System and method for releasably connecting helmet liner and headgear assembly

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for a helmet having a configurable headgear assembly. A helmet includes a helmet liner having a plurality of headband attachment points, each headband attachment point including a first opening for receiving and retaining a primary attachment structure; and a second opening for receiving the locking pin. The headgear assembly is configured to facilitate fitting the helmet to a wearer's head. The headband assembly includes an adaptation adjustment mechanism configured to adjust an internal shape of the headband assembly; and a plurality of attachment structure groups, wherein each attachment structure group comprises a main attachment structure; and a locking pin.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Helmets are a common form of protective equipment for the head, used to protect the human brain. Helmets have a wide range of applications from recreation to construction, to combat, to safety and rescue (e.g., full-brim fire helmets). Helmets are typically constructed in multiple parts, with a helmet liner (e.g., one or more components inside the outer shell, sometimes referred to as an inner liner assembly) engaging the wearer's head and providing a degree of protection, such as padding applied to the outside of the inner portion to provide shock absorption. The outer shell, which typically has a hard, outward-facing surface, provides additional protection, such as providing further shock absorption and preventing helmet penetration.

[0002] The proper fit of a helmet is critical to its effective use. An improperly fitted helmet may not function well, especially at critical moments. For example, an incorrectly positioned helmet may move off the wearer's head, a loose helmet may shift so that the helmet or accessories thereon obstruct the wearer's vision, or an ill-fitting helmet may distract the user. All of these events may result in injury. A suboptimally sized helmet may also cause general discomfort and fatigue to the wearer. Summary of the invention

[0003] Systems and methods for a helmet having a configurable headband assembly are provided. A helmet includes a helmet liner having a plurality of headband attachment points, each headband attachment point including a first opening for receiving and retaining a primary attachment structure; and a second opening for receiving a locking pin. The headband assembly is configured to facilitate fitting the helmet to a wearer's head. The headband assembly includes a fit adjustment mechanism configured to adjust an internal shape of the headband assembly; and a plurality of attachment structure groups, the attachment structure groups including a primary attachment structure; and a locking pin.

[0004] In another example, a method of adjusting a helmet includes receiving a helmet including: a helmet liner having a plurality of headband attachment points, each headband attachment point including a first opening for receiving and retaining a primary attachment structure and a second opening for receiving a locking pin; and a headband assembly including an attachment structure group, the attachment structure group including a primary attachment structure and a locking pin. The position of the helmet liner relative to the headband assembly is adjusted by moving the attachment structure group from a first headband attachment point of the plurality of headband attachment points to a second headband attachment point. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a rear view of a helmet liner having a configurable headband assembly.

[0006] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an exploded view of a full-brim firefighter helmet and helmet liner.

[0007] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram depicting an interior view of an exemplary helmet liner.

[0008] Figure 4 An enhanced view of three of the headband attachment points is provided.

[0009] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram depicting a headband assembly mounted to the interior of a helmet liner.

[0010] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary set of attachment structures for a headband assembly.

[0011] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram depicting the opposite side of the attachment structure.

[0012] Figure 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams respectively depicting the left and right branches of a headband assembly connected to a middle headband attachment point of a helmet liner.

[0013] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram depicting two branches 508, 510 mounted into the middle pair of headband attachment points.

[0014] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram depicting a single opening attachment point.

[0015] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram depicting five additional attachment points for connecting a headband assembly or other structure to a helmet liner.

[0016] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram depicting a method of adjusting a helmet.

[0017] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram depicting a multi-component helmet liner and shell.

[0018] Fig.15 and 16 An alternative configuration of the branches of the headband assembly having a primary attachment structure and a locking pin is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] A multi-layer helmet may be easy in the manufacture of a helmet, where the hard outer shell can be manufactured separately from the inner liner of the helmet, which may be optimally made of completely different materials and subjected to different manufacturing processes. For example, the inner liner of the helmet can be manufactured using materials and features designed to provide a tight and comfortable fit on the interior, while having a shock absorbing material (e.g., polystyrene foam, air bladder, vinyl nitrile foam, expanded polypropylene foam) applied to the outer surface of the inner liner of the helmet. The outer shell of the helmet can then be made of a rigid or penetration-resistant material, such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, molded plastic, composite material, or a combination thereof.

