Cheek pad for a defined acoustic environment within a helmet

Abstract

A cheek pad (100) for mounting inside a helmet (902) is described herein. The cheek pad can include an exterior facing (201) an interior facing side (101) that makes contact with a wearer's cheek when the helmet is worn. The cheek pad also includes an acoustic chamber (102) formed as an opening in the cheek pad for placement against the side of a wearer's head. The acoustic chamber has a first acoustic chamber rim (104) on the interior facing side of the cheek pad, a second acoustic chamber rim (108) on the exterior facing side, an acoustic chamber wall extending between the first acoustic chamber rim and the second acoustic chamber rim. A helmet may also be provided including one or two cheek pads as described above.

Description

Docket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT Cheek Pad for a Defined Acoustic Environment Within a Helmet Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a cheek pad for placement in a helmet and configured for providing a defined acoustic environment allowing, in one example, for high bass signals while preventing over-damping of mid- and high-range frequencies. Background

[0002] Modern vehicle helmets, such as motorcycle helmets, ATV helmets, and other helmets such as sports or safety helmets, e.g., climbing helmets or fire brigade helmets, may include or may be retrofitted with speaker systems providing a variety of functions, including delivery of audio signals for communications and entertainment. Helmet speaker designs attempt to enable active noise cancellation to reduce the volume of external noises such as wind noise and other loud sounds, and thereby enhance the wearer’s ability to hear the intended audio signals such as warning signals like sirens, horns, pedestrian voices, and signals from other road users. In general, it is desirable to have speaker systems designed to be powerful enough to minimize or suppress loud noises occurring at lower frequencies. Such noises can include wind noise and engine rumble encountered by riders. Wind noise alone regularly reaches upwards of 90 decibels and up to 125 decibels. Still, other external noises occurring at lower frequencies may need to be accounted for.

[0003] Current techniques for minimizing or suppressing low frequency noise include active noise cancellation, or active noise control systems, wherein a speaker outputs one or more counter signals (i.e., sound waves) designed to cancel out or at least attenuate low frequency signals, thereby reducing their volume. However, the effectiveness of active noise cancellation systems, particularly those used in helmets, is limited by the quality of the speaker outputting the counter signal and the ability to generate counter signals having appropriate frequencies and amplitudes to match the signals occurring in the ambient environment.

[0004] Passive noise suppression techniques, also referred to as noise isolation, may also be used to reduce the volume of external signals. Passive noise suppression relies on physically blocking acoustic waves’ travel paths. Traditional over ear headphones provide a layer of passive noise suppression by forming a seal around a wearer’s ear to blockDocket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT acoustic waves from reaching the ear. Passive noise suppression is typically most effective in the blocking of higher frequency signals, which may or may not be desirable. Passive noise suppression can therefore be used to reduce the volume of signals of mid and high frequency which would otherwise be more difficult to attenuate through active noise cancellation. In some cases, passive amplification, such as the pressure chamber effect, is used to boost signal(s) generated by an internally installed loudspeaker system.

[0005] However, it may be disadvantageous for helmet speaker systems to filter out, i.e., cancel or isolate, noises at certain frequencies. For instance, car horns emit frequencies typically around 500 Hz and police sirens emit noise around 900-2500 Hz or higher. Traditional noise cancellation and / or noise isolation techniques that would filter out or greatly reduce signals at such frequencies may thus be unsafe and, in some jurisdictions, illegal for use in a motorcycle helmet. Moreover, noise cancellation systems with greater passive noise suppression require a greater number of physical components to block waves from entering the user’s ears, in particular if the passive system has sound amplification properties such as a sound pressure chamber. On the other hand, sound amplification properties of passive systems also help to improve active noise cancellation systems. Summary

[0006] In some embodiments, the disclosed cheek pad includes an exterior facing side and an interior facing side that makes contact with a wearer’s cheek when the helmet is worn. The cheek pad includes an acoustic chamber formed as an opening in the cheek pad extending through the interior facing side and the exterior facing side. The acoustic chamber has a first acoustic chamber rim on the interior facing side, a second acoustic chamber rim on the exterior facing side, an acoustic chamber wall extending between the first acoustic chamber rim and the second acoustic chamber rim. In some embodiments, the first acoustic chamber rim includes a cushioned surface, or may be sized as to make on-ear contact with the wearer’s ear.

[0007] In some embodiments, the acoustic chamber of the cheek pad includes an acoustically transparent rear wall. A speaker may be positioned behind the acoustically transparent rear wall so that acoustic signals emitted from the speaker pass through the acoustically transparent rear wall into the acoustic chamber and to the wearer’s ear. TheDocket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT speaker may be positioned behind the exterior facing side of the cheek pad, and a ring may be positioned between the speaker and the exterior facing side of the cheek pad. In the same or other embodiments, the cheek pad may further include a chinstrap hole for receiving a chinstrap of the helmet. The chinstrap hole may be formed as a second opening in the cheek pad extending through the interior and exterior facing sides of the cheek pad.

