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  Helmet having interior ventilation channelsUSPTO Application #: 20070209098Title: Helmet having interior ventilation channels Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a helmet having interior ventilation channels is provided. In a particular embodiment, the helmet includes at least one protective layer configured to cover at least a portion of a user's head and a plurality of pads coupled to the protective layer, the pads defining a network of interconnected ventilation channels between the pads, the ventilation channels substantially covering an interior of the protective layer and allowing air circulation between the protective layer and the user's head when the helmet is worn by the user. (end of abstract) Agent: Baker Botts L.L.P. - Dallas, TX, US Inventor: Stephen Peart USPTO Applicaton #: 20070209098 - Class: 002410000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Guard Or Protector, For Wearer's Head The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070209098. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to protective headgear and, more particularly, to a helmet having interior ventilation channels. BACKGROUND [0002] Protective headgear, such as helmets, are often used in activities, such as bicycling, skateboarding, motorcycling, race car driving, rock climbing, snowboarding, and skiing, that are associated with an increased risk of head injury. Typically, such protective headgear is designed to maintain its structural integrity and stay secured to the head of a wearer, while protecting the wearer from a trauma to the head. In many types of protective headgear, such as motorcycle helmets, it is often desirable to offer substantially full coverage to the top, back, and sides of the wearer's head to better protect the wearer from head traumas. Unfortunately, this full coverage may also cause heat and perspiration to accumulate within the interior of the helmet leading to user discomfort. SUMMARY [0003] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a helmet having interior ventilation channels is provided. In a particular embodiment, the helmet includes at least one protective layer configured to cover at least a portion of a user's head and a plurality of pads coupled to the protective layer, the pads defining a network of interconnected ventilation channels between the pads, the ventilation channels substantially covering an interior of the protective layer and allowing air circulation between the protective layer and the user's head when the helmet is worn by the user. [0004] Technical advantages of one or more embodiments of the present invention may include providing for increased circulation of air within a helmet to dissipate heat within the helmet. The dissipation of heat may increase user comfort. Such heat dissipation is provided by ventilation channels surrounding a user's head that allow air to flow from outside of the helmet, over the user's head, and out of the helmet. The ventilation channels are formed by pads. [0005] Another technical advantage of particular embodiments of the present invention includes providing a helmet with a more comfortable fit against a user's head. The pads in particular embodiments allow for a more personalized fit for each individual. For example, the pads of particular embodiments may more comfortably accommodate different head shapes of different users by yielding to a user's head more easily. [0006] It will be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention may include some, all, or none of the enumerated technical advantages. In addition, other technical advantages of the present invention may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, description and claims included herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a side view (with portions broken away) of a helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention; [0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of the helmet of FIG. 1; and [0010] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example method of manufacturing the helmet of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0011] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example helmet 10 operable to protect a user's (a wearer's) head 20. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a side view (with portions broken away) of a helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of the helmet of FIG. 1. [0012] Example helmet 10 may offer coverage to any one or more parts of the user's head, including, for example, the top, back, and sides of the user's head, to protect the user from head traumas. Although helmet 10 is a motorcycle helmet, helmets made according to the present invention may include any type of protective headgear, including, for example and without limitation, a bicycling, skateboarding, motorcycling, race car driving, rock climbing, snowboarding, and skiing helmet. Helmet 10 comprises an inner protective layer 30, an outer protective layer 40, vents 50 and 60, ventilation channels 70, and pads 80. [0013] Inner protective layer 30 includes any layer of material or combination of materials operable to protect a user's head from an impact, such as, for example, expanded polystyrene (EPS). Outer protective layer (or shell) 40 includes any layer of material or combination of materials operable to provide an additional layer of protection around inner protective layer 30, such as, for example and without limitation, polycarbonate plastic, carbon fiber/Kevlar/fiberglass tri-weave, or fiberglass. As illustrated in the example embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, inner