Patent Publication Number: US-2023132462-A1

Title: Deflector selectively connectable to a helmet, helmet having same and helmet having adjustable peak

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/273,245, filed Oct. 29, 2021 entitled “Deflector Selectively Connectable to a Helmet, Helmet Having Same and Helmet Having Adjustable Peak”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The present technology relates to deflectors selectively connectable to helmets, helmets having deflectors and helmets having adjustable peaks. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Helmets are a form protective equipment used to protect the head of a wearer. Helmets vary largely depending on their application. Indeed, there is a large array of activities that require head protection and so helmets are customized to best fit the activities&#39; requirements. For instance, there are full face helmets, off-road helmets or open face helmets to name a few types of helmets. 
     In colder weather, different types of helmets can be used depending on the type of riding being practiced. For touring, full face helmets are preferred as they fully cover the face of the wearer and thus help to keep the user&#39;s face warm. For more active riding, helmets having a helmet shell and a jaw shield defining a space therebetween in front of the wearer&#39;s eyes are preferred. Wearers of these helmets will typically wear goggles, received in the space, to protect their eyes. These helmets have more ventilation openings than helmets used for touring in order to increase air flow. Indeed, active riding such as snow-cross or backcountry snowmobile can be a high intensity activity, which may cause the rider to breathe heavily and require more oxygen and ventilation. These ventilation openings address this problem by allowing an increased circulation of fresh air around the rider&#39;s face while riding, compared to a full face helmet. 
     Although the ventilation provided by helmets for active riding can be helpful, this can cause the wearer&#39;s face to become cold when riding less actively, such as when using the helmet for touring, as some snowmobile riders may not have helmets adapted for every type of riding situations. The added ventilation can also lead to more dust entering the helmet. 
     Therefore, there is a desire for a device capable of reducing the amount of ventilation provided by helmets having ventilation openings. 
     In addition, helmets can have peaks to block sunlight and/or to protect the wearer from elements such as rain and/or debris from other vehicles. Typically, such peaks cannot be adjusted to the wearer&#39;s preferences. 
     Therefore, there is also a desire for a device capable of overcoming the above-described drawback. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art. 
     According to an aspect of the present technology, there is provided a deflector selectively connectable to a helmet. The helmet has a helmet shell for receiving a head of a wearer of the helmet and a jaw shield connected to the helmet shell. The helmet shell and the jaw shield define at least in part a helmet aperture. The wearer of the helmet can see through the helmet aperture when wearing the helmet. The jaw shield defines at least one jaw aperture configured to permit air flow therethrough. The deflector includes a deflector body, and at least one connecting protrusion protruding from the deflector body. The at least one connecting protrusion is configured to be at least partially received in the at least one jaw aperture to selectively connect the deflector body to the jaw shield and to at least partially block air flow through the at least one jaw aperture. 
     In some embodiments, an exterior contour of the at least one connecting protrusion has a first perimeter, the at least one jaw aperture has a second perimeter, and the first perimeter is greater than the second perimeter. 
     In some embodiments, when connected to the helmet, the deflector body is disposed on an inner side of the jaw shield of the helmet, and the at least one connecting protrusion has a lip configured to engage an outer surface of the jaw shield. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one connecting protrusion is resiliently deformed in response to being at least partially received in the at least one jaw aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one connecting protrusion is resiliently deformed in response to being removed from the at least one jaw aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the deflector body is sized such that an upper portion of the deflector extends vertically higher than the j aw shield when the deflector body is connected to the jaw shield. 
     In some embodiments, the deflector body is sized such that a lower portion of the deflector extends vertically lower than the jaw shield when the deflector body is connected to the jaw shield. 
     In some embodiments, in response to the at least one connecting protrusion being at least partially received in the at least one jaw aperture, the deflector body is configured to remain connected to the jaw shield until the connecting protrusion is resiliently deformed to remove the connecting protrusion from the at least one jaw aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the deflector body is made of a flexible material. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one jaw aperture is a first jaw aperture and a second jaw aperture, the at least one connecting protrusion is a first connecting protrusion and a second connecting protrusion, the first connecting protrusion is configured to be at least partially received in the first jaw aperture, and the second connecting protrusion is configured to be at least partially received in the second jaw aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one connecting protrusion defines an opening for permitting air flow through the deflector. 
