Helmet having temple intake ports

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a helmet having temple intake ports is provided. In a particular embodiment, the helmet includes an outer protective shell, an inner protective layer disposed substantially within the outer protective shell and configured to substantially enclose a wearer's head, and at least one intake port proximate a temple area of the helmet configured to direct airflow from an exterior of the helmet through the inner protective layer into an interior of the helmet. (end of abstract)

Agent: Baker Botts L.L.P. - Dallas, TX, US
Inventors: Robert P. Lakes, Eddie G. Rothrock
USPTO Applicaton #: #20070094769 - Class: 002171300 (USPTO)
Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Head Coverings, With Forced Air Circulator

Helmet having temple intake ports description/claims

The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070094769, Helmet having temple intake ports.

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 temple intake ports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Protective headgear, such as helmets, are often used in activities, such as bicycling, skateboarding, motorcycling, 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 wearer discomfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a helmet having temple intake ports is provided. In a particular embodiment, the helmet comprises an outer protective shell, an inner protective layer disposed substantially within the outer protective shell and configured to substantially enclose a wearer's head, and at least one intake port proximate a temple area of the helmet configured to direct airflow from an exterior of the helmet through the inner protective layer into an interior of the helmet.

[0004] A technical advantage of particular embodiments of the present invention includes a helmet offering improved ventilation. By positioning intake ports proximate the temples of the wearer, particular embodiments of the present invention are able to better direct airflow from the exterior of the helmet and direct it into the interior of the helmet where it may cool the wearer.

[0005] Another technical advantage of particular embodiments of the present invention includes the ability to ventilate a helmet without diminishing the structural integrity of the helmet or reducing the coverage provided to the wearer's head. By locating intake ports proximate the temple areas of the helmet and directing the airflow caught by the intake ports into the interior of the helmet, particular embodiments of the present invention are able to ventilate the helmet while still offering substantially full coverage of the wearer's head.

[0006] Other technical advantages of the present invention may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and features and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a helmet in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention may be used;

[0009] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a helmet in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the helmet shown in FIG. 2A with a portion cut-away;

[0011] FIG. 2C illustrates a rear three-quarter view of the helmet shown in FIGS. 2A and B with a portion cut-away;

[0012] FIG. 2D illustrates a front view of the helmet shown in FIGS. 2A-C; and

[0013] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of ventilating a helmet in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a helmet having temple intake ports is provided. In a particular embodiment, the helmet comprises an outer protective shell, an inner protective layer disposed substantially within the outer protective shell and configured to substantially enclose a wearer's head, and at least one intake port proximate a temple area of the helmet configured to direct airflow from an exterior of the helmet through the inner protective layer into an interior of the helmet. By equipping a helmet with these temple intake ports, particular embodiments of the present invention are able to offer improved ventilation for the wearer without diminishing the protection provided by the helmet.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an environment 100 in which a helmet 110 in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention may be used. As shown in FIG. 1, environment 100 includes a user (wearer) 102 riding a motorcycle 104 and wearing helmet 110. Generally, helmet 110 may comprise any type of protective headgear, such as a bicycle helmet, motorcycle helmet, or hardhat. Furthermore, although helmet 110 is used to describe a particular embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that any type of headgear, protective or non-protective, may benefit from the teachings of the present invention.

[0016] If user 102 were to accidentally fall off motorcycle 104, user 102 could suffer various injuries, including head trauma. Therefore, helmet 110 is designed to remain secured to head 106 during an impact while maintaining its structural integrity. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, helmet 110 is also designed to offer improved ventilation due to a pair of temple intake ports located proximate the temple areas of helmet 110. These intake ports are designed to direct airflow into the interior of helmet 110, where it may cool the head of user 102.

[0017] A better understanding of the present invention may be had by making reference to FIGS. 2A-D, which illustrate different views of helmet 110 in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a side view of helmet 110, with FIG. 2B having a portion cut-away. FIG. 2C illustrates a rear, three-quarter perspective view of helmet 110 with a portion cut-away. FIG. 2D illustrates a front view of helmet 110.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2A-D, helmet 110 generally comprises an inner protective layer 204 disposed substantially within an outer protective layer or shell 202. Generally, inner protective layer 204 of helmet 110 may be formed from any suitable material that can protect a user's head from an impact, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), while outer protective shell 202 may be formed from any suitable material that can provide an additional layer of protection around inner protective layer 204, such as polycarbonate plastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber/Kevlar/fiberglass tri-weave. In particular embodiments, helmet 110 may also include a comfort liner 250 configured to provide further cushioning for the wearer's head and/or absorb perspiration inside the interior of helmet 110.

[0019] Generally, helmet 110 is configured to substantially enclose the top, back, and sides of a wearer's head. However, in particular embodiments helmet 110 includes a facial opening 230 configured to leave at least a portion of the wearer's field of vision unobscured. In fact, in particular embodiments of the present invention, facial opening 230 may leave substantially all of the wearer's face unenclosed. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-D, other embodiments of helmet 110 may include a faceguard 240 configured to protect the chin, mouth, and/or nose of the wearer from impact. Particular embodiments of the present invention may also include a visor 220 extending forward from the front of helmet 110 above the eyes of the wearer to shield the wearer's eyes from the sun and/or debris.

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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