Helmet Goggle Designed for On-Road and Off-Road Use

Abstract

A protective helmet for use with motorsports and cycling activities has a head receiving helmet body that includes a head receiving interior, and an exterior having a front surface, a rear surface, and a perimetral lip for defining a forward-facing aperture. A transparent shield member is engageable with the helmet body and is configured to be placeable adjacent to the forward-facing aperture of the helmet body. The shield member includes a perimetral edge that is sized and configured for engaging the perimetral lip of the helmet body. A nose interface member defining a nose receiving interior space is configured and sized for receiving a nostril portion of a user's nose. The nose interface member is coupled to the elastomeric member of the shield member.

Description

PRIORITY STATEMENT

[0001] The instant application is a continuation in part of Robert Weber U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 19 / 572,529, which was filed on 19 Mar. 2026 for a HELMET GOGGLE DESIGNED FOR ON-ROAD AND OFF-ROAD USE, which is a continuation in part of Robert Weber Untied States U.S. Pat. No. 12,582,189 which issued on 24 Mar. 2026 for a HELMET GOGGLE DESIGNED FOR ON-ROAD AND OFF-ROAD USE, which claims benefit of priority to Robert Weber U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 189,076 that was filed on 15 May 2021 for a HELMET GOGGLE DESIGNED FOR ON-ROAD AND OFF-ROAD USE, which patent applications and patents are all incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.I. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to protective gear and, more particularly, to helmet-type protective gear including face and eye protection.II. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] Sports that involve movement and potential contact often involve the use of helmets to help protect the head of the participant in the activity. Helmets come in a wide variety of designs and styles. The design of a helmet is usually dictated by the activity with which the helmet is used. The designs of different activity-related helmets, such as hockey helmets, football helmets, lacrosse helmets, skiing helmets, auto racing helmets, and motorcycle helmets are very different, as the activities are different and the risks and natures of the contacts that are typical to the activity are different.

[0004] Different types of helmets may exist even within a particular type of activity, such as baseball, where the helmet that a catcher wears is different than the helmet that a batter wears. Likewise, helmets designed for use with dirt bikes are often different than helmets that are designed for use with road bikes.

[0005] One activity factor that tends to require a difference in motorcycle, bicycle, and motorsports helmet design is whether the activity is performed on a road surface or an off-road surface. Typically, motorsport activities that occur on road surfaces, such as street motorcycles and go-karts, are usually conducted over a longer period of time and conducted in a relatively dust-free environment.

[0006] In contrast, activities that are conducted in an off-road environment, such as off-road motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle riding are often conducted over shorter intervals and are conducted in relatively more dusty and dirty environments. For this reason, street use helmets and off-road helmets are designed differently.

[0007] A large variety of different types of helmet types exist for use in motorcycles and off-road vehicles including full-face helmets. Examples of full-face helmets designed primarily for on street use are the Bell Race Star Flex DLX and the Speed and Strength SS4100 Spikes Gray Modular Helmet; and the Icon Airflight Helmet. All three of these helmets are available at www.jpcycles.com.

[0008] Examples of off-road motorcycle helmets include the Bell Moto 9 Flex helmet that is available from www.motosport.com; the Fox V3 Helmet, available from www.foxracing.com; and goggles that are usable with the aforementioned dirt bike motorcycle helmets such as the Oakley Airbrake MX Goggle that is available at www.oakley.com, and Fox Racing Vue Pyre Goggles that are available at www.foxracing.com.

[0009] Typical full-face helmets include a crown portion that extends over the top of the user's head, first and second side portions that extend along the side of the user's head, a rear portion extending down to about the base of the skull, and a chin bar portion that extends forwardly along the cheeks and front of the user's face. A front-facing aperture is formed that is generally co-extensive with the eyes, temple, and nose of the user.

[0010] To protect the user's eyes, an eye protection device extends either over or within this frontal aperture. A primary difference between an on-road and an off-road helmet is the nature of this eye protection.

[0011] In street helmets, this eye protection usually takes the form of a shield member that is pivotably coupled to the helmet at a point that is generally co-extensive with the ear of the user. The shield member has an edge portion which engages the lip of the helmet that defines the frontal aperture. The shield is movable between a down position, wherein it is in front of the user's face to an up position where it is disposed adjacent to the crown of the helmet, to thereby allow air into the helmet.

[0012] A shield is used with street helmets because it addresses the issues that are typically encountered by street bike users.

[0013] Street bike users typically travel at a higher speed than off-road riders. The wind at these higher speeds exerts a force against the shield that is in a direction that exerts a front-to-rear force on the front of the user's face, if the shield was in direct contact with the face. In order to reduce this pressure on the user's face, the shield rests on the lip of the helmet so that the rearwardly speed induced wind force on the shield is exerted against the lip of the helmet rather than directly against the user's face.

[0014] By doing this, the user is more comfortable than she would be if the user encountered this wind-induced pressure directly against her face. Additionally, the eyes and face are protected from bugs, road matter, or other debris that are encountered while riding at speeds.

[0015] Additionally, there is typically a significant amount of space between the lower edge of the helmet and the user's chin, shoulder, and back of the head. This space provides an area into which air can flow into the interior of the helmet to help cool the user. Because of the speed at which the user is traveling, sufficient air flow is usually provided to help keep the user cool under most conditions. As the street rider is normally not riding in an overly dusty environment, the fact that air can get into a user's helmet does not necessarily cause dust-related irritation to the user.

[0016] In contrast, off-road motorcycle helmets often are used with goggles rather than shields. Goggles are employed with off-road helmets because most goggles have a sealing mechanism such as a gasket which extends around the rearwardly facing perimeter of the goggle and engages the user's face. This perimetral seal helps to prevent dust from encountering the user's eyes. Road and trail dust typically is comprised of small particulates. A typical road dust particulate may have an average size of about 10 microns, although dust particulates as small as 2 microns or less are not uncommon, as are large particulates. See, Guan Zhao, Yenyu Chen, Philip K. Hopke, Thomas M. Holsen, & Suresh Dhaniyala, “Characteristics of Traffic-Induced Fugitive Dust from Unpaved Roads” Aerosol Science and Technology Volume 51, 2017—Issue 11

[0017] The goggles usually include an elastic band, that extends from one side of the goggles to the other side of the goggles and is placed at about ear level around the back of the helmet to hold the goggles onto the user's face.

[0018] A primary advantage of the user of goggles is that the gasket seal helps to keep dust from engaging the user's eyes. However, a drawback of the use of goggles is that the band and the seal exert pressure against the front of the user's face. However, this pressure is not at the level that one would normally encounter with a street bike, since the speed at which off-road persons ride is typically much lower than that of street bikes, and is often for a lesser time period. Viewed another way, the enhanced ability of the goggles to keep out dust more than compensates for the inconvenience of the pressure exerted on the user's face.

[0019] Recently, there has been a surge in motorcycle riders engaging in an activity that is referred to as “adventure touring” or “dual sport riding”. Generally, these activities refer to a motorcycling activity where a motorcycle rider's journey will include time and miles spent on a street surface along with time and miles spent off-road. On a typical adventure, the user will leave his home and travel on the streets to an off-road venue or trail system. At the off-road venue, the user may then ride his motorcycle on off-road trails for a period of time before returning to the street and riding home. In many cases, the user may ride many miles on road before going to the off-road venue.