[0008] In some embodiments, the invention comprises a helmet with one or more cheek pads mounted or mountable within. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Features, embodiments, and advantages of the present disclosure are better understood when the following Detailed Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows an interior facing side of an example cheek pad comprising a cushion and an acoustic chamber formed therein, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows an exterior facing side of the cheek pad shown in FIG. 1, with attachment components for attachment of the cheek pad to a helmet, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure.

[0012] FIG.3 shows an interior facing side of another example cheek pad comprising a cushion and a separable acoustic chamber, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure.

[0013] FIG.4 shows an example of the interior facing side of the cheek pad shown in FIG. 3, with the separable acoustic chamber removed, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of a separable acoustic chamber for use with an example cheek pad, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 shows an exterior facing side of an example cheek pad, with components for attachment of the cheek pad to a helmet, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 shows an acoustic chamber of an example cheek page in contact with a wearer’s ear, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure.Docket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT

[0017] FIG. 8 shows a speaker and ring for attachment to an acoustic chamber according to certain embodiments of this disclosure.

[0018] FIG.9 is a cross-sectional view of a helmet showing the interior facing side of an example cheek pad that is attached to the right interior side of the helmet, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Description

[0019] The present disclosure addresses design considerations related to noise cancellation and helmet speaker systems by providing a cheek pad to be attached, either permanently or temporarily, to the interior side wall of a helmet or to padding adjacent the side wall of the helmet. The discussed cheek pad addresses a compromise allowing on the one hand for a good comfort and a low degree of passive damping, and on the other hand allowing for the establishment of some passive amplification to enhance the active noise cancellation, mainly of low frequencies. The cheek pad is positioned between the wearer’s cheek and the adjacent interior side wall of the helmet. The cheek pad includes an acoustic chamber positioned between the wearer’s ear and the interior side wall of the helmet. The acoustic chamber, and cheek pad more generally, provide a defined acoustic environment for blocking or attenuating sound signals originating external to the helmet, for example wind. The defined acoustic environment also results in amplifying frequency signals or minimizing losses of frequency signals produced by the speaker system, which can include noise cancellation countersignals when a noise cancellation system is included. In some cases, the speaker is positioned behind and possibly attached to the exterior facing surface of the acoustic chamber. In other examples, the speaker is positioned elsewhere within the helmet and signals from the speaker are directed into the acoustic chamber.

[0020] The acoustic chamber of the disclosed cheek pad may be designed to rest on the wearer’s ear, as opposed to fitting over the wearer’s ear, to allow critical signals such as sirens and horns to be heard by the wearer. In the context of the present invention, “on the ear” or “on-ear” means resting on the surface of the ear, but not surrounding the ear. In contrast, “over the ear” or “over ear” means fully surrounding the ear such that the ear is within a closed chamber between the speaker and the wearer’s head.Docket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT

[0021] In some embodiments, the cheek pad is a single integrated unit, with the acoustic chamber being formed as a hole or other opening in the cheek pad. In other embodiments, the cheek pad includes a cheek portion and an ear portion. The ear portion has an opening that functions as the acoustic chamber. The opening may be any arbitrary shape, but generally it will be in a circular or oval shape for placement on a wearer’s ear. The ear portion is separable or detachable from the cheek portion, which may be permanently or temporarily attached to an interior sidewall of the helmet. Separating the ear portion and its acoustic chamber from the cheek portion allows the wearer to modify the acoustic environment of the cheek pad. The wearer may decide to attach the ear portion and its acoustic chamber for a differently defined acoustic environment beneficial for other tasks such as when traveling at higher speeds or for greater distances and to detach the acoustic chamber when road conditions or other requirements call for greater external noise.

[0022] The detachable ear portion may also allow a wearer to tune the cheek pad to the wearer’s comfort. Extended wear may become uncomfortable due to heat buildup or extended friction against the surface of the ear. Removing the ear portion and its acoustic chamber from the helmet provides for more airflow around the wearer’s ear, which may provide greater comfort. In some embodiments, the detachable ear portion may accommodate acoustic chambers having different thicknesses, different sizes and / or made of different materials, thereby giving the wearer choices of which detachable acoustic chambers to use in different conditions.

[0023] In other embodiments, the discussed cheek pad may be configured for placement over or around a wearer’s ear. The acoustic chamber may be of a large enough size to accommodate wearers with different sized ears. In the over ear embodiment, passive damping may provide for more attenuation of mid- and high-range frequencies compared to the on-ear configuration. The over ear embodiment may also provide a greater sound pressure level for acoustic signals transmitted by the speaker. The over ear embodiment may thus increase the sound pressure level received from speaker at the expense of sound transmission of external signals such as sirens and horns coming from external the cheek pad and helmet configuration.

