WO2000024278A9

WO2000024278A9 - Goggle strap retention device

Info

Publication number: WO2000024278A9
Application number: PCT/US1999/025067
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chris Echelmeier
Original assignee: Chris Echelmeier
Priority date: 1998-10-23
Filing date: 1999-10-22
Publication date: 2001-12-06
Also published as: WO2000024278A1; AU1452000A

Abstract

A goggle strap retention device (10) that may be attached as an after-market accessory to a motorcycle or other helmet (12) or, alternatively, incorporated into a helmet at the time of manufacture. The accessory embodiment comprises a unitary shell (16) having a spherical concavity adapted for fitting directly onto a helmet. In either embodiment, the contour of the retention device includes a channel (18) running the entire exterior circumference in which the goggle strap is placed during use. The retention device provides aesthetic and aerodynamic enhancements by elongating the rear portion of the helmet, and by channeling air from air inlet ports (24, 26) through air passageways to outlet ports (28, 30) to the rear of the helmet.

Description

GOGGLE STRAP RETENTION DEVICE

DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to goggle strap retention devices, and more particularly to a goggle strap retention device adapted for attachment to or incorporation into a protective helmet such as a motorcycle helmet . BACKGROUND ART

It is well known to use protective goggles to shield the eyes from airborne debris, particulate matter, and wind and rain when riding motorcycles, bicycles, street luges, or when engaging in any of a number of other sportε and activities that involve high speed movement . When goggles are used in conjunction with a protective helmet, particularly a round helmet, it is sometimes difficult to keep the goggle strap from sliding down or up the helmet, thus dangerously releasing the goggles from the head and eyes.

Prior art devices include helmets having strap retention tabs or loops that fasten around the goggle strap. While accomplishing the objective of holding the goggle strap in place, such means require unhooking the loop fastener, locating the strap within the loop, and then refastening the loop. This feature alone makes such devices at least modestly inconvenient and time consuming. While seeming only incidental, this inconvenience may actually be quite significant, particularly in the case, for example, of a motorcycle or motocross bicycle rider who wishes to rapidly exchange dirty for clean goggles during a pit stop. Additionally, the prior art loop retention devices make no significant contribution to the reduction of air resistance or to the aesthetics of the helmet. Finally, when such retention devices comprise but one loop, the helmet strap may still migrate significantly on the smooth spherical surface of the helmet on either side of the loop, thus causing discomfort and distraction to the user.

Accordingly, there is needed a goggle strap retention device suitable for incorporation in, or attachment as an accessory to, a protective helmet, which device will assist the user in rapidly positioning a goggle strap, will keep the goggle strap securely in place, and will enhance helmet aerodynamics. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The goggle strap retention device of the present invention may be attached as an after-market accessory to a protective helmet such as a motorcycle helmet or, alternatively, incorporated into a helmet at the time of manufacture. As an accessory it may be attached by any of a number of suitable adhesives or tapes, or by mechanical means such as fasteners. The device comprises a unitary shell having a spherical concavity adapted for fitting directly onto a helmet. The shell contour includes a channel or groove running the entire exterior circumference of the shell at the approximate eye level of the wearer. The goggle strap is placed within the channel so that the channel captures and retains the strap during use. The retention device may also provide aesthetic and aerodynamic enhancements by elongating the rear portion of the helmet. Additionally, the device may include air inlets and outlets to channel air through passageways to rearwardly located air outlets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of the goggle strap retention device of the present invention, showing the device attached as an accessory to an already existing motocross helmet; FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an alternate application for the present invention, showing the goggle strap retention device attached as an accessory to an already existing road racing helmet; and

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a first preferred embodiment of the goggle strap retention device of the present invention, showing the device, generally denominated 10, attached as an after-market accessory to a motocross helmet 12. The means of attaching the device to the helmet may include any of a number of suitably strong adhesives or tapes, including, e.g., a plastics epoxy or a double- side tape, or mechanical fasteners such as screws.

Because helmets are optimally protective when the functional shell is spherically shaped, affixing an after- market strap retention device has the advantage of maintaining without compromise this ideal helmet shape 14 (shown phantom) and its protective characteristics.