     According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a helmet including a helmet shell for receiving a head of a wearer of the helmet, and a jaw shield connected to the helmet shell. The helmet shell and the jaw shield define at least in part a helmet aperture, the wearer of the helmet seeing through the helmet aperture when wearing the helmet. The jaw shield defines at least one jaw aperture configured to permit air flow therethrough. The helmet also includes a deflector selectively connected to an inner side of the jaw shield. The deflector includes a deflector body, and at least one connecting protrusion protruding from the deflector body. The at least one connecting protrusion is configured to be at least partially received in the at least one jaw aperture to selectively connect the deflector body to the jaw shield and to restrict air flow through the at least one jaw aperture. 
     In another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a helmet having a helmet shell, left and right holders and a peak. The helmet shell receives a head of a wearer of the helmet. The left and right holders are connected to the helmet, and each of the left and right holders have a first connector and a second connector. The peak has a left connecting portion connected to the left holder and a right connecting portion connected to the right holder. Each of the left and right connecting portions has a third connector and a fourth connector. The first connector of the left holder is rotationally connected to the third connector of the left connecting portion, the first connector of the right holder is rotationally connected to the third connector of the right connecting portion, the second connector of the left holder is selectively connected to the fourth connector of the left connecting portion in one of at least two positions, and the second connector of the right holder is selectively connected to the fourth connector of the right connecting portion in one of at least two positions. In a first configuration, the second connectors are connected to the fourth connectors at the first position, and in a second configuration, the second connectors are connected to the fourth connectors at the second position. The peak is selectively adjustable between the first and second configurations. 
     In some embodiments, the helmet defines a left recess configured to receive the left holder, and a right recess configured to receive the right holder. 
     In some embodiments, the left and right holders are removably connected to the helmet. 
     In some embodiments, the peak is removably connected to the left and right holders. 
     In some embodiments, the first connectors are first apertures and the third connectors are third protrusions configured to be received in the first apertures. 
     In some embodiments, the second connectors are second apertures. Each of the second apertures has a first portion defining the first position, a second portion defining the second position, and a linking portion extending between the first portion and the second portion. The fourth connectors are fourth protrusions configured to be received in the second apertures, each of the fourth connectors being moveable via the linking portion between the first portion and the second portion. 
     In some embodiments, the third connectors of each of the left and right connecting portions of the peak are longitudinally spaced from the fourth connectors of each of the left and right connecting portions. 
     In some embodiments, the fourth connectors of each of the left and right connecting portions are rearward of the third connectors of each of the left and right connecting portions. 
     Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein. 
     Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view taken from a front, bottom, left side of a helmet and of a deflector shown removed from the helmet; 
         FIG.  2    is a partially exploded perspective view taken from a front, top, left side of a helmet shell and a holder of the helmet of  FIG.  1   , with a peak being omitted and the deflector being connected to the helmet; 
         FIG.  3 A  is an exploded perspective view taken from a rear, top, right side of the peak of the helmet of  FIG.  1    and the holder of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a perspective view taken from a rear, bottom, right side of the peak of  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  4    is a left side elevation view of the helmet of  FIG.  1    with the peak being in a downward configuration; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view taken from a rear right side of the peak and the holder of  FIG.  3 A  connected to one another in the downward configuration; 
         FIG.  6    is a left side elevation view of the helmet of  FIG.  1    with the peak being in an upward configuration and the deflector being connected to the helmet; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view taken from a rear right side of the peak and the holder of  FIG.  3 A  in the upward configuration; 
         FIG.  8    is a front elevation view of the helmet of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a rear elevation view of the helmet of  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view taken through line  10 - 10  of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a front elevation view of the helmet of  FIG.  1    with the deflector being connected to the helmet; 
         FIG.  12    is a rear elevation view of the helmet and deflector of  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a cross-sectional view taken through line  13 - 13  of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  14    is a front elevation view of a deflector according to an alternate embodiment of the present technology; and 