[0024] Referring now to the drawings, FIG.1 shows the interior facing side 101 of an exemplary cheek pad 100. Specifically, the interior facing side 101 shown is that of a left-Docket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT side cheek pad 100 for contact against the left side of a wearer’s face when the cheek pad is inside the helmet and the helmet is worn. In some embodiments, a helmet may be outfitted with a left-side cheek pad 100 and a right side cheek pad (not shown). In other embodiments, a helmet may be outfitted with only one cheek. Left-side cheek pads 100 and right-side cheek pads can be symmetrical and have identical features. The term “interior facing” is used herein to mean the side of the cheek pad that faces or contacts the wearer’s cheek when the cheek pad 100 is inserted into the helmet and the helmet is worn. The term “exterior facing” is used herein to mean the side of the cheek pad 100 that faces away from the wearer’s check, i.e., towards the interior sidewall of the helmet when the cheek pad 100 is inserted into the helmet.

[0025] The cheek pad 100 comprises a cushion in that the interior facing side 101 and the exterior facing side 201 (see FIG. 2) may sandwich a soft core, which may be foam, for example latex and / or memory foam, cotton, polyester, or any other soft natural and / or synthetic material. The interior facing side 101 of the cheek pad 100 may itself be made of or covered with a soft and / or cushioned material for wearer comfort. For instance, the interior facing side 101 may be made of or covered with felt, cotton, silk, or any breathable material. The interior facing side 101 may be made of a different material than the exterior facing side 201 of the cheek pad 100. For example, the exterior facing side 201 may be made in whole or in part of more rigid materials, such as plastic, to provide greater structural support.

[0026] The cheek pad 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an acoustic chamber 102 formed as a hole or other opening in the interior facing side 101 extending to the exterior facing side 201. The acoustic chamber 102 includes a first acoustic chamber rim 104, a second acoustic chamber rim 108, and an acoustic chamber wall 106 between the first acoustic chamber rim 104 and second acoustic chamber rim 108. The acoustic chamber wall 106 defines the depth of the acoustic chamber 102 between the interior facing side 101 and the exterior facing side 201. In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 1, the acoustic chamber 102 extends through the exterior facing side 201 of the cheek pad 100 upon reaching an acoustically transparent rear wall 110 adjacent the second rim 108 of the acoustic chamber 102. The acoustically transparent rear wall 110 may include a thin layer of fabric which is acoustically transparent and covering the grill of the speaker. The acoustically transparent rear wall 110 may be present to further enhance the comfort ofDocket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT the user in case the user’s ear extends into the acoustic chamber otherwise contacting the grill of the loudspeaker. In some embodiments, the acoustic chamber wall 106 may be made of or include a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a leather, faux leather, foam, or plastic, to help maintain its shape and structural integrity when pressed between the wearer’s cheek and the interior sidewall of the helmet. In some embodiments, the acoustic chamber wall 106 may be acoustically tight, wherein sound traveling through acoustic chamber 102 reflects off the walls with little to no attenuation. In other embodiments, the acoustic chamber wall 106 may be partially acoustically tight, or substantially acoustically tight. The acoustic chamber wall 106 or the acoustic chamber’s first rim 104 may be made of a fabric with similar acoustic properties to a leather to provide greater comfort to the wearer.

[0027] In some examples, the exterior facing side 201 can have an opening that has a different size compared to the diameter of the speaker. The opening can be a hole with a minimum diameter of 1 cm. The exterior facing side 201 can have multiple openings. Further, the exterior facing side 201 can be of any arbitrary shape and not necessarily round.

[0028] The acoustic chamber 102 may have dimensions designed to receive a speaker on the second acoustic chamber rim 108. For instance, in some embodiments the acoustic chamber 102 has a diameter of at least 30 mm. In other embodiments, wherein the acoustic chamber 102 is oval, the height of the acoustic chamber may be at least 30 mm and the width being at least 20 mm. The acoustic chamber 102, as mentioned, may have any arbitrary shape for placement of the first acoustic chamber rim 104 on a wearer’s ear. The acoustic chamber second rim 108 may have dimensions roughly corresponding to the diameter of a speaker. As an example, the speaker and the second acoustic chamber rim 108 may have larger diameters. In one embodiment the acoustic chamber 102 can be designed to receive a speaker on the second acoustic chamber rim 108 where the speaker has a diameter ranging from 40-53 mm. In the same or other embodiments the size of the second acoustic chamber rim 108 may similarly range from 40-53 mm. Smaller or larger diameters are also contemplated for operation with the acoustic chamber 102. The speaker diameter may be measured by the front of the speaker, by the speaker membrane, by the rear of the speaker (e.g. a magnetic component), or by another structural interfaceDocket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT of the speaker. In the over-ear embodiment, the acoustic chamber dimensions, may be larger such that the wearer’s ear rests internal to the acoustic chamber 102.

