«2 United States Patent Sackett (10) Patent No. 4s) Date of Patent: US 9,215,904 B2 *Dec. 22, 2015 oa oy ™ om o ep @y ws) @) 6) (32) 68) HELMET HAVING MAGNETICALLY COUPLED CHEEK PADS. Applicant: Bell Sports Ine., Scotts Valley, CA (US) Inveator: Christopher David Sackett, Santa Croz, cas) Assignee: Bell Sports, Ine., Seotts Valley, CA (US) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the tem ofthis patent is extended or adjusted under 38 USC. 154(b) by 17 days ‘This patent is subject to a terminal dise climes, Appl. Nos 14/047,875 Piled: Oct. 7, 2013 Prior Publication Data US 201410033403.A1 Feb. 6, 2014 Related US. Application Data Continuation of application No, 12/985,784, fled on Jan. 6, 2011, now Pat. No. 8,549,671. Int.Cl. AaB 3106 (2006.01) 428 V2 (2006.01) Ad2B 332 (2006.01), us.cl. cee AADB 3/127 (2013.01); A42B 3828 (201301) Field of Classification Search cee "AA2B 3/127; A4IB 3/328 spc 21410, 62, 411, 14, 417, 422,424, 21435, 421; 20303, ‘See application file for complete search history. 60) References Cited US. PATENT DOCUMENTS LS@I8L A $1926. Harman S168 A$ 11956. Mary Shm6 A+ Ses 40nu AS 21990 167% 8 + 1990 ‘A700 BLS 12001 URS 73 BLE 22001 6256797 2001 ‘879 0 3002 Ta4o3e4 B+ 73007 S2s605) Bet 92012 2o0d1ek246 A+ 9/3008 Philips aonnz7i6ss AL* 11007 Ando annoooswost AL* '2200) Ikeda doin009ss37 81¢ 42010 Theda 275347 AL* 112010. Baackin ea * cited by examiner Primary Examiner — Sno Kinsaul (74) Aornes, Agent oF Firm — Booth Udall Fuller, PLC on ABSTRACT In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, helmet having magnetic coupling is provided. Ina particular ‘embodiment, thebelmeticlindes at least ae protective layer ‘configure to coverat lasts portionafa user's beadand a pad coupled to a back plate, a back plate coupled toa protective layer, a back plate comprising 2 magnet 14 Claims, 4 Drawing SheetsU.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 1 of 4 US 9,215,904 B2U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 2 of 4 US 9,215,904 B2U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 3 of 4 US 9,215,904 B2U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 4 of 4 US 9,215,904 B2US 9,215,904 B2 1 HELMET HAVING MAGNETICALLY ‘COUPLED CHEEK PADS, ‘TECHNICAL FU LD OF THE INVENTION ‘The present invention relates generally to protective head ear and, more particularly, toa helmet having magnetically ‘coupled pads BACKGROUND Protective headgeat, such as helmets are often used in activities, such as bieyeling, skateboarding, motoreycling, race car driving, ack climbing, smboarding. and skiing, that are associated with an increased risk of head injury. ‘Typically, such provectiveheadgearis designed to maintanits Sructunl integrity and stay secured tothe head of a wearer, While prowcting the wearer Irom a trauma to the bead. La many types of protective headgear, such as motoreyele hel- mets, inferior pads are often coupled via plastic or metal snaps. Unfortunately, this coupling ean easity break, experi- ‘ence coupling problems die to manufacturing lolerinces oF Fevluce access in emenzency situations, SUMMARY, In accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention, ‘helmet having mnetically eoupled pads is provide. Ina particular embodiment, the ielmet includes atleast one pro- tectve layer configured to cover at east a portion ofa user's head. ‘The protective layer includes a padding layer t increase comfort and protection Use pad is coupled toa back plate that contains one or more magnets. The protective layer $s coupled 10a back plate and the back plate contains one or ‘more magnets. The back plate on the protective layer and the back plate on the pad is configured to couple via the one oF ‘more magnets contained in each backplate, “Technical advantages of one or more embodiments ofthe present invention may include providing for improved co pling of pads to a helmet to allow ease of insertion and removal Another technical advantage of particular embodiments of the present invention includes providing ahelmet with amore ‘comfortable against a user's head, TheeaseoFinvertionand removal of the pads in particular embodiments allow for @ ‘more personalized ft for ea individu. For example, pads ‘ofa different thickness may be quickly exchange! o provide ‘3 more comfortable fit for different headshapes of different Another technical advantage of particular embodiments of the present invention includes providing helmet that sore ‘easily removable during emergency situations, Due to the ‘magnetic coupling between the pad and the protective layer, ‘emergency personnel may sfide the pad out of the helmet of the injured user and then remove the entire helmet without substantially moving the injured user. Particular embodi- ments may include an emergency release strap to facilitate fast removal twill be understood thatthe various embodiments