Adjustable helmet and related method of use

A helmet, adjustable longitudinally and laterally to fit a variety of head configurations, includes an outer shell having front and a rear shell parts, which are movably joined with one another, and an adjuster. The rear outer shell and/or the front outer shell can include first and second lateral shell portions separated by a slot. The adjuster can move the first and second lateral shell portions away from one another from a narrowed mode to a widened mode to increase the lateral dimension of the helmet. Simultaneously, the adjuster can move the front and/or rear shell to increase the longitudinal dimension of the helmet as the first and second lateral shell portions move from a narrowed mode to a widened mode. A method is also provided for effecting the longitudinal and lateral adjustments of the helmet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustable helmet, and more particularly, to a helmet having an exterior shell that is adjustable laterally and longitudinally.

A variety of helmets are commercially available. Most helmets that are adapted to be worn in sporting, recreational and occupational activities include a hard outer shell that forms a portion of the helmet designed to be impacted, padding adapted to fit between the hard outer shell and the head of a wearer, and in some cases, a band that fits around the head of a wearer to hold the hard shell in place relative to the wearer's head.

Many helmets are designed to be adjustable to accommodate a variety of head sizes and shapes. This adjustability is usually provided in the form of an mechanism that adjusts some component of the helmet, internal to the hard outer shell. For example, many hard hats include a one piece, hard outer shell and a head band that is designed to circumferentiate the head of a wearer. The head band is outfitted with a rotatable dial that shortens or lengthens the band via a rack and pinion mechanism to approximate the circumference of the wearer's head. This type of internal adjustability is helpful, but does nothing to adjust the dimensions of the hard outer shell of the hard hat, which is also referred to as a “helmet” herein. Accordingly, the profile of the hard outer shell remains unchanged, which can present comfort and fit issues for the wearer, and can leave the wearer with a helmet that appears too large for their head—despite “fitting” their head on the inside of the helmet.

Other helmets have alternative designs that enable the hard outer shell to be adjusted from front to back, or longitudinally. An example of these helmets are found in the sport of hockey. Most hockey helmets include a front shell covering the crown and temples of a wearer's head, and a rear shell that covers the sides and the rear of the head. The front shell and rear shell are joined with screws that enable a wearer to adjust the longitudinal (front-to-back) dimension of the helmet. After the adjustment, the user can tighten the screws so that the front and rear shells remain joined in a fixed configuration. While this construction is helpful, it requires the use of tools to make the lengthwise adjustment.

Some more recent helmets, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,824 to Fournier, include manually operable features (that is, no tools are required) to adjust the lengthwise dimensions of the helmet. Even helmets like that in Fournier, however have downsides. For example, while the longitudinal dimensions are adjustable, the helmet is not laterally adjustable. For those with large, wide heads, the typical longitudinally adjustable helmet does not address all fitment issues.

In the bicycle helmet industry, there are helmets that provide longitudinal and lateral dimension adjustment. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,647,556 to Grepper illustrates a bicycle helmet including an internal screw mechanism that is joined with guides embedded in different parts of the helmet. When the screws are turned, the guides cause separation of the helmet parts, changing the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the helmet. While this is useful, the screws require tools for adjustment, the actuating mechanism is relatively complex and appears hard to assemble, and the helmet, when expanded, includes wide-open gaps. These gaps can be easily penetrated by objects that impact the head of a wearer. Thus, such adjustable bicycle helmets are not of much use in sporting, recreational or occupational activities where objects such as sticks are used.

While there are a variety of adjustable helmets currently available, there remains much room to provide improved fully and easily adjustable helmets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A helmet is provided which is adjustable longitudinally and laterally to fit a variety of head configurations.

In one embodiment, the helmet includes an outer shell having front and a rear shell parts, which are movably joined with one another, and an adjuster. The rear outer shell and/or the front outer shell can include first and second lateral shell portions separated by a slot. The adjuster can move the first and second lateral shell portions away from one another from a narrowed mode to a widened mode to increase the lateral dimension of the helmet. The adjuster also can move at least one of the front shell and the rear shell relative to the other to increase the longitudinal dimension of the helmet as the first and second lateral shell portions move from the narrowed mode to the widened mode.