protective layer 30 of helmet 10 may be disposed substantially within outer protective layer 40. However, inner protective layer 30 may not be covered by protective layer 40 in certain locations. In addition, although two protective layers 30 and 40 are illustrated in the example embodiment, there may only be one protective layer or there may be more than two protective layers in other embodiments. [0014] As described above, helmets are used in a variety of activities, such as, for example, bicycling, skateboarding, motorcycling, race car driving, rock climbing, snowboarding, and skiing. Helmets offer substantially full coverage to the top, back, and sides of the user's head to better protect the user from head traumas. As a disadvantageous by-product, the helmet's substantially full coverage of the user's head generates heat within the interior of the helmet, leading to user discomfort. [0015] To alleviate the discomfort from heat generated within the helmet, users may require some form of ventilation. Helmets may include vents or other air intake or outtake devices to introduce air into the helmet and to allow air to leave the helmet. Users may also lift the protective face shield (if one is provided) to an open position to admit air. [0016] In the illustrated embodiment, ventilation is provided by air vents 50 and 60. Air vents (or ports) 50 and 60 include any vent or combination of vents operable to allow air to enter or leave the inside of the helmet 10. Although air intake vents 50 are located in the example helmet 10 in a position corresponding to the user's forehead and mouth, vents 50 may be positioned anywhere on helmet 10, including, for example, the sides and/or top of helmet 10. Additionally, exhaust vents 60, although located at the back of helmet 10, may also be positioned anywhere on helmet 10, including, for example, the sides of helmet 10. In addition, though vents 50 and 60 are illustrated in the example embodiment as being separate, they may be combined into one vent that allows air to both enter and leave helmet 10. Ventilation may also be achieved through other means and may not even require any vents 50 or 60 at all. For example, air may enter and/or exit the helmet around the face shield of the helmet or around the user's neck. [0017] As many users of prior helmet designs have found, however, ventilation by air vents alone often does not alleviate the discomfort due to heat generated within the helmet. The reason that vents alone do not alleviate the discomfort from heat generation is that the ventilated air does not adequately travel within the interior of the helmet to cool the user's head. Prior helmets have not been designed to provide for adequate circulation of air within the helmet. Prior helmets have sought to cool the user using multiple vents and breathable liners, but these helmets have inadequately allowed air to circulate within the helmet. Although particular prior helmets have comprised limited "channels" between large pads, these "channels" have not been designed to provide circulation of air around much of the user's head, being too few in number and too narrow and shallow to be effective. [0018] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, example helmet 10 provides a network of interconnecting ventilation channels 70 around the user's head 20 to allow for increased circulation of air within helmet 10. Ventilation channels 70 are defined by pads 80 located in example helmet 10 between the inner protective layer 30 and the user's head 20. Pads 80 are positioned around the interior of the helmet to form, in the illustrated embodiment, a network of interconnected ventilation channels 70 that substantially surrounds the user's head. This allows air coming into the helmet to easily circulate around much of the user's head and thus to cool the user's head. Thus, compared to previous helmets having few, if any, spaces between the helmet pads, helmet 10 provides vastly increased air circulation. Furthermore, because less of the helmet 10 is in contact with the user's head, the fit for the user is more comfortable. [0019] Pads 80 may comprise one or more materials with differing densities, consistencies, or other properties. In particular embodiments, one or more pads 80 may comprise a foam material, such as, for example, closed cell foam or open cell foam. One example of closed cell foam that may be used is CONFOR.RTM. CF-45 foam. In particular embodiments, as an example, pads 80 may comprise closed cell foam with a density greater than the open cell foam used in typical helmet pads (which may have, as an example, a density of two to three pounds per cubic feet). In particular embodiments, as an example only, the density of pads 80 may comprise approximately six pounds per cubic feet. The density of the material comprising pads 80 may also differ. For example, the density of the foam comprising pads 80 in some embodiments may vary along a gradient from low to high density foam. The material comprising pads 80 need not be uniform in some embodiments and may include air pockets, other closed or open chambers, and/or holes. In addition, all pads 80 in one helmet 10 need not comprise the same material. For example and without limitation, one or more pads may comprise a first material, another pad or pads may comprise a second material, yet another pad or pads may comprise a third material, and so on. Continue reading... Full patent description for Helmet having interior ventilation channels Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Helmet having interior ventilation channels patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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