[0020] This activity has become popular enough so that a new category of motorcycles exists called adventure touring motorcycles. Generally, adventure touring motorcycles are heavier and have larger engines than a typical dirt bike, but are smaller and lighter than a typical street bike.

[0021] Unfortunately, neither the street helmet nor the off-road helmet works well for such adventure touring. In particular, a street helmet will serve the rider well while he is on a street surface. However, because it is designed to facilitate cooling of the user by allowing air to enter the user's head space, the street helmet does not work well off-road because it allows too much dust into the user's head space where it can interfere with the user's vision by causing the user to get dust in his eyes.

[0022] Similarly, the off-road motorcycle helmet does not work well on the street. Although the engagement between the perimetral gasket of the goggles does a good job of preventing dust from infiltrating the area of the user's eyes, its overall design is a compromise for use on the street. Further, the use of goggles on a road trip can be uncomfortable and fatiguing. The constant wind pressure that the goggles place against the user's face, combined with the elastic band holding the goggles in place, make this setup undesirable for street use. Additionally, the traditional goggle is much noisier than a traditional style shield when speeds increase to common highway speeds causing additional rider fatigue and / or discomfort.

[0023] This pressure against the user's face is exacerbated by the fact that riders typically travel at a much higher rate of speed on a street surface than they do off-road. This increased speed increases the air pressure that is exerted on the goggles by the force of the wind while the motorcycle is traveling at speed. Therefore, this air pressure causes the goggles to press uncomfortably against the user's face, thus causing discomfort when the user employs goggles while riding on the street.

[0024] One object of the present invention is to provide a helmet and goggle solution that has desirable characteristics when used both on road surfaces and when used off-road.III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In accordance with the present invention, a protective helmet is provided for use with motorsports and cycling activities. The helmet comprises a head receiving helmet body that includes a head receiving interior, and an exterior having a front surface, a rear surface, and a perimetral lip for defining a forward-facing aperture. A transport shield member is engageable with the helmet body and is configured to be placeable adjacent to the forward-facing aperture of the helmet body. The shield member includes a front surface, a rear surface, and a perimetral edge having a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion. A perimetral edge is sized and configured for engaging the perimetral lip of the helmet body.

[0026] A strap has a first end, a second end, and a middle portion that extends between the first and second ends. The first end is coupled to the first side portion of the transparent shield, and the second end is coupled to the second side portion of the transparent shield. The middle portion is configured to engage the rear surface of the helmet body.

[0027] The engagement of the perimetral edge of the shield member with the perimetral lip of the helmet body enables an increasing force exerted against the shield to be exerted against the helmet, rather than directly against the user's face.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the helmet includes a sealing member that is cooperatively positioned with the helmet body and user's face to help reduce the intrusion of particulates, such as road dust, into an area adjacent to the user's eyes. In a most preferred embodiment, the helmet shield member includes a transparent lens having a perimetral lens edge. The sealing member includes a first portion that is placeable against the front surface of the shield member, a second portion placeable against the rear surface of the shield member, and a middle portion containing a groove that is disposed between the first and second portions. The groove is sized and configured for receiving the perimetral lens edge, and the sealing member preferably extends around each of the upper portion, lower portion, first side portion, and second side portion.

[0029] In another aspect of the instant invention, a shield is provided for use with a protective motor sport or cycling helmet for use with motor sports and cycling that includes a head receiving interior, and an exterior having a front surface, a rear surface, and a perimetral lip for defining a forward-facing aperture.

[0030] The shield comprises a transparent shield member engageable with the helmet body and configured to be placeable adjacent to the forward-facing aperture of the helmet body. The shield member includes a front surface, a rear surface, and a perimetral edge having a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side portion and a second side portion. The perimetral edge is sized and configured for engaging the perimetral lip of the helmet body.

[0031] A strap is provided that has a first end, a second end, and a middle portion extending between the first and second ends. The first end is coupled to the first side portion of the transparent shield, the second end is coupled to the second side portion of the transparent shield, and the middle portion is configured to engage the rear surface of the helmet body. The engagement of the perimetral edge of the shield member with the perimetral lip of the helmet body enables an increasing force exerted against the shield to be exerted against the helmet rather than directly against the user's face.

[0032] In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastomeric sealing member of the protected helmet includes a centrally disposed nose receiving portion, which is sized and configured for receiving a user's nose. The nose receiving portion includes a forwardly extending portion that extends forwardly and exteriorly of the transparent shield. The chin bar also includes a nose receiving portion section sized and configured for interiorly receiving the nose portion of the elastomeric receiving portion.

[0033] In another favored embodiment, the shield includes a first and second side portion that are engageable with the respective first and second side portion of the helmet. A vent actuator is configured for removing at least one of the side portions between a disengaged portion to create a relatively air-flowable space between the shield and the helmet, and an engaged portion to create a relatively non-air-flowable engagement between the shield and the helmet. Most preferably, the vent actuator includes a lever disposed exteriorly of the helmet for enabling the user to move the side portion of the shield between the engaged and disengaged position, and a cam member that is coupled to and moveable by the lever. The cam member is configured and positioned for engaging the rear surface of the shield for urging the shield outwardly away from the helmet and into the disengaged position.

[0034] One feature of the present invention is that a helmet goggle is provided that can provide the dust-avoidance features of a traditional goggle system without inducing the undue pressure on the user's face when ridden on the street.

[0035] Another feature of the present invention is that the strap-engagement between the shield and helmet provides a shield that is easily removable from the helmet when the user wishes to employ the helmet in a shieldless configuration.

[0036] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the figures and written description presented below, which represent the presently perceived best mode of carrying out the invention.IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] FIG. 1 is a right-side perspective view of a full-face motorcycle helmet of the present invention, to which the goggle / shield of the present invention can be coupled;

[0038] FIG. 2 is a left-side frontal perspective view of the motorcycle helmet of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 3 is a left-front perspective view of the goggle of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the goggle of the present invention, showing the inside surface of the shield member;

[0041] FIG. 5 is a front view of the shield of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 6 is a front view of the shield member of the present invention, showing the nose gasket attached thereto;

[0043] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the shield member of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 8 is a top view of the shield of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 9 is another front view of the of the shield of the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the present invention showing the inside surface of the shield.

[0047] FIG. 11 is a right-side perspective view of the shield of the present invention, showing the front, or outside surface, of the shield;

[0048] FIG. 12 is a left side perspective view of the shield of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 13 is perspective, right side view of the shield of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 14 is a front view of the shield of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 15 is a front side perspective view of the shield of the present invention attached to, or positioned on a helmet;

[0052] FIG. 16 is a right-side perspective view of the shield of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 17 is a left side view of the goggle-shield of the present invention coupled to a helmet in the use position;

[0054] FIG. 18 is a right-side view of the goggle-shield-helmet of the present invention,

[0055] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the helmet of the present invention showing the optional nose interface.