In another embodiment, the adjuster can be configured to simultaneously increase and/or decrease the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the helmet. Optionally, the increase or decrease in the longitudinal dimension of the helmet can be proportional to, or can be non-proportional relative to, the increase or decrease in the lateral dimensions of the helmet provided by the adjuster.

In yet another embodiment, the adjuster can be manually operable without the use of tools. Optionally, the adjuster includes a manually rotatable or movable dial or knob, which can actuate the adjuster, and cause it to move the respective portions of the helmet in the desired manner. Further optionally, the helmet can include fasteners, which can secure the respective shell portions in a fixed, immovable configuration after desired manual longitudinal and/or lateral adjustments have been made.

In still another embodiment, the helmet can include a base with the adjuster joined with the base. The base can form a part of the outer shell, and can be joined with the rear shell. In general, the front and rear shells can move relative to the base to provide the longitudinal and lateral dimension adjustment.

In a further embodiment, the base can include a slot cover that extends over and conceals the slot so that foreign objects are impaired and/or prevented from passing through the slot.

In yet a further embodiment, the adjuster includes a strap that extends forwardly to the front shell so that the strap can push the front shell away from the base.

In still a further embodiment, the adjuster includes a manually rotatable dial joined with a rack and pinion mechanism that engages the strap, wherein rotation of the dial extends and retracts the strap relative to the adjuster.

In another, further embodiment, a method is provided that includes providing a helmet including an adjuster, a front outer shell and a rear outer shell movably joined with the front outer shell. The front outer shell and/or the rear outer shell include first and second lateral shell portions separated by a slot. The adjuster is operated to move the first and second lateral shell portions away from one another from a narrowed mode to a widened mode to increase the lateral dimension of the helmet, and to optionally simultaneously move the front shell forward relative to the rear shell to increase the longitudinal dimension of the helmet as the first and second lateral shell portions move from a narrowed mode to a widened mode.

The helmet described herein enables a wearer to alter both the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the helmet to ensure a comfortable and safe fit. For example, where the profile of the outer shell of the helmet can be adjusted, the wearer can experience a better fit, and an exceptional level of safety. Where included, the manually operable adjuster can enable a wearer to make the desired adjustments while the helmet is on the wearer's head, without the use of tools. This can eliminate repeated trial and error fitment issues common with conventional helmets. Further, where the adjuster adjusts one dimension, then continues to adjust another dimension, a good fit along the latter dimension can also be achieved. In cases where the slot cover is included, the slot that contributes to lateral adjustment can be covered to prevent objects from penetrating the slot and impacting the wearer's head.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT

A current embodiment of an exemplary helmet is shown inFIGS. 1-11and generally designated10. The helmet includes a longitudinal dimension90generally extending from the front of the helmet to the back of the helmet, and a lateral dimension95generally extending side-to-side of the helmet10(FIGS. 6,7). The helmet is designed to fit on a wearer's head, which as shown inFIG. 1, includes a frontal region96, side regions98, and a rear region99.

The helmet10can include a hard outer helmet shell12, which as shown, includes a front shell20and a rear shell30slidably joined with one another. The rear shell can include first32and second34lateral portions at least partially separated from one another by a slot36extending longitudinally from the rear region toward the frontal region when the helmet10is on a wearer's head. The helmet can also include a shell base50joined with the rear shell30. The shell base can include an adjuster60including a manually operable dial or knob62and a strap64extending from the adjuster60, along the rear shell30, and forwardly to the front shell20.

By manually operating the dial62, the strap64can extend and retract relative to the adjuster60. In doing so, the strap moves the first and second lateral portions32,34away from one another in the direction of arrows77, widening the slot36, and reconfiguring the portions32,34from the narrowed mode shown inFIG. 6toward the widened mode shown inFIG. 7. This, in turn, increases the lateral dimension95of the exterior or outer shell11. The extension of the strap64can also, optionally simultaneously, slide the front shell20forwardly, away from the base50, so as to increase the longitudinal dimension90of the shell11, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 7. Optionally, the adjuster can be configured to continue to increase the longitudinal dimension90of the helmet10after moving the first and second lateral portions32,34from the narrowed mode to the widened mode. To reduce the dimensions90,95, the adjuster dial62can be rotated in an opposite direction to retract the strap64, thereby causing the front shell20to move toward the rear shell30, and optionally causing the lateral portions32,34to move toward one another from a widened mode (or at least partially widened mode) toward the narrowed mode, thereby closing the slot.