[0029] A speaker (not shown) can be mounted on the acoustically transparent rear wall 110 in order to be within the acoustic chamber 102, or behind the acoustically transparent rear wall 110 in order to be between the acoustically transparent rear wall 110 and the interior sidewall of the helmet. In other embodiments, a speaker may be mounted elsewhere within the helmet, e.g., away from the cheek pad 100, and, optionally, sound signals emitted by the speaker can be directed to the acoustic chamber 102 using wave guides or channels formed in or added to the helmet. In some embodiments, such wave guides or channels may be formed into the cheek pad 100 itself.

[0030] The embodiment of FIG. 1 includes a chinstrap hole 112 for receiving the helmet chinstrap. The chinstrap hole 112 is defined between a first chinstrap hole rim 114, a second chinstrap hole rim 118, and a chinstrap hole wall 116. The first chinstrap hole rim 114 is on the interior facing side 101 of the cheek pad 100 while the second chinstrap hole rim 118 is on the exterior facing side 201 of the cheek pad 100. Thus, like the acoustic chamber 102, the chinstrap hole 112 extends through both the interior facing side 101 and the exterior facing side 201 of the cheek pad 100. The chinstrap hole 112 is designed to receive a portion of the helmet chinstrap, which passes through the chinstrap hole for connection with another portion of the chinstrap, wherein the chinstrap engages with a wearer’s head so that the cheek pad 100 and the attached helmet stay mounted to the wearer when the chinstrap is secured around the wearer’s chin. The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows the chinstrap hole 112 as being a second hole in the cheek pad 100 separated from the acoustic chamber 102.

[0031] In some embodiments, the chinstrap hole 112 may be used for receiving an attachment component other than a helmet chinstrap. For instance, the chinstrap hole 112 may receive snapping components which may be used for snapping the cheek pad 100 to the helmet.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows the exterior facing side 201 of the cheek pad 100 shown in FIG. 1. The exterior facing side 201 may include attachment components 204 for attachment of the cheek pad 100 to an Expanded Polystyrene (“EPS”) padding which itself is attached to the interior sidewall of a helmet. In some embodiments, the attachment components 204 can be snaps or other projections meant to fit into corresponding components fixed toDocket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT or formed in the sidewall of the helmet. In other embodiments, the attachment components 204 could be holes or slots for receiving projections formed in or attached to the interior sidewall of the helmet, or for receiving screw, tacks, pins, nails or other elements that are driven into the EPS padding or the interior sidewall of the helmet. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other means for attaching the cheek pad 100 to the EPS padding or the interior sidewall of the helmet are possible, such hook and loop fasteners or tape. More or fewer attachment components 204 than shown may be provided. In still other embodiments, the cheek pad is permanently affixed to the EPS padding or the interior sidewall of the helmet, such as by glue, epoxy, or other suitable adhesives.

[0033] The exterior facing side 201 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic, paperboard or hardened rubber, to provide a structural support surface for mounting the cheek pad 100 to the EPS padding or the interior sidewall of the helmet. The exterior facing side 201 may optionally be covered in fabric or other finished material for aesthetic purposes. In the embodiment of FIG.2, the acoustically transparent wall 110 is not present. Instead, as shown, the acoustic chamber 102 extends the length of width of the cheek pad, from the interior facing side 101 to the exterior facing side 201.

[0034] FIG.2 additionally shows a flange component 206 extending from the exterior facing side 201 of the cheek pad 100. The flange component 206 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic or leather. The flange component 206 may include additional attachment components in the form of slots 202 for connecting the cheek pad 100 to corresponding elements on the EPS padding or the interior sidewall of the helmet. In some configurations, the flange component 206 may be wedged between the foam, e.g., EPS and the shell of the interior sidewall of the helmet, in order to keep the cheek pad 100 in its intended position within the helmet. The flange component 206 may be dimensioned to snugly fit within the EPS padding or the interior sidewall of the helmet to provide for sealing of an internal acoustic environment including the acoustic chamber 102. Sealing the internal acoustic environment can prevent external noise such as wind noise from interfering with the acoustic performance of the acoustic chamber 102.