ofthe present invention may include some, all, or none ofthe enu- ‘erated technical advaniages. In addition, oer tecical ‘advantages ofthe present invention may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the fgures, description and ‘lai included herein, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. For a more complete understanding ofthe present iven= \ionand its features and advantages, references now made to 0 o 2 the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: PIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a helmet in accordance with a panicular embodiment of the present invention may be used: FIG. 2s a diagram illastating a view (with portions bro- Kenaway) ofa helmet with check pads installed acoording 10 ‘one embodiment of the present invention; PIG. 3 is a diagram illsiating a view (vith portions bro- en away) ofa helmet witha check pad removes according to ‘one embodiment of the present invention: FIG. 4 isa diagram illustrating a view of a cheek pad ‘according to one embodiment ofthe present invention FIG. 4B isa diagram illstating an alternate view ofthe check pad presented i 4 according to one embetimment of the present invention; FIG, § is a diggram illustrating a view ofthe back plate ecording to one embodiment ofthe present invention; FIG, 6 sa diagram illusrating an exploded view ofa check pad and.chin barback pate connecting othe helmet of FIG. Taceording to one embodiment of the preseat invention; and FIG. 7 is a diagram illstrating a view of a chin strap magnetic keeper acconing to one embodiment ofthe present DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 illustaes an environment in which a helmet in accordance with a panicular embodiment of the present invention may be used, Example helmet 100 is operable 10 protect a user's (a wearer's) head 108. Fxample helmet 100 may offer eoverage to any one oF more pars of the user's ‘head, including, for example, the top, back, and sides ofthe user's head, to protect the user rom head traumas, Although helmet 100 is 4 motorcycle helmet, helmets made according {o the present invention may include any type of protective headgear, including, for example and without limitation, bieyeling, skateboarding, motoreycling, race ear driving, rock climbing, snowboarding, and skiing helmet As illustrated inthe example embodiment in FIG. 2, helmet 100 comprises an outer protective layer. Outer protective Jayer (or shell) 104 includes any layer of material or comb sation of materials operable to provide an additional layer of protection around an inner protective layer 102 (o0tills- ‘eated), such as, for example and without limitation, polyear bonate plastic, carbon fiberiKevlarfberglas trisweave, oF ‘Therplass. Inner protective layer 102 includes any layer of ‘material oF combination of materials operable to protect a user's head from an impoe, such as, for example, expanded polystyrene (EPS). Cheok pads 110 may’ be installed in the Interior of ianer protective layer 102 on either side of the helmet. In some embodiments, inner proestivelayer 102 may ‘have additional pads 106 such as liners, for example, w pr: vide more comfort and protection tothe user. Chosk pads 110 include any layer of material or combination of materials ‘operable to protecta user's head froman impact, for example, ‘material such as foam encased in nylon. In some embod ments, cheek pads 110 are provided to offera more secure fit for the user (Weare). Check pas of different size can be placod in the helmet at the point of sae to ensure the bes fit Torusee’s (wearer's) head FIG. 3 isadiagram illustrating view ofthehelmet of PIG. 1. Asilustrated in the example embodiment in FIG. 3, a chin bar bak plate 130 couplet the inner protective layer 102 ‘The back plate 130 may be adhered to the inner protective layer 102 vin glue or any other adhesive materials. In other embodiments, the back plate may be in-molded with he innerUS 9,215,904 B2 3 protective layer 102 such that the risers are pat of the inner protective layer. The chin har back plate 130 may comprise HDPE 7260 or other similar material operable to provide the strocture for coupling and supporting pad connections. The ‘chin bar back plate 130 comprises one or more risers 140) ‘configured to couple with an associated check pad 110. The risers are configured to comprise a magnet 145 and to provide sarecess 135 to facilitate coupling a the associated check pad 10. FIG. 3 shows three risers, however, in other embod ments the numberof risers and ther location may vary. The magnets 148 may comprise rare earth materials or any other ‘magnetic material suitable w lack the check pad ia position. FIGS, 44 and B are diagrams illustrating front and back view of acheek pad 110. As isillustrated, the cheek pad 110 Includes cheek pad back plate 120. Te back plate 120 inludes a mmberof