[0056] FIG. 20 is an enlarged, sectional, exploded view of the sealing member and top edge of the transparent lens.

[0057] FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along lines 20-20 of FIG. 17; and

[0058] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the helmet of the present invention showing the optional nose interface.

[0059] FIG. 22A is a perspective, interior view of the helmet of the present invention showing the invention nose interface;

[0060] FIG. 22B is a side perspective view of the alternate embodiment helmet highlighting the nose interface;

[0061] FIG. 22C is a top perspective interior view of the alternate embodiment helmet highlighting the nose interface;

[0062] FIG. 22D is a front perspective interior view of the alternate embodiment helmet;

[0063] FIG. 22E is a side perspective view of the alternate embodiment helmet highlighting the vent actuator;

[0064] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a nose interface element of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of the nose interface of the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 25 is a top view of the elastomeric seal at the nose portion of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of the nose portion of the elastomeric sealing member and the nose interface member being joined to each other;

[0068] FIG. 26A is a top view of the front portion of the helmet with the nose interface member removed, showing the coupling member of the elastomeric sealing member;

[0069] FIG. 26B is an enlarged view of the coupling between the elastomeric seal and the nose interface member;

[0070] FIG. 27 is a front-right perspective exterior view of the shield and nose portion of the elastomeric sealing member;

[0071] FIG. 27A is a front, exterior view of the shield and nose portion of the elastomeric sealing member;

[0072] FIG. 28 is a front, or exterior view of the shield and nose interface member

[0073] FIG. 29; is a rear, interior perspective view of the shield and nose interface member;

[0074] FIG. 30 is a front view of the shield and nose interface member held over the face of a user;

[0075] FIG. 31 is a top view of the coupling of the shield member to the band;

[0076] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the vent actuator of the present invention;

[0077] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the vent actuator and shield and band of the present invention;

[0078] FIG. 34 is a front biased view of the vent actuator of the present invention highlighting the lever and cam member;

[0079] FIG. 35 is a side perspective view of the lever and cam of the vent actuator mechanism; and

[0080] FIG. 36 is a rear perspective view of the lever and cam member of the present invention.V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more particular embodiments of the present invention in accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiment or embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in such a way to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiment or embodiments described herein, but also other embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles.

[0082] The scope of the present invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0083] It should be noted that in the description and drawings, like or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals. However, sometimes these elements may be labeled with differing reference numbers, such as, for example, in cases where such labeling facilitates a clearer description. Additionally, the drawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances, proportions may have been exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features. Such labeling and drawing practices do not necessarily implicate an underlying substantive purpose.

[0084] Furthermore, certain views are side views which depict only one side of the device (or one set of components of a multi set array of components), but it will be understood that the opposite side and other component sets are preferably identical thereto. The present specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present invention as taught herein and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0085] A protective helmet 10 is provided for use with motorsports and cycling activities. The helmet 10 has a head receiving helmet body 11 that includes a head receiving interior 13, and an exterior 17 having a crown portion 12, a front surface 15, a rear surface 14, a left side portion 18, and a perimetral lip 33 for defining a forward-facing aperture 32. A transparent shield member 19 is engageable with the helmet body 11 and is configured to be placeable adjacent to the forward-facing aperture 32 of the helmet body 11. The shield member 19 includes a front surface 42, a rear surface 43, and a perimetral edge 46 having a top portion 47, a bottom portion 48, a first side portion 50, and a second side portion 51. The perimetral edge 46 is sized and configured for engaging the perimetral lip 33 of the helmet body 11.

[0086] A strap 54 having a first end 56, a second end 60, and a middle portion 62 that extends between the first 56 and second 60 ends. The first end 56 is coupled to the first side portion 50 of the transparent shield and the second end 60 is coupled to the second side portion 51 of the transparent shield. The middle portion 62 is configured to engage the rear surface 14 of the helmet body 10.

[0087] The engagement of the perimetral edge 46 of the shield member 19 with the perimetral lip 33 of the helmet body 10 enables an increasing force exerted against the shield member 19 to be exerted against the helmet 10, rather than directly against the user's face.

[0088] Many of the parts of the helmet are referenced with respect to the body part that it covers or is placed against. As such, the helmet 10 has a top or crown portion 12 that generally extends over the top of user's head, a rear surface portion 14 that is generally vertically disposed and extends over the back of the user's head and a brow portion 16. The brow portion 16 comprises the front part of the crown portion 12 and is placed adjacent to user's forehead or brow.

[0089] The helmet 10 also includes a left side portion 16 that is disposed adjacent to the left side of the user's head, which extends generally forwardly as far as the user's ear and rearwardly until it merges into the rear portion 14. Similarly, a corresponding right side portion 22 of the helmet 10 is provided that is disposed adjacent to the right side of the user's head.

[0090] A chin bar 23 extends forwardly from the side portions 2022. The chin bar 23 includes a right jaw portion 24 that extends along the user's right jaw and a left jaw portion 26 that extends along the user's left jaw. A chin portion 28 is disposed at the front of the helmet between the right 24 and left 26 jaw portions and is generally placed adjacent to the user's chin. A visor 71 may be attached to the crown portion.

[0091] A face portion 30 extends in a position at the front of the helmet adjacent to the user's face. The face portion 30 consists primarily of an aperture 32 that is defined by a perimetral lip 33 that extends along the upper edge of the chin portion 28, jaw portions 24, 26, front and side surfaces of the side portions, and the lower surface of the brow portion 16. A base edge 36 extends around the bottom of the helmet 10 and defines an aperture through which the user extends his head, to place his head into the interior 13 of the helmet.

[0092] A closeable chin vent 38 (sometimes called a nose vent) is disposed on the chin portion 28 of the helmet. The chin vent 38 is provided for enabling air to pass through from the outside of the helmet 10 to the interior 13 of the helmet to help cool the user's head and to provide fresh air for breathing. The chin vent 38 preferably includes a filter (not shown), to filter out particulates such as dust and water, to prevent these irritants from entering the interior of the helmet.

[0093] In the adventure touring helmet shown, the chin vent 38 is preferably adjustable between an opened position such that air can flow through it 38, and a closed position, wherein the flow of air through the vent 38 is restricted. This enables the user to open the vent 38 when riding on dirt, but close to the vent when the user is driving on the street or vise-versa. Preferably, the chin vent 38 is closeable so that the user is not overwhelmed by the flow of air flowing through the chin vent 38 at the high speeds typically employed on street surfaces.

[0094] In addition to the chin vent 38, jaw vents 40 are provided on each of the left and right jaw portions 26, 24 respectively which also may include filters for filtering out particulate matter and water. Of course, it is envisioned that some of the helmets with which the present invention is used will not have chin vents and / or jaw vents.

