Vented helmet with insert

Abstract

A helmet is provided, having a vent assembly allowing fluid communication between an exterior of the helmet and an interior of the helmet. The vent assembly includes an open-ended elongated sleeve disposed on a frontal portion of the helmet, with the sleeve being in fluid communication with at least one aperture passing through to the helmet interior. In one embodiment, the elongated sleeve includes a first wall having at least one aperture therethrough, a second wall spaced from the first wall and having at least one aperture therethrough, at least one closed edge, and at least one open edge, defining an internal lumen. The at least one first wall aperture, at least one second wall aperture, and at least one inner shell aperture cooperate to allow fluid communication between an exterior and an interior of the helmet. An insert slidably receivable within the elongated sleeve lumen is provided.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority in provisional patent application Ser. no. 60 / 783,672 filed on Mar. 17, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to a safety helmet. In particular, the invention relates to a helmet for use in equitation, having a vent assembly with a cooperating insert.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In equitation and other sports, a helmet is an essential element of equipment, providing protection for the user's head in the event of a fall or a blow. In certain sports such as English-style equitation, the style and appearance of the helmet used is strongly dictated by tradition. In particular, in English riding competitions and show events, the helmet used is typically of fairly consistent outward appearance and design, providing a rigid or semi-rigid head covering, a brim, and optionally a suitable retention system such as a chin strap. For example, pa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]In accordance with the need identified in the art, the present invention provides a helmet having a venting assembly, for use in sports such as equitation. The helmet of the present invention comports with the conventional appearance of the English-style riding helmet, but provides improved ventilation or airflow to the user's head. The venting assembly of the present invention also allows altering the appearance of the helmet to suit the user's taste in appropriate situations.

[0008]The insert typically includes at least one insert aperture that is at least partially alignable with the at least one first wall aperture and the at least one second wall aperture to permit a suitable level of ventilation to reach the user's head. In alternative embodiments, an insert may be provided which lacks apertures, in the event that restriction of the flow of ventilation is desirable. Alternatively an insert maybe provided which allows incremental degrees of alignment of the insert apertures with the elongated sleeve first wall and second wall apertures, to allow adjusting the airflow to the interior of the helmet to a desired degree.

Problems solved by technology

Disadvantageously, the conventional riding helmet such as the English-style riding helmet may be quite uncomfortable, particularly during hot weather, due to the lack of ventilation.

Indeed, the types of vents and venting systems which may be incorporated into helmets for other sports are limited only by the manufacturer's creativity and by consumer preferences.

In contrast, due to the traditionally-mandated styling for English riding equipment as discussed above, the type of venting system or assembly which may be incorporated into an English-style riding helmet is limited.

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