WO2011047273A1

WO2011047273A1 - Integral helmet removal system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2011047273A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/052862
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bill Best; Jay Turkbas; Steven Washburn
Original assignee: Shock Doctor, Inc.
Priority date: 2009-10-15
Filing date: 2010-10-15
Publication date: 2011-04-21

Abstract

A device using an inflatable expander to assist in the removal of a helmet without causing unnecessary strain on a user's neck. The device includes a conduit and a connector to convey a fluid into the expander and thereby fill the inflatable expander. The device can be configured to comprise multiple conduits and connectors in order to provide multiple fluid paths to the expander. In addition, the device can include ports on a helmet to facilitate easy and secure access to the fluid paths.

Description

INTEGRAL HELMET REMOVAL SYSTEM AND METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/251,864, filed October 15, 2009, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to head protective gear. More specifically, the present invention pertains to helmets having an insertable inflation apparatus, and to systems and methods for removing a helmet from the head of a user.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various approaches have been proposed for removing helmets from injured wearers, such as motorcycle riders, football players, hockey players, and others. For example, U.S. Patents 5,428,845 and 5,566,398 by inventor John C. Deagan describe use of an inflatable bladder inside a helmet to more safely remove the helmet from an injury victim. First responders, such as EMT's, can remove a helmet without causing further unwanted movement to a victim's head or neck using a bladder that sits inside the victim's helmet. Following a crash the bladder is easily inflated by first responders by using a squeeze bulb or fluid cartridge (e.g., C0₂ cartridge), lifting the helmet from the victim's head and thereby reducing risk of further aggravating any potential neck injury.

SUMMARY

[0004] The invention is a device designed to assist in the removal of a helmet without causing unnecessary strain on a user's neck. The device is particularly needed after a collision in which the user may have suffered a neck or spinal injury. The device includes a conduit and a connector to convey a fluid into an inflatable expander and thereby fill the expander. The device can comprise multiple conduits and connectors in order to provide multiple fluid paths to the expander. In addition, the device can include ports on a helmet to facilitate easy and secure access to the fluid paths. In other embodiments, the device uses the padding of the helmet as a conduit or to secure inflation components.

[0005] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a front view of a helmet, according to some embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connector and port of the helmet of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another connector and port of the helmet of

FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0009] FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial cut away views of the helmet of FIG. 1 , showing assembly of a portion of an expansion assembly of the helmet, according to some embodiments.

[0010] FIGS. 6 and 7 are partial cut away views of the helmet of FIG. 1 , showing assembly of another portion of an expansion assembly of the helmet, according to some embodiments.

[0011] FIGS. 8-10 are side views of the helmet of FIG. 1 showing a method of actuating the expansion assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIGS. 1 1-14 are side views of the helmet of FIG. 1 showing another method of actuating the expansion assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another helmet, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a connector of an expansion assembly of the helmet of FIG. 15, according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIGS. 17 and 18 are partial cut away views of the helmet of FIG. 15, showing assembly of a portion of another expansion assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 19 is a side view of another helmet, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIGS. 20 and 21 are bottom oriented, perspective views of the helmet of FIG.

19, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Various embodiments relate to helmets incorporating integral expansion features for facilitating helmet removal from a wearer without undue movement of the wearer's body, and in particular without unduly moving the head and neck of the wearer. In some embodiments, the integral expansion features provide improved access in view of wearer position, as well as enhancements in ease of use and efficacy, for example. As used herein, the term "fluid" is indicative of gaseous and liquid matter states, including gels, for example.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a front view of a helmet 10 according to some embodiments, where the helmet 10 includes a shell assembly 12, a padding assembly 14, a liner assembly 16, and an expansion assembly 18.

