Patent Description:
Many people wear protective safety helmets while enjoying outdoor riding activities such as snowmobiling, motorcycle riding, and bicycling. While such helmets vary widely in design and features, many include an articulating shield that protects the eyes or face of the helmet wearer. Open face helmets have a hard shell that surrounds and covers the brow, crown and sides of the user's head, leaving the face open. A closed face motorcycle helmet has a hard shell that surrounds and covers a rider's head from the neck up and an eyeport through which the rider can see. In either design, a clear shield is hingedly or pivotably attached to the sides of the helmet and can be flipped down to cover the face or eyeport for normal use or flipped up out of the way when desired. The shield is typically formed of Plexiglas® or other clear plastic and tends to cover the face, either partially or completely. Such a clear face shield is often required for safety and to meet various regulatory requirements.

Certain motorcycle helmets include a pivotable, tinted inner shield which is inside of the normal pivotable face shield. Such a dual shield system is intended to reduce glare, block UV rays, etc. and thereby replace sunglasses during riding, while also allowing high visibility during low light and night conditions. Due to the dual-layer construction, such a pivotable internal shield is typically controlled by an external control lever. The external control lever allows the user to slide the sun shield up into concealment, or down to cover the eyes, without having to open the external face shield. Such a system is useful in wet or high speed conditions.

Conventional helmets comprise hingeplates on each side of the helmet to raise and lower the shield. Conventional hingeplates comprise a baseplate fixed to the helmet incorporating a pivot post on which a movable plate pivots, which is in turn connected to the shield to raise or lower the shield. These hingeplates can be complex and bulky and occupy volumes of the helmet where it would be desirable to include impact-absorbing material instead. This disadvantage is exacerbated in dual shield helmets, because their design requires that the arcs or articulation of the shields (or their 3D equivalents) are portions of concentric circles and/or spheres, respectively. This requires two hingeplates on each side of the helmet to be stacked together in the same region of the helmet to articulate the inner and outer shields. <CIT> discloses a pivot mechanism for a shield for a helmet.

Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved helmet and improved hingeplates or pivot mechanisms to articulate shields on helmets.

Conventional pivot mechanisms, also known as hingeplates, comprise a physical pivot about which the shield articulates. In contrast, the pivot mechanism described herein provides a "virtual pivot point" for the shield. That is, the pivot point for the shield is not a physical structure located at the shield's axis of rotation, but articulation of the shield is achieved by moving a clamp along a curved track with a radius of curvature centered at the pivot point.

In one aspect, this disclosure provides a pivot mechanism for a shield for a helmet, the pivot mechanism comprising a curved track having a first end and a second end; and a clamp slidingly engaged to the curved track, wherein the clamp is configured to attach to an end of the shield and slide along the track between a first position proximate to the first end of the curved track and a second position proximate to the second end of the curved track, wherein the clamp comprises a passageway wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of the passageway slidingly engages at least a portion of the exterior surface of the curved track; and a recess configured to engage the end of the shield to attach the clamp thereto.

The pivot mechanism comprising a track member comprising the curved track having the first end and the second end, an inside radius side, an outside radius side and a fixed width therebetween, a first raised portion proximate to the first end, and a second raised portion proximate to the second end; and a clamp comprising a clip member comprising a generally planar region having a first surface and an opposed second surface, and one or more raised portions on the first surface; and a slider member attached to the clip member, the slider member comprising a generally planar region having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface of the clip member and the first surface of the slider member face each other and the generally planar region of the clip member and the generally planar region of the slider are spaced apart and substantially parallel, at least one first raised track engagement feature configured to slidably engage the inside radius side of the curved track, at least one second raised track engagement feature configured to slidably engage the outside radius side of the curved track, wherein a first portion of the generally planar region of the clip member, a first portion the generally planar region of the slider member, first raised track engagement feature, and the second raised track engagement feature define a passageway slidingly engaged around the curved track, and a second portion of the generally planar region of the clip member, and a second portion the generally planar region of the slider member define an open cavity for insertion of an end of the shield, and when a first portion of the clamp is in contact with the first raised portion of the track member, they define a first position of the clamp and when a second portion of the clamp is in contact with the second raised portion of the track member, they define a second position of the clamp.

The pivot mechanism wherein an end of a shield is inserted in the open cavity and is held therein.

The pivot mechanism further comprising a lever rotatably engaged to a pivot rod between the clip member and the slider member and the lever is configured to releasably engage an end of the shield inserted in the open cavity and hold it therein.

The pivot mechanism wherein the track member comprises a second raised portion proximate to the first end comprising a cable guide, wherein the second surface of the slider member comprises a raised portion comprising a cable end detent;.

wherein the pivot mechanism further comprises a cable configured to move within the cable guide and the cable end is held in the cable end detent, wherein when the cable is advanced distally from the cable guide the clamp is moved toward the second position, and when the cable is retracted proximally toward the cable guide the clamp is moved toward the first position.

The pivot mechanism wherein when the clamp is at its first position and a shield attached thereto is at a raised position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism; and wherein the slider bar is at its second position, the clamp is at its second position and a shield attached thereto is at a lowered position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism.

The pivot mechanism wherein when the clamp is at its first position and a shield attached thereto is at a lowered position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism; and wherein the slider bar is at its second position, the clamp is at its second position and a shield attached thereto is at a raised position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism.