As shown in FIG. 1, the aftermarket embodiment of the goggle strap retention device comprises a unitary shell 16 having a generally spherical concavity adapted for fitting directly over a helmet. The shell is preferably fabricated from thermoplastic, though several other materials may be employed that provide the appropriate combination of strength and flexibility. The shell is contoured to include a single channel or groove 18 running substantially the entire exterior circumference of the shell at the approximate eye level of the wearer when applied to the helmet. When goggles are worn by the wearer, the goggle strap is placed within the channel so that the channel captures and retains the strap during use.

Secondarily, the goggle strap retention device of the present invention provides aesthetic enhancement to the longstanding and antiquated "cue-ball" appearance of a spherical helmet, replacing it with a "faster" look. While aesthetics are of subordinate utility, the look is not without a functional basis, as the present invention also enhances the aerodynamic performance of a helmet. As shown, shell 16 effectively elongates the rear of the helmet, and such elongation is known to smooth air flow over the region and thus reduce drag. This elongation is accomplished by two progressively elevated portions, 20 and 22, bordering the sides of the channel 18. As part of its aerodynamic enhancement, optionally included above and below the channel 18 are a first and second air inlet, 24 and 26, respectively, proximate to and immediately behind the region of the wearer's ear. These inlets divide the air flowing over the rear of the helmet and channel a portion of it through air passageways to first and second air outlets or exhausts, 28 and 30, immediately behind the head of the wearer and proximate the rearmost points above and below the strap channel, as shown in FIG. 3. This, again, reduces drag.

Alternatively, the goggle strap retention device of the present invention could be incorporated into a helmet at the time of manufacture. In this case, the helmet would have the same outward appearance as depicted in Fig. 1, but would provide a unitary device comprising a front portion 30 at least partially covering the wearer's face, first and second side portions, 32 and 34 covering the wearer's ears and the sides of her head, a rear portion 36 for covering the rear of the wearer's head, a chin protector 38; a visor 40 connected to said front portion above and in front of the wearer's eyebrow for shielding the wearer's eyes when in use; the rear portion having first and second progressively elevated portions, 20 and 22, respectively, defining the channel 18 between the first and second progressively elevated portions.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate application of the present invention, namely a road racing motorcycle helmet 40 having an aftermarket goggle strap retention device 10. In this instance, and as illustrated, a pair of goggles would be redundant, the helmet already having a visor 42. Accordingly, the retention device is employed for its aerodynamic and aesthetic effects. In every other respect, the device is structurally and functionally identical to that of the first embodiment.

While this invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it is obvious that modifications and changes therein may be made by those skilled in the art to which it pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of this invention is to be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

GOGGLE STRAP RETENTION DEVICECLAIMS What is claimed as invention is:

1. A goggle strap retention device, comprising: a unitary shell having a generally spherical concavity adapted for attachment to the rear of a protective helmet, said shell contoured so as to include a single channel running substantially the entire exterior circumference of the shell at the approximate eye level of the wearer when the device is applied to the rear of the helmet, the channel being for placement and removable capture of a goggle strap.

2. The goggle strap retention device of claim 1 wherein said device is fabricated from a flexible thermoplastic .

3. The goggle strap retention device of claim 1 wherein said shell has a first progressively elevated portion immediately above said channel and a second progressively elevation portion immediately below said channel, said first and second elevated portions providing the helmet with a generally elongate appearance when viewed from the side.

4. The goggle strap retention device of claim 1 further comprising: at least one air inlet; at least one air outlet; at least one air passageway connecting set at least one air inlet to said air outlet.

5. The goggle strap retention device of claim 1 further comprising: a first air inlet; a second air inlet; a first air outlet; a second air outlet; a first air passageway connecting said first air inlet to said first air outlet; and a second air passageway connecting said second air inlet to said second air outlet.

6. A protective helmet comprising: a protective shell for covering the wearer's head; a front portion covering at least some portion of the wearer's face; a first and second side portion for covering the wearer's ear and the sides of her head; a rear portion for covering the rear of the wearer's head; and an elongate portion located on said rear portion, said elongate portion having a first and second progressively elevated portions defining a channel between said first and second progressively elevated portions.

7. The helmet of claim 6 further comprising: a first air inlet; a seccnd air inlet; a first air outlet; a second air outlet; a first air passageway connecting said first air inlet to said first air outlet; and a second air passageway connecting said second air inlet to said second air outlet.