Helmet Shield Lock

Abstract

A shield lock assembly for releasably securing a rotatable helmet shield includes a post having a threaded post and a post body, a detent button slidably mounted relative to the post body, and a compression spring positioned within a spring chamber defined cooperatively by the post body and the detent button. The detent button includes an internal annular flange that engages a lip on the post body to limit axial movement and retain the detent button on the post. The spring biases the detent button toward an extended locking position for engagement with a shield aperture. The threaded post may be offset from a central axis of the detent button.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 762,541 filed February 24, 2025, entitled “Helmet Shield Lock,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to helmet shield retention mechanisms and, more particularly, to a shield lock assembly including a post member and a spring-biased detent button for releasably securing a rotatable helmet shield in a closed position.BACKGROUND

[0003] Full-face helmets commonly include a rotatable shield movable between open and closed positions. Known retention mechanisms often rely on frictional engagement or simple detents that may not provide sufficient retention under high-speed airflow conditions. Additionally, some mechanisms lack durable captive structures or protected biasing components.

[0004] There remains a need for a compact shield lock assembly that provides positive engagement with a detent aperture in a shield, controlled axial release, secure attachment to a helmet shell, and protected spring biasing within an enclosed spring chamber.SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of the Summary is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Summary is neither intended to define the inventive concept(s) of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the inventive concept(s) in any way.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a shield lock assembly for releasably securing a rotatable helmet shield in a closed position relative to a helmet shell. The assembly is configured to provide positive mechanical engagement with a shield detent aperture, controlled axial release, captive retention of moving components, and protected internal spring biasing.

[0007] In one aspect, the shield lock assembly comprises a post member configured for attachment to a helmet shell and a detent button slidably mounted relative to the post member. The post member includes an attachment portion and a post body extending therefrom. The attachment portion may comprise a threaded post configured for threaded engagement with a female opening formed in the helmet shell. In certain embodiments, the threaded post may be coaxial with a central longitudinal axis of the detent button and post body, while in other embodiments the threaded post may be offset from the central longitudinal axis to accommodate helmet curvature or shield geometry. Alternative attachment structures may include press-fit configurations, adhesive bonding surfaces, bayonet-type coupling structures, or other mechanical attachment arrangements.

[0008] The detent button is movable along the central longitudinal axis between an extended locking position and a retracted release position. The detent button and the post body cooperatively define a spring chamber. A biasing member positioned within the spring chamber extends between the post body and the detent button and biases the detent button toward the extended locking position. In preferred embodiments, the biasing member comprises a compression spring, such as a helical compression spring.

[0009] The post body includes a radially outwardly extending stop structure, shown as a radial stop lip. The detent button includes an inwardly projecting annular flange configured to engage the radial stop lip. Engagement between the annular flange and the radial stop lip defines a captive retention structure that limits axial movement of the detent button relative to the post body and prevents separation of the detent button from the post member during repeated actuation.

[0010] The detent button includes an outer engagement surface configured for insertion into a detent aperture formed in a rotatable helmet shield. In the extended locking position, the biasing member urges the detent button outward such that the detent button extends into the shield detent aperture to arrest rotation of the shield relative to the helmet shell. When a user applies axial force to the detent button, the detent button translates inward toward the post body to the retracted release position, compressing the biasing member and withdrawing from the shield detent aperture to permit shield rotation.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the shield includes a ramped or flared surface adjacent the detent aperture configured to cam the detent button toward the retracted release position as the shield is rotated toward the closed position. Upon alignment of the detent aperture with the detent button, the biasing member urges the detent button into the detent aperture, thereby automatically locking the shield in the closed position.

[0012] The spring chamber is defined by cooperative cavity portions formed in the detent button and the post body and may be fully enclosed to protect the biasing member from environmental exposure. The disclosed structure provides a compact, mechanically robust, and repeatable shield locking mechanism with positive retention, controlled axial release, captive assembly, and protected internal biasing components.

[0013] Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a helmet and shield with a shield lock preventing rotation of the shield.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the helmet and shield with the shield in an open position.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the shield lock assembly mounted to the helmet.