[0095] The forward portion of the left side portion 20 of the helmet includes a recessed left side shield seat surface 50 and the front portion of the helmet includes a right-side shield seat surface 48 that is provided for receiving the right side of the shield 19. The purpose of the left and right-side seats 50, 48 are to fixedly position the side of the shield 49 when the shield is engaged with the helmet 10 so that the shield 19 stays in its appropriate place, and does not slide upwardly, downwardly, or rotationally on the helmet 10. A large amount of protective padding is provided in the interior of the helmet 10 to capture the user's head, and to protect the user's head by cushioning it against blows and trauma that might occur if the user's head hits something, such as a road surface or another vehicle in the case of an accident.

[0096] Examples of preferred cushioning systems are shown in the inventor's other helmet-related patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,561,192; 8,955,169; 9,820,525; 10,980,306; and U.S. Published Patent Application Nos. 2020 / 0253314; 2019 / 029795; 2021 / 0045487; 2012 / 0198604; and 2015 / 0157082. The disclosures of these inventions are hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

[0097] The perimetral lip 33 that defines the front or face aperture 32 is sized and configured to matingly receive the perimetral edge 46 of the shield 19, in a manner that provides an effective dust barrier to thereby resist the intrusion of particulate matter, such as dust, that is exterior of the helmet, from passing through the barrier that is created and thereby intruding into the interior of the helmet adjacent to the user's eyes.

[0098] The seal is preferably capable of preventing, or severely restricting, the intrusion of particulate matter that is 10 microns or greater and, in a most preferred embodiment, is capable of preventing, or significantly restricting the intrusion of particulate matter that is seven microns or greater. It is also capable of preventing or significantly restricting the intrusion of moisture into the interior of the helmet in the area adjacent to the user's eyes. In a most preferred embodiment, the barrier created between the engagement of the perimetral edge of the shield 19 and the perimetral lip 33 of the helmet 10 body 11 prevents or significantly restricts the intrusion of particulate matter that is two microns or greater in size.

[0099] The sizes given above are typical sizes of particulate matter that might be encountered as “road dust” of the type that is stirred up and becomes airborne on dry days, through the action of wind, and the movement of objects such as other vehicles on an unpaved road or trail surface.

[0100] Dust of this type is the type of particulate matter that a rider who is riding his motorcycle or ATV on dusty roads and off-road trails is most likely to encounter and, as such, is the type most likely to cause irritation to the user's eyes.

[0101] The perimetral lip 33 includes a top portion 84 that extends at the interface between the exterior brow of the helmet 10 and the aperture 32 and is generally arcuate in configuration to correspond to the arc of the front of the helmet. The perimetral lip 33 also includes a bottom portion which extends along the chin portion 28 of the helmet at the interface between the jaw portions 24, 26 and chin portion 28 and the aperture 32.

[0102] As best shown in FIG. 21, the perimetral lip 33 in the top portion 84 and bottom portion is generally L-shaped to include a forwardly facing surface 74 which is somewhat vertically disposed and a vertically facing surface 76 which is somewhat horizontally disposed. As will be described in more detail later, this results in a somewhat L-shaped cross-section, which is matingly engageable with a complementary configured L-shaped configuration in the shield sealing member.

[0103] The perimetral lip 33 also includes a first side portion 52 and a second side portion 53. The first and second side portions 52, 53 of the perimetral lip are generally planar, and include a series of bumps to enhance frictional engagement between the first and second side portions 52, 53 of the perimetral lip of the helmet 50 and the first and second side surfaces 50, 51 of the sealing members of the shield. An L-shaped cross-section of the side portions 52, 53 is not as necessary as along the top 84 and bottom portions since the flow of air along the side portions 52, 53, and the rearwardly-opening nature of the sides of the shield 19, and of the covering of the shield 19 with the strap 54 will largely prevent dust from intruding, since the dust is generally not engaging the sealing member with the pressurized force caused by the wind exerting as much force against the membrane.

[0104] The first and second side surfaces 52, 53 of the perimetral lip 33 serve as shield-engaging seats upon which the sealing member of the shield 19 rests to help to form a particle-resistant barrier.

[0105] The bottom portion of the perimetral lip includes three segments. These segments include a relatively planar first jaw segment 86, a relatively planar second jaw segment 90, and an arcuate nose or front segment 92. The segments take their shape from the generally corresponding shape of the helmet 10. The arcuate nose or front segment 92 takes its shape because the front surface of the helmet includes a relatively higher vertically extending front portion to accommodate the chin vent 38 through which air can pass to enter the interior 13 of the helmet 19 adjacent to the user's nose.

[0106] The shield member is best shown in FIGS. 3-14 and 21. Generally, the shield member 19 includes a front surface 42, a rear surface 43, and a perimetral edge 46. The perimetral edge 46 is sized and configured for sealingly engaging the perimetral lip 33 of the helmet 10 body 11.

[0107] The shield member 19 includes a top portion 47, a bottom portion 48, a first side portion 50, and a second side portion 51. A strap 54 includes a first end 56 that is coupled by a clip to the right side of the shield 19 and a second end 60 that is coupled by a second clip 61 to the second side of shield 19. The strap also includes a middle portion 62 that extends generally between the first end 56 and second end 60 of the strap 54. When in use, the middle portion 62 extends around the exterior of the helmet 19 and, in particular, around the rear surface portion 14 of the helmet to help secure the shield 19 onto the helmet. The middle portion includes an adjustment member 65 which includes a three-bar slide adjuster 67 and ring 69. The adjustment member 65 enables the user to adjust the length of the straps so that it fits onto the helmet to which the shield 19 is attached in the manner that holds the shield securely onto the helmet.

[0108] Since the shield 19 engages the helmet along the perimetral lip 33, pulling the strap extra tightly to make sure that it is secured onto the helmet 10 does not add additional pressure to the user's face. Rather, because of the inventive design of the present invention, the tightness of the strap 54 should have no measurable impact on the way that the helmet 10 feels to the user.

[0109] The general shape of the perimetral edge 46 of the shield member 19 conforms generally to the shape of the perimetral lip 33 of the helmet.

[0110] The top portion 47 of the perimetral edge 46 is generally arcuate and is sized and configured to matingly engage the arcuate top portion 84 of the perimetral lip 33. Further, the bottom surface of the shield 48 includes three distinct segments, including a first jaw-engaging portion 48A, a second jaw-engaging portion 48B, and a nose or chin vent central portion 48C. These shapes are dictated largely to conform to the corresponding engagement surfaces of the relatively planar first jaw segment 86, the relatively planar second jaw segment 90, and the arcuate nose or front segment 92.

[0111] It will be appreciated that the shape and configuration of the perimetral edge 46 of the shield 19 would likely change if perimetral lip 33 would have a configuration different than that shown in the drawings. For example, the arcuate portion 48C of the bottom edge of the shield 46 might not be necessarily arcuate if the helmet with which the shield 19 was used did not include the chin or nose vent 38.

[0112] The shield 19 is comprised of three primary components, including the strap 54 and first 53 and second 61 clip assembly, a transparent lens 34 and a sealing member 53. The transparent lens includes an edge portion 106 that includes a top edge 108, a bottom edge 110, a first side edge 112, and a second side edge 114. The shapes and configurations of the edge portion 106 are generally similar to the configuration of the shield 19 as a whole.