risers 140 whieh ae configured to couple with resses 135 of back pate 130. As with back plate 130, each riscr 140 inchides a magnet 148, ‘As illsratd in the example embodiment in FIG. 4 the ‘cock pads 110 include aay layer of material or combination ‘of materials operable to protecta user's head from an impact, or example, material sich as foam encased in aylon. The chock pad back plate 120may beadered othe cheekpad 110 via an adhesive material such as glue, for example. However, ‘other methods of adhesion may be used, In some embod ments, the cheek pad back plate connection may be further reinforced by sewing the edges to the padding. The eheek pad back plate 120 may inclode aay layer of material er combi- nation of materials operable to provide a slid layer to form the risers 140 which ate configred to couple with recesses 135 of back plate 130. ‘Also illustrate in FIGS. 4. and B san emergency release steap 150 attached to the base of the check pad, The emer tency release strap aids the user or other personnel to gab the ‘chock pad 110 for quick removal, Once the elec pads are removed from the helmet, the heliet can easily be removed from the user's heed without substantially moving the user “This is helpful in emergency situations TIG. 5 isa diagram illustrating a view of aback plate with riser 140 containing recess 138 and magnets 148. As noted above the risers are configured to couple with each riser 140 ‘of ack plate 120. In this embodiment, the risers 140 are ‘configured to be inserted in recess 135, The magnets 14 ‘embedded in each riser 140 provide a locking mechanism (0 ‘ensure the pads remain in position, Each recess 138 includes ‘aramped sie 148. Inthe llusrated embodiment, ses are at ‘forty-five degree angle; however, any suitable angle may be used, Asis illustrated in FIG. 4, rser 140 also has ramped sides that corespond with the ramped sides or recesses 134 These ramped sides allow for ease of insertion of risers 140, into recesses 138 (hey are self-entering) The ramped sides also enable pads 110 to be removed by a downward force ‘applied w emergency releuse straps 150, TG, 6 6 ¢ diagram illustrating an exploded view of the helmet of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment ofthe present invention, As illustrated in FIG. 6, the cheek pad 110 has @ back plate that includes risers 140 that couple with the recesses 135 in the chin bar backing plate 130. The chin bar backing plate 130 couples with the EPS in the helmet 100. Although particular configuration of backplanes,rsersand recesses is shown, other embodiments may’ comprise dilfe- ‘ent shapes and the risers and recesses may be reversed between the back plates 120.and 130, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a magnetic strap keeper 160, Magnetic strap keeper 160 comprises two chin steps attached to cach side ofthe helmet 100, In this embodiment, chin strap 165 is coupled to a D-ring closure 170, Other 0 o 4 embodiments may use a buckle or other suitable device for ‘necting two straps bering closure 170 comprises a magnet 17S. Inthis embodiment achin strap 180 comprises a magnet 185 configured to coupe to magnet 178, Chin stray 180 is ‘woven through Dering closure 170 to couple ito chin strap 165 to sccure helmet 100 to the wers head. Chin strap 180 should be pulled completely through Ding closure 170 10 fensore # ight fit to the user's head, Magnet 185 may be completo magnet 17 to secure these endofehin strap 180 to the D-ring closure 170, Magnets 178 and 183 may com- rise any’ material suitable wo lock the chin stap 180 in place Chin strap 160 includes ay layer of material or combination ‘of materials, for example nylon, operable to provide a secure connection ‘and withstand multiple insertions. In other embodiments, the magnets may be located indifferent posi- tion on chin traps 168 and 188 and D-ring closure 170. ‘As described above, helmets are wed in a variety of activ tics, such a, for example, bicycling, skateboarding, motor- eyelng, racecar driving, rock climbing, snowboarding, and skiing, Helmets offer substantially fll coverage tothe top. back, and sides ofthe wser's head to better protect the user rom head traumas, As a disadvantageous by-product, the helmet’s substantially full covemge of the ‘twer's head redees access fo the user in eases of emergency. In aio, historical couplings ofthe cheek pads tothe helmet have not allowed for easily interchangeable ebeek pads due (0 vara ‘ions in manufseturing tolerances. “To alleviate current issues with cheek pads that snap in place, the present invention comprises magnetic check pads ‘The magnetic check pads fecltate easy connection for users to adjust the fit ofthe helmet by changing the cheek pads Another advantage of magnetic cheek pad is easy removal ‘while the elmet ison the users head. Tiss especially nsefl uring emergency