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates the shield being rotated toward the closed position.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates the detent button engaged with the shield detent aperture.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the shield lock assembly independent of the helmet.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the detent button.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the shield lock assembly.

[0022] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the shield lock assembly.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the shield lock assembly.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a bottom view illustrating the attachment portion.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1–11 figures, a preferred embodiment of a shield lock assembly 22 is illustrated for releasably securing a rotatable helmet shield in a closed position relative to a helmet shell. FIGS. 1–5 depict the shield lock assembly installed on a helmet and shield combination 2. FIGS. 6–11 illustrate the shield lock assembly independent of the helmet and more clearly show the structural relationship between the post member, detent button, and internal biasing components.

[0027] The helmet 4 is a full-face helmet having a shield 6 attached to the helmet at connection and pivot point 8. The helmet has a crown section 10, side sections 12, 14 and back section 16. An opening 18 extends between the crown section of the helmet and the chin section 20 of the helmet. The shield is in a closed position covering the opening 18 of the helmet.

[0028] A shield lock 22 is attached to the helmet by a threaded connection. The detent button of the shield lock extends into the detent aperture 24 of the shield, locking the shield in the closed position. The shield has a flared corner 26 that facilitates engagement and disengagement of the shield with the shield lock.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the helmet with the shield in an open position. The shield has been rotated upward to uncover the opening 18 of the helmet. The shield is positioned across the crown section of the helmet

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a second view of the helmet and shield in an open position. The shield lock has a lock post 30 that is threaded into an aperture of the helmet to secure the shield lock to the helmet. The shield lock has a detent button 32 that is slidingly engaged with the detent post 30. The detent button is configured to axially translate toward the post when a wearer depresses the detent button. The shield lock is configured such that the detent button resiliently rebounds to the extended position shown in FIG. 3 when a wearer releases pressure from the detent button.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates the shield 6 being moved into the closed position. The flared corner 26 of the shield is flared outward so as to provide a slope on the helmet side of the flared corner. As the shield closes, the flared corner slides in the direction indicated by arrow A progressively compressing the detent button 32 toward the helmet. When the detent opening 24 reaches the detent button, the detent button rebounds into the detent opening, arresting rotation of the shield.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates the closed position of the shield 6 in which the shield is in the closed position. The detent button 32 is positioned within the detent aperture 24 of the shield arresting rotation of the shield. To release the shield, the wearer depresses the detent button 32 while rotating the shield from the closed position toward an open position.

[0033] The shield lock assembly 22 includes a post member 30 and a detent button 32 that is axially movable relative to the post member. The post member 30 comprises a threaded post 31 and an enlarged post body 33 extending from the threaded post. The threaded post 31 is configured for threaded engagement with a corresponding threaded aperture formed in the exterior of a helmet shell, thereby rigidly securing the shield lock assembly to the helmet.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, and as best shown in FIG. 11, the threaded post 31 is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the detent button 32 and post body 33. This offset configuration may allow optimized positioning of the shield lock assembly relative to the curvature of the helmet shell and shield geometry. It will be appreciated, however, that alternative embodiments may employ a coaxial arrangement.

[0035] The post body 33 is generally cylindrical and defines a lower cavity portion 47 that forms part of a spring chamber 49. The post body further includes a radially outwardly extending stop structure, shown as radial stop lip 51. The radial stop lip 51 provides a structural engagement surface that limits axial travel of the detent button and retains the detent button in assembled relation with the post member.

[0036] The detent button 32 is mounted over the post body 33 and is configured for axial translation along the central longitudinal axis relative to the post member. The detent button includes an outer cylindrical wall 35 that defines the detent engagement surface. The outer cylindrical wall is dimensioned for insertion into a corresponding detent aperture formed in a helmet shield. The outer end of the detent button may include an engagement surface 81 that is configured to be manually depressed by a user.

[0037] Internally, the detent button 32 defines an upper cavity portion 45. When assembled onto the post body 33, the upper cavity portion 45 aligns with the lower cavity portion 47 of the post body to cooperatively define the spring chamber 49. A compression spring 44 is positioned within the spring chamber and extends between a lower spring seat 63 formed on the post body and an upper spring seat 65 formed within the detent button. The compression spring is thus enclosed within the spring chamber and is protected from environmental exposure.