[0020] The shell assembly 12 is optionally formed of relatively hard polymeric material(s), including, for example, carbon fiber composite, fiberglass, ABS, and others. The shell assembly 12 has an exterior surface 20 and an interior surface 22 (FIG. 4) and defines a front viewing window 24 through which the wearer (not shown) can see, as well as a first port 26A and a second port 26B. In some embodiments, the shell assembly 12 includes, for example, a visor, venting, chin strapping, and other additional or alternate features as desired. In some embodiments, the shell assembly 12 is adapted to substantially cover the skull and jaw of the wearer, the shell assembly 12 generally defining ear portions 12A extending over the ears and jaw portions 12B extending over the jaw of the wearer.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first and second ports 26A and 26B are located on opposing sides of the shell assembly 12 on the jaw portions 12B and rearwardly disposed toward the ear portions 12 A. As subsequently described, by locating the first and second ports 26A and 26B on either side of the helmet 10 and rearwardly disposed on the jaw portions 12B, there is a greater likelihood a person assisting in removing the helmet from the wearer will have access to the expansion assembly 18 even when the wearer is in a variety of bodily positions (e.g., where the wearer may be laying on his or her side or a back). In some embodiments, the first and second ports 26A and 26B are substantially similar and, thus, they are described collectively below with reference to the first port 26A. [0022] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the first port 26A. As shown, the first port

26A optionally includes a depressed access portion 30A, a raised shield portion 30B, and an aperture 30C through which a portion of the expansion assembly 18 is accessible. The depressed access portion 30A is optionally sized and shaped to accommodate a nozzle end of a fluid cartridge 32 (FIG. 8) (e.g., a standard C0₂ cartridge). In some embodiments, the depressed access portion 30A forms an elongate bowl shape. In turn, the raise shield portion 3 OB is optionally formed with an elongate bowl shape that extends over a portion of the depressed access portion 30A (e.g., about half way along the length of the depressed access portion 30A). The raised shield portion 30B provides an aerodynamic design that helps prevent dirt ingress into the aperture 30C and the components of the expansion assembly 18 maintained therein.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing another embodiment of the first port 26A, where instead of having the aperture 30C angled forwardly and downwardly as shown in FIG. 2, the aperture 30C is angled upwardly and rearwardly to further enhance aerodynamic performance and reduce a likelihood that dirt or debris would be forced into the aperture 30C upon a wearer's head impacting a surface at certain orientations (e.g., face first).

[0024] FIG. 1 shows portions of the padding assembly 14 according to some embodiments, where FIGS. 4 and 5 show additional portions of the padding assembly 14. FIGS. 4 and 5 are isometric views of the helmet 10 with an upper quarter cross-section removed to show various internal helmet features. FIG. 4 includes a portion of the expansion assembly 18 inserted into the padding assembly 14, and FIG. 5 shows the portion just prior to insertion into the padding assembly 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the padding assembly 14 optionally includes a crown portion 36, a first side portion 38, a second side portion 40 and a rear portion 42. The various portions 36, 38, 40, 42 are optionally individual connected elements; individual separate elements; or single, monolithic units as desired. The padding assembly 14 is optionally formed of suitable materials, such as those providing substantial shock absorption capabilities while maintaining structural integrity upon severe impact (e.g., foams, gels, and others). In some embodiments, the various portions 36, 38, 40, 42 are formed via one or more molding processes, for example, although a variety of fabrication techniques are employed as appropriate. [0025] In some embodiments, the crown portion 36 has an inner surface 44 and an outer surface 46, where the crown portion 36 is substantially dome-shaped and forms a recessed area 48 in the inner surface 44 configured to receive a portion of the expansion assembly 18. In some embodiments, the recessed area 48 is substantially square and is formed into the inner surface of the crown portion 36 during a molding operation, for example.

[0026] Portions of the liner assembly 16 according to some embodiments, are shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5. In some embodiments, the liner assembly 16 is removable and washable. The liner assembly 16 is optionally adapted to be worn on the crown of the head and includes substantially soft, compliant materials for contact with the wearer.

[0027] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate portions of the expansion assembly 18 according to some embodiments, where FIGS. 6 and 7 are isometric views of the helmet 10 with an upper quarter cross-section removed to show various internal helmet features. In some embodiments, the expansion assembly 18 includes a first connector 50A (FIGS. 1-3), a second connector 50B (FIG. 1), a first conduit 52A (FIG. 1), a second conduit 52B (FIGS. 1, 6, and 7), and an expander 54 (FIGS. 1, 4, and 5).