[0113] The transparent lens 100 is preferably made to enable the user to look through the lens without losing any significant detail. Additionally, the lens 100, if colored, should still be transparent, and should be tinted at a color that will not significantly distort the colors that the user sees through the lens. In particular, the user should be able to look through the lens 100 and recognize the red of a red light, the green of a green light, and the yellow of a yellow light traffic signal.

[0114] Further, the lens 100 should be made from a relatively strong material. The most common material from which lenses 100 are made is polycarbonate, because of its toughness and shatter resistance. In the United States, many states require a lens 100 to meet or exceed the standards set forth in the Vehicle Equipment, Safety Commission Number 8 (VESC-8 or V-8) and Snell. The V-8 test requires that the shield be able to not allow lens 100 penetration if a 1.56-ounce steel projectile with a conical point strikes the shield at 20 miles per hour. The Snell test includes a pellet gun test that also prohibits the test projectile from entering the helmet.

[0115] The second component of the shield 19 is a sealing member 130. The sealing member 130 essentially comprises an elastomeric gasket type device that is coupled to and engages the perimetral edge of the lens 100. The sealing member 130 is preferably comprised of a deformable material such as a thermoplastic urethane material, or a thermoplastic elastomer material that has a durometer hardness of between of about 40 Shore A and 80 Shore A. Most preferably, the durometer hardness of the sealing member should be between about 60 Shore A and 70 Shore A.

[0116] The sealing member 130 preferably engages substantially all of the edge portion 106, of the lens 100 and may be molded in a manner so that the side portions of the sealing member are formed to either be a part of the clips 53, 61, or are formed to enable the clips 53, 61 to engage the sealing member 130 in a manner that securely engages the sealing member 130 to the clips 53, 61 and thereby the strap 54.

[0117] Preferably, the sealing member 130 engages the entire perimetral lip. However, this engagement of the entire perimetral lip may include portions that are near, but not at the edge 106. For example, near the side portions 50, 51 of the transparent lens 100, the sealing material may just extend on a planar surface of the transparent lens 100 so that the perimetral lip engaging surface of the sealing member 100 can better engage the generally planar first 52 and second 53 side portions of the perimetral lip 33.

[0118] The important feature is that the sealing member engages the perimetral lip 33 in a manner that sealingly engages the sealing member 130 to the perimetral lip 33 for preventing a significant quantity of particulate matter from entering the interior of the helmet through the forward-facing aperture of the helmet 10. The seal should be significantly complete, so that the particulate barrier created by the engagement of the sealing member 130 and perimetral lip 33 is capable of preventing the intrusion of particulate materials having a size of about 10 microns or greater.

[0119] More preferably, the barrier should be capable of resisting the intrusion of particulate materials that are about seven microns or greater and, most preferably, capable of resisting the intrusion of particulate materials having a size of about two microns or greater. The

[0120] significance of these sizes is that they are the typical sizes of “road dust” particles of the type that are stirred up through either the action of wind, or other vehicles traveling along an unpaved road or trail of the type that an off-road rider would likely be driving his motorcycle, off-road bicycle, or ATV.

[0121] One configuration in which the sealing member can be manufactured, especially for those portions of the sealing member other than the side edge surfaces, is to have a sealing member 130 that includes a first portion 134 placeable against the front surface 102 of the lens 100, a second portion 136 that is placeable against the second or interior surface 104 of the lens 100, and a third portion 138 that includes a groove 140 for receiving the perimetral lens edge portion 106. In this configuration, the sealing member 130 is configured for matingly engaging the perimetral lip 33 of the helmet 10 to create a particulate barrier capable of preventing a large portion of typical road dust particulates from passing through the barrier.

[0122] Turning now to FIG. 19, a helmet 10 is shown that includes a nose interface 150. The purpose of a nose interface 150 is to create a barrier that restricts the movement of particulate matter and air between a lower space of the interior of the helmet that is adjacent to the user's nose and mouth, and an upper area of the interior of the helmet 10 that is adjacent to the user's eyes.

[0123] One of the benefits of a nose interface 150 is that it prevents moisture, such as that found in exhaled breath from engaging the interior surface 104 of the transparent lens 100 to thereby help to prevent the interior surface 104 of the lens 100 from getting fogged up, such as might occur in humid situations, or situations wherein the helmet goes from a relatively cold area to a relatively warmer area.

[0124] Just as the nose interface helps to prevent the passage of humid air to the interior of the helmet 10 adjacent to the user's eyes, it also helps to restrict the flow of dust to the area adjacent to the eyes.

[0125] As discussed above, there should not be a significant amount of dust that enters the interior space of the helmet adjacent to the user's mouth and nose through either the jaw vents 40 or the chin vent 38 as the jaw vent 40 and chin vent 38 preferably both include filters for trapping the dust. However, dust will enter the interior of the helmet around the base edge 36 of the helmet 10.

[0126] The nose interface 150 includes an exteriorly facing surface 152 and an interiorly facing surface (not shown). The nose interface 150 further includes a forward edge 154 that can include an attachment material for attaching the forward edge to the interior surface of the helmet, to help create a barrier to the passage of air and particulate matter around the forward edge 154 of the nose interface 150. The nose interface includes a rearward edge 156 that is configured for engaging the nose and face of the user to form a barrier between the area of the interior of the helmet below the nose interface 150 and the area of the interior above the nose interface 150, which is the area of the interior of the helmet that is adjacent to the eyes of the user.

[0127] The nose interface further includes a first side portion 158 and a second side portion 162 that are relatively smaller and have a lower height than the relatively enlarged central portion 166. The first and second side portions can include a fastener such as a hook and loop type fastener that is disposed on the exteriorly facing surface 152 of the nose interface 150 and may be engageable with a complementary hook and loop fastener that is disposed on the interior surface of the helmet.

[0128] In some embodiments, the helmet goggle may employ a nose gasket 144 (FIG. 6). A nose gasket 144 is a gasket that is generally fitted onto the exterior frontal surface of the shield 19 to accurately engage the shield 19 onto the outer surface of the helmet shell at the nose vent area 15 and may comprise a rubber or foam material similarly defined as the goggle sealing member 130.

[0129] The nose gasket 144 is best shown at FIG. 14, as being coupled to the shield 19, adjacent to arcuate portion 48C of the shield.

[0130] The following description relates to the helmet embodiment shown in FIGS. 22-31. Parts that are numbered with numbers less than 200 may not be shown in FIGS. 22-31. However, these parts numbered 1-199 of the embodiment of FIGS. 22-31 are generally disclosed in and similar to the correspondingly numbered parts in FIGS. 1-21.

[0131] A protective helmet 210 is provided for use with motorsports and cycling activities. The helmet 210 has a head receiving helmet body 211 that includes a head receiving interior 213, and an exterior 217 having a crown portion 12, a front surface 15, a rear surface 14, a left side portion 18, and a perimetral lip 233 for defining a forward-facing aperture 232.

[0132] A transparent shield member 219 is engageable with the helmet body 211 and is configured to be placeable adjacent to the forward-facing aperture 232 of the helmet body 211. As best shown in FIGS. 27-30, the shield member 219 includes a front (exterior) surface 242, a rear (interior) surface 243, and a perimetral edge 246 having a top portion 247, a bottom portion 248, a first side portion 250, and a second side portion 251. The perimetral edge 246 is sized and configured for engaging the perimetral lip 233 of the helmet body 211.