[0038] The detent button further includes an inwardly projecting annular flange 53. The annular flange is configured to engage the radial stop lip 51 of the post body. The engagement between the annular flange and the radial stop lip defines a positive mechanical stop that limits outward axial movement of the detent button and prevents separation of the detent button from the post member. This captive retention structure permits repeated axial actuation while maintaining structural integrity of the assembly.

[0039] In its normal state, the compression spring biases the detent button axially outward to an extended locking position. In this extended locking position, the outer cylindrical wall of the detent button projects outwardly beyond the post body and is configured to extend into a corresponding detent aperture formed in a rotatable helmet shield. Engagement of the detent button within the shield detent aperture prevents rotation of the shield relative to the helmet shell, thereby retaining the shield in a closed position.

[0040] When a user applies axial compressive force to the engagement surface of the detent button, the detent button translates inward toward the post body to a retracted release position. During this inward translation, the compression spring compresses within the spring chamber. As the detent button retracts, it withdraws from the shield detent aperture, thereby permitting rotational movement of the shield. The user can bias the shield in the opposite direction to facilitate removal of the detent button from the shield aperture. Upon release of manual pressure, the compression spring expands and returns the detent button to the extended locking position.

[0041] The cooperation between the annular flange of the detent button and the radial stop lip of the post body ensures controlled axial travel and prevents overextension of the compression spring. Additionally, the enclosed spring chamber reduces contamination and enhances durability of the spring.

[0042] When installed on a helmet, as shown in FIGS. 1–5 the shield lock assembly is positioned adjacent the shield pivot location. The shield includes a detent aperture configured to receive the detent button. In certain embodiments, the shield may include a flared or ramped surface portion adjacent the detent aperture, such as at a corner of the shield. As the shield is rotated toward the closed position, the flared surface engages the outer cylindrical wall of the detent button and gradually cams the detent button inward. Once the detent aperture aligns with the detent button, the compression spring urges the detent button outward into the detent aperture, thereby automatically locking the shield in the closed position.

[0043] Although the illustrated embodiment shows a cylindrical detent button and circular detent aperture, other cross-sectional geometries may be employed. Likewise, while the spring chamber is shown as defined by aligned cylindrical voids, other internal geometries may be used so long as a biasing member is operatively positioned between the detent button and the post member.

[0044] The described structure provides a compact, mechanically robust, and repeatable shield locking mechanism with positive retention, captive assembly, and protected internal biasing components. Variations in dimensions, materials, thread types, and axial offsets may be implemented without departing from the inventive concept.

[0045] While certain preferred embodiments are shown in the figures and described in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0025]While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.

[0026]Referring to FIGS. 1–11 figures, a preferred embodiment of a shield lock assembly 22 is illustrated for releasably securing a rotatable helmet shield in a closed position relative to a helmet shell. FIGS. 1–5 depict the shield lock assembly installed on a helmet and shield combination 2. FIGS. 6–11 illustrate the shield lock assembly independent of the helmet and more clearly show...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 762,541 filed February 24, 2025, entitled “Helmet Shield Lock,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to helmet shield retention mechanisms and, more particularly, to a shield lock assembly including a post member and a spring-biased detent button for releasably securing a rotatable helmet shield in a closed position.BACKGROUND

[0003] Full-face helmets commonly include a rotatable shield movable between open and closed positions. Known retention mechanisms often rely on frictional engagement or simple detents that may not provide sufficient retention under high-speed airflow conditions. Additionally, some mechanisms lack durable captive structures or protected biasing components.

[0004] There remains a need for a compact shield lock assembly that provides positive engagement with a detent aperture in a shield, controlled axial release, secure attachment to a helmet shell, and protected spring biasing within an enclosed spring chamber.SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of the Summary is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Summary is neither intended to define the inventive concept(s) of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the inventive concept(s) in any way.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a shield lock assembly for releasably securing a rotatable helmet shield in a closed position relative to a helmet shell. The assembly is configured to provide positive mechanical engagement with a shield detent aperture, controlled axial release, captive retention of moving components, and protected internal spring biasing.