The pivot mechanism further comprising a cable movement mechanism remote from the pivot mechanism and in operable communication with the pivot mechanism via a cable, the cable movement mechanism comprising a first position and a second position; and a cable guide tube comprising a lumen in which the cable is movably contained, the cable guide tube running between the cable guide on the track member to a second cable guide associated with the cable movement mechanism, wherein the cable comprises a second cable end engaged with a second cable end detent on the cable movement mechanism; wherein the first position of the cable movement mechanism defines a position wherein the cable is retracted and the clamp is in its first position of the pivot mechanism and the second position of the cable movement mechanism defines a position wherein the cable is advanced and the clamp is in its second position of the pivot mechanism.

The pivot mechanism wherein the cable movement mechanism comprises a slider bar, wherein when the slider bar is moved distally from the second cable guide, the cable is retracted from the pivot mechanism and the clamp is moved toward the first position of the pivot mechanism; and wherein when the slider bar is moved proximally toward the second cable guide the cable is advanced in the pivot mechanism and the clamp is moved toward the second position of the pivot mechanism.

The pivot mechanism wherein when the slider bar is at its first position, the clamp is at its first position and a shield attached thereto is at a raised position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism; and wherein the slider bar is at its second position, the clamp is at its second position and a shield attached thereto is at a lowered position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism.

The pivot mechanism wherein when the slider bar is at its first position, the clamp is at its first position and a shield attached thereto is at a lowered position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism; and wherein the slider bar is at its second position, the clamp is at its second position and a shield attached thereto is at a raised position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism.

In another aspect, this disclosure provides a helmet comprising: a shell; a shield on said shell movable between a lowered position covering the eye region of a user wearing the helmet and a raised position displaced from said eye region; and a pivot mechanism as described above wherein an end of the shield is attached to the clamp.

The helmet wherein the shield is in its raised position when the clamp of the pivot mechanism is in its first position and the shield is in its lowered position when the clamp of the pivot mechanism is in its second position.

The helmet wherein the shield is in its lowered position when the clamp of the pivot mechanism is in its first position and the shield is in its raised position when the clamp of the pivot mechanism is in its second position.

The helmet further comprising a mechanism in operational communication with the pivot mechanism to raise or lower the shield.

The helmet wherein the clamp comprises a passageway wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of the passageway slidingly engages at least a portion of the exterior surface of the curved track; and a recess configured to engage the end of the shield to attach the clamp thereto.

The helmet comprising an inner shield and an outer shield wherein the pivot mechanism is attached to the inner shield.

The helmet comprising an inner shield and an outer shield wherein the pivot mechanism is attached to the outer shield.

The helmet comprising an inner shield and an outer shield wherein a first pivot mechanism is attached to the inner shield and a second pivot mechanism is attached to the outer shield.

The helmet comprising a pivot mechanism comprising a track member comprising the curved track having the first end and the second end, an inside radius side, an outside radius side and a fixed width therebetween, a first raised portion proximate to the first end, and a second raised portion proximate to the second end; and a clamp comprising a clip member comprising a generally planar region having a first surface and an opposed second surface, and one or more raised portions on the first surface; and a slider member attached to the clip member, the slider member comprising a generally planar region having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface of the clip member and the first surface of the slider member face each other and the generally planar region of the clip member and the generally planar region of the slider are spaced apart and substantially parallel, at least one first raised track engagement feature configured to slidably engage the inside radius side of the curved track, at least one second raised track engagement feature configured to slidably engage the outside radius side of the curved track, wherein a first portion of the generally planar region of the clip member, a first portion the generally planar region of the slider member, first raised track engagement feature, and the second raised track engagement feature define a passageway slidingly engaged around the curved track, and a second portion of the generally planar region of the clip member, and a second portion the generally planar region of the slider member define an open cavity for insertion of an end of the shield, and when a first portion of the clamp is in contact with the first raised portion of the track member, they define a first position of the clamp and when a second portion of the clamp is in contact with the second raised portion of the track member, they define a second position of the clamp.

The helmet further comprising a cable movement mechanism remote from the pivot mechanism and in operable communication with the pivot mechanism via a cable, the cable movement mechanism comprising a first position and a second position; and a cable guide tube comprising a lumen in which the cable is movably contained, the cable guide tube running between the cable guide on the track member to a second cable guide associated with the cable movement mechanism, wherein the cable comprises a second cable end engaged with a second cable end detent on the cable movement mechanism; wherein the first position of the cable movement mechanism defines a position wherein the cable is retracted and the clamp is in its first position of the pivot mechanism and the second position of the cable movement mechanism defines a position wherein the cable is advanced and the clamp is in its second position of the pivot mechanism.

The helmet wherein the cable movement mechanism comprises a slider bar, wherein when the slider bar is moved distally from the second cable guide, the cable is retracted from the pivot mechanism and the clamp is moved toward the first position of the pivot mechanism; and wherein when the slider bar is moved proximally toward the second cable guide the cable is advanced in the pivot mechanism and the clamp is moved toward the second position of the pivot mechanism.

The helmet wherein when the slider bar is at its first position, the clamp is at its first position and the shield attached thereto is at a raised position; and wherein when the slider bar is at its second position, the clamp is at its second position and the shield attached thereto is at a lowered position.

The helmet wherein when the slider bar is at its first position, the clamp is at its first position and the shield attached thereto is at a lowered position; and wherein when the slider bar is at its second position, the clamp is at its second position and the shield attached thereto is at a raised position.

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific helmet or material types, or other system component examples, or methods disclosed herein. Many additional components, manufacturing and assembly procedures known in the art consistent with helmet manufacture are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.