[0133] A strap 254 has a first end 256, a second end 260, and a middle portion 262 that extends between the first 256 and second 260 ends. The first end 256 is coupled to the first side portion 250 of the transparent shield 219 and the second end 260 is coupled to the second side portion 251 of the transparent shield 219. The middle portion 262 is configured to engage the rear surface 214 of the helmet body 211.

[0134] The engagement of the perimetral edge 246 of the shield member 219 with the perimetral lip 233 of the helmet body 210 enables an increasing force exerted against the shield member 219 to be exerted against the helmet 210, rather than directly against the user's face.

[0135] Many of the parts of the helmet are referenced with respect to the body part that it covers or is placed against. These references are not to be construed as limitations, but rather as aids for understanding the invention.

[0136] As such, the helmet 210 has a top or crown portion 12 that generally extends over the top of user's head, a rear surface portion 14 that is generally vertically disposed and extends over the back of the user's head and a brow portion 16. The brow portion 16 comprises the front part of the crown portion 12 and is placed adjacent to user's forehead or brow.

[0137] The helmet 210 also includes a left side portion 18 that is disposed adjacent to the left side of the user's head. The left side portion 18 extends generally forwardly as far as the user's ear and rearwardly until it merges into the rear portion 14. Similarly, a corresponding right side portion 22 of the helmet 210 is provided that is disposed adjacent to the right side of the user's head.

[0138] A chin bar 223 extends forwardly from side portions 22022. The chin bar 223 includes a right jaw portion 24 that extends along the user's right jaw and a left jaw portion 226 that extends along the user's left jaw. A chin portion 228 is disposed at the front of the helmet between the right 224 and left 226 jaw portions and is generally placed adjacent to the user's chin. A visor 71 may be attached to the crown portion.

[0139] A face portion 230 extends in a position at the front of the helmet adjacent to the user's face. The face portion 230 consists primarily of the forward-facing aperture 232 that is defined by the perimetral lip 233 that extends along the upper edge of the chin portion 228, jaw portions 224, 226, front and side surfaces of the side portions, and the lower surface of the brow portion 216. A base edge 236 extends around the bottom of the helmet 210 and defines an aperture through which the user extends his head, to place his head into the interior 213 of the helmet.

[0140] A closeable chin vent 235 (sometimes called a nose vent) is disposed on the chin portion 228 of the helmet. The chin vent 238 is provided for enabling air to pass through from the outside of the helmet 210 to the interior 213 of the helmet to help cool the user's head and to provide fresh air for breathing. The chin vent 238 preferably includes a filter (not shown), to filter out particulates such as dust and water, to prevent these irritants from entering the interior of the helmet.

[0141] In the adventure touring helmet shown, the chin vent 238 is preferably adjustable between an opened position for permitting air to flow through it 238, and a closed position, wherein the flow of air through the vent 238 is restricted. This enables the user to open the vent 238 when riding on dirt but close the vent when the user is driving on the street or vice versa. Preferably, the chin vent 238 is closeable so that the user is not overwhelmed by the flow of air flowing through the chin vent 238 at the high speeds typically employed on street surfaces.

[0142] In addition to the chin vent 238, jaw vents 240 are provided on each of the left and right jaw portions 226, 224 respectively which also may include filters for filtering out particulate matter and water. Of course, it is envisioned that some of the helmets with which the present invention is used will not have chin vents and / or jaw vents.

[0143] The forward portion of the left side portion 218 of the helmet includes a recessed left side shield seat surface 50 and the front portion of the helmet includes a right-side shield seat surface 48 that is provided for receiving the right side of the shield 219. The purpose of the left and right-side seats 50, 53 are to fixedly position the side of the shield 219 when the shield 219 is engaged with the helmet 210 so that the shield 219 stays in its appropriate place, and does not slide upwardly, downwardly, or rotationally on the helmet 210.

[0144] A large amount of protective padding 221 is provided in the interior 213 of the helmet 210 to capture the user's head, and to protect the user's head by cushioning it against blows and trauma that might occur if the user's head hits something, such as a road surface or another vehicle in the case of an accident.

[0145] Examples of preferred cushioning systems are shown in the inventor's other helmet-related patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,561,192; 8,955,169; 9,820,525; 10,980,306; and U.S. Published Patent Application Nos. 2020 / 0253314; 2019 / 029795; 2021 / 0045487; 2012 / 0198604; and 2015 / 0157082. The disclosures of these patents and applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

[0146] The perimetral lip 233 that defines the front or face aperture 232 is sized and configured to matingly receive the perimetral edge 246 of the shield 219, in a manner that provides an effective dust barrier to thereby resist the intrusion of particulate matter, such as dust, that is exterior of the helmet, from passing through the barrier that is created and thereby intruding into the interior of the helmet adjacent to the user's eyes and nose.

[0147] The seal is preferably capable of preventing, or severely restricting, the intrusion of particulate matter that is 10 microns or greater in size. In a most preferred embodiment, the seal is capable of preventing or significantly restricting the intrusion of particulate matter that is seven microns or greater.

[0148] It is also capable of preventing or significantly restricting the intrusion of moisture into the interior of the helmet in the area adjacent to the user's eyes. In a most preferred embodiment, the barrier created between the engagement of the perimetral edge of the shield 219 and the perimetral lip 233 of the helmet 210 body 211 prevents or significantly restricts the intrusion of particulate matter that is two microns or greater in size.

[0149] The sizes given above are typical sizes of particulate matter that might be encountered as “road dust” of the type that is stirred up and becomes airborne on dry days, through the action of wind, and the movement of objects such as other vehicles on an unpaved road or trail surface. Dust of this type is the type of particulate matter that a rider who is riding his motorcycle or ATV on dusty roads and off-road trails is most likely to encounter and, as such, is the type most likely to cause irritation to the user's eyes.

[0150] The perimetral lip 233 includes a top portion 84 that extends at the interface between the exterior brow of the helmet 210 and the aperture 232 and is generally arcuate in configuration to correspond to the arc of the front of the helmet. The perimetral lip 233 also includes a bottom portion which extends along the chin portion 228 of the helmet at the interface between the jaw portions 224, 226 and chin portion 228 and the aperture 232.

[0151] As best shown in FIG. 21, the perimetral lip 33 in the top portion 84 and bottom portion is generally L-shaped to include a forwardly facing surface 74 which is somewhat vertically disposed and a vertically facing surface 76 which is somewhat horizontally disposed. As will be described in more detail later, this results in a somewhat L-shaped cross-section, which is matingly engageable with a complementary configured L-shaped configuration in the shield sealing member.

[0152] The perimetral lip 233 also includes a first side portion 252 and a second side portion 253. The first and second side portions 252, 253 of the perimetral lip are generally planar, and include a series of bumps or “pimples” to enhance frictional engagement between the first and second side portions 252, 253 of the perimetral lip of the helmet 250 and the first and second side surfaces 250, 251 of the sealing members of the 219 shield.