As used herein, “helmet” refers to any headgear designed to be worn on a wearer's head, and includes but is not limited to sporting helmets, such as hockey helmets, lacrosse helmets, football helmets, baseball helmets, etc., occupational helmets such as hard hats, military helmets, and recreational helmets, regardless of construction or the materials from which the helmets are made.

A helmet10in accordance with a current embodiment will now be described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 1-11. As illustrated there, the helmet is a hockey helmet; however, as noted above, the features described herein are well suited for virtually any type of helmet. The helmet10generally includes longitudinal90and lateral95dimensions, as shown inFIGS. 3,6and7. The helmet also includes a longitudinal axis98which extends through the center of the helmet from front to back, generally bisecting the helmet into equally sized halves.

The helmet can include an outer shell11including a front shell20and a rear shell30. The front and rear shells can be connected to one another, and in general, can be movable relative to one another. The shells can be constructed from a hard or rigid materials designed to take an impact and distribute the forces from the impact to optional padding on the interior of the helmet. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, polycarbonates, nylon, thermoplastics, resins, metals, alloys, carbon fibers, and other materials. The front and rear shells20and30can be of a desired aesthetic configuration, and can include a predetermined number of ventilation apertures to provide added comfort by enabling air to circulate around the head of the wearer.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 7, the front shell20and rear shell30can move in relation to one another to adjust the size of the helmet10, or specifically, to adjust the longitudinal90dimension of the helmet. The front and rear shells20and30can be moved relative to one another primarily with the adjuster60(described below); however, the shells can also be fixed relative to one another with a secondary longitudinal locking mechanism22, as shown inFIG. 10.

The secondary longitudinal locking mechanism22optionally can join the front20and rear30shells in a fixed, and immovable configuration after a wearer manually adjusts the longitudinal dimension90of the helmet a desired amount, for example, by sliding the front shell20relative to the rear shell30to increase the longitudinal dimension of the helmet10.FIG. 3illustrates with arrow71movement of front shell20to increase the longitudinal dimension90.

The secondary longitudinal locking mechanism22can include slots26and27defined by the rear shell30, a set of ribs24on the rear shell30that is designed to interlock with corresponding ribs28on the front shell20, and fastening elements29,23that further interlock the ribs and hold the shells in a desired configuration. Optionally, the ribs24and28can be replaced with any suitable interlocking mechanism to provide a friction or structural interlocking to prevent forward and rearward movement of the front shell20relative to the rear shell30.

The slots26and27can be generally linear or curvilinear in structure. Further, the slots can be angled upwardly relative to a horizontal plane as shown inFIG. 1, so that the rear shell raises relative to the front shell as the longitudinal dimension increases.

Although shown as screws29that interfit with nuts23, the fastening elements can be replaced with any suitable fastener such as bolts, cam locks, and the like. The fastening elements also can be designed to be joined with the adjuster60, and in particular, the adjuster straps64. For example, one of the nuts23can be fixedly joined with the strap guide66. If desired, however, the secondary locking mechanism20can be absent altogether from the helmet.

With reference toFIG. 5, the helmet10optionally can include internal padding disposed on the inner surface14of the helmet10. The padding80can include a first inner pad82that includes a front portion84and side portions86. The side portions86can be separated by a recess87that runs along the longitudinal axis of the helmet. The padding80can also include a front pad82, which can be connected directly to the front shell20via an adhesive or a hook and loop fastening system, rivets, buttons or other suitable fasteners.

The padding80can further include a rear inner pad85configured to wrap around the interior surface14of the rear shell30. In general, the rear inner pad85can include a central portion81and wing portions83, which extend generally adjacent the lateral portions of the helmet. The central portion81can interfit within the recess87defined by the front inner pad82so that the central portion81can slide forward and rearward within the recess relatively freely, yet still provide impact absorption on the top of the wearer's head. Optionally, the wing portions83of the rear inner pad85can be joined with and cover the adjuster60and/or other portions of the base50. Further optionally, the rear inner pad85can be of a continuous piece, with a central portion and wings generally being integral and immovable relative to one another, generally covering the occipital, rear region and top region of a wearer's head as desired.