The word "exemplary," "example," or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or as an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

While this disclosure includes a number of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, particular embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example and the scope of protection is defined by the appended claims.

Unless otherwise explicitly indicated, as used herein the terms "internal", "inner" and "inside" indicate a relative position towards the helmet portion which is or would be closer to the wearer's head. Unless otherwise explicitly indicated, as used herein the terms "exterior", "outer" and "external" indicate a relative position towards the helmet portion which is or would be closer to the outside of a helmet which is or would be away from the wearer's head. Similarly, terms such as "front", "rear", "side", "right", "left", "bottom", "top", "brow", "crown", and the like refer to portions of a helmet or mechanisms therein relative to the helmet as worn by a user of the helmet.

A helmet as described herein can be used for a cyclist, football player, hockey player, baseball player, lacrosse player, polo player, climber, auto racer, motorcycle rider, motocross racer, skier, snowboarder or other snow or water athlete, sky diver or any other athlete in a sport. Other industries also use protective headwear, such that individuals employed in other industries and work such as construction workers, soldiers, fire fighters, pilots, or types of work and activities can also use or be in need of a safety helmet, where similar technologies and methods can also be applied. Each of the above listed sports, occupations, or activities can use a protective helmet that comprises an outer shell and an inner energy-absorbing or energy management material and a shield for shielding the wearer's eyes or face. For convenience, protective helmets can be generally classified as either in-molded helmets or hard shell helmets. In-molded helmets can comprise one layer, or more than one layer, including a thin outer shell, an energy-absorbing layer or impact liner, and a comfort liner or fit liner. Hard-shell helmets can comprise a hard outer shell, an impact liner, and a comfort liner. The hard outer shell can be formed by injection molding and can include Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) plastics or other similar or suitable material. The outer shell for hard-shell helmets is typically made hard enough to resist impacts and punctures, and to meet the related safety testing standards, while being flexible enough to deform slightly during impacts to absorb energy through deformation, thereby contributing to energy management. Hard-shell helmets can be used as skate bucket helmets, motorcycle helmets, snow and water sports helmets, football helmets, batting helmets, catcher's helmets, hockey helmets, and can be used for BMX riding and racing. While various aspects and implementations presented in the disclosure focus on embodiments comprising hard-shell helmets or helmets comprising an outer shell and a shield, the disclosure also relates and applies to other helmets, applications, and embodiments in which the principles and features discussed herein can be advantageously applied. As such, a helmet comprising a pivot mechanism as disclosed herein can be employed wherever a conventional helmet is used to take advantage of the additional benefits described herein.

This disclosure provides a pivot mechanism for a helmet or protective head gear that includes an outer shell and a protective shield such as a face shield or an eye shield, wherein the pivot mechanism provides for pivoting the shield between a raised position and a lowered position.

The pivot mechanism described herein provides a "virtual pivot point" for the shield. The pivot point for the shield is not a physical structure located at the shield's axis of rotation, but articulation of the shield is achieved by moving a clamp along a curved track with a radius of curvature centered at the pivot point.

The disclosed pivot mechanism results in a reduced overall size and reduced footprint compared to previous hingeplates. The disclosed pivot mechanism may also be less complex and have fewer parts than conventional hingeplates. The virtual pivot can also reduce mechanism stack-up wherein multiple pivot mechanisms take up a lot of volume for potential impact material due to their need for concentric axes of operation.

The pivot mechanism comprises a curved track having a first end and a second end; and a clamp slidingly engaged to the curved track, wherein the clamp is configured to attach to an end of the shield and slide along the track between a first position proximate to the first end of the curved track and a second position proximate to the second end of the curved track. In an embodiment of the pivot mechanism, the clamp comprises a passageway wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of the passageway slidingly engages at least a portion of the exterior surface of the curved track; and a recess configured to engage the end of the shield to attach the clamp thereto.

One of skill in the art can appreciate that helmets have a high degree of bilateral symmetry wherein the sides of the helmet are substantially mirror images of each other. Shields on helmets typically protect the wearer's face and wrap around both sides of the helmet to pivot points or fulcrums about which the shield articulates between raised and lowered positions. One can also appreciate that a helmet may comprises a pair of pivot mechanisms described herein in which each of the pivot mechanisms engage an end of the shield, wherein the pivot mechanisms are substantially similar mirror images of each other. A helmet may, but does not necessarily, comprise a pair of such pivot mechanisms with a shield therebetween. Further, a dual shield helmet may, but does not necessarily, comprise a pair of such pivot mechanisms engaged with each shield. For simplicity of presentation, a single pivot mechanism is described and shown in the figures herein.

The following figures depict a specific embodiment of the pivot mechanism. For ease of presentation, an open arrow in the Figures indicates the direction to the front of a helmet containing the pivot mechanism. In <FIG>, the pivot mechanism and parts thereof are depicted as viewed from the inside of the helmet toward the left side of the helmet.

The pivot mechanism can comprise plastic or metal parts. For example, the track member, clip member and slider member as described herein may be molded from plastic, notably acetal or polyoxymethylene (POM), which is, for example, commercially available under the DELRIN® tradename. Parts such as screws and cables may be fabricated from metal.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of a specific pivot mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. The pivot mechanism <NUM> comprises a track member <NUM> comprising curved track <NUM> having a first end and a second end, an inside radius side, an outside radius side with a fixed width w therebetween, a first raised portion <NUM> proximate to the first end, and a second raised portion <NUM> proximate to the second end. Proximate to the first end and the second end are screw through-holes <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. Screws 160a and 160b pass through holes <NUM> and <NUM> respectively to fasten the trach member <NUM> to the inside of the outer shell of a helmet (not shown). Also proximate to the first end is a an additional raised portion <NUM> that comprises a cable guide for a cable (not shown) that actuates the pivot mechanism <NUM> to raise or lower an attached shield.