[0153] An L-shaped cross-section of the side portions 252, 253 is not as necessary as along the top 284 and bottom portions since the flow of air along the side portions 252, 253, and the rearwardly-opening nature of the sides of the shield 219, and of the covering of the shield 219 with the strap 254 will largely prevent dust from intruding. This is because the dust is generally not engaging the sealing member with the pressurized force caused by the wind exerting as much force against the membrane.

[0154] The first and second side surfaces 252, 253 of the perimetral lip 233 serve as shield-engaging seats upon which the sealing member of the shield 219 rests to help to form a particle-resistant barrier.

[0155] The chin portion 233 includes a central raised portion 274 which receives a nose portion receiving slot 276 that is disposed between the underside surface of the central raised portion and the outer surface of the perimetral edge. The slot 276 is provided for receiving the nose portion 280 of a perimetral elastomeric sealing member 282 that extends around the perimeter of the clear or tinted lens of the shield 219.

[0156] The perimetral edge 286 of the shield is sized and configured to be inserted in a similarly sized and configured perimetral, radially inwardly opening slot of the elastomeric sealing member 282. The nose portion 280 of the elastomeric sealing member 282 extends outwardly and forwardly of the plane of the lens of the shield 219 and is sized and configured to receive the nose of the user.

[0157] As is best shown in FIG. 30, the nose portion 280 is centrally located on the shield 219 and is large enough to receive noses of various sizes and shapes but is narrow enough so as to provide maximum viewing surface through the lens on either side of the nose portion.

[0158] The elastomeric sealing member 282 is couplable at its upper interior edge to a nose interface member 308, which extends interiorly of the shield 219. From the nose portion 294, the nose interface member 300 extends upwardly and interiorly, and has a lateral profile at its lower edge that matches the profile of the elastomeric sealing member 282 in the nose portion 280 area, and extends upwardly, so that the upper surface of the nose interface member 300 generally forms a continuous surface with the nose member 280 of the sealing member 282. The upper portion of the interior facing surface 302 of the elastomeric sealing member includes a plurality of couplers 304 that are configured for being coupled to a corresponding mating set of couplers 306 on the lower forward surface of the nose interface 300, as best shown in FIGS. 25 and 26.

[0159] Each of the couplers 304, 306 include a series of male coupling members and female coupling members, which are designed to provide a coupling between the perimetral elastomeric sealing member 282 and the nose interface member 300 that is both airtight and secure, and thereby, unlikely to become decoupled. The elastomeric sealing member 282 also includes a left front portion 283 disposed to the left of the nose portion 280, and a right front portion 284 disposed to the right of the nose portion 280.

[0160] To a large extent, the remainder of the elastomeric sealing member is similar to that described with regard to FIGS. 1-21 and generally follows the contour of the perimetral surface of the forward-facing aperture of the helmet.

[0161] The nose interface 300 is best shown in FIGS. 27-30 as including the elastomeric, frame member 312 that is generally made from an air impermeable material, such as an air-impermeable plastic. The frame 312 includes a front surface 314 that faces generally exteriorly, and a rear, or interior facing surface 316.

[0162] At the central portion of the frame 312 is a first side portion 318 that extends from the nose portion 280 in a lateral direction away from the nose portion. A second side portion 320 is disposed on the other side of the nose portion 280 and extends outwardly therefrom.

[0163] A first filtered aperture 322 is formed in the first side portion 318, and includes aperture and the frame member, that on the back, (interior) surface includes a filter. The filter is designed to trap dust, of the type discussed above. The apertures 322, 324 are provided to provide a flow of air into the nose interface, to provide fresh air for the user to breathe.

[0164] A second filtered aperture 324 is formed in the second side portion 320, as generally similar to the filtered aperture 322 in the first side portion 318 to provide comfort and cooling air circulation within the eye port area behind the shield / lens.

[0165] The frame member 312 also includes a top edge 326 that is disposed generally upwardly and interiorly relative to the remainder of the nose interface frame 312, and a lower edge 328 that is disposed relatively forwardly and downwardly of the remainder of the nose interface frame 312. The lower edge 328 is the edge upon which the couplers 306 are formed, so that the nose interface can mate to the perimetral elastomeric sealing member 282.

[0166] As best shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, a foam member 332 exists that extends along the top edge 326 of the frame member 312 and is glued to the rear (interior) surface of the frame member 312. The frame member 312 has a rear surface 316 upon which a foam member 332 is attached. The upper surface of the foam member 332 is generally coplanarly disposed with the top edge 326 of the frame member 312.

[0167] The foam member 332 is comprised of a foam that is capable of filtering dust particles of the type described above, which primarily comprises road dust. The foam member 332 includes an inwardly facing, face engaging surface 336 that is sized and configured to fit flush against the skin of the user. Because of the nose portion 280, the forwardly facing surface of the foam member 332, is curved to bridge the nose, and then extend downwardly, along the sides of the user's nose, and then extend outwardly to engage the cheeks of the user, so that a dust resistant barrier is placed between the outside and the interior of the nose interface that contains the user's nose.

[0168] Turning now to FIGS. 22B and 32-36, the novel venting system of the present invention will be discussed. The helmet includes a vent actuator assembly 338. The vent actuator is configured for moving at least one of the first and second side portions 342, 344 of the shield 219 between a disengaged position to create a relatively air-flowable space between the shield 219 and the helmet body 211; and an engaged position to create a relatively non-air-flowable engagement between the shield 219 and the helmet body 211.

[0169] The vent actuator 338 includes a lever 354 that is disposed exteriorly of the helmet for enabling the user to move the side portion of the shield 219 between the engaged and disengaged position. To accomplish this, the lever 254 includes a pivot coupling 356 which pivotably couples the lever 354 to the shield.

[0170] The vent actuator 338 also includes a cam member 360 that is coupled to and movable by the lever 354 as the lever 354 and cam member 360 are fixedly coupled to each other, as such that the movement of the lever 354 about pivot coupling 356 moves the cam member 360 in the same rotational direction, be it clockwise or counter-clockwise, to move the shield 219 between the engaged and disengaged position. The cam member 360 includes a helmet engaging surface 364 that is sized and configured for engaging a side portion 368 of the helmet.

[0171] The cam member 360 is sized and configured for engaging the helmet for urging the shield 219 outwardly away from the helmet and into the disengaged position. This disengagement occurs at the side portion of the shield 219, which is normally disposed behind the nose portion of the shield, and is as described at the side of the shield 219.

[0172] By placing the vent at the side of the helmet behind the nose portion, one creates an airflow, where the air flows into the helmet through the filtered nose portion. The disengagement of the shield from the helmet in a position where the vent is effectively positioned behind the nose portion in the flow of air that occurs normally when a user has his head pointed forward, and the vehicle on which she is riding is moving forward, creates a venting situation.

[0173] The vent created by the disengagement of the shield 219 of the helmet body helps to pull air into the nose portion to create a greater air flow and provides an escape port for the air that flows into the helmet. As the air flows out of the vent, rather than in the vent, there is not much need for a filter in that position since, unlike the nose portion, air is not flowing in the vent.