The front shell20optionally can include an additional impact absorption element89, generally transversing the front of the helmet where most impacts occur. This impact absorption element89can be fixedly secured to the front shell20using conventional fasteners. The impact absorption element can also be fixedly joined with ends73of the adjuster strap64as described below in detail with reference toFIG. 6.

The inner padding80and the impact absorption element89can be constructed of any shock absorbing material, for example, expanded polypropylene, expanded polyethylene, vinyl nitrile, polyurethane and/or polystyrene. Further, these components can be joined with the interior surface14of the shell11with any suitable fastening agents, such as glue, adhesives, tacks, staples, screws, rivets and/or hook and loop fasteners. As desired, additional comfort liners also can be secured between the rear inner pad85and the front padding80and/or front impact absorption material89. Although not shown, these elements can be placed to cover the strap64as it spans from behind the rear inner pad85forwardly to the front shell20of the helmet. The comfort liners (not shown) can be secured to the inner surface14of the helmet and/or portions of the padding80by suitable fastening devices such as glue, adhesives, tacks, staples, rivets and/or screws.

Although not shown, the helmet10also can include ear loops and a chin strap attached to the ear loops so that the helmet can be secured to the head of the wearer. If desired, the helmet10can also include left and right ear covers to protect the ears of the wearer.

The helmet10also includes the rear shell30joined with the front shell20. The rear shell can generally be subdivided into a first lateral portion32and a second lateral portion34. Referring toFIG. 6, the first32and second34lateral portions are generally disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis98, which generally bisects the helmet into opposing halves. As will be appreciated, while only two lateral portions are illustrated, the rear shell an be divided into multiple portions, for example a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion, separated from one another by one or more middle portions between the first and second lateral portions between each of the portions. Indeed, the rear shell can be cut or divided into multiple portions that are separated from one another by multiple slots and still be suited to provide for lateral adjustment of the helmet10. Further, although shown in the rear shell30, the lateral portions32and34and the slot36, alternatively can be included in the front shell20to provide adjustment to the lateral dimension95of the helmet as desired.

Returning toFIGS. 6 and 7, the first and second lateral portions32and34are at least partially separated from one another by a slot or slit36defined in the rearward region of the helmet10near the adjuster60. As shown inFIG. 6, the slot36and lateral portions32and34are in a narrowed mode, where the slot36is very small. Optionally, in this narrowed mode, the edges of the lateral portions32and34can abut against one another at or near the longitudinal axis98. In this configuration, the helmet lateral dimension95generally is at its minimum. Generally speaking, in this configuration the entire helmet10is in a narrowed mode.

The slot36, however, is adapted to change in dimension via adjustment by the adjuster60. In so doing, the lateral portions32and34move away from one another to increase the width35, thereby opening up the slot36from a narrowed configuration to a widened configuration. In making this transition, the lateral portions32and34move from a narrowed mode to a widened mode, so that the lateral dimension95of the helmet10also increases.

As shown inFIG. 8, the slot36extends between the lateral portions32and34to a lower edge33of the rear shell30in the rear region of the helmet10. Toward the front region of the helmet, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 11, the slot36can terminate at an aperture39, which can be configured as a circle to reduce potential splitting of the shell at the terminal end of the slot36. The opposing lateral portions32and34can be joined adjacent the slot or the aperture39via a bridge37. Optionally, the front terminal end of the slot can be configured in a variety of different geometric shapes. Moreover, the bridge37can be absent from the rear shell30if desired.

As further explained below, the lateral portions32and34also can be joined by a slot cover55, which can be joined to the exterior surface15of the shell11via rivets, screws or any other suitable fasteners. If desired, the slot cover55can be integrally molded with the shell11.

The rear shell30and base50can include optional guide mechanisms to assist in reconfiguration of the lateral portions from a narrowed mode to a widened mode, and vice versa. For example, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, at least one of the first and second lateral portions32and34can include one or more primary guide mechanisms52, which generally include a primary guide element54associated with a lateral portion32,34and a secondary guide element56associated with the shell base50. InFIG. 8, the first lateral portion32can include a primary guide element54, which as illustrated is a guide slot. The slot can be arcuate, curving generally upwardly as it nears the forward portion of the helmet. The configuration of the slot can, of course, be altered so that is generally straight, but optionally angled upwardly as it nears the forward portion of the helmet10.