The pivot mechanism <NUM> also comprises a clamp that comprises a clip member <NUM> and a slider member <NUM>. The clip member <NUM> comprises a generally planar region <NUM> having a first surface 121a and an opposed second surface (not shown), and one or more raised portions <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG>) on the first surface 121a.

The slider member <NUM> comprises a generally planar region <NUM> having a first surface (see 141a in <FIG>) and a second surface 141b, wherein the first surface 121a of the clip member <NUM> and the first surface 141a of the slider member <NUM> face each other and the generally planar region <NUM> of the clip member <NUM> and the generally planar region <NUM> of the slider member <NUM> are spaced apart and substantially parallel. The slider member comprises at least one first raised track engagement feature <NUM> configured to slidably engage the inside radius side of the curved track and at least one second raised track engagement feature <NUM> configured to slidably engage the outside radius side of the curved track <NUM>. The track engagement features <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced apart by a distance essentially equal to the width w of track member <NUM> so that the track engagement features can contact and slide along the respective inside and outside radius sides of the track <NUM>. Slider member <NUM> also comprises a raised portion <NUM> comprising a cable end detent.

The clip member <NUM> and slider member <NUM> are attached together using screws 170a, 170b and 170c that pass through holes 143a, 143b and 143c, respectively and are anchored in screw sockets <NUM> and <NUM> and a third screw socket (not shown). Use of screws to attach the pivot mechanism <NUM> to the outer shell of the helmet and to attach the clip member <NUM> to the slider member <NUM> is not limiting and alternatively other mechanical fasteners, or adhesives, can be used.

A shield end <NUM> is shown engaged with the pivot mechanism <NUM> disposed between clip member <NUM> and slider member <NUM>, wherein the rest of the shield extends beyond the dashed line and is not shown for simplicity of presentation. As discussed above, a shield would typically wrap around the front of the helmet and the opposite end of the shield would engage with a second pivot mechanism, which is substantially a mirror image of the pivot mechanism shown in <FIG>.

In embodiments, the shield is designed to be replaceable by the user, such that it may be easily removed and replaced with another shield with differing properties, (e.g., a lighter or darker tint, different color, etc.) or with another shield with the same properties (e.g., if the original shield is damaged, etc.). In such embodiments, the replacement of the shield may employ merely simple, common tools, or even no tools at all. In embodiments, the pivot mechanism may comprise a lever rotatably engaged to a pivot rod between the clip member and the slider member and the lever is configured to releasably engage an end of the shield inserted in the open cavity and hold it therein. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, a lever <NUM> is disposed between clip member <NUM> and slider member <NUM> and pivot hole <NUM> is engaged around screw 170c so that screw 170c functions as a pivot rod or fulcrum for lever <NUM> to pivot or rotate around. Use of a screw as a pivot rod for lever <NUM> is not limiting, and other pivots such rods or dowels are envisioned. Lever <NUM> comprises an edge with a shape configured to engage a complementary edge on shield end <NUM> and hold it in place in the pivot mechanism <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, projection <NUM> on lever <NUM> engages notch <NUM> on shield end <NUM>, but this is not limiting and other complementary shapes are envisioned. Rotating lever <NUM> about the pivot defined by pivot hole <NUM> disengages projection <NUM> and notch <NUM>, allowing shield end <NUM> to be disengaged from pivot mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an elevation view of the track member <NUM>, clip member <NUM>, lever <NUM> and shield end <NUM> with slider member <NUM> removed to show the features of the track member <NUM>, clip member <NUM>, lever <NUM> and shield end <NUM> that were partially or fully obscured by slider member <NUM> in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the pivot mechanism <NUM> flipped over and with the clip member <NUM> and lever <NUM> removed to show features of the track member <NUM> and slider member <NUM> that were not visible in <FIG>. First and second track engagement features <NUM> and <NUM> are shown separated by distance w so that portions thereof contact the sides of track <NUM>. An additional set of track engagement features <NUM> and <NUM> are also shown, also separated by distance w. These track engagement features are shown as raised projections above first surface 141a with curved faces to minimize the amount of contact and friction with the track <NUM>, but this is not limiting. Other track engagement features can be envisioned, such as wheels that contact the sides of track <NUM> and roll along the sides. As shown, raised projection <NUM> is connected to track engagement feature <NUM> by bar 149a, but this is not limiting. Projection <NUM> and bar 149a engage notch <NUM> and edge <NUM> of shield end <NUM> and help hold shield end <NUM> in the clamp.