[0028] The first and second conduits 52A and 52B and expander 54 are shown in broken lines in FIG. 1, the first and second conduits 52A and 52B and expander 54 being hidden from external view according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, the first connector 50A is optionally maintained by the first port 26A (the second connector 50B being similarly maintained by the second port 26B). As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the first connector 50A is positioned at least partially in the depressed access portion 30A under the raised shield portion 30B within the aperture 30C. So positioned, the first connector 50A is accessible for use with a mating plug on the cartridge 32 and/or another mating plug (not shown). In FIG. 2, the cartridge would be inserted at an angle from a bottom-up orientation, whereas in FIG. 3 the cartridge would be inserted at an angle from a top-down orientation. The second connector 50B is optionally similarly positioned with the second port 26B (FIG. 1). [0029] Although the first and second connectors 50A and 50B differ as desired, the first and second connectors 50A and 50B are substantially similar according to some embodiments, and thus are described collectively.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first and second connectors 50A and 50B include twist control regulators, such as those available from "Genuine Innovations" located at 2700 E. Bilby Road Tucson, AZ 85706 and sold under the trade name "MICROFLATE." For example, the fluid cartridge 32 (FIG. 8) is threaded into the first connector 50A, then tightened to pierce the cartridge 32, and, in order to release fluid (e.g., C0₂), the cartridge 32 is unthreaded (e.g., about ½ to 1 turn). In some embodiments, fluid is released from the cartridge 32 in a controlled fashion by twisting the cartridge 32 to adjust flow.

[0031] Although the first and second conduits 52A and 52B differ as desired, the first and second conduits 52A and 52B are substantially similar according to some embodiments, and thus are described collectively.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first and second conduits 52A and 52B are integrally formed with the padding assembly 14, for example being molded into one or more of the crown portion 36, a first side portion 38, and the rear portion 42. The conduits 52A and 52B are optionally formed of flexible and/or rigid tubing materials embedded into the padding assembly 14. In other embodiments, the conduits 52A and 52B are formed as air tight lumens in the padding assembly 14, for example during a molding operation. In still other embodiments, the conduits 52A and 52B are assembled with the padding assembly 14 following formation (e.g., by inserting each of the conduits 52A and 52B through one or more lumens and/or recesses formed in one or more portions of the padding assembly 14 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In some embodiments, the first conduit 52A is in fluid communication with the first connector 50A and the expander 54 and the second conduit 52B is similarly in fluid communication with the second connector 50B and the expander 54.

[0033] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the expander 54 after receipt in the padding assembly 14 and before receipt in the padding assembly 14, respectively. In some embodiments, the expander 54 is configured as a bladder that is expandable upon inflation with a fluid, such as C0₂ gas. The expander 54 is optionally formed of material that does not appreciably stretch when the expander 54 undergoes inflation. In some embodiments, the expander 54 is folded to place the expander 54 in a collapsed configuration, and during inflation, the expander 54 unfolds into an expanded configuration. In other embodiments, the expander 54 is formed of a material that is initially in a collapsed, relatively compact configuration and then stretches during inflation to expand to an inflated, relatively expanded configuration. Some examples of suitable expander materials and configurations are described in U.S. Patents 5,428,845 and 5,566,398, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] In some embodiments, the expander 54 is configured to be received in the recessed area 48 of the padding assembly 14. For example, the expander 54 is optionally sized and shaped in the collapsed configuration to be either substantially flush with the surrounding crown portion 36 or to be recessed relative to the surrounding crown portion 36. The expander 54 is optionally secured in the recessed area using adhesives, fasteners, factional retention or other means as appropriate.

[0035] In some embodiments, the expander 54 is constructed to be substantially leak free or fluid tight so that during inflation the fluid does not leak out of the expander 54. For example, the expander 54 is optionally formed of substantially impermeable materials. In other embodiments, the expander 54 is configured to expand up to a preselected internal pressure, at which time fluid will leak from the expander 54 to maintain a relatively constant, maximum internal pressure. In some embodiments, such selective pressure control is accomplished by incorporating a mechanical release valve, by incorporating a section of material that will fail at a predetermined pressure or stress, and/or through other means as appropriate.