[0020] Although the multi-layer embodiment provides certain advantages, ensuring proper fit of such a helmet is often a difficult task. This is in part because of the different head sizes and shapes of wearers and the comfort and other preferences of those wearers. Customization of the fit can be provided through one or more of the adjustable straps and bands. Importantly, such customization can be performed in a time-efficient manner. Additionally, in some cases, it may be desirable that such customization be repeatable across different devices that a single wearer may use (e.g., a fire helmet for fire rescue exercises, a hard hat for non-fire search and rescue missions).

[0021] The systems and methods described herein provide a helmet with an adjustable headband assembly. In an embodiment, the helmet includes a helmet liner having a plurality of headband attachment points, the plurality of headband attachment points including a first opening for receiving and retaining a primary attachment structure and a second opening for receiving a locking pin of the headband assembly. The attachment points provide a mechanism for quickly and efficiently adjusting the fit of the helmet, thereby promoting a secure, safe, and comfortable fit.

[0022] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a rear view of a helmet having a configurable headband assembly. The helmet 100 includes a helmet liner 102, which may be in the form of a hardened material, such as molded or 3D printed plastic or some other rigid material. The helmet liner 102 includes a plurality of headband attachment points 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, wherein the headband liner 102 is provided at the rear of the helmet 100. Figure 1 Six headband attachment points are depicted in FIG. The helmet also includes a headband assembly 116 that is configured to help fit the helmet 100 to the wearer's head (e.g., by increasing the internal shape of the headband assembly 116 within the helmet). The headband assembly 116 includes a fit adjustment mechanism 118 that is configured to adjust the internal shape of the headband assembly 116. Figure 1In the example of , the fit adjustment mechanism 118 includes a rotatable knob configured to ratchet certain plastic straps of the headband assembly 116 to make the internal shape of the headband assembly 116 larger or smaller. The headband assembly 116 includes a soft padding portion, indicated at 120, configured to engage the nape of the wearer's neck to secure the helmet 100 in place on the wearer's head.

[0023] In an embodiment, the headband attachment points are arranged in pairs, where the headband assembly 116 is configured to attach to one of the multiple pairs (e.g., exactly one pair) at a time. (In an embodiment, the headband attachment points may be arranged in groups of three or other sized groups.) Figure 1 An example of includes three pairs of headband attachment points, top pair 104, 110; middle pair 106, 112; and bottom pair 108, 114. By attaching the headband assembly 116 to one of the three pairs of headband attachment points, the relative position of the helmet liner 102 relative to the nape of the wearer's neck can be raised or lowered. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the headband assembly is connected to the middle pair 106 , 112 of headband attachment points.

[0024] Figure 1 Each headband attachment point of the headband includes two openings. The first opening 122 of the first headband attachment point 104 can be a larger opening than the second opening 124 (e.g. Figure 1 ), the first opening is configured to retain the main attachment structure of the headband assembly 116. Figure 1 In the example of , the first opening 122 takes the shape of two overlapping circles of different sizes, sometimes referred to as a snowman shape. One edge of the larger circle has a raised ridge for guiding the main attachment structure. The first headband attachment point 104 also includes a second opening 124, which takes the form of a slit or slot for receiving a locking pin of the headband assembly 116.