<FIG> show an assembled view of pivot mechanism <NUM>, wherein clip member <NUM> and slider member <NUM> are attached together by screws 170a, 170b and 170c. Raised portions <NUM> and <NUM> on clip member <NUM> and track engagement features <NUM> and <NUM> have the same raised dimension above their respective first surfaces 121a and 141a such that they hold the planar portions <NUM> and <NUM> substantially parallel at a constant distance apart. Features <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and 149a (see <FIG>) have the same raised dimension. Track <NUM>, lever <NUM> and shield end <NUM> have thicknesses that are essentially the same as the raised dimension of <NUM>, <NUM><NUM> and <NUM>. This distance is configured such that when the clip member <NUM> and slider member <NUM> are attached together as shown, a first portion of the generally planar region <NUM> of the clip member <NUM>, a first portion the generally planar region <NUM> of the slider member <NUM>, first raised track engagement feature <NUM>, and second raised track engagement feature <NUM> define a passageway slidingly engaged around the curved track <NUM>. A second portion of the generally planar region <NUM> of the clip member <NUM>, a second portion of the generally planar region <NUM>, and features <NUM> and 149a, of the slider member <NUM> define an open cavity for insertion of an end of the shield end <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the assembled pivot mechanism <NUM> wherein the clamp is in a first and second position respectively. These figures show that the clamp can slide along track <NUM> and move the engaged shield end <NUM> between the first and second positions. The figures also show the approximate position of the virtual pivot P, about which the clamp and engaged shield end pivots. As can be seen, no part of the pivot mechanism <NUM> occupies the locus of virtual pivot P.

In <FIG>, when a first portion of the clamp (in this embodiment the edge of raised portion <NUM> of slider member <NUM>) is in contact with the first raised portion <NUM> of the track member <NUM>, they define a first position of the clamp and a shield engaged with the pivot mechanism <NUM> via shield end <NUM> is in a raised or open position wherein the shield is disposed within or proximate to the brow region of a helmet and does not shield the eyes or face of the wearer. In <FIG>, when a second portion of the clamp (in this embodiment the edges of planar regions <NUM> and <NUM>) the edge of raise portion is in contact with the second raised portion <NUM> of the track member <NUM>, they define a first position of the clamp and a shield engaged with the pivot mechanism <NUM> via shield end <NUM> is in a lowered or closed position wherein the shield is disposed in front of the eyes or face shield of the wearer.

Notably, a pivot mechanism can be substantially the same as the pivot mechanism shown in <FIG> that does not include the cable guide <NUM> and cable end detent <NUM>.

In embodiments, the pivot mechanism further comprises a cable configured to move within the cable guide and the cable end is held in the cable end detent, wherein when the cable is advanced distally (see solid arrow A in <FIG>) from the cable guide the clamp is moved toward the second position, and when the cable is retracted proximally (see dashed arrow R in <FIG>) toward the cable guide the clamp is moved toward the first position.

In embodiments, the pivot mechanism further comprises a cable movement mechanism remote from the pivot mechanism and in operable communication with the pivot mechanism via the cable, the cable movement mechanism comprising a first position and a second position; and a cable guide tube comprising a lumen in which the cable is movably contained, the cable guide tube running between the cable guide on the track member to a second cable guide associated with the cable movement mechanism, wherein the cable comprises a second cable end engaged with a second cable end detent on the cable movement mechanism; wherein the first position of the cable movement mechanism defines a position wherein the cable is retracted and the clamp is in its first position of the pivot mechanism and the second position of the cable movement mechanism defines a position wherein the cable is advanced and the clamp is in its second position of the pivot mechanism.

An example of these embodiments is shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a pivot mechanism <NUM>-rev in operational communication with a cable movement mechanism <NUM> via cable guide tube <NUM>. The length and configuration of cable guide is dependent on the design of a helmet containing the pivot mechanism and the cable movement mechanism and is shown in <FIG> with the middle portion omitted for ease of presentation. Cable movement mechanism <NUM> is engaged with mount <NUM>. The view of <FIG> is from the interior of a helmet incorporating the pivot mechanism toward the right side of the helmet. One can appreciate that this is the opposite of the views shown in <FIG>, so that each of the components of the pivot mechanism <NUM>-rev is the mirror image of the pivot mechanism <NUM> shown in those figures. <FIG> shows a close-up view of the pivot mechanism <NUM>-rev. For ease of presentation, the suffix "-rev" is omitted for components of the pivot mechanism <NUM>-rev shown in <FIG> and <FIG> that are mirror images of the components with the same reference number in pivot mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, cable guide tube comprises a first cable guide ferrule <NUM> which engages cable guide <NUM>. Cable <NUM> is contained within cable guide tube <NUM> and extends beyond cable guide ferrule <NUM> and first cable end <NUM> is engaged with cable end detent <NUM>. <FIG> shows the cable <NUM> advanced distally from cable guide <NUM> such that the clamp is in its second position, wherein a shield (not shown) is in a lowered position. Flange <NUM> on lever <NUM> provides a grip to facilitate a user manipulating lever <NUM> to engage or disengage a shield end (not shown).

<FIG> depicts a close-up view of the cable movement mechanism <NUM> and mount <NUM>. Mount <NUM> comprises a generally planar strip <NUM> with a screw hole <NUM> proximate to its first end and opposed tabs 733a and 733b proximate to its second end. Also proximate to the second end is a cable guide <NUM> that engages a second cable guide tube ferrule <NUM>. Mount <NUM> can be attached to the inside surface of an outer shell of a helmet on its right side (not shown) using fasteners such as screws (not shown) passing through holes <NUM>, 734a and 734b. Alternatively, fastening by mechanical fasteners other than screws, or by adhesives, can also be envisioned.