situations where the cheek pad removal allows for essy removal ofthe helmet without disturbing the injured person, ‘Although the present invention has been deseribed! with several embodiatents, various changes and modifications ‘ay be suggested to one skied in the at. I is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and most tions a fll within the sone ofthe appended claims. ‘What is claimed is 1, Alt, comprising: protective layers comprising protective shell and an inner protective layer, the protective layers configured 10 ‘cover at leasta portion of a users head ‘acheek pad confined to be releasably coupled within the ‘protective layers, the check pod comprising: anemergeney release strap, 8 padding layer, and 4 pad back plate comprising one oF more frst riser ‘wherein at least one a the one or more first risers com- prises both an embedded magnet and ramped sides: and ‘helmet back plate coupled tothe inner protective ayer, the helmet back plate comprising one or more second risers comprising ramped sides comesponding to the ramped sides othe at least one ofthe one or more first rises, the one or more second risers configured to be ‘magnetically couples to, and self-centered with the ist risersof the pad back pate t couple the cheek pad tothe protective ayers; ‘wher the ramped sides ofthe one or more second risers ‘oftheholmet hack pate are designed to decouple the pak bck plate from the helmet hack plate when the pad back. plate is pulled in a direction toward a bottom helmet ‘opening at an angle steeper than a ramp angle of the ramped sides ofthe one or more first rsers; andUS 9,215,904 B2 5 ‘wherein the cheek pad is designed to be removed fom the protective layers ofthe helmet while the protective lay- ers cover at least the portion ofthe user's head, 2. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the emergency release strap is directly connected to the cheek pad und is accessible the basco the helmet when the check pad is installed in the helmet. 3. Thehelmet of claim 1, wherein the chook pal comprises oam encased in nyfon;and the pad back plate compriseshigh density polyethylene (HDPE). 4 The helmet of claim 1, wherein the one or more second risers ofthe pad back plate comprise a recessed area, 8, The helmet of claim 1, wherein the helmet back plate ‘comprises high density polyethylene (HDPE), 6. The helmet of elaim 4, wherein the one ar more second riser also comprises an embedded magnet. 7. The helmet of elaim 6, witerein the ramped sides ofthe ‘one or more first risers and the ramped sides of the one oF more second risers are angled at approximately 45 depres. 8, The helmet of claim 1, further comprising a chin strap that secur the helmet in place on the users head the chin strap comprises a frst strp and a second strap: thechin strap comprises welosue for coupling te ist and the son straps ‘wherein the fist str comprises a fist magnet coupled to ‘anend of the frst strap: snd ‘whorein the closure comprises a second magnet configured {ocoupleto the frst magnet fo secure the end ofthe fist strap. 9, Ahhelmet, comprising ‘protective sell configured to cover at least a portion of rser's bead: achcek pad configured tobe disposes within the protective shell the cheek pad comprisn 6 ergency release strap directly eonnected othe cheek ad that i aecessble at a hase ofthe helmet when the ‘hook pad is disposed witha the protective shell, a padding layer, and ‘pad back plate comprising first ser with ramped sides rand a helmet back plate coupled to the protective shel, the helmet back plate comprising. a. second riser with ramped sides configured 10 be magnetically coupled, and self centered, 10 the first riser in the check pad, ‘wherein the ist riser, te second riser or oth comprise atleast one embedded magnet ‘wherein the ramped sides ofthe fist riserand second eiser ‘are designed to decouple the pad back plate from th helmet back plate when the pad back plate is pulled lection toward 8 bottom helmet opening, at an angle steeper than a ramp angle ofthe ramped sides ofthe first Fisor othe second riser, and ‘wherein the cheek pad is designed to be removed fom the ‘protective shell of the helmet while the procetive sll ‘covers a east the portion ofthe user's head. 410, The helmet of claim 9, wherein the sevond riser comprises ramped sides corresponding (0 the ramped sides of the firs riser. 11. Thehelmet of claim 9, wherein the first or second riser comprises a recessed 12. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the helmet back plate ‘comprises high density polyethylene (HDPE). 13, Thehelmetafelsim 10, wherein the ramped sides ofthe ‘int iser andthe ramped sides ofthe second riser are angled at approximately 45 degrses. 14, The helmet of clan 9, wherein: the check pal comprises foam the pad back plate comprises (HDPE), sed in nylon; and igh density polyethylene