[0025] exist Figure 1 In the example of , the headband assembly 116 includes two attachment structure groups 126, 128; 130, 132. The two attachment structure groups are connected to the second pair of headband attachment points 106, 112 of the helmet liner 102. The first attachment structure group 126, 128 is connected to the helmet liner 102 via the headband attachment point 106. Specifically, the main attachment structure 126 of the first attachment structure group is shown as being retained within the first opening of the headband attachment point 106, while the locking pin 128 is positioned within the narrow slot of the second opening of the headband attachment point 106. In one example, the connection is achieved by first sliding the top of the main attachment structure 126 into a larger circumferential portion of the first opening that is large enough to allow the main attachment structure 126 to pass through. The main attachment structure 126 is then displaced or slid (in Figure 1124 ). The primary attachment structure 126 is positioned to the left in the middle of the first opening so that its top is above the smaller circumference portion of the first opening, which is smaller than the top of the primary attachment structure 126 and does not allow the top to pass therethrough. In that position, the thinner base of the primary attachment structure that bridges the top of the primary attachment structure to the rest of the headband assembly is held within the smaller circumference portion of the first opening of the headband attachment point 106. When in this position, the locking pin 128 of the first attachment structure group is positioned within the second opening 124. To remove the first attachment structure group 126, 128 from the headband attachment point 106, the pin 128 can first be removed from the second opening, which can then allow the primary attachment point 126 to be slid from the smaller circumference portion of the first opening to the larger circumference portion (e.g., hitting a raised track on the right edge to prevent overshoot), where the primary attachment point 126 can then be pulled through the larger circumference portion. Similarly, the second attachment structure group 130, 132 is positioned within the headband attachment point 112. There, the primary attachment structure 130 is positioned in the first opening, while the pin 132 is positioned in the second opening slot. Figure 1 In an embodiment of the present invention, the second opening of the headband attachment point is a slot rather than a circular opening. The slot shape is configured to allow each locking pin to move within its slot, which allows some rotation of the primary attachment structure during movement of the locking pin within the slot (where the rotation is limited by the length of the slot). This arrangement provides some limited play of the liner 102 relative to the headband assembly 116, which can aid in assembly and in some cases provide an enhanced safety effect (e.g., mitigating undesired helmet removal).

[0026] Figure 1 Also included is a ridge 134 at the top of the helmet liner 102 for supporting an external structure (eg, a hard shell) attached to the helmet liner 102. As noted above, a helmet having a configurable headband assembly as described herein may take a variety of forms. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an exploded view of a full brim firefighting helmet and helmet liner. The helmet includes a helmet liner 102 having certain headband attachment points 202 thereon. The helmet includes an outer shell 204 that is configured to be attached to the helmet liner 102 once set in place, such as via a sliding locking mechanism 206. When attached, the outer shell 204 covers the plurality of headband attachment points 202. Figure 2 In some embodiments, the shell is in the form of a full brim fire helmet. Other shells may include no brim, a small lip, or a small brim (e.g., a baseball cap) arrangement.

[0027] Figure 3is a schematic diagram depicting an interior view of an exemplary helmet liner. The helmet liner 102 includes a plurality of headband attachment points 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, each headband attachment point including a first opening for receiving and retaining a primary attachment structure and a second opening for receiving an attachment pin. The helmet liner 102 also includes a receptacle 206 for receiving a pin to form a sliding lock for attaching the shell to the helmet liner 102.

[0028] Figure 4 An enhanced view of three of the headband attachment points 104, 106, 108 is provided. Each of the three headband attachment points 104, 106, 108 includes a first larger opening for receiving and retaining a primary attachment structure, and a second opening for receiving a locking pin. With further reference to the middle attachment point 106, the first opening 402 includes a first portion 404, large enough to allow the top of the primary attachment structure of the headband assembly to pass through, and a second portion 406, wherein the first portion is smaller than the top of the primary attachment structure but larger than the base of the primary attachment structure (e.g., a primary attachment structure shaped like a nail head). Figure 4 In some examples, the first opening 404 and the second opening 406 include non-overlapping circular portions. In other examples, the first opening 404 and the second opening 406 are formed by overlapping circles. The first opening 404 is configured to allow the primary attachment structure to shift from the first portion to the second portion. The intermediate headband attachment point 106 also includes a second opening 408 for receiving a locking pin of the headband assembly. Figure 4 In the example of, second opening 408 is formed as a slit or slot that allows some movement of the locking pin within the second opening. In other embodiments, the second opening has a circular shape, which allows more limited movement or no movement of the locking pin when held in the second opening.