         FIG.  15    is a left side elevation view of the deflector of  FIG.  14   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As can be seen in  FIG.  1   , a helmet  10  used to protect a head of a wearer includes a helmet shell  12  that defines an inner volume configured to receive the head of the wearer of the helmet  10 , a jaw shield  14  connected to a lower part of the helmet shell  12  and a peak  16  connected to an upper part of the helmet shell  12 . A helmet aperture  18 , defined by the helmet shell  12  and the jaw shield  14 , extends symmetrically in both lateral directions from a longitudinal center plane  11  ( FIG.  8   ) of the helmet  10 , which extends longitudinally along a center of the helmet  10 . The helmet aperture  18  allows the wearer of the helmet  10  to see therethrough. The peak  16  is connected to the helmet shell  12  above the helmet aperture  18  by left and right holders  20  (only the left holder  20  being shown in accompanying Figures), which will be described in greater detail below. A deflector  22  according to an embodiment of the present technology, which, as will be described in greater detail below, is selectively connectable to the helmet  10 , is also shown. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the jaw shield  14  is integrally formed with the helmet shell  12 , but it is contemplated that in other embodiments the jaw shield  14  could be connected to the helmet shell  12  in other ways. For example, the jaw shield  14  could be selectively removable from the helmet shell  12  or could be movable relative to the helmet shell  10 . The jaw shield  14  is positioned and shaped to extend in front of and shield a jaw area of the wearer of the helmet  10 , as its name suggests. The jaw shield  14  defines two jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b  that face generally forward, and two jaw apertures  32   a ,  32   b  that face generally sideways and partially forward. It is contemplated that the jaw shield  14  could define more or less than four jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b . The jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b  are symmetrical about the longitudinal center plane  11 , and the jaw apertures  32   a ,  32   b  are symmetrical about the longitudinal center plane  11 . The jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b  are defined, respectively, at the front left and front right of the jaw shield  14 . The jaw apertures  32   a ,  32   b  are defined, respectively, on left and right sides of the jaw shield  14 , rearwardly of the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b . It is contemplated that the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b  could be sized and/or shaped and/or positioned differently than illustrated. For instance, the jaw aperture  30   a  could be asymmetrical to the jaw aperture  30   b . The jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b  act as vents, and are configured to permit air flow therethrough to the inside the helmet  10 , for instance, to cool the head of the wearer of the helmet  10 . The jaw shield  14  also includes a nose guard  34  that extends partially within the helmet aperture  18 . Shown in  FIG.  9   , a microphone  25  is connected to an inner side of the jaw shield  14 . The jaw shield  14  defines a channel  15  configured to receive a wire  27  connected to the microphone  25  and to a controller (not shown). The microphone  25 , the channel  15  and the wire  27  could be omitted. 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , on the left and right sides of the helmet  10 , at a rear of the jaw shield  14 , the helmet  10  has left and right fasteners  36  (only left fastener shown in accompanying Figures). The left and right fasteners  36  are metal snaps. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the left and right fasteners  36  could be other types of fasteners such as clips. The left and right fasteners  36  are configured to connect to a chin strap (not shown) to secure the helmet  10  to the head of the wearer. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the helmet  10  could be configured to be secured to the head of the wearer differently. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the left and right fasteners  36  could be disposed elsewhere on the helmet  10 , for instance, at a bottom or an inner side thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , the helmet shell  10  defines a left upper recess  50   a  and a right upper recess  50   b , which are symmetrical to one another about the longitudinal center plane  11 . As will be described in greater detail below, the left and right upper recesses  50   a ,  50   b  are configured to receive portions of the peak  16  therein. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the left and right upper recesses  50   a ,  50   b  could be omitted. Towards the front of the left upper recess  50   a , the helmet shell  12  defines a left upper aperture  52   a , and towards the front of the right upper recess  50   b , the helmet shell  12  defines a right upper aperture  52   b . The left and right upper apertures  52   a ,  52   b , which are also symmetrical about the longitudinal center plane  11 , act as vents and permit air to flow therethrough to the inside the helmet  10 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the left and right upper apertures  52   a ,  52   b  could be omitted. Within the left upper recess  50   a , the helmet shell  12  defines a left recess  54  configured to receive the left holder  20 . Within the right upper recess  50   a , the helmet shell  12  defines a right recess (not shown) configured to receive the right holder (not shown). 
