 dimensioned to slidably fit into slot 56. Thus, the nut is restrained against turning in slot 56 so that bolt 60 can be tightened and loosened with respect to the nut from the outside only. This greatly facilitates adjustment of the helmet because the bolt 60 can be loosened and retightened after adjustment from externally of the helmet only; there is no need to disturb the helemt lining (not shown).
The fastening means at the opposite side o~ the helmet is the same as fastening means 48 but has not been shown in detail. Similar bolts 70 and domed head nuts 72 are used to secure the centre section 34 into the moulding defining the front section and side section although the nuts 72 have serrated cylindrical shanks which are press-fitted into openings in the centre section and friction-ally retained by the serrations. These bolts and nuts are not intended to be loosened while the helmet is in service, Shell part 22 is a one-piece plastic moulding and includes various features such as moulded depressions ~1~75~1 74 in the front section, which are partly decorative and partly for strength. In addition, a flat peripheral border 76 extends along the bottom edge of the front sec-tion and down the leading edges of the side sections so as to "frame" the exposed part of the face of the wearer.
It will also be noted that the moulding is designed to provide a complete cover for the ears of the wearer in the regions denoted 40 and 42. This is a departure from conventional hockey helmet designs in which the ear areas are normally recessed to expose the ears. In this case, ventilation openings 78 are provided in the ear regions.
Shell part 24 is also a one-piece moulding in the same material as part 22. ~he moulding includes a central longitudinal groove or recess 80 defining respec-tive parallel ribs 82 and 84 generally of the form referredto in the Shaw patent.(730,337). This configuration both provides improved strength and maintains an identity of style with the earlier design. However, it is not of course essential to the invention. It will also be noted that ventilation openings 86 are provided in the ribs and are recessed for additional strength although again this is not essential to the invention.
To s D arize, the hockey helmet as shown in the drawings is believed to be improved as compared with prior art helmets in that it allows for simultaneous adjustment of the longitudinal, lateral and vertical dimensions of the helmet by simply loosening two screws, effecting the 1~75V~
required adjustment, and the retightening the screws. In this way, the helmet can be closely fitted to the head of a wearer for optimum safety. The helmet itself is also designed to provide for complete all-round protection of the wearer against impact damage.
It will of course be appreciated that the pre-ceding description relates to a preferred embodiment of the invention only and that many modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Obviously, the physical construction may vary For example, instead of making the front and side sections integral and attaching the center section behind the front section, it might be pos-sible to make the front and centre sections in one piece (so that the centre section would in effect continue on to the front edge of the helmet with the front section formed by part of the centre section) and then attach the side sections to the sides of the front section. It might even be possible to mould the shell in one piece although this would probably be technically difficult.
In either case, a secondary forming operation may be re-quired. The side sections could obviously be designed as for a conventional helmet; that is, with recesses around the ears. Also, other forms of fastening means could be used for securing the sections in an adjusted position.
For example, the fastenlng means could comprise a bolt passing through one of several alternative holes, each corresponding to a different adjusted position, al-though this would have the disadvantage of necessitating "'~
.
1~7501 incremental adjustment. Some other possi~le modifications have been discussed above in connection with the preceding description, As noted above, the helmet could be designed for use as other than a hockey helmet (e.g. as a football helmet). Protective helmets for industrial use could also be made in accordance with the invention. The nut and bolt fastenings 70, 72 obviously could be replaced by fasteners, e.g. rivets.
Claims (6)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A protective helmet including: an outer shell which comprises a front section shaped to extend across the frontal head area of a wearer, two side sections ex-tending rearwardly from the front section and shaped to protect the sides of the wearer's head, and a centre section which extends rearwardly from the front section and then downwardly and which is shaped to protect the top, and rear head area, said centre and side sections being free of permanent attachment to one another rear-wardly of said front section and including respective surface portions which overlap at least in rear side areas of the helmet, which portions curve laterally inwardly from areas behind respective ear regions of the helmet, the centre section and side sections being displaceable relative to one another to vary the extent to which said surface portions overlap, and said curvature permitting both the longitudinal dimension and the lateral dimension of the helmet in the rear head area to be simultaneously adjusted by varying said overlap;
and means adapted to fasten said overlapping surface portions of the centre and side sections in an adjusted position.
and means adapted to fasten said overlapping surface portions of the centre and side sections in an adjusted position.
2. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein said overlapping surface portions of the centre section and side sections extend over substantially the entire length of said centre section from said rear side areas of the helmet to said front section and said surface portions define respective compound curves providing for additional simultaneous height adjustment as a consequence of adjust-ment of the overlap of said surface portions.
3. A helmet as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said fastening means comprise, at each side of the helmet, a bolt extending through an opening in the relevant side section and through a slot in said centre section, the slot being shaped to define a path described by a fixed point on the side section as said sections are moved from a position of minimum overlap to a position of maximum overlap, and a nut shaped to slide in said track and receiving said bolt, said bolt being turn-able from externally of the helmet to clamp said overlapping sections together.
4. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front and side sections are formed as a single plas-tic moulding and said top section is formed as a second separate moulding secured to said front section by mechanical fastening means.
5. A helmet as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said centre section includes a recess extending longi-tudinally of the section over a substantial portion of its length and defining a pair or parallel protuberant ribs extending along the length of the section.