The guide mechanism52can also include a secondary guide element56that engages the guide slot54. As shown inFIG. 8, the secondary guide element can be a pin56slidably received and movable within the guide slot54. The slot can be configured so that as the guide pin moves within it, the first and second lateral portion32,34move outward, in the direction of arrows77, away from the longitudinal axis as shown inFIG. 7, translating the first and second lateral portions32and34from a narrowed mode to a widened mode.

The guide mechanism52shown inFIG. 8on the first lateral portion32can also be included on the second lateral portion34, as illustrated inFIG. 9. Further, although the guide mechanism52includes a slot54defined by the rear shell30and a guide pin joined with the base50, these components can be reversed, for example the slot54can be defined by the base50, and the pin can be joined with the lateral portion32. In addition to the slot and pin configuration, a variety of other configurations can be used to provide the same outward and inward guiding of the lateral portions32and34when the adjuster60moves the respective portions. For example, the mechanism52can be substituted with a recess in which a projection is guided, or a pair of opposing flanges (not shown) that abut and slide relative to one another to move the lateral portions relative to the shell base50or other component of the helmet10. In addition, guide mechanism52can be used as a secondary locking mechanism, in much the same way as secondary locking mechanism22, to provide a locked position to the lateral adjustment.

The shell base50can be joined with the rear shell30via the guide mechanism52, as well as other mechanisms and structures. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1,4and11, the base50can also be joined with the rear shell30via the slot cover55, which extends upwardly over at least a portion of the rear shell30. More particularly, the slot cover55can extend upwardly over an exterior surface15of the shell11. The slot cover55can be configured to extend adjacent the edges of the first and second lateral portions32,34, over at least a portion of the slot36. Alternatively, the slot cover55can be configured so that it extends along the interior surface14of the helmet shell11, adjacent the slot36to conceal the slot from the interior of the helmet10. Regardless of its placement, the slot cover55can conceal the slot36, and impair or prevent objects from passing through the slot, potentially injuring the wearer of the helmet. If the rear shell30includes additional slots, additional slot covers can be included as desired, or optionally, a single slot cover can extend over and conceal those multiple slots.

At its forward most portion, the slot cover55, and indirectly the base50, can be fixedly and immovably joined with the rear shell30via fasteners31. Suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, screws, rivets, bolts and clips, as well as adhesives, cements, and the like. Optionally, the components can be integrally molded with one another as desired. Further optionally, the slot cover55can be joined with the bridge37of the rear shell30.

The outer shell11can also include a shell base50, which generally covers at least a portion of the rear of the wearer's head99. This shell base50can be joined directly to the rear shell30as described above, and the adjuster can be joined with the adjuster60. For example, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 9, a recess57can be defined along the lower edge56of the base50. The recess can be configured as a cut out portion of the base50, so that the at least portion of the adjuster60, for example, the adjuster element62, can protrude through the shell base50and be manually accessible by a user. Optionally, the recess57can simply be a hole defined by the shell base with the adjuster element62extending through the hole (not shown). The shell base50can optionally further include ridges or projections adjacent the adjuster element62to protect the adjuster element from impact.

As shown inFIGS. 1,2and6, the adjuster60can be fixedly and immovably joined directly to the shell base50with the fasteners53. Other suitable fasteners include screws, rivets, staples, glue or adhesives. Alternatively, the adjuster60can form an integral part of the shell base50, with at least a portion of the adjuster integrally molded directly on or with the shell base50.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the adjuster60can include a rack and pinion mechanism that extends and retracts the strap64, relative to the adjuster60to provide adjustment of the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the helmet60. In general, the adjuster60can include a housing61and an adjustment element62, protruding from the adjuster60, and generally from the helmet. The adjuster element62as shown is a dial or knob that is manually rotatable (without the use of tools). Optionally, the dial can be replaced with any type of manually operable control, such as a switch, a cam lever, a slide or other movable component which can move the desired components of the helmet to perform a dimensional adjustment. Further optionally, the actuation of the adjuster can vary. For example, the adjuster can include an element, such as a nut, screw head or other configuration that is adapted to move upon engagement with a tool. With such a construction, a user can rotate or otherwise move the adjuster by engaging it with an appropriate tool.