     The left recess  54  will now be described in detail. The corresponding right recess is a mirror image of the left recess  54  and as such will not be described in detail herein. The left recess  54  is defined by a partly arcuate lower wall  60  and a flat wall  62  that is generally perpendicular to the wall  60 . The flat wall  62  defines a front aperture  64  and a rear aperture  66 . The front aperture  64 , which generally resembles a backwards D, merges with a forward portion of the wall  60  to define a front clip receiving portion  68 . The rear aperture  66 , which is longitudinally spaced from the front aperture  64 , merges with a rearward portion of the wall  60  to define a rear clip receiving portion  69 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the front and rear clip receiving portions  68 ,  69  could be omitted. In other embodiments, the front and rearward apertures  64 ,  66  could be recesses. In yet other embodiments, the front and rearward apertures  64 ,  66  could be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 ,  3 A,  3 B,  5  and  7   , the helmet  10  also includes the left and right holders  20  that connect the peak  16  to the helmet shell  12 . As mentioned above, the left and right holders  20  are configured to be received, respectively, in the left and right recesses  54 . As the right holder is a mirror image of the left holder  20 , only the left holder  20  will be described in detail herewith. 
     The left holder  20  has a body  70 . At a front thereof, the left holder  20  has a front clip  72  configured to be received in the front clip receiving portion  68 . In other embodiments, the left holder  20  could, instead, define a front clip receiving portion configured to receive a front clip disposed in the left recess  54 . 
     Rearwardly from the front clip  72 , the body  70  has a front connector  74 . The front connector  74  is a front aperture  74 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the front connector  74  could be a recess or a protrusion. The front aperture  74  has an upper portion  76   a  defining an upper position, a linking portion  76   b  and a lower portion  76   c  defining a lower position. The linking portion  76  extends between the upper and lower portions  76   a ,  76   c . The front aperture  74  generally defines an hourglass shape such that the front aperture  74  is narrower at the linking portion  76   b  than at the upper and lower portions  76   a ,  76   c.    
     Rearwardly from the front aperture  74 , the body  70  has four ribs  78  that define three recesses  80  therebetween. The ribs  78  strengthen the body  70 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the ribs  78  and the recesses  80  could be omitted. In other embodiments, there could be a different number of ribs  78  and recesses  80 . 
     Rearwardly of the ribs  78  and recesses  80 , the body  70  has a rear connector  84 . The rear connector  84  is a rear aperture  84 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the rear connector  84  could be a recess or a protrusion. 
     Rearwardly of the rear aperture  84 , the body  70  has a rear clip  82  configured to be received in the rear clip receiving portion  69 . Similarly to the front clip  72 , it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the left holder  20  could, instead of the rear clip  82 , define a rear clip receiving portion configured to receive a rear clip disposed in the left recess  54 . 
     As mentioned above, the left holder  20  is configured to be received in the left recess  54 , and the right holder is configured to be received in the right recess. The left and right holders  20  are configured to be retained in their respective recesses  54  by a clipping engagement. More precisely, the front and rear clips  72 ,  82 , which are respectively received in the front and rear clip receiving portions  68 ,  69 , clip to an inner surface of the helmet shell  12 . The clipping engagement is such that the left and right holders  20  are removably connected to the helmet  10 . It is contemplated, however, that in some embodiments, the left and right recesses  54  could be omitted, and the left and right holders  20  could be configured to connect to an outer surface of the helmet shell  12 . It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the left and right holders  20  could be integral with the helmet shell  12 . It is also connected that the left and right holders  20  could be connected to the helmet shell by fasteners such as threaded fasteners. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 A,  3 B and  5   , the peak  16  has left section  92   a , a right section  92   b  and an intermediate section  94 . The left and right sections  92   a ,  92   b  extend generally longitudinally, and the intermediate section  94  extends laterally between front ends of the left and right sections  92   a ,  92   b . Thus, the peak  16  defines a recess  96  configured to accommodate to the configuration of the helmet shell  12  (i.e., the presence of left and right upper recesses  50   a ,  50   b ). 
     At a rear end of the peak  16 , the left section  92   a  has a left connecting portion  102  configured to connect to the left holder  20 , and the right section  92   b  has a right connecting portion (not shown) configured to connect to the right holder (not shown). 