[0035] FIG.3 shows the interior facing side 301 of another example cheek pad 300. In this example, the cheek pad 300 has a cheek portion 302 and an ear portion 304. The ear portion 304 includes an acoustic chamber 305 with substantially the same configurationDocket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT as the acoustic chamber 102 shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, the acoustic chamber 305 includes a first acoustic chamber rim 306, a second acoustic chamber rim 307, and an acoustic chamber wall 308. The ear portion 304, and thus the acoustic chamber 305, is detachable. The acoustically transparent rear wall 310 (shown with gridline for reference purposes) of the acoustic chamber 305 may be attached to the ear portion 304 on or adjacent to the second acoustic chamber rim 307. The acoustically transparent rear wall 310 may be attachable or replaceable with respect to the acoustic chamber 305 or acoustic chamber rim 307. Thus, if an acoustically transparent rear wall 310 becomes worn, a user may replace the acoustically transparent rear wall 310 without changing the remaining components of the cheek pad 300. In the same or other embodiments, the acoustically transparent rear wall 310 of the acoustic chamber 305 may be formed by a surface of the cheek portion 302, as described with reference to FIG. 4. In such configurations, the cheek portion 302 fixedly or removably attaches to the helmet or EPS padding while the ear portion 304 removably attaches to the cheek portion 302. In configurations where the acoustically transparent rear wall 310 is attached to the ear portion 304 and there is no surface of the cheek portion 302 to receive the ear portion 304, each of the cheek portion 302 and the ear portion 304 may be separately attached directly to the EPS padding or the interior wall of the helmet. In such configurations, the cheek portion 302 fixedly or removably attaches to the helmet while the ear portion 304 removably attaches to the helmet.

[0036] According to the embodiment of FIG. 3, a gap 309 is formed when the ear portion 304 is attached to the cheek portion 302. The gap 309 is configured to receive the helmet chinstrap. In other embodiments where the cheek portion 302 and the ear portion 304 of the cheek pad 300 are separable, there may be no gap 309 when the portions are connected. Instead, a chinstrap hole (like chinstrap hole 112 shown in FIG. 1) may be present in the cheek portion 302.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows the cheek portion 302 of the cheek pad 300 shown in FIG. 3. In this view, the ear portion 304 is removed. The cheek portion 302 includes a receiving panel 402 for receiving the ear portion 304. The receiving panel 402 may or may not be attached to the exterior facing side of the cheek portion 302. The receiving panel 402 includes attachment components 404 similar to those described with respect to FIG.2, for example, snaps, buttons, holes, etc., used for attaching the ear portion 304 to the receivingDocket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT panel 402. The gap 309 for receiving the chinstrap is shown as gap between the receiving panel 402 and the other structural elements of the cheek portion 302.

[0038] The receiving panel 402 may be acoustically transparent for when the speaker is placed between the receiving panel 402 and the EPS padding or helmet. In other embodiments, the speaker may be placed between the receiving panel 402 and the cheek pad such that the speaker would rest internal the acoustic chamber or in the cavity 406.

[0039] The receiving panel 402 is recessed from the other surfaces of the interior facing side 301 of the cheek portion 302 to thereby form a cavity 406 in which the ear portion 304 is positioned when attached to the receiving panel 402. When the ear portion 304 is removed, the wearer’s ear extends at least partially into the cavity 406. In this way, the wearer can selectively attach and detach the ear portion 304, and along with it the acoustic chamber 305, from the cheek portion 302 to adjust for comfort and to adjust the defined acoustic environment. When the ear portion 304 is attached, the acoustic chamber 305 will provide a defined acoustic environment beneficial for certain tasks, such as active noise cancellation. With the ear portion 304 removed, the wearer will have greater ability to hear external noise without the acoustic chamber and airflow in the cavity 406 will allow for better cooling.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the detachable ear portion 304 of the cheek pad 300 shown in FIG. 3. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the second acoustic chamber rim 307 is attached to the exterior facing side 501 of the ear portion 304. The acoustic chamber wall 308 is also shown connected between the second acoustic chamber rim 307 and the first acoustic chamber rim 306. The acoustic chamber 305 is thus formed as a hole extending fully through the ear portion 304. In this embodiment, there is no acoustically transparent rear wall 310 (shown in FIG. 3) attached to the ear portion 304. Also shown are attachment components 502, which may be used to attach or fasten the ear portion 304 of the cheek pad 300 to the cheek portion 302. As mentioned, it is contemplated that in some configurations the cheek portion 302 will not have a receiving panel 402 (shown in FIG. 4) for receiving the ear portion 304. In such configurations, the attachment components 502 can be used to attach the ear portion to the EPS padding or inner sidewall of the helmet. The attachment components 502 may be similar to those described with respect to FIG.2 and FIG.4, for example, snaps, buttons, holes, etc.Docket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT

[0041] FIG.6 shows an exterior facing side 601 of another exemplary cheek pad 600. In the illustrated configuration, cheek pad 600 is a single piece construction, i.e., there is no removable ear portion 304 as in the embodiment of FIG.3. The acoustic chamber 602 comprises an opening that extends entirely through the cheek pad 600 i.e., there is no acoustically transparent rear wall 110 as in the embodiment of FIG. 1. A first acoustic chamber rim 604 can be attached to or be part of the interior facing side (not shown) of the cheek pad 600 and a second acoustic chamber rim 608 is attached to the exterior facing side 601 of the cheek pad 600. The acoustic chamber wall 606 extends between the first acoustic chamber rim 604 and the second acoustic chamber rim 608. The acoustic chamber 602 and surrounding acoustic chamber wall 606 may be of any arbitrary shape, but generally will be in a circular or oval shape. The acoustic chamber 602 is sized such that it sits on or around the wearer’s ear when in use.