6. A helmet as claimed in claim 4, wherein said side sections are shaped to completely cover the ears of a wearer and include openings providing ventilation to the ears.
Priority Applications (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000385819A CA1147501A (en) | 1981-09-14 | 1981-09-14 | Hockey helmet |
| FI822613A FI71657C (en) | 1981-09-14 | 1982-07-26 | Safety helmet. |
| DE19823232762 DE3232762A1 (en) | 1981-09-14 | 1982-09-03 | Protective helmet |
| JP15576782A JPS5860008A (en) | 1981-09-14 | 1982-09-07 | Protective helmet |
| SE8205192A SE452412B (en) | 1981-09-14 | 1982-09-13 | PROTECTION HJELM |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000385819A CA1147501A (en) | 1981-09-14 | 1981-09-14 | Hockey helmet |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1147501A true CA1147501A (en) | 1983-06-07 |
Family
ID=4120941
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000385819A Expired CA1147501A (en) | 1981-09-14 | 1981-09-14 | Hockey helmet |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS5860008A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1147501A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3232762A1 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI71657C (en) |
| SE (1) | SE452412B (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2000023155A1 (en) * | 1998-10-19 | 2000-04-27 | Yoon, Jae, Hum | Flexible buffing cell and sports protector made from the cell |
| US6159324A (en) | 1999-03-05 | 2000-12-12 | Sportscope | Process for manufacturing protective helmets |
| US6202223B1 (en) | 1996-11-29 | 2001-03-20 | Bauer Nike Hockey Inc. | Padding with embedded fastener for use in a helmet |
| US6292952B1 (en) | 1998-09-25 | 2001-09-25 | Sportscope, Inc. | Insert-molded helmet |
| US6966075B2 (en) | 2001-09-25 | 2005-11-22 | Bauer Nike Hockey Inc. | Adjustable helmets |
| WO2019100153A1 (en) * | 2017-11-21 | 2019-05-31 | Bauer Hockey Ltd. | Adjustable helmet |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH666389A5 (en) * | 1985-04-19 | 1988-07-29 | Forstwirtschaftliche Zentralst | Safety helmet for forestry workers - consists of casing over both ears with hearing holes covered by slide pieces |
| CA2191693C (en) * | 1996-11-29 | 2005-11-08 | Daniel Chartrand | Adjustable helmet having an improved locking mechanism |
| CA2192877C (en) * | 1996-12-13 | 2000-11-07 | Daniel Chartrand | Fastener for use on a protective helmet |
| SE9702415L (en) * | 1997-06-25 | 1998-12-26 | Starflex Ab | Protective helmet and methods for manufacturing part therein |
| US5978973A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 1999-11-09 | Bauer, Inc. | Fastener for use on a protective helmet |
| CA2290324C (en) * | 1999-11-24 | 2005-05-24 | Bauer Nike Hockey Inc. | Adjustable protective helmet |
| WO2007080786A1 (en) * | 2006-01-10 | 2007-07-19 | Hideo Deguchi | Helmet |
| US9389677B2 (en) | 2011-10-24 | 2016-07-12 | Kenleigh C. Hobby | Smart helmet |
| WO2013086246A1 (en) | 2011-12-06 | 2013-06-13 | Equisight Inc. | Virtual presence model |
-
1981
- 1981-09-14 CA CA000385819A patent/CA1147501A/en not_active Expired
-
1982
- 1982-07-26 FI FI822613A patent/FI71657C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1982-09-03 DE DE19823232762 patent/DE3232762A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1982-09-07 JP JP15576782A patent/JPS5860008A/en active Pending
- 1982-09-13 SE SE8205192A patent/SE452412B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6202223B1 (en) | 1996-11-29 | 2001-03-20 | Bauer Nike Hockey Inc. | Padding with embedded fastener for use in a helmet |
| US6292952B1 (en) | 1998-09-25 | 2001-09-25 | Sportscope, Inc. | Insert-molded helmet |
| US6532602B2 (en) | 1998-09-25 | 2003-03-18 | Sportscope, Inc. | Insert-molded helmet |
| WO2000023155A1 (en) * | 1998-10-19 | 2000-04-27 | Yoon, Jae, Hum | Flexible buffing cell and sports protector made from the cell |
| US6159324A (en) | 1999-03-05 | 2000-12-12 | Sportscope | Process for manufacturing protective helmets |
| US6966075B2 (en) | 2001-09-25 | 2005-11-22 | Bauer Nike Hockey Inc. | Adjustable helmets |
| WO2019100153A1 (en) * | 2017-11-21 | 2019-05-31 | Bauer Hockey Ltd. | Adjustable helmet |
| US11730227B2 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2023-08-22 | Bauer Hockey Llc | Adjustable helmet |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| SE452412B (en) | 1987-11-30 |
| SE8205192L (en) | 1983-03-15 |
| JPS5860008A (en) | 1983-04-09 |
| FI71657B (en) | 1986-10-31 |
| SE8205192D0 (en) | 1982-09-13 |
| FI822613A0 (en) | 1982-07-26 |
| FI822613L (en) | 1983-03-15 |
| FI71657C (en) | 1987-02-09 |
| DE3232762A1 (en) | 1983-04-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |