Patent Publication Number: US-6983488-B2

Title: Equestrian helmet with faceguard

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/829,881, filed Apr. 22, 2004, entitled EQUESTRIAN HELMET WITH FACEGUARD, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND 
   The present invention relates to protective helmets with faceguards, and more particularly relates to an equestrian helmet with removable faceguard and having a novel construction to facilitate assembly and use. It is noted that the present helmet and inventive concepts are believed to be usable in a variety of different circumstances and hence several aspects are believed to be broader in scope than just equestrian helmets. 
   The equestrian sport of “eventing” has become very popular. Eventing is the equivalent of an “equestrian triathlon” with the rider working with a horse both on the flat and over fences. The three phases are: dressage (the execution by a trained horse of precision movements in response to barely perceptible signals from its rider, somewhat like “show dancing”), endurance (sometimes called “cross-country”), and show jumping. A different level of head protection is needed for the rider in each different event. In dressage, the traditional helmet shape and appearance is very important, since it has become an integral part of the elegant, graceful performance. Contrastingly, in the event of jumping, the rider needs to be protected from a fall but also the rider&#39;s face needs to be protected from colliding with the horse&#39;s head when jumping since the horse&#39;s head and rider&#39;s head may move rather violently in opposing directions during a jump. Also, the rider&#39;s helmet must not include protruding parts that may strike and injure the horse&#39;s head upon collision with the rider&#39;s helmet. In the event of cross-country, the raw power and spirit of a horse and the dynamics of other riders and obstructions encountered require that the rider&#39;s head be very well protected against a fall, and yet his vision must be totally clear and unobstructed. There are also many other equestrian sports, some where a faceguard is desirable and others where it is not. Finally, in training horses for any of these sports, a faceguard is extremely useful when working with young, inexperienced or sprightly horses that are prone to rearing, bucking or “spooking” (lurching with fear) and endangering the rider&#39;s head and face. 
   Despite this need for head and face protection, faceguards have not been developed or widely accepted for equestrian helmets. The reasons are many and varied. Riders often do not like to keep multiple helmets around, and do not like to (nor have time to) switch helmets during a competition. It is desirable to provide an equestrian helmet with a removable faceguard to solve this problem, but equestrian helmets have requirements that make them unique and that “complicate” this problem. Riders require a wider field of vision than in most sports and, further, they need the ability to turn their head without restriction from the helmet. Also, the helmet must also be sufficiently light in weight and open around the chin and ears so as to not be a hindrance. 
   Furthermore, in some equestrian sports such as dressage, appearance and style are extremely important. The helmet needs to have a very particular outer shape and appearance, and it is not acceptable to have any bulge or appendage, especially on the sides of the helmet. In particular, it is not acceptable to have any protruding attachment structure, whether the faceguard is attached or not. An outwardly protruding attachment structure on a helmet is not only potentially unsightly to equestrian sportsmen (and judges), but it can also be a safety hazard in terms of its potential for causing injury to the horse and/or rider, or for catching or snagging an obstacle or the ground during a fall. Also, any protruding structure can interfere with (if not ruin) the removable bright fabric covers often placed over equestrian helmets when in a competition. Finally, it would be undesirable if an equestrian helmet with its faceguard removed looked as if it was missing something or otherwise looked imperfect. 
   More generally, sportsmen do not want to struggle with inserting and/or removing a faceguard. Instead, they would prefer an attachment system that is easy to release and reattach, and an attachment structure that is totally hidden from view. Also, it is desirable to provide a faceguard that provides a very positive engagement, including an audible indication or other positive action that indicates that a secure connection with the helmet has been made. Further, the faceguard must be attractively stylized to combine functional strength with appearance when the faceguard is attached. Removable faceguards even provide riders with the opportunity to swap faceguards made of different colors to match the brightly colored outfits and bright fabric helmet covers common in equestrian competitions. 
   Thus, a system having the aforementioned advantages and solving the aforementioned problems is desired. 
   SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   In one aspect of the present invention, a protective helmet includes an impact-resistant outer helmet shell shaped and adapted to partially cover a wearer&#39;s head, the shell having an upper dome with a lower edge and having a separate lower rim with an upper surface that mates against the lower edge, the rim being attached to the upper dome. 
   In another aspect of the present invention, a protective helmet includes an impact-resistant outer helmet shell shaped and adapted to partially cover a wearer&#39;s head, the shell having an upper dome with a lower edge and having a separate lower curvilinear structural member with an upper surface that mates against the lower edge. The curvilinear structural member is attached to the upper dome and extends at least completely across a rear of the shell and at least about halfway forward on each side of the shell. 
   In still another aspect of the present invention, a protective helmet includes an impact-resistant outer helmet shell shaped and adapted to partially cover a wearer&#39;s head, the shell defining a lower edge with marginal material defining a pair of cavities along the lower edge. The marginal material at each said cavity defines a downwardly-facing opening for access from below and further defines a laterally-facing opening that extends in a direction perpendicular to the downwardly-facing opening. The cavities are each shaped and adapted to receive an attachment leg of a faceguard so that the attachment leg can be fit upwardly through the downwardly-facing opening and into the cavity, and the laterally-facing opening being shaped and adapted to receive a latch on the leg. By this arrangement, when the leg is fit into the cavity, the latch fits laterally into the laterally-facing opening for retaining the leg in the cavity. 
   In still another aspect of the present invention, a faceguard is provided for a protective helmet and that is useful when attached to the helmet to help protect a person&#39;s chin and head from injury. The faceguard includes an elongated curvilinear component having a transverse section and rearwardly-extending side sections positioned in a U-shaped arrangement that is adapted to extend around the person&#39;s head at a height about equal to the person&#39;s chin. The component includes attachment legs that extend upwardly from opposing ends of the side sections. A latch member is provided on each of the opposing ends of the side sections. The latch members are each made of a material different from the component and are attached to the opposing ends for movement between a latched position and a latch-released position. 
   In yet another aspect of the present invention, a protective helmet includes an impact-resistant outer helmet shell shaped and adapted to partially cover a wearer&#39;s head, the outer helmet shell having a marginal section of material forming a lower perimeter around the helmet shell and further having a horizontally extending rod-shaped retainer extending horizontally and that is spaced above the marginal section of material forming the lower perimeter. An impact-absorbing foam material is positioned within the outer helmet shell and at least partially covers the rod-shaped retainer. An adjustable suspension is positioned within the helmet shell and is adapted to engage the wearer&#39;s head for supporting the helmet shell on the wearer&#39;s head while the protective helmet is being worn. The suspension has strap ends attached to the marginal section, with at least one of the strap ends being elongated and forming an adjustable strap that extends over the rod-shaped retainer and then back to a location within the helmet shell that is accessible. By this arrangement, the adjustable strap can be pulled to adjust the suspension and whereby friction between the rod-shaped retainer, the foam material and the adjustable strap retain the adjustable strap in an adjusted position. 
   It is also an object of the present invention to provide a protective helmet with a faceguard where the faceguard attaches securely and with a robust action to assure that a secure connection has been satisfactorily completed. 
   It is also an object of the present invention to provide a protective helmet with a faceguard where the faceguard provides a maximum field of vision yet helps protect the person&#39;s jaw and face. 
   It is also an object of the present invention to provide an aesthetic yet functional protective helmet with a faceguard designed to complement the shape of the classic equestrian helmet. 
   The present invention is believed to include the design and appearance of the present assembly, as well as individual components thereof. 
   These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIGS. 1–2  are perspective and side views of an equestrian helmet embodying the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the helmet of  FIG. 1 , including a chin strap worn by a rider; 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross section taken along lines V—V in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIGS. 7–9  are side views of additional embodiments, similar to  FIG. 1 , but with modified latching systems, the helmet shell in each case being partially broken away to better show the latching system; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternative faceguard with a modified latching system; and 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of a modified equestrian helmet embodying the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of another modified equestrian helmet embodying the present invention; 
       FIGS. 13–17  are perspective, front, rear, top, and bottom views of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIX—XIX in  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIGS. 20–21  are fragmentary sectional views of the latching arrangement for the faceguard, the views being partially broken away to show the latching structure,  FIG. 20  showing an unlatched position and  FIG. 21  showing a latched position; 
       FIGS. 22–24  are perspective, side, and front views of the faceguard; and 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 13  but with a fabric outer covering on the helmet. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   A helmet  20  ( FIGS. 1–5 ) is illustrated that is particularly adapted for use in equestrian sports but it is contemplated that it is adapted for use in many other sports and situations where protective head gear is desired that allows a wide unobstructed field of view and where its faceguard may want to be easily and quickly removed. The illustrated helmet  20  ( FIG. 3 ) includes an impact-resistant outer helmet shell  21  and a U-shaped releasably-attached faceguard  22 . The shell  21  is formed to cover the upper half and rear of a wearer&#39;s head. The shell  21  has an upper dome  23  and also has a lower continuous rim  24  extending around the dome  23 . The shell  21  includes a front portion  25 , lateral side portions  26 , and a rear portion  27 , all portions  25 – 27  having outer surfaces that are relatively smooth, particularly the lateral side portions  26 . The reason for this is both aesthetics (i.e., to match the traditional shape of equestrian helmets) and also function (to avoid outward protrusions that can cause safety concerns). Notably in equestrian sports, the appearance is more than just a desire; in higher level competition, it is virtually a requirement as part of the grace and beauty judging that occurs. Accordingly, in some aspects of this design, we consider this feature a physical requirement and not just a visual standard. Also, outward projections would interfere with the attachment of removable bright fabric coverings  28  ( FIG. 5 ) that are often attached in equestrian sports over the shell  21 . In particular the fabric coverings  28  can include a brightly colored material with a drawstring or elastic member  29  around its lower perimeter to retain the coverings  28  to the helmet  20 . Also, lateral projections are potentially injurious to a horse and/or rider, such as in jumping events where a rider may turn his/her head as the horse&#39;s head and rider&#39;s helmet abut, such that it is desirable to avoid lateral projections for additional reasons. Finally, it would be undesirable if a helmet with a removable faceguard looked as if it was missing something when the removable faceguard was not being used and was thus removed from the helmet. 
   Inside of the lateral side portions  26  are integrally-formed attachment receptors  30  ( FIG. 6 ) (i.e., shark-tooth-shaped pockets), which are designed to be releasably engaged by the latch members  31  on the rearwardly-extending portions of the faceguard  22 , as discussed below. The attachment receptors  30  open downwardly through the rim  24 , such that they are not visible from the sides or the front of the helmet  20 , which is an important property of the present helmet  20  as discussed above. The latch members  31  are integrally formed and resiliently biased and supported on a tail end (or blade portion) of the rear upright section  58  by a living hinge  33  such that they securely engage the attachment receptors  30  with an audible click. Also, this allows them to be released by a simple pinching motion, allowing them to be quickly and easily released from the helmet  21  with a smooth easy finger motion. 
   The lateral side portions  26  of the helmet shell  21  ( FIG. 5 ) include an outer wall  40  and inner wall  41  defining the receptor  30  therebetween. The receptor  30  ( FIG. 6 ) has front and rear surfaces  42  and  43  that are angled toward each other. The illustrated surfaces  42  and  43  define a “shark tooth” shape that is conducive to molding since it provides for release of the blade in the molding die that formed the receptor  30 . Further the tapered shape of the “shark tooth” receptor allows for easier insertion of the tail end of the upright section  58  and living hinge  33  without a precise alignment prior to insertion. On the rear surface  43  are one or more teeth  44 . The illustrated teeth  44  are sufficiently high and perpendicular to the rear surface  43  such that they would require a slide or movable component on the blade of the molding die in order to prevent die lock. However, it is contemplated that there are ways to reduce any need for a movable slide in the molding die such as by tilting and/or shortening the teeth to extend parallel the front surface  42  or by making the teeth into depressions instead of protruding teeth or other ways known in the art of tool-making. It is contemplated that the walls  40 – 41  and surfaces  42 – 43  will be integrally molded as part of the helmet shell  21  to provide structural strength and to simplify and reduce costs of the helmet  20 , but it is contemplated that the present invention includes other non-integral means of attachment such as an internally-positioned bracket. 
   A liner  47  ( FIG. 5 ) is positioned inside of the helmet shell  21  for comfortably supporting the helmet shell  21  on a person&#39;s head. The illustrated liner  47  is made from expanded polymeric foam material such as expanded polystyrene pellets for optimal energy absorption to minimize any injury to a person&#39;s head upon impact. Such liner materials are well known in the industry of helmet manufacture and a detailed description of such is not necessary for an understanding of the present invention. The illustrated liner  47  includes a depression to matingly receive and engage the attachment receptor  30 . A chin strap  48  (FIG.  3 ) is attached to the helmet shell  21  for retaining the helmet  20  to a rider&#39;s head. It is contemplated that the present invention will also work with many different liners and a variety of different chin strap arrangements. For example, the present invention will work with the harness-type support as shown in Timms et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,896, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of their teachings. A short visor  49  extends forwardly from the front portion  25  of the helmet shell  21 . Also, ventilation apertures such as apertures  50  ( FIG. 1 ) can be integrally formed in the helmet shell  21  such as immediately above the visor where they cause air flow across the rider&#39;s head. Other modifications to the helmet shell  21  and liner  47  can be made such as attachment of a top piece  51  to the dome  23 . 
   The faceguard  22  ( FIG. 6 ) is an integrally molded one-piece part having a U-shaped cross bar  55  that extends across the rider&#39;s face near his/her nose and mouth and further includes L-shaped arms  56  that extend upwardly. The arms  56  each include a front horizontal section  57  that extends generally horizontally and a rear upright or vertical section  58  that extends generally vertically. By this arrangement, the field of vision, including peripheral vision, is maximized for the rider since the faceguard  22  is positioned well below the person&#39;s eyes. (See  FIGS. 3–4 .) Notably, the cross bar  55  and arms  56  can be made thicker or thinner and to have different optimally-shaped cross sections to resist forces of impact. The illustrated cross section of the upper end of the arms  56  is rather long in a fore-to-aft direction ( FIG. 6 ) for strength against a frontal impact but is relatively thin in a lateral direction ( FIG. 5 ) to provide give and flexure in a lateral direction and to minimize intrusion into the space within the helmet shell  21  for the liner  47  and the rider&#39;s head. The portion of the blade as it enters the helmet shell  21  can be enlarged and present a step to resist the blade from acting as a wedge as a force attempts to cause the blade to move into the receptacle in the helmet. Alternatively, depending on material strengths, a step may not be required. 
   The tail end of the vertical section  58  ( FIG. 6 ) is “blade” shaped and includes a thinned resilient region forming the integral living hinge  33 . The latching member  31  extends in a reverse direction parallel the vertical section  58 . The latching member  31 , in its engaged position, is spaced slightly from the vertical section  58  and is biased outwardly to engage a tooth(s)  59  with the teeth  44  on the rear surface  43  of the receptor  30  of the attachment structure on the helmet shell  21 . A lower end of the latching member  31  extends slightly below the rim  24  to form a tab-like handle  59 ′. By a simple finger action on the handle  59 ′ first in a direction toward the vertical section  58  and then downwardly, the faceguard  22  can be quickly and easily removed. To engage the faceguard  22 , the faceguard  22  is manipulated to place the living hinge  33  in the receptor  30 , and then it automatically self-aligns as the faceguard  22  is moved upward into position. As the faceguard  22  moves to its fully inserted position, the tooth(s)  59  ramp onto the teeth  44  and then snap into position with an audible click. This is very desirable since it indicates to the rider that the faceguard  22  is fully inserted and locked into position. Also, I&#39;ve found that the sound provides a feedback of secure connection to the rider that is greatly appreciated. 
   As noted above, the structure of faceguards (and also the aesthetics) is important in many equestrian sports. The illustrated faceguard  22  provides both. In particular, the flowing lines from the vertical section  58  create symmetry with the strap  48  ( FIG. 3 ) that is believed to be acceptable to riders and judges of equestrian events. The forward section  57  also extends generally parallel the visor  49  in a similarly symmetrical and acceptable fashion. This is believed to be more than mere appearance, though it clearly also has novel, ornamental, and non-obvious distinctiveness, in my opinion. 
   Upon impact, the illustrated faceguard  22  ( FIG. 3 ) is able to move and flex slightly as indicated by arrow  60 . Notably, this action does not cause release of the latching member  31  due to the direction of forces generated in the present arrangement. 
   Additional embodiments of the present invention are presented below. Features that are similar or identical are identified using the same numbers as previously discussed but with the addition of a letter “A,” “B,” or “C.” This is done for the purpose of reducing redundant discussion. 
   In an alternative faceguard  22 A ( FIG. 7 ), the latching member  31 A is moved to a front side of the vertical section  58 A which is the reverse of the faceguard  22  ( FIG. 3 ). The teeth  44 A ( FIG. 7 ) are positioned on the front surface  42 A, and latching tooth(s)  59 A are similarly moved to a location on the latching member  31 A for engagement with the teeth  44 A. Upon impact, the faceguard  22 A tends to immediately resist any impacting force by generation of a resisting torque created by forces from the helmet shell  21 A indicated at arrows  61 A and  62 A. At the same time, any impact forces that would tend to force a person&#39;s head upward would be dampened by a limited movement  63 A of the faceguard  22 A as the vertical section  58 A moves against the latching member  31 A. 
   In an alternative faceguard  22 B ( FIG. 8 ), the front horizontal section  57 B of the faceguard  22 B is elongated such that its rear end  64 B (i.e. at the joint  71 B of the horizontal and vertical sections  57 B and  58 B) abuts the rear surface  43 B of the receptor  30 B. Thus, when a front impact occurs such as when a rider&#39;s face strikes a horse&#39;s neck or head, the force is immediately resisted without movement of the faceguard  22 B. Also, the handle  59 B′ is shaped to create an aesthetic and highly useful arrangement where the rider is able to release the latching member  31 B by pinching the handle  59 B′ to cause the latching member  31 B to move to a release position. 
   In an alternative faceguard  22 C ( FIG. 9 ) a sleeve-like locking member  70 C is slidably positioned on the vertical section  58 C. The locking member  70 C is configured to move into the space between the latching member  31 C and the vertical section  58 C. A detent formed between the locking member  70 C and the vertical section  58 C retains the locking member  70 C in its locking position until a person pulls down on the locking member  70 C. This illustrated faceguard  22 C includes front and rear latching members  31 C and the illustrated locking member  70 C includes front and rear flanges adapted to take up the spaces between the two latching members  31 C and the vertical section  58 C. By this arrangement, when the locking member  70 C is in an up/locked position, the faceguard  22 C is rigidly attached to the helmet shell  21 C and is not moveable upon impact. Nonetheless, it is noted that some flexing and bending of the faceguard  22 C will occur during an impact. For example, in a front impact, the horizontal and vertical sections  57 C and  58 C will torsionally absorb energy as they bend, particularly at their joint  71 C. 
     FIG. 10  discloses a particular faceguard  22 D where the tail end of the vertical section  58 D includes a protruding guide ramp section  80 D on an outboard side surface having a width narrower than the section  58 D. The ramp section  80 D helps with alignment and stabilization of the blade in the helmet. Also, the latching member  31 D is modified to be thinner than the vertical section  58 D, and to include a distinctive step  81 D that helps to form a positive engagement with the mating step in the receptacle in the helmet and helps to provide the distinctive click noise during positive latching engagement. The lower end of the latching member  31 D includes an enlarged tab  82 D forming an enlarged surface for receiving a finger when pressing the latching member  31 D to release the faceguard  22 D. The other side of the faceguard  22 D is similarly shaped. 
     FIG. 11  discloses a particular helmet  20 E having a shell  21 E and faceguard  22 E similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , but with a chin strap  48 E with a chin-engaging section  48 E′. (Compare  FIGS. 3 and 11 .) 
   MODIFICATION 
   A modified helmet  120  ( FIG. 12 ) is provided that also is particularly adapted for use in equestrian sports. Nonetheless, like the aforementioned helmets, it is contemplated that the helmet  120  is adapted for use in many other sports and situations where protective head gear is desired that allows a wide unobstructed field of view and where its faceguard may want to be easily and quickly removed. In the additional embodiment below, features that are similar or identical are identified using the same numbers as previously discussed but with the addition of 100 to the number. For example, number  120  is used for the helmet (previously referred to as number  20 , etc). This is done for the purpose of reducing redundant discussion. 
   The illustrated helmet  120  ( FIG. 12 ) includes an impact-resistant outer helmet shell  121  and a U-shaped releasably-attached faceguard  122 . The shell  121  is formed to cover an upper half and rear neck portion of a wearer&#39;s head. The shell  121  ( FIG. 18 ) is two-piece, and includes an upper dome  123  and also has a lower continuous rim  124  extending around the dome  123 . The lower rim  124  fits matably against a bottom edge of the dome  123  and is screwed thereto to form a rigid assembly. The separate lower rim  124  facilitates molding into the shell the latching cavities  130  (also called “receptors” herein), the cavities  130  having undercut laterally-extending surfaces designed to be releasably engaged by the latch members  131  on the rearwardly extending portions of the faceguard  122 , as discussed below. The attachment cavities  130  open downwardly through the rim  124 , such that they are not visible from the sides or the front of the helmet  120 , which is an important property of the present helmet  120  as discussed above. In helmet  120 , the latch members  131  are separately molded components pivotally attached to and supported on a tail end (or blade portion) of the rear upright section  158 . The latch members  131  include a main body biased into engagement with the laterally extending surfaces by an integral spring  235  such that they securely engage the attachment receptors  130  with an audible click. Also, this allows them to be released by a simple pinching motion, allowing the faceguard  122  to be quickly and easily released from the helmet  121  with a smooth easy finger motion. At the same time, this allows the latch members  131  to be made of a material optimized for durability and resiliency, which is preferably of a material different than the faceguard itself. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , a foam shock absorber  200  is positioned within the helmet  120  in a position captured between the upper dome  123  and lower rim  124 . A chin strap  201  is secured to the assembly of the helmet  120  and shock absorber  200 , and includes first strap sections  202  that extend downwardly from the helmet  120  at position generally forward of a wearer&#39;s ears. Releasable clips  203  are provided on ends of the strap sections  202  for engagement proximate a wearer&#39;s chin. The strap sections  202  may also include a chin pad if desired. The chin strap  201  also includes a rear strap section  204  that extends from a location above a rear neck area of the wearer, and extends downwardly and around the strap sections  202 . 
   An adjustable strap  205  ( FIG. 18 ) secures the rear strap section  204  to the assembly of the helmet  120  and shock absorber  200 . Specifically, a transverse rod-shaped anchor  206  is positioned in the helmet  120  above the rim  124  and between the shock absorber  200  and the upper dome  123 . A cup-shaped or cylindrical bushing is positioned on each end of the anchor  206  to assist in rotation of the anchor and to provide clearance for the strap. The adjustable strap  205  ( FIG. 19 ) extends around the anchor  206  and doubles back on itself at a location where it includes mating patches  207  of hook-and-loop material. The adjustable strap  205  allows adjustment of the chin strap  201  by providing for a length adjustment of the adjustable strap  205  as follows. A person wearing the helmet  120  can pull a terminal end  208  of the adjustable strap  205  free, and then pull downward to shorten the strap (or can then adjust the helmet to cause the strap to lengthen). This causes the chin strap  201  to be lengthened relative to the chin of a person wearing the helmet  120 . The chin strap  201  is fixed in the new position by reattaching the patches  207 . Notably, when the adjustable strap  205  is pulled, it slidingly rolls around the rod-like anchor  206  with a smooth and relatively easy motion. Also, the rod-like anchor  206  can be supported for slight rotation and/or fore/aft movement when adjustable strap  205  is adjusted. An upper portion of the rim  124  can be configured to securely support the anchor  206  with sufficient stability for the purpose intended. Thus, a unique and user-friendly adjustability is provided with the present helmet  120 . Where desired, additional patches  209  are provided on the chin strap  201  and/or on an inside of the shock absorber  200 , such as for comfort and/or absorption of sweat. 
   The shell  121  ( FIG. 18 ) includes a front portion  125 , lateral side portions  126 , and a rear portion  127 , all portions  125 – 127  having outer surfaces that are relatively smooth, particularly the lateral side portions  126 . The reason for this is both aesthetics (i.e., to match the traditional shape of equestrian helmets) and also function (to avoid outward protrusions that can cause safety concerns). Nonetheless, recesses and embossments can be formed into the shell dome  123  for functional reasons and as a complementary shape to the helmet design as noted below. 
   The shock absorber  200  ( FIG. 18 ) is configured to fit matably upwardly into the concavity of the upper dome  123  and further includes a lower portion shaped to fit matably into a concavity of the lower rim  124 . It is contemplated that the assembly of the upper dome  123  and lower rim  124  will create a clean, relatively “perfect” line around the helmet  120 . Further, in many cases, the helmet  120  will be covered by a fabric covering  211  ( FIG. 25 ), such that the line will not be visible. Nonetheless, it is noted that an aesthetic tape  212  ( FIG. 18 ) can be used. Where the aesthetic tape  212  is about ¼ inch wide (or wider), the tape  212  doubles as an additional attachment device for securing the dome  123  and rim  124  together. It is noted that the present invention is intended to include securing the dome  123  and rim  124  together in many different ways, such as mechanically (with screws as shown, or with rivets, heat-staked studs, sticky tape spanning the line of joindure, integral structure configured for snap-attachment, etc), chemically (adhesively, material bonding through melting, RF bonding, sonic bonding, insert or over-molding, etc), and/or in combinations of the above. 
   The upper dome  123  ( FIG. 18 ) is particularly constructed to facilitate molding and later assembly. The upper dome  123  includes an X-shaped arrangement of embossed ribs  214  that extend across the upper dome  123 , providing stiffening of the upper dome  123 . The ribs  214  form recessed areas  214  that have been found to provide a very attractive “balanced” appearance to the upper dome  123 . Upper dome  123  also is configured with apertures  215  that match apertures  216  in the shock absorber  200 . The apertures  215  and  216  align to provide for air flow through to a person wearing the helmet  120 , which can be important for comfort and to provide cooling air to the wearer&#39;s head. 
   Rim  124  ( FIG. 18 ) as shown forms a continuous ring matching a lower portion of the upper dome  123 , and includes a forwardly-extending portion forming a bill  124 ′. 