     As the left connecting portion  102  is a mirror image of the right connecting portion, only the left connecting portion  102  will be described in detail herewith. 
     Starting from a rear end, the left connecting portion  102  has a rear connector  110 . The rear connector  110  includes an upper protrusion  112   a  and a lower protrusion  112   b  that are configured to be received in the rear aperture  84  of the left holder  20 . More precisely, the connection of the upper and lower protrusions  112   a ,  112   b  with the rear aperture  84  is configured to provide a rotational connection between the left and right holders  120  and the peak  16 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the upper and lower protrusion  112   a ,  112   b  could be merged such that the rear connector  110  could be a single protrusion. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments, the rear connector  110  could be another connector such as a recess or an aperture complementary to the rear connector  84 . The left connecting portion  102  also has two ribs  114   a ,  114   b  extending upwardly from the upper protrusion  112   a , two ribs  114   c ,  114   d  extending downwardly from the lower protrusion  112   b  as well as a rib  114   e  extending between the upper and lower protrusion  112   a ,  112   b . The ribs  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c ,  114   d ,  114   e  can strengthen the rear connector  110 , and could be omitted in some embodiments. In other embodiments, there could be more or fewer ribs. 
     Forwardly from the rear connector  110 , the left connecting portion  102  has a front connector  120 . The front connector  120  is a front protrusion  120 . The front protrusion  120  is configured to be received the front aperture  74  of the left holder  20 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the front protrusion  120  could be another connector  120  such as recess or an aperture complementary to the front connector  74 . The left connecting portion  102   a  has ribs  122   a ,  122   b ,  122   c  extending away from the front protrusion  120 , and can strengthen the front protrusion  120 . The front protrusion  120  is configured to be selectively moveable between the upper and lower portions  76   a ,  76   c  of the front connector  74  (i.e., selectively moveable between the upper and lower positions). The front protrusion  120  is also configured to have an interference fit with the linking portion  76   b.    
     Thus, the peak  16  is removably connected to the left and right holders  20 . As such, if need be, one of the left and right holders  20  could be replaced with another holder, for example if one of the holders  20  is lost or broken. The peak  16 , which connects to the helmet shell  12  by the left and right holder  20 , is selectively adjustable between a downward configuration ( FIGS.  4  and  5   ) and an upward configuration ( FIGS.  6  and  7   ). In other words, the peak  16  is vertically adjustable. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , when the peak  16  is in the downward configuration, the upper and lower protrusions  112   a ,  112   b  (i.e., the rear connector  110 ) are rotationally received in the rear aperture  82 . The rotational connection between the upper and lower protrusions  112   a ,  112   b  and the inner surface of the rear aperture  82  can be enabled by low friction therebetween. Also, when the peak  16  is in the downward configuration, the front protrusion  120  is received in the lower portion  76   c , such that the front protrusion  120  is at the lower position. 
     The configuration of the peak  16  can be adjusted from the downward configuration to the upward configuration by applying an upward force to the peak  16 . The force required to adjust the peak  16  is such that wind blowing thereon cannot typically cause the peak  16  to move from one configuration to the other. The peak  16  resists, to some extent, the applied force because of the interference fit between the front protrusion  120  and the linking portion  76   b . By having a user apply a sufficient force, the upper and lower protrusions  112   a ,  112   b  rotate relative to the inner surface of the rear aperture  82 , thereby acting like a pivot, and the front protrusion  120  moves to the upper portion  76   a , resulting in the peak  16  being adjusted to the upward configuration. The connection between the front protrusion  120  and the linking portion  76   b  is such that the front protrusion  120  cannot be wedged in the linking portion  76   b  (i.e., front protrusion  120  slips to either one of the upper or lower portions  76   a ,  76   c ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , when the peak  16  is in the upward configuration, the upper and lower protrusions  112   a ,  112   b  (i.e., the rear connector  110 ) are still rotationally received in the rear aperture  82 , but the front protrusion  120  is received in the upper portion  76   a , such that the front protrusion  120  is at the upper position. 
     It is understood that in some embodiments of the present technology, the peak  16  could have more than the upward and downward configurations, and thus, could have more than the upper and lower positions. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the position of the connectors  74 ,  84 ,  110 ,  120  could be reversed, such that the connectors  110  of the peak  16  would be disposed forward of the connectors  120  of the peak  20  and the connectors  84  of the holders  20  would be disposed forward of the connectors  74  of the holders  20 . It is further contemplated that the peak  16  could be used with different helmets  10 . For instance, in some helmets having the peak  16  according to the present technology, the jaw shield  14  could be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  8  to  13   , the deflector  22  will now be described. As can be seen, when the deflector  22  is connected to the helmet  10 , the deflector  22  is disposed on an inner side of the jaw shield  14 . As such, a shape of the deflector  22  is generally complementary to the inner side of the jaw shield  14 . 
     The deflector  22  has a deflector body  152  that is made of a flexible and resiliently deformable material such as thermoplastic rubber. Thus, the deflector body  152  is configured to remain flexible and resiliently deformable in cold temperatures. In some embodiments, the cold temperatures are below 0° C. In other embodiments, the cold temperatures could be approximately −10° C. or less. 
     The deflector body  152  has an upper portion  154 , an intermediate portion  156  and a lower portion  158 . The deflector body  152  is sized such that when the deflector  22  is connected to the helmet  10 , the upper portion  154  extends vertically higher than the nose guard  34  of the jaw shield  14  whereas the lower portion  158  extends vertically lower than the jaw shield  14 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments, one or both of the upper and lower portions  154 ,  156  could be omitted. 
     Focusing on the intermediate portion  156 , the deflector  22  defines a front aperture  161  at a front, middle section of the deflector body  152 . The front aperture  161  is configured to generally align with the microphone  25 . Thus, the presence of the front aperture  161  ensures that the deflector  22  does not act as a noise barrier. In some embodiments, the front aperture  161  could be omitted. 
     The deflector  22  has a connecting protrusion  160   a  protruding from a left side of the deflector body  152  and a connecting protrusion  160   b  protruding from a right side of the deflector body  152 . The connecting protrusions  160   a ,  160   b , which are configured to be received at least partially, respectively, in the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b , are symmetrical about a longitudinal center plane  151  ( FIG.  13   ) of the deflector  22 . Best seen in  FIG.  13   , the connecting protrusion  160   a  has a lip  161   a  extending outwardly from a top thereof and the connecting protrusion  160   b  has a lip  161   b  extending outwardly from a top thereof. As will be described in greater detail below, the lips  161   a ,  161   b  are configured to engage an outer surface of the jaw shield  14  to retain the deflector  22  to the helmet  10 . 
     The deflector  22  further has a connecting protrusion  162   a  protruding from the left side of the deflector body  152 , rearwardly of the connecting protrusion  160   a . The deflector  22  also has a connecting protrusion  162   b  protruding from the right side of the deflector body  152 , rearwardly of the connecting protrusion  160   b . The connecting protrusions  162   a ,  162   b , which are configured to be received, respectively, in the jaw apertures  32   a ,  32   b , are symmetrical about the longitudinal center plane  151 . Best seen in  FIG.  13   , the connecting protrusion  162   a  has a lip  163   a  extending outwardly from a top thereof and the connecting protrusion  162   b  has a lip  163   b  extending outwardly from a top thereof. As will be described in greater detail below, the lips  163   a ,  163   b  are configured to engage the outer surface of the jaw shield  14  to retain the deflector  22  to the helmet  10 . 
     It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the deflector  22  could have more or less connecting protrusions. 
     The lips  161   a ,  161   b ,  163   a ,  163   b  each have a connecting protrusion perimeter that is greater than a perimeter of their corresponding jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b . In some embodiments, where the lips  161   a ,  161   b ,  163   a ,  163   b  are omitted, the connecting protrusion perimeters could be measured elsewhere along the connecting protrusions  160   a ,  160   b ,  162   a ,  162   b.    
     As best seen in  FIGS.  12  and  13   , the connecting protrusions  160   a ,  160   b ,  162   a ,  162   b , which are flexible and resiliently deformable, are hollow (i.e., concave as viewed from a rear side of the deflector  22 ). This can help reduce the material required to manufacture the deflector  22 . In addition, this makes the connecting protrusions  160   a ,  160   b ,  162   a ,  162   b  more flexible and easier to deform. Furthermore, the hollow aspect can make it easier for one to handle the deflector  22 . 