[0042] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the exterior facing side 601 of another example cheek pad 600 is also shown to include a variety of attachment components 605, 607, 609, and 611 for attaching the cheek pad 600 to a helmet. The attachment components 605, 607, 609, and 611 may take a variety of forms, including buttons, snaps, slots or holes for receiving pins, screws, tabs, and the like. Other attachment components and arrangements thereof may additionally or alternatively be used, including as in embodiments described above. The exterior facing side 601 of the cheek pad 600 is also shown to include a chinstrap hole 612, which extends fully through the cheek pad 600 as in prior embodiments.

[0043] FIG.7 shows an abstraction of an acoustic chamber 706. The remainder of the cheek pad is removed for illustrative purposes only. As shown, the acoustic chamber 706 includes a first acoustic chamber rim 710, a second acoustic chamber rim 712 and an acoustic chamber wall 708 extending between them. The first acoustic chamber rim 710 contacts the wearer’s ear 702 when the cheek pad is in use. The first acoustic chamber rim 710 is sized to contact the wearer’s ear 702, preferably the outer edge 704 of ear 702, such that the ear 702 does not extend inside the first acoustic chamber rim 710. With such a design, the acoustic chamber 706 has an on-ear configuration rather than an over the ear configuration. In the abstraction of FIG. 7, the wearer’s right ear 702 is shown extending from the wearer’s head 714.Docket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT

[0044] The on-ear configurations allow for one or more gaps 714 between the first acoustic chamber rim 710 and the wearer’s ear 702. The gaps 714 allow acoustic waves originating external to the helmet, e.g., road noise, sirens, etc. to reach the wearer’s ear without traveling through the acoustic chamber 706. As a result, the acoustic chamber 706 provides comparatively greater sound amplification for signals emitted by the helmet speaker (not show) than for sound signals originating from the external environment. If the first acoustic chamber rim 710 and the acoustic chamber 706 as a whole are sized too large, the result would be an over the ear configuration, which would significantly muffle external noise, to the point where use of the cheek pad may become unsafe and potentially illegal. The on-ear configuration, while generally making contact on the edges of a wearer’s ear, may also include configurations where the cheek pad rests substantially or partially on-ear. Generally, the on-ear configuration will include a first acoustic chamber rim 710 with a perimeter substantially the size of the wearer’s ear.

[0045] The size of the first acoustic chamber rim 710 may vary depending on the size of the wearer’s ear. In other words, different sized cheek pads (e.g., small, medium, large, etc.) can be provided such that wearer’s with smaller or larger ears can select the appropriate size that provides an on-ear acoustic chamber 706. Alternatively, a single cheek pad can be provided having an acoustic chamber 706 sized to fit on-ear for the average wearer.

[0046] FIG. 8 shows a speaker 802 and ring 804 attached thereto. The speaker 802 may include a grill 803 that covers the sound emitting side of the speaker 802. In some configurations, the speaker 802 may further include an acoustically transparent cover material overlaying or in place of the grill 803. In configurations such as that shown in FIG. 1, the speaker 802 may be mounted on the EPS padding or the interior sidewall of the helmet behind the acoustically transparent rear wall 110 of the acoustic chamber 102. In further examples, the speaker 802 may be permanently or temporarily attached to the cheek pads described throughout the above examples. In such examples, the speaker 802 may be a sub component of the cheek pad, or may be first attachable to the cheek pad, for subsequent attachment of the cheek pad assembly to the EPS padding or the interior sidewall of the helmet. The cheek pad may connect to the speaker 802 with or without a speaker ring (804 discussed further below). Instead, the speaker 802 can create a sealed,Docket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT airtight tunnel with the acoustic chamber 102, particularly when the speaker 802 is permanently attached to the cheek pad.

[0047] Sound signals emitted from the speaker 802 can pass through the acoustically transparent rear wall 110 into the acoustic chamber 102, which will provide the desired acoustic environment. In configurations such as shown in FIGS.3-5, the speaker 802 may be attached to the receiving panel 402 of the ear portion in a position in which it will contact the second acoustic chamber rim 307 when the ear portion 304 is attached to the cheek portion 302 of the cheek pad 300. In this manner, sound signals emitted from the speaker 802 can pass through the acoustically transparent rear wall 310 into the acoustic chamber 102, if the acoustically transparent rear wall 310 is present. When there is no acoustically transparent rear wall 310, signals emitted from the speaker 802 will pass directly into the acoustic chamber 305. It is also possible in some embodiments to mount the speaker 802 to the EPS padding in alignment with the acoustic chamber 305 but behind the receiving panel 402. In such a configuration, sound signals emitted from the speaker 802 will pass through the receiving panel 402, and through the acoustically transparent rear wall 310 if present, into the acoustic chamber 305.