[0036] Assembly of the helmet 10 according to some embodiments is partially illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, where prior to inserting the liner assembly 16, the expander 54 is seated in the recessed area 48 and secured therein (FIGS. 4 and 5), the conduits 52A and 52B are arranged within the padding assembly 14 and outer shell 12 as desired (FIGS. 6 and 7), the connectors 50A and 50B are secured in the ports 26A and 26B (FIG. 1), and the conduits 52A and 52B are connected to the connectors 50A and 50B and the expander 54 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the conduits 52A and 52B and/or the expander 54 include one way valves (not shown) at the interfaces between the conduits 52A and 52B and the expander 54 such that the expander 54 is expandable using either connector 5 OA and 50B without fluid escaping from the conduit that is not in use. Alternatively or additionally, the connectors 50A and 50B are pre-disposed in a closed state to substantially prevent air leakage from a connector that is not in use. In still other embodiments, one or both of the connectors 50A and 50B incorporate a check valve or other pressure relief means to help ensure that over inflation and/or over pressurization of the expander 54 does not occur. Once the expander 54 is assembled into the recessed area 48, the liner assembly 16 is optionally received in the shell assembly 12 over the expander 54, such that the expander 54 is disposed between the liner assembly 16 and the pad assembly 14.

[0037] FIGS. 8-10 are illustrative of a method of inflating the expander according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 8, the cartridge 32 is optionally inserted into the first connector 50A. This approach is particularly suitable for a scenario where a victim is lying on his or her back or side with the first connector 50A being readily accessible by a third person (e.g., a first responder). In some other embodiments, the first connector 50A is oriented in an opposite direction, oriented toward the back of the victim's head as shown in FIG. 3, which is particularly suitable for a scenario where the victim is lying on his or her stomach. If desired, the first and second connectors 50A and 50B are optionally oriented in opposite directions, on opposite sides of the helmet 10 or in opposite directions on the same side of the helmet 10, for example, to facilitate insertion of the cartridge 32 into the connectors 50A and/or 50B for a variety of victim positions.

[0038] Following insertion of the cartridge 32, the cartridge 32 is optionally twisted as shown in FIG. 9 to begin inflation of the expander 54 (FIG. 4). During inflation, the user optionally back twists the cartridge 32 in an opposite direction to reduce fluid flow as desired. As the expander 54 transitions to the expanded, or inflated configuration, the expander presses between the liner assembly 16 (FIG. 1) and the pad assembly 14 (FIG. 1) until the helmet 10 is moved off of the wearer's head (not shown) a desired amount (e.g., until the shell assembly 12 is above the ears of the wearer). In some embodiments, once a desired amount of inflation has been obtained, the cartridge 32 is back twisted until all fluid flow is ceased. In other embodiments, the cartridge 32 is left in the open state, fluid flow ceasing upon equilibration between the pressure system of the cartridge and that of the expansion assembly 18. [0039] FIGS. 11-14 are illustrative of another method of inflating the expander 54 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1 1, a fill hose 80 is inserted into the first connector 50A to the position shown in FIG. 12, where the fill hose 80 includes a plug 80A adapted to mate with the first and/or second connectors 50A and 50B. Similar to other embodiments previously described, the first connector 50A is alternatively oriented in an opposite direction, toward the back of the victim's head if desired and/or the first and second connectors 50A and 50B are optionally oriented in opposite directions as desired. The fill hose 80 is optionally connected to a pressurized and controlled fluid source, such as the cartridge 32 used in association with a hand operated pressure valve (not shown). In other embodiments, the fill hose 80 is connected to a hand pump for pumping air into the first connector 50A.