Cable movement mechanism <NUM> comprises a slider bar <NUM> comprising a raised clamp base <NUM> comprising a post 722a and extensions 722b and 722c (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Post 722a has a height slightly greater than the thickness of the outer shell and a diameter slightly smaller than a slot (see <NUM> in <FIG>) in the outer shell such that the post 722a can slidingly move in the slot <NUM>. The slider bar <NUM> slidingly engage the outside surface of the outer shell and extensions 722a and 722b slidingly engage the inside surface of the outer shell. Clamp cap <NUM> is attached to clamp base <NUM> by screws (not shown) through holes 723a and 723b such that clamp base <NUM> and clamp cap <NUM> define a passageway around strip <NUM> such that cable movement mechanism is slidingly engaged with mount <NUM> between a first position to the first end of strip <NUM> and a second position proximate to the second end of strip <NUM>. Alternatively, fastening by mechanical fasteners other than screws, or by adhesives, can also be envisioned. Clamp cap <NUM> also comprises cable end detent <NUM> that engages second cable end <NUM> where cable <NUM> extends beyond second cable guide ferrule <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a bottom view of the pivot mechanism <NUM>-rev, the cable movement mechanism <NUM> and mount <NUM>. The position of the outer shell <NUM> is shown by dashed lines, wherein the outer shell is disposed between the cable movement mechanism <NUM> and mount <NUM>. Pivot mechanism <NUM>-rev is shown mounted inside the outer shell <NUM>. The hatched region shows the location of slot <NUM> that post 722a passes through. Projection <NUM> on slider bar <NUM> provides a grip that facilitates a user sliding the slider bar <NUM> between first and second positions along mount strip <NUM>. Desirably, the slider bar and grip <NUM> are configured to be operable by a user wearing gloves. Cable movement mechanism <NUM>, comprising slider bar <NUM> and cable end detent <NUM>, is shown in a first position proximate to a first end of strip <NUM>. In this first position cable <NUM> is fully retracted in the direction denoted by dotted arrow R because second cable end <NUM> is held by cable end detent <NUM> as slider bar <NUM> is moved in the direction R to the first position. Retraction of cable <NUM> in the direction R causes the clamp of pivot mechanism <NUM>-rev, comprising clip member <NUM> and slider member <NUM>, to move into its first position where cable end detent <NUM> is in contact with raised portion <NUM> of track member <NUM> (see <FIG>). When slider bar <NUM> and the clamp are in their first positions, a shield end engaged in the clamp is disposed in a raised position so that the shield is disposed in a raised or open position and the shield is not in front of the wearer's eyes or face.

The outer shell <NUM> can be made of a flexible, semi-flexible, or rigid material, and can comprise plastics, including polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl nitrile (VN), as well as resin, fiber, fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, or other suitable material. The outer shell <NUM> can be stamped, in-molded, injection molded, vacuum formed, or formed by another suitable process. The outer shell <NUM> can also provide a smooth aerodynamic finish, a decorative finish, or both, for improved performance, improved aesthetics, or both. As a non-limiting example, the outer shell <NUM> can be ABS that is formed by injection molding.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the pivot mechanism <NUM>-rev, the cable movement mechanism <NUM> and mount <NUM> from the outside top right of a helmet incorporating them. Cable movement mechanism <NUM>, comprising slider bar <NUM> and cable end detent <NUM>, is shown in a second position proximate to the second end of strip <NUM>. In this first position cable <NUM> is fully advanced in the direction denoted by solid arrow A because second cable end <NUM> is held by cable end detent <NUM> as slider bar <NUM> is moved in the direction A to the second position. Advance of cable <NUM> in the direction A causes the clamp of pivot mechanism <NUM>-rev, comprising clip member <NUM> and slider member <NUM>, to move into its second position where a portion of the bottom edge of the clamp is in contact with raised portion <NUM> of track member <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). When slider bar <NUM> and the clamp are in their second positions, a shield end engaged in the clamp is disposed in a lowered position so that the shield is disposed in a lowered or closed position and the shield is in front of the wearer's eyes or face.

As discussed above, a helmet may comprise two pivot mechanisms disclosed herein with a shield therebetween. One can appreciate that a first of the two pivot mechanisms may comprise a curved track having a first end and a second end; and a clamp slidingly engaged to the curved track, wherein the clamp is configured to attach to an end of the shield and slide along the track between a first position proximate to the first end of the curved track and a second position proximate to the second end of the curved track, such as wherein the clamp comprises a passageway wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of the passageway slidingly engages at least a portion of the exterior surface of the curved track; and a recess configured to engage the end of the shield to attach the clamp thereto.

A specific embodiment of the first pivot mechanism comprises (a) a track member comprising the curved track having the first end and the second end, an inside radius side, an outside radius side and a fixed width therebetween, a first raised portion proximate to the first end, and a second raised portion proximate to the second end; and (b) a clamp comprising (i) a clip member comprising a generally planar region having a first surface and an opposed second surface, and one or more raised portions on the first surface; and (ii) a slider member attached to the clip member, the slider member comprising a generally planar region having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface of the clip member and the first surface of the slider member face each other and the generally planar region of the clip member and the generally planar region of the slider are spaced apart and substantially parallel, at least one first raised track engagement feature configured to slidably engage the inside radius side of the curved track, at least one second raised track engagement feature configured to slidably engage the outside radius side of the curved track, wherein a first portion of the generally planar region of the clip member, a first portion the generally planar region of the slider member, first raised track engagement feature, and the second raised track engagement feature define a passageway slidingly engaged around the curved track, and a second portion of the generally planar region of the clip member, and a second portion the generally planar region of the slider member define an open cavity for insertion of an end of the shield, and when a first portion of the clamp is in contact with the first raised portion of the track member, they define a first position of the clamp and when a second portion of the clamp is in contact with the second raised portion of the track member, they define a second position of the clamp.