[0048] The ring 804 shown attached to the speaker 802 is particularly useful in embodiments such as shown in FIG. 3 in which the speaker 802 is configured to directly abut the second acoustic chamber rim 307. The ring 804 may provide an acoustically tight, substantially acoustically tight, or partial seal against the second acoustic chamber rim 307 to cause all substantially all, or some sound signals emitted by the speaker 802 to be directed into the acoustic chamber 305. In some embodiments, the ring 804 may also be useful in certain embodiments where the speaker does not directly contact the second acoustic chamber rim (108, 307). In such embodiments, the ring 804 may not provide an acoustically tight seal but will still improve the amount of sound signals emitted by the speaker 802 that are directed into the acoustic chamber (102, 305). Rings 804 may thus be present between layers of acoustically transparent fabric which may be used for at least a portion of the acoustically transparent rear wall 110 of the acoustic chamber 102 (FIG.1) and / or the receiving panel 402 (FIG. 4). Further still, some embodiments may include more than one ring 804 or no rings. In some embodiments, multiple rings 804 may be placed adjacent to the acoustic chamber 305. For instance, when the speaker 802 is inserted, a first ring 804 may be present surrounding the second acoustic chamber rim 307Docket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT to seal the speaker 804 to the acoustic chamber 305, while a second sealing ring is at the front of the speaker 804 to seal the speaker again to the acoustic chamber 305. In some embodiments, sealing may be performed by the speaker front and back side or may part of the EPS padding or padding of the cheek pad.

[0049] Rings, such as 804 may be made of a compressible material such as a foam to allow for compression when placed against another component or the ear of a user. The ring 804 may also be a standalone component or otherwise removable or replaceable relative to the speaker 802 or relative to an acoustic chamber rim (e.g. the first acoustic chamber rim 306 of the cheek pad 300.) For instance, if the ring 804 becomes worn, a user may replace the ring 804 with a replacement ring by attaching the replacement ring to the speaker 802 or to the cheek pad 300 at an acoustic chamber rim. In some examples, additional rings, similar to ring 804 may serve as an additional layer to be inserted between the speaker 802 and the second acoustic chamber rim (608). Such rings can be made of plastic such as polypropylene, or a synthetic rubber such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (“EPDM”). Each ring, including ring 804, can further assure the sealing between the speaker 802 and the chamber (102, 305).

[0050] In FIG.8, the speaker 802 is shown to be circular. As the size and the shape of the speaker 802 and the acoustic chamber (102, 305) may affect the weight of the cheek pad as well as the acoustic quality of the speaker 802, sizes of both the speaker 802 and the acoustic chamber (102, 305) may be modified. Generally, the size and shape of the acoustic chamber (102, 305) may be configured to match or substantially match the size and shape of the speaker 802. In other embodiments, the size and shape of the acoustic chamber (102, 305) may include a shape independent of the shape of the speaker 802. It is to be appreciated, that the speaker may take a variety of shapes and sizes that do not necessarily correspond to the size and shape of the acoustic chamber (102, 305). As mentioned, it is envisioned that in some configurations the speaker 802 will be positioned within the helmet away from the acoustic chamber (102, 305). The speaker 802 can optionally be coupled with an acoustic signal processing application to provide active noise cancelling technologies.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a helmet 902 along cutting plane 904, showing the cheek pad 100 of FIG.1 positioned on the left internal sidewall of the helmet 902. Specifically, the view of FIG. 9 shows cheek pad 100 in a position where its interiorDocket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT facing side 101 would contact the wearer’s cheek and the exterior facing side 201 contacts the left interior sidewall of the EPS padding or helmet 902. As discussed, the cheek pad 100 may be removably attached to the sidewall of the EPS padding or helmet 902 using attachment components 202 and 204. In alternative embodiments, the cheek pad 100 may be fixedly attached to the interior sidewall of the EPS padding or helmet 902, such as by glue, epoxy or another suitable adhesive. The cheek pad 300 of FIG. 3 and the cheek pad 600 of FIG.6 can similarly be mounted within the helmet 902.

[0052] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.

Claims

Docket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT Claims 1. A cheek pad to be mounted inside a helmet, the cheek pad comprising: an exterior facing side; an interior facing side that makes contact with a wearer’s cheek when the helmet is worn; and an acoustic chamber formed as an opening in the cheek pad extending through the interior facing side and the exterior facing side, wherein the acoustic chamber has a first acoustic chamber rim on the interior facing side, a second acoustic chamber rim on the exterior facing side, and an acoustic chamber wall extending between the first acoustic chamber rim and the second acoustic chamber rim.