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram depicting a headband assembly mounted to the interior of a helmet liner. Figure 5 The headband assembly 116 in the example of includes a plurality of semi-rigid plastic (e.g., molded, 3-D printed) components connected to each other. The headband assembly 116 includes a fitting adjustment mechanism 118 configured to adjust the internal shape of the lower loop 502 of the headband assembly. Figure 5In, the fitting adjustment mechanism 118 includes a rotatable knob that is configured to ratchet the sub-portions 504, 506 closer or farther away from each other to adjust the lower loop 502 of the headband assembly 116 to have a larger or smaller size, wherein the soft padding portion 120 is configured to engage the nape of the wearer's neck at the intersection of the portions 504, 506. In addition to the sub-portions of the headband assembly that form the lower loop 502, the headband assembly 116 also includes one or more (e.g., 2 or more) branches 508, 510 extending from the lower loop 502 for engaging the headband assembly 116 with the helmet liner 102. The branches 508, 510 each include a separate set of attachment structures (e.g., a main attachment structure and a locking pin) for engaging with a headband attachment point of the helmet liner 102. In Figure 5 In , the attachment structure groups are not visible because they are on opposite sides of branches 508, 510. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 5 , branches 508 , 510 are connected to respective left and right middle headband attachment points of three sets of headband attachment points provided on the helmet liner. Figure 5 A hanging web 512 is also depicted. Figure 5 The suspension web 512 includes a plurality of strips for partially supporting the helmet liner 102 on the wearer's head. The suspension web 512 can be configured to provide a fit of the helmet liner 102 on the top of the wearer's head, wherein in combination with the lower loop 502 of the headband assembly, a secure fit of the helmet to the wearer's head is provided. Figure 5 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the suspension web 512 is secured to the helmet liner 102 via six suspension attachment points 514 into which clamps connected to six straps (eg, three longer straps sewn together at a center point) are inserted.

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary set of attachment structures for a headband assembly. Each branch of the headband assembly (e.g., 508, 510) includes a main attachment structure 126 and a locking pin 128. The main attachment structure can take a variety of forms, including Figure 6 604. The main attachment structure 126 includes a top portion 602 and a base portion 604. The top portion 602 is wider than the base portion 604. As described above, the first opening of the headband attachment point may include a first portion that is larger than the top 602 of the main attachment structure, while the second portion is smaller than the top 602 but larger than the base 604, so that in combination with inserting the locking pin 128 into the second opening of the headband attachment point, the first opening is configured to allow the main attachment structure 126 to be shifted from the first portion to the second portion for retention. The branch may include a tab 606 that is configured to help a user slide the main attachment portion 126 into the correct portion of the first opening and for inserting the locking pin 128 into the second opening.

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram depicting the opposite side of the attachment structure. One or more of the branches (e.g., 508, 510) of the headband assembly may include structure 702. The structure 702 may be configured to provide finger traction to assist in installing the attachment structure. Tab 606 provides a gripping point for assisting in installing the branch and removing the branch from the liner. In one embodiment, structure 702 may be configured to hold a helmet accessory. Figure 7 The example of the structure 702 is provided as one side of the buckle. The structure 702 can be configured to be positioned toward the interior of the helmet liner and can be configured to hold a helmet accessory alone or in combination with other structures. The helmet accessory can take a variety of forms, including a radio, a mask, an ear protection device, a badge, a light, a sensor, a liner, or a positioning beacon.

[0032] Figure 8 and 9 is a schematic diagram depicting the left branch 508 and the right branch 510 of the headband assembly, respectively, connected to the middle headband attachment point of the helmet liner 102. Fig.10 is a schematic diagram depicting two branches 508 , 510 mounted to the middle pair of headband attachment points of the helmet liner 102 .

[0033] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram depicting a single opening headband attachment point. The exemplary headband attachment points above primarily depict headband attachment points having two openings. In some embodiments, a headband attachment point for attaching a headband assembly or other structure from the underside or outside of the helmet liner 102 may include only a single opening. Fig.11 A set of three single-opening headband attachment points (i.e., without a second opening) for adjustably receiving a primary attachment structure are depicted. The single opening 1102 of each adjustment point includes a first portion that is large enough to pass a top of an attachment structure (e.g., a spike-shaped attachment structure) through, and a second portion that is smaller than the top of the attachment structure and larger than the base, wherein the single opening 1102 is configured to allow the attachment structure to be shifted from the first portion to the second portion. In an embodiment, the attachment structure can be moved from the inside to the outside of the helmet liner 102 (e.g., Fig.11 ) or from the outside to the inside of the helmet liner 102 to be connected to one or more of the three headband attachment points shown.