[0040] Following insertion of the fill hose 80, the plug 80A is optionally twisted as shown in FIG. 13 to lock the plug 80A and the first connector 50A together as designated in FIG. 14. The cartridge 32 or other fluid source is actuated to deliver fluid through the fill hose 80 into the expander 54 (FIG. 4). Similarly to other embodiments, as the expander 54 transitions to the expanded, or inflated configuration the helmet 10 is moved off of the wearer's head (not shown) a desired amount (e.g., until the helmet 10 is above the ears of the wearer). In some embodiments, once a desired amount of inflation has been obtained, the plug 80 A is back twisted and removed from the first connector 5 OA ceasing fluid flow into and/or out of the expander 54.

[0041] FIG. 15 illustrates another helmet 110 according to some embodiments.

Various features of the helmet 110 are generally similar to those of the helmet 10, the helmet 110 including a shell assembly 112, a padding assembly 114, a liner assembly (not shown), and an expansion assembly 118 (shown in broken lines in FIG. 15).

[0042] In some embodiments, the shell assembly 112 includes a port 126 located toward a crown of the shell assembly 112. By locating the port 126 on the top, or crown of the helmet 10, a person assisting in removing the helmet from the wearer should have access to the expansion assembly 118 regardless of a bodily position of the wearer (e.g., where the wearer may be laying on his or her side, back, or stomach). [0043] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showing the port 126. As shown, the port 126 optionally includes a depressed access portion 130A, a raised shield portion 130B, and an aperture 130C through which a portion of the expansion assembly 1 18 is accessible.

[0044] The expansion assembly 118 optionally includes a connector 150 (FIG. 16), a conduit 152, and an expander 154, the connector 150 being located at the crown of the shell assembly 12 in the port 126. In some embodiments, the conduit 152 is disposed in a crown portion (not shown) of the pad assembly 14, where, similarly to embodiments, the conduit connects the connector 150 and the expander 154. The connector 150 is optionally configured similarly to the first and second connectors 50A and 50B previously described and/or is optionally a third connector of the helmet 10, the helmet 10 having three access points rather than two.

[0045] FIGS. 17 and 18 show another helmet 210 with an optional quick assembly feature. A connector 250 of the helmet 210 is oriented more vertically (i.e., less tangentially) relative to the crown of a shell assembly 212 of the helmet 210. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18, an expander 254, conduit 252, and the connector 250 are insertable into the shell assembly 212 as a preassembled unit, with the expander 254 being received against a pad assembly 214 of the helmet 210 and the conduit 252 and connector 250 being inserted through a hole 214A in the pad assembly 214 and into a hole 212A in the shell assembly 212. A liner assembly 216A is also optionally included and, in some embodiments, is interposed between the expander 254 and the wearer's head (not shown).

[0046] FIGS. 19-21 show another helmet 310 according to still other embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the helmet 310 and FIGS. 20 and 21 are bottom oriented, perspective views of the helmet 310. As shown, the helmet 310 optionally includes a shell assembly 312, a padding assembly 314, a liner assembly (not shown), and an expansion assembly 318. In some embodiments, the shell assembly 312 includes access to the expansion assembly 318 at the rear of the shell assembly 312, and forms a cartridge housing 390 at the rear of the shell assembly 312. The shell assembly 312 is optionally otherwise substantially similar to shell assemblies previously described. In some embodiments, the padding assembly 314 includes grooves, channels, and/or internal lumens for receiving (or for serving as) portions of the expansion assembly 318. [0047] In some embodiments, the expansion assembly 318 includes a cartridge 332 received in the cartridge housing 390, a connector 350 having a connector actuator 351, a conduit 352, and an expander 354, which is optionally received in a crown portion (not shown) of the padding assembly 314, the conduit 352 extending between the expander and the connector 350 (e.g., within a lumen integrally formed in the padding assembly 314).