2. The cheek pad of claim 1, wherein the first acoustic chamber rim includes a cushioned surface.

3. The cheek pad of claim 1, wherein the first acoustic chamber rim is sized so as to make on-ear contact with the wearer’s ear.

4. The cheek pad of claim 1, wherein the acoustic chamber further comprises an acoustically transparent rear wall, wherein a speaker is positioned behind the acoustically transparent rear wall such that acoustic signals emitted from the speaker pass through the acoustically transparent rear wall into the acoustic chamber and to the wearer’s ear.

5. The cheek pad of claim 4, wherein the speaker is positioned behind the exterior facing side of the cheek pad and a ring is positioned between the speaker and the exterior facing side of the cheek pad.

6. The cheek pad of claim 1, further comprising a chinstrap hole for receiving a chinstrap of the helmet, wherein the chinstrap hole is formed as a second opening in the cheek pad extending through the interior facing side and the exterior facing side of the cheek pad.Docket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT 7. A cheek pad to be mounted inside a helmet, the cheek pad comprising: a cheek portion having an exterior facing side and an interior facing side, wherein the cheek portion is positioned within the helmet such that the interior side of the cheek pad makes contact with a wearer’s cheek when the helmet is worn; and an ear portion having an interior facing side and an exterior facing side, wherein an acoustic chamber is formed as an opening in the ear portion extending through the interior facing side of the ear portion and the exterior facing side of the ear portion, wherein the acoustic chamber has a first acoustic chamber rim on the interior facing side of the ear portion, a second acoustic chamber rim on the exterior facing side of the ear portion, and an acoustic chamber wall extending between the first acoustic chamber rim and the second acoustic chamber rim, wherein the ear portion is separable from the cheek portion.

8. The cheek pad of claim 7, wherein the cheek portion comprises a receiving panel for receiving the ear portion when the ear portion is attached to the cheek portion.

9. The cheek pad of claim 8, wherein the receiving panel forms an acoustically transparent rear wall of the acoustic chamber when the ear portion is attached to the cheek portion.

10. The cheek pad of claim 8, wherein a speaker is positioned on the receiving panel such that the speaker is at least partially internal to the acoustic chamber when the ear portion is attached to the cheek portion.

11. The cheek pad of claim 8, wherein the receiving panel is recessed from the interior facing side of the cheek portion so as to form a cavity in the cheek portion, wherein the ear portion fits in the cavity when the ear portion is attached to the cheek portion and the wearer’s ear extends into the cavity when the ear portion is detached from the cheek portion.

12. The cheek pad of claim 7, wherein the first acoustic chamber rim is sized so as to make on-ear contact with the wearer’s ear.

13. A helmet comprising a cheek pad, the cheek pad further comprising:Docket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT an exterior facing side; an interior facing side that makes contact with a wearer’s cheek when the helmet is worn; and an acoustic chamber formed as an opening in the cheek pad extending through the interior facing side and the exterior facing side, wherein the acoustic chamber has a first acoustic chamber rim on the interior facing side, a second acoustic chamber rim on the exterior facing side, and an acoustic chamber wall extending between the first acoustic chamber rim and the second acoustic chamber rim.

14. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the first acoustic chamber rim is sized so as to make on-ear contact with the wearer’s ear.

15. The helmet of claim 13, wherein a speaker is mounted to an interior sidewall of the helmet behind the exterior facing side of the cheek pad and aligned with the second acoustic chamber rim, such that sound signals emitted from the speaker pass through the acoustic chamber to the wearer’s ear.

16. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the acoustic chamber further comprises an acoustically transparent rear wall, wherein a speaker is mounted to an interior sidewall of the helmet behind the acoustically transparent rear wall such that acoustic signals emitted from the speaker pass through the acoustically transparent rear wall into the acoustic chamber and to the wearer’s ear.

17. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the cheek pad further comprises a chinstrap hole for receiving a first portion of a chinstrap of the helmet, wherein the chinstrap hole is formed as a second opening in the cheek pad extending through the interior facing side and the exterior facing side of the cheek pad.

18. The helmet of claim 13, further comprising a second cheek pad attached to a second interior sidewall of the helmet opposite the interior sidewall.

19. The helmet of claim 17, comprising a second cheek pad attached to a second interior sidewall of the helmet opposite the interior sidewall; andDocket No.111322 / 1512547 PATENT wherein the second cheek pad includes a second chin strap hole for receiving a second portion of the chinstrap.

20. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the acoustic chamber is formed in an ear portion of the cheek pad detachable from a first portion of the cheek pad; wherein interior facing side of the cheek pad comprises a receiving panel positioned behind the ear portion; and wherein the ear portion is separable from the interior facing side of the cheek pad.

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