[0034] In other embodiments, one or more additional headgear attachment points may be arranged using multiple (eg, two or more) openings. Fig.121 is a schematic diagram depicting five additional headband attachment points for connecting a headband assembly or other structure to a helmet liner. The helmet liner 102 includes a set of three headband attachment points 1202 that can be configured to provide a structure for adjustably connecting an attachment structure set to a helmet shell (e.g., an attachment structure set including a main attachment structure and a locking pin). Fig.12 Additional headband attachment points 1204 , 1206 are also included for further attaching a headband assembly or other structure to the helmet liner 102 .

[0035] Fig.13 1302 is a schematic diagram depicting a method of adjusting a helmet. The method includes receiving a helmet at 1302, the helmet comprising: a helmet liner having a plurality of headband attachment points, each headband attachment point comprising a first opening for receiving and retaining a primary attachment structure and a second opening for receiving a locking pin; and a headband assembly comprising an attachment structure group, the attachment structure group comprising a primary attachment structure and a locking pin. At 1304, adjusting a position of the helmet liner relative to the headband assembly by moving the attachment structure group from a first headband attachment point of the plurality of headband attachment points to a second headband attachment point.

[0036] The systems and methods described herein may take various forms. For example, in some instances the helmet liner has been described as a single component. In an embodiment, the helmet liner may be provided as a plurality of components.

[0037] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram depicting a multi-component helmet liner and an outer shell for mounting on the multi-component helmet liner. The helmet liner includes an inner liner 102 having certain headbands and other headband attachment points 202 thereon. The inner liner 102 has an open top with a hanging web 512 supporting the inner liner 102 on the top of the wearer's head. The helmet liner also includes an intermediate liner 1404. The intermediate liner 1404 may be made of plastic, leather, metal, or other materials, and may provide cushioning, penetration relief, helmet form, and other safety benefits. The helmet also includes an outer shell 204 that is configured to attach to the helmet liner 102 once set in place, such as via a sliding locking mechanism 206. When attached, the outer shell 204, alone or in combination with the intermediate liner 1404, covers the plurality of headband attachment points 202. In Fig.14 In the embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell is in the form of a full-brim fire helmet. Fig.14 As shown in , the helmet liner may include one or more layers covered by an outer shell. In some embodiments, the helmet liner to which the headband assembly may be attached may be the entire helmet (e.g., the entire helmet is made of a single layer, such as a continuous piece of material, such as molded or 3D printed plastic).

[0038] Fig.15 and 16An alternative configuration of branches of a headband assembly having a primary attachment structure and a locking pin is provided. Fig.15 A primary attachment structure 1502 is depicted that is formed into two parts 1504, 1506. Each of the two parts includes a top sub-part 1508 that together form the top of the primary attachment structure. These top sub-parts 1508 are supported by base sub-parts that together form the base of the primary attachment structure. The overall size of the two-part top can be manually adjusted by squeezing the two top sub-parts 1508 together so that the two top sub-parts 1508 can pass through a smaller opening when squeezed together. The base sub-part may have elasticity that applies a force to return the top sub-part 1508 to its illustrated state when the top sub-part is not squeezed or otherwise retained. Fig.15 The two-part primary attachment structure may enable the primary attachment structure to be inserted and retained within the first opening of the headband attachment point of a smaller size. In embodiments, the first opening of the headband assembly point may have only one part (e.g., a single, circular, oval, square, or rectangular part) rather than two parts as depicted in other examples herein. Fig.15 The example also discloses a locking pin 1512 for inserting and retaining in the second opening of the headband attachment point. The branch may include a tab 1514 configured to help the user slide the main attachment portion 1502 into the correct portion of the first opening and for inserting the locking pin 1512 into the second opening.

[0039] Fig.16 The opposite side of the headband assembly branch is shown. The opposite side includes an indicator 1602 that shows the user the correct direction on which to slide the branch and the main attachment structure to achieve a locked state. This can be beneficial to an installation user who can only see the underside of the branch during installation (e.g., during installation onto a helmet liner with a shell already attached thereto). Tabs 1514 provide gripping points for facilitating installation of the branch and removal of the branch from the inner liner. The opposite side 1604 also includes an opening into which other structures (e.g., accessory connection mechanisms) can be inserted and retained.