     To connect to deflector  22  to the helmet  10 , the deflector  22  is resiliently deformed. More precisely, the deflector  22  is disposed on an inner side of the jaw shield  14  such that the connecting protrusion  160   a  is aligned to the jaw aperture  30   a , the connecting protrusion  160   b  is aligned with the jaw aperture  30   b , the connecting protrusion  162   a  is aligned with the jaw aperture  32   a  and the connecting protrusion  160   b  is aligned with the jaw aperture  32   b . However, as the connecting protrusions  160   a ,  160   b ,  162   a ,  162   b  are generally sized larger than the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b , the connecting protrusions  160   a ,  160   b ,  162   a ,  162   b  must be resiliently deformed to be received in the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b . This is achieved by manually pushing the connecting protrusions  160   a ,  160   b ,  162   a ,  162   b  through the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b.    
     Once the connecting protrusions  160   a ,  160   b ,  162   a ,  162   b  are received in the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b , the lips  161   a ,  161   b ,  163   a ,  163   b  engage the outer surface of the jaw shield  14  thereby retaining the deflector  22  to the jaw shield  14 . In addition, the wire  27  that is connected to the microphone  25  and received in the channel  15 , is disposed between the deflector  22  and the helmet shell  12 . 
     When the deflector  22  is connected to the helmet  10 , the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b  are obstructed, such that the air flow is blocked. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the deflector  22  could be configured to at least partially block the air flow. For instance, the connecting protrusions  160   a ,  160   b ,  162   a ,  162   b  could each define an aperture, which would result in restricting the air flow. In addition, when the deflector  22  is connected to the helmet  10 , the deflector  22  can deflect elements such as water drops and dust. The deflector  22  is configured to remain connected to the helmet  10  so long as the connecting protrusions  160   a ,  160   b ,  162   a ,  162   b  are received in the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b . Thus, the deflector  22  is configured to not be disconnected by air blowing onto the helmet  10 . 
     To disconnect the deflector  22  from the helmet  10 , the connecting protrusions  160   a ,  160   b ,  162   a ,  162   b  are resiliently deformed and removed from the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b . This can be done by simply manually pulling the deflector  22  away from the jaw shield  14 . Once the deflector  22  has been disconnected, the deflector  140  can be folded and placed into a pocket or a storage due to its flexible nature. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  14  and  15   , a deflector  22 ′, which is an alternative embodiment of the deflector  22  described above, will now be described. Features of the deflector  22 ′ that are similar to those of the deflector  22  will not be described again in detail. 
     The deflector  22 ′ has a deflector body  252 , which has a left body portion  254   a , a right body portion  254   b  and a connecting portion  256 . 
     The connecting portion  256  extends between, and connects, the left and right body portions  254   a ,  254   b . It is to be noted that the connecting portion  256  is connected to lower ends of the left and right body portion  254   a ,  254   b , such that when the deflector  22 ′ is connected to the helmet  10 , the connection portion  256  is offset from the microphone  25 , and thus, does not act as a noise barrier. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the connecting portion  256  could be omitted, such that the deflector  22 ′ could be made of two or more distinct bodies. 
     The deflector  22 ′ has a connecting protrusion  260   a  protruding from the left body portion  254   a , and a connecting protrusion  260   b  protruding from the right body portion  254   b . The connecting protrusions  260   a ,  260   b , which are configured to be received at least partially, respectively, in the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b , are symmetrical about a longitudinal center plane  251  of the deflector  22 ′. Similarly to the connecting protrusions  160   a ,  160   b  of the deflector  22 , the connecting protrusion  260   a  has a lip  261   a  extending outwardly from an outer surface thereof and the connecting protrusion  260   b  also has a lip  261   b  extending outwardly from an outer surface thereof. As mentioned above with respect to lips  161   a ,  161   b , the lips  261   a ,  261   b  are configured to engage an outer surface of the jaw shield  14  to retain the deflector  22 ′ to the helmet  10 . Additionally, the connecting protrusion  260   a  defines three openings  265   a , and the connecting protrusion  260   b  defines three openings  265   b . More specifically, the connecting protrusion  260   a  has tabs  267   a  delimiting the openings  265   a , and the connecting protrusion  260   b  has tabs  267   b  delimiting the openings  265   b . The tabs  267   a ,  267   b  are oriented at an angle relative to a surface of the deflector body  252  (i.e., tilted). It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the tabs  267   a ,  267   b  could be straight relative to the surface of the deflector body  252 . It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the connecting protrusions  260   a ,  260   b  could each define more or fewer than three openings  265   a ,  265   b . Furthermore, the size and shape of the openings  265   a ,  265   b  could vary from one embodiment to another. As will be described below, the openings  265   a ,  265   b  are configured to permit air to flow therethrough, whereas the tabs  267   a ,  267   b  are configured to deflect elements such as, for example, water droplets, dust and insects. 