[0007] In one aspect, the shield lock assembly comprises a post member configured for attachment to a helmet shell and a detent button slidably mounted relative to the post member. The post member includes an attachment portion and a post body extending therefrom. The attachment portion may comprise a threaded post configured for threaded engagement with a female opening formed in the helmet shell. In certain embodiments, the threaded post may be coaxial with a central longitudinal axis of the detent button and post body, while in other embodiments the threaded post may be offset from the central longitudinal axis to accommodate helmet curvature or shield geometry. Alternative attachment structures may include press-fit configurations, adhesive bonding surfaces, bayonet-type coupling structures, or other mechanical attachment arrangements.

[0008] The detent button is movable along the central longitudinal axis between an extended locking position and a retracted release position. The detent button and the post body cooperatively define a spring chamber. A biasing member positioned within the spring chamber extends between the post body and the detent button and biases the detent button toward the extended locking position. In preferred embodiments, the biasing member comprises a compression spring, such as a helical compression spring.

[0009] The post body includes a radially outwardly extending stop structure, shown as a radial stop lip. The detent button includes an inwardly projecting annular flange configured to engage the radial stop lip. Engagement between the annular flange and the radial stop lip defines a captive retention structure that limits axial movement of the detent button relative to the post body and prevents separation of the detent button from the post member during repeated actuation.

[0010] The detent button includes an outer engagement surface configured for insertion into a detent aperture formed in a rotatable helmet shield. In the extended locking position, the biasing member urges the detent button outward such that the detent button extends into the shield detent aperture to arrest rotation of the shield relative to the helmet shell. When a user applies axial force to the detent button, the detent button translates inward toward the post body to the retracted release position, compressing the biasing member and withdrawing from the shield detent aperture to permit shield rotation.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the shield includes a ramped or flared surface adjacent the detent aperture configured to cam the detent button toward the retracted release position as the shield is rotated toward the closed position. Upon alignment of the detent aperture with the detent button, the biasing member urges the detent button into the detent aperture, thereby automatically locking the shield in the closed position.

[0012] The spring chamber is defined by cooperative cavity portions formed in the detent button and the post body and may be fully enclosed to protect the biasing member from environmental exposure. The disclosed structure provides a compact, mechanically robust, and repeatable shield locking mechanism with positive retention, controlled axial release, captive assembly, and protected internal biasing components.

[0013] Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a helmet and shield with a shield lock preventing rotation of the shield.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the helmet and shield with the shield in an open position.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the shield lock assembly mounted to the helmet.

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates the shield being rotated toward the closed position.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates the detent button engaged with the shield detent aperture.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the shield lock assembly independent of the helmet.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the detent button.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the shield lock assembly.

[0022] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the shield lock assembly.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the shield lock assembly.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a bottom view illustrating the attachment portion.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1–11 figures, a preferred embodiment of a shield lock assembly 22 is illustrated for releasably securing a rotatable helmet shield in a closed position relative to a helmet shell. FIGS. 1–5 depict the shield lock assembly installed on a helmet and shield combination 2. FIGS. 6–11 illustrate the shield lock assembly independent of the helmet and more clearly show the structural relationship between the post member, detent button, and internal biasing components.

[0027] The helmet 4 is a full-face helmet having a shield 6 attached to the helmet at connection and pivot point 8. The helmet has a crown section 10, side sections 12, 14 and back section 16. An opening 18 extends between the crown section of the helmet and the chin section 20 of the helmet. The shield is in a closed position covering the opening 18 of the helmet.

[0028] A shield lock 22 is attached to the helmet by a threaded connection. The detent button of the shield lock extends into the detent aperture 24 of the shield, locking the shield in the closed position. The shield has a flared corner 26 that facilitates engagement and disengagement of the shield with the shield lock.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the helmet with the shield in an open position. The shield has been rotated upward to uncover the opening 18 of the helmet. The shield is positioned across the crown section of the helmet

