Patent ID: 6425143
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: A42B

Abstract:
A helmet, comprising:a shell defining a cavity therein, said shell being adapted to substantially enclose a head within said cavity, said shell having a front end and a back end and a top and a bottom, said shell comprising at least one first air inlet adapted to admit air from outside said helmet, at least one first air outlet adapted to release air from inside said helmet, at least one second air inlet adapted to admit air from inside said helmet, and at least one second outlet adapted to release air from inside said helmet; a substantially transparent shield comprising an inner surface, said shield being engaged with said shell so as to allow light to enter said cavity through said shield; a separator engaged with at least one of the shell and the shield, said separator being adapted to separate said first air flow path from said cavity, said separator comprising a gasket engaged with said shell, said gasket being adapted to seal to a wearer's head proximate the eyes so as to enable vision through said shield while preventing communication between said cavity and said inner surface of said shield; wherein said shell and said inner surface of said shield cooperate to define a first airflow path from said at least one first air inlet to said at least one first air outlet such that air flowing through said first airflow path flows along said inner surface of said shield; wherein said shell defines a second airflow path from said at least one second air inlet to said at least one second air outlet; wherein said cavity is in communication with said second airflow path; and wherein said gasket defines at least one third air inlet and at least one third air outlet, such that said first airflow path extends from said at least one first air inlet to said at least one third air inlet, across said inner surface of said shield to said at least one third air outlet, and to said at least one first air outlet.