[0040] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to its specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present disclosure as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A helmet with a configurable headband assembly, comprising: Helmet liner with multiple headband attachment points, each headband attachment point includes: a first opening for receiving and retaining a primary attachment structure; and a second opening for receiving a locking pin; and A headband assembly configured to facilitate fitting the helmet to a wearer's head, the headband assembly comprising: a fit adjustment mechanism configured to adjust an interior shape of the headband assembly; and A plurality of attachment structure groups, the attachment structure groups comprising: a primary attachment structure; and Locking pin.

2. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the primary attachment structure comprises a base and a top, wherein the top of the primary attachment structure is wider than the base.

3. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the first opening comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being large enough to allow the top of the primary attachment structure to pass therethrough, the second portion being smaller than the top of the primary attachment structure and larger than the base, wherein the first opening is configured to allow the primary attachment structure to shift from the first portion to the second portion.

4. The helmet of claim 1 , wherein the second opening is a slot, wherein the slot is configured to allow the locking pin to move within the slot; and wherein the first opening is configured to allow rotation of the primary attachment structure during movement of the locking pin within the slot.

5. The helmet of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of headband attachment points includes a first pair of headband attachment points, wherein the headband assembly is configured to attach to the first pair of first headband attachment points via a first primary attachment structure and a first locking pin; and Wherein the headband assembly is configured to be attached to the second headband attachment point of the first pair via a second primary attachment structure and a second locking pin.

6. The helmet of claim 5, wherein the plurality of headband attachment points further comprises a second pair of headband attachment points, wherein the headband assembly is configured to attach to exactly one of the first pair and the second pair at a time.

7. The helmet of claim 6, wherein the second pair of headband attachment points are disposed above the first pair of headband attachment points such that selection of one of the plurality of pairs of headband attachment points changes the position of the helmet liner relative to the nape of the wearer's neck.

8. The helmet of claim 6, wherein the plurality of headband attachment points further comprises one or more additional pairs of headband attachment points.

9. The helmet of claim 1 , wherein the helmet liner further comprises an additional headband attachment point, the additional headband attachment point comprising an opening for receiving a primary attachment structure.

10. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the additional headband attachment point does not include a second opening.

11. The helmet of claim 1 , wherein the headband assembly includes a lower loop for at least partially engaging the wearer's head; and A plurality of branches extend from the lower loop.

12. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the first branch comprises a first primary attachment structure and a first pin; and wherein the second branch comprises a second primary attachment structure and a second pin.

13. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the fit adjustment mechanism comprises a rotatable knob configured to ratchet the lower loop of the headband assembly to a larger or smaller size.

14. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the lower loop includes a portion configured to engage the nape of a wearer's neck.

15. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising an outer shell configured to be attached to the helmet liner, wherein the outer shell covers the plurality of headband attachment points when attached to the helmet liner.

16. The helmet of claim 1 further comprising a suspension web comprising a plurality of straps for supporting the helmet liner on the wearer's head.

17. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the primary attachment structure comprises a nail head shape.

18. A method of adjusting a helmet, comprising: A helmet is received, the helmet comprising: a helmet liner having a plurality of headband attachment points, each headband attachment point including a first opening for receiving and retaining a primary attachment structure and a second opening for receiving a locking pin; and a headband assembly including an attachment structure group including a primary attachment structure and a locking pin; The position of the helmet liner relative to the headband assembly is adjusted by moving the attachment structure set from a first headband attachment point to a second headband attachment point of the plurality of headband attachment points.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the primary attachment structure comprises a base and a top, wherein adjusting comprises: removing the locking pin from within the second opening of the first headband attachment point; sliding the primary attachment structure into the first opening of the first headband attachment point to a position large enough to pass the top of the primary attachment structure through, and removing the primary attachment structure from the first opening of the first headband attachment point; inserting the top portion of the primary attachment structure into the first opening of the second headband attachment point; sliding the primary attachment structure into a portion of the first opening that is smaller than the top of the primary attachment structure; as well as Insert the locking pin into the second opening of the second headband attachment point.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the primary attachment structure comprises a base and a top, wherein the top of the primary attachment structure is wider than the base.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the first opening comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being large enough to allow the top of the primary attachment structure to pass therethrough, the second portion being smaller than the top of the primary attachment structure and larger than the base, wherein the first opening is configured to allow the primary attachment structure to shift from the first portion to the second portion.

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