The second pivot mechanism of the two pivot mechanism may be a mirror image of the first pivot mechanism, further comprising features that provide operational communication with a control mechanism to raise or lower a shield engaged to the pivot mechanism.

A specific embodiment of the second pivot mechanism comprises (a) a track member comprising the curved track having the first end and the second end, an inside radius side, an outside radius side and a fixed width therebetween, a first raised portion proximate to the first end, and a second raised portion proximate to the second end; and (b) a clamp comprising (i) a clip member comprising a generally planar region having a first surface and an opposed second surface, and one or more raised portions on the first surface; and (ii) a slider member attached to the clip member, the slider member comprising a generally planar region having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface of the clip member and the first surface of the slider member face each other and the generally planar region of the clip member and the generally planar region of the slider are spaced apart and substantially parallel, at least one first raised track engagement feature configured to slidably engage the inside radius side of the curved track, at least one second raised track engagement feature configured to slidably engage the outside radius side of the curved track, wherein a first portion of the generally planar region of the clip member, a first portion the generally planar region of the slider member, first raised track engagement feature, and the second raised track engagement feature define a passageway slidingly engaged around the curved track, and a second portion of the generally planar region of the clip member, and a second portion the generally planar region of the slider member define an open cavity for insertion of an end of the shield, and when a first portion of the clamp is in contact with the first raised portion of the track member, they define a first position of the clamp and when a second portion of the clamp is in contact with the second raised portion of the track member, they define a second position of the clamp and wherein the track member comprises a second raised portion proximate to the first end comprising a cable guide, and wherein the second surface of the slider member comprises a raised portion comprising a cable end detent; wherein the pivot mechanism further comprises a cable configured to move within the cable guide and the cable end is held in the cable end detent, wherein when the cable is advanced distally from the cable guide the clamp is moved toward the second position, and when the cable is retracted proximally toward the cable guide the clamp is moved toward the first position.

This specific embodiment of the second pivot mechanism can be in operational communication with a control mechanism remote from the pivot mechanism such as cable movement mechanism in operational communication with the pivot mechanism via a cable movably contained in a cable guide tube running between the cable guide on the track member to a second cable guide associated with the cable movement mechanism, wherein the cable comprises a second cable end engaged with a second cable end detent on the cable movement mechanism, the cable movement mechanism comprising a first position and a second position; wherein the first position of the cable movement mechanism defines a position wherein the cable is retracted and the clamp is in its first position of the pivot mechanism and the second position of the cable movement mechanism defines a position wherein the cable is advanced and the clamp is in its second position of the pivot mechanism.

In an embodiment, the cable movement mechanism comprises a slider bar, wherein when the slider bar is moved distally from the second cable guide, the cable is retracted from the pivot mechanism and the clamp is moved toward the first position of the pivot mechanism; and wherein when the slider bar is moved proximally toward the second cable guide the cable is advanced in the pivot mechanism and the clamp is moved toward the second position of the pivot mechanism. When the slider bar is at its first position, the clamp is at its first position and a shield attached thereto is at a raised position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism; and wherein the slider bar is at its second position, the clamp is at its second position and a shield attached thereto is at a lowered position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism.

In some embodiments a helmet may comprise two shields, an inner shield and an outer shield, wherein the inner shield, the outer shield, or both the inner and outer shield are engaged with a pair of pivot mechanisms disclosed herein. In embodiments wherein both the inner shield and the outer shield are engaged with pivot mechanisms disclosed herein, the outer shield may be engaged with pivot mechanisms such as the first and second pivot mechanisms described above, where the second pivot mechanism is in operable communication with first control mechanism such as a cable movement mechanism described above. The inner shield may be engaged with third and fourth pivot mechanisms similar to the first and second pivot mechanisms described above, where the fourth pivot mechanism is in operable communication with a control mechanism such as a cable movement mechanism as described above. In these embodiments, the third and fourth pivot mechanisms engaged to the inner shield are mounted closer to the interior of the helmet than the first and second pivot mechanisms. The virtual pivots of the pivot mechanisms engaged to the outer shield and the virtual pivots of the pivot mechanisms engaged to the inner shield need not lie on the same axes. In embodiments, the first and second control mechanisms may be located on the same side of the helmet, or on different sides of the helmet.

In the embodiments shown in <FIG> herein, the curved track comprises an arc having an essentially constant radius of curvature, but this is not limiting. In other embodiments the curved track may have a portion defining an arc with a first radius of curvature and a second portion defining a second arc having a different radius of curvature and/or a different virtual pivot. For example, the first portion of the track may lower the shield when advancing away from the first position until it is in front of a wearer's eyes or face, and the second portion may cause the shield to be pulled toward the helmet to seal against the brow region and/or the upper edge of a chin bar of a closed face helmet.

When the shield covers the eyeport in a closed face shield, a peripheral seal around the eyeport seals against the inside surface of the shield to prevent ingress of air, water, and debris into the interior of the helmet.

Under certain environmental conditions, the inner surface of the shield when closed and sealed is susceptible to condensation formation or "fogging," which can interfere with a rider's vision and thus must be eliminated. A method of clearing a shield fogged with condensation is simply to open the shield to allow outside air into the helmet. However, opening the shield too far while moving can allow high velocity air to hit the riders face and eyes, which is uncomfortable and dangerous. It thus is imperative when employing this method that the shield be opened or cracked by a small amount that is just enough to break contact between the shield and the peripheral seal around the eyeport. Cracking the shield slightly in this way admits a sufficient stream of outside air to clear condensation but does not allow an excessive airflow that might interfere with the rider's comfort or vision.