[0174] The cam has a rounded, somewhat spherical helmet engaging surface for engaging side portion 368 to push the side portion 342 of the shield away from the helmet to thereby create the space between the helmet and the shield 219 which creates the vent. When the cam member is in the engaged position, a strap 254 serves to bias the shield into the engaged position, where it is engaged with the helmet in a manner such that air can generally not flow between the shield 219 and the helmet body 211.

[0175] Having described the invention in detail with references to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the above-described invention is not limited by the description herein, but rather, shall be limited only by the claims and their equivalents that shall be attached hereto.

Claims

1. A protective helmet comprising,a head receiving interior and an exterior, the exterior having a crown portion, a brow portion extending downwardly from the crown portion, a rear portion, two opposing side portions, and a chin bar, wherein the crown portion, the brow portion, the rear portion, the chin bar and the opposing side portions are a unitary assembly to provide impact protection for motorsports and cycling.a perimetral lip defining a forward-facing aperture in the front surface of the head receiving helmet body, wherein the perimetral lip extends along the brow portion, the opposing side portions and the chin bar, wherein the perimetral lip includes a shield member engaging surfaces.a transparent shield member engageable with the head receiving helmet body and configured to be placeable adjacent to the forward facing aperture in the front surface of the head receiving helmet body, the transparent shield member including a front surface, a rear surface and a perimetral edge being sized and configured for engaging the perimetral lip of the head receiving helmet body at the brow portion, the opposing side portions and a portion of the chin bar.an elastomeric sealing member extending about the perimetral edge of the transparent shield member and configured to provide sealing engagement between the perimetral edge of the transparent shield member and the shield member engaging surface of the perimetral lip of the helmet body; anda nose interface member defining a nose receiving interior space for receiving a nostril portion of a user's nose, the nose interface member being coupled to the elastomeric member of the shield member.

2. The protective helmet of claim 1 wherein the nose interface member includes a perimetral edge including a coupling member, wherein the sealing member includes a corresponding coupling member configured for being coupled to the coupling member of the nose interface.3.

4. The protective helmet of claim 2 wherein the perimetral edge of the nose interface member includes a sealing member engaging portion configured to mirror the shape of the elastomeric sealing member of the elastomeric sealing member of the shield to create an airtight seal between the elastomeric sealing member and the nose interface sealing member engaging portion.

5. The protective helmet of claim 3 wherein the nose interface coupling member comprising a plurality of members disposed on the nose interface sealing engaging portion.

6. The protective helmet of claim 2 wherein the nose interface member includes an elastomeric frame comprised of an air impermeable material, a centrally disposed nose portion for receiving a user's nose, a first side portion disposed on a first side of the nose portion and a second side portion disposed on a second side of the nose portion, and wherein the perimetral edge includes a lower portion that includes the coupling members for coupling the nose interface member to the elastomeric sealing member of the frame.

7. The protective helmet of claim 5 wherein the nose interface member includes an air-permeable first aperture disposed on the first side portion and a second aperture disposed on the second side portion, wherein the first and second apertures include filters configured to trap dust to prevent the dust from entering the nose receiving interior space.

8. The protective helmet of claim 6 wherein the nose interface member includes an upper portion included a face-engaging foam member coupled to a surface of the nose interface and configured to be placeable against and engageable with a face of the user for impeding the intrusion of dust into the nose receiving interior space.

9. The protective helmet of claim 2 wherein the nose interface member includes an elastomeric frame, having a perimetral edge having a lower portion, and upper portion, a front facing surface and a rear facing surface, a centrally disposed nose receiving portion for receiving a user's nose, and wherein the elastomeric sealing member of the shield member includes a nose receiving portion extending downwardly and outwardly from a lower edge of the transparent shield member.

10. The protective helmet of claim 8 wherein the nose receiving portion of the elastomeric sealing member includes an upper surface configured for mating with a lower surface of the nose receiving portion of the nose interface frame to form an air-tight seal therebetween.

11. The protective helmet of claim 8 wherein the upper portion of the rear facing surface of the nose interface frame includes a face engaging member positionable against the face of the user for impeding the intrusion of dust into the nose receiving interior space.

12. The protective helmet of claim 8 wherein the first side portion and the second side portion of the elastomeric frame of the nose interface member includes an air-permeable aperture, the air-permeable aperture including a dust filter member configured to trap dust to prevent dust from entering the nose receiving interior space.

13. The protective member of claim 11 wherein the upper portion of the rear facing surface of the nose interface frame includes a face engaging foam member positionable against the face of the user for impeding the flow of dust into the nose receiving interior space, andwherein the coupling members of the nose interface member are coupled to the lower portion of the nose interface elastomeric frame, to thereby position the foam member against a user's nose above where the coupling member of the nose interface member are coupled to the coupling member of the elastomeric sealing member of the shield.

14. The protective helmet of claim 8 wherein the nose receiving portion of the elastomeric sealing member includes an upper surface that sealingly engages the lower surface of the nose receiving portion of the nose interface elastomeric frame, wherein the nose receiving portion of the nose interface receiving frame extends upwardly and inwardly from the nose receiving portion the elastomeric sealing member.

15. The protective helmet of claim 13 wherein the elastomeric sealing member includes a centrally disposed nose receiving portion, sized and configured for receiving a user's nose, the nose receiving portion including a forwardly extending portion extending forwardly and exteriorly of the transparent shield, and wherein the chin bar includes a nose portion receiving section sized and configured for interiorly receiving the nose portion of elastomeric sealing member.

16. The protective helmet of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric sealing member includes a centrally disposed nose receiving portion sized and configured for receiving a user's nose, the nose receiving portion including a forwardly extending portion extending forwardly and exteriorly of the transparent shield, and wherein the chin bar includes a nose portion receiving section sized and configured for interiorly receiving the nose portion of the elastomeric sealing member.

17. The protective helmet of claim 1 wherein the shield includes a first and second side portions engageable with the respective opposing side portions of the helmet,further comprising a vent actuator configured for moving at least one of the side portions between a disengaged portion to create a relatively air-flowable space between the shield and the helmet, and an engaged position to create a relatively non-air-flowable engagement between the shield and the helmet.

18. The protective helmet of claim 16 wherein the vent actuator includes a lever disposed exteriorly of the helmet for enabling the user to move the side portion of the shield between the engaged and disengaged position.

19. The protective helmet of claim 17 wherein the vent actuator includes a cam member coupled to and movable by the lever, the cam member configured and positioned for engaging the helmet for urging the side portion of the shield outwardly away from the helmet and into the disengaged position.

20. The protective helmet of claim 16 wherein the vent actuator includes a movable cam member configured and positioned for engaging a surface of the helmet for urging the side portion of the shield outwardly away from the helmet and into the disengaged position.

21. The protective helmet of claim 16 wherein the shield includes a strap member for maintaining the shield member in engagement with the helmet and for biasing the side portion into the engaged position, and wherein the side portion of the shield is disposed behind the nose portion in a normal flow of air on the helmet when a vehicle is moving.

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