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a second view of the helmet and shield in an open position. The shield lock has a lock post 30 that is threaded into an aperture of the helmet to secure the shield lock to the helmet. The shield lock has a detent button 32 that is slidingly engaged with the detent post 30. The detent button is configured to axially translate toward the post when a wearer depresses the detent button. The shield lock is configured such that the detent button resiliently rebounds to the extended position shown in FIG. 3 when a wearer releases pressure from the detent button.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates the shield 6 being moved into the closed position. The flared corner 26 of the shield is flared outward so as to provide a slope on the helmet side of the flared corner. As the shield closes, the flared corner slides in the direction indicated by arrow A progressively compressing the detent button 32 toward the helmet. When the detent opening 24 reaches the detent button, the detent button rebounds into the detent opening, arresting rotation of the shield.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates the closed position of the shield 6 in which the shield is in the closed position. The detent button 32 is positioned within the detent aperture 24 of the shield arresting rotation of the shield. To release the shield, the wearer depresses the detent button 32 while rotating the shield from the closed position toward an open position.

[0033] The shield lock assembly 22 includes a post member 30 and a detent button 32 that is axially movable relative to the post member. The post member 30 comprises a threaded post 31 and an enlarged post body 33 extending from the threaded post. The threaded post 31 is configured for threaded engagement with a corresponding threaded aperture formed in the exterior of a helmet shell, thereby rigidly securing the shield lock assembly to the helmet.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, and as best shown in FIG. 11, the threaded post 31 is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the detent button 32 and post body 33. This offset configuration may allow optimized positioning of the shield lock assembly relative to the curvature of the helmet shell and shield geometry. It will be appreciated, however, that alternative embodiments may employ a coaxial arrangement.

[0035] The post body 33 is generally cylindrical and defines a lower cavity portion 47 that forms part of a spring chamber 49. The post body further includes a radially outwardly extending stop structure, shown as radial stop lip 51. The radial stop lip 51 provides a structural engagement surface that limits axial travel of the detent button and retains the detent button in assembled relation with the post member.

[0036] The detent button 32 is mounted over the post body 33 and is configured for axial translation along the central longitudinal axis relative to the post member. The detent button includes an outer cylindrical wall 35 that defines the detent engagement surface. The outer cylindrical wall is dimensioned for insertion into a corresponding detent aperture formed in a helmet shield. The outer end of the detent button may include an engagement surface 81 that is configured to be manually depressed by a user.

[0037] Internally, the detent button 32 defines an upper cavity portion 45. When assembled onto the post body 33, the upper cavity portion 45 aligns with the lower cavity portion 47 of the post body to cooperatively define the spring chamber 49. A compression spring 44 is positioned within the spring chamber and extends between a lower spring seat 63 formed on the post body and an upper spring seat 65 formed within the detent button. The compression spring is thus enclosed within the spring chamber and is protected from environmental exposure.

[0038] The detent button further includes an inwardly projecting annular flange 53. The annular flange is configured to engage the radial stop lip 51 of the post body. The engagement between the annular flange and the radial stop lip defines a positive mechanical stop that limits outward axial movement of the detent button and prevents separation of the detent button from the post member. This captive retention structure permits repeated axial actuation while maintaining structural integrity of the assembly.

[0039] In its normal state, the compression spring biases the detent button axially outward to an extended locking position. In this extended locking position, the outer cylindrical wall of the detent button projects outwardly beyond the post body and is configured to extend into a corresponding detent aperture formed in a rotatable helmet shield. Engagement of the detent button within the shield detent aperture prevents rotation of the shield relative to the helmet shell, thereby retaining the shield in a closed position.

[0040] When a user applies axial compressive force to the engagement surface of the detent button, the detent button translates inward toward the post body to a retracted release position. During this inward translation, the compression spring compresses within the spring chamber. As the detent button retracts, it withdraws from the shield detent aperture, thereby permitting rotational movement of the shield. The user can bias the shield in the opposite direction to facilitate removal of the detent button from the shield aperture. Upon release of manual pressure, the compression spring expands and returns the detent button to the extended locking position.

[0041] The cooperation between the annular flange of the detent button and the radial stop lip of the post body ensures controlled axial travel and prevents overextension of the compression spring. Additionally, the enclosed spring chamber reduces contamination and enhances durability of the spring.