[0048] The cartridge housing 390 optionally includes a base portion 390A molded with the surrounding shell assembly 12 and a detachable cover portion 390B that is releasably connected to the base portion 390A. In some embodiments, the cartridge 332 is a standard C0₂ cartridge. The cartridge 332 is received in the base portion 390A. In turn, the connector 350 is assembled with the cartridge 332. In some embodiments, the connector actuator 351 is optionally a lever operated valve that is hand operated to allow flow of fluid from the cartridge 332 through the conduit 352 into the expander 354. In some embodiments, the cover portion 390B is configured to allow a hand operated portion (e.g., a lever portion) of the connector actuator 351 to be exposed externally to the base and cover portions 390A and 390B. If desired, an actuator lock (not shown) is employed to help prevent inadvertent discharge of the cartridge 332. Thus, the helmet 310 optionally includes a self-contained, on board expansion assembly 318 with an incorporated source of pressurizing fluid and actuation means for the operating the expansion assembly 318.

[0049] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.

Claims

CLAIMS The following is claimed:

1. A helmet removal device comprising:

a first connector configured to receive fluid; a second connector configured to receive fluid; an expander configured to receive fluid; a first conduit attached to the first connector and to the expander and

configured to convey fluid from the first connector to the expander; and a second conduit attached to the second connector and to the expander and configured to convey fluid from the second connector to the expander.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a one-way valve oriented to allow fluid into the expander.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising the one-way valve oriented to allow fluid into the expander.

4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a pressure valve configured to maintain fluid pressure within the expander below a predetermined pressure level.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the pressure valve comprises a mechanical valve.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the pressure valve comprises a material configured to be impermeable to fluid when pressure within the expander is below the predetermined pressure level, and further configured to be permeable to fluid when pressure within the expander exceeds the predetermined pressure level.

7. A helmet comprising:

a shell assembly having a first port; a padding attached to the shell assembly, the padding defining a recess and a first impermeable lumen; an expander that is at least partially within the recess and is in fluid communication with the first lumen; and a first connector that is attached to the first port and is in fluid connection with the first lumen.

8. The helmet of claim 7, wherein the first port is located on a portion of the shell assembly adapted to cover an upper portion of a user's head.

9. The helmet of claim 7, wherein the first port comprises a depressed portion configured to receive a fluid input device, an aperture configured to receive the first connector, and a shield portion configured to protect the first connector.

10. A helmet comprising:

a shell assembly having a first port and a second port; a padding that attaches to the shell assembly and defines a recess, a first lumen, and a second lumen; an expander that is at least partially secured within the recess; a first conduit that is at least partially secured within the first lumen and is in fluid communication with the expander; a second conduit that is at least partially secured within the second lumen and is in fluid communication with the expander; a first connector that is attached to the first port and is in fluid connection with the first conduit; and a second connector that is attached to the second port and is in fluid connection with the second conduit.

11. The helmet of claim 10, wherein the shell assembly further comprises a front side and a back side, and the first port is oriented towards the back side.

12. The helmet of claim 10, wherein the shell assembly further comprises a crowning portion configured to cover an upper portion of a user's head, and the first port is oriented towards the crowning portion.

13. The helmet of claim 10, wherein the shell assembly further comprises a first side and a second side, and the first port is located on the first side and the second port is located on the second side.

14. The helmet of claim 10, wherein the shell assembly further comprises a front side, a back side, and a first side, and wherein the first and the second port reside on the first side of the shell assembly with the first port oriented towards the front side and the second port oriented towards the back side.

15. The helmet of claim 10, wherein the shell assembly further comprises a back portion, the first side of the shell assembly is configured to cover a portion of a user's jaw, and the first port is oriented towards the back portion of the shell assembly.

16. The helmet of claim 15, wherein the second side of the shell assembly is configured to cover a second portion of the user's jaw and the second port is oriented towards the back portion of the shell assembly.

17. The helmet of claim 10 wherein the first and second connectors are adapted to connect with a mating plug and is configured to selectively open to receive a fluid.

18. The helmet of claim 10, further comprising a fluid hose configured to attach to the first connector and to a fluid container and to convey fluid from the fluid container to the first connector.

19. The helmet of claim 10, wherein the helmet further comprises a cartridge configured to expel a fluid into the first connector.

20. The helmet of claim 19, wherein the shell assembly further comprises a selectively removable cartridge shield configured to cover the cartridge .