As shown inFIG. 9, the adjuster60can include a strap64, which includes ends63and65. The ends63and65can include rack gears66that mesh with a pinion gear67which is joined with the adjustment element62. By rotating the adjustment element62in the directions shown by the arrow79(or in an opposite direction), the ends63and65of the strap64can move relative to the adjuster housing61. In general, the strap64of the adjuster60extends and retracts in response to manual operation of the adjustment element62. The adjuster itself can be a commercially available adjuster adapted for use with helmet applications. Other suitable adjusters to extend and retract the strap, or otherwise move the lateral portions32and34and/or the front shell20relative to the rear shell30can be substituted as desired.

As shown inFIGS. 6,7and9, the adjuster60includes a strap64that extends forwardly, adjacent the first and second lateral portions32and34generally along the side regions98of a wearer's head. The strap continues to the frontal region96, where it can be concealed or otherwise covered by a strap inner padding69which generally provides padding between the wearer's head and at least a portion of the strap64and/or front shell20. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the strap64can terminate at an end73. That end73can be fixedly joined with the front shell via a fastener74, which as shown is a screw. Of course, other fasteners such as rivets, tacks, glue and/or adhesives can be used as desired. Alternatively, the strap can be molded directly to the front shell20as desired.

Optionally, if desired, the strap64can be a continuous piece (not shown), and can extend from the adjuster60forwardly toward the front shell20around the front shell20, and can return back to the adjuster on the opposite side of the helmet. In this configuration, the strap can be fastened to the front shell in a variety of manners such as those explained above.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, the adjuster60, via the strap64, can be joined with strap guides66on opposite sides of the helmet10. The strap guides66can be further joined with the rear shell30, and in particular, the lateral portions32and34. For example, the strap guides66can be joined with a nut23, which is further joined with a fastener29as shown inFIG. 10. The strap64can be generally immovable relative to the strap guides66as desired. Alternatively, the strap64can move or otherwise slide relative to the strap guide66.

III. Method of Operation

A method of operating a current embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-11will now be described. In general, the method of operation includes taking the helmet10described above and operating the adjuster60to alter the longitudinal90and lateral95dimensions of the helmet10. In so doing, the adjuster60moves the first and second lateral portions32,34of the helmet10away from one another, or toward one another. In doing so, the adjuster widens or narrows (respectively) the slot36, and configures the first and second lateral portions32and34from a narrowed mode (FIG. 6) to a widened mode (FIG. 7) or vice versa. This, in turn, increases the lateral dimension95of the hard outer shell11of the helmet10. The adjuster60also can operate to move, for example, slide the front shell20forwardly relative to the rear shell30, generally away from the base50, or rearwardly relative to the rear shell, generally toward the base50. In turn, this increases the longitudinal dimension90of the hard outer shell11, or decreases the longitudinal dimension90of the hard outer shell11, respectively. Optionally, the adjuster is configured to increase the lateral and longitudinal dimensions simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously with one another. More generally, the adjuster adjusts the lateral and longitudinal dimensions independently of one another so that the lateral portions widen and/or narrow, without that movement being driven, or the result of, the longitudinal movement of the shell, or vice versa.

The adjuster60can also be configured so that when the lateral adjustment is maximized, that is, the lateral portions32and34are moved to their most outwardly disposed position, and maximum lateral dimension95, the adjuster60continues to increase the longitudinal dimension of the outer helmet shell. Alternatively, the adjuster60can be configured to continue increasing the lateral dimension95of the helmet shell11after reconfiguring the front20and rear30shells from a shortened mode to a lengthened mode, that is, after moving the shells to their most extended positions, and maximum longitudinal dimension90.

Referring specifically toFIGS. 6-9, the adjuster60is configured so that the strap64engages or generally moves the lateral portions32and34, as well as the front shell20. InFIG. 6, the helmet10is shown in a narrowed mode where the slot36is configured so that the lateral portions32and34are immediately adjacent, optionally abutting, one another. By rotating the adjustment element62of the adjuster60, as shown by arrow79inFIG. 9, the strap64begins to extend in the direction of the arrows95as shown inFIGS. 6. 7and9. This movement is provided by the rack and pinion mechanism shown inFIG. 9of the adjuster60engaging the ends63and65of the strap64to extend them relative to the adjuster housing61. Of course, where other adjuster mechanisms are utilized, the ends63and65of the strap can be moved in other manners.