   The illustrated bill  124 ′ is integrally formed with the rim  124 . However, it is contemplated that the bill ( 124 ′) can be made as a separate part and from a softer material. In such circumstance, the bill would include a rear edge clamped between the rim  124  and the dome  123 . If desired, the bill could include a ridge that fits into a groove running along the inter-engaging surfaces between the rim  124  and dome  123 . The bill could be removed by loosening the screws, removing the bill from between the rim  124  and dome  123 , and re-tightening the screws. For example some equestrian covers already have a soft bill on them, and it may be undesirable to have a “second” or duplicative bill on the helmet  120 . 
   More specifically in regard to the illustrated rim, the rim  124  includes spaced apart inner and outer walls  220  and  221  connected by a lower wall  222  to define an upwardly facing cavity  223  adapted to receive a lower edge of the shock absorber  200 . An outer surface of the outer wall  220  generally aligns with an outer surface of the upper dome  123  for providing a flush appearance, but can of course include an offset if desired. A plurality of apertured bosses  224  are positioned around the rim  124  in the cavity  223 , and are positioned to align with similarly shaped apertured bosses on the upper dome  123 . Screws  226  fit through the lower bosses  224  and thread into the aligned apertured bosses in the upper dome  123  to secure the rim  123  to the dome  124 . Stiffening ribs  227  extend between the inner and outer walls  220  and  221  for stabilizing the walls  220  and  221 . It is noted that the bosses  224  also support the walls  220  and  221  relative to each other. 
   The stiffening ribs  227  ( FIG. 18 ) are located generally above and a bit behind the wearer&#39;s ears at a location where they form part of the attachment cavities  130 . It is contemplated that the attachment cavities  130  include an apertured opening or notched surface forming a “blind” surface  229  suitable for latching engagement by latch members  131  on the faceguard  122 . The lower wall  222  includes a downwardly-open access opening  230  for the blade ends  231  of the faceguard  122  to fit upwardly into. 
   The latching members  131  ( FIGS. 20–21 ) are separately molded plastic components made of a durable resilient material such as nylon. Each latching member  131  includes a body  233  pivoted to the blade end  231  near its upper end by a rivet-like pivot pin  234 . An integrally formed leaf spring  235  extends from an upper end of the body  233  at an angle such that it engages the blind surface  229  on the rim  124  to bias the body  233  of the latching member  130  forwardly. A latching ledge  237  is formed in a front of the body  233 . The latching ledge  237  is shaped to engage the blind surface  229  formed on the rim  124  when the blade end  231  is fully inserted into the cavity  130 , and is biased into engagement by the spring  235 . A release tab  239  is formed on the body  233  and is shaped for depressing engagement by a wearer&#39;s finger to move the body  233  against a force of the spring  235  into a position where the latching ledge  237  is released from the blind surface  229 . The tab  239  extends below the rim  124  for easy access, and is positioned near but spaced slightly from the blade end  231 , so that the wearer can, with one hand and with a smooth easy motion, pinch the tab  239  against the blade end  231  and release the latching member(s)  130  on the faceguard  122 . A shape of the release tab  239  generally matches and complements a shape of the blade end  231 , so that the helmet&#39;s aesthetics are maintained. 
   The fabric covering  211  ( FIG. 25 ) includes a fabric main panel with elastic or cord  211 ′ around its perimeter. Such fabric coverings are well known in the art, such that a detailed description is not required herein. The illustrated covering  211  can be positioned on the helmet  120 , with its perimeter and elastic tensioned around the helmet  120  at a location under the rim  124 . Alternatively, the perimeter of the covering can be pinched between or secured along the joint line between the dome  123  and rim  124 . If desired, retainers can be formed along the joindure of the dome  123  and rim  124  for retaining the covering. 
   It is also contemplated that the appearance of the designs of the assembly and of the various components individually as illustrated in the various  FIGS. 1–25  are novel, ornamental, and unobvious and hence patentable based on their aesthetics. 
   It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.