     The deflector  22 ′ further has a connecting protrusion  262   a  protruding from the left body portion  254   a , rearwardly from the connecting protrusion  260   a . The deflector  22 ′ also has a connecting protrusion  262   b  protruding from the right body portion  254   b , rearwardly from the connecting protrusion  260   b . The connecting protrusions  262   a ,  262   b , which are configured to be received, respectively, in the jaw apertures  32   a ,  32   b , are symmetrical about the longitudinal center plane  251 . The connecting protrusion  262   a  has a lip  263   a  extending outwardly from an outer surface thereof and the connecting protrusion  262   b  has a lip  263   b  extending outwardly from an outer surface thereof. As mentioned above with respect to lips  163   a ,  163   b , the lips  263   a ,  263   b  are configured to engage the outer surface of the jaw shield  14  to retain the deflector  22 ′ to the helmet  10 . Additionally, the connecting protrusion  262   a  defines eight openings  266   a , and the connecting protrusion  262   b  defines eight openings  266   b . Specifically, the connecting protrusion  262   a  has tabs  269   a  delimiting the openings  266   a , and the connecting protrusion  262   b  has tabs  269   b  delimiting the openings  262   b . The tabs  269   a ,  269   b  are oriented at an angle relative to a surface of the deflector body  252  (i.e., tilted). It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the tabs  269   a ,  269   b  could be straight relative to the surface of the deflector body  252 . It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the connecting protrusions  262   a ,  262   b  could define more or fewer than eight openings  266   a ,  266   b . Furthermore, the size and shape of the openings  266   a ,  266   b  could vary from one embodiment to another. As will be described below, the openings  266   a ,  266   b  are configured to permit air to flow therethrough, whereas the tabs  269   a ,  269   b  are configured to deflect elements such as, for example, water droplets, dusts and insects. The connecting protrusions  262   a ,  262   b  also have a reinforcing segment  270  (only reinforcing segment  270  of the connecting protrusion  262   a  is shown in accompanying Figures) that is connected to the tabs  269   a ,  269   b . The reinforcing segment  270  assists the tabs  269   a ,  269   b  in retaining their shape when subjected to high winds. In some embodiments, the reinforcing segment  270  could be omitted. 
     It is contemplated, the deflector  22 ′ could have more or less connecting protrusions. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, only some of the connecting protrusions  260   a ,  260   b ,  262   a ,  262   b , could define openings. 
     The lips  261   a ,  261   b ,  263   a ,  263   b  each have a connecting protrusion perimeter that is greater than a perimeter of their corresponding jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b.    
     The connecting protrusions  260   a ,  260   b ,  262   a ,  262   b  are flexible and resiliently deformable. In some embodiments, the connecting protrusions  260   a ,  260   b ,  262   a ,  262   b  may be hollow. 
     When the deflector  22 ′ is connected to the helmet  10 , the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b  are not fully obstructed (i.e., air flow through the jaw apertures  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b  is only partially blocked), since the openings  265   a ,  265   b ,  266   a ,  266   b  enable some air to flow therethrough. That being said, the deflector  22 ′, thanks to the tabs  267   a ,  267   b ,  269   a ,  269   b  can still deflect elements such as water droplets, dust and insects. Furthermore, the tabs  267   a ,  267   b ,  269   a ,  269   b  being at an angle can assist in deflecting air flowing through the openings  265   a ,  265   b ,  266   a ,  266   b , which can increase comfort of the wearer of the helmet  10 . 
     Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.