As shown inFIGS. 6,7and9, as the strap64moves in the direction of arrows95, the strap engages the strap guides66. The strap guides66are joined directly with the lateral portions32and34. Where the strap guides66are immovable or somewhat immovable relative to the shell lateral portions32and34, the strap64begins to press against the strap guides66thereby pushing the strap guides66in the direction of arrows93(FIGS. 6 and 7). This produces an outwardly directed force on the lateral portions32and34. As a result, the lateral portions are urged to begin moving from the narrowed mode shown inFIG. 6to the widened mode shown inFIG. 7, outward, generally away from the longitudinal axis98.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, the movement of the lateral portions32and34, and the extension of the strap in the direction95, can be guided by the guide mechanisms52. For example, the movement of the lateral portions32,34is guided via the respective guide pins56moving within the guide slots54. With the arcuate and/or angled configuration of the guide slot54, the lateral portions32,34move the outward in the direction of the arrow77. This, in turn, widens the slot36, or otherwise increases the width35as shown inFIG. 7.

As a result, the helmet in general is reconfigured from a narrowed mode to a widened mode, with the narrowed mode being shown inFIG. 6, and the widened mode being shown inFIG. 7. The actual width35to which the slot36is reconfigured can vary depending on the application. In general, the widened slot width near the rear edge33of the rear shell30can range anywhere from a 1/32 inch to 2 inches or more, depending on the amount of adjustability and the maximum lateral dimension95of the helmet. Of course, with increased adjustability, the slot becomes larger, so optionally, the dimension of the slot cover concealing the slot can also become larger as desired.

Returning toFIGS. 6 and 7, operation of the adjuster60also changes the longitudinal dimension90of the helmet, for example, from a shortened mode shown inFIG. 6to a lengthened mode, shown inFIG. 7, and/or vice versa. Specifically, when the adjustment element62is manually adjusted, it extends the strap64in the direction95, as explained above. This extension is translated through the strap64to move the front shell20of the helmet away from the base50. Generally, the extending strap64effectively pushes against the front shell20at the connection of the end73to the shell, moving the front shell20in the direction of arrow91, as shown inFIG. 7. The extension of the strap in the forward direction moves the front shell20forward relative to the rear shell30as also illustrated inFIG. 3, via the arrow71, showing the front shell moving from a shortened mode (in solid lines) to a lengthened mode (in broken lines).

With reference toFIG. 7, as the front shell20begins to move forward in the direction of the arrow91, the front edge31of the rear shell30moves relative to the front shell20. For example, as illustrated, the front edge31of the rear shell30moves from position31A to position31B in the direction of the arrow33. As the adjuster60continues to push the strap64against the front shell20, the front shell moves in the direction of the arrow91, with the longitudinal dimension90of the helmet increasing as a result. As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the movement of the front shell20relative to the rear shell30can be guided by the interaction of the guide screws or pins29moving in the guide slots26and27. When the guide pins29reach the terminal ends of the guide slots26and27, the adjuster can be impeded from further longitudinal adjustment of the front shell20relative to the rear shell30. In general, the longitudinal dimension90can be adjusted in increments ranging from 1/32 inch to 2 inches or more.

The transition of the lateral portions32and34of the rear shell30from an inward mode to an extended mode, or vice versa, can occur nearly simultaneously, or before, or after the longitudinal movement of the front20and rear30shells relative to one another. In the embodiments shown, the lateral movement of the lateral portions32and34in the direction of the arrows77generally occurs simultaneous to the forward movement of the front shell20in the direction of the arrow91. However, after the strap64has been extended sufficiently to move the lateral portions32and34from the narrowed mode to the extended mode, and to increase the width35to its maximum point, continued extension of the strap in direction95continues to move the front shell20in the direction of the arrow91. In this manner, the adjuster generally increases the longitudinal dimension90of the helmet, after moving the first and second lateral shell portions32and34from the narrowed mode to the widened mode to adjust the lateral dimension95.