Most helmets incorporate shield set positions or "detents" through which the shield passes as it is moved from its closed position to its open position. In most cases, however, the first detent or first open position is too large for use in clearing a fogged shield because it allows high velocity air to hit the rider's face and eyes. Some recent close faced helmets incorporate a mechanism for cracking or venting the shield slightly when desired.

Pivot mechanisms as described herein can address this problem. As discussed above, the curved track can comprise first and second portions, wherein the locus where the first portion transitions to the second portion defines an intermediate position between the first and second positions. The first portion provides an arc for raising or lowering the shield and the second portion provides an arc for moving the shield to a cracked position when the clamp is at the intermediate position or closed position when the clamp is at its second position.

<FIG> and <FIG> show side views of a helmet incorporating the pivot mechanism and an inner shield attached thereto with the shield in raised and lowered positions respectively. Helmet <NUM> comprises an outer shell <NUM> and outer shield <NUM>. Outer shield <NUM> is depicted in its raised or open configuration to allow the inner shield to be seen. The control mechanism <NUM> is located proximate the lower edge of helmet <NUM>. In <FIG>, the inner shield is shown in its raised position 820a. In this embodiment, slider <NUM> is shown at its distal position at the bottom end of control mechanism <NUM>, corresponding to the cable being in its retracted configuration as described above. In <FIG>, the inner shield is shown in its lowered position 820b. In this embodiment, slider <NUM> is shown at its proximal position at the top end of control mechanism <NUM>, corresponding to the cable being in its extended configuration as described above.

<FIG> and <FIG> show cutaway views of a helmet incorporating the pivot mechanism and an inner shield attached thereto with the shield in raised and lowered positions respectively. In these views, outer shell <NUM> is shown as transparent allowing the pivot mechanism <NUM> to be shown inside helmet <NUM>. Track member <NUM> and clip member <NUM> are shown, wherein the inner shield is engaged to clip member <NUM>. Cable guide tube <NUM> is shown, connecting the first end of track member <NUM> to the control mechanism <NUM>. In <FIG>, the inner shield is shown in its raised position 820a. In this embodiment, slider <NUM> is shown at its distal position at the bottom end of control mechanism <NUM>, corresponding to the cable being in its retracted configuration as described above, which moves clip member <NUM> toward the first end of track member <NUM> and raising inner shield to its raised position 820a. In <FIG>, the inner shield is shown in its lowered position 820b. In this embodiment, slider <NUM> is shown at its proximal position at the top end of control mechanism <NUM>, corresponding to the cable being in its extended configuration as described above, which moves clip member <NUM> toward the second end of track member <NUM> and lowering inner shield to its lowered position 820b.

The embodiments illustrated in <FIG> illustrate a pivot mechanism and a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism wherein when the clamp is at its first position a shield attached thereto is at a raised position relative to the helmet; and wherein the clamp is at its second position a shield attached thereto is at a lowered position relative to the helmet.

In those embodiments, the first position is indicated when the clamp is proximate to end <NUM> and the second position is indicated when the clamp is proximate to end <NUM>. Further, the pivot mechanism in those embodiments comprise a cable guide <NUM> and a cable detent <NUM> on slider member <NUM> that are disposed at the top of the pivot mechanism (relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism). When a cable is engaged to the cable guide and cable detent and retracted distally, a shield engaged in the pivot mechanism is brought to the first position and is in a raised configuration. When the cable is advanced proximally, the shield is brought to the second position and is in a lowered configuration.

Further, when the cable is engaged to a control mechanism <NUM> as described herein, when the slider bar is at its first position, the clamp is at its first position and a shield attached thereto is at a raised position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism; and wherein the slider bar is at its second position, the clamp is at its second position and a shield attached thereto is at a lowered position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism.

Alternatively, other embodiments of the pivot mechanism and a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism include those wherein when the clamp is at its first position a shield attached thereto is at a lowered position relative to the helmet; and wherein the clamp is at its second position a shield attached thereto is at a lowered position relative to the helmet.

In such embodiments, the first position is indicated when the clamp is proximate to the bottom end and the second position is indicated when the clamp is proximate to the top end (each (relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism). Further, the pivot mechanism in such embodiments may comprise a cable guide and a cable detent on the slider member that are disposed at the bottom of the pivot mechanism (relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism). When a cable is engaged to the cable guide and cable detent and retracted distally, a shield engaged in the pivot mechanism is brought to the first position and is in a lowered configuration. When the cable is advanced proximally, the shield is brought to the second position and is in a raised configuration.

Further, when the cable is engaged to a control mechanism such as described herein, when the slider bar is at its first position, the clamp is at its first position and a shield attached thereto is at a lowered position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism; and wherein the slider bar is at its second position, the clamp is at its second position and a shield attached thereto is at a raised position relative to a helmet comprising the pivot mechanism.

Claim 1:
A pivot mechanism (<NUM>) for a shield for a helmet (<NUM>), the pivot mechanism comprising
a curved track (<NUM>) having a first end and a second end; and
a clamp slidingly engaged to the curved track, wherein the clamp is configured to attach to an end of the shield (<NUM>) and slide along the track between a first position proximate to the first end of the curved track and a second position proximate to the second end of the curved track; characterized in that the clamp comprises:
a passageway wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of the passageway slidingly engages at least a portion of the exterior surface of the curved track (<NUM>); and
a recess configured to engage the end of the shield (<NUM>) to attach the clamp thereto.