[0042] When installed on a helmet, as shown in FIGS. 1–5 the shield lock assembly is positioned adjacent the shield pivot location. The shield includes a detent aperture configured to receive the detent button. In certain embodiments, the shield may include a flared or ramped surface portion adjacent the detent aperture, such as at a corner of the shield. As the shield is rotated toward the closed position, the flared surface engages the outer cylindrical wall of the detent button and gradually cams the detent button inward. Once the detent aperture aligns with the detent button, the compression spring urges the detent button outward into the detent aperture, thereby automatically locking the shield in the closed position.

[0043] Although the illustrated embodiment shows a cylindrical detent button and circular detent aperture, other cross-sectional geometries may be employed. Likewise, while the spring chamber is shown as defined by aligned cylindrical voids, other internal geometries may be used so long as a biasing member is operatively positioned between the detent button and the post member.

[0044] The described structure provides a compact, mechanically robust, and repeatable shield locking mechanism with positive retention, captive assembly, and protected internal biasing components. Variations in dimensions, materials, thread types, and axial offsets may be implemented without departing from the inventive concept.

[0045] While certain preferred embodiments are shown in the figures and described in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0025]While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.

[0026]Referring to FIGS. 1–11 figures, a preferred embodiment of a shield lock assembly 22 is illustrated for releasably securing a rotatable helmet shield in a closed position relative to a helmet shell. FIGS. 1–5 depict the shield lock assembly installed on a helmet and shield combination 2. FIGS. 6–11 illustrate the shield lock assembly independent of the helmet and more clearly show...

Claims

1. A shield lock assembly for releasably securing a rotatable helmet shield, comprising:a post member configured for attachment to a helmet shell and comprising an attachment portion and a post body;a detent button slidably mounted relative to said post body and movable along a central longitudinal axis between an extended locking position and a retracted release position;wherein said detent button and said post body cooperatively define a spring chamber;a biasing member positioned within said spring chamber and extending between said post body and said detent button, said biasing member biasing said detent button toward said extended locking position;wherein said detent button comprises an annular flange;wherein said post body comprises a radial stop lip configured to engage said annular flange to limit axial movement of said detent button.

2. The shield lock assembly of claim 1, wherein said biasing member comprises a compression spring.

3. The shield lock assembly of claim 2, wherein said compression spring is a helical compression spring.

4. The shield lock assembly of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion comprises a threaded post configured for threaded engagement with a female opening formed in the helmet shell.

5. The shield lock assembly of claim 4, wherein said threaded post comprises external threads.

6. The shield lock assembly of claim 4, wherein said threaded post is offset from said central longitudinal axis.

7. The shield lock assembly of claim 4, wherein said threaded post is coaxial with said central longitudinal axis.

8. The shield lock assembly of claim 1, wherein said spring chamber is defined by an upper cavity portion of said detent button and a lower cavity portion of said post body.

9. The shield lock assembly of claim 1, wherein said annular flange and said radial stop lip form a captive retention structure preventing separation of said detent button from said post member.

10. The shield lock assembly of claim 1, wherein said detent button comprises an outer cylindrical wall configured for insertion into a detent aperture of a shield.

11. The shield lock assembly of claim 1, wherein said detent button is manually depressible along said central longitudinal axis.

12. The shield lock assembly of claim 1, wherein said spring chamber is fully enclosed by said detent button and said post body.

13. The shield lock assembly of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion comprises a press-fit structure.

14. The shield lock assembly of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion comprises an adhesive bonding surface.

15. The shield lock assembly of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion comprises a bayonet-type coupling structure.

16. A helmet assembly comprising: a helmet shell defining an attachment opening; a rotatable shield having a detent aperture; and a shield lock assembly according to claim 1 attached to said helmet shell; wherein said detent button is configured to extend into said detent aperture when in said extended locking position to arrest rotation of said rotatable shield.

17. The helmet assembly of claim 16, wherein said attachment opening comprises a female opening having internal threads.

18. The helmet assembly of claim 16, wherein said shield comprises a ramped surface adjacent said detent aperture configured to cam said detent button toward said retracted release position.

19. The helmet assembly of claim 16, wherein said detent aperture is circular.

20. The helmet assembly of claim 16, wherein said shield lock assembly is threadably engaged with said helmet shell.

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