To explain the adjustment of the helmet another way, with the base shell50as a reference area, the various components of the front shell20and the rear shell30can move relative to the base50. For example, the adjuster60, when adjusted, pushes the front shell20away from the base50. This, in turn, causes the front shell20to slide relative to the rear shell30, increasing the longitudinal dimension90of the helmet10. Again using the base50as a reference region, the adjuster60pushes the lateral portions32and34outward relative to the base. This, in turn, increases the lateral dimension95of the helmet. The adjuster60can provide the movement of the front shell20and the lateral portions32,34of the rear shell nearly simultaneously or in a sequential manner depending on the configuration of the adjuster and its engagement with the respective components of the shell11.

The operation of the helmet10can be explained in yet another way, for example, from the perspective of the helmet being placed on the head of a wearer for fitting, as show inFIG. 1. The wearer can adjust the adjuster60to alter the lateral and longitudinal dimensions95and90until a comfortable fit is achieved. The wearer can begin a helmet fitting sequence by adjusting the longitudinal and/or lateral dimensions90and/or95with the adjuster60to a starting configuration. In some cases, this starting configuration can be where the lateral and longitudinal dimensions are maximized, that is, where the lateral portions32and34are in the full, widened mode as shown inFIG. 7, and the front and rear shells are in the fully lengthened mode, as shown inFIG. 3. The user can place the “maximized” helmet10on their head. With the helmet on their head, the user can manually rotate, without the use of tools, the adjuster60in a clockwise manner as shown by arrow46inFIG. 12.

As a result of this clockwise rotation, the strap64retracts toward the adjuster, in the direction of arrow45. In so doing, the front shell20, which is attached to the adjuster via strap64, moves in the direction of arrows45and47toward the rear shell30, and/or base50of the helmet10. Where the strap64is attached via strap guide66, or by other mechanisms, to the lateral portions32and34, the strap64pulls the lateral portions32and34from the widened mode as illustrated inFIG. 12toward a narrowed mode, as shown inFIG. 6. In general, the lateral portions move toward one another in the direction of arrows43, to narrow the gap36between the lateral portions32and34. The guide mechanism52can operate as explained above to guide the lateral portions32and34toward one another. As the user continues to rotate the adjuster60, the lateral portions32and34move toward one another, with the lateral dimensions95of the helmet reducing. Optionally, the front shell20continues to move in directions45and47generally toward the rear shell30and/or the base50, which continues to reduce the longitudinal dimension90of the helmet. As the dimensions reduce, the helmet10begins to become snug on the wearer's head. When the desired snugness of the helmet on the wearer's head is achieved both longitudinally and laterally, the wearer can discontinue manual rotation of the adjuster.

The movement of the front shell20toward the rear shell30and/or base50, relative to the movement of the lateral portions32and34, can optionally be proportional. For example, for each increment of longitudinal movement, the adjuster60can make a corresponding increment of lateral movement. As a even more particular example, when the adjuster reduces the longitudinal dimensions by ¼ inch, it can simultaneously reduce the lateral dimension by ⅛ inch by moving the lateral portion closer to one another by that distance. The precise proportioning of movement can vary as desired. Furthermore, the adjuster60can move the helmet components to adjust the lateral and/or longitudinal dimensions simultaneously or at different times as explained above.

The adjuster60can adjust the longitudinal90and lateral95dimensions of the helmet10nearly infinitely, which can enable the helmet10to fit a wide variety of users. This lateral and longitudinal adjustment can be performed while the helmet10is on the head of the user, simply by manually adjusting the adjustment element62. If the user desires to set the helmet components in a fixed, immovable configuration, where the longitudinal90and lateral95dimensions are fixed for an extended period of time, the user optionally can engage the elements29, manually or with a tool, to operate the longitudinal locking mechanisms22and secure the front shell20in a fixed configuration relative to the rear shell30.

The user optionally can also fix the longitudinal dimension90of the helmet. To do so, the user can engage the guide pin elements56, manually or with a tool, to tighten those elements and secure the base50in a fixed immovable configuration relative to the lateral portions32and34of the rear shell30. In this manner, with the base50and rear shell30in a fixed immovable configuration, the lateral dimension95of the helmet is set in a fixed configuration. If a user desires to alter the dimensions90and95again after tightening the fasteners or elements, the user can loosen those items and then manually engage the adjuster element62to reconfigure the helmet10and dial the